NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1587, 21 March 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Time is Money. —The above is a platitude that appears hardly recognised by the dignitaries who” sit ou our Magisterial Bench. A large amount of gnashing of teeth on tins point takes place every morning in the varied oro-vcl that throngs our impoiing Palais dti Justice. The hour for commencing the bu-iness of the Court is, at present, supposed to bo 10 a.m., and at that hour, the Inspector of Police and his stuff, the reporters of the morning papers, and generally four or five of the legal profession, as well as persons inter* gted in civil cases and their witnesses arc waiting for the advent of the Bench, who generally put in an appearance from half an Imur to three-quarters of an hour later. This disregard of the value of the time of those whose avocations or rec ssitias compel them to attend the Court is becoming an intolerable nuisance. On Wednesday morning the Magistrates took their seats at exactly 10 45, and this morning it was 10.40 before any of them entered the Court. Such unpunctuality would not for a day be tolerated in any of the huffier Courts, and should not be in that of the R 1 Bident Magistrate’s. Telegraphic. — A notice was posted in the telegraph office this morning to the effect that a station has been opened at Chertsey, in the county of Ashburton, A Hew Brake. —Some time ago on the Rajmabal (India) branch line an alligator was struck by the “cow catcher,” and in his agony he twisted his tail between the spokes of one of the wheels and actually stopped its revolutions as effectually as a brake of the most powerful construction would have done. The idea has been patented by an inventive Yankee, and the alligator brake, it is to bo hoped, will soon be used on every railway in the world whereon Americans travel. The Late Accident on the Hutt Railway.—With reference to the accident at the Upper Hutt Station, Wellington, mentioned in last evening’s telegrams, it appears (hat the signals pointed to safety, but the enginedriver, on nearing the station, noticed that tho points to the limber siding were open. A collision with some trucks standing there was the consequence, and a considerable amount of damage was done. It is believed that tho points were maliciously altered, as tho points were wrong twice the day before, and the points-men, who are careful and steady men, swear that they had fastened tho points properly. What seems to confirm tho suspicion alluded to above is that the windows of the Walluceville new station have been all wilfully broken. An investigation into the whole affair is now proceeding, and a large reward will be offered for the conviction of tho offenders. Kaitanqata Relief Fund.—An entertainment in behalf of the above fund was held in the Town Hall, Amberley, last night. Notwithstanding the unfavorable state of the weather, about 150 persons were present. A large number of tickets besides were sold. Cattle Trespassing. —People fined for their cattle trespassing will now bo mulcted to the extent of 12s instead of ss. The duly of looking after stray cattle now devolves on the City Ranger, instead of the police. Owners, besides being fined the ordinary 5", have now to pay 5s costs of summons, and 2s cost of conviction.

The b.s. Garonne. —This steamer, which is referred to in last night’s telegrams, has grounded on Tapley’s Shoal, four hours’ steaming distance from Adelaide. The steamer belongs to the Orient line, and was homeward bound. At present there is no apparent danger of losing her. What our Coastal Defences May Come to !—First Bather —“ What are all these things I feel at the bottom ? Second Bather —“Oh, only torpedoes, sir.” “Boston Courier.” AUSTRALIAN Athleteb.— Australia has already sent cricketers and rowing men to the mother country, who have well sustained the honour of the Antipodes in the old world, and “ now,” says the “ Ballarat Star,” “ we understand there is a probability of Victoria sending swimmers to England to battle for glory in foreign waters. Mclndoe, who won tho principal races at the swimming matches hero this week, and his brother, who are both well known to be expert swimmers, are stated to be talking about taking a professional trip to Great Britain, and we have no doubt that if they do they will render a good account of themselves.” Silk Looms.— Attention has been called in these columns to the silk loom which has lately been imported into this province. To show to what perfection looms are now being brought, it is a fact that a woven book has been manufactured at Lyons, tho whole of the letter press being executed in silken thread. Portraits, verses, and brief addresses have often been reproduced by the loom, but in entire volume from tho weaver’s hands is a novelty. Board of Education. —The Board of Education held their usual fortnightly meeting yesterday. The insufficiency of the allowance for incidental expenses to schools was again brought forward in a letter from the chairman of the East Christchurch School Committee, and the Board intend to take the whole subject into early consideration. A report of the meeting is published elsewhere. The New Medical Staff.— At yesterday’s meeting of the Hospital Board five offers were received for medical attendance at the Hospital. It was arranged prior to the opening of the letters that five should be tho number, and also that if more applications were received the members should ballot. This, however, was rendered unnecessary by the exact number of offers being received. Drs. Campbell, Prins, Ellis, Patrick, and Mark being tho only applicants, they were appointed, and requested to commence their duties on Sunday next, so as to enable tho new staff to allot the different wards.

Eaiapoi Faemees’ Club.—A meeting of the managing committee will be held in a few days to accept offers of a paddock, and tenders for a marquee refreshment booth and supply of the annual dinner. Preparations are now being made for holding the show on April 4th. Since the last announced list of private prizes, Mr James Walls has intimated an intention of giving £2 10s to the owner of the best foal by Pride of Scotland, and a similar sum for the best by his horse Sir Walter Scott.

Wesleyan Church, Sydenham. —lt is proposed to hold a soiree on Good Friday in the large public schools opposite the church. Pro vision will be made for IhOO persons; that number of tickets having been printed. 1 lie Hon. W. Fox is expected to address the public meeting, and the nev W. Morloy will deliver hisSfarcweh address on that occasion. Oddeellows’ Hall, Lyttelton. The Jubilee Colored Troupe will perform to-night in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Lyttelton. r iho entertainment will comprise singing, dancing, and variety business, which are the specialities ot the troupe.

Kaitanqata Fund. —The Mayor of Cluistchureh has forwarded another £IOO to the secretary of the Kaitangata Relief Fund in Dunedin, making the second instalment of the same amount collected in his office. Sudden Death. —Mrs Prebblo, for many years a resident in Probbleton, and a very old colonist, died somewhat suddenly at an early hour yesterday morning. She has been bedridden for (ho last two or three years, but an upper ni change caused her friends to send for Dr. Guthrie, She expired shortly before his arrival. The deceased lady was in her seventyeighth year. Cricket. —A match Dunsandel v Killinchy was played at Dunsandel on Saturday, March 15'h. 'The visitors, although bowling and fielding fairly, were evidently overmatched, and consequently suffered a defeat by five wickets and 4 runs. The scores were—Killinchy, 50 and 44 ; Dunsandel, U 9 and 68 for the loss of five wiekels,

Rangioba Police.— Usually two officers, a sergeant and constable, are stationed hero, but recently the constable has been removed, and the borough is left in charge of a sergeant only. As the chief officer of this sub district lias a wide range of country, extending to the Gust, to oversee, it follows that on many occasions ho is absent from the station for several hours, a: d the town is loft without a polio -mini. District Court. —The usual monthly sitting of the District Court commenced ■\esterday before his Honor Judge Ward. The only case disposed of was that of Hofmeister’e Trustees vH. Marks. This was a casein which the plaintiff sought to recover £IOO as damages for the alleged wrongful conversion by the defendant of a steam engine, &c., under the power of a bill of sale, which plaintiff alleged was fraudulent. After hearing evidence on both sides and counsel having addressed the Court, his Honor reserved judgment until Monday next. The ease of Mason, Struthers and Co. v Waller will be taken this morning.

Scarcity of Trucks. —At yesterday’s meeting of tho Harbour Board the following telegram, which explains itself, was read : “ Wellington, Bth March, 1879. To Hon. E. Richardson, chairman Lyttelton Harbor Board, Christchurch. With reference to joint telegram from self and Mr Turner on sth inst., Minister directs me to state that acting commissioner reports during six working days prior to receipt of your telegram, Lyttelton received 1050 trucks, or an average of 175 per cent per day. Mr Hannay was aware that trucks were ee tree on the morning referred to by you, and by midday the want was supplied. Mr Hannay is giving this matter of trucks his careful personal attention, and every effort is being made to meet demands. N. W. Wkrby, Lffider-Secrctary for Railways.” Mutual Improvement Society for Sydenham. —A meeting of those willing to form a society of the above kind was hold on Wednesday evening in the vestry of the Wesleyan Church. The Rev. J. S, Smalley presided, and stated the business. It was resolved that the society should be called '■ The Sydenham Mutual Improvement Society.” The following officers were elected : —Rev. J. S. Smalley, president; Messrs Dawson and Joyce, vice-presidents; Mr White, secretary and treasurer; Messrs Laborn and Hoddinot, with the officers, a committee. Rules to bo adopted at next meeting. About twenty names have been already handed in, but a large addition is expected at next meeting. Prize-Firing. —Tho meeting of the Prize Association was brought to a close yesterday, when the weather was of a most unpleasant character, rain and wind prevailing to such an extent as to make good shooting almost an impossibility. The interprovincial match was won by the Otago men by 76 points, the scoring being —Otago, 999 ; Canterbury, 923. Notwithstanding the bad weather of yesterday, the meeting has been a great success, a good deal of which may be attributed to the exertions of the hon. sec , Lieut, Appleby, ably seconded as they were by Captain Warner. The two teams dined together in the evening, at Oookson’s Commercial hotel, when speeches of the usual complimentary character were made. Kaitangata Relief Fund.—A concert, in aid of the above fund, took place at the schoolroom, Lincoln, on the 14th inst,, when a programme consisting of vocal and instrumental music, readings, and recitations was very i-uccessfully gone through. In the absence of the Rev. Mr Pascoe, Mr C. L. Davies was requested to take the chair. The songs of Miss Ness weie enthusiastically received, and those given by Messrs Robinson, Johnston, Allw ight, and Crawford were also applauded. Mr Chatteris’ “Doctor Quack ” culled forth a sto*-m of applause. The piano solos of Mies Robinson were very ably executed, and the readings by Mr F. Sledraan, 1 and the Rev. Mr Pascoe were thoroughly enjoyed. Mr Howell’s recitations were given in a manner to prove that he thoroughly understood the art of elocution, and Mr Nees recited a piece in excellent style. At the close of the performance Mr Pascoe thanked those who had so kindly assisted, especially those who had come from Christchurch. About £lO was the result of the proceedings. Bridge over the Heathcote.--A public meeting was last night held at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Woolston, to consider tho question of the erection of a bridge over the River Heathcote. There was a large attendance, and the chair was occupied by Mr Clephane, Chairman of the Road Board, who read the advertisement convening the meeting, and briefly explained its object. He then called upon Mr John Ollivier, who moved the following resolution:—“Conditional upon the public interested in the river frontage lying above the cemetery road not opposing the stoppage of the navigation of tho river, it is desirable that application should bo made to Parliament to obtain a permanent bridge at the Cemetery road, the said arrangement to depend upon the owners of sections 91 and 67 granting a space for a siding on the rail wai, and the right of way to obtain access thereto, and that in the event of such power being obtained, steps shall be forthwith taken to construct two bridges, one at the point indicated, and the other tear the Christchurch quay.” The mover spoke very strongly in favour of the resolution, and adduced several arguments why it should be carried. The motion was seconded by Mr Hopkins. Mr Gadd spoke in favor of tho resolution, though he said he would like to see it slightly amended. Mr Garland also spoke to the resolution, and referred especially to tho increased value of property from the construction of the bridge, and also of the saving which would result to the Road Board. The motion was then put and carried by a large majority. The following gentlemen were then appointed a committee to carry out the object of the resolution: —Messrs J. Ollivier, Hopkins, Stuckey, F, Pavilt, Garland, T. Wilson, Goss, Davis, York, Duncan, and Langdown. Mr Ollivier proposed a vote of thanks to tho chairman, which brought the meeting to a close. Templary. —On Tuesday the Juvenile Good Templar Lodge of Lyttelton held their annual festival, when about 110 members left Lyttelton for Addington by the 1.5 p.m. train. After enjoying themselves there they returned at five o’clock in the evening, assembling at the Wesleyan schoolroom, Lyttelton, wherre an excellent repast was spread. The day’s recreation was brought to a close at the Oddfellows’ Hall, where tho Rev. W. H. Beck gave a lecture on views exhibited with a magic lantern, and the choir some appropriate music. Tho event was under tho direction and management of Mr W. Reed, to whom credit is due for its success.

The University Senate. —This body concluded its sittings at Dunedin yesterday. The next session is to bo held in Christchurch.

The Lyttelton Maoisteacy. The Mayor of Lyttelton has received a telegram intimating that the Government have placed the appointment to the Lyttelton Magistracy under offer to somebody, for whoso answer they are now waiting.

Dinner at Lincoln. —A farewell dinner was given last night by the residents of Lincoln to Mr Frame, the late station-master, who has recently been transferred to Southbridge. The dinner took place at Sluis’ Hotel, and about, thirty sat. down to table. Appropriate speeches were made, interspersed with songs, and the party separated, after spending a very enjoyable evening.

Theatre Royal. —“ Uncle Tom’s Cabin ” was repeated last night at the theatre, being its final representation. To night it will he replaced by the comedy, “ A Wonderful Woman,” and the farce of “ Nan, the Good lor Nothing.” An afternoon performance will be given on Saturday for the benefit of Miss Holmes, or as she is styled in the bills, “Hear ftva The prices have been reduced, and special attractions are offered to juvenile visitors in the shape of presents from the youthful bcnoficiare. The evening performance will bo for the benefit of the enterprising manager, Mr Liddy, who deserves a substantial recognition for his liberality In giving up the ufg of the theatre on last Saturday and Monday nights for the necessary rehearsal and subsequent performance given by Professor Scott for the benefit of the Kaitangata Relief Fund. After leaving Christchurch the company proceed to Dunedin and Invercargill, and afterwards to Tasmania.

Cricket. —The cricket match which was to have been played on Saturday between the St. Albans’ and Avonside clubs has been postponed.

The population of India, according to the last census or to estimates, is stated approximately as follows : —191,018,412 under British administration ; 48,298,895 in native states; 271,460 in Pondicherry, Karikal, and other French possessions ; 407,712 in Goa and other Portuguese possessions; making a total of 239,996,497 souls.