NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1278, 24 April 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

City Council. — The ordinary meeting of the City Council will be held this evening, when Cr. Ick’s motion for altering the hour of meeting from 7 p.m, to 5 p.m., will come on for discussion. Sporting. —Owners are reminded that the nominations for the Champagne Stakes of 1879 must be made with the secretary of the 0.J.0. on or before eight o’clock this evening. Attention is also called to the fact that nominations for the Dunedin Leger of 1880 must be made either with the secretary of the D J.O. or the secretary of the 0.J.0. on or before 8 p.m. on May 27th, Supposed Poisoning of Racehorses.— Mr T. Gilligan, who is at present on a visit to Canterbury, informs us that he received a telegram last evening apprising him of the death of the two well-known horses Kakapo and Ouida. The cause of death is presumed to be poison. The loss of these two thoroughbreds will be heard of with regret by sporting men in all parts of the colony. Some further particulars will be found in our telegrams. INQUEST,— An inquest was held this afternoon at the Hospital touching the death of the man who was found dead in a drain at Meadow Farm on Monday morning. Only two witnesses were examined, and from their evidence it appeared probable that deceased’s name was John Day, and that he had been drowned on the night of the 13th instant. The police have been unable to learn any particulars as to his antecedents. The jury returned a verdict of “ Fou' d drowned.” SArm OF 7 h )ROUGHEBEDS.—T lis morning Messrs H. Matson and Co. sold ihe Chief for 100 guineas and Mousetrap for 275 guineas. Mr C. F. Barker, at Millet’s horse repository, submitted a number of thoroughbreds for 9 le, when the following were disposed of : Mii’eille, bought by Mr Luim for £7O; St.ndard Bearer, by Mr A. H. Bolleston, for £120; York, by Mr D. O’Brien, for £330; Atalanta, by Mr A- H. Ecffieston, for £l3O : Psyche, by Mr Gillighau, for £37 ; Luna, by Mr M. Oran, for £240; Sir Tatton, by Mr D. O’Brien, for £IOO. North Kowai School Committee—A meeting of this committee was held at the old school on the 20th instant. Present— Messrs Greig (chairman), Q. Higgins, R. Bristow, D. Robertson, and J. Stanton. Letters wore read from several applicants for the position of master to the old school. It was resolved that Mr Robert MoCandless be appointed to the vacant office, subject to the approval of the Board. After some unimportant matters had been dealt with, Mr Greig vacated the chair, and left the room, Mr Robertson being requested to officiate in his stead. Several letters were read from candidates for the posts of pupil teacher and sewing mistress, and H. Greig was appointed to tl.© one and Mrs Holmes to the other, pending the decision of the Board respecting the appointment of assistant mistress. It was resolved that the chairman should apply to the Board for the appointment of an assistant mistress to the Amberley school, ns suggested in a letter from the master. Several other minor matters were disposed of, and the committee then adjourned. Fatal Accident. —A sad accident occurred about five o’clock yesterday afternoon on the Eiccarton road, which resulted in the death of Mathew Kinsman, who had been employed aa warder at the Sunnyside Asylum. The accident took place on the road between the railway crossing on the north line, and the first l/ne on the south side after passing the railway gates. The deceased with another warder had driven up the lane in the asylum cart. Having arrived at the main road ho got out and stood on the footpath. A fourwheeFd trap was blocking up a portion of the road opposite, and Christopher Dalwood, who was returning from the races with his fourhorse ’bus, heavily laden with passengers, in trying (o avoid this trap drove hear the footway where dt ceased was ?ta ding, A swii gle tree of the leading hordes caught Kinsman and threw him down. DaLvood tried hard to chepk the horses, but before he could pull up phe wheels passed oyer the man’s chest. _ Tqp unfortunate man was unconscious when picked up and was placed in the couch, where he was seen by Dr. Powell, who happened to bo passing. Ho was brought to the hospital, and was seen by Dr. Nedwill, who pronounced him dead. Deceased was iv single map. Au iiiOUfSti WiJJ ta livid (|fi Best,

Dr. Somerville.—At the meeting held by Dr. Somerville in St. Paul’s Church last night over a thousand persons and several ministers were present to hoar him. Another address lor men only will be delivered by him in the same church this evening. Presentation. —On Monday evening about thirty of the friends of the Rev. L. Lohr, late pastor of the (Herman Church, presented him with a purse of £7O and a gold pencil case. At the same time the ladies of the Church presented Mrs Lohr with a silver-mounted emu s egg. Mr Lohr leaves Canterbury on Thursday by the ship Ellora. Guthrie and Larnach’s Timber Co. —The manager of the Christchurch branch of this joint stock company received a telegram on Saturday, in which it is stated that, after allowance had been made for all bad or doubt,ful debts, a net profit is shown of over £15,000, equal to 21| per cent, on paid-up capital. The telegram adds that even larger profits may reasonably be expected during the next six months.

Kaiapoi Parish Church.—On last Mr Bisphan, who holds deacon’s orders, and has been engaged in mission work at Barbadoes, officiated in this Church. After the evening service, he stated that on Tuesday, at 7 p.m., he should be glad to meet the parishioners in the schoolroom, in reference to his taking charge of the cure for three months, at the request of the Bishop. He expected shortly to be admitted to full orders. As the curacy has been vacant for several months, some steps will probably be taken this Easter to obtain the permanent services of a clergyman.

Valedictory Service.—Afarewell service, previous to the Primate’s departure for England, was held at St. Michael’s last evening. The service, which was full choral, was conducted by the Rev. E. G. Penny, incumbent, assisted by the Dean of Christchurch and Archdeacon Dudley. The anthem was taken from the 121st psalm, “ I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills.” A very impressive sermon was preached by Archdeacon Harper, who took for his text 2 Thes ,2, 15. There were present twenty-three clergymen and fifty choristers, and the Church was crowded throughout. At the close of the service the Bishop pronounced the benediction. Cricket.—On Easter Monday a match between elevens of the Ashley C.C. and Normal School C.C. was played in Mr Dixon’s paddock, Ashley. The first innings resulted in a tie of 32. In the second innings Ashley got 152, and the Normal School side scored 77. A match was played on Easter Monday at Woodend, between the Woodend and Waikuiu District schools in a paddock of Mr Pateman’s, who also supplied the youngsters with refreshments. Woodend in the first innings made 50, Waikuku scoring 57. The local team then made 45, leaving the visitors to get 39 to win. This they succeeded in doing with one wicket only to spare. New Stores at Rangiora.—Mr W. A. Burt’s new stores, near his siding on the Oxford-Rangiora railway, are now completed, and are fitted up in such a way that the storage of some thousands of bushels can be completed in a short space of time. Connected with the store is a chaff-cutting apparatus,— the chaff being filled into the sacks by machinery—and an improved corn-crusher, us well as other machinery for kibbling beans. When the steam-engine is not employed in raising sacks or working the machines alluded to, it is engaged in driving a circular saw for cutting timber. The store and its appliances are throughout the most complete of any in the nor! hern district.

Rifle Association.— The Easter prize firing of the Canterbury Rifle Association took place yesterday at the Hillsborough range. The matches shot off were the President’s Cup and the Challenge Cup. The firing for the Mayor’s Cup, which was originally fixed at ten shots, had to be reduced to seven in consequence of darkness setting in. Even then one-half the men had to be allowed for the seventh shot the average of their previous six shots. For the President’s Cup there were forty-one competitors, and the prizes were won as foil ws: —Mr King, Ist, with 49 points ; Mr Buckley, 2n I, with 48 points ; Mr Chapman, 3rd, with 47 points ; Mr Judge, 4th, with 47 points ; and Mr Fox, sth, with 46 points. For the Challenge Cup there were also forty-one competitors, and the prizes were won as follows : —Mr Houston, Ist, with 65 points; Mr Abel, 2nd, with 65 points ; Mr Hunter, 3rd, with 65 points; Mr Cameron, 4th, with 65 points; Mr Campbell, sth, with 62 points; Mr Bell, 6th, with 61 points ; Mr Appleby, 7th, with 61 points. The range prizes were won by the following: 2CO yards, Mr Hunter, 26 points ; 500 yards, Mr Hayman, 24 poi t*; 600 yards, Mr Bell, 24 points. For the Mayor’s Cup thirty-seven fired under the conditions above referred to, with the following result: —Messrs Warner, Appleby, Abel, and Chapman, 22 33 points each, tying for Ist prize ; Mr Francis winning sth prize with 23 points. It was agreed by the competitors who tied for the first prize that they would shoot off in a few days. The day was by no means a favorable one for rifle shooting, the wind being very variable and the light extremely uncertain. The fact of the last match being in part fired when darkness had already set in was also unsatisfactory. The Sea Skepent. —The sea-snake or serpent lately found washed up on the beach at Mercury Bay (says the “Herald”) is now on exhibition at the Auckland Institute. In colours, and shape of head and tail, it exactly resembles certain species of land serpents of Australia and other countries. These sea serpents are common on the eoast of Fiji, Norfolk Island, the Malayan Peninsula, and New Guinea, hut are by no means common on the coast of New Zealand. Some years ago one was found in Havelock street, having evidently strayed from its ocean home. It, however, was spoiled, in a scientific point of view, having been severely smashed with stones by some boys. About twelve years ago, one was observed near the shore on the West Coast, between t;h,e, Waikato Heads and Ruslan, tvt the Maori settlement call'd Walkawau. The Maoris were horribly afraid when they saw it, but they were determined to hare it for all that, and resorted to a must ingenious device to capture the ngnrur, and to protect themselves from all contact with it. They procured a big sea boot, and having got the serpent to enter, they tied up the top, and hsd the monster, which might have bewitched them or done something else very dreadful, safe. What has become of that specimen we do not know. It was procured from the natives by Mr Hiishwood, shipwright, then living at Port Widkato. Tiie present sea serpent is in good condition, and, under the care of Mr Cheesenun, will be made an ornament to the museum, in which there are already one or more specimens of the same kind of animal?.

Rangioba Muhcal Festival.—M? 0. Merton, with whope name the m'uWjff festival which has been held ou Easter Monday during the lust four years, is principally connected, established it for the purpose of raising the sura of £IOO towards an organ fund for St. John’s parish church. The throe previously held have produced about £9O, and the one on Monday evening is expected to have added nearly £3oadditionaltothe fund. The expenses this year, however, have been somewhat greater than usual. The attendance was very good. The festival was held in the Institute, the hall of which has been greatly improved for sound. The oratorios from which selections were given were the “ Messiah,” “ Creation,” and “Samson.” Owing to ffie Uonarriyal of one or tvfo p| the principal performers the selections were somewhat shortened. “ But thou didst not leave,” sung by Miss Ness, was excellently rendered. The solos of Mr Knox were all given with good effect. Mr Jones’ assistance was very noticeable, and Mr StaneeU’s singing was very good, especially when it is borne inmind thathe took up some of his solos on the spur of the moment, they having beep put down to Mr Carder. Angels ever bright and fair” was given in a very telling manner by Miss Allen, who received great applause. Of the instrumental portions, all of which were good, the overture to “Samson” was especially creditable for the beauty pf its hwmpny and correct rendering. Thp choruses were each and all effective. _ The band included all the best musicians from the city and Mr Searell, ■who presided at the grand piano. Mr Mp?ton conducted with that care which has already brought him as a leader and musical gentleman of great taste. The musical feetogMe4 w toe tov tbs tote

Another Fatal Mining- Accident.—A man named John Davidson, working as a hatter, was killed at No Town, on the West Coast, on April 17th, through the face o, his claim falling upon him. Breach of Promise Cask —The “ Tiraaru Herald.” of Monday says :—“Another crouch of promise case is at present in the hands of the legal fraternity in Timaru, and will in all probability be heard at the next sitting of the Supreme Court here.”

New Police District.—The Grey “Argus” is informed that the Government have constituted the whole of the West Coast, from the Heaphy river, in the north, to Jaok»on’s Bay in the south, one police district, to be placed under Mr Inspector James. Charitable Institutions. —The “ North Otago Times” is informed that the Government will from this time foith cease to deduct from the subsidies of governing bodies in districts where the charitable institutions are, as in the case of Oamaru, maintained by private subscriptions supplemented by Government, the course pointed out by the Oamaru Municipal Council in their reply to the Treasury circulars being thus adopted by the Government. Railway Detention. —On Monday morning, when the south train arrived at Rolleston, the engine “Washington” proceeded to “take off ” several trucks from the train, and in doing so, owing to some defect in the “points” the engine “got off” the rails. After about half an hour had been spent in endeavoring to get the engine on to the rails, one of the small engines used on the Malvern branch line was attached to the train, and brought it to South Rikaia. Here it was met by an engine which had been telegraphed for to Ashburton, and which was attached to the train for the remainder of its journey South. Owing to this mishap the train in question was some forty minutes behind its time on arrival at Ashburton. A Bun Scuffle.—The children of the district school in the far north were recently regaled with a treat provided by public donations, one of the managing committee being delegated to provide and superintend the commissariat branch. Food having been ordered somewhat in excess of the limits allowed, the pastrycook preferred a claim for extra buns and tarts, and judgment was given against the committee’s delegate. Subsequently he proceeded to recover 23s 3d from each of the seven of his fellow committeemen, but the same Court ruled on Thursday that they were not liable. No doubt, however, some consideration will be shown in the matter, and this gentleman, who did his utmost to render the picnic a success, will not be permitted to lose the whole sum out of pocket, although the amount may not be legally recoverable.

Le Eon’s Bat, —The anniversary tea meeting of the Congregational Church here was held on Good Friday, and was very successful, being attended by a very large number of people. At the meeting in the church, after tea, numbers were not able to get in. The meeting was presided over by Mr Wm. Barnett, and addresses were delivered by Messrs Turney, Reece, Bird, and Kirkby. The annual report was most encouraging, stating that the attendance almost rendered it necessary to enlarge the building; that the Sabbath School was improving, and that the Akaroa Mission was making progress, being now self-supporting. The choir sang some excellent songs, and Miss Barnett presided at the harmonium. The usual votes of thanks were given, and the meeting closed with the benediction.

Cohn Exchange. The usual weekly meeting of the committee was held at the Corn Exchange and Fulmers’ Club Rooms, Tattersall’s, on Saturday last. In the absence of Captain Wills, Mr Thomas Bruce took the chair. Several members drew the attention of the committee to the stringent orders recently issued by the railway authorities, ?.c., that no produce was to be received at the various inland railway stations until after Wednesday next. It was unanimously resolved that the secretary be requested to interview the geneial railway manager and bring under his notice the hardship that would follow from completely stopping the deliveries for such an unprecedented period as three days); also that the secretary make enquiry as to what progress had been made respecting the additions contemplated at Addington for receiving produce. With the view of making ample provision for carrying the produce next season, the secretary was instructed to write to the head of the railwaydepartment urging that additional trucks ba constructed to meet the great want of carrying power so severely felt lids season.

Fatal Accident at Eangitata Island. —An accident which terminated fatally, happened at the Eangitata Island on April 16in, to a young man named Henry Cook, in the employ of Messrs Hughes Brothers, farmers. Deceased and Mr James Hughes were returning about half-past four o’clock from delivering corn at the railway siding, when something startled the team driven by Cook, and they ran away. Cook reached over the shaft horse either to clear or lay hold of the reins of the leading horses, and lost his footing, falling in front of the wheels, which became scotched against his body. In that position he was apparently drawn some five or six yards before the dray cleared him. The horses fitter galloping some forty chains got entangled, and were eventually stopped by Mr Ward near his residence. Mr Hughes subsequently came along, but passed where Cook was lying without seeing him, and in due course came up to Mr Ward with the other dray. They immediately hurried back to look for deceased, whom they found lying by the side of the road apparently dying. Having brought the dray back, they lifted him in and took him on to Mr Hughes’, hut unfortunately he died shortly after being taken into tlie house. He retained consciousness to. the last, but when asked he could nofc account for the horses bolting. Deceased has no relatives in this country, but has a brotherin California, He had been lately working with Mr Lawry’s threshing machine, and previously had been at farm service with Mr Smith of South, bridge. Mb Barton's, Charges. —The following gre the opening sentences of Mr Barton’s letter to the Minister of Justice, the concluding portion of which was published in our telegrams on Saturday ; —“ I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, on April I3th, oi your letter dated April 11th, 1878, enclosing a copy of Mr Crawford’s and Mr Baker’s letter’of the 6th April, With regard to Mr Crawford’s pretence that in my speech to the Wellington electors I insinuated that he possibly tampered with the voting papers at the last election, I have to say thar a reference to my speech, published in the “ Otago Daily Times,” of April 3rd, where I am correctly reported on this subject, will show that Mr Crawford had no shadow of foundation for his complaint. Had I intended to charge Mr Crawford with tampering with the voting papers, I should have done so distinctly and not by insinuation. As to the statements made both by Mr Crawford and Mr Baker with respect to what they term ‘ certain charges’ which they do not specify, against certain officers whom they do not name, I beg to say that although I made specific charges against the administration of the Eesident Magistrate's Court, I carefully abstained from ] o'nting to any individual, lest I should hereafter be forced into the position of defending myself before Judges whom I have charged with fostering in the inferior Courts a state of things of which I complain.’ a

A bomb shell has dropped in the midst of the Wanganuites. The owner has turned up (writes a correspondent) for a number of valuable town sections, all built upon, and which were sold by power of attorney to the present holders from periods varying from sixteen years since. During the interval the present occupiers have been without interruption, and in some cases the properties have changed hands. All have deeds, as the transactions were understood by all to be bona fide, having been made out by properly qualified legal practitioners, and all papers connected therewith having undergone careful scrutiny. It appears that it i» now held that the agent had no power to sell, only to lease, and the agent of the original owner now comes up to make arrangements for the sale or lease" of several properties. A pleasant prospect certainly for the occupiers, wins' till now looked upon them legally as their Ah jil thej

A IPO fon gun was successfully east on January gOch in the aisenal of Turin. Arrangements are being concerted to start an extensive paper manufactory in Bombay. M. Eugene Bore], of the Berne Post-office, las been requested by England to preside over the London Telegraphic Congress next July.

The “ Pioneer” (India) states that Mr Roberts, the celebrated billiard player, who is now in India, intends revisiting Australia this year. The Manchester City Council has resolved, by a majority of forty-eight against three, to apply to Parliament for authority to obtain a ■water supply from Lake Thirlmore. The scheme will cost £3,725,000, and the works •will take five yearo to complete. The bill is unopposed on the standing orders. A statue erected to the memory of John Stuart Mill, on the Thames Embankment, was unveiled on the 26th January. The subscription for its eVection was organised by a number of noblemen and other gentlemen of the Liberal and Conservative parties. The statue is of bronze, and was executed by Mr Woolner, R.A. Through it? organ, the “ Zeitungs-Courier,” the Central Literary Bureau at Berlin offers a prize of 2000 marks for the best novel dealing with German subjects of the present time. The work must not have been previously printed, and must reach the adjudicators by the Ist of March next ; the selected work to be announced at the latest by the Ist of May, 1878. An old soldier named Clarke, who formed one of the garrison of St. Helena when that island was the place of banishment of Napoleon 1., recently died at Beceles, Suffolk. Not only was Clarke in garrison at St. Helena, but he was one of the twelve who bore the corpse of the Emperor to the grave. The ceremonies in connection with the betrothal of H IT. the Maharajah of Mysore to his future bride were to take place on February 7th. The young lady is a scion of the Royal family of "Mysore, and is about eleven years of age* so that the Maharajah will probably take her to him to wife when he comes to “ his own,” four years hence. Marble identical’with the famous yellow Italian marble —the Giallo Antico —has been found in California, at Tehacepa, Kern County. The Californian stone is white, with amber-coloured veins, and the discovery is highly prized, as the quarry from which the yellow Italian marble was procured has been unknown for centuries.

The “Naval and Military Gazette” advocates the conversion of the whole of the Tolunteers in seaport towns and along the coast into garrison artillery. The liberty which has been accorded up to the present time of voluntary combinations has resulted in many cases in the most ridiculous results. It is not very long since that one wateringplace boasted of four languishing bodies— Infantry, Artillery, Engineer, and Light Horse.

. Colonel Wyndham has offered to construct a balloon for his Majesty the King of Burmab, and promises to ascend in it himself. One hundred pieces of longcloth and earthoil are asked for. The King has ordered the Kin Woon Woodouk, who, having been with the Burmese Embassy in Europe, is supposed to be an fait with balloons, to report on the proposal. The “ Poverty Bay Herald ” begins a lending article on the Ministry in the following terms: —“ The ‘ Premier Dramatic Company ’ is now playing to crowded houses on the West Coast, and if one may believe the Press Agency telegrams, Hignor Grey and Professor Sheehan have proved on immense “draw” for the management. The stumping has been received by crowded and delighted houses nightly, with rap'urous applause. The company is shortly to appear in Otago, when there will be an entire change of programme.”

The preparations for the Dutch North Polar Expedition are being actively continued, as the expedition is to sail_ in May next. The first and principal halt will be made at Spitzbergen. The erection and fitting up of a station for meteorological observations is reserved for a future expedition 5 the present one, however, is to select the place best adapted for a station of this nature. Ten thousand florins are still wanting to cover the expenses of the expedition. Mr Humphrey Sandwith, of Kars, writing to the “ Daily News” from Bucharest, says : anticipation of the .Anglo-Eussian war, to purchase fifteen small heavily armed cruisers to play the part of the famous Alabama. I inow the name of the individual who is at the head of it—an enterprising man with a profound hatred of England Our regular mail steamers would be the chief victims of this privateering company, and the immense carrying trade of Great Britain would suffer enormously.” The “Peking Gazette” of the3"d of January records that the Emperor of China was so pleased at the successful advance of his troops into Kashgaria, and at the capture of Aksu and Ush, that he actually permits L'U Sin-fang, the general who directed this dashing movement, to “vacate bis post as a Taotai and become expectant of appointment to office in the rank of sub-diivctor of a minor metropolitan department of the third grade.” Who shall say, after this, that the Imperial Government fails to reward merit ?

Captain Bogardus, whose great feats at pigeon shooting astonished Englishmen a few years ago, continues to witch the world with wondrous marksmanship. The last we hear of ■him is that recently at New York he accomplished the remarkable feat of breaking 5000 vlass balls within as many consecutive minutes, the missiles being shot from a double-bar-relled gun. The balls were thrown up from spring-traps, and were shattered in the air. The feat was accomplished with a margin of .nineteen minutes and twenty-five seconds to spare. It is stated that the weapon, weighing lOlbs., was lifted and aimed 5300 times, which work is equivalent to 318 foot pounds per minute, accomplished by the arms alone, and continued for over eight hours This, says the “ Scientific American,” must be added to the brain-werk involved in aiming the gun, in order to perceive the nature of the remarkable skill and .endurance of the marksman.

The “Pall Mall Gazette” says The persistent efforts made by Admiral Duperre •during the three years he has held the Governorship of Cochin China, to develop the resources of the colony have, it is stated by a correspondent of the Marseilles “Semaphore,” been crowned with much success. One of the present Governor’s first acts was to create on experimental farm, about a kilometre from Saigon. Sugar-cane, indigo, cotton, cocoatree’s, and coffee shrubs were planted there, under the direction of an experienced official from the Botanical Garden in Paris; and from its nurseries thousands of coffee and cocoa plants have been and aw; sent every year into tne outlying districts, and distributed gratuitously both among the French cu;d Annamite planters. The cultivation of tobacco has also been attempted with great success; an«. the Governor hue now requested that one of the officials from the manufactory of tobacco in JPctria may be sent out at the expense of the ■"colony to superintend the preparation of the leaf for the European market. Experiments also have and are still being made at the public expense to ascertain the most profitable manner of dealing with the sugar-cane, which is ■found to yield moit abundantly.