NEWS OF THE DAY

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2356, 21 October 1881, Page 3

NEWS OF THE DAY

Resident Ma&istbath'b Coubt. There wes no criminal business at the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning. Intercolonial Weathbb Exohangb.— Sydney, Thursday evening.— The weather is now clearing after a hard S.W. gale, which began at Sydney at 10 pm. on the 18th. The first streak of clear sky in the west appeared at 6 p.m. on the 19th. Barometer—Portland, 30 0j Hobart, 29.7 ; Gabo and Sydney, 29 8. Lyttelton Colonists' Society. The annual meeting was held on Thursday night in the society's Hall, when there were bnt seven members present. A statement of the year's operations was submitted by the hon. treasurer, showing a credit balance of .£8 2s. Regret was expressed at the apparent apathy displayed by the residents of the town in respect to the society's library and reading room. Mr H. Allwright, M.H.R., stated that he had some bope that the Government would aid the institution by a grant. He had moved in the matter, and thought, from the public benefits the free reading room conferred upon the seafaring community, a grant would be made. The chairman, Mr Adam Chalmers, said the next business was to elect a committee for the ensuing year, and the following memhers were elected: —President, Mr H. N. Natder; vice-president, Mr A. Chalmers ; hon. treasurer, Mr W. H. Lance ; committee, Messrs J. G. Fyfe, F. Ronalds, H. Allwright, T. H. Hodge, H. Turpin, W. Gibbons, R. Wetherall, 8. C. Phillips, T. W. Rentoul, F. D. Gibson, F. Dransfield, Bryan, and Woyburee. Papanui Tramway Line.—The exigencies of the traffic on the line of tramway from Christchurch to Papanui has necessitated the erection of an engine-house or shed at its terminus alongside the Papanui railway station. Lyttblton Magistrate's Court. —Thos. Rowe was brought before Messrs H. Allwright and F. Ronalds, J.P.'s, this forenoon, charged with violently assaulting Charles Browning, powder magazine keeper at Port. The assault was committed at the Heathcote Valley, whence the complainant was retunrng after a cricket match. Joseph Marsden, licensee of the Heathcote Valley Hotel, described a general scrimmage had taken place amongst some men on the road near his hotel, and he noticed the defendant go up and strike the complainant two blows without rhyme or reason. Defendant was up to that time in his (witness's) employ, but was instantly discharged from employment by witness on account of this assanlt. Jn reply to Sergeant Morice, the witness said he was much annoyed at people under the influence of drink coming t} the Valley and there causing a disturbance. He had asked that a constable be stationed there, but up to the present Government had declined to do so. The defendant admitted committing the assault, alleging that he did so because he was called a liar by the complainant. Complainant swore that he nsed no such language. Defendant's late employer gave him a good character. The Bench imposed a fine of 40s and costs. Edward Hughes, whose chimney took fire, was fined 10s. Charles James was charged with acting in the capacity of a licensed porter at the Railway station without having a proper license to do so. Sergeant Morice gave evidence of having summoned the defendant, who failed to appear, and a fine of 10s was imposed. William Cox, a seaman belonging to the barque Cooleen, was charged with disobeying the lawful commands of his superior officer by refusing to go to work when ordered to do so. The defendant admitted the charge, but made a complaint of the cooking of the food. The master said bis crew were supplied with two pounds of beef per day and as much of eveiything else as they could eat. Accused was sent to prison for seven days, or put on board when the ahip leiveß. Friendly Societies' Fete. —A meeting of the committee appointed to arrange for the forthcoming fete on Boxing Day was held last evening at the Foresters' Hall, there being a good attendance of members. Letters were read from the Agricultural and Pastoral Association and Lancaster Park Company, in answer to letters sent to them by the secretary, asking on what terms their grounds could be obtained in which to hold the fete. After a considerable amount of discussion, it was decided to accept the offer of the Show Grounds of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association at a rental of .£3O. The sports committee brought up the draft programme, which was considered seriatim, and will be published after the next meeting. The secretary reported that he had written to the Colonial Secretary re the art union, but had not yet received an answer. The chairman informed the meeting that Mr Ravenhill had promised a cup, to be called the " Licensed Victuallers' Cup," value _£2s, for a one mile race handicap, open to all comers. Mr Johnson, Kingston Hotel, notified his intention (through Mr Samuels) to give a prize of £2 2s. Friends of the three orders intending to give special prizes are requested to communicate with the secretary at their earliest convenience. After transacting other routine business, the meeting adjourned to Thursday, November 3rd. Theatbb Royax.—The production last night for Mr Hoiking' benefit of Sheridan's charming comedy of "The School for Scandal" drew a crowded house. Miss Pomeroy'a Lady Teazle, though somewhat uneven in power, was yet a very artistic performance. The unevenness arose apparently from the reason that, unlike the other characters in her repertoire, Miss Pomeroy has not yet perfected or completely thought out the part so as to be able to give it with that finish which has been so marked in her other pourtrayals. But, while this was so, it was perceptible only in the earlier acts. Her rendering of the quarrel scene with Sir Peter was charmingly given. The screen scene too, which is the test one of the piece, was played admirably throughout. This was particularly marked in that portion of the acene where the diacovery is made by Sir Peter. The shame which overpowers Lady Teazle at her situation, coupled with remorse for her conduct towards Sir Peter, were pourtrayed by Miss Pomeroy with great skill and effect, and ao was her scorn and contempt for Joseph Surface. As a whole, though here and there were dofeots, which a little time will entirely remove, the part was admirably played. Mfos Arden made a good Mrs Candour, and the same may be said of Miss Grey as Lady Sneerwell and Miss Jenyns as Maria, the latter deserving especial credit for the way in which she played that exceedingly unthank ful part. Mr Hoskins as Sir Peter left nothing to be desired. Easy, graceful, and full of character, his impersonation was a great treat. He was called before the curtain with Miss Pomeroy several times, on one of which be took occasion to thank the audience for the many kindnesses reoeived by him in Christchurch, and to say that wherever he went he never should forget it. Mr Holloway played Charles Surface in a way which showed him to be an actor of high merit. The audience were lavish in their appreciation of his efforts, and recalled him in the middle of the screen ocene. Mr Flemming was excellent as Joseph, giving a capital pourtrayal of the sentimental hypoorite. Mr Wallace deserves a very high meed of praise for his Sir Oliver, which was one of the best played parts in the piece. Mr Rede followed stage tradition in his performance of Moses, and gave us a character which exists only on the stage and nowhere else. The other parts were fairly well filled. To-night "As You Like it " will be repeated.

Lyttelton Bi'.aes Band. —A. second concert, given by the Lyttelton brass band, waa held in the Oddfellows' Hall on Thursday night. There was a moderately-filled house, and the several parts were performed in a very creditable manner.

I.O.G.T.—An opon meeting of the New Viotory Lodge, No. 245, waß held in the Templar Hall on Thursday, the 20th inst. The attendance of the order and public was very large, so much so that there was scarely standing room. The chair was taken by Bro. H. Bennett, who delivered a moat eloquent address relative to Good Templary. The following items were then gone through:—Songs by Bros. Francis, Goodchild and MoConne)), and Sisters Parker and Pollock ; dialogues by Bros. Pearce, Brunsden, Beattie, Robson, Smith and Wood ; an address by Dr. Russell and Bro. Buxton; all being well given and applauded. The farce of " Betsy Baker," by Bros. Clark and Pollock and Sisters Le Mesuriuer and Wood, was most creditably played, causing roam of laughter. The manner in which this lodge has made itself so popular for amusement confers great cr:dit on the never flagging energy of those concerned in providing the same. The lodge how numbers over 120 members. A portion of the "National Anthem" brought thiß most enjoyable evening to a close.— The Pride of Sydenham Lodge, No. 200, held its usual weekly meeting on Thursday, October 20th, Bro. T. rieath, W.G.T., presiding. After the usual business was over, four were initiated and ten proposed for membership. A paper by the W. G.T. was read and discussed. A letter from the Dauntless Lodge inviting the officers and members of the Pride of Sydenham to pay them a fraternal visit on Friday, 21st, was read and cordially received. Masonic.—At the ordinary monthly meeting the Robert Burns Lodge, 604, 5.0., held on Wednesday evening, a presentation of a Past Master's jewel was made to I.P.M. Bro. Ferguoson. The jewel, which was manufac. tured by Mr Sandstein, is a very handsome one, consisting of an extended pair of compasses resting on a segment of a circle, with the Past Master's emblem—the 47th problem —placed between the legs of the compasses. On the back of the jewel is an inscription, whilst on throe bars suspending the jewel is the date of the mastership of the recipient and the name and number of the lodge. Accident.—Yesterday afternoon about halfpast three o'clock, one of the carpenters named James Kirk, who was employed on the new cafe in course of erection opposite Messrs Duncan and Son's seed warehouse, Cashel street, was working on a scaffold, which giving way, precipitated him on to a bench beneath, hurting his spine somewhat. Although considerably shaken, it is thought that his injuries are not serious l , as he declared that "he would be all right to-morrow." Sunnybidb Asylum. —On Wednesday evening the Sydenham Amateur Ohristy Minstrels gave a performance to the patients on the occasion of the fancy dress ball. The patients all enjoyed the dance, the supper of cake, coffee, biscuits, oranges, lollies, and of claret and lemonade (kindly given by Mr Grinsted), and the entertaining songs, &c, of the minstrels. There were present—l3l male patients, and 69 female patients ; total, 190. The patients not present were supplied with cake, &c, by the attendants, who were careful not to forget those unable or unwilling to be present. The Superintendent desires us to convey his best thanks to those who have forwarded 'presents in response to the appeal recently made through our columns.

The Dbaikage Syphon. Yesterday, a little after midday, the last of the eight lengths of pipe composing the iron syphon in the bed of the Avon juat below the Madraa street bridge was laid and joined, the centrifugal pump being kept going at full speed in order to keep down the water whioh percolated through the shingle into the syphon bed. The next work was to place the man hole and junction oylinder on the north bank into position. This was lowered on to a concrete bed, and its union with the iron pipe effected, as had been previously done about a fortnight since on the south bank of the river. To-day the men will be oooupied in removing the sand bags forming the dam, in which the steam crane will play an important part. The contractor for the main line of drainage (Mr Parsons) is to be congratulated on the coinparatiyely short space of time occupied in the work, which is due to the number of hands employed, combined with a practical knowledge of what, though a new feature in Christchurch, ia not of infrequent occurrence in the other hemisphere and older colonies.

Chuboh Wobk Society.—The annual meeting of this society was held last evening at St. John's schoolroom at 7 30, bnt, doubtless owing to counter attractions, the attend ance was limited. The Most Rev. the Primate presided, and briefly commended the society's work to the consideration of all Churchmen, stating that it was doing much extra parochial work at the Hospital, Female Refuge, Sunnyside, Burnham Industrial School, the Gaola, and amongst the shipping in Port. The report, as laid before Synod, was read by the Rev. F. Enowles, as also the balance-sheet, duly audited, which, on the motion of the Rev. T. Flavell, seconded by Mr H. R. Webb, were unanimously adopted. The following papers were read :—l. "On the Christian's duty as a Citizen of this World," by Rev. W. O. Harris. 2. "On the best means of Extending Spiritual Work beyond the walls of the Church," by the Ven. Archdeacon Harper. Considerable discussion ensued. Several selections of sacred music were efficiently rendered at intervals during the evening by ladies and gentlemen belonging to the Merivale choir. The meeting was closed by his Lordship pronouncing the benediction. Hobtioultubal Socibty.—An exhibition of aurioulas, tulips, &c, in connection with the above society, took place yesterday at the Congregational Schoolroom. The various plants exhibited showed considerable quality, though as regards the auriculas, except those sent by Mr F. Jones, they did not appear as if the season had been quite as favorable for them as last. Some capital tulips were exhibited by Messrs Spicer and Son, Hepworth, and Crow, and Nairn and Son had a fine collection of bulbous or tuberous plants. Some good blooms of ranunculus were exhibited by Mr Francis Hobbs and Spicer and Son. The following were for exhibition only : From Mr J. B. Armstrong - Friar's cowl arum, from Niagara Falls ; New Zealand rock orobis; mountain primrose (Punjaub), and Sypsopbila cerastioides, a new Alpine plant, whioh were highly commended. From Mr S. Manning—Yellow oxalis, Oernua, which wao commended. From Mr F. Jones—A collection of auriculas ; highly commended. From Mr D. Craw—A collection of pansies (twelve and six) ; highly commended. From Mr Franois Hobbs—Cut blooms of ixiaa, sparaxis, and narcissus; commended. From Mr R. Line—Collection of Alpine auriculas and tulips; commended. From Mr J. Dutton — Collection of blooms of Alpine aurioulas, soilla campanulata, iris pavonia, &o. ; highly commended. From Mr Wm. Norman (per Mr Ohivers—A fine collection of ranunoulns ; highly commended. The Society's prizes (open class) were awarded as follows : —Class I—Twelve tulips, varieties, cut blooms, H. Spicer and Son, 1; D. Craw, 2. Class 2 Six tulips, varieties, cut blooms, H. Spicer and Sons, 1 ; J. Hepworth, 2. Class 3—Twelve ranunoulus, out blooms, Francis Hobbs, 1 ; H. Spicer and Son, 2. Class 4—Collection of bulbous or tuberous plants, Nairn and Sons, 1; D. Craw, 2. Mr J. Carpenter's Special Prize, Class s—Twelve ranunculus, varieties, H. Spicer and Son, 1. The Sooiety's prizes brought forward from the September monthly meeting (open class) —Class 6—Six auriculas, varieties, F. Jones, 1. Class 7 —Two auriculas, edged varieties, F. Jones, 1. Class 8 — Two auriculas, selfs, varieties, F. Jones, 1 Class 9—Four auriculas, alpines, varieties, F. Jones, 1. Mr D. Craw's Speoial Prize—Class 12 —Three auriculas, varieties, D. Craw, 1.

Education Board.—The North Canterbury Education Board held an ordinary meeting yesterday afternoon, and diaposed of a good deal of routine business, particulars of which will be found slsewhere. Stock for Cantbebuby.—The "North British Agriculturist" states that Col. Gunter has sold a fine red Duke bull, Duke of Gunterstone (43101), at a high price, to Mr J. Deans, Christchuroh, New Zealand.

A great many people owe their gentlemanly appearance to their olotheo, and a great many owe their olothes to the tailor. Xhe prudent man now goes and borrows a lawn mower from his neighbor. The neighbor is very ready to lend it at this season, and by the time he wants it will have forgotten what he did with it. Late the other evening a merchant of this city was playing cards with a railroad official, who was rather sleepy at the time. " I pass," said the merchant. The railroad man was awake in an instant. "No you don't," said he, " not on this line. You pay your fare or walk." The lecturer who had an audienoe of three old maids and one man and his wife said he drew a full house—three of a kind and a pair. —" Boston Po»t." " I don't like a cottage built man," said young Sweeps to his rich old uncle, who was telling the story of his early trials for the hundredth time. " What do you mean by a cottage built man ?" asked his unele. " A man with only one story," answered young Sweep*.

St. Lttkb's Convbbbazionb.—The attendance yesterday afternoon and evening at the conversazione, although not so large as on Wednesday evening, was very good, and the Eev. B. A. Lingard, to whose oomplete arrangements the success of this annual reunion is mainly due, is to be congratulated on i satisfactory result*.