NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1434, 20 September 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Chamber Sittings. —At the chamber sittings this morning his Donor Mr Justice Johnston intimated that Tuesday would be the only duy upon which he would sit in chambers next week, as he leaves for Dunedin on Wednesday to sit in banco with his Honor Mr Justice Williams.

Legal Amenities. —During the hearing of a larceny c/.se in the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday, a strong smell of burning was perceived. One legal gentleman suggested that possibly the Court was on fire, whereupon another member of the profession said, “ In that case pray don’t put it out.” •‘Certainly not,” was the retort courteous, “ if you will promise to remain in it.”

The Charge Against Thomas Singleton. —The hearing of the charge against Singleton, of stealing goods from the store of J. T. King, was resumed yesterday afternoon. After a muss of evidence had been taken, the Bench dismissed the case. The Magistrate said that he had very little doubt that the goods were taken by the accused, but as he might have taken them with the intention of subsequently debiting himself with them in the books and paying for them afterwards, he would give him the benefit of the doubt and acquit him.

Lyttelton Choral Society. —On its being announced at the last meeting of the Lyttelton Choral Society by Mr W. J. Wilcocks that he was going to leave Lyttelton, much regret was expressed by the members of the society, of which he may be said to be the founder, and a hearty vote of thanks was moved to him for his great services. Several members spoke of the unwearied efforts he had made in the cause of the society. Mr Wilcocks goes to Invercargill to take charge of the New Zealand Shipping Company’s agency there.

Drapers’ and Clothiers’ Association. —A meeting of the Drapers’ and Clothiers’ Association was held last evening at Radcliffe’s Hotel. There was a very good attendance. Mr Triggs having resigned the treasurership, a vote of thanks was passed to him for his zeal and energy in the interests of the Association. On a ballot Mr C. M. Gray was elected the treasurer of the Association. Several new members were elected. The secretary was requested to write to several firms who did not adopt the early closing movement, asking them to reconsider their decision. It was resolved to hold the annual dinner of the association early next month. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the business.

Tiieatke Royal. —That nondescript drama “ Struck Oil ” was repeated last night at the Theatre, and again wonder was excited that so trashy a production could ever have been rendered tolerable, much less attractive. Beyond affording Miss Alice Johns an excellent opportunity of exhibiting her vocal and Tcrpsichorean ability, and Mr Tom Burton an opening for burlesqueing the character of John StofEel in a fearful and wonderful dialect of his own invention—supposed to be Teutonic—there was absolutely nothing in “Struck Oil” to warrant serious criticism. The production of one or two more such pieces will seriously injure the business of the Theatre. “Struck Oil ” will be repeated for the last time this evening, and those who can appreciate a literary curiosity should not miss the opportunity of seeing it. Inquest. —An inquest was held yesterday, at the Crown Hotel, South belt, before Dr. Coward and a jury, of whom Mr S. Clarkson was chosen foreman, on the body of Thomas Edwards, who died from thc-effects of burns received at a fire lighted by him at Q-eraldine. The lire spread so suddenly that the deceased and his wife were unable to escape, and received such injuries as caused the death of both of them. The evidence of Dr. Prins and the father of the deceased went to prove that his death was caused from the effect of the burns received on the occasion of the accident. The jury returned a verdict of “ Accidental Death.” It having been reported that deceased, after receiving his injuries, was taken to the Timaru Hospital, wo are requested to state that this was incorrect. He was taken to his father’s residence.

Benefit Concert.— A benefit concert was given at Lyttelton on Wednesday evening, under the auspices of the City of Norwich Lodge of Oddfellows, in aid of Brother S. Hillier, who has been long a member. The entertainment was under the patronage of the Mayor, and the chair was taken by Dr. J. T. Rouse. At the appointed hour the hall was densely crowded. The chairman said he was glad to see so many assembled to benefit a fellow townsman. Mr Hillier had been unable to work for three years, owing to illness, and Mrs Hillier was also under the doctor’s care. This showed how urgently money was required by them, and he was pleased to find so many Lyttelton people, both Oddfellows and others, ready to lend a helping hand. The performance was then proceeded with. The first part consisted of vocal and instrumental music, readings, &o. All the performers acquitted themselves well, and were loudly applauded. The second part consisted of the farce “How stout you’re getting,” which was given very ably by members of the Sea Shell Dramatic Club, and caused great fun amongst the spectators, some of the dresses being excellent. ' We understand the concert has been a great pecuniary success, and that a handsome sum will be handed to Brother Hillier.

Eastern Cricket Club. —The adjourned annual general meeting of the Eastern Cricket and Football Club was held at the Eastern Hotel on Wednesday night. There was a large attendance of members, Mr C. J. Mountfort in the chair. The secretary read the report and balance-sheet, which showed that, after paying all expenses, the club had a credit balance of £32 8s 3d. On the motion of Mr Hall, seconded by Mr Campbell, the report and balance sheet were unanimously adopted. The following new members were then elected:—J. Fowler, E. T. A. Fuller, J. Nixon, T. H. Hurst, Hook, J. Bailey, J. Allen, G. Hales, J. Blakely, R. Blakely. The next business was the election of oillcors, which resulted as follows : —President, Mr J. Anderson ; captain, Mr H. Rowe ; deputycaptain, Mr J. G. Rule; secretary and treasurer, Mr C. J. Mountfort; committee, Messrs A. B. Paul, T. Joynt, H. Keith, A. Campbell, and 0. D. Morris. On the motion of Mr Kesteven, seconded by Mr Bassett, Rule No. 7 was amended as follows :—“ That the annual subscriptions for active members shall be 10s per annum, to bo paid in advance.” The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman,

Lyttelton Regatta. —The public meeting called by his Worship the Mayor of Lyttelton, to consider the advisableness of holding a regatta on January Ist, 1870, was held at the Colonists’ Hall, Lyttelton, on Wednesday night, September 18th, the Mayor occupying the chair. There was a very meagre attendance, but most of those who have worked the regatta for years past were present. The hon. treasurer read the balancesheet, from which it appeared there was a balance to the credit of the account. The report was received and adopted. Mr H. R. Webb moved and Mr W. H. Eyes seconded, “ That the usual regatta be held on January Ist, 1879.” This was carried unanimously. Mr J. 0. Boddington was elected hon. treasurer, and Mr H. C. Jacobson hon. secretary. Messrs Murray-Aynsley, H. Allwright, P. Cunningham, W. Cameron, W. D’Authrean, W. H. Eyes, R. Forbes, F. H. Gibson, H. Hawkins, W. H. Lance, H. McLellan. T. MoClatchie, H. Macdonald, H. N. Nalder, T. A. W. Parsons, J. T. Rouse, C. A. Rich, A. Reid, G. Tayler, F. Ward, H. R. Webb, W. Whitby, J. S. Willem, W. Young, J. Yule, Turpin, Kingsford, and D. Mills, were appointed committeemen, with power to add to their number. Messrs W. Ward and Hindley were appointed auditors. Mr J. Fletcher spoke as to the advisablenoes of the land sports on Hew Year’s Hay being managed by the regatta committee, and moved —“That the land sports bo held on Now Year’s Hay in connection with the regatta.” This was seconded by Mr Sow den, but on being put to the meeting was lost. Votes of thanks to the retiring officers and committee, and to his Worship the Mayor for occupying tho chair, brought the meeting to a closer

Local Industry. —Mr Wallace has commenced at Rangiora to make concrete garden rollers, which appear to be equal in quality to those made of hewn stone. Exodus oe Teachers.— There has lately been quite an exodus of teachers from Christchurch. and still more seem about to follow. Yesterday a letter was read_ from Mr Patterson, of the Normal School, in which he stated that he had received the offer of an appointment of £3OO a year in Nelson, and that unless the Board saw its w'ay to improve his position here he should accept it. Small Pupil Teachers. —Mr Wehh yesterday, in his place at the Board of Education meeting, found great fault with the system of pupil teachers —at least so far as it affected Lyttelton. He said the pupil teachers in that school were so very small as to be almost useless. Opinions were expressed that the present pupil teacher system was being carried altogether too far. These very small teachers, it was stated, have thirty pupils under each of them, and as they are themselves only thirteen years of age, they have very little control over their classes, _ Children’s Festival.— The children of St. Michael’s Sunday-school, to the number of about 250, were entertained last night in the parish schoolroom. Tho children first eat down to an excellent tea, after which the yearly prizes were distributed. The entertainment finished with a grand distribution of presents to every child from a Christmas tree. Musical selections were given by several ladies and gentlemen, and the children sang some hymns in a very pleasing manner. The children after a very enjoyable evening dispersed to their homes at about half-past nine. A Case op Cruelty.—A case of gross cruelty was disposed of yesterday in tho Resident Magistrate’s Court. A number of sheep were secured in a yard with scarcely any food, and some of the wretched creatures slowly starved to death, one truss of hay for nearly a hundred sheep being all that was given to them in fourteen days. It is to be feared that this is not an isolated case, and butchers will do well to bo careful when they yard or pen up cattle or sheep to see that they are adequately supplied with food and water. His Worship characterised tho act of defendant as a gross piece of cruelty. A Teacher’s Opinion oe a School Committee. — A somewhat remarkable document was read at the Board of Education yesterday. It was a letter from the teacher of the Kowai Bush School, in which he protested against the action of the school committee in letting the school for dancing purposes. He was very severe on the committee, whom he stigmatised as “ nincompoops.” The Board considered this was a very unwarrantable liberty for a teacher to take with a school committee, and ordered the letter to be returned, with an intimation to the writer that any complaint must come through the committee itself. Entertainment. —The Higloy Oak_ leaf Cricket Club have announced their intention of giving a grand entertainment shortly. Popular Entertainment.— An entertain ment in con inuation of the scries given at St. Andrews will be held this evening at the schoolroom. The programme comprises readings, songs, instrumental selections, &c.