NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1232, 14 February 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Suicide. —About eight o'clock this morning a man named John Grimsher, tobacoonist, residing in High street, was found hanging by a rope from the roof of his bedroom. The deceased had been in the habit every morning of going for a cup of tea to the shop of Mr Taylor, grocer. This morning, however, thinking he was long in coming, Mr Taylor sentga lad to|ascertain the cause of the delay ; finding Jthe door closed, the boy returned and informed him, who then went and looked into the bedroom window, and saw deceased hanging from the roof by a rope. He at once informed the police, and tho door was forced, and the body cut down. Life, however, was extinct. The wife of the deceased, it may be added, also committed suicide some years ago.

Immigbants pee Wanganui.—The immigrants by this vessel may be engaged at the Addington depot, on Saturday next, at 10.30 a.m.

Christchurch City Guards.—The members of this company will parade for inspection by Colonel Packe, officer commanding the district, this evening, at half-past seven. Water Supply.—We remind intending competitors for the premiums offered for the beet scheme of water supply to Ghristchurch, that the time for sending in the plans expires on Tuesday next. ' Milkmen's Picnic. —A meeting of milkmen will be held at the Golden Age Hotel on Monday evening next at half-past seven to consider what measures shall be taken for holding a picnic of the trade. Concert at Lyttelton.—A concert in aid of the Lyttelton Wesleyan Church Extension Fund will be given to-night at the Colonists' Hall, Lyttelton. A capital programme has been iesued. Chinese Immigration. Nearly 200 Chinese were passengers by the Wakatipu yesterday. They are bound for Otago, where they are engaged to work on the goldfields. Pigtails and chop-sticks being comparative rarities in Lyttelton, the Celestials were quite a sight for the Portonians who went to view the childlike strangers in crowds. Fatal Accident to a Journalist, —The Sydney " Herald" gives an account of a fatal accident to Mr T. S. Coppock, who was formerly editor and lessee of the Auckland " Star." He seems to have fallen over a cliff at the South Head, Sydney, and was found dead on the beach. The coroner regarded the case as a "very mysterious" one, but nothing was adduced in evidence which gave rise to a suspicion of foul nlay. Rifle Match. —A match has been arranged between Civilians and Volunteers, which will bo shot off at the Hillsborough range on Tuesday next. The conditions are as follows : —Fifteen competitors on each side; ranges 200, 300 and 400 yards ; five shots at each range; no sighting shots; any rifle not small bore, pull 61bs; any position. Judging from the position occupied by some of the civilians in the matches of the C.RA. the volunteers will kave all their work to do to pull the proposed match off. Mr Marshall Wood.—This celebrated sculptor is at present on a visit to Christchurch, having arrived yesterday with the intention of going overland in a day or two to join Sir G. Q-rey in a trip to the Southern Sounds. It may be mentioned that Mr Wood's masterpiece is the famous Daphne, now in the collection of the Countess Waldegrave. " The Reading Girl," " Musidora," " Proserpine," " Danaid," and " Song of the Shirt" are his other most famous works.

Probable Retirement of Me Pyke.— It will be seen by the subjoined extract from the “Dunstan Times ” that there is a likelihood of yet another change in the Assembly before next session of Parliament:—“ We regret to learn that there is some danger of the district losing the public services of Mr Yincent Pyke, both in his Parliamentary capacity and also as Chairman and member of the County Council. It is at all times a thankless office to serve the public, and therefore there is all the more necessity for preventing (if possible) the retirement of a proved public servant like Mr Pyke.” Gtrls in Dunedin Factories. —The “New Zealand Trades Journal ” learns from correspondents that hundreds of young girls are engaged in sundry factories in Dunedin, who are employed at nominal wages for twelve or eighteen months, and then discharged and fresh hands taken on in their places. By this means the girls are unsettled for other means of obtaining their livelihood, while they have failed to learn enough of a business to enable them to gain a living at it. The probable consequences of such a system need no expounding. As a means of checking the growing evil the journal quoted suggests that a Female Trade Society should be established to take cognisance of this and other matters. Seventy-Mile Bush Road. —On this road, which constitutes the throughfare between Napier and Wellington, and is a very important undertaking, all work has been suspended because the road is not a county work, not having been taken over in duo form, and therefore the Waipawa Council discharged the laborers. The chances are that the road will shortly become impassable for traffic. The Hawke’s Bay “ Herald” says the road is essentially an arterial one, quite as much so as the road from Christchurch to Hokitika, and, like that road, its maintenance should bo a Government work. Last session the sum of £3500 was placed on the estimates for the road, and it is to bo hoped the Government will see the necessity of taking the work in hand and of expending the money voted without further delay. Butchers’ Picnic.— The annual picnic of the butchers of Christchurch took place yesterday and was a very enjoyable affair. The party assembled in the morning, according to agreement, at the Post-office, whence a start was effected for Sumner at about a quarter to ten o’clock, Toomer’s band proclaiming that some were bent on holiday making. At Sumner, where a paddock had been lent by Mr Monck, the usual pastimes indulged in at picnics were speedily entered upon, and an excellent programme of sports was gone through. This last numbered no fewer than twelve events, which were all fairly contested. Their nature may bo judged from the following list of races : —Boys under 16, small goods men, slaughtermen, three-legged, single girls, married women, shopmen, youths under 20, walking half-mile, masters, under shopmen, and band. After enjoying the day, the party returned to town about a quarter to seven, and before separating, agreed in expressing a hope tjiat next year’s picnic may prove as successful as this,

Pobt Chalmebb Regatta. A regatta will bo held at Port Chalmers on the 23rd Maroh, being the anniversary of the settlement of Otago. A Caution.—lnformation has been given to the police that an attempt is now being made to pasa a number of valueless cheques amongst tradesmen in the city. One or two have been successfully negociated.

Railway Servants' Society.—A summoned meeting of the Railway Servants' Mutual Benefit Society will be held at the old Oddfellows' Hall, Lichfield street, tomorrow evening at eight o'clock. Opawa Entebtainment.—An entertainment, consisting of music, magic, and mystery by the Wizard of the South, will be given in the Opawa schoolroom on Friday evening at eight o'clock. A grand aerial feat ala Dr. Sylvester is among the attractions of the programme. The proceeds will be devoted in aid of the church transept fund.

ChBISTCHUBCH HOBTICrjXTTJBAL SOCIETY. —At a meeting of the committee of this Society, held yesterday, there were present —Mr E. C T. Stevens (president), Messrs G. A. Reade, J. Guntrip, F. Harvey, W. Gimblett, T. Allen, T. Turner, D. Craw, F. Jones. Promises of contributions of a most liberal character, including some hundreds of pot plants, roses, fruit trees, and conifers, besides bulbs and seeds, fruit and vegetables, and a variety of other things, were received. The secretary was instructed to tender the thanks of the committee to the donors of the art union prizes. The secretary reported that the Oddfellows* Hall had been secured for holding the autumn show. It was resolved that Messrs E. C. J. Stevens, R. W. Fereday, Or. A. Reade, and the Secretary be a committee to carry out the arrangements for the art union, subject to a code of regulations agreed to by the committee. Mr Reade exhibited an extra fine truss of a new double geranium, Mr Guntrip a collection of tea roses, and the president some very fine double and single seedling petunias. Soldene Comic Opbba. L'Archiduc" was performed at the Theatre Rojal last night with the same amount of spirit as marked its first production, and was as heartily appreciated by the audience, who were most enthusiastic. Miss Soldene was in excellent voice and displayed her accustomed thoroughness. The rest of the cast was the same as before, with the exception of the part of the Countess, which was taken by Miss Liddle in place of Miss Mattie Daniel. It is not necessary to say that the vocal performance was much improved by the change, though the ludy is so little emotional in her style of acting that in this particular the improvement was scarcely noticeable. To-night "La Fille de Madame Angot" is to be performed for the last. time, and tomorrow Miss Soldene takes her benefit. On this occasion " Girofle Girofia," probably the most successful of the Company's operas, will be repeated. It is sufficient to announce the fact in order to ensure a crowded house, for Miss Soldene has made horself most popular with the theatre-going public of Christchurch. She has exercised a wise discretion in choosing " Girofle Girofia" for her benefit; for, whatever exception'may be taken to some of the operas which have been produced by this company, none can be taken to this even by the most fastidious. In Dunedin Miss Soldene made the same selection, and the house was crowded in every part. It will be seen by the advertisement that the management have made arrangements for the running of a late train to the Port and the intermediate stations. Already a large number of seats have been secured, and the attendance promises to be as fashionable as it will be numerous.

Christchurch Volunteer Fiek Brigade.—An adjourned general meeting was held at the Lichfield street station last even* ing, when a letter from the. City Council was read to the meeting testifying its unshaken confidence in the efficiency of the brigade. Considerable discussion upon the business which had been before the brigade at its last meeting took place, but the letter of the City Council, together with the testimony of a large number of influential citizens, was deemed by the meeting satisfactory. The brigade resolved to continue to serve the citizens to the best of its ability, and it was intimated that members will at all times be glad to receive suggestions whereby its efficiency may be increased, if such suggestions are given in a proper spirit. The chairman announced that the new books imported through Mr G. Gould were now ready for circulation. The secretary was requested to acknowledge the same with thanks. Mr C. Tatesonwas elected secretary to the library committee vice C. Turner, resigned, and Mr C. Dash wag elected a member of the library committee. A statement of receipts and expenditure on account of the demonstration on December 16th last was read, showing a debit balance of £1 14s 6d. The brigade agreed to hold its annual picnic at Governor's Bay. A committee was appointed to fix the day and make the preliminary arrangements; and it was resolved that the donation of 20 guineas, given by the proprietors of the " Lyttelton Times," should be placed at their disposal to defray expenses. The new uniforms were issued to the members, and after passing some library accounts and other matters the meeting closed. New Zealand Panorama.—Under the title of "Zealandia "Messrs J. S. Willis and H. Seymour have now in course of preparation a panorama, whirfh it intended to exhibit in Australia and England as the best means of bringing before intending immigrants a faithful representation of the country. The panorama is intended to include pictures of the colony as it was, and as it now is, exhibiting the progress made during the past few years. Commencing from Auckland a series of views are being painted, including scenes in Taranaki, Wanganui, Blenheim, Nelson, Picton, Greymouth, Hokitika, and the West Coast road to Christchurch; Christchurch, Lyttelton, Akaroa, Dunedin, the Otago Lake Country, Milford and the other sounds, the Bluff, &c. There will also be a special section, including numerous views of the Hot Lake country, Lakes Taupo, Rctomahana, and Rotorua. The painting of the various scenes is in the hands of Mr J. S. Willis, whose proficiency with the pencil is well known throughout New Zealand. A desuriptive lecture, written by Mr Grey, will be delivered by Mr Seymour, whose intimate acquaintance with every part of New Zealand will stand him in good stend. Another feature of the entertainment will be an exhibition of New Zealand curiosities, to which the Government has contributed largely. Altogether the panorama of Messrs Willis and Seymour is calculated to give English and Australian residents a very much better idea of New Zealand than they at present possess.

The Crops at Rangitata Island.—The crops in this district are for the most part looking well, but the unusually dry season has materially checked the growth on tho light land, causing a second growth, which has, in many cases, been left to reach maturity in preference to taking the first. One paddock of wheat belonging to Mr John Wright should average 30 bushels to the acre, and a crop of Tartarian oats on the opposite side of the road looks promising enough for 40 bushels. On Messrs Haar and Quine's farm the land is of light quality, and the average will not be over 20 bushels. Messrs Logan, Patton and Burton's land includes the best on the island, and will yield 35 bushels wheat, 40 bushels oats, and about 35 bushels barley. A mile further on the crops are for the most part light, being chiefly oats grown on the one furrow, for home consumption, which cannot be expected to average more than 25 bushels to the acre. The next farms are those of Messrs Hughes, Sheen, Poyntz, Beech and Grainger, where the wheat is exceptionally good in quality, and with good harvesting should yield 40 bushels. From 30 to 40 of oats may be expected, but most of the last mentioned crops are late, and are therefore a source of anxiety to the owners from the unsettled state of the weather. Taking the crops on tho island on the whole, they will compare favorably with those of the rest of the county. There is considerable and not unreasonable grumbling on the island at the utter want of attention on the part of the railway authorities towards facilitating the speedy delivery of the grain from the island, no improvements having taken place at the siding, since last season, when K> uwk ipoou* veniecoe ww experienced,, __ __

Cbickbt.—The following will reproscnt the team of the Hagley Oak Leaf Club in tho match to bo played on Saturday against (ha M.O.O.C.:—Messrs Anson, Atack, Ashby' Booth, Beattie, Burley, Dougal, Hopper, Marshal, Simpson, Smith. Emergency men: Harris and Reading. UThb Late Match -with the At/stbaHANS.—" Bohemian," in tho " Australasian," gives the following extracts from a letter by Mr Conway concerning the Australian match with Canterbury:—Concerning the wickets Mr Conway says—" The pair on which the Australians batted could not be surpassed in appearance by any turf I ever saw, but the first two overs told their tale. The ball flew up from the pitch like lightning, and O. Bannerman had several balls to play chest high. . , . , It is worse than the Albert ground in its worst day, and four times as fast." He seems greatly pleased with the Canterbury players, of whom he Bays, " They are a fine active lot of cricketers, and work together splendidly. On their own wicket they will always be hard to beat. They bowl to suit the ground exactly, and being expert in the field, good runners and throwers, it is very hard to score from their bowling. Considering how difficult the wickets are to play on it ia wonderful how they bat. Tho fifteen are physically the finest lot of cricketers I ever saw 'together, their average height being 6ft. llin. In the fifteen are Oxford men, players from Cambridge, Rugby, Eton, Harrow, Clifton, and Marlborough; and nearly every ship that comes in brings a further accession to their number from the 'Varsities or publie schools of England. They are a splendid set of men, kindly and hospitable to a degree." Of the weather he says—" The weather has dealt very unkindly with us, and has not agreed with our men, who do not show half the form in the cold they exhibit in our warmer Australian clime."