NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2076, 19 October 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Thh Ban Fbanoisoo Mahj.—As will be seen by reference to our shipping column the s.s. Wanaka, with the San Francisco mail on board of her, left New Plymouth for Wellington direot at 10.45 this morning. Woeks Committbb.—A meeting of the works committee of the Oity Council was held this morning, at which several matters of a routine character were attended to. Instructions were given for the construction of the footway addition to the Caahel street bridge, as authorised by the Council on Monday night. Thb Subscription List Man.—John Brown, alias quite a catalogue of names, was remanded this morning at Ly ttelton to Christchurch, to appear to-morrow on a charge of ooat stealing. Police Cottbt.—This day, befor W. Deamer and E. Dobson, Esqs., J.P.'s, Isabella Leokie, an inveterate drunkard, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labor for that offence. Supbbhb Court. —The case of creditors' trustee in estate of G. T. Clarke v Goodman and others, came on for hearing to-day before his Honor Mr Justice Johnston and a special jury. The oase was one to set aside a deed made by the debtor in favor of his wife, to the exclusion of bis creditors, who by the trustee now brought this action. After some evidence had been taken, it was found that Mr Lee, one of the jurymen, was interested, inasmuch as he was a creditor of the bankrupt. His Honor then put it to the counsel engaged, whether they would agree to a verdict of eleven, or allow the case to be tried with the juryman without objection. The counsel for the defendants, however, declined to consent to this being done, and after a lengthy discussion, Mr Harper, for the plaintiff, entered a discontinuance, and the jury were discharged without giving a verdict. Tramway Mattbbb.—ln committee at the City Council last evening the chairman of the By-law Committee reported that certain information was being collected whioh it would be necessary to be prepared with before meeting the directors of the Tramway Company, and the latter have been similarly engaged. It has been decided to defer appointing a day for the conference until both parties are prepared. Thk Park Roads.—With regard to the Park Road Conference, the action taken by his Worship the Mayor and Cr. Lambert and the suggestions made by them at a meeting of delegates have been approved of by the city authorities met to consider the subject, so that those gentlemen have now their hands strengthened in view of the next meeting of delegates. Thb " Abotts " Exhibition Nitmbeb.— A correspondent of the " Southland News," who evidently has a calculating turn of mind, points out that the exhibition number of the " Argus " contained 140 columns of olosely printed matter —the largest daily publication ever issued in the colonies. The number of letters or separate pieces of type amount to 1,250,000, which is considerably more letters than are usually to be found in three octavo volumes, each containing 400 pages. If the types were laid end to end they would form a line more than 143 miles in length, or, if laid side by side, they would then form a line over twelve miles in length. If a person were compelled to count these types one by one, and devoted ten hours a day to the work, and counted at a moderately rapid rate, it would take bim six weeks to complete his task. If one compositor had to do the mere "sotting up" of these types, and worked ten hours a day at the usual rate, he would be nearly five months before his work was done. Cashbi Sthbet Bridge.—The City Coun-

oil have decided to construct a footway in •oomrtion with the repairs to the Caahel street bridge. Magustbatb's CoTritr, Kaiapoi.—At this Court on Monday, before J. Beawick, Esq., R.M., a case of cattle trespass againat J. Armitage was dismissed. John Wilson, charged with neglecting to provide for his wife and family, was ordered to pay 12a per week towarda her aupport and three children, or in default three months' imprisonment. A. McMillan's trustees v J. Kinley, £8 16s fid ; judgment for plaintiffs for 17a 6d. Same v P. Lambert, £6 7s Id; set-off, £3 13s ; judgment for defendant. Thb Kybburn Murderer.—lf Ah Lee, sentenced to death on the 9th inat., be hung he will be the third peraon hanged in Otago. Captain William Jarvey, seaman, found guilty of poisoning his wife, was sentenced to death on September 14th, 1865, and was executed on October 25th, 1865. John Jones, also a seaman, found guilty of the murder of Richard Atkinson, at Waipori, on the 23rd December, 1865, was sentenced to death on March sth, 1866, and was executed on the 6th of April, 1866. It ib therefore (aaya the "Morning Herald") over twelve years aince there has been an execution in Dunedin.

Sunday Fbteb. —English society (writes " Dagonet " in the " Referee ") has professed itself to be shocked at Mr Bright's declaration that the upper classes have little respect for the practice of religion, and yet in their hearts they muat know that it is indisputably true. At a time when Sabbatarianism absolutely oppresses the poor and interferes with the liberty of the lower middle classes, the ariatocracy has openly caßt away all decent observance of the Lord's day. Cards, billiards, and games of chance are played in the best houses, and even the country is disturbed with the noisy revelry of the upper ten's Sunday outing. One Sunday this month, at the residenoe of a gentleman in tho country, there was dancing to military music, lawn tennis, oroquet, and high jinka generally. This company consisted of the elite of aociety, male and female, and amongst them waa a most illustrious person. In this flagrant desecration of the Sabbath (I am quoting the current phrase) all present heartily joined. Such fetes are now of frequent occurrence on the Lord's day, and are always largely attended by the ariatocracy." Thb Wooi, Clip.—The "North Otago Times" aaya :—lt is a fortunate thing for the oolony and for wool growers that the season which has juat gone by has been one of unuaual mildness in the interior. Last year the death rate among sheep, owing to the severity of the winter, ranged from 8 per cent, to 40 per cent.—in most cases coming nearer the latter figures than the former. This year the percentage of deaths is not exported to exceed on an average more than 2 1 or 3 per cent. When it is remembered that last year the total value of the wool exported waa nearly three and a half millions sterling, it will be readily seen what a good season in the wool country means to the people of the oolony. It would be quite safe to say that the additional return from this source to the wealth of the colony (promising that wool keeps its present value, and there is every prospect that it will even do more than this) will be something over a million of money. This, coming at a time when the circumstances of the colony are auch that increased exportation are so much to be desired, should give a fillip to the hopes of those who think that we have passed through the worst pait of the crisis. The quantity of wool coming down the Waitaki this year is expected to be something over one-third over that of last year, and to carry this it is expeoted the railway authorities will be compelled to run daily trains on the Duntroon, if not the Ngapara, branch.

The Late Shooting Case.—Yesterday morning the bullet was extracted from Mr Pearse's knee. The patient still remains in a very weak condition. Masohic.—The St. Augustine Lodge, 609 EC, eelebrated their anniversary last evening at ths Hall. The 1.P.M., Bro. Pavitt, assisted by P.M. Bro. Deamer, conducted the work, and there was a goodly muster of the brethren and visitors present. Fibh at Sotjthbeook.—An alarm of fire was raised at the Rangiora Fire Brigade station about one o'clock on Monday morning, and the brigade, with the large engine, at once proceeded to Southbrook, when it was found that a lean-to oocupied by Mrs Meyers and family was on fire. No efforts of the brigade were of any avail, and the lean-to and its contents were totally destroyed. The cause of the fire is unknown. The property was insured in the London and Lancashire Company for £SO.

West Coast Railway.—At the adjourned meeting, held yesterday, of those interested in the formation of a line of railway to the West Coast, it was resolved to issue subscription lists to raise the sum of £IOO for the purpose of sending ont surveyors to make a flying survey, and'to adjourn the meeting for a week. PoilOß Cottbt.—The Rota of Justices for the week ending October 21st is as follows : Tuesday, October 19th, Messrs D, Davis and E. Dobson; Wednesday, October 20tb, Messrs 8. Hewlings and F. Hobbs; Thursday, October 21st, Messrs Ick and Inglis. On Tuesday the Court will sit at 10.30, and the other;days at 10 a.m., in the Provincial Council Chamber.

Kalipoi Town Ciock. —While the Mugis- j trate's Court house at Kaiapoi is undergoing the process of painting, it has been decided to paint the clock face white. It was originally white some years ago, but was painted black, on the well-fought motion of a councillor who has since passed over to the majority. This re-painting process will account for the absence of that public ornament from its usual position for a few days. South Town Belt.—The formation of the South town belt is a vexed question. It has been a kind of bug-bear, or red rag, which, whenever seriously contemplated by the City fathers and their neighbors of Sydenham in conjunction, has created trouble. Apparently, tho matter had been satisfactorily arranged after the passing of a little Bill last session by Parliament giving certain powers to the Sydenham Borough Council, but minor troubles have since arisen, and at last night's meeting of the City Council it appeared that a difference of opinion existed as to who ought to make out the plans and specifications for the proposed work, and it was ultimately arranged that a conference should be held between the works committees of the respective corporations. Obituabi.—lt is with much regret that we announce the death of the Rev. David McKoe, minister to the North belt Presbyterian church of this city. He was formerly minister of Rutland square Presbyterian church, Dublin, but he had to resign his oharge on account of his health. He arrived in New Zealand about eight months ago. The Presbyterian congregation, which was in the course of formation on the north side of this city, requested him to preach for them. After doing so for two months he was induoed to aooord to their unanimous desire that he should take charge of the congregation. During the few months Mr McKee occupied the pulpit of the church he succeded in earning the hearty esteem and confidence not only of his own growing congregation, but of many belonging to other denominations. Sttnday School Tbeat. The annual school treat in connection with Sheffield church Sunday-school, was held on Friday afternoon in the Waddington school grounds. Unfortunately the weather was very''much against out-door sports, but nevertheless the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Ir the evening a gift auction was got up, and everything presented sold, Mr Northey Hopkins, of Courtenay, acting as auctioneer. After the goods had been disposed of a concert was given, which was very well received. The performers were Messrs Lord, Dr. Meadows, J?. Meadows, G. F. Ritso, Mesdames Ritso, Meadows, Miss Bowler, of Christchurch, presiding at the piano. The room was crowded, and the proceeds were regarded as very satisfactory. The entertainment wound up with a dance, which was kept up until the small hours of the morning. The Dioeama. — Despite the unpleasant weather there was a good attendance last evening at the Theatre, when the Diorama was exhibited. Accident. —An accident happened yesterday afternoon to a woman living in Tuam street. Sbe fell down in her own house, and in falling struck her head against the sharp edge of a piece of furniture, and sustained a nasty flesh wound. Some of her neighbours becoming acquainted with the circumstances wanted her to go to a doctor, but she declared she would have " none of 'em." The lady had been indulging in refreshment. A policeman was eventually called in, and he took her to Dr. Doyle, by whom the wound was dressed.

City Cotjtncii;.—The City Council held its ordinary meeting last evening. The business 01 the order paper was not extensive, and was soon disposed of. The Council then went into committee to consider the question of maintaining the Park roads, anent which a meeting of delegates representing the various local bodies was held about nine days ago, the object being to plaoe his Worship the Mayor and Or. Limbert, as delegates from the city, in possession of the views of the Council, which' they may represent at an adjourned meeting of the delegates to be held on a future date. Cttst.—A bazaar and tea meeting were held in the Institute hall on Thursday last to aid in the erection of a Wesleyan Church at Horrelville. The bazaar was opened about noon by the Bev. J. A. Taylor in an appropriate speech. The several stalls were amply furnished with useful and fancy articles—the former preponderating—and presided over by Meadames Taylor, Sheat, Boss and Thompson. The luncheon was dispensed by Mrs W. Bradley, and the tea by Mesdames Bradley, Sheat and Graham, whilst Mr J. Thompson took charge of a table well laden with fruit and light refreshments. The "Colonial Museum," was under the directorate of Mr Graham and was well attended. Messrs Hassall, W. Bradley, Sheat and Frotheroe also assisted in various ways. In spite of the inclement weather, the bazaar was well patronised, the proceeds amounting to £4O. The Bbabon Why ?—A question arose at the City Council last night touching the expenditure of a small sum of money on a certain work. The members of the finance committee, as in duty bound, pointed out that a melancholy prospect of "hard, hard times " stared them in the face, notwithstanding the present credit balance, and consequently, as good men and true, representing the ratepaying public, it behoved them to be extremely careful how they disposed of their funds. Evidently the money must only be laid ont on works of absolute necessity. This appeared to make quite an impression on the councillors generally, and a severely economic tendency became apparent in the remarks of at least two gentlemen, when suddenly Cr. Gapes rose to his feet with an air of deep impressiveness, characteristic of that gentleman as the " heavy father " of our municipal stage, and reminded the Counoil that the lives and limbs of the oitizens must be cherished before all things, and in the present case a life might be lost by attempting to save a few pounds. Cr. Ayers immediately afterwards rose, and seconded what his friend opposite had urged. He, too, felt that the comfort and safety of the people were above all earthly considerations to him as a Councillor, and whilst zealously guarding the interests of the ratepayers in the outlay of every fraction of a copper coin, he yearned to protect the necks of his fellow-men and women, and could, therefore, sanction the expenditure with a light heart and a conscience cheerful and serene in its sense of benevolence and integrity. When the last gentleman had sat down, another Councillor rose, and said that he, too, was economically inclined and did not see why the work should be undertaken, when the Mayor slily remarked, " Bufi you are not a candidate for the Mayoralty!" At which the City Fathers were tickled to such an extent that they shook in their seats all round for several minutes, and at intervals subsequently one or other of them would occasionally become convulsed, as though the joke of his Worship appeared richer on reflection.

Thk Dbuids.—The adjourned preliminary meeting was hold on Friday night at Feathers' Hotel, for the purpose of forming a Lodge of the above order in the Addington district. A large number of intending members were present. Bro. Skinner, of the Oak of Sydenham Lodge, occupied the chair, and explained at some length the objects and benefits of the order, and pointed out the flourishing condition of Druidism throughout New Zealand and Australia. A strong working committee was then formed of intending members, who decided to advertise in Thursday evening's papers where the next meeting would be held. Some further business being transacted, a vote of thanks was proposed to the chairman, who adjourned the meeting till October 22nd. Lakeside School.—The children attending this school, to the number of about thirty, accompanied by the teacher and Messrs Overton, Moore, Macpherson, and Anderson, visited Lyttelton on Friday. The weather was most favorable for an outing, and the trip in the s.s. Lyttelton to Ripa Island was a treat to the children, many of whom had never travelled either by rail or water before. The excursion was attended by no accidents of any sort, and home was reached before seven o'clock.

Captain Barky.—This gentleman will deliver his lecture at the Oddfellows' Hall this evening. Arrangements have been made it is stated to preserve order on the occasion.

A Oarlist paper at Valencia has opened asubscription £or presenting Don Carlos with a cross of the 9-olden Fleeee in lieu of that which General Boet was charged with stealing. It heads Kie list with 5000 francs. The Prussian Government are said to be contemplating the abolition of civil marriages. The motive is said to be to endeavor to recall the people to a secsa of their religious duties. Ministers being shocked at the wide and rapid spread of irreligion and Rationalism. A Japanese newspaper states that Commodore Schufeldt, the commander of the United States frigate Ticonderoga, is about to go to Corea to submit proposals for the conclusion of a treaty of commerce. In the event of a persistent refusal on the part of the Cereans to open negotiations he will summon the United States fleet on the China station.