NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 999, 7 September 1877, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Steam Tug- for Lyttelton.—The Harbor Board have determined to ask Captain McLellan to proceed to England to select and bring out a tug steamer for the port of Lyttelton. Peacock's Wharf.—At the meeting of the Harbor Board yesterday, it was determined to conclude the purchase of Peacock's wharf by offering Messrs Cunningham and Co. £20,000 for their interest in the lease of the property. Exported Stock. —By the s.s. Hawea yesterday Mr James Mayne shipped for Picton a black colt, rising four years. He is named Burgundy, and is by Golden Grape, out of Queen of the Gipsies. He stands nearly 16 hands, has plenty of power and should be a great acquisition to the stock of Marlborough.

Magistrates' Court. —Mr Mellish had only a small batch of " drunks" to dispose of this morning. James Burns was fined 10s ; W. J. Nankarris, alias Major, 20s; Ben. Clarke, 40s ; and Mary Cunningham, an ancient frequent offender, was fined 60s, the Bench informing her that should she appear again she would be sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment.

Lytteltojt Colonists' Society.—A meeting of the committee of this society was held on Wednesday evening last; the president, Mr Nalder, in the chair. Correspondence was read—From Mr H. P. Murray-Aynsley, stating, in answer to a letter of the president's, that the House had voted a certain sum for libraries, and that probably 10s would be granted for every pound raised by the society during the year. From the Secretary for the Lyttelton Harbor Board, stating that £25 had been granted to the society by that body, owing to the readingroom and reference librai-y being open to all seamen visiting the Port. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Webb, "That the Harbor Board be written to thanking them for their donation." Mr Taylcr said the books recently selected by the Library Committee had been ordered from Sydney, and might be expected per Botorua. The President said the question of conveying the land on which the Colonists' Hall stood would be discussed at the next meeting of (he Council. Owing to the absence of the Mayor, who was chairman of the EstatesCommittee, it had been impossible to consider it before. The Treasurer stated that £SO 0s kl had been received since last meeting, and that the balance in hand was £ajo 4s lOd. Accounts amounting to £2? were passed for payment. Tho president, yice-president, and treasurer were requested to draw up the report to be presented to the members at next annual meeting. It was resolved to request Messri W. Ward and G-. F. Jenkins to act as auditors. It was stated that the receipts from winter evening readings for the season would probably reach the gum of £6O.

Ohoka. —The plans of the new Wesleyan Church here are now on view, and show that the building is to be made a very commodious as well as comfortable one. The Oddfellows' Hall is shortly to be built on plans prepared by Mr E. M. Wright, of Kaiapoi. Entertainment.—The entertainment ani nounced to be given in liquidation of the deficit arising from the conversazione held in the Normal School some time ago took place last night in the Oddfellows' Hall, and was well attended. The principal feature in the programme was readings by Mr Howard from Dickens and Tennyson. The selections were " The Christmas Carol " by the former, and " The Brook " by the latter, in both of which Mr Howard succeeded in gaining the close attention and approbation of has hearers. The musical part of the programme was rendered satisfactorily by Mesdames Winter and Corrick, Misses Foster and Rowley, and Mr J. &. L. Scott. Consecration of Winchester Masonic Lodoe.—On Monday, 3rd instant, this Lodge was consecrated by the E.W.D.D.Q-.M. Bro. H. [Thomson. A large number of brethren from the St John's and Caledonian Lodges, Timaru, and several members of the craft from Ashburton attended. Bro. Barclay, the chaplain, delivered an able address to the brethren on their duties as Masons. The E.W.D.D.Q-.M., assisted by Bro. King, P.M.; Bro. Williamson, P.M., Bro. West and Bro. Watkins duly consecrated the Lodge, under the name of the Winchester Lodge, according to ancient usages. The ceremony was performed in a most impressive manner. Bro. Zeidler W.M. 1137, presided at the organ, and rendered the anthems with good effect. The following officers were duly installed for the ensuing year:—W.M., Bro. J. King, P.M.; S.W., Bro. W. De Benzie; J.W., Bro. Or. Taylor; S.D., Bro. W. Smith ; J.D., Bro. J. A. Young ; J.G., Bro. W. G. Walsh ; Bro. G. C. Williams, Tyler. At the close of the installation, Bro. the R.W.D.D.M., made a few remarks expressive of the satisfaction it gave him to perform this and said the Lodge was like a ship well officered, well manned and well found setting out on a voyage, which with but due care would surely lead to success, and complimented the new Lodge on its selecting for its first W.M. such a tried and able"officer as Bro. King. After the ceremony was ended the brethren were called from labour to refreshment. The chair was occupied by Bro King, on whose left were Bros. Thomson and Williamson, on the right Bros. Zeidler and the Rev Bro. Barclay. The vice-chair was occupied by Bro. De Renzie, supported by Bros. Rutland and Young. The usual loyal and masonic toasts were duly given, and responded to. The furniture, working tools, &c. of the Lodge were manufactured by Bro. Wallis, of Timaru, and reflected great credit on his workmanship. The jewels and collar were made by Bro. Partridge of Timaru, and are of beautiful workmanship and finish.