NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1721, 26 August 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

A Hard Cash. —At the Police Court yesterday Mr Joyce applied, on behalf of Mrs Q-oody, for a protection order, tho custody of seven children, and a weekly allowance for maintenance. Tho grounds of application were cruelty and drunkenness. Mr Neck appeared for the husband. After hearing the evidence the Magistrates, Messrs Q-. 11 Hall and W. H. Simms, granted the order as prayed. Resident Maqisteate’s Court. —To-day the only business done was the fining of one inebriate.

Erratum, —ln our yesterday’s remarks on the gross inaccuracy of tho report published by the “ Lyttelton Times” re the reception of Sir G. Grey at Lyttelton, it was, amongst other things, stated that “ out of twelve barges but three were dressed.” The word “barges” should have been “ barques.” Entertainment. —By reference to our advertising columns it will be seen that Mr Seager, of Sunnyside, is to give an entertainment in tho Free Ohuroh schoolroom, Addington, to-morrow evening. It is to consist of “Mirth, Music, and Mystery,” and will no doubt attract a orwoded house.

City Council. —ln consequence of yesterday being a partial holiday, the usual weekly meeting of the City Council was postponed until this evening. Supreme Court. —His Honor Mr Justice Williams sat in banco yesterday, and disposed of a number of cases. The Kaiatoi Election. —With reference to a paragraph which was published yesterday, it appears that Mr Wearing has no intention of retiring from the contest for Kaiapoi. Mr Parsons has been asked to stand, but has positively declined to do so. The Missing Man Gordon. —Yesterday, news reached Ashburton that the body of the missing man Gordon had been discovered in a paddock belonging to Mr Prendergast, near where his horses were found, by Mr Greenaway, The body was found lying on its face, and is of course much decomposed, but there is no doubt of its identity. An inquest will be held to-day, at Ashburton. Canterbury College. —The meeting of the Board of Governors of the Canterbury College, called for yesterday afternoon, lapsed for want of a quorum. Tho business for which the members were to have met was the consideration of the reports of the various committees. At three o’clock there were present Messrs E. de c. Malet (acting chairman), Wakefield, Inglis, Tosswiil, the Primate, and the Rev. C. Eraser. After waiting the usual quarter of an hour, the meeting adjourned.

A Novel Examination. —The traffic inspector in the railway department took a turn around the wharves yesterday in pursuit of any color blind employes in the service that might be about. The ordeal through which he put each of the foremen and others was less trying than peculiar. The question, “ What color is that ship painted ?” followed up by the exhibition of a list of colors and the request to point to this or that color, took the men by surprise, and it was not a little amusing to notice the expression of amazement that accompanied some of the replies. The questions were no doubt new to the questioned, as they would be to most persons. The object is of course to ascertain if any of the men working on the railway have such defect in their eyesight as incapacitates tham for working with the signals. It is stated that the examination proved that the ocular powers of the department were unexceptionable. Comic Opera Company. —Messrs Crain and Harding’s Comic Opera Company will make their first appearance this evening, at the Oddfellows’ Hall, in " H.M.B. Pinafore.” New scenery has been painted for the occasion. The company have had a very successful season in Dunedin, and, judging from the critiques in the local papers, are very strong in vocal and dramatic talent. Amongst other novelties their repertoire includes Arthur Sullivan’s favorite opera “The Sorcerer,” which will bo produced during their stay in Christchurch. Wesleyan Improvement Society. A meeting of this society was held last night, the president, the Rev. A, Reid, in the chair. After transacting the ordinary business, it was resolved to give an entertainment in October in aid of the organ fund of the East Belt church. The portfolio was then opened, and the various subjects introduced were treated in such a manner as to import a large amount of valuable information. The subject for debate next Monday is “Is modern Theatre-going demoralising?'* Mr Watson will open the discussion. Theatre Royal. —“ Struck Oil ” was repeated finally by tho Juvenile Troubadours last night at tho Theatre Royal. Two novelties will be produced for the first time this evening. The first is a terpsichorean interlude, entitled “ The Kickers,” and the second a burlesque version of “H.M.S. Pinafore,” under the name of “Hash,” in which most of the airs from the popular operetta will be sung by the members of the troupe. In the course of the performance imitations will be given of popular acton and vocalists. Prom the favorable impression tho Troubadours have made in Christchurch,a good house may be anticipated. Plaxton School —A meeting of tho committee of this school was held on Friday evening to elect a member in place of Mr James Kerr resigned, Mr J. Stevenson was unanimously elected. Mr Muloock, who occupied the chair pro tem, then called for nominations for chairman. Those present wished him to act. Mr Muloock stated that he must certainly decline', as he had only consented to act for a short time. Ultimately, Mr Stevenson was elected chairman. After passing some routine matters the meeting adjourned.

The Chess Toubney.—This match is exhibiting unexpected phases, those who were spotted as winners not doing so well as it was expected they would. The following are the results up to 10.30 last evening :—Jacobsen, won 6, lost 2; Bray, won 4i, lost 2i ; Hay, won 4, lost 2; Hookham, won 3£, lost 2£ ; Ash, won 3£, lost 4i; Yeel, won 3, lost 1 ; Newman, won 0, lost 4, Those interested in the play meet each evening from 7.30 p.m., and on Saturdays at 3 p.m., at Bellamy’s Boom, Governor’s Buildings. Canterbury Rugby Union. —As a fitting termination to the Interprovincial Football matches, the members of the Canterbury Eugby Union gave a grand ball last night in honor of the Otago and Wellington teams. The scene was the Oddfellows’ Hall, which was gaily decorated for the occasion, the effect being enhanced by a quantity of choice pot plants and evergreens, contributed by Mr A. Duncan, Over 150 couples stood up, and the gallery was also well filled by visitors, admitted by tickets, Mr Schwartz’s excellent band furnished the music, and Mr Bashford, of Colombo street, acted as caterer. The excellent supper was laid in the side room. Me Richardson at Knightstown.—Mr Richardson addressed the electors of Knightstown at the Library, last night. There was a large number of persona present, the room being well-filled. The chair was occupied by Mr John Mann, who briefly introduced the speaker, claiming for him a fair and impartial hearing. Mr Richardson, who was received with loud applause, after expressing his great pleasure at meeting the residents of the district, said that before addressing them on the various topics for which he had particularly called them together that evening, he wished to make a public statement. It had been publicly stated that he and Mr Stevens and their committees had organised the disturbance which took place in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Saturday night. Ho wished to take the earliest opportunity of emphatically denying this, for neither himself nor Mr Stevens nor their committees had anything to do with it. Ho wished to deny this false statement as publicly as it had been made against him. The speaker then proceeded to express his opinion on various public matters, his remarks being to the same effect as at bis meeting on Thursday night, which was fully reported. A long string of questions wore then put to him, and satisfactorily answered. At the close, a vote of confidence and thanks was unanimously carried. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the proceedings. The Kaeamea.—Says a West Coast contemporary ;—“ Karamea news is to the effect that good gold is still being at the newlydiscovered ground, and that agricultural settlement is progressing as well as can be expected. Chambeb op Commerce —The annual meeting ef the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce will be held to-morrow at 3 p.m.

Inn Rail-wax Hhad-quabtees. Dunedin “Herald” of Saturday Fays :—“lt ii stated in certain quarters that Government hare decided to remove the railway headquarters for the Middle Island from Christchurch to Dunedin, but we do not believe it. In fact we look upon the report as simply an electioneering dodge. The Government party in Otago have goods reasons for giving currency to rumours such as this. The elections will take place next week or the week after, and efforts to bring the Ministry into good odour with the electors will be made by Government supporters without muoh regard for truth.

The Land in Victoria and New Zealand. —The following are the returns of the number of holdings, &c., in Victoria and New Zealand :—Victoria : Number of holdings over one acre in 1878,45,448; number of adult males, 253,341 ; number of adults to each holding, 56. New Zealand : Number of holdings over one aero in 1878-79, 21,018; number of adult males, 122,640; number of adults to each holding, 5.8.

Capital and the Unemployed. —ln an article on the political situation, the “ Wairarapa Daily” says:—“There ore now large numbers [of political adventurers throughout the colony, who have no stake in it and who have nothing to lose, who are endeavoring, by pandering to the Premier, to make capital out of the distress which exists. The Premier declares that capital is not necessary to a now colony. Perhaps not; but will the thousands now out of employment, through a limited withdrawal of capital from the colony, endorse the sentiment ? Will a starving family believe that capital is bad for the country, and bless Sir George, whose mistaken political agitation has taken the broad out of their mouths ?”

Bbwi and his Fbiends. —The following (says a northern contemporary) is one of Rewi’s latest utterances, and it well represents the unspoken thought of many of the Maori people : —“ Ido what I think is right, and no one can lead me as in the days of old, when the Pakeha-Maori came with a soft tongue, and uttered falsely. Some are living yet.” The Pakeha-Maori tribe are beginning to realise that their occupation is passing away, and are bitter in proportion. When the leading articles of the principal newspapers are read and discussed in every Maori settlement, the professional “ go-between ” finds himself forestalled. The days when one-sided and garbled reports and comments in the Maori language were accepted as Gospel by the tribes have, passed away for ever.

The Hwndeed Ton Guns. —The first shot from one of the 100-ton guns was (says an English paper) fired at Woolwich on June 16th. The experiment, which was one of much interest, was conducted under the supervision of General Tounghusband, R.A., the head of the Gun Factories, and president of several scientific committees. One shot is s.-id to be sufficient to sink the strongest ironclad.

Nomination Days. —Tuesday, Sept 2nd, is appointed as the day of nomination for the Coleridge district, and the polling day is fixed fer the 15 th September. Election Addresses. —Mr Bowen will address the electors at Ohoka on Thursday, and at Woodend on Friday evenings. To-night he speaks at Kaiapoi. Mr Stevens will deliver an address this evening at the Gaiety Theatre, Christchurch, and Mr Fisher at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Woolaton, Mr A . Saunders will deliver addresses as follows :—Waikari, on Thursday, and Waian on Friday. Parish Fntertainmknt. —An entertainment in aid of the schoolroom debt will take place this evening in the schoolroom at St. Mary’s, Addington. A good programme has been provided. Temperance Electobal_ Meeting.—A public meeting will beheld this eveningiu the Templar Hall, Worcester street, at which all parties interested are invited to attend. Unio < Rowing Club. —The annual general meeting of this club will he held at Cookson’s Commercial Hotel to morrow, at 8 p m.