NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2140, 4 January 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Templeton Shooting Case.—The wounded man Kerrison died this morning at five o’clock. An inquest was proceeding at the Hospital this afternoon, full particulars of which will appear in our issue of to-morrow. Bbapeb aed Bindkb Tbial. — A trial of more than ordinary interest to farmers was made on New Year’s Day of one of Walter A. Wood’s self-binding harvesters with twine binder attachment. The trial took place in a paddock of oats belonging to Mr E. Jones on the Wakanui road, Ashburton, a short distance from the town. The crop was extremely uneven, the length of straw varying from five or six inches to three feet, yet, notwithstanding this great disadvantage, the machine threw off nice even sheaves, and in every case (and wo tried a number) they appeared well and securely bound. Our attention was drawn to the entire absence of that objectionable jerk to the sheaf on delivery which was so noticeable a feature in the older machines of these makers. The general opinion amongst the practical farmers present was that these machines were, without doubt, the best that had yet appeared, and, as they can be used for cither twine or wire, without any increase in the cost, we prognosticate a great sale for them, and have no doubt they will become a general favorite with the farmers.

Attempted Suicide. —At about ten o’clock this morning Mr Crowley, of Cambridge terrace, saw a man throw himself into the Biver Avon, close to the Madras street bridge. He hurried up to the spot, jumped in, and after some little trouble succeeded, with the help of Mr Andersou, who was passing at the time, in pulling the man out. The rescue was only just in time, as the man seemed perfectly helpless in the water, and whan brought to the bank was quite exhausted. He was taken to the police depot. His name was ascertained to bo Jameson. He is a tall man, of military appearance, and is well known about town.

Maoistbeial.— Mr C. Whitefoord, 8.M., who has been away for a few weeks on a visit to Australia and Tasmania, resumed his duties on the Eaiapoi Bench on Monday.

Thk Chatham Island Mubdbb.—The Grand Jury to-day returned a true bill in the case of Bogina v Wiremn Wharepa for the murder of his wife at the Chatham Islands. In reference to., this- case, his Honor mentioned the desirableness ,of the prisoner being assisted by counsel, but Mr Joynt stated that he refuged most persistently to bs assisted in any way by conngel, His Honor said what he should like to have was a thoroughly good interpreter present, as an amicus curia. Mr Duncan said that ho had rpjkcn to the Bev. Mr Stack on the subject, and he had offered to attend as suggested by his Honor. His Honor said that the Court would be very much obliged to Mr Stack if ho would do so. Mr Duncan said he had received a telegram from the Government, stating that if counsel were assigned, they would pay the usual fee. His Honor said (hat this was very humane on the part of the Government, but the prisoner declined to have any legal assistance, so that they could not force it upon him. The gaoler would please have the prisoner brought up at ten o’clock tho next morning for trial.

MtraPHY’s Case.—His Honor mentioned yesterday in Court that the case of Murphy and Watt would come before the Court of Appeal to-day, and that the record would be at once transmitted to Christ church, when the Grand Jury could come back and consider tho cases.

Theatkb Royal.—Despite the unpleasant weather, there was a very good house last night at the Theatre Royal, when Professor end Madame Huselmayer repeated their clever entertainment. The various illusions were as mystifying as ever, and were loudly applauded. To-night will be the last but four of the season. The Late Accident on the Avon.—ln the case of the lads committed for trial for firing a revolver out of a beat on the river, by which a man named Pearce was shot, and subsequently died, the Crown Prosecutor only presented a hill against one of the lads, named Henry Davenport, which was thrown out hy tho Grand Jury. Nobth Oanteebtjby Caledonian Society.—The ball held in the Amberley Town Hall, under the auspices of this society, on New Year’s Eve, was thoroughly enjoyable. The attendance was not large, but tho committee are to be congratulated on tho completeness with which details had been arranged. Inquest.—An inquest was held yesterday, before Dr. Coward, coroner, and a jury of twelve, touching the death of John Sheppard, a milkman. Dr. Campbell, who had made a •post mortem examination of the body, gave it as hie opinion that the deceased died from fatty degeneration of the heart. Other evidence was taken. The jury returned a verdict of “ Death from natural causes.”

Evangelical Services. —The opening service in connection with the Evangelical Alliance special eervices was held last evening in St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church. The Sev. J. Blmelie presided, and there was a numerous attendance. Several addresses were delivered

by ministers in connection with the denominations present, and specially selected hymns were sung, after which the Holy Communion was celebrated. Magistrate's Court, Kaiapoi. —At this

Court, on Monday, before O. Whitefoord, Esq., R M., and G. H. Blackwell, Esq., Mayor, W. Stevenson, for having used language towards M.Lynskoy likely to provoke a breach of the peace, "was fined 10s. Judgments were given for plaintiff in the cases Barnard’s Trustee v W. Puddle, £4 11s 7d ; J. Sims v O. O. Howard, £5 5s fid ; J. O’Donnell v A. Eraser, £2 ; W. King v R. Black, 6s lid ; Thos. May v 0. 0. Howard, £l7 Is sd. WAIKARI. —On New Year’s day the annual sports of the Waikari school were held in a paddock kindly lent by Mrs Hood, of the Star and Garter Hotel. The weather being

congenial tho pupils enjoyed the competition for the prizes awarded in the various feats of juvenile muscular development as stated on the programme. The sports were well attended by parents and friends of the children, and much credit is due to Mr Robert Johnstone, the chairman, and other gentlemen, for their assistance in making every one happy here on the advent of tho new year. Supreme Court. —The usual quarterly session of the Supreme Court was opened yesterday, before his Honor Judge Johnston, when there was a heavy calendar. The Grand Jury returned true bills in sixteen oases, and no bill in the case of Regina v Henry Davenport, the case of shooting on the River Avon. The cases disposed of were—James Robinson, burglary, three years’ penal servitude ; W. H. Hewison, forgery, eighteen months’ hard labor ; William Smith, eighteen months’ hard labor; Robert Grant, twelve months’ hard labor ; Charlotte Wright and Charlotte Scarborough, assault with intent to do bodily harm, one day’s imprisonment. In the ease of Alfred Forest, the jury returned a verdict of “ Not Guilty,” and in that of M. McOallum the Crown Prosecutor entered a nolle prosequi. Canterbury Sabbath School Teachers’ Institute. —At a meeting of the committee, hold in the upper vestry of the Congregational Church, Manchester street, last evening, the following resolution was carried: — “ That the resolution passed at the last meeting, by which it was determined to hold a soiree in January, be rescinded; and that, in order to avoid collision with the Sunday School Union, whoso annual meeting is usually held in January or February, the annual soiree of the Sabbath School Teachers’ Institute shall in future be held in the month of June.” The committee then adjourned. Avon Road Board, —The nomination of candidates for the various subdivisions of the Avon Road District took place yesterday with the following result: —For No. 1, Mwsrs W. Hinton and J, L. Wilson ; for No. 2, Messrs T. Cooper, sen., W. Moor, A. M. Phil pott; for No. 4, Messrs R. M. Oresswell, W. Munro and D. Thomas ; for No. 6, Messrs John Bligh and W. Dunlop. The poll for the election of one member for each subdivision will take place on January 7th, The nomination for No. 3 being informal, a fresh nomination will be held on the 10th inst.

Anoibnt Obdbb of Fobestees. — A special summoned meeting of Court Star of Canterbury was held lust evening, for the election of officers for the ensuing half-year. The result of the ballot was as follows: —O.B , Bro. W. H. Howard ; 5.0. R., Bro. H. W. Newman; Minute Secretary, Bro. George Triggs ; Junior Beadle, Bro. W. H. Payne; Medical Officers, Drs. Campbell and Deamer. There being no opposition for the other offices, the members at present holding them were declared re-elected. A large amount of routine business was transacted, and many important legal points were raised and decided. The receipts of the evening amounted to £162 0s lOd. Oxpobd Amatetjb Deamatio Association.—“ Aurora Floyd” was played by the above association on New Year’s night. The large ball at East Oxford was crowded. The part of Aurora was entrusted to Miss Arothusa May, who played with feeling and judgment, which frequently received the applause of the house. Mrs Clifton sustained the character of Mrs Powell very creditably. The other parts were taken by Messrs Cooper, Thomson, Parish, Wilson, Cooper and Hurnohan, and each acquitted himself well. The farce was the “ Area Belle,” which went very well and gave great satisfaction. The parts were taken by Miss Heats, Mrs Bluett, and Messrs Parish, Smith and Church.

Sydenham Baptist Sunday School.— This Sabbath school held its treat yesterday afternoon, in a paddock off the Windmill road, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr Goss. Different games were engaged in until the children were mustered to partake of the good things so ably distributed by the ladies and friends of the church. The rain soon after stopped all further field sports, and they marched back to the Oddfellows’ Hall, Montreal street south, where the remainder of the time was enjoyably spent in various in-door amusements. At eight o’clock the children dispersed to their respective home, carrying with them, we doubt not, many pleasant recollections of their first Sunday school treat.

A Substantial Pension. Somewhere about a quarter of a century ago (says a contemporary), Mr Hugh Childers, a recentlyarrived aristocrat from England, managed to to getinto thothen recently formed Parliament under a responsible Government in Victoria. The young legislator wac not long to exhibit the abilities of which he was possessed, and in a little while he was admitted into the Nicholson Ministry, if wo remember aright. The Government of which he was a member retained office for a little over a year, and Hugh Childers, on the strength of his fifteen months' service, during which he drew a large salary, claimed and obtained hia pension, shortly afterwards leaving the Colony. Since that time to the present day be has drawn somewhere about £23,000 out of the Victorian Treasury, as a recompense for his services during his short Ministerial career.

More Special Settlements. —Another gentleman sails for New Zealand (writes a London correspondent) in a few days, to visit and report to .English farmers. His special destination, I believe, is a property of 200,000 acres, near, to Nelson and Blenheim, which it is intended, if possible, to put into a company, and Bottle with English farmers. The gentleman in question is a Hr Herring, from near Wakefield, in Yorkshire, where he has a good deal of influence. He is a highly respectable man, and has.written one or two small books on English agriculture. This step has grown, I think, out of the Grant and Foster deputation, as I know that Messrs Grant and Faster have been in frequent communication with Mr Herring. Good must result from such a movement. Mr Herring will be accompanied by a son of Mr Broomhall. Kowai Hoad District. The annual meeting of ratepayers was held at the Hoad Board office, Baloairn, on Monday afternoon, Ali the members of the Board were present, the chairman, Mr O. Ensor, in the chair. About fifty ratepayers were also present. The receipts and expenditure for the year were laid on. the table, the former (from all sources) being £17,216 7s 9d, and the latter £10,382 19s lOd, showing a balance in hand cf £6833 7s lid, less outstanding liabilities. The chairman referred to the large outlay on concrete works, and congratulated the district on their general excellence and the number of new roads opened out. A number of questions were asked and replied to by the chairman, and ultimately Mr Moore moved the adoption of the report, which was seconded by Mr Bell. Mr Macdonald moved, as an amendment, that the meeting adjourn till the first Friday in February, in order that the books might be audited, and a statement made out. The amendment was carried by the casting vote of the chairman. Votes of thanks to the retiring members and the chairman were unanimously agreed to, and the meeting adjourned. Thb Ketten Concerts. —The programme last night included to a very large extent the numbers played in previous recitals, so that extended notice is hardly required. The opening piece was Beethoven’s " Sonata Pathotique,” which was grandly interpreted by the chevalier. Then followed four “ Spinnlieds," illustrative of the varied styles of Liszt, Mendelssohn, Litolf, and the chevalier himself. A brilliant valse by Chopin, and a funeral maroh, led up to the charming serenade from “Don Giovanni,” the melody of which never tires on one. The first part concluded with the fantasia by Thalborg on themes from “Elisir d’Amore," exquisitely played. The opening trio of numbers by Chevalier Ketten, braoketted together, of the second part, gave us an opportunity once more of hearing his nocturne, the vivid tarantella, and the no less brilliant “ Oaetagnetta." The latter drew forth an enthusiastic encore, which was responded to by Boccherini’s minuet. The chevalier’s arrangement of “ The Last Rose of Summer," in which he exhibited his wondrous power with the left hand, Gottsohalk’s “ Banjo," and Liszt’s “ Rhapsodie Hongroise," concluded a most enjoyable concert. To-night, by special request, the chevalier will play his first programme. Rakaia Peoteotiyb Works. Messrs Wilson, England, Jones, Peryman, Atkinson, Boag, and Attwood, with Mr Jael, the foreman of works, as a deputation from the newly-elected Board of Conservators for the South Waimakariri, in pursuance of a resolution passed at their first meeting in Christchurch, paid an official visit to the protective works on the north banks of the Rakaia on New Year’s Day. An early start was made from Christchurch by the 7.20 train, and the twenty-eight miles to Southbridge covered in two hours and thirty minutes. Whilst waiting breakfast a visit was paid to , the secretary of the local Board, Mr Desborough, who at once arranged to accompany the visitors to the works. At about 10.30 a 1 start was made in a suitable conveyance. After having inspected some of the plans and tracings showing the position of the works and different levels that had been taken between the Rakaia railway bridge, Leeston, and Southbridge. The visitors were driven first to a point on the works known as Mr Storrey’s reserve, where one of the main streams of the river, which on the occasion of the visit was very low, was driving against the banks and attacking the groins which had been thrown out there. The greatest possible interest was taken in the description of the system adopted at the suggestion of Mr White at a total coot of about £IO,OOO, and which had proved itself now for nearly seven years so successful. The party followed on foot the bank of the river for about three miles, and

expressed themselves agreeably surprised at the evident success and apparent stability and efficacy of the works. In passing the old protective works constructed by Mr White in about 1869 were closely examined. The walk terminated at the old Oakley garden, formerly the residence of the late Mr E. H. Feroday. Here they were met hy the conveyance, and driven back to Southbridge by way of the Recreation Reserve, where the Ellesmere annual sports were being held. Before leaving for Christchurch a capital dinner was partaken of at Mitchell's Hotel,

Horticultural Socibty. —The ordinary monthly meeting of the committee of the above will be held this evening in tho rooms of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Hereford street.

Canterbury Building Society.—A special general meeting of the members of the Canterbury Building Society (Permanent) was held at the offices of the society, Hereford street, last evening, when the alterations and additions to the rules as proposed, by the directors were passed unanimously. The Canterbury Building Society (Permanent). The monthly subscriptions and repayments are duo to-day, when the office will be open between the hours of 7 and 9 p.m., in addition to tho nsnal hoars from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.