NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2223, 12 April 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Supbbme CotTßT.—The case of Gaskin v Kinley was withdrawn this morning. Tomorrow the case of Quolmer’s Trustees v T. and H. Qnalmer will be heard.

Good Feiday. —An excursion trip to Little Akaloa and back will be made on Friday next by the steamer Akaroa. Bastbb Monday.—On Monday next the steamer Akaroa will make an excursion trip to Pigeon Bay. Thb Membeb tob Lyttelton.—Mr H, Allwright, M.H.B. for Lyttelton, is to address his constituents at the Lyttelton Colonists’ Hall to-morrow night. Tub Census. —Complaints are made that sufficient care is not being taken to ensure the collection of census papers. In some cases, where a householder and his family slept at homo on the night of the 3rd inst., and filled up the form, the enumerators having called once, and not happening to find anyone in, have simply recorded that the inmates were absent. In other cases the enumerators have neglected to trace the whereabouts of householders who slept at home on that night but have since left Christchurch on short visits or permanently. It would be well if instructions were printed directing any householder, intending to change his residence before the census-papers could be collected, to entrust his census-paper to the care of a neighbor. Juvenile “Pinaeohb” Company.—Mr H. Pollard, the chorus master of the above company, has succeeded in bringing his band of auxiliaries into something like shape. Yesterday the practice went excellently, the little ones entering most thoroughly into the fun of the music, and singing the various •homses, &c., in good time and tnne. The opening will be on Saturday evening instead of Easter Monday. Attempted Suicide. A man named Peter Kepper. who on Wednesday last was forwarded from the Timaru Hospital to the Old Men’s Home at Ashburton, made a deliberate attempt to commit suicide on Friday last. He stated he was tired of his life, and then went into a small room, where he inflicted three severe cuts on his throat with a razor. The "Timaru Herald” says that Kepper formerly lived at Temuka, and has been several times in the hospital. He has alway s been a man of peculiar habits. Thbatbioal.—Quite a host of theatricals were in Christchurch to-day, the greater part en route for Dunedin by the Wakatipu. Amongst them may be noted Miss Jenny Watt-Tanner, Mr and Mrs Lachlan McGowan, Mr and Mrs Carden, Messrs Do Lias and A. Elliott, and last, but not least, the Lydia Howards Burlesque Company. The latter, it is understood, will appear shortly in Christchurch, and the former are on their way to open a season in Dunedin, under Mr De Lias’s management. Tkmuka Mechanics' Institute.—The regular monthly meeting of the committee was held in the reading-room, on Friday, Bth inst. Present—Dr. Hayes (chairman), Messrs Mendelson, McKay, Blyth, Gray, Dee, Elliott, and Gentlemum. The librarian reported that 120 books temporarily exchanged with Geraldine had been returned, some in a rather dilapidated condition. Resolved that the Geraldine books bo returned as soon as possible. The librarian enclosed £5 5s fid, subscriptions received during past month. A good deal of discussion took place about an account for £l, which was a charge made by the Volunteers for the use of the hall for a lecture delivered there in aid of the Institute funds. The committee considered that the charge was too high, as the Institute was for the good of the public'; and as the Volunteer HaU had been erected out of funds raised by public subscription, they considered that the Volunteers should be content to let the hall for local purposes for a sum euffloient to defray expenses of cleaning and lighting. The account was ultimately passed. The president reported that the books ordered from Homo had not yet come to hand,

Personal. —The Dube of Manchester vtai a passenger from Wellington by the steamer Wakatipu, which a> rived this morning. The i Public Library. —Wo have been requested to sf.ate that to prevent confusion at the Public Library on Sunday, everyone will be required to produce a ticket of admission before going into the Reference Library, and that any respectable person can obtain a ticket on "[-plication to the Registrar or one of the Governors.

Little River. —The Assessment Court for this district was held in the Road Board Office on Friday, before J. Aylmer, Esq., R._M. of Akaroa. Only one objection was raised to the valuation list, which was that of Mr T. H. Parkinson, who obtained a reduction of Is per acre on 180 acres of his hill land.

Rain.— -The much wanted rain to assist the farmers in breaking up the land for the autumn sowing of wheat was generally experienced throughout North Canterbury yesterday. Not only will moisture prove beneficial in the foregoing connexion, but the heavy showers of Monday will go far towards supplying some of the underground springs, which, failing in their supply, have caused the common complaint of “ the well’s run dry.” A Wbll-dbseevbd Compliment. —At the conclusion of the inquest on the body of Mr Thos. Dowdle yesterday, a letter was read from Mr B. Taylor, father-in-law of deceased,, conveying his warm thanks to the Hospital authorities for the kind, attentive, and excellent treatment which the deceased had received while a patient there. The coroner, in reference thereto, remarked that such testimony was valuable, and must be very gratifying to the authorities of that institution. Drainage Board. —At the ordinary meeting of this Board, which was held yesterday afternoon, a good deal of business was transacted. Mr W. White’s notice of motion to cancel the agreement of the engineer with a view to arrive at a more definite understanding between that officer and the Board, was by general consent postponed. As the Board adjourned at a late hour, there was no meeting of the Board of Health.

Ashbueton Racing Club, —At a meeting of the above Club held last Saturday, it was decided to hold a steeplechase meeting on the 27th May next, and to accept Mr John Carter’s offer of a course on Grove Farm. It was also decided to adhere to last year’s programme, with the exception of mating the added money larger. Mosers Digby, Quill, Foots, Jacobson and Stitt were appointed a committee. Mr Crisp forwarded his resignation as a member of committee, but it was decided not to accept it.

Fieb at Seapield.—A four-roomed house belonging to Mr W. Lawry, of Scofield, Ashburton, was totally destroyed by fire last Sunday evening. Mr and Mrs Lawry were away on a visit to Springston, and their son and daughter, whom they had left in charge of the house, were attending set rice in the Wesleyan Church when the fire took place. The cry of fire was raised, and the people hurried from the church to the scene, but their efforts to save the house proved unavailing. It was destroyed with all its contents, including it is said a considerable sum of money. The house was insured for £2OO, and the furniture for £IOO in the London and Lancashire office. There is no clue as to the origin of the fire.

Oeicebt —A friendly match was played on Saturday afternoon in Hagley Park, between the carriage-builders and painters employed in the Canterbury Railway Workshops. On former occasions this season the builders have been victorious, but on Saturday the painters disposed of their opponents very easily. The bowling of Thompson and Fletcher for the painters, and that of Handside and Garrigan for the builders was good. The batting of Handside for 12, that of Thompson and Fletcher for 21 and 15 respectively (the latter not out), was noticeable as being the only double figures. The scores were— Ooaohbuilders, Ist innings, 17 ; second ditto, 42 ; total, 59. Painters, Ist inninga, 37; second ditto, 63 for three wickets ; total, 100.

Cobonee’s Jueies.—When the names of the jury were called at an inquest before Dr. Frankish yesterday, one of those summoned to attend, viz., Mr J. W. Morton, was absent. The coroner, before leaving to view the body, directed that Mr Morton be called again to save hie recognizances. There was no appearance. After returning from the inspection, Mr Morton was in attendance, and gave an explanation as to his want of punctuality. The coroner remarked that he intended to be very particular about the attendance of jurymen. It laxity were permitted in certain cases it would be manifestly unfair to others, and with this view he should be careful to exercise the full authority of the Oourt in regard to defaulters. In the present case, he would not, however, under the circumstance, impose a fine. Good Tempbaby.— On Friday evening last, the anniversary soiree of the Rock of Freedom Lodge, Ashley, was held in the district school-room. A goodly number sat down to tea, the following ladies presiding at the tables :—Mesdames F. Croft, Bllwood, Thwaites, and Smith, and the Misses Fawcett (2), Bunting, Thwaites, Walters, Banks, and Hayman. After tea, an entertainment was given, Bro. J. Thompson, D.D.G.W.0.T., presiding. Addresses on the Temperance Question were given by the Rev. B. R. Otway and Messrs Wood and Heap. Some part songs were much appreciated. A lady amateur contributed two songs in a thoroughly artistic manner, and some instrumental selections by Mrs T. G. Smith (piano), Messrs J. Heap (violin), T. G. Smith (flute), and J. Walters (violiucello), were received with the most manifest tokens of delight. The singing of the National Anthem brought an enjoyable entertainment to a close.

Baptist Ohtjbch.—The ordinary weekly meeting of the Oxford terrace Improvement Society wan hold in the above church last evening. There was a good attendance of members and a fair number of visitors present. Bov. O. Dallaston, president, occupied the chair. Mr Cox read the paper for the evening—subject, “ Begeneration,” which was afterwords duly discussed by members. Wanton Destruction of Stohbb.—During the b.b. Stella’s recent trip to the Auckland Islands to replenish the stores placed there, and see if there were any castaways, the captain discovered that the depots of provisions placed on that desolate locality for the benefit of shipwrecked mariners had been disgracefully plundered. In some instances the tins of preserved meats hod been ripped open with a knife and thrown outside, and the cases of sugar and tea had been similarly served, and the contents scattered about and destroyed. On each of the depots Captain Gray nailed a printed notice, asking sealers not to destroy the goods, but if in want of anything to take it, and on returning to inform the Government,

Salmon- in the Opihi.—Following up the resolution passed by the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, a number of gentlemen interested in the salmon question left limaru on Friday to explore, by means of nets specially lent by the Christchurch Society, the deep pools of the higher waters of the Opihi, and endeavor, by ocular demonstration of a captured specimen, to set at rest the question of the description of fish said to inhabit the Opihi and its tributaries. Beyond Dr Chilton saying he saw a fish, the party were doomed to disappointment, for though trying several very likely places not a catch was made. A lad who apparently knew every inch of the river took the gentlemen to a most promising pool not far from the gorge, in which bit of water the boy said he had frequently seen two big fish as long as an ordinary walking-stick. But unfortunately these big fellows did not then show themselves. There were also other parts of the river whore large fish had been seen, but to the explorers on Friday they were not visible. —“ Timaru Herald,”

Aubbhlby Fabmebs’ Club. A preliminary meeting of those favorable to starting a club in the Amberley district was held at McLean’s Hotel on Saturday evening. There was a moderate attendance. Mr .Reginald Foster was voted to the chair, and spoke on the advantages to bo obtained by the meetings, &o. hold by such societies. Several gentlemen had agreed that such a thing would be a benefit to the locality, and the present meeting was therefore called to see if sufficient interest were taken in the matter. He (the chairman) had been requested to apologise for Messrs Courage and Broadfoot, who wore unavoidably absent, but who would support a local Farmers’ Club. Mr Coleman had also to apologise for Mr O. Eosor's absence. The Chairman suggested that a provisional .committee should be formed to report on rules, Ac., at a public meeting, to bo held on, say, next sale day. The following wore appointed a committee:— Messrs Courage, Benn, Foster, Coleman, Briston, DsJziel, and ‘Williams. The subcommittee decided to meet on Saturday evening next.

Southern Cross Lodge, I.O.GKT. A public meeting in connection with this’ lodge is advertised to take place to-morrow in the Templar Hall, at eight o’clock. Dr, BusselL Mr O, M. Gray, and others will deliver addresses, and the evening’s programme includes a number of songs and recitations. The Bandmann Company.—This company leave Lyttelton for Wanganui to-morrow, and then proceed to Wellington, where they are under engagement for two weeks to Mr DeLias prior to their departure fer Auckland. Many- a BMP'. —Ezekiel Benfield, who has for some months carried on business near New Brighton as a dairyman, sold out the other day, and made up hie mind to go Home by the Orari. On Friday he went down to Lyttelton, and stepped on board, accompanied by half-a-dozen cockatoos, Ezekiel is a bachelor. Perhaps he intended these to serve pa presents from this outlandish country. While he was en _S a ß°d in feeding his pets a constable, armed with a warrant, stepped up, and Ezekiel, much to hie surprise, found himself confronted by a limb of the law, and a demand for £l2 15s due to a produce merchant from whom the paddock for grazing the cows bed been rented. A stroll to the Lyttelton Police Station was the result of the interview, the money was paid, with expenses, and Ezekiel rejoined his ship and renewed his attentions to “ pretty oockey." On Saturday morning, at nine o’clock, “the prophet” left New Zealand, a few pounds poorer than he had anticipated, but probably with a wholesome belief in the efficacy of law, and with a high opinion of his landlord’s acuteness in looking after his legitimal e interests. Inquest. —An inquest was held by Dr. Frankish, Coroner, yesterday, touching the death of Mr Dowdle, who was accidentally shot in the foot some days since by his brother-in-law. Sergeant Motiea was present as representing the police. Evidence was taken to show how the accident occurred by which deceased met h ; s death, and Dr. Meikle, house surgeon to the Christchurch Hospital, who made a pnst mortem examination of the body, deposed that the internal organs were in a state of disease and degeneration, showing that deceased was in bad health at the time of the accident. Dr. Meikle rlso stated that the deceased had testified that the occurrence was purely accidental. The jury, in accordance with the evidence, returned a verdict of “Accidental death.’'

Febbthought.—The census enumoratorat Patoa refused to allow people to enter themselves as Freethinkers in the column set apart for the record of religious persuasion. The Dunedin Free Thought Association heard of this, and telegraphed to Wellington to the effect that the enumerator’s action was illegal. This step hod the desired effect, and the Patea enumerator was instructed that he was not acting iu accordance with law in declining to allow people to describe themselves as " Freethinkers,” and to abandon the position which he bad taken up in the first nstance.

autumn Handicap.—Mr Thos. McDonald, at Lyttelton, gives notice that bis consultation on this event will be drawn next Saturday in the Lyttelton Colonists’ Hall, at 3 p.m. Spoeting. —Calcutta sweeps on the various events at the forthcoming Autumn Meeting will be drawn at Mr J. L. Fleming’s auction rooms to-morrow. Thursday, Saturday, and Monday. Mr J. L. Fleming’s novelty consultation will bo drawn on Saturday afternoon.