NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1431, 16 September 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Assembly.— According to the arrangement made last week, the House of Representatives will meet to-day, and this evening Mr Sheehan will deliver his statement on native affairs.

The Municipal Complication. —lt is stated on apparently good authority that some of the City Councillors who recently sent in their resignations, were, on second thoughts, inclined to withdraw the same — with a view to facilitating the city business. It appears, however that, once having taken the fatal leap, it is too lat e for them to repent, and that their resignations are irrevocable. Consequently, an extraordinary election to fill the vacancies will have to bo held. It is also stated that Mr Garrick has intimated his willingness to allow himself to be placed in nomination.

Peoposed Hospital Additions. —At the meeting of the Hospital Board on Saturday night the medical staff, through their chairman, Dr Turnbull, strongly deprecated, in a letter to the Board, the practice of placing fever patients in the surgical and medical wards, and urged the necessity of building without delay a detached fever ward. The stuff also suggested the admission into the dispensary, under proper regulations, of a certain number of young men who intend entering into the medical profession.

Football, —The final match of the season in connection ■with the Christchurch Football Club was played on Saturday afternoon, when a picked team met on Cranmer Square to try conclusions with the rest of the members of the club. Both sides were but poorly represented, the gloriously fine weather evidently having the effect of inducing most of the members to seek other recreation than an indulgence in such violent exerciso_ as a good old game of Rugby Union necessarily entails. Still those who were enthusiastic enough to put in an appearance hud the satisfaction of enjoying a good game. The picked team was represented by eight players against t welve, and the match throughout was well contested. The club managed to score a touchdown, but were unsuccessful in their attempt to convert it into a goal. Their opponents, however, were more fortunate, and succeeded in kicking two goals, one of which w r as got by a fine drop on the part of McCardell, and the other through a touch-down obtained with a smart run in by Lewin. The match was brought to a close a few minutes before 5 o’clock, when the players b'd farewell to the football ground, and dispersed, doubtless to dream of making big scores and taking part in exciting boat races,

Licensing Meeting. The adjourned licensing meeting for the district of Christchurch, &c., will be held at the R.M. Court, Christchurch, on Tuesday.

Midland Cbicket Club.—The annual general meeting of the Midland Canterbury Cricket Club will bo held at Radcliffe’s Hotel this evening, at eight o’clock.

City Council. —The ordinary meeting of the City Council is fixed to take place t his evening. As matters stand now there is just a bare quorum, comprising the Mayor, Cr. Ick and the newly elected councillors. Theatrical. —Mr Q-. D. Chaplin, who supported Mrs Scott Siddons in her Sydney engagement, and las recently been playing in Auckland, will make his debut in Christchurch on Monday, 23rd inst., at the Theatre Royal. Theatre Royal. —The sensational drama “ Fraud and its Victims ” was performed on Saturday niglff at the Theatre Royal. The principal characters were sustained by Messrs Hill, Graham, Stark, and Miss Tilly Andrews. The piece attracted a good house, and passed off in a satisfactory manner. It will bo repeated this evening. The Museum. —There was an exceedingly large attendance of the public at the Museum yesterday afternoon, so that it was found necessary to keep the visitors moving to the right., The number of persons present could not have been less than 5000, and every one seemed delighted with the arrangements of the new portion of the building, and the Museum generally.

Hospital Dispensing.— For the future all prescriptions required for outside charitable and penal institutions will be removed from the hospital dispensary, as the Board have accepted the tender of Mr Stevens, of the Whately road, for making up all such prescriptions. This will greatly lighten the work in the hospital dispensary, and do away with the necessity for an assistant dispenser. The Verandah Nuisance. —The suggestion for the removal of the posts that were loft standing in the centre of the newly asphalted pavement in Oxford terrace, has had the effect of causing their removal to the edge of the path. But the equally dangerous nuisance of the obtrusive verandahs in front of some of the shops near the corner of Montreal street still remains unremedied, and should receive the prompt attention of the city surveyor. Driving out Capital. —“ A well-known and popular firm of landholders in the Colac district have within the last few days, in view of the threatened ‘ turn of the screw ’ by imposition of the extra land tax t hreatened by Mr Berry, sold their estate, which was not a very large or overgrown one. They found it necessary,” states the “Reformer” “to take £6OOO less than they wore offered for the same land two years ago, and even at this sacrifice were glad to clear out.”

Grand Cafe Francais. —In connection with the extensive alterations and improvements in Mr Bourgeois’ Grand Cafe Restaurant Francais, the proprietor has intimated his intention of holding a weekly French Soiree, and persons desirous of joining are requested to notify their wishes. Mr Bourgeois also contemplates organising a weekly concert, which, from his known taste and experience, will probably be a great success. The combination of these features with the Grand Cafe is an innovation which doubtless commends itself to Mr Bourgeois’ many

patrons. Alleged Conspiracy. —An action for alleged conspiracy (says the “ Grey River Argus”), at the instance of one Baker against Mirfin and others, is causing great excitement at Reefton. A heavy bar is engaged on both sides. The information charges the defendants with having conspired to persuade the shareholders of the Defiance Company to agree to sell the mine at an inadequate price in order to deprive the informant and other shareholders of any benefit which might accrue from a successful suit at law for the recovery of shares admittedly forfeited and sold.

Dinner. —On Saturday evening a complimentary dinner was given at the Commercial Hotel by the employes of the “Lyttelton Times” to the proprietors. Upwards of sixty were present, and the provision made by Mr Radcliffe for the occasion was in all respects excellent. The chair was occupied by the editor, and the vice-chair by the general manager, The usual loyal toasts havirg been given and responded to, the vice-chairman next proposed “The Health of the Proprietors,” the guests of the evening, referring in his speech to the cordial understanding which existed between them and their employes. The toast was suitably acknowledged, after which the healths of the visitors, the employes, the ladies, and the dinner committee were proposed and honored. During the evening Mr Towle added to the enjoyment of those present by contributing a number of songs and recitals.

Lincoln. —The annual meeting of the members of the Lincoln Cricket Club was held at Sluis’ Hotel on Thursday evening last. The chair was occupied by Mr R. Wright, the retiring president of the club, and there was a good attendance of members. The balancesheet for the past year was read by Mr W. Murray, the secretary, and showed that the total expenditure for the past year was £92 12s Id, and the receipts for the same period £BO 3s 2d. The present liabilities of the club are £25 14s lid, and assets £9 13s, leaving a deficit of £l6 Is lid. The expenditure included the sum of £3O 3s lOd, forwarded to England for a new supply of cricket materials, and a large outlay upon the newly prepared practising ground. Twelve new bats, obtained expressly for members of club, 'was distributed by lot, at a cost of £1 each. Votes of thanks were duly accorded to the retiring officers and committee for their services during the past year. The following officers were chosen for the ensuing year —President, Mr R. Wright (re-elected) ; vice-president, Rev. H. Stocker; committee, Messrs White, Blair, Townsend, and Rev. A. P. O’Callaghan; treasurer and secretary, Mr W. A. Murray; ground committee, president, vice-president, and secretary ; match committee, Messrs Blair, Townsend, Rev. O’Callaghan, and secretary. It was unanimously resolved to charge an entrance fee of 10s to all now members in future, excepting boys under sixteen years of age. Several new members were duly proposed and elected. National Rifle Association.—A. meeting of the committee appointed by the several volunteer corps and the Canterbury Rifle Association, to elect a delegate to represent the district at the conference in Wellington on October Bth, was held at Raflcliffe’s Hotel on Saturday evening. Present — Major Lean (in the chair), Captain Strouts, Sergeant Judge, and Trooper Simpson (C.Y.C.), Lieut. Strange, Sergeants Raven and Fox (Christchurch Artillery), Captain Warner, Sergeants Manning and Buckley (Engineers), Captain Hawkes, Lieutenants Wolfe and RadclilTe (City Guards), Lieutemints Peering and Wearing (No. 5 C.R.Y.), Lieutenant Wardell, and Corporal Goodwin (Timaru Artillery), and Messrs Appleby, Manning, and Bell (representing the Canterbury Rifle Association. The chairman read a tidegraiiufrom Captain Young, No. 1 Temuka Companyregretting inability to attend, and offering co-operation with the committee. The following resolutions were agreed to : Proposed by Captain Warner, and seconded by Captain Strouts—“That this committee affirm the desirableness of sending a delegate from the Canterbury district to represent the Volunteers and Rifle Association of the province at the conference about to be held in Wellington on the Bth October, such representative to bo a volunteer. Mr Appleby moved, and Sergt. Buckley seconded—- “ That it be an instruction to the delegate to support any motion for a range most central for the volunteers of the colony.” An amendment was moved adding the words “ unless it be found that funds bo forthcoming for the removal of plant, &c., from time to time.” The chairman remarked that it was unlikely the Government would do mere than grant an annual subsidy, and free passes on the railway. The amendment was lost and the original motion agreed to. Captain Hawkes moved —“That Major Lean be elected the delegate for Canterbury, and that the expenses of the delegate be paid proportionately by the Volunteer corps, and the Canterbury Rifle Association.” Sergeant Fox seconded the motion, which was agreed. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting adjourned,

The Suez Canal.—A meeting of the Suez Canal shareholders was held in Pans on June 11th, and a report read from M. do Lesseps showing that 1(133 vessels passed through the canal in 1877, an increase of 176 as compared with the previous year. The total receipts amounted t0'39,000,000f, or 3,000,000 f. more than in 1876 ; and the net profit was 4,500,000? of which there will be 3,195,000 f. to be divided among the shareholders. Waiwera Hot Springs. — A pamphlet, bearing the title “ Waiwera Hot Springs, the Sanitarium of New Zealand,” has boon issued by Mr Robert Graham, the proprietor of the springs. The virtues of these springs, and the marvellous cures they have effected, are duly chronicled, and a description of the grounds, accommodation for visitors, and other particulars supplied in the pamphlet under notice.

Rabbiting in Southland. Rabbiting (says the Dunedin “Herald”) has become a permanent industry on many stations, especially on the Southland runs. The men who have joined the noble army of rabbiters, are of the most nondescript class. In some cases, ex-gamekeepers and poachers, whose eight was early trained to the use of the gun, are to be found; whilst, on the other hand, men are to bo seen who, until recently, never saw a white tail gleam amongst the hushes. The dogs to be found rabbiting are almost ns nondescript as their owners. Good hounds there are to be found at the work certainly, but the majority are mongrels. It is astonishing how soon the dogs, no matter how ill-bred, take to the work, and dovelopo into good hunters. Horse Stock bob the North Island.— The following stud horses will be shortly shipped from Lyttelton to the Wanganui district—Pride of Canterbury, a bay cart colt by Glenroy from Jean by Wellington out of an imported mare. Canterbury breeders must have been foolish to allow this grand colt to slip through their fingers, as he won the first prize at the Christchurch Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s show as a three-year-old, and, in fact, has never been beaten when shown. It is stated, however, that an offer of £6OO for him was refused here, and therefore Wanganui men must have bid high for him. He is oue of the best ever bred in this province, and Mr Marshall, of Lake Ellesmere, who was his breeder, may well be proud of him. Mangle represents the thoroughbred class, and this well-bred son of Traducer has grown into a grand horse. His pedigree is as follows—By Traducer from Flatiron, by Peter Flat from Emma, by Operator out of the celebrated old Flora Mclvor. Mangle is now five years old, and stands sixteen hands high. He is closely related to Golden Cloud, Manuka, Papapa, and many other well-known performers on the turf. Sib H. Robinson. Alluding to the approaching departure of Sir George Bowen from Victoria, the Sydney “ Evening News ” observes :—“ The succession to the vice-regal seat must be a difficult matter for the Colonial Office 1 to decide, and we hope for our own sakes that it will not come to the conclusion that Sir Hercules Robinson is the most suitable for the post. At the same time we cannot shut our eyes to the fact that it would be great advantage to our neighbours to have a statesman who had such a large experience of complicated constitutional questions as their Governor. Sir Hercules has made some mistakes here, but perhaps not more than are to be expected, for neither the monarch nor her vicegerent is infallible. But it is certain that Sir Hercules has gained a clear insight into the working of Australian institutions. He has never allowed his own political predilections to interfere with the impartial execution of his duty, and if the call of duty leads him across the Murray, our neighbours may rely upon the same straightforward impartiality.” The Registrars.— The offices of Registrar and Sheriff are (says the “Jurist”) in future to be amalgamated, the Sheriff being absorbed in the Registrar. We made a suggestion to this effect many months ago —vol. 11,, p. 22—and are pleased to find that the bread we then cast upon the waters has returned to us. “By carrying out this suggestion,” we added, “about a dozen unnecessary offices might be abolished.” We do not doubt that experience will prove this economy of administration a sound one. We have now to suggest that these officers, the Registrars, should bo occasionally transferred from one district to another, instead of being stationed perpetually in one centre. The result would be beneficial to the practice of the Supremo Court, as it would tend to introduce uniformity in the conduct of business. At present, the practice in the different districts, in such matters as the taxation of coats, bears no mark of uniformity whatever. Enquiry and discussion on the many little points which constitute practice would naturally lead to good results. Yictoeian Gaols. —Says the “Leader]” of a late date :—lt will be very satisfactory for the public to learn from the annual report on prisons that crime is steadily decreasing in Victoria. During last year there were 8821 committals, being 287 more than in the previous one ; but deducting from these the various recommittals, wo find the number reduced to 6903, and that the average daily number of prisoners is fewer by seventy-one than in the previous year. The number of recommittals points to the existence of a distinct criminal class among us, some offenders having been convicted no less than seven or eight times in the course of the year. The reports as to the improvement of our penal system show that the one blot still remains, although often animadverted upon. The cost of administering correction to offenders amounted in 1877-8 to £59,504, a sum for which there can bo no justification. It is true that the earnings of prisoners are valued at £50,238, but £11,190 is the real cash return. The remainder is assessed from supposed improvements to Crown lands, and other sources which cannot be fairly checked. Tho outlay arises chiefly in country gaols, for the erection and maintenance of which there is no reasonable excuse. Where a police station would answer all the needs of a district wo have an expensive building, in which, as at Portland, the maintenance of a prisoner costs tho State £IOO a year. In many other localities the expenses range from £SO to £6O per head annually. It has been proved that prisons can be made self-supporting, and we see no reason why tho system should not be inaugurated here. Let us, at all events, try and advance towards it by substituting police-stations for a number of upcountry gaols, and making the 83.57 per cent, of working prisoners pay at least the greater part of the cost of their board and lodging.

Sale op City Property. Messrs H. Matson and Co. will sell several sections of city property, situate in Cashel street and Bedford row at their wool stores to-day. Railway Benefit Society.— The quarterly meeting of the Christchurch branch of this society will bo held in the B shed on Thursday, the 19th instant, at 8 p.m. United Canterbury Cricket Club. — The annual general meeting of the U.U.C.C., to receive the accounts for the past season, revise the rules, and elect officers, will be held at Eadcliffe’a Hotel on Wednesday next, at eight o’clock. .Division op the City into Wards The adjourned meeting of the citizens to consider the ward system will be held in the sida room of the Oddfellows’ Hall this evening. As the subject is one of groat importance to the citizens, and as the scheme of the proposed division of the city has met with approval, no doubt there will be a largo attendance.