NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1086, 21 December 1877, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Teout.—A few days ago thirteen trout, from 9in. to 12in. in length, were counted in a pool in the Waimakariri, under the girder bridge on the Drain road. M.C.C.C. Second Eleven A r . Woolbton O.C.—This match will be played on the ground of the former on Saturday next. The following members will represent the M 0 0.0. : —Messrs Atack, Austin, Barringei Fairhurst, Palairet, Parker, Reeder, Row Stewart, Turner, and Warner. As the mate! is only a one day’s affair, all players engagec are particularly requested to be on tin ground sufficiently early to eaable play tc OJffliaeace punctually at S p.m,

The Cheistchuech Cricketing- Team.— The match with Nelson to-day will not come off. It rained in the morning. St. Paul’s Church.—The opening of the new organ is unavoidably postponed to a future date.

The Alleen Troupe. —This company appeared at the Gaiety Theatre last evening, and announce elsewhere that they will perform again to-night.

St. Michael’s Entertainment. —This entertainment took place last evening, when there was a good attendance. The various items on the programme were well rendered, the choir boys deserving credit for the manner in which they sung the carols. Dissolving views by Professor Bickerton concluded a most enjoyable enterta nment.

Cheistchuech Eailway Teeminus.— The whole of the narrow guage lines having been completed early this morning, the new station at the foot of Manchester street was opened for the ordinary trains, and about noon presented a very busy appearance. All the various offices were in full work, including the telegraph office, which it is to be hoped will soon be made available for the convenience of the general public. The refreshment room nicely furnished—the bar being exceptionally neat and pretty—was a feature among the general improvements, added to the fact that a cold luncheon can be obtained at a moment’s notice. What strikes the observer most is the magnificent concrete promenade, about 21ft. in width and stretching from Manchester to Madras streets, which being levelled off at either end, is made accessible to passengers at these points, in addition to the arch entrance between the old audit offices and the main passenger entrance. No greater improvement has been more noticeable in Christchurch for a long time than the transformation which has been brought into effect to-day in the Christchurch terminal arrangements. Dunedin Caledonian Spoets. —We notice that there are seventeen entries for the Grand National Handicap of 100, 220, and 350 yards, to be run in Dunedin to-morrow, and that Frank Hewitt starts at scratch.

Ellbsmeee. —We understand that a petition has been forwarded to the chairman of the Rakaia Board of Conservators, asking him to call a meeting of ratepayers of the Ellesmere district at an early date, as great dissatisfaction is felt at an attempt being made to borrow a large sum of money without first consulting the ratepayers. Open to All. —At the meeting of the Board of Education on Thursday afternoon a letter was received from the parent of a pupil attending the Papanui school, complaining that children over thirteen years of age were not allowed to compete for prizes. The Board affirmed the principle that prizes should be open to all pupils, irrespective of age.

Fine Aexs. —Mr A. Martin, who has recently returned from the Chatham Islands, has brought with him a number of beautifully executed photographs of scenery and incidents at the islands. The pictures comprise the wreck of the Ocean Mail, general view of the islands, a group of natives with idols and weapons, &c. One of the finest photographs is that of a remarkable basaltic column which is situate at the extremity of one island. Altogether Mr Martin’s pictures are well worthy of inspection. Northern Mails. —The mails usually sent by the Northern Railway were on Thursday forwarded by an express to Amberley, and Mr Sydney Dick, the chief postmaster, took the opportunity of inspecting this portion of his new district. The mails were received at the various towns north with great punctuality ; in fact sooner in one or two instances than when taken by the railway. Oeangeism. —The monthly meeting of the Maiden City, L.0.L., No. I, took place on Tuesday evening, in the Foresters’ Hall, Lyttelton. There was a good attendance, including several brethren from Sydney. It was resolved to hold a monthly lodge of instruction on the Arch Purple degree, and after drinking to the Queen, the charter toast, the newly-elected Grand Master (Bro. Eevell), the retiring Grand Master (Bro. Anderson), the brethren separated, after spending a pleasant evening. The Marquis ot Noemanbt.— ln “Truth” of 25th October we find the following paragraph : —Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., will return home from Sydney early next year, and report names Lord Normanby, at present in New Zealand, as his probable successor in the Q-overnorship of New South Wales. The appointment would meet with much approval, for Lord Normanby has fully earned the confidence of the Colonial Office, and his popularity in New Zealand is beyond question. Ashbueton Contingent, C.Y.C. A meeting of the members of this corps was held at the Road Board office on Wednesday evening. The object of this meeting was to receive a communication from Captain Strouts re the proposed appointment of Mr Calvert as officer commanding the troop. Mr Wilkie was voted to the chair. Trooper Cookson proposed —“ That as Mr Culvert has complied with bye-law No. 1, and has been duly sworn in, and has also forwarded to ns his commission as lieutenant in the Nixon Light Horse during the present year, for which commission he duly passed his examination, this meeting is of opinion that it is to the interest of the contingent that steps be at once taken to allow of Trooper Calvert taking command.” Trooper Gardiner seconded the resolution, which was carried. The meeting then adjourned, SouTHBKOOK. —The anniversary sermons of the Southbrook Wesleyan Sabbath school were preached on Sunday by the Rev. W. Crump to large congregations. On Monday a treat was given to the scholars in Mr Kirk’s paddock, where they enjoyed themselves in various games, and were liberally entertained with fruit, cake, and sweets by their friends. In the evening a public tea meeting was held, at which there was a large attendance. The trays were provided by Mesdames Wallace, King, Witham, Thompson, and Mrs Easterbrook attended to the bachelors’ table. After tea Mr C. Howard was voted to the chair, and addresses were given by the Rev. Messrs W. Canned and J. A. Luxford, the circuit ministers, and the Rev. W. Lee delivered an excellent address on “ Progress.” Mr J. Thompson Jso delivered a short address. From the ■eport of the school, which was read during i.be evening, it appeared that the number of -cholars was gradually on the increase. The hildren at the services and public meeting -ang appropriate hymns, Mr Arthur Graham .residing with ability at the harmonium. Mr f. Thompson moved, and Mr D. Graham ■ocondecl, a vote of thanks to the ladies, chairnan, and speakers, which was carried with icclamatiou. The set receipts amousted to about £5.

Inspection Parade. —The usual monthly inspection of the head-quarters companies was made last evening, at the Drill-shed, by Major Lean. After the inspection a march took place to Hagley Park, where the men were put through battalion movements and skirmishing drill, with blank cartridge. On returning to the Drill-shed Major Lean complimented the men for the proficiency shown in the various movements, and said that a petition had been forwarded to Wellington from the Engineers, asking to be allowed to travel free to the Hillsborough butts, but this the Government had decided not to accede to unless on review days. H.A.C.B.S.—The annual meeting of the Christchurch branch of the H.A.C.B. society was held in the Catholic schoolroom last evening. The nomination of officers was made, and the election took place with the following result:—Medical attendant, Dr. Doyle ; president, Bro. Denis O’Connell; past president, Bro. John Barrett; vice-president, Bro. Daniel Howard ; secretary, Bro. Edward O’Connor; treasurer, Bro. Christopher O’Neill; warden, Bro. Michael Mahony; guardian, Bro. Archibald McKindry: sick visitors, Bros. Patrick McLivigan and John Somers ; auditors, Bros. A. P. Sheath and C. Sexton. A vote of thanks to the retiring officers closed the business of the evening. Extensive Failure. —A meeting of the creditors of Messrs J. C. Poole and Co., merchants and importers, Collins street, Melbourne, was held on the 10th instant. The statement submitted showed liabilities amounting to £20,440, the deficiency represented being £13,200 ; but as it appeared evident that the contingent liabilities of the firm must largely increase their actual indebtedness, it was resolved to call in the assistance of a professional accountant to prepare a balance-sheet and report on the position of the estate to an adjourned meeting. A considerable portion of the loss falls on English creditors, the principal creditor in the colony beingjthe bank.

Ceickbt. —A match was played in the Heathcote Valley on Monday last, between an eleven of the Valley hoys and an eleven of Woolston. The Heathcote hoys put 56 together in the one innings ; Woolston made 22 in the first and 27 in the second innings, the Valley team thus winning by one innings and 7 runs. The Woolston boys fielded well, but the bowling of their opponents was too much for them.—A match was played on Monday afternoon between the N.C.C. and Harowood Hoad clubs at Papanui. Horner played a fine not out innings for the Harewood Road for 62, W. H. Smith played well for the Normal C.C., being not out for 26. The match resulted in favour of the Harewood Road by 28 runs on the first innings. Harewood Road : first innings, 09 ; second innings, 54; total, 153. Normal C.C.: first innings, 71; second innings, for the loss of one wicket, 28 ; total, 99.

Lyttelton Regatta Committee. A meeting of this committee was held yesterday afternoon at the Colonists’ Hall, Lyttelton ; the Hon. E, Richardson, commodore, in the chair. The following sub-committees were appointed : —Band—Mr P. Cunningham. Courses —Captains McLellan and Reid, Messrs Rich, Agar, and Cameron. Battery and flags—Messrs Horn and Hesketh. Tubs and shovels —Mr Young. Sites for booths—Capt. McLellan. Entries committee Vice-com-modore, hon. sec,, hon. treasurer, and Mr Cunningham. G-eneral arrangements—Commodore, vice-commodore, hon. sec., hon. treasurer, and Messrs Cunningham and Hawkins. Mr Cunningham was empowered to purchase a cup for the canoe race. It was also determined that the arrangements and catering aboard the flagship should be left to the general management committee. The meeting then adjourned.

Painting Railway Caeeiages, —The experiment is being tried in Victoria, by the direction of the Minister for Railways, of attempting to substitute a more lively external colouring for the Government Railway carriages than the somewhat sombre hue which has been hitherto adopted, following the precedent of the mother country. Two of the Williamstown saloon carriages have been painted French grey, picked out with gold, and with a deep blue vertical ribbon at intervals. Contrasted with their neighbours they present quite a gay and holiday appearance. Mr Woods is of opinion that the subdued color of the English carriages is not in harmony with the bright sunlight of Victoria, and this has been his chief reason for attempting the change. As the paint, from its colour, must contain a very large proportion of pure whitelead, it is believed that the colouring will be of -a very durable character. Reapees and Bindees. — Referring to the presence in Dunedin of Mr Beardsley, the representative of Messrs McCormick, of Chicago, manufacturers of agricultural implements, the “ Otago Daily Times ” says:—A shipment of the harvester and self-binder is now on its way to Canterbury, the vessel being now overdue. She has on board about 100 of these valuable machines, all of which have been sold in Canterbury. A public trial of the self-binder will probably be made at the ensuing harvest, and it will no doubt attract a largo attendance of farmers and. others interested in agricultural pursuits. The machine is drawn by horses, requires but one man to operate it, and will cut the grain, bind it into bundles, and deliver the bundles on the ground out of the way of the horses and machine. No doubt in the course of a year or two, Messrs McCormick’s machines will be largely used throughout New Zealand.

DefbatTDlNG THE Customs. —An ingenious attempt to defraud the Customs department in Melbourne was brought to light and frustrated on the 11th instant. The authorities, it appears, received information recently which caused them to exercise special vigilance over persons arriving by steamer from Sydney. The s.s. Wotonga arrived early in the morning, and, on being cleared, the passengers landed at Sandridge Kailway Pier. Major Sprent, Mr Macfarlane, and several other Customs officers, were present on the pier and scrutinised the passengers as they walked towards the railway station; whilst Constable Eeane was in attendance, lest police assistance should be required. A tall gentleman, having the appearance of a commercial traveller, and carrying a box about a foot square, was eventually recognised as the person looked for, and was called into the Customs Office by Major Sprent and Mr Macfarlane. His box wae opened, and inside was found a plaster _oi Paris bust of the Q.veen, which, on being inspected, was found to contain a quantity of diamond rings and other the value of which is estimated at about £6OO The suspicion that a plan had been laid tc defraud the Customs department was thuf confirmed, and the property was seized. Mi Macfarlane, the officer mentioned, is at yjreeeat ip a visit to Ctotthurch.