NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1075, 7 December 1877, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Floods in the Rivers. —The recent N.W. weather has caused a flood in several of the Canterbury rivers. The Waimakiriri has once more made a breach in the Northern railway line at Chaney's, washing away a portion of the line. Passenger traffic has not, however, been suspended, travellers being trollied over the damaged parts. It is expected that the necessary repairs will be effected to morrow. The Rakaia has been in very great Hood, and had not the line been considerably raised a short time ago. a large breach would have been made here also. As it was, the water reached almost to the rails. At the Rangitata some slight damage has been done, but not sufficient to interrupt traffic.

Magisterial. The only case brought before the Resident Magistrate was that of Alexander Campbell, who was fined 20s for being drunk and disorderly. The Waimakahibi. —This river was very high in the south branch on Thursday evening when the last train crossed. The quantity of water brought down is from the melting snow after the hot winds of the last day or two. J Accident. —A serious accident occurred to a young man named John Schmid whilst filling shingle in a pit on the Ashley Downs. Without warning the bank fell in, almost burying him, and when released it was found that his leg was broken below the knee. Dr. Downs was early in attendance and set the bone, after which the patient was removed to the Hospital by the 5.25 p.m. train.

Lyttelton Colonists' Society.—A meeting of the committee of this society was held on Wednesday last. It was resolved, at the request of a number of subscribers to procure the Hokitika " Leader." The vice-president stated that arrangements had been made for holding a concert on Thursday, 13th inst., and that the Christchurch Orchestral Society woidd assist on that occasion. The president gave particulars regarding the inauguration of a short-hand class. After the transaction of some further routine businessSthe meeting adjourned. Destruction of Fish. —Information has been received by the secretary of the Acclimatisation Society, that fish are being destroyed by means of dynamite at Sumner. The neighborhood of the "rocks" has been named as the locale where this is principally used, and means have been taken which may ultimately prevent a repetition of such dastardly conduct.

The New Education Act.—At the sitting of the Board oi' Education yesterday u telegram was read from the Government stating that the present Board would, under the new Act, hold office until their successors were appointed. As no copies of the Act have been forwarded to the Board they yesterday declined to transact anything but formal business. In the meantime the secretary was requested to communicate with the Government, and request them to forward copies of the Act for the use of the Board. St. Michael's Entketainment. —Another of the summer series of the very enjoyable parish entertainments given in the schoolroom took place last evening, the Rev. E. G. Penny in the chair. The programme comprised vocal and musical selections and well selected amusing readings, given by well-known amateurs, all of which were heartily appreciated by the audience. The usual votes of thanks concluded the proceedings. LECTUHE AT Sheeeield. —On Tupsd:>y evening an able lecture was deliverers a!, Hie Baptist Church by Mr B. Cass, of Christchurch, on " Pre-Millenarianism." Mr R. Pole took the chair. The lecturer defended the theory that the second advent must precede the millenium. There was a good number present, and the audience were evidently deeply interested in the lecturer's arguments, whatever they might think of his theory. At the close the thanks of the meeting were presented to Mr Cass by the chairman. The next lecture is to be given by the Bev. C. Dallaston.

St. Andrew's Tea Meeting.—The annual ! tea meeting in connection with St. Andrew's Church, was held last evening in the Skating Rink. The tables were provided by Mesdames Deans, Turnbull, McLean, Craig, Cumming, Morgan, Moir, and Miss Leslie, the bachelors and single ladies also providing a table. About 400 persons sat down to tea, and the appearance of the bountifully supplied tables, profusely decorated with bouquets and garlands of flowers, had an exceedingly pleasing effect in the large hall, the social character of which was materially heightened by the aid of the Cavalry Band, who played a number of selections at short intervals. After tea a public meeting was held, the Rev. C. Eraser presiding. The chairman read an apology from the Rev. Mr Elmslie and other gentlemen for their absence. The meeting was addressed by the rev. chairman, Revs. Messrs Horner (Papanui), Todd (Oamaru), and Lohr (German Church). The sudden indisposition of one of the parties prevented a very interesting feature of the programme being carried out, viz., the religious services connected with the golden wedding of Mr and Mrs Rollo. A very enjoyable eveningafter the complimentary votes of thanks—was brought to a termination by a final contribution from the church choir, who had added to the success of the programme by their performance of a number of concert pieces. B ANGIOMA LITBBABY INSTITUTE. The monthly meeting of the committee of this institute was held on Tuesday evening. Present—Messrs Fulton, Good, Buckham, Cunningham, Boyd, Josling, Martin, Thompson, Ellis, and Merton (chairman). A letter was received from the trustees in reference to the proposed improvements to the institute, and it was resolved to ask their approval of a plan which the committee approved of- It \v<;s agreed to let the seats from the hall for use during the Roman Catholic mission. The committee resolved to recommend the trustees to hoj-row £2OO for the paakip(j c£ the pro. yejj'ad, alterations.