NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1596, 1 April 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Rbqibtbation. —The time for receiving claims to vote for the ensuing year expired yesterday, A very large number of new claims were deposited at the office of the Registration Officer, bnt as the returns have to come in from the country offices aa well no details as to the number can yet be given.

Resident Magistrate's Court,— There was but little business done in the Court today. Several inebriates were fined. Donald Macfarlane, charged with indecent exposure, was remanded to the 3rd inst. Trade Frauds. —There are at present in Christchurch several persons carrying on a trade against which the unwary may be warned. Those hawkers offer for sale, and in many instances have succeeded in selling, some spurious compound, which they pass off as silver, i'or electro-plating purposes. It is another I'orm of swindling from passing valueless coins, and more difficult to punish, but equally reprehensible. Waste Water. —lt seems astonishing that whilst so many complaints are made about nuisances caused by waste artesian water from almost every direction in the town, nothing is done by the proper authorities to effect a remedy, notwithstanding that the remedy is perfectly simple, as was pointed out by the Inspector of Nuisances at the Drainage Board yesterday, in reference to a case which was brought under his notice. The nuisance, ho said, might bo easily abated by putting a tap on a pipe, the water from which having been allowed to run, had formed a number of unwholesome slush puddles. Numerous instances of the same kind could be mentioned, a very noticeable one, by reason of its exposed position, being opposite the Resident Magistrate’s Court. There an artesian pipe is constantly running over a vacant piece of ground, and as the flow is copious the ground is constantly in a condition of mud, with here and there a stagnant pool in some hollow part of the section, which must be certainly unwholesome for the residents of that locality. In times past there was some talk about preserving the artesian water by such ordinary means as suggest themselves, howbeib nothing bub “ talk ” was the result. It is said sometimes that the waste water serves to flush the drain; but, as a matter of fact in most of the cases brought under notice at different times, the water never reaches the drain. It should also be remembered that, as a provision against possible future wants, we ought not to be prodigal with such a rich source of supply, in which Christchurch is so much favored above other places in the colony.

A Pleasing Celebbation.— After the adjournment of the City Council last evening, certain “ subsequent proceedings ” that took place wore of a most interesting character, being no less than the celebration of the 30th anniversary of his Worship the Mayor’s marriage. Sparkling champagne went round the cheery board, to the accompanying congratulations of friends and Councillors. Speeches wore made of a peculiar eloquence, and poetry of style, only to be called forth on occasions of the like potent character, and in good truth the celebration proved highly successful, as all such should be, Spobxs at Reefton. —The Reefton sports committee, at their last meeting, finding themselves very hard up for funds, rewarded the winners with donations of 1.0.U.’s instead of current coin of the realm. It is more than probable that the training for next year’s sports will not be of a very prolonged or strict nature.

Abeival of the Black Game.— The six cocks and seven hens of the twenty head of black game shipped by Mr Bills in Scotland for the Otago and North Otago Acclimatisation Societies arrived, per ship Lyttelton, in perfect health, Mr Bills’ success is all the more remarkablo, in that they are the first birds of their kind ever landed alive in the colonies, and they rarely survive even a moderate sea passage. Road Metal Conteact,— The account of Mr Wilson, contractor for stone breaking, came before the City Council last night, but was not immediately confirmed, as it had not been passed by the Finance Committe, but the Council decided that the money (a considerable amount) should be paid on the authority of the Public Works Committee, who would meet on the day following. The committee met to-day, and passed Mr Wilson’s account for payment. The Canterbury Building Society (Permanent). —Members of this society are reminded by advertisement in another column that their payments are due this evening. Stealing Poultry. —This is a class of domestic “ poaching” which has been prevalent of late, and one case was reported to the police at the beginning of the week. The fowls were stolen from premises in Victoria street. No doubt the thieves look upon such proceedings as a cheap mode of “living ” in two senses of the word, but it is a game which may in the long run prove dear. The Kumaea Fibe Brigade. —The whole of the plant and appliances of the Kumara Yolunteer Fire Brigade has been seized under distress for rent, at the instigation of a creditor. This does not shew that the inhabitants are very enthusiastic in their determination to uphold a brigade whose valuable services have been of much value.

Lyttelton L., 8., & I. Society. —The usual monthly meeting of the Lyttelton Permanent Land, Building, and Investment ment Society will be held at the Colonists’ Hall this evening. JOURNALISM EXTRAORDINARY.— I was told the other day of an Irish editor (says the London correspondent of the “ Argus ”), who, through indulgence in patriotism, or other stimulant, over night, was unable to prepare the leading article for his newspaper the next morning. He could think of nothing in the way of ideas, or even produce matter of any kind to fill his space, when suddenly his eye fell upon a copy of “ The Times ” just come to hand. He snipped out a leader with his scissors, and sent it to press with this original exordium, “What does ‘ The Times ’ mean by this ? ” A Wae Lyeio.— “ O, can’t you stay here And be our Ameer P” Said the people of Afghanistan: “No, I cannot stay here,” Said the bolting Ameer, “ But possibly Yakoob Khan.” [Philadelphia “ Bulletin.” Infectious Diseases. —According to the medical officer’s report submitted to the Board of Health at its meeting yesterday, there have been nine cases of typhoid fever, three of diphtheria, and one of scarlet fever in Christchurch during the past fortnight. Drainage Rates. —The finance committee of the Drainage Board are divided on the question of adjusting the rates. As will be seen by the report of the Drainage Board meeting yesterday, this division of opinion has arisen on a resolution passed by the Board in August last, containing a basis upon which all rates should be imposed. Mr J, E. Brown dissents from the basis so adopted, and introduced the question at yesterday’s meeting, It was resolved to hold a special meeting for its consideration on Wednesday next. Rifle Match. —The return match, Engineers v. Artillery, ten men a side, will be fired on Saturday next at the Cashmere Range. The conditions are as before, viz., five shots each at 200, 300, 400 and 500 yards, each teams then changing weapons with opponents and firing at same ranges. The competitors dine together in the evening, the losing side being the hosts on the occasion. The Engineers will be represented by Lieutenant Appleby, Quarter-master Sergeant Beattie, Sergeant-Major Manning, Sergeant Buckley, Corporal Chapman, Lance-Corporal Jenkins, Sappers Marshall, Jeffries, Thompson and Costley. Theatre Royal. —Hamlet was repeated last night. The attendance was good, and the performance passed off in a satisfactory manner. To-night bhakspero’s comedy, “ The Merchant of Venice,” will bo played, with MrCroswick in the character of Shylock. As usually performed, it terminates with the fourth act, but on this occasion the piece will be played in its entirety, which will greatly enhance its attraction. Judging from the brilliant success of Mr Creswick in the character of King Lear, a great histrionic treat may be anticipated. Sydiniiam Borough Council.— The usual fortnightly mooting of the Sydenham Borough Council took place last night. A report will be found elsewhere. Russell’s Flat. —On Friday afternoon Mr Travcs’ chimney caught fire, and, notwithstanding the assistance of Messrs Reid and Berry, the house was entirely destroyed, though the most valuable part of the furniture was saved. The house was not insured,

The Skat of Pabliament. —The Mayor stated last night in hie place in Council that he intended at an early date to call a public. meeting of the citizens to test their feeling as to holding the next session of Parliament in Christchurch. Ookvkbsazionk, —The conversazione on Thursday evening in connection with the Philosophical Institute, promises to be a success. In addition to the Council chamber itself, some of the rooms fronting on the corridor will be used, and also the Superintendent's former room for the display of the various specimens, &c. Bellamy’s will be used for a refreshment room, City Council. —The usual weekly meeting of the City Council was held last evening, when a considerable amount of business, much of it of an important character, was transacted. _ _ The Stewart Family.— Mr H. P. Lyons, the agent in advance of the Stewarts, arrived yesterday from the North to make arrangements for their opening at the Oddfellows’ Hall on the 12th instant. Kaiapoi Foal and Gbain Show.—Additional private prizes have been given —By Mr Q-. Weston, £4 4s, for foals by Meteor; Mr L. Ridley, £3, for foals by Black Leg; and T. and W. R. May, £2 2s, for cheese of 561 b. Paeliament in Cheistohubch.— At the meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council, last night, it was resolved that they should co-operate with the Christchurch City Council with a view of taking steps for holding the next session of Parliament in Christchurch. A resolution in favour of the proposal was also carried by the Akaroa County Council on Saturday. Baptist Association.— The Rev. T. Harrington, of Wellington, formerly of Mr Spurgeon’s College, has been appointed to the charge of the congregations at Oxford and Oust.

Soaeoity of Light.— The gas supply was so bad at the City Council Chamber last evening that it was found impossible to proceed with the business without the addition of a supply of candles. Or. Wilson brought forward a motion on the subject, and the Town Clerk was requested to communicate with the Gas Company on the subject at once. The Waimakakibi.— This river was in flood during part of Monday from the heavy rain and storm on the ranges on Sunday. The water came down at first in a wave, about three feet high, on to the top of Kaiapoi Island, and did damage to the farms of Messrs B. Storer and R. Belcher. The cutting was full, and the overflow channel at Stewart’s gully contained a fair portion of the overflow. The Dbuids. —The members of the Pioneer Lodge, No. 47, held their quarterly meeting last night at the lodge room, Wellington Hotel, Tuam street. There was a very good attendance, Bro. Rose, A.D., presiding. The usual preliminary business having been disposed of, two members were initiated into Druidism. Several candidates were then proposed for membership. The lodge closed with the usual harmony. An Amateue Detective.— For some time past money and wine have been missed from the Crown Hotel, Amberley, under mysterious circumstances. However, on Saturday night, the proprietor lay concealed for some time, having that day formed a suspicion that the thief was finding ingress into the cellar by means of the outer trap-door, which had not been fastened. About one o’clock on Sunday morning he caught the offender in the act of visiting the premises, and detained him till a police officer was called. On Monday the delinquent was. sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment.