NEWS OF THE DAY

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2290, 4 August 1881, Page 3

NEWS OF THE DAY

SXDBNHAM AHD SUBT/BBAN BtFILDING Socibit. —The directors of this society yesterday, received a cheque from the Standsr i Insurance Society for £SOO, being the amount of Mr Charters' fidelity guarantee. Magibtbatb's Cotjbt, Oxfobd.—At this Court, on Wednesday, before O. Whitefooid, Esq., 8.M., and W. Fisher, Esq., J. MoCaulay and L. Arnold were each fined 10s for being the owners of unregistered dogs. Abhbubton County Cotjncili.—At yesterday's meeting of this Council the chairman atated that he had that morning rooeived a letter from Mr Alfred Saunders, M.H.R , resigning hie membership of the Council. The vacancy will be filled without avoidablo delay. Thbatbk RoYAit.—The Lyons' Tourist Company opened their season last night to a good house. The first part of the programme reintroduced some of the members of the McLean Juvenile Troubadours. The piece was " Conrad and LizeUs," and the various characters were sustained by Misses Nina Tulloch and Emily Fox, and Messrs Parlato and S. McLean. The piece was fa-rly played throughout, and the incidental musio was well sung. The attraction of the evening was dooidedly Miss Amy Hotton, who made h»r debut here as a vocalist. She has a very good voice, added to excellent stage presence and new business. Her songs were sung with with great archness and vivacity, ensuring for her at once an enthusiastic reception She deservedly, at once established herself as a prime favorite, a position no doubt upon which she will improve on acquaintance. Mies Horton is certainly one of the best, if not the best, in her line that we have had here. The Wyburd Brothers in their Bkating acts were capital. Their performances are graoeful, and at the same time amusing. Both scenes in

■which they appeared wore loudly applauded. Mies Jeasio Leon sang a song very well, and the Misses Tullooh and Fox danced a hornpipe in a manner which evoked an enthusiastic encore. The company will appear again tonight. An Immbnbb Telegbam. Under the above heading we published a paragraph yesterday giving an account of the telegraphing of the New Testament to the " Chicago Times." Mr MeddiDgs, the Superiatendant of Telegraphs here, has supplied us with a few figures which, without detracting from the merit of the above feat, yet go to show that the time occupied in sending the message was not by any means good—in fact it was beaten double by the operators here during the transmission of the Financial Btatement. The Chicago message consisted of 83,715 words ; 19 wires were employed 6£ hours, and 2 wires 2k hours, equal to 128 J hours work for 1 wire. This would give an average transmission for the whole message of 651.5564 words per hour. The Financial Statement consisted of 11,000 words ; 1 wire was ocenpitd 3 hourß 5 minutes, another 3 hours 15 minutes, and a third 1 hour 10 minutes, or a total for 1 wire of 7 hours 30 minutes. The Statement therefore came through at the rate of 1466.6 words per hour, a feat which reflects to the credit of the local operatorr. Thk Pittmpton Gbotthd Company.—A meeting will be held this evening, at the Shades, of those int created in the formation of a company for the acquiring of a ground near Ohristchurch for coursing purposes. As already stated, the projectors have in view the arrangement of the ground, &c, on the model of the Plumpton Grounds at Home and in Victoria. At this meeting * sub-committee, appointed to inspect sites, &3., will bring up their report. The sub-committee have during the past few days, been engaged in inspecting

suitable pieces of ground in various parts of the district. As an evidence of the interest evinced by owners of land in the proposed company, it may be mentioned that one landowner has not only offored to subscribe £IOO towards preliminary expenses, but also offers to take £SO worth of Bhares in the company if floated. At the meeting to-night the sub-committee will be prepared to submit a number of offers of suitablo sections. As the subject is one of great interest to all lovers of coursing, it is to bo oxpeoted tbat there will be a large attendance. Intebcolokial Wbatheb Exchange.— Sydney, Wednesday.—'Xhe high pressure has now began to give way in the north, the barometer at Brisbane being now 30. Along the south coast and in Sydney it is 302, with cloudy weather and light S. and B.W. Ambbbi-bx B.M. Coubt. —At this Court, yesterday, before Messrs J. 8. Woodhouse and M. Morris, James Harper, arrested on a warrant by Constable Watt, was charged with violently assaulting his wife. Complainant, whose face was considerably disfigured, deposed to the circumstances. Prisoner was fined 20s, dray hire sb, and coats, in default fourteen days* imprisonment. He was also bound over to keep the peace.

New Thbatbb.—lt is rumoured that a number of capitalists are about to erect a handsome theatre on a site in Tuam street, close to the junction of Manchester street. Pbesbntatiok. A very pleasant little gathering took place yesterday at Ward's Brewery, it being the oocaßion of a presentation made to Mr William Smith by his fellow workmen and employes. The presentation consisted of a handsome pocket-book, a locket, and a meersohaum pipe, the two latter being admirably mounted by Mr White, jeweller. After sundry toasts had been drunk enthusiastically, the party dispersed. Mr Smith, who leaves for Sydney by the Bowen on Thursday, carries with h : m the best wishes of his friends and acquaintances. Nobth Kowai Libbaby.—A meeting of the committee was held in the ante room of the Town Hall, Amberley, on Tuesday evening. Mr A. Greig in the ohair. A balancesheet was submitted showing a oredit balance of £25 17» 7d, whioh included a few Bubscriptions yet unpaid. On the motion of Mr W. A. Benn, seconded by Mr W. H. Browne, it was resolved to purchase new books to the extent of £ls, Mr Courage promising to get a list of new books from which a eeleotion could be made by the committee. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

New Zealand Febns. —There are now on view at the saleroom of Mr C. T. Ick, numerous specimens of fern mounting by Mrs O. O. Armstrong. They comprise a splendid variety of ferns, and the mountings generally, ei we-1 iia the artistio arrangement in particular instances, are reelly beautiful. To use abackneyed but really appropriate expression in this oase, these works of art mnst be seen to be appreciated. Included in the "it of framed collections are mounted photographs of New Zealand scenery, &3., the feins being tastefully arranged to set off the pictures. The books and cards, of various sizes, are r l ' botanioal'y named, and can be sent by book post without injuv/. Mrs Armstrong took two first prizes for mountinw at the Melbourne Exhibition; also gr-ned nrizes in Sydney, and wes awaiJed first ana second prizes at the Dnnedin Exhibition. M- Ick will hold a esle of the mountings, together with some boxes of fern plants for planting purposes. They will also be sold privately. They will repay a visit of inspection, to botanists especially. 1.0 G.T.—The Hope of Christohuroh Lodg?, No. 8, held its quarterly session on Tuesday evening. After the initiation ceremony, the reports of the various offioers were read and adopted. The secretary's report showed 134 members in good standing, end the treasurer's report showed the finances of the lodge t:> be in a satisfactory oondition. The D.G. YV.C.T. Bro. Buxton, then proceeded to inste l ! offioers as follows: —W.O.T., Bro. F. B. Carson ; W.V.T.. Sis. Barnett; W.S., Bro. G. Walßon ; W.F.8., Bro. Maokay j W.T., Bro. Ness; W.C. Bro. Campbell; W.M., Bro. Leatham; WIG., Bro. Savage; W.0.G., Bro. Buckland; W.D.M., Sis. Jackson; W.A.S., Bro. Poiry; W.R.H.S., Bro. Dallas ; W.L.H.S, Bro. Forrest. The W.O.T. having returned thanks, and exhorted the members to more di'igence in the work, the lodge closed in due form at 10 p.m„ after spending a most enjoyable [evening.—At the weekly meeting on Tue:day evening of the Dawn of Peace ledge, Ashburton, the following officers were installed :—Bro. Poy.itz, W.O.T. (re elected), Sistar Heffoid, W.V.T.; Bro. Beaumont, W. 8.; Bro. Jessop, W.F.S (re-elected) ; Bro. Thos. Andrews, W.T. (re-eleoted); Sister Manhire, W.C.; Bro. Felton, W.M.; Bro. Fawcett, W.8.H.5.; SMer Pojntz, W.L.H.S.; Bro. Poiter, W.1.G.; Bro. Brofcj, W.O.G. ; Sister 0. .Andrews, W.A.S.; Bro. Pickford, W.D.M- Bro Poyntz being re-elected to the oheir. Bro. WilVimi retß : ns his seat a P.W.O.T. Thb Spabbow Nuisance.—Some idea of the vast quantity of grain consumed by the millions of sparrows in Canterbury may bo formed from the faot that in the crop of one of these birds reoently poisoned eighteen grains of wheat were found, and as they feed three times during the day, at least fifty-four grains are appropiiated by eaoh bird per diem. It is needless to say that those farmers are standing in their own light who do not take steps to destroy these marauders whilst they have it in their power, as by the outlay of a few thoy wi'l ensure larger grain yields than wi'l be the oase if thoy are allowed to go unohecked. Eecently in the neighborhood of Ghrney's a farmer procured four Backs of wheat, to whioh he added nineteen ounces of strychnine, distributing the same amongst his neighbors. The grain was laid simultaneously, and the result was that thousands of birds were destroyed, the ground being so thickly strewn with sparrows that it was difficult to step without treading upon them, and now, instead of the air being thick with them, as was previously the case, scarcely a bird is to be Been. In this instance a little more Btryohnine than is ordinarily used was applied, viz, Hozs. to each bushel of grain. At a very low computation, farmers suffer to the extent of five or six bushels per acre, and it would be well if simultaneous aotion oould be taken, which, if dene at o ce, would prevent a vast number of young birds being hatched out ready for next harvest and fruit season.

Hunting in Abhbt/bton Cot/ntt. —Should the weather prove propitious, the hounds will meet at 2 o'clock this afternoon at Digby's bridge.

Kaiapoi Bijou Company.—On Tuesday evening, the members of this company gave one of their entertainments in the Institute Hall, Rangiora. There was but a moderate attendance. The manner in which "Ben Bolt" was produced was received with every satisfaction. Absaxtxt AT Ashbttbton.—Yeßterday, before Mr J. Grigg, J.P., Win. Morling was oharged with assaulting Mr Pilkington, railway stationmaster in Ashburton, with using insulting and abusive language towards the latter, and with breaking a window in Mr Pilkington's office. Mr Ireland appeared for the accused, who admitted the offence, and was fined £3 3s.

Thb Dbtachbd Squadbon.—The Squadron will not visit New Zsaland after all, the Admiral having received oraers to proceed direct from Bydney to Fiji. Dbownbd ik the Abhbtjbton. - On Tuesday the body of a woman, identified as that of Mrs Robinson Buddick, who had been missing several days previously, was found in tho Ashburton, near Mr Tisch's Hotel, whioh is situated afc the Forks, about fifteen miles from Ashburton. An inqueßt will be held today. Football. —The following teams have been chosen by the selection committee for the Interprovincial match to play against one another on Saturday next on Cranmer square:—Red and black—Messrs A. Chapman, J. Boys, A. Lyons, Parr, G. Parker, Kinvig, R. D. Harman, W. Potts, L. M. Ollivier, Wynn, Williams, A. Smith, J. Hartland, A. S. Baker, Parr and W. Millton (captain). Blue and white—E. G. Cotterill, F. Fuller, C. Willis, A. Anderson, G. i Helmore, Haynes, Lane, Pratt, Bolton, E. Hawkes, G. W. Willis, E. Knight, C. Dobson, Talbot and M. Lewin (captain). Emergencies— T. D. Harman, L. Hawkes, Blanchard and De Castro. The game will commence at 2.45 p.m.— The following will represent theSandridge Football Club in their match against the Merivale Football Club on Saturday, to be played in the North Park; play to commence at 3 p.m. sharp:—J. Shierlaw, H. Lowry, Smith, G. Mason, W. Allardyee, Robinson, J. Taylor, J. McLean, J. Braithwaite, H. Jones, H. Newman, E. Evans, A. Lawrence, J. Percival, W. George. Emergencies—S. Page, A.Bussel, T. Beare.—The Pilgrims match for Saturday next will be A. to L. and M. to Z. The former to wear blue and white, the latter gold and black. Play to commence at 2.45 p.m. sharp.

A movement is on foot to hold in America, in tho vicinity of New York, an international regatta for professional single soulleri, similar to the one held last year on the Thames, at London. The same parties who projected and managed the former regatta propose o direct this one, and have decided to give a purse of 3000dols, providing a number of the more prominent oarsmen will compete for it. The purse will be proportionately divided into four parts, the winner getting 1500dols, and the fourth man 200dols. All the noted scullers have been notified of the proposal, and up to the present time acceptances have been received from Hanlan, Trickett, Hosmer and Riley. A better time could not have been seleoted for a great regatta, as iust now all the great scullers of the world, except Laycook, are in America, within a day's journey of this city. The regatta will probably be fixed for August or September, with a balance in favor of a three-mile raoe instead of five.

A cablegram from our Toronto correspondent (says the «' Sportsman ") informs us that Edward Hanlan has been matched to row Wise, of Leslieville, Canada, in six weeks, on Toronto Bay, for £2OO a side. English soullers will not be averse to accepting the munificent gift of Messrs Chinnery. The following in the London " Sports-

man" explains it«elf :—" Eoglishmen wi I never sufficiently oultivate the art of soulliug to compete successfully with nil colonir'. scalers viless some peoviir / inducements be offered them. With the hope of encouragement to native scullers, we offer £2OO yearly, for five years, to be diit-ibund in prizas for sculling competitions, to be open only to natives of Groat Britain and Ireland." In this connection the "lorf, Field and Farm " has tho following :—-H. O. Wise, of Leslieville, Ont., ha\'ng dra*,j his portion of the stakes originally posted for a workin? boat-race with Fred Plaised, has challenged Hanlan to a five-mile raoe in eighteen feet lapstreak boats for 1000 101. a side. The challenge was at onco accepted by the champion, and the race takes place within five weeks on Toronto Bay. The course wi 1 ' be five miles with a tprn. Wise, who is one of the bsst Bkiff rowers in the country, thinks he will have Hanlan at a disadvantage in a boat rowed from the gunwale, but it must not be forgotten that Hanlan in a skiff first showed that powor whioh has won him so much money and fame. There is little danger of Courtney meeting Hanlan tnis Beason. Tho onampion is not desirous of rowing unless the Union Springs man will mako it an object of for" of five thousand dollars. Courtney h not apt to l'sk so much money at first, and will probably content himself with beat'ng Boss, flosmcr, and a few others before raokl'ng Hanlan.