NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1857, 5 February 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Rbsident Magistrate’s Court. —lt is not often that blank sheets are presented for two consecutive days. Such, however, has been the case in the R.M. Court, for again to day there was no criminal business to be transacted.

Whale Stranded. —Last night, or rather early this morning, one of these monsters of the deep, of the black species, was stranded on the beach at Sumner near the Cave Rock. It measured about 25 feet in length, and, having crossed the bar, was evidently unable to regain the open sea and was finally left high and dry. The probability is that it was chased into the river by its pertinacious foe the swordfish, as there are several wounds on its body. Mr J. Day was the fortunate finder of the monster, and it is intended to exhibit it to the curious.

Large Trout. —A very large trout, 12’,lba dead weight, was caught this morning by a son of Mr Seabright between the mill and the City Council bridge. This fine fish was caught with a minnow obtained from Messrs Aiiken and Roberts, Cashel street. Ashburton County Council. The monthly meeting of this Council lapsed yesterday for want of a quorum. It was arranged that the adjourned meeting should bo held on Tuesday next, the 10th instant. Oxford Mechanics’ Institute. On Wednesday judgment was given in favor of the committee of this institute appointed in the first instance, in the case at the Magistrate’s Court, in which a later-elected committee claimed the right of possession. 1 Ashburton Horticultural Association. —At a committee meeting held on Tuesday night rules and regulations were selected, to be placed before the general meeting, to be held to-night. Universal interest is taken in the movement, which promises to bo a great success. The Autumn Meeting. —The entries for the autumn race meeting to be held under the auspices of the 0.J.0. closed last evening. As the volunteer review will be held at the same time, it is expected that there will be a large attendance of visitors. It is probable that His Excellency the Governor will pay a visit to Christchurch during the meeting. Funeral. —The funer 1 of Mrs J. E. Buchanan, which took place yesterday at Ashburton, was very largely attended.

Irish Distress Fund.—A performance will be given in the Theatre Royal on Thursday evening, February 12th, in aid of the Irish relief fund, under the patronage of the Mayor of Christchurch and the committee. A prologue, written by Mr Ludford, will he spoken by Mr C. Hull, and Mr and Mrs Hoskins will appear in the “ Handsome Husband. The performance also includes a song by Miss Lizzie Morgan, a recitation by Mr Hull, and the operatic burlesque of “ La Sonnambula.”

Carriers’ Picnic. —The annual picnic of the carriers of the city took place yesterday, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. The various conveyances, which were decorated with green boughs, &c., in a most artistic manner, mustered at the Market Place all pretty wfll loaded with occupants. A start was made to the strains of a band, a gentleman acting as postillion to the four-in-hand conveying the musicians being remarkable for the gorgeousness of his get-up generally. On arriving at the trysting place a variety of games, sports, &0., were indulged in, and the party returned to town shortly after 7 p.m,, having spent a very pleasant day. Diorama. — A diorama, mainly composed of scones from Zululand and the career of Livingstone and Stanley, opens at the Oddfellows’ Hall to-morrow evening. The scenes will he shown by limelight, and are well spoken of.

The Impounded Land Fund. The “Timaru Herald” is glad to hear that the £IOO,OOO taken out of the arrears of land fund by Mr Ballance on account of the Lyttelton Harbor loan, and subsequently raised under the Loan Act of the first session of 1879, will be distributed among the Road Boards in the course of the next fortnight.

The New Fire Bell.—The new fire hell, presented by the Union Insurance Company to the Fire Brigade, and erected at the Lichfield street station, was tried last night. The sound could be heard at the extremity of the East town belt, and, in fact, was clearer and more distinct at a distance than in tho immediate vicinity of the bell tower. Various experiments were tried by the variation of from one to two ropes, and ringing singly or by two men, and it was thought that an improvement could be got in resonance by some alteration in the method of hanging tho bell.

Templary. —On Tuesday evening the installation of the officers of the Oust Lodge took place There was a good attendance. Bro. G. Whyte acted as installing officer. The officers were—W.O.T., W. McOutchen ; W.V.T., A. D. Hassall; W.S , E. Cooper; treasurer, T. Walker; Chaplain, S. Walker ; W.M., H. Robinson; W.1.G., E. Tollett; W.0.G., J. Nankerville.

Concert. —A concert in connection with St. Michael's Choral Society will he held this evening in St. Michael’s schoolroom. A very attractive programme has been provided for the occasion.

Carr, and Hobson’s Gang Ploughs.—A trial of these double and triple furrow ploughs was arranged to take place at Chertsey yesterday, but, owing to their being detained at the Christchurch Railway Station, it is postponed till this day.