NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 754, 20 November 1876, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Herr Schott’s Concert,— A benefit concert to Herr Schott will take place this evening, in the Oddfellows’ Hall. Some of our leading vocalists and instrumentalists will appear, in addition to Herr Schott himself, who will play his celebrated oboe solos, Bacheldbr’s Pantascope,— After a most successful tour over the greatest part of the world, Bacheldei’s Pantascope of the mail route across the American continent, has again arrived amongst us. It will open at the Oddfellows’ Hall to-morrow evening, and as the route delineated by the paintings is one in which there is great interest felt, no doubt the entertainment will attract large audiences doing its stay. Theft of Bonds. —The London correspondent of the Argus, writing on September 29th, states that considerable sensation has been produced during the previous week by the loss of a large number of foreign bonds in their transmission from the London Stock Exchange to Paris. The value is said to exceed £40,000. The theft is supposed to have been the result of a well-organised plan. Many Russian bonds are included in the batch, and as most, if not all, of those lost are “To bearer,” it will be extremely difficult not only to recover the securities, but to apprehend the thieves. The bonds were sent over the London, Chatham, and Dover, and the Northern of France Railways, but where or when the abstraction took place is not even approximately known. The loss of the property may lead to a peculiar action at law, for most of the valuables were insured, and as the police cannot discover whether they were abstracted while passing over the English or the French railway, the question is as to who shall be held liable for the loss. The amount is large enough to provoke a serious dispute. New Baptist Minister.— The Hereford street Church has been without a minister since last June. About the middle of July Mr Spurgeon was communicated with, with a view to obtain a successor to Mr Morton, who had resigned and left the colony. Mr Spurgeon at once acceded to the request, and on Sunday last his second letter was read to the congregation, stating that he had chosen what he believed to be “ the man.” In his characteristic letter he also stated that the pastor elect had only just completed his course of College training, was recently married, and that arrangements had been made for him to leave England for New Zealand in a steamer about the latter end of October. He may therefore be expected in a few weeks. In his terse way, Mr Spurgeon alluded to the struggle he had had to retain Mr Dallastone the full term, so many Churches having wished to give him a call.

Cardinal Antonelli.—A. telegram published elsewhere, announces the death of Cardinal Antonelli. The following sketch of his career is taken from “ Men of the Time.” Cardinal Giacomo Antonelli, a member of an Italian family of the middle class, was born at Sonnino, April 2nd, 1806, Having been educated at Home for the Church, he entered into orders, and after holding several posts under the late Pope Gregory XVI, he was, June 11th, 1847, raised to the dignity of a cardinal deacon by Pope Pius IX, under the title of St Agatha, Cardinal Antonelli was Secretary of State for the Pope, President of the Council of Ministers, Prefect of the Sacred Apostolic Palaces, and of the Sacred Congregation of Loretto, and of the Consulata. He was virtually the Prime Minister of the Pope, controlled all formal and official transactions, and influenced all matters relating to the diplomatic intercourse of the Papal Court with the rest of the world. Canterbury Bible Association.—A general meeting of this association is called for Wednesday evening next, at Warner’s Hotel, at 7,30 p.m. The business then to be brought forward is somewhat important—viz, the alteration of date of the association’s prize meeting from Easter Monday and Tuesday, as heretofore, to an earlier date, when better weather may be anticipated ; to receive the balance sheet for the past year, to consider the programme of the Otago association’s meeting in December next, receiving the names of all members who intend visiting there, and if possible to make special arrangements with the Union Shipping Company, or otherwise, for passages of members. With regard to the Otago association’s meeting, we believe that there will be a goodly number of volunteers and others leave here to represent this province, and that we may, ere long, have to note the institution of an interprovincial rifle contest. The Engineers’ company will alone send six representatives, Water Supply for the Heathcote Valley. —A meeting of householders was held at the Heathcote Valley on Friday evening, Mr Flavell in the chair, to receive a report from Mr Disher. on his correspondence with the Lyttelton Borough Council, and his interview with Mr Cuthbert, of the Engineer Department, on the subject of having a stand pipe inserted in the main for the use of *the inhabitants of the valley, during the progress of the works for the supply of water to Lyttelton. A letter was read by the chairman from the Lyttelton Borough Council, wherein the Council declined to interfere with the contract or works until the Government hand them over to them. It was proposed by Mr Disher, and seconded by Mr Martin—“ That this meeting is of opinion that the great amount of sickness prevailing in this place is wholly attributable to the unwholesomeness of the well waters used, they being generally charged from surface drainage, also that that opinion has been endorsed by several medical men attending patients in this place,” Oar ried unanimously. The chairman was requested to write to Mr Cuthbert, petitioning the Government through him to place a stand pipe in the neighborhood of the station while the works are in progress. In the course of Mr Disher’s remarks he referred to a conversation he had with Mr Hawkins, of the Lyt telton Borough Council, when that gentleman slated that he was of opinion that the Lyt telton Council would throw no obstacle in the way of the valley obtaining water at the ordinary rate.

Dr Carr. —This gentleman gave the last of his series of seances on Saturday evening, at the Oddfellows’ Hali, when there was a good attendance. The various experiments were very successfully carried out.

India and Ceylon. —The Argus publishes the following telegrams, dated Colombo, October 20th “ There is great scarcity of food in some parts of India—in Bombay and Madras especially. Six millions of people in the former presidency are threatened with famine. Belief works have been commenced. There have been grain riots in Madras, The Duke of Buckingham, on his visit to Rangoon, encountered a cyclone, in the steamer Tenasserim, in the Bay of Bengal. He is now en route to Colombo, to inspect the breakwater works, and confer with Governor Gregory about a grand plan for connecting the Ceylon and India railway systems. It is proposed to construct a steam railway ferry across Adam’s bridge Reef. In this way a large passenger traffic would be served, and produce from Southern India could be shipped at Colombo. It is doubtful if the Madras breakwater will be a success, and so railway communication would enable goods for Madras in stormy seasons to be landed at Colombo and carried across by rail. The Ceylon authorities are very favorable to the project. Sir William Gregory is likely to visi* \ ictoria and New South Wales early next year, before resigning the Government of Ceylon. It is rumored that a cable is to be laid between Gallo and Australia direct, or via Java, The Ceylon Government is ready to give every facility. The Australian mail steamers have begun calling regularly at Colombo. Sir Stephen Hill and Sir W. Pope Hennessy are spoken of for the next Governor of Ceylon. Neither is likely to be appointed. The question between Bishop Coplestone and the Church Mission clergy is still unsettled. It is to be referred to a Pan-Anglican Synod. The Imperial assemblage at Delhi is to be commemorated by a medal. The Viceroy’s Cashmere trip Is abandoned. Tne peace negotiations between Egypt and Abyssinia appear to have failed, for it is stated that Massowab has been captured by the Abyssinian army, and that two Egyptian steamers have been seized. Troops have been despatched from Suez for Massowah. The disease among horses is extending ; 1500 have died at Cairo, and 7600 at Abarsich.

Skating Sink.— The new and handsome skating rink recently erected by Messrs Millett and Saunders, was very successfully opened on Saturday evening. There was a large attendance, the building being filled. The first part of the evening was devoted to an exhibition of skating by Professor Taylor and Lillie, the latter a young lady who has attained some proficiency in the art. Mr Taylor’s skating was exceedingly graceful, and he executed some of the most difficult feats with the greatest (ease, Lillie also skated very nicely, appearing thoroughly at home on the skates. At the conclusion of this, a number of the visitors essayed skating, many of them evidently for the first time. Great amusement was caused by the persistency and regularity with which many of them sought the floor. One gentleman in particular was noticeable for tie number of times he came to grief, -However, after about half-an-hour’s practice, the majority had succeeded in overcoming the first difficulty, and skated very fairly. The floor is a splendid one for the pastime, being of large extent and beautifully even, Mr Taylor and Lillie excited great admiration for the manner in which they danced to the music of the band, both polkas, waltzes, &c, being executed with as much grace and precision as though they had not been burdened with skates. Messrs Millet and Saunders have provided every convenience for subscribers, in the shape of comfortable retiring rooms for ladies and gentlemen, &c. The rink will be available for subscribers each day in the week, and on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evenings. The rink is also open to the public on Mondays and Wednesdays, and on Saturdays in the afternoon and evening. It is also open on certain days for practice for members only. As the' terms are very liberal for admission, no doubt it will soon become exceedingly popular.

Aquatic. —The U.R.C. scratch races and the race for the President’s Cup for members of the 0.R.0. were postponed on Saturday on account of the inclemency of the weather. The race for the President’s Cup was postponed until Tuesday and Wednesday evening next. The scratch races will probably not take place, as the members of the D.K.O. intend competing with the O.K-O. in some double scull matches. Some scratch matches between members of the D.R.C. were organised by Mr Harding, and took place as follows :—First heat, Una (A. Fooks and Hobday), 1 ; Syren (Harding and Kesteven), 2. This was won by a quarter of a length Second heat, Tui (LaNauze and T. Searell), 1 ; Moa (C. Fooka and J, Rule), 2. Won by half a length. Third heat, Moa (Martin and Lane), 1 ; Tui (Hawkes and Hawkins), 2. Won by several lengths. Fourth heat, Syren (Jones and Campbell), 1; Una (Wilcox and H. Stringer), 2. Won easily, Stringer in the Una catching a crab, and the boat being badly steered. Fifth heat, Una (Jones and Campbell), 1 ; Syren (Martin and Lane), 2. Won by half a length. Sixth heat, Moa (Lanauze and i-earell), 1; Tui (A. Fooks and Hobday), 2. Won by two lengths. Pinal heat, Moa (Jones and Campbell), 1 ; Tui (Lanauze and Searell), 2. The Moa got away with a good lead, owing to Searell unshipping his oar, but Lanauze afterwards put on a spurt and soon got on even terms with the Moa, and a splendid neck and neck race took place to within about twenty yards of the winning post At this point the Tui was leading by about a foot, but Searell meeting with another mishap the Tui drew away and won easily.

Lyttelton Regatta. —A meeting_ of the committee was held at the Colonists’ Hall, on Friday evening last. There was a good attendance, Mr P. Cunningham occupying the chair. Correspondence was read from Messrs 0. H. Street, of Dunedin, Thos. Henderson, of Auckland, and B. Richardson, of Nelson, asking particulars re courses, ke, at ensuing regatta. From Hon E. tUchardson, consenting to act as patron, and enclosing subscription. From Captain Forman, of the ketch Franklin Belle, asking if bis vessel would be allowed to compete in champion sailing race if the centre board were removed and a false keel substituted. Prom Mr H. R. Webb, Provincial Secretary, stating that a grant of £6O towards the Lytcelton regatta of 1877 had been included in the estimates submitted for the Governor’s approval. From Mr H, N. Nalder, re an account of £7 10s, being money paid by him on account of regatta committee of

1871. The secretary stated he had sent full information re regatta in reply to Messrs Street, Richardson, and Henderson’s applications ; that he had acknowledged the Hon B. Eichardson’s communication, and written to Captain Forman, stating he would lay the matter before the committee, but that it was his private opinion that the alteration would have to be permanent or the vessel would not be allowed to compete. After much discussion re Mr Forman’s letter, Mr H. N. Nalder moved, and Mr W. H. Eyes seconded That the secretary’s answer be approved of by the committee.” Mr Rich moved as an amendment—” That the Franklin Belle be allowed to compete if the centre board be removed and case-blocked up to the satisfaction of the committee.” Mr McOlatchie seconded the amendment, which, on being put, was lost. The original resolution was then carried. Mr J. 0. Boddington then moved, and Mr Lance seconded —That the sum expended by Mr Nalder be repaid by the present committee.” Carried. The following report of the sub'committee appointed to revise rules and courses was then read—“ Your committee beg to report that, after carefully looking through the rules, they do not recommend any alteration, but are of opinion there should be no allowance of time for tonnage in the race for yachts of six tons and under. They are of opinion that the race for small yachts should be round the same course as that for the ships’ boats sailing race, and that the course for the Champion Yacht and Sailing races should be altered as—start outside committee ship round buoy or boat at heads round reef, and win at starting point. They have determined that whaleboats competing in the Champion Whaleboat race should not be more than 30ft over all, and not less than 4ft beam, similar to Mr Millar’s Bingarooma, that competed last regatta; Signed, P. Cunningham, chairman.” MrNalder moved, and Mr Rich seconded—“ That the report be received and adopted.” Mr Boddington moved as an amendment —•" That the course for the Champion Sailing and Yacht races be —Start outside committee ship, round buoy or boat off Heads, round reef, round Parson’s Bock, round reef, and win at starting point,” The amendment was seconded by Mr McOlatchie, and carried, and the report as amended was then adopted. Captain McLellan said Mr T. R. Proctor, of Christchurch, had offered a handsome silver cup for competition at the ensuing regatta. It was resolved that Messrs McLellan and Taylor be appointed a committee to select a cup from Mr Proctor’s establishment, and that the secretary be instructed to write to that gentleman, thanking him for his kind gift. The following officers were then appointed ;—Judges—Captains Gibson, Petherbridge, and Sutherland, Messrs Hellish, Harman, and Hawkins. Timekeepers Messrs Tayler and Lance. Starters —Messrs Crosbie, Packard, and Nalder. Treasurer— Mr Rich. Stewards—Hon J. T. Peacock, Messrs 0. W. Turner, J. B, Way, A. Garrick, J. D. McPherson, H. H. Hennah, W. F. Moore, J. 0. Morris,W.Saunders,W.Donald,J.G. Warner, J. Palmer, J. L. Coster, J. Lawson, G. L, Hellish, Mayors of Christchurch, Lyttelton, Kaiapoi, and Akaroa, Messrs L. Harper, A. 0. Wilson, W. M. Maskell, E. A. Hargreaves, G. Stead, G. Gould, 'J. Anderson, J. Marshman, D. Davis, A. Rose, B. Cotton, R. J. S. Harman, W. Montgomery, H. Sawtell, D. Craig, J. Inglis, E\ Jenkins, P. Laurie, J. Connal, W. Day, S. Revans, T. M. Hassal, J. Gould, 0. B. Briggs, Oapt Millton, W. Reeves, H. Thomson, H. Hesketh, G, N. Thornton, Garwood, A. Sproul, H. Herdson, H, S. Smith, and W, F. Melville Walker— Mr R. Forbes was added to the committee. Mr J.C. Boddington proposed—“ That Messrs Shaw Saville and Co’s cup be added to the first prize in the Champion Sailing race, and that Mr Proctor’s cup be given in its stead as first prize in the six-ton Yacht race, with as much additional money as will make the whole value of the prize J£25,” This was seconded by Mr McOlatchie, and carried. The meeting then adjourned.