NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1516, 26 December 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

CnEiSTMAS at THE Poet.—Christmas daywas observed on board the vessels in Part by making a fine display of bunting. The English ships looked particularly gay. In Memobiam.—Flags were lowered yesterday afternoon on several buildings and vessels at the Port, out of respect to the memory of Mr Pierce, an esteemed old resident, who died on Wednesday morning. Accident. —Yesterday afternoon a young girl, named Ayree, a resident of Kaiapoi, was brought in to Dr. Macdonald's surgery, Lyttelton, having met with an accident while sitting by the side of the Sumner road. It seems a boy climbing on the bank immediately over her head displaced a stone, which fell, striking her upon the head. When brought in she was suffering from concussion, and had a severe cut upon the scalp and one over the eye. Drs. Rouse and Macdonald, at the casual ward, report this morning that she is progressing favorably. Boxing Day.—From the way the citizens of Chrißtchurch turned out to enjoy Boxing Day, it may bo rationally assumed that keeping up the anniversary of the province only served to whet their appetitea for pleasure. From an early hour picnic parties of various degrees of numerical strength left the town for the various places that, to their idea, seemed specially favorable for out door luncheon and rustic recreation. The trains also were well filled, and the harbor came in for a fair proportionate share of patronage. The weather was particularly suitable for pleasure taking, in being cloudy and comparatively cool. The Foresters' fete attracted a large number of visitors and passed off successfully. Particulars of the various events will be found reported elsewhere, while sports further afield, the particulars whereof could not possibly be obtained in time for the present issue, will appear to-morrow. Appointments.—Mr G. L. Lee is appointed Registrar and Returning Officer for the election of members of the House for the elec» toral districts of Selwyn and Coleridge. Mr Charles Roseveare's appointment as master of the Burnham Industrial School is gazetted. Railway By-laws.—By Order in Council of December 17th a new series of railway by-laws under the Public Works Act, 1876, are promulgated, which are to be in lieu of the by-laws and regulations relating to the same subject at present in force.

Meeting at Phillipstoytn.—A meeting of the inhabitants of Avonsville and Phillipstown was held at the Phillipstown Government school on Christmas eve to take into consideration the question of the proposed annexation of those districts to the city of Christchurch. The meeting was advertised to commence at half-past 7, at which time, however, only about a dozen persons were present. At 8 o'clock there was a very good attendance. A motion, carried unanimously, against the proposed change taking place, was moved by Mr John Ollivier.

The "Messiah."—With reference to the performance of this oratorio on Monday night, Mr J. T. M. Smith writes as follows :—" With your permission I wish to state that the reason the solo "He was despised" was omitted on Monday night was because of the indisposition of Miss E. B. Rowley, who was to have sung it. To the same cause I must ascribe her want of success in the solo part of "O, thou that tellest," which you mention in your critique. In justice to Miss Rowley, I may say that at the rehearsals her rendering of " He was despised" gave promise of being one of the most successful solos of the concert. Perhaps I am to blame for not announcing to the audience the cause of the omission."

Robinson's Bat School.—The annual treat and distribution of prizes in connection with the Robinson's Bay School took place on Friday last. Mr W. Montgomery having been waited upon by the chairman of the school committee had consented to give away the prizes. It may be mentioned that the same gentleman had forwarded to the school committee some weeks previously, a cheque wherewith to obtain the prizes. Before tho distribution of the prizes, Mr W. Montgomery addressed the parents, urging upon them the necessity of sending their ehildren more regularly to school. A capital repast had been spread in the school, of which all partook. Three hearty cheers were given, first for Mr Montgomery, then for the chairman of the school committee, and lastly for the master. Sports of all descriptions followed, after which the gathering, which had proved most enjoyable, disjiersed. Lyttelton Regatta.—Preparations are rapidly being made in Lyttelton for the coming regatta. Every available space in the hotels will bo utilisedjjfor tho accommodation of visitors, and in many cases cold luncheons will be provided. On the reclaimed land Mr T. Poole will erect a huge tent eighty feet long for a dining saloon, and Messrs Kiddy and Belgrave will put up large publicum' booths close to the wharves. There is a good deal of practising going on for the ships' boats and youths' pulling races, and a Lyttelton crow have been got together to pull for the champion four-oared wlmleboat race, for which it is stated that Wellington and _ Wuikouaiti both intend to compete. It is also stated that in spite of hor accident the Torea will be here in time to enter for the champion sailing race. It is supposed both Dunedin and Wellington will be represented in the yacht race, and at any rate one Christchurch crew is in trailing for the double sculling race. The Stewart Family.—There was a capital house at the Oddfellows' Hull on Tuesday evening, when these clever artistes made their s:cord appearance. The varijus items on the programme were loudly applauded, and in ma iy instances re-demanded, notably " Ernani involami," by Mis* Docy Stewart, "See how it sparkles," and "Maid of Athens " by Miss Nellie, nnd the double aoi!g and dance by Misses Maggie and Nellie. Miss Maggie also received well merited ap plause for her singing of the Scottish ballad "Banners of Blue." Mr Stewart's imitations of actors, his impel solvations of the German and French characters, and particularly of the deaf gardener, were capital. As a whole the entortuintrent was sparkling p.nd amusing throughout, and is one which is sure to prove popular. ," The Rainbow RdveU " will be repeated tonight.

ASHBURTON AND RaKAIA BRIDGES.— Regulations in substitution of those previously issued are gazetted, under which the above bridges will be open for ordinary traffic. Miss Amy Shbrwin.—The admirers of this gifted young artiste will be gratified to learn that arrangements are in progress for a final concert, in which she will take the chief part, to take place in the Theatre prior to her departure from the colony. _ Christmas Decobations. The usual vigil and Christmas Doy services were held in the respective churches, which were also decorated as is customary at this season. A description of several of the decorations appears elsewhere. The Sunnyside Asylum.—The choir of St. Michael's Church went to the Sunnyside Asylum at six o'clock on Christmas Eve, and gave a service of carolß for the benefit of the patients, who seemed greatly pleased with the music thus provided for them. Fire near Rangiora —On Monday a fire broke out m the grass on a section of land owned by Mr S. Wilson near Mr Luxton's farm. It was supposed to have originated from a spark at a fire used for boiling a billy. Mr Luxton had from sixty to seventy acres of native grass destroyed and from forty to fifty chains of fencing. The Rangiora Eire Brigade was sent for, and rendered service in preventing the spread of the flames. _ Northern Railway.—The traffic on this line was in danger of interruption on Christmas Day, in consequence of the river rising from the nor'-wester of Monday and Tuesday. The overflow crossed tho line at Stewart's Q-ully, which necessitated the employment of a large gang of men all day to maintain the security of the line. It will not bo long before the contractor has the bridge finished, when all fears of detention at this particular spot will be put an end to. Christmas Entertainment.—The usual annual entertainment will be given this evening in tho Sunday schoolroom attached to St. Matthew's, Caledonian road. The superintendent of the school, Mr Q-ordon, on behalf of the teachers and pupils, has issued invitations to the parents and friends of the latter to come and take part in the gathering. The programme of the evening will include carols, part songs, glees, songs, pianoforte solos, recitations, and readings. The room is tastefully decorated for the occasion, and from the experience of former similar gatherings, a most enjoyable evening may be anticipated.

Amateub English Opeea.—Great progress is being made by Mr H. F. Towle in the organisation of his amateur operatic company, their progress justifying the announcement that the first performances will be given in the Theatre Royal on the evenings of the 9th and 10th of January. A more judicious choice than Flotow's exquisite opera, " Martha," could scarcely have been made. It is fairly within the scope of the performers' voices, and the popularity of the melodies with which it abounds is sufficient to attract the public. Without mentioning names, the cast as now arranged is an excellent one, and gives promise of an eminent success. The great fair scene in Richmond Park is to be produced, with due regard to all the special features of an old English statute fair, special accessories being employed to add to the general effect.

The Kelly Bushbangebs.—The namos of the two hitherto unknown members of this gang have now been ascertained beyond doubt to be Stephen Hait and Joseph Byrne. Stephen Hart is described as being twenty or twenty-one years of age, sft. 6in. in height, having fresh complexion, brown hair, and hazel eyes. He was convicted at Wangaratta in July, 1877, on thirteen charges of illegally using horses, for which he received the very inadequate sentence of twelve months' imprisonment with hard labor. He got off lightly in consequence of never having been previously convicted. Joseph Byrne is described as being twenty-one or twenty-two years of age, about sft. lOin. in height, having fresh complexion, light brown hair, and blue eyes. He was convicted at Beech ■ worth in May, 1876, for having meat unlawfully in his possession, and got a sentence of six months' imprisonment. This was also his first conviction. Byrne's mother lives in a hut in the ranges, not far from the Rats' Castle. This was one of the huts searched by the police a few days after the police murders were committed. The clothes the offenders now wear are those which they appropriated from the hawker's cart, and are described as follows :—Ned Kelly—Grey tweed trousers and vest, dark coat, and drab felt hat. Dan Kelly—Grey tweed trousers and vest, black coat, and white felt hat. Hart —Dark grey tweed suit, and white felt hat. Byrne—Light grey tweed suit, and light felt hat. All the hats are supplied with elastic chin bands. Ned Kelly has now a long beard. The gang are armed with two double-barrelled guns, two single-barrelled guns, a Spencer rifle, and eight revolvers.