NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1527, 9 January 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

SrcKET Eepaibs. — A portion of Colombo street is blocked for tho purpose of effecting repairs. The steam roller was engaged this afternoon iooe.eaing tho surface, and performed tho work with its usual efliciency.

Bible Readings. —Mr Henry Parley announces his attention of giving Bible readings to-morrow afternoon, at tho Congiegational schoolroom, Manchester street; tin's and tomorrow evening at the Q-aiety Theatre; and on Sunday afternoon and evening at the Theatre Royal.

News in Bbief. —The railway company will have about seventy extra trucks in use in about fourteen days. The opening of the extended works of the Kaiapoi Woollen Factory will take place in about six weeks. An inlluential committee has been appointed to make arrangements for a testimonial to Dr. Donald previous to his departure for England. Nearly five thousand shares in the Temperance Hotel Company have been applied for; the enterprise promises to be a success. It is probable that a base ball match will bo arranged between local players and a number of American visitors at present in Christchurch. The quarterly meeting of the Christchurch Fire Brigade was held last evening for practice. The attendance was large, and the engines did good work. 1.0.0. F., A.C.—At a meeting of the Loyal Avon Lodge, No, 23, held last evening, the officers elect, viz.:—Bro. A. Schwartz, N.Q-.; Bro. Hall, V.GK; Bro. H. S. Pieremont, R.S.; Bro. T. F. Riggs, P.S. ; Bro. W. White, Treasurer; Bro. Marsh, R.H.B. to Y.GK ; Bro. E, W. Riggs, L.H.S. to Y.GK; Bro. Pearce, R.H.S. to N.GK ; Bro. Welsh, L.H.S. to N.GK ; Bro. Willis, Warden ; were duly installed in their respective offices. The Cab Nuisance. A correspondent, signing himself “ A Cabman,” writes to us, stating that he quite agrees with our leader of yesterday calling attention to the Gloucester street nuisance. In language rather too plain for publication our correspondent then comments upon the reprehensible practice of some cabmen in getting hold of drunken men pandering to their immoral desires, and charging them exorbitant sums for the disgraceful services rendered. The letter concludes with a suggestion that “ as regards the Theatre, no cabs should be allowed to stand there before 10 o’clock or after 11, and then there would be less crime, and people would be allowed to pass without being insulted as they are subjected to at the present time.” Yolunteee Paeade.—The usual monthly parade of the head-quarters’ companies took place last evening, at the drill-shed, when there was a very good attendance of the members of the various corps, Geatixude. —At the conclusion of the trial of Cowan yesterday, in the Supreme Court, after the jury had returned a verdict of “ Not Q-uilty,” the accused thanked the jury for their verdict, much to the astonishment of the judge, who expressed his disapproval of such a course.

Railway Teuckb. —The iron work for about seventy railway trucks is now being landed at Lyttelton, and as the wood work is all ready for fitting, it is expected that they will be put together and ready for work in about fourteen days. Kaiatoi Woollen Factoby. The new building for the extended operations of this factory has been nearly completed. In about six weeks the directors of this company anticipate that they will be able to hold an opening ceremony, for which invitation tickets will be issued.

Temperance Hotel. —A meeting of tlie directors of the proposed Temperance Hotel took place at the Hall, Gloucester street, at three o’clock yesterday afternoon. There was a very good attendance, and the chair was occupied by Mr William Pratt. Some discussion took place as to the site of the building, and ultimately the four that were considered most eligible were picked out, and the decision will be submitted to the full committee. Of the 5000 shares nearly the whole have now been taken up. The full proposals of the directors will be submitted to a general meeting of shareholders, which it is hoped will take place within a fortnight, by which time it is confidently expected that the whole of the shares will be disposed of. The Stewarts. —The stay of these clever artistes is rapidly drawing to a close, and there is yet ns sign of any abatement of their popularity. Last night “If ” again drew a largo house. The various efforts of the Misses Docy, Nellie, and Maggie, to amuse the audience were highly appreciate, and the applause was frequent. Mr Stewart drew forth enthusiastic plaudits for rendering of the (“Marquis” song, and was also very good in the? character of the “Burlesque ‘King.” To-night “If” will bo repeated, and as the season closes on Saturday next, those who have not yet seen this bright little entertainment should do so at once.

Football.—A public meeting of footballers was held last night at the Commercial Hotel, when it was resolved to reply to the telegram from the Auckland Club, with regard to the visit of an English football team, that Canterbury would not guarantee any sum beyond the gate money, but that in all probability subscriptions to the amount of £250 might bo relied upon. A report of the proceedings appears elsewhere. Baseball Match. —A number of American visitors at present in Christchurch are anxious to try conclusions with a local team at their national game of baseball. Sides selected from the cricketing clubs and the various agents for the reaper and binder manufacturers would probably show some good sport and at the same time introduce a new and most popular game into the list of athletic amusements in Christchurch. Drapers’ Picnic.—lt is stated that for the first time in the history of Christchurch the drapers, as a body, are to have a picnic, which, considering the importance of this branch of industry, is likely to be one of the largest, if not one of the most successful of the year. It is expected that altogether there will bo an attendance of something like five hundred people. A preliminary meeting of the promoters will take place on Friday evening next, and the picnic will, in all probability, come off about the 28th inst. Theatee Koval. —The long looked for performance of “Martha,” by the members of Mr Towle’s opera class, will take place this evening, at the Theatre Royal, and promises to be very largely attended. A fulldress rehearsal took place last night, and went off capitally. Every effort has been made to render the whole performance a success, and no doubt it will prove so. De. Schwaezbach. —This gentleman, who is described as an eye, ear, and throat specialist, has arrived in Christchurch, and may be consulted at Warner’s Hotel during the next fortnight. Dr. Schwarz bach is now on His way to Germany, and it is his intention to publish a work there embodying observations made during his sojourn in Australia and New Zealand. Attempted Shooting at Kowai Pass. — A man, whose name we have not ascertained, made an attempt to shoot Mr John Fraser, blacksmith, on Tuesday afternoon. Fortunately, Mr Fraser noticed the man in time to rush behind a coach which he was repairing, and so escaped. The ball went through the coach and entered the carih at some distance, where another man had a narrow escape. The man who fired was evidently intoxicated. The New Goveenment Buildings.— These buildings are now nearly completed in the interior, and from the outside present a very handsome appearance. The hoarding has been removed, all the windows fitted with Venetian blinds, and, with the exception of the clock tower remaining unoccupied by a time piece, the building presents a finished appearance. It will shortly bo taken possession of by the various public departments.

Cricket Fixtures. —The following notices yolating to matches to bo .played on Saturday have beuuieeeived Tho Eastern players in tho match against Wookton will be—Messrs Blakely, Crowe, idiot, Gee, Hale, Hook, Hunt, Mountfort, R., Morris, R., Rogers, Shackleton. Emergencies—Keith, Morris, C., Johnston, A. This team will leave Morton’s by the 1.45 p.m. coach. Tho return match between the United and Hagloy Oak Leaf Clubs will bo played on the ground of the former, game to commence at 2.30 punctually. The following will be the team of theU.C.C.C.:—Messrs Bruges, Buchanan, W. Cottorill, Dawe, Frost, Harvey, Me;.res, Robinson, M. S. Smith, Thorna and Wilkinson. The following will represent tho H.O.L C.C.:— Messrs Anson, Ashby, Caygill, Gibb, Hopper, Johnson, Busk, D.. Page, _ Turner, Wheatley, White’. Emergencies—. Smith and Lusk. The following will play for the M.C.C.G. against the Eastern Club —Messrs Alack, Mouck, Watson, Hiil, Fairhurst, Palairet, VV. Horner, Murray, Whiting, Hinlop,and Thompson. Cohen and T. Jones. The Kastcrn Club’s team will be—Messrs Allen, Bailey, Blakely, Digby, Gray, Hamilton, Kiuvig, Paul, Row, Turner White.

New Zealand Rifle Association— Tho local secretary and treasurer, Mr Appleby, bus received a supply of rules of the Colonial Rifle Association fop distribution amongst member?.

Pkksektation at Abhbueton.—Mr Hay T. Smith, who for some years past has lent his paddock for the sports held every Boxing Day, was on Tuesday night presented with a recognition of this and numberless other kindnesses. The presentation took the shape of a very handsome marble clock, bearing a suitable inscription on a silver plate. The timepiece was from Messrs Peterson and Co.’s, of Christchurch, who were liberal subscribers to the fund. Mr Calvert, on behalf of the Ashburton sports committee, made the presentation, and in doing so spoke of the many services rendered by Mr Smith to the townspeople and others. Mr Smith replied at some length, stating that he was only too glad to have been of some service to the community, and only wished he could have done even more good. After drinking Mr Smith’s health, the meeting separated. Cantebbuey Tempbbancb League.—The first meeting of the committee of the Canterbury Temperance League was held on Monday last, in one of the rooms attached to Durham street Church. There were present —Alfred Saunders, Esq., Revs. Morley (in the chair), Keast and Fraser, with Samuel McFarlane and K. Waddell, secretaries. The secretaries reported that a goodly number of persons had already joined the League. It was resolved to have copies of the pledge printed and left for signature of various public places throughout Chiistchurch, The question of extending the operations of the League throughout the province was then taken up, and after some discussion it was thought best, as the matter was one of very great importance, not to come to any definite decision until, if possible, all the members of committee should be present. The secretaries, therefore, received instructions to convene a meeting of committee for this purpose, on Tuesday, 14th January, at 3 p.m. After passing some accounts for payment the meeting adjourned to meet agam in the same place on Tuesday next. Oeicsbt.—A match was played on Saturday last between the Sydenham C.O, and Eastern C.C., which terminated very abruptly in consequence of the heavy rain. The scores were—Sydenham"; 46; Eastern, for the loss of eight wickets, 45. Abhbueton Fiek Beigade.—A meeting of this body took place on Tuesday evening at the Somerset Hotel, Mr GK Compton, superintendent, in the chair. The proposed by-laws were considered, and, with a few trifling alterations, approved of, and it was determined that they should be submitted to the Borough Council at their next meeting for their approval. The hon. secretary was also instructed to write to the Council, requesting them to find proper accommodation for the brigade in the municipal buildings they are about to erect. It was determined to draw the special attention of the Council to the necessity of having a fire alarm bell erected in the central part of the town, as that at present in use could not be beard at any distance. It was pointed out that some members were very lax in their attendance, and it was resolved that they should be notified by circular of next meeting, to be held on February 7th, and that in the event of their not attending, or sending an excuse, they should cease to be considered members of the brigade. The Oommissionbb of Railways.—Mr Conyers is expected back from his visit to the West Coast railways on Saturday.