NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1659, 14 June 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Resident Magistrate's Court. —To day two men were each fined 5s for drunkenness. Elizabeth Dawo, brought up charged with attempting suicide, was discharged, after the magistrate had pointed out to her the legal consequences of her act, and had given her some good advice, Sydenham Wesleyan Church.—'The Rev. W. Baumber will preach to-morrow moaning, and in the evening the Rev. J. S. Smalley will lecture on “Revivals of Religion —past, present, and future.” Revision Court. —Mr Edward J. Lee, Returning Officer, will hold a Court on Monday next to hear objections to the electoral roll of the Avon and Heathcote districts for the election of members to the General Assembly, and on Tuesday ho will sit to hear objections to the electoral roll for the city of Christchurch.

Last Night’s Rainfall.— A very heavy fall of rain occurred last night and this morning. As registered, the fall was 0.97, or nearly one inch, that was up to half-past nine o’clock. There was also a high wind during the night, which increased towards morning, but fell again as the day advanced. The river Avon is considerably swollen and dis•olourod. A Prison Anecdote. —“ Atlicus” tells the following story in the Melbourne “Leader”: “ Pentridge is about the last place in the world where I should have looked for a will being signed, sealed, and delivered. A prisoner named Jones, who was ill, and who is said to be possessed of two allotments of land, not wishing to die intestate, made a will in favour of two of his companions in durance, in whose quarters the document was found by the warders. I wonder where the paper and ink came from, and if the will was propsrly witnessed, so that the legatees might receive some substantial benefit from it in exchange from the ten days’ imprisonment with which they were visited for a breach of the regulations. Jones, who is under sentence for life, received the somewhat curious punishment of of seven days’ additional imprisonment! ”

The Old Masters in Australia. —A good many old world art treasures have found their way to Victoria. One is continually hearing of a wonderful copy of some old master turning up in this or neighbouring colonies, said to bo worth a fabulous rum. This is duly recorded in print, and then nothing more is heard of the valuable picture. A friend of mine (says “Atticus” in the “Leader”), a connoisseur in art, was the other day asked to inspect four splendid specimens of old masters, which had been in the family of the owner for generations. He viewed tho pictures and then asked what price was wanted for them. “ Seventy pounds,” was the answer. A shako of tho head intimated that this was too much, and elicited tho question, “ What will you give ? ” “Well, six pounds for tho lot;” and after some haggling tin? amount was accepted. “ I make it a rule” said my friend, when telling me of the occurrence, “ never to give more than thirty shillings for an old master that finds its way to Australia,”

Political. The Hon. E, Richardson, M.H.lt. for Christchurch, addressed his constituents last evening at the Oddfellows’ Hall. At the conclusion of his address a resale)ion of thanks and renewed confidence was carried.

A State Bank. —ln his speech (o his constituents at Kumara last week Mr Barff announced the following startling scheme He thought that a State Bank should be established in the colony, as the profits of the B.mka at the present day amounted to a large sum, and if that revenue were paid into the Trersury it would partly reduce taxation. It would be better for the Government to take this matter boldly in hand, for if such a Bank was in existence the miners would got a fair price for their gold. He intended moving in this matter next session if it was not taken up by the Government. Deputation to Me Macandehw.— A deputation of farmers and landowners will interview the Hon. the Minister for Public Works to-day, for the purpose of urging the importance of the early completion of that portion of the interior main line lying between the Hinds and Rangitata rivers. A secondary object is to urge adherence to the Government’s original purpose of crossing the river Rangitata at the present cart bridge, anu uae..;., a f i ie Bamo f o r railway use, instead of taking the line ovci a, v»iage dose to the hills, as contemplated by the Ashburton County Council.

Unloading Stock.—At the last meeting the Kaiapoi Farmers’ Club decided to represent to the Railway authorities the shameful way in which stock are allowed to bo loaded and taken from trucks on to the main passenger platforms, and the want of accommodation in the shape of pens to retain them till the arrival of (rains. Scholarship Examination. —The examinations in class D were brought to a close at the Normal school yesterday, when the subjects dealt with were grammar, composition, end modern history. The results will probably be made known at the next meeting of the Board of Education, Kaiapoi Ploughing Match. —At the last mooting of the Farmers’ Club, it was decided to hold the annual match, and offers of land are invited by advertisemsnt.

Canterbury Rowing Club.—A special general meeting of the members of the above club was held at Oookeon’s Commercial Hotel last evening, for the purpose of taking into consideration the report of a committee appointed at the last general meeting to select and report upon an eligible site for a permanent boat shed. There was a good muster of members, and the chair was occupied by the captain, Mr J. 0. Jones. From the report of the committee it appeared that the only site at all suitable for a shed was a piece of ground opposite the present club’s premises, After the chairman had read a statement showing that tlje financial position of tho club was highly satisfactory, the report was unanimously adopted, and a resolution was passed to the effect that the site committee bo authorised to negotiate with Mr Campbell for the purchase of a piece of ground opposite the present boat sheds. A committee was also appointed to revise the existing rules of tho club, with a view of making alterations and additions thereto. Several notices of motion were given, and a vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

Ashley Masonic Lodge.—Tho inst allation of master and officers of tho Ashley Lodge at Rangiora, took place on Thursday. There was a large attendance of brethren, including several visitors from other Lodges. The ceremony of installation was performed by Bro. Thomson, D.D.Q-.M., assisted by Bro. Smith, D.G.R. Tho officers are, Bro. W. Sansora, W.M. ; P. L. Nielsen, S.W ; R. Ahearnc, J.W.; A. B. Blackett, treasurer; J. Fulton, secretary ; G. Buckham, S.D. ; S. Stephens, J.D. ; R. Atkinson, LG., and T. Boyd, tyler. The regular business having been disposed of, the brethren adjourned to the banquet in the large room at Bro. Roberts’ Club Hotel, Bro. Saneom, W.M., occupied the chair, supported by the grand officers, Bro. Milsom, P.M., of the Ashley Lodge, as well as the visiting P.M.’s, The table was very tastefully decorated with flowers and evergreens, and tho spread was one of the best provided in Rangiora. The toasts usual on such occasions were duly honored, ana harmony prevailed till tho’ffeparture of the last train. Bro. Wearing during the evening performed the part of organist very successfully. Presentation —Yesterday afternoon a number of the business community of Lyttelton; met in the reading room of the Colonists’ Hall, Lyttelton, to take part at a presentation to Mr J. C. Boddington, manager of tho Lyttelton branch of the Bank of Now Zealand. Mr H. R. Webb, in making the present, said that it gave him very great pleasure to do so. A few friends, upon hearing that Mr Boddington was about to remove from Lyttelton to Maslerton, had a day or two ago determined that he should not leave without taking with him a slight memento of their friendship. Mr Webb spoke of the active part Mr Boddington had taken in several public matters at Lyttelton, particularly as treasurer of the Lyttelton regretta, and a member of the Colonists’ Society. In behalf of the subscribers to the testimonial he thanked him for tho interest he had taken, and wished him prosperity and happiness, hoping that when he looked at the face of the present he would think of the many friends ho had left in Lyttelton. Mr Boddington acknowledged the present, and tho complimentary way Mr Webb had referred to him, saying he was sure the work he had done in his connection with the society named and the regatta had been overrated, that it was one of real pleasure to him, and he greatly regretted leaving Lyttelton, The souvenir presented consists of a parlor time piece, showing the changes of the moon, the days of tho week, of tho month and the months in the year. It is set in a casing of black marble, upon the base of which in silver is engraved the following : “Lyttelton, 13th June, 1879. Presented (0 J. C. Boddington, Esq., by a few friends on his removal from the Bank of New Zealand, Lyttelton, as a mark of their esteem.” The clock was purchased from Messrs Petersen and Co., Christchurch. Mr Boddington is to leave for Maslerton to-day. 'At the close of business yesterday he was presented with a handsome meerschaum pipe by the clerks in the bank of which ho has had tho management.

The Phonograph.— Tl e Phonograph was again exhibited yesterday, and drew a large audience. To-day it will bo exhibited both afternoon and evening. Professor Baldwin. —The advance agent of Professor and Miss Clara Baldwin, Mr W. Conkling, is at present in Christchurch making arrangements for their appearance at the Theatre Royal on the 21st instant. The Professor has been very successful in Dunedin, and will give a performance at Ashburton cn route to Christchurch.

Engineer Volunteer.— At tho weekly parade last night of this corps, Captain Warner presented to Sergeant Buckley the magnificent Challenge Cup, presented by Messrs Petersen at the commencement of the past shooting season. According to the terms of the match it had to bo won twice before becoming absaluto property. Sergeant Buckley managed to secure it twice in succession. In presenting the cup Captain Warner, as chairman of tho Council of the Canterbury Rille Association, expressed tho pleasure it gave him to present the cup to ene of his own men, more especially to tho winner, who was an undoubtedly good shot. Three cheers were given to tho winner by bis comrades, who seemed pleased at receiving the cup into their company. South Raicaia, — A meeting of the vestry of St, Mark’s and parish was held at tho church on Thursday. Present —Rev. W. 11. Elton, Messrs C. A. Hardy, E, S. Coster, Wm. Cox, C. S. Mackio, H. Aliugton, A. Makeig, and F. Passmore. Mr Elton, in opening the proceedings, said that ho had great pleasure in meeting the vestry, and hoped that they would work amicably together for many years. On tho motion of Mr E. S. Coster it was decided to let two-thirds of tho sittings in the church, the rents to bo 20s each for first two, and 10s each above that number. It was decided to leave tho place of country services to tho discretion of tho minister. There will be services at Kyle to-morrow morning, and at Chertsey in the afternoon. Tub Livingstone Line. —The first sod of this line is to be turned to day. Tho “ Oamaru Mail,” referring to tho subject, says : —Next Saturday will bo a red-letter day for the settlers of this district and those districts westward. Then will bo turned the first sod of the Livingsto’o-Waiareka r ailway, aline which will go in tho right direction to assist materially in tho development of the known and unknown natural resources of this country. The Livingstone line will bo no creeper along the seaboard, competing with ships and opening up but little country. It wilt render available for agricultural purposes a largo area, whilst it may bo viewed as being still more valuable as tho first stage of an intern r line. Coursing.—The second meeting of the Canterbury Coursing Club will take place on Tuesday next and following day.

Railway Employes’ Benefit Society.— A special general meeting of the members of the above society will be held in the Railway Accountant’s office on Thursday, June 2Gth, at 8 p.m. Ploughing Match. —The annual Papanni ploughing match will take place in a paddock belonging to Mr C. Amyes. on the Harewood road, on Thursday, July 10th Liberal prizes will he given for double furrow, champion, single, general and boys’ competitions, as well as for horses, harness. &c. Borough of Sydenham. —Notice is given by advertisement of the intended election on Friday, July 4th, of a councillor to fill the vacancy in the Sydenham Council, caused by the resignation of Mr David Foster. The election will take place at the Council Chambers, aud nominations must bo handed in to the Town Clerk’s office before noon on Wednesday, Juno 25 th.

Professor Blackie intends to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for a grant of £IOOO a year towards the support of a Gaelic Professorship at Edinburgh. The fund which the Professor has been instrumental in raising is now equal to an endowment of about £3OO per annum. A public subscription is to bo opened in Paris by a committee, of which Victor Hugo ii president, for the purpose of erecting a statue to licranger.

The quantity of cotton goods manufactured in the United States and exported from that country seems to be rapidly increasing. During the last financial year the exports are stated to have reached a value of 11,436,000 dol., representing a quantity of 37,765,000 yards of coloured goods and 88,528,000 yards of white goods. These figures compare with a declared value of 10,181,000d01. exported in the previous year 1876 7. About one-fourth of the total annual production of raw cotton in the States is consumed by the local manufacturers, who employ 10,500,000 spindles, of which 9,900,000 are in the Northern State* and but 600,000 in the South. The town of Fall river alone runs 1,300,000 spindles.