NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2055, 24 September 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Accident to a Second Math. This morning Mr James Taylor, second officer of the ship Camperdown, lying at No. 4 wharf, had a narrow escape from being killed. Ho was up aloft on the mizan top gallant yard, when, his foot slipping, he fell backwards, and down to the nrzen top, whore a netting placed there, more with a view to ornament than use, caught him in his descent. Ho hung half in and half out of the netting, quite insensible, and was rescued by soma of the crow. Dr H. Macdonald was sent for at once by Captain Palon, and on examination found some of his ribs fractured, and there can be no doubtbat that he is a good deal hurt internally. Highway Robbeby. John Loishman, brought up this morning charged with knocking down and stealing a watch from a man on tho south town belt ou tho night of the 22nd Juno last, was this rnorrijg committed for trial at the next sesoions of the Supreme Court.

U A O.D.—A preliminary meeting was held last night at Feithers’ Hotel, Lincoln road, for the purpose of forming a lodge of the above order In that district, D P. Brother Swinncrton in the chair. Several intending members put their names on the list. Bro Welstead explained tne objects and benefits of the society, ‘a vote of thanks *as pissed to Mr Hmsmaon fo- tlo use of the mod- The meeting then adjourned till October Ist.

TT.A.O. Danina.—The Lyttelton Heart of Oak Lodge, No. 100, held their quarterly summoned meeting at their lodgeroom, Foresters' Hall, on Thursday night. There was a full attendance of members, and several visitors fro'm Christchurch lodges. The preliminary business having boon gone through, the delegates’ actions re introducing another doctor in Lyttelton were endorsed, and it was resolved that they have full power to take action in the matter. Brother CK Pearce was elected a trustee vice Brother Andrews resigned, who becomes treasurer. Two candidates were initiated, and several others proposed. Grand Lodge dues and all other accounts were passed for payment, the treasurer’s report showing a balance of £76 to the credit of the lodge in the bank. Past Arch Brother Byan presented (on behalf of the entertainment committee) a set of official regalia to the lodge, and after having decorated the various officers with their collars, stated that after pay iug all expenses (including regalia) from the gross receipts, £46, the committee would have a clear cash balance of £ls sterling, which would be ultimately devoted to the benevolent funds of the ledge. Hearty votes of thanks for their assistance and attendance in regalia at the torchlight demonstration on the 9lh instant, were accorded to the following lodges:—Atholstan, Christchurch ; Oak of Sydenham, Christchurch; Mistletoe, Christchurch ; Star of Anglersea, Lincoln; Bthelbert, Springet'-n ; Band of Hope, Rangiora. The lodge was then closed at 10.45 p,in., in peace and harmony, by the Arch Druid Brother Hildyard.

An Intespebxeb Wanted —The examination of a witness at the Resident Magistrate’s Court this me ruing was considerably delayed by his ignorance of tie English language—a difficulty that was not at all ameliorated by the tone of his interlocutors. One or two literally correct answers which he gave to questions seemed to have been put down to his stupidity, while his failing was merely a want of knowledge of the beautiful idioms of our tongue. For example, referring to a memorandum be produced of the number of a watch, he was asked where he got it from. The question meant two or three things. Whether it was copied from a book or was an original writing, and his answer was also exp; etoi to give the time of its making. He said he got it from the watch, which was a perfectly precise answer. The question was repeated with the emphatic slowness which an Englishman seems to think should make his language perfectly plain to every foreigner, and the answer was again quite legitimate. “ FromTimaru,” said the witness, and he received several uncomplimentary instructions, which, probably, not being understood, had more effect on his mentors than on himself. The information required was at last got out in a sort of a way, but not until a state of nervousness had been induced ia the witness, which considerably interfered with the fluency of his hr ken speech. Anyone who is prepared to say that the clerk’s minutes contain what the witness really meant to say must ha a bold man indeed. In another case heard a few days ago, that of Mendal, the witnesses made such a hash of their English that it was very hard indeed to understand them. Foreigners are not any more to blame for not quickly understanding our language than we are for not being able to question them in theirs, therefore, when exact explanations arc required from them in what is, to them, a foreign tongue, it is simply childish to set down their hesitation as stupidity. Such treatment is open to another and more important objection, where the liberty of the subject, <tc., is in danger, imperfect evidence is absolutely dangerous, and in their case should bo avoided by the interposition of an interpreter. The Bellbinqebs. —The Lynch Family of Bellringers gave their last performance at Lyttelton last evening to a very good house, and the entertainment was enthusiastically received. To-night they pay a return visit to Kaiapoi, Potatoes ebom Kaiapoi. — Since the potato crop began to be harvested it is computed that 75,000 sacks, or 6200 tons, have been sent from the Kaiapoi district by rail, a-;d there are about 3500 tons probably to send away. Including a quantity shipped, as well as those used for homo consumption, it ia estimated that 10,000 tons have been grown in the district this season.

City Cottncili Offices. —The improvements and additions to the City Council offices are now finished, and the city surveyor may be complimented on the result, considering the materials at his disposal. The interior of the building has been arranged to the best advantage, and the outside has bean painted, and a covering of corrugated iron placed over the old shingle root, which, as the habitues of the old Court-house may recollect, was rather leaky. The offices now present a clean and respectable appearance. Baptist Chubch. —The Revs. Dallaston and Hinton, the respective ministers of the Christchurch and Wellington Baptist churches, have arranged a month’s interchange of pulpits, the former gentleman leaving for Wellington this day. Mr Hinton is a son of the late Rev. John Howard Hinton, who occupied a high position in the Baptist Church in England, being one of the greatest polemical scholars ef his day, and author of several standard works on theology. Masonic. —The annual convocation of the Canterbury Kilwinning Royal Arch Chapter, No. 136 5.0., was hold last night in the Canterbury Masonic Hall. There was a good attendance of companions. The business before the chapter was the election and installation of officers for the ensuing year. The following companions were installed in the various offices —P.Z.’s Stapleton and Jubal Fleming, assisted by P.Z’s A. R. Kirk and S. P. Craig, acting as installing officers ; companions, J. Smith, Z; L. A. Elerig, H ; H. W. Ford, J; W. Clifford, !rJ3.; J. Toovey, S.N.; M. Sandstein, treasurer; B. Hale, P.B. ; W. Austen, 2nd S.; T. Green, 3rd S. ;A. Bailey, janitor, Tho newlv-in-stalled Z, then appointed the following officers of the Mark Masters Lodge, via.—S. P. Craig, R.W.M.; L. Elerig, S.W.; H. W. Ford, J.W. ; W. Clifford, Registrar ; J. Toovey, M. 0.; W. Austen, 8.0.; T. Green, J. 0.; B. Hale conductor, M. Sandstein I.G. Ligueian Bees. — A hive of Ligurians, to the order of Mr Thomas Wilson, of Kaiapoi, was brought in by the Hawea on Thursday, having been forwarded from Chicago. The bees were apparently none the worse for the land transit to San Francisco and the sea voyage to New Zealand. On the application of Mr Wilson, the Hon. John Hall, who is a known enthusiast in the cause of acclimatisation and the interests of tho farmers, allowed, this hive to be taken charge of by the mail agent, and requested the Government agent at; San Francisco to see to its proper shipment, With the bees also arrived a machine for the making of comb foundation, and several notions in connection with the feeding and management of bees. The hive was placed on a stand in Mr Wilson’s apiary last evening, and the bees will be allowed their liberty to-day. Inquest. —An inquest was held yesterday, before Dr. Coward, coroner, touching the death of James Newton of Pbillipstown. It appeared from the evidence of Emma Newton, wife of deceased, and Elizabeth Sommervillo, that deceased went to bed in apparently good health on the night of the 21st instant. In the morning, at five o’clock, he awoke and complained of a pain in the chest, to which was applied aome spirits of turpentine, and a mustard plaster was afterwards placed on his chest, which eased the pain. Some time after, his wife, who had gone away, returned to find Newton lying dead with his face on the pillow, his face being quite black. Dr. Townend attended, but life was extinct before his arrival. A pest mortem examination was held by Dr. Townend, who discovered the lungs to be congested and the heart in a state of fatty degeneration, to which he attributed the death. A verdict was returned in accordance with tho medical testimony. Deceased leaves a wife and seven children.

Akclbes’ Society. —A meeting of the Anglers’ Society was hold at Dr. Campbell’s residence last evening. Present—Dr. Campbell, vice-president (in the chair), Rsv. J. D. Fergusson, Messrs Cunningham, Bridges, and McWilliam (hon. sec ). It was resolved that Mr Bridges and Mr McWilliam be appointed a sub-committee of the Anglers’ Society for the purpose of drafting new regulations for the comirg season, to be laid before the Acclimatisation council for their approval and recommendation to the Government; also, that the Acclimatisation Society be requested to have the Provincial district of Canterbury proclaimed open for fishing to all licenseholders during the coming season, to include lakes as veil as rivers. The secretary was authorised to call the annual general meeting for the first Friday in October, in accordance with the rules of the society. After some business of a routine character, the meeting dispersed. Drainage Board. —The election of a member to represent Sydenham on the Drainage Board will take place to-night at the Colombo road school.

Union Rowing Club. —A committee meeting of the U. 8.0. was held last evening at the Commercial Hotel. Present —Messrs Kostovon, Mansfield, Hobday, Roger*, Britton, and Harding, aeeretary. The following new members were elected, viz., A. Medicroft, P. Wood, and E. B. Hubbard. The following wore eleoted oonwains :—Hobbs, Brabner, and Blanchard. The chairman stated that the balance in hand was £3B. It was decided to reduce the club’s liabilities to £l5O. After some further routine business, the meeting adjourned. Sydenham; Presbyterian Church. The erection of the new church on a site facing Colombo road is progressing rapidly, the contractors, Messrs Marshall Bros., being apparently determined to finish their work within the contract time. Already the building begins to assume an imposing appearance, and will certainly form an important addition to the church architecture of Christchurch. A second contract for the interna] work, such as the pulpit, seats, &c., was let to Mr A. Lusk at the beginning of the week. It is expected that the church will be completed by the end of November. Draughts. A match was played on Wednesday evening at Sefton, between residents of Leithfiold and Rangiora. Out of seventy-two games, the Leithfiold men won thirty-seven, Rangiora eeventeen, and eighteen games were drawn. Mr McLaren scored highest for Leithfield, and Mr Josling for Rangiora.

Alarm of Fire —An alarm of fire was rung out last evening at about eight o’clock, and the Brigade quickly turned out with their engine*, but happily there was no need for their service*, the alarm being caused by the reflection of a burning gorge hedge on the Carlton road. Accident. —An accident happened yesterday to Mr Hal good, foreman to the Avon Road Board. While on his way to the workmen near White’s bridge, hi* horse fell, seriously bruising and injuring his leg. It will be some day* before he is able to attend to bis duties. Ashburton Library Readings. —Another of the series of entertainments given in aid of the funds of the above library was held last Wednesday evening, in the Town Hall, Ashburton, and was very well attended. The president, Mr J. Ward, occupied the chair. The entertainment consisted of instrumental music, songs, readings and recitations, in which Mrs Craighead, Misses Fooks, Kidd and Permain, and Messrs Jacobson, Harrison, Poynfz, Craighead and Branson took part, the latter gentleman creating quite a furore by his singing of “The Midshipmite.” It was announced that on Wednesday evening Mr H. P. O’Reilly would 'deliver a lecture on “ Memory.” Rangiora. — A special meeting of the Horticultural Society was held at the Road Board offices on Tuesday evening to fix dates for the spring and autumn shows. Mr T. Robson occupied the chair. It was resolved to have the spring show on December 14th, and that the following gentlemen be asked to act as judges, viz.—For flowers—Messrs Greenaway, Turner, and Crooks. Fruit and vegetables —Messrs Spicer, Marsh, and Gimblett. The date of the autumn meeting was fixed for March 11th, 1881. Mr Horniblow’s name was added as a committeeman. The meeting then adjourned. Horse Parade. —The entries for the stud horse parade, to take place on Saturday next under the auspices of the Canterbury Agricul tural and Pastoral Association, shows a falling off as compared with last year. The numbers for this year are as follows: Ponies, 6 ; roadsters and carriage horses, 6 ; colonial thoroughbreds, 18; imported ditto, 3 ; colonial bred draughts, 28; imported ditto, 6—total, 67. Last year the numbers were : Ponies, 6 ; roadsters, &c., 11; colonial thoroughbreds, 20 ; imported ditto, 3; colonial bred draughts, 37 ; imported ditto, 7 —tota 84 ; or a falling off of seventeen entries on the total. The deficiency, as will be observed, is in the colonial bred draughts. Toung Men’s Christian Association. — A lecture will be delivered ou Monday evening next, in the Congregational Schoolroom, by Mr A. Saunders, ou “Popular Delusions of the Present Day.” This will be the last of Ihe series. Avon District.— A meeting of the ratepayers of the Avon district will be held at Papanui this evening, with respset to a reserve for recreation purposes. There must be a strong tendency to rhyme as well as reason in the bucolic interior of California. The following is the direction put upon the Ligurian bees, forwarded to Los Angelos to Mr Creighton, eu route to New Zealand : Expressman, handle with care, For you have Italian bees in there, Out of the sun and in the shade. Or low in death they’ll all be laid, Robert James Creighton, to him they go, Who lives in the City of Francisco ; Him there these pets will be sura to meet, At No. 2, Montgomery street. Tho bees should have hummed sweetly to the above pretty Qoorgxo on their voyage across the Pacific. —“ New Zealand Herald.” That North Carolina child which was carried off by an eagle has been recovered. He was found on a haystack, where the tired and good hearted bird had left him.