NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2119, 8 December 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

District Court. —At tho District Court, this morning, the case against Ford, Newton and Maradon v Connolly was heard, and hia Honor reserved judgment. A sitting of tho Court will be held to-morrow to hear tho rest of tho cases on the list.

_ Dr. Donald. —Yesterday, by tho Rangitiki, there returned to this province one of its earliest settlers, after an absence of about two years. We allude to Dr. Donald, of Lyttelton. He may be sure of a hearty welcome from a numerous circle of friends, and the residents of Lyttelton, in particular, will be glad to see onoo more in their streets his familiar face.

Oibcus Paeadb. —This morning, according to notice given, the parade of Cole’s Circus took place. Ihe gilded triumphal oar, with the band, drawn by four camels and two horses, led the van, followed by the riders and fair equestriennes in brave attire, and the performing horses. The cars of wild beasts oame next, among them being conspicuous the lion tamer, sitting calmly and comfortably among his lions, and a weird-looking individual handling some snakes. The procession closed with four elephants, two led and two ridden. The procession took a long time in passing, and was viewed by a considerable crowd, considering the early hour at which it took place. Police Couet. —This morning, before H. Mcllraith and W. Q-. Inman, Esqs., J.P.’s, Thomas Anderson, for being drunk while in charge of a horse and cart, which he drove furiously about at the scene of the fire last night, near Wilkin and Co.’s, was fined 10s. Daniel Burke for being drunk was fined 10s.

Boaed op Cokseevatobs. —The following nominations were received to day at noon for the Board of Conservators. Christchurch— North-east: Messrs T. S. Lambert and E. Mitchell. South-east: Mr F. Jones. Nortnwest: Messrs Atkinson, Alport and Banks. South-west: Mr B. W. England. Sydenham : Mr W. White, junr. Heathcote : Messrs Clephane and Attwood. Biccarton: Messrs Boag and H. J. Hall. Avon : Messrs Munro and J. L. Wilson. Lincoln : Messrs W. Blake and H. Peryman. There being no contest in Christchurch, South-east, Southwest and Sydenham, Messrs Jones, England and W. White, jun., were declared duly elected.

TT.A.O. Dbuidb.—The usual fortnightlymeeting of the Perseverance Lodge was held at St. Mary’s schoolroom, last evening, A.D., Bro. Skinner presiding. There was fi very good attendance of members and several visitors from other lodges. One member was proposed. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Bro. Barnett, secretary to the Oak of Sydenham Lodge, for the presentation of a pair of fancy hammers. It' was also passed that this lodge pay an official visit to the Oak of Sydenham Lodge on their next meetingnight. After a quantity of business had been transacted the lodge was closed in due form. Qoveekment Pbizb Fieing.—The Christchurch Infantry Corps will compete for these prizes on Saturday next. Firing will commence at 2 p.m. punctually. The conditions are seven shots at 400, 500, and 600 yards, without sighting shots. Thb Side Channels.—A correspondent draws our attention to the neglected state of the side channels in some streets. He says “ there is a short length in Manchester street, between the Borough Hotel and Mr Hern’s shop, which the Inspector of Nuisances is recommended to inspect, as, with the hot weather coming on, all these bad-smelling spots shonld be cleared ont.” B.M. OotJET, ASHBUETOif. —At the above Court yesterday before his Worship the Mayor, O. P. Cox, Esq. and Dr. Trevor, J.P.’s, James Esoote for allowing a horse to wander at large on the Wheatstone road, was fined 5s and costs. William Stephens, P. Tully and A. Thiele were also fined 5s each for similar offences. W. Munro, who was charged with cruelty to a horse by having left it tied up in a yard, was dismissed with a caution.

Impoeted Stock. —By the ship Eangitiki, which arrived from London yesterday, there arrived a thoroughbred mare, Stud Queen, bred at Richmond, Yorkshire, by Lord Zetland. She is rising four, and is by Ring Lud, out of Myosotis. Mr Carter, of Ashburton, is the importer, and the animal’s condition on her arrival yesterday was generally admired. By the same ship three choice Leicester rams, imported by Mr Threlkeld, arrived, also in excellent condition. Home Mission Meeting. —A meeting was held in the Wesleyan Church, Southbridge, on Monday evening, December Gth. Thera was a very large attendance, and the chair was occupied by Mr Thomas Cannon. Addresses on home mission work were delivered by the Revs. Worker and Baumber, and Mr Donald, of Springston. A collection was made in the room, and over £3 collected. The meeting broke up about 10 o’clock, after having spent a very pleasant evening.

Oheistmas at Poet. The Lyttelton Choral Society’s efforts, under the direction of Mr J, T. Maoleod Smith, to perform the “Messiah” at Lyttelton during the Christmas week, promises to result in greater success than any musical performance ever given at the port by local talent. Lately the rehearsals have been attended by a largely increased number of lady vocalists, some of whom rank with the best amateur singers in the district. From the interest which the performers are taking in preparing for the oratorio, it is manifest that they intend it shall be a success.

Salt Wateh Baths. The Mayor o£ Lyttelton, at the meeting of the Borough Council on Monday night, (aid that a prirate offer would be made at the next meeting and plana aubmitted for erecting extensive bathhouses adjacent to Lyttelton. That a port like Lyttelton haa been without a suitable bathing place for eo many years does not aay much either for public or private enterprise. However, the salt water bathing community who have passed through the ordeal of improvising a bath house on a rooky beach, and braved the dangers of an unprotected sharky bay, will doubtless say “ better late than never ” to the new proposal.

Tbiax op the Eubeza Mowing Machine. —The trial of this machine took place yesterday in Mr M. Stapleton’s paddock, near Doyleston, there being a considerable number of farmers present, who watched it with some interest. The grass selected for the trial consisted of from heavy to light ryegrass and clover, and the machine seemed to work splendidly all through. The principal feature of the “Eureka” is the lightness of its draught. It out three and a half acres in as many hours, including all stoppages. Unfortunately for the agents {Messrs Twentyman and Cousin) there is very little hay to cut this year, as most farmers have a sufficient quantity of old left from last year. Sand and Fibb Clap. —On Tuesday, Mr W. Smart, of this pity, while on a visit to the bush on the banks of the Grey river, in the Ashley district, came upon a very valuable deposit of fine sand suitable for moulders’ purposes. He also procured a very good specimen of fire clay from a bank in which there was a deposit of some thousands of tons. The sand will be submitted to the test by Messrs Scott Bros., at their foundry, while the clay will be tested by Messrs Austin and Kirk. Should these deposits become useful in manufactures, the question of their being brought into easy distance of a railway will be an important element for consideration.

A Novel Steamboat. —A novelty in the steamboat line is being built at the present time at Nyaok, U.S., and when completed is expected to show an extraordinary tnrn of speed. The hull is built in the form of two cigar-shaped cylinders made of iron, and braced together at a distance of about 25ft. apart. The motive power will consist of a paddle-wheel, Bft. in diameter, running between the cylinders, on the top of which will rest the deck and saloon; and steam will be supplied by one peculiarlyshaped boiler, capable of carrying 1251 b. of steam to the square inch. The total length of the vessel will be 200 ft., and her draught less than 3ft. amidships. The inventor claims that she will carry people faster or send them further (if she bursts) than any other boat in the American waters.

Celestial Pbogbess. —The Chinese (says The “ Bulletin ”) have captured Hawaii they already outnumber all the other foreign, residents on the islands, and within the next decode they will outnumber all the Natives. Chinese coin has recently bought the Assembly and the King, and obtained for a lino of Chinese steam traders a subsidy of £3600 per year. The object of the Chinese capiialists is to make Honolulu the centre of the opium traffic. It was painted out that the English companies at Hongkong, who have long had a monopoly in the trade, made one million a year clear profit. South Maiveen. —The anniversary of the Baptist Church took place on Sunday, when two sermons were preached by Mr Sawlo of Groondale. On Monday there was a tea meeting in the church, which was tastefully decorated with flowers and evergreens. The large company did ample justice to the excellent tea provided by Meodames Lsemin, Ooppock, Ford, Grindrod, and Harrison. The bachelors’ table was presided over by Miss Smith and Miss Grindrod. Afterwards the Rev. O. Dallaston gave a very interesting lecture on “ Charles Haddon Spurgeon.” Mr Sawlo presided. Messrs Grindrod and Ford read the report of the work of the church. After the usual votes of thanks the meeting was closed with prayer. The proceeds of the anniversary will amount to about £l2,

Evasion or Stamp Doty. At the Raugiora Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday an unstamped acknowledgment for a cheque for £l2 was about to be handed in, the gentleman of the bar having charge of the document saying that he had no objection to its going in. He, however, quickly recovered himself when a legal friend pointed out that bis banding it in would make him liable for the stamp duty and fine. The presiding magistrate observed that he thought the solicitor who had the receipt should have known this.

Bangioea School Commutes. The usual meeting of this committee was held on Monday evening. Present—Messrs Cunningham (chairman). Best, Ellis, Heir, Stephens and Boyd. It was decided that a concert be held one evening that week in aid of the prizes, and that the distribution of the prizes be made on Friday, 17th, in the hall of the Literary Institute. The further consideration of the question of secondary education was discussed, but no definite conclusion arrived at, it being agreed to consider the question at next meeting.

Nobth Canterbury Hacks. — A meeting of the committee of these races was held on Monday evening at Roberts’ Junction Hotel. Sixteen were present. Captain Parsons, president, in the chair. The ground committee reported that they were not favorable to making a training ground inside the course, as it could not be carried out this season. The committee presented an estimate of the work to be done. The report was adopted. It was decided to sell the privileges of the forthcoming races on Tuesday next, by auction. The meeting then adjourned till the 18th. Nominations for the various handicaps at these races close on Saturday next. Ranqioba Licensing Couet.— The quarterly licensing meeting of this district was held on Tuesday. Commissioners—J. Beswick, Esq. (chairman), J. O. Boys, and A. H. Cunningham, Esqs. The Court sat at 11.15, the Chairman stating they would not wait till noon, as the amount of business was only formal. The report of the chief officer of police was considered very satisfactory, and the Commissioners expressed their pleasure that the high character of the hotels in the town and district had been maintained. Transfers of licenses were permanently granted of the Junction Hotel from C. Haxell to J, Roberts, and of the Club Hotel from L. W. Wilson to Horace D. Monk. Southbbidgb School Committee, — The ordinary meeting was held in the schoolroom on December 3rd; present, Mr Frame (in the chair), Messrs Webster, Woodbury, and Pattle. The salary list was received, noting reductions in salaries, and passed for payment. The master’s monthly report, showing the number on the roll to be 268, with an average attendance for the past month of 206, was received and adopted. It was resolved that the school should be closed, on account of the holidays, from the afternoon of December 23rd to the following Monday five weeks. Other minor matters of business having been disposed of the meeting adjourned. Maqistbatb’s Court, Eangioba. —At this Court on Tuesday, before J. Beswick, Esq., R.M., A. H. Cunningham and J. O. Boys, Esqs., A. Leith, neglecting to pay towards the support of a son in the Industrial School, was ordered to pay 30s in a month. The defendant stated ho was working as a carter, and only received 12s a week with his food. Mrs Rowe was charged with rescuing two head of cattle from the ranger on September 27th, and with using threatening language. At her request the case was adjourned till the 14th. J. Anderson vD. Fitzgerald, £6 Bs, judgment summons ; defendant ordered to pay £2 per month. W. Fonhy vJ. Lock, £l4 lls, Mr Clark for plaintiff, Mr Gresson for defendant, judgment for plaintiff for £l3 16s and costs. J. Ford vT. Dench, £6, judgment summons ; the Bench decided that a distress warrant must be taken out first. Eangioba Tbadesmbn's Picnic. A meeting of those interested in holding a tradesmen’s picnic was held in the Borough Council Chamber on Monday evening. About forty were present. Mr John Johnston was voted to the chair. A lengthy discussion took place in reference to the date upon which the fete should be held. Mr H. Gulliver’s proposition, seconded by Mr J. Gulliver, was to the effect that the picnic be held on Anniversary Day.” To this Mr G. Shorland moved as an amendment—“ That the fete be held on St, Patrick’s Day,” urging as a reason that on that day the Amberley races were to bo held, and it would not be quite neighborly to clash the picnic with other amusements so close to. Mr Ellis seconded the amendment, which was put and lost. Eighteen voted for the motion and fifteen against. The meeting then decided that the rendezvous be at the Grey Bush on the north side ef the Ashley.

The Christchurch Ministers’ Association. The monthly meeting of this association was held last evening, the following being presentßevs. A Reid (president), J. B. Richardson, W. H. Horner, H. Williams, S. Slocombe, O. Dallaston, J. Orewes, A. Peters, E, O. Perry, and J. Clover. After opening the meeting in the usual manner, and two or three matters arising out of the minutes of the previous meeting having received attention, the annual invitation from the Evangelical Alliance was considered, and in response thereto it was decided to hold united services during the first week of the New Year similar to those held twelve months’ ago, the following being the series of services agreed upon :—Monday, January 3rd, Communion services at St. Paul’s Church; address by Rev. A. Reid. Tuesday, January 4th, service at the U.M.F.0., St. Asaph street, address by Rev. H. Williams ; and at the Presbyterian Church, Papanui, addresses by Revs, J. White and O. Dallaston. Wednesday, January stb, service at the Baptist Church, Oxford terrace ; address by Rev. W. H. Horner. Thursday, January 6th, service at Durham street Wesleyan Church j address by Rev; S. Slocombe. Friday, January 7th, service Wesleyan Church, Colombo road, Sydenham; address by Rev. E. O. Perry. Saturday, January Bth, to be arranged for. These arrangements having been made, the meeting was duly closed by prayer.

Cotton Oil. —The manufacture of oil from the cotton seed is becoming of importance in the United States, there being at the present time upwards of forty-one oil mills, of which nine are in Mississippi, nine in Louisiana, eight in Tennessee, eix in Texas, four in Arkansas, two in Missouri, two in Alabama, and one in Georgia. The annual quantity of seed converted into oil now amounts to about 410,000 tons, the yield being at the rate of some thirty-five gallons of oil to the ton of cotton material. Moreover, each ton leaves 7501 b. of oil cake of admirable fattening qualities. A great deal of the cotton oil is imported to Italy and other countries where the olive oil is a staple ; and, in point of fact, cotton oil is there superseding the olive oil, not only for utilitarian purposes, but also as an article of food.

A Highland Funeral.— The Highland customs are, even in the North of Scotland, rapidly passing away. A funeral in the old style is seldom witnessed in Scotland now save in the case when a representative of the nobility “ shuffles off this mortal soil." One would hardly expect, therefore, to see a real Highland funeral here at the antipodes. Yet such a funeral was (the “Grey River Argus ” says) that of the late Mrs John Cameron, who, at the ripe age of ninetyfour, was gathered to the lap of mother earth at Turakina recently. The customs of the Gael, which were in vogue a century ago, were rigidly observed. The husband of the deceased lady, though 102 years old, prescribed all the dirges which were to be played on the bagpipes at the funeral of the wife who had shared his joys and sorrows for seventy-seven years. The cortege was the largest ever seen in the district, and amongst the mourners were many of the oldest settlers of the West Coast. It was not only by Europeans that Mrs Cameron’s death was lamented; about forty Maoris met the sad procession with weeping willows, and their wailing cry drowned the notes of the bagpipes.