NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1697, 29 July 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The San Fbancisco Mail. —Tho Zoalandia with the Sun Francisco mail, 17 pasfongers for New Zi aland and 104 for Australia, reached Auckland at noon to-day. Residknt Magistbate's Court. —To-day, Robert Schott, accused of stealing a dog valued at £2, from H. Goodger, was discharged, thero being not tho slightest proof in support of the accusation. W. Buchanan, charged with stealing a watch value at £2, was remanded until the 31st, and D. G.ay, charged with stealing a swag, valued at £3, was sontenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labor.

Ocu Asthmatic Contemporary.—Says tho "Timaru Herald -."—"ln the <: New Zealand Horald " (Auckland) of the 17th July, appears a telegram from Christ church, commencing—" Tho 'Lyttelton Times' of tomorrow will say," etc. This i 3 quite on a par with tho telegraphic message referring to the great iriconvenier.ee caused to several inhabitants of tho City of the Swamp through copies of tho "Lyttelton Times" being surreptitiously extracted from their premises. If our worthy, but asthmatic, contemporary does not tako care it will suffer the same fata as the frog in tho fable, and be blown to smithereens by its own conci'it." Wkslevan Improvement Society—Notwithstanding the inclomcnt Monday night, tho popularity of this soci-ety was apparent, thirty members being present. The Rev. W. Baumber presided. Two fresh members were introduced, and tho adjourntd debate, " Ought the Bible to be explained iu our State Schools," reopened by Mr M. Hall. The apparent difficulties attendant upon tho affirmative course being adopted were fully discussed, and the fact that the Bible contains the very elements of civilization, and true civil and religious liberty were recognised. Confidence was expressed that tho explanations could be given on an arranged basis, which would meet tho views and opinions of all sections of the community. It was also argued that such an opinion was but a theory which would ba found impracticable. The claims of the Roman Catholics were deemed worthy of consideration, that provided they educated their youth up to required standards under Government inspection, whether State assistance should not be given. The Rev. W. Baumber summed up, pointing out the undoubted right of minorities to consideration and recognition. The debate was characterized by great earnestness, and the affimative side of the question was carried. After the debate closed, the portfolio was carried out, and tho meeting terminated in the usual manner. Chamber of Commbrce. A special meeting of the committee of the Canterbmy Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday afternoon to consider tho question raised by the Dunedin Chamber with reference to the removal of the head quarters of railway management from Christchurch to Dunedin. After full discussion of the matter, it was resolved to forward the following telegram to the Minister for Public Works:—"ln reference to memorial of Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, suggesting removal of present Commissioner of Railways from Christchurch to Dunedin, the committee of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce respectfully submit that experience has fully justified the wisdom of the settlement of the Commissioner's office in Christchurch, and they feel sure that you will give full consideration to the matter, and decide what may be for interests of community and the convenience of Railway Department generally." A copy of this telegram was also forwarded to Messrs Stevens, Richardson, and Moorhouse, members for Christchurch in the Assembly, with a request that they would consider the matter and interview the Minister if they thought advantage would result therefrom. Cotjbsing. The final tie for the Tyro Stakes between Mr Hill's Peeress and Mr Mitchell's Smoker was run off this morning in the North Park. After an undecided course the stake was won by Smoker. Wcßks Committee. —A meeting of the works committee of the City Council, was held this morning. It was resolved to erect a gas lamp at the corner of Taylor's lane and Madras street. This was really all the business that came before tho committee.

Lecture.—By reference to our advertising columns it will be seen tbat Mr J. I. M. Smith, will deliver a lecture in the Free Methodist School-room, Selwyn street, tomorrow (Wednesday) evening. Subject—- " Early English Musicians," with illustrations from their works. A lecture of such an interesting subject ought to ensure a good gathering. The Obabi'3 Immigeants.—ln consequence of the inclemency of the weather the immigrants by the Orari were not landed yosterday. The engagement day has consequently boon put off until Thursday. VYeea Pass.—On Saturday one of the constables here was called on to arrest a man named Davis, who was very violent from the effects of drink. Many of the laborers on the work are making capital wages at the railway, several of Lhem earning 9s a day. Kaiapoi BOEOuan Council. — Mr Benjamin Monk was the only candidate nominated up to noon on Monday to fill the extraordinary vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr Parnham, and he will be declared elected on August Ist. The Missino Faemeb at Asxiburton.— Mr Gordon, who was lost on Saturday week, was diligently searched for on Sunday by fully one hundred persons in the neighborhood of the Wakanui Greek. No trace of him was found, but the tussocks aro thick in certain places, and it would be an easy thing for a body to be missed. Yesterday a search was made in tho wells in the neighborhood, but as yet without result. The Dhainaoe Boabd. —The ordinary meeting of the Beard was held yesterday, and a large amount of business was transacted, occupying from half-past two till half-past five o'clock. Only three replies had been received from claimants for compensation, accepting the terms decided upon by the committee. The engineer submitted an interesting report, which was fully discussed. OnaAN Buildinck—Mr E. H. Jenkins is at present engaged on the erection of a twomanual organ at Kaiapoi, half of which is completed, and as a one-mannal instrument it has been pronounced by experienced players to be of superior finish and tone. An offer has been made to purchase it for a local church, and if it is purchased the second portion may be added as funds come in. Sboald it not be Bold, Mr Jenkins intends to complete it in his workshop. Por some time he has been employed in erecting the organ for Riccarton Church, which is a double manual instrument.

The Fxrb Bbigadb.—Or. G-apes, the ohairman of tho Fire Brigade committee, last evening brought under the notice of the Council an experiment which has recently been tried, with a view to obviating the delay caused in waiting until steam is got up in the engines. This experiment is the heatiDg of the water in the boilers of the engines by gas, which will keep it at boiling point, so that steam can be got up at once. The experiment has proved a complete success, and it is probable that tho means spoken of will be adopted permanently. Mr/siCAli. —A series of musical reunions, similar in character to those given by the Melbourne Liedertafel, will shortly be commenced in Ohristchurch, when vocal and instrumental pieces will bo performed by an efficient corps of musicians. The first of the serios will be what is known in Melbourne as a " llerren-abend," or gentlomen's evening, it being intended for gentlemen only. The succeeding ones will be for ladies and gentlemen, the audience being invited by tho£o taking part in tho performance. Thb Wateb (Sr/pi'LT Scheme. —At last night's Bitting of the Oity Council the question of the information promised by Cr. Oass as to the water supply scheme was brought up by Cr. Lezard. At a later period of the evening Or. Cass made a statement, regretting that ho had no information to impart, owing to the recent bad weather.

Drainage Dbbbntpbes.—At the usual fortnightly meeting of tho Board held yesterday afternoon, the Chairman stated that the Christchurch district drainage loan debentures had been taken up at 106. Wobks Committee.—A masting of the Works Committee of the City Council was held yesterday morning, when a considerable amount of business received attention. Among other matters considered was a letter from the Chief Postmaster relative to the removal and erection of pillar boxes, and asking the surveyor to arrange for doing the work. The surveyor was instructed to say that ho would do the work within the city on the cost thereof being paid. Domestic 3~ KefoSe.—A meeling of the domcßlie female servants in and about Christchurch took place on Sunday last at 3.30 p.m. in one of the schoolrooms attached to the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Barbadoes street. Thero were over two hundred present. The Rev. Father Ginaty, the convener of tho meeting presided, and in tho course of his remarks suggested the advisability of having a " Domestics' Repose " established, wherein thoso females out of employment might be received and havo all tho comforts of a home, without being surrounded by the many inconveniences experienced at tho present time in this city. After explaining in detail what he considered would be a suitablo building to commence with, he informed the meeting thai the Nuns connected with the parish has! placed at his disposal for this purpose a portion of their extensive property facing the Ferry road, in addition to which ho himself intended giving a handsome subscription towards the establishment of the institution. Those present expressed their approval of the views of the Rev. Chairman, and showed of what value they believed such a homo in Christchurch would be by subscribing generously, the subscriptions ranging from ton pounds downwards, and close on £2OO being promised in the room. Further subscriptions towards this oxcellent institution will be received by the chairman.

St. John's Oegan.— l h , will be remembered that some four or five years ago Mr Lmdergan, the organist, initiated a movement having for its object the enlargement of the organ of St. John's Church. Since his return to Christchurch he lias again taken the matter in hand, and has concluded an agreewith Mr E. H. Jenkins, organ builder, to add to the present organ q large scale open diapasonl6ft. (wood), an Bft. trumpet (metal), on tho grand organ. Ths swell will also be added to by two stop 3, a double diapason (wood) 16ft., tone full compass down to C O, and also a cornopean (metal), Bft., of full compass. Should the funds admit, it is further proposed to add an Bffc. principal on the pedal organ, and to decorate tho whole of the show pipes. This organ will, when completed, have twenty-five sounding stops and four accessory oneß, including the couples and tremulant, making a grand total of twenty-nine, divided—eleven on the. swell, twelve on the great, and two on the pedal portions. Noeth Raeaia Boabd 01? Consebvatobs. —A meeting was held at Mr Desborough's offices, Southbridge, on Saturday, the 26th July. Present—Messrs O. Bourne, A. Btorry, and L. White. The secretary read a letter from the returning officer, advising the election of Messrs R, Lockhead and D. Marshall. Messrs Lockhead and Marshall then took their seats as members of the Board. Mr Lookhead proposed—" That Mr A. Storry be chairman of the Board" ; Mr D. Marshall seconded. Mr Storry thanked Mr Lockhead, but declined acting. Mr Storry moved — " That Mr Bourne be chairman." Mr White seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Bourne accepted the office, and trusted that the Board would aot in unanimity, and in accordance with the object for which they had {been constituted. He promised to see their instructions carried out. In answer to inquiries from Mr Lockhead, and for the information of the new members, the chairman stated that the Board's liabilities consisted of twelve debentures, each £SOO, which matured 15th June, 1892 ; and four debentures, each £6CO, which matured Ist October, 1892. These had been purchased by the Colonial Treasurer, and bore interest at the rate of 6 per annum ; wages £l4O, and sundry accounts £250, making with sinking fund a total of liabilities £6600. There were also four dobentures each £SOO in the hands of the Board for future'requirements. The chairman further said that iu lieu of increasing the secretary's salary the Board had at the last meeting voted him a bonus of £SO (which was well merited from the amount of work which had passed through his hands), so that the incomimg members should have a voice in the adjustment of his remuneration in Septembsr. Mr Lockhead referred to the past expenditure, and wondered whether the £BOOO had all been expended judiciously. Ho called forvouohers for payments made to the "Lyttelton Times" and other accounts which appeared to him extravagant. The following correspondence was read: —Prom Mr Charles Clark, as agent for Mr Brawloy, requesting that the land he sold the Board be fenced off at once, in accordanco with the conditions of sale. From Mr O'Callaghan, offering to supply the Board with willows. Decision was deferred in both instances until the Board had personally inspected the reserves. Pay-sheet No. 23, amounting to £lOl4 19s 3d, which had been provisionally examined at the last meeting, was formally passed. Tho Chairman was empowered to make arrangements with the Bank for a temporary overdraft, not to exceed £l5O, to pay the men's wages, &c. Pay-sheet No. 24, £135 lis 63, was examined and passed for payment. On the motion of Mr Marshall, seconded by Mr Storry, it was resolved—" That notice be given that it is the intention of the Board at its next meeting, on Monday, the 11th day of August, 1879, to levy a general rate of sixpence in the £ upon all rateable property in the district for the year ending 31st March, ISBO, payable on the Ist September next. The secretary was instructed to advertise the same, and have tho rate book prepared at once, in accordance with the conditions of the Rating Act. The Board determined to thoroughly inspect tho river from Gorman's to the bridge, and appointed to meet at Southbridge at an early hour on Tuesday, sth August, for that purpose. The Chairman was authorised to writo to Mr Fitzroy, member for the district, and endeavor to obtain the £ for £ subsidy, so as to have funds available for tho summer freshets. Amateur Opera.—The members of Mr H. F. Towle's opera class intend giving that gentlcrnxu a complimentary benefit shortly. The programme will include "H.M.S. Pinafore," aud two acts of " Ernani."

Marble Quarry Company.—An extraordinary general meeting of shareholders in the Canterbury Marble Quarry Company, will be held on the sth August. Mew Zealand Government Insurance Office —Tho Government |Life Insurance Department has been transferred to the new Government Buildings, Cathedral square, where the business will in future be conducted. Charitable Belief Fund.—An amateur theatrical performance will be given in the Oddfellows' Hall, Kaispoi, on Thursday next, in aid of the Kaiapoi Charitable Belief Fund.