NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1395, 5 August 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Weatiteb. —The weather iv town and suburbs to day was extremely unpleasant, there being a continuous downfall of snow, rain, and eleet from an early hour, until about two o'clock, when it cleared up. Me Graham's Benefit. We would again remind our readers that this evening Mr J. F. Graham takes his benefit at the Theatre Royal, when the performance will consist of a new sensation drama in four acts written by himself, and entitled " Q.uits ; or, Life for Life." We hope to see a crowded house.

The Cikous.—Mr T. D. Bligh, the agent in advance of Kayos and Benhamos's Circus,which recently reached Dunedin from Australia, arrived in town on Saturday, to make arrangements for the appearance of his principals in this city. Mr Bligh will be remembered in connection with tho celebrated Georgia Minstrels, of whom he was agent when they wero here, and his name is a guarantee that the "show" he represents is a good one. The company will arrive on Thursday, and will open on the reserve next the Palace Hotel on Saturday. The Eistebn Question.—lt will be seen from our cablegrams, received this morning, that the motiou of L-rd Uartington, censur kg the Government for the action it took in sending for the Indian troops without the sanction of Parliament, was rejected by a majority of ono hundred and thirty-three, fie numbers being 338 and 195. This proves incontestibly thai; thj Government; has a very strong majority in the House, ami that it hap, besides, the confidence of t'.e country, the result of the vota being, it ia said, received with great enthusiasm by the people Earl Beaconslield and Lord Salisbury have been feted by the Lord Mayor at the Mansion JJoise, and presented with the freedom of the City of London. By •\ telegram from Constantinople, we learn that the Russians have commenced their march homewards.

Thk lloskins' Testimonial. —Subscriptions to the testimonial which it. is intended to present to Mr W. Hoskius en the fortyilnt, anniversary of his joining the theatrical profession are coming in rapidly. Mr Ollivier, who is a tower of strength in such matters, has been very successful in hi 3 canvassing, ami the result will be a well-deserved, and substantial tribute on the part of the inhabitants of Canterbury to Mr Ilosltins. Tiie presentation will be made on the 13th August, on which occasion Mr Hopkins will take a farewell benefit, prior to commencing astarring tour through New Zealand, which will close his active connection with matters theatrical in this colony. Mr Hosfcins' career as a manager in Christ church Ims been of such a character as to win for him the respect and esteem of all playgoers, who owe him a debt for the admirable manner in which, both personally as an actor and manageriallr, ho has catered for their amusement. Ilia claim will doubtless be fully recognised by nil, and practically demonstrated by a crowded house on the occasion referred to,

District Railway.—The prospectus is issued of the Rakaia, Mount Hutt and Alford Forest Railway Company, Limited. Particulars will be found in advertisement.

Inquest.—An inquest was held on Saturday on the body of A Lot. Brown, an apprentice on board the barque Southern Cross, who had died suddenly. After hearing the evidence, which will be found elsewhere, the jury returned a verdict of "Death from natural cnu«cs."

The Ministry.—The following apnoars m the "Dunedin Herald" of Friday:—Our special reporter at Wellington says it is rumoured that there will probably bo a reconstruction of the Ministry. The Hon. J. Ballanco is spoken of as probable Premier. Sir George Grey's indisposition gives some color to the rumor. Hospital House Surgeon.—At a meeting of the Charitable Aid Board, held on Saturday night, the report of the medical staff on tho steps which have been taken to secure a house surgeon for the Christchurch Hospital was read. The appointment of a house surgeon is likely to be held in abeyance until tho arrival of an immigrant ship, as it is thought the surgeon in charge may be willing to accept it. Ashburton Gas Company.—A meeting of provisional directors of this company was held on Saturday, to receive the applications for shares and other business. It waß found that 1650 shares had been applied for in Ashburton, but, as the returns from Christchurch and Tinuru had not been received, it was impossible to say how many had been applied for in those places. The engineer was instructed to prepare the estimates as soon as possible. Alleged Inhumanity.—Some astonishment was expressed on Saturday night by members of tho Charitable Aid Board when it was reported to them that two patients, suffering from fever, who had been admitted to the Hospital during the week, were domestic servants, who had been turned out of the houses in which they were at service and left to make tho best of matters by getting admission to tho Hospital. Whilst some of the members thought such apparent inhumanity cul pa ble, others appeared to think that there was a possibility of the facts being satisfactorily explained were all the circumstances fullv known.

L.OL., No. 24—On Friday evening last the Walkor's No Surrender Purple Heroes Lodge held their usual monthly meeting in the Orange Hall, Worcester street. In the ahsenee of the W.M., Bro. Christie, D.Ghfif. took the chair. There was a fair attendance of the Brethren. The election of officers for the next twelve months resulted as follows : Bro. T. Wilson, W.M.; Bro. T. Boyd, D.M.; Bro. James Whitley, secretary; Bro. J. McNichol, treasurer ; together with five of a committee, Bro. A. Whitley being chairman. Football.—ln order to give the probable team who will have the honor of representing Canterbury in the forthcoming match with Otago as much practice together as possible, the fifteen again contested a match on Cranmer square on Saturday, against about thirty other players, consisting of members of the Christchui'ch and Eastern Football Clubs, and a good afternoon's sport was the result. From first to last, the play was mostly in favor of the fifteen, there being a marked improvement in their back play, and the forwards always keeping on the ball and working splendidly together. In the first part of the game, the Fifteen obtained several force-downs and one touch-down, but were unsuccessful in their attempt to convert the latter into a goal. In the last sp?ll they also got two or three force-downs, and narrowly missed scoring a goal, Cotterill making a lino drop, and landing the ball on the top of the rope. Beyond this, however, no further advantage was gained, and the match resulted in a well-earned victory for the Fifteen. The fact of having successfully held their own nguinst f-uch long odds is sufficic?nt to prove that the Fifteen must have played well, and the manner in which the forwards repeatedly took the ball through the scrimmages, in spite of such a host of adversaries, shows that in this department of the game Canterbury can be well represented. On the part of the Club, Beeves, Wilkinson, and Johnston rendered good service by their back play, the first-named especially distinguishing himself by some fine runs, and well judged and timely kicks. The quality of the forward play was not particularly good, but the deficiency in this respect was in a great measure counterbalanced by the quantity of members the Club side was able to place in that position.

Corn Exchange.—The weekly meeting of the committee of the Corn Exchange was held at the committee rooms, Tattersall's, on Saturday last. Mr Thomas Bruce in the chair. Papers were submitted, which had been received from Mr Payton, respecting the production of sugar beet, showing the Co3t of plant for making sugar and other interesting matter. After discussion, it was resolved to consider this important subject at a subsequent meeting, the papers in the meantime to be carefully perused by the members of committee. It was proposed by Mr Win. Henderson, seconded by Mr Laidlaw, and resolved—" That the secretary convey the thanks of the committee to Mr Payton for the papers received." Mr J. M". Toss will suggested that the secretary should be requested to communicate with the Press Agency with a view of having reliable information telegraphed from England onco every fortnight, giving the state of the crops and the prospect of the harvest. Mr Hy. Matson stated that ho was very sorry to inform the members of the committee that they were about losing the services of their secretary. Mr Baternan would, no doubt, explain fully the reason why. Mr Bateman explained that ho had more than fulfilled his undertaking with his friends, Messrs 11. Matson and Co., in aiding to establish the Corn Exchange. He now felt that bis future would be curbed too miuli where he not to relinquish the secretaryship, as ho contemplated operating freely in the produce market. Ho considered ho should be free to act as lie thought fit, without the consideration of affecting the interests of others. At the samo time, he wished the members of the committee to understand that he would be a supporLer of the Corn Exchange. It was suggestd that Messrs H. Malson ar.d Co., in appointing Mr Bateman's successor, should select one who was neither a buyer nor a seller of produce. The business of the '.: ecting then terminated.

Vkstuy Meeting, Ashbo-bton.—A meeting of the vestry of Ashburton pnrish was held on Slat July. The Hot. W. E. Paige, incumbent, presided, and explained what had been done since last meeting respecting the additions to the church, and called on Dr. Trevor to explain an offer made by Mr Mountfort, the architect. Dr. Trevor stated that the churchwardens had met Mr Mounlfort by appointment, who informed them he had only received one tender in answer to his advertisement, which was so much in excess of his estimate that he would not advise i(s acceptance. Mr Mountfort then showed the details of his estimate, and made tlio following offer, viz., that he would undertake the works for the sum of £IOOO ; that if the works should exceed that sum ho (Mr Mountfort), would pay the excess, but should it be less than that sum the balance should ho handed to the churchwardens. Mr Mountfort also sidled that he would have an office in the town, and would po superintend "the works as to obviate the necessity of employing a clerk of the works. It was proposed by Dr. Trevor, seconded by Mr Bullock, and carried unanimously:—"That the offer of Mr Mountfort to complete the additions to the church, according to plans and specifications, for the sum of £IOOO, be accepted." Dr. Trevor proposed—" That a vote of thanks be recorded in favor of Mr Mountfort for his liberal offer, and that a copy of the same be forwardei to him." Mr Winter seconded this proposition, which also carried unanimously. It was proposed by Mr Bullock, seconded by Mr Walker, and carried —"That a statement; of the amount expended from Ist January, 1878, and still required for the erection, additions, and completion of the churches in the parish of Ashburton and parochial districts of Mount Somers and Lmgbeach be prepared, printed, and distributed throughout the pnish and parochial districts." It was resolved—- " That the Rev. W. K. Paige, Dr. Trevor,and Mr Ward, form a subcommittee to draw up the statement." The meeting then adjourned $1 the first Wendeaday in September,

Rangioba Domain Board.—ltis proposed to form a Board to take charge of the recreation reserve at Rangiora, and the present trustees have stated their willingness to resign. The trustees have £3OO in hand unexpended.

Kaiapoi Council Citamp.erß.—The new chambers and offices of the Kaiapoi Borough Council have been completed, and are not only very commodious, but a decided improvement to the town, and a convenience to the Council and its officers. The chamber is a very good room, and was used for the first time by the local Harbor Board on Fridav evening.

Railway to the West Coast.—A letter was lately received from Mr Lance, chairman of tho Aehloy County Council, by Mr Blackotfc, Mayor of Rangiora, asking if it would be advisable to convene a meeting at Rangiora lo consider tho question of the railway extension to the West Coast from Eaßt Canterbury. Mr Blackett has stated in reply that as the keenest interest is felt in the Northern district in the extension of the Northern lino to Westland, a public meeting called to discuss tho question would be largely and influcntially attended. It may therefore be assumed that such a mooting will be held at an early date. Government Advertising—The following from a Melbourne contemporary shows that it is not from tho Berry Ministry that the New Zealand Government have adopted their advertising principles : -The return asked for by Mr Gaunson, showing the amounts paid during the p>.st financial year for the Government advertisements in the metropolitan jouinals was yesterday presented to the Assembly. The " Argus'" received £1271 9s 6d, the "Australasian " £49 16s 3d, the " Age " £1192 4s 3d, "Leader" £66 Is 3d, "Daily Telegraph " £599 Is 9d, " Weekly Times " £8 2s 6d, "Evening Herald" £BIO 14s 3d, "Advocate " £6 4s, " Punch " £2O 18s.

Akaroa Hospital. —The improvements (says the " Mail " of Saturday) in the Akaroa Hospital are now complete. Mr J. E. March, the Government Agent for Hospitals and Charitable Aid, invited some of the gentlemen interested to meet him at the Hospital for tho purpose of giving them any information they might desire, in view of tho contemplated transfer of tho control to local bodies. Tho building consists of a vestibule, in which out-patients could bo attended to, vaccination performed, &•••,., two wards, each containing four beds, kitchen, and a room for the master and matron. The rooms are lofty, and due attention appears to have been paid to ventilation. The fittings are also very complete. Mr March gave the fullest information as to the working of the Hospital, which will be of the greatest value when the question of taking over tho institution oomes to be decided on. The total cost of the institution in salaries is a little over £2OO a year. This includes medical attendance on recipients of charitable aid. A charge is made on patients sufficient to cover the cost of their maintenance. Mr March gave the pari iculars of the cases that had as yet been treated in the Hospital. There had been twenty-two patients received : four were then in the institution j of the eighteen discharged, ten had paid their accounts in full, two had paid more than half, and the remaining sis had as yet paid nothing, but there was reason to believe that they would pay when they had had time. An arrangement is made with the master and matron to supply the patients witli food, according to scale fixed by the medical officer, at a fixed rate. Mr March paid a high tribute to the zeal and energy of the matron, Mrs Dixon, in which he was corroborated by Dr, Guthrie. We think there can be no two opinions as to the Hospital being of immense advantage to the district, and we imagine the expenses connected with it (something like £3OO a year) will be supplied ungrudgingly by the local bodies interested.

Canterbury Club.—The annual general mooting of the members of this club will take place on Saturday, the 10th iust., at 2 p.m. Masonic—A Lodge of Instruction will bo held this evening at the Canterbury Masonic Hall at half-past seven o'clock. Orchestral Society.—This society will give their nest concert for the season of 1378-9 at the Oddfellows' hi all on Thursday next. A very good programme of instrumental and vocal music has been prepared. Concert. —A concert of vocal and instrumental music will bo given at the Oddfellows' Hall on Thursday, August 15th, under the conductorship of Mr J. T. M. Smith. Sydenham Borough Council.—The usual fortnightly meeting of this Council will be held this evening. _ Legal.—His Honor Mr Justice Johnston will sit in banco and in chambers to-morrow. Tho banco list is very lengthy, including a number of rcmauets from the last sittiug, besides auy new business which may be set down.