NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1830, 3 January 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Wesleyan Chuech, Colombo Road.— The Rev. J. S. Smalley will, to-morrow morning, deliver a “ New Year Address to the Young.” In the evening he will preach on ‘‘The recent disturbances.” Copyeiqht. —Mr J. O. Williamson has been appointed by Messrs Gilbert and Sullivan as their attorney for Australia and New Zealand in connection with all their productions —dramatic, operatic and otherwise. Wipe Hunting. —Not long ago the Indians at Pete Dana’s Point, near Calais, Maine, elected a Governor. He was, however, unmarried, and it was quite contrary to the policy of tho Indians to allow him to remain in such an unsocial condition, so steps were taken to mar y him. A committee of two was appointed to get him a wife. The Governor braided sevtn straws together and gave tho braid to the committee. They went to Pleasant Point, and assembled all the squaws in their hall in a circle. One of the committee marched around the circle shaking a horn full of shot, while the other carried the braided straw and sung a solemn song or chant. After several times marching around, the braid was presented to the maiden selected for the Governor’s wife. Tho first choice refused to marry by throwing the braid on the floor. So the ceremony was repeated, and a second choice made, and this time the fair one was willing, and retained the braid. Then the committee sent for the Governor to meet the destined bride in Calais, and he came forthwith.

A Yaen. —When the steamer Penguin was at Milford Sound during her Christmas excursion on the Wot Coast two of the prospectors in the ranges there reported haying seen several live moas, and spoke confidently of being able to capture one or more of them. The men were positive as to the identity of the mammoth birds, and said they expected to make sure of one or two dead or alive. Cologne Cathedral. —By another year it is expected that the famous Cologne Cathedral will be completed strictly according to the original plan The first stone of this edifice was laid August 15th, 1248, and now the two towers have only to be fitted with their massive caps of solid stone work. To accomplish this, it is necessary to erect two great scaffoldings to a dizzy height, and one of these is already nearly finished. After the caps are completed, gigantic foliated crosses nearly thirty feet high are to be erected upon tho top of them to crown the towers. The name of the designer of this wonderful cathedral is lost in the obscurity of the Dark Ages. The Oiecus in Court. — A portion of a Court, in whicS ttio plaintiff, Ernest Henry Nash, of Wellington, sued GHusseppe Ohiarini, the proprietor of the Royal Italian Circus, for £IOO, for personal injuries sustained through the breaking of one of the circus poles. Messrs Buckley, Stafford, and Pitzherbert, of Wellington, were plaintiffs,solicitors, the firm being represented in Christchurch by Mr George Harper, while Mr Alfred Thompson appeared for the defendant. The plaintiff’s case was that while a spectator of one of the performances of the circus in Wellington one of the tent poles broke, and inflicted serious injuries upon him. Messrs Ohiarini, Maya, and Schuler gave evidence tending to show that the tent was perfectly safe and in good order. Tho weather on the night in question was windy and blustering, but in the opinion of the witness, not such as to make a performance a matter of risk. The superintendent or general manager of the circus, stated that the usual precautions had been taken to strengthen the structure which were customary in bad weather, but during the evening a sudden gust of wind broke three of the quarter poles, one of them about four feet from the ground, but it was replaced by a new one immediately. The poles, which were twenty-six feet long and perfectly sound, were of Oregon pine, and five inches in diame'er and were selected in Sin Francisco as the’ strongest that could be got for tho purpose. Very little confusion occurred, and the performance was resumed as if nothing had happened. The fact of the injury to the plaintiff was not denied, but it was contended on behalf of the defendant that it was by the “ act of God.” and through no negligence or carelessness of his, as extraordinary precautions had been taken on the night in question to strengthen and secure with poles and guy ropes. One witness stated that in twentythree years’ experience he had only known such a similar accident occur once, seven years ago, in a very violent gale of wind in Monte Video. The plaintiff’s evidence and that of his witnesses will, in course of time, be taken in Wellington, tho scene of the accident, whither the evidence heard in tho Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning, as above, will be forwarded, in accordance with the provisions of the Resident Magistrates’ Evidence Act, 1870.

Advantages of Singing.— A Russian medical journal has an article upon the beneficial results of singing as a healthful exercise. It is based upon the examination of a mater of singers between the ages of nine and fiftythree. 'Experiments seem to prove “ that the relative and even the absolute circumference of the chest is greater among singers than among those who do not sing, and that it increases with the growth and age of the singer.” Thus the practice of singing as introduced aud practised in most of our public schools is not only a pleasant recreation for the children, but promotive to their health and vigor. The Opera. —Mr J. P. Macdonald, the agent for Lyster’s Opera Company, has arrived from Dunedin to make the necessary arrangements for the opening of the season here. This will take place on Monday, January 12th, at the Theatre Royal, the inaugural work being “ Un Ballo in Maschera.” Every care will be taken to mount the operas in first-class style, the scenery painted by Mr Habbe for the Opera House, Melbourne, having been brought over for the New Zealand tour. The stock scenery in the theatre is now being repainted by Mr Williams for the opera season. The list of artistes in conteation with the company is of such a character as will ensure the various operas being represented in the best style. Besides the name of Mr W. S. Eyster, in connection with opera, is so well known as to be a guarantee that all will be done to render the visit of the company a memorable one. The principal artistes will be Madame Base Hersee, Signora Coy, Signora Venosta, Miss Lambert, Mrs Pox, and Mias Bessie Royal ; Signori Yerdi and Coy, Mr Ames Beaumont, Mr Templeton, and a selected orchestra and chorus under the direction of Signor Zelman. Brizet’s great work, “ Carmen,” will be amongst the novelties. This opera has created a furore in Dunedin. The subscription tickets are going off rapidly. Arrest at Leeston. On Thursday morning O instable Hilliard received information from Christchurch that a man named Daniel Shea, who was alleged to be connected with the late disturbance in Christchurch, was at Leeston. About two o’clock on the same day the constable succeeded in arresting accused on the sports ground. Ho was brought up that afternoon before Mr W, J. G. Bluett and remanded to Christchurch, whither he was conveyed by Constable Hilliard yesterday morning. »

Resident Magistbate’s Coubt. —At the Court to-day, Sarah Jackson, an uncontrollable child, was sent to the Industrial School for two years. John Anderson, for stealing watches, &c., from the house of Mr Worthy, was committed for trial. Michael Connolly was fined £5 for throwing a stone at the procession on Boxing Day, and striking Mr Christie on the h:ad. The Distubbance on Boxing Day.— In the case of John Barrett, licensee of the Borough Hotel, charged with aiding and abetting the disturbance, no evidence was brought forward to connect him in any way with the affair, and he was discharged. Walter Teague’s case was similarly disposed of, as it proved to be one of mistaken identity. The evidence against Ryan, Mahoney, Gawley, and McMahon not being sufficiently conclusive to convict them of active participation in the proof clings, they were likewise discharged, and the remainder were committed for trial at the approaching sessions of the Supreme Court, bail being refused. The cases were not disposed of until 7 p.m., the Court being densely crowded during the hearing. A. and P. Association. —The ordinary meeting of the committee of the Canterbury A. and P. Association was held yesterday afternoon. A report appears elsewhere. Oeangbism. — The members of No. 2-1 Loyal Orange Lodge held their usual monthly meeting in the Orange Hall, Worcester street, last night, Bro. Toneycliffe, W.M., in the chair. There was a full attendance both of officers and members, also a large number of visiting brethren. Six candidates wore initiated, three resigned members were readmitted, four had certificates written for, and nineteen were proposed for initiation. After a heavy evening’s business the brethren retired for refreshments, when the usual toasts were proposed and responded to. Several songs and recitations were given, and the meeting closed with “ God Save the Queen.” Baptist Sunday School. —The children attending the Oxford Terrace Baptist Sunday School held their annual treat on New Year’s Day. In consequence of the weather not being fine the children, to the number of over 200, were entertained with various amusements in the school. About two o’clock the weather clearing up, they were taken to a paddock in Cashel street, kindly lent by Mr John Andersou. On arriving at the paddock tho children were met by their parents and friends, who joined them in various amusements. During the afternoon a good supply of toys were distributed. After thoroughly enjoying themselves in the paddock the children were taken to the school, to be entertained with a good tea provided for them. Throughout the day all who took part in the treat seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. The New Convent. To morrow the foundation store of tho new convent will he laid by the Right Rev. Dr Redwood. Particulars of the intended ceremony appear in advertisement.

The Circus. —There was a very good attendance at the Circus last night, when the programme of the preceding evening was repeated. To-day’s and to-night’s will be the last two performances of the Circus in Christchurch, and special programmes will be presented. Strike of Telegraph Operators.— Yesterday a large number of the operators in the Telegraph Department throughout the colony declined duty. Steps were taken to carry on tho work, which have been successful in preventing any inconvenience to the public. Some further particulars are narrated elsewhere. Heathcote Races.— A meeting for settling all matters in connection with the late Heathcote races was held at the Heathcote Arms on Monday. There was a large attendance of those interested ; Mr P. Pavitt in the chair. The balance-sheet, after providing for payment of all liabilities, showed a credit balance of £l4 15s. Those present formed themselves into a committee for the purpose of forming a racing club, to he called the Lower Heathcote Racing Club, and Mr A. Dunbar was elected treasurer, with Mr J. Scott as hon. see. The meeting adjourned until January 12th, at which time all who are desirous of joining the club can do so. Tho prizes amounted to £solßs. Pibe at Kaiapoi. —On Thursday, between 10 and 11 p m., an alarm of fire was given, and the brigade.. on, tn.rninot nut with the engine, round it to be m a cottage, tne property of Mr S. Bennett, at the corner of Beswick and Sewell streets. A few buckets of water sufficed to extinguish the fire, which had caught the window frame. An examination of the place showed that in the window one pane was broken, and its place supplied by a piece of bagging. The latter had been apparently put aside, and a lighted match placed inside. The premises were not occupied, but were secured. They are insured in the Colonial Company for £SO. The matter is in the hands of the police. The Fire Brigade. —lt is requested that all persons who have borrowed copper torches from the Fire Brigade will return the same without delay. Popular Sports Association. All claims against the Popular Sports Association are requested to bo scut in to Mr P. T. Haskins, Hon. tiec., on or before Saturday, the 10th instant, Christchurch Horticultural Society. —The next monthly meeting, at which prizes will be awarded for carnations and picotees, will bo held at the Congregational schoolroom, Manchester street, on Tuesday next.