NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1608, 16 April 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Star Haarlem, —At 11.15 the Stad Haarlem steamed from the stream up to No. 4 Wharf, where was the deepest water, and was made fast immediately. Notice was put up that no one would bo allowed on board until the Canterbury emigrants were landed. At 12.30 the process of disembarkation commenced, the females leading the van. They all appeared to bo in excellent health and spirits.

In Nicer of Repair. —The attention of the particular officer of the Corporation within whose department it comes, may be directed to the t ecessity of repairing the wire fencing along either side of the Cashel street bridge. It, is a matter which deserves looking after, and seems to have escaped the observation of the engineer. The fencing referred to was broken at the time of the fire that occurred on the other side of the biidge, and since then the wire has hungdown into the water in several places, whilst generally it hangs loose and affords no protection whatever. Setting aside altogether the question of appearance, the absence of this fencing properly strung is dangerous, as a number of children pass over the bridge, and a child might easily fall through any of the open spaces into the river. City Council . The ordinary meeting of the City Council will bo held this evening. This morning the finance committee met for the purpose of passing accounts. The public works committee also met, but the business transacted was of a routine character, and a report will be submitted to the Council at its meeting this evening. Sydney Exhibition. —A meeting convened to bo held at the Chamber of Commerce this afternoon of the Sydney Exhibition committee, lapsed for the want of a quorum.

«ip.”—At tho conclusion of last night’s performance of tho Stewart Family at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Mr Stewart announced that their stay would bo limited to a few night’s longer, when they proceed to Melbourne, on this and on two successive evenings “ If” will be produced, and no doubt the entertainment will be largely patronised, as it deserves to be.

“ Unetenhanded Justice.” —lnscrutable as are Magisterial decisions generally, there was given by the Resident Magistrate this morning, on) more than usually incomprehensible and strange. The facts wore as follows : An unfortunate looking drunkard was brought up on the usual charge of intoxication and disorderly conduct. When asked what he had to say for himself, ho admitted the soft impeachment, but pleaded in extenuation that the previous day ho had come by the steamer from Little Akaloa, where ho was employed as cook on a contract job. On the passage he was unlucky enough 10 fall overboard, and as natural consequence on his arrival in Christchurch, was wot through. Under these circumstances he, not unnaturally, took two or three glasses of spirits, which got into his head, and the sequel to his debauch was his present appearance before the Bench. He asked for lenient treatment to enable him to return to-day to his employment, which ho would otherwise forfeit, as the next steamer did not go to Little Akaloa until Tuesday, and he appealed to bis Worship generally to show some mercy to him. His Worship, with the prompt alacrity which distinguishes his decisions generally, fined the delinquent 20s, and the next case was called on. This was also a charge of drunkenness and disorderly conduct, and the arresting constable stated that when he took the prisoner in charge he was yelling “ b h to the Pope ; I am a real true blue,” and was making the early morning hideous with his uproar. As this man did not plead the same extenuating circumstances as his predecessor, and had not fallen into the sea, he escaped with a fine of ss, much to the astonishment of the usual habitues of the Court, who were evidently puzzled how to reconcile the two sentences on any principle of justice or common sense.

The Overland Telegraph. —The line was yesterday interrupted between Port Augusta and Port Darwin, and no news of its repair has, as yet, been received.

Salk of Backhouses. —Pursuant to announcent, a sale of racehorses took place today at Millett and Griffiths’ stables, Mr Newton officiating. Templeton was the first horse trotted out, and from the very start it was apparent that the bidding would be shy, as it subsequently proved, Old Templeton, as t his horse is familiarly called, was started at 400 guineas, to which another 50 was added, then 25, and at 475 guineas the bidding ceased. The horse was passed in unsold, the price offered for him being so ridiculously small. Maritana was the next horse started at 2CO guineas, and was ultimately withdrawn at 275 guineas. Titania followed, a,nd no higher bid than 175 guineas being obtained for her, she also was passed in unsold. The auctioneer subsequently sold Maritana and Titania privately. Sinking Fund, Insolvent, Hornby, Saunterer, Bribery, andjjothora were also withdrawn. Resident Magistrate's Court. —The case of J. E. Whitbey, a colored man, was before the Court to-day. He had been unable to obtain work, or get into the Ashburton Home which was intended for the aged and infirm only. The case was discharged. John Do'g was brought up for failing to provide for his wife and family. It appeared, however, that the accused, in obedience to an order of the Court, had paid Mrs I)oig £1 per week, which she had drunk away and then summoned him for failing to provide for her. No further order was made.

Springfield Estate.— By instructions from the trustees of the late David Innes, Esq., Mr Charles Clark sold by public auction at his sale rooms to-day the Springfield Estate, adjoining Hawkesbury, the residence of the Hon. J. T. Peacock, Papanui road. There was a fair attendance of buyers, and the property was knocked down at £7500, Mr J. T. Matson being the purchaser. Methodist Fbee Church, Addington.— The anniversary of the Methodist Free Church Sunday School, Addington, was celebrated on Sunday and Monday last. On Sunday sermons were preached by the Rev. R. Waddell at 11 a.m., and by the Rev. J. White at 6.30 p.m. In the afternoon a service of song was given, consisting of incidents from the life of P. P. Bliss and sacred songs of his composition, taken from the Moody and Sankey collection, and very effectively rendered by the scholars. On Monday the usual tea meeting was held, and notwithstanding that the weather was unpropitious, the tables were quickly filled, and a considerable number had to wait for the second sitting. The public meeting was presided over by the Rev. J. White ; the Secretary, Mr J. T. Booth, read the report, and addresses were given by the Revs. S. Macfarlane, T. Hodgson, A. Peters, and Messrs J. L. Scott, W. Flesher, C. R. Leadley, G. Booth, and J. T. Brown. Kaiapoi Wesleyan School.— The anniversary services of this school were preached on Sunday last by the Rev. W. H. Beck, from Lyttelton. There were large attendances morning and evening. The collections amounted to £0 12s. On Monday, the annual tea meet ing was held In the Sunday school room. In spite of the wot weather, there was a largo attendance. The trays were provided by Mesdames Wright, Armitago, Keetley, Burrows, Isaac Wilson, Mr A’Court and the bachelors. After tea, an adjournment was made to the church, when the Mayor of Kaiapoi occupied the chair. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. McGregor, Bamber, and W. 11, Beck and Mr James Wood. The report on the schools, read by the chair man, stated that there wore 195 scholars, or an average attendance of 144. The number of teachers was 22, the average attendance 18. The officers for the year were Mr Blackwell, superintendent; Sir F. Sherratt, lion. sec. ; Mr Burrows, hon. sec.; and Mr H. A’Court, librarian. The number of volumes in the library was 220. The exp r ndit ure had been £47 13s 3d, (he receipts £47 18s B£d, and there was outstanding £lO 3s 9d. It was announced that the amount received from the services was:—Sabbath services, £0 12s ; tea, £10; collection after the tea, £3 3s 5d ; total, £l9 17s sd. Votes of thunks were passed to the ladies, the speakers, teachers, and singers. The choir of the church and the children of the school contributed to the harmony of the evening.

Gaiety Theatre.—The panorama of the American War wr3 exhibited to a full house lust evening. It will be on view again tonight. Death of the Pbxhoess Alice. —The following telegram has been received by the Mayor of Christchurch ■. —“ The Governor has ordered me to inform you that her Majesty the Queen acknowledges t he receipt of a telegram from yourself tendering a message of condolence, on behalf of the citizens of Christchurch, for the loss sustained by her Majesty and the Royal Family by the death ot heRoyal Highness the Princess Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse Darmstadt, and her Majesty has been pleased to direct that her gracious appreciation and recognition of the expression of heartfelt sympathy in her bereavement should be conveyed to yourself and the citizens of Christchurch.—G. Geey.” Seizure of a Boeouoh’s Money.—The “West Coast Times ” saysA writ of attachment has been issued by his Honor the Chief Justice, on the application of Mr Purkiss, county solicitor, ordeiing the attachment ot all moneys, the property of the Ross Borough, yesterday, until the award of Dr. G iles (which is of the same effect as a judgment of the Supremo Court) is satisfied. This extreme step was taken, upon an affidavit of the County Clerk, in consequence of the receipt of a letter from the Ross Borough, declining to pay the award or to accede to any terms proposed by the council, although the borough he i a considerable credit balance at the time.

Public Moeality in Victoeia.—Says the Melbourne “ Argus ” : —The deterioration of public morals in Victoria is becoming unhappily conspicuous, and must without hesitation bo set down as the worst consequence of the Ministerial blight. Corruption at homo is more to be deplored than loss of credit abroad, for it is harder to be recovered from, and evidence is accumulating that corruption is rife amongst us, that it is unblushingly practised, and that it is fast being reduced to a system. Scandals occur which at one time would have brought shame and confusion upon all concerned, but now exposure is met with a cynical indifference, and does not stop tbo evil. The plea that the corruption is practised in the interests of the party is considered sufficient. Boss Tweed put in the same justification, and the disclosures of the last few weeks must make honorable men ask themselves what is the difference between the ring which Tweed inaugurated and that of which Sir Brian O’Loghlen is the nominal head. The Waimate Difficulty.—The following remarks and suggestions on this matter, being from the Hawera correspondent of the “ Wanganui Herald,” Mr Ballanco’s special organ, are not without significance : “ Patience being exhausted, and a fanaticism beyond the reach of reason having usurped the sway over the Natives, that awful spell must bo broken, not by placing the surveyors upon the Plains with an armed force at once, but, as I have said before, by clearing out that hornet’s nest at Parihaka. If driven to war, the Maoris could place a large armed force into the field at a moment's notice, skilful generals and veteran soldiers. We could place perhaps 200 men besides those in the outpost, nine-tenths of whom have never seen a shot fired in anger, and officered for the most part by men of slight experience. The Plains Maoris do not, however, wish to fight on the Plains, but if driven to it, say they will defend Parihaka ; let then peace reign until everything is ready, and if Te Whiti will not yield, pounce upon him in his own den. But in the interests of the settlers’ lives I warn any against creating an excitement, and urging the Government to force of arms until they are thoroughly prepared, and then only to keep the disturbance at Parihaka, far away from the settlers’ homes. The settlors hero do not fear a war, and are not preparing for it; they have full confidence that the Government will not take active measures without giving them timely warning.” The Stewaets. There was again a crowded house at the Oddfellows’ Hall last night, when “ Rainbow Revels ” was repeated very successfully. To-night “If,” which was so popular hero on its last representation, will be produced. As the stay of the Stewarts is limited, no doubt their entertainments will be largely patronised during the next few nights. U.A.O D.—The Pioneer Lodge of the United Ancient Order of Druids held their usual fortnightly meeting in the lodge room, Wellington Hotel, Tuam street, last night. There was a fair attendance, of the members. Bro. Rose, A.D., occupied the chair. The secretary read a report showing the progress made by the lodge during the last quarter, which gave general satisl action. The password for the ensuing quarter was then given to the members, and the lodge was closed at ten o’clock with the usual harmony. Theatee Royal.—The performance at the Theatre Royal last night was under the patronage of the president and members of the C. J. C. The house was the largest of the season, the dress circle being especially well patronised. “Othello’’was performed with a very powerful cast. Mr Creswick as the Moor, Mr George Darrell as lago, Mrs Darrell as Emilia, and Miss Helen Ashton as Desdemona, played with marked success, the excellent house doubtless having a stimulating effect on their efforts. This evening the “Merchant of Venice” will be repeated. Friday is set apart for Mr Oreswick’s benefit, on which occasion he will enact the character of William Tell, in Sheridan Knowles’ play of that name, and Petruchio in Shatespere’s comedy of “ Katherine and Petruchio.” Hostioultueal. —The prizes won at the late Horticultural Show were, last evening, paid over to the owners at the Commercial Hotel. SPOETING. —Owners are reminded that nominations for the Champagne of 1880 must be made with the secretary O.J.C. this evening before 8 o’clock. Inquest.—The man, George Fennell, who recently met with an accident while shunting the Oxford train, which resulted in the amputation of one of his legs, died yesterday in the Hospital, Fiee Bhigade. —The Christchurch Fire Brigade held their annual meeting last Wed nesday evening, at the station, Lichfield street. The treasurer read the balance-sheet, which was adopted as read. The election of officers for the library was then proceeded with. W. Johnson was re-elected librarian ; W. B. Hobbs, treasurer; and A. W. Hillier, secretary. The general committee, consisting of P. M. Johnson, E. Ashby, E. Smith, G. Marsh, J. Fraser, and C. Hurrock, were unanimously elected. Several minor matters were dealt with, and the meeting adjourned.

Sydenham Bobough Council.— A meeting of this body was held last night, and is duly reported in another column. Councillor White stated that the ratepayers residing on the South town belt complained of the treatment they received from the City Council. They had, he stated, been paying rates for many years, and, while the North, East, and West belts wore planted with trees and the roads improved, not 5s had been expended for years on the South town belt. For the future the business of the Council will be considerably simplified by the amalgamation of the nine existing committees into three. Cr. White stated that a burgess of Christchurch told him that ho and others wore thinking of petitioning the Sydenham Council to make St. Asaph street, instead of the South belt, the southern boundary of Christchurch, A special meeting of the Council will be held on this day week at the usual hour for the revision of the burgess list, the consideration of the by-laws, and other important business. C.J.C.-A special meeting of the committee of the G.J C. will be held at the Commercial Hotel this evening, to consider the advisableuess of holding a race meeting during the approaching visit of his Kxccllency the Governor. Middle Pack Yearlings. —The sale of tbe Middle Park yearlings, by Messrs R. Wilkin and t o. will take place to-day at two o’clock. The stock is too well known to need the slightest comment, the youngsters to be submitted having the best blood in them, both imported and otherwise.

Temperance Meeting.— A meeting will be held at St John’s schoolroom ibis evening to form a Church of England Temperance Society. The Hon W. Fox, Archdeacon Dudley and others will take part in the meeting. St. Paul’s Church.—The third of the series of lectures in connection with St, Paul’s Church is postponed to a future date.