NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2028, 24 August 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

1 rTBi,HGBJ phio Communication.—Communication is not yet restored with either Wellington or the West Coast, but with regard to the former it is expected that news will be wired through either late to-night or early tomorrow. However, a mail is expected this evening, by which news will be received as to the amount of damage done to the line north of Cheviot.

King y Steggail. —The conclusion of this case, heard in the District Court yesterday, the commencement of which was given in our issue of yesterday, is given in another column. Judgment was given for £IOO and OOltß.

Patali Accident. —Wo regret to say that a gentleman well known in Christchurch of the name of Ison, who came out to the colony about two years ago, and who, at one time, was proprietor of the How Brighton Hotel, was yesterday drowned in the river Cass. We have no details of the accident.

Christchurch Steam Lahhdet. —la another column will be found an advertise mont, being a preliminary-notice of the opening of the above establishment. It will; be observed that the prices for washing ate extremely low, indeed not half the current rates, and the proprietors guarantee, that no article whatsoever will bo damaged by the process. The institution should be a decided boon to the public. j | Geraldine Races. —The nominations for these races appear elsewhere. We are informed that the club have selected Mr Le Sueur to run the totalisator at the meeting. Resident Magistrate's Court.—At this Court this morning one person, for being drunk, was fined ss. The case against Win. Spence for failing to provide for the maintenance of his illegitimate child was withdrawn, the order having boon satisfied. James McDonald, charged with robbing Samuel Honoton on the 24th of June, was, on the application of the police, remanded till the 30th instant.

The Soup Kitchen. —After this day the committee will sit to consider applications for relief on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at eleven o’clock, instead of daily as formerly.

Working Mbh’s Club. The success already referred to of this movement continues, a largo number of applications having been received for membership during the past few weeks. The furnishing of tho various rooms has been completed, and the building throughout is now exceedingly comfortable. In a short time it is intended to combine classes of all kinds, papular lectures, &0., so as to render the institution thoroughly attractive and instructive.

Service of Song.—At the Congregational Church, Ashbourne, Ferry road, last evening, a Service of Song was given, the musical portion being rendered by the choir of Trinity Church under the effective leadership of Mr J. T. Knight. The service, the theme of which is Banyan's allegory, “ The Holy War,” is the compilation of the Rev. S. Slocombe, whom the audience were fortunate to have for the reader, and his thorough appreciation of his subject made his rendering of it the more telling.

The Band Rotunda. —We have received a second donation of £1 towards the erection of the band rotunda already referred to. As the season is now fast approaching when the open-air concerts, so popular last season, will be resumed, it is advisable, if anything is to be done towards the erection of the rotunda, that it should be done quickly. A suggestion has been thrown out that now Latimer square haa been laid out it would be much hotter for the band to play there than in Cathedral square, where the traffic is so great. Mb Walter Reynolds. —This gentleman, who comes to fulfil a star engagement at the Theatre Royal, is expected to arrive from the North to-day, and will make his first appearance on Saturday evening. The piece chosen for his debut is one written by himself, evidently of a sensational character, entitled “Tried and True.” The Australian and Northern papers speak very favorably of the merits both of the play and the actor. No doubt Christchurch play-goers will—as they always do—accord a cordial welcome to the new aspirant for public favor.

Retrenchment at the Post. —ln other vocations outside the Civil Service retrenchment has become tho order of the day. It is long since the contractors for the dock made a move in this direction, an example which has been shared in by other firms and public institutions, including tho Lyttelton Borough Council. A spirit of economy seems to have become general, and tho cry among employers of labor throughout the colony is “ retrenchment.” In shipping matters, tho Union Steamship Company a little while since, made a reduction in the lumpers’ wages, and yesterday their example was followed by Messrs Talbot and M'Olatchie, who offer Is 3d per hour, instead of Is 6d. The reduction is of course unpalatable, and it is said a strike has resulted. The firm, however, express no fear of not being able to obtain men at the reduced figure.

A Nuisance. —Action haa at last been taken by tho police towards putting an end to the nuisance so long existing in Gloucester street, by the blocking up of the sidewalk by anything but reputable characters. It is to be hoped that unless tho reformation promised is carried out, some more emphatic means of compelling a clearance will be resorted to.

A Cabby Nuisance. —When considering applications for carriage licenses at the City Council yesterday ever ing, a councillor draw attention to the objectionable practice common with cabmen of racing along tho streets to catch fares. It io an exceedingly improper and dangerous practice, and one to which allusion has beon made on former occasions at the City Council. Tho attention of the inspector has been directed to the matter.

Accident at Methten. —An accident of a painful character occurred at Methveu yesterday to a boy named George Whinon. He was working in a blacksmith’s shop, when a horse was being shod. Suddenly the horse kicked out and struck the boy in tho face; fortunately the full force of the kick did not reach him, or he must have been killed. He was brought to Christchurch, and taken to the Hospital, where he received prompt attention.

Golden Wedding. —The celebration of the golden wedding of a very old colonist, Mr Thomas Cooper, takes place on Wednesday next. A number of friends intend celebrating the occasion by presenting him with a suitable testimonial as a memento of so interesting an occasion. Mr and Mrs Cooper have been twenty-one years in New Zealand, have fourteen children, fifty-four grandchildren, and three great grand-children. Even if the gathering of Wednesday were confined to the family alone, there would be a large muster. City Council. —The City Council held its ordinary meeting yesterday evening. A large amount of business was disposed of, the order paper being heavier than usual. A report of tho proceedings appears in another column.

Gratitude. —The Mayor of Christchurch wishes the following letter out of several similar ones received by the Benevolent Association, to have publicity :—“ I beg most gratefully to tender my sincere and heartfelt thanks for the great kindness and sympathy shown me and mine by the ladies and gentlemen forming the above admirable institution during the last three weeks. Indeed, had it not been for the relief received at your hands I do not know what I should have done during my present misfortune of being thrown out of employment. I hope shortly to be again at work, when it shall be my endeavor to contribute my mite for the relief of some other unfortunate,” Ac. &o.

Woolston.— An entertainment was given last Friday evening at the Oddfellows’ Hall, consisting of vocal and instrumental music, by lady and gentlemen amateurs. Mr Everett presided at the piano in a very able and efficient manner. Songs were given by Miss Kirk, Mr Morris, and Mr Johnson. The latter gentleman was in excellent voice, and was heard to great advantage, after which Mr J. Kirk appeared in several oomio songs, which he gave in a very creditable manner, and was loudly applauded. Miss Thompson played two piano solos very nicely indeed, but the gem of the evening was undoubtedly a song given by Miss Gordon, who possesses a rich soprano voice. Several songs were rendered by other gentlemen, after which a quadrille party was formed, and a very pleasant evening’s entertainment was thus brought to a close.

A Poweb in the Statb. —During a speech on the question of the Education expenditure the Hon. Mr Waterhouse, M.L.0., referring to the army of teachers in the country said—“We have 1773 teachers scattered throughout the community—people of intelligence and weight in the commnnities in which they live. If they were united they would decide any election in the country. Parliament and Government are at their mercy, and there is nothing to counterbalance them in the shape of private institutions.” This will, indeed, be news to the teachers, but when a vast proportion of them are females, to whom the franchise is not yet extended, and the whole as as members of the Civil Service restricted from taking any active part in politics, the danger to be apprehended from this army by the hon. gentleman is more imaginary than real.

Coach Accident. —Last Saturday morning the coach running between Methven and Alford Porest met with an accident while crossing the River Ashburton. The river was very high at the time, and the current boro the vehicle down the river till it came in contact with the bank, and wag upset. The pole was broken and the horses reached the other side in safety. The coach was very much damaged, and the driver only saved his life by clinging to the railings of the bridge till he was rescued by some men.

Thttb Bum 1r.0.L. No. 16, Southbeidgi!. —The usual monthly meeting of the above lodge, vraa held on Friday evening last, when the following office bearers were appointed for the ennuipg year—William Gabble, W.M., Robeifc Webster, D.M., John Loo, Secretary, D. Sutherland, Treasurer. A committee of management of six were also appointed for the general conduct of business, and were empowered to look out for a suitable site for a new hall and to call for tenders for the erection of the building. Tub Druids.—A general meeting of those interested in the formation of the new lodge of this Order, under the title of the Athelstan, was held at the Royal George Hotel, last evening. There was a largo attendance. D.P. Bro. Swinnerton occupied the chair, and explained the objects and benefits of the Order. The secretary stated that there were sixtyseven names on the roll for membership Some further business having been transacted, a vote of thanks was passed to the chairman, and the meeting ad journed for a week. Church Work Society.—A meeting of tho_ St. John's parochial branch of this society was hold at St. John’s schoolroom, last evening. The Rev. H. 0. M. Watson occupied the chair and read the report and suggested rules of the provisional committee. The rules ware read seriatim and passed. The provisional committee of four ladies and gentlemen wore appointed a committee of management. Mr Hargreaves br'efly explained the objects of the society. Those present were then enrolled and the meeting closed with the benediction by the chairman.

9-v Dangerous Ground.—Or. Hulbert unintentionally got on rather dangerous ground last night when discussing the question of the Mayor’s Court at last night’s meeting of the Council. Either that or he was indulging in what Mark Twain calls “ deep, deep satire ” at the expense of civic dignitaries, past and present. Among other reasons for a Mayor’s Court being established, he remarked that it would elevate the position of Mayor, possibly, and tend to induce a better class of men to . Or. Hulbert did not get any further. He sat down amid a good deal of laughter, in which his Worship the Mayor heartily joined. Kaiapoi Domain.—ln anticipation of the open weather coming on, this Domain Board has decided to trim the paths and trees. Persons who may be willing to assist with donations of trees and shrubs can leave the same to the care of Mr G. H. Wearing, or the chairman of the Board. Akaboa Dissenting Cemetery.—A nesting for the purpose of nominating a board of management for the above cemetery was held on the evening of the 19th instant in the Congregational Church, Akaroa; Mr W. Barnett presided. The gentlemen nominated were Messrs E. W. Morey, W. Bruce, and O. Burns, representing the Congregational, Presbyterian, and Methodist denominations. Sheffield Domain Boabd.—A meeting of the above Board was held in the Road Board office, on the 20th inst. Present—Mr Rossiter (chairman), Messrs Oolthart and Taylor. Tenders for scarifying and harrowing were opened and that of Mr John Searle accepted, at 5s per acre for the former and Is 3d for the latter. It was resolved that the chairman be empowered to arrange for any extra scarifying or harrowing that he might think necessary. A letter was read from Mr Burnett enclosing a list of prices for pine trees, which was considered satisfactory. It was resolved that Mr Colthart be requested to take entire charge of the planting, and to order as many trees as may be required from Mr Burnett and from the Christchurch Domain Board. The meeting then adjourned. Magistrate's Ooitet, Kaiapoi. —On Monday before O. Whitefoord, Esq., R.M., G. P. Milsom, D. Heney, and J. Beharrell were fined ss, and J. Develin was cautioned for having cattle at large. Charles Ball and Charles Byron were charged with setting fire to gorso on land near the Girder bridge, not owned by them or in their occupation. The first defendant was cautioned, and as the latter did not appear he was fined 10s. M. Malley, trustee in Thompson’s estate, v Blackwell, Evans and Co., £34 7s 6d, value of grain stored with defendants by a third party. The Resident Magistrate gave judgment for defendants, as after an examination of the accounts it was found that a person storing the grain was properly entitled to it under a bill of sale. Costs were allowed, as well as £4 4s for two accountants. Chamber op Commerce. — The annual general meeting of the members of the above will be held on Thursday next, at 3 p.m., when the annual report will be presented and the officers for the ensuing year elected. “ Lyttelton Times ” Sick Fund. —The members of the above will give their second entertainment in aid of the funds of the society at the Theatre Koyal, on October Ist and 2nd. The pieces selected are Byron’s comedy < f ‘‘Old Soldiers,” and the farce of “To Paris and bank for £5.”

Watering Bate.— Notification is given elsewhere that the watering rate for the streets comprised in the petitions sent in to the Council will be confirmed on September 6th, and payable on October 14th. Eiccabton Entertainment. The nest of the series of entertainments in connection parish of Eiccarton. will be given on the 3Ut instant, when a good programme wid be presented.

A meeting of the London Society of Arts has been discussing the subject of “ The best route for a line of railway to India.” The distance by one proposed route is about 3800 miles from a western terminus at Constantinople. Home is the dearest place on earth—when the wife strives to keep ahead of all her neighbors in style. -owauda Enterprise.” Where it Falls, A boy can imagine almost anything. He can lag an old shotgun about all day without firing at a living thing, and be under the impression that ho is having a howling good lime ; but all attempts to induce a boy to imagine that ho is killing Indians when he is sawing wood have proved futile.