NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1268, 11 April 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Kaiapoi Maobis. —The population of the puli at St. Stephen’s on March 4th wi B 137. Typhoid in Wanganui.—Typhoid is said to be patter ppeya|e,ri,t’in Wanganui at present, and some serious cases have occurred. City Council. —The City Council last night held their adjourned ordinary and special meeting*. A pepprt of the proceedings appears in another column, Pout Chalmers Election. —The nomination of candidates for the representation of Port Chalmers took place on Tuesday. The nominations were Messrs James Green and Henry Trench. Db. Mission.—Dr. Somerville arrived last evening jff’oui Hokitika, and to-night he will address a meeting of ministers and members of the various denominations at the Oddfellows’ Hall, At this meeting Dr. Somerville wiii explain the object of his mission. The Rev. Db Berpt Hovell,—lue Ba vke’s Bay Herald” of the 3rd say iWe hear that the Rev. He Berdt Hovell, at present incumbent of Prebbleton, near Christchurch, has been nominated to the incumbency of St. John’s Church, but that he will be unable to come to Na pier for about two or three mouths. Mb Stephen —Mr Stephen Massett gave one of his entertainments at the Library Hall, Ashburton, onTuesdayevening. His readings, recitations, songs and comicalities were well received and fully appreciated by an audience of about 140, whp comfortably filled the hall. Property Sale— Mr Charles Clark held a sale of property at his rooms yesterday, which well attended. lour sections of Mr Wilson’s nursery, fi’Onfrng Madras street, each one-twelfth of en aej. j , Drought wfi a n average £IOO per sem ion.' A eectmn of Jfe „V, P h« Iti Quern-.-F d t>;d ; -aliflm bought Lluo. Private Brt: P r.diijg for the renuairnifr pi ik* PWS !: LV

Coursing Club. —The first meet for the season of this club has been fixed for the Queen’s Birthday. It seems a pity that this date should bo selected, as on that day the Grand National Steeplechase is to be held, and the two events will thus clash. There is yet time for an alteration to bo made, so as to allow sportsmen to bo present at both events, and it is to be hoped that this will be done. Horticultural Society. —A meeting of the committee of the Christchurch Horticultural Society was held at Radcliffe’s Hotel last evening. Present —Messrs E. C. J. Stevens (in the chair), G. A. Reade, J. Guutrip, F. Harvey, D. Craw, J. Ashton, D. Nairn, T. Turner, F. Jones, and J. Greenaway (secretary). It was resolved that the annual general meeting of the society should be held on May 14th, and that the president and secretary be a sub-committee to prepare the report for presentation to the meeting of members. The Treasurer brought up a rough estimate of the financial position of the society, showing that, after paying all demands, there would probably bo a balance of £BO to the credit of the society. The treasurer was authorised to pay prize money due, time and place of payment to be adveitised. Mr F. Jones exhibited some bunches of the Zante currant (the currant of commerce), and also some fine bunches of the following varieties of grapes grown in a cool house —viz., White Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat Hatnbro, black Hambro, and Foster’s white seedling. Messrs Nairn and Sons exhibited a new variety of apple, named Prince Bismarck, and also a bouquet of verbenas containing upwards of fifty varieties. The meeting then adjourned.

Collision on the Railway. —The “North Otago Times ” of Wednesday says :—“ A collision occurred yesterday afternoon on the South line, close to the Severn street crossing. The engine used on the Breakwater line had been shunting some waggons on Messrs Lees and Moore’s siding, and had just moved out with two trucks, on the first of which was a threshing engine and on the second the mill belonging to the same, when the after truck was run into by a special train coming in from Ngapara. The driver of the second train did not see the obstruction on the line, owing to the curve, until he was close upon it, and hud only time to put the brake down just as the collision took place. The fireman jumped out and rolled down the bank quite unhurt, and no person suffered any injury. The threshing mill and truck on which it stood were, however, a good deal damaged, one end of the truck being smashed into matchwood, the shafts of the mill broken to pieces, and the driving bar of the elevator bent. The frontpart of the colliding engine was also slightly injured. It is fortunate that the results were no worse; but the circumstance of a collision at this spot points to the necessity of great care being taken to prevent similar but possibly more disastrous accidents in the future.

Canteeeuey Dog Show. —A special meeting of the committee of the dog show was held last evening at Morton’s Hotel. Present —Messrs Disher (in the chair), J. H. Bennett, E. C. Maxwell, J. Selfe, W. F, Nielson, and Capt. Dundas. An offer was received from Messrs Matson and Co. placing Tattersall’s at the disposal of the committee for the purpose of holding the show. Mr Selfe moved — “ That the offer be accepted, and the thanks of the committee accorded to Messrs Matson and Co. for the same.” Mr Bennett seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Mr Selfe said that it had been agreed at the last meeting that the scale of points laid down by “ Stonehenge" for judging should be the standard by which the judges at the Canterbury Dog Show should be guided. He desired to know whether this was intended to mean the scale given by “ Stonehenge” in his book, or the later one published by that authority in the “ Field.” It was necessary that the judges should know this, in order that there might be no mistake as to the scale of points adopted. It was resolved that the later scale should be the one used by the judges. Mr Nielson said that it was probable they would get a good many entries from Timaru and district if the show were made known. He would therefore move—“ That the programme of the show be advertised in the * Timaru Herald.’ ” Mr Bennett seconded the motion, which was carried. The secretary reported that over 100 entries had been received up to date in the various classes. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the business of the meeting, which then adjourned until April 18th.

Coopeb and Bailey’s Ciecus.— The departure yesterday by the Wakatipu of Messrs Cooper-and Bailey's circus troop and menagerie created considerable excitement in Lyttelton. The plant and animals were dispatched from Christchurch by three special trains, the first of which arrived in Lyttelton at 2 a.m. on Wednesday, and the last at 5 a.m. The admirable discipline and care which has marked all the arrangements made under the supervision of Mr Gardener for the erection and dismantling of the small township of tents were observable in the shipping of the animals, Ac., on board the steamer. A large crowd assembled on the wharf to see the camels, elephants, Ac., shipped. This was done by means of special boxes provided by the company, which were hoisted by means of a strong 1 purchase, an attendant being in the box with each animal during the process. This, ap may be imagined, took several hours to accomplish, ahd during the time the elephants remained on the wharf they were surrounded by a large crowd. The camels and elephants were stowed in the fore hold, the menacrerie cages being placed in the main and the horses, ponies, Ac., in the after hold. Bismarck, the learned pig, wajt a saloon passenger. a temporary abode being rigged for him a- i The amount or luggage and plant belonging to tho GtTll? was seen when piled on the deck, and some j-dea h i it® quantity may be gathered from the foot phsf ft sixty railway trucks to convey i( from Christchurch to Lyttelton. The shipping arrangements, under Mr Gardener’s oble care, were conducted without any confusion, despite the enormous quantity of material to be handled, apd by 6 p.m. last evening all was completed, and tlib Wakatipu steamed for Wellington soon after 7 p.m;

Ashburton School CoinnxTKK Viv? committee met at the schoolroom, on Tuesday 9bh Present —Dr? Stewart (ehaifuiaii) Messrs A. If. Shuyy and G-co. Parkin. The following correspondence wap read ; —Fro nr secretary, Board, ot Education, enclosing three copies of the Education Act. Prom same, authorising the committee to offer a salary of £IOO per annum for an assistant master. From the same, stating that Mr Cane will forward plans for enlargement of gchool, and if these are approved by the committee, tenders will he called for at once; also', asking if ' the coriunijbtee' had any objection to the formation of a new district in Smith Ashburton, which' would take ajl'children sopth of the riyer. From the same, forwarding salaries fpy itho mpnt-h, amounting to £34 17s 6d. From the same, spaing that the Board has appointed Mr Boderick M'Kenzie as assistant master. From Mr C. FExall, saying that the Board of Education had recommended him as assistant master, at a salary of £IOO per annum. The master’s repvp’i was read, which shewed that by the last quarterly returns, there were on the ,books 203 childi-en, and the eyerage daily attendance' Was 2367) ' the largect attendance at any one' tniie being 265. The ayepage attendance entitled’ the master to another pupil teacher, y/hq was absolutely required. The contract for the alterations, &c. in the internal arrangements of the school had been given to Mr Bird three weeks ago, but very little done, and the master requested the committee to urge the completion of same as soon us possible. The report chewed the necessity for bringing the ‘compulsory clauses of the Act into active operation, as many of the children were Braying away from school on the ’jpost' frivolous excuses, apd dojng muejr harm by their bad example. The plans for thp npw ropna were then considered and approved, subject fco altering the entrance from the end to the centre of the building. This room will be 50ft, by 21 ft-., and exactly similar (o the tffCiii} erepfcecl recently, and to which it will be pieced. Sundry aeiyiiuh?, »ipo;jiitipg to £7 Ms 91 w(-p passed' for par mem, fcho JhP«U?g adpo;ii»e4 UU iiith iopfr.

The -Taieei Fasting Gibl. —The “ Otago Daily Times” hears that Miss Ross, the Tiiieri fasting girl is now in a very low and weak state. Her eyes are bright, but she is greatly emaciated, takes very little nourishment, and suffers from a pain in the side. 1.0.G.T. —One of the Good Templar lodges in Ashburton, with a view of increasing the interest of its meetings, has set on foot a series of lectures, the first of which was delivered on Monday evening by Mr McLean Dunn. It was described as a “lay sermon,” and its text was Harry Clifton’s song “ Paddle your own Canoe.” The “preacher” read his lessons of self-confidence, perseverance, and other qualities necessary to success in a manner which took well with a full lodge, and it may be hoped they will bear fruit. Picton Constituency. —The “Express” says; —Political rumours reach us from Picton, from which it would seem that Captain Kenny is hardly expected to again take his seat for that district, and that a gentleman who at present represents a more southern constituency is coquetting and feeling his way, A local man, who is deservedly popular, and liberal in his ideas, will probably come forward in the event of such a contingency. Waipaea Road Distbict.— On Tuesday Mr. Whitefoord, R.M., Judge for the Assessment Courts for the southern district, attended at the Road Board office, Waikari. As there was no officer of the Board present, no ratepayers, and no valuation to object to, he appointed Mr G. A. Buck to prepare a valuation of the district in accordance with the Rating Act, 1876. The roll will be prepared and returned, so that the objections thereto may be lodged prior to hearing on May 22nd. The Southland Shipping Company.— The “ Southland Times” states that the promoters of the new Southland Shipping Company “ have seen fit to alter the terms of the prospectus by increasing the capital of the company to £50,000, in as many one pound shares, of which 25,000 are to be issued. It is also decided to call up 15s per share, viz., 5s upon application, 2s 6d upon allotment, and the balance as the directors may find expedient. This will provide £18,750 for first outlay, and its equivalent should be a couple of good serviceable vessels, not of necessity new.

Db. F. Collins. —The patients in the Christchurch Hospital presented Dr, Floyd Collins on Tuesday with an address expressing their regret at his leaving the hospital, and thanking him for the kindness and attention shewn by him to them during his term of office as house surgeon. The address was signed by all the patients, numbering s'xty Dr. Collins replied by letter, thanking the patients for their recognition of any services he might have rendered to them during his The nurses in the hospital also presented Dr. Collins with a testimonial to the value of £lO.

Woodesd Mechanics’ Institute.— The annual meeting ot the members of this institution was held on Monday evening. There was a large attendance, Mr J. Little, president, occupied the chair. The treasurer’s balance-sheet showed the income for the year to have been £29 17s 6d, the expenditure £29 12s. The statement of accounts was adopted with a rote of thanks to the treasurer. The Hon. H. B. Gresson was elected president for the ensuing year, Mr Walker treasurer, and Mr J. Doggett secretary. A committee of subscribers was elected, fire to form a quorum. A vote of thanks to the chairman for his efforts in furthering the success of the institution was unanimously agreed to. The meeting then closed. The Cape.— A telegram of Cape news to January 22nd, received by way of Madeira, say that the Kaffirs have been hunted out of Chichaba Valley by a joint movement of the troops and auxiliaries * under Colonels Lambert and Glyn and Captain Brabant. Large quantities of stock were captured. The Burghers under Frost had a brush with them, and killed 100. The enemy are now in the fastnesses of Kabousie and Kei. The natives to the west of Kaffraria are unsettled. Two thousand mounted Europeans are under arms on the frontier. Colonel Griffith has been placed in command of the Burgher forces, and publicly decorated by tke Governor with the order of CM G. It was hoped that the war cloud would soon disperse. In Zululand Cel ewayo’s warriors had a free light among themselves. Mutual Impeovehent Association.— The opening meeting of the session of 1878 of the Christchurch Mutual Improvement Association took place last evening in the Durham street'schoolroom. Mr Connall, in the absence of the president, took the chair. The fast business was the election of officers President, Rev. W. Morley; vice-presidents, Messrs Allison and Connall j secretary and treasurer, Mr Kitchingman. It was resolved that the president be requested to deliver the opening address at the next meeting which takes place on the 17th April. This will be followed by readings and recitations by the members. Meetings of this character form a very pleasant and interesting way of passing the long evenings of the approaching winter season, and no doubt a large number of new members will join the society. It may be noted that the meetings of the society are open to the public.

Te Kooti as a Miracle-Monger.—A Napier telegram to the Auckland “Star” says: —The rebel Te l£oo|;i has assumed a new character, that of' miracle-worker and healer of maladies. For many months past the Maoris from Poverty Bay and Wairoa (Hawke’s Bay) districts afflicted with disease have made pilgrimages to Te Kooti’s residence in the King country, and, strange to say, have come back cured. ’ It is very little iis'o to tell 'a Native that the sorcerer is practising on the credulity and superstition of the people, when he cUn 'point to undoubted cases of cilre ard so the of "To’ Kooti is rapidly spreading all over the whole Island, and the influence Jie js thereby obtaining is Jiljejy [o be less tbqn when lie led all the bfqQuih.Vtjty spoipidtejs gf hja rspe to fhe mawcra' of lEnglipq women RPfi fhjjdren. Those who know the Natives best are watching their movements with some anxiety. Germany. —Berlin letters, says a London ooutejupor&r-y pf February 15ih, state that considerable exult ment prevails there Ip view of the threatening aspect of affairs, Q.mstions will be asked in the German Parliament, and a discussion will he raised on the Eastern policy of the Empire sopu ao Pppcp .Risiharck makes 'his ’ appearance in file Houfs, The “Cologne Gazette 1 ” and other leading Liberal journab declare that Germany* imperilled’by tpo gr.awfng i.redomlngnpa of a semi-baroaroua Power, ana regard a dissolution of Austria a? the probable consequence of the formation of Ruslan vassal States in what wan formerly Turkey. At the same time, dissatisfaction is expressed at the apparent inactivity of the German Government. The Emperor William, in receiving tpe Presents and Vicopresidents’of tho r BeicW’ag tub obherijAy-,'is stated to have referred to the present grave position of foreign’ affairs, and expressed a positive hope that he Should, in sjditt of ‘dll, tfucpeefj [a pj-peprying (fle peace'pf Europe. The VIQORQt’S I?KO§ECmCIQH Qir Worrs— On January 25fh Afr Rrycp announced positively to his constituents that Government were about to call for tenders in five weeks for the Hue “right across the Waitolara River.” Four mouths ago the Premier said tenders would be called for the northern (section of the Kaipara Railway Extension, “'When ‘the plafL were peady.” Mr Stewart, the" engineer, *said i the plans would be ready in twoinonths from that date. Tender? have not been called for ejther of these works as yep. The |eis((re|y mannep ip which some of the railway works In the eopth are carried on. has formed the subject of strong comment by several contemporaries. In the north, again, complaints are made that the £IO,OOO voted for the construction of the main road north of Auckland, is not expended. Similarly with respect to the money for the Welhngrou roads. The Marlborough paper thinjasihat theexpension of .[he railway to Blenheim looks mpre promising now than It has eye? flqnp flefgrp. Tbp jinp of ropfe is actually “marked opt with numbered pegs nearly a chain apart," The working plans ere now in progress, and our co'temporary o.pects that tenders will be called for work in another two op three weeks. W e frurt these aBgtUUPhS py opt be dhaßijoaitifced, ’' > ’

Fbance and England. —“ Atlas,” in the “ World,” says :—“ lam able to announce on the best authority, notwithstanding the persistent rumours to the contrary, that the Marquis d’Harcourt, the much-esteemed Ambassador of France at the Court of St. James’s, is not to bo removed from his post. That fact has additional importance in connection with the rapprochment which is believed to have lately taken place between the English and on the Eastern Question. Russian Civilisation. The followring paragraph is going the round of the German papers : —“ Russian Civilisation —An atrocious punishment has been inflicted by the Governor of Kieff, Prince Dundukoff-Korsakoff, on five Polish for expressing sympathy with the Tuias. While the Turkish prisoners were being conveyed through the town, these ladies distributed among the Turkish officers baskets containing wine, cigars, and other refreshments. The Russian governor, under the pretext that nothing had been given to the Russian soldiers forming the escort, ordered these ladies to be taken to a madhouse five versts from Kieff. They were liberated only three days after, and had to perform their journey home on foot. Such is Russian civilisation! ” India. —The “Times” correspondent at Calcutta sends a long summary of the debate in the Legislative Council on Feb. 10 on the new taxation bills for Northern India, which were passed without a dissentient voice. The changes made in the bills since their introduction are slight. Sir John Strachey, in vindicating the measures, said that no portion of the new taxes would fall upon the poor. They would affect no one whose annual earnings are less than 100 rupees, and in India persons having such an income are far above poverty. The new measures, he said, were cordially approved by all the local governments, who anticipate no difficulty whatever in applying them in the respective provinces. The proceeds of the new taxes, he further explained, were to be used for providing permanent insurance against famine throughout India. The Viceroy, in putting the questions to the Council, discussed at some length the objections raised mainly by persons unacquainted with the details of the measures, and concluded by declaring his aim to be the reduction of the salt duties everywhere to the present level of Southern India, and by the extension of communications to cheapen the salt as much as was consistent with financial necessities. The same correspondent say* that the latest news of the Jawaki expedition is to the effect that the deputation of Jawakis have proposed, as a condition preliminary to the consideration of peace conditions, that an adjustment account be first made, in which the damage caused by the British expeditions should be set off against the damage caused by raids of their tribes—the balance to be paid by the party who had done the most damage. This proposal was refused. The deputation stole five rifles belonging to the picket of the Rifle Brigade at Shargosha. The Indian Government has under consideration the creation of a Native Civil Service, for which a certain proportion of the posts at present held by English officials would in future be reserved. General Skobeleff, jun., announces that the fortifications of Adrianople are excellent, all being substantially faced with stone and provided with escarpments and counterscarps. The “ Philadelphia Ledger” states that a number of American robins are about to be shipped for acclimatisation in England. The American robin is nearly as big as a pigeon, quite as voracious as a raven, and has only a harsh squeak as he rises when disturbed. The report of the largest trade union in the world, that of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, has been published. It shows that in 1877 the society expended £109,000, making altogether nearly a million and a hajf of money since the foundation of the union in 1851. There is besides a reserve fund of £275,000. The report of the secretary says : —Trade depressed ; the engineers’ trade is touched, perhaps, more severely than any. Mr Burnett explains that the society only stand to their guns. “We have not (he says), in a single case, provoked a dispute, but have in every case simply stood on the defensive, the employers being the aggressors. With great odds against us in the shape of bad trade we have held our own.”