NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2148, 13 January 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Thb Colonial Teeashbbe. —Major Atkinson arrived this morning from Wellington in the steamer Hawea, accompanied by his secretary, Excuesion on the Wateb. —The steamer Akaroa will make a moonlight excursion this evening down the harbor. A Dan&eeoub Peaotioe. —An accident occurred at Lyttelton this morning, which resulted all but fatally, to a child of Mrs Nor they'a, about two years of age, and which, it may be said, would not have happened were it not for the practice, too much in vogue with parents, leaving tubs or like utensils about their premises containing water, and accessible to children of tender years. The little fellow in question was found lying in a tub then standing in the yard, but he was fortunately rescued before he was in that state which renders medical assistance hopeless. Dr. Cole was promptly sent for, and reported that the little follow would be brought round. A New Definition.— A gentleman from the “ ould” country was called upon at the Police Court this morning to give an account of his doings on the evening before. He explained that, having just come into town, he took a few glasses of whisky, which " loaned" on him— laned, he called it—and apparently the burden was too heavy to bear, for be staggered so much under it that a sympathising policeman felt constrained to assist him with it to the watch-house, where, most likely, in the course of the night, he obtained the rest he seemed to require. The magistrates, less considerate than the policeman, did not seem to sympathise a bit with him, for they fined him twenty shillings, which, probably, he thought harder to bear than the whisky.

Lbothbb. —The Rev. James Bailor gave a lecture illustrative of his reminiscences in England, after an absence of forty years, to a large audience last evening at the Wesleyan Ohurch, Durham street. The chair was taken by the Rev. A. Reid, who briefly introduced the lecturer. The rev. gentleman described at considerable length the changes noticeable in the land we all call “ home ” after so prolonged an absence, and related the various symptoms of progress noticeable in the different religious bodies. He stated that he had lectured on Row Zealand in various parts of England, notably amongst other places at Midsomer Norton, where the chair was taken by an old Christchurch resident, Mr John Oram. The lecturer chiefly dwelt upon the religious aspect of Great Britain at the present time, and passed a very high encomium on the Rev. O. H. Spurgeon. At the conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to the rev. gentleman, and the meeting terminated with his pronouncing the Benediction.

Thb Madvbsn Hill,? —At the meeting of the Industrial Association last night, Mr Gray, of the Canterbury College laboratory, mentioned that the Malvern Hills clay on analysis gave results for cement purposes equal to that of an ideal clay mentioned in the highest German authority on the subject. The Melbofenb Exhibition. —By the courtesy of Mr W. R. Mitchell, there is now on view at the rooms of the Industrial Association, Hereford street, a very fine collection of photographs of the Melbourne Exhibition, which are open to public inspection. They are admirably executed, and give a very good idea of the immense number and variety of exhibits there collected. Pbimitivb Methodist Ohdbch. A lecture was delivered last evening at the Primitive Methodist Ohurch, Cambridge terrace, by the Rev. D, Dutton, E.R.A.S., of Wellington, on “ Wyoliffe and the Dawn of the Protestant Reformation.” The chair was taken by the Mayor of Christchurch. The lecturer was attentively listened to for upwards of an hour, and at the close a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to him, Hoetiouxtuead. Professor Bickerton submitted two novelties for the inspection of the members of the Horticultural Society on Tuesday evening last. The first was the fruit of the Laughton blackberry (an American variety), which is much larger than the fruit of the English blackberry, and bears a close resemblance to the mulberry. It was described as propagating from suckers and bearing three crops in the year—via., spring, summer and autumn. In the winter, the old wood dies down and is cut away, similar to the raspberry. The next was a specimen bloom of Tionffainvilleaspertabilis, grown from cuttings obtoined in Sydney by Messrs D, Nairn and Sons for Mr Bickerton. Although it grows in the open in Sydney, it requires hot-house culture in Now Zealand. Mr E. Jackman showed a magnificent collection of roses, gladioli, li'iums, and stocks. Amongst the former, a grand bloom of Ohoahunt Hybrid was particularly noticeable. Deunk and Disoedeei/x.—As Sergeant Hughes was escorting a drunken man to the look-up yesterday afternoon, a large crowd was attracted by the inebriate’s comical antics. First he walked on his heels, and afterwards amused the bystanders by turning somersaults, &c., on the foetpath. Help arrived from the Depot in the shape of a stalwart constable, who tripped the performer in the midst of his antics, and carried him under his arm to the look-up.

The San Francisco Mail.—The steamer l with the incoming San Francisco mail, which was due at Auckland on Monday last, had not arrived when ve went to press. School of Aet and Design.—Professo Bickerton last night, at the meeting of the Industrial Association, spoke very strongly in favor of the establishment here of ft School of Art, &0., stating that in England far too much prominence was given to classical studies, to the exclusion of knowledge useful in the development of art and manufactures. Special PAETNEBSHipa.—At the meeting of the committee of the Industrial Association last evening, the president, Mr B. Allan, called attention to the provisions of the Special Partnership Act. Under this Act any person could embark in business with general partners, only being responsible to the extent of their contribution to the partnership. The president thought that if this were more generally known, the provisions of the Act would be taken advantage of Pbimitivb Methodist Ohueoh. The members and friends of this denomination had their quarterly tea and public meeting on Tuesday evening last in the Cambridge terrace Church. A considerable _ number gathered together on the occasion, including several from Eaiapoi. The provisions were given by friends, and the young ladies connected with the congregation took charge of the tables. The public meeting waa presided over by the pastor of the church, and addresses by Messrs Lock, Carter, Davies, Pallant, Newham and Holder were given. Evangelical Alliance Meetings.—The last meeting of this series was held on Saturday evening in the Congregational schoolroom, Manchester street, this meeting being under the auspices of the Young Men’s Christian Association. The vice-president of the Association, the Eev. O, Dallaston, took the leadership of the meeting. Addresses were delivered by Bevs. J. Crewes and J. Clover on the subjects prescribed by the Alliance Committee. Several others engaged in prayer in the course of the evening. The attendance was very satisfactory, and like the previous meetings it was profitable throughout. Ohbistohueoh Ministbbs' Association. —The monthly meeting was held at the usual place on the 10th inst. Present—Bovs. A. Eeid (chairman), J. Clover, W. H. Horner, 8. Slocombe, W. Baumber, J. White, T. A. Cato, P, G. Jacobsen and J. Bullor. The united meetings of the previous week were briefly reviewed, and a feeling of satisfaction was unanimously expressed in relation to them. A paper bearing upon the spiritual training and oversight of the young was read by Eev. S. Slocombe, after which a short discussion ensued which will be resumed at the next meeting. The meeting was duly closed with prayer by the Bev. T. A, Cato. Qodley Head LiQHTHOUBB.-It is reported by shipmasters on their first visit to Lyttelton that great uncertainty is experienced by them in “picking up” the lighthouse at Godley Head. The captain who broughtthe Ocean Banger here the other day from New York states that he was within a mile and a half of the Heads on a fine clear day, and could not at that distance with a glass make out for certain that there was a lighthouse on the point. This uncertainty he attributes to tho want of sufficient contrast in the color of the paint on the lighthouse and that on the keeper’s house, which stands immediately behind it. Kaiaioi Ohueoh Sunday-school.—The annual treat to the scholars attending this school was held on Wednesday, when splendid weather favored the undertaking. There was Divine Service in the church in the morning, after which the children, accompanied by their teachers and parents, were conveyed by vehicles to a paddock near St. Stephen’s Maori Church. Here the day was spent in games of various kinds. A capital lunch and tea were provided, and the scholars heartily enjoyed themselves. In the evening on the return to town an entertainment was held in the church schoolroom, at which prizes for proficiency and good conduct were distributed by the Eev. D. O. Hampton, who presided. South Eakaia School Committee.— This committee held its monthly meeting in the schoolroom on Tuesday evening. Present —Messrs Tucker (chairman), Hartnell, Cox, Sharp, Shellook and Welch. A letter was read from the Leeston school committee asking this committee to support certain resolutions recommending the Board to import school books and other necessaries for school use, and to supply them to the children at prime cost. It was resolved to support the resolution. A letter was read from the Board of Education informing the committee that the Board had decided to proceed with the enlargement of this school daring the present financial year. The chairman brought up a balance sheet duly audited, and a report to be presented to the forthcoming annual election, It was resolved—“ That the balance-sheet and report be approved.” The Oxford Cement.— Tho committee appointed at the recent meeting regarding the Oxford cement materials will leave town in a day or so on their visit of inspection. Pbofbssob Hasblmaybb. This gentleman proceeds to Napier to-day per s.s. Albion for a short season, and expects to return shortly to give another season in Christchurch. The A B O of Beekeeping,—We have received from Mr J. M. Thompson a copy of a pamphlet just issued by him bearing the above title. The work has been compiled from the best authorities in England and America, and adapted to the requirements of the colony by Dr. Irving, and will be found to contain a quantity of information useful alike to beginners and the experienced in beekeeping. Wood’s Twine Bindbb —Mr W. J. G. Bluett had a trial of Walter A. Wood’s twine binder on Tuesday last, at Mr S. Doyle’s paddock, Leeston, which proved very successful. Although some of tho crop was very short, it did its work remarkably well when tying with the hemp string, but with tho Manilla twine it did not do so well. It was thought that if the latter, which is somewhat rough, waa soaked, say in oil, it would answer as well as the other. Pbesbntation.—Last evening a presentation of a purse of sovereigns was made to Mr J. T. Macleod Smith, on the occasion of his leaving Canterbury to take up his residence at Greymouth. Mr Smith has'for some time past taken an active part in the performances of the Lyttelton Ohoral Society, and held the position of organist at the Wesleyan Church, His proposed departure is, therefore, largely regretted, and a number of his friends last night made the presentation above referred to, on behalf of his musical admirers both in Christchurch and Lyttelton. The presentation was suitably acknowledged by the recipient. Sayings Bank and Money Oedeb Office —The returns for the past year in connection with_ the above in the Christchurch postal district have been compiled, and wo are indebted to Mr Dick, tho Chief Postmaster, for a copy. Prom the Savings Bank return, we notice that 3845 new accounts have been opened during the year and 2977 closed. The amount of the deposits was £201,547 7s and of withdrawals £186,117 12i 3d. Some idea of the work which devolved upon the department may be obtained when wo mention that tho number of transactions involved in carrying ont the above business was no less than 31,987. The balance-sheet shows that on January Ist, 1880, tho amount at the credit of depositors was £171,826 4s 101; on December 31st, it was £194,313 10a lOd. The interest for the year was £7037 Is 3d. In. tho Money Order department the number of orders issued was 18,605 for the amount of £65,398 10s, while 11,785 orders were paid, representing the sum of £38,907 6s Bd. Twenty-three offices are now open in the provincial district. Lodge op Pbogeebs, E.C., No. 1651. Tho installation of W.M. and officers of this lodge took place at the Masonic Hall, Southbridge, on Tuesday, the Ilth inst. The ceremony was performed in a most impressive manner by the E.W.D.Q.M., Bro. W. Donald, assisted by D.D.Q.M., Bro. H. Thomson, W.M., Bro. Allwright represented the Unanimity Lodge, Lyttelton, and P.M. Bro. McLaohlan and W.M, Bro. Hill, the lonic Lodge, Leeston. Members of tho Canterbury, Corinthian, and other lodges were also in attendance. The following officers were duly installed for the ensuing year:—Bro. John Woodbury, W.M. ; Bro. O. J. Willi", 8.W.; Bro. J. W. Pattle, J.D.; Bro. W. Graham, treasurer; Bro. J. Frame, S.D,; Bro, D. Petrie, J.D.; Bro. J. E. Houston, secretary j Bro. J. Badgers, 1.G.; and Bro. A.W abater, tyler. Before closing, B.W JO.G.M. Bro. Donald presented the lodge with a remarkably handsome painting of himself in full Masonic regalia. An adjournment was then, made to the town hall, where a banquet had been prepared by Bro. Sutherland, to which ample justice was done by the members of the lodge and visiting brethren, and a very plearant evening was spent. 1

Captain Bbtxington.—The many friend® here of Captain Claude A. Bettington will be glad to learn that the Queen, in the London “ Gazette ” of November sth, 1880, hae appointed him as a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. Captain Bet* tington served through the Zulu war with great distinction. Blown up by a Cask of Bees.—The “ Kumara Times ” tells the following story : A most extraordinary XXX accident occurred yesterday, by which a well known resident of this town nearly found a beery grave. It appears that a “ cooper ” (who has naturally an aptitude for barrels) was seated on the head of a “ Kortcr cask ” hogshead which was standing full in Mr Bugg’e yard, when, without any previous warning, the barrel exploded, the head being blown to pieces, and the unfortunate cooper receiving more of the contents than was good for any man, even at this festive season of the year. The cause of the accident is ascribed to the fact that allowance was not made for the unusual strength of the “ Christmas brew.”

Concert. —The Excelsior Band will perform the following programme in the Square this evening, commencing at half-past seven : —Quick march, “ Dorkin’s Night,” J, Eiviere ; grand contest selection, “ La Vie Parisienne,” Offenbach ; valses, “ Juliet,” Ch. Goote, jun.; march, “Lo Cavalier Hadjoute,” J. Eiviere; musical review, seriocomic fantasia on retrospect popular melodies, J. Hawkes ; valses, “ Soldaten Leider” (Soldier's Letter), J'. Gung’l; polka, “ Pretty Leonia,” C. Poisson ; galop, “ Leggiero,” P. Pahrbaoh; “Godsave the Queen.”