NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1633, 15 May 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Sunnyside Asylum.—A very enjoyable entertainment was given last evening to the inmates of the Asylum and their friends by the Mississippi Minstrels. The programme comprised the usual chair business, somo capital clog dancing and a farce. The feature of the evening, however, was the duet on the bones, played by Mr Webb, junr., and his pupil. This was a masterly performance and quite equal to any professional wo have had here. Altogether, the performance was a very good one throughout. An Incoiieigible Boy.—William Power, a bright-looking lad, fifteen yeurs old, was brought before Mr Mollish to-day, charged with stealing a gold chain and locket, the property of E. dribble. The boy, on being arrested, told a cock-and-bull story about his having been brought up from Dunedin by four men for the sole purpose of committing robberies. Inspector Hickson, however, stated that he was the son of a carter in Dunedin, and had been formerly employed as a message boy in the office of the "Daily Times." He hfcd been convicted of forgery down there, and had been liberated on account of his youth, on his father's recognizances that he would come up for sentence when called on. Mr Mellish said the boy had had a chance of reformation, and had abused it, otherwise he would havo dealt with the case summarily. As it was, he would commit him for trial at the next session of the Supremo Court. Miss Amy John's Benefit.—The benofit to Miss Amy Johns, which takes place tomorrow evening at the Gaiety, promises to bo a success. The programme includes the comedy of " A Eoland for an Oliver," whioh will serve to re-introduce Mrs Walter Hill to her many friends in Christchurch. The other parts will be filled by Miss Amy Johns, Miss Marie Walton, Messrs J. P. Hydes, Wilkinson, W. Hill, Jerrames, &c. The performance will conclude with the burlesque of "La Somnambula." Apart from the excellence of the programme and the reappearance of Mrs Walter Hill, the lady whose benefit it is has strong claims on the playgoers of Christchurch, claims which wo hope will be recognised by a bumper house.

Found Deowned. —In reference to the reported case of drowning, of which information was given to the police last evening, further particulars of a confirmatory character have come to hand. The police had the river partially dragged shortly after receiving the report, but with no result. This morning, however, when operations were resumed, they were more successful. At about half-past seven o'clock a body was discovered in the water about 150 yards below the Madras street bridge. It was at once taken out of the river and convoyed to the Foresters' Arms Hotel, where it now lies awaiting an inquest. The body has not yet been identified, although it is thought it may bo that of a man named Wm. Hutton. Deceased was a man of about sft. 7in. in height, about middle age, stout build, with dark complexion, partially bald, and the hair and whiskers turning grey. The body was completely clothed when found, the suit consisting of light tweed trousers and vest, and dark tweed coat. From the marks on the river bank, at the place where the man is supposed to have entered the river, it appears pretty certain that he fell in accidentally, the supposition being that he imagined he was still walking on the road, till he slipped from the bank. Hence the cry of alarm heard at the time by two women who were passing. The deceased would fall into about six feet of water at this point, where the river is more narrow than at other parts, and consequently the current is stronger. The police have continued their inquiries during the day, with the object of discovering who the man waß, but without success up to the hour of our going to press. It has been ascertained, however, that the supposition as toliis name being William Hutton was incorrect. There were no papers or marks on deceased by which to trace his identity. If the necessary information is obtained in time an inquest will be held to-morrow.

A Stoby About a Pir-E. —A somewhat, singular circumstance occurred yesterday. Itseems that a gentleman who is pretty well known, and whom we will call Brown, was in a hairdresser's shop, and was the involuntary hearer of a conversation going on between the proprietor of the establishment and a customer whose hair was being separated with skill and rapidity from its ancestral home. This conversation was on the subject of pipes, the gentleman who was being operated on appearing to be a dealer in these articles, and offering to let the hairdresser (who with his business pure and simple, combines that of a pipe and tobacco dealer) have a number at so much a dozon. The question of pipes being the all important topic for about ten minutes, the customer in waiting—Brown—thought he would wile away a few minutes pleasantly, and at tho same time let them see that he too was a conoisseur in such things, and so he drew from his pocket a wellstained "Irish pipe," and ostentatiously commenced to light it. He then began speaking of its merits as a smoking article, when the gentleman who was being operated on fell into a violent state of excitement, and demanded " where he bad got it?" "That is my business," coolly replied Brown, complacently pulling out the smoke. The other now wildly -jumped from his seat, aud repeated his question, declaring the pipe was his property, and there was every probability of the police being called upon for the purpose of having Brown "run in." The argument was long and acrimonious, but at last explanations ensued. The pipe in question did indeed belong to the operated-on gentleman. It had been left for repairs at a certain establishment in town, and, on calling in for his, which had similarly been left to be mended, the young lady behind the counter had in mistake given him t!ie wrong article. The mistake was of course noticed by Brown, but, as ho had no pipe of until the" following" "day, exchange it for his own property, which he learnt before leaving the shop" had not yet received the necessary alterations. Moral— Never borrow a stranger's pipe, except under a written agreement. Kaiapoi Borough Council.—Mr James Holland has been nominated a member of this Council in place of Mr Schmidt, resigned.

Taking a Census. Before the M-mri Claims Commissioners one witness explained that the mode of numbering tho people in the early days was for the chiefs to count them on tho fine days. The witness did not quite finish the explanation. TnEATaB Royal.—" Two Men of Sandy Bar" was repeated last night. This evening another novelty will be produced bearing the suggestive title of " Lex Talionis, or a Husband's Revenge." The cast embraces the entire strength of the company, and will bo placed on the stage regardless of expmse as to scenery and mechanical appliances.

Chabitable Aid Boaed.—A somewhat, lengthy Bitting of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held yesterday. The principal subjects under d.'scusaion were the proposal of Dr. Chilton respecting the r.urces of the Hospital, and tho case of the removal of a boiy from the Hospital for the purpose of holding an inquest. These took up so much time that all the ordinary business had to bo postponed to the special meeting on Tuesday next. The HorsE Surgeon and the Coboneb. —At yesterday's meeting of tho Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, the correspondence relative to the removal of the body of Daniel Breen from tho Hospital was considered, and a resolution on tho subject adopted. It was resolved also to forward a copy of tho resolution to l)T. Chilton, with a request from the Bo- rd that D.'. Chilton would not engage in public correspondence without first consulting the chairman of tho Biard.

Ashbueton Magistracy/.—Mr Guinness, the new R.M., will reside at Asnburton and hold two Courts there weekly. Sydney Exhibition.—The usual weekly meeting of the local committee was held yes« tjrday, when several more applications for space were received.

The Uood Tbmplahs.—Mr J. W. Jago' the Gliioi' Otfioer oi : the Grand Lodge of New Zealand Q-ood Templars, is expected in Christchurch to-morrow, and will visit the Dauntless at the Templar Hall. Mr Jago is a good speaker, and no doubt the members of tho order will avail themselves of the opportunity to listen to his address.

Accident at Temuka.—On Tuesday last a horse belonging to Mr W. Pratley ran away with a dray, and coming into contact with a perambulator containing two children of Mr Woodley's, capsized it. The occupants wore thrown violently to the ground, and one of the children, nged one year, sustained a fracture of the collar bone, which was set by Dr. Hayes. Tho escape of tho children from being trampled to death appears to have been miraculous. Chain at Stations. The following parcels of grain were lying at the vraious stations on Tuesday night:—Amborley 100, Chertsoy 70, Ooalgatc 30, Kaiapoi 800, Leeston 180, Makikihi 170, Pleasant Point 112, Prebbleton 100, Rakaia 45, Sefton 90, Styx 56, Temuka 150, Waimate 100, Waimate Junction 110, Waitaki north 430, Winchester 250, Winslow 19, Tinwald 63, Ashburton 100, Waihoa 790. Total 3555.

The Southern Maoeis Tho number of Maoris ef the Ngaitahu tribe at the time of the sale of this land in 1848 was at Tuahiwi, Otukaro and Waikirikiri, 800 j Taumutu, 50 ; Arowhenua, 500; Waitaki, 50; WaikouaiU, 500; and Purakanui, 100 ; total, 2500. The Commission at Kaiapoi to-day proceed with taking Taiaroa's evidence. It is expected the investigation of the purchase of the Akaroa block will be commenced at Kaiapoi on Monday, as the Commission are expected to adjourn to-day over the week end.

Repoeted Sticking up Case.—On Wednesday morning a man reported at the Kaiapoi police station that on tho preceding evening he was taking two horses, riding one and leading the other, along the North road, when he was stuck up and the horses taken from him. The officers very soon had the matter in hand, and in about an hour had arrived at a solution of the matter. They found the horses straying half a mile to the west of the town, and also ascertained that the man had been stuck up by an over-heated brain, and, unable to retain his seat on the saddle, had fallen off and lain out all night.

Publichoubes in Sydenham.—A public meeting was held last night in the schoolroom, Colombo road, under the auspices of the Canterbury Temperance League. Resolutions were passed affirming the necessity of petitioning the Licensing Commissioners to refuse all applications for fresh publicans' licenses within the borough, also in favor of extending the time between the refusal of an application and the date at which a new one could be made, from three to twelve months. Beetboot Stoab.—Since 1875 the production of beetroot sugar in Austria has just doubled. In 1875 it amounted to 13,092,000 metric cwt., and in 1878 to 26,082,000. The duty levied in 1878 amounted to 19,040,000 gulden. Of this sum 3,046,000 gulden were paid back to the producers as compensation for disturbance of business, and as 14,972,000 gulden go in drawbacks on export, all that finds its way into the Government Treasury is 1,022,000 gulden. In 1876 the anomaly occurred of only 11,812,000 being levied, and 11,872,000 being paid as drawback, and 1,899,000 as compensation. Amended Joint Stock Companies Bill. —Sir J. Lubbock has introduced a Bill relating to cases where companies accumulate sums of undivided profits. He proposes that where such a sum might, with the consent of the shareholders, be distributed in the form of a dividend or bonus, the directors be empowered to return it to the shareholders in reduction of the paid-up capital of the company, the unpaid capital being thereby increased to a similar amount. The consent of the shareholders in general meeting would have to be obtained, and also the sanction of the Court.

South Rakaia School Committee.—A special meeting of the above committee was held in the schoolroom, on Tuesday evening last. Members present —Messrs Brimmicombe (chairman), A Makeig, Geo. Shellock, J. N. Sharp, and J. Gaarder. Mr Brimmicombe handed in his resignation as chairman, which, on the motion of Mr Sharp, was accepted, and a hearty vote of thanks accorded to Mr Brimmicombe for the satisfactory manner in which he had discharged his duties as chairman. On the motion of Mr J. N. Sharp, Mr Arthur Makeig was elected chairman. It was decided to appoint a secretary outside the committee, and Mr J. Makeig was elected, to receive as salary five guineas for the remaining part of the year. The secretary waß instructed to write to Mr Mann re the balance of school treat fund. Musio at tiik Hospital.—The offer of Mr J. Q. Walker to sing soft melodies in the waids of the Hospital, which was referred to the staff, has been declined with thanks, the medical staff being of opinion that it would not be advisable to carry out, the proposal. Pbebbleton School Committee —The monthly meeting of this committee was |held at the school-house, on the 13th, at 7 30 p m Present—Messrs O. L Davis (chairman). Maskrey, J. W. Overton, Anderson, and Geo Thompson. Resolved—" That the _ school penny bank be not established in the district." In consequence of the retirement of Mr Batehelor as a member of the committee, Mr Edward Prebble was, on the motion of Mr Maskrey, seconded by Mr Overton, elected to fill the vacancy. The hour of meeting was altered to 7p m for the winter months. Sundry accounts wore ordered to be paid, and the meeting adjourned.

Flaxton Sidb School. —The Flaxton committee have decided to recommend Mrs Molyneaux as mistress tor this school in place of Miss Monk, resigned. Akaeoa Liteeary Instittttb. The annual meeting of members was held in the library on Tuesday evening, The treasurer, Mr Henning, read the annual report arid statement of accounts, which showed the institution to be in anything but a flourishing condition, the outstanding liabilities for management and working expenses absorb iii ß n.~ ..u.i. ~e fi, 0 Q-overnment grant for books. Messrs Ayiuuw. «,nd Sims were elected respectively president »iud vice-president for the ensuing year, and Messrs Kissel, Barry, Harris, Bruce, Perlington, Henning, and the Itev. H. Stocker were elected the committee of management. At present tho society has fifteen members.

Diocesan Sunday School Association. —The monthly meeting of the association will take place at eight o'clock this evening in St. John's schoolroom. Woolston Cricket Club.—The entertainment in connection with this club is postponed until further notice. Lyttelton Wesi.kyan Church.—The annual soiree of the Sunday school connected with the above place of worship will take place this evening, after which a public meeting is to be held in the church.

Foothill.—The following teams have been chosen to play in the matches for Saturday, the 19th instant :—C.F.C versus Southbridge F.C. —Messrs Alabaster, Anderson, J. S., Cotterill, W , Easter, Field, 3rant, Hales, Hunt, Inchley. Lewin, M., McCardell; Oltivier, L., Kobinson, Shireff, Smith, E.A., and Templar. C.F.C. versus Mcrivale— Atack, sen., Baker, Boltou, Bray, Cotterill, E., Ev-ms, Barman, R , Hartland, W., Morgan, Pavitt, Perceval, Potts, W., Robinson, F. N , Whiteoaibe, and Williams. Emergencies—Hawkes, Pratt,Dobson,and Hay. The ' Merivalo team is as follows -Messrs Cooper, Dignan, Goodwyn, Keith, Mathias, G., Millton, W. V., Moore, Searell, Smith, H. S., Smith, M.S , Stringer, H., Siringer, W.S., Twinning, Webster, and Wright. The former match will bo played at Southbridge, the team leaving the Cbristchurch station by the eleven o'clock train. The match against Merivalc will be played on Cranmor square, commencing at 3 p.m. sharp. The C.F.C. teams are requestod to turn out uniformly in the Club colors (red and black) ; the Merivale men will play in blue. The Eastern Club have invited any C.F.C. members who are not playing in the above matches to join thorn in th "ir game ou'Latimei' square The bnrqtie Slur Queen was loet on a dark night on ti;e uland of Kisituai. As she w °,tt on the rocka her mast fell, killing CP I in Macintosh. The bouts were washed and in about twenty minutes there w, Jf n r, h >pe of caving the abip. O.ily eleven ,j* 0 f a total of thirty were saved. The i afciyes treated lite survivors with kindness.