NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2189, 2 March 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Governor's Visit.—His Worship the Mayor of Christchurch has received an official telegram intimating that bis Excellency the Governor proposes to leave Wellington about the middle of next week for Lyttelton, on a visit to the South Island.

Sharp Work. Mr Turner’s barque Examiner was towed from Lyttelton Wharf at 1 o’clock on Saturday lest, arrived at Qreymouth on Tuesday morning, discharged ballast, loaded 350 tons of coal, and was towed out to sea on this morning’s tide. U.A.O. Druids.—The usual fortnightly meeting of the Perseverance Lodge was held last night in St Mary’s Schoolroom, Addington, P.A. Bro Skinner presiding. There was a good number of members present, also several visiting brothers. After the lodge had been opened, the P.A. proceeded to receive nominations for the office of L V.A.B. Bro T. Brown being duly elected. There were one initiation and one proposition. After some further business had been transacted, the lodge was closed in due form. Open Aib Music.—The Bailway Band being engaged on Thursday evening by the Hotel Employes, will perform the following programme this evening in Cathedral square:—Quick march, “ Many happy returns of the day,” Edward Newton; fantasia, “ Un petite Elyaee,”Edward Newton; fantasia, “Le Val do Amour,” Blancheteau; valee, “Day Dreams,” B. Smith; fantasia from the opera "Figaro,” Mozart; quadrille, “ Chants du Soir,” Tilliard; fantasia from the opera “II Trovatore,” Verdi; schottisache, “ Vignette,” Edward Newtou ; polka, “Clemenco” Blancheteau; national anthem. Mr Hamilton’s band will play this evening on Latimer square, commencing at eight o’clock, when the following programme will be given : March, “ Ulnndi,” Boyce; polka, “Tit-bit,” Hamilton; aria (Adagio) Gounod; valse, “ Sparkling gems,” Vane; lancers quadrille, “ Tourist,” Marcus ; meditation (Ueligioso) Leybach; polka, “ Enchantress,” Maxwell; galop (part vocal) “ Festival,” Hamilton; national anthem.

Magisterial Inquiry.—An inquiry into the collision between the schooner Aspasia and the Lyttelton Harbor Board’s steam tug Lyttelton was held at Lyttelton this forenoon, before Dr Donald, 8.M., and Captain Jenkins, of the ship Lady Jocelyn, but had not concluded when our reports left port. Mr Bose, the Collector of Customs, conducted the inquiry, and Mr Nalder appeared for the Lyttelton Harbor Board. Lyttelton Magistrates’ Court.—Two men were charged with fighting, and upon admitting it were fined 10s each at the Court this morning. A civil case, Forbes v Higgins, claim £8 2s 6d, was disposed of; judgment for plaintiff going by default. Another, Bennington v P. Cain, claim £3, was also disposed of in the same way ; and Philp y Evans, claim £1 18s 4d.

Whitesmith’s Wobk.—On Monday, Mr Thomas Boyd, machinist, finished a very neat job in the manufacture of an axle for Mr O. B. Dudley’s Humber bicycle, which was damaged by coming into collision with a vehicle on the Papanui road some time ago. The manner in which the work has been done by Mr Boyd reflects the highest credit on him. For some time it was feared the bicycle was irreparably damaged, and that only the makers could supply a similar axle, but the new one made at Bangiora is pronounced to be in every way equal to the former axle, and Mr Dudley is now able to use his bicycle again as usual, journeying from Bangiora to Kaiapoi on Monday evening, giving a fair test of it since it has been repaired. Amateub Athletic Club.—The ground committee of the above have now marked off the courses for the various events to take place on Saturday next, and intending competitors will be enabled to train on the ground. The programme is an excellent one, and, no doubt, should the weather be fine, there will be a good attendance. The committee have decided to allot the pedometer, presented as a prize by Mr O. A. Pritchard, which is now on view at Mr Sandstein’s, Oaahel street, to the walking race. It seems rather a pity, it may be observed, that the two events, viz , the meetings of the Bicycle Club and the Amateur Athletic Association, should both be fixed for the same day. The Apqhan Medal. —Mr 'William Simpson’s design for the new Afghan medal has been accepted, and will shortly be prepared at the Mint. Mr Simpson, who is the well-known artist of the “ Illustrated London News,”_ prepared the design at Q-andamak, in Afghanistan, and sent it home for approval. His medal was oval in shape, with the Queen’s head on one side, and an Afghan figure on the reverse. While retaining bis design, the War Office has, however, decided in favor of the old familiar shape, and rejected the oval in favor of the round. The medal will be, suspended from a green and red ribbon.

Gab Company. —The annual general meeting of the Christchurch Gsi Company was held yesterday, when a dividend was declared. It was resolved also to take steps to call up the uncalled capital to pay off the deposits as speedily as possible. The consumers of gas w ill bo glad to learn that the directors recommended a further redaction in the price of gas to the extent of allowing 10d per 1000 discount.

Waiau Akbual Boibbh The annual soiree at Waiau was held on Friday, the 25th ultimo. After an excellent tea in the schoolroom all adjourned to the large woolshed at Highficld, which bad been kindly granted by Captain Hayter, for the exhibition of dissolving views by magic lantern. The views wore well shown and highly appreciated, and, on the motion of Captain Hayter, a very hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr William Moor, of Christchurch, for his kindness in giving this entertainment in aid of the church fund. The attendance was very good. Mr Moor kindly gave a second exhibition, specially for children, on Saturday evening. Young Women’s Tbmpobaby Home.— This institution is to be opened on the 7th inat. at No. 2, Tail’s Buildings, Montreal street. The object of the promoters is to provide a temporary home at a minimum cost to young women who are out of employment, or who may be recovering from illness. Every care will be taken to admit only those who boar a good character, but beyond this no restriction will bo imposed. The committee of management consist of Mrs Blakiaton, Mrs Inglis, Mrs Johnston (president), Mrs Lewis, Mrs Newton, Mrs Rhodes, Mrs Tancred (treasurer), Mrs Wilkins (secretary). These ladies have already collected a considerable sum towards the expenses of the institution, but more is required, and they will gladly receive contributions by way of donation or annual subscription, or in kind.

Thbatbb Rovali. —The Bandmann season, as already stated, will commence this evening at the Theatre Royal, when “ Hamlet " will be produced. Herr Bandmann’a talents and reputation as an actor of high merit are too well known to playgoers to need comment, but the majority of the company are new to colonial fame. Miss Louise Beaudet, the leading lady of the company, has achieved reputation in America and elsewhere, and in her impersonations of the many characters in which she has appeared in Dunedin she made herself a very pronounced favorite. Mr Oithcart comes of an acting family, who have all in their time made their mark upon the stage. The memory of bis sister, tho late Mrs George Darrel), better known to old playgoers as Mrs Robert Heir, will long live ; and Mr Oathcart possesses, it is said, no inconsiderable share of the talents of his late sister. Mr Hall also comes to us with good credentials, and Mr Walter Reynolds we know is a sterling actor, so that, taken as a whole, the production of “ Hamlet” to-night should mark an era in our theatrical history.

Ltitblton Borough School. The report of the inspector was received by the committee on Tuesday. Of the eoholara presented in the different standards, 93 per cent, successfully passed their examination. Following are some of the remarks made by tbe inspector, Mr J. P. Restell, on the school: — “To report fully upon this school would mainly be to repeat the reports of former years, in which the school received its full meed of well-earned praise." , . . "One tactic which seems to be worthy of imitation in other schools is this—that when there are several classes in the same standard, the lower or more backward section—that in which the eoholara most want skilful help—is committed to the more expert teachers employed in that standard, the dignity of teaching the higher class being wisely made secondary to the position in which the greater skill is required." . . " Tbe method of the permanent staff is scholarly, masterly, logical, hence the scholars have an intelligent idea of their work. The junior teachers are ably trained to their duties, and efficiency is attained.” . . “ One of the principal points for commendation in the standard routine is the grammar, which is very free from those grosser errors and difficulties which trouble most district schools." Biblb Christian Church. —The ceremony of laying the memorial stone of the new church for the Bible Christian denomination took place yesterday afternoon at four o’clock. The site chosen for the building is at the corner of Lower High street (Perry road) and Wilson street, where a number of ministers and others congregated at the hour named, his Worship the Mayor of Christchurch being also present. The proceedings were opened with a hymn, and prayer by the Rev. Mr Williams. The atone was then duly laid in the usual form. In connection with the ceremony a tea and public meeting was held in the Oddfellows’ BCall in the evening. There was a large attendance, and the following ladies presided at the tea tables—Mesdames Lodge, Sooon, Smith, Martin, Hamilton, Barnett, and W. Lodge, Misses Knipe and Ray. At the public meeting his Worship tbe Mayor presided. The secretary, Mr J. J. Glass, read a report, from which it appeared that the land on which the church is to be erected will cost £750, the building—to seat 250 persons—costing £490. Towards these amounts subscriptions had already been received amounting to £3OO, and further donations had been promised. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. A. Reid, J. B. Richardson, H. Williams, J. Clover, J, Wilson, and J. Orewes. The proceedings were opened and closed with prayer.

Good Yield.—The “ Oamaru Mail” of Saturday says :—We have heard of several good yields of wheat this season in the district, but the best result so far has been obtained by one of the Elderslie tenants. He finished threshing a field of 120 acres of velvet wheat yesterday, and the result was 1658 sacks of first quality. Each sack contains 4i bushels, thus giving a yield of over 60 bushels.

Oatmeal Manufacture. —We {“ Daily Times ”) are informed that a gentleman from Glasgow, largely interested in the oatmeal trade, has with his family taken up his residence in Oamarn, and, in conjunction with one of the millers there, is perfecting arrangements for the export of oatmeal on a large scale. Hitherto the experiments made in the way of shipping oatmeal to England have not, we understand, proved very successful, but the partial failure is attributable to imperfect arrangements as to packing, freight, &c. A trial shipment is about being sent at considerable expense by the Orient line, merely as an experiment. If the gentleman in question is ultimately successful in his undertaking, it is likely to add considerably to the trade of Oamaru and the colony generally. A Ferocious Epistle.—A telegram from Birmingham says :—“ The following letter, written partly in red and partly in black ink, and • embellished ’ with skulls, cross-bones, and coffin, has just been received by Superintendent Wilcox, of the Birmingham police force :— ‘ Blood. William Wilcox, you had better put police on the track. Mr Bradlaugh will by some unknown hand be put to death. The fire in hell is wriggling about in its great frenzy and fury to burn his body to ashes If he does not repent soon it will be too late ; many bullets are being moulded to penetrate the head of the determined atheist. This is from one who knows you. The hand which wields this will have no part in the plot against that roan, Bradlaugh, but you be on the alert. You shall see what you shall see. When I saw you it was in Sheffield—Blood—Death— Yours, Bichard J. B.’ ”

Attempt to Buen the London Custom House.—Some excitement was caused on January Bth by a report that an attempt had been made to burn down the Custom House, London. It appears that about half-past seven in the evening an officer passing through a room in tho tea department of the building discovered what appears to have been an attempt to sot fire to the place. The room contains ranges of shelves from floor to ceiling crammed with papers. Against one of the wooden partitions a hamper of loose paper had been placed and set on fire. The hamper was partially burned and the shelves charred, bnt the fire bad not had time to make any serious progress, and it was at once extinguished. The Ikihh Mimbbbs.—lmmediately after the reading of the Queen's speaoh tho Irish Home Buie members adjourned to the Westminster Palace Hotel, and there discussed the line of action to be adopted. Mr Parnell presided. After some discussion it was resolved that the amendment on the address should be given into the hands of three members—Mr Parnell to move an amendment against coercion ; Mr Justin McCarthy to move an amendment against the employment of military and constabulary in cases of eviction ; and Mr Dawson to move an amendment with regard to the Borough Franchise Bill promised in tho Speech last year. The terms of the amendments having been agreed to, it was resolved that in the debate arising on the Address the land question should not bo discussed,

Papanot OoTTEBnra Owjb.—A meeting of the above was held on Monday evening, when the officers for the ensuing year were appointed aa follows: President, Mr D. Thomar; vice-presidents, Messrs J. T. Matson and Wild ; hon. treasurer, Mr Ellen j committee, Messrs (E. S. Belt, McFadden, Ferguson, Smith, McConnell, Derritt, Burns, and Kelly. A meeting will held on March 7th to arrange the programme for the opening meeting. Maobi Elbotioh,—An election of a member for the Southern Maori district was held at St. Stephen's, Kaiapoi, yesterday, Mr A. Mackey being the Eeturning Officer. Hori Keri Taiaroa was elected.