NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 787, 29 December 1876, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Chief Surveyor of Canterbury.— The appointment of Mr J. H. Baker as chief surveyor of Canterbury is gazetted, to date from January Ist, 1877. Accident. —Shortly after noon to-day, as Dr Mark was driving round the corner from Colombo into Hereford street, the axle of his buggy broke suddenly, startling the hoiee. The doctor, who was not thrown out, held on to the horse, thus preventing him bolting, and, with assistance, pulled up before further damage was done, Attempted Suicide.— A man named Frederick Oetgen, living at Greenpark, was received into the Hospital at i o’clock this morning, brought in by Sergeant Wallace, Shortly before 9 o’clock last evening the sergeant was informed that Oetgen had cut his throat, and, on proceeding to his house, found the man lying on a bed, with his throat bleeding profusely from a severe wound. He at once sent to Prebbleton for Dr Durham, who arrived at 11 p.m,, and, having dressed the wound, advised the man’s immediate removal to the Hospital. The razor with which the attempt was made was found on the bed beside the man, and covered with blood. Though a very dangerous cut has been indicted, it may not result fatally, From a statement made by Oetgen’s wife, it would appear that his manner has been very strange during the past fortnight. Skating Rink —The rink was crowded again last evening to witness the exhibition skating of Mr Taylor and Lillie, and Mdlle Franzini’s performance on the bicycle. The latter portion of the programme is alone worth witnessing, and the manner in which the bicycle is made to travel through a number of pot plants, forming circles from the outer edges until the centre plant is reached, and a distinct circle drawn round that one also, is certainly wonderful. A similar feat is performed among a number of bottles containing cotton saturated with spirits of wine, and lighted. These are travelled through in and out, and encircled in all directions without one being even touched. At the conclusion of this portion the bicycle is made to travel round the rink at a fast pace, and then follow, on this merely strip of machinery, some graceful balancing feats which it would be thought nearly impossible to perform and retain the bicycle in its perpendicular position. The bicycle is ridden in side-saddle fashion, and the treadle is worked with one foot. There was nothing whatever in the performance to offend the most susceptible, and the whole programme was carried out in a very graceful manner. The lady was loudly applauded at the termination of the exhibition/ The programme will be repeated this evening, Agricultural and Pastoral Association. —The usual monthly meeting of the committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held yesterday at the offices. Present—Hon John Hall (president), Messrs Norman, Money, Henderson, A. Duncan, Hill, Mcßeth, Newton, J. Anderson, jun, Sutherland, H. P. M. Ayns’ey, K. Wilkin, On the motion of Mr Henderson the consideration of the building of the caretaker’s cottage was postponed until after the annual meeting of the association in February next. It was resolved to insure the books and furniture of the association in the office in the New Zealand Insurance Company for £IOO. The report of the sub committee on engraving inscriptions on prize plate was brought up and read, and the recommendations adopted. A letter was read from the Oamam society respecting the travelling expenses of the judges from Christchurch. The whole of the correspondence on the subject was lead. The society at Camara had remitted cheques for the expenses of the judges from Christchurch. It was resolved -that no further steps should be taken in the mat Ur. A number of accounts were passed fur payment. The meeting then adjourned.

Woolston.—A money order and savingsbank has been opened at this place. Lyttelton Time Ball.—Owing to the heavy north-east gale this ball was not dropped yesterday. Public Library.— The new rooms at the Public Library, appropriated to the reference and circulating departments, were opened to the public yesterday. Ppovincial District of Wellington. —During the mouth of November the sum of £’,781 Ids has been received for land in the provincial district of Wellington. Evangelistic Service. —A special Evangelistic service, conducted by Messrs Harrison Ord (London), and Douglas Russell (Edinburgh), will be held this evening, in the Congregational Church, at half-past seven, Lyttelton Harbor Board.— We remind the ratepayers of Christchurch and the the members of the Chamber of Commerce that the polling for the members of the Lyttelton Harbor Board to be elected by them respectively takes place on January Ist. In the former case the polling will be at the City Council Chamber, and in the latter at the Chamber of Commerce. Supreme Court. —The criminal sittings of the Supreme Court will open before his Honor Mr Justice Johnston, on Tuesday next, January 2nd. The ordinary day is the first Monday in the month, but owing to it being New Year's Day and a holiday it has been altered to Tuesday. At this sitting Norman Evans, convicted of perjury le.st session, and in whose case a respite of judgment was granted, will be brought up for sentence. Sudden Death, —A woman named Catherine O’Connell, wife of John O’Connell, boatman, living near Bricks wharf, was found dead in her house yesterday morning. Deceased and her husband were under the influence of drink the previous night, and when last seen in the kitchen, about 11 p.m, had a bottle of brandy with them. Both lay down on the kitchen floor, and when the man awoke at daylight he found his wife dead, and the bottle empty. From the appearance of the body it is believed the woman died in a fit. An inquest will be held. Cups for Lyttelton Regatta.— These cups are for exhibition at Mr Young’s shop, London street, Lyttelton, and are well worth seeing. They are four in number, that presented by the New Zealand Shipping Co, which is to be given to the winner of the Champion Yacht race; Messrs Shaw, Seville’s, which is to be competed for in the Champion Sailing race ; Mr T. R. Proctor’s cup, for the race for yachts under six tons ; and the cup given for the Canoe race by the committee. We also hear that Mr H, E. Nathan proposes to present a cup to be competed for by ships’ boats, Lodge of Unanimity, 604, E.C.—The installation of Worshipful Master and officers of the above Lodge, for the ensuing year, took place at the new hall, on the Sumner road, yesterday afternoon, the D.D.G.M,, Bro H. Thompson, performing the ceremony. The following gentlemen were appointed : W. M, Bro P. Cunningham; 8.W., Bro W. D’Authreau ; J.W., Bro 0, A. Rich ; S.D., Bro W, B. Allwright; J.D.. Bro G. W, White ; treasurer, Bro S Derbidge ; secretary, Bro W. Mcßeth ; LG., Bro James Jones ; stewards, Bros Hobbs and Hamson ; organist, Bro E. Qiraud ; tyler. Bro A. Gordon. A banquet took place at the Lodge yesterday evening, at which there was a large attendance. Auckland Timber Trade.— The Auckland correspondent of the Daily Times writes : —“ The timber trade continues very active in this province, and, although prices are much lower than formerly, it must still be remunerative. In the Wairoa River alone there are loading the French barque Yvonne, the brigs Amy and Byron, the brigantine Swordfish, the schooner Onward, and the barque Isabella Ridley. These Eire at the Aratapu mills, and at the Ta Kopuni mills just below them there are loading the barquentine Ada Wiawell, the brigantines Rhoderic Dha, Yarra and Hannah Bloomfield, and the schooners Marmion, Sarah Pell, and Jessie Nicholl, with the barque Malay, ready to take the first vacant place at the wharf. Besides this, there is timber continually coming by small craft to Onehunga from the Wairoa and Hokianga, while the Mercury Bay mills Tapu mills, and many others are constantly sending their supply from different parts of the province to Auckland and coastwise to other ports. This will give you a good idea of the extent already of the timber trade. I need not speak of the kindred industries of shipbuilding, and of sash and door, and other similar manufactures connected |with it. I may refer, however, to one of the handsomest little crafts yet built here, which has just been finished for a Levuka firm, and sent to Fiji. She is called the Ulu-i-Lakeba (in other words, Lakeba Head), and is about 30 or 35 tons, very fast, and very strongly built. When comparing Aucklaud exports with Auckland imports, you must not forget that exports of this kind do not appear in the Custom House returns. Nor are we credited with the earnings of Auckland ships carrying timber and cargo for all parts of the colony, as well as with tße large coast trade thus done. These fjtdKoxplain to a great degree the apparent excess of' imports over exports peculiar to this province.’’ • ‘ ! The Kumara Divings ~^ub- Inspector O’Donnell has reported to Mr.-Pfice, Warden of the district, as follows,* respecting the Kmnara diggings:— “ Kumara, DecembeM4. Sir,- I have the honor to report, for information, that since my last report respecting the population and the prospects of the goldfields, I have made particular inquiries in order to ascertain all the information possible in connection with the field and the workings. It is estimated that there are nearly 1000 miners working in tunnel claims, and about GOO of these getting out , washdirt or on gold, but on account of the scarcity of water they are not ail getting returns, but many of them are compelled to enlarge their paddocks, awaiting the completion of the Kumara water-race, which will be finished and supply water in another month. On Larrikin’s terrace it is estimated that there are 1500 miners, all having very fair prospects. In the claim, which gives the terrace its name, there are nine men at work, and it is reported that they are making £ I a day, cradling being the only means they have at present of washing up. A good pack track is being made, and will soon be finished, almost to the end of this lead. The part of the field that is now attracting most attention is the Shamrock Lead, which branches

off to the right from Dillman’s Township, and which appears to be quite distinct from the main lead. It is estimated that there are over 400 miners on payable claims on this land, and all well satisfied with their prospects. Yesterday one of the most advanced claims on this lead bottomed on very good prospects, having washed about an ounce of gold from two loads. There are very great hopes that this lead, which is now well defined and on a level flat, will be traced westward to a considerable distance', and may shortly reachtowardsthe Greenstone road, near the Upper Sawmill. Respecting the total population, I am inclined to think that I under estimated the mining popula tion in my former reports, and that it may be fairly estimated that the total population on the whole field, including-women and children, is not less than 4500, and that of this amount 3009 are engaged in mining, leaving 1500 engaged in business and other pursuits.” Kaiapoi Athletic Sports and Horse Races —The committee which had the management of last year’s sports met at the Borough Council Chamber on Wednesday evening, Dr Dudley, president, in the chair. Mr B. G. Kerr, hon secretary and treasurer, read a statement of the accounts, showing that the receipts were £92 3s lid ; and, after passing accounts, there was a small balance in hand. On the motion of Mr J. W. Ellen, seconded by Mr E. Parnham, the statement of accounts was received and adopted. An unanimous vote of thanks was accorded to the hon secretary, proposed by Mr Parnham, seconded by Mr K. Moore. Subsequently, on the same evening, a public meeting was held in the Council Chamber, to decide the question of future sports. Fifteen persons were present. On the motion of Mr Ellen, Dr Dudley was voted to the chair. Having explained the object of the meeting, the chairman suggested that the sports ought to be held on January 11th. Mr Parnham moved, Mr J. Simo seconded, “That the sports be held on Thursday, January llth.” Mr G, W. Wearing moved as an amendment, " That the sports be held on New Year’s Day.” After some discussion, during which it was further suggested that after harvest, the motion of Mr Parnham was Kreed to. It was resolved, “ That, in future, e sports and races take place if possible on 2W Year’s Day.” Dr Dudley was reelected president; Mr E. G. Kerr, hon secretary and treasurer ; Mr O. Whitefoord, judge ; Mr E. Parnham, starter ; Mr R. R. Hicks, clerk of the course ; Mr J Bebarrell, clerk of the scales, and a committee, including the following, with power to add to their number, was elected ;—Messrs Monk, C. E, Dudley, J. Winterbourne, G, H. Wearing, Wood, Dudson, G. W. Wearing, Sims, Macfarlane, Eckersley, Oram, Burnip, M. H. Smith, Manning, Dawson, H. Revell, Funston, Smethurst, Hansen, Millard, McMillan, Brook, Evans, McDonald, Milsom, R, Moore, J, H. Moore, J. H. Kec-tley, Fraser, Barnard, Niven, Johnston, Ellen, flurse, H. Andersen, Eiby, Bosestow, Coup, G, Bailey, Duncan, J. Birnie, Bowie, Nicholson, Waiting, McLaren, Moran, 0, Young, Rev Carlyon, Drs Ovenden and Fletcher. The programme of last year, with a pony race added, was adopted on the motion of Mr Bebarrell, seconded by Mr Monk, and ordered to be advertised. On the motion of Mr Parnham, seconded by Mr Sima, it was resolved that anyone. protesting in the horse races must lodge their protest within one hour after the race, and deposit £l, which, in case of the protest being considered a frivolous one, will be forfeited to the funds, \otes of thanks to Mr A. Clark, sen, for his kindness in attending to the gate last year, and to Mr Bosestow, for the use of his paddock, were agreed to. The committee was informed that the same paddock would be available on this occasion. It was ordered that tenders be invited for publican’s and confectioner’s booths, when the meeting then adjourned, Fiji, —The Auckland correspondent of the Daily Times says—" We have no later news from'Fiji sinco I last wrote, but we have very good accounts by the Augusta of the sugar crop, and the increasing trade of the islands. The direct trade with Europe has fitherto been confined to Hamburg, but it is iow opened with England by the arrival of he barque Goolwa, of 717 tons, which vessel brought out a cargo, and takes another home in return. In addition to the Goolwa there are on the berth at Lcvuka the ship Prince Albert for Hamburg, and there are the barques Chocola and Fred Hartwig loading for German houses in London, This is not bad for a beginning, but there will be scores of ships where there is now one when sugar is produced, as it ought to be and will be, by thousands of tons in these islands; Already sugar is an extensive export. We had by Lthe Augusta 70 tons from Maitland Brothers’ |pill at Taviuni. The Bhering takes 80 tons prora the Rewa Company’s mill to Melbourne. ■The Vivid had just left for Melbourne with r 6O tons from Suva, and the first shipment of 20 tons had just been received in Levuka from a new district—Nadroga. In short, only give the titles to the land, and so get capital at work, and the production of sugar will increase as rapidly as did that of cotton >rhen cotton paid. The necessity for new sugar lands in the world is apparent, as the production of sugar has decreased by 410,000 tons below what it was a couple of years ago, owing to the decrease in beet culture in Europe, to the insurrection in Cuba, and other causes. The shipments to Australia and New Zealand from the Maurorae alone were 31,500 tons during the year ing June 30th, 1876. The total shipments from Mauritius alone exceeded 100,009 tons, and yet the Mauritius lands are neither so fertile nor as those of Fiji, while in esft^nt, Mauritius would only form a third/tate island in the group. ‘ Titles fcili&nd ’ is theory, and if the Government equal to the occasion, and /g|vh their eriergy to accomplishing this end, they will do more for the Fijis than any other possible policy could now gain. The seat of Government pales before this larger question, although people interested in property in Levuka and Ovaiau generally might be disposed to give it a first place. Nothing, however, is known about it yet. The papers are beginning to write very angrily about the apparent subservience of the interests of the settlers to those of the more interesting race of f native gentlemen ’ whom the old Fijian Government wore so fond of glorifying. There has been some excuse for this in the past, as the native question threatened to grow into great importance. Sir Arthur Gordon’s prompt measures have put an end to this, and he will be likely to throw tha game energy and promptitude into the settlement of the land question and other questions affecting more directly the welfare of the settlers. If he do so, the revenue would soon make the present money difficulties trivial and unworthy serious consideration.”

Theatrical. Christchurch playgoers will be glad to hear that Mr Dampier has been very successful in Timaru with his entertainment. He proceeds to Oamaru after a few more nights in Timaru, Mrs Scott Siddons will shortly make her appearance in Dunedin, under engagement to Mr George Darrell, and comeson here after fulfilling it. Messrs Baker and Farron, the celebrated Dutch and female impersonators, are to arrive early next month under engagement to Mr Shccpeison. They also purpose visiting Christchurch about the end of February. The Late Accident at Port Chalmers,—The Otago Guardian , of the 27ih, says :—“ The little boy, Arthur Smith, who fell into the Port Chalmers Graving Dock on Friday last, and fractured his skull, now shows decided symptoms of improvement, and his medical attendant, Dr Drysdale, begins to entertain strong hopes of his ultimate recovery, both physically and mentally. Yesterday he was both conscious and rational, His case is an interesting one, as proving that a considerable portion of the brain can be dispensed with without any apparent corresponding loss of mental power. The child, who is between four and five years of age (and not between eight and nine as previously stated), has lost, at the smallest computation two or three ounces of brain, small portions being; still discharged daily,”