NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 784, 26 December 1876, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Public Library.—The public library will be re-opened on Thursday nest. Selwyn County, Malvern Riding The polling for this riding took place on Friday, Mjr D. McMillan was elected. The other candidate was Captain Parker, of KovTai Pass.

County Flection.—The following is the result of the polling for the Little River Riding Little River—Coop, 19; Gebbie, 10; Joblin, 11. Tai Tapu—Coop, 41; Gebbie. 56 ; Joblin, 0. Totals Gebbie, 66 ; Coop, 60 ; Joblin, 11. Mr Gebbie is therefore returned.

This Rink.—The skating rink will be open to the public this evening, when, in addition to Lillie and Mr Taylor, an additional attraction in the shape of Mademoiselle Pranidni, a lady bicyclist of whom report '"Vhiy, will be offered. Mdllo Franziui speaks , feats on the performs some "—otuliQ Wei* bicycle, and has been very bucoi-w..-liugton and elsewhere, Music Hall.—Despite the unfavorable state of the weather on Saturday evening there was a very fair attendance at the Music Hall, when Messrs Kohler and Bent gave another of their clever entertainments. The various items on the programme were rendered by Messrs Kohler, Bent, and Ward, very successfully, and they were loudly and frequently applauded. To-night they will appear again in a fresh programme.

Wesleyan Church.— Christmas services were held in the Durham street Wesleyan Church on Sunday, the 24th instant. Sermons suited for the occasion were preached in the morning by the Rev Wm Morley, and tho Rev Wm Berry in the evening. The hymns were well rendered by the choir, and included, “ Hark the herald angels sing,” to Mendelssohn’s music. The anthems were “ Adestes Fidsle,” the solos in which were taken by members of the choir, Pergolesi’s fine setting of “ Glory to God in the highest, and “ The Lord is my shepherd,” by Macfarren, all of which were fairly rendered. The voluntaries were selected from “ The Messiah.” Instead of the ordinary services on Christmas Day, divine service was held in the school at 7 a.m., the devotional exercises being conducted by the Rev Wm Berry.

Christchurch Carriers’ Annual Picnic society. — A meeting of the above society was hold at the Garrick Hotel on the evening of the 22nd instant : Mr W. N. Howard in the chair. Accounts to the amount of £33 16a were passed for payment. The secretary handed in the balance sheet for the year, showing a net profit to the society of £l2 4s, which was received and and adopted. This being the annual meeting Mr W, Newton, on behalf of the members of the society, presented the secretary, Mr J; S. Wykes, with a very handsome case of two pipes, cigar and cigarette holder, and a silver match-box, for past services. The present was duly acknowledged by the secretary. 1.0.0.F,,M.U. Loyal Perseverance Lodge, Woolston, —The half -yearly meeting for the election and installation of officers for the next six months was held on Wednesday evening last, when there was a good attendance of members. After the election the officers were installed by Bro A. Beaumont, GM , and Bro D. (Jameron, D.P.G.M., in their respective offices, viz : Bro T. Heywood as N.G., Bro G. W. D. Morris as V.G.. and Bro W. R. Turner as B.S. Bro S. A. Staples then took the G.M.’s chair in virtue of his office as the retiring N.G. Bros H. A. Bamford and W. G. Shepheard were appointed to audit the books and accounts for the last twelve months. It was resolved that that night month be a summoned night, to repeal the levy and increase the members’ contributions instead, so as permanently to believe the management fnnd of its debt to sick fund. The receipts of the evening were over £6O, Catholic Church. —With the exception of the altar, which was very prettily decorated, the Catholic Church was not decorated as a whole. Solemn High Mass was celebrated on Christmas Eve, by the Rev Father Binsfield, celebrant, and yesterday High Mass was again celebrated at eleven o’clock by Rov Father Ohareyre. The music taken at both services was Mozart’s 12th Mass, in which the choir were assisted by Mr and Miss Winter. The et incarnatus was sang at both masses by Mr Winter, and during the offertory Miss Winter sang the et incarnatus from Mozart’s 16th Mass. The music went well throughout, the silos being exceedingly well taken, Father Ohareyre preached on Christmas Eve, and Father Binsfield yesterday. Notwithstanding the late additions to the church, the accommodation was insufficient for the attendance at these services. The Good Templars —Tha Melbourne Telegraph says : —“ The Good Templars, at their international session held in America in May last, unfortunately came to a misunderstanding with regard to some of the laws of the Order, the consequence being that the representatives of the British Grand Lodges withdrew from the session, severing their connection with their American brethren. This action, however, has not been approved of in England, being regarded as extreme and unnecessary, and recently a convention of lodges desirous of preserving the cosmopolitan character of the Order has been held, the outcome of which is the formation of a grand lodge under the parent R.W.G.L., Dr F. R. Lees, the eminent author and lecturer, being elected Grand Worthy Chief Templar, A telegraphic communication to this effect has been received by Mr Fred Palmer, of Mel bourne, who is the deputy of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge for the Australian colonies.” St. Luke’s. —The Christmas decorations at this church were exceedingly pretty, and in good taste. At the east end, over the Communion table, were the words “ Glory to God in the Highest.” The choir stalls and reading desk were wreathed with toi-toi and flowers, and the edging of the altar rails was also wreathed with holly, lilies, and scarlet geraniums. The front of the organ loft was similarly decorated. The pillars and the gas brackets were wreathed with evergreens and scarlet flowers, and the windows traced with holly. Over the south door were the words “ God wit i us,” in holly; over the north door “ Emmanuel,” and over the west door “ Prince of Peace,” Above the Communion rails was a star of white lilies on a scarlet ground. At the western end was a cross in a circle of holly, formed of scarlet and white flowers. On the other side was a double triangle. The font was was wreathed with ferns and lilies, the base being bordered with holly. The service on Christmas Day was fully choral, the incumbent, the Rev F. A. Lingard conducting it. There was also a service in the evening. St Matthews’ Church. —The church of St Matthew, Caledonian road, which is a branch church of St Luke’s, was very tastefully decorated on Christmas Day. Great pains bad evidently been bestowed upon the work, and the result was a success. All the windows were decorated with holly, and under the east window and above the Communion table were the words “ Glory to tho new born King,” arranged in a semi-circle in white letters. Underneath, in the centre, was a cross of white lilies, and on either side of the latter the Alpha and Omega and the cross and flag. The lectern and reading desk wore decorated with scarlet geraniums, erandiflora, and pelargomag Ou« „ of the native mums, on a wream - matipo. The Communion rails were wreathed with matipo, scarlet geraniums, and white lilies. On the beading’ail round the church, and immediately under the windows were wreaths of holly, white lilies, and red - I *-'Hnli, Over the door wag the word 8“*-- , ‘ -fAeu leaves. The diminutive “ Alleluia ”in - ‘-'-ad with matipo, font was prettily r>n scarlet geranium, and small white roses, v. the east end were two sets of double triangles, made of holly leaves tacked on to a frame work, with scarlet geraniums am. white roses alternating. Altogether tne church was very prettily decorated, and reflected very great credit on those engaged in the work*

Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge, 4602 —A summoned meeting of the above ■ o 'gn will be held on Wednesday next, at 7.30 pm.

Boxing Day. —To-day is being observed as a general holiday. Excursions of all kinds have been organised, while, in town, the Foresters’ fete in Mr Anderson’s paddock, Cashel street, is largely attended. The members of tho order met in the morning at the hall and marched to the railway station, where they met a body of brethren from Lyttelton, w'hence they went to Mr Anderson’s paddock, where sports of all kinds are being organised and successfully carried out.

Church of the Most Holy Trinity Lyttelton. —The decorations in this church in honor of the great Christian festival yesterday were extremely tasteful. The aides of the church were ornamented with the text, “ For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given,” together with crosses, stare, &o, in green and scarlet, the windows being draped with strings of flowers and evergreens. The font was wreathed with scarlet geraniums and dark green leaves, making an elegant appearance, while the reading desk and lectern were covered with wreaths of different flowers. Over the arch of the chancel, in white letters on a scarlet ground, appeared the text, “ The word was made flesh and dwelt among us,” the monogram in white and blue, being prominent in the centre. The whole of the decoratiomi had been carried out by the ladies of tho congregation, and had a moat pleasing effect, The service was semi-choral, the Te Deum, Benedictus, and Kyrie, from Dykes in F ; Venite, Tallis, No 1 ; proper Psalms, Hopkins 27, Lee 55, and Russell 91, with hymns 42, 43, 164, the anthem being Monk’s “ For unto us.” There was a large congregation, the Rev F. C, Lloyd, the incumbent, taking the text from Luke inverse 14. The offertory was in aid of the Sunday schools. The Friendly Islands.— By the arrival of the schooner Clan Alpine, from the Tonga Islands, we (New Zealand Herald) are in receipt of island news up to date of her sailing. Everything is progressing favorably. Trade has been dull, but lately there ban been a run. Cobra is plentiful for both taxes and missionary contributions. Tha weather is reported fine, hue very hot. Unfortunately, there has been considerable sickness in Tonga, and we regret to leam that the venerable King George has been seriously ill, but is now happily better. In * terms of the treaty of friendship with Germany, a beautiful island situate at tha entrance to Vavau harbor has been ceded to the German Empire as a “ coaling station.” H.I.M. ship Hertha has possession of the same, and left a number of men-of-war sailors to clear it ; and the British residents in the group have very little doubt that ere long the place will be duly fortified and made good use of. This island commands the entrance to Vavau harbor, and consists of a large rock rising perpendicularly out of the sea. It is in fact a second Gibraltar. British men-of war visiting Vavau have been in the habit of making use of this rock for shot and shell practice, and many marks are left where the cannon balls have struck the “ target ” at long range. It has, in consequence, been known as “ Man-of war Bock,” Negotiations were attempted a few years ago for the British to acquire this position, and later on both the French and the Americans made similar requests, but without success. Now there is a feeling amongst the settlers in the group that Germany, having put in the thin end of the wedge, the other powers will endeavor to keep pace with her and follow her example, and the Tongan chiefs, with this idea in view, look with much disfavor on the Rev Mr Baker for having negotiated the treaty on their behalf with Germany. There appears to be an angry feeling spreading against him, which is to be regretted.

Colombo Road District School.—The annual treat to the children attending this school was held on Saturday last. About 600 children assembled at the school at noon, when a procession was formed, and after receiving a supply of banners, &o, marched through the eastern portion of the district, returning by Colombo road to the Agricultural Society’s show grounds, where the committee had provided an enormous supply of cakes, toys, &c, for their entertainment. Immediately on their arrival, however, a thunderstorm caused a general stampede for the shelter of the school, and it was much feared that the wet would spoil the whole affair. However it shortly afterwards cleared up sufficiently to enable the committee to carry out their arrangements. A supply of refreshments were first distributed to the children, who received them in classes as they marched past the marquee. The great number to be supplied rendered this process somewhat tedious, but owing to the untiring exertions of the committee and teachers, the whole were ultimately disposed of in such a manner as tg ensure that all were supplied, and judging from the absence of complaints, the distribution gave general satisfaction. A large number ;of toys, &c, were distributed by means of a lottery, in which there were no blanks, and as the children attended to receive their prizes, their faces were a study to witness. A number of races and games ware also improvised and carried on with great vigor until near du c k, and on the whole the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Mr Bestell, inspector of schools, and a number of parents were on the ground during the day, and appeared to take great interest in the proceedings. The usual prizes for attainments in the school will not. be presented until the school reassembles after the holidays, the examination not having been finished in time for the committee to make the awards. St John the Baptist. —The Christmas services at this church consisted of special festival vigil service on Sunday night at 11 p.m, and matins with holy communion at 11 a.m. on Christmas morning. At the former service the ordinary choir of the church was assisted by half a dozen friends, and the service wap in plan and execution a credit to the church and all concerned. At 11 p.m. the choir entered, singing the ancient Advent h/mn, - ~ - s' ffmomißi." The order for " yj come, w -—-• ... evensong was then proceeded with, the reenenses being ‘ chanted to a sweetly harmonised version of the plum Bong- 100 oroper Psalm chosen was 11 8, and the canticles (Cantate Domino atv- Nunc D> mittis ) were snug to a line feftal setting by Mr Neville Barnett, the oiganisu. An an anthem, Gounod’s sacred fong ‘Nazareth •»--refrain bei>g rendered by the was sung, me-- .- w«d these full choir in unison, and tnen - - -arols —“The first Noel" (traditonal), “It was the very Noon of Night” (Bamty), “A Virgin unspotted” (Barnett), Good Christian men rejoice" (Traditional), and “ Bpthlehem" (Gounod), whiQh latter, with

its quaint interludes for the organ, was very pleasing. The Rev Mr Flavell (of Merivale) then gave a short and earnest address, showing different phases of the Christmas lesson. During the collecting of the offertory three sentences were sung to some most pleasing music, and following these the hymn, Hark 1 the glad sound, the Saviour comes,” was sung ; and after the Benediction the choir sang, in recession, the old hymn, “ Christians awake 1 Salute the happy morn, whereon the Saviour of mankind was born,,” This concluded one of the best services that has ever been heard here On Christmas morning the processional hymn was “ Ocome all ye faithful the •' Te Deum” was by Dr Garrett. The anthem was Barnaby’s very fine “ The Grace of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared to all men.” The previous offertory sentences were repeated, and the usual hymns of the season were sung. The Very Rev the Dean performed the service. The decorations of the church were very tasteful, and, though not so abundant as in former years, had a .very pretty effect. The chancel had a number of flowering plants ; whilst the east window bore an ornament of flowers and toi-toi, supported on either side by a floral cross. The choir stalls, reading desk, and pulpit were decorated with flowers, evergreens, and toi toi. On the walls of the transept were screens of lattice work formed of evergreens and flowers, and two hand some floral devices were suspended on either side of the chancel arch. The decorations of this part were particularly noticeable, being composed of evergreens and white lilies, which bad a very chaste effect. The western window was adorned with toi toi, evergreens, and flowers, and had a fine floral star suspended. The other windows and corbels were also decorated with evergreens, flowers, and toi toi. Mb J. K. Emmett.— This gentleman, who in other parts of the colony and in Australia has achieved so much success as the delineator of Teutonic character, will make his debut before a Christchurch audience this evening, at the Theatre Royal. The opening piece is entitled “ Fritz,” and in it Mr Emmett sustains the character of a German immigrant landed at Castle Garden, New York, where he loses his sister, the plot of the piece turning mainly upon his adventures whilst in search of her. In addition to being a comedian of great ability, Mr Emmet is spoken of elsewhere as possessing a very fine sweet voice, which is heard to great advantage in the various gonga which are incidental to the piece, The class of character in which Mr Emmet appears is entirely novel fco Christchurch playgoers, and therefore we think the new aspirant for popular favor has a fair chance of a very successful season. The attraction of a new performer, and one too who brings with him so high a reputation, added to it being a holiday night, should draw a crowded house. Mr Emmet will be supported by the whole of the Theatre Royal Company, and Mr Williams has also been busy with his pencil on some new scenery illustrative of the piece. The Papakuru Murder.— The N.Z. Esrald of the 19th instant, has the following particulars relative to the occurrence:— U That the murder has been a premeditated deed is beyond doubt, from the circumstances attending the commission of that heinous crime. As stated in our issue of yesterday. Curtin and Shanaghan were at variance for years past, but it would appear, from what has transpired since the murder was committed, that Curtin was more to be blamed than Shanaghan. Curtin—who had been an old gold digger, and who, after amassing Borne money, had turned his attention to email farming at Ararimu—made up his mind to make money as soon as he possibly could, and was consequently Ja hard working man, and somewhat penurious iu his ways. He is said to have been what is ordinarily termed “ a bad neighbor,” and exceedingly averse to his neighbors’ cattle trespassing upon his land. Shanaghan’s farm adjoined his, and whenever any of Shanaghan s cattle entered upon his (Curtin’s) land* he exhibited signs of vengeance, and made use of threats towards bis neighbor which amounted to a violation of the law. The other neighbours, who were not, in any way concerned in Curtin’s and Shanaghan’s quarrels, it is stated, frequently remonstrated with both, and advised them as to their unseemly contentions and altercations, but their advices proved utterly unavailable, at least so far as Curtin was concerned, for he appeared to have entirely disregarded all friendly remonBtrances, and to have acted according to his own capricious impulses, which are said to have been always mingled with latent, if nob open enmity towards Shanaghan. The immediate cause of the quarrel which resulted in Shanaghan’s death, appears to have been the trespassing of one of his pigs upon Curtin’s paddocks. Knowing that Caitia would ba exasperated at such trespass, Shanaghan hastened to take the pig home, and whilst doing so Curtin, Who seemed to have been watching his neighbour’s movements very narrowly, addressed Shanaghan in very rude and offensive language, which resulted in a light with sticks between both parties. According to Curtin’s own statement, Shanaghan got the worst of it, and was so disabled as to have enabled his assailant to tie his hands and feet with ease, thereby rendering his victim quite unable to defend himself, as well as exposing him to the mercy of the Elements ; or, in other words, leaving him in a lonesome place, where his cries could not be beard, to die, if no Samaritan happened to pass by and administer to his urgent necessities in the excruciating circumstances in which he was placed. Cruelly leaving his victim in this half-dead and helpless state, Curtin rode to the Resident Magistrate’s residence, to lay information against Shanaghan for assaulting him (Curtin.) On interviewing Cantain Jackson, and making his business known to that gentleman, several nuestions were put to him as to the nature of the°aßßault w£ich h 0 alleged had taken nlapp when he (Curtin) admitted that Ea had in tying Shanaghan with a strap to a tree, and left him there. Captain Jackson having refused to grant Curtin’s application, the latter at once applied to Mr Martelli, a local Justice of the Peace for a warrant to aunreheud Shanaghan, but did not succeed. He tuen proceeded to uhe township of Papai’ura, aod applied to the Clerk of the Bench there (Mr Shanaghan) for a warrant, but was told by that gentleman, as well as by the ma'datfatee to whom he had previously applied, 'that the warrant could not be granted on the grounds alleged. All these applications were made on Saturday, the day the murder was committed, and on the followin'* day (Sunday) Curtin repeated hie application at Fapakura, and called at the Zm station there. By the tune he U&

called, information had reached the station that Shanagban had been found murdered, and that Curtin was the perpetrator of the deed, whereupon Constable McLellan, witn characteristic arrested the accused, and confined him in the lock-up. On being arrested, Curtin indignantly denied having murdered Shanagban, although he admitted tying him up and leaving him in that wretchedly helpless state. At tuo inquest a verdict of “ Wilful murder’ was returned against Curtin.” The Rangitoto Mines. —The West Const Times of the 21st says : —“ There was a sitting of the Waste Lands Board at two p,m. yesterday. Considerable time was occupied before the auction sale of the disputed leases was commenced, and _tne reason for this will be understood, when it is stated that three lawyers were engaged in the matter. Finally five mineral leases at Mount Rangitoto of 100 acres each were sold by auction, realising the handsome sum of £527. This amount was in the shape of a bonus to the Government, in addition to the usual annual rentals. The bidding was keen, and the purchaser in each instance was Mr H. Young. The leases brought the following amounts, making up the total we have named :—No 38, £43 ; No 39, £lOl ; No 40, £290; No 41, £SO; and No 42, £43. We understand that Mr Purkiss has been instructed to appeal, on behalf of the party of so-called jumpers.” Christmas in Port.— Christmas was strictly observed in Port, On Saturday there were plenty of decorations. The grocers’ show of fruit was most imposing, and the various hotels were gaily bedecked with evergreens, The butchers showed some good meat. Messrs Garforth and Lee had a splendid heifer of Mr Parkinson’s, a fine calf of Mr Bradley’s, and the mutton, laipb, beef, and veal generally was in real Christmas condition. Langdou and Judge had also a splendid show, their lamb being especially good, and one excellent calf was much admired. Messrs Pitcaithly, Cook, and So.ith also exhibited really prime meat. The vessels in harbor were gaily decorated yesterday, the ships at the Gladstone Pier being a blaze of bunting, tempered down in some cases by a judicious mixture of evergreens. The vessels at the wharves and lying in Dampier’s Bay also made a very creditable show, the Julius Vogel and other of the coasting vessels dressing well, and we must particularly mention the Australian Sovereign and Especulador at Peacock’s Wharf, the latter being without doubt the most tastefully decorated vessel in the harbor. A number of people came through from Christchurch, but everything was peculiarly decorous and quiet. Fatal Accident at the Silt-Babin, Auckland, —One of those appalling accidents which cast a gloom over a whole community, occurred, says the Cross of the 13th, about 10.30 o’clock the previous morning. A young lad eleven years of age, named John Neill, had been watching the man at work at the silt-basins, and in order to do this with comfort, had perched himself on the top of the fence that separates the works from the thoroughfare. Over each of the silt basins a pair of shear legs is erected, fastened to which is the tackle for hauling up the .silt matter. It appears that the shear legs erected over the basin nearest the wharf was secured by a guy, and about half-past ten o’clock Mr G. Winstone, obaeaving that the guy rope attached to the shear legs was slack, directed James Kennedy, one of the workmen, to tighten it. Kennedy says that he was in the act of tightening the guy, when a horse close by suddenly started forward, and the guy slipped out of his hand, and down fell the shears upon poor Neill, breaking his arm and smashing his head in a fearful manner. Death, of course, was instantaneous, Mr Winstone, seeing the boy’s danger had called out to him, but he did not appear to hear him. A large crowd soon gathered on the scene of death, gazing with horror on the great pool of blood that stained the ground. The body of the poor lad was placed in an express, and removed to the morgue at Freeman’s Bay. It was a heartrending sight to witness the grief of the poor boy’s mother, who is the wife of a fireman employed on the Go-Ahead, and resides in Victoria Crescent, It is but just to add that no blame can be attributed to the contractor or the workmen employed by him. St. Michael’s Church. —The effect of the decorations on entering this church is exceedingly pleasing. Arond the columns along the aisle are wreathed in spiral form bands composed of greenery, relieved with white and red lilies. A Gothic skeleton chancel screen is erected, covered with greenery, in the front of which is traced along each centre lines of white lilies, red geraniums, and pinks, divided in very taste ful order. One of the centre top pieces of nearly heart shape, bears violet colored flowers, blending gracefully with the colors underneath. At intervals along the horizontal portions of the screen are plumes of white lilies, and a cross covered with orange flowers surmounts the apex of the screen dome. The screen bears the words “ Glory to the new born King,” and on the aich of the roof “ Unto us a child is born.’ The reading desk is encircled with a light wreath of koromiko, Around the choir seats are wound greenery and lilies. On either side of the transept the pillars are crowned with bunches of flowers, underneath clusters of the gradefm toi tpi. and along the sides of the transept are dropping bands of greenery in arch shape, interlaced with plumes of lilies. Along the sides of the church there is a tracing of greenery, and in the windows are arranged stands of toi toi, relieved with asparagus spray. A banner of white and gold suspends from the western end, bearing the sacred monogram under a crown. The decoration of the font, if anything, excels the rest. Around the base are arranged ferns and white lilies, working up spirally along the pillar. Feathery ferns overhang the sides of the font, with a band of hollies and ferns placed horizontally around the centre of the basin, this greenery being relieved by monograms of Vermillion colored rice fixed at intervals. In the basin are floating lilies and ferns.. The font is covered witharoof formed of koromiko surmounted with a cross of bleached rice, encircled with chamomile flowers. The decorations as a wnole are not too heavy or elaborate, but chaste and delicate, and occupied the ladies of the congreation until an early hour completing their task, There s was no late service on Christmas Bye, but carols were sung In the evening. Yesterday i morning there was an early celebration ser- • vice, at half past eight, with full choral, and r plain communion at eleven o'clock • Rev H. G. Penny preached, ** i OotLeriU read the **•"" _ Oanor 3 tfce ala's*** ' ' The offertory a 1 o clock service amounted to ££ . . J. 03,