NEWS OF THE DAY

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2332, 23 September 1881, Page 3

NEWS OF THE DAY

Wobking Mens’ Club —A general meeting o£ the members of the above club was held last evening in the club room, to hoar the views of the candidates nominated as officers for the ensuing year. Mr J. S. Wylies, president, occupied the chair, and the attendance was large. A letter of apology was read from Mr J. M. Thompson, who, ■with Professor Bickortno, is a candidate for the presidency. Mr Hutchinson, the only candidate for the office of vice-president, addressed the meeting. The various oandi dates for the office of committeemen gave their views on matters connected with the club, and answered a number of questions. Messrs Piper and Evans, candidates for the office of treasurer, also addressed the meeting, Mr Pipp, the other candidate nominated for the office, not being present. A resolution was passed that the president call a special meeting of the members for Wednesday next, to enable Mr Piper, one of the late trustees, to render an account of his stewardship during the term ho hold office. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair. Lyttelton Magistbatb's Const.—The business disposed of at this Court by Mr Beawick, 8.M., this forenoon, consisted of cautioning the landlord of the Empire Hotel for burning rubbish in his buck yard without first getting authority to do so. Several parents were sued for not having complied with the Vaccination Act. It appeared that most of their children were vaccinated, but the parents had failed to send to the registrar the notice. The magistrate called attention to the responsibility of parents not only to havo their children vaccinated, but to see that the registrar is made aware of the faot — no matter whether such children were vaccinated within the town it-elf, or in some other part of the colony. The magistrate also reminded parents that a public vaccinator, Dr. J. T. Bouse, resided in the town, and would vaccinate the children of such parents as could not afford to pay. The following civil cases wore also disposed of:— B. Eorbes v Da Bourbol, claim £lB 3s fid. Mr Nalder for plaintiff. Judgment by default. Kerry Brooks, claim £1 12s. Judgment for plaintiff Thomson v Evans, claim £1 14s. Judgment for plaintiff.

Extbadition. A man named Pa! rick James Kennedy, charged with embezzlement in Victoria, was brought up at tho Easident Magistrate’s Court this morning on a warrant issued at Melbourne. After hearing evidence sufficient to prove identity, ho was remanded to Lyttelton gaol pending the issue of the Governor’s warrant of remand to Mtlbourne.

Lyttelton Cricket Club. A general meeting of the Lytrelton Cricket Club was held at the Mitre Hotel on Thursday evening. The vice-president, Mr F. Moriee, was voted to the chair. The meeting was called for tho purpose of adopting rules for tho management of tho club, and arranging re ground for the season. Mr B. Bray wrote to tho secretary, offering the use of bio paddock, which was accepted. The opening game will be played on Saturday, October Ist, when a large muster of members is requested. The club now numbers between sixty and seventy members, and tho interest that is taken in this manly game, and the numbers that are-.daily joining, augurs well for the future success of the newly established Lyttelton Cricket Chub.

Draughts Match. —A number of draught players met at Mr Rscao’a home, Lichfield street, last night, to discuss matters in connection with the match that is to take place between the players of the Leithfleld and Bangiora districts, and a like number from Christchurch. Tho match is to take place at Kaiapoi on Saturday, October oth. Mr Little has been appointed captain, and Mr R, Boswell hon. secretary. As wilijbo seen from our advertising columns, a meeting of draught players is to take placo on Monday night to try and make the final arrangements. Peotestant Alliance. —The Royal Standard Lodge, No. 61, held their first quarterly summoned meeting in tho Methodist schoolroom, Addington, on September 20th. There was a full attendance of members. After the usual business of tho lodge was transacted, and a now member initiated, Bro, Cork read the report re entertainment for tho purpose of obtaining a banner and regalia, and a committee was appointed to take the necessary steps to ensure success A hearty vote of thanks was passed to tho visiting brothers, with an invitation for next meeting night. The lodge was then closed by the W.M., Q. W. ■Gates.

Chbistohuboh Wbbt School Committee,

—AX the usual monthly meeting of the West Ohristohuroh district school committee, a communication was road from the Bishop of

Christchurch on behalf of the clergy of the ' Church of England and the Ministers’ Association, requesting permission to give religions instruction in the school. The committee, while fully appreciating the efforts of the clergy, felt that nothing short of Bible teaching in the schools would arrive to any beneficial result, and unanimously passed the f olio wing resolutions :—“ 1. That the committee has received an application from certain of the clergy of various denominations for permission to give religious instruction in the West Ohristohuroh School.” “2. That the committee, having given the subject their best consideration, has come to the conclusion that the admission of ministers of religion not connected with the school to teach therein,

would, for various reasons, be objectionable.” “ 3. That the committee is, at the same time, of opinion that the present Education Act does not effect the proper object of education so long as religious instruction is altogether excluded from the schools.” “4. That the Board of Education be requested to represent to the Government the desire of this committee that the teaching of the Bible in schools shall form a part of the school course, and that the present Education Act bo amended so as to effect this object.” A Mysterious Beauty. —Much anxiety, says the “ Homo News,” is fell; in fashionable circles to learn the intentions of a mysterious young beauty who appeared for the first time at Goodwood. Her beauty attracted so much notice at the race that heescort became embarrassed and withdrew with her to the carriage in which they had arrived. The lady is a very, dark brunette; some people declare that the exalted Spanish blood gives the olive tinge to her cheek and the graceful languor to her figure, which were both so much admired. That her attire was, however, fresh from the hands of Worth was evident to every female connoisseur on the ground. It was a dress made saeque fashion, the material a rich satin of Spanish brown, lined with orange-colored silk. A belt of shining gold, studded with jewels, encircled the waist, and the parasol carried by the lady was composed entirely of natural flowers. “ Who is she ? ” was the whispered question bandied from one to the other amongst the company, and even from the Royal stand was it uttered without meeting a satisfactory reply. Long before the race was concluded and the company dispersed, the lady had departed with her escort, leaving the inquirers os much in the dark as to her identity as ever.

The Mblboubne Cup.—The horse Waxy,

who ran second for the Rand wick Metropolitan, and has been rather freely supported since for the Melbourne Oup, was sold by auction recently at Fennelly’s Bazaar, Sydney, for the sensational price of £2200, the wealthy Mr J. Wentworth being the plucky purchaser. Waxy now heads the list in the betting on the Melbourne Cap, his price being 100 to 10, with Bathurst next at 100 to 8. Then follow Sir Modrcd, 100 to 6 ; Wellington, Lord Burghley, Somerset, and Progress, 100 to 5. Sutnnus is quoted at 100 to 4. For the Victorian Derby Somerset occupies the pride of place at 7 to 2, Somnus standing next at 6 to 1, while Spinningdale, Direbin, and Duke are at 7 to 1, and Mammoth, the former first favorite, 8 to 1. The “ Sportsman ” of the 14th instant supplies the following with reference to the proceeding of the New Zealand horses at Flemington : “ Sir Modrod, the Oup horse, and Somnns, the Derby and Cup colt, have put in a lot of real good work, and both are looking and going as well as their fanciers could expect. Hilarious has also done good work, with an occasional sharp burst. Idalium, though looking well, has not done anything the last few days on account of having struck himself when rearing.” Nbw Zealand Flatiebed.—At the Union Bank of Australia meeting in London on August 2nd, the chairman (Mr Edward Peach W. Miles) spoke as follows : “ Some think that Queensland is the gem of our Australasian colonies, but, personally speaking, I have a strong feeling in favor of Now Zealand. It is about eighteen months ago that I paid a flying visit to Victoria and New South Wales, bnt I spent the moat of my time in New Zealand. I was gratified by all I saw. I happened to arrive in the middle of a bountiful harvest, and finer or more luxuriant crops I never saw. The whole colony looked like a land of plenty. 1 mention this because there has prevailed, and still exists, among a great many persons in England an idea that New Zealand has been going too fast and spending too much money, borrowing right and left. If you bad been with me across and up and down the islands, and had seen, as I did, what a beautiful country it is, and simply requires money to develop its latent resources, you would possib’y agree with ms. Whereever one looked it was said—“Do this and do that.” The money I have alluded to has been spent in making roads, railways, and in building bridges and harbors, and there is still room for many more such improvements.

A Misbbablb Existence.—The Home correspondent of a contemporary writes that the life of the Buesian Imperial family amidst the constant succession of hesitation, anxieties, and danger is described by eye-witnesses as utterly miserable The Cz irina's health has given way under the pressure of grief and terror, as the programme of the party which has undertaken by such extreme measures to procure the political emancipation of the country is known to thr aten the life of every Czar, from father to son, and from each Imperial heir to the next in succession, until the demand for reform is granted She knows, therefore, that the assassination of her husband, should it toko place, will be followed by that of her eldest eon, and of all her other sons, ono after another, unless a change of government is inaugurated. And she foresees that this change, involving a renunciation of the autocracy of the Czar, which the party in power regards as the corner-stone of Bussia’s greatness, will probably not be brought about until every member of her immediate family shall have been sacrificed to the obstinate blindness of the advisers of the Czar. Thb Bbighton Mubdeb.—The wonderful luck of Lefroy, the Brighton murderer, in escaping the police may be judged by the following story, related in “ Vanity Pair ” : “ On the morning after the murder Lsfroy wont to the Kover Hospital at Islington to see his sister, who was a patient there. While he he was with her a second person called to see her. This second person, who was a detective, was, according to the usual practice, shown into the visitors’ room while a message was sent to Lefroy’s sister to the effect that a gentleman wished to see her. She and Lefroy accordingly came down together, and parted at the door of the visiting room. On entering she was told by the detective that he wanted her brother. “ Why,” said she, “ho has just gone out of the door.” The dtteo tive bolted alter him, but he|had disappeared.” Telephonic Communication between Melboubnb and Sydney.— On Sunday, September 3rd, the cities of Melbourne and Sydney were placed in direct telephonic com munioation, but the day was not favorable to successful experimentising. The prevailing high wind caused the telegraph wires to vibrate violently, and so created o large amount of what is called “ induction,” which is always accompanied by a peculiar crackling noise in tho receivers of telephonic apparatus. Only very faint sounds of the voice were heard between the extreme ends of the line ; but perfectly audible speech was transmitted between Melbourne and Albury, thus establishing the important faot that even on telegraph wires not specially constructed for the operation of telephones oral messages can be sent a distance of 200 miles.

A Steay Balloon. —Mr John W. Tobias, of the whaling brig Rosa Baker, which arrived at Boston on July Ist, reports that —“ On June 17th, at noon, in latitude 27deg. 50min., longitude 67deg. 30min,, we observed a large balloon to tho westward. It was apparently about one mile in elevation and about five miles distant, and proceeding slowly in a north-westerly course. Wo set our colors, but could got no signal from it. The aerial traveller remained in sight till 3 p.m.; when tho weather became cloudy, and it was hidden from our view. By the aid of our glasses we could distinctly see tho car that was attached to it swaying to and fro as it moved along, but could not observe any occupants. Tho balloon seemed to be of a white or cream color, and of large size. It was proceeding in the direction of Cape Hattoras, the nearest point of tho American coast, distance upwards of 600 miles.” Ambbicak Imposts io Sydney.—lt is stated by an influential journal that in New South Woles there has been a steady decline in the imports from the United States. This tendency is tho same in all the colonies, and is doubtless explained by the inflation of 'prices by protection—an inflation which, by depriving America of the power to compete, is driving her manufactures off foreign markets, just as it has annihilated her mercantile marine.

Thkateb RoYAii. —“ Lea Oloohes de Cot neville” wag played lait night for the benefit nt Miss Loaf, and went fairly well._ “The Pirates of Penzance” will bo given this oven* ing, with Misg Loaf in the part of Mabel, and Mr Gary as the Pirate King. On Saturday evening the reason will terminate, when a most atti active bill will be presented. Tonight late trams from Papanui will run, and Mr Gary hat arranged for a special late train on Saturday night, leaving the Christchurch station at midnight. This will not only enable a full piogramme to be presented, but also allow of any Lvttelton residents who may desire to attend the closing performance of the season to do so. The Moobhousb Memobial. —At the

meeting yesterday convened by the Mayor it was resolved to erect a memorial statue in the Domain to the late William Sefton Moorhouoe. A committee of five hag been appointed to canvass for subscriptions, which will be received in any sums up to five g uineass. Thb General Assembly. —The business of the session was brought to a close yesterday afternoon, when both Chambers adjourned till noon on Saturday, at which time the formal prorogation will take place. A Child Disowned. —A daughter, aged eighteen months, of Mr Fraser, engineer, of Le Bon’e Bay, in the absence of Mrs Fraser, was yesterday drowned by falling into a washing-tub. Hobss PabADB. — The entries for the horse parade, to bo held on the A. and P. Association ground, closed on Wednesday last. The number is sixty-six, comprising the various classes usually entered for. Rang it at A Traffic Bridge. —More than half the piles for this bridge have been driven The men employed by the County Council in iron pile-driving lost their tents, clothes, and provisions a few days ago through a fire, the origin of which remains a mystery. Thb Widow and thb Fatherless—A telegram was received yesterday by Mr J. Stinson from Mr Harry Allwright, M.H.R. for Lyttelton, stating that the estimates had been passed, including a sum of £62 12s for the widow of the late Robert Knowles, of Lyttelton. Kaiapoi Chess and Draught Club.— A Chess and Draught Club in connection with the Institute was organised on Wednesday evening, and Mr H. Day consented to act as hon. secretary. It was agreed to accept the invitation of the Canterbury Chess Club to play a match on October Bth. Lecture at St. John's 8 c hoot,boom. — The Bev. O. J. Byng, the very popular lecturer, delivered another lecture in St, John’s schoolroom last evening, in aid of the choir and or c an fund, taking for his subject “ Matrimony.” The room was crowded to the doors, the majority of those present being ladies. Plumpton Coubsino Qbound. — A meet ing of the committee appointed to make the necessary arrangements in connection with the proposed Plumpton grounds, near Christchurch, was called at four o'clock yesterday afternoon, at the O J.O, rooms, Commercial Hotel, but owing to other engagements preventing a full attendance, it was decided to adjourn till 2 p.m. on Saturday next. Dbag Hunt. —The hounds met at Rakaia yesterday afternoon, and followed by a good number of the sporting men of the district, went over a portion of the Acton property. Several of the jumps were pretty stiff, and many of the riders not having very firm seats came to grief in attempting them, but fortunately without in any case sustaining injury.

Abhbueton Hunt Club Races.—Yesterday afternoon Mr Alfred Harrison, auctioneer, Ashburton, offered for sale the privileges in connection with the approaching Hunt Club steeplechasing, with the following results :—Confectioner’s booth, J. Mooar, £2 ; grand stand, F. Lewis, £4 10« ; gates, F. Lewis, £2O 10s; publican’s booth, J. F. Butler, £l7. Ashburton Wesleyan Church, —ln accordance with the itinerant rules of the Wes leyan body, the pastorate of the Bev. Mr Keall at Ashburton will cease in April, and it has been resolved by the quarterly meeting of office-bearers in the Ashburton circuit to invite the Rev Mr Standage, of Greymouth, to succeed Mr Keall, subject to the approval of the Ohristohuroh Conference.

Somnambulism:.—On Wednesday night Mr Quill, proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, Ashburton, happened to be walking in a paddock near the railway when he noticed something white on the ground. On approaching, he found the mysterioua object was a little boy asleep, with only his night-gown on. The child, a son of Mr Buxton, the tailor, had been left snugly in bed at home, and, during his parents’ absence, had walked out in sleep. The little fellow is oblivious of having done anything of the kind, Fortunately the night was mild. Kaiapoi Elkctobal Distbict. Very general regret has been expressed at the intended retirement of Mr O. O. Bowen from the representation of this district in the Assembly. Mr J. H. Lee, Bangiora, has definitely decided to contest the election. Captain Parsons, Fornside, and Mr J, W. Ellen, an ex-Mayor of Kaiapoi, have been named as possible candidates, and Mr Isaac Wilson has been pressed to come forward at the proper time. Mr T. W. Maude has been spoken of as a candidate, to be invited by requisition, to seek the honor of representing this district.

Impobtbd Sheep.—By tho ship Bangitiki there arrived in splendid condition nine rams, from tho beat stock in the Old Country. There were two Southdowns from tho Prince of Wales’ farm at Sandringham, and the other seven are Leiceaters and Lincolns. Several pigs of tho Berkshire species, grand animals, also arrived by the same vessel, and it is creditable to the butcher of tho ship, who took charge of the stock, that tho animals have arrived in as excellent condition ns they have. Messrs. E Wilkin and 00. and Mr J. Boag are the consignees. Fibe at Oxpobd.—Yesterday morning the straw stack and shed of Mr Zwoibruck was discovered to be on fire. A dense smoke was seen from West Oxford, and in a few seconds the whole broke out in a blaze. A regular stampede was made from all directions to the scene, and plenty of willing hands soon prevented the fire from spreading, but some difficulty was experienced with tho gorso fence, as tho north-west wind had filled it with straw, even after a gap had been out in it, and had there not been a plentiful supply of water the adjoining house could not have been saved. The shed contained a chuff cutter, oats, sheaf oats and potatoes, and just outside was the horse power, tho woodwork of which was consumed. Iho origin of the fire is unknown, but the straw stack was on the leosida of the house, and there is little doubt that it was ignited by a spark from the chimney. The amount of damage has not yet been ascertained.

Tbadeb’ Rowing Club. —Tho first gereral meeting of the Trades’ Bowing Club was held on Monday in the Foresters’ Hotel. There was a good attendance of members, and tho chair was taken by Mr A. M. Newman. Letters were read from Mresva Manning, Sutherland, Searle, Oookaon, and Dr. Bussell accepting honorary membership. Mr D. Reece refused to accept an office, but forwarded a cheque of two guineas, to go to tho funds of the club. A cedar sculling boat was presented to tho club by Mr L. B. Hawkes. The officers of the club were then elected with the following result:—President, Mr 8 P. Andrews, M.H.R. j captain, Mr Freeman ; vice-captain, Mr A. M. Newman ; secretary, Mr W. J. Wood ; treasurer, Mr J. Hiron , managing committee, Messrs Butterfield, Morton, Baker, Gee, Harrison, Storrier, Beycraft, Brunt, Lamb, Hills. A code of rules wore read and revised. Yotee of thanks to Mr D. Reece and Mr Hawkes wore passed, after which the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to tho chair. Extbaohdinaey Pboceedings at an Inquest. —A Sydney telegram in t he “ Ago ” of the Bth inst. states that “ some singular circumstances occurred in connection with a coroner’s inquest to-day on tho body of a seaman named Petersen, who was drowned in the harbor. When the jury proceeded to view the body it had disappeared. A search was made in all directions, but it could nowhere bo found. Ultimately it was ascertained that it had been buried by the undertaker, he believing that the inquest had been held. An order was sent to disinter the corpse, which was brought back into the city a;;d was tumbled on the table. Tho jury were dissatisfied with the unceremonious manner of the proceedings.” Pkebbytbbian. —On Tuesday a meeting of residents in tho Upper Hinds and Upper Rangitata districts, interested in Presbyterian Church extension, was hold at Mr Corbett's farm, the Rev. Mr Horner in the chair. The need for a local clergyman was discussed, and the sum of £7O was subscribed in tho room. Steps are also being taken to establish k school I in Upper Rangitata district, and it is urged that some land at Shepherd’s Bush might be ' dedicated to educational purposes.

Weslbxan Bazaar. —The attendance at this bazaar laat evening waa very good, and, to their credit bo it eaid, the fair stall-keepers lost no opportunity of coaxing the visitors into becoming purchasers ; and if the pecuniary results of the first day may be taken as an earnest of to day and Saturday, the building fund of the East Bolt Wesleyan Church will be materially augmented. Mr J. B. Stansell, as the exponent of the wonders of the microscope, was the centre of a curious throng; and the musical arrangements confided to Messrs Coombs Bros., B. T. Searoll, T. Rutland, and others, added to the enjoyment of the evening. The stalls were very liberally patronised, conducing to gratifying results, as the annexed statement of receipts will show. About 500 persons paid for admission, the receipts from that source being £25, whilst the bazaar sales amounted to £3X7, making the total receipts of the day £342. The bazaar will bo continued till Saturday evening, the special inducements offered being articles s quivalent in value to the price of admission ; and also a descriptive exhibition of pictures by limelight on the evening of each day. Despite the lowering aspect of the weather this morning, the attendance must have exceeded any reasonable anticipation. The good humored emulation of the various vendors of the thousand and one novelties offered is a feature of the bazaar, and it such efforts can command success, it is certainly their duo. One most commendable feature is the absence of raffl s or auction sales, and it is to bo hoped that the sequel will prove that they were profitably dispensed with. The promoters are to be congratulated on the successful results which have so far crowned their efforts. The bazaar will bo open till half-past ten each evening. U.A.O.D.—The quarterly summoned meeting of the Oak of Hydtnham Lodge was hold on Wednesday night in St. Saviour’s schoolroon, A.D. Bro. Barnett in the chair. There was a good attendance of numbers. One candidate was initiated. It was resolved—- “ That this lodge join in the Amalgatod Friendly Societies Fite, Bros. Webber, Buck, Dutton, Kerr and Hadfield being chosen as delegates.” After the lodge closed, a number of members adjourned to partake of refreshments kindly given by Bro. Johnston, of the Kingston Hotel.

Intercolonial Weather Exchange.— Sydney, Thursday evening—Settled weather on the Australian coast with light S.E. and fine at Sydney; clearing round Tasmania Barometer—Albany, 30.4 ; Portland, 30.2 j Hobart, 30 0 j Sydney, 30.2. Little River Railway.—The permanent way has been formed, and the rails laid, on this line as far aa Birdling’s, a distance of seventeen miles from Lincoln, but it is uncertain when it will be opened for regular passenger and goods traffic, as the station buildings have not yet been erected, but there is no doubt that trains for goods traffic will be laid on as circumstances may warrant, especially during the ensuing grain season, should not arrangements have been previously made for regular traffic. The residents of Gebbie’s Valley have soar, the District Engineer, with a view to obtain a loop line in their locality, and residents in the other valleys adjacent to the line have also moved in the same direction, but nothing definite has yet been done towards granting the requests. North Island A.O. —Inspector Broham has been telegraphed by Major Reader to the effect that Sub-Inspector Coleman will leave Wellington for Christchurch on Monday, with a view of picking up some men for the A. 0., those who hove been similarly engaged, or seen military service, preferred. Mr Coleman will make the Police Dr’pot his headquarters Phrenological Lectures. Professor Simon lectured at the Gaiety again last evening on Phrenology and Physiognomy. A Nut tor the Doctors.—The “Army and Navy Journal ” reports the death of a soldier who had carried a bullet in his brain for sixty-five years. The wound was received at the battle of Waterloo. The bullet entered the right eye, destroying it of course, and, traversing the brain, lodged in the back and lower part of the head. After the outer wound was closed he suffered no special inconvenience from the presence of the bullet, although always when turning himself in bed he could feel that the ball dropped into a different position. Ho was unusually healthy, and he died of old age. Theatrical.—ln view of the approaching Pomeroy season, several improvements are in course of being carried out at the theatre by Mr Beatty, which will add considerably to the comfort of playgoers. Mr J. S. Willis has arrived, and will at once put things on the stage in train for the commencement of the season. The Bent and Bachelder Minstrels, which comprise many names familiar to Christchurch playgoers, and who follow tho Pomeroy Company here, have made a great hit in Invercargill, and have at once established themselves as prime favorites. Mkeivalb Debating Society.—The above society hold its usual fortnightly mooting on Wednesday evening, in Merivale schoolroom, the president (Rev. T. Plavell) in the chair. The subject for the evening’s discussion, “ Should tho State own all the Land,” was opened by Mr Soanlen, who took the affirmative side of the question, and on the opposite side by Mr Griffiths. Messrs Howe and Mores followed up the debate, which was maintained until a late hour, for all present seemed to bo much interested. The question for debate at next meeting will be, “Is a Republic the beat form of Government? ” Electric Communication in Trains.— Experiments are now being made in the Electric Telegraph Department at Sydney with the object of introducing into railway trains an effective method of communication between the passengers and tho engine-driver. The following plan will probably bo adopted : —A small battery, to which an alarm bell will be attached, will be fixed upon the engine, and communication with the battery from the carriages will be secured by moans of wires, on the same principle os electric bells. The apparatus is to be tested immediately on the Windsor and Richmond lines.

Rev. James Smith writes from Delhi: —“l have just returned from a tour up the Jumna. Never have I seen more earnestness in listening to the Gospel.” Ho reports preaching in many large towns and villages, opening a book stall at each place, and sailing Bibles and religious tracts.