NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2087, 1 November 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Stbandbd. —The yacht Annie Ogle, belonging to Mr F. Cunningham, camo to grief off Whitewash Heads, Sumner, yesterday. It appears that a pleasure party were sailing her from Lyttelton, and arming off Sumner two of them went ashore after casting anchor, having two men on board. Shortly afterwards a strong breeze blowing on the land caused the yaoht to drag her anchor and drift inland. Those on board could do nothing, and the result was that she was carried up on the beach, where she now lies embedded in the sand. The steam tug came round from Lyttelton on Sunday night, but could do nothing. The Annie Ogle is a dipper yacht of about seven tons, and the unfortunate occurrence will, it is thought, terminate in her total destruction. St. Asaph Stbbbt United Mbthodibt Fbbk Chtjbch.—The anniversary services |in connection with the above church were held yesterday. The Rev. S. Macfarlane, of the Bangiora circuit (and the first pastor of the church) officiating both at the morning and evening services. The afternoon ohildrens' Service of Song was given jointly by the choir and children, with connecting recdings oy Mr E. H. Turner. Large congregations attended all the services. The annual tea and publio meeting will be held on Tuesday evening next. Mr J. T. Brown (Mayor of Sydenham) will take the chair on the occasion.

Vitali Statistics.—The following aro the vital statistics for Christchurch and district for October :—Births, 211; marriages, 34; deaths, 31. In the corresponding month in 1879, there were 158 births, 24 marriages and 39 deaths.

Spobtiko.—Owners are reminded that acceptances for the Derby and Welcome Stakes, Canterbury Cup, and payment for G.J.O. Handicap, must be sent to the Secretary before 9 p.m. this evening, at which hour nominations for the Maiden Handicap, Bail way Plate, Selling Bace, Grand Stand Handicap, Christchurch Plate, Metropolitan Handicap, Spring Nursery Handicap, Flying Handicap, also close. Ashburton and Oamaru nominations are also due this evening.

AoEiotTLTtrEAL Show.—During the past few days Mr M. Murphy, the indefatigable secretary of the A. and F. Association, has been busily engaged receiving and classifying the entries for the forthcoming show. A number of telegrams and letters are still expected to arrive, hence it is not possible to give an accurate idea of the number of entries there will be in the various departments, but it is estimated that generally the show will be quite as successful from this point of view as that of 1879.

Pboebssob Pbociob. —This gentleman delivered his popular lecture, " The Life and Death of a World," on Saturday evening, in the Oddfellows' Hall, Lyttelton. Considering that during the week a special train had run from Port, affording Mr Proctor's admirers an opportunity to hear the lecture in question, the audienoe on Saturday night may be desoribed as a very good one. Mr Proctor succeeded in maintaining the closest attention of his hearers throughout, and concluded his lecture amid hearty applause. The Lath Mb Wilicox.—The suddenness of the death of Mr John Smith Willcox, at Lyttelton, reported in Saturday's issue, cast a gloom over the community in whioh it occurred such as has seldom been equalled. The deceased gentleman had been busy in his office throughout Saturday forenoon, and up to two o'clook, when he went up to his residence, and there remained until about 5 p.m., before leaving partaking of an early tea. He returned to his office in London street eoon after six o'clock, shortly after which Mr Weastell, with whom he had made an appointment, entered the office, and found him sitting in his chair apparently sleeping. Mr Weastell, hesitating to disturb him, went out and returned in about twenty minutes, when, finding him still in the same position, he essayed to arouse him, and then discovered he was dead- Medical assistance was instantly at hand, but too late to be of use. It appears that for a day or two before bis death the deceased gentleman had experienced an unusual drowsiness, which had been remarked by members of his family. He had not formally complained, however, and being otherwise in apparent good health, no serious result was anticipated. As was stated on Saturday, the cause of death was disease of the heart, and the coroner does not deem it necessary therefore to hold an inquest. Some time since Dr. J. T. Bouse had been consulted by deoeased, and that gentleman then ascertained that deoeased was affected with fatty degeneration of the heart. As is remarked above, no death has occurred in port for many years which has caused so much profound regret. Mr Willcox was a pioneer, having landed in Lyttelton thirty years ago. During his more aotive years he held various positions of political distinction and served his townsmen in the capacities of both provincial councillor and Mayor. His funeral took place this afternoon from his residence, and was attended by the members of the Masonio and Forester fraternities, in both of which societies the deceased gentleman had held offices for many years.

Piotubb G-AliLEßY.—There waß a good attendance on Saturday at the exhibition of paintings in the rooms of Messrs Ford and Newton. The proceeds to-day have been very liberally placed by the proprietor at the disposal of the Cathedral commission towards the funds in aid of building the Cathedral.

Thbatbb Kotali.—The Theatre Boyal Company produced the drama entitled the " Little Detective" on Saturday evening, Miss Clara Stephenson appearing in the principal character, a very arduous task, which that lady performed most oreditably. The piece was well put on the stage, and the acting throughout evinced considerable merit. " Under Two Flags " is billed for to-morrow night.

Bai,b of PbiviiegbS.—The usual salo of privileges in connection with the annual Agricultural Show, to be held on the 9th and 10th of the present month, took place on Saturday, in Messrs Wilkin and Oo.'s Wool Stores, Hereford street, Mr Tabart being the auctioneer. The result of the sale was satisfactory, being more successful than that of last year. No. 1 refreshment booth was reserved, to bo let by the committee by private tender. No. 2 (publican's) booth was knocked down at £BS to Mr G-eorge Collier, who was also the purchaser of No. 3 booth at £95. The confectioners' booths were sold to Mr Baahford and Mr Gee, the former buying No. 1 for £2O, and the latter taking the other two booths for £l9 each. The right of selling catalogues wns knocked down to Mr William Hobbs at £75. Total result of the sale (not including No. 1 booth). £313.