NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1269, 12 April 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

RM. Court, Christchurch. — At tb» Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning Inn Wharton, charged with being drunk and disorderly, was dismissed with a caution. E.M. Court, Lyttelton. —At the Court his morning, John Haw ter and Mary Am 'iugent were each fined 10s, or 48 hours’ imirisonment, for being drunk Cattle on the Northern Railway.— dhe late train on Thursday night ran into )ino cattle which were wandering on the line tween Styx and Papanui, killing one This morning’s train had also a narrow j-cape. Presentation. —A presentation was madi o Mr R. Waldron by his co-employees at tessrs Ward and Co.’s brewery, yesterday, •ii the occasion of his leaving for England t consisted of a very handsome gold locket earing a suitable inscription. Lecture. —The second of the series of lecures at St. Mary’s, Merivale, which are giver or the benefit of the Sunday school fundvill be delivered this evening in the schoolom The lecturer will bo the Rtv. T. Flavell, and the subject “ Throe Famous Orators.” Storting.— The acceptances for the Loger and Champagne Stakes, Great Autumn Handicap, and Handicap Steeplechase, and nominations fop the ' Flying Stakes, Selling Race, and Easter Handicap, close tomorrow evening at 8 o’clock at the C.J.C. rooms. Dr. Somerville. -Dr. Somerville held a meeting last night at the Oddfellows’ Hall. There was a large attendance. A condensed report of the proceedings appears in another column. He will deliver his first mission address on Sunday afternoon at three o’clock, in the Theatre Royal. Trains on Good Friday.— Trains between Lyttelton and Christchurch will run on Good Friday as on Sundays. The trains on other portions of the lines will rqn as on week days. Single tickets issued on Thursday or Friday will be available for return up to Monday, but must be redated for the return journey. There will be no gyods traffic on Good Friday, Cathedral Square.— The City Council workmen are making progress with the work of demolition of the trees which have so long been an ornament to the square. It is intended, as soon as the trees are removed, to level the ground. One good result of the removal is that a view is now obtained of the new Government buildings, which when completed will form a very conspicuous object in the square. The City Guards. —The City Guarr's paraded last night. There was a full attendance. After tlje parade a meeting of the corps was held, and among other matters discussed was the holding of a camp at Temuka during Easter week. The only hitch at present is the fact of the Government refusing to give free passes* per rail. It was decided to hold the company ball early in May. Tickets for this will be issued shortly. Dredging the Waimakaßlljj.—The makariri Harbor Board, have at last inade a move towards improving the navigation of the river. The Board has concluded the purchase of a steam engjne for working the dredge, and plans and specifications are in course of preparation for the latter machinery. It is very protmbie that jp couple of months the machinery necessary top removing the silt and hindrances to the navigation of the north branch, from Look’s Point to the Swing Bridge, will be ready for operations. Sir John Coops in Otago.— The “Daily Times,” of Wednesday, hao tna following ; Wo understand that- Sir John Goode has so far given an expression of opinion upon, the Board's seisms hr harbor improvements, that we may state the channel will, with one or two V i( *hC modifications, be retained in its present position. .UPgardiag wm half-tide wall, Sir John’s opinion is favorable to ns construction in accordance Tf?th the present intention. His report will probably ho sent in to the Government before he leaves the colony. The Mayor of punodiu has been authorised lo cor,hilt Sir 40i.11 relative to the cost of a report on the question pT the disposal of the city sewage. We understand that Sir John Goode is thoroughly opposed to the eewßgo being deposited in the harbor,.

Malvern Church. —The English Church at Malvern was opened by the Bishop of Christchurch on Monday, and the Sunday school treat took place on Wednesday, at the residence of Mr Willis. Blue Spur Goldfield. —Mining operations at the Blue Spur are now in full swing. With one or two exceptions, says the“Tuapeka Times,” all the claims are fully employed, and are doing remarkably well.” Fire at Malvern. —On Sunday afternoon a fire broke out at Mr Aldred’s farm, when a stable and two stacks of oats, which probably contained nearly 500 bushels of grain, were burned. There was some fear that the house also would have been destroyed, but fortunately that additional disaster was avoided. The grain and building were not insured. Rimutaka Subdued. —At last (observes a Wairarupa journal) the Pioneer of Civilization —the Steam Engine—has been seen on the summit of the Rimutaka. More than that, it brought with it numerous trucks, laden with blocks of cement. Rapid progress is now being made with the works, and within a few months the iron horse may bo expected to call at Featheraton for a drink. An Unkindly Heading. —Whether the heading was suggested by something in the speech, or was simply an editorial oversight it is impossible to say. It is, however, a fact that an influential Northern journal publishes a summary of Mr Wason’s speech to his Ashburton constituents under the heading, in large capitals —“ Post-Prandial Utterances.” Clashing Charities. — A Napier paper thus naively alludes to a world-wide experience as though it was something quite new and surprising : —There are in Napier a Government Charitable Aid Institution and a Ladies’ Benevolent Society, and between them an immense amount of relief is being afforded to the sick and distressed. There appears, however, some little clashing of duties between these two institutions, owing to their respective duties being undefined. Promised Works and the Projected Loan. —Speaking of Colonel Whitmore’s speech at Hamilton the other day, a portion of which was cited in these columns, the Hawke’s Bay “Telegraph” says: —This is the first official information that has been given concerning the position of the loan, on the successful raising of which depend the maintenance of the S>‘venty-mile Bush road, and the construction of other important works, the Port Ahuriri bridge amongst others. Fatal Accident at Lobukn. —On Wed nesduy evening Mr S Borwell, a farmer in (his district, was burning the tussocks on a portion of his land, and three of his children rent out to see the fire. Two of them returned, leaving the youngest, a boy about two yeats old, who got into the vicinity of 'he fire, and when found his clothes were in flames. The little fellow suffered great igony fora time. Dr. Barrows, of Rangiora, was sent for, but the child’s injuries were beyond cure. An inquest will be held today.

Drapers’ and Clothiers’ Association. — A meeting of the above was held last evening at Radcliffe’s Hotel, when there was a large attendance. It was mentioned at the meeting that several of the leading houses in Dunedin nad adapted the hour of six o’clock for closing on Saturdays. The meeting unanimously decided to insert further advertisements ippealing to the general public to make their purchases earlier. Nineteen new members were admitted to the association. It was resolved to write to the ministers of the various denominations, asking them to use influence amongst their congregations to induce people to do their shopping earlier on Saturday evenings. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting. Diocesan Sunday School Association.— A meeting of the above was held in the schoolroom at Sydenham, the Rev, H. B. Cocks presiding. The Rev. H. C. M. Watson opened a discussion on the subject of “ The Teacher in his class.” Early attendance, ■cgular attendance, order in the class, a due proportion of narrative and didactic instruction, and visiting his absent children were the nain points touched upon by the speaker. The discussion which followed was carried on \y Messrs Gee, Hill, Murphy, Saville, G. Gordon, Revs. Cocks and Flavell. The ittendance was extremely good. Mr Watson vas cordially thanked for his address, and Mr locks for receiving the association on the occasion and acting as chairman. It was announced that the next general meeting of the association would be the yearly meeting, which would take place at the College Library on Thursday, 23rd May. Timaru and the Grain Tariff.— The following telegram has been forwarded by the Chairmiu of the Timaru Chamber of Commerce to the Minister of Public Works and Sir George Grey : —Deputation waited on Sir George Grey when in Timaru, and laid before him full statement of injustice and impolicy of late alteration in railway tariff. Statement fully borne out by present position. Country stations completely blocked by grain lying exposed, and large quantities being carted into town. Trucks which could obviate this difficulty running the long distance to Lyttelton at a great loss compared with the local trade, which pay the railway more than double the gross earnings the long distance does, not to mention the unfair appropriation of the line for the especial benefit of a particular port. Please reply if statement has brought under your consideration, and result.” On this subject the Dunedin “Herald” remarks ;—There is soifiething a little mysterious about the whole affair, and it is very notable that up to the present time no olllcial explanations have been vouchsafed in reply to the various deputations which interviewed Ministers about it. Physiology in Schools.—At a meeting of the Otago Education Institute on Saturday the Rev. Dr. Copland read a paper on tin above subject. According to the “Herald’s ” report ho said that his object was to direct attention to ! the desirability of this snbjec' forming a part of school education. The present time seemed to be favorable for discussing the subject, as education was now attracting so much attention throughout the world. Such a knowledge of physiology could readily bo imparted to young people as would obviate many inconveniences and bo the moans of saving many lives. The study of (his subject would, he considered, prove as interesting as that of any other department of elementary science. The fact that the new Education Act made room for the teaching of elementary science cleared the way to its introduction. If the teaching of the subject were to be undertaken by the teachers generally, no doubt the professors or doctors ooqld be induced to deliver a shorp course 6f lectures win h would enable any teacher jo prepare himself or herself for the dpty of imparting such knowledge to the yoqng. Ifo qpneetly hoped that the subject would receiye the attention which it meriied, and he Imped that the members of the lust ituto would seek to carry the matter to a practical issue. A Thorough going Gbeyite.— Mr Henry Dench, one of the candidates for Port Chalmers, is‘a supporter of the Ministry, His vote, if he is elected, will, of course, count one. On the score of good uenee, he does not seem likely, if'we may judge.from the following extract from 'lll's speech, to add much to the strength of his tridnds ; —“He had come forward as a supporter of the present Ministry—[applause]—and if thprp was one map in New Zealand whpm he honoured and loved, that man was Sir George Grey. Ho had lived under that gentleman when New Zealand was a Cmwn Colony, and he hid watched his proceedings for the last thirty or forty years. He knew Sir George’s life intimately by reading and by having been associated with him. He had known Sir George Grey’s life since 182? (?), when lie first came cut as a puplic man, and they might walch'him from that'hour'and no one could darp tp }ift a finger against a tingle ac l of his as' a public map". He thought that he had a right po honour sped a man. Sir Georgo Grey Jappcjicd into Dm world to find homes for working men; than van his whole obiectj and was so still. The present Ministry wiis, he considered, a very good one. The Hon. Mr Macandrew was a tried servant of [ the pfihjip; and Mr Stout, though not an old i servant, was a tried cma clever man. He had 1 recently been near Ijtr Fishef’s place in Canterbury, and that gentleman had a Jligli c]jafttCter fgr industry iiact newiere&cpM'

Timaru HARBOB.—We (“Timaru Herald”) hear that the final result of the borings inth roadstead on the site of the proposed mole, as carried out by the engineer to the Timaru Harbor Board, have shown that underneath a seven or eight feet layer of gravel and clay, a hard rocky bottom exists. Saltwater Creek Library. —The annual meeting of members of this library took place on the 9th. The attendance was very good. Mr W. Thompson presided. The report and balance-sheet were read and adopted being considered very satisfactory. The folio wing officers and committee for the ensuing twelve months were then elected: Chairman, Mr W. Thompson ; treasurer, Mr Walter Thompson; secretary, Mr Wm. Brock ; committee, Messrs J. Mathers, James Thompson, John Wyllie, Wm. Hopkins, Thos. Topping, M. M‘Wha, and Rule. After the usual vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting terminated. Gbeendalh. The Primitive Methodist church anniversary was celebrated on Sunday, April the 7th, when two impressive sermons were preached by the Rev. W. S. Potter to large congregations. On the Bth a tea was provided by the ladies of the congregation, and in the evening a public meeting was held, presided over by Mr G. Rudd. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. Tinsley (Christchurch), W. S. Potter, J. Staples, J, Saul, Messrs J, W. Parker, and J. Rudd, which were listened to by a large and appreciative audience. Votes of thanks were given to the various friends who had so freely assisted. One of the most successful anniversaries ever held in Greendale was thus brought to a close. The total proceeds were £4O Os 7id. Cure Boating Club. —At a final meeting of the Cure Boating Club, held at Schmidt’s Pier Hotel, Kaiapoi, on Wednesday evening, there were six members present, Mr G. H. Wearing, president, in the chair. Mr Fraser, treasurer, reported a balance in hand of £37. Accounts amounting to £2 9s 9d were passed for payment. It was resolved that, in accordance with the rules, 25 per cent, be paid to the crews from the winnings at the regatta. On the motion of Mr Wilson, a unanimous vote of thanks to the crews for their services was passed. It was resolved that £25 be paid, pro rata , to the guarantors of the club for the new boats, to be apportioned by the president, treasurer and secretary. After disposing of some routine business, the meeting then adjourned. Rangitata Island School. —The monthly meeting of the school committee of Rangitata Island was held at the schoolroom on Tueaday, April 2nd. All the members present. Letters were read from the Board of Education, sanctioning building a coal-shed, at a cost as per estimate ; also, notifying payment of salaries for month of March. From Messrs Church and Lloyd, re account sent back for correction as being excessive, stating that, although it might seem exorbitant, yet it was the rule of the trade to charge workmen’s time from leaving the shop till returning to the same at the rate of Is 9d per hour. Resolved —That tenders be invited for building the coal-shed; also that two lamps be obtained for lighting the school; and that religious denominations using the school must provide the necessary oil for lighting ; and should the room be used for any other purpose a charge of Is per night be made for lighting. Resolved—That Mr J. Wright and Mr J. Hughes be deputed to visit parents having children of the required age not yet attending school, and to endeavor to persuade them to send them at once to avoid their being summoned under the compulsory clause. Resolved—That the Board of Education be requested to sanction spouting round the school roof. The balance of contract for well was ordered to be paid. A tender for cleaning, from Mr W. H. Gorton, for ensuing three months, was accepted. Accounts amounting to £ls 8s 8d were passed, and the meeting adjourned. The Arctic Expedition.— The “ Pall Mall Gazette” says; —“ The organisation of a new Arctic expedition is contemplated in the United States, and a bill for this purpose has been introduced into the House and reported upon favourably by the Committee on Naval Affairs. The bill provides that the President shall be authorised to organise and send out one or more expeditions towards the North Pole, and to establish a temporary colony, for the purposes of exploration, at some point north of the eighty-first degree of north latitude, on or near the shore of Lady Franklin Bay ; to detail such officers or other persons of the public service to take part in the same as may be necessary, and to use any public vessel that may be suitable for the purpose ; the scientific operations of the expedition to be prosecuted in accordance with the advice of the National Academy of Science; and that the sum of 50,000 dollars, or such part thereof as may be necessary, be appropriated out of the public funds for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the expedition. The Americans seem bent on reaching the North Pole by hook or by croon, and their energy and determination deserve to be rewaded by success.”

The German Government intends to ask for additional supplies to hasten the construction of torpedo boats. A telegram sent from Wallaroo to Liverpool at half-past 12 on Monday, February 25th, was replied to, says the “ Wallaroo Times,” on Tuesday afternoon, February 26th, at 4 o’clock. Lord Beaconsfield has shown the greatest consideration to the family of the late Dr. Rimbault, the eminent musician and antiquary, by allowing his children to receive the ijrant from the Civil List which Lord Beaconsfield had intended to give to their mother. It is stated that Prince Battenberg, son of Piince Alexmder of Hesse, nephew to the Russian Emperor, and related through his mother, Piincess Alice, to the Royal Family of England, is to be appointed Regent in Bulgaria, A strange rumour was afloat in Constantinople on January 25th that the Russian conditions include a private arrangement with the Porto respecting the Suez Canal. The Comte de Semelle, an Algerian officer, has been authoiised by the French Minister of War, at the instance of the Geographical Society, to explore equatorial Africa from east to west. According to official returns, says a Wellington paper, the Hon H. A. Atkinson, Premier in the late Ministry, received the sum of £422 5s 6d as travelling expenses. Other members of the same Cabinet averaged £l5O. It will be interesting to note the little bill-* in the same direction of the present Ministry. 1. P i ldical circles (says the Sydney ‘-Herald's’* correspondent) have been much agitated and there has been a good deal of talk at the Clubs on the subject of the representation of Clare. Indeed, I may tell you that the defeated candidate is very anxious to know whether Sir Bryan O’Loghlen, who lias just been appointed one of the laud tax commissioners, will take his seat in the House of Commons, or whether he will prefer to take part in the more stirring, though less dignified, debates which are characteristic of the Berry Government. The people of Clare, who are great admits of the .Q’Logh’lens, regard his silence as reproach, and will never believe that he will give them up for a colonial constituency. The idea of “ shields” for infantry advancing to a frontal attack every now and again crops up, and in these days of rapid firing, when a whole regiment may be shot down in a few minutes, the notion is worth entertaining A very ingenious apparatus of this kind has been invented by Mr Herbert Miller. The shirld is of bullet-prooj steel, swinging on the axletreo of two light wheels, containing four loopholes. Its entire weight is about loGib. Two ironc* rank men, laying their j bands upon iha axlctrec, pu«U it before them, their rifles fieing placed in a rapk jn tfio shield. Then pwo reay-rank men follow closely, riflle in Jiand, being protected as well as the front*t»nk men from direct fire. When the “commence firing” is sounded, the two front-rank men take their rifh-s from the racks, and, in the old kneeling positfon, fire through two loopholes in the middle of the shield. The tq.ii-Uviik mpn.Are Uirpmih the upper loopholes, the whole two files beint in tWpoki. (ion of a doubly raafc fifing witft “front sunk jaeejicg," f ■ ' ■

The “Hawke’s Bay Herald” hears that while the census papers were being delivered to the natives at Rotorua and the Lake district recently, some of them expressed themselves to the effect that the taking of the census was merely for the purpose of ascertaining how many Maoris could be obtained to proceed to England to take up arms against the Eussians! The teaching staff of the British army consists of 248 schoolmasters, 186 acting and detachment schoolmasters, and 947 soldier assistants, concerned in the management of the adult and grown children’s schools; while for the infant and industrial schools, 249 schoolmistresses and 612 pupil-teacher and monitress assistants are provided.