NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1981, 30 June 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Wicked Marks. —The Sunday trading case at the Resident Magistrate’s Court today was again adjourned, as Mr Whitefoord was avoidably absent. Police Protection. —The petition which has been in preparation for a police station to be located in the Heathcote Valley has been signed by about seventy residents and ratepayers. They include some of the moat influential in the Heathcote district. Tho petition will bo forwarded without delay to the Minister of Justice. Larrikinism has of late become so rampant in the district that the above step has been almost forced on the inhabitants.

The Comet. —Mr Tebbutt, of the Windsor Observatory, Sydney, states, as the result of bis calculations, that the orbit of the comet lately visible in the Southern Hemisphere is almost exactly that of the great southern comet of 1813. In a card to the newspapers, Professor Benjamin Pierce, of Harvard College, says : —“ lam fully persuaded that the comet recently discovered is a return of the wonderful comet of 1843, which has been considered aa in many respects * the most interesting of any on record ’ (‘Goober’s Cometic Orbits ’). The first record of this comet is in 1770 u.a, with an average period of about seven years. Tho subsequent and recorded returns are 370 years 8.0., 252 and 183 b c., and A D. 336, 422, 533, 582, 708, 729, 882,1077, 1106, 1203, 1313, 1363, 1382 1402, 1454, 1491, 1511, 1528, 1668, 1689, 1702, and 1848.”

Obiminal Sittings. —The quarterly sittings of the Supreme Court in its criminal jurisdiction will open on Monday next before his Honor Mr Justice Johnston at eleven a.m. The calendar, though not numerous, is somewhat heavy. Sunday School Obktbnasy.—A largo attendance is expected at the public tea meeting in the Oddfellows’ Hall this evening, as many of the tickets are already sold. His Worship the Mayor of Christchurch will S reside, and beside the addresses by various finishers, several ladies and gentlemen have volunteered their services and will sing sacred solos.

Ik quest. —An inquest was held yesterday in the Crown Hotel, Lyttelton, before Dr. Coward, coroner, and a jury, of whom Mr Elmea was chosen foreman, on the body of an infant named Barbara Lyall Sinclair. Dr. Macdonald ond the mother of the deceased both gave evidence, on hearing which the coroner said that there was nothing to show neglect on the part of the mother. A verdict of “ Died from natural causes” was returned. The Noefolk’s Passengehs. The MoCaughan family, passengers by the steamer Norfolk, and one of the children of whom was suffering from chicken pox when that steamer arrived here, necessitating the removal of the family to the Quarantine Station at Ripa Island, were released yesterday, and were brought over from the island in the Government steam launch. They will probably leave for their destination (Dunedin) to-day. The other quarantined passenger by the Norfolk is getting along satisfactorily. Union E. and M. Instjeanob Company.— We learn that the balance-sheet of this company, made up to 31st May last, and to be presented at the annual meeting on 6th July next, shows a balance available for distribution of £18,058 16s Id. Of this balance the directors propose that £7500 be devoted to payment of a dividend, £SOOO bo placed to reserve fund, and the remaining balance of £5558 16s Id carried forward to next year. Diocesan Sunday School Association.— In connection with the Sunday school centenary, commemoration services were held in the Church of St. Luke the Evangelist yesterday (St. Peter’s day). At 8 o’clock a.m. the holy communion was celebrated, the Most Rev. the Primate presiding, and a special service was held in the evening, at which the Rev. H. B. Cooks preached the sermon. The offerings of the congregation wore on behalf of the fund of the diocesan education committee for Sunday school purposes. Theatee Decoeations. Arrangements have been made by Mr J. S. Willis to commence the work of decorating the Theatre Royal this morning. As planned by him they will be entirely new, and from the known artistic taste of Mr Willis, we may expect to see the building wear a somewhat different aspect when it re-opens. It has not transpired whether the new management intend opening the commodious room adjoining the dress circle as a refreshment or smoking room. The latter convenience is much wanted, as smokers now have to go on to the pavement outside unless they wish to annoy ladies and others. It is to be hoped that in redecorating the theatre this may not be overlooked. Kaiapoi Peesbytehian Chuech. A meeting of members of this church was held in the church on Tuesday afternoon, for the purpose of meeting a deputation from the Presbyterian Committee re matters in dispute between certain Church members and the Rev. W. McGregor. Mr O. Young presided, the number of Church members and adherents present or represented by proxies was eightyone. A letter was road from the Rev. T. R. Cairns, stating that as the Ray, W. McGregor refused to call a meeting of the Church members, the deputation declined to come up ; but that it was intended to call another meeting, of which due notice will be given by advertisement. Considerable discussion and comment on the letter and the matters in dispute followed, after which the meeting broke up. Bicycling. —Last Saturday three bicyclists, Messrs Dudley, Parr, and James, rode to the Hurunui, and returned to town on Monday, hiving ridden about 105 miles. When passing through Woka Pass and the Waikari, the inhabitants wore much amused at the sight of bicycles in that part of the country. The return journey was made through rain and mud, but did not prevent the travellers from enjoying themselves. The hilly part of tho journey was very enjoyable after the long level ride to the Waipara. Sunday School Contention. —A general convention was held, in accordance with announcement, at the Wesleyan school-room, Durham street, yesterday, in tho morning and evening. There were good attendances, and in the evening (when Mr Taylor occupied tho chair) addresses were delivered appropriate to (he occasion. The speakers dilated on the results of Sunday school work, not only in this part of the world, but in larger countries, such, for instance, as America, where an admirable system prevails. Board op Education. The ordinary meeting of the Board of Education will take place at 3 p,m. to-morrow.

Theater Royal.—Despite the inclemency of the weather, there was a very good house at the Theatre Royal last evening, when Mr Hoskins took his farewell benefit. The first item on the programme was the comedy of “Naval Engagements,” the characters in which were admirably rendered by Miss Colville, Miss Ashton, and Messrs Hoskins and Hydes. To this succeeded a musical interlude. In this part of the programme, Signora Palma, who was enthusiastically received, sang “II Segreto ” splendidly. The signora was in excellent voice, and received an overwhelming recall. In response, she sang “ Non 6 vor ” with that artistic finish which marked her rendering of the various items during the Urso season. For her second item she gave “The Lady of the Lea,” and whilst in the middle of this, a gentleman who had evidently looked upon the wine when it was red, created a disturbance. He was promptly attended to by Mr Q-eddes and some others, but owing to the resistance

offered by some of his companions, it was not until a constable had been sent for that ho was removed, and will appear at the levee of the Resident Magistrate to-day. Signora Palma, who had left the stage, returned and finished her solo, receiving again an encore, to which she responded. Mr Hoskins read “ The Fall of Wolsey,” and on being recalled, spoke briefly to the effect that he should ever remember the kindness shown him here. Mr Marshall sang three songs very nicely, one being the composition of Mr H. F. Towle, and a really excellent song, which is likely to be exceedingly popular for baritone voices. “Cox and Box” concluded the performance at a late hour.

A Trip Homb and its Consequences.— A singular incident is recounted in the Wanganui papers. A couple were seized with a longing to revisit the old country, and returned, enjoying themselves pleasantly till the funds began to run out. To return to New Zealand was tho chief desideratum, but unfortunately the cash balance did not represent value enough to cover the cost of the passage money for the whole of the family. With an evident desire to encourage tho exertions of the immigration department tho following plan was decided upon. The head of the family with one child used the bulk of the cash to pay for passages by one of the ordinary traders. The maternal head was loft with three other children to come out as immigrants at the coat of the colony. Tho husband loft England, and in due time arrived in Wanganui and resumed business. The wife was not so fortunate, for on applying for a passage the immigration department found out that once before they had the pleasure of forwarding her to New Zealand, and in consequence further assistance was denied. The result of the trip, therefore, is most disastrous. Tho husband and one child are in Wanganui, very badly off, while the wife and three children are in England, also without money and without friends, and therefore unable to join her husband. Avon LoDOE.—The installation by the Deputy District (i.M. Bro. Schwartz of the officers elect of Avon Lodge, No. 23 A.C., will take place this evening at 7.30. Licensed Victuallers’ Association. — Tho annual general meeting of the above will be held to-morrow evening at Morton’s Hotel. Eangiora Sale Yards.— At these yards on Tuesday, Mr Busch, senior partner in the firm of Busch and Tntton, announced that the firm had disposed of its interest in the yards to Mr Q. Cone, the lessee. He stated that while they had received a fair amount of business, it was not sufficient to warrant them in continuing the sales, but it was hoped that Mr Cone would meet with a larger share of local sympathy, and assist in maintaining the present rates of commission for tho sale of stock and produce. Mr Cone, it is understood, will begin his sales next week. Diocesan Sunday School Association. —A conversazione in connection with the commemoration of the centenary of Sunday schools will be held this evening in St. John’s schoolroom, when the Bishop will preside. The programme includes an address by the president, addresses by the Very Bev. the Beau and Mr Twentyman, musical selections by the choir, and aa exhibition of interesting scientific and artistic objects. Mr Landergan will conduct the musical portion of the programme.