NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 758, 24 November 1876, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

"The Messiah."—The practice last evening for the Christmas performance of "The Messiah," went off satisfactorily. There were over 110 present on the occasion. On Thursday next, at the practice, Mr Parker will fix the solos. Blast.—A large blast was fired at Messrs Hawkins and Oo's works, at the Officer's Point Breakwater on Tuesday morning last, at 730 a. m. It consisted of two chambers containing 2000 and 17001bs of powder respectively. It was most successful, at least 40,000 yards of rock being dislodged. The Pantascope.—There was a very good attendance at the Oddfellows' Hall last evening, when Bachelder's Pantascope was again successfully exhibited. To-night there will be another performance, and to-morrow, in addition to the usual evening one, an afternoon exhibition, commencing at 2.30. The Heating Rink.—The rink last evening was fairly patronised. Mr Taylor and tillie gave exhibitions of their skill in skating, and some of the novices were also to the fore. The usual amount of merriment was caused by-the pronounced failure of some skaters to keep their perpendicular. Time Ball To wee, Ltttelton.—Yesterday, part of the labor party of the Lyttelton gaol commenced operations for enclosing the ground allotted to this building. We understand that, when this work is completed, the walling in of the projected recreation grounds in port will be commenced. Nuisances in Lyttelton,—ln Lyttelton yesterday, owing no doubt to the intense heat, the stench from some of the drains was abominable. It is to be hoped that the Inspector of Nuisances will see that people do not throw soapsuds and other filth into the side channels at this season of the year, or the oonsequences may be serious. Sudden Death.—A man named Oowan McOourt died suddenly at his residence, Papanui road, about half-past twelve on Thursday morning. He had been drinking heavily for the last fortnight, and about five p.m. on Wednesday afternoon was found lying in his back yard by a neighbor, bleeding at the mouth. He was carried into bed and died as above. An inquest willghe held. Kaiapoi Wesleyan Ohueoh.—-The additions to this building are in progress in the hands of Mr W. Weßton, builder, the plans having been furnished by Mr B. M. Wright. The principal feature in the improvements is the two transepts at the pulpit end of the building, one of which is 20ft x 20ft, and the other 20ft x 16ft. There will also be a neat spire and turret with finial placed on the building. The All-England Eleven.—A letter has been received from Mr J. H. Bennett, in which he states that the All-England Eleven will play at Auckland on January 28th, 2i»th and 30th. The team will then travel Southwards, playing at Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, and possibly also at Taranaki. They will leave New Zealand after playing at Invercargill. The Christchurch match will take place about the middle of February, but until the team arrives in New Zealand, it will be impossible to "-fix the date. Aquatics.—The following are the names of the crews who take part in the double-scull races which are fixed to be pulled off on the Avon to-morrow afternoon, the course being from the Stanmore bridge to the willows below the boat-sheds:—First heat—Jacobson and Simpson, Crawley and Mansfield; 2nd, Houlahan and Hawkins, Jones and Paul; 3rd, Campbell and Stringer, Taylor and Kilgour; 4th, Barnes and Caverhill, Wilcox and Kestervan; sth, Hadfield and Grierson, Lean and Mathias; 6th, Oilivier and Hawkes, Martin andSouter; 7th, Lanauze and Stavely, Gain and Bean; Bth, Fooks and Harding, Pavitt and Cnlpan. Tea Meeting at Ashburton.—The annual anniversary tea meeting of the Primitive Methodist Church in Ashburton was held on Tuesday last in the Library Hall. About 250 persons sat down to a capital tea, which was supplied by Mr T. Taylor. The tables were presided over by Mesdames Watkins, Sargent, Lill, Trezise, Petty, Grayburn, the Misses Andrews, Hunt, Steel, Taylor, and Aston, and the bachelors' table by Messrs Oolwell and Butt. The tables having been cleared away, a meeting was held, Mr Sargent taking the chair. Addresses were delivered by the Revs Westbrooke, Ward, and Bharp, and the choir rendered several selections of sacred music in a very creditable manner,

ALABM OF PIBE AT ASHBUBTON.—-A few minutes before 11 o'clock on Wednesday night, aa Constable Cartmill was going hie rounds, he observed smoke issuing from the roof of Mr Fowler's store. He at once gave the alarm to the inmates, and proceeding upstairs found the roof in flames. It appears that a boy had fallen asleep, leaving a lighted candle on a box within a few inches of the lining of the roof. Fortunately it was discovered in time, and a few buckets of water extinguished the flames. A fire in this township causes more than ordinary dread, for although the fire brigade possess a powerful engine and all other appliances, the all important element, water, can .only be obtained from the almost worse than useless pumps. It is the opinion of several practical men that with the natural advantages of this town, a good supply of water for all purposes could be obtained for £2OO or £3OO.

Tubkish Atbocities.—At the public meeting held on Monday evening, in Dunedin, the following resolutions were adopted : —" That this meeting desires to express its horror and indignation at the inhuman atrocities perpetrated by the Turk's upon the Christian population of Bulgaria."—" That this meeting desires to unite with other com munities throughout the British Empire in the expression of the heartfelt sympathy for the sufferers in the Christian Provinces of Turkey, and expresses a hope that the present struggle in the Turkish Empire may result in the entire separation of those provinces from a power which has shown itself to be so unfit to be entrusted with their Government."— " That a committee be formed for the purpose of raising subscriptions for the relief of the famishing sufferers in Bulgaria, and that the following be the members of committee, with power to add to their number ; also, to enlist the services of a committee of ladies for the purpose of collecting subscriptions : His Worship the Mayor, Hon G. McLean, Jas Macandrew, Rev Archdeacon Edwards, Bev Mr Mackie, Father Donovan, Judge Bathgate, Rev Dr Roseby, Rev Mr Fitchett, Rev Upton Davis, Messrs Dick, Turnbull, Rennie, Stout. Fulton, Street, Q. M. Reed." Duplicate Cable to London.—A communication from Mr Audley Coote, the agent of Messrs Siemens, has been received by the Postmaster-General of Victoria, on the subject of a second cable to London. He points out that the proposal of the Eastern Extension 'Company, as explained by Mr Oracknell, is to lay a short piece of cable that will be of very little benefit to the colonies, and which will cost in all about £41,780 per annum. He further states : " It is the opinion oV the most experienced men in England, that it would be by far the best for the colonies to have a cable starting from Normajiton in Queensland, or Geraldton ia Western Australia, and terminating at either Singapore, Rangoon, or False Point in India. In any case to have a complete duplicate line, and whether Queensland or Western Australia be selected as the starting point, the subsidies will be nearly the same, viz, from about £40,000 to £60,000 for the longest route." Mr Coote states that he feels certain the British Government will never contribute any money towards the construction of a second cable, and he suggests that the Victorian Government should raise the money for that purpose, and entrust the working and maintenance of the line to his principals. The Champion Billiabd Playeb —The Argus of the 15th instant, speaking of Mr Boberts' farewell match, says—" Mr John Roberts, jua, the champion billiard player, gave the last of his farewell series of exhibition matches at the Melbourne Athenseam last evening, and signalised the occasion by making the largest break—462—which he has yet made in Australia. His opponent was Mr Buckingham, to whom he gave 700 points, as usual ; but that gentleman only succeeded in adding 61 to the points before the champion scored out. Mr Boberts commenced with a break of 41, which was shortly afterwards succeeded by one of 34, and Mr Buckingham having meantime made a break of 22, the game was called —Boberts, 154; Buckingham, 737. The champion's next break was 55, and after Mr Buckingham had managed to add a few more to his score, Mr Boberts in a magnificent break of 462, ran from 229 to 691, the germination of the break being greeted by a storm of applause. It included 114, and shortly afterwards 34, consecutive spots, the remainder of the break being chiefly made up of cannons, many of which were made in the champion's most brilliant style. This break was succeeded by one of 41, another of the same number, and then by one of 67. When the game was called, Roberts 888, Buckingham 765, the champion put his opponent out of suspense—if he could have had any—by an unfinished break of 112, thus completing the 1000. The game, besides including the large&t break, was also one of the fastest the champion has played in Australia, as the actual play occupied only an haur and 16 minutes. Mr Buckingham is a player of medium ability, but he was completely overpowered, and nervousness caused him to play very indifferently, though certainly the manner in which the champion scored allowed him only-very few chances. Mr Boberts made the 1000 in 25 breaks, showing an average of 40 points in each. After the game he astonished those present by an exhibition of the peculiar twiat he could put on the balls with his fingers, and the strange evolutions he could thus make them perform on the table. Sending the ball along the side cushion he could make it slop and drop into the middle pocket, while some of the cannons and " screw's" he thus performed were marvellous. Mr Roberts leaves- Melbourne for Sydney to-day. It is probable that in a month or so he will play the French billiardist Carme, at Melbourne, if the negotiations which are pending are arranged to the satisfaction of both parties."

C.V.F.B.—The annual reunion of the members of the Brigade, their wives, sweethearts, &c, given by Mr Superintendent and Mrs Harris, took place last evening in the new station, The engine-room, where the gathering was held, was very prettily and tastefully decorated with flags, &c, reflecting very great credit on the members of the Brigade, who undertook the task. The tables, which were amply supplied with everything that could be wished for, were also very handsomely decorated! with pot plants, flowers, &c. Before proceeding to give an account of this very pleasant party—one of the pleasantest that we have had for many a day, we may briefly give an idea of the arrangements of the new station. On the ground floor at the western end, with large folding doora opening out into the street, is the engine room, 20ft by 30ft. Here the plant will be stationed. At the far end is a door opening close to the staircase, leading to the men's dormitories, bo that m soon as an alarm

is given they can at once get the engine oat. To the eastward is the single men's day room, a cheerful apartment,;2oft by 16ft, and in rear of it the kitchen, fitted with every convenience. Upstairs is the sleeping accommodation for ten single men. The bedrooms are lofty and pleasantly situate. The furniture is all of the same pattern in each, and a chest, with a number, is provided for each, to hold the uniform, &c. In the engine room is a row of pegs, numbered to correspond, for the helmets, so that each man can get his accoutrements, on the alarm being given, without any confusion. The lavatory and bath room is on the same landing. This is 15ft by 7ft, and is fitted with all necessary convenienses. The caretaker sleeps on the landing underneath the night bell, which can be rung from the outside. On the landing is a window looking out to the ftont, to enable him to get the necessary information from anyone bringing the alarm. On receiving this he will ring the large alarm bell, which will summon the brigade. Water and gal are laid on throughout the premises, and there is every provision for the comfort of the men. The married men's quarters are to the eastward, andconsist of three four-roomed houses, nicely fitted. Altogether the station is a .very excellent one, On the occasion of the gathering last evening, some eighty ladies and gentlemen sat down to a capital spread. This having been done justice to, and some capital songs sung, Mr Foreman Triggs, of the Extinguisher company, on behalf of the Brigade, in a few well chosen words, presented ex-engineer McFeddries with a very handsome marble clock, bearing the following inscription on a silver plate :—" Presented to Engineer J. McFeddries by the 0.V.F.8., November, 1876." Mr McFeddries acknowledged the gift in a short but pithy speech. The healths of Mr and Mrs Harris, proposed by Mr Foreman West, were drank most enthusiastically. Mr Superintendent Harris having responded, songs, readings, recitations, &c, became the order of the night, and all present most thoroughly enjoyed themselves until the hour for breaking up came, when the company separated with the hope that they might see many more such pleasant gatherings. Elections in the United States The Republicans have carried the Colorado State by a majority of 1400. In Georgia, the Democratic candidate, Colquitt, has been elected Governor by a majority of from 70,000 to 75,000. On October 10th the elections for the important states of Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia took place. The returns had not been ascertained with completeness at the time of the departure of the mail. The San Francisco Call of October 11th thus summarises the results as far as they were known :—" In Ohio the returns received are not so favorable to the Republicans as was expected, but they still express hopes of carrying the state by a small majority. Hamilton County is variously reported as having elected the Democratic ticket by a majority ranging from 500 to 1000. The indications are that the Democrats elect both Sayler and Banning in the First and Second districts. Sayler's election was expected, but the Republicans confidently counted on electing Mathews, who is personally one of the strongest men in Ohio. The Bepublicans claim his election, but the figures do not show it. Cuyahoga County, including the city of Cleveland, shows the largest Democratic gain. Last year the Bepublicans carried the county by over 6000 majority, which is reduced this year to 2500. The Democratic gain in Hamilton County is about 1500. As an offset to this, the interior towns show Bepublican gains, but not sufficiently large to make the State secure. Returns from Indiana are'meagre. The Democrats claim the State by from 5000 to BCOO, although a majority of the returns received show Bepublican gains. The Bepublicans claim the State, but do not give an estimate of their majority. From West Virginia nothing definite had been heard at the hour of going to press." Kaiapoi Cheese Factoby.—lt was recently announced that a factory on a small scale, on what is known as the American cheese factory principle, waß about to be started by Messrs Brown and Bishop at Kaiapoi. These gentlemen have recently secured a large brick house opposite the Kaikainui Hotel, Peraki street, and have fairly commenced operations. The lower portion of the building is used as the factory, the upper part is fitted with shelving for drying and seasoning the cheese. Every part is cool and very suitable for the manufacture carried on, the lower floor being covered with cement, so as to be readily scoured and cleaned. Commencing with the process of manufacture : after the daily supply of 300 gallons of milk, in proper twelve gallon can*, has been received, it is poured into a tin lined jacketted vat, capable of holding 500 gallons, around which passes a current of steam from a small engine fixed in the same apartment. When the milk is heated to the required temperature rennet is added, and as the curd arrives at a fit state to be cut, which usually occupies two hours, the whey is drained off with a syphon, and the curd is cut for removal to the cooler. The proportion of whey to curd is equal to one in nine, or in other words, lib of cheese is produced from 1 gallon of milk. The cooler and drainer is a large vat made of wood, with cross pieces inside on which is laid a cloth holding the curd, and the remaining whey allowed to drain through it. Having remained to cool a sufficient length of time, the curd is passed through a curd mill. It is then ready for the hoops. These are made of galvanised iron, with strong iron bands, A cloth is placed inside the hoop, before the curd is put in, which subsequently holds the cheese in shape and serves as a protection to it. Each hoop would hold a 351 b cheese, but the size of those now being made average 301 b, and it is intended to make smaller sizes down to 12lb. Each hoop is llin in diameter, and in proportionate depth to make a uniform shaped cheese. The curd having been put into the hoop, a piece of cloth is put on the top and bottom of it. Around the edge of the cheese is placed a rubber ring, which answers the twofold purpose of making a neatly formed edge to the cheese, as well as of keeping thecurd in its place when the blocks are put in at each end, and when the pressure is brought to bear in the press. The presses are racket screws fitted into horizontal beams, around the principal room there being fifteen at work. In the presses of course the cheese is well wrung and evenly shaped. It is then taken to the diying shelves, and in a day or two the cloth on it is finished off in such a manner that the cheese is secured from the fly, and the possibility of splitting when ripening. The operation from first to last occupies twentyfour hours. The milk received yesterday morning has become a beautifully nade,

evenly-formed cheese to-day, leaving the press as soon as the curd from to-day's milk is ready to take the place. Every day's work is complete in itself with regard to the manufacture, The cheese is a marketable commodity within Bix weeks, but of course it requires longer time to fully ripen and give that age and flavor which a good cheese must possess. To the present about three tons have been turned out. The works are carried on by Messrs Brown and Bishop, with the assistance of only one man, but there is no reason why the system of manufacture ought' not to be extended. They give 6d per gallon for the milk. It ought to be stated that the premises under notice are in every respect clean. Although on a small scale, as stated before, the industry, if carefully managed, appears likely to succeed.

Lincoln.—A meeting of the congregations of the Lincoln and Prebbleton Presbyterian Churches was held in the Lincoln Church on Wednesday evening, November 22nd. The Rev Mr Cree, Moderator, presided, and stated that the object of the meeting was to see if they were ripe for the selection of a minister to fill the vacancy of these churches. It was proposed by Mr 0. McPherson, and seconded by Mr W. Tod—- " That the Rev. Joshua Mcintosh be the minister selected." This, on being put to the meeting, was carried unanimously. It was also resolved that the following gentlemen, namely, Messrs W. Tod, Shaw, and B. Cook be a deputation to attend a meeting of Presbytery in support of this call.

Lincoln Farmers' Club and Pastoral Association.—A meeting of the general committee was held at the association's rooms, Lincoln, on Tuesday, November 21st. There was a very large attendance. The Rev A, P. O'Oallaghan, vice-president, presided. . The hon treasurer brought up the financial report connected with the Bhow. The receipts have been—Government grant, £SO; entrance money, £BO 5s ; gate and catalogue, £3O 19s; donation from Mr H. Pannett, £2; ditto from Mr Booth, £5; Members* tickets, £lO5, making the total receipts, £273 4s. The estimated expenditure was—Prize money, on the same basis as last year, £2OO 10s; advertising and printing, £3O 12s 6d; B. Button's band for the day, £ll 10s; judges, lunch and dinner, £4 158 ; gate making and fixing, £2 3s 6d ; sundries, £3 2s 6d; Johnston, generally assisting, £1; rent of yards, £5; amount due to treasurer from last year, £27 13s 4d, making a total of £284 6s lOd, which would leave a debit balance of £ll 2s. A long and animated discussion ensued upon the question of reducing the prize money, so as to obtain a credit balance. After some resolution had been proposed and seconded, and also amendments had been lost, it was proposed by Mr J. Gammack—" That the prize list be 10 per cent less than last year to ali prize takers of more than £l, and those of £1 and under, the same as last year." Seconded by Mr P. Muir and agreed to. The pay sheet was passed for payment as jread, The hon treasurer announced that the prizes were now payable upon application. Moved by Mr W. H. Peryman, and seconded by Mr W. B. Andrew —"That the committees of the Ellesmere, Timaru, and Northern Shows be informed that the Lincoln Show is fixed for the first Tuesday in November for the future; the show of 1877 will be held on Tuesday, November 2nd." This was carried. It was resolved—" That the sum of £lO be voted as an honorarium out of the balance in hand to the honorary secretary, as a slight acknowledgment of his services for the past three years." The sum of £ls lis was also subscribed by those present to supplement the honorarium. The vice-president made the presentation. Mr Murray replied in a few words, saying that they had taken him quite by surprise. He hoped to see a better show next year, and he begged to thank them sincerely for their kind present,

Discoveries in Australia.—The Brisbane correspondent of the Argus gives the f llowing account of the discoveries made by the Hodgkinson expedition: Hodgkinson expedition has returned within telegraph circuit, after what appears to have been a very successful exploration of the north-western territory of this colony to its junction with that belonging to South Australia. The subjoined extract from the Courier contains the Bum of Government and private information forwarded to Brisbane in reference to the latest addition to our geographical knowledge aud other matters of interest. M'Kinlay's little chum will have reconciled hon members who were recently abusinghim for haviDg been bought, seat and vote, while in the Assembly, for his preBent command.. ' The Diamantina Biver has been traced into Lake Eyre, in South Australian territory, about 100 miles beyond the Queensland boundary, and in 27deg 20min 8. lat, 137 deg E long. This Diamantina takes its rise on the inner of the Main Dividiug Range, and the portions |of this river within the limits of settlement waters a large tract of country. Whether the country drained by its newly-discovered continuation is equally valuable or not we are unable to determine from the scanty information to hand. But the discovery of another large river is reported, It is stated that the Herbert River, which rises in lat 17deg S, a few miles inside the western boundary of this colony, flows into South Australian territory, and after continuing on that side of the border for a short distance re-enters Queensland, and forms one of the principal heads of a large river, which Mr Hodgkinson has named the Mulligan, in honor of the leader of the late North-eastern Exploring Expedition. ThiH river continues in Queensland territory until reaching the boundary at the 26th parallel of latitude. The country through which it passes is reported to be superior to that of the Diamantina, and possesses fine lakes, also an abundant supply of saltbush and good herbage, and is flanked on the western side by a sandstone range, which has been named after his Excellency Governor Oairnp. No mineral discoveries worthy of mention were made south-west of Oloncurry, but the glorious description given of the ,fine pastures in the far weßt ia highly encouraging, and will give a fresh impetus to pastoral occupation. The trade of the southern portion of this country will probably find its way down the Darling, or by the railway projected from Port Augusta towards the interior. The remainder will be divided between the portß of New Soutb Wales and this colony. Lake Eyre, it may bo observed, is a salt lake of considerable area, and 70ft above the sea level. It is about 1000 miles due west of Brisbane.' Another interesting item is the reported discovery of a tribe of aborigines of very docile and domestic character ichthyophagi—dwelling in thatched houses on the shores of a lake ISO miles beyond the Diamantina Biver."