The Globe. MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1878.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1508, 16 December 1878, Page 2

The Globe. MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1878.

The ])oo])1o of Canterbury may bo congratulated upon the fact that although to-day—tho twenty-eighth anniversary of the foundation of the settlement —proves it twelve months older than it was when last its advent and advancement was commented upon in our columns, it also shews in a most unmistakable manner, a progression in prosperity and importance such as but few cities in tho Southern Hemisphere have made in tho period of one short year. This progress is tho more satisfactory from its having boon achieved not only without extraneous aid of any kind —similar to that afforded neighboring districts—but in the face of a most pronounced hostility on tho part of tho ruling powers tho material outcome whereof has boon tho appropriation of the legitimate revenue of tho province to tho general uses of tho colony. "Take away her land fund and see where Canterbury will be," said tho representatives of impecunious constituencies wherein this particular source of revenue had already been bartered for coin, and this injustice effected tho insinuations that added insult to the injury are well answered after a year's probation, by the respect worthy position Canterbury now occupies, fairly won by the industry and perseverance of her people and the great natural superiority of her position. Something worthily attempted, something well done has marked oach year since the landing of tho pioneer passengers by the good ship Charlotte Jane on tho sixteenth of December, 1850, and the year just closed has proved no exception to the rule hy time made absolute. Tho event that claims pre-eminence above tho general marks of prosperity that have characterised 1877-78 is undoubtedly the

connection of Christchnrch and Dnuodin by rail, and it is to bo hoped that what lias boon facetiously designated " tho happy wedding of Miss Canterbury to Mr. Otcago" will, ere next Anniversary Day, be marked by the christening of an offspring to the illustrious union in tho West Coast railway, a line that will be not only instrumental in utilising the arboreal and mineral wealth of tho West Coast, but will likewise open up an extensive and lucrative market for tho commerce of tho groat producing districts traversed by the linos already working. Tho benefits likely to bo derived from this extension of our railway system, and tho obstructions that it is possible will bo thrown in tho way of its construction, deserve more than a passing notice at a timo when tho public mind is engrossed with tho festivities attendant upon tho commemoration of tho foundation of a province and city of which tho denizens are justly proud, and for this reason — with tho promise to revert to tho subject whon gravor matters may prove more acceptable than at, present; —we leavo our readers to the enjoyment of tho hour, sincerely wishing the while that thoy may upon many similar occasions possess tho same indisputable right to rejoice over labor crowned by success that is j-theirs to-day. *— A special telegram in another column conveys the sad intelligence of the first bereavement in the Royal Family since the death of the Prince Consort, on December, 14th, 1861, occasioned by the death of her Royal Highness] Alice, tho third child and second daughter of her Most Gracious Majesty. The deceased Princess Alice Maud Mary was born 25th of April, 1843, and married on the Ist July, 1862, his Royal Highness Louis, the fourth Grand Duke of Hesse Darmstadt. Seven children being the issue of the marriage. The illness from which this lady was suffering was reported a few days since to be diptheria, and in the absenco of particulars, it may be assumed that this distressing malady has proved fatal.