NEWS OF THE DAY

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 885, 26 April 1877, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY

Home Arrivals.-— A telegram dated London, 23rd instant, was received by the New Zealand Shipping Company yesterday, advising the arrival of the Orari and City of Auckland, from Auckland; the Howrah, from Wellington; and the Mataura, from Port Chalmers, all sailing under the Company’s flag. The Press Agency informs us also of the arrival of the St. Leonard’s at London.

Pheasant Shooting. —During the last week the lion, secretary of the Acclimatisation Soeietv has received numerous letters stating pheasants were now being shot- in the New Brighton district, and also at the foot of the hills. A watch was immediately sot at both places, and at Tuesday’s meeting the Council further determined to offer a reward of £lO for information that will lead to the detection of offenders.

The Hares. —During last week an amateur coursing match took place in Hagley Park by invitation of the curator to the Acclimatisation Society. What was done with the hares taken' or killed has not transpired, but the Council of the Society expressed their disapprobation of the action at Tuesday’s meeting, and pending applications for the purchase of the hares have instructed that no more be captured for some days.

The Gaiety. “Toodles, ” with Miss Bessy Vivian as Mrs Tooclles, and Mr Hall as Mr Tooclles, preceded the burlesque of “ Paris” last evening. Miss Vivian and Mr Hall evoked great laughter, and played capitally throughout. The burlesque went well, the various songs and dances being given with much spirit and success. To-night the burlesque will be repeated. A pantomime is announced to be in preparation, the subject of which, we believe, is a well-known nursery legend.

Sale ok 'Donkeys.—Noticing the shipment of donkeys lately sent from Lyttelton to Dunedin, the (tvardian says: —“Several of the donkeys brought to Dunedin by Mr John Trestrail were disposed of on Saturday at tolerably high prices. Most of the animals, which are fine specimens of their species, were bred by Sir Cracroft Wilson of Canterbury. A cockney visiting Messrs Wright and Stephenson’s yards on Saturday might, for the moment have imagined himself suddenly transported to ‘ ’Ampstead’or ‘ Black - ’oath.’ All the juvenile larrikins of the city seemed to have congregated there, and the donkeys were having a lively time of it.” Football. —A match was played yesterday on Cranmer Square, between fifteen of the Normal School Football Club and a like number of the West Christchurch. Some very good play was noticeable on both sides. The Normal School captain won the toss, and preferred choice of goals. Borthwick kicked off at 3.30 p.m., and when time was called the Normal School proved victors by nine points to nil. An alphabetical match, A to L v 51 to Z, will be played on Saturday, on the square ; the former side wearing red and black and the latter blue and white. Members are requested to turn up punctually, so that play can commence at 2.45 p.m.

IFakpeb Stuekt Wkslkyax Church Axxivuusary. —The anniversary sermons in connection with the Harper-street, church were preached on .Sunday last. The Rev. Mr Worker was the preacher in the morning, and the Rev. Mr Smalley in the evening. Roth services were largely attended, that in the evening being crowded. The usual soiree came off on Tuesday, and was in every way an unqualified success. The attendance was so numerous that standing-room could scarcely he found. The public meeting was addressed bv the Revs. Smalley, Purchon, Eaumber, Worker, Ehnsly, and Cumberworth, who earnestly exhorted the congregation to a higher spiritual life, and more abundant labours in the cause of Christ. During the evening the Rev. J. S. Smalley, on behalf of the congregation, presented to Mr J. Wilfred Smith a beautifully illuminated address. Mr Smith has been identified with the Church almost from its origin, and his removal to Lyttelton will be a very serious loss to the congregation. Selections of music were also given bv a large choir with excellent effect. It was stated by the Rev. Chairman that the new Colombo Road Church would be immediately commenced. It would be under the pastoral care of Mr Smalley, who was settled In the district, and when opened woidd no doubt be speedily filled by an earnest congregation,

Maori Tangt. —The tangi over the body of the deceased chief of the native hapu living .hove Mercer is over, and the natives have many of them returned ; the others are returning to their several hapus. Amongst them were the chief Tawhiao, the King's sister Margaret, and several natives of rank. Some estimate of the number of natives assembled may be gathered from the fact that 6000 eels, amongst other food, were consumed, the largest of which weighed 401bs. Acclimatisation. —The Hokitika Times states that by the Christchurch coach on Friday Mr T. K. Christian forwarded eleven brace of Californian quail for distribution along the road. Tins gentleman has incurred the expense for the purpose of furnishing Westland with legitimate sport, and his enterprise should be supplemented by public subscriptions, for £2O or £3O would suffice to fairly stock the country in (he neighborhood of the Christchurch road with these line birds. Fire at North Kowai. —ln reference to the grain fire at Mr Stokes’ farm, North Kowai, on Wednesday week, in which 600 bushels of outs and 200 bushels of barley newly threshed and in bags were destroyed, Mr Stokes reports that he was at the grain at 9.30 p.m., and the machine had just left. In half an hour after he was apprised by his neighbors that his corn was on fire. His loss is uncovered by any insurance. This is not the first time he has suffered loss by fire to his grain, and as he is on excellent terras with everyone in the neighborhood it is hard to suspect anyone of incendiarism. A strange man is said to have been seen near the scene of the fire. St. Mary’s, Merivale. —The first of a series of winter entertainments took place in the schoolroom of this parish on Tuesday evening, under the presidency of the Rev. T. Flavell, incumbent, and was in every respect a complete success. The entertainment comprised readings by the Revs. ,T. W. Stack and H. C. M. Watson, Messrs W. Stringer, jun., H. Black, and F. Fielding. Music was represented by members of the choir and friends, including performances by an orchestral septett, and consisted of a series of vocal solos. A pianoforte duet on subjects from Weber’s Prcciosa, brilliantly performed by two young ladies, was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. The National Anthem brought a very pleasant evening to a close. The incumbent stated that efforts would be made to produce similar entertainments monthly during the winter, the proceeds being devoted to the support of the Sunday School of the parish. The Fire Brigade. —The quarterly practice of the Brigade was held last evening. The steamer Deluge was placed at the tank opposite Messrs Wilson and Sawtell’s, and an attempt was made to supply with water the steamer Extinguisher, stationed at the corner of Colombo and Tuam streets. The attempt was a complete failure, showing that another water supply is required in this locality. The hand-engine and hook and ladder companies also practised in the same neighborhood. After the practice the quarterly meeting was held, when the balance-sheet of the fitting and furnishing the new station was read, showing a balance of £35, which was voted for the purchase of new books. The Brigade take this opportunity of returning thanks for the liberal manner in which their appeal was responded to. There was read a letter from Mr Shand, of Shand, Mason and Co., of London, who had visited the Philadelphia Exhibition, explaining the arrangements made for assisting firemen in their duties by means of the telegraph and otherwise. Extracts were also read from Captain Shaw’s report on London fires. The Prince of Wales’ Visit to the Colonies. —Atlas,” the winter in the World, who was the original authority for file statement that the Prince of Wales contemplated a visit to the Australasian colonies, writes as follows in the issue of that journal for February 21st : —‘‘ lam able to say, in contradiction to some statements which have appeared, that the Prince of Wales will not depart on his intended visit to the antipodes this year, the reason being that, were he to do so, it would be impossible for him to see all that he wishes to sec of our Australian colonies, and be back in time for the opening of the Paris Exhibition on the Ist May, 1878. His Royal Highness, who is President of the British Commission, is bestowing much time and attention on the work of furthering the success of the British section, going even more into the details of the preparations, which already arc well advanced, than he did in connection with the Vienna Exhibition of 1873, to the success of the English department of which his exertions so much contributed. I need not say that the programmes of the Prince’s tour which have appeared since last week I announced that it had been decided on are wholly spurious. No details respecting the journey, its character, or its cost have as ycb been gone into.” Coach Accident. —A coach accident, by which Mr Hawkins, solicitor, Hokitika, suffered some injuries, happened a few days ago. It appears the driver of Mr Cameron’s coach was driving from Kumara to town, with Mr Hawkins alongside of him on the box, being the only passenger. The leaders shied at some iron that was placed on or near the road, opposite Mr Stanton’s Hotel, at the Junction road, capsizing the coach and throwing the driver and Mr Hawkins some distance on to the side. The driver got off with g slight bruise, but Mr Hawkins fell heavily on to his side and chest. The horses tore away for several hundred yards with the fore part of the coach, but ultimately drew up, after disentangling themselves from the greater part of the harness and traces. After some delay Mr Hawkins was enabled to proceed on his journey, and reached home, when medical attendance was called in. It is since reported that the injuries are not likely to prove serious. Scene in the Westland Council. —The Wrut Coast Times, after referring to a series of scenes in which Mr Seddons figured as the chief actor, gives the following description of a discreditable climax to his eccentricities: —Finally, when the report of the com in it too on toll gates was being discussed, Mr Seddon charged Mr MWbirter with stating a falsehood, whereupon the aggrieved parly, in addition to giving Mr Seddon the lie direct, threatened to break his head with an inkstand. Now, although Mr MA\ hirtcr exceeded the bounds of discretion in so conducting himself, the behaviour of Mr Seddon was so indescribably insolent to his brother Councillors that the arguviention ad homintvi was almost justifiable. The incipient row was calmed by the judicious actibn of the chairman, who acted with temper and decision under somewhat unpleasant circumstances. The reputation of the Council has been injured by Mr Seddon, and he should certainly apologise for his behaviour ou Thursday night.

The English Birds. — xkn interesting letter lias been received by the Acclimatisation Society from Mr Alfred Burrows, East Oxford, giving tbc results of that gentleman s observations of the “settlement” of the English birds in that district. During last season he has observed that greenfinches, goldfinches, skylarks, starlings, and syarrows have thriven well there, the gold ii aches showing a strong predilection for deioming the seeds of the Scotch thistle. Chaffinches, pheasants, and partridge are also established in the district, but have not done so well t h> year. He has also noticed that the Australian magpie has done well during last season, and those who know that bird best will congratulate farmers on the fact.

Christchurch Horticultural Society This society held their show of out-door. grapes and chrysanthemums last evening at Radeliffe’s Hotel. The exhibits in both sections were exceedingly small, and the latter especially, though excellent in quality, was no credit to the society in numbers. Mr S. Harper was awarded a Ist, 2nd, and certificate of merit prize for bis exhibits in the former class ; the first bunches being very creditable. In chrysanthemums, Mr J. Greenaway took all the prizes in both flowering varieties and mixed class, the “Empress of India ” bloom being exceedingly noticeable in the collection. A certificate of merit was awarded to Messrs Duncan and Son for three stands of chrysanthemums, sent in for exhibition, Mr H. Crooks receiving a similar honour for a plate of early potatoes. Six pols of nice varieties ol ferns were shown by Mr E. Spear, and fifteen French marigolds by Mr S. Harvey. A meeting of members was subsequently bold, at which there was a large attendance. The chair was taken by Mr G. A. Eeadc, who stated that the purpose for which they had met was to discuss the best means of interesting the public in horticultural matters. One of their vice-presidents who took a very great interest in the Society—he meant Mr E. C. J. Stevens —hud thought the matter out, and taken some action with the Domain Board as to receiving permission to initiate a greenhouse in their grounds, should such a course be considered advisable by members. Owing, however, to the unavoidable absence of that gentleman, be was unable to do more than very summarily sketch bis ideas, and be would suggest that the meeting should he adjourned for a future day, hoping at the same time that members would show their desire to improve the present position of the Society by attending in such large numbers as they had that evening. After a long discussion on general matters affecting the Society flic meeting was adjourned for three weeks, to give members an opportunity of hearing Mr Stevens’ scheme.