NEWS OP THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1585, 19 March 1879, Page 2

NEWS OP THE DAY.

Templary.—The members of the Hope of Chrißtchurch Lodge, No. 8, gave an entertainme»t last right in their lodge-room at the Templar Hall, Worcester street. After the usual business of tbe evening, the doors we'e opened to the public, and a capital programme consisting of addresses, readings, and a little music, was gone through. The autendance was good, notwithstanding the wet weather which provailed. These open meetings which are now held periodically by the Hope and Dauntless Lodges, are very successful and productive of much good.

Hawke's Bay Racing Club —We learn from private telegram this meeting, that at a meeting of the stewards of the Hawke's Bay Racing Club, hold yesieiday, the protest against Sinking Fund was disallowed. Mr Ray, therefore, will take tbe stakeß. An Innocent Abroad.—ln the Magistrate's Court to day a new arrival was summoned for plucking flowers in the Domain. The accused said he had done so, not knowing it was illegal, as he saw no notice on the Bubject written up. A fine of 20s, however, was inflicted above the value of the flowers. Resident Magistrate's Court.—This day Thomas King, evidently a very pugnacious individual, was fined 20s for assaulting a policeman, and a further sum of 4.15, with £1 Is medical fee, for attacking a fellowprisoner in the lockup. The latter, on account of the severe corporal punishment ho had received from King, was discharged. H. Alldi-'t was fined 20s for entering a train when -'n motion. The case of the removal of the atone in front of the Oddfellows' Hall was brought on. The defendant did not appear, and the stone had been removed. The expenses of one witness, 10s, were allowed.

Interesting to Christchurch Bankers, Very! \" 0.H." writing to the Builder (London, Nov. 30th, 1878), says, "Touching the discovery of the Bankers' account at Pompeii, I hope they will throw some light upon the addition of Roman numerals ; indeed on the dealings with Roman figures generally. Thus to state two sums : 19 XIX 111 CXI 95 XCY 22 XXII

247 —I should be gratified if some of your learned readers would tell mo how to add up the sum in Roman figures.

Firb Alarm.—The connection of the Lichfield street and Chester street stations with Mr Superintendant Harris's house, both by telephone wire and electric alarm bell, is now complete. The work, which has been carried out under the superintendence of Mr W. G. Meddings, has been done in an excellent manner, and the mode of communication is both simple and effective. By this means we may look forward to greater efficiency on the part of the brigade, inasmuch as they will be enabled to proceed to the scene of a fire in far less time than they could do under the old system. Practically it establishes an alarm station where it was most needed, viz., the eastern side of the town, as on the occurrence of a fire there the alarm can be given at the residence of Mr Harris in Worcester street, whence it can be immediately conveyed to both or either of the stations. It is probable that a test of the signalling both by bell and telephone will be made soon, in presence of the Mayor and City Councillors. Wholesale Slaughter of Poultry.— Mr Collins, a greengrocer, living at Bingsland, has lately been a heavy sufferer by the destruction of his poultty in the night time. Within the last few days he has had no leas than eighty-two valuable fowls destroyed in bis poultry yards. Oxford Races. —The time for receiving acceptances for Oxford handicaps has been extended to 8 p.m. on March 19th, at Gilohriet's hotel.

District Court. The usual monthly sittings of the District Court will commence on Thursday next before his Honor Judge Ward There is a very lergtby cause list set down for healing. City Council.—-The usuil weekly meeting 0* the City Council was held last evening, when a good deal of busiress of a miscellaneous character was transacted.

Assessment Court. —Tho Judge of the Assessment Court held a sitting yesterday at fcbe City Council Chambers, when the reminder of the Christchurch objections were disposed of. The City Council valuator was in attendance during the day. Happs - Hours.—Mr and Mrs Hart again sppearal in their entertainment at the Oddfellows' Hall. Several new items were introduced into tbe programme, notably Mrs Hart's dancing of the Highland Fling and Mr Hart's new comic song. As this evening's performance will be the last appearanco of this clever little company in Christchurch, there will doubtless he a largo attendance. They open on Thursday evening next at Ashburton.

Drainage Board.—The usual meeting of the Drainage Board was held yesterday at 230 p.m. A considerable amount of business was transacted, the main points being the report of the assistant engineer upon the progress of tho sowers and Mr Clark's intimatton of the acceptance by him, on behalf of tho Board, of a tender tor the sdpply of pumping machinery. A report will be found elsewhere.

Tun Governor's Residence.—Cr. Wilson last night gave notice of the following resolution, to be brought forward at the next meeting . —« That, considering Christchurch is the most convenient centre of the South Island, the G-ovemment be respectfully requested to place a sum of money upon the Estimates for prov Iding a suitable residence for tbe Governor of New Zealand at or near this city, and. that a committee be appointrd to see what sites are available, the result of their enquiry to be forwarded to the Government." Gaiety Theatre.—This theatre will be re-opened on Saturday evening by the Hicks' Georgia Minstrels, who, it will be remembered, played a season here under the management of Mr De Lias some time back. The opening programme will bo an attractive one, and no doubt their season, as on the former occasion, will be a successful one. Mr F. D. Wade, who was here before as advance agent of tho company, arrived yesterday from Wellington to make arrangements for their opening. Mr Cre»wick. —As already announced, this celebrated tragedian will make his first appearance in Christchurch at the Theatre Royal on Monday evening next in the tragedy of "Virginius." Mr Darrell has issued a notice to the effect that season tickets for the twenty-four nights at the ordinary theatre prices of admission to the dress circle will be issued. It is probable that this arrangement will be largely taken advantage of by the many admirers of the drama who are looking forward to Mr Creswlck's advent here with a great deal of interest. During his season he will be supported by Miss Helen Ashton, Mrs Darrell, Mr Darrell, and the members of the company who were here some little time back with Mr George Rignold. A Fertile Cause op Diphtheria.—A report by Dr. Powell, the medical officer of the Board of Health, was read at yesterday's sitting of the Board, in which he pointed out that gullies and depressions of land existing in the city were fertile sources of diphtheria and typhoid. In support of this theory Dr. Powell quoted a number of cases of both diseases, which had terminated fatally in many instances, occurring on the site of the old gully running along Oxford terrace and Tuam street. Dr. Powell states in his report that it is imperatively necessary that the by-law with reference to the deposit of rubbish in gullies, &c., should be strictly enforced, as a neglect of it is likely to lead to a large increase of caseß of infectious disease. Canterbury Rifle Association.—The prize shooting of tbe Canterbury Rifle Association will comrreirc this morning at tho Cashmere range. As has already been stated, this meeting was arranged for this dxto in order that the Otago representatives at the Nelson meeting might be enabled to take pait in it, and a'so that the return interprovincial match between Otago and Canterbuiy might be fi'ed off. Tho Canterbury team has not yet bpci selected, as it is arranged that the highest twelve in the two days' matches of the Association shall form part of the team, leaving the rest—three in number—to be selected by the Council of the Association. This will enable any of our good shots, who may be prevented from competing in any of the matches, to be still selected as representatives. The Otago men will have a very strong team, comprising as it does several ex-cham-pions. A dinner will take place at Oooksoa's Commercial HoLel to-morrow evening. The champion match will be fired to-morrow. Inquest.—An inquest was held yesterday at the Hospital to enquire into the circumstances under which William Smith, an engine-driver on the railway met his death. From the evidence of the stoker who was with the deceased on the day of the accident, and also of the guard of tbe train, it appeared that the break gear got out of order at Templeton. On arriving at a locality known as the "Bank," near Middleton, where there is a steep incline, the deceased went forward on to the cowcatcher to put down tho break with his foot. In performing this operation he slipped and fell under tho engine, which passed over him, inflicting the injuries which were the cause of hisdesth. Mr Back, General Manager, and Mr Alison Smith, Locomotive Superintendent, gave evidence as to the rules and regulations of the department, and the former stated that in leaving his engine the deceased contravened those regulations, and the result was the fatal accident. At the same time Mr Back said he had no doubt the deceased had been actuated by proper motives in leaving his engine to perform a necessary duty. He also stated that the deceased, the stoker, and guard, were all sober on the day when the accident occurred. Mr Back, in his evidence, said it was the duty of the engine driver to report anything that might be wrong with his engine before leaving the station in the morning, and such a report the deceased had not made. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death, and said that no blame waa attributable to any one. The funeral, which took place immediately after the termination of the inquest, was attended by Messrs Back, A. Smith, Dickenson, and a large number of the friends of the deceased and employes of the railway department. The Minister of Public Works.—The Hon. James Macandrew, Minister of Public Works, took his departure for Dunedin yesterday. He will remain in that City for about a week, when he will return to Wellington to receive his Excellency the Governor on his arrival. During Mr Macandrew's Btay in Christchurch he was busily engaged in various public matters. On Saturday afternoon he proceeded by special train to visit tho Industrial School at Burnham, accompanied by Mr J. Joyce. As the founder of the Industrial School at Caversham (Dunedin) the Minister of Public Works takes a great interest in such institutions, and he made a very careful inspection of the school in question, expressing himself at the close highly pleased with the working of the institution. On Monday he paid a visit to the Lunatic Asylum and to the Hospital, and in the afternoon he proceeded to Lincoln and to Southbridge in connection with the contemplated line to Little River. During his stay in Christchurch Mr Macandrew accepted the tender of Mr P. McGrath for £21,49!} for the Waipara section of the Amberley-Hurunui Railway, which is to be proceeded with at once. The tender of Mr F. Benham, for £10,353, was likewise accepted for the construction of the line from Sheffield to Springfield, a work that will greatly advance the interests of this fine coal producing district. The distance of this line is some seven miles. The question of the additions to the asylum also came under the notice of Mr Macandrew, and he resolved that they should be proceeded with to the extent of some £IO,OOO, tho amount voted by the Government. The work will bo entrusted to Mr Reece, who was tho lowest tenderer. In all probability the plans will be carried out as designed by the Government Architect, but before they can bo completed another grant will be necessary, as the lowest Under was something like £30,000.

Health of Ohbistciiukch".—At the pitting of the Board of Health yesterday, the large number of thirty-seven cases of typhoid fever were reported as having occurred since tbo last siting of the Board. This is the largest number reported since the introduction of the Act.

Sanitary State ov Public Schools.—At the sitting of the Board of Health yesterday, a very important report was read from the medicsl officer of health respecting the sanitary state of the out-offices at our public schools. The report contained some very valuable suggestions as to tho adoption of improvements considered necessary by the medical officer, in order to lessen the chances of disease. It was resolved to forward the report to the Board of Education. Theatbe Royal— "The Octoroon" is a piece which is pretty woll known to Christchurch playgoers, but its presentation last evening by Mr Lewis' Georgia Jubilee Singers and Mr Liddy's company invested it with a new character, inasmuch as in the slave scenes there were introduced a number of effects by the Georgia*. Mrs Hill's Zoo was a very good performance, as she succeeded in bringing out strongly the marked points of the charater. The other ladies of the company were also excellent in their respective parts. Owing to Mr Collier's illness a change had to he made in the cast of the piece, Mr Stoneham taking Mr Collier's part as Jacob McClosky. In this ho was successful, and tho same may bo said of Mr W. South as Salem Scudder. In the hands of Miss Fanny Wiseman the part of Paul was made a prominent one, and the old Negro Pete was capitally impersonated by Mr Lewis. The minor characters were well filled, and the piece went capitally thoughout. To-night" Uncle Tom's Cabin'' will be played, and as this will be the last opportunity of seeing this drama no doubt there will be a large attendance. The company finish their season on Saturday, and open in Dunedin on Monday next. Nbw Zealand Mortgages and London Bankers.—London bankers, in days of yore, and even in times less remote, were (says the " World ") wont to stick to their legitimate business Nowadays they are too eager to extend their sphere of usefulness on all sides. Not long ago we had occasion to draw attention to the fact tbat the name of Messrs Barclay and Co. was made to do service as a reference in respect to mortgages in the Western States of Ameilca. From the subjoined advertisement it would seem they have travelled to another portion of the globe in the same line of business :—" Mortgages in New Zealand—The undersigned have some first-class securities to offer to investors, being first mortgages of freehold land in settled districts in New Zealand, bearing interest at the rate of 7 and 8 per cent., payable halfyearly. A well-known solicitor, now in this country, and acquainted with the properties, may be seen on the subject. Fall and reliable information will be given by Richardson Brothers and Co., merchants, 12, St. Helen's place LoHdon, B.C. Referees: Messrs Barclay, Bevan, Tritton, Twells and Co., bankers, London, 8.C.; the Union Bank of Australia, 1, Bank building*, London, 8.C." Cemetery Board.—lt has been arranged that for the future this Board will hold its meetings on tbe first Monday in each month in the old Provincial Buildings. An Enormous Yield.—Mr. G. Edwards Okair, Kaiapoi, bagged up 960 bushels of beans from the crop off twelve acres this season. On the same land he grew seventy-five bushels of barley. Town Hall.—At last night's meeting of the City Council it was resolved to call for competitive designs for a town hall to be erected on the reserve lately granted by the Government for that purpose, the cost not to exceed £20,000. Two prizes are to be given, one of £IOO and one of £SO.

Fobbstby.—A meeting of Foresters was held last evening, in the Foveiters' Hall. There was a very good attendance. It was stated that the ftoal list in aid of the Kaitangata Fund amounted to £6 lis 6d, making a total, with the sum already forwarded, of £36 lis 6d. Cbickkt. Some Ashburton cricketers visited G-eraldine on Saturday last, and played a friendly game with the local players. The visitors were victorious by some eight wickets, after a very plea3ant afternoon's play. Aur/ai Race Meeting.—On account of a large number of the flockowners residing in the Amuil district beirg summoned, under the Sheep Act, to appear at the R.M. Court, at Waiau, on Monday, March 31st, they have determined to take advantage of the occurrence by a day's racing on the following day. A programme will shortly appear.

Ancient Obdeb op Deuids.—Tbo usual fortnightly meeting of the Pioneer Lodge was held last night, at their lodge rcom, Wel'iugton hotel. There was a very good attendance, Bro. Rose, A.D., presiding. Correspondence was read from the Grand Lodge, together with the aiMiual reports, which were distributed amongst the members. A candidate was then initiated a 3 a member of the Order. Several gentlemen were proposed for membership. Alter the usual harmony, the lodge closed in due form. Oxfobd. —An entertainment was given in the East Oxford Town Hall, on Monday evening, by the local dramatic club. The hall was well filled, and the affair was a success. The two-act drama of " The Peep-show Man" was produced. Mr Hanmer, with the cornet, and Mrs Heywood, at the piano, contributed to the musical poiuion of the entertainment, which was held to raise funds for purchasing the wardrobe of the dramatic company.

Self-made. —One of a gentleman's daughters who had often heard her mother speak of her father as being a self-made man, asked her one day, if her father was a self-made man, why didn't he put more hair on bis head?

A successful diamond-digger returning from the Cape, was overheard holding forth to the passengers on the delights and meilts of his native Kilkenny. " Shure," said he, "in the part of the country I come from there's the grandest families in the kingdom." His wife here cut in—" Well, Mike, I don't think much of your grand famiMes. When we were at Kilkenny Castle, blessed if I didn't see two young ladies playing on the same pianner, as though with all the money there they couldn't have one apiece ! Mean things I call 'em !"