NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1241, 27 February 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Volunteer Artillery. —The firing for district prizes will take place on Thursday.

Pheasant Shooting. —The Acclimatisation Society have decided to recommend that the month of June be proclaimed an open season for shooting pheasants during this year.

The Member for Geraldine. —Mr Wakefield addressed a meeting of his constituents at the Crown Hotel, Temuka, on Monday night, and subsequently received a vote of thanks.

Duck Shooting Season. —At yesterday’s meeting of the council of the Acclimatisation Society, it was decided to hold the next open season for shooting ducks from Ist April to 31st July, inclusive.

Harvest Festival Service. —A thanksgiving service will be held in St. John’s Parish Church on Friday evening, when the Church will be decorated in the manner appropriate to the occasion. Railway Rates. the “ Gazette ” that on the New Zealand railways live fowls, ducks, geese, and poultry of all descriptions must henceforth be secured in crates or baskets. It is also announced that kerbstone is to be carried as class F double rates.

District Gamekeeper. —The Acclimatisation Society purpose engaging a gamekeeper to protect the parks and other suburbs from the wanton destruction of game out of season, now being generally complained of. City Council. —The City Council met at 4 p.m. yesterday. Present—The Mayor, Crs. Pratt, Ick, Toomer, and Briggs. The business in hand was the further examination of the finance committee’s objections to the late assessment. After making some progress, the Council adjourned at seven o’clock until this evening.

Union Company’s Steamers.— Captain Andrew was a passenger for Dunedin in the s.s. Taupo, and on arrival there will take charge of that steamer, Captain Carey taking the command of the Rotorua. Captain Kennedy went North in the Hawea, and takes charge of the Taiaroa at Wellington. Akaroa County Council. —A meeting of the Akaroa County Council will he held at the hotel, Hill Top, Barry’s Pass, on Tuesday, the stli March, when a proposal will bo made to bring the whole of the Counties Act into force. From the feeling of the members of the Council generally we believe there is a fair prospect of the motion being carried.

Road Board Notices. —The “ Gazette ” of February 21st contains notifications of certain changes in the boundaries of the Geraldine and Mount Peel Road Districts. It is also intimated that the Regulation of Local Elections Act has been brought into force in the Mount Cook Road District. The Sparrow in a new Character.— The cause of the fire on the roof of the Canterbury spinning and woollen works on Monday is jaid to have been traced to a sparrow’s nest between two gables, into which a spark had probrbly fallen from a chimney.

Benefit to Mr C. Wallace. —The members of the U,S. Minstrel Company have kindly offered to tender a benefit on Friday next to Mr Charles Wallace, favorably known here as an excellent delineator of negro specialities. The beneficiare will take part in the entertainment, and as a special programme is being prepared for that evening, a night’s fun, in addition to a crowded house, may be looked for.

Bluff Harbor Works. —At a meeting of the Bluff Harbor Board on Friday, 22nd, it was decided to initiate harbor works by borrowing £35,000 on the security of the Board’s reserves, for the purpose of constructing a sea wall from the north end of, and in lino with, the jetty northwards to a projecting bluff five or six hundred yards away. Sir John Coode’3 Visit.— By enquiry from Wellington we learn that the telegram as to Sir John Coode’s visit to Few Zealand for the purpose of inspecting harbor works, is supposed to have reference to the harbor works of the colony generally. As no announcement had been made that Ministers intended to obtain such an inspection, the intelligence is somewhat surprising, and some doubt may be entertained of its correctness.

Gaiety Theatre.—There was an excellent, house last evening at this place of entertainment, when the programme of the previous night was repeated. In the first part Mr Amery’s selection," Sing me that song again,” was rendered in a pleasing manner, and Mr Campbell again obtained an encore for his "Queen of the Night.” The various sketch gcenes wentsmoothly, and t'The Coming Man” caused even greater fun than on the previous evening.

St. John’s Church Choir.—A pleasant gathering of the members of St. John’s choir was held last night in the schoolroom, when about forty ladies and gentlemen sat down to supper, the incumbent occupying the chair, and Sir J. 0. Wilson the vice chair. At the close of the supper the opportunity was taken to present Mr James Anthony with a clock on the occasion of his marriage. During the evening songs and glees were sung by the various members of the choir.

Surplus Rolling Stock. —The rolling stock offered to the South Australian Government by that of New Zealand, and which the Engineer-in-Chicf of the former colony is coming to inspect, is that formerly in use on the broad gauge line between Lyttelton and Christchurch. It was stated during the session by a member of the late Ministry that this stock was under offer to the Victorian Government for a fixed sum. Presumably, therefore, that offer was deelined.

Mtlkmen’o Picnic.—-The milkmen of the district about Christchuroh held their picnic yesterday in Mr E. Palmer's paddock, at Avonside. They and their friends mustered at half past ten, to the number of about 450. The day was spent in sports of various kinds. Abundance of refreshments were provided—in fact, all the committee’s arrangements were excellent, and the whole affair may bo said to have been in all respects a great success. The day’s enjoyment was much enhanced by the music of Tankard’s band.

Columbarian SOCIETY.—A race took place yesterday, from Rakaia to Christchuroh, 35| miles, Judge, Mr Triggsstarter, Mr Fraser. Eleven birds started, and nine came in as follows i—Mr Deacon's blue chequer Antwerp Rataplan, nominated by Mr C. Harris, Ist; time, Ih. 9rdn. Mr Deacon’s blue chequer Antwerp Kingfisher, 2nd; time, Ih. IGnin. Mr E, D. Rees’ blue Antwerp Blue Board, 3rd; time, lb. llmin. Mr J. Hicks’ black skimmer Faugb-a-Ballagb, nominated by Mr A. Walker, 4th; time, lb. 13min. Mr Potten’s silver dun Antwerp Panic, sth ; time, lb. 15min. The first and second b'rds were bred by Mr Deacon from a pair of birds imported from England by Mr Strange. The next race will take place on the 26ih March next, from Rangiora to Christchurch. Nominations bloss on the 11th March.

\ OupfellovTs’ Hall. —There was a good attendance last evening at the hall to witness the second appearance of “Yhung- New Zealander.” Programmes had been provided for the information of (he audience, and the arrangements throughout were a great improvement on those of the previous night, showing more management in the direction of the ' entertainment, and a Corresponding satisfactory result. In (lie first part Mr J. Carder sang “ The Scout,” with much spirit, introducing very favorably Mdlle. Patti’* ‘‘ On board the Mary Jane,” which secured an encore, Young New Zealander then appeared amid applau°e on the rope, first at a walking pace, then running, aft* rwards balancing on Ids head, winding up this portion by balancing on 1 lie rope in a number of p-viiions on a chair, similar to lire feats performed by Blondin. In (he second part of lira encertcinmerit Miss Pos;v dancid her • champion American cleg uar.ee, which secured an "encore. Alter homo vocal items by Messrs Hammond and Carder, Younr- New Z alander walked on the rope filindibld, afterwards carrying his father on his back, and othep feats, winding up with appearing as a New Zealand Bushman in full ficosp for felling timln r. The |ad is certainly exceedingly clever, apd in hands will assuredly make a name for himself, and is well worth seeing. To-morrow evening the performance will he under the patronage of his Worship the iUyor.

A Feminine Evangelist. A Mrs Eaeyertz has taken up with the office of preacher at Bendigo. Her discourses are described by the “ Advertiser” as being of a very earnest and telling character. The Working-Men of Victoria. —Not the least significant sign of the times in Victoria is the fact that a working-men’s society is in course of formation, with the object of procuring work in the other colonies for those who are thrown out of employment there by the action of the Government in driving capital away. Great Expectations, —A matrimonial advertisement, which recently appeared in a Melbourne journal, concluded by stating that the advertiser belonged to the civil service, but that he was closely connected with a prominent supporter of the present Ministry. A Desperate Blunder. The "Otago Daily Times ” apologises in a late issue for having reported Dr. Stuart as having publicly spoken of some of his late parishioners as “members of the church who had passed away to heaven, and those who had been transferred to the other place.” Dr. Stuart only meant Wellington. Population of New Sotjtit Wales.— The estimated population of New South Wales on December 31st was 662,212, the males showing a preponderance over females of 72,434. The increase during the last half year was by births, 12,394, arrivals by sea 20,373. The deaths and departures reached 13,967. The accession of population during the half-year was therefore 18,800. Gbeymouth Hospital. —Writing of the pass to which this institution has been reduced by the Government, the “ Grey River Argus ’ ’ says : “ The hospital committee have really no other course before them, if no better arrangement is arrived at, than to resign their functions and to abandon the hospital to the Government, for it is quite certain that a simple subsidy of an amount equal to voluntary contributions cannot meet the cost of the institution.” Railways through TJneateablb Property.—The people of the Thames district are in a difficulty as to the construction of the Thames-Waikato railway, which is thus referred to by the Auckland “Herald”:—The Act provides that the districts to be henefitted by the construction of any line shall tax themselves, which is not a very easy thing to arrange, even if the country were all in the occupation of Europeans; but in the present case the difficulty at once arises that not onethird of the taxable area is so occupied, and. that no rate can be levied on the native lands. Unless, therefore, the Government will consent to do something, by amendment of the Act, enabling them to give a larger percentage than at present authorised (2 per cent.) or by making a special grant, the project must, it seems to us, come to an end in its present shape. The Government are, however, we consider, bound to make such an arrangement. Cricket. — A match was played on Saturday, 23rd instant, between the Ashburton County and Mount Somers Clubs, in which the former were victors by one innings and 38 runs. The scores were—Mount Somers, first innings, 25; second, 42. Ashburton, first innings, 105. A match Woolston v Railway, came off on Saturday last on the railway ground, and resulted in a victory for Woolston after a very close game. The smallness of the scores may be attributed to the bumpy state of the ground. The totals were— Woolston, first innings, 31; second innings, 43 ; total, 74. Railway, first innings, 44 ; second innings, 25 ; total, 69. As the railway only wanted 8 runs to win when their sixth wicket tell, it was decided to play the game out, but after ten minutes’ play they only succeeded in getting 2 for the other four wickets, the Woolston Club thus winning a close match by 5 runs.—A match will be played on Saturday next, between the Railway C.C. and the Midland C.C. second eleven, on the ground of the latter, play to commence at 230 p.m. The following will represent the R.C.C.:—Messrs S. Houston, G. A. Taylor, G. A. Turner, R. Matson, W. B. Boaz, W. Bound, G. Bnruip, E. Haskins, Davis, T. Fletcher, and G. Fletcher ; emergency, A. J. White and W. Eaton.

Otago Waste Lands Boaed. —The Waste Lands Board of Otago does not appear to be held in very high respect, and the recent appointment of Mr J. W. Thomson to a seat on it is viewed by many with unqualified disapproval. The “Star” of a late date, says : Wp cannot congratulate the present Government upon the appointments they have made, especially in this part of the colony ; but they have out-Heroded Herod in the selection of Mr J. W. Thomson, M ill, for a seat at the Land Board. We had hoped that the opportunity of a vacancy would have been taken advantage of by leavening the present incompetence with some grains of ability, in order that the unfortunate weekly exhibitions of vacillation and ignorance might have been somewhat tempered; but with the powers that be rabid political opinions of the right sort seem to be the sole qualification for any position, and Mr Thomson is thus most eminently qualified. Sir George, in the appointment of Mr Thomson, may possibly have had ulterior views. He told the Taranaki people that the Act must be amended, and especially condemned the system of nominee Boards. “Example is better than precept,” and he has shown in a most practical way what nominee Boards may come to. Mixed Schools. —The following extract from a report of the Rev. C. F. Johnston, Inspector of Schools in England, will bo of interest Every subject, with the one eiception of the reading of the girls in mixed schools under mistresses, is done better by each sex of scholars when under males than when under females ; and the total average percentage of passes under males is 71‘4i while that under females is only (53 Thp comparison does more than this. 1 will np'i say that it confirms, but at least it tends to support the theory that education may advance most where boys and girls are taught together. The mixed schools under mistresses are the worst, but the mixed schools under masters are the best. The boys in them do better than the boys in a purely boys’ school; the girls in them do better than the girls in a purely girls’ school. And the conclusion which I come to is, that the best form of education ic that which is under t’pa direction of a master, and in which boys and girls learn together. The place of women as instructors is an important but it is a subsidiary one. They are fitted, and admirably fitted, more so indeed than men, to be assistants with the younger classes; but they arc not well fitted to be directors of a school, to guide the studies of elder children, when the reasoning powers are beginning to develop.

Eakgioha Saleyards.— For some time the public of the northern district, who have been in the habit of attending the sales here on Tuesdays, hare been anticipating the arrival of another auctioneer on the field from one of the largest city firms, mid on Tuesday last Messrs J. T. Matson and Co. appeared to reopen the Newmarket f ards, in opposition, as everyone thought, tb Mr "'yVilliain "Buss, who Fas enjoyed a reputation and high character as an auctioneer during the past thirteen years. The new comer wielded his hammer in the adjacent yards. Before commencing, the new arrival entertained the public at luncheon, laid out in excellent style hi a marquee on the ground. After lunch Mu Biijsj to the astonishment of every one oent, announced that ho had fceen asked if ha would dispose of his auction business, and, having named a price, which he had not expected would be accepted, it had been agreed to by Messrs Matson and Co. He had therefore sold out, but intended to carry on sales for the next twelve months. He then briefly proposed health and success to Matson and Co. Mr .L T. Matson, who was well received, responded in a vigorous speech, thankirg those present for the manner in which (hey had received (he toast, and expressed a hope that the business relations to be opened would bo carried-on for them mutual benefit; He referred to the intention op the part of his firm to extend its connections throughout the country, and again expressed rhe pleasure* he would have in assisting the farmers to relieve themselves of their surplus stock to the best possible advantage. Ho proposed (lie health of Mr Buss, who made a suitable reply. The company then adjourned. During the afternoon one of the largest cattle and sheep sales which had ever been held then> took place in the yards.

An Incomprehensible Blunder.— lt is known (says the “ Wellington Argus ”) that at the recent election for the city of Wellington, certain gentlemen, through a misconception caused by the different regulations under which voting for local elections and elections for the House of Representatives, takes place, voted at both booths. They discovers. their mistake almost at once, and informer the returning officer, so that no blame could be attached to them. It is quite plain, too, that the disparity between the votes polled for the different candidates would of itself have prevented the duplicate voting alluded to from having had any effect on the ultimate result of the election.” Sir G. Obey and the Ex- Judges.— Commenting upon the Premier’s action in reference to the titles bestowed upon two retired Judges, the “Australasian” says: Sir George Grey has made another highly characteristic exhibition of himself, but on this occasion the motive which actuated him appears even more petty and contemptible than usual. About four months since he received a despatch from the homo authorities conferring upon two of the ex-judges of New Zealand the title of ‘honorable’ for life. Similar despatches were received in some of the other colonies, and, as a matter of course, were promptly gazetted. But the autocrat of Kawau in his latter years has apparently imbibed strongly democratic views, and, it is said, objects to the foolishness of conferring such titular distinctions as ‘honorable.’ He, therefore, obstinately declined to give the necessary formal notification of the honor that her Majesty had conferred upon two deserving public servants. He did not always hold these opinions, as plain Captain Grey did not decline the knighthood proffered him in 1848. The Marquis of Normanby naturally evinced surprise at the non-publication of the despatches, and requested his Premier to either make th°m public at once or favor him with his reasons for refusing. As Sir George Grey could not command the support of his colleagues on this question, he was obliged reluctantly to submit. But an unexpected difficulty then arose, which still remains unsolved. The original of the despatches had apparently been mislaid by the peripatetic Premier during his tour in the North, and has not yet been discovered. The idea of allowing an individual crotchet to interfere with the performance of a plain and merely formal act of duty would scarcely have occurred to any sensible man, much less one aspiring to the name of statesman, but Sir George Grey’s career since his return to active political life presents so many eccentricities that his supporters need never be surprised at any fresh display of his peculiarities.