NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1402, 13 August 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Court and Stage.— lt will be seen from our police report that the case of Miss Tilly Andrews and Herry Simmons was settled out of Court.

The Beer Tax. —ln future the issuing of beer duty stamps by the Collector of Customs will bo on every Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Brewers’ Dispute.—A curious advertisement appears elsewhere, in which Mr John Disher informs tho public that, in consequence of a certain resolution of the brewers having been infringed, he intends for the future “ to paddle his own canoe.” European Telegrams.— Our European news to-day will be found more than usually important, particularly that marked “ Special to the Globe.” It does not seem by any means that Europe is going to settle down peacefully without a little more blood-letting first. Tom Tiddler’s Ground— Good news for the million! New Zealand is now famous at home as a veritable Tom Tiddler's ground “ for picking up gold and silver”—notwithstanding the late stagnation of the works connected with the Rangitoto silver mine. It seems destined now to become famous for its precious stones, rubies and sapphires having been found down South —according to a telegram which appears elsewhere.

Mr Hoskins’ Benefit. —Tho farewell benefit of Mr William Hoskins, being the 41st anniversary of his connection with the stage, will take place this evening, at the Theatre Royal, when, in all probability, tho largest audience ever seen beneath the roof of this place of entertainment will be present. Considerable surprise, if not dissatisfaction, has been expressed at the programme to be submitted upon such an occasion. The public hud a right to expect that From a Shakespearean actor of the reputation of Mr Hoskins on such a night, something beyond a farce, a song, and a burlesque would have been submitted for their approval. But doubtless the presentation and the address of Mr Hoskins will be the event of the evening. Always known as a speaker of much learning and eloquence, the heneficiare ought to excel himself upon this occasion. To-night will be the last of the theatrical season.

A Nuisance in Sydenham.— The residents of First street, Sydenham, complain of the bad state of the drainage in that thoroughfare, which they describe as “ something awful,” the stench arising—particularly since the change in the weather—being almost unbearable, and most deleterious to health. The water that has accumulated in the “channels,” and which seems destined to remain there—at all events until such times as tho Sydenham Borough Council think it worth while to make some improvement—is green and thick, and eminently calculated to give a stranger the idea that he has arrived at a place where there is no municipal government whatever. In the case of a resident the effect is of a more serious and practical character, for the inhabitants cannot fail to bo severe sufferers in their health from the existence of such a state of things. The sooner, therefore, something is done to abate the nuisance the better. Canterbury College. —A course of experimental lectures on “Electricity and Magnetism,” will be delivered by Professor Bickerton in the Lecture Theatre of the College, commencing on Wednesday, August 14th.

Narrow Escape at Christchurch Station.—Last evening, as the North train was being drawn up to the Christchurch platform, a woman who was anxious to get a seat stepped on to i! carriage, and while doing so her foot slipped and she fell between the carriage and the korbing of the platform. Fortunately her dress caught on the carriage step, and this prevent ed her falling among the wheels, and although dragged some distance she was rescued by the bystanders without sustaining any injury beyond a severe fright.

The Circus. —There was a very good attendance last evening at tire Circus, when the various acts on tho programme were gone through excellently. The leaping and riding of Mr Hayes, Mr Wallace’s plate spinning, the trapeze feats of the Duvallis, and last, but by no means least, the extraordinary performance of Mdlle Do Granville, were all received with appreciation by the audience. Mr Benhamo as the clown was also exceedingly good, and the other members of the company in their respective acts were successful. The same programme will be repeated this evening, and to-morrow there will bo an entire change of performance.

Dinner and Presentation.—A. complimentary dinner was given at the White Hart Hotel last night by a number of his friends to Mr W. H. Partridge, who has for some years been in the employ of Messrs S. Manning and Co., and lias recently become tho proprietor of the Rakaia Hotel. About forty persons, mostly belonging to the mercantile interest, were present. Mr S. Man* uing occupied tho chair, and was faced by Mr Saw! ell. After an excellent dinner, served up in Mr ,1. O. Sheppard’s best style, the- cloth was withdrawn, and tho usual leva toasts of the “ Queen,” the “Governor” and the “ General Assembly” were drunk. Mr Sawtell, in an excellent speech, in which ho did full justice to the good qualities of Mr Partridge, proposed his health. In the name of the commercial travellers, of which fraternity the guo-t of the evening had for a lengthy period been a member, Mr Sawtell presented him with a handsome watch, suitably inscribed, and also, on his own behalf,^with a massive gold albert guard and pendant, which he trusted lie would live long to wear. Tho presentation was followed by prolonged applause. Mr Partridge acknowledged the compliment which had been paid him, and thanked the donors for the flattering place ho held in their estimation as well as for the substantial form in which it had found expression, The remainder of toasts comprised the “ Mercantile interest, coupled with (be name of Mr Sawtell; the “ Ladies,” and the “ Press.” The proceedings were enlivened by songs from Messrs Walker, Cooksou, McDonald, Collins, and otners. _ The testimonial was furnished by Mr Sandstcin, of Cashel street.

Licensed Victuallers. — A meeting of licensed victuallers took place yesterday afternoon at Morton’s Hotel. The business was private.

Akaroa Trust.—A meeting of this body was held at Wascoe’s Hotel, Lake Ellesmere, on Saturday last. The Till now before Parliament was road and considered clause by clause, and the meeting afterwards adjourned, to meet in Christchurch after the passing of the Bill. Young Men’s Christian Association. —A lecture was delivered last evening in the Congregational schoolroom by the Rev. H. C. M. Watson. The subject was “The Cities of Central Arabia,” John Inglis, Esq., was in the chair. There was a good attendance — about 150 people. A vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer for his interesting lect nre.

Police. —ln consequence of the number of resignations that have lately taken place in the police force, both in Canterbury and Otago, it has been found necessary to reinforce the strength from Wellington. On Saturday last five men arrived by the Rotorua ; three of them are now doing duty in this city, and the other two were forwarded (o Dunedin. It is stated that recruiting is continually going on in Wellington to keep the police establishments in the Southern provinces up to the necessary strength. Fire at Soutubkook. —The fire caused to the dry grass in one of the plantations on the west of the railway line between Southbrook and Rangiora, on Saturday evening, was extinguished before any considerable damage was done. The Rangiora Fire Brigade rendered good help in putting out the fire in the gorse hedges. Precautions ought to be taken to prevent the engines discharging fire sparks, as another fire was started on the same evening near the North Waimakarzri railway bridge from the same cause.