NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1743, 20 September 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Unemployed.—A meeting of the unemployed was held in Cathedral square to-day at 10 o’clock, about fifty persons being present. One of the committee stated that the meeting had not been convened by the committee, and the only thing to be said was that, as most of those present would be aware, a telegram had been received from Sir George Grey saying that work would be found. Shortly after this the crowd dispersed. Resident Magistrate's Couet.—A few small cases of no special interest were disposed of to-day. Mission to Non-Ciiubch-goebb op Oheistchuhch. —At the Colombo road Wesleyan Church sermons will bo preached tomorrow, in connection with the above, by the Rev. J. S. Smalley in the morning, and by the Rev. Edward Walker in the evening. An open-air service will bo held at Addington in the afternoon at three o’clock.

A Literary Item. —Our Dunedin contemporary, the “Saturday Advertiser,” in its last issue, commenced a new story, entitled “The Golden Cross,” the first scene of which is laid in Ludgate Hill, London. The tale is from the pen of Mr J. J. Utting, a gentleman who is at present on the literary staff of the N.Z. “ Times.” This is not Mr TJtting’s first attempt in the direction of novel-writing, as Frank Calvary,” “Blind Bella,” “Estella,” “Dunedin Life by Day and Night,” and other serial stories, owe their origin to the same fertile brain and facile pen. Lyttelton Magistrate’s Couet.— This Court was occupied for a considerable time this morning taking evidence in an alleged case of larceny from the person, in which one Daniel Murphy appeared as prosecutor and John Barnes accused. The offence was stated to have been committed in the Empire Hotel, where the arrest was made. The Bench (J. Beswick, Esq., R.M., and T. H. Potts, Esq., J.P.) considered the offence not proved and discharged the accused stating at the time that they had no sympathy with the prosecutor, who had stated that ho was going from public-house to publichouse in a drunken state, having a considerable sum of money upon him at the time. A word of admonition to the accused for loafing on a drunken man was also given. The next caae called was a first offender charged with being drunk, and the sentence passed by the Bench was, to say the least, a remarkable one. The arresting constable stated the circumstances of taking the offender into custody. In reply to the Bench he also stated that no resistance was offered, and by the Sergeant-major that it was a first offence. The accused also admitted the charge and expressed regret. The case was one which under ordinary circumstances is met by a 5s fine or at moat 10s. The R.M., however, asked whether the sum upon the charge-sheet, £4 11s, was the money found upon the accused, and, being answered in the affirmative, ordered the offender to pay 20s and costs, on the principle no doubt that “circumstances alter cases.” Bible Christians. —The Rev. W. H. Keast will preach a sermon to-morrow morning, at eleven o’clock, on “ The duty of the Church in striving to bring in thenon-churoh-going population in this city.” At 6.30, the Rev. C. Eraser will preach on the same subject in the Bible Christian Church, at Addington. Victoria Lofttjs Tsoupe. —This theatrical company arrived this morning from Wellington by the s.s. Arawata, and will open to-night at the Gaiety Theatre. Lyttelton Regatta of 1880.—At a meeting held last night at the Port a resolution was carried that a regatta be held at Lyttelton on January Ist, 1880. A committee to carry out the arrangements was also elected. The “ Lounoee ” on Football. " Lounger ” thus writes in the Melbourne “ Herald ”“ I want to belong to a football club. I long to be kicked in the abdomen, punched in the chest, butted in the ribs, jumped upon, torn about, knocked down, get concussion of the brain, hare a shoulder joint put out, a leg snapped, and be broke about generally. This desire came upon me last Saturday as I watched the festive sport on the East Melbourne ground. But I want some other fellows to join—men to whom I owe money—who have reviled me and beaten me in the race of life. I want us all to be brothers in the hunt for leather, and before spring I shall be free, ha ! ha ! or go to an honored grave in small parcels to suit customers. That’s what’s the matter with me.”

Effects op Protection in Canada.— According to the " Toronto Globe,” wages are being reduced in Canada, and directly in consequence of the introduction of the new tariff. The latest reduction has been made by the Canada Southern Railway Company. Not only has the company lowered the pay of its employes 10 per cent., but the working staff has also been considerably reduced. The manager has stated that the reduction of expenses in this way has been rendered necessary by the increased cost of running since the introduction of the protective policy. Coal costs the company 50c. per ton more than it used to cost, iron is taxed from 17j to 35 per cent., locomotives and cars pay 23 per cent., bridges 25 per cent., and hardware 30 per cent. On the other hand, the receipts have been diminished by the same cause. The increased cost of living tends to esson the passenger traffic, and according to the returns of the port of Montreal, the shipments of grain have fallen off, the quantity exported from Ist. January to 14th May this year being 1,473,790 bushels, against 1,898,836 bushels during the corresponding period last year—a decrease of nearly 23 per cent. Meanwhile, as the working man’s wages are reduced, his expenses are increased. Flour, which three months ago cost him 3dol. 60c. per barrel wholesale, now costs 4iol. 150. ; sugar is Ic. per pound dearer ; oatmeal has gone up 15 per cent. ; bacon is 10 per cent, dearer, and beef is also higher. Clothing has likewise advanced in price. West Coast Railway.—ln reference to the proposed railway to connect Canterbury with the West Coast, the Selwyn County Council, in recognition of a circular sent them by the Westland Railway Teague, passed a resolution that the Government be communicated with to urge the prosecution of the work in question. Fire Alarm.—At about half-past seven o’clock last evening the fireballs rang an alarm, and the brigade, with their engine, were soon in readiness. Upon inquiry, however, it turned out that there was no need of their services. A gorse hedge had caught fire in front of the premises occupied by Mr John Davies, on the North town belt, between Barbadoes street and the East Belt. It was soon extinguished by some persons on the spot. McLean’s Troubadours, at Leeston. — On Thursday evening this clover little company performed in the Leeston Town Hall, there being a very good attendance. Miss Nina Tulloch as Lizette, and Miss Fox as Lucy Fuller, acted and sang with success, the songs of the young ladies being encored enthusiastically. Miss Nina Tulloch was very good in the “Lullaby ” song. Master Parlato as Conrad, and Master McLean as Tim Flaherty, sang and acted well, keeping the house in a continuous state of applause. Meeting of the Assembly.—The Haws a, which leaves Lyttelton to-night, will convey many of the Southern members to Wellington for the meeting of the General Assembly ou Wednesday next. The Lingaeds.—A telegram received in town states that Mr and Mrs Lingard and Opera Bouffe Company will open at the Theatre Royal hare on the 27th inst. The opening piece will be Lococq’s opera bouffe “Le Petit Due,” which has never yet been played in Christchurch, and in which the company made a great hit in Australia and Dunedin,

Ashbubton Town Hall.—The Town Hall Company have decided to borrow £l3O in order to pay off their debt and improve the Hall iby building shops and converting the Hall into a billiard room. Oddfellows’ Hall, Lyttelton. The managing committee of the Oddfellows’ Order at Lyttelton, have recently added a smaller hall to their property, the object being to provide accommodation for lodge meetings, &0., whenever the larger hall is engaged for concerts or theatrical purposes. The now building is 26ft square, with a separate entrance, and will seat 150 persons with ease. Due attention has been paid to warming and ventilation. Templaey, —A tea meeting and entertainment to celebrate the institution of the Pride of Lyttelton Juvenile Temple, E. 0., was given on Thursday evening, in the Wesleyan School-room, Lyttelton. About forty-five juveniles and eighty adults were present. After the tea things were cleared away, songs, readings, recitations, &e., were contributed by various members, and a very pleasant evening was spent. The company dispersed at 10 p.m. The Valueless Cheque Affaxb at Ashbubton. —At the E.M. Cour Ashbnrton, yesterday, Henry Robertson was brought np on remand, charged with passing valueless cheques—one to the proprietor of the Somerset Hotel, and the other to MrT. R. Hodder, storekeeper. After a somewhat lengthened hearing, in the course of which the prisoner made a statement to the effect that Haywood, of the New Zealand panorama, owed him money, which prisoner believed was to be paid into the Bank to his credit, the cases were dismissed. His Worship cautioned prisoner against sailing so near the margin of the criminal law. Bobertson said he was a special reporter on the etaff of the “ Otago Daily Times,” had been editor of the “Dunedin Age” for six weeks, and had only recently been working for the “Lyttelton Times.” He was also precluded from taking a billet on the evening issue of the “ Ashbnrton Mail” by his engagement to Haywood.

OaNIBEBUEY LIBERAL REFORM ASSOCIATION. —There was a large attendance of members in the side room of the Oddfellows’ Hall last night, Dr. Turnbull (president) in the chair. The chairman addressed the meeting at some length. It was resolred—“ That the officers and committee be instructed forthwith to draw up rules, and the objects of the association for its guidance in the future. The question of a dinner in connection with the association was postponed till after the prorogation of Parliament. A draft address to be presented to the Premier was read, and unanimously adopted. It was moved, seconded, and carried—“ That this meeting affirms its opposition to any proposition to confer votes by virtue of property on persons living outside an electoral district, and that manhood suffrage with a residential qualification should be the sole basis of the franchise.” Mr S. P. Andrews was requested to forward to the committee copies of the Electoral Bill, and all other Reform Bills of the Government, and it was agreed that the committee submit to a general meeting suggested amendments on the measures. After a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting adjourned till Monday fortnight.

The Baebadoes Stebet Bsidge.—lt is intended to open this bridge formally on or about October Ist. Lecture at Ranoiosa. Mr J. H. Twentyman delivered a very interesting lecture on “ Ancient and Modern Egypt,” in St. John’s now schoolroom, Rangiora, on Thursday evening. There was a very poor attendance, Archdeacon Dudley in the chair. The lecture was illustrated by several views. The proceeds are to be devoted towards erecting a new hell tower for the church. Gaiety Thbatef, —This place of amusement will he re-opened this evening under tho management of MrDe Lias and Messrs Frost and Davis, of the Victoria Loftus Troup. Since the departure of the Chaplin-Oshorne company, tho building has received what it needed sadly, a thorough cleansing, and has also been repainted, and the front of the gallery decorated in panels representing music and art. The company, which has been for the past few days somewhat notorious through alleged indelicate performances in Wellington, will open to-night, when Christchurch playgoers can form their own opinion. Life Assurance. —Mr Moritz Bowron, lecturer for the Australian Mutual Provident Society, was announced to lecture at Kaiapoi on Thursday evening. At the hour appointed only a few persons and several small boys had assembled in the Oddfellows’ Hall. As there was a lecture the same evening in the Presbyterian Church, Mr Bowron will probably give his lectui’e on some other evening. Legal. —His Honor Mr Justice Johnston sat in banco yesterday. Tho only case decided was Connor v Mackay and others, a suit arising out of the Lyttelton harbor works. In this their honors Mr Justice Johnston and Mr Justice Williams gave judgment, allowing the demurrer of defendants with costs. His Honor will hold a sitting in Chambers on Tuesday next, and will sit in banco on Friday. The Unemployed at Lyttelton — A deputation bearing a petition with one hundred and twenty signatures upon it, waited upon the Mayor of Lyttelton yesterday morning, and presented it in behalf of the unemployed. His Worship (Mr Allwrigbt, M.H.R.) said he would attend to the matter personally when ho got to Wellington, in a few days, and meanwhile would wire to the Government with a view of getting employment at once.

A Child Badly Btjenkd.—A serious accident happened at Addington early in the month, to a little girl named Florence Evans, youngest daughter of Mr George Evans, carpenter. She was playing with some little children in the Lincoln road, when the grandfather of the children gave them some matches. With these they set some gorse on fire behind the child Evans, and before she could get away, her clothes ignited, and she was in flames directly. Her sister dragged her as well as she could to a tub of water, and dipped her in it, her own hands getting severely burnt. The child was immediately brought homo, and Dr. Townend sent for, but the injuries were severe, and the sufferer is still lying in a very critical condition. School Buildings and Furniture. —At a recent meeting of the Wellington Philosophical Society, Dr. Kemp read a paper in which he drew particular attention to defects in the construction of schoolrooms, stating that he had found nearly every school in the town more or less unguited tor the purpose. In erecting buildings everything was sacrificed to architectural design. The lighting was bad, tending to injure the sight of the children. He alio advocated the introduction of seats with backs to replace those at present in use, which causedjthe children tojrest in unnatural positions, thereby distorting the figure. Wood’s Bastjtos.—The “Times of Natal” says :—“ The regiment of kJounted Basutos who have followed General Sir Evelyn Wood through the arduous campaign in Zululand, having arrived in the city from the front, their admired and doughty leader afforded them an opportunity of a formal leave-taking on Friday last. They halted in front of the Court-house, and on Sir Evelyn making his appearance, manifested towards him the most profuse signs of admiration, and as he bade them farewell, their natural demonstrativenees subsided into silent sorrow at the thought that never more would they see his dapper figure, and hear the cheery commands of one for whom their admiration as a BOidierchief knew no bounds. The sight was one of the moat touching of the campaign, and sent everyone away with a high opinion of the sable warriors whoso appreciation of an able and heroic English General was so intense and sincere.” Sunnvside Asylum.—The|membera of the “Lyttelton Times” Sick Fund Society, who recently performed in the comedy of “ Society ” at the Theatre Royal, will, with the assistance of Mrs Walter Hill and Miss Arethusa May, repeat the performance at the Sunnyside Asylum this evening. ’Busses for the conveyance of the public will leave the Commercial Hotel, Cathedral square, at G p.m. The performance will commence at seven o’clock. Kaiapoi Cricket Club. The annual general meeting of this club will he hold at Mr J. L. Wilson’s office, on Monday evening. Bohemian Cricket Club. A general meeting of the Bohemian Cricket Club will he held at Mr Prcece’s shop, Kilmore street east, on Monday, the 22nd instant, at 7 p ra. Malvern Water sack. —Th* appointment of an engineer was considered at the Selwyn Couuly Council meeting yesterday. Messrs Dobson and Son wore retained as consulting engineers, and Mr Ritso was appointed resident engineer at a salary of £4OO per annum. Theft from a Tent —George Franklyn was sent to gaol yesterday for three months by the Ashburton R.M. for some articles from a tent at Rakaia,