NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2180, 19 February 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Erratum —By a printer’s error the sum presented to a member of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, last night, was stated in the “Press” to be £lO. It should have been £IOO

Masonic Pbbsenxation. —At the regular meeting of Canterbury Kilwining, No 585, 5.0., held at Lyttelton on Friday night, after the ordinary business had been disposed of, and just prior to the closing of the Lodge, the R.WM. Bro. James Grubb, in a few appropriate remarks, made a very handsome presentation, on behalf of the Lodge, to the late R.W.M., Bro. Thomas J. Green. The jewel presented ia a massive gold one, the cross-bar by which it is surmounted bearing the inscription of the Lodge, “ Canterbury Kilwining, 585, 5.0.,” upon it; beneath hangs a very beautifully-worked thistle in frosted gold, appended to whioh ia the usual past-master’s jewel, in solid gold, the square, bearing on the face the thistle design ana upon the back, admirably engraved, the words “To P.M. Bro. Thos. J. Green, in token of services. 1880.” The recipient of the handsome token feelingly acknowledged the present. Sunday Observance. —A meeting of those desirous of protesting against any further encroachments on the Sabbath will be held on Monday next, at the rooms of tbo Young Men’s Christian Association, at three o’clock.

Dunedin Races.— The Union Steamship Company intend dispatching their fine new steamer Botomahana for Dunedin on Tuesday next, carrying passengers for the races at single fares for the return journey. The tickets will be available till Wednesday, 2nd March, on which date the Te Anan will leave Port Chalmers for Lyttelton. The Hawea will leave for Lyttelton on Monday, the 28th iust. Kaiaboi Wesleyan Chubch. —On Thursday evening the students attending the Bov. J. Armitago’s Bible class presented that gentleman with a handsome , clock, prior to his leaving tho Kaiapoi circuit. A very pleasant evening was spent on this occasion. The clock was obtained from Mr Batcher, watchmaker.

The Wkatheb on the Peninsula. —Our correspondent writes :—Bain in this district is very much needed. Tho hills are becoming very brown and parched in appearance, while the farmers are fearing for the winter feed. Oattle are beginning to suffer from the dryness of the season. Bush fires are also tco prevalent, and in some parts already much damage has been done. Mr James Dalglish, of Le Bon’s Bay, had 250 bags of grass seed destroyed last week, and it was only by the united efforts of all the mill hands, with the assistance of neighbours, that the bouses were not also burnt, the party having to work and watch night and day to keep the fire under. Other damage has been reported, and more will yet be done if rain does not soon corn”, as there are fires all round the district. The heat here_ has been very great, tho thermometer registering on Monday 126 degrees in the sun and 92 degrees in the shade.

Accident. A rather noric.ua accident oocurrcd to Mr Simpson at Chertsey. He was engaged in fixing the pipes of a wind* mill, when, through some inadvertence, the pipes fell on him, and severely injured him. Uis injuries are such that fears are entertained that he will never recover. North Kowai Schools.—Prizes for sewing at the main and side schools have only recently been awarded, though the competition took place before the Christmas holidays. Annie Dalziel takes Messrs Walker, Smith and Oo.’s desk as first at the main school; Annie Holmes being second. At the side school Fanny Coleman takes Mrs T. Douglas’ prize; Jessie Bobertson being osoond. Binding Wire.—We (“Daily Times”) are informed that great dissatisfaction is expressed at the impossibility of getting wire for the wire-binders, although the sellers of the machines promised the farmers to keep a supply. In some districts a very serious loss will result, as the crops will have to be out by the ordinary reaper and bound by hand. Wo understand that there is not a box of American wire to be had, even in the Australian colonies. Ashburton .Racing Club.— The committee of the above club held a meeting in Quill’s Hotel last Thursday evening. A letter from Mr Wilkie having been read, resigning his position as secretary, it was resolved to advertise for a secretary at a salary of 5 per cent, on the gross annual receipts of the club. Mr Carter gave notice that he would move for holding steeplechases under the auspices of tho club. The meeting adjourned to the Ist of March, when a secretary will bo appointed. New Zealand Alliance —A preliminary meeting of gentlemen favorable to the resuscitation of the above organisation has been held, and steps are to be at once taken towards bringing the subject before the public during the ensuing month. Tho object of the Alliance is the present curtailment and future suppression of the liquor traffic; and it is the intention of those interested in the movement to make an effort to persuade the G-overnment to do something in the way of temperance legislation during the forthcoming session. German Bay Side 'School.—This pretty little school was opened c-n Wednesday by a treat and sports. The building has just been completed, and, although situated some 1500 ft above the sea level, is by far the best schoolhouse on the Peninsula, The building is most substantial and finished in every particular, and reflects the greatest credit on the builder, Mr Noah Walters, of Little Hiver. It was thought by some that no one would go to a school treat so far up the mountain, but large as tho supply of good things was the demand was equal to the supply, over 100 children finding their way up, with a fair sprinkling of adults. A good day’s sport was enjoyed, and toys and prizes were given in abundance. A dance took place afterwards, and was attended by about sixty couples. Messrs E. Chappell, W. Jolly, G. Breitmeyer, and A. Jones, with most of the settlers near the school, ’were most energetic in making the visitors comfortable. B.M. Court, Ashburton.—At the above Court yesterday, before O. P. Cox, Esq., J.P., and his Worship the Mayor, a first offender was fined ss, or the usual alternative. William Smith was fined 15s, or forty-eight hours’ imprisonment, for having been drunk and disorderly, and was sentenced to one

month’* imprisonment under the Yagrant Act. George Wadsworth waa brought up under the Yagrant Act, charged with being an idle, disorderly person. The police gave evidence to the effect that he was the associate of profligate women, thieves, and drunkards, and that he owed £43 to the Burnham Industrial School for the support of two of his children. The prisoner said his nephew at Orari owed him over £IOO, and that he was willing to work at bis trade as a shoemaker as soon as his hand got better. He was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment with hard labor. Sbpton. —A meeting of the school committee of the Mount Grey Downs was held on the 16th inst. in the schoolroom. All the members except one were present. The chairman read the names of the gentlemen who were nominated to All the ordinary vacancies on the Board of Education, and the following gentlemen received the votes of the committee:—Messrs John Inglie, B, Ij. Higgins, H. W. Feryman. For the extraordinary vacancy the committee voted for Mr J. Cochran. It was resolved on the motion of Mr J. Baird that the committee accept the offer of the Sefton Dramatic Club to give an entertainment in aid of a treat for the school children, and also the kind offer of Mr Barclay to procure the tickets for the same. After the close of the committee meeting a library meeting was held as the annual meeting had fallen through from non-attendance. The annual reports were read and adopted. The sum of one guinea was presented to the librarian for the past year, in recognition of bis services, and he was reappointed for the ensuing year. Some minor matters were then discussed, and the meeting terminated.

Thbateh Royau. —Mr J. J, Kennedy took his benefit last evening at the Theatre Royal, when “ Milky White ” and “ Hie Last Lege ” were produced. In the first piece Miss Aretbusa May played Annie White very well indeed. Miss Lily May, as Mrs Saddrip, was fairly successful, but was scarcely made up old enough for the part. Mr Kennedy, as Daniel White, played with a great deal of success, though in parts he was somewhat too boisterous. Mr Hydes, as Dicky Duggs, and Mr Jerramos, as the Doctor, were good in their respective parts. In the second piece Mr Kennedy is to he congratulated upon his rendering of O’Oallaghan, Old playgoers always say, “ Ah, you should have seen Q. V. Brooke "j but, without comparing Mr Kennedy to that illustrious actor, he yet deserves a warm meed of praise for his rendering of the character. The other parts were well sustained. To-night there will be a change of programme. A piece entitled “Heck or Nothing ” being announced. Tbial op Thbbshino Machine.—Yesterday afternoon, in response to an invitation, a number of gentlemen interested in agriculture paid a visit to one of Robey's threshing machines. The party, under the hospitable guidance of one of the Messrs King, were driven in a three-horse waggonnette, with Mr Terrell handling the ribbons, to the scene of action. After a very pleasant drive, the place of trial, a farm belonging to Mr Q. King, was reached, being situate at Upper Ricoarton. The machine, driven by a nine-horse engine, was put in motion, and showed by the admirably clean sample made, that the reputation won by the Robey machines is by no means undeserved. The firsts were beautifully cleaned, not an unsound grain passing into the bag, whilst the other qualities were as successfully divided. Unfortunately, through the engine being started at too high a rate of speed, before the feeders got to work a slight breakage occurred, which put a stop to the trial for the day, though enough had been seen by the visitors to prove that the machine can do very good work indeed. After enjoying Mr King’s hospitality and spending a pleasant hour looking round the farm, the visitors returned to town, having spent a very enjoyable afternoon. Pbesbntation.—On the occasion of the recent picnic of the cabmen to Cashmere a very interesting ceremony took place. Mr Brooker, who had been deputed on behalf of the cabmen to present to Lady Wilson a small token of their appreciation not alone of the kindness which prompted the placing of the beautiful grounds at their disposal, but also many other acts of thoughtful generosity, presented an illuminated address. This was a very handsome piece of penmanship, and will form a pleasing memento of a very happy gathering. Lady Wilson briefly replied, thanking those present for the gift, and expressing the pleasure Sir Cracroft and herself felt in in any way contributing to the happiness or enjoyment of their fellow colonists. Sir Cracroft also, in response to a few words of thanks from Mr J. Beecher on behalf of those present, expressed the pleasure it gave him to see them there that day, and hoped that on many future occasions they would meet and have a happy time in his grounds. Mr Cowan also spoke in terms of eulogium of Sir Oracroft’s past services to his country, and wished him a long life. 'Jai’Hß Expobt of Flax,— The “New Zealand Times” states that large quantities of green fl <x have lately been sent to Melbourne from Wellington for paper making. The buyers seem to have tired of paying freight for a kt of useless material, and have made an offer to a Wellington citizen to reduce the flax to pulp before being sent, the useless part of the plant being thus thrown away hero instead of at Melbourne. It is computed that it takes six tons of flax to yield a ton of pulp for paper making, and therefore the saving in freight if the proposed course is taken will be very considerable. Flax contains a valuable medicinal gum, and it is possible au endeavor will be made to extract this in reducing the plant to pulp.

Parliamentary.—Mr Taiaroa (the“ Post” eaye) has a longing for political warfare. Haring lost his eeat in the Legislative Council owing to his being disqualified by reason of his haring failed to resign his assessorship before accepting the eeat, he has now induced Mr Taiuui, who was elected for the Southern Maori district in his place, to resign, that he may regain his old place in the House of Representatives. Mr Taiaroa has taken care to resign the assessorship win order to prevent accidents in the future A Sell. —Apropos of lawyers’ bills of costs, the following authentic story regarding a well-known New Zealand judge has been sent to ns (“Daily Times ”) His Honor, on the occasion now under notice, haring disposed of the first cate on the list, was addressed by a small, lynx-eyed money dealer of the Hebrew persuasion as follows: “ May I address your Honor ? His Honor (blandly): “Certainly.” Money dealer : “lam trustee in two bankrupt estates.” His Honor (incredulously) : “ Indeed ! ” Money dealer : “ Yes, your Honor ; and the solicitors acting for the roguish bankrupts hare sent into me, as trustee, their taxed bill of costs.” Hie Honor : “ How odd.” Money dealer (ecstatically) : I assure your Honor they have, and I want to ask your Honor whether they are to be paid, and how.” His Honor (smiling satirically) : “ Well, Mr , all I can say is that my short experience has taught me that lawyers’ bills of costs are usually paid, and in cash. Mr Registrar, what is the next case on the list ?”

Wild Houses in the North.—A writer in the “ Waikato Mail,” in a description of the Tokoroa Plain, which is to come before the Lands Court on the Xsth, says “Of one thing we at best are well assured, there are but few acres of the whole of its large area which will be hereafter found are unproductive, or unable to carry grass and clover. It is a country over which good roads can be most easily and cheaply constructed. On the plains and in the valleys the wild horse has bis home and pasture. Wild horses have been so frequently described that it will suffice for us to say the horse of Tokoroa is, as seen through the glass, a sturdy looking, shortlegged animal, not by any moana the weeds some people suppose. I particularly noticed a fine black stallion, who was in company with a herd of nine others. On some few occasions, we believe, these horses have been joined by horses the property of travellers crossing the plains. The Natives say that there must be fully 2008 of these horses on Tokoroa.” Scarcity op Potatoes.—Since the Native Commission commenced its sittings, potatoes have, says the “Waikato Mail,” become very scarce in Cambridge. Local growers are holding out for high prices in anticipation of a large demand during the sittings of the Native Lands Court. This, we imagine, is a great mistake, for the potato crop throughout the colony has been an unusually large one. Potatoes will be plentiful and cheap in Auckland, and can be landed in any store in Cambridge for £1 4b per ton carriage. The price realisable now is from £5 to £5 10s a ton, and growers will hardly benefit themselves by holding out for more. Not in the Bill.—During the second act of the opera at Wellington, on Wednesday night, an unrehearsed incident in the performance somewhat aroused the risible faculties of the audience. On three occasions a large rat traversed a narrow ledge situated immediately above the proscenium arch, and temporarily alienated the attention of the audience from the performers. '

Found Deownkd. The “ Wanganui Chronicle” of Friday last reports that Mr Fenton discovered the body of a man floating in the river, near the Railway Bridge, on the previous afternoon. He at once gave information to the police, and a constable was despatched to bring the remains to town. He found the body some distance up the river, and towed it down opposite to the Masonic Hotel. The body is that of a rather large man, dressed in a dark-colored tweed suit. The legs of the trousers are tied below the knees, and Ailed with stones, and it is supposed that the deceased com mitted suicide. Not Fab Out.—ln responding to a toast in Southland the other evening, one speaker said that in a *veral parts of the colony it was the opinion of people that the banks were to be blamed for the dull times, but to this he took exception. The reason was not far to seek. Such a complaint was "ot made in a district where the farmer kept to a fair and legitimate business, and did not launch oat into speculations regardless of consequences. In other places he had visited people were kept afloat with a lot of bills, and when the bank, as in duty bound, came down on them and wound them up, they blamed the bank and not themselves.

Thb Australian Oeiokbtess. —Referring to the departure of the Aaetralian cricketers from Nelson, the “Colonist” of Saturday last says : —“ At the conclusion of the game Mr Laker again had his fine turnout ready for our visitors, and on their taking their seats the Nelson men gave them three hearty but undeserved cheers, for only one (Mr Boyle) recognised the compliment in any way, unless an ill-tempered scowl can be called so doing. They were again obeered on their departure from the wharf, whither they were also conveyed by Mr Laker, but there was the same ill-bred conduct, and a feeling akin to relief wasexperienced when the men had really left. Individual members of the team might possibly improve on acquaintance, and it may be that one or two are not in reality so boorish as they appeared. It is, however, generally supposed that travel gives polish ; but if it has done so with several of the Australian team we can only deplore their original roughness. Wo were led to consider the players as gentlemen when they went Homo, but now—well, they have become professionals in the moneymaking sense, but in another we have met better professionals.”

At Grafton last week, a Mr Brown, of Ulmarra, was leading two horses, when he and one of the horses were struck dead by lightning; all hie clothes were torn off, one boot ripped, and the other could not be found. Daring the same storm two other horses, when standing near a fence, wore instantly killed, and a young man was knocked senseless, but ultimately recovered.