NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 909, 24 May 1877, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Public Buildings. —The foundation stone of the new public buildings was laid today at noon by the Hon. E. Richardson. Prior to the actual ceremony Mr W. H. Clayton, the colonial architect, on the part of the contractor. Mr D. Reese, presented the Hon. E. Richardson, with a solid silver trowel, manufactured by Petersen and Co., which is a very creditable specimen of colonial workmanship, a miniature mallet and level, all beautifully finished. Mr Richardson then performed the ceremony of laying the stone, beneath which had been placed a bottle containing the current coins of the realm, the newspapers of the day, and a scro'l containing the'piamcs of the Ministry of the day, the members of the House of Representatives for the city, the Mayor and the members of the City Council. Mr Richardson then delivered an address, in the course of which he referred to the necessity which had been felt for so many years for the erection of public ofiices. He also paid a compliment to Mr Rolleston for the zeal and energy displayed by him in the settlement of the matters connected with the site which had prevented the earlier erection of the build logs. His Worship the Mayor spoke briefly on the necessity for a new Resident Magistrate’s Court, and also on the securing of the Provincial Council Chamber for the use of the City Council. Three cheers were given for the Queen, and the Hon Mr Richardson, and the proceedings terminated. The San Francisco Mail. —The inward mail arrived per s.s. Hawea yesterday. There were 61 bags in all, viz., 43 for Christchurch, 8 for Oamaru, 7 for Timaru, and 3 for Lyttelton. The Christchurch portion was forwarded by 3.30 goods train.

Gaiety Theatre. —There was a fair attendance at the Gaiety last evening considering the strong counter attraction elsewhere. We hardly think Mr Hall displayed his ordinary tact as a manager in attempting to produce a minstrel entertainment, for though here and there some of the items in the programme were rendered fairly, the effect as a whole could not be considered good. Miss Laura Wiseman sang the ballad allotted to her with much taste, and Mr Hall, as might have been expected, was very funny; but the rest of this part of the programme was hardly up to the mark. Mr Hall danced a silver belt jig in the second part excellently. Years ago Mr Hall was one of the best exponents of the poetry of motion we had here, and he has lost none of his talent in this direction. Indeed he seems rather to have improved, and last night he danced with much spirit and grace, fully deserving the enthusiastic applause which greeted him. The burlesque, as on previous occasions, went with great spirit throughout. All the characters played well, and the various songs and dances were very successfully given. To-night the company will again appear, and on Friday the members of the company will take a benefit, which has been tendered to them by the management. Football. —A match was played yesterday on Cranmer Square, between the Normal and West Christchurch Schools. The West won the toss, and preferred choice of goals. Play was commenced at 3.20 by J. Bowman kicking off for the Normal. During the first spell the West Christchurch goal was in great danger, and they were twice forced to touch the ball down. Brock then secured a touchdown for the Normal. The kick was entrusted to J. Bowman, who failed to kick a goal. In the next spell neither side gained any decided advantage, but during the last spell the West determined to retrieve their fortunes, and their heavy weights forced the lighter team back. The Normal were forced to touch the ball down, and shortly after Pole secured a touch-down for the West, but Tate was unsuccessful in kicking it. Just before time was called a scrimmage took place close to the Normal goal line, and the West claimed a force-down, which was disputed by the Normal, who stated that the ball went out of bounds, but the umpire gave the West the benefit of the doubt, and the game was a drawn one. Some good play was exhibited on both sides. Cricket Dinner. —A dinner to celebrate the winding-up of the cricket season, and also the presentation of Mr Sweet’s cup, took place at Radcliffe’s Hotel last evening. The dinner was admirably served, and reflects very great credit on Mr Radcliffe as a caterer. The chair was occupied by Mr T. S. Sweet, in the absence of Mr Wynn Williams, who was prevented, through indisposition, from being present ; Mr G. Turner was in the vice-chair. There was a very good attendance, about forty gentlemen sitting down. After the catering of Mr Radcliffe had been done justice to, the usual loyal toasts were given. The vice-chair then gave “ The Midland C.C.,” coupled with the name of Mr Watson, who briefly responded. The chairman then presented the cup to Mr Reeder for the highest average during the seasou- Mr Reeder returned thanks in suitable terms, making special reference to the kindness of the donor. The following other toasts were proposed:— “The Canterbury Cricket Association,” responded to by Mr D’Fmden ; ‘‘The Junior Cricketers of |Oanterbury,” responded to by Messrs. Reeder and Taylor [ “ The Supporters of Cricket,” responded to by Mr R. Steele ; “Mr E. Fowler,” responded to by that gentleman; “The Press,” responded to by Messrs. Briggs and Utting; and “ The Ladies,’’.’responded to by Messrs E. Connell and Dalgliesh. During the evening several songs were sung, and the whole proceedings were of the moffc enjoyable character.

Earthquake. —Three slight earthquake shocks were felt at Greymouth on Sunday afternoon at about a quarter past four o’clock. The oscillations were slight, and the force was apparently more upwards than lateral. About ten seconds intervened between each movement. The Vagabond.— The third series of “ The Vagabond Papers ” is in the press, and is shortly to be issued. All the articles have been altered, revised, and condensed from the columns of The Argus. The book will also contain a good lithograph portrait of the author. Journalistic.— The first number of the Northern Advocate, a journal devoted to the interests of the counties of Hobson, Rodney. Wangarie, Ray of Islands, Hokianga, and Mangonui, is to bo published on June 6th. Mr VV. Langbridge’, formerly of the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, is to be the literary conductor. Part of it is to be printed in the Maori language. Volunteer Inspection. The headquarters companies of Volunteers were inspected last night at the drillshed by Major Lean, who acted in the absence of Lieut. - Colonel Packe, who, we regret to say, is still confined to the house by severe illness. The attendance was not large of any of the companies, but the various evolutions were performed satisfactorily. Literary Debating Society.— The fortnightly meeting of this society was held on Tuesday evening, at Gee’s rooms; Mr W. J. Bull in the chair. There was a good attendance of members, and it was resolved that the subject for the next debate should be the “Eastern Question.” The meeting was brought to a close by some very enjoyable readings and recitations by various members of the society.

Severe on Road Boards —At the last meeting of the Arahura Road Board, during the consideration of the Colonial Secretary’s circular asking for suggestions as to the amendment of the Counties Act, Mr Seddon moved—“ That in the opinion of this Board the best policy of the Government would be to sweep the Road Boards out of existence.” An amendment was carried referring the matter to a committee.

Clerks op Road Boards. —The Otago Times says that clerks of Road Boards should make themselves acquainted with the terms of section 4 of the Registration of Electors Act, 1875, which requires that they should furnish to the Registration Oificer of their district an alphabetical list of all males over 21 years who had paid their rates for the year ending 30th March, 1877. The clerks of three Road Boards in the Taieri district were proceeded against in the Police Court, at the instance of Mr James Fulton, for an infringement of this section of the Act, but only a nominal penalty was imposed. The extreme penalty in such cases is £IOO, so neglecting to comply with the Act may carry with it consequences of a very serious nature.

Telegrams of War News. —The following particulars of the arrangement which is being made for the transmission of telegrams of war news are given by the Melbourne Argus : —“ The Premier has instructed the Agent-General (Mr Michie) to arrange with the Agents-Gcneral of the other colonies for the transmission weekly of a message from England to Australia concerning the position of affairs in Europe in connection with the possible outbreak of war. The Governments of the other colonies have been communicated with and requested to join in the arrangement, and in several instances favouraole replies have been received. These messages, which will, if necessary, be sent more frequently than once a week, will be sent to South Australia, and despatched without delay from Adelaide to all the colonies.”

Conference of School Committees.— The East Christchurch, West Christchurch, aucl Colombo road school committees met last evening in conference at the Gloucester street schoolroom. Mr E. C. J. Stevens was voted to the chair. After a long and somewhat animated discussion a resolution, moved bj Professor Bickerton, as to the desirableness of establishing secondary schools in suitable centres, was carried. Resolutions, that pupils desirous of entering these schools should first have passed an examination equal to the sixth standard, or an entrance examination; and that the standard of examination in district schools, and for teachers’ certificates should be uniform throughout the colony, were agreed to after discussion. Several other resolutions were adjourned until the next meeting of the conference, which will be held three weeks’ hence, when it* is expected that members of the outlying school committees will be present to take part in the proceedings. An extended report appears elsewhere. Inquest. —An inquest was held yesterday, at Feathers’s Hotel, Addington, on the body of Catherine McCertin, aged three years, daughter of Mr Patrick McCertin, who met her death through injuries received by her clothes catching on fire on the 21st instant. From the evidence it appeared that on that morning Mrs McCertin went some short distance from the house to milk a cow, leaving the child with her brother, who was only a year older. A short time afterwards, hearing cries proceeding from the house, she ran back and found the child in a neighbour’s arms, who had found her clothes on fire, and had succeeded in putting it out, but not before the little thing’s arms and legs were badly burnt. Dr. Coward saw the child next day and prescribed for her, but she gradually sank and died yesterday morning. From the statement of the little boy, it appeared that his sister was playing at the fire with a stick, which became lighted at one end and came into contact with her clothes. The jury returned a verdict of “ Accidental death.” Mining foe Manganese. —A late telegram reported that some representatives of an English company had arrived at Auckland, with a view to working manganese mines. The particulars are thus stated by the Herald —“ Mr J. Phillips, the representative of an English company, with a staff of experienced miners, have just arrived from Tayistock, Devonshire, with a view pf thoroughly prospecting various portions of the provincial district, not only for manganese, but other minerals. Mr Phillips has already completed arrangements fpr at once inspecting and testing the manganpse at the Bay of Islands and other places, and will leave for the district by the next steamer which goes there. Abput eight years ago, the company which Mr Phillips represents undertook the working of the Ifun Mountain pqpppr Mine, in the province fif kelson, and although his people spent a considerable amount in the prosecution of the undertaking, very little good followed the expenditure. Mr Phillips lias already put himself in communication with several Northern settlers, with a view of eliciting information to aid him in his investigations.”

The Late Mr Martelli. —Recording the death of Mr Martelli, as the result of a melancholy mishap in the hunting field, the Tim am Herald of Monday says;—“Mr Martelli died yesterday morning, a few minutes before noon, in spite of the most careful and unremitting attention on tl 9 part of those whose professional devotion to tb.eir patient was only equalled by their solicitude for him as friends. On Saturday lie appeared to have got the better of the most dangerous features of his injury, and hopes were entertained that he might not only survive it, but might even eventually be restored to health. Yesterday morning, however, symptoms of collapse became apparent, and after recognising with becoming fortitude his momentous position, the brave man passed into a state of lethargy, in which he presently expired. Mr Martelli first came to Canterbury about twenty years ago, having been one of a number who came over in the early days with stock from Australia. He afterwards became connected with sheep-farming in this district, and during his long residence here made for himself a very wide circle of friends by his genial qualities, and particularly by his singular accomplishments in every branch of sport. Subsequently he tried his fortunes in Fiji, where his indomitable spirit and buoyancy of character gave Him every prospect of success. The climate, however, was against him, and about three years since he returned to Timaru, where he met with that hearty welcome from all his friends to which his many good qualities entitled him. Since then he has carried on business here with the utmost energy and industry, but has nevertheless invariably managed to spare time to take an active part in all those manly recreations in which he so greatly excelled. To everything connected with horses he seemed to the manner born. An inimitable rider, he was known at every steeplechase and hunt meeting, while his control of horses from the box was equal in his mastery of them in the saddle. In all sorts of athletic sports too, he took the strongest interest; and in all matters where courage, endurance, and friendly rivalry were concerned, he was always ready to afford the heartiest and most unselfish co-operation.”