NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1763, 14 October 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Mayoralty.—A requisition, bearing upwards of 2CO signatures, was presonted to His Worship this morning, requesting him to allow himself to bo nominated for re-election. The grounds set forth by the requisitionists are that the large majority of the present councillors being new to Municipal matters, it is imperatively necessary that they should have an experienced Councillor to occupy the ehair. Mr Ick has, we understand, acceded t j the request.

WOBKB Committee. A meeting of the works committee was held this morning. It was decided to decline for the present tho tenders sent in for supply of shingle for the year, but to call for tenders for supply of shingle for the North belt. It was resolved to call for fresh tenders for channelling, as the work was not being proceeded with rapidly enough.

Boahd OP Consebvatobs. —A meeting of this Board was held this morning. In reference to a letter from Mr Rolleston, as to making the Board elective, the Board approved of the principle, and forwarded a letter to that effect to Mr Rolleston, who will bring the matter before the House of Representatives. Several other matters received attention.

The New Fibe Bell.—The City Council have determined to instruct the city surveyor to prepare plans for the erection of a tower to contain the bell recently presented to the city by the Union Insurance Company. The cost of the tower is not to exceed £IOO. TBUXH 18 STBANGB THAN FICTION.— " Lynx," in the " Tasmanian Mail," writes : —" Would anyone imagine that in these days of usury and keen competition for the ' bawbees,' a man would allow a cool thousand to remain in a bank for thirty years or bo without making any use of it, and, moreover without getting any interest ? Such a caec has just come to light in Hobart Town, and curiously enough, too. An old man, whose appearance betokened anything but affluence, bid for a number of shares at a recent sale, and offered the knight of the hammer his cheque for £3OO in payment. Very doubtfully the paper was presented at the bank upon which it was drawn, when it was explained that the bank had a large sum of money to the credit of the name of the drawer, but, as the depositor had not been heard of for the last twenty-seven or eight years, the presentation of the cheque caused no little surprise. Enquiries were, however, instituted, and the buyer of the shares duly proved his identity, and secured the transfer of the cash. I have not heard whether the bank has made the simple-minded depositor a present jin return for the gratuitous use of his savings so many years." The Smalleb Puppy Pbefebbed.—One of the useless human importations by the mail, surrounded with all the unadulterated halo of old-world haw-hawism (writes " Atticuss " in the •' Leader "), lately visited the bar of a Melbourne Hotel, and entered into conversation with the presiding Hebe. Emboldened with the patience with which she bore his inanities, he essayed upon her those vapid arts of fascination which at Home he had perchance found to be irresistible. Producing from his pocket a very Tom Thumb of a toy terrier, he asked, with drawling affectation "Which would you sooner kiss, me or my dog ?" Quick came the reply, " Let me have another look at the dog." The celerity with which the new chum took his leave showed that he had wit enough left to understand that Victorian smartness was quite a match for Anglican impertinence.

The Wateb Supply Scheme.—At last night's sitting of the City Council Messrs Blackwell and Hubbard were selected out of a total of nine competitors as engineers for the water supply scheme. Opeeatio.—Mr and Mrs Florence, Mr Browning and some other artistes have arrived from Wellington, and intend shortly to give a series of operatic performances. It is probable that " H.M.S. Pinafore," " Maritana," " Martha," &0., will be given.

Municipal Buildings.—The motion of Cr. Gapes in the City Council for altering the plans of " Well Considered" so as to have shops included in it, was lost by a large majority, only Or. Gapes voting for it. It was resolved to adopt the report of the design committee, recommending that " Avon" and another plan be selected by the Council for submission to the ratepayers. Accident at the Ashley.—On Saturday Mr Campbell, of Kaiapoi, with a party of ladies in a buggy, was proceeding to cross this river from the Ashley township side. He drove into deep water, and the ladies becoming frightened, begged to get out. He stopped tho horse, and they were able to jump out on to terra firma. Suddenly he let the reins fall, which, becoming entangled in the wheel, drew up the horse, and bringing its head under, caused it to drown. The buggy shafts were also broken off. The horse and buggy belonged to Mr Moran, livery-stable keeper, Kaiapoi. Lvttelton Fibe Bbigade.—The usual monthly meeting of this brigade was held on Friday night, when there was a full attendance of members. After the ordinary business of the m acting had been disposed of, the proposal to hold a torchlight procession was considered, and it was resolved to have one on the last day of the year. A canvass of the town for subscriptions is to be made in the meantime, and the traffic manager will be written to requesting that a special train may be run from Christchurch on the occasion. Cattlb Mabkbt Rbsbbvb.—With reference to the title to this reserve, a letter from Mr Stevens to the Sydenham Council was read at the meeting last night, enclosing the reply to a question put to the Government in the House of Representatives. From this it would appear that the Government had no definite information to offer pending a settlement of the claims of Christchurch City, but that in the meantime, aa the reserve was within the boundary of the Borough of Sydenham, it must be considered under the control of the Sydenham Borough Council.

Shipping Accommodation at Pobt.— The newly finished No. 5 Jetty will be ready for occupation shortly. Pour lines of rails have been laid its full length and two traversers—one about half-way down and one at the end of the wharf. The caßtings of these are from the foundry of Messrs Anderson, Ohristchurch. A trial was made the other day, a railway truck loaded with coal being placed upon the traverse, and the test proved satisfactory with the exception of working a little stiffly. The addition of the traverses on the wharves here will greatly help the dispatch of shipping loading or discharging, as they provide a ready means of shunting the waggons to one side as they are filled or emptied. The inconvenience in this particular, which has caused such repeated delays in former years during the busy seasons, has in this manner been completely obviated it is hoped. The extension of the Breastwork between this jetty and Tunnel Wharf was finished yesterday. Messrs H. Hawkins and Co. were the contractors for this work and the jetty. Waimakabibi Consbbvancv.—Acting on the motion of Or. Ellen, passed by the Kaiapoi Borough Council, a meeting of members representing various local Boards was held in the Council Chamber on Monday afternoon. Present—Mr G. H. Blackwell, Mayor of Kaiapoi, presiding; Mr Blackett, chairman Mandeville Board of Conservators ; Mr Parsons, chairman Mandeville Road Board ; Mr Dixon, chairman West Eyreton Road Board ; Mr Coup, chairman, and Messrs Hopkins, Hide, and Eairweather, members Eyreton Boad Board ; Crs. Mathews, Pinching, Moore, Woodford, Wearing, Ellen, and May, members Borough Council. The chairman explained the object of the meeting, it being called to take steps to counteract the action of South Waimakariri Board of Conservators in shunting the river into the north bank, and to consider in what manner the question should be dealt with. After a long and interesting discussion, it was moved by Mr Ellen, seconded by Mr Woodford, and ultimately carried : —" That this meeting considers it advisable that steps be taken at once, under the Canterbury Rivers Act, 1870, to have a district declared and- a Board of conservators formed for the said district, and that a committee of the Mayor, the chairmen of the Eyreton, West Eyreton, Mandeville Boad Board and Drainage Board be appointed to suggest a district, to report at a meeting to be held at an early date." It was then moved by Mr Coup, seconded by Mr Hide, and carried —"That each local body represented at this meeting obtain an expression of opinion from the ratepayers within the proposed district, either by petition or public meeting, as to the advisability or otherwise of establishing a Board of Conservators for the said district." On the motion of Mr Pinching, seconded by Mr Ellen, it was resolved —" That the member for the district be asked at once to apply to the Government through the House to restrain the action of the South Waimakariri Board of Conservators in shunting tho river on to the North side." At a subsequent meeting of the committee it was decided to obtain a report on the point threatened, and plan to lay before next meeting, Messrs Blackwell and Coup being appointed to obtain same, Dbainaob Conference. —A conference on the question of drainage will be held on Monday, the 20th instant, at the borough offices, Sydenham. Sydenham Boeougii Council. The Council held its fortnightly meeting last evening, when a good deal of routine bußinoas was disposed of, in addition to some questions of considerable interest to the borough, which will be found set forth in the report. Lyttelton Gbaving Dock. Messrs Ware and Jones, the contractors for the Lyttelton graving dock, commenced work in earnest yesterday morning. About twenty men were set to work with pick and shovel, and one or two oarters. Upwards of a hundred men were on the ground, presumably looking for work.

Gab Wobks Road.—This road is at present in a very unsatisfactory condition. There are some large ruts in different portions of it, and on Sunday last a carriage was upset in one of them. The matter has been brought under the notice of the borough authorities, who say, however, that it would be a waste of labor to do anything till the Drainage Board have completed their operations along the route, and therefore urge it as a reason for the drainage operations in this direction being immediately proceeded with. The Ghost.—There was a very good attendance at the Oddfellows'Hall last evening, when the very clever optical illusion now being exhibited under the title of " Professor Jonas's Ghost" was repeated very satisfactorily. The exhibition will be repeated tonight. Volunteeb Review.—A meeting of the Volunteer Beview Committee took place last night at Cookson's Commercial Hotel. There was only a small attendance and no business was transacted. The meeting was adjonrned until Wednesday evening. The Accident in Hebefobd Stbbet.— The ladies who were injured by the carriage accident on Saturday, the Misses Dearden, are progressing favorably, though the consequences of the accident were more serious than was at first imagined. One of the ladies did not recover consciousness till Sunday morning.

The Old Post Office.—At the meeting of the City Council last evening an offer was received to rent the old post office at £6 per month. The Mayor drew attention to the falling off in the rental received for this building from £3OO a year, received from the General Government, to the sum now offered.

"Kaiapoi Cbicket Club.—At a mooting of the committee at the president's office, on Monday evening, Mr Thome in the chair, sundry accounts were passed. It was decided to accept the following challenges :—Sefton Club for the 25th inst. j Avonside Club for November Ist; Papanui Club, date to be fixed. Two now members were elected. It was decided to turf and prepare a pitch on on tho ground, Messrs A'Court and Thome being appointed to superintend the same. Citt Gas Lamps.—ln the course of the business of the City Council last night, several Councillors drew attention to the fact tbat on two or three nights in succession a number of the city gas lamps remained unlighted. It was explained that the employes of the Gas Company were not to blame in the matter, but that it was a favorite phase of larrikinism in Christchurch to climb the poßts and put the gas out. Pioneeb BICXCLE Club.—The first race of the season in connection with this Club took place on Saturday afternoon, the run being five miles. Four contestants entered, but of these one—Mr R. W. England—was thrown out owing to an unfortunate spill whilst on the way to the starting point. Of the other three, Messrs E. C. Farr, C. E. Dudley, and H. C. Clarke, Mr Farr was allowed forty-five seconds start, his bicycle being fifty inches in diameter, and the others fifty-six inches. The race was a well contested one throughout, and resulted in a victory for Mr E. C. Farr, the finish taking place as follows—Mr E. C. Farr 18 minutes ; Mr O. E. Dudley, 20 minutes ; Mr H. C. Clarke, 21 minutes. It is intended to have several races during the season. Pboposbd Rifle Match.—A meeting of gentlemen interested in rifle shooting took place last night, at the Commercial Hotel, for the purpose of taking steps to get up a prize match in compliment to Mr H. Cohn on his re-visit to the colony. Mr S. Manning occupied the chair, and expatiated on the interest that had always been manifested by Mr Cohn in rifle shooting, and the liberality he had Bhocrn in giving numerous valuable prizes. A discussion of a conversational character took place, and it was ultimately resolved that a match should take place next Monday, at the Cashmere rifle range. The prizes and conditions will be arranged on the ground, and about twenty-five competitors are expected to enter for the sweepstakes. A coach will start from Oookson's Commercial Hotel, at 10 o'clock, to convey the competitors to the range. Tbmuka Cbicket Club. The annual general meeting of tho Tomuka Cricket Club was held on Saturday, October 11th. Mr John Paterson occupied the chair. The following officers were elected for the year:— Mr Alfred Cox, sen., President; Mr J. Paterson, Vice-president; Mr Tavender, Secretary; Mr McFarlane, Treasurer. Dr. Hayes, Messrs Mcintosh, Carlyon, Roberts, Pinckney, P. Thomson and Bagaley, were elected members of committee. Resolved—" That Mr McFarlane be elected captain for the general management of the club." It wss resolved—" That boys under fifteen years of age be admitted as members of the club on payment of ss, half subscription ;" "That the secretary write to the various clubs in the district, suggesting the advisability of taking steps towards the formation of a Geraldine County Club ;" " That three members of committee shall form a quorum ;": "That challenges be sent to the Winchester and Geraldine Cricket Clubs to play on an early date, to be arranged in committee." The meeting then terminated, after a vote of thanks to the chair.

Thbatee Boy All. —A new comedy, entitled " Old Bachelors" was produced last night at the Theatre Boyal. There is nothing very novel in the plot, but some of the situations are effective.'though bordering on the farcical. The piece has no great pretentions to literary merit, and the acting was decidedly superior to the play. The plot deals with the adventures of four bachelors who, commencing with anti - matrimonial proclivities, are gradually ensnared into marriage. Mr W. H. Lingard had a congenial part in Professor Spirt, who finds himself engaged to three ladies at the same time. His ludicrous embarrassment was very diverting, and he kept up the fun with great spirit. Mr George Leopold gave an excellent rendering of Judge Growler, who, after fulminating all through the piece at his bachelor friends for abjuring their vo*s of celibacy, ends by backsliding and marrying his landlady. Messrs Craig and Warner were each good as Dr. Braid and Erederiok Burtt, the young lovers of the oomedy, and Mr H. Leopold was highly amusing as an Irish servant who follows the example of his betters. Miss Alice D. Lingard played Mrs Millie Claire, a dashing young widow, with charming effect, and fully justified her admirer in wishing to ohange his condition. Mrs Eitzwilliam was a capital representative of the boarding-house keeper, Mrs Mouse, who subjugates tho inflexible Growler. Mies Marion Melrose, Miss Alice Wooldridge, and Miss Blanche Leopold were pretty, piquante and interesting in their respective roles of Miss Ada Hope,Misß Fanny Beech, and Beckey. Altogether the success of the piece was owing to the exertions of the artistes engaged in it muoh more than to any intrinsic merit of its own. The comedy will be repeated to-night.

Ebosts in tub Nobth.—The " Waikato Times" of October 7th states :—On Monday morning Waikato waß visited by one o( the heaviest frosts ever recollected so late in the season. The whole potato crop, where the tops had shot above ground, has been cut off, and considerable damage done. Thb Thambs Obphanagb.—The Thames people have, says the " Herald", made a good commencement in regard to the management of their own charitable institutions. A short time ago Messrs Murdoch Brothers generously presented a site of eight acres of good land, well situated in the Kauwaeranga Valley, near Parawai, as a site for an orphan homo and industrial school. Upon this site a building has been erected, which, with the furniture, has cost £IOOO. Mr J. B. Mason, health officer of the Thames, was in town yesterday, for the purpose of removing from the Auckland institutions twenty-three children, who have at various times been sent up from the Thames.

Harmonic Society. This society wil meet to-night, at 8 o'clock, in the infant school of tho East Chri=tchurch school district, at the corner of Gloucester and Barbadoes streets. Romberg's " Lay of the Bell " will be put in practice by the confluctor. Copies may be obtained of the secretary, at the schoolroom, tonight. A large attendance is expected, as the very excellent audience at the Society's concert has shown that tho public has not lost its interest in the Harmonic's concerts.

St. Luke's.—An entertainment, in connection with the pariah of St. Luke the Evangelist, will take place this evoning, in tho schoolroom, when an attractive programme will be submitted. Bakers' Cricket Club. —A meeting of the members of the above will be held at the Market Hotel, this evening, at 7 o'clock. St. Michael's.—The last enteriainmentbnt one of the series in connection with tho parish of St. Michael will take place on Thursday ovening, when the St. Michael's Choral Society will furnish the first part of the programme. Charitable Aid Board.—The usual fortnightly meeting of tho Hospital and Charitable Aid Board will bo held to-morrow, when the reply to the letter of certain members of tho medical profession will be brought up for consideration by the Board.

Chess Club. —A meeting of the members of the Christchurch Chess Club is called for the 23rd inst, to consider the advisableness of rescinding the resolution recently passed, and also to discuss a resolution for the dissolution of the club.