NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2114, 2 December 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Police Cottet. —This morning, before HH. Prins and W. Pilliett, Esqs., J.P.’s, Paihipi Wakena, a Maori belonging to Kaipoi, sixteen years of age, was charged with stealing a horse, valued £25, from George Wallace. An interpreter translated the proceedings. Constable Gilbert deposed to meeting prisoner on the road at Kaiapoi on November 24th. In answer to questions about a chesnut mare he was riding, prisoner said he found her on the road. Having reason to believe the mare had been stolen, the constable arrested him. George Wallace, a farmer living at Southbrook, stated that the mare in question belonged to him. She was paddocked at Springston on the 21st, whither he had driven her on the previous day. In the course of the day she was missed, and a strange mare was found in the paddock. The paddock was securely fenced, and it was not likely that the mare strayed out of it. Prisoner made a statement to the effect that a white man had stolen the horse, saddle, and bridle. He was committed to take his trial at the next session of the Supreme Court to be held at Christchurch. In answer to enquiries, the master of the Native school said he knew prisoner from childhood, he thought him hardly responsible for bis actions, being reputed to be silly. Mr Broham said prisoner had been on a visit to friends at Waikouati; wishing to return home, he stole a horse here, rode it to Springston, and there took Mr Wallace’s mare, leaving in her place the one he had taken from Waikouati. Bail was allowed—surety in £SO. To the Point. —A very nice young man in Christchurch yesterday received the following lines. The sender is evidently not a born poetess, but the lines are so singularly practical, that wo give them to our readers. The fair one has a sharp eye for business—either an husband or a pair of gloves may now safely be reckoned on. It is Leap Year, therefore yon will excuse the liberty I’m taking, I hope that you will not refuse tbe offer I am making; They say you have made up your mind, to disregard the fair— Oh ! pray do not be so unkind, and leave me in despair. How can yon lead a bachelor’s life, a bachelor’s life must be— Pray take unto yourself a wife, and let that wife be me. If you this offer do refuse, the consequence will be — A pair of gloves I shall expect, to be addressed to mo. Yours, very truly, Lhotueb on Pheenologv.— On Wednesday night Dr. Cole delivered a lecture upon Phrenology in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Lyttolton. There was a meagre attendance, a circumstance alluded to regretfully by the Mayor in introducing the lecturer. Dr. Cole illustrated his subject by a variety of diagrams, and altogether succeeded in keeping up the interest and attention of his audience to the close of the lecture. At the conclusion he invited up candidates for examination of their “bumps,” and several persons responded. The Maoeis at Bipa Island.— By way of bringing into control the dusky prisoners on Ripa Island who had determined not to carry in their food to the ward occupied by them, and who declined to do other and sundry duties required of them, they were sentenced to an abbreviated bill of fare, of which bread and water formed the only attractions. They are on this diet at present, the sentence being for three days, and its salutary effect may be inferred from the fact that whereas before they had refused to oat roast beef and potatoes unless carried in to them, they now find no difficulty in fetching their frugal meal, and can eat it apparently with thanks. The Museum.— The bones of the whale caught on Tuesday in the Heads will be sent to the Museum.

Leotubb. —Last night a most enjoyable evening was spent in the Waltham Sunday school on the occasion of a lecture by the Rev. J. S. Smalley on “Eccentric Characters,” with Scotch readings by Mr Donald (Mr Smalley’s father-in-law), who is at present on a visit from Edinburgh. The chair was taken by the Rev, M. Rishworth, who briefly introduced the lecturer. The lecturer delineated the different lines in which eccentricity ran, interspersing his remarks with humorous anecdotes of the various characters. He concluded by referring to the “religious eccentric,” es illustrated by the Bible heroes, the early Reformers, the Covenanters, Livingstone, Duff, &0., and exhorted his hearers to strive to follow the lessons they taught—that they should follow the path of rectitude and duty, no matter in what light the world viewed their actions. The readings consisted of a description of Mansie Waugh’s watching in the churchyard. la his introductory remarks, Mr Donald remarked the pleasure it gave to hear Mr Smalley speaking of the groat and noble men who were fit to be the world’s leaders, and mentioned that he himself had been a companion in boyhood of David Livingstone when in Blantyre, and that, so far as he knew, he was the only one living who could claim that honor. The readings were listened to with marked attention, the Scotch accents and quaint witticisms giving rise to many a roar of laughter. Messrs Andrews and Martin moved a vote of thanks to the two gentlemen, which was heartily given ; and a similar compliment being paid to the chairman, the meeting dispersed.

Lyttelton Colonists' Society. —A meeting of the committee of this society was held on Wednesday night. The only special business transacted was dealing with the resignation sent in by Mr J. R. Willcox, the librarian. The president and vice-president were authorised to appoint a successor to fill the office.

Aquatics. The annual double-sculling match between coxswains of the U.R.O. and 0.R.0. came off on Tuesday evening over a half mile course (Cowlishaw’s to the Willows). The following were the crews —U.R.0., W. H. Woledge and H. V, Styche (Dolphin, North Bank, J. Malcomb, cox ) ; 0.R.C., O. Dixon and E. W. Dunnage (Oygnet, South Bank, A. Rees, cox.) A good start was effected, both boats keeping level to the bridge, when Woledge, having more stamina than his opponent, drew away, and won a good race by about two lengths. Mission Sbbvich. —The Rev. O. M. Pym, a mission preacher of the Church of England, commenced a series of services in St. John’s Church last evening. The prayers wore selected from the service appointed for evening prayer. The rev. gentleman preached from Fsalms oxxi. 5,6, and announced that services would be held in the same place tomorrow and Friday evenings.

Theatre Botai. —The dramatic season at this theatre came to a close last night, when Mr Biggs took a farewell benefit. The pieces presented were “ The Yankee Farmer” and the farce of “ Back from the Zulus,” in both of which Mr Biggs played with that artistic talent he has displayed during his season. He was ably supported by Mrs Hill, Miss Arothusa May, and the remainder of the company. A Sbtbbb Punishment.—ln the course of a discussion at the Charitable Aid Board yesterday, on the advisableness of punishing with imprisonment husbands who deserted their wives and children, one of the members suggested that in many cases the severest punishment that could bo inflicted would bo to compel the delinquent husbands to return and live with their wives. The Board appeared to shrink from the magnitude of the proposed sentence.

Hppbb Bio carton Ohubch AnnitkbSAby.—The Wesleyans of this district held a crowded tea meeting on Tuesday. Tables were provided by Mesiames O. Boon, Topham, Hall and Carpenter. The after meeting was addressed by Messrs Baker, Eudd and Quayle, as well as the pastor, Eev. J. B. Biohardson. The church choir, under the leadership o£Mr T. Pole, rendered excellent assistance with their singing. As Mr Pole is no longer resident in the district, he has been under the necessity of resigning his post as organist and leader. At the request of subscribers, Mr Bichardson made a presentation to Mr Pole on behalf of the congregation, of a handsome watch guard, with locket pendant, in recognition of his services. Mr Pole replied in suitable terms. Among the visitors from a distance were a number of the members of the Colombo road Goodfellowship Class, one of whom gave in good style a recitation —“ Bingen on the Bhine.” The secretary of the class, Mr Bear, offered on behalf of the 'Qoodfellows to come and assist at an entertainment with the object of providing funds for a library in connection with the Sunday school. The report presented by Mr Griffiths showed the financial condition to be healthy. The proceeds of the anniversary will probably be devoted to providing accommodation for the horses of those attending the services.

Cantbebitet Sabbath School Tbachbbs’ Institute, —At a meeting of the committee held in the vestry of the Congregational Church on Tuesday, the following resolutions were passed :—“ That a Teachers’ Preparation Class be formed, to meet weekly ; the course of studies to embrace Bible geography, sacred history, and a study of the Bible generally, sectarian teaching to be strictly avoided, and a syllabus to be drawn up and printed.” “ That the Revs. Slocombe and Peters, together with Messrs Dexter, B. W. Black, and H. J. Ross, be a sub-committee with full power to take the necessary steps in carrying out the formation of a Teachers’ Preparation Class, course of studies, and conductors, and to report at a future meeting.” “ That the annual meeting of the institute be held on December 23rd, in the Congregational Schoolroom, Manchester street, when the election of office-bearers for the ensuing year will take place, and the report and balancesheet will be submitted to the meeting.” It was also decided that the report and balancesheet, together with the names of the new committee and office bearers, be printed after the annual meeting, and circulated amongst the teachers. It was further resolved—“ That the celebration meeting of the institute take the form of a public soiree or conversazione, to be held some time in January. In reference to the proposal from the committee for a general picnic of all Sabbath school teachers, as the majority of the schools did not see their way to co-operate in this matter, the subject was allowed to lapse for the present. The committee then adjourned. A Oback Yacht. —The most interesting event of the English yachting season was the appearance of the new cutter the Yanduara. Built in almost direct opposition to the rules which have hitherto been accepted for the construction of a fast yacht, she has surprised everyone by her wonderful performance. Her career is of great interest to Americans, for it is more than likely that she will go there next year, and attempt to wrest the “America” cup, which has been held there for almost twenty years. The Yanduara was built at Patrick on the Clyde, for Mr Clarke, a well-known manufacturer of cotton thread. She has sailed in all the principal English race, beating all the crack yachts. The Formosa, Prince of Wales’ cutter, supposed to be the fastest of the fast, was utterly unable to cope with her. The Yanduara gets her name from the town of Paisley, which was called by the Homans Yanduara. Bad Times at Levuka.— According to the “ Fiji Times ” of the 16th October, Levuka was almost on the verge of famine, through the quarantine of a vessel containing provisions. It says :—Should the quarantine of the Gungas bo a protracted one, Levuka will be reduced to the moot unpleasant strait it has known for many a day. Butchers and bakers are alike at their wits’ and their supplies’ end. Mr Page informs us that, depending on the sheep on board the G-unga, he has not provided himself with a supply of cattle, and a few days will throw the town on to preserved moats ;' while the bakers have not only exhausted the usual monthly stock of flour, but have bought up all in the hands of the storekeepers, and but two days’ supply remains. The only resource is biscuit. The market is bare of vegetables. Yams cannot bo procured for love or money, and a few kumalas represent the entire stock of tubers. If the quarantine continues, Levuka will present the novel spectacle of a community starving in the midst of plenty, and lodgings on board the Gunga, even at the risk of infection, will be at a premium."

Weekly Concert. —The Excelsior Band will play the following programme in the Square this evening Quick step, “ Warblinga at Morn,” H. Millars; serio-comic fantasia, “ Musical Review,” Keviere; waltz, “Euby,” Valentine; quick step, “Thy love is all the world to me,” Hartman ; troop, “ Inspection,” Bonnisaeau; troop, “ Koyal Irish,” Hawkes ; waltz, “Language of Flowers,” C. Coote; galop, “Don’t bo in a Hurry," Geeks; “God Save the Queen.”

Thb Chops. —A heavy shower of rain passed over the Northern district yesterday afternoon, which should prove very beneficial to the grain crops. What thb Chinese Think.— The “China Mail’’ says :—" Canton is covered with posters warning the people not to go to Australia, where ‘ the mouse has got into the cow’s ear, ’ i.e., where the natives are taking a mean advantage of the Chinese monster’s helpless position. The police connive at the roughs' insulting behaviour, and the authorities are too weak to get at the offenders. The happy land has changed into a country of sorrow. Friends are warned by telegraph to stay at home and eat the Emperor’s rice. Worst of all, the ‘ bosses’ are levying a poll tax of 100 dols. on each Chinaman. Sydney and Newshilun (?New Zealand) are as bad as New California (? Victoria). Reports say the pewter hills of Lanohishan (? Tasmania) are a happy land, but this is only a small valley, and already over-populated by paupers. The officials, with usual Chinese conceit, are spoken of as ‘ chiefs ’ who have given in their submission.”

The New Governor op Fiji. The “New Zealand Herald’’ has been semiofficially informed that Mr Des Voeux, so far as Fiji is concerned, will be entirely independent of Sir Arthur Gordon, and will only bo responsible to the Imperial Government, his commission being that of Governor and Commander-in-chief. But as concerns Polynesia, a new office —Assistant High Commissioner—has been created, which will be held by Mr Des Voenz. All other Commissioners will be subordinate to him, but he will not be independent of Sir Arthur Gordon, the High Commissioner, through whose hands all important despatches will pass. Still Mr Des Voeux will practically fulfil the duties of the office, and it is probable that ultimate appeal will be made to Sir Arthur on very important matters only.

Masonic. —The installation of E.W.M. and office bearers of the Canterbury Kilwinning Lodge will take place this evening. Visiting brethren are invited to attend.

Popular Sports. —These sports will be held in the cricket paddock, at the Papanni Tramway Termi.-us, on New Year’s Day, in conjunction with the opening of the new Town Hall.

The Lingabds. These popular artistes commence their Christchurch season this evening in the Oddfellows’ Hall. The opening piece will bo Paul Merritt’s comedy of “ Stolen Kisses,” which has already achieved a very great success elsewhere. Hkathcote Valley School. —An entertainment in connection with the formal opening of an addition to the school is announced to be held this evening, the proceeds to be devoted to the school prize fund.