NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1711, 14 August 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Ashley Election. —A largely signed requisition has been presented to Mr W. S. Moorhouse asking him to stand for the Ashley district at the forthcoming elections. We are given to understand that Mr Moorhouse has favourably received the request.

The Alleged Case op Poisoning at Napier, —With reference to the case of McLennan, who was committed for trial at Napier on a charge of murdering his wife, Sergeant O'Malley has been engaged for some time past in a search for information in different parts of the country, and has, it is understood, discovered important evidence of a motive for the crime on the part of the accused man.

Sbpton. —At a meeting held here last evening to consider|the question of establishing a Board of Conservators under the Canterbury Rivers Act, to undertake the management of public works on the north hank of the Ashley, those present were so divided on the question that on a division the votes were five for and five against. No further action w ;i l be taken for the present, and meanwhile the Ashley has leave to pursue its unchecked course into the farms woidi £3O an acre of the settlers along its banks. Colombo Road Wesleyan Church. — The juvenile entertaiment previously advertised takes place this evening at 7 p.m. The programme includes nee-Iy thirty perfoimers, many of whom are vei/ clever in their parts. The rehearsals have surprised those who were present, and a treat of more than ordinarv attractiveness may be confidently expecteo. The proceeds will be given to the grlle, j fund.

Sblwin Count? Council. —A special meet’-ig of the Selwjn County Council was held to-day, ‘when several reports re the Malvern water race were submitted and considered. Sblwyn Assessment Court. —The assessment Court of the Selwyn district was held in the County Counc’l office, Hereford street, Ohrstohurch, to-day. A number of objections were hoard, one of which was euotnxucd, that of Mr Ritso, the valuation of his property being reduced from £6CCO to £3614. The Court was sitting as we went to press.] Rakaia Recreation Ground. — A correspondent from the Rakaia whites :—“ While people in other distilcts are getting their recreation grounds in order, we, at Rakaia, are doing nothing better than looking on. We are informed that a reservation of fifty acres has been made in the best portion of the township extension on the west, and reaching from the Alford Forest road to the Government plantation on the river side. If such be the case, and we believe it to he correct, steps should at once be taken by the Road Board for dealing with the reserve in question.” Resident Magistrate’s Court. —To-day Christian Messeh and Elizabeth Messeh, alias Murphy, were convicted of the larceny of £5, the propel ty of John Hoppee, at whose house they had been lodg : ng. The mile pilsoner was sentenced to six months’, and the female to one month’s impilsonment with hard labor. A second charge aga : nst the male prisoner for stealing paw j tickets wes not carried through, as the prosecutor had not appeared. A warrant for the apprehension of the latter was issued.

Poultry Association. —The annual meet- : 'ig of the Christchurch Poultry, Canary, and Pigeon Society was held last night at the Shades. The annual report and balance sheet were brought up and adopted, and the business terminated with the election of officebearers and managing committee for the ensuing year.

Skeleton Found. —On Monday last some men engaged in fencing on Big Island, in the Rakaia, wb'lst- digging a ditch, unearthed the skeleton of a man, which had evidently been buried for a considerable length of time. The remains were found close to the surface, and from their position it is likely that the body had been washed on to the island during a flood and buried with silt. Bybeton Disteiot General Cemetery. —The Government has agreed to give up a reserve near Mandeville station, to be used as general cemetery for this district. I.O.O.P.—The usual meeting of the Avon Lodge 1.0.0. F., working under the American constitution, was held last evening, when there was a good attendance of brethren. It is probable that the installation of ladies into the Rebekah degree will take place du-ing the approaching visit of the R.W.G.M. Bro. Wheeler and the Grand Lodge officers at the annual session to bo held here in September.

Theatre Royal. —Mr Wallace’s benefit last evening was fairly attended, but not so largely as it probably would have been, bad the weather been more favorable. A very good bill was presented. The young ladies taking part in the first portion of the programme were successful in their songs. Mr Towle, who had volunteered his services, sang “ Hark the drum ” excellently, and received an encore. The same compliment was paid to the bone duet by the Brothers Duval. The dancing of Messrs Wallace and Hudson and the violin solo by Miss De Gay, met with loud manifestations of approval. The company proceed to Wellington, and will be succeeded by the Juvenile Troubadours, who are announced to make their first appearance this evening. No. 5 Co., O.R.Y. —After an existence of over twenty years, the volunteer corps at Kaiapoi has been disbanded. It appears the last returns of the company did not reach the limit fixed to entitle it to receive the capitation, and hence the dissolution. The late commanding officer has been connected with the ranks upwards of thirty years, and the Government might have taken some steps to acknowledge his services. It has been decided to bold a final meeting of the members of the corps at Burnip’s Hotel to obtain a statement of accounts, and return of properties and decide on the disposal of the same as may be decided upon. Railways in Canada. —There were, on the 30th. of June last, 6143 miles of railway in operation throughout Canada, and 721 miles nearly completed, besides 1041 miles in various stages of construction. This makes a total of 7905 miles as against 7571 in the previous year. The nominal capital raised on account of the Canadian railway system at the above date was 860,617,186d01. Public Meeting. A meeting of the electors of Christchurch favorable to the reelection of Messrs E. C. J. Stevens, S. Moorhouse, and the Hon. E. Richardson for the city, will be held at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Lichfield street, this evening.

PBBBBLBTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE. A meeting of this committee was held at th# schoolroom on Tuesday evening. Present, Messrs J, W. Overton, J, VV. Anderson, and 0. L. Davies (chairman). Letters were read from the Board, advising the payment of July salaries to the committee’s credit at the bank, also stating in reply that the amount of the contract for the washhouse would be paid into the bank on the 12th. A circular from the Board calling attention to the importance of securing perfect accuracy in the keeping of registers and attendance returns, was also read. Several small accounts having been passed for payment, the meeting terminated. Pebbbletok Libbabt.—A meeting of this committee was held at the schoolhouse on Tuesday evening. There were present Messrs O. L. Davies (chairman), J. W. Overton, and J. W. Anderson. The chairman reported that the amount authorised to be expended in the purchase of new books had been exceeded by £L: Fifty-five volumes had been purchased, and were now being issued to subscribers. The books ordered rrom England had arrived, so that about 110 volumes have been added to the library since last meeting at a cost of £23. Resolved—“ That the action of the gentlemen who selected the books, in exceeding the amount authorised to be expended, be approved of.” The meeting then terminated. Malvebn-. —Heavy S.W. rain set in here about midnight on Monday, and continued with slight intermission until Wednesday evening, and there was still every appearance of a further downpour. Notwithstanding the heavy rain there need be no further apprehensions of a flood as far as the water-race is concerned. The railway authorities are having four concrete culverts put in, about 8 ft. wide, to divert the storm water into the old water courses, instead of allowing it to run along the rori and join the old creek at Oolthart’s, there flooding the race from that point. This was the sole cause of the ilate flood, and the extensive damage done to the water-race. The storm water is now lying some inches deep between the standing falls, which is proof positive that the race will not suffer by the percolation to the extent that was expected. —The Good Templars will celebrate their anniversary by a public tea and entertainment this evening, in the Templar Hall. Provision has been made for a large gathering. Tea wi'l be served at six o’clock, after which a public meeting will be held. Mr Joyce will preside, and several addresses will bo given on the temperance question. Selections of music and songs will also be given. Kaiapoi Farmer’s Club. The _ annual meeting of the members of this club take place on Thursday evering, for the passing of the accounts and election of officers.

Entertainment. —A musical and litirary entertainment in connection with the Christchurch Wesleyan Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association will take place this evening, in the Durham street Wesleyan schoolroom.