NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1518, 28 December 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Special Service.— A special evangelistic service will be held in the G-erman Church, Montreal street, to-morrow evening at 6.30, particulars of which will be found in our advertising columns. Child Desertion.— This morning a woman named Belinda Sweeney arrived per Hawea, from Wellington, in charge of the chief officer of the vessel. She was arrested at Masterton on the charge of deserting her child, and remanded to Christchurch. Police Transfer. —Serjeant-Major Bevan, who has for a long time been stationed in Dunedin, passed through Christchurch this morning en route to Wellington, where he has been transferred. The Serjeant-Major, who was very popular in Dunedin, is one of the survivors of the gallant “ Six Hundred ” of Balaklava.

Dust Carts. —A correspondent writes complaining of the custom that prevails in the city of carting dust from the streets during a nor’-wester, when he avers, “half the the material lifted finds its way into the cart provided for it, while the other moiety is blown into the eyes, throats, and vest pockets of persons passing by,” The letter is rather long for publication, but wo quite agree with the writer that “ this practice is a nuisance that the city authorities would do well to abate.” Gale in Port. —The wind blew from the north-west with tremendous force yesterday. The vessels in port, notwithstanding the excellent shelter, had to adopt various expedients for protection from the gale. The only damage done, however, was in two instances at the Gladstone Pier, and it was very slight. The ship Bangitiki careened over against the heads of two of the piles, smashing in two ports, and slightly damaging a plate in her outwalks, ana tue Hyauspes in a similar manner smashed her main channel plates.

Cable Communication.— lt was notified at the Telegraph office yesterday that cable communication with Singapore had been again restored. _ , Assistant Harbor Master.— The Harbor Board have appointed Capt. A. de St. Croix to assist the Lyttelton harbor-master at a salary of £2OO per annum. Thb West Coast Coach.— The coach from Hokitika to Christchurch, duo to-night, was stuck up beyond the Otira yesterday, and •will not therefore arrive punctually this evening. I Steam Tug Lyttelton.— The now steam tug will be ready to commence work on the Ist January, and Captain Clarke has been appointed to the charge of her. Captain Whitby has been appointed to the Heathcote. _ ~ . Fires near the Railway. —On Boxing Hay sparks from the train set fire to the grass on a reserve between Southbrook and Rangiora, and before it could be extinguished several chains of fence were destroyed. A second fire took place near Flaxton, whore a long line of fence was burned, and an adjoining crop with difficulty saved. _ Picnic —■ The annual picnic given by Messrs Hobday and Co, to their employes took place on Boxing Hay. The party, to the number of fifty, were driven to Tax lapu to a paddock kindly lent by Mr Gerkmg. After indulging in various games, enjoying the good things provided, and giving three cheers for the firm for their liberality, the party returned to town much pleased with their day s outing, _ Akaeoa and Waioti Road Boabd. The nomination of candidates for the two vacant seats at the Akaroa and Wainui Road Board took place at the office of the Board on Thursday at noon, when Messrs John Huxbury and Coll McHonald being the only candidates nominated, were declared duly elected. The proceedings were under the Regulation of Local Elections Act, and Mr J. Barwick acted as Returning Officer. Railway Trucks.— At the meeting of the Harbor Board yesterday, the chairman stated that the supply of railway waggons at Lyttelton was quite inadequate for the requirements of the port. The number of large vessels now discharging their cargoes was sufficient to monopolise from 250 to 300 waggons per day. On these facts being represented to Mr Conyers, he stated that every exertion was being made to meet the difficulty by building a large quantity of trucks. Slaughtbb-housk Licenses. —At the meeting of the County Council yesterday, a number of applications for slaughter-house licenses were considered. Some, in view of the growth of population them, were endorsed with the remark that it was probable next year they would not be granted. It may be noted that some twelve present holders of licenses neglected to renew their applications. If they do not obtain a license on or before 31st Hecember, they render themselves liable to a fine under the Act for slaughtering without a license. Papanui Presbyterian School. The teachers and scholars of this school held their annual treat on Boxing day. Soon after nine o’clock the children assembled at the church, and were brought in gaily decorated conveyances, provided by members of tho congregation, to a paddock of Mr Robert Duncan, lent for the occasion. Many of the friends and parents of the scholars joined the young people in their holiday, and an abundant supply of eatables was provided. The usual games, cricket, races, &c., &c. were heartily engaged in. About six o clock, after an excellent tea, the company collected for a short address from the Rev. W. H. Horner, after which a vote of thanks to Mr Duncan and to the teachers, &0., whose labors had made the treat so successful, concluded a day of much enjoyment. . A Salvage Case— Judgment was given by the Wellington Magistrate on Monday in the case Ruxtonv M, Kennedy, which has excited considerable attention among the shipping community. The action was brought by Captain Ruxton, master of the schooner Spray, against the master and owners of the p!s, Luna, who had been enabled through information received from Captain Ruxton to save the brig Star of the Mersey. Mr Hansford in givingljudgment said “ There does not appear to me to be any defence to this action. The defendant taking advantage of information given him by the plaintiff obtained a sum of £3OO for salvage, having previously entered into an agreement to pay the plaintiff what was fair and just for his information. I consider the plaintiff’s claim a fair proportion of the salvage, and give judgment for £IOO and costs.” The Stewarts. Judging from the crowded audience which last evening greeted these clever artistes, the "Rainbow Revels” has succeeded in winning much popularity here. Miss Docy Stewart’s rendering of the selections from “ Ernani” was as excellent as on previous evenings. Miss Kellie has succeeded in making herself a prime favorite with her audiences, and deservedly so, as her various impersonations are marked with a vivacity which makes all of them exceedingly enjoyable. She sang the music allotted to her excellently. Miss Maggie has not a great deal to do in the piece, but what she has is done well, and she sings the stirring Border ballad “ The banners of blue,” with a great deal of fire and success. Mr Stewart is a host in himself, his characters being delineated with great fidelity and artistic power. To-night “ Rainbow Revels” will be repeated. Railway Pic-nio.—A preliminary meeting of the heads of departments was held in the accountant’s office, at eight last evening ; Mr Back, general manager, elected chairman of the meeting, fifteen being present. It was unanimously agreed that a pic-nic he held in the first week in February. The following were elected a committee, with power to add to their number: —Mr Back, chairman ;MrT. H. Yeneer, secretary; Mr H. Spencer, treasurer ; and Messrs Bain, Turner, Lane, and Crosbie, committeemen. It was agreed that the committee should make arrangements for a paddock at one of the following places:—Rangiora, Papanui, or the Racecourse. It was reported that there was a sum of £l2 in hand, balance from the last pic-nic. Mb R. Wilkin.—As will bo remembered a sum of money was collected prior to Mr Wilkin’s departure for England, with which he was requested to obtain a portrait of himself. A letter was received by the last mail from Mr Wilkin, addressed to the Hon. John Hall. The letter was dated sth November, and stated that after consultation he had decided upon entrusting the commission to Mr Norman Macbeth, of Edinburgh, at a cost of 160 guineas. For half the amount he •was to have a copy of the portrait, which he intended to present to the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He also mentioned that his two sons had been entered, one at Jesus College, Cambridge, and the other at tho University of Edinburgh. The Late Fibe Brigade DEMONSTRATION. —A letter has been received from tho secretary of the Dunedin Fire Brigade, Mr Robertson, by Mr Superintendent Harris, of Christchurch, stating that he had been desired by the Dunedin men to return their very besv, * auks for the hearty reception that had been accorded to them during their recent visit. The letter added that the visit had dispelled many false impressions that bad prevailed on tho subject of Christchurch and its Fire Brigade, and the writer concluded by hoping that in this respect the feeling had been mutual, and that tho Dunedin men would bo able to reciprocate the kindness shown by their Christchurch brethren. Inquest. —An inquest was held at the Hospital yesterday touching tho death of Harriett Miller, who died the previous afternoon. She was admitted into the Hospital on the 20th inst., suffering from paralysis occasioned by a long-standing complaint she had been suffering from. She was insensible when admitted, and continued so until her death. The husband’s evidence corroboraled the fact of her previous illness, and Dr. Chilton stated he had made a post mortem, examination, and the result showed that the deceased’s brain had gradually softened, which had probably led to tho paralysis which waa the cause of‘her death. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with these facts, the coroner censuring the deceased’s husband for not stating who she was when he brought her to the Hospital,, an omission which caused suspicion to attach itself to him ppedlwsly,

Rangioea. —On Thursday evening a concert was given at the Literary Institute, in aid of tho cricket club funds. There was a fair attendance. Glees and part songs were given by Mr Merton and his glee society. Songs were given by Messrs Hammon, Dorn, Merton, Good, and Woledge during the evening. University Examination. —Tho annual examination of the New Zealand University commenced on Friday, the 27th inst., and will last a fortnight. There are this year a larger number of candidates than in any previous year. For the junior scholarships, there are thirty-nine competitors, of whom nine are from Canterbury. Twenty-five undergraduates come up for the degree of 8.A., fqr fourteen of whom this will be the final examination. Seven undergraduates compete for senior scholarships; six for third year scholarships. Two graduates are coming up for honors, and one for tho degree of M. A. As tho University examiners are in Melbourne, the result of the examination will probably not bo known before tho middle of February. Tho examination is held simultaneously in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Nelson, and Auckland. Supposing all the fourteen undergraduates above mentioned pass successfully this year, there will then be twenty-two graduates of the New Zealand University, and the convocation of the University (which requires thirty graduates), may bo expected to be established in three years’ time. New Zealand Rifle Association.— The local secretary of the New Zealand Rifle Association, Mr A. Appleby, has received a circular from Mr Stevens, the secretary of the Executive committee of the New Zealand Rifle Association, which contains several items of interest. The Government have promised to give £ for £ on all subscriptions raised by the Association, and to provide a staff of officers to carry out the forthcoming meeting of the Association at Nelson. The Executive committee, in view of the necessity of making the opening meeting of the Association at Nelson a success, desire to impress on intending members the advisability of joining the Association as early as possible. Tho rough draft of the programme for the Nelson meeting comprises eight matches for volunteers only, viz Four for rifles and four for carbines. In these matches the firing for tho champion belts, &c. will be taken. For any members there are ten matches, two of which are for carbine, and two for small bores, the latter being up to 1000 yards. There is also a consolation match. Somewhere between £9OO and £IOOO will be given in money prizes at the meeting. Now that the effort to start a National Rifle Association in New Zealand seems likely to prove a success, it is to be hoped it will have the support of all interested.

Coen Exchange.— -A general meeting of subscribers to the Com Exchange will be held to-day, to receive the report of tho sub-com-mittee.

Evangelical Alliance Services.— The Evangelical Alliance, in accordance with its annual custom, forwarded to the Board of Management of the Christchurch Young Men’s Christian Association, its circular inviting all Christians to join in holding a week of united and universal prayer in the commencement of the year. The Board, through its president, Mr j. H, Twentyman, forwarded the request to the Christchurch Ministers’ Associat’on, and that body has made arrangements for a week s services accordingly. A united public Communion service will bo held in the Durham street Wesleyan Church on Monday, January 6th, and meetings for prayer will be held throughout the week, particulars of which will be found in our advertising columns. Cricket Fixtures.— The Faglcy Oakleaf C. C. will play matches against the Sydenham and Wairarapa Cricket Clubs' on the ground of the former. The following will represent the H. O. L, C. C. against Sydenham:—H. V. Anson (captain), A. G. Ashley, J. Caygill, J. Gibb, J. Hopper, H. Page, R H. Turner. A. Johnston, D. Lusk, J, Wheatley. A. White. Emergency:—W. H. Smith and W. Walsh. The following will represent the Second Eleven against Wairarapa:—P. Board, O. Caygill, R. Cant, H. Fisher. T. Hooper, J. Niven, A. Johnston, A, Washer, J, Simpson, A. Marshall, A. Thomson. Emergency: —D. Rees. A cricket match between Richmond and the Second Eleven of Woolston will commence on the ground of the latter to-day at 2 p.m. The following is the Richmond team : —Messrs H. Wenlock (captain), T. Harvey, A. Hardie, T. Mair, R. Mant, R. M‘Cleary, C. Eldridge, T. Moody, H. Jones, W. Cavanagh, F. Grant. Emergencies —A. Hill, E. Woodham, H. Wehbe. The Second Eleven of tho Sydenham Youths’ Club will play a match with the Southern Club on the Waltham groand to-day. The following will represent the Sydenham Youths’ Club :—Messrs Butler, Rowe, Shierlaw, Hadfield, White, Dunham, Allardyce, W. Forsyth, H. Wagstaff, G, Robson, D'benham. Emergencies—Mann, Mason, and Lawrence. Play will commence at 1.30 p.m. The match between the Eastern C.C. and the Sydenham 0.C., which was to have been played to-day, is postponed.