NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1864, 13 February 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Minister op Public ‘Works. —Tho Hon. Mr Olliver, Minister of Public Works, had intended being in Christchurch yesterday, but business arose which demanded his attention at Dunedin, and he returned there from Timaru without coming to Christchurch. Legal.—Mr W. H. Spackman, 8.A., L.L.8., barrister at law, of Cray’s Inn, London," wasj admitted on Wednesday by Mr Justice Johnston to practise as a barrister of the Supreme Court.

The Beaconsfield Handkerchief.— Messrs Walker and Smith, Colombo street, have for sale a pocket-handkerchief of a novel character. A large portrait of Lord Beaconsfield is shown, and, on looking at it closely, portraits of his Ministry are found concealed on his hair and other unexpected places. Mr Gladstone’s appears out of his breast coat pocket, although perhaps it is hardly correct to place the ex-Premier so close to the present Premier’s heart. The whole design is ingenious and novel. A New Cage. —Mr J. H. Bradford, of Chester street east, has lately shewn us a cage for larks of a novel and very useful character. In the first place the convex front of the cage works on a swivel, exposing a platform outside. When it is necessary to change the turf for the bird, the front is turned round, tho turf placed on the platform, and the front turned back and fastened. Thus the bird is not in any way disturbed. Then, for thoroughly cleaning the cage, the whole of one of the sides can be pulled out, and the inside fully exposed. For the ordinary cleaning of tho bottom of the cage the tray is pulled out from tho back, which is solid, so that the cleaner is not seen by the bird at all, the bird being able to bo viewed through a chink left for that purpose. The cage is made of very light material, and altogether appears to be very handy, and eminently adapted for keeping the lark with the least possible amount of frightening or disturbing it.

Confiding Tradesmen. —Another instance of the confiding nature of the Christchurch tradesman was brought to the front to-day, when E. E. Dransfield was charged at the R.M. Court with obtaining goods and money fiomjvarious quarters by means of valueless cheque?. This preyer on misplaced confidence pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment for each of the three charges, the sentences to run concurrently. Financial Prospects.— Commenting on the financial outlook, the New Zealand “Times” says : —lt is clear that the Colonial Treasurer, when making his estimates for the coming financial year, which will cud on the 31st March, 1881, will have to provide for the very serious falling off in the Customs revenue, which the shrinkage of trade will entail. During the year ending June 30th last, the imports were valued at £9,304,000: the value of the imports for the year ending June 30tb next, will probably be considerably loss than £8,000,000. Me Chiniquv’s Lectures. —The Oddfellows’ Hall was crowded last night to hear Mr Ohiniquy’s lecture on the subject of “ Purgatory.” Mr B. Cass occupied the chair. The various points of the lecture were received with the usual demonstrations of applause.

The Eailwat Band.—Tho usual fort nightly open air concert given by the Kailway Band attracted a largo number of visitors last evening. An excellent and diversified programme was gone through in good style, and those present enjoyed themselves greatly. Battalion Parade. —The usual monthly inspection of the headquarters corps of volunteers by the officer commanding the district took place last evening in the Drillshed, when there was a good muster of all tho corps. Permanent Investment Association. — The annual meeting of the Permanent Loan and Investment Association was held last night, when a dividend of 10. J per cent, for tho year was declared. Messrs Blakiston and O. W. Turner were re-elected directors. New Zealand Kiple Association. —Tho Southern contingent intending to take pert in the second prize meeting of the New Zealand Bille Association at Nelson will have to leave Lyttelton by the Tararua on Thursday, the 26th. They will arrive at Wellington on the 27th, and on tho 28th the s.s. Wellington will make a special trip to Nelson direct, arriving tho same evening.

The Druids.—The Oak of Sydenham lodge held its fortnightly meeting at St. Saviour’s schoolroom, Sydenham, on Wednesday evening, when there was a very good attendance, also several visitors from other lodges. Three new members were initiated and three proposed as honorary members. After some routine business, the lodge was closed in due fora*.

Narrow Escape.—Yesterday afternoon as a number of small children were amusing themselves by wading in a shallow part of the Avon, on Park terrace, close to the Carlton bridge, two little girls got out of their depth and wore being swept by the current into deep water. Fortunately three sailors of H.M.S. Cormorant happened to be resting on the bank close by, and one of then plunged into the river and succeeded in fishing the two girls out, none the worse for their adventure. Inquest.—An inquest was held at the Hospital yesterday afternoon touching the death of William McMillan, who was recently admitted suffering from a wound in his throat, self inflicted. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, that the deceased met his death from internal hemorrhage, accelerated by the injury to his throat.

Sunday School Union. —The thirteenth annual general meeting of this institution was held last evening. Banqioea Hobticultubaii Society.—A meeting of the committee of the above society was held on Wednesday evening in the Hoad Board office; Mr O. Merton in the chair. It was resolved that Mr O. J. Jennings act as treasurer in the absence of Mr J. Scott. Several matters in connection with the forthcoming show wore arranged, and the meeting adjourned for a fortnight. Lectube on Temperance. —Mr Chiniquy will lecture this evening at the Oddfellows’ Ball on “ Temperance.” In 1850 he was presented by the Government of Canada with .£SOO, in recognition of his services to the State as a Temperance orator, and his name has been linked with those of Father Matthew and Mr Gongh. Cricket Fixtures. —The following will represent the M.C.C. in their match with the Christchurch C.C. on the ground of latter, play to commence at 2 o’clock sharp:—Atherton, Bell, Broughton, Connal, Digby, Hill, Hunt, Hamilton, Mitford, Morris, Skeit; emergency, Buck. The Richmond Cricket Club will play the Papanui on Saturday, on the ground of the latter. The Richmond are requested to meet the conveyance at Latimer square at 1.15 p m. sharp. A match between the United and Avonside Clubs will be played on Saturday on the United Club’s ground.