NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2173, 11 February 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Our readers are reminded by an advertisement in another column that the last day on which they can object to the City Council assessment is on Tuesday next, the 15th instant.

The Druids.—Lyttelton Hearts of Oak Lodge held their usual fortnightly meeting on Thursday evening at the Foresters’ Hall. The attendance of members was good, and included a visitor, A.D. Bro. Raven, Oak of Sydenham Ledge. A great deal of business was gone through, and it was stated to be the intention of the officers and brethren of the Oak of Sydenham Lodge to pay this Lodge an official visit on the 24th instant. Several candidates for initiation were reported for next Lodge night. Pleasure was expressed to hear of the progress the district meetings are making, and this Lodge will give them its support. The Lodge was then closed in due form by the A.D. Bro. Gilles.

_ Picnic. —This morning, about half-past nine o’clock, the employes of Messrs Lightband, Allan and 00., together with a full contingent of “ sisters, cousins, and aunts,” left Christchurch for Sumner to hold their annual picnic. The Railway Band was engaged, and judging from the weather being all that could bo desired, there is little doubt that the outing will be fully enjoyed. Fibe. —At about 4.15 this morning the firebells and the railway fire signal sounded out an alarm of fire. The scene of conflagration was St. Asaph street, where a shed, used by Messrs White and Andrews for storing bottled vinegar, was discovered in flames, which speedily communicated with a cottage dwelling, immediately adjoining, occupied by Mr H. Andrews, a clerk in the employ of Mr O. W. Turner, and despite all efforts the whole was speedily reduced to ashes. No clue can be gained as to the origin of the fire. Mr Andrews states that he was last in the shed at about six o’clock on Thursday evening, when there was no light used, no fire kindled, nor had any fire been lit there for several days. Neither furniture or stock in the shed were insured. As regards the buildings, it is stated that they are insured, but in what office or for what sum is not known ; whilst, on the other hand, it is rumoured that the insurances have lapsed ; but, in the absence of the owner, no reliable information can bo obtained.

Political, —The “Mail” says it is rumored that Mr W. J. Steward will bo a candidate for the representation of Gladstone at the next general election. The Bishop op Natal and Cetewayo.— During Bishop Oolenso’s recent visit to the Cape Colony he had three interviews with Cetewayo. By permission of the authorities ho was allowed to see the ex-Xing alone, and he had much interesting conversation with him. Cetewayo is about to bo removed to a place called Fig-free Farm, near TJitvlugt, where he will reside under the supervision of the colonial authorities. The Bishop also visited Langalibalele, the chief wl ose cause he so warmly espoused during the troubles in Natal.

Thb Mount Arthur Beeps. — A great amount of interest is Doing taken in these reefs, and on every aide we (Nelson “ Colonist’ ’) hear the opinion expressed that ere long an extensive auriferous country will bo opened up. Mr Guinness, the Warden for the district, has visited the locality of the reefs for the purpose of reporting to the Government, and he says that the reefs as now exposed, and which has now been driven on for 25ft presents all the appearance of being well defined and highly payable. Tb Whiti Discontented. —lt is rumored that Te Whiti contemplates removing to a more healthy and fortunate locality. The reasons assigned for this are that toadstools are beginning to grow round the foundation of the whares of the village, that in clearing the bush in the neighborhood the trees are constantly hung up and refuse to come to the ground, and that the crops are failing by overcultivation. We (“ Taranaki News ”) cannot vouch for the truth of this rumor, and give it for what it is worth. It is also said that To Whiti has been making overtures to Te Motu for a community of interests, and for permission to reside at Panebu.

Come to Grief. —The celebrated German traveller, Frideriok Christian Schafer, who has been in nearly every country, has come to grief at Sydney. He was found hatless and bootless, shrieking and foaming at the mouth in a fit. A short time since his friends there among the Masonic brethren paid his expenses home to Germany, and sent him to Melbourne, but he found his way back. He is now considered deranged, and was locked up for his own protection. The Bench considered it a pitiable case, Schafer is totally unable to earn a living, being deformed. Two doctors certified that he was of unsound mind, and he was sent to the Oailen Park Asylum. Is will be remembered (says the “Southland News”) that Schafer some years ago came to Invercargill on his way through the colony, and that ha signalised his visit to the North Island by marrying a Maori girl. Nelson Hofe.— The hop crop of this year bids fair to he a msg.-iiflcent one, although rain is beginning to be much wanted. Outsiders have very little idea of the importance at this industry, but we (“Colonist”)may state that we have learnt on reliable authority that the value of the crop in the immediate neighborhood of the town is estimated to bo of the value of between £30,000 and £33,000. The expenditure upon the picking of this crop alone, without the expenses of cultivation, &0., is set down at from £I4OO to £I6OO. As our Nelson hops have now been recognised as b. ing the best produced, there is no reason why this industry should not advance much further than at present, for as both at Sydney and;Melbourno they have gained the highest places in competition open to the world, the demand for them is sure to increase very greatly. Looking for Work. —That colonial institution—the swagger—is (remarks the “ South Canterbury Times”) becoming a bore. These fellows literally sw irm over the country just now, some_ doubtless looking for work, but too many, it is to bo feared, hoping they may not find it. The large stations are besieged with them, but it is the small farmers who chiefly complain of the tax upon their resources which these men become. A farmer in the neighborhood of Timaru had as many as ten swagmen to breakfast one morning recently, and before eleven o’clock seven others turned up and asked for refreshment. The mugger's favorite time for putting in an appearance as Is well-known is dewy eve, when having partaken of tea, he turns in, gets his breakfast on the following morning, and goes on his way rejoicing, and in many cases the farmer is afraid to refuse board and lodging to his unwelcome guest for fear of after consequences in the shape of burning stacks or broken fences.

Cricket. —The following will represent the Sydenham Amateur Musical Society against the Sydenham Cricket Clnb, on Saturday next:— J. Brunt (captain), Andrews, Johnstone, Simp son, Hadfield, Cowdery, Collins, Edmonds, Hall, Robinson, Morico. Emergencies—Flahaven, d wards.

Thu New Grain.—The first ISO tons of new wheat wont through to port yesterday, and were loaded into the New Zealand Shipping Company's ship Waimate. Board of Reviewers at Kaiapoi.—The Board of Reviewers, comprising Hon. H, B. Gresaon, Moasrs J. C. Boys and F. Courage, met at Kaiapoi on Thursday to consider the objections for the Kaiapoi and Eyreton districts, A few objections were made, and the assessments adjusted. Sunday Concerts.—Open-air concerts have been inaugurated in Wellington with great success. On Sunday last the band of the Naval Brigade performed on the Queen’s Wharf, and, although many hundreds of people were present, the “ Post ” says that the event was characterised by a total absence of anything approaching disorder. It is intended to repeat the experiment.

Ashburton School Committee. —At a meeting of the above school committee it wks resolved to hold a meeting next Monday evening to consider the desirability of changing the teacher. An amendment to defer holding the meeting until tho next meeting of the committee was lost, after a lengthened and animated discussion. Another Escape prom the Asylum.— A man named Dawning, who was committed to the Sunnysido Asylum in 1869, escaped therefrom yesterday afternoon. It appears that he was working in the grounds when last seen, and managed to get away unobserved, being missed at about <l-20 p.m. This is the second time Downing has escaped from the Asylum. He is a man about sft. lOin. in height, stout built, with dark hair and short blaok whiskers, and was, when he went away, dressed in a suit of light-coloured corduroy. An Example fob Dunedin.—Gentlemen of the long robe ora rather free and easy in their language in Court at Gisborne. On a recent occasion, according to the local paper, a solicitor was addressing the Court, when his learned brother interjected a remark. Pardon me old fellow,” said the speaker; “let me have my ahy first, and then you shall have yours." B.M. Ooubt.Lbeston.—The usual monthly meeting of this Court was held yesterday, before Wm Beswick, Biq., 8.M., and O. T. Dudley, Esq., J.F., M. A. Allen, Jag. Carston, and J. G. Scott were each fined 10a for allowing cattle to be at large. J. H. Doyle y Mrs Skilling, claim £6 12s 6d ; Douglas v Alexander, claim £1 9s 9d; judgment by default. British Israel Association. —The above association held an ordinary meeting last evening in the Templar Hall, Worcester street; tho president (Mr Lambert) in the chair. After the usual preliminary business had been gone through, Mr Scanlan opened the subject for the evening’s discussion, viz., “Lost Israel's location must be the North-West Isles,” Mr Lambert and Mr Fdleul afterwards read two interesting articles bearing on the subject, which were very instructive.

Diocesan Sunday School Association. —The usual monthly lecture in connection with the Diocesan Sunday School Association was delivered last evening in St, Luke’s schoolroom by the Yery Rev. the Dean of Christchurch. There was a numerous attendance. The subject chosen was “ The Miracles of the Gospels,” which was dealt with in an able manner by the lecturer, to whom a vote of thanks was unanimously accorded at the conclusion of the lecture. Magxstbatb’s Covet, Ambebley. —At this Court on Thursday, before C. Whitefoord, Esq., R.M., A. Broadfoot and W. O. Fendall, Eeqi, Dr. Preston charged J. S. Woodhouse with using language calculated to provoke a breach of the peace, Mr M'Oonnel fur the prosecution. Defendant was fined 10s and costs. A similar charge was made against Dr. Preston, but was withdrawn. W. T. Sorimgeour charged E. Tobin with having violently assaulted him. There was also a cross action. Mr M'Oonnoll appeared for Tobin. Scrimgeour was fined £3 and costa, and Tobin £1 and costs. John Wilson v Kowai Road Board, £42 ; £7 14j 6i tendered; judgment for amount tendered and costs. An application under the Public Works Act was made by H. Lough and W. Earquhar for permission to make drainage works through laud adjoining their property. Mr O’Connell ap. pearod to oppose the application on behalf of the adjoining occupier, Mr C. O’Malley, on the ground that all persons interested ought to have been summoned. The application was finally withdrawn. Bangioba Invbstmbnt and Building Society (Pbbmanent). — A meeting of the shareholders of the above society was held in the Rangiora Borough Council Chambers on Wednesday evening last, Mr J. Johnston was elected to the chair. Apologies having been received and accepted from Messrs O. J. Chapman and J. L. Wilson (directors), the chairman said he had to congratulate the members on the successful floating of the society, and stated that the only business to be transacted was the consideration and passing of the printed draft of the rules of the

society os received from Mr J. B. Gresson, their solicitor. Mr Chapman having read the rales through to the meeting, Mr J, Hossack proposed—“ That the rules as read (subject to certain slight alterations) be accepted and adopted, and be printed ready for distribution by the 28th instant.” Mr A. Ivory seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. After a vote of thanks to the chair the meeting terminated. The San Francisco Mail.— Our Wellington correspondent telegraphed last night as follows : —The Southern portion of the San Francisco mail, which arrived at Auckland yesterday by the Zealandia, was transhipped into the Penguin, and the latter left, crossing the Manukau bar at 7 p.m. She reached New Plymouth at 7 o’clock this morning, proceeding at 10 to Nelson, where she will arrive during the night, the tide, however, not enabling her to get in until 3 a.m. to-morrow. She is to leave Nelson at half-past six tomorrow morning, and will reach Picton early in the afternoon, leaving immediately for Wellington. She is expected to arrive here about 8 o’clock to-morrow evening, and will proceed to Lyttelton directly after landing the Wellington mails. She is supposed to arrive in Lyttelton about noon on Saturday, and the Southern mails will be forwarded by the 1.53 p.m. ordinary train to Timaru, and thenoo by special train to Dunedin and Invercargill. A Plethora of Fruit. —The Auckland market is now literally glutted with fruit of all descriptions. Time was (says the “Star ”) when wo got the greater portion of our fruit from Sydney and the Islands, but a slight alteration has been made in (he source lately, and we now have such a large quantity sent in from country districts that the quantity sent from Sydney and the Islands has greatly diminished. Whangarei seems to be a splendid fruit-growing district. On her last trip from that port the s.s. Argyle brought no less than 250 oases of assorted fruits, and like shipments are arriving every week. It is a great pity that some of our industrious farmers cannot see their way clear to turn their fruit into jams, &c., and in such a way prevent stocking the market and rendering the importation of Hobart Town preserves quite unnecessary. The immense quantity now in the market and the low prices realised will give evidence of the necessity of some such step. Dead oh Alive. —The Greytown correspondent of the “ New Zealand Times ” revives the rumor some time since current that Moilat, the pakeba-Maori, is still alive. He says about a fortnight a_o an old friend named Duncan McPhee paid him a visit, and gave him information as follows : —“ D. McPheo has for the last fourteen months been employed at Mr Donald McMaster’s tun (hold under Maori lease, and situated at the northern end of the Seventy-Mile Bush, in the Ahuriri, some sixteen miles beyond Woodville). Early last October some Maoris who had come through the gorge, from Manawatu district, were employed shearing on the run. Whilst they remained McPhee had frequent conversations with them in reference to the then recent report of Moffat’s murder. One of them said repeatedly, ‘Taihoa, you see Moffat not dead. By-and-by, you see Moffat alive. He all right.’ Wo give this as a sample of the reports still current in the up country districts.

It is said that no fat men ever commit murder. If they ever commit crime it is nothing above stealing a barrel of pork to present to some orphan asylum, A boy recently hung himself because "somebody found fault with him.” That boy was certainly not born to bo a country editor. —"Turner Falla Reporter.” The New York “Commercial Advertiser ” has discovered that pretty women take to homely men. We don’t believe it, because ho is forty years old and not married yet.

I A milkman may have the habit of stopping daily near the brook and not excite suspicion, but when wo find his little boy fishing for minnows in the milk cane we hare our double. Speculators will do well to paste this bit of philoiophj as propounded by Josh Billings : All that I kno about goad or bad lux is this—our good luk wo attribute to our shrewdness, our bod luk we' charge over to somebody else's account.” ‘ Fond sister— “ Now don't fret, dear, just because your cousin Freddy’s sick and can't go to school with you. He’ll get well again by-and-by.” Ambitions brother—“D-an’t care whether he gets well or not. Only, I was lowest boy in the class all one half. Then I gets up one, and Freddy stuck last of all. Now he’s gone, and it’s awful bard to be last again.’’ A ] who_ wrote in some tender linos addressed to his love, “We will hallow her grave with our tears,” was surprised at a call from Henrietta’s brother next morning, armed with a club, and who extended a stirring invitation to him to come down and have his head broken, which he declined. The local paper made the lino road “ We will harrow her grave with our steers.” The young Evangelists in Sydney have at last hit upon a new plan for spreading the Gospel teachings. The apostles now sally forth at dawn with goodwill to men in their hearts, and a bucket of tar and a brush in their hands. Presently they rein up in front of a newly white-washed fence, and tar out, “ The wages ov sin is death—and seven days,” after which they glide softly away, and speculate to themselves how pleased the owner of that fence will be when he thinks that by its aid he may perhaps gain one poor erring soul. Some of these days, however, the fence proprietor will borrow a g UD , and then there will be buck-shot and trouble about that part of the apostles’ anatomy which, as Milton says, “is farthest from the east when they gaze on the rising sun at early morn.”