NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1259, 20 March 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Cabliß Communication.—Communication with Port Darwin is now restored. City Valuation.—A list of objections abandoned by the Oity Council in the N.W. quarter of Christehureh may be seen to-day in front of the Council Chambers. Painters' Picnic. The painters and plumbers' picnic has been arranged to take place on Saturday nest in Mr Tosswill's paddock, at Frebbleton. Abusive Language.—ln our report of a case Schmidt v Carew,; for abusive language, heard in the Magistrate's Court on Monday, it was stated that Mr Slater appeared for the defendant. It should have read " for complainant." The Pbemieb. —Sir George Grey, accompanied by the Hon. J. T. Fisher and Mr Montgomery, left Christchurch by a special train this morning at half-past eleven. There was no demonstration on his departure. He left Lyttelton for Akaroa by the Hinemoa at 12 45 p.m. Peesentation. —A presentation of a gold watch and chain was made at Collins' Hotel on Monday to Mr F. Stenning, builder, an old settler, who is leaving Canterbury for England. The presentation was made by Mr W. Wilson, and duly acknowledged by Mr Stenning. The watch, which was a very handsome one, was supplied by Mr Sandstein. The Late Fatal Accident.—The police were again unsuccessful in their search yesterday for the body of Francis Cnssidy, who was drowned while bathing in the Waimakariri on Sunday last. It is not intended to continue the search, as it is supposed that the body must have been carried down the river by the late fresh arid strong current which has been running. Insurance. —On reference to our advertising columns, it will be found that one of the largest English insurance companies, the Sun, is entering into competition with the insurance offices in New Zealand. Mr Charles Clark, auctioneer, has been appointed the agent in Canterbury to represent the company, and advertises that he will be ready to accept risks in the course of a few days.

Tbees on Cbanmeb Squabe.—Many persons" must have noticed with regret the sad havoc made by the larrikins with the orna* mental belt of trees with which this enclosure is planted. Of the original lot only about a dozen have been allowed to grow. Some three years ago a fresh lot was planted, and of these not one has remained unmolested. The branches have been destroyed, the trunks barked, and yesterday one was completely uprooted. It is quite time that the-work of destruction was stopped, and also that a sharp lesson was taught to the various horse owners who every night turn their horses into the square to graze. Malvern. —The violent north-west gale on Sunday morning did considerable damage to the farmers. Most of the corn-.stacks have been unroofed, and many are nearly level with the ground. About eight o'clock rain commenced ; but fortunately in a little while the weather became calm,and fine, or much of the grain must have been completely spoiled. The Kowai Pass portion of the district seems to have suffered-.meet, as far as chimneys and outbuildings are concerned. The telegraph wires have no' doubt been injured a good deal, as the local business has been suspended for a time until repairs are finished. The match between the Kowai Pass and Malvern Cricket Clubs on Saturday resulted in an easy win for the M.C.C. Immigration Returns.—During the year ending 1877, the Agent-General has despatched to the colony 33 ships, conveying 5630 souls, equal to 50271 statute adults. The number is classified as follows: —Souls — English, 2515; Scotch, 694; Irish, 2382 ; foreigners, 39 ; total, 5030, equal to 5027 J statute adiiila, -The following return gives the number introduced into each provincial district or chief port, viz. (—Auckland, 488; Taranaki, 84; Hawke's Bay, ill; Marlborough, 106; Westland, 125 ; NeUon, 123 ; Wellington, 544; Canterbury, 2112; Port Chalmers, 1389 ; Bluff, 248 ; total, 5630 souls. The total number introduced into the colony since the passing of the Immigration and Public Works Act i« as under.:—English, 44,172 ; Scotch, 13,511;.. Irish, 19,475 ; foreigners, 7668 ; t total, 84,826 souls, equal to 70,876 - statute adults. An Exceptional Muff '-Match—The assertion of fifteen of the Muffs who took part in the late match, and eat most during luncheon, of their positive belief that as muffs their equals could not. be found in Canterbury, was the means of raising the ire of some prominent and well-known residents in Lyttelton, who sent an immediate challenge to try conclusions for'the coveted honor. . To» morrow, at 11 a.m., has been named as the day, and Hugley Park the scene, the only condition beiug "a fair field and _no favor.'' Millett's drag will meet the visiting team at the station, and the wickets" will be pitched punctually one hour before the sun crosses the foreyard. The catering will ho done by Messrs Maples Bros,, is espeeted, to be Bumptow, - ' ' '■' '

The Accident at the Railway.—lt was found necessary, early yesterday morning, to perform an operation at the hospital on the young man, Edward. Quarterman,; who: met with a serious accident, on Monday night at the Christchurch railway station. The right leg was taken off, about .the centre of the' calf, and the left foot a "little above-the ankle. The poor fellow was doing exceedingly well last night. ; An inquiry was held yesterday, at the railway into ! ;the circumstances of the accident, but no blame couMbe attributed to anyone, as so many of the employes were present at" thp time, that the person who called out " all right "to the driver' who was shunting the second engine into the shed, could not be found,

Do& Show.—A meeting of the promoters of the Canterbury Annual Dog Show"was held at Morton's Hotel on Monday, March 18th. Present—Messrs Disher (in the chair), E. Millett, E. Egan, J. H. Bennett, W. H. Porter, and the secretary (Mr Dumergue). Upon the motion of Mr Millett, the rules as read were adopted, and Mr Neil Maclean's name was then added to the committee of management. The question of the standard to be adopted, which had been held over from the last meeting was considered, and, after considerable, discussion,: it was -resolved, upon the motion of Mr Egan, seconded by Mr Millett, that Stonehenge be the authority upon which the judges are to base their decisions. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Millett, that a first prize of 10s should be given for puppies under twelve' months, of either sex, in each class, and that the show should be held at Tattersall's on April 24th, the day after the autumn meeting. Mr Maclean offered a special prize of one guinea for the best bull terrier. The meeting was then adjourned until Friday evening, March 22nd, at eight o'clock. St. Asaph Stbeet Chttbch.—A tea meeting in connection with the opening of the new United; Methodist Free Church, St. Asaph street, was lield last evening in the schoolroom. Between 500 and 600 persons took tea which had been kindly supplied by the ladies of the congregation, who were kept exceedingly busy, the tables. having to be relaid four times. A public meeting was afterwards held in the church, which was crowded, the Rev. T. R. Fisher presiding. During the evening Mr Oat way, treasurer of the trust building fund, stated that the subscriptions received on account of the fund amounted to £I9OO, in addition ,fco which amount about £2OO was yet to scame in. r ;,v A sum of £IOOO had been borrowed to complete the church, leaving a deficiency of £2OO yet to be made up. The chairman read an apology from, the Rev. J. Eljnslie, who was unavoidably absent through illness.' The meeting was addressed by the Revs. J. White, C. Dalleston, S. Macfarlane, M. Baxter,: W.'Morley, and T. Hodgson. A' number 5 of selections were rendered by the church choir at intervals. The collections made at the.opening services, and proceeds from the tea meeting, amount to about £l4O.