NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1468, 31 October 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Magisteate's Courts.—Afc the Christchurch KM. Court to-day, James Parr, for drunkenness was fined 40<, or, in default of payment, ordered to be imprisoned for 96 hours. J. J. Hedging, who was brought up, charged with having failed to obey an order of the Court to contribute the sum of 12s 6d per week towards the support of his illegitimate child, was remanded until Tuesday next, bail being taken for his appearance At Lyttelton, one man, charged with drunkenness, was discharged on promising to leave the place.

As3istant-Insi>ectob of Nuisances. — There are a very large number of applications <or the appointment of Assistant-Inspector of Nuisances, and this number is likely to be largely increased before the appointment is made on Mondsy evening next. The salary is £l5O per annum.

Education of Clebgymkn's Children. —ln answer to a question from Mr H. R. Webb, it was stated in the Svnod yesterday t>iat there were scholarships offered at Christ's College for t he sons of clergymen, but not for their daughters.

Dog Colubs.—At the present time there are a very large number of dogs wandering about the city without the civic collar upon them. As the tax if paid now would have to be renewed on the first of the year, very little money is coming in just now from this source, but with the new year a raid will be made by the police upon all collarless dogs. It is as well that owners should be made aware of the fact, so that they may promptly pay the tax and save themselves from fine, or their dogs from poison. Sheep peb S.S. Easby.—The Easby yesterday brought forty-two merino rams from South Australia. They belong to Mr Nissen, who came with them as far as Wellington, and then wet t en to Nap e\ Unfortunately when Mr Boulton, the Stieep Inepaetor, and Mr Hill went aboard they found the neces--ary clean certificates had been left in Wellington, so they were of course obliged to f jrbid the sheep being landed. Kaiapoi Spobts. A meeting of the managing committee of the sports and horse races to be held on New Year's Day was held on Monday evening at Mr L. Wilson's office. Mr J. W. Ellen, president, in the chair. Mr P. Bosustow's offer of a paddock on the Beach road was accepted, and Messrs Schmidt and Burnip were requested to have a ditch in it temporarily filled. They were also authorised to procure proper hurdles. The committee adjourn to Monday, November 25th.

Otago Coursing Cltjb.—There are now to be seen in the sh'op window of Messrs Petersen and Co., High street, two beautiful dog collars —one of silver, the other of gold which were awarded by the North Otago Coursing Club in July last for the winners of the Waterloo Stakes. The collars have a very handsome design upon them, and are embossed with a coursrng field, hounds and hares. One (the gold one) was awarded to Mr H. H. Prince's brindle slut Magic, and the other to Mr P. Mason's Mechanic. Both bear a suitable inscription. They were manufactured by the branch firm of Petersen and Co., Dunedin, and are excellent specimens of the gold and silversmiths' art. Division of the City into Wabds.— The following are the boundaries of the four wards into which the city of Christchurch haß been divided:—North-west ward—That portion of the city of Christchurch bounded towards the north by rural sections Nos. 46, 2(16, 257, and part of 243; towards the east by the middle of Colombo street to the middle of Hereford street; towards the south by the middle of Hereford street to the west side of Antigua street: and on the west by the Government Domain and the Eiver Avon. North-east ward—That portion of the city of Christchurch bounded towards the north hy rural sections Nop. 243, 13,263, 286, and 287 ; towards the east by rural section No. 33, the River Avon, rural section No. 26, to the middle of Hereford street; towards the south by the middle of Hereford street; and towards the west by the north-weßt ward before described. South-west ward—That portion of the city of Christchurch bounded towards the north by the north-west ward before described; towards the east by the middle of Colombo street; towards the south by rural sections Nos. 79,17, 66, and 72 ; towards the northwest by the Lower Lincoln road ; and towards the west by the west side of Antigua street. South-east ward—That portion of the city of Christchurch not included in the beforedescribed wards.

Pbesbytebian Cuttech, Malveen.—A meeting of the Presbyterians of this district was held yesterday at twelve o'clock noon, in the Road Board office, South Malvern. The Eev. Charles Fraser was present, by appointment of the Presbytery of Christchurch, to moderate in a call to a minister for this place. Although the attendance was not large, representatives were present from Waddington, Russell's Flat, Hororata, and G-reendale. After Divine Service, and the usual preliminaries, a form of call was produced, when, on the motion of Mr Macmillan, seconded by Mr Robertson, it was resolved that the name of the Rev. Francis M. Hauxwell be inserted therein. The call was readily signed by all present. The settlement of Mr Hauxwell is eagerly desired by the Presbyterian residents, and will, no doubt, very soon be effected. MabbiAGß Fees.—The question of marriage fees came up at the Synod last evening, on the motion of the Rev. E. A. Lingard to amend the statute relating to church fees, and in the course of the discussion which ensued, it was stated by several speakers that the custom of marriage by banns appeared to be going out of fashion. Mr Lingard said he did not believe that many of the people who got married were aware of the custom of the publication of banns, and that it was to be regretted that it was not more generally followed. Replying to the remarks of one of the speakers who had spoken against the system of charging high marriage fees, Mr Lingard said his own experience was that when marriages took place in the colony the bridegroom was more surpiised at the smallness than at the largeness of the fees. A general impression appeared to prevail that these fees went to the clergymen, which was quite a mistake, as they did not receive a penny from the regular fees. Mr Lingard moved that an N.B. should be passed setting forth this fact to the public, but ultimately he withdrew it. The other amendments he proposed in the statute were approved of. Union Rowing Club.—A meeting of this club was held last night at eight o'clock at Radcliffe's Hotel. There were twentysix members present. Mr R. D. Petrie, the vice-commodore of the club, occupied the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The chairman read the recommendations adopted by the committee for the procuring of new boats from England, at a meeting held on October 23rd. After some discußsjon the recommendations were put to the meeting, »nil it Tsras resolved to send home for a four-oared racing boat, a four-oared practice boat, a four-oared inrigged boat, two pair-oared stump outriggers, and a whiff. The recommendation of the pommittee for the purchase of four pair of sculls was also adopted. The recommendations of the commitee ay a v/ko'o were then put to the meeting and carried unanimously, j The chairman stated that the co>t of the new boats would be about £2lO. The chairman then explained the position of the club financially. He said that at the commencement vf the season they had started with a debt of ijltt tij the Bank of New South Wales, #ll3 to Mr Gfeo. 6-ouid; £SO, had been paid off the latter, and it was hoped before k the termination of the seafou the total debt would be reduced to about £SO. Fortypjr new members had been enrolled, and he hoped te£ore long the clnb would be on as sound a footing a& t:;y of the others. It was resolved to send the order for the boj.tp home by the outgoing mail on the Bth, so as to havo tliem out shortly after the close of tho proKent season. The meeting terminated with a vote of thankp to the chairaui:, which was carriscl by acaia&ation, '

Rakaia and Ashbubton Forks Railway, —Thin line, the first initiated in Canterbury since the passing of the District Railways Act, may now he considered as commenced in earnest. The contract has been signed by Messrs J. and A. Anderson, and Tuesday, the 19th November, has been fixed for turning the first sod. Arrangements will be made for running a special train down on the occasion.

The G-aiety—The usual programme of magic, giftß, and ventriloquism was gone through at the Gaiety Theatre last night. This popular company have no reason to complain of the patronage they have received since they have appeared in Christchurch. Tonight is the last but two of their tenancy of the G-aiety, and an attractive programme, combined with the irresistable inducement of free gifts, should draw good houses until they close their season.

Bybeton.—An entertainment of a very pleasing character was held at Eyreton on Thursday, the 25th inst. Nearly 200 people assembled in the schoolroom to hear the recitations and musical pieces, both vocal and instrumental, given by the children. The elocutionary talent of the children was considerable. Every child down to five years old contributed something creditable towards the evening's amusement. The total proceeds were over £5.

Bkilliant Meteoh. A most brilliant meteor, or, as they are generally called, " shooting stars," appeared in the sky a few minutes after eleven o'clock last night, in a direction slightly west of north. When it first made its appearance it was almost at the zenith, and at once lighted up the town with a pure white light. It traversed the heavens rapidly, burst into fragments, and at once disappeared, leaving comparative darkness. The Tasca Concebts.—To-night the concluding grand recital will be given by Madame Tasca in the Oddfellows' Hall. The programme includes two compositions by Mendelssohn and Chopin, two pieces by Stephen Heller, and a grand duet on themes from " II Trovatore, " arranged by Gottschalk for pianoforte and harmonium, executed by Madame Oarlotta Tasca and Mr Alfred Plumpton. Such a selection at popular prices should ensure a crowdtd hall, more especially as it is the last occasion on which Christchurch will have an opportunity of hearing Madame Tasca play. Parochial Entertainment.—The last of the series of papular entertainments given in St. Andrew's schoolroom, took place la6t night. In the absence of the Rev. C. Fraser, Mr Allison took the chair. The programme was excellent and varied. Pianoforte selections were played with expression and taste by Miss Foster, and well-selected readings were g.ven by Messrs Thornton, Ambrose, and Rentoul, and the vocal portion of the entertainment was sustained by the Misses Cook and Ness, and Messrs S. Johnson, H. Johnson, and Woledge. There was a very fair attendance, and the amusement provided was received with evident appreciation. Kaiapoi C.C.—A meeting of the committee of this club was held at Mr L. Wilson's office on Tuesday evening; the president in the chair. A challenge received from the Amberley C.C. was acknowledged, and the fixture of the date of the match deferred. Six new members were elected. A sub-committee reported that Mr Oram's paddock was being put in order for play. It was resolved that the opening match be played on Wednesday next, commencing at 1.30 p.m., sides to be chosen, Married v Single. The rules of the club were ordered to De printed, and after passing some routine business the meeting adjourned. Forgeby.—Richard, Davies, alias John Harley, who had been remanded on a charge of forgery and uttering, was yesterday again brought up at the Resident Magist ate's Court. The Inspector of Police withdrew the original charge, and substituted one under section 4 sub-section 6 of the Vagrant Act, 1866, of endeavouring to impose upon one John William Anderson, for the purpose of obtaining a sum of money under false pretences. The prisoner, who exhibited considerable acumen, objected to the alteration of the charge, and challenged the right of the Bench to allow it. He refused to question the witnesses, and protested against the entire proceedings as illegal. The Court over-ruled his objections, and took the evidence of the various witnesses who sheeted home the offence to the prisoner. The Inspector handed in to the Bench a previous conviction at Kaiapoi for larceny, which the prisoner admitted, and he was sentenced to six months' imprisonment with haad labour.

Inteepbovincial Regatta. A wellattended meeting of persons interested in boating was held at Mr L. Wilson's office, Kaiapoi, on Monday evening. The Major (Mr Ellen) was voted to the chair. The hon. secretary of the Kaiapoi regatta committee said it had been pointed out that some action should be taken towards holding this regatta, and he had convened the present meeting as a preliminary to bringing together those interested in the Interprovincial Regatta. Mr Burnip moved, Mr Schmidt seconded—" That steps be taken in reference to holding the Interprovincial Regatta of 1879 in Canterbury on the Waimakariri, and that the secretary of the Kaiapoi regatta committee be requested to correspond with all persons interested therein." It was pointed out that if the regatta was held in that neighbourhood, the public would be prepared to give every assistance with subscriptions, and finding accommodation for the boats of visit ing crews. The motion was agreed to, and with a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting terminated.

Thb " Church News. '' —A good deal of discussion took place last evening in the Synod, on the motion of Mr P. de c. Malet, to make an annual grant of £SO to the "Church News." In the course of this discussion many members of the Synod expressed their dissatisfaction with the way in which the paper had been carried on, and the Ven. Archdeacon Harper and the Rev. H. E. Elton said that, while upon the West Coast, they could not conscientiously recommend its circulation among the Church of England people. Mr Elton remarked that the roviews were sometimes written in such a liippant style as to do more harm than good. Ultimately a vote of £SO was made to the magasine for the ensuing year. It was stated that the debt upon it for printing, &0., was £BO, while the debt to the Bishop, in connection with it, was something like £2OO. An effort is now to be made to see if it cannot be made more popular than it has been hitherto. St. Paul's Chubch.—A meeting of the members and office-bearers of this congregation was held in the church on Tuesday evening, for the purpose of considering the state and prospectß of congregational finance. The Rev. Mr Elmslie, pastor of the congregation, presided, and after some religious exercises introduced the business of the evening. Ho referred to the great encouragement they had met with since the opening of the new church, in the marked increase of the congregation and the healthful state of the congregational finance, and said the only difficulty in their way was a heavy debt, which added to their annual expenditure an amount of £6OO in the shape of interest. He assigned urgent reasons why a large portion of this debt should be at once cleared off. Three resolutions pointing in this direction were then submitted to the meetiug. The first was moved by Mr Robert Sutherland, oongvegational treasurer, and seconded by Mr J. M. Watt; the next was moved by Dr. Campbell and seconded by Mr R. W. Black, and the last was moved by Mr John Miln and seconded by Mr A. Duncan. The speakers forcibly presented the cluims of the building fund, and a list, laid on the tabic at the cioae of the ra&eting, ahowed a goodly amount already subscribed. The meeting was also addressed by the Rev. Lindsay Maekie, Dunedin, nnd the Rev. A. Alexander, recently from Scotland. A pleasing episode varied the proceedings about the middle of the programme, in the form of a presentation to the Rev. Mr Elmslie of a very liHncisoma pulpit gown and oaa&ock. Mr C. A. C Cunningham, representing the ladies of the congregation, made the presentation in a few well chosen words, assuring Mr Elmslie that the gift was a token of the warm affection cherished for him by his people. Mr Elmslie reciprocated the expression of feeling in a brisf but suitable reply. Throughout the whole evening the proceedings were grea'ly enlivened by the organist and choir, and about ten o'clock the meeting was dismissed, with the Benediction,

Diocesan Synod.—The Synod met again yesterday aud had a long sitting, getting through a considerable amount of buaineaß. Thkatee Royal.—The same bill was repeated last night at the theatre, and was favourably received. It will be played for the last time to-night. To-morrow Mr F. M. Bates will take his benefit, 0 n which occasion, ha will impersonate Salem Scudder in " The Octoroon." On Saturday night "Pink Dominos" will be revived, and on Monday evening Mr Walton will commence an engagement in Walter C< oper'splay of "Hazards." The Fiee Brigade Demonstration.— Information has been received from the secretary of the Dunedin Fire Brigade that a number of men belonging to that brigade will be present at the forthcoming torchlight procession on the 16th of December. Up to the present time it is not expected that the Dunedin men will come up in very great force, but, whether they come in small or large numbers, they will meet with a hearty welcome at the hands of their Christchurch, brethren.

A home for working girls was lately opened in London under very encouraging auspices. Working girls between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, who have no parents or friends in London with whom they can reside, are boarded at four shillings and sixpence per week. This first home contains thirty-seven rooms, and others are in contemplation.