NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2234, 26 April 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Police Cottbt.—This morning, before J. T. Matson, Esq., J.P., Alfred Parker and John Gruttan, who were found in a stable belonging to John Brightling at 5 a.m., were sentenced each to twenty-four hours' imprisonment. Rapid Dbiving.—Complaints are rife that persons in charge of vehicles endanger the lives of pedestrians by driving swiftly round street corners, especially in the vicinity of the Bank of New Zaland. The legal point was long since decided that people on foot are just as much entitled to the roadway as are drivers, and the latter would do well to bear this in mind. In Sydney the police are strict in checking the rapid transit of vehicles, and the traffic in Christohurch is large enough to demand similar precautions. Compensation Coubt.—The hearing of the case of R. Wilkin v. the Minister for Publio Works, which was a claim under the Public Works Act for alleged damage done to claimant's land by the building of the Ashburton railway bridge, was resumed at 10 30 today. His Honor Mr Justice Johnston presided, with Messrs C. N. Bell and Mcllraith as assessors. As there are about forty witnesses to examine, the probability is that the case will continue for some time. Mr George Harper appears for the claimant, and Mr Joynt for the Minister. Cantebbuby Coubsing Club.—At a meeting of the committee of the above club, held on Monday at The Shades, J. Turner, of Dunsdin, was elected slipper for the ensuing season. Sixteen gentlemen were elected members of the club. The secretary was requested to obtain permission to hold meetings from gentlemen in various parts of tho district.

Whbbb do You Live?— "P.P." writes to complain of the difficulty, in the absence of numbers or some other distinguishing mark, of directing people how to find a house in Christchurch. The difficulty must be admitted, and, where houses are built one behind the other, it is enhanced. A pefect remedy is hard to prescribe, pending the time when the various terraces shall have been completed. So long as gaps of considerable width intervene between one house and its neighbor, it would be well-nigh useless to resort to the old-fashioned numbering, such as that which obtains in London; bu l , the. rapidity with which houses are being constructed in Christchuroh gives promise of the completion of rows at no distant date. It has, we may remark, been already pointed out in this journal that the system of lettering the various oity blocks, and separately numbering the houses in such blocks, would probably fairly meet all requirements, for, on tho addition of a new building, a comparatively slight alteration would then be necessary. Diocesan Synod.—Messrs R. J. S. Harman and H. J. Taccred have been elected to represent the parish of St. Michael's in the Synod.

ABHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.—At a speoial meeting of the above Council, held yesterday, a resolution was carried changing the borough's banking account from the Bank ot New Zealand to the Union Bank of Australia. Sydenham Municipal Election. A meeting of the burgesses of Sydenham will be hold on Friday evening next at the Colombo road Schoolroom at 8 o'clock, when the candidate for the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr W. Charters, will address the ratepayers.

North Cantbbbuby Race Club. A meeting of the race committee is convened to be held this evening at Roberts' Junction Hotel, at which it is exoectod there will be a pretty warm discussion upon the question of the winner of the Cup Race and the decision of the C. 3.0. upon what ia known as the Farewell osse.

City Scavengebing.—A very interesting and valuable report on this important subject was brought up by the committee appointed to consider it at yesterday's meeting of the City Oounoil. The report was adopted by the Council, who authorised the committee io bring it before the publio for their approval or otherwise.

PAPANtri Coubsing OlilTß.—A meeting of this club wag held at the Sawyers' Arms Hotel last evening, about forty members being present. Mr B. D. Thomas occupied the chair. The Secretary, Mr Calvert, informed the meeting that he had written to the Canterbury Coursing Club, re the rco ignition of the homo club, and had received their answer, which was then read and agreed to. It was proposed and carried that the opening day be altered from the 17th to the 24th of May. The nominations for the All-age Stakes were to have closed last night, but it appeared that a misapprehension had occurred with respect to the naming, and, after some discussion, it was resolved to defer the nominations till the 16th of May, when the names of the dogs will be entered, and the final payments and draw fcr the Puppy Stakes will take place at the same time. The final payments and draw for the All-age Stakes was fixedfor the 23rd, being the night before tho opening of the season. Mr Franks informed the meeting that he had made arrangements for the oouvsing ground for the club's opening meeting. The ground is situated about four miles beyond Yaldhurst, and ho oonsidored it favorable in every respeot. The meeting aeoorded Mr Franks a hearty vote of thanks for the trouble he had taken on behalf of tho club. A motion was passed to the effect that the committee have power to eject any person from the grounds who may persist in riding over the fences or otherwise misconducting himself. About twelve new members were elected, and the meeting then adjourned.

Waifaba Assessment Coubt.—Mr C. Whitefoord, 8.M., heard the appeals against the assessment for this district on Friday, at the Boad Board office. One dissatisfied ratepayer, whose appeal was not allowed—in tones deep and loud—threatened to make the Board suffer. He intends to Jhave all gates removed from roads within this district.

The Bobb Rebellion.—Wo received a telegram last night from the Bluff giving an account of the battle on the Maguba hill, during which General Oolley lost his life. A full report of the engagement was publish, d in the Globe of Maroh 30th, the Cape papers brought by the s.s. Norfolk being tne source from which it was obtained.

Sbfton.—The Loyal Sefton Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., gave an entertainment on last Friday evening, in aid of their funds. There was a very large attendance ; Mr G. Orompton, P.D.G.M., of the Ashley district, presiding. The entertainment consisted of a concert, dramatio entertainment, and Ohristy minstrels, all the items being well received. After the conclusion of the entertainment dancing was commenced, and kept up with great spirit until the small hours. The BuTrsosoTEß.—The secretary of the Canterbury Agricultural Aseociitijn has discovered that the cellar in which the jars of butter (which were prepared with butjrosoter some four months ago, and which were opened on Saturday last, as reported, proving a failure) wero stored had been partially inundated during a portion of the time, from the bursting of a drain containing putrid matter. The trial cannot, therefore, be considered a fair one.

Maobis Adopting ErmornAN Fashions. —Some days ago, we reported that a fashionable Native marriage had taken place at St. Stephen's, Kaiapoi. It is now stated, as a fact, that something like fifty or sixty parcels of the bride's cake, duly marked " With Mr and Mrs Tare Tehoika's compliments," weighing each from two ounces to half a pound, have been transmitted by post to different parts of the island. The packets were duly enclosed in neat parcels and tied with lavender colored ribbon with true lovers' knots.

Magibtkate's CoITBT, KAIAPOI. —At this Court on Monday, before Dr. Dudley and G. H. Blackwell, Esq., Mayor, P. P. Milsom, the owner of horses found at large, was fined 101. Judgments were given for plaintiffs in cases of—Eckersley and Macfarluno v B. Brown, £2 2j 6d ; same v J. Hancox, £2 lis 6i ; J. Perrin vJ. H. Moors, £6 4s Bd. A case of J. Norman v A. Bloxham, £9 18s, was adjourned. In the case of C. J. toung v W. Hen woo \ in which the G.M. of the Orange society at Kaiapoi sued the secretary of the Good Templars' society for £5, rent of hall, the Bench ruled that plaintiff could not sue in his own name, and entered a nonsuit, advising defendant, who had received the amount from the Templars' Booiety, to pay over the same to the Orange society.

Drainage Board.—A lengthy meeting of the Christchurch District Drainage Board was held yesterday afternoon. In addition to a long list of ordinary business, Mr White's motion re the engineer's agreement with the Board came under consideration. The effect of it was that steps be taken to cancel the present agreement with the view of earning to a more definite and satisfactory understanding. A rathor animated discussion took place, and tho motion was eventually negatived by five to three, those supporting it being Messrs White (the mover), Brown and Cuff. The question of finances was also referred to, but not entered upon, as no report wbb forthcoming from tho committee, who it appeared were unable to agree upon certain vital points. It was therefore decided to meet again on Monday next, an hour and a half earlier than the usual time. Sydenham Baptist Chubch. Last evening, in the Oxford Terrace Church, a very successful entertainment was held on behalf of the funds of the abovenamed church. Tho Rev. Charles D jllsston read various selections, illustrated by dissolving views, from the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon's new work "John Ploughman's Pictures." Several anthems were excellently rendered by Mr H. Corrick's choir. The song, " The Tar's Farewell," was sum in fine style by Mr T. McNally, and received a well merited encore ; and Poe'g " The Raven" was recited with muoh effect by Mr R. Osborn. The Rev. T. A. Oato proposed—" A hearty vote of thanks to all the {friends who had contributed to the very successful evening's entertainment," which was carried by acclamation; and the meeting closed by Rev. C. Dallaston pronouncing the benediction.

Theatbb Royal. —There was a oapital house last: night at the Theatre Royal, when " Pinafore " was repeated with undiminished success, the principals receiving several encores and recalls during the performance. The company appear again this evening. As some capital has been made of the alleged refusal of the Dunedin School committee to allow the children under their control to accept Mr Dunning's offer to admit them, it is only fair to note that the Dunedin papers publish a report of a meeting, at which Mr Green remarked that there was no objection on the part of the committee to the children going to see the performance. In his statement he said that the committee had no need to take the matter up, but that tickets might be sent to the teachers, who might give them to the ohildren without the committee having anything to do with it. Ambbbley Fabmbbs' Club.—At a public meeting held in the Town Hall, yesterday afternoon, Mr O. Ensor in the chair, the formal enrolment of this club took place. Mr C. Ensor was elected president, Mr F. Courage vice-president, and Messrs Coleman, Dalziel, Bristow, Sloper, Foster, Benn, Douglas, Fendall, A. McDonald and Parsons a committee, with power to add to their number. The annual subscription was fixed at 10s, payable in advance. A good deal of interest was taken in the proceedings, and opinions seemed dividod as to whether a farmers' club or the more extensive Farmers' Co-operative Sooiety should be started. The majority, however, seemed to be in favor of the smaller beginning. Mr L. O. Williams was elected hon. secretary and treasurer. Votes of thanks to Messrs Foster and Williams for the initiation of the matter, and to the chairman (Mr Ensor), were passed unanimously. A considerable number of members were enrolled at the close of the meeting. Cojiplimbntaby Dinneb—A complimentary dinner was given at the Halkott Hotel on Friday evening last, under the auspices of the Courtenay Farmers' Club, to three of its oldest and most useful members, Messrs Ooutts, Kingdon, and Keir, who are now leaving the district for Southland. A great many friends and well-wishers also joined the club in paying their tribute of respect, about eighty sitting down to an excellent repast provided by the host, Mr Smith. Mr Anson, president of the club, occupied tho ohair, and Mr Mathias the vioe-chair. Justice having been done to the good things provided, and the cloth removed, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were duly honored, Captain O. G. Parker responding on behalf of the "Army," and Mr Foster for the "Navy." The " County Council " was responded to by Mr Mathias. Mr Anson, as president of the Farmers' Club, proposed the " Guests of the evening," paying a high and well-merited compliment to those gentlemen as useful members of the club. Tho toast was received with loud cheers and musical honors. Messrs Keir and Kingdon briefly responded. Mr Ooutts thanked them very sincerely for the honor conferred upon them by inviting them there that evening, and hoped that this would not be the last meeting of the kind he would have the pleasure of attending in the Courtenay district. Should circumstances permit, he would be glad again to return to attend their annual show. A. number of other toasts were proposed and duly honored. Some excellent songs wore contributed during the evening by Messrs Brown, Murray, McNae, Turner, Tweodie, Wellbourne, Brett, RobinBon, Shoepley, Oaten, and others. Mr Anson proposed the hoalth of Mr Smith, landlord, and the company then broke up, everyone being pleased with the enjoyable night they had spent.

CANTBBBtraY Coixbob.—A meeting of tho Board of Governors was held at 3 p.m. yesterday. Present—Messrs W. Montgomery (chairman), Lince, Veel, Beeves, Toss will, Fereday, Bowcn, Stevens, and Bev C. Fraser. Tho report of the Agricultural School Committee was read and adopted, referring to the appointmont of a clerk and bookkeeper, erection of tanks, purchase of horses, &c. The report was as foliows:—" The committee recommends the Board to appoint a clerk and bookkeeper at tho School of Agriculture, to attend two days a week, salary £SO per annum, three months' notice on either side to determine tho engagement. The committee recommends the Board to authorise the expenditure of £145 for the ereotion of tanks for the water supply of the new buildings at the Sohool of Agriculture." The seal of the College was authorised to be affixed to several mortgages. Mr Fereday brought UTider the notioo of the Board the question of the granting of leave of absence to Dr Coward. On the motion of Mr Fereday, twelve months' leave of absence waa granted to Dr Coward. The Board then adjourned.

Chbysanthemuji Show.—This show was held this afternoon in the New Oddfellows Sail, Colombo street; and, considering the dryness of the season, the blooms staged were very good. A grand stand of twelve blooms, contributed by Mr A. Forsyth, of Oatnaru (gardener to the Hon. M. Holmes), were universally admired. The most notioeable_ of these were the Empress of India (white), Gloria Mundi (yellow), Miss Hope (salmon), Lady Hardinge, and Prince of Wales. When it is remembered that Mi Forsyth used to oarry off the lion's share of prizes in Great Britain it is not to be wondered that he excels in New Zealand. Messrs D. Nairn and Sons showed a fine stand of eighteen blooms, amongst whioh the blooms of Pink Perfection do not belie their name, whilst the white blooms—Mrs G. Bundle and Empress of India—run Mr Forsyth very close. A well grown yellow Anemone Multiflora is also shown in Mr Nairn's collection. Mr W.H. Wileon.of Oashel street, has a nice stand of twelve, amongst which Lady Talfourd and Golden Queen are conspicuous. Mr Lae contributes two stands of twelve blooms each for exhibition only, and Mr Ohas. Kiver, jun"., has a good collection of pompones. Mr F. Jones shows a stand of seedlings, six in number, and also a tasteful collection of ferns. Mr E. Mackett furnishes tbreo beautiful cinerarias—one of which is a fine double —a novelty. Hib collection of ferns are also very good. As the whole of the exhibits were not staged at the time of going to press, we must defer a complete notice till to-morrow's issue.