NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2247, 15 June 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Late Jbwblebbt Bobbeby.—Yesterday Dotective Noill arrested a man named Oharlos Henry Preston on the ohargo of being concerned in the late robbery of jewellery from the premises of Mr G-eo. Hooper, Oasbel street. The accused was brought up at thoR.M.. Court this morning, and on the application of the police a remand was granted for seven days. Bail was fixed, prisoner in £SOO, and two sureties, to bo approved by the police, in £250 each.

Not a Paying Ookoben.—A clean old matt, of a jaunty yet assured den: eanor, stepped into the witness box at the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning to explain why be had not paid up on a judgment, for a not very largo amount, which bad been given against him twelve months ago. In answer to the pressing enquiries of Mr Stringer, he said he was a miner residing on his claim at the West Coast. He bad brought hie old woman to Christohurcb, as she found the weather too cold over there. His wife had property thai; was certainly worth £IOOO, and might be worth £2OOO. That, however, was hers. What was his was his. He had got some gold out of bis claim during the yean He didn't know how ;muoh; not more than £SO worth anyhow. He had a bundle of small papers pinned together in bis band, which he said was a statement of his receipts and expenditure. He offered them for perusal to the Magistrate, but His Worship looked over his spectacles at the documents, and not seeming to like their appearance, blandly assured him that his reading would be accepted, Defendant wont on to state that his property in Ohristchuroh consisted of a building let to the Adelphi Ohristadelphians,. as near as he recollected their title. He re* ceived .£3l last year from, and spent £33 on it. The thing didn't pay him; it was like the New Zealand Railways, there was a good deal more spent on them both than ever did, or would, come out of them ; and, like the Government, he would be glad to be rid of his trouble if he could do it without too great a sacrifice. This sentiment was re* oeived by a distinguished official not wholly unconnected with the railways, who happened to be present, with subdued applause. Tbe people in the gallery also loudly enjoyed the I joke, but his Worship looked grave, possibly i considering that there might be a kind of petit treason cpncoaled in defendant's reI marks, and the crier, when the laugh was over, called out in a whisper for silence.. "Now then," said his Worship, "yon have said you are going back to tbe West Coast ta-morrow" (which he had). "You will have to pay this money forthwith or go to gaol for one month." " Then," said he, " I will take the month-" " And," continued the magistrate, "mark this, your month's inirprisonment will not wipe off the debt. In the meantime, Mr Stringer can find out if there is any gold in that claim of yours on the West Coast." Defendant walked away without saying any more, but he seemed rather puzzled, and when last seen he appeared to be looking for a solution of the: mystery in the bottom of bis bat.

Alabm of Fikb.—About half an hour after midnight the railway whistle and the Lichfield atreet bell sounded an alarm, The Fire Brigade, as ÜBual, were speedily on the alert, but it turned out that the supposed firewas the rtfieoticm from Messrs Scott Bros.' foundry. The engines went out, but shortly returned, no cause being shown for their services. Ashley Eivee —Since the recent freshet in the Ashley, the main stream at the lately erected road bridge has gone into the centre of the bed. This result is hailed with feelings of satisfaction to those who have from time to time to cross this dangerous stream. For some months the rivor had left the bridge,, and one of the main channels was to the. southward of the south approach, and this, mi flood time, was unfordable. Pot/ltby Association.—A meeting of the committee of the Cbristchurch Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Society was held at the Shades last evening. It was decided to hold the usual art union, and a purchase of eighty canaries was made for prizes, besides a great many fancy pigeons and dressed poultry. The show promises to be a great success this year, as exhibits are expected from Napier and other parte of the colony. Thb Wbathbe —ln the Northern district* th? weather has been very severe during thelast few days. There was a heavy fall of snow on Friday morning and all day Saturday on the hills, the snow lying to a depth of 2ft or more. The ford over the Ashley near Hoßeack's has been impracticable for several days, and residents on the other side of the river have been compelled to leave their horses and vehicles at Ashley Bank, and avail themselves of the railway bridge in order to reach Kangiora.

Dkauohit Match.—On Monday evening a match at draughts wag played at Woodend between the Woodend and Eangiora players, which resulted in favor of the latter. The players on the Woodend aide were—Messrs. Hunter, O. Howard, F. Horrell, T. Howell, J. Winslow, J. George, J. Smith, and Walker 5 on the Bangiora side—Messrs. J. and Hi Blackotf, J. and A. Josling, T. Boyd, J. Hossaok, J. Hansom, and C. Jones. A match was arranged to be played at Leith field on Tuesday, and the return between Woodend and Bangiora in a month from date. ASHBUBTON AOEIODXTUEAX ASSOCIATION.—

Yesterday afternoon a meeting was held in Commercial Hotel, Mr Bullock in the chair. Besolutions were patsed to the effect that it is desirable to hold a ploughing match in the district this season, competitors to be resident in the county, and the working committee to comprise—Messrs Mayo, Hunt, Miller, Taylor, Olark and Carter. A general committee was appointed, including thirty-four gentlemen, besides members of the committee of the Association. The match will probably be contested during the last week in July. Accident in the Kivbb Kowal An accident occurred in the above-named river on Saturday last, fortunately unattended with loss to human life. It appears that Mr D. Matheson, of Springfield, sent a man with a I dray and about thirty sheep to cross the Kowni on Saturday, being unaware that the river was in flood. The driver was upset soon, after entering the river, and the horse, dray and sheep were washed some distance down. Fortunately, the man escaped with his life, though severely shaken and bruised. The sheep and horse were drowned, and the dray completely wrecked. Ashburion Licensing Coebt. —Yesterday, before Mr J. N. Wood (ohairman) and Messrs Cox, Winter and Ward (oommmisoi oners), the various applications for renewal of licenses were granted. Mr Purnell, on behalf of Eobert Little, Hindhope Hotel, asked to be allowed to apply for a renewal, Little inadvertently allowed his license to lapse. After discussion, the Bench waived the technical objection to the application, and said they would hear the case on its merits at an adjourned sitting.

Asiibubton BoßotrGH CoTTBCiz. —At Monday evening's fortnightly meeting there were present Councillors Bullock (acting Mayor), St. Hill, Williamson, Roberts, Harrison, Robinson, and Friodlander. The County Council wrote declining to pay account incurred by the Fire Brigade. The Wakanui Road Board wrote declining to re-consider re the salary of the inspector of nuisances. It was decided to accede to the Fire Brigade's request for further time to report on the sump question, with a view to a fresh test of the trial sump, but to refuse to pay for men to pump. A request of the Presbyterian Church commiLtee, that alterations in Havelock street levels bo effected without delay, was referred to the engineers ; as, alio, was a petition from owners of property in West ■treet, that the local culverts be either enlarged or removed, us at present they merely preclude the outlet of storm water. The engineers, in their report, referred to the satisfactory progress of the .outfall drain, the Fire Brigade's sump, and the levelling of Burnett street. Resolved, to let Council reserve "No. 502 to Messrs Tucker and Rastell, at a rental for the first seven years of £3O, seoond seven years of £45, and third seven years £67 10». Resolved, that the clerk proceed against all ratepayers in arrears after the 30ih inst. The Mayor alluded to a possible contingency of the old Havelock street railway croning being '0 opened, in view of the intended removal of ihe engine shed.

ComastNO.— A. privato match took place yesterday at Yaldhurst, on Mr J. Holmea' eatato, whioh was kindly lort for the occasion, between Mr John Wild's Black Boy and Mr Albert Hawkins' Byron, the stake being £5 ■-side, the best two out of throe to decide. Both dogs had their backer?, and a lot of money changed hands. The viotory was claimed by Mr Hawkins, Byron haying won the first and second courses. Black Boy's defeat no doubt is owing partly to his being a bit atale after his exploits at Bangiora and Yaldhurst, as he was engaged in the Puppy Stakes. Mr B. Frame aoted aa slipper, and Mr 0. A. Calvert as judge, both gentlemen giving general satisfaction. The hares were very plentiful, and all present enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

Sacked Concbbt at Kaiapoi.—On Mon

day evening a benefit oonoert for the funds in aid of the Eev. J- Armitage's family wsb given in the Wesleyan Church, Kaiapoi, by the ohoir, assisted by the members of the local choral society. The church was crowded in every part. The programme submitted included in the first part selections in which "In this vale of tears," sang by Dr. Ovenden, and "Tho Lost Chord," sang by Mr Champion, and the solo and chorus " Strike, Seraphs, strike," by Miss Johnson, Messrs. Hunnibell and Blackwoll, were the prominent features. Selections were given from Handel's "Messiah"—"Comfort ye," by Mr H. Johnson ; " Thus saith the Lord " and " Who shall abide," in good voioo by Mr Pullan ; "He shall feed His flook," by Mrs Simmonda and Miss Lock j "He was despised," by Mrs Champion, whioh was sung with great freshness and deserved a recall. "Behold and ■ae " and " But thou did 'st not leave " were taken by Dr. Ovenden. Mr W. S. Smith sang the solo "The trumpet shall sound" in a manner, which ought to have seoured an encore. The choruses were throughout well taken, and reflected every credit upon the conduotorship of Mr T. Q. Smith and the band. Mr B. Blakely presided at the organ during the evening, and it is needless to say that with •noh an accomplished musician his part was discharged with every satisfaction.

OAHTBBDtTBY Hunt Club.—The Cantorbury hounds met at the Junction Hotel, Wednesday. There was a very fair mustor of horsemen, with a few of the fair sex. The ground generally being very wet from the rodent heavy rain, the master was doubtful as to where they should throw off, and finally came to the conclusion to try the same country that they h ad hunted a week or two previous. The hounds were then trotted down the road and into a grass paddock, where a flock of long, woolled sheep were grazing. A cast was made, but without success. The next paddock was then drawn, out of whioh puss was soon bundled, and after a short spin was lost. The master then ordered the huntsman to try the same paddock again, which was promptly attended to, but without suocess. The huntsman then rode towards a gully with the intention of trying a grass paddook, but was stopped by a man presenting a gun at him several times. The huntsman promptly called his hounds around him, in order to protect them, telling the man what would be the consequences if he did not lower his gun. On returning to the road, where the greater part of the company were collected, another man was making bis way as fast as possible with a gun, apparently bent on misohief, the cause being a terrier dog belonging to one of the members of the club whioh appeared to be very fond of mutton, and had to be whipped off the sheep several times. Mr Haydon then cantered forward to a " jolly " old farmer, who kindly invited the huntsman on to any part of his gronnd. A hare was soon started. Fuss made for the river bed, and afterwards Btraight for Sockburn, thence alongside the line of railway to Middle ton ; then back to the river bed, where the hounds lost her. Here the huntsman came to grief—a proper cropper. After a torn or two without success, the party made for Sookbum, and thonce home.

Ambbbibx Fabmbbb' Club.—There was a good attendance of members all the monthly meeting held on Monday afternoon; Mr O. Enuor in the ohair. Thehon. secretary stated that Mr W. S. Moorhouse, M H.B, had sent copies of the Fencing Ordinance that was to he introduced this session. As to poisoned grain, he had received no reply from the gentleman he waß requested to write to on the matter. He (the hon. eeoretary) would gladly reosive and distribute any poisoned grain far the use of members, but would rather not undertake the responsibility of preparing it. Besolved—" That farmers requiring poisoned groin oommunicate with the hon. secretary." She ohairman stated that the spurious blue■tone now sold was really of no use, and it was rather an important subject for farmers. It was resolved—" That the hon. secretary 'write to the Timaru Co operative Association, asking them to forward some of the genuine artiole." Mr F. Courage said he would read a letter he had received from a South Canterbury resident, strongly urging on farmers the advantages of a Co-operativo Association. [Letter road.] Mr Courage then went on to read some suggestions that had presented themselves to him after reading Mr Page's letter, the tendency being all in favor of cooperation. He went on to say that granted that the farmers occasionally had a good year, all profits were swallowed up by the agents. The good years were few, and for his own part he considered Canterbury more adapted to grazing than corn growing. The proposed new Fencing Ordinanoe was discussed, 'and the clauses referring to Crown tenants of Canterbury runs, and non-planting of gorse considered objectionable. Some new members were enrolled, and the meeting adjourned.

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