NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1752, 1 October 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Oboan Recital. —A grand organ recital will take place to-morrow evening in St. John's Church. Mr Landergan will perform in the course of the service selections from Mendelssohn, Haydn, Handel, Barnby, Wely, Smart, and other composers of sacred music. An address will be delivored by Archdeacon Dudley, nnd the offertory will be in aid of additions to the organ, which will make it one of the finest in New Zealand, Benefit Matinee.—The benefit matinee in aid of the benevolent fund of the fraternity known as the C.M.I, to be given on Saturday in the Oddfellows' Hall promises to be a great success if the variety of the entertainment promised and the talent of the artistes contributing their services can make it so. The Victoria Loftus Troupe, the principal members of the Lingard Troupe, Mr W. Hoskins, and Miss Florence Colville, Mr R. D'Orsay Ogden, and Miss Beatrice, Mrs Walter Hill, Miss Lily May, Mr and Mrs C. P. Searle have all generously volunteered their valuable aid in a performance which will comprise opera, tragedy, comedy, variety acts, extravaganza, and minstrelsy. Such a programme, supported by such talent, should test the holding capacity of the hall to its utmost extent. The Wbka Pass Section.—By the last return there are now 445 men at work on the railway works of the above section, and on that portion of the line there is no more room for the employment of further labour. If absolutely necessary, and a sufficient number of men are still seeking work, the Government intend opening another section of the Opawa branch railway near Albury.

Attempt to Bttbn the B. M. Cottbt.— Some time between the hours of seven o'clock last night and eight o'clock this morning, an incendiary attempt was made to burn the Resident Magistrate's Court. Shortly after eight o'clock, Mr Turnbull, the assistant bailiff, coming as usual to open the office, found the window in the bailiff's room, overlooking the back yard, open. Immediately under this window, inside the room, stands a table furnished with a set of pigeon-hole compartments, in which are kept forms of summonses, plaints, warrants, &c, as well as the books of the office. This table was in a state of disorder, the books had been thrown down and were strewn upon the floor, and the official forms of informations, summonses, &c. —some blank, and others filled up—had been taken out of the compartments, piled on a chair, and set fire to. They were a complete mass of ashes, and the seat of the chair was burnt away, the back of it being still on fire. No further damage was done, and from the peculiar nature of the documents which had been set fire to it seems probable that the destruction of the documents from malicious or interested motives was aimed at, rather than that of the building. This is the more probable from the fact of the fire having been made at so late an hour in the morning. Had the dastardly act been committed some hours prior to its discovery, the presumption is that the fire would have communicated from the chair, whioh stood close to the wall, to the apartment itself, and resulted in the destruction of the whole building. The destruction of the documents will put a temporary stop to the civil business of the court, as it will take three or four days to replace thorn. Mr Turnbull was able to extinguish the fire without much difficulty, and at once gave information to the police.

The Victobia Lorrus Blonde Tbotjpe in Coubt. —An action to recover the sum of £IOO for professional services was this day brought by Philip Kirby against Messrs Davis and Frost, the managers of the Yiotoria Loftus Variety Troupe. Mr Joyce appeared for the complainant, and Mr Joynt for the defendants. Mr Joynt applied for an adjournment of the case, on the ground of the absence of Mr R. J. DeLias, who was a material witness for the defence. He stated that the complainant's engagement to the defendants, which was made in San Francisco, ceased on his arrival in New Zealand, when he became the servant of Mr DeLias. The defendants had a heavy set off against any claim the complainant made against them, and the presence of Mr DeLias was most essential. Mr Joyce objected to any lengthened postponement on account of the migratory nature of the defendants' movements, and the improbability of Mr DeLias again coming to Christchurch. Ultimately, by mutual consent, the case was adjourned until Friday next, and if any further adjournment was made security for the amount claimed could be given by the defendants, or the money deposited. Thbatbb Royal—The opera of " The Little Duke " continues to draw good houses at the Theatre Rayal. It will be repeated this and to-morrow evening. Fire Alabm.—At about half-past six o'clock yesterday evening the city fire bells rang an alarm. On enquiry ib appeared that the fire was in a shed at the rear of Mr Dunsford's premises, Colombo street, a bunch of straw that had escaped from some packing oases having by Eome means become ignited, although when|the ehed was closed at 5.45, all seemed safe enough. Only a portion of the lining was burnt, as the neighbors burst open the door and promptly extinguished the fire with water from a tank hard by, so that the services of the brigade, who quickly turned out, were not required. There waß about £ISOO worth of stock in the building. The plac6 was totally uninsured. Only about £5 worth of damage was sustained altogether. Accidents. —On Saturday, C. Hoyward, living at Waikari, met with a serious accident by falling from a field roller when in motion. When found, his face was very much cut and his skull injured. Dr. Morris attended. On Monday a son of Mr Devery, Sneyd's Arms Hotel, Kaiapoi, received a kick on the forehead from a horse, which caused a very severe wound. Mr Pinching attended. On tho same evening a son of Mr C. E. Dudley, Kaiapoi, narrowly escaped being severely burned. Left in a room alone, ho had gone too near the fire and fallen' into it. Mr Dudley rescued him in time to save him from being badly burned.

The Australian Cbicketebs.—An effort will be made by the Canterbury Cricket Association to induce an Australian cricket team to visit New Zealand during the ensuing season, to play a series of return matches with the Canterbury cricketers. It is the intention of the Association to write to the various Victorian clubs who played with the_ Canterbury team laßt year, to ascertain their wishes on the matter of a tour in New Zealand,

The Babbabobs Street Bbidob. —This bridge was formally opened to-day by his Worship the Mayor and City Council. Tho Mayor having declared the bridge open, imde a few remarks expressive of the pleasure he felt in taking part in the ceremony, as he believed the bridge would be a great convenience to the residents in the east part of the city. The party then, by invitation of Mr Toovey, of the Star and Garter Hotel, partook ot lunch, when a number of toasts were proposed and responded to.

Littlb Old Folks Gband EntebtainMBNT. —Under the above norel title an entertainment will be given in the Colombo road public school, on Friday evening, October 3rd. The entertainment has been postponed from Thursday evening in consequence of the Durham street tea masting on that night. The programme will embrace most of the young people who took part in a similar entertainment a few weekß ago, and the proceeds will be given to the funds of the Harper street Sunday School. The commendation the young people secured on the former occasion should command a large audience. The boys from the Childrens' Home will take part. Gaiety Theatbe.—The programme of the two previous evenings was repeated last night. For this evening an entire change of programme is announced.

;'*CANTr3BBUBT Jockey Club.—Owners of horses engaged in the Canterbury Jockey Olub Handicap are reminded that acceptances for that event will close this evening at 8 p.m. Battalion Pabade. —The monthly Volunteer Battalion Parade took place last evening at the drill shed. There was a good muster, the Battalion Band being in attendance. After parade the volunteers marched out through the town.

Opening of the Cbioket Season.— Saturday next is fixed for the opening match of the Canterbury Cricket Association. Owing to the exertions of the custodian, Mr Napier, the ground of the United Clubs is in better order than on any previous season. St. Ltjke's Entbbtainmbnt.—The schoolroom was largely attended last evening, on the occasion of one of the entertainments given in connection with the Sunday school of St. Luke's Parish. The programme provided was of an excellent and varied character, and gave every satiafaction, as was manifested by the hearty applause with which each performance was greeted. These entertainments have bow become very popular.

The Dbuids. The opening of the Hope of St. Albans Lodge took place last evening at St. Matthew's Schoolroom, Caledonian road. The ceremony was conducted by Bro. J. J. Brennan, Grand Lodge Secretary, assisted by the officers and members of the Pioneer Lodge, and was of a very impressive character. Over forty were initiated, and the following brethren were elected as the officers of the new lodge for the ensuing term :—A.D., Bro. Bryce ; "V.A., Bro. Winchester; Secretary, Bro. Primmer ; Treasurer, Bro. Hirst; A.D.8., Bros. Ward and R. Barton; V.A.D.8., Bros. M'lntosh and Ashmead ; 1.G., Bro. Taylor; 0.G., Bro. Stephenson; surgeon, Dr. Chilton. The appointment of auditors and trustees was deferred until next meeting. A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to Bro. Brennan and the officers of the Pioneer Lodge, and the Lodge was then closed to meet again on Tuesday next, at the Library. Brother Hirst, of the Caledonian Hotel, gave a cold collation, at which there were several toasts proposed and duly honoured, and songs were sung, after whioh the meeting adjourned with three hearty cheers for Bro. Hirst, and a unanimous vote of thanks was passed for his kindness and liberality shown towards the members of the Pioneer Lodge and the new Lodge, the Hope of St. Albans.

Lawybbs' Letters.—ln the case of Hannon v Murdock, heard yesterday in the Resident Magistrate's Court at Ashburton, the plaintiff sought to recover, amongst other items in his particulars of demand, the sum of 6s Bd, the cost of a letter written by his solicitors, Messrs Branson and Furnell, to the defendant before action, requesting payment of the amount subsequently sued for, of which letter defendant had taken no notice. Mr Crisp, for the defendant, objeoted that the sum claimed oould not be allowed. Mr Branson, for the plaintiff, argued that it could, drawing the Magistrate's attention to tho cases bearing on the point, as collected in Vol. 2 of The New Zealand Jurist, N.S., page 72, according to whioh the plaintiff appeared to be entitled to the cost of his lawyer's letter, if no notioe was taken of it, and the plaintiff was compelled to oommenoe his action for the amount claimed, and quoted the words of Chief Baron Pigot in Binder v Deacon (11 Ir. Jur., N.S., 414), that " the attorney's duty to the community at large and his client was not to make the summons and plaint the first means of collecting his client's debts, but to apply by letter in the first instance to the defendant." His Worship allowed the item.

The Pbemieb and thb Elections.— Over-cunning often over-reaches itself. Sir G-eorge Grey has (says the "New Zealand Times") in vain resorted to all sorts of devices during the late elections to secure a majority ; and the result is a crop of scandals that promise to destroy whatever is left of his political reputation. And even his great coup is a failure. In vain he has knocked the Hinemoa to pieces in order to carry on his election schemes in comfort at the expense of the colony. The result is that the Thames is virtually disfranchised for a considerable time to come. We hope that his Northern friends will appreciate the reward they are likely to reap for their long and patient worship of the ex-Governor. Sir George Grey's position as member for Christchurch has been very carefully examined by many men who are no me in legal authorities; and Mr Bichardson has been advised by his friends, both in and out of the House, to claim the seat for Christchurch. Sir George Grey's friends, it_ is said, think he is safe, because the Christchurch nomination took place before the Thames election. But they will find that this does not affect the question. We understand that Mr Bichardson goes down to Christchurch to-day to give the necessary notice to the Returning Officer. In the meantime Sir George cannot elect to take the Thames seat definitely. He must now await the result of the petition. If the Premier had thought more of his duty to the country and less of election manoeuvres, he would not have placed himself in such an awkward position. He will find that this question of playing with two constituencies is a serious one for himself as well as for them ; and that the petition against the Christchurch election will not be like the foolish petitions based on no better grounds than the hopes and wishes of the petitioners. But the risk of losing the Christchurch seat will not affect him as will the threatened enquiry into the Government expenditure on the late elections. That such enquiry must be searching is now evident, both to friend and foe. The sooner it is set about the better for the country.

Fobgeby.—An elderly man named Edward Jones was charged at the Rangiora Magistrate's Court, on Tuesday, with forging the cheque uttered by Jane Mahoney on the Colonial Bank of that town, the same purporting to be drawn by her husband. After hearing evidence, accused stated that what he did he had done without any intention to defraud. Mrs Mahoney came to his house with a book in her hand. She asked if she could come in, and he gave her permission. She then asked for pen and ink, which he provided for her. She opened the book, which was a cheque book, and asked him to write her a cheque. He said he had never done such a thi'g in his life. She stated her reason for wanting the cheque was that her husband had been a long while away, and she wanted money to buy food and clothing. He wrote the cheque for her, she telling him how to spell her name and her husband's, which was juton as the signature. She then went away with the book and the written cheque. Accused was committed for trial. The Bench said bail in two sureties for £IOO each would be Accepted.

Wesletan Sunday School.—The anniversary tea meeting in connection with the Durham street Wealeyan Sunday school will take place at the school room to-merrow evening. After the tea a pablic meeting will be held in the Church, when a 'drcpses will be delivered by Rev 3. H. C. M. Watson, Dall.ston, Reid, and Baumber. The addresses will be intrrspersed by hymns, &c, by tho scholars. Mr W. Harris will occupy the chair. St. Michael's Entertainments.—The next of the series is advertised to take place tomorrow (Thursday) evening, *hen an exhibition of dissolving views will be given, comprising a number of colored photograph Bcenes in different countries, photographs of statuary, enlarged microscopic objects of portions of innects, &c. These views will be exhibited by means of tho oxy-hydrogen light. The programme will be made up by musical selections. Avonside Entertainment. —The parish entertainment in connection with Avonside will be given this evening in the schoolroom.

Promenade Concert. —A promenade concert, under the auspices of the Drapers and Clothiers' Early Closing Association, will be given this evening in the Oddfellows' Hall. An excellent programme baa been prepared for the occasion.

Midland Cricket Club. A genera! meeting of the members of this club is »dvertsea to take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, in the Pavilion, Hagley Park. Midland Canterbubt Cbicket Club.— The spring match of the season will bo played on the Association ground on Saturday, the 4th instant, when the Kleven will play the other members of the club. Eleven—Alpe, Allen, Beard, Beaumont, J. Fowler, Fuller, McDonnell, Morice, Monck, Pavitt, G. A. Turner, fl. Watson, and Fawcett. Other members of the Club—Ballard," ( uthbert, Cohen, Crawford, Digby, Davis, Francis, Fairhurst, Gerard, Haddrell, Hyman, Hamilton, Hill, Horner (2), Jones (2), Murray, Newman, Oliver, Palairet, Ritso, Bow, Skeit, Thompson, A O. Watson, Wagstaff, Walker, White, Watkins (2), Williams, Wright, Webster, Kemball, Scully, Hurst, Lambert, Bell, Brougbton, H. G. Turner, Simms, Mitford, Shaw, Knox.'T. Smith, Sloane, Searle, Mclntyre, Dixon, Bailey, and Banks. Play to commence at two o'clock sharp.