NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 891, 3 May 1877, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The War. —The cable telegram which wc publish elsewhere, although somewhat brief, is full of interest. The Russians, notwithstanding their reported defeat at Batoum, have advanced some distance over the frontier of Asia Minor; and commenced the siege of Kars. The siege of this town, says Chambers, by the Russians under Mouravieff, and its defence by the Turks, with the aid, and under the conduct of General Williams, form one of the most brilliant passages in the history of the great Russian war. Notwithstanding the threat of Russia, the Khedive will help Turkey, so that the probably of a general European war is now much greater than it was. Damanu Wood. —By the San Francisco mail a magnificent specimen of damanu wood lias been forwarded by Messrs D. Levy and Sons, of Fiji, to their London agents. Having been carefully planed and polished, the handsome grain of this timber is fully displayed, and should excite much competition amongst upholsterers and cabinet-makers to obtain a supply of this very ornamental and valuable wood. Being a hard wood of great density and highly durable, it should favorably compete with mahogany as a veneer. There being absolutely no limit to the supply, this should speedily become one of the staple exports from Fiji. Football. —The match on Saturday will be between a Club Fifteen and a team from the newly-formed Merivale Club. The following are the names of the respective teams: — Christchurch Club, whose colors are red and black —Messrs W. H. Atack, A. H. Anderson, C. Bolton, T. Chapman, E. R. Deacon, J. S. Field, W. Hartland, E. G. Hawkes, J. Martin, G. S. Mathias, H. McCardell, L. M. Ollivier, Gr. J. Parker, H. H. Secretan, and R. T. Searell; emergency, J. J. Collins, W. Potts, and J. Gr. Rule. Merivale Club, whose colors are blue Jersey and red stockings— Messrs Brewster, Champion, D’Bmden, Gordon, J. H. Hawkes, H. W. Moore, Haider, H. S. Paul (captain), E. Peter, M. Smith, Stringer, T. Taylor, and J. Wilkin. Play to commence at 2.45 p.m. sharp. Any of those nominated who cannot attend are requested to let the secretary know. At a committee meeting held on Tuesday night, G. H. Boyd was elected a member of the Christchurch Club. Disturbance at Oamaru. —Some telegrams report that a disgraceful scene occurred on Sunday morning, shortly before one o’clock, the parties concerned being boarders at two well-known sly-grog shops. The row seems to have originated on Friday night, when a lodger from one of the houses was ill-treated while attending a public dance at the other house. To have'satisfaction, she and a large party of fellow-boarders collected next niglit and commenced throwing stones at the opposition house, breaking the whole of the windows. A regular faction fight took place. The boarders of the assailed premises turning out, with the aid of sticks and stones, succeeded in driving the assailants back to their own place, where the fight was continued until the arrival of the police, when both parties made off. Several innocent persons were assailed during the row, one in particular receiving a nasty blow from a stone. Both of the houses are well known to the police as being sly-grog shops; have bars fitted up like hotels, and regular barmen arc kept at each of them. They keep a large number of girls to induce men to visit them. The Commerce of the Colony. —ln some remarks on the half-yearly report of the Directors of the Bank of New Zealand, the Auckland Herald says :—“ The only feature in the speech of the Chairman was the allusion to diminution of the Government Deposits, which only concerned the Bank as one of the elements of their large business. Whatever prospective diminution of profit there may be under this head its place is supplied by the satisfactory increase of assets, which now stand at the magnificent figure of £8,800,000, as compared with £7,700,000 of last year. When these large figures are analysed and referred to the source from which they proceed, it will bo found that the substantial progress and trade of the country though less rapid is still satisfactory. The Bank of New Zealand, ns the figui’es in its balance-sheet prove, has made a marvellous progress to its high position in the course of only fifteen years. Its advance is a proof of the great advance of the trade and commerce of New Zealand. Since its establishment two new institutions of the kind have made their mark in the colony ; the National Bank of New Zealand, which has existed only some four years, and has secured a sound footing, and the Colonial Bank—a local institution, as its name imports —which, though of still more recent date, is steadily expanding its borders of operation. So with the other Banks established in the country, though belonging to other colonies. These all show increase of business, and the steady growth of our national wealth, and accumulation of that capital which is the true basis of sound commercial progression.” Mr Carruthers’s Plan oe Drainage.— A colored lithograph of the plan prepared by Mr Carruthcrs, C.E., for the Christchurch Drainage Board has been issued. The plan, as printed on a single sheet of some size, consists of three parts —An index plan of sewers, sections of intercepting sewers, and a plan showing night-soil and irrigation reserves. In convenient corners of the sheet are printed an extract from Mr Carruthers’s report, and an explanation of the plan generally. According to the text of this explanation, the plan shows the system of sewers and their sizes ; arrows show the direction in the How of them. Sections are shown of the intercepting sewers into which all the others discharge, and the points at which the collecting sewers discharge are marked. Black circles show the man-holes at all junctions, by which equally distributed ventilation is obtained. Flushing off-takes, at which water from natural creeks will be impounded, are also marked. On the north side of the river the principal source for Hushing is St. Alban’s creek, besides which artesian wells are provided for. The plan also shows storm overflows into the river, the overflow from the S.E. being down the Ferry road sewer, and into the Heath cote. There are also shown the pumping stations where the ordinary sewage is to be lifted high enough to cause it to flow into the high level outfall sewer already built . The smaller plan shows the part of the sandhills which has been reserved, the explanation being made that if desirable the sewage can bo pumped high enough to flow over the sandhills, which would purify it, and enrich the land at. the same time. Now that the plan has been published, it will, no doubt, contribute considerably to a more general comprehension of the plan which Mr Carruthers proposes. The plans may be obtained at Bonnington’s at a shilling each.

New Journal.—An evening paper, to be named the News, is about to be published from the Timaru Herald office. Mr Warden Price. —Mr Price, Resident Magistrate and Warden in Westland, who lately passed through Christchurch on his way to Wellington to attend the conference of wardens, returned to Hokitika on Tuesday. He was compelled to leave the conference before the conclusion of its proceedings in consequence of Mrs Price’s serious illness, but before he reached Christchurch she hud died, and her funeral took place l ast week. A Long Train.-— Shortly after four o’clock yesterday morning a train left the Christchurch station for the South, consisting of ninety-seven narrow-guage waggons, two guard vans, and two powerful engines. To give some idea of the length of this train, it may be noted that when the engines were passing the Addington station the last waggons were just on the point of leaving the Christchurch yards. The Primate. —The Primate and Archdeacon Harper were heartily welcomed in Westland. About three hundred persons attended a musical entertainment in Hokitika on the evening of their arrival, when addresses were also delivered by the Bishop, the Archdeacon, and the Rev. Mr Pascoe. A similar entertainment was also held in the suburban township of Kanieri. Archdeacon Harper returned to Christchurch by the coach last evening. Suspicious Death. —Our Auckland telegrams report the exhumation of the body of a woman named Scott, and the holding of an inquest as to her death. Mrs Scott was confined at Onehunga on Thursday, and died on Friday morning. Dr Ross believed the symptoms indicated arsenic poisoning. He took some froth from her mouth, which was analysed by Tunny, the Government analyst, and on returning to Onehunga found the woman already buried. Tunny, after the analysis, pronounced the matter arsenic. Her husband is on one of the steamers. Christchurch Horticultural Society. —A meeting of the committee of the Christchurch Horticultural Society was held last evening at Radcliffe’s Commercial Hotel, Mr T. Gordon in the chair. There were also present Messrs Guntrip, Allen, Greenaway, and Professor Bickerton. It was resolved that the annual general meeting be held on the 17th inst., at Radcliffe’s Hotel. It was further agreed that the prize money be paid on the above-named evening pro rata, and after some more routine business had been transacted the meeting adjourned. Stanmore Road Bridge.—Seme little time ago a notice appeared from the Avon Road Board, warning persons against taking heavy loads over this bridge, as it was unsafe for such traffic. No notices to this effect were or have been posted at the entrances to the bridge, and now daily drays heavily laden are to be seen crossing at intervals. That a serious accident must happen if some precaution is not takeu a very cursory examination of the underwork of the bridge will show, and under such circumstances blame could only attach to the Road Board. Canterbury Hunt Club Hounds. —The meet on Wednesday took place at Roberts’s Club Hotel, Rangiora, and the hounds were cast off after the drag from the Agricultural Show paddock. There was a large muster of the field, and Mr Barker, as master, was present. Most of the riders had great difficulty to get over the first fence, which was a very stiff gorse. The whipper-in, who goes by the name of “Johnny,” came in for a nasty spill, his horse falling on him, and he had to be taken to an hotel, but is, it was stated, only severely shaken, though rendered unconscious for a time. The run was over the country to Fernsidc 'and back. New Brighton School Committee. — This committee held a meeting on Tuesday last, for the purpose of electing a Chairman in the room of the late Mr Peter Kerr. Mr Edmund N. Corser was elected to the vacancy. On the motion of Mr E. Barker, seconded by Mr Inwood, the committee desired to express their sincere and deep regret for the loss of their late respected chairman, who for the last four years, diming which he had been connected with the management, had labored so perseveringly for the success and welfare of the school and district generally. And further that the newly-elected chairman be requested to [forward a copy of this resolution with a letter of sympathy to Mrs Kerr and family. Gaol Return. —During April there were 22 prisoners in Lyttelton gaol committed for trial at the Supreme Court; 11 received sentences, and are enumerated among the hard labor prisoners, numbering 118, while 2 were discharged on bail; 6 underwent imprisonment, 3 medical treatment, and 7 were debtors, the total number being 152. There were 35 discharged. In Addington gaol there were 99 prisoners, 51 being discharged, including 3 committed to Lyttelton, and 2 removed to the Hospital. In Timaru gaol there were 47 prisoners, and 22 discharged. Christchurch Mutual Improvement Association. The usual weekly meeting, held last evening, was devoted to reading selections from Dickens’s works by the President, Messrs Gapes, Atkinson, Goodsall, Shelton and Rutland. Friendly criticism, eliciting much laughter, followed, after which a resolution was passed that a subscription of one shilling per session should in future bo levied, the non-payment of which would cancel membership. A large number of visitors w r ere present, who seemed to take a lively interest in the proceedings. The meeting terminated as usual with prayer. Woolston. —The annual ball given by the firms connected with the wool and leather trades was held at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Woolston, on Friday last. The room was very tastefully decorated with flags, evergreens, and flowers which had a pretty effect. The catering was under the supervision of Mr J. Coles of the Wharf Hotel, and gave great satisfaction. Although the weather was very unfavourable for people living at a distance, the attendance was very good, upwards of forty couples assembled, and dancing was kept up with great spirit until daylight in the morning. A Contented Community. —The Dunstan Times thus speaks of Mr Reid’s visit to Clyde : —“ He was not worried by deputations, nor annoyed by grievance-mongers, at which fact he naturally felt somewhat surprised after his recent experiences. ‘What, Mr Mayor,’ said the minister, ‘have you no wants ?’ ‘ No,’ replied tho Mayor, ‘we don’t want auytliing, wc help ourselves.’ M ell, l hat is strange,’ replied Mr Reid, in every oilier place 1 have visited, they are full of wants and grievances. This must be a very contented community.’ When the Hon. Mr Bowen was at Clyde ho made a similar remark—‘At some places I have visited, they seem to want everything,’ said he, ‘but at Clydelthey never bothered me at all.’ ”

Gaiety Theatre. —There -was a capital house last night at this place of amusement, when the bill of the preceding evening was repeated. In the burlesque, which went well, Miss Laura Wiseman sang “Is my darlingtrue to me ” capitally, receiving a well merited encore. Miss Bessy Vivian was successful in “ Good-bye darling,” the kissing refrain in which appeared to take the fancy of the audience immensely. Mr Hall, Mr Keeley, and Miss Marian Lyster, with (he other ladies and gentlemen of the company played throughout with much spirit. Ihe harlequinade went very smoothly, the dancing of Miss Bessy Vivian and Mr Hooper, with the comicalities of Mr Hall as clown, eliciting loud applause. The same bill will be repeated to-night. Sad Accident. —The following arc fuller particulars of the very sad accident which occurred on Tuesday to Mr Charles Turner, farmer, Harewood road, and which it is feared will result seriously. It seems that about one o’clock on that day Mr Turner returned from Christchurch home with Mr Hack, who lives near him, and remarked to that gentleman when leaving him, “ I’ll go and remove that poor bull.” (Mr Turner was _ about giving up his farm, and having sold this bull, had tethered him at a stake for delivery to the purchaser). The animal had been fastened by a double chain to a post in one of the paddocks. About twenty minutes afterwards one of Mr Turner’s daughters, on going through the garden, was attracted by her father making signs to her. On reaching him he presented a very sad spectacle, and though unable to speak gave her to understand that when releasing the bull from the chain the animal rushed at him, his horn entering under the injured man’s chin, completely carrying away the lower part of the right jaw, the greater portion of the mouth, nose and socket of the right eye, also injuring the left eye. After recovering the shock the young girl obtained assistance, and had her father removed to the house. He retained consciousness throughout, which considering his age—fifty-five years—and the nature of the accident, is something wonderful. Dr Campbell was hurriedly sent for and arrived in a very short time, but little hope of recovery can be entertained. No one saw the accident, but the unfortunate man’s jaw was picked up, near the stake to which the bull had been tied. One of the animal’s horns was covered with blood. He had been bred and always attended to by Mr Turner, and had shown no signs of viciousness until about two days ago, when he rushed at one of his owner’s sons.