NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2412, 28 December 1881, Page 3

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Lyttelton Magistrate's Court.—Dr. J. T. Rouse was on the Bench at this Coarc this morning, and sentenced a notorious vagrant, ThomasJ Kyle, to three months’ imprisonment, and fined Margaret Wallace 103.

Ihtebcolonial Wbatheb Exchange.— Sydney, Tuesday evening—Fine, with light 8.8. wind on south coast of Australia, and in Tasmania ; S.W. and stormy in Now South W-*lef. Barometer —Portland and Sydney, 29 9; Hobart, 29,7. The Waipa.—ln reference to tho cable message announcing the stranding of tho ship Waipa at Dunkirk, the New Zealand Shipping Company have received a cable message, dated a day later than Reuter’s, and announcing the arrival of tho vessel, but no mention is made of any casualty having happened to her. Thbatbb Royal.—“ London Assurance” was repeated at the Theatre last night. This evening, “Ingomar” and the comedietta of “ The Handsome Husband” is announced. Mr Leake, who it will be remembered played an engagement here some little time back, has joined tbe company, and will appear ehortly. Hurunui Racbb.—At a meeting held at the Hurunni Hotel, on Monday last, Mr E. J. Miohell in the chair, a satisfactory balancesheet was presented, and it was decided to hold the annual races on Friday, March 3rd, 1883. A programme, very similar to that of last year, was drawn up and adopted. After the officials had been appointed, subject to their approval, tho meeting broke up with a vote of thanks to the chairman. Trotting Match at Kaiapoi.—On Monday morning a trotting match on the North road, from Woodend to Kaiapoi, took place between Mr Burnip’s piebald pony and Mr Harper’s grey pony. Tho match, for £5 a side, was made between Messrs Sheaaby and Harper. The piebald was the favorite, having von several previous spins in harness ; but on this occasion, in saddle, he broke several times, although W. Burnip, jun., was riding. Mr Harper rode his own pony. Both went away to a good start, but it was soon apparent that the grey had the race in hand, and came in an easy winner.

Ambbblby Races.—A settling meeting for these races was hold at McLean’s Crown Hotel, Amberley, on Saturday, Mr Browne in the chair. The amounts paid over were : Messrs G. P. Williams, £74 2’; E. Hurflt, £34 4s ; F. Busch, £l2 7s j G. B. Starky, £9 10s ; T. Denton, £9 10s ; Hon. W. Robinson, £9 lOi; H. Horsford, £1 18i; R. G. Farrelly, £4 15s ; A. Parsons, £2 17s ; H. Murflt, £1 18i; F. Green, £1 18s. The stakes for Northern Handicap and Maiden Plato were hold over, pending reference of protests to the Canterbury Jockey Club.

North Beit Presbyterian Sundayschool. —The annual treat of this school took place at Mcrivalo on Monday last in the grounds kindly lent for the occasion by Mr Cunningham- The children arrived on the grounds about 11 a.m., and during the day various sports and amusements wore freely indulged in. After tea, before dispersing, the scholars assembled together, and, after singing a verso of the hymn “Shull wo gather at the river,” cheers were given for Mr and Mr* Cunningham, the visitors, superintendent, and teachers. Masonic.—The new officers of the Robert Barns Lodge, 604, S.C., were installed last night at the Bt, Augustine Hall, by P.M. Bro. the Bov. James Hill. The officers for the ensuing year are os follows: —Bros. H. T. Qourlay, W.M.; A. Fraser, S.W.j A. A. Francis, J.W.; Coihead, treasurer; O. F. Harris, secretary j J. Francis, 8.D.; J. Wondelkan, J.D ; J. Buchanan, I.Q-., and Bros. Park and Tuck stewards. There was a good attendance of the members of the lodge and visiting brethren, and nt the close of the ceremony of installation a banqust was served, at which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given. Burnham Industrial School. The annual Christmas treat of the above school was held on December 26th. The children, who were all in holiday attire, marched to a paddock adjoining the school, led by their brass band. During the day they were amused by races, cricket, &0., for prizes, which wore subscribed by some liberal friends, A very happy day was spent, the children enjoying themselves thoroughly. In the evening they adjourned to the schoolroom. Here a large Christmas tree, most tastefully decorated by the matron, was loaded with presents for each child in the [school. At night a grand pyrotechnic display terminated the events of the day.

Waiau School. —Mr John Tinline, of Lyndon, and Captain Hayter, of Highfield, examined this school on the 23rd current. In the evening an abundant feast was enjoyed, after which the prizes wore presented by Mr Tinline, who said he was much pleased with the attainments of the children. The highest places were gained in the junior division by Elizabeth Fraser 1, 3amuel Mitchell 2, Nelly Neville 3; and in the senior division by Letitia Neville 1, George Mitchell and Ohas. Neville (equal) 2, and John Gaskill 3. Three hearty cheers were given for Mr Tinline and Captain Hayter, for Mr Donald Davidson (the master), for Mrs Gaskill and the ladies who provided the treat, and for Mrs Wardale, teacher of the Sunday school.

Lakeside School Committee. —An ordinary meeting of the committee was held in the schoolroom on December 24th. The chairman, Mr Overton, road correspondence from the Board of Education re the deposit of salaries and incidentals to committees’ credit in the Bank of New Zealand ; also, advising the committee that their application with reference to a site for a public library would be considered at the next meeting of the Board. The interval of two weeks’ holiday granted by the chairman was approved by the committee. The inspector's report on the annual examination of the school was read, the committee fully endorsing Mr Edge's remarks that the master and his assistant, Miss Elwin, had produced very satisfactory results during the year.

Caledonian Sports.—Entries for these sports will close at 5 p.tn. to-moroow. Accident at Ranoioba. —On Tuesday afternoon a gentleman named Hampton, from Christchurch, while driving into the town, was thrown out of a buggy and had bis leg broken and ankle dislocated. He was promptly attended by a medical gentleman. Selwyn County Council. —This body had a rather protracted sitting yesterday. Whether this was the effect of the now members or the amount of work it is difficult to say. However, the meeting did not close till 3.30 p.m. The business transacted was not of much public interest. Severance op the Avon Dibteict. —At the meeting of the Selwyn County Council yesterday it was agreed to recommend the Governor to accede to the petition of the ratepayers of that portion of the Avon District who desire to be annexed to the Biccarton district. The Council received two deputations, one for and the other against, South Malvern Baptist Ohubch. —A farewell lecture was given by the Key. Thos. Harrington previous to his departure from Canterbury, on Monday last, on “ An Evening with Charles Dickens.” The rev. lecturer dealt with his subject in a pleasing and exhaustive manner, giving choice extracts from the works of Dickens, and drawing many lessons from the life of the great novelist. Mr N. Grindrod presided. At the close a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Rev. Thomas Harrington for his instructive and interesting lecture.

Robinson’s Bay School. —Our corns, pondent writes u«, with reference to the above school, that it was closed for tho past year on Friday last, tho 23rd inst. Tho closing was celebrated with a treat for the children, and an entertainment given by the scholars in the evening. The treat was got up by a subscription from the parents. Tho room was handsomely decorated by Mr Spurr, tho teacher, and his scholars, who received groat praise for the manner in which they did their work. The success of the treat was mainly attributable to the exertions of Mrs T. S. Johnson, a lady who has been always the most prominent in giving her help for the good of the children in the district, Misses Williams, Sayer, and Breetmeyer. After the treat the Chairman (Mr W. Whitfield) gave the prizes, prefacing each gift by a few pointed remarks. This part of the business was closed by Mr Spurr, who drew the attention of the children and their parents to the evil which arose through bad attendance. He told them that those who came every day, but in reality always came balf-an-bour after the time when the school opened, were worse than those who attended half time. With reference to the latter the master had a protection through the register, but with tho first he had none. The funds for the prizes were obtained through the kindness of the member for the county, Mr Montgomery, who generously contributed three guineas, and Mr Saxton, of Robinson’s Bay, who gave three special prizes. The entertainment in tho evening was a per feet success. It would be invidious to single out any one of the performers because all did well; but at tho same time there is no doubt that well as tho scholars did, it could not have been so good as it was if it had not been for tho aid kindly given by the Misses Shadbolt, of the Hoad of the Bay, and above all that of Mr Williams who very kindly lent a most valuable piano, at which Mrs Hewer, of Duvauchulle’s Bay, presided. At the close of tho entertainment three cheers were given for the ladies, Mr Montgomery, Saxton, and the chairman.

Judge Johnston at Timaru.—ln charging the Grand Jury at Timaru on Tuesday, Mr Justice Johnston is reported to have said ; insurance companies, ran great risks on account of the reckless conduct of persons who insure themselves. lam not able to judge, nor should I wish to insinuate that there is any kind of temptation—or what can be considered, in fair criticism, temptation—offered by the insurance companies themselves. I trust, and have no reason for doubting, that they take due care to see that persons do not over-inaura their property, and in all cases where they conduct their business with propriety they deserve the protection of the law to the fullest extent. There is a reckless view sometimes apparent in regard to these oases that tends very much to demoralise the community. Should the idea become prevalent that this is not after all a very serious offence, as it is only an insurance company that suffers, I am afraid it would tend in other respects to demoralise the community generally. Due protection should bo given to insurance companies, while the insurance companies should give due protection to their clients and tho public, by exercising due caution in connection with the risks they undertake. , , . There are two oases of robbery from the person—so long as people get drunk and carry money about with them there will be robberies from the person—but none of tho oases to come before you have any great aggravation. Unfortunately there have been oases in other parts of the colony where robberies have been committed under circumstances of great violence, and in these oases I have considered it my duty to inflict severe and exemplary punishments, because if this type of highway robbery gets a footing in this colony there is no end to tho misery that it would occasion.” Fbibndly Societies Qband Handicap.— In the second event of this race a mistake was made in the names. Instead of H. Lowry being second it should hare been J, Butler. This altera the number of the points gained, and by this difference Butler was second with five points.

Industrial Association.—The committee of this association held a meeting last night, at which a resolution was passed, inviting tbe citizens’ committee to co-operate with it in its action with reference to the proposed Exhibition. A report of the meeting appears in another column.

Strange Deposits—ln Mono lake breed great quantities of species of small creatures in lorm between a fly and a worm, which floating on tho water are drifted ashore and there accumulate in rows on the bank of tho lake. In some places these worms have formed bunks half-a-dozen feet thick ; in fact, they have created immense deposits. This has been going on for ages, and by the aid of a powerful glass this curious formation can be distinguished 200 feet from the present shore of the lake. This goes toahow that Mono was a very large body of water at one time. How many tons of worms have been carried away by Indians, and how many tons have been thrown up to become part of the natural soil, is bard to conjecture ; they probably amount to some millions.