NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2131, 22 December 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Heathcote Races. —Calcutta sweeps on the Heathcote meeting will be held on Thursday and Friday evenings at Hawkes’ Sale Rooms, Hereford street. These sweeps will be held under the aupioes of Mr W. Warner, and will be under the special patronage of the Heathcote Club. Tub Hospital Stapp on tub “Stab” Libel. — A special meeting of the late members of the Staff of the Hospital took place yesterday, for the purpose of considering what steps should be taken in reference to what the Staff termed the highly libellous words used by the “Star” in its article of Saturday last. A unanimous opinion was expressed that criminal proceedings for libel should be at once initiated against that paper for the unwarrantable and coarse manner in which the Staff had been disparaged. The chairman of the meeting, Dr. Prina, was of opinion that, as the “Star” bad recanted and retracted its words without any pressure having been brought to bear by the Staff, it would perhaps be well to let the matter rest, for the present at least, especially so as public opinion gave no weight whatever to what was uttered by the print in question. After some discussion, it was resolved to adopt Dr. Pries’ view of the case and to defer proceedings for a few days, it being considered that the “ Star’s” recantation was no apology at all, but a lame evasion.

Druids. —A new lodge of the above order was opened on Monday evening, 20th, at Amberley, in Groynor’s Bailway Hotel, by Bro. Swinnerton, D.P., assisted by Bro, P.A. Wiltsend. There being a large muster of officers and member! of the Band of Hope Lodge, Bangiora. The number of candidates whose names were on the roll were forty-two, but in consequence of it not being generally known that the lodge was to be opened on Monday night, there was not so many initiated as was expected, but it is fully understood that all who had paid their proposition money would be up at the next lodge meeting. The following officers were elected: —Bro. Brown, A. ; Bro. A. Williams, Y.A.; Bro. Hotton, secretary; Bro. Gi®/nc», treasurer; 8.A.8., Bro. J. {Harris; L.A.8., Bro. Hodgkinson ; B. Bro, W. Miams ; L.Y.B. Bro. Elliott; 1.G., Bro. Gartner; 0.G., Bro. Waters. It was resolved to hold the lodge at the town hall. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the members of the Band of Hope Lodge for their attendance, which was carried by acclamation. The lodge was then duly closed. Bro. Greynor had provided a most excellent eolation, but in consequence of the lateness of the hour, full 'justice could not be done to the same.

Court Humors.—At the Besident Magistrate’s Court, yesterday, a mild-eyed Chinaman made his appearance in the witness box, and after blowing out one of the matches provided by her Majesty for that purpose, proceeded in very complicated Chinese English to describe what his trouble consisted of. The plaint said he had supplied a lady with rhubarb, cabbages, one gold ring, and seven shillings in money, for which she declined to pay. His vis a vis, the lady, appeared with one eye in deepest mourning, her cheeks bloomed with recent scars similar in appearance, to the casual observer, to the Indian Archipelago, as laid down in the school atlasses, and with a voice like a man’s. John, mellifluously chanted his story, by which it seemed that, when selling garden stuff to the defendant, she had inserted her hands into his packets, and taken therefrom the jewellery and plate before mentioned. “ Foelum all lober alley plockets, dam blad pigeon that fashion, eh ?” he said. His Worship, as he gave him a judgment, said he thought the police would do better for him than he could, but John replied, ‘‘No, sakee.” The woman asked his Worship how she was going to pay it. •* Pay it ?” said he; “ why, pay it at once, and think yourself easily let off.’’ John then went away, seemingly quite contented with his seven shillings’ worth ; but the defendant winked at him significantly, as if to say, “ Don’t you wish you may get it P After this there took place a passage of compliments between two lawyers One of them, folding his arms like Napoleon gazing at the Pyramids, assured his learned friend it was his intention to remain standing on the floor of that Court until bis question vi as allowed to be answered. The other, whose bump of benevolence shone with a savage glare, vowed that he would see his learned friend a very long way off before he would allow his client to reply, and so on da capo for an exciting few minutes. His Worship, who had been enjoying the fray with an extra humorous twinkle of his eye, then poured oil on the troubled waters with a few judicious words; both “ bowed to the decision of the Court,” and nobody seemed a bit the worse. There must have been gunpowder in the air, for immediately afterwards a rising young barrister ran a tilt against his Worship himself. “Do I understand your Worship to say,” said he, “that unless my client pays the costs and solicitors’ fees due in his former nonsuit you will not hear his most important case now?” “That is just what I intended to convey, Mr Z.,” blandly replied his Worship. “Then,” said Z., in his most solemn tone, “ I fear I shall have to go to the expense of compelling by mandamus that which you refuse to allow.” After this awful announcement nothing happened, as Z, seemed to think there would, except that the lawyer on the other side, who wanted his fee and had started all this, rejoiced openly, and sent his opinion of the difficulty, written on small pieces of paper, all round the Court. He came off best, for subsequently, the hat being sent round, or some other method of levy being taken, he got his fee, which previously he would have sold for half the money. The entertainment of the day was wound up by a disappointed suitor who, notwithstanding the immense trouble he had taken in distributing his h’s in several speeches, received an adverse decision. He ejaculated in a loud stage whisper, " Well, that may be justice but not law.” His agitation prevented him noticing the inversion of the saw. He went away stamping his feet, brushing his bat the wrong way, and he slammed the door behind him. A gentleman, having then compared his learned friend to that creature which, in the terror induced by the pursuit of a relentless enemy, ejects an inky fluid that envelops everything in the densest obscurity, the proceedings terminated.

U.A.O. Druids. —The nsnal fortnightly meeting of the Ferveranoe Lodge was held last night in St. Mary’s Schoolroom, Addington, A.D. Bro. Skinner presiding. It being a summoned meeting there was a full attendance of members also several visiting brothers from other Lodges. After the Lodge had been opened the A.D. proceeded to receive nominations for the various offices. There was one proposition for membership. After some further business had been transacted the Lodge was closed in due form.

Working Men’s Club.— A lecture was given last evening by Professor Biokerton to the members of the above on " Partial Impact.” It was very instructive, and was listened to with great attention by a large audience of the members and friends. Mr Wykes, the president, was in the chair. Votes of thanks were passed to the lecturer and chairman.

Railway Band. The following programme will be performed by the Railway band on Thursday evening in Cathedral square, at 7.30 p.m. sharp : —Quick march, “Banner of Old England,” H. R. Oallcot j quadrille (on Irish airs), “Shamrock Leaves,” T. H. Wright; grand selection, “ Lea Ohevaliere,” E. Millot; valse, “True Love,” H. Round ; quick march, “ Rose, Shamrock and Thistle,” T. H. Wright; polka (cornet solo), “ The Imperial,” H. Round ; fantasia, “II Trovatore,” Verdi; uohottisohe, “Sweet briar,” P. Dawson; galop, “The Royal Squadron,” Linter; National Anthem. A Hospital Sunday. —The clergymen at Oamarn are to be waited on by the hospital committee in order to ascertain whether they will be willing to give one Sunday’s collection in the year to the hospital. Boxing Day Exclusion. —Among other attractive excursions announced for Monday next is one by the Union Steamship Company, their steamer being that day laid on for Pigeon Bay from Port.

Eight Hobbes destroyed by a Train. — Eight valuable draught hones were destroyed on the railway line near Waimate on Monday morning by the train conveying Cole’s circus to Oamaru. The horses were the property of J. H. Taylor, a farmer, and strayed on to the line through a gap in the fence. Thb Bath Collhctoeship. —At the meeting of the City Council held on Monday night, Mr J. Smith was selected to fill the post of rate collector, rendered vacant by the retirement of Mr Tribe.

Bashes’ Picnic. A meeting of the master bakers of Christchurch was held last night at the Commercial Hotel, to make arrangements for a picnio to be held on the third Wednesday in January. The following officers were appointed:—President, Mr Q. Hawker; secretary, Mr T. B. Whitfield; treasurer, Mr P. Taylor ; committee, Messrs. Sunderland, Drew, Baines, Ritchie, and the officers. Mr Whitfield mentioned that Lady Wilson had kindly offered the use of the grounds at Cashmere for the picnic. It was resolved that the offer of Lady Wilson be accepted with thanks. “The Messiah.” —This oratorio will be given by the Christchurch Harmonic Society as the second concert of their new season, tomorrow evening at the Academy of Music, when the society will be assisted by several well-known amateurs. The final rehearsal took place last night at St. John’s Schoolroom, and was very successful.

Ancient Oedeh op Fohbstees. —The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Court Star of Canterbury was held at the Foresters’ Hall last evening. The nominations of officers for the ensuing term were made, and the Woodwards’ report on sick and distressed members having been received, an initiation was gone through, and the general routine business finished. The receipts of the evening were £164 8s sd. Noeth - west Waed Election. —An influentially signed requisition is about to be presented to Mr F. C. Tribe, the late rate collector, asking him to stand for the above ward to fill the vacancy caused by the election of Mr Gapes to the Mayoral chair. We understand that Mr Tribe has consented to be nominated for the vacant seat. It is also probable that Mr J. P. Oliver will offer himself for election.

Waiau School. —On Friday last a treat was given to the children. An abundant repast was provided, games were p ayed in the open air, and before dark, all having returned to the schoolroom, the prizes, which consisted of books to the value of £4, were Hearty cheers were given for their master, Mr D. Davidson, for Mrs Gaskill and others who got up the treat, for the subscribers to the prize fund, for Mrs Wardale and Miss Pinching, teachers of the Sunday school, and for Mr Herbertson. The five highest in the school were:—Catherine Mitchell, 1; Samuel Mitchell, 2; Elizabeth Fraser, 3; Donald Fraser, 4; Kellie Neville, 5. Oddfellowship. The Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge held their quarterly summoned meeting in the chambers in Lichfield street on Monday evening. There was a large attendance of members and visiting brethren, the district officers also being present. The following brethren were elected to serve as presiding officers for the ensuing term ;—G.M., Bro. A. Webster; N.G., Bro. G. Miller; Y.G., Bro. J. Smart; E.S., Bro. J. MoMeckan; Bro. Leahy was re-elected FS. for the ensuing year. Upoa the nominations for lodge surgeon being declared open, no fresh candidates were brought forward, Drs. Campbell and Deamer were therefore declared re-elected for the ensuing year. Daring the evening the N.G. presented Bro. Dr. Campbell, on behalf of the lodge, with an emblem of the Order, handsomely framed in New Zealand wood. The installation of officers then took place, the retiring G.M., Bro. Cowper, conducting the ceremony in a very impressive manner. Industrial Association. A general meeting of the members of the above will be held this evening, when papers will be read by Messrs Gray and Ulrich. Oxford Cement. —The adjourned meeting of those interested in the development of the Oxford cement deposits will be held at Draper, Charters and Co ’a offices to-day at 3 p.m. Christmas Carnival. —There was a very good attendance of visitors yesterday, both during the day and evening, at the carnival opened by Messrs Brice and Montague in Ford and Newton’s buildings. Calcutta Sweeps. —Sweeps on the Lower Heathcote race meeting, to be held on Boxing Day, will be drawn this evening and on Thursday and Friday evenings, at Mr J. L. Fleming’s auction rooms, High street. Professor Haselmater. This gentleman, assisted by Madame Haaelmayer, will make his re-appearance at the Theatre Boyal on Friday evening next, when he will unfold a new repertoire of illusions, &c. The box plan is now open at Montague’s Bazaar.

Mr F. 0. Burnand is said to have been commissioned to adapt for the Hajmarket MM. Meilhao and Halevy’s “Lolotte,” in which Madame Ohaumont is so amusing. The Tragedian's Kid. —On Howard street, the other day, “ Where are you going, my pretty maid ?" asked a benevolent old gentleman, as he chucked under the chin a little tot of six years old, who was walking gravely along with a basket on her arm. “ Give thee good day, greybeard,” replied the midget, simply. “My father bade me to the shambles hie for a fat haunob.” “ W-w-what ?” ejaculated the old party. “ Haply thou knowest him, the goodman Skidmore ?” inquired the tiny dame, “ N-o-o,’ said the gentleman, much puzzled at the evident earnestness of the child. “ You’re a quaint little thing. Come with me, and I'll buy you some candy. “ Alack ! lam forbid to tarry, gentle sir. 1 need be blythe. Their patience stays upon my coming.” “ Good-bye,” said the old gentleman. "Best you, merry master,” and, dipping a chubby little curtsey, the mite trotted off. “Bless my soul! what an extraordinary child !” said the gentleman to a neighbor, who had been looking on. "Oh! that’s nothing,” replied the other. “You see, she's the daughter of Bilson, the heavy man at the theatre, and I suppose they talk so much of that kind of lingo in the family that it comes natural to her. Doesn’t hear anything else, you see.” SOUTH W AIMAKARIEI BOARD ELECTIONS. The elections for the South Waimakariri Board of Conservators took place yesterday. At noon this day a number of persona assembled at the City Council office, to hear the official declaration of the polls ; but the Returning Officer contented himself with simply affixing the results outside his office in Armagh street, as under:— Christchurch North-West Division. Atkinson, Henry 81 Alport, H. £. 80 Majority for Atkinson ... 1 Christchurch North-East Division. Lambert, T. S. ... ... 224 Mitchell, Bdwd. 215 Majority for Lambert ... 9 Avon District. Wilson, J. L 108 Munro, Wm ... 107 Majority for Wilson ... 1 Heathcotb District. Attwood, Wm. 278 Olephane 274 Majority for Attwood ... 4 There were four informal papers for the North-East Division and one for the NorthWest Division. Lincoln District. H. W. Perryman 311 - W. A Blake 50 Majority for Peryman ... 261 Eiocabton District. In this district there were two polling places, viz , Biooarton and Templeton : Boag. Hall. Biccarton 267 280 Templeton 102 67 369 347 Majority for Boag ... 22 As will be remembered, in the Sydenham, Christchurch North-east, and Christchurch South-east districts, only one person was nominated, and consequently no elections ensued. The South Waimakariri Board of Conservators is composed os under : Christchurch, North-west district— H. Atkinson Christchurch, North-east district— T. 8. Lambert Christchurch, South-east district— P. Jones Christchurch, South-west district— B. W. England Sydenham W. White, jun. Avon J. L. Wilson Heathoote W. Attwood Biccarton W. Boag Lincoln H. W. Peryman