NEWS OF TEE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1530, 13 January 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF TEE DAY.

Supreme CourjT.—A common jury was occupied for several hours at the Supreme Court this morning hearing the case of Clarke v H:>>t, which was an notion brought to compel the defendant to fulfil a certain ngrivmonl into which he had entered for the purehiMO of Snead's Hotel, Kaiapoi. The defence was that he had been entrapped into signing the agreement while in a state of intoxication. The jury found for the plaintiff on all the issues submitted.

Hoaxing— A pair-oared race from crews selected from the "Press" office, which has been pending for some weeks, came off on Saturday afternoon, the e:.urco being from Butterficld's to the Willows, opposite Ward's Brewery, a distance of about two miles. The race was rowed in outriggers, and the crews were :—Swan (south bank), Q-. A. Whit ford (stroke), R. P. D. Maurice (bow), J. H. Bradford (cox). Cygnet (north bank), G. Jackson (stroke), W. W. Eraser (bow), F. Gibson (cox). The start took place at 440. There was a considerable muster of spectators, the event exciting much interest amongst the wielders of the "'stick" who laid their money freely on their respective favorites. The race proved au easy victory for Whitford's crew, who came in several boat lengths ahead of their opponents. Mr. D.ivo Edmonds acted as starter and Mr W. 11. Webb as judge and stakeholder. Goods Tbaffic—On January 9th the number of waggons received from, and despatched to, Lvttelbon, was 388 and 326; and on the 10th, 354 and 320, respectively. Teleohapu Depabtment.—lt is not probable that the Telegraph Department will occupy the rooms devoted to it in the new Government Buildings until towards the latter end of March. Railway Picnic—Mr W. Buss, of Rangiora, has consented to give the free use of fcVo capital paddocks for this picnic. Arrangements will be made, it is expected, with one person to undertake the catering for the occasion. It is proposed to give the ladies and children the use cf one padoock, ai.d the men's races and sports will be held 10 the larger one, which has the advantage of having room for a large circular course. It is expee'ed that there will bo not leas than 2000 persons present should the weather prove favourable. Mode! Mechanism.—One ot the attractions of Colombo street on Saturday evening was the shop of Mr J. M. Thompson, the sewing machine depot, whore a miniature saw bench and portable engine were hard at work. This model, which is of very small diaiiem siona, the engine being about seven inches long, has been constructed, as tho name plate on the engine shows, by Mr H. J. Cunnington, who is employed in the railway fitting shops, and has made this his employment during the evenings. The model, which is as complete as possible, is un excellent sample ol workmanship, and Mr Ounningtou deserves great er.ed.it ; ' or fr he care and ability displayed. The model will ho shown in Mr Thompson s window during the week, and is well worth a yisit of inspection,

East Belt Tamc —Some months ago about £250 was promised in suoseiiptions towards a tank tor fire extinction purpos"s in the eastern part of the city. A memorial on the subject was presented to the City Council by one of the members, but nothing further has been hoard of the scheme. The inhabitants of that portion of the city are somewhat anxious to know whether their communication has been irretrievably pigeonholed.

Miss Amy Sherwtn,—This lady will make her reappearance in Chrittcburch to-morrow evening iu Mr Towle's concert, when, among other tilings, she will give the m id sceno from " Lucia di Lammermoor," in which she was so successful at the Oddfellows' Hall some few weeks ago. It is stated that Mr Towle is trying to make arrangements with Miss Sherwin to play the leading female character in the opera of " Martha," which is to be performed for the last time on Thursday next.

Licensed Victuallees' Association. — A meeting of the committee of the above Association was held at Morton's Hotel on Saturday, the president (Mr Morton) in the chair. The committee decided to recommend that £SO should be granted to the widow of a deceased member out of the funds us a nucleus of a general subscription to be made among the merchants and tradesmen generally to he devoted to building her a house. Messrs Joseph Milsom and George Beat tie wero appointed a committee to canvass the merchants in town, and bring up a report to a full meeting of that body. Foul Side Channels.--Notwithstanding the spasmodic vigour occasionally shown by the City Council in insisting upon the side channels being kept clean, it is undeniably true that seldom in the history of Ohristchurcb. have they been so foul as they are at the present time. It is not, as heretofore, that one or two or even three spots can be singled out as being most malodorous. The complaint at the present time is almost universal, and it would be invidious to single out tiny particular spot as surpassing all others this respect. New Journal. —The first, number of the "Port Lyttelton Herald," published by Mr W. Riley, formorly of Hokitika and Greymouth, appeared on Saturday night. In introducing itself our contemporary says : " The local support, so far, is everything that could be expected, considering the fact that the whole of the business portion of the population have been long neglected and allowed to fall into a groove of despondency." From this unhappy condition it will be the task of the " Herald " to rescue them, and we heartily wish it success in its mission of charity. The Stewarts.—There was a very large attendance at the Oddfellows' Hall on Saturday, when "If " again formed the programme, and as upon previous occasions was highly successful. To-night the Stewarts will positively make their last appearance, when the performance will be for the benefit of the three young ladies—the Misses Docey, Maggie and Nellie. The programme will include the first act of the " Rainbow Revels" and the last act of " If," and, by special request, Miss Nellie will sing " Maid of Athens." The Misses Stewart have proved themselves such favorites in Christchurch that it will be a matter of surprise if there is not a crowded house to-night.

COMMISSIONER OF ANNUITIES.—It will be seen from this morning's telegrams that Mr D. M. Luckio has been appointed Commissioner of Annuities for the colony. Mr Luckie was formerly proprietor of the " Nelson Colonist," and wa3 a staunch supporter of the Fox-Vogel Ministry. Subsequently he removed to Auckland, where he edited the " Southern Cross " while that paper was in the hands of a company. Upon the amalgamation of the "Cross" and "Herald," he became editor of the latter journal, and during last session he accepted the editorship of the "Post," The Land Tax Retubns.—The difficulties to be encountered by those who have to fill up the land tax returns are thus described by the " North Otagof Times" : —There is a certain doubtfulness among property holders as to the way in which land tax returns should bo filled in. There is a difficulty in defining the meaning of several of the terms used, and unless the valuers make it a point in a great many cases to enlighten those who have bad returns left for the purpose of being filled in, as to the proper way to do so, many of them may have quite original ideas embodied in the ' remarks' column. Everyone has not been educated up to an understanding of all that is contained in the return, and a simplification, or explanatory remarks printed on the back of each return form, would be an advantage. As there is a penalty attached to the sending in of a wrong return, it will doubtless have the effect of deterring many from undertaking so difficult a task as giving answers to that which they do not comprehend. Me G-eorge Rignold.— Mr Q-eorge Darrell's agent, Mr Edwards, has arrived in Christchurch for the purpose of making preparations for the forthcoming season at the Theatre Royal. The speciality will be the first appearance of the eminent young English tragedian, Mr Q-corge Rignold, as King Henry V. The piece will bo placed on the stage with the magnificent scenery and special appointments that rendered it so popular in Melbourne and Sydney and latterly in the Imperial Opera House, Wellington. Mr Rignold will bo supported by a first-class company, comprising some of the leading members of the theatrical profession selected from tho principal Australian theatres, as well as some well known favorites in New Zealand. Amongst the new aspirants are Miss Jenny Watt, Miss Mayer, and Messrs H. H. Vincent; and Sterling Whyte, from the Theatre Royal, Melbourne. The opening night is fixed for tho 20th inst., when every arrangement will be completed, " New Zealand Country Journal."—The first number of the "Country Journal" for the new year is fully up to the stand,)rd of its predecessors. The articles are varied and judiciously classed. Tho first paper is a very valuable and copious report of the meeting of delegates at Oamaru re the formation of the National Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The interesting series of pipors on " Ferns," from the pen of MrT. H. Potts, is cocludod this month. Wheat and wheat growing are practically froated, and the contribution contains some suggestions calculated to be of considerable value to farmers generally. An article on " Mechi, of Tiptrce Hall, and his principle of High Farming," will be road with much interest. A sliort instalment of "Out in the Open" will be found to contain many scraps of information. This month's number is more than usually valuable if only for the condensed reports of all the principal shows for the past year in the Middle Island. Mr J. B. Armstrong, the Q-overnmont gardener, contributes a wellwritten botanical paper, containing descriptions of some new native plants, principally varieties of the Veronica. "Sporting Notes by Cavesson" is as interesting and useful as usual; and the notes, queries, gleanings, correspondence, &e., are full of good items. A.O.F —At the district meeting of Foresters bold last week the delegate for Court 2309 was P.D.CR. Bro. W. B. Ilobbs, not Bio. Wil iiau.s, as stated in a previous issue.

Mb V'aelry's Meetings.—Tho large assemblies which filled (lie Theatre Eoyal yesterday gave conclusive proof of the anxiety i o hear this popular preacher. Probably the building was nevermore densely crowded, many being unable to gain an entrance, whilst hundreds stood in every available corner. The evening service began n quarter of an hour before the advertised time, and when the curtain rose the largo stage was also seon to be crowded. In a clear voice Mr Varley read one of Sankey'a popular hymns, the whole congregation joking heartily in its rendering. The preacher then read the third chapter of Bphesians, and after prayer and further singing, spoke for about an hour from the words, " < hat I might preach among tho Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." The in'erest of the audience was fully sustained throughout. Mr Yarley will hold a Bible reading in the Congregational Church, a' :> p in. to-day, and give a lecture entitled "Lntn:d fir Life," in the same place, at 7 o"0 p.m. An advertisement intimites that the subsequent meetings from Tuesday to Friday will be held in tho 0 ldlellowa' Hall, afternoons id, 3. evetiingg at 7 30, City Council. Tho usual fortnightly meeting of tt:e uty Conned will take place at seven o'clock this evening.

Theatrical.—Mrs Walt«r Hill and Miss Lily Ma? (Vans Lilian Hill) returned from Auckland, where they have been playing a •o:ig engagement under Mrs Do Lias, by the e.s. Taupo on Saturday morning. Mrs Hill will reappear in Ohristchurcb. with Mr George Dan-ell in March next, when they will support Mr Wm. Creswick at the Theatre Boyal. Lyttelton Fire Brigade.—The brigade held their annual meeting nt the Council Chamber, Lyttelton, on Friday night. There wns a full muster of members present. The balance-sheet, duly audited, wns read and passed. The librarian's report, showing the number of books in the library and the number taken out during the past year, was read and approved, and the recommendation of the librarian to procuro a number of weekly and monthly periodicals for the brigade's use was passed by resolution. The mombers then proceeded to elect their officers for the ensuing year. The present efficient superintendent, Mr Sowden, was prevailed upon to undertake the duties of that office for another year; Messrs S. Derbridge and W. Ohilds wore unanimously elected foremen, and Mr W. Toomer secretary. The choice of the brigade for the three pioneers fell upon Messrs E. Derbridge, A. Fook and A. Sedcole, and for librarian, Mr B. Toomer. District Court.—The first sitting|of the newly established District Court for Christchurch, will bo held on this day week, at the former Provincial Council Chambers, under the presidency of Judge Ward. Mr W. G. Walker has been appointed clerk of this Court.

Railway Fire Beigade.—A meeting of members of the Railway Fire Brigade was hold at the accountant's office on Saturday afternoon, but as it was found that a number of members were unable to leave their employment, the meeting was adjourned until Wednesday next, at 8 p.m. East Christchurch Fiee Bell.-Some time ago Mr Hall, of the Eastern Hotel, promised a site for the erection of a bell tower on the East belt, provided the city supplied the necessary plant. As the neighbourhood is now very thickly populated, a bell in this district is absolutely necessary. Several members of both the fire police and brigade live in this neighbourhood, but at present if the wind happens to bo in a contrary direction when a fire breaks out thev cannot hear the alarm.