NEWS OF THE DAY

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2338, 30 September 1881, Page 3

NEWS OF THE DAY

E.M. Coubt. —At the Keaident Magistrate's Court, this morning, there was no criminal business, and only one disputed case on the civil side, Lvttblton Magistbates’ Coubt. —Mr Joseph Beswick, R.M., disposed of the following business at this Court this forenoon : J, Oarleton was fined 20s and costs for jumping on a train after it had started from the station, and judgment for the plaintiff for 30a was given in a civil case Young v Dickens, claim £1 15s. T. Maguire, brought in from the Head of the Bay, was committed to the Insane Asylum. Intkbcoioniai Weather Exchange.— Sydney, Thursday evening—Fine weather, but cloudy on the South-East coast. Barometer—Albany, 30; Portland, 30.1; Hobart, 30.1; Sydney, 30 3.

Political. —We understand that the Hon. J. Hall intends to stand for Selwyn at the coming election. Pioneer Bicycle Club. A monthly general meeting of this club was held at the Commercial Hotel last night, when Messrs Farr (in the chair), Dalton, Dunsford, Hobday, Allison, Douglas, Hall, Preeoe, Lowry, Mountfort, and Norris (hon. see.) were present. Messrs Hoywood and Myhre were elected as members of the club. A letter was read from Mr J. P. Norris, enclosing his resignation as hon. secretary, owing to pressure of business, and Mr P. R. Dunsford was elected in his stead. Mr Norris was then made a committeeman in the place of Mr Dunsford. The runs for next month are— October Ist, Heathoote Valley; Bth, Rangiora ; 15th, Tai Tapu ; 22nd, Yaldhurst; 29th, paper chase. Buns will take place every Wednesday morning, starting from the Post office at 630 a.m. It was resolved that the date of the P. 8.0. races be held over till next general meeting, and that the secretary correspond with the Lancaster Park Company in the meantime.

Prbbblbton.— A meeting of the committee of the newly-formed Horticultural Society was held on 'Wednesday evening last, in the district schoolroom, Mr J. N. Toaswill, president of the Society, in the chair. The secretary reported having received numerous off era of support from the residents in the district. The regulations for carrying on the work of the Society were then fully discussed and agreed to. The printing of the regulations was postponed until after the next meeting of the committee, when the prize schedule would be drawn up. It was decided that the first show of the Society should be held in the Prebbleton schoolroom, on December Bth, and that the school committee be requested to grant the use of the room on that date.' It was further resolved that the committee should use their best endeavours to obtain special prizes and subscriptions, after which the meeting adjourned until Wednesday, October 13tb. Disaster at thb Shetland Islbs. —On Wednesday, July 20th last, a sudden and severe gale swept over the north-east coast of Scotland, causing great destruction of life and property among the Shetland fleet of fishing vessels, which were then engaged in their avocation. At least sixty-three lives were lost. There were, from one district alone — that of Gloap, North Yell--thirty-six men who perished, leaving twenty-four widows and fifty-six children of fourteen years and under. The losses from other localities were correspondingly large. On the day of the catastrophe the fleet put to sea, and about 11 p.m. the wind began to rise, and soon increased to a furious gale with a tremendous sea. The boats made for shore, bnt out of more than thirty in number eleven were lost, together with nearly all the nets and lines belonging to the fleet, which had to be abandoned. The particulars, as published in the Scotch newspapers, are harrowing in the extreme, the calamity being unequalled since the groat gale of 1832, when 100 men perished. The greater number of the men who were lost —either as sons or husbands—were the sole support of the families to which they belonged. In that part of the country, where rates rise as high as 6s in the £, but little can be done for the destitution thus caused, and an appeal is now being made throughout the colonies, as well as at Home, on the behalf of those so suddenly deprived of their means of subsistence. In furtherance of this object a meeting was held last night at the Metropolitan Temperance Hotel for the purpose of forming a committee to collect subscriptions for the relief of the widows and orphans of the unfortunate fishermen. There was not a large attendance, but a warm interest was evinced in the movement. A letter was read from the secretary to a similar movement in Dunedin, stating that it was expected to raise a considerable sum there, and it was announced that £6OO hod already been contributed in Melbourne for the same object. A committee, consisting of Messrs Heddle, G. Laurenson, M. Laurenson, Alexander and Beattie, was appointed to canvass for contributions. Mr Heddle was appointed treasurer, and Mr M. Laurenson secretary. The committee was requested to report to a meeting of subscribers to be held at the same time and place on October 6th.

Hoeticultubal Socibty. —An exhibition of auriculae, primulas, &0., in connection with the above society, took place yesterday in the Congregational schoolroom. Though the season is not yet far enough advanced for auriculas to le seen to the best advantage, there were some very good blooms exhibited, especially by Mr F. Jones and! Mr B. Evans. The cyclamens of Messrs Beade and Mackett were exceedingly good, and Mr Strange’s hyacinths, though somewhat passe as to bloom, were yet creditable. The primulas were well grown and bloomed, and generally the show, though but limited in extent, was well worth a visit, especially at so early a period of the season. Amongst the novelties were some Western Australian and Indian plants sent by Mr Armstrong, and some double cinerarias from Mr Jones. Messrs Duncan and Son had a very fine collection of out blooms for exhibition only, comprising tulips of all colors and well grown fancy pansies, four blooms of double geraniums, double anemones, and aj fine gloxinia. Mr Dutton sent three ericas. Mr J. B. Armstrong exhibited five novelties in the shape of four Western Australian plants, viz., sand heath (Sphaenotoma), small honeysuckle (Trevellia obtusifolia), miniature wattle (Acacia triangularis), and Tetratheoa hirsute, and an Indian plant, the mountain primrose. Mr F. Jones sent some cyclamens, two plants of Laohenalia luten and oneof tropeoloin. Ho had also a fine seedling geranium. Mr Gould had a splendid plant of Dendro bium nobile in bloom, which, with its pinktinted blossoms, was quite an ornament to the room. Mr Jones sent a few auriculas, which were very fine, though the time for these plants has hardly yet arrived. Mr F. Hobbs sent a stand of ranunculus, which were also too early to show anything. Mr Jones, jr. had some double cinerarias, aster quilled daisies, &c. The following is the prize list:—Open class—Six auriculas, varieties, 2nd prize, B. Evans. Two seifs, varieties, 2nd prize, B, Evans. Four Alpine varieties, 2nd prize, B. Evans, Twelve hardy primulas, varieties, Ist prize, J. Dutton. Six cyclamens, varieties, let prize, E. Mackett. Three cyclamens, Ist prize, G. A. Beade. Six hyacinths, in pots, 2nd prize, E. Strange. Six hyacinths, out blooms, Ist prize, H. Spicer; 2nd, E. Strange. Cannot Seeve Two Mabtebb, The special privileges claimed by the Natives of this island would be sometimes amusing if they were not so impudent, and, as the “ Manawatu Times ” remarks of a recent case at Awapuni, “very much like treason.” Several Maoris having been summoned for dog tax, handed up a letter to Mr Ward, Besident Magistrate, containing the following 11 cheeky ” passage : —“lt is not good to demand money under the Dog Act from the Maoris, because we are all under the authority of our King Tawhiao, and because it is not a good thing for us to have two Kings—a European and a Maori King—but only one, and that one our King, Tawhiao. Let your laws apply only to Europeans, for to us it is not good.” Mr Ward told the defendants that the letter was a very wrong one, and should never have been sent to him, and warned the Natives to be careful. A fine of 10s was then indicted all round. Completion op Bailway Communication in London. —At length there is a prospect that the two underground railway companies which now divide between them the principal part of the local traffic of the metropolis will at length join up and embrace the heart of London in an iron circle. At present the two lines join at one end, and form a figure resembling the letter 0. When the inner circle railway is completed, the letter O will more correctly represent the condition of things, and a continous series of trains will be run round, at probably ten-minute intervals throughout the day, in some degree copying the circular overground line which encircles Paris; though it is to be hoped that the time will be quicker than on the French line. The link is to be made by joint efforts of the Metropolitan and Metropolitan District Eailway Companies ; its length is probably not over one and a-half miles, and the cost will be probably two and a-half millions. A new street is to be formed over it of sixty feet wide, and this will literally have to be carved out of the bricks and mortar which now stand in the way. In consideration of this great public improvement, the City Corporation and the Metropolitan Board of Works are to contribute joinlty £BOO,OOO towards the expense of the undertaking. The line will go through some of the most valuable property in the world, and no little interest attaches to the probable find of Boman and other antiquities that probably lie buried on the route.—Home correspondent. Clare Sewell Boad, the English agricultural author, thinks the outlook of a good harvest is not favorable.

Abmbd Constabulary Recruits. —Mr Coleman has every reason to bo satisfied with his success in recruiting for the North Island Armed Constabulary. He has enrolled 161, os fine a body of men as their numbers can possibly represent any district. They marched from the police depot at two o’clock this afternoon to the railway station, and will leave for Wellington by the Government steamer Hinemoa. Patriotic, —The Christchurch City Guards have, through Colonel Paoko, offered their services at the front should they bo required. Thb Railway Strike. —As will be seen elsewhere, the interview of the men on strike from the Addington workshops with Mr Maxwell resulted in that gentleman declining to recommend the Government to increase the present rates of pay. Escape and Recapture. —An escaped lunatic named McGuire, an Irishman, about forty years of age, was recaptured this day at Lyttelton, and will be duly returned to Sunnyside.

Lyttelton Brass Band. —The following programme will be submitted by the above band on Saturday evening next, opposite Messrs P. Cunningham and Co.’s store, Norwich quay, Lyttelton, commencing at 7.30 o’clock : —Grand march, “ Simplette ” (Boisson) ; valse, “ Tnle Gathering” (Kond); quickstep, ‘‘The Favorite” (Linter) ; polka, “ Christmas Chimes ” (Wright); quick march, “Oanot De Sanvelago” (Droit); schottischo, “Welcome” (Round); quickstep, “Le Croix ” (Droit) ; quadrille, “ Merry Christmas ” (Balia); valse, “ Language of Flowers ” (Caisinter) ; fantasia, “ L'homme D’arpent ” (Crayon); quick march, “Rose, Shamrock, and Thistle ” (Wright); finale, “ God Save the Qaesn."

Imperial Pensions.—The Stamp Act, exempting from duty receipts for Imperial pensions, comes into operation on October Ist.

The New Grain Shed. —The tender of Messrs F. McKenzie and 00. of £5113 15s Id for the erection of the new grain shed on the Gladstone Pier was yeeterday accepted. The Graving Dock. —The contractors for the graving dock are making very good progress with the work. It is expected that it will be completed,fso far as can be until the caisson is in position, about the end of the year.

Dredging Works.—ln reply to a question at the Harbor Board yesterday, the chairman stated that the engineer estimated that there was still about fifteen months’ work to be done before the dredging of the inner harbor is complete. Love’s Minstrels.—A clever troupe of lilliputian performers, known as Love’s Juvenile Minstrels, gave a performance on Wednesday evening in the Lyttelton Colonists’ Hall. The Forthcoming Election. —At the meeting of the Lyttelton Harbor Board yeeterday, a resolution was passed requesting the employes of the Board to abstain in the coming elections from taking any part beyond recording their votes.

Accident at Kaiapoi. —An accident happened yesterday near the town to Mr Broad ley, who was testing a fire extincteur. He had placed seme gasoline on wood, and was setting it alight, when the gas exploded and he was somewhat burnt about the face and arms, but with care will be able to resume work in a day or two.

Increased Harbor Board Representation. —Mr Wright has given notice of a motion for next meeting of the Lyttelton Harbor Board to the effect that in the opinion of the Board the counties of Ashley and Ashburton and the borough of Sydenham should be represented thereon, and that the Government be requested to make the necessary alterations in the Harbors Aot. Wanderers’ Cricket Club. —A largely attended meeting of the members of this club was held last evening at the City Hotel; Mr B. O. J. Stevens in the chair. The report and balance-sheet, which latter showed a credit balance, were read and adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows: President and captain, Mr E. O. J. Stevens ; vice-president, Mr O. O. Corfe; secretary and treasurer, Mr A. Longden; committee, Messrs B. J. Ootterill, P. Fenwick, W. V. Millton, A. T. Redmayne, J. E. Hartland, and A, M. Ollivier, After a vote of thanks to the chair, the meeting separated.

Plumpton Ground Association. A meeting of the promoters of the above association was held last evening at the Shades, to receive the report of the deputation appointed to interview the 0.J.0., with a view to utilising the racecourse for the purposes of a Flumpton ground. Mr W. G. Judge was voted to the chair. No report being forthcoming, owing to the absence of Mr E. R. Deacon through illness, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Calvert, seconded by Mr R. F. Hill—“ That this meeting stand adjourned till 4 p.m. on Thursday next, October 6th, to receive Messrs Deacon and Cookson’s report of the result of their interview with the 0. J. 0., and also pass sundry accounts for payment.”

Distressing Occurrence. —The ‘Taieri Advocate” reports that on Friday evening a dreadful accident bofel a three-year old daughter of Mr Gridgeman, a laborer, residing at Hindon. It appears that a teapot containing boiling tea was within reach of the child, and seizing this she drank a portion of the liquid. Nothing could be done for her that night, although the child was suffering from intense pain, accompanied by suffocation, hut early next morning her parents removed her to Outram, where she was attended by Dr. Stirling. The case was, however, hopeless, but, to somewhat alleviate her suffering, the doctor performed an operation on her throat, and inserted a tube for the purpose of rendering breathing more free. After lingering for about ten hours after the performance of the operation the child expired.

Stjnnyside. —We have been asked to notify that presents of fruit, flowers, newspapers, illustrated periodicals, linen rags, birds or animals as pets, will be gratefully received on behalf of the patients. Mr Goodman, Colombo street, has kindly promised to receive any parcels for the Asylnm.

Nkw Bicvolb Club. — A preliminary meeting was held at Mr Oakey’s, tobacconist, High street, on Wednesday evening last. After duly electing a chairman and secretary pro. tem. and the usual business having been gone through, it was decided to form a club. Several gentlemen enrolled themselves as members, and the meeting adjourned for the election of officers until Tuesday evening next.

There is a church of Chickasaw Indians in Indiana whose members recently contributed £BO towards foreign missions.