NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 774, 13 December 1876, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

.Appeal Court. —lt has been decided to hold the next sitting of the Appeal Court at Christchurch on 12th January. Mr Montgomery at Akaroa.— Mr Montgomery addressed the electors of Akaroa last night. Pie gave a history of the session and the part he had taken in the various debates which arose. An unanimous vote of confidence was passed in him. Miss Oahandini’s Concert. —Thin lady’s final concert takes place in the Oddfellows’ Hall this evening. A very attractive programme has been provided, and as in addition to the best available amateur talent in Christchurch, Miss Oarandini will also be assisted by Herr Wchott, the hall should be crowded in every part. Catholic Schools. —On Anniversary day a grand reunion will beheld in the Catholic school room, Barbadoes street. Tea will be provided at 5 80, and as soon as it is dark there will be a great display of fireworks in the adjoining grounds. A grand vocal and instrumental concert will follow, in which Madam and Miss Winter and Mr Winter will take part. Watchmakers and Jewellers. A meeting of watchmakers and jewellers in the trade in Christchurch, was held last evening at the Albion Hotel, for the purpose of taking preliminary stops for initiating a society here. Mr M. McOallura was voted to the chair. After considerable discussion, it was reso'.ved that it was desirable that a society should be formed in Christchurch, to be called the “ Watchmakers and Jewellers’ Society,” and that a piftnic should be held during the last week in January to inaugurate its formation. A committee of five was •'.hosen to make arrangements for the picnic, rad to draw up suggestions as to rules, &c. for the guidance of members, to report at a general meeting, to be bold on next Monday -•versing A vqlo of thanks to the chaiinm, concluded the proceeding.

Christchurch Skating Club. —A meeting of the committee was held at Warner’s Hotel last evening, Mr J. G. Hawkea in the chair. It was reported that final arrangements had been made with Messrs Millet and Saunders for the use of the rink, and it was decided that the opening night should be Friday week, the 22nd inst. Mr Nicholls was elected treasurer of the club. The meeting adjourned with a vote of thanks to she chair.

I.O.G.T.—The third annual session of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand South was opened in the Templar Hall on Tuesday morning, at ten o’clock. The G.W.C.T., Bro J. A. D. Adams, presided, the remaining chairs being filled by Bro S, P. Andrews, P.G.W.C.T., T>.C, Cameron, G.W.8., Carr, G W.T., Rev S. Macfarlane, G.W.0., Bro Mills, G. Councillor, St Amos, G.W.V.T., &c. After the usual opening ceremonies, various committees were appointed, and the report of the committee on credentials having been handed in, the G.L. degree was conferred on forty-five brothers and sisters, and the representatives present took their seats. It was decided that the Grand Lodge should meet daily from 10 to 1,30, from 3 to 6, and from 7 to adjournment, unless otherwise determined. It was also resolved that the G.L. degree should be conferred on Thursday, toward the end of the afternoon session, so the numerous friends who would be visiting Christchurch on that day might be enabled to receive the degree. Letters of apology were read from Bro Captain Turnbull and others who were unable to be present ; and Bro Bond, of Nelson, then presented his report on juvenile temples, in which he regretted that a full numerical statement could not be given, as information from various places had not reached him. New temples had been opened in fourteen places, and they had at any rate 1185 children, only one death having occurred during the year. He spoke in conclusion of the sources of hindrance to their work, and gave suggestions for meeting them, at the same time relating briefly what had already been done by means of lectures, &c. A History of the Order, written by Bro R. N. Adams, of Dunedin, was handed in and received with thanks. Communications were laid on the table from Bro the Hon S, D. Hastings, and others, concerning the disruption in the S.W.G L., for the information of members. With reference to the Local Option Bill, it was resolved that a hearty vote of thanks should be accorded to Mr Stout, for his exertions in the cause of temperance. During the afternoon session, the report of the Q.W.C.T, was proceeded with, and a large number of items in connection with the working of the Order were disposed of. There was a very numerous attendance in the Templar Hall on Tuesday evening, the debate on the negro question exciting a large amount of interest. The discussson proved to be a deeply interesting one, and eventually the following resolutions were unanimously adopted— This Grand Lodge having carefully considered the information regarding the negro question placed before it by the Grand Lodge Executive, and having farther had regard to the decisions on this question by other grand lodges in various parts of the world, resolved —l. “That this G, L. deeply deplores the present divided state of the Order," 2, “ That without expressing any opinion as to the wisdom or otherwise of the action taken by Bro Gladstone and others in the R.W.G.L., this G.L. is of opinion that the relation of most of the grand lodges in the Southern States of America to the negro, called for very decided action on the part of the R.W G.L., for the vindication of the cosmopolitan all-men-embracing character of our Order.” 3, “ That in view of the negociations now in progress for an adjustment of existing differences, this G.L. does not feel called upon to express any opinion on the questions at issue between the R.W.G.L. and the brethren who have re-organised as the R.W.G.L. of the world.” 4. That in the meantime, and in view of the the fact that this G.L. holds its charter from the R.W.G.L,, this G.L. continue in affiliation with the said R.W;G.L., pending the result of the negociationa above-mentioned. 5. “That this G.L. ventures to express the earnest hope that the negociationa now going on, will be carried to a satisfactory conclusion, and the breach in our order speedily healed, thus relieving the G. Lodges of the world from the embarrassing position in which they are now placed.’’ 6. “That copies of the foregoing resolutions be forwarded to the several G. Lodges in these colonies, to the G W O.T.’s in the United Kingdom, and toR.WQ.T. Hickmay.” This morning (Wednesday) the following telegram was received —“ Melbourne, 6th December Following Canada telegram. England re organised. Dr Lees, chief. Canada unanimously voted loyalty. Letters posted. Signed—Williams, i Countersigned—Fred Palmer.”