NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1209, 18 January 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Waimakabibi. —The sio.qu mV this river after the late gale was not so high as anticipated, and no damage to the railway line occurred. Except through low lying laad, it did not seriously overflow. During the interval between 5 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday the river roiw ia;i’3 rapidly and with stronger force than has been know;? for many years. The supply of wafer while it lasted was enormous, but a change in the weather must have brought about a sudden check at the fountain head in t;me to prevent the serious inuQdution which sojpe expected.

Drunkenness. During last year 050 males and 103 females were arrested in Christchurch and dealt with for drunkenness. Bathing in Haglby Park.—A notice appears elsewhere from the chairman of the Domain Board, informing bathers that on and after Ist February next bathing will not he permitted at the public bathing place in Hagley park, between the hours of 2 p.m. and b* p.m. Arrest at Auckland.—lntelligence has been received by the police that a man calling himself W. H. Bennett has been arrested at Auckland as identical with a man named Bullivant, formerly employed in a hotel in Christchurch, and who passed a large number of valueless cheques on several tradesmen in this city a few weeks ago. Narrow Escape. —Yesterday, at 5 p.m., a boat belonging to Mr Hawkins, of Lyttelton, was capsized off the Breakwater. Two lads were in her, and it appears she went over through having fouled a line by which the Ansdell barque’s dingy was towing, that vessel being at the time in tow of the p.s. Titan. On being thrown into the water, the lads managed to scramble into the barque’s dingy, and, getting hold of their own boat, took her to the dolphin off the Breakwater end and righted her. The steam launch Lyttelton went off at once when the boat was seen to capsize, but luckily her services were not required. Freemasonry. —A banquet to celebrate the installation of the Worshipful Masters of the St. Augustine and Canterbury Lodges was held last evening in the new and spacious hall recently erected by the Canterbury Lodge. The 8.. W. District Grand Master, Bro. W. Donald, presided, being supported on his right hand by the D.D.Q-.M. Bro. H. Thomson, and Bro. R. C. Bishop, W.M. of the St. Augustine Lodge ; and on the left by Bro. Jubal Fleming, W.M. of the Canterbury Lodge. The attendance of brethren was not so large as had been anticipated, only eighty being present. The catering was entrusted to Mr Cookson, of the Q-arrick Hotel, assisted by Mr J. Oram Sheppard, of the White Hart Hotel, and did great (‘redit to them in every respect. The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honored, and opportunity was taken by Bro. D.D.G.M., Thomson to present Bro. P. M. W. Deamer with a Past Master’s Jewel, which had boon subscribed for by members of the St. Augustine Lodge, in recognition of his valuable services as W.M. and P.M. of that lodge. The proceedings of the evening were enlivened by songs and recitations, and the brethren separated shortly before 11 o’clock, after spending a very pleasant evening. The Lydia Howarde Troupe.— There was a good attendance at the Gaiety Theatre last evening to welcome the return of the Lydia Howarde Troupe to Christchurch, It is doubtful if any troupe has left behind it such a popular name as the clever little company which Miss Lydia Howarde marshalled here about eighteen months ago, and which enjoyed an uninterrupted run of nearly five months. It may safely be said that at any time since their departure they would have been heartily welcomed back, and it is regretted that their stay is limited to two more nights. The performance last night consisted of an operetta by Angelina entitled “ Nicotine,” for two characters, which were undertaken by Mdllo Solange Navaro and Mr Sidney. The re-appearance of Mdlle Navaro was the signal for rapturous applause, testifying the popularity enjoyed by that talented young lady. The music of this operetta is original and decidedly taking, and it received every justice at the hands of both performers. Mdlle was in as good voice as ever, and in this work, and indeed throughout the evening, continually added by her tasteful singing and artistic acting to the favorable opinions already formed of her abilities. Mr Sidney possesses an excellent baritone voice of good quality, considerable power, and unusual compass in the upper register. He is scarcely at home upon the stage to which an actor lie is evidently new, but he possesses a good idea of the parts he undertakes, and his slight awkwardness will doubtless soon wear off. The second portion of the programme consisted of a concert, in which Miss Lydia Howarde made her appearance in the ever welcome “Bid me discourse,” her rendering of which is too well known to require comment. However, it was generally remarked that her voice seemed fresher than ever, and she performed throughout the evening with that evident enjo\ ment which so readily imparts itself to an audience. As an encore she gave “ Wait till the Moonlight.” The other numbers were the familiar waltz song “Les Roses,” by Mdlle, Navaro j three songs, “Carissima,” “Here upon my vessel’s deck,” and “They asked me why I love her,” by Mr Sidney, and the duet, “ I heard a voice,” by the two ladies, which on being encored, was followed by “Beautiful Swells,” in which the inimitable gestures of Miss Howarde kept the audience in roars of laughter. The performance concluded with the burlesque of “ Fayre Rosamonde,” which was not only full of fun, hut was used as a vehicle for many of the best vocal moreuavx in the repertoire of the company. It was noticeable that the orchestra would have been all the better for another rehearsal with the company, biit doubtless the short time which lias elapsed since their arrival rendered this impossible. Jfor to-night and to-mprrow night an entire change of programme is announced ; and, Judging from the delight expressed last night, it ia perfectly safe to predict full houses. .