NEWS OF THE DAY

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2374, 11 November 1881, Page 3

NEWS OF THE DAY

I.O.G.T.—The Pride of Sydenham Lodge held its usual monthly meeting on Thursday, 10th inst. The chair was taken by T. B. Knight, W.O.T. The programme consisted of songs, recitations, and instrumental music, which were very ably rendered by the following ladies and gentlemen :—Mrs "Wilson, the Misses Smith, Lang, Palmer, Pope, Bartlett, and Knight, also Messrs Bignell, Lyttle, Clarke, and Milne. The following gentlemen made some remarks on intemperance and its evils:—Bro. Lang, Bev. Cooks, and Bro. Andrews, who is on a visit from Ashburton. The singing of the closing ode brought a pleasant evening to a close. The people of Sydenham should not fail to attend these meetings, as they are free and very entertaining, and this lodge is making good progress. _ iH’TEBCO'COITIAIi WbATHEB EXCHANGE.— Sydney, Thursday evening.—The weather is fine, with light S.W. winds, on the south coast, and N.W. over Tasmania, with gloomy weather on the east coast, and S.E. winds at Sydney, N.W. at Brisbane. Barometer — Portland and Sydney, 30.1 ; Hobart and Brisbane, 30.0. Peoposkd Bbfbisbbating Company. A meeting of gentlemen interested in the above project was held at the C. A. and P. Association Booms, Hereford street, at 9.30 this morning. Present —Hons. E. Eiohardson and Matthew Holmes, Messrs John Grigg, J. D. Enys, John Cooke, R. Wostenra, Geo. Hart, D. Holmes, E. S. Harley, J. McArthur, A. M. Clarke, and Jno. Maofarlane. The following resolutions were carried nem. con. Proposed by Jehn Grigg, seconded by J. D. Enys—“ That having in view the large quantities of beef, molten, butter, cheese, &0., that is produced in the district of Canterbury for which no market can be found, and were facilities offered for export the great quantity which could bo raised this meeting is of opinion that it is desirable to form a company to undertake the freezing, exporting, and selling in England of beef, mutton, butter, cheese, &o.” Proposed by R. Westenra, and seconded by Jno. Cooke—- “ That with a view to carrying out the foregoing resolution, a committee be formed for the purpose of eliciting information and reporting to a meeting to bo convened as early as possible, that Hon. E. Richardson, Messrs John Grigg, John Macfarlane, John Studholme, John Holmes, John Tinline, Geo. Hart, A. M. Clarke, George Gould, L. Wilkin, John Cooke, and R. Westenra, be requested to act as such committee.” Mr F. ' Waymouth was appointed secretary pro tern. This was all the business. Elector AX. —Mr P. O’Reilly will address the electors of Wakanui and Ashburton, at the Town Hall, Ashburton, on Wednesday evening next. Sblwyn County Election.—Mr Kruse has retired from the contest for the Avon riding in the Selwyn County Council.

Noble Rescue. —On Wednesday afternoon, while Mrs John Pope, of Lyttelton, and her family were down at Sandy Bay one of her children ventured too far into the water and lost its footing. Mrs Pope, in her anxiety to save the child, also went into deep water, and most have been drowned had it not been for the assistance rendered by a lad named G. Buchanan, who seeing the occurrence safely brought ashore both mother and child. Wooibton. —A very good entertainment was given at Woolston on Tuesday evening in aid of the new Presbyterian Church, Perry road. There was a fair attendance, and the audience seemed to appreciate the efforts of the different performers. The piano solo by Mias Horneman was very well rendered, and the songs by Mr and Miss Kirk and Mrs Amos are deserving of special mention, as they were sung with great taste. The Misses Samuels, Moody, Amos, Grant, Harrington and Robinson each contributed greatly to the evening’s amusement.

Draught Match. —The match, Christchurch v Leithfield, which has caused a considerable amount of interest among draught players, came off on Tuesday last at Leithfield. It was arranged that the men should be placed in order of merit by their respective captains -Christchurch, Mr Little ; Leithfield, Mr McLaren, and that in such order they should play against one another for six games. 'Leithfield won twenty-three games, and Christchurch twenty-two, and there is still one game unfinished, which will be judged by the captains.

Gaibty Thbateb. —This place of amusement was crowded to excess last night, when Mr and Mrs Hart gave their amusing entertainment, “ Happy Honrs.” The programme included a lively little sketch, “ Diamond Out Diamond,” in which Mr and Mrs Hart assumed a variety of characters most successfully. The introduced songs and dances went capitally, especially Mrs Hart’s hornpipe, which was loudly applauded. The performance concluded with “King Henry’s Little Game.” in which Mr Kerby’s local song received quite an ovation. Altogether the performance is bright and sparkling thoughont, the interest is never allowed to flag, and it is rarely wo have two such versatile and talented performers as Mr and Mrs Hart. The company appear again to-night in change of bill.

I.O.G.T.—The Hope of Christchurch Lodge, No. 8, held its usual session on Tuesday evening. After the initiation ceremony tha W.O.T. and officers of the Providence Lodge, No, 103, Courtenay and the Pride of the Plains Lodge, Kirwee, were introduced and invited to take the officers’ seats. Good and encouraging reports were given by the visiting lodges of the work in their districts, and also by the W.O.T. of theiPride of Dunedin Lodge. Por the evening’s entertainment readings from Dickens were given by Bro. Boss, “ Humphrey’s Clock;” Bro. Harvey , “The four Miss Willis’s Bro. Hamilton, « Bardell v Pickwick. ” Song by Sister Gray, « Little Nell.” After the usual thanks to the visitors the lodge closed. Bazaab. —The bazaar at the Oddfellows’ Chambers, Lichfield street, in aid of the building fund of the Church of St. John, Woolston, was continued yesterday, and it is satisfactory to record that it was, in every sense of the word, successful. The various stalls were presided over by Mesdames Calvert, Konnaway, Banks, Merton, Stuckey, Bamford, and Davis, and the articles shown were of a useful description. Several articles of pottery were very noticeable, and two models of the old church were shown, as also a nice collection of embroidery and needleworks, whilst a Christmas tree was much appreciated by the youthful visitors.

What’b in a Name.—a singular reason was mentioned in the Supreme Court or Victoria recently (says the Melbourne “ Argus ) for abandoning the name of “ Smith, and adopting another. An application was made to prove the will of a woman named Amelia Smith, otherwise Steeth. Her husband, who was one of the executors of the will, made an affidavit that he had come to this colony in the year 1851, and was called Berridge Smith. In 1853 he desired to enter the Government service os a mounted constable, but was told that they had already too many persons bearing the name of Smith in their employment, and that they would take no more having that patronymic. In consequence of this he changed his name to Steeth, and under that designation was married to his late wife. The Court granted probate of will.

Thb Ebtebsb op Eitbavagancb.— A London correspondent of an American paper astonishes his readers by this assertion relative to the daughters of the Prince and Princess of Wales:—“l have seen them at charitable ceremonies whioh were attended by much pomp and magnificence; I have Been them riding, driving, walking, boating, and on none of these occasions, I venture to say, did the wearing apparel of each one of the little girls exceed in cost a ten dollar bill. A eimplo white muslin frock, undecorated by any lace, unrelieved by any silk slip or expensive sash, formed the opera costume. Tho winter and boating dresses are of serge, the summer dresses are of washing prints. And all are made in the simplest style.

Bntbbtainment.—An entertainment took place last evening, in the Templar Hall, oonsieting of two farces, in whioh the characters were sustained by members of the New Victory Dramatic Club. Tho performance was under the auspices of tho New Victory Lodge, 1.0.G.T., and there was a large attendance. The pieces went well, and the performers were frequently applauded. Dnring an interval between the pieces Mr James Grant, W.0.T., made a presentation from the lodge to Mr and Mrs J. T. Clarke, on their leaving the colony, of a very handsome marble timepiece, bearing a suitable inscription, and in the course of his remarks bore testimony to the labours of both Mr and Mrs Clarke, who, being mainly instrumental in forming the lodge, had spared neither time nor money to bring it to a successful issue, and expressed the great respect felt by the lodge for them, and their deep regret at parting with such valued and useful friends.

Theaxbb Royal.— The Operatio Society repeated “Lee Cloches de Oorneville ” last night. Apart from the performance of Mrs Digby, Mr» Hooper, and Mr Davie, the principals were not by any means successful, the representatives of Grenicheauz and the Bailie being entirely overweighted. The orchestra at times, also, played sadly out of tune, and failed to afford that support so much needed by some of the vocalists. Altogether the change in the cast has by no means been a success. Mrs Hooper was as successful as on the former occasion in her rendering of Germaine, the music being sung with much taste and expression. Mrs Digby, as Berpolette, was capital throughout, the part being given with a great deal of life. She was especially successful in the cider song. Mr Davis was in good voice, and sang the music allotted to the Marquis capitally. The remainder of the characters do not call for any special mention. To-night “Madame Angot ” will be repeated. The society have tendered a complimentary benefit to Mdlle. Solange Navaro (Mrs F. H. Digby), whose exertions in the performances of the society have been so successful. Naw Zealand Cheese at Home. —The “ European Mail ” says :—Colonists found their way in large numbers to the recent Dairy Show at the Agricultural Hall. There was much to admire and a good many hints to bo gained, and we believe that not a good many hints to be gained, and we believe that not a few purchases will find their way to Australia and Hew Zealand. A novelty in the exhibition was a consignment of cheese from New Zealand. It was tasted by numerous visitors, was acknowledged to be of excellent quality, and it was stated could be sold in this country at 8d per lb. The Lord Mayor, in presiding over a meeting of the British Dairy Farmers’ Association in the Hall, remarked upon the excellent quality of the cheese sent from the colony, and, pointing out that the English farmer must reckon upon having the colonists as competitors, ho asked if it would not pay them to give more attention to market gardening. Certain it is that the British farmer is now driven very hard, and it does not seem that his position will improve as years roll on and our colonies are developed. INTBBNATIONAL CfIEBS TOUBNAMBNT.— The conclusion of the International chess tournament at Berlin must be regarded as an unquestionable triumph for English chess, properly so called. On previous occasions Mr Steinitz and Mr Zukertort, English players by adoption, manfully upheld the national honor on the chequered field ; but this time England wins both first and second prizes, the latter by the aid of Mr Zukertort, an adopted player, but the first prize by that of Mr Blaokburne, an Englishman born and bred. It would seem that Mr Blaokburne, who scores fourteen games to Mr Zukertort’s eleven, is one of those players whose powers of match-playing take time for their development. He first created a reputation as a player of blindfold chess, in which his feats excited the wonder of those familiar with the achievement of Mr Harrwitz,

A Hoesb Ovbbboaed.— Daring the ship, ping on Monday on the Union Company's steamer Arawata of a number of horses, one of the animals, in going up the gangway, plunged violently, and fell between the wharf and the steamer into the sen. The poor creature swam about aimlessly for several minutes, when a ship’s boat was lowered and went to the rescue. The crew evidently knew nothing of swimming horses, for instead of attempting to take the animal ashore, they endeavored to pass a sling under its forelegs. After considerable difficulty this feat was accomplished, and the hook of one of the cranes was passed through the bight of the sling. Immediately the horse’s withers and shoulders appeared above the surface of the water the strain became too much, and the unlucky horse fell through the ropes and again into the sea. Other futile efforts to raise the now almost exhausted horse were made, and eventually the gallant animal got away from the would be rescuers, and by means of a lengthy rope attached to the headstall, literally towed the boat ashore at Old Custom House street. The animal, apparently a valuable one, although evincing some amount of distress, was able to walk away.—“ New Zealand Times.” Spider Training. Captain Holden’s Museum of Spiders, which has just been removed from Marietta, in Ohio, to Cincinnati, is one of the most complete collections ever made by a naturalist. It contains 26,000 specimens collected during a long campaign, extending over more than twenty years. The number of species represented is no less than 4000, and they vary in size and shape, and in almost all the details of the curious art by which they get their living. Amongst them are those kinds which frequent gardens, those which pass their lives in houses, in barns, in cellars, and amidst ruined walls ; in hedges, bushes, trees and forests. Some of them are of microscopic size, and others big enough to weave lines almost resembling twine, and to make nets in which small birds are caught. The latter species actually subsists chiefly _ upon the winged prey which thus falls into its clutches, and the mere task of feeding itself must involve a great deal of trouble and expense. The American collector keeps his pets in glass cages, where they are comfortable enough, but it is not stated whether he finds time to tame or train any of the specimens. Fashion in Drink. —There is a fashion in drink as in dress. Everybody knows that black beer, in its several varieties of porter, stout, and cooper, has for generations been the popular drink of the Londoner. The foreigner who respected the maxim which enjoins the use of “ the drink of the country,” swallowed it, although often with a wry face ; the countryman called for it because it was the drink of the Londoner; and the genuine Cockney would consume no other malt liquor. All this is changed. Beer, we are credibly informed, has fallen into desuetude, and the light ales are succeeding it. The porter, after whom the beverage was named, no longer calls for his pot of “ porter,” but for “four ale.” And it is the same with the general public. The fact is recognised by the great brewery establishmcnti* those of them who formerly brewed black beer now producing ale. Enterprising caterers at one time thought that is the strggle for supremacy lagar beer might have a chance of the second place, if not the first; but from a return of the total quantities of foreign beer and ale retained for home consumption in the last three years, it would appear that the foreign article has not the slightest chance of getting a footing here. The fight is between block beer‘and our own ales, and the victory seems already more than half won by the latter,— Home paper.

Sale of Shorthorns.—Messrs H. Matson and Co. commenced their annual of shorthorn cattle at Tattersall’s this morning. There was a large attendance of bidders. Forty-one bulls were sold up to luncheon time. The highest price realised was £4OO, for Oxford Wild Eyes No. 2, the bull which took the champion medal at the recent show, and which was the property of W.J. Bennick, of Victoria. It was purchased by W. J. Shand, from Otago. £l5O was obtained for King Riby, a bull from the Moa Fiat herd, purchased by Mr H. Carswell. A Cargo op Skulls. —A rather curious discovery was made in Bristol on September 13th, on the discharge o f a cargo of 300 tons of bones from the Austrian brig Malovie, at the Fenner Wharf. The cargo had been collected in many parts of Bulgaria, especially at Plevna, and the adjacent country, and had been received at Bodosto and Constantinople and consigned to firms in the West of England for the purpose of artificial manure manufacture ; but when it was found that the cargo contained a considerable proportion of human remains, including skulls to which portions of hair were still adhering, feet, and hands. It was explained by some of the crew that in Bulgaria the inhabitants bury the dead only two foot below the surface, and the vultures frequently do what the rain would accomplish after the lapse of a few days. Among the bones were portions of artillery horse gear, Oriental tobacco pipes, metal spoons, &o. Oanink Sagaoitt. —A remarkable instance of canine sagacity is told by a tradesman in a London suburb who possessed a dog and a oat whioh, on the whole, lived together on very amicable terms. One day, about a fortnight ago, the oat wandered on an adjoining railway line, probably in pursuit of a bird ; but, whatever its object, it was so intent in watching it that an advancing train approached unheeded, cutting off one of the poor puss’s feet. It would seem to have remained for a time unnoticed, but ultimately its household companion, doubtless attracted to the place by the pitiful mowings, came to the spot, and tenderly taking hold of the oat in bis teeth carried it home. When ha had directed the master’s attention to the cat’s unfortunate condition, the dog went straight back to the railway line, sniffed along until ho found the missing paw, and carried it home too, laying it down beside poor bleeding puss, which had in the end to be poisoned.