NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 225, 28 June 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Gotctt Council. —Tbe usuil monthly meeting of the Selwyn County Council was held at tho offices, Hereford street, to-day, when a large amount of business was transacted. Entertainment.— An entertainment will be given in the United Methcdut 'Free Church, Colombo road, to-morrow evening, commencing at 7 30. BtraGLAitr at Eiccarton.—lntelligence was received by tho police authorities yesterday that s mt:n mimed George Augustus Smith hud been arrested at Akaroa, charged with breaking into tho Ricca ton Hotel, and stealing therefrom a pun and a number of cartridges. Xhe stolen property has been recovered, and tho prisoner will bo remanded to Ohrietchurch. Tub Drainage Em—At the meeting of tho Drainarc Board yesterday it was resolved, by a majority of one, not to rescind the reeoI lution with respect to proceeding with tho amended Drainage Bill, and also to communieato with tho five members for the district aud ank them to coneidor tho propriety of taking charge of it. Kaiafoi Licbnsing Court. At this Court on Monduy t'io Commissioners present were—Messrs Isaac Wilson and P. C. Throlkeld. An application from W. Pat man for an extension on Wednesday evening was granted. An thoro was not a quorum to consider tbe adjourned application of J. Hirst, Mundovillo Hotel, it was adjourned till Wednesday, at 10 a.m. Meeting op Daihxmbn.—A meeting of milkmen was held at tho Rotherfield Hotel last evening. There was a large number present, and Mr Vogel occupied .the chair. Tho petition to Parliament wai read to the meeting and adopted, and it was agreed to get the name signed by all the dairymen of Ohristohurch by Thursday next. The committee will meet on Thursday morning at 0.30, for tho purpose of forwarding the petition to Parliament.

Habdiiiood of Shbbp.—During the recent severe winter in the North of Sootland (lays a contemporary, a flook of sheep, belonging to Mr Anderson, Cults, near Aberdeen, were snowed up. In the course of a day or so all but one were recovered, and as the shepherd ■was not quite sure whether that one had not !?one astray previously, it was given up for lest. On Maroh 14th, however, a ploughman, in " feering " the field in which the sheep had been, observed something moving amongst a quantity of snow lying in a sheltered place at one ond of it. This turned out to bo the missing sheep, which, although in the last stages of emaoiation, was still alive. It was taken to the farm-steading, and under careful and tender nursing soon began to show stronger signs of animation. It was soon in a fair way of recovery, being able to nibble a little grais and turnips. From the time the animal was snowed up on January 12th till it was found on March 14th, a period of nine weeks less one day elapsed, during which it mußt have been absolutely without food. Instances have, we believe, been known of sheep living as long as six weolcs in the same predicament, but this exampls of tenacity of life is probably altogether unprecedented.

Found Dead.—Mr Norman Painter Thompson, a farmer of Longboacb, formorJy in the Goverr.mont service at Christohurch, was found dead in his Bitting-room on Sunday morning. He was forty-five years of age, and was unmarried. Judicial Changes.—lt is reported that Mr W. H. Eves, junior, baß roceived the appointment of Deputy -R?gif>trar for Christchurch. Mr Eyes has ocoupied the post of clerk of the Lyttelton Resident Magistrate's Court for some time past. Ho will, it is said, be succeeded by Captain F. D. Gibson. Asphalt at Kaiapoi.—Mr C. Oram has effected a great improvement in front of the Pier Hotel property by having the footpath laid with asphalt. One or two private persons übout the town are having thio kind of footpath laid, and no doubt tho path past the Council Chamber from tho bridge to tho railway station would be improved if soma of the like material was laid as a {lavement and the stones done away with. Thb Public Library.—At yesterday's meeting of the Canterbury College Board of Governors it was stated that the Public liibrary had suffered to the extent of about £3OO a-year by the stoppage of tho Government subsidy, and that the institution received a contribution of £SOO a-year from the revenue of the School of Technical Science. Several members of the Board wore of opinion that funds that should have been applied to the Library had been diverted to the Museum. Thb Publicans' Plate. —The very handsome solid silver cup presented _by tbo publicans of Christohurch to the winner of the All-aged Stakeß at the recent meeting of the Canterbury Coursing Club, is now ou view in Colombo street. The lid is very tastefully surmounted by a trophy in frosted silver, representing a pair of greyhounds in hot pursuit of puss, with the judge on horseback in close attendance. A dog is also ohased on the front of the cup, surrounded by the inscription, " Won bv Matohem, the property of Oharlos Adkin, Esq., June 15th, 1881." The engraving is very beautiful, the grouping of ferns, &c, round the inscription and the work on the base being very artistically executed. Machstbate's Coubt, Kaiapoi.—At this Court on Monday, before G. H. Black well and Isaac Wilson, Esqa., M. Lynskey, W. Burnip, J. Boharrell, and J. Reid, were fined 5s each for allowing oattle at large. Similar cases against F. Morton and J. Kinley were dismissed. G. W. Wearing, owner of an unregistered dog, was fined 10j. A similar case against M. Lynskey was adjourned to allow defendant to engage counsel. Judgment was given for plaintiffs in the following cases— J. Humphries v J. Fox, £2 15s ; P. O. Threlkeld v F. Jackson, £1; Eckersley and Macfarlane v R. Searwood, £5 Is 3d; J. Goodman v G. Thome. £2 18s Bd, set off £7l7s, judgment for £1 15s Bd, a rehearing was subsequently granted ; J. Tolley v W. Stone, £2 9s 6d ; J. Wyatt v W. Stevenson, £3 Is 9d ; J. Lancaster v W. Stevenßon, £3 5s ; W. H. Orenden v Mrs Hagley, £l3 ; Same v H. Hardey, £l2 ; Same vH. Finnis, £5 2s ; J. Sims v J. Cox, 8s 3d.

Cahtbhbttby Oob-bbing Cltjb.—A meeting of the committee of the abovo club was hold yesterday, at 4.30 p.m., at The Shades ; Mr E. B Deacon in the chair. The ohairman stated the business of the meeting, which was the consideration of a tryst for the July meeting of the club. Several localities were mentioned, notably the Ellesmere and Malvern districts, and also Mr Banger's property, noar Bolleston. Ultimately the selection wan left to Messrs W. G-. Walker and VV". H. Porter, to report at a meeting to be held a work hence. As Sheffield was most fancied, Mr Walker agreed to write to Messrs Maxwell and Mathias to ascertain if those gentlemen would place their paddocks at the club's dispoial for the meeting. A letter was road from Mr Murphy, secretary to the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, re a dog show, to be held in the society's grounds on November 9th. After some discussion, Mr E. R. Deacon was appointed to see Mr Murphy and make enquiries, and report to the meeting of the club on Monday next. This was all the business.

Dbainaqb Boahij Election.—A public meeting of the ratepayer of the Ohriatchurch Drainage District was held at the Oddfellows' Hall, Lichfield street, lust night, for the purpose of considering the question of adopting The Local Elections Act, 1876. On the motion of Mr H. J. Tancred, Mr P. Jones took the ohair. Ho stated that ho had gone through the same business in an adjoining district—namely, tho bringing into force of the Local Elections Act. There were a great many people who liked voting by ballot, and as almost all elections were conducted now-a-days in that manner, it seemed right and proper that it should be introduced in connection with tho Drainage Board. The course was that the Drainage Board should decide upon the advisability of bringing the Act into forco, and then bring the matter before a public meeting. Mr H. J. Tancred then moved—" That the Eegulation or Local Elections Act be brought into force for the purpose of electing members of the Drainage Board." The Board had decided on this course, and ho as Ohairman of tho Board had called this meeting to endorse their notion. The Drainage Board would bo brought into harmony with other represent!!, tive institutions of the colony, and the prinoipal thing would be that tho elections would be by ballot. Mr Treadwell seconded the motion. In answer to Mr Lee, the Ohairman said he believed the Drainage Board would accept the decision of the meeting as final. Mr Oliver supported the introduction of the ballot system, and hoped a new Board wonld soon be elected under it. [Applause.] The motion was put, and carried unanimously, and tho meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the ohairman.

Ashbtjbton Fibb Polios.—At a meeting of the Fire Police and of insurance agents, at Shearman's Hotel, on Saturday, there were present—Messrs B. Friedlander, (captain), O. P. Cox, Geo. Jameson, A. Shury, W. H. Gundry, G. St. Hill, T. B. Hodder, F. Pavitt, Poyntz, W. H. Zauoh, A. Ourtis, and H. Stephenson. On Mr Cox's motion, seconded by Mr Jameson, it was decided to write a memorial letter to the Borough Council, asking that throe or more concrete tanks bo put down opposite the most important blocks in the town, to hold gallons, to be in readiness before a lire shall have broken out, and that agents of insurance companies and members of tho Fire Police undertake to urge for support and contributions from the various companies, should efficient means be provided by the Borough Counoil to onable the Fire Brigade to ba of practical service on emergency. On the other hand, Mr St. Hill argued that the sump ut Quill's corner waß ample for three engines, and that plenty of water would bo available when the water shall have been lot into tho side-ohannels and allowed to flow without intermission, as would be the case as soon as the outfali drain is finished. On Mr Gundry's motion, seconded by Mr Saunders, it was decided to draw the attention of the Borough Council and the Fire Association to the inadequacy of tho present fire engine, and for tho Fire Police to endeavour to have a steam firo engine provided. On Mr Poyntz's motion, seconded by Mr Gundry, it was determined to reoommend the Borough Council to have the town canvassed for subscriptions for purchasing a steam fire engine. The chairman said he wonld recommend to the Council Mr Shury's suggestion that two or more small force pumps be obtained mounted on wheels, and capable of throwing a stream of water a Vinoh at the nozzle, and that could be coupled on to the ordinary pump pipes in sach yard.

Postal.—Mr W. H. Puddicombe has been appointed postmaster at Mount Somers, and the local post office will in future be at his ■tore. OXFOBD TeBBAOH MUTUAL Tmpbovb mbnt Society.—The usual weekly meeting of th>'s society was held last evening, in the Baptist Ohuroh ; the president, Rev. O. Dallaston, presided. The preliminary busi ness of the meeting having been disposed of, Mr W. Derry read an essay on the " Passover," which was well received by both members and visitors. Mr T. P. Alain also read a brief extract from Brown's " Antiquity of the Jews" on the Pascal Feast. The ohairman announced that Mr A. Morton, of Napier, would read an essay, "Novel Beading," at the society's next meeting. Mrs Walteb Hill —A meeting of gentlemen interested in proffering to Mrs Walter Hill a farewell expresiion of the esteem and respect in which she is held in Christchuroh, on the occasion of her leaving for Sydney, was held yesterday at the Palace Hotel; Mr J. Hebden occupied the ohair. Some discussion ensued as to the form which the recognition should take. Ultimately, it was resolved that, as the dates upon which the theatre was available were not suitable, a presentation be made to Mrs Hill and that a <ub-comraittoe be formed to canvass for subscriptions to tho same. As Mrs Hill has always been the first to come forward in the cause of charity on every occa-ion, and has made herself highly respected amongst us, it is hoped that a hearty response will be trade to tho appeal.

Which Wat thb Wind Blows.—The "Bruce Herald" of Friday says: —"We learn that an old resident of Milton this week received two letters of apparent importance. One was from tho member for Bruce, Mr W. A. Murray, and another from Mr Macandrew. In each letter tho writer asked if Tokomairiro stood in need of any Government or Parliamentary patronage. We have not seen the precious documents, but we do wonder why there should just now bo such a great interest displayed in the well-being of the settlers of the plain. A straw shows how the wind blows. Paper is sometimes made out of straw. Probably the two epistles referred to are to be accepted as feeble finger posts pointing in the direction of some fresh ' move on the board.' " Swift Cruisers.—Referring to Admiral Symonds' suggestion to build swift oruisers for the British Navy, the London " Times " says :—" The object of building swift cruisers is, beyond doubt, that they may be able to defend our ocean trade. Yet we have not now in the navy a single vessel which could steam to New York on equal terms with the Gallia or tho Germanic. A steam cruiser such as it is now proposed to build, 315 ft long and 61ft beam, cannot possibly, according to Admiral Symonds, have sufficient coalcarrying capacity to take her across the Atlantic at a high rate of upeed. ' What,' as be well asks, 'is a steamer without coals?' Such a ship as is proposed is therefore wholly useless for tha purpose she is intended for. Admiral Symonds suggests that a muoh larger vessel should be constructed, and that the cool-carrying capacity should be greatly increased. Thb Catholic Chubch.— In the course[of an address at Wanganni, Bishop Redwood made the following remarks which are of interest to members of his Church :—" You have alluded very kindly to my success whilst in Europe in the great purpose for which I went there, chiefly to obtain a supply of clergy for New Zealand, fn that I believe that I have succeeded beyond my hopes, and that there will henceforth be a continued stream of priests for the diocese. Three or four dozen are to be ordained on Saturday next in all probability, and will be in New Zealand before many months have elapsed. Every year I hope will show the same result. It is particularly gratifying to me to tell you of five or six young gentlemen from New Zealand who are being eduoated in Europe, and give great satisfaction, surpassing the boys with whom they are studying. Those young men, I hope, will ultimately be amongst the most efficient and zealous priests in the colony,"

The Bobhs' Modb of Ooustbhip.— Anthony Trollope, in his work on South Africa, gives an account of the curious customs of courtship prevailing among the Boers. The young Boer, says Mr Trollop , who thinks he wants a wife and has made up his mind to look for one, begins by riding round the country to find the article that will suit him. On this occasion he does cot trouble himself with the hard work of courtship, but merely sees what there is within the circle to which he extends his inspection. He will have dressed himself with more than ordinary care, so that any impression that he may make may be favorable, and it is probable that the young ladies in the district know what he is about. But, when he has made his choice, then he puts on bis very best, and cleans his saddle or borrows a new one, and sticks a feather in his cap, and goes forth determined to carry out his purpose. He takes with him a bottle of sugar plums—an article in great favor among the Boers and to be purchased at every store, with which to soften the heart of the mother—and a candle. Everything depends upon the candle. It should be of "wax or some wax-like composition ; but tallow will suffice if the supposed bride be not of very high standing. Arrived at the door, he enters and his purpose is known at once. The clean trousers and the feather declare it; and the sugar plums, which are immediately brought forth—and always consumed—leave not a shadow of doubt. The mater takes the candle, sticks a pin into it a certain distance, lights it, and gives it to the young couple. They retire to a private room and make love until the flame reaches the pin, when they must come out. This is all the courtship they get. Gubernatorial Etiquette.—The Thameß " Advertiser " relates the following little story anent the Governor's love of etiquette : —" Whilst at Levnka Sir Arthur frequently gave dinner parties, to which the chief dignitaries of the island were always invited. Prior to the arrival of his Excellenoy it had been the custom, in consequence of the great heat for the guests at such gatherings to attend in light white clothes ; but Sir Arthur looked with horror on such a proceeding, and no person was allowed to sit at his board unless he appeared in evening dress, viz., claw hammer coat, white vest, and black trousers. The weather being exceedingly warm at all times of the year, the guests, it may be imagined, perspired very freely, and frequently wished they had declined the invitations ; but the host was inexorable, and they had, to use a vulgar but. expressive phrase, to 'grin and bear it.* At last, however, this state of things was altered, and the dinner parties at Government House were therefore regarded as the moßt pleasant of social gatherings. The change came about in this wise. The captain of a man-of-war, the Nymphe, lying in the harbor, attended one of the parties, and of coarse went in fall naval uniform. He bore the heat as long as he could, and then, half in joke and half in earnest, remarked to one of his neighbors that he would have enjoyed himself much better if he had been allowed to come in his shirt sleeves. The remark was overheard by either the Governor or his lady, and the result was that the guests at the next party were requested on the invitation cards to attend minus their coats. They did so, and it was a somewhat singular spectacle, our informant says, to see about fifty or sixty gentlemen sitting down to dinner with the Governor in their shirt sleeves. The Earthquake.—The shock was felt in the Northern district pretty plainly. At Kaiapoi and the Island no damage was done. Residents near the railway compare the quivering of the earth to the vibration causae! by passing trains, and no notice wbb taken of the earthquake. It was reported to have damaged the brick sulphuring house at the woollen faotory, but some cracks in the roof, which is oemented over the brick arch, may bo due to the unequal drying of the bricks and the cement. Tho chimney staoks did not appear to have been in the least degree affected. In Rangiora the brick buildings did not sustain any damage, and the shock, if felt there, was almost unobserved. The shock was felt at Akaroa, Ashburton, and other places, but no damage appears to have resulted. A Pros* Association telegram from Wellington says :—No serious damage is reported in Wellington from the earthquake. At Patea, Upper Hutt, Blenheim, Wanganui, Marton, Otaki, Masterton, Carterton, and Greytown, it was felt, but no damago was done. At Foxton all the chimneys were either thrown down or cracked, and the shock caused the new reclamation to sink, in seme places two feet. The railway line was damaged, and prevents the train . running at fast speed. Small fissures occurred in many places. In Wellington two slight i shocks were experienced on Sunday evening, i one shortly after five o'olock and the other about eight o'olock.