NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1346, 7 June 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

A New Cable Interruption. —The lafcast cable interruption is in the Singapore-Saigon line, by which, as intimated in our telegrams, communication with China and Japan is cut off. Presentation to Rev. W. J. Habens.— The very handsome service of plate presented to Rev. W. J. Habens, which was manufacfactored by Messrs Coates and Co., is now on view at the shop in Colombo street, and is COMMITTEE. A children’s service in connection with the above will be held to morrow, in the Oddfellows’ Hall, at 3 p.m. A prayer meeting will be held on Wednesday, 12th June, at 12.30 p.m., and an evangelistic service at seven o’clock in the evening. Comfort in Travelling. —The Railway Department is at present effecting certain alterations in the railway carriages which, when completed will, it is hoped remove the inconvenience and annoyance to which passengers are now subjected through oscillation. Two plans are being tried, one on the American bogie principle, and the other on James Clemenson’s patent for radiating axles. Football. —Owing to the inclemency of the weather the match arranged to be played on Saturday next, the Bth, between the Leeston and the Eastern football clubs is unavoidably postponed. A match, however, will be played on the usual ground between a fifteen against the remainder of the Eastern Football Club, on Saturday. A full attendance of the members is particularly requested.

The Peoposed National Ageicultueal Society. —The following is an extract from the report submitted to the Hawke’s Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society at their annual meeting held last week : —The committee notice with satisfaction the movement of several of the societies of the Middle Island in the direction of forming one general society for the whole of that island, on the basis of the Royal Society of England, and the Highland Society of Scotland, amongst other great advantages to give a larger and influential organisation and intelligent direction to assist all district shows. Though in this Island we are yet too far behind in convenience of transit to follow at once this moyepaent in the South, it has our hearty approval. Dsowned in a Deain. —This morning, about half-past seven, J. W. Wearn, one of the “Press” runners, discovered the dead body of a man lying under a culvert in the Stanmore road drain, between Hereford and Worcester streets, just opposite Mr Puller’s house. He immediately raised an alarm, and, assistance having arrived, dragged the body out. It was found to be quite dead. The police wore at once sent for, and it was soon ascertained that the deceased was a carpenter named Richard Horton, residing in the Drain road. The man bad been drinking lately, and was seen yesterday evidently suffering from the effects of intemperance. The drain at the place where deceased was found is about 2ft. 6in. deep j it was completely dammed by his head and shoulders, and the recent heavy rains, together with this obstruction, caused it to be quite full. The body was removed to the Morgue, where an inquest will be held to-morrow.

Christchurch: Temperance Society —A meeting of members of the Christchurch Temperance Society was held last night in the Temperance Hall, Gloucester street. The attendance was small. Mr Clarkson was voted to the chair, and explained that the object for which the meeting wao palled was to consider the advisableness of selling the present Temperance Hall, and applying the proceeds to the erection of a larger one. A resolution to adjourn till Saturday was moved and seconded, but before it could be put several additional members had put in an appearance, and it was negatived, Mr Smith then proposed—“ That it is the deliberate opinion of the members of the Christchurch Temperance Society that the present Temperance Hall is not a suitable building in which to hold public meetings, and does not possess the necessary accommodation for the carrying on the work of the Temperance Society, this meeting, therefore, earnestly recommends the trustees to sell the present hall, and apply the proceeds to the purchase of larger and more commodious promises.” Bro. Gray seconded the resolution, which was unanimously agreed to. After a good deal of conversational discussion, Bro. Smith moved — “ That this society recommend the trustees to negotiate at once for the purchase of the Templar Hall property, if it can be obtained at a reasonable price.” The motion was seconded and agreed to. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting.

Hospital. — A man named James Finn was admitted! into the Hospital on May 30th at tiie instance of the police, by whom he had been arrested at the railway station for disorderly conduct. He sustained an injury to his right leg, from which he is now suffering, and it is expected that some time will elapse before he is in a condition to appear in the Resident Magistrate’s Court to answer the charge against him. Noexheen Rivees. —Yesterday the Waimakariri was in flood, and also the Ashley. The coach to the Huruuui did not start from Amberley with the mails, owing to the flooded state of the Waipara. The northern coach to Amberley was detained for the same reason. There is a vast body of water running down all the northern rivers, and a telegram states that it was with some difficulty the coach from Waiau reached Hurunui.

Deluded Immigeants. — A correspondent of the “ Thames Advertiser,” referring to the new Katikati settlement, says : —“ The block of land, containing 10,003 acres (more or less) bought by Mr Yesey Stewart from the Government, on certain terms, is now being surveyed and cut up into blocks, varying from 15 to 320 acres. I know, from having travelled over it, that there is some good land in the lower portions of the block towards the sea or harbor frontages, but I cannot help pitying some of those poor devils who have to exist, or rather try to exist, on some of the hill tops, which are now being laid out in farms in readiness to receive the new chums.”

Accidents in the Hunting Field.— The “Timaru Herald” has the following : Mr G. Freeman met with an accident whilst riding after the hounds near Mr Studholme’s station, on Monday last. In riding his horse over a post and rail fence, the animal came down with great force on his head and neck, and died almost immediately. Mr Freeman was much hurt, but no serious consequences are anticipated. The horse was a valuable animal, well known in the neighborhood for its good qualities. Another man, named McKay, was also hurt by a fall from his horse, whilst riding at the hunt on the same day.

The Southeen Teune Line. —The latest promise of the Ministry regarding the opening of this line is likely to be as delusive as the hundred which preceded it. The “ Herald ” says —In reply to a remonstrance from the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, the Minister for Public Works asserted a few days ago that the railway line between Christchurch and Dunedin would be opened right through by the Ist of July next. From information we have received from residents in the neighborhood of the break, who take a great interest in the matter, we have every reason to fear that the Minister’s assurance will prove utterly delusive. Owing to the present state of the works, it is almost impossible to finish the line by the Ist of July, and at the very earliest it cannot be opened right through before the Ist of August. Railway Band. — A second meeting of the promoters of a railway band was held last evening in the Aecoui ta it’s office. Mr E. McKenna, V. 0., station master, Kaiapoi, was in the chair, and there was a very large attendance. It was resolved that the title should be “ The Christchurch Railway Band,” though it was distinctly understood that the name was by no means intended to exclude members from other localities upon the lines. The election of officers next took place. Mr Conyers was chosen as patron; Mr Allison D. Smith, president; Mr Flitch, vice-president; Mr McKenna, band-master; and Mr Yalpy, secretary and treasurer. The working committee selected was :—Messrs Ashton, Long-

den, McLean, Kent, Bowles, Russell, and Norman. Subscription lists were opened, and liberal promises of support were announced, not only from heads of departments but from many outside the service, who have expressed themselves favourable to the movement. The committee, it was resolved, should meet on Thursday next, the 13th inst., at 7 o’clock, to submit further information relative to rules, and the efficiency of the performing members. The secretary was further requested to obtain prices of certain instruments that have been offered with a view to their immediate purchase ; to get in the subscription lists by Wednesday, the 19th, and to convene a committee meeting on the following day at 7 o’clock, to be followed by a general meeting naif an tour later. At this the questions of instruments, uniform, and other initiatory measures will be finally determined. Certain routine business followed, after which the meeting adjourned. Postponement op the Session. —The “Timaru Herald ” of Thursday has a pithy article on the postponement of the meeting of Parliament, from which the following are extracts:—The news that Parliament is not to meet this year until the end of July will be received with great dissatisfaction by all who have observed the growing confusion which has lately characterised the conduct of the business of the country, and are anxious to see the public affairs restored to a methodical plan. It is impossible to overlook the fact that, in thus postponing the meeting of the Legislature, the Government have widely departed from the programme with which they came into office. One of the points most strongly insisted upon by Mr Larnach in his financial statement last year was the urgent necessity for an early meeting of Parliament. ... It is not difficult to

surmise a strong though not a good reason, not connected with the loan at all, which may hare influenced or compelled the Ministry to put off as long as possible the evil day of meeting the House. That almost certainly is that they are not prepared to do anything of the kind. We pointed out months ago that if the whole of the recess was to be occupied in touring, and if no three Ministers were ever to be at the seat of Q-orernment at the same time, it would be impossible for the session to begin in the first week in June, or July either. ... It may also easily be believed that wide dissensions among sections of the Cabinet on vital points of policy may have caused serious delay in the drawing of the Ministerial Bills, We should think that it would not only tax all the ingenuity of Mr Stout and Mr Fitzgerald combined, but would also occupy months of time, to concoct a measure embodying in one harmonious whole the antipodal views of Sir Q-eorge Q-rey and Mr Ballance. Miss Caeandini’s Benefit.—Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather last evening, and the consequent discomfort of muddy streets, there was a very large audience at the Oddfellows’ Hall on the occasion of the benefit concert to Miss Eosina Oarandini. His Excellency the Q-overnor arrived just prior to the commencement of the concert, and was received by the members of the committee. The programme was divided into three parts, the first being composed of vocal and instrumental music, under tl;e direction of Mr E. Parker. The opening item was the overture to “La Nozzedi Figaro,” very carefully rendered by a small but efficient orchestra. Blumenthal’s “My Queen,” which followed, was well sung by the gentleman to whom it was entrusted, as was also the duet, “The sailor sighs,” which followed. A lady new to us here made her debut as a pianiste in a fantasia on Scotch airs, and achieved a success. A vocal solo, “ Ernani involami,” came next, and the lady who sang it was deservedly greeted with loud plaudits. The orchestral' march from “Abraham” which followed was fairly given, but perhaps, from nop being sufficiently known here, received scarcely so much commendation from the audience as it deserved. Blumentaal’s

“ Requital ” was excellently sung by a lady whose voice we have missed greatly from late concerts. The song was rendered with a thorough appreciation of the peculiar character of the music and great ipurity of style. A song by Sullivan, “The sailor’s grave,” nicely given, and Suppe’s overture “ Poet and peasant,” played by the orchestra, brought the first part to a very successful conclusion. The second part comprised a Shaksperian reading by Mr Hoskins, which it is needless to say was done ample justice to by that gentleman. The concert concluded with Sullivan’s well-known operetta “ Cox and Box,” in which the gentlemen sustaining the parts both sang and acted admirably. Altogether the concert was a success, and those engaged in the work of getting it up have cause to congratulate themselves upon so favorable a result, both musically and pecuniarily, considering the wretched state of the weather,

Pboposed Cbicket Club. —A meeting was held at Radcliffe’s Hotel last evening with a view to forming a club of Australian and Tasmanian-born cricketers. Some preliminary matters were discussed, and the promoters explained that they had received considerable support. As the state of the weather and the concert for the benefit of Miss Rosina Carandini prevented many from attending, it was thought advisable to adjourn the meeting till Monday evening.

Lyttelton Colonists’ Society. — The monthly meeting of the committee was held on Wednesday evening last, when it was resolved, in consequence of the large increase in the number of those visiting the reading room that additional tables should be provided. Particular attention was called to the talking that went on in the room, and it was resolved to have large placards placed in conspicuous positions caUing attention to the fact that strict silence should be preserved.

Bbookside School Committee. — A meeting of this committee was held in the schoolroom, Irwell, on the evening of Monday, 3rd June. Present—Messrs 0. Withell (chairman), J. Boag, J. Cunningham, R. Moore, J. Metcalf, and W. Watson, The chairman informed the committee that Mr Cane, the Government architect, had paid a visit of inspection to the school, and had promised to forward working plans for the additions and improvements recommended, but that the plans promised had not as yet been received. The chairman was requested to use his best endeavours to obtain the immediate commencement and prosecution of the works. Mr Edward James Lee was nominated to fill the vacancy on the Board of Education, It was resolved that the question of introducing the compulsory clauses of the Act should be discussed at the next meeting. The pay-sheet for the month was passed. Mb Booth’s Case. —It is announced that the Government have appointed a Royal Commission to enquire into the land transactions of Mr Booth, lately a Resident Magistrate on the West Coast of the North Island. Mr Booth was recently dismissed on the ground that, in defiance of the Government’s instructions, he had continued to have dealings in Native lands. It will be remembered that shortly after the prorogation very positive orders against civil servants having anything to do with such transactions were issued. According to some northern papers Mr Booth was proved to have been dealing on behalf of his brother, and hence his dismissal. The officer in question has been for many years employed in Native matters in the Wanganui district, and it was in a great measure by him that the negotiations as to the return of portions of the confiscated territory north of Waitotara to those Natives who had not been in rebellion were conducted. Native Land Puechases.— The “New Zealand Herald ” says : —“ The public have been somewhat astonished at the large prices paid for country land in the Poverty Bay district. By the late sale at Gisborne the Government will be enabled to net a large sum of money, while good will be done to the whole colony by land being opened for settlement and cultivation. We understand that there has been purchased for the Government some 300,000 acres of land in the district between Waiapu and Poverty Bay, but that nothing is being done to make it available for settlement, owing to some disagreement between Ministers and the Land Purchase Commissioner, Mr J. Wilson, who holds certain Native agreements till his claims are satisfied. Surely the Government can find means of settling with Mr Wilson, or of compelling him to give up the documents he holds, if he is detaining them wrongfully. The land, we believe, is of first-class quality, and if put up to auction would undoubtedly bring a high price, probably £1

an acre. Db. Someetilie’s Depasture. The Dunedin “Herald” says: —This well-known Evangelist and his son, Mr W. P. Somerville, left New Zealand on Thursday, 30th May. They completed their mission in Invercargill on the Wednesday evening, and on Thursday they left the Bluff per Albion for Hobart Town. A large number of friends met at Invercargill railway station to say good-bye to Dr. Somerville, and the Rev. A. Stobo, Rev. Mr Mirams, Mr Wright, of the Dunedin Toung Men’s Christian Association, and other friends, along with the United Evangelistic Choir, went as far as the Bluff to see the Albion leaving. Dr. Somerville and his son mean to visit one or two important centres after leaving Hobart Town, and then to go on to Sydney, and on 15th August they will sail from thence for Scotland by way of San Francisco, which will enable them to reach Glasgow about October. We believe we are

correct in saying that Dr. Somerville is the first Evangelist who has made a tour of the island from end to end on such a mission, and if he is spared to reach home, his own Presbytery, as well as the committee that sent him out, will give him a most cordial welcome after having been away for eighteen months from home and kindred.

The Ann Q-ambi.es Wreck.—A good deal of strong comment has appeared in the Southland papers upon the manner in which the wreck of the Ann Gambles was disposed of. A late issue of the “Southland Times ” has the following : —“ Except in so far as the good name of the port of Bluff Harbor is concerned, we do not consider it any part of our duty as journalists to comment on the extraordinary procedure of those gentlemen upon whom the duty devolves, in case of wreck, of arranging matters to the best advantage for ‘ all concerned.’ Only then that the Bluff, as a port, may not suffer, do we say that a silly mishap has been followed up by as stupid management as it is possible to conceive. Inscead of at once setting to work, in accordance with the first surveyors’ report, to lighten the ship by discharging cargo, for which the nature of the place where she was beached offers every facility, it was by some hocus-pocus arrangement decided to sell both by auction—a courcc involving the loss of a week of fine weather, during which, as we are advised, the whole of the cargo might have been discharged, and the ship probably floated off, with no more damage than a few hundred pounds would have covered. There'has evidently bean a serious blunder, or worse, somewhere, and one that it will be to the interest of both insurers and insured to have exposed to the light of day.” Woodend. —The members of the cricket club met on Wednesday evening to wind up affairs fox the season. On account of the bad weather there was but a small attendance. The treasurer, the Rev. H. G. Gould, took the chair. The chairman stated that when some outstanding subscriptions came in there would be a balance in favor of the club of about £1 10s. In consequence of having no permanent ground members had not attended the practices as they should have done, but, notwithstanding this, out of the five matches with other clubs played during the season, Woodend had been victorious in four. Mr C. S. Howard was elected secretary in place of Rev. J. A. Luxford, who has left the district. The following committee was chosen to hire a piece of ground, and prepare it for next season Messrs J. Judson, Hinge, F. Smith, T. Gar lick, F. Horrell: to report to a meeting to be held that day fortnight. At the same meeting a proposal was made to form a Woodend Chess Club. As there are several average players in the place, no doubt such a club would be a success. Beookside and Ibwell Grain Store Company.—A meeting of shareholders of the above company was helqi in the Brook.ido school-room on Monday. Present —Messrs 0. Withcll (in the chair), J. Boag, J. Cunningham, G. Holland, J. Metcalf, J. Williams, G. Stevens (treasurer), and J. Baldwin (secretary). The Chairman stated that the object of the present meeting was to endeavour to supply an apparent omission in the proceedings of the meeting just read. It had been observed that it would be of great benefit to the neighbourhood if the Government would take over the ahed at Irwell. previous to the final consideration of tenders, Tha terms of their advertisement would allow such a step, and he would be glad to receive a resolution to that effect. It was proposed, seconded, and carried—“ That Messrs Withell and Baldwin he appointed a deputation to wait upon the General Manager of Railways, and ascertain whether the Government were willing to take over the shed at Irwell.” A vote of thanks was passed to the chairman.

A contrivance for sutstaining the sounds on the pianoforte, withou interfering with the usual form or structure of the instrument, has been invented by Luigi Caldera, of Turin, and recently patented by Messrs Kirkman and Son, of London. The mechanism consists of a simple and ingenious arrangement of small hammers, attached to a cylinder which is set in motion by a pedal. .During the rotation of the cylinder a continuous vibration of the strings is produced.