NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2414, 30 December 1881, Page 3

NEWS OF THE DAY.

t'TBAMBE Excursion. —The s.s. Akaroa is advertised to run cheap trips round Lyttelton harbour on Monday next, regatta day. She also makes two trips to Little Akaloa that day.

Intercolonial Weather Exchange.— Sydney, Thursday evrning—Tho depression of yesterday has now cleared the Australian coast centre and parsed over Tasmania in an E.N.B. direction. B.W. winds now prevail, with a rising barometer, except on the oast coast of New South Wales. Barometer — Portland, 29 9 ; Hobart, 29.9 ; Sydney, 29.7. U.A.O. Defies.—The half-yearly summoned meeting of tho Oak of Sydenham Lodge was held on Wednesday night in St. Saviour’s schoolroom, A.D. Bro. Barnett presiding. There was a large attendance of members, also several vititing brothers. There was one member admitted by clearance. The nomination of officers for the ensuing six months was gone through ; also the nomination for District President for Nc:2o District, P.A., Bros. Skinner and Gillies being nominated, Two candidates were proposed for membership. After some further business the lodge was closed. The receipts were £sl Us.

Colonial Fire and Marine Insurance Company of X\ew Zealand—Messrs H. Matson and Co., of Christchurch, have been appointed branch managers for this company throughout Canterbury, tho late Manager, Mr F. E. A. Graham, having resigned in consequence of his contemplated visit to Europe. The greatest credit is due to Mr Graham for his successful management of this branch, the business of which has been uniformly satisfactory from the commencement. As a local company having a large body of resident shareholders, and investing its funds in the colony, it has claims upon tho support of the community. Messrs Matson and Co. are about to make extensive alterations to their Cashel streetofflees, which, according to the designs tent in, will be of a vary [handsome and striking character. Plate glass, polished cedar, brass plates, Ac., will give the office the appearance of a new Bank.

The Licensing Act. —The “ Oamaiu Mail” state* that a oa*o under the Licensing Act, likely to prove interesting, will shortly come before the Resident Magistrate. An information has been laid against the holder of a bottle license at Ngapara, charging him with having sold brandy in a bottle commonly known as a quarter-flask, which is not of the size recognised by the Act. Ashburton Bobouoh Council, —Mr Hugo Friodlander being the only candidate nominated to till the vacancy, was yesterday elected a member of the Council in the room of Mr Donald Williamson, who ha* lately been elected to the Mayoralty. Thb Sparrows —lt has been found by orohardists in Tasmania that sparrow* may be effectively prevented from damaging cherry tree* by the following simple contrivance : Taka a reel of strong machine cotton, tie the loose end to the outside of one of the lower branches, and throw the reel over and over the tree in all directions until the whole reel has been unwound. Sparrow* will not come near it.

Theatre Boyal. —ln consequence of the illness of Miss Pomeroy, tho bill for last evening at tho Theatre Royal had to be changed, and “Tho Heir at Law ” substituted for “ Twelfth Night.” Mr Hoskins, as Dr. Pangloss, was excellent, and ho was ably supported by Miss Bessie Vivian and tho other members ot the company. Playgoers will observe with regret that Miss Pomeroy’s illness necessitates complete cessation from professional duties for two or throe nights. Under these circumstances this evening Mr Leake will appear in “My Partner,” the piece in which he made his debut here. Lecture —A lecture was delivered last evening at 7 30 in tho North belt Presbyterian Church by the Bov. Professor McGregor, D.D., late of Edinburgh, the subject chosen being “ John Knox and the First Reformation.” Tho Chairman (Rev. R. McGregor, of Kaiapoi), briefly introduced the lecturer, who described the circumstances attendant on the First Reformation and the part taken therein by tho great Scottish Reformer. The attendance was fair, and the was attentively listened to. At the conclusion a collection was made on behalf of the Sabbath School Library Fund. Ellesmere Annual Sports.—A general meeting of the committee was held at Spring's Leeaton Hotel on Tuesday evening, when the hon. secretary (Mr John Taylor) laid the subscription lists on tho table, showing about £l3O, independent of nominations for tho Trotting Handicap. It was decided that £lO be added to the Trotting Race. On Friday evening the prizes will be apportioned, and there is no doubt that the committee will be able to offer sufficient inducement to some of the city ped*. to pay a visit to these sports this year. St. James' School Tbbat, Southbridgb. —Tho children belonging to this Sundayschool celebrated their annual treat on Wednesday last, nearly 100 of them being driven to the Maori pah in large vans. Arrived there, all description of sports were indulged in, and, being a lovely day, no doubt all returned the better for their blow of sea air. Refreshments in abundance were supplied to the little ones, who had evidently, as an onlooker observed, fasted down for the occasion. Mrs Hill, Mr* Dualey, Mr* Bridge, Miss Hastings and Miss Ayer undertook the largest share of tho management, and were ably assisted by tho Revs. Harper and Bean ond other gentlemen. The Telephone, —A number of gentlemen who assembled in the Liberal Glub in Park row, Leeds, on Saturday, October Bth, were enabled to listen to Mr Gladstone's speech to the mass meeting in the Oloth Hall by means of telephonic communication between the club and the hall. The offices of tho National Telephone Company were connected with the hall in the same way, and there, seated round a table, a small company were able with the utmost comfort to follow Mr Gladstone intelligently in his masterly oration. Tho telephonic receiver in both oases was affixed in front of the desk on the speaker’s rostrum. A Frbak op Natueb.—A lusus naturae, the production of the Hampden district, is thus described to the “ Oamaru Mail ” by Mr McKay, its owner:—"l have a spotted sow that produced eight young ones, and among them is a most curious nondescript. It is the same size as the other pigs, but has not a hair on it beyond a few bristles on the eyelid*. It has a perfectly-formed head of exactly the same shape as that of an elephant, with a trunk like that ot an elephant, over three inches long, and turned up over the forehead. It has no mouth. It has two large eyes under the head, joined together, each being quite as big as a shilling. The ears are extraordinarily large, and are placed on each side of the breast, and they are at least four times as large as the ears of the other pigs. The nostrils are placed between the ears, and quite prominent. Tho feet are all alike, and of the most extraordinary shape, all tho fore toes being at least lin. long, and turned up with nobs on them.

Speingston Wesleyan Ohuech —Sermons in connection with the fifteenth anniversary of this church were preached on Sunday last by the Rev. J. S. Smalley. The customary tea and public meeting came off the following day, and was very largely attended. The treasurer, Mr W. Lawry, stated that the church had been repainted during the year, that the proceeds of the anniversary reached the sum of £25, and the only debt now upon the property was some £4. The property included a handsome and commodious ohuroh, a comfortable parsonage of nine rooms, and three acres of ground. Interesting addresses were given by the Revs. Gillam and Brooke, and Messrs Smythe, Wilson and Dawson. The usual votes of thanks concluded one of the most successful anniversaries the Wesleyans have had hero.

Kaiapoi Athlstio Sports.—A meeting of tho committee was held at the Borough Council Chambers on Wednesday evening, Mr B. Moore, president, in the chair, when the collectors ’ lists were gone through. Committees were appointed to manage each department of the sports, arrange for children’s prizes, and lay off the courses. For the handicap races—men’s 440 yards, nine entries were received; mile race, nine ; hurdle race, 880 yards, four ; 100 yards race, twelve ; one mile walking race, four ; and men’s 880 yards race, eight entries. It is expected that the sports this year, inclusive of the various novelties introduced into the programme, will be more successful than ever they have been, and preparations are making in anticipation of a large gathering of the public. Caledonian Sports.—A meeting of the committee was held at Mr Wilding’s officce at 5 p.m. yesterday. Present—Dr Macbean Stewart (in tho chair). Major Lean, Messrs Campbell, Hunt, Mitchell, Sutherland, A. C. Wilson and tho secretary. Tho Secretary reported that the contractor for the Lancaster Park pavilion would have the grand stand ready for tho 2nd January, and that arrangements had been made for the erection of a dancing platform 20ft square. The Secretary alao reported having received 130 entries for tho various events, chiefly for the handicaps. It was decided to allow post entries for all events except the handicaps. For the tug of war Is was fixed as tho entrance fee per man. Only one entry having been received for the band competition, the secretary was authorised to make arrangements for engaging Button’s band to play for the day. Particular instructions as to the dimensions and nature of the cab.'f were given. It was decided that trophies should be given as prizes for the bicycle races. Mr Sutherland offered prizes —lst, £2 2s ; 2nd, £1 Is ; for best Highland dress, open to boys under fourteen, and the item was added to the programme. Mr Sutherland reported that the arrangements for taking gate money were complete, and that department was left under his care. It was also arranged that stewards should wear tartan rosettes, and judges tartan rosettes and blue ribbon, and that a board should be provided on which to announce the names of tho winners and the following event. Messrs Sutherland, Mitchell, and the secretary were appointed a sub-committee to open and decide upon tenders for tho various privileges, and Messrs Hunt, Campbell, Mitchell, and the secretary o sab-committee to arrange the order sf programme. The secretary was instructed to see the various ’bus proprietors and try to arrange for their services on Monday. Mr M. Lowin was added to the committee, and tho judges were appointed as follows:—For the Highland dances, music, and dress, and for tossing the caber, throwing the hammer, putting the stone, and wrestling, Dr. Stewart and Messrs Watt, Campbell, 8. Robertson, Maokay, and Urquhart ; for the other events, Messrs A. C. Wilson, H. A. Watt, J. Campbell. W. K. Mitchell, F. Robinson, T. D. Oondell, and M. Lewin. The sub-committee for arranging order of programme met immediately after the committee meeting closed and transacted their business. The order, with the entries and handicaps, will bo published in tho running cards on Saturday.

Presbyterian Bazaar. —This year the Presbyterians at Port have arranged to hold a bazaar in the railway shed near the railway station, at Lyttelton, on New Year’s Day. Sumnbb. —The annual display of fireworks, &0., will take place on the Cave Rook, on Saturday evening next, at about nine o’clock, and should the weather continue fine, an enjoyable evening can be looked forward to. Lyttelton Regatta. — Yesterday there arrived for the regatta, by the Ringarooma, a four-oared outrigger, and four-oarad inriggor, tor the Union Club of Dunedin. Mr Shaw, boat builder of Lyttelton, is also building two boats, to compote in the Friendly Societies' race.

Lost Child.—A little girl named Annie Page, about four years of age, who is described as being dressed in a white frock and white straw hat, and has red hair, was reported yesterday at the police depot as missing. Her father, Mr Thomas Page, resides in Creek road, Phillipatown. Tub Caledonian Sports.— The privileges in connection with the forthcoming Oaledoninn Sports, on the Lancaster Park grounds, were offered for sale by Messrs Acland and Campbell, at the Commercial Hotel, yesterday, but as there did not oppear to be any disposition on the part of those present to bid, the whole of the lots were withdrawn, and tenders have been invited for the purchase. Accidents. —A lad named Buckley was brought to Lyttelton yesterday suffering from injuries received by a fail from a horse, and was taken to Dr. Rouse’s surgery. The accident occurred at Port Levy, and the boy was subsequently conveyed to his parents' house in Lyttelton.—A boy named Payne fell off a horse yesterday, and sustained some severe injurylto his head. Dr. H. Macdonald attended him. —The reported accident at Port Levy to a lad named Radcliffe, is turning out better than was first expected. The bullet has been taken out of tho boy’s back, and he is doing well. Kaiapoi Church Sunday-school. —The annual treat to tho scholars attending this school, as well as tho Kaiapoi Island school, was held on Thursday, and took the form of o picnic party to the farm of Mr Thos. Burgess. Tho weather was not so favorable as it might have been, owing to a hot wind, but, in spite of this, tho scholars enjoyed themselves at various games. About twentysix vehicles convoyed the party out from town, and returned about 6 p.m. There were a number of ladies and gentlemen present who taka an interest in tho welfare of tho school, and tho arrangements wore admirably conducted by the Rev. D. O. Hampton and the teachers. Tub Wood Twine Binder. —A trial of on improved W. A. Wood Twine Binding Harvester was held on Mr McPhial’s farm, in the Rakaia district, on Monday last. The crop was a fifteen-acre field of self-sown oats, and there certainly could not have been a better one chosen to show the work of the machine, the crop being very patchy. Mr Magson started bis now 6ft 6in cut machine about 11 a.m., and went away without a hitob, binding the first bundle, and went round and round the field not casting a single loose sheaf until the twine ran out. Among those present were—Messrs O. N. Maokio, J. Morlirg, Q-. Magson, J. MoPhial, J. Irving, A. MoPhial, and all expressed themselves as thoroughly satisfied with tho work done. Tun Nbw South Wales Land League. —The platform of the Now South Wales Land League embraces these points:—“Tho 1 restriction of auction sales to 250,000 acres per annum. Glassification of Grown lands into three descriptions—pastoral lands, agricultural lands, and lands partly pastoral and partly agricultural. Tenants to receive twenty-one years’ lease of pastoral lands at increased rental, but to be debarred from purchasing more than 640 acres of the holding. In agricultural areas, selection to be permitted up to 640 acres. In tho partly agricultural and partly pastoral land tho selection of 640 acres permitted, and the selector to have a lease for fourteen years of 1920 acres adjoining, at 3d per acre, with a right to purchase the leased land at the end of the term on proof of bona fides being given. Agricultural land was defined as land near the coast, near rivers, or near railways.” Bbtion. — A meeting of the Soften Farmers’ Glub was held at the Sefton Town Hall, on the 28th inst., when there was a fair attendance of members. The rules of the club were issued to members at 3d each. Mr Barclay handed in an account of moneys expended on sparrows’ eggs and heads, amounting to £5 15s 2d. It was proposed that the chairman write to the Kowai Road Board, asking the Board to grant some pecuniary assistance for tho destruction of the sparrows. Mr Stewart intimated that £1 6s had been handed to him from the treasurer of the sparrow club. Mr Ferguson also handed in a list of moneys subscribed for sparrow destruction. It was resolved that Mr Barclay continue to buy eggs and heads for another month, and that the members make an effort to collect subscriptions to defray the expenses. Mr Stewart introduced the subject of a grain, root, and foal show, which will be discussed at next meeting. The chairman then, in the absence of Mr Hay Barclay, read a paper by that gentleman on merino sheep, for which a vote of thanks was passed. Mr Houghton read a paper on the raising of cream in butter dairies, which will be more fully ventilated at soma future time. The meeting then separated .

Imported Dogs.—Lavers of fine specimens of the canine race will be glad to learn of a spirited purchase, by Mr George Jameson, of Ashburton, of a couple of fawn-and-white St. Bernard pups, which wore landed a few days ago per Waimate, from England. One is a dog-pup, named Friar, born in May, this year. He is by the studdog Abbott (E 0.5.8., 7454) out of Bellinzona, Abbott is by the champion Monk out of the champion Dagmar, and Bellinzona is by the champion Avalanche (K 0.5.8., 4473) out of Beauty. Bellinzona took first prize at the Crystal Palace in 1830, end first prize at Southend last Juno with her puppies, of which Friar is one. Friar’s father, one of the biggest dogs in England, was lately sold at tho Crystal Palace for £125. Tho other St. Barnard pup owned by Mr Jameson is a bitch, born in June last. She is by Mount Sion 11., out of Beauty 11. The sire was by the champion Bayard (K. 0.88,, 8447), out of Alp, the latter being by the champion Thor, out of the celebrated Juno. Mount Sion 11. took first and tho Oup at Margate this year for tho best dog of his class at the show, and was very highly commended at the Alexandra Palace when eight months old, in the face of competition against dogs a year old. Fikb Alarms at Ashburton. —On Wednesday evening, Mr and Mrs W. Adams happened to be absent for a few minutes from their cottage adjoining the Boad Board Office in Moore street, having left to make a purchase round the corner in Bast street. Before leaving Mr Adams had taken the precaution to extinguish tho fire-embers, and to put out lamp and candle. Four children had been loft, apparently ensconced snugly and safely in bed. One of them, however, got up to look for pussy, to amuse the ftaby with, and holding a lighted candle under the bed, accidentally set lire to tho hangings of the dressing-table. A bleze resulted, and the firebell quickly rang out a loud alarm, the children having run in their nightgowns to a neighbor's house. On Mr Adams’ return the fire was put out, tho help of the fire brigade not being required, though they lost no time in iqakirg for the spot. Eager to save articles from destruction in the event of the flames spreading fast, a number of people assisted to throw tea, sugar, cu’lery, Ac., out of the house ; and Mr Adams estimates his loss at about £l2. Two £1 notes which lay on the table, and some clothing, vere destroyed.—Yesterday afternoon the fire-bell again tolled, tussocks having been observed blazing on some sections at tho top of Cameron street west, in a manner to place the neighboring fences and houses in danger. The fire brigade, with engines, were quickly present, but their services were, fortunately, rot required, several people having by their united efforts brought the flames under control. Tho incident should, however, serve to warn residents of the core necessary to bo exercised during the present dry weaiher, when tho wind freshens and veers on the pUirs without warning. Russill’s Flat School.—Mr R. Oolthart invited the teachers and pupils to his house and lawn, Kowai Pais, on Wednesday, when ample refreshments were provided. A number of .adies and gentlemen having been invited, there was quite a company. The day was spsnt merrily, with some really good singing by the school, and with games of lawn tennis, croquet, &c. After tea Mr Oolthart stated '.hat his family had made such marked progreig under Mr Polo’s tuition that he wished him to accept a token of his high appreciation of his kindness and success as a teache;. He then handed to him two elegant volumes, suitably inscribed. Three cheers were given to Mr and Mrs Oolthart.

Temperance Picnic. The Sydenham Church of England Temperance Society, in conjunction with the Pride of Sydenham Lodge, I 0.G.T., will hold a pic-nio in the grounds of the Her. H, B. Coots, on Monday, January 2nd. Fikk on thb Hilib.—On Wednesday evening and yesterday a large fire was raging in the direction of Oxford, but on the second range of hills. Thb Ekobnt Sxobm in England.—The last halt of the month of October in England saw fearful havoc amongst the shipping. A correspondent of a contemporary writes : “ The storms have been chronic during the past fortnight, and from all parts of the coast we received day by day the most distressing accounts of shipwrecks of all kinds, of largo vessels foundering and all hands lost, and of fishing boats overwhelmed by the hundred. It is said that the fishermen of Great Yarmouth have lost upwards of £IO,OOO worth of boats in the past fortnight. In Berwickshire three times that amount of damage has been done, and what is still more deplorable, over 200 men have been drowned. These are the losses of two places only, and it is to be feared that all round the coast the destruction has been equally fearful. Of more strictly maritime disasters the tale is not less distressing. According to Lloyd’s official list, in the one week between the I2fh October and the 19ih October —and within this period were included two of the severest, gales of the last seven years—upwards of 220 vessels were lost.”

The Mormons. —The“‘Daily News ” states; —•* The Quion steamer Wisconsin recently sailed from the Mersey for New York, having on board about 400 Mormons amongst her passengers. This is the fifth company of Mormons who have loft Liverpool during the present year, and is also the last batch this season. They include twenty elders, and are under the charge of Mr L. R. Martineau, who has supervised the Liverpool “ conference ” for the past two years. Amongst the 400 are about sixty from Scotland. Unlike the other companies, there were but thirty-eight Scandinavians in the party. The remainder came from Wales and different parts of England ; the towns in the latter country being London, from which the largest number enme, consisting of about sixty, Manchester, Bristol, Norwich, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, and Liverpool. The Mormons are on their way to Utah, Salt Lake City. During the present year in the five companies no fewer than about 2400 Mormons have sailed from the Mersey for the United States. There were no Irish Mormons amongst the party which left on Saturday, October 22nd.” The Late Judge Chapman.— Mr Eredk. Chapman writes to the “ Daily Times ”as follows :—A few inaccuracies appear in your notice of my late father’s life This is not surprising, as so large a part of his long career was passed in distant places so long ago that mateiial for such a notice is not readily available. My father did not claim to have established the first newspaper over published in Montreal. That city was a largo and flourishing place when he went there, which was about the year 1832 or 1833. There were then, I think, two or three newspapers there, each published twice a week. In this way a newspaper appeared every day, or nearly every day. What my father and Mr 8. Revans (now of the Wairarapa) did was to establish a daily paper —the first, I believe, ever published in the British North American Colonies. My father was not, as you state, engaged in the Canadian insurrection. He had, in fact, left Canada two years before this unfortunate affair broke out. Had he remained he would probably have opposed any resort to arms as a hopeless measure, unlikely to load to good results; but ho would probably have been obliged to take a part with his friends in the active proceedings. Before the insurrection be was an active partisan with those who ultimately resorted to arms, but in 1835 the majority of the Lower House, then not in session, raised money and sent my father to England to advocate their cause through the press. I believe when the House met he became its accredited agent until the appointment of Mr Roebuck, after which ho continued to act as secretary to the Agency until the insurrection put an end to the whole thing. The history of the services of the Canadian patriots in the advancement of colonial liberty will, when written, prove one of the most striking and interesting chapters of modern times. It is to be hoped that the subject will be fully illustrated when the life of the late Mr Roebuck appears.