NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1691, 22 July 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

An Eccentbic Rxtepaveu. —To-day a ratepayer was summoned for payment of hie rate, and judgment went forthe plaintiff with costs. Outside the Court the ratepayer, meeting the inspector (whoso duty it is to take legal proceedings in those cases), said to h : m, “Look hero, old man, this is the second summons I have received in my life, both served at your instigation. Well —[a naughty word] blessed if I don’t shout for you.” And he did.

Signs of the Times. —Saith the poet, “ Never give up ; ’t is wiser and better,” and so appears to think the horny-handed son of toil, at present the emblem, of a large class striving to master tho theory of getting as much “life” as possible out of the least possible amount of sustenance. Boot-blacks have sprung up, mushroom-like, at our street corners. En passant let us state, for the benefit of those weary ones who have found the colony less tho Arcadia of their dreams than they expected, that there are still several honorable callings and profitable speculations as yet untouched in Now Zealand. A fortune awaits the pioneer purveyor of cats’ meat, and that honored old calling the rag and bone line, still holds out hopes to tho enterprising indigent of tho community—not to mention others that may perhaps suggest themselves. Resident Maqistbate’s Couet. —At tho Court to-day an inebriate was fined ss, and Henry Hudson, charged with tho larceny of a coat, was remanded until next Saturday. Siibep stealing Oase, — A warrant has been issued for the arrest of the man Barnard, who, as will bo noticed by our telegrams, was sentenced to a short term of imprisonment for committing a breach of the peace at Palmerston Station in the South. It va; stated that Barnard is the same man who absconded, while on bail, charged with sheep-stealing at Christchurch, and tho warrant was sent away to-day.

The Weatiieb—Tho Meteorological Observer has kindly furnished us with the following, which will be of interest Tho lowest temperature last night was 30deg. 6min,; tho night before, 23deg. 3min. The temperature yesterday never rose above 47deg. in the shade. With regard to tho thermometer laid on the ground and exposed, tho minimum last night was 24deg, Imin., and the minimum the night before 18deg. 3min. I’AKAIA. —A meeting was held at Partridge’s South Eakaia Hotel, on Saturday, to consider the advisability of getting up an entertainment in aid of the funds of tho South Rakaia Town Hall Company. Mr B. S. Coster was voted to tho chair. The chairman opened the proceedings by stating that there was a heavier debt on the building than there ought to be, and hoped that by means of an entertainment, which ho trusted everv one concerned would endeavour to make a complete success, a sum would bo obtained which should greatly reduce their overdraft. After a somewhat lengthy discussion, it was resolved—“ That an entertainment, under tho auspices of the Rakaia Town Hall Company, be held in the Town Hall, Rakaia, on Friday, August Ist next.” On the motion of Mr John Mann, the following were elected a subcommittee to make tho necessary arrangements : —Messrs C. H. McLean, T. A. Winter, J. Maun, A. H. Jaggar, Pearson, W. Hartnail, and E. Clark. Tho usual vote to tha chairman terminated the meeting. The subcommittee then met, Mr Mann in the chair, and it was resolved that Mr Jaggar be elected honorary secretary.

Timaeu Peoxective Wouks.— The Comrnissionsr of Railways, accompanied by the Resident Engineer, will proceed to Timaru today to inspect the sea encroachment protective work* now in progress there. Cam Bbidge, neab Kaiapoi. This bridge, between the Woollen Company’s works and tbe brewery, is expected to be closed after to-day, in consequence of tho decision como to that it must be raised. By the insertion of under beams and corbels it is intended to raise the floor at least two feet. Spaees eeoji Railway Engines. —Mr Ormond has given notice to ask the Government whether certain damage had not been done to the property of private individuals near tho railways, through the sparks escaping from the engines ? and whether it is the intention of tho Government to afford any relief to the sufferers.

Sydenham Boboughi Council. —A meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening, and amongst the business done may bo mentioned the recording on the Council’s minutes of the resolution passed at a public meeting in the Colombo street schoolroom on the 30th June last; and that having reference to representation of districts in Parliament on the basis of population, will be forwarded to the representatives of the district, with the request that they bring the matter before the Assembly. Presentation. —A presentation took place at the railway station yesterday afternoon, on the occasion of Mr W. M. Hannay’s departure from Christchurch to fill the position of traffic manager on the Timaru and Oamaru section. The testimonial, which was subscribed for by the officers of the department on the Christchurch section, took the form of a very handsome timepiece and an electroplated teapot. The presentation was made by Mr Back, general manager, who, in a few, woll-chosen words, boro testimony to the kindly feeling that had always existed between Mr Hannay and his brother officers, by whom ho was held in the greatest esteem. TheDeuids. —The members of the Pioneer Lodge, 47, held their usual meeting last night at their lodge room, Wellington Hotel, Tusm street. There was a very, fair attendance, Bro. Williams, A.D., presiding. The usual routine business being disposed of a member was initiated into Druid ism. A vote of thanks was given by the lodge to Bro. Rose, P.A. A letter from Bro. Alexander announced that he had succeeded in forming a Druid Lodge in Wellington, which would bo opened on the 12th August, Several laws were then a, - proved of by the lodge prior to their be : ng registered. Nine candidates were proposed for membership, and the lodge closed in due 1 form. Populae Concerts. —Mr J. T. M. Smith, who last season initiated a series of very successful popular concerts, announces that he intends giving a second series of six during the ensuing season. It is intended in compiling the programmes for these concerts to endeavor to make them popular in the truest sense. Selections will bo made from the works of all the best known composers, including vocal and instrumental solos, duets, glees, operatic selections, &o. These concerts, if carried out in the way proposed, will supply a want which exists at present, of music of a popular yet not trashy character. WESLEYAN ImpEOTEMENT SOCIETY.— The usual weekly meeting of the above was held last night, the Rev. A. Reid presiding. Two new members were proposed. Messrs Atkinson and Brooker introduced the subject for debate, “ Should the Bible bs read and explained in our State schools.” The subject was handled in a very exhaustive manner, the whole question of State education coming under review. The debate, on the motion of Mr Ha 11 , was adjourned till next meeting. The attendance was twenty-nine, and the meeting terminated in tbs usual manner. Mbs Hill’s Benefit. — The first performance in connection with the benefit to Mrs Hill took place last evening at the Oddfellows’ Hall, and passed off very successfully throughout. The first part of a very well arranged programme comprised vocal solos and duets, piano solos, and instrumental selections by Mr Ooombea’iband. M'ss Rosewarno was excced’ngly good in her rendering of “ Ernani Involam ; ,” and had to respond to an enthusiastic encore. The same lady was also successful in her duet from “ Elis’v D’Amor ” with Mr Towle. Mrs Talbot sang “My Grandfather’s Clock,” with guitar accompaniment, and was encored. Miss Mackett selected Olaribol’s “ Lover and the Bird ” for her solo, and rendered it with much taste and expression. Mrs Craig, who J?S r g°ml! s and Miss M. Robinson played a piano solo by Jules de Livraie in a masterly manner. The other items consisted of solos by Messrs Williamson, Carder, Ellisdon, and Lang and Signor Lu'sctte, all of whom were successful in their contributions. Between the first and second part his Worship the Mayor addressed a few words to those present, thanking them for their support, and promising them a great treat on the succeeding evening. The of “A Phenomenon in a Smock Eroek,” in which Mrs Jorrames, a lady amateur, and Messrs O. F. Searle, Ingleson, Houlihan, and K. Wilson were very good, brought the entertainment to a conclusion. During the evening Miss M. Robinson and Mr H. F. Towle rendered most valuable assistance ;by their accompaniments to the various songs, &c. To-night, the operetta of “Cox and Box,” a musical interlude, and the farce of “ Phenomenon in a Smock Frock ” will form the programme. Town Hall Plane.— Another design for the now municipal buildings was received at the City Council yesterday, having left Auckland on Sunday, the 13th isstant. This will make a total o? twenty-four plans received. Kaiapoi Peesbxteeian Chuech.— At a meeting of the committee of this Church held on Friday evening, the question of the date upon which the annual tea meeting should bo held was discussed. It was finally agreed to fix the date as Thursday, July 31st. Kaiapoi BoHOuan Council. —An election

to fill an extraordinary vacancy, caused by the resignation of Mr Parnham, is announced to be held on August Ist; nominations to bo sent in before noon on July 28th. Mr 11. Monk has already been nominated, and two other probable candidates arc spoken of. The Foeestebs —The annual dramatic performance in aid of the Widows and Orphans’ Fund of tho Ancient Order of Foresters will take place in the Oddfellows’ Hall, on Thursday evening. Tho committee have selected for their opening piece the romantic drama of “ The Seven Clerks, or tho Three Thieves, and the Denouncer,” in which Mrs Walter Hill will sustain the principal female character, supported by the acting members of the order, supplemented by other amateur talent. Mr Lxng will sing a favourite song in the interlude, after which an address will bo delivered on tho financial position of the Widows and Orphans Fund. The entertainment will conclude with the screaming fares entitled “ Mrs Green’s Snug Little Business,” Mrs 0. F. Searle being engaged to sustain tho character of Mrs Green.

Tlieathe Royal.—Tha attendance at tho Theatre Royal last night, was very good. The sensational drama “ The Woman in White,” was repeated. Mr Wybert Reeve's admirable representation of Count Fcsoo being received with as much favor as on Saturday night. Miss Lester confirmed the good impression she made on her first appearance as Laura Fairlio and Anne Catherick. This lady will bo an acquisition to tho company. Miss Beatrice had a perfect conception of Marion Btalcombe, and by her excellent rendering of the part added materially to the strength of tho cast. The mounting of the piece left nothing to be desired, especially the set scenes in the second and third acts. The same piece will be repeated this evening, and an adaptation of Wilkie Collins’ novel “No Name,” in which Mr Wybert Reeves will sustain his original character of Captain Wrngge, is in preparation.

Ruffianism ijt Wanganui. —The “ Wanganui Chronicle” of a late date says:—Anything more disgraceful to a civilised community than the scenes too frequently to be witnessed in tho vicinity of Campbell place it is impossible to imagine. Crowds of natives and low whites, stimulated by frequent potations from the adjacent “ pubs,” block up the footpath, forcing respectable pedestrians into the gutter, while they wranglo and squabble, and jostle and fight, after the manner of candidates for Bedlam.

Sale op Crown Lands —A public sale of Crown lands, under the Public Rosenes Sales Act, 1878, will be holden at tha Crown Hotel. Temuka, on Tuesday, August sth, Mr Charles Clark selling as auctioneer for the Government. The land to be offered is part of the Reserve 359. township of Orari, and this will bo sold for cash; also portions of several reserves close to tho township. Tho land described in schedule 3 of the property to be offered will be sold on deferred payments, which are extremely favorable to purchasers, The land is of good quality and beautifully situated, and a successful sale is anticipated.

Education BoA.ni>.—The ordinary meeting of the Education Board will- be held tomorrow, at the usual hour.

Ashburton Gab. —Owing to a leak in the concrete tank under the gasholder, the lighting of Ashburton by gas has been delayed for a few days. St. Michael’s Entertainment. —The next of the series takes place next Thursday evening, at the new schoolroom, Durham street. The programme is advertieed. St. Duke’s. —The opening of the new schoolroom connected with St. Luke’s will be celebrated by a concert to-morrow evening, for which a remarkable attractive programme has been prepared.

Mr Bronson Howard, citizen of the United States, author of “Truth,” now being performed at the Criterion Theatre, has prepared his play of “ The Banker’s Daughter j for the English stage. It will bo produced at the Haymarket probably towards the end of the year. Mr Bronson Howard claims to bo an original dramatist; we must therefore look out not to bo beaten by Yankee authors as well as Yankee horses. Mr W. H. Smith, the well-known bookseller and First Lord of tho Admiralty, caricatured in “ H M S. Pinafore,” though ho rose almost from the lowly position attributed to him in the Admiral’s song, is now powerful and influential. He lately brought the mighty “Times” itself to his knees. That journal published an article which Mr Smith considered an unfair reflection on his Government, and ho demanded a retraction of its statements from the management, which was refused. “Very well,” said tho ex-offico boy, “from to-morrow morning tho ‘ Times ’ is excluded from tho booksta’l of every railway station in the United Kingdom.” The “men of the ‘Times’ ” saw that tho First Lord was master of the situation, and the following morning the great organ owned its imprudence in adopting the course it had. An American paper states that Mr Charles G. Leland (Hans Breitmann) “has just planned and found an enthusiastic publisher for a series of art and artisan primers under the general title of ‘ Profitable Wot k for all Classes.’ Its purpose is to introduce the study of artistic design, practically, into as many mechanical departments as possible.”