NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2006, 29 July 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Fish Cultube at Ofawa. —Several thousand American brook trout have been hatched out at Mr Johnson's fish-breeding farm at Opawa. Sydenham Bobough Council. —A special meeting of the Council was held yesterday evening to consider steps to bo taken in reference to the proposed loan, The proceedings were conducted in committee.

Football.—The College have challenged the Wellington Football Club to play a match on the ground of the latter, at the end of the Term. It is also probable that a match will be arranged with the Wellington Athletic Club during the visit of the College team,

TJnivbbsitt of New Zbaiand. —The presentation of diplomas to the graduates of this year took place in the Provincial Council Chamber to-day. The Most Rev. the Primate, his Honor Mr Justice Johnson, and members of the Senate, with the ProfeßßOW and lecturers, were on the platform, and there was a large attendance of ladies. His Honor Judge Johnson presented the diplomas, the Chanoellor, Mr Tanored, occupying the chair, and both these gentlemen delivered addresses, in which there was much to interest and instruct. The proceedings were of the most satisfactory character.

The Annabblla Cash.—The hearing of this oases occupied the Lyttelton Besident Magistrate's Court all the forenoon. Four seamen testified to the unseaworthiness of the vessel, two of them giving alleged statements made by the master in proof. The purpose of the defence is to get a Court of Survey ordered. The case was finally adjourned till to-morrow for the evidence of the surveyors and others.

Leap Ybab Ball.—A ball, to be conducted on the principle of the leap year balls in America, wil\ take place at the Oddfellows' Hall this evening. A committee of ladies to whom hai been committed the task of arranging the details, have been very successful in disposing of the tickets, and a large gathering is expected. On this occasion the ladies present have to assume the role of cavaliers in the attending to the gentlemen, escorting them into the ball room, taking them down to supper, &3. The gentlemen are unable, under penalty, to stand up to dance unless asked by a lady. This is the first of the kind here, though Leap Year Quadrilles, conducted on somewhat similar principles, are not_unknown in Ohristchurch. Fieb at Rangioba.—A disastrous fire occurred on the premises cf Dr. Burrows this morning. About four o'clook *ho fire alarm Bounded, and it was discovered that a fire was raging in the stables and back premises of the house and section owned by Dr. Burrows. All efforts to extinguish the flames were unsuccessful, and we are sorry to learn that a very valuable horse was burnt to death, together with a valuable carriage, harness, and all belongings, and a lsrje store of oats and other material. Fortunately, being a calm morning, the adjoining premises were saved, although at one timo in great danger. Insured only for a small amount, the loss will be a very heavy ono. The cause of the fire is at present a mystery, but will probably be explained away on further investigation. CoHGBATtrrATOBY.—At the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning, after the police business was disposed of, Mr Spackman, on behalf of the bar, in a few well-chosen words, congratulated his Worship on his resuming his duties after his vacation which had been rendered necessary by ill health. Ho hoped his Worship had received benefit from the short rest he had been enabled to enjoy. Mr Mellish thanked the speaker, saying his health was now in a much better state, although a few weeks' mora rest would have been very acceptable. He wss glad to see the improved accommodation that had been provided. The acoustic qualities of the Court-room did not appear to be of the best kind, but no doubt stops would be taken in the way of improvement. He might say that, while in Wellington, the Hon. Minister of Justice spoke about

certain suggestions oontained in a letter received by him from the Law Society here in referenoe to the conduct of civil business in this Court. He (Mr Mollish) would be glad to confer on the subject with the representatives of the society at any convenient time.

Habeikeb at Hakgioba.—A goodly number of sportsmen assembled on Wednesday afternoon in Mr Roberts' paddock, on the East town belt, and were led aorosi the racecourse by Mr Oullen, and on to the Hon. Mr Gresson's, following a fair scent. A return was then made to the course and puss started, and after a good ran was killed. Foot or five were then put up, with fairly successful runs, one leading them far up the river-bed and back before it was lost. An aooident at the start happened to Mr Spragga, resulting in a dislocation of the shoulder, otherwise the day passed off in a most successful manner.

Qbeendaxk. —A lecture was delivered on Monday last, July 26th, in the schoolroom, by the Bev. T. Harrington, in aid of the organ fund for the United Sabbath School of the district. There was a good attendance, although the weather was very threatening. Mr T. W. Adams presided. The subject of the lecture was "John Bunyan." The lecturer considered Bunyan as author, preacher, and reformer, and concluded an able lecture by urging his hearers to become pilgrims and follow him to the celestial city. The amount realised was £2 1b 9d. The meeting was closed with singing and the lecturer pronouncing the benediction. Thb Pumping Station.—Yesterday the contractor pumped out the cylinder at the pumping station, which is being used for the construction of the pump well. An examination of the work showed that the contractor

so far has been pretty successful. The bottom appears to be sound, and the cylincer itself tolerably free from leaks. A good deal of water was coming in at one or two places between the CDncrete and the cylinder, especially on the west side, but this is only what might have been expected. It now seems probable that the contractor will be able to provide a water-tight tank which will satisfy the conditions of his contract.

Sbttlbbs I'OB Wangabbi Disteict.—By the steamer Hinemoa, which left Lyttelton last night for Wellington, tho following families took their departure for the North Island, their intention being 'to settle upon Government land in the Wangarei district: James Spence and family, Samuel and William Bennott, P. Kearney and wife, John Butcher, Clements family, W. Madden and family, Thomas Gill and family, W. Snook and family, Wm. Hock and family, J. Benthall and wife, and J. Baes. These people have arranged with the Government to settle upon the land, through the Waste Lands Commissioner, Mr J. Marshman. They took with them a considerable quantity of personal luggage, stores, &c, and will be conveyed directly on from Wellington, in the steamer, to Wangarei, and placed in possession of the land.

Papantti Bulls.—The designer and maker of tho handsome frame of the address presented to Mr Matson yesterday, Mr Howell, is an old resident of Papanui, and not of Ohrißtchurch, as stated. He is well known as the executant of many similar beautiful pieces of workmanship in native woods. An additional bell for the new peal has been promised by Mr John Wild, and it is hoped that yet another will bo provided, so as to complete the septette. Fetes Casbs. —In reference to the question of reporting fever cases from the Hospital, as to which some correspondence has taken place between the Charitable Aid Board and the Local B.iard of Health, the committee appointed by the former body reported to a meeting held yesterday afternoon, and arrangements were made whereby to obviate any irregularity on this head in future.

Fbbnoh Railways.—The total length of railways open for use in France at the end of 1879 was 22,776 kilometres (14,120 miles), being 618 kilometres more than in 1878. The total receipts from all sources in the past year were 913,732,336 f. (£36,549,294), or an average of 48,837 f. per kilometre (about £l2lO per mile), as compared with 41,832 f. per kilometre, or £1036 per mile in the previous year.

A Dubious Custom.—At the first sitting of a new Parliament it is customary (observes the London " City Press ") for the four City members to attend in Court Buits or in uniform, and to take their seats on the front Treasury Bench, which seats they afterwards vacate in favor of the Ministry of tho day. This honorary position is accorded to them in consequence of the City of London having saved the privileges of Parliament in the year 1640, when Charles I. attempted to arrest Hampden Pym and the rest of the " five members " who fled to the oity for protection, and were sheltered there by the corporation.

Cathedbal Guild. There will be, as previously announced, a general meeting in the College Library this evening. Chbistchuech Debating Society.—The fortnightly meeting will be held on Friday next. Subject for debate—" Dickens v Thackeray." Acknowledgment. The master of the Aahburton Home desires to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of woollen comforters, &c, from Mrs Parkercon, on behalf of the inmates. FooTßAiL.—The match of the C.F.C. n«xt Saturday \Sll be Dark v Fair. The Dark will play in bine and white, and the Fair in red and black. Messrs Millton and Lewin will captain the respective sides. The following will represent the Eastern Football Club on Saturday next at the College grounds, viz.:—Messrs H. Stringer, C. Stringer, Martin, Atack, Parker, Kenvig, J. L. Smith, Cogan, Hawkes (captain), Johnstone, Hyman, Fuller, Campbell, A. L. Smith, W. Joynfc; emergency, Q Fiaher.

Setrbmb Cofbt.—Hia Honor Mr Justice Johnston will B it in Chambers to-morrow. There is rather a lengthy list. Lkctuee.—A lecture will be delivered by the S e Ti" Crewes this evening, in the Templar Hall, on " Billy Bray," with brief sketches oi William O'Bryan and James Theme, wfth masric lantern illustrations. Fobbsxbbs' Entbbtaethbnt.—The anneal performance by the members of the Foresters' Amateur Dramatic Company will be giver to-night, in the Theatre Royal. The piect ohosen is " Whitefriars," and there will alec be exhibited a tableau. From the number ol tickets sold there is every probability of £ large attendance.