NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1817, 17 December 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Mayobal.—Mr C. T. Ick and Mr J. T. Brown woro to-day duly installed in their offices as Mayors of Ohrifltchurch and Sydenham respectively. A report of the proceedings appears elsewhere. Resident Machstbatb's Coubt. —At this Court to-day the only business done was the fining of soveu drunkards, fire of them 5s each and two 10a each. Tub Case of Poisoning.—Joseph Barreira, who was yesterday admitted into the Hospital, suffering from the effects of strychnine, self administered, is still in a very critical state, and is very far from being out of danger. Lyttelton Bobough Cot/noil. — This Council held u special meeting at noon today, when Mr Harry Allwright, M.H.R, the re-elected Mayor, was duly installed. Annivebsaby Day Service.—A fully choral service was celebrated yesterday at the pro-Cathedral, St. Michael's. The congregation, owing probably to the bad weather, was but small. The Primate in his address took occasion to refer to the early history of the province of Canterbury as more especially bearing upon the service of the day. Brutality.—A horse belonging to Mr W. Harper, of Ashburton, was brutally ripped open by some unknown wretch on Sunday morning last. Its owner heard the animal fall, and discovered it with its entrails protruding. A gun was immediately procured, and the horse's suffering brought to a close. Annivebsaby Day in Post.—Owing to the miserable weather yesterday, the excursions advertised to take place from Lyttelton were very slightly patronised. The Wellington took about twenty passengers with her on her trip to Akaroa, and the s s. Akaroa had a few for Pigeon Bay. The Christchurch Artillery were down for shot and shell practice. Lyttelton Wateb Supply.—The preliminary trial of the engine and pump, manufactured at Meßsrs Scott Bros.'s foundry, for the Lyttelton Borough Council, came off on Monday night, and appeared to give satisfaction. The new reservoir on the high (330 ft) level is to be kept supplied by means of this pump, raising the water from a tank 150 ft. below. It was doubtful whether a pump suited to the work could be obtained here, the impression being that it would be neceesary to import one. From the preliminary test, however, it would seem that Messrs Scott Bros, have removed this doubt. The formal trial is expected to be made to-day, and the water from the new reservoir turned on. The Sheds on thb Gladstone Pieb.— Two of these sheds are finished, and will be handed over to the Harbor Board to-day by the contractors, Messrs Hollis and Williams, who are entitled to credit for the way in which they have carried out their work. The third shed will, weather permitting, be finished on Saturday, on which day the contract time expires. Besides the work in the original contract the contractors have had some additions to carry out. The sheds as now arranged will certainly be found of very great convenience in facilitating the discharge of cargoes. Lyttblton Land Sports. The committee of the sports to bo held in Lyttelton on New Year's Day had a meeting on Monday night, Mr W. Holmes in the chair. The secretary, as one of the collectors, reported that the sum of £l4 16s had been collected that day in subscriptions. The amount was paid over to the treasurer. A further sum of £l2 4s 61 was promised, and the chairman and himself would complete the collecting work next Monday. In addition to these sums in cash subscriptions, there would be a considerable quantity of goods to be collected from those who had promised them in lieu of cash. A programme of the sports was submitted, comprising twenty-seven events, and with some slight modifications was passed, and ordered to bo published. The meeting adjourned until the 22nd inst., at the Albion Hotel. Kaiapoi Wbblkyan Sunday School.— In consequence of the bad weather the treat to the scholars attending this school, arranged to take place in Mr R. Coup's paddock, Kaiapoi Island, on Tuesday, was unavoidably put an end to. The children assembled at the school at noon, and, after luncheon, were marched to a large store, lent by Blackwell, Erans, and Co., grain merchants, which was cleared to allow of a number of in-door games. About 200 children were present as well as several friends, and all the teachers, including Mr Blackwell, superintendent. The children made the beet of the circumstances, and alternately between sweets, fruit, " dusty miller," and "drop handkerchief," spent an enjoyable afternoon. The party adjourned for tea to the schoolroom, after which a number of musical selections were given which brought the proceedings to a close about 6 p.m. Templaby.—Very complete arrangements had been made for an amalgamated treat between the members of the Star of Freedom and Northern Star Lodges, at Kaiapoi, to take place in Mr Bowie's paddock, Ravenswood, on Tuesday, but in consequence of the pitiless rain the excursion had to be given up. Tho large Oddfellows' Hall was, however, utilised, and here the members of the Order met during the forenoon. After lunch, the afternoon was spent in singing and dancing. Great credit was due to the managing committee, Bros. R. Campbell, R. Pickering, Parker, 'Neno, and Rogers, and Sisters Wilson,Pickering, and Goodman, for the admirable wayin which the affair was conducted. Tea was provided at five o'clock, after which an entertainment took place, including songs, glees, and recitations by tho members of the Orler. ASHBUBTON BOEOUGU COUNCIL. Th.B Council mot on Monday night. The Mayor said he had telegraphed to their member, Mr E. Gh Wright, that many ratepayers were dissatisfied that tho Houae had only voted £BOO for Ashburton public buildings, whfn Waimate had received £4OOO, more particularly as tho sales of land in Ashburton had been so large. A great doal of routine business was transacted, and accounts amounting to £2J 35s 6d woro passed for payment. The overdraft at tho bank was stated to be £177 14s 7d. Ambeeley.—The weather here has been exceedingly bad for the last three days, the rain having never ceased since Saturday evening. The mail coach managed to cross the Waipara yesterday morning. A meeting of the race committee was held yesterday morning, when it was decided to postpone the races till tha first fine day (or from day to day till the weather changes). The special train ordered was countermanded by telegram.

Tns Academy of Music. —The alterations and improvements to the Gaiety Theatre are progressing very rapidly, and already the building begins to assumo tho appearance of a bijou theatre. The dresß circle has been put in, and is now in course of decoration. _ The unsightly rafters in the roof have been hidden by ornamental pannellings, which not only add to tho appearar.ee of the theatre but will also be a great improvement to tho ac mstic properties of the building. The dress circle, except the contre, will be filled up with what may bo called dwarf boxes, enabling parties of four to eit together. There are, in addition, two proscenium and two stage boxes. The stalls will be carpeted and seated with chairs, and tho pit also newly seated. Bible Christians.—Tho B6v. W. H. Keapt rocoived a telegram yesterday afternoon, informing him that the Rev. J. R. Crowes is a passenger by the Ringarooma, which is due in Ljttelton on Thursday. The rev. gentleman may be expected to conduct service in tho Templar Hall on Sunday next. Temperance League.—Tho annual meeting of the Temperance League will be bold in tho Provincial Council Chambers to-morrow evening. Kaiafoi Sports and Horse Races.— The programme of events on New Year's Day is published in this itsue. Board of Education. —A meeting of the Board of Education for North Canterbury will ba held at 3 p.m. to-morrow.