NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1609, 17 April 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Meebiyale Pabisit. —The annual parish meeting will be held to-night at eight o’clock in the schoolroom. Mb Commissionee Conybes.— Mr Conyers, who recently returned from his trip to the South, "has resumed the duties of his office.

Supeeme Cottet. —ln another column will be found a full report of to-day’s sittings. The case against Izidor Schwartz wasj withdrawn, the counts being faulty. His Honor, in his remarks to the jury, commented strongly on the carelessness displayed in drawing up the indictment. Cokee’s New Hotel. —This elegant and commodious hotels which is being erected for Mr Coker, well known as a highly popular landlord, will be completed in about six weeks’ time. The accommodations which this house will afford will be a welcome addition to the hotel accommodation of Christchurch. Ashbueton Beanch Railway. The tender of Mr J. Fraser for the construction of this lino of railway has been accepted. His tender amounted to £11,504, which is slightly above the Parliamentary appropriation, and it is understood that it will bo reduced to come within the appropriation. The lino of railway, as surveyed, will run eleven, miles westwards from Ashburton, that is, towards the hills, and will open a largo tract of valuable land.

A Modest Request. —A night or two ago as a high civic dignitary was about to retire to rest, it being nearly midnight, his attention was attracted by a knock at the door. On opening it, he found a stranger standing outside, who announced himself as a recent arrival from Dunedin, and also as a now chum. The interesting stranger also said he was a married man, and that, with the partner of his joys and sorrows, he was anxious to settle in Christchurch. One obstacle, however, stood in the way of carrying out his wishes, which was the non-possession of furniture, or the moans wherewithal to purchase any. He apologised for disturbing the aforesaid dignitary at so late an hour, but would ho kindly put him in the way of setting up his household gods, and his petitioner would ever pray, &c. The outraged civic dignitary, restraining a very natural desire to lay violent hands upon the intruder, suggested that perhaps the hour was somewhat late for the transaction of such important business as was involved in this modest application.

Stealing Fowls. —lt is evident that there must bo a number of persons in town carrying on the robbing of hen roosts as a business. A great many complaints have been received recently of such thefts, and only one detection has been effected. The Queen’s Hotel has suffered considerably on more than one occasion, and the landlord has devised sundry ways of making It hot for the marauders. In case any of these gentry should be in the habit of reading the Globe, it may be as well to say that it is no longer safe to roam about the yard of the Queen’s Hotel, or to prowl around the hen-roost. Sudden surprises, gins, traps, and pitfalls are placed in every corner for the benefit of the venturesome spirits who dote on cheap poultry. These maurauders quite lately came down heavily on a member of the fourth estate in this town. At one fell swoop they carried off all his chickens, likewise several hens and fatted ducks, nay even a cherished drake, which was the pride of his domestic existence.

Pooh Me Paekkb. —Affairs mundane were slightly out of gear at St. Paul’s, Wellington, last Sunday—A bell-rope smashed, evening devotions wore hardly commenced when the singing of some one became very noticeable from being out of tune. Not content with this, the singer performed a solo after the conclusion of a psalm, as a consequence of which the verger interviewed a woman and persuaded her to leave the church. After this a portion of the gas was blown out, and finally, we believe, one of the offertory bags was dropped by the vestryman who was carrying it round. Hospital and Ohaeitable Aid Boabd. —The fortnightly meeting of the Board was held yesterday afternoon. A report is published in another column.

A Coloukeu Original. —A coloured man named Whitby has been giving the police some trouble lately, but not according to the ordinary acceptation of the Some time ago Whitby occupied a good position in Victoria as a cabinet maker, and had a wife and family. Some time after their marriage his wife (who was a European) ran away with another man, from which time Whitby went down hill and became very peculiar, indeed at one time he was in an asylum. He is tolerably well known to the police, having travelh d about the northern part of this island c midefably, loading for the most part a very miserable life, and suffering much from exposure. Latterly his case came under the notice of Inspector Hickson, who, on ascertaining that Whitby was sleeping out of nights, and had no moans of support, had him arrested and taken before the Magistrate, to see what could bo done for him. An arrangement was made by which Whitby should bo decently provided for without going to the ssylum or Addington, but, strange to say, the unfortunate man would not remain at the house he was taken to, having peculiar fancies that ho was not safe there. The police took great trouble, and Inspector Hickson exhibited great patience in trying to reason with him, but to no purpose, so Whitby had to bo accommodated with lodgings in one of the police cells for the night, it being considered unsafe to let him have his liberty, since ho would most probably die from exposure. The Colombo Street Bridge. —lt has been resolved that this bridge shall be placed in its former condition, and that no further steps shall be taken to improve it until the whole of the money promised has been actually subscribed. Inquest. —An inquest, the particulars of which will be found elsewhere, was hold yesterday, at the Hospital, touching the death of Q-oorgo Fennell, who met with an accident some time back at Rangiora, while shunting trucks. A verdict of “ Accidental Death ” was returned. Ashburton Home.— As the winter is now approaching, the chairman of the Charitable Aid Board has suggested that donations of clothing for the benefit of the aged inmates of the Homo will bo thankfully received. Such donations can be addressed to the secretary, Mr J. E. March.

Canterbury Jockey Club. —A special committee meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club was held yesterday afternoon at the club rooms, when it was decided that it would be inadvisable to have a special race meeting on the occeuon of the visit of his Excellency the Governor.

The Governor’s Yisit. —At the City Council last evening it was stated by the Mayor that ho had received a telegram informing him that the Governor would arrive in Christchurch on the evening of Saturday, May 4th. A committee was appointed to draw up an address to be delivered to His Excellency on arrival, welcoming bun to this city, Templaby. The “Right Step” Lodge, Rangiora, held an open meeting on Tuesday evening, and though little notice had been given there was a very creditable attendance. Mrs Cannel presided at the harmonium, and the chair was taken, in the absence of Mr P. Keir, W.C.T., by Mr James Thompson, district deputy. A number of recitations, songs and readings were given; and a pleasant evening was brought to a close by singing the National Anthem. Church of England Temperance Association.—At the meeting held last evening, in St. John’s schoolroom, the incumbent in the chair, it was decided, on the motion of Archdeacon Dudley, seconded by the Hon. W. Fox, to form a Church of England Temperance Association for the parish of St, John. At the termination of the meeting a number of members were enrolled. Sydney Exhibition.-—A meeting convened to bo hold at the Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon of the Sydney Exhibition committee, lapsed for the want of a quorum. Synodsman foe Ranqioea. —Mr T. J. Maling was nominated as synodsman for the parish of Rangiora, on Wednesday.

Diorama,-— The diorama of the American war drew a capital house at the Gaiety last evening. The usual distribution of gifts closed the performance. The diorama will be again exhibited this evening. Bad Gas.— Last night at the City Council the gas was almost as bad as at the previous meeting. In fact, it was in some respects worse, for it developed a new phase, jumping up and down in a manner that was most unpleasant. City Council. —The ordinary meeting of this body was held last evening, when a very large amount of business was transacted, the Council not adjourning until a quarter after eleven o’clock. Notwithstanding the fact that the meetings are now held weekly instead of fortnightly, they last quite as long as formerly. Ashburton County Council. Messrs Julian Jackson and John Holmes were nominated yesterday to represent the Mount Hutt Riding in the above Council. A poll will be taken on Wednesday next, the voting places being Edgington House, Barr Hill, and the Woolshed, Drayton. Theatre Royal.— Shakespeare’s comedy, “ The Merchant of Venice,” was repeated last night to a moderate house. The performance of Mr Creswick as Shylock was received with marked favor, as well as the Portia of Mies Helen Ashton. The comedy having been so recently performed and noticed no detailed criticism is necessary. This evening “ Hamlet” will be repeated for the last time, and to-morrow night is devoted to the benefit of Mr Creswick, when the bill will comprise “ William Tell” and Shakespeare’s comedy “Katherine and Petruchio.” Reorganization of the City‘Council Staff.— Last evening the committee appointed some months ago to inquire into the working of the officers of the City Council, brought up their report. It suggested no material change in the staff, but recommended the appointment of a legal advisor to the Council, at a fixed salary, whose duty it should to sit at all meetings of the Council, and to direct the Town Clerk generally in matters in which law points were involved. The question of salary was not decided, butj'the report was adopted with little alteration. Settling on the Autumn Meeting.— The settling on the late autumn meeting took place at the Jockey Club rooms last night, when the following amounts wore paid over :—Mr G. Frazer, Great Autumn Handicap, £4OB 10s; Easter Handicap, £176 14s; second money, £7; total, £502 4s, Mr Neilson, Epsom Handicap, £135 17s; Flying Stakes, £137 15s; total, £273 12s. Mr E. G. Griffith, Champagne Stakes, £290 14s; Mr P. Butler, Steeplechase, £137 15s; Mr R. Yallanoe, Selling Race, £99 15s; Mr J. W. Mullock, Free Handicap, £BO 15s; Mr H. Goodman, Consolation, £47 10s; Hon. W. Robinson, second money, Autumn Handicap, £25 ; Mr J. Rowe, Hack Race, £lO. Grand total, £1557 ss.

Juvenile Thieves.—A very determined case of what might be termed highway robbery took place last evening. The son of Mr E. Taylor, eight years of age, was the drawer of the first prize last night at the diorama—a plated tea service. Having received his prize, he was passing through the right-of-way past the “Times” office to Gloucester street when ho was sot upon by throe boys, who took the articles from him and ran off towards Cathedral square. Mr Taylor’s son can identify the robbers, but unfortunately does not know their names. The circumstance has been reported to the police, and it is to be hoped that the juvenile offenders will be captured.

Ermains of the Late Fiee— The work of removing stock from Messrs Edwards, Bennett and Co.’s bond, was continued yesterday, the goods being stowed in a storeroom on the premises of Messrs Matson and Co. It is found that a large quantity of valuable stock received no injury by the fire. A large quantity of wine and bottled beer was found to bo in excellent condition, also tobacco, and even woollen goods and general merchandise. The building, however, or all that remains of it, presents a melancholy picture of ruin, and a great quantity of stuff will have to bo destroyed It is notewor.hy —as showing the firm hold obtained by the fire—that in two or three places the building was still burning yesterday, and buckets were used to quench the smouldering fire,

Kaitan'gata Fete Committee —The final meeting of the sub-committee, in connection with the late Fete for the benefit of the Kaitangata Relief Fund, was held at the Council Chambers last evening. Present—Messrs Ick, Pratt, Hulbert, Coombs, and W. H. Smith, hon. sec. The minutes of last mooting having been disposed of, the secretary and treasurer presented their reports, which were of a very satisfactory character. The accounts showed that a sum of £705 14s would bo available for transmission to the chairman of the central relief committee in Dunedin. Opinions were expressed on the subject of the late resolution of the City Council, as to handing over the funds to the central committee. The speakem strongly condemned the action of the Council, which had nothing whatever to do with the proceeds of the fete. The following resolution, proposed by Mr Hulbert and seconded by Mr Coombs, was agreed to: —“That the chairman, 0. T. Ick, Esq., and the treasurer, W. Pratt, Esq., be author : sed to forward to the chairman of the Dunedin central committee, the amount of £705 14s, being the nett proceeds realised at the late fete for the benefit of the Kaitangata Relief Fund, and that the same be forwarded without the reservation embodied in a resolution of the City Council, passed on Monday, April 7th.” After some conversation as to the very satisfactory results which had been attained by the fete, the committee adjourned sine die.

The Church Militant. —The Rev* GK Brown, of the South Sea Islands, has his counterpart in a Californian Methodist parson, who, being called to preach at an out of the way town, was informed before entering the pulpit he must be carefnl, as many of assembled congregation were “roughs,” and would not hesitate to disturb him if his remarks didn’t suit. The holy man made no reply, but, having reached the desk, took from his pocket two revolvers, and, placing one on each [side of the Bible, gave a sharp glance around the room and said, “Let us pray.’ A more orderly service was never conducted.