NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2415, 31 December 1881, Page 3

NEWS OF THE DAY.

To Ova Stjbscbibebs. Monday next being a general holiday, there will be no issue of the Globh on that day, Railway Stbikb.—A strike on the part of twenty men who were ballasting on the North line, took plaoe on Friday for an advance of wages from 61 per day. Ihb Missing Rbttjbning Ohiobbs.—A telegram >rom Hokitika reports that the two Returning Officers who were missing are safe, and on their way to Boss. Ohoka Baobs.—lt is understood that the protest against Mr Murfit'e Norman in the haok race has been allowed, and Mr D. Hay Barclay's Jezebel takes the stake. Tbotting Match nbab Ashbubton. —On Thursday evening a trotting match took place between Mr McKenzie's Brigham Young and Mr Graham's Doctor's Maid for £2O aside, and ended in an easy victory for Doctor's Maid.

Inteboolonial Weathbb Exchangb.— Sydney, Friday, noon. It is fine, with light B*E. winds in New South Wales ; moderate B.W. winds and broken weather on the south coast of Victoria ; barometer 30.1; Hobart, 29 7 ; Sydney, 30 0. Eaiapoi Bobotjgh Council.—An eleotion of a Councillor to fill the extraordinary vaoancy caused by the election of Or. Smith to the office of Mayor takes place on January 13th, and nominations have to be made before noon on Tuesday next. It is reported that the election will in all probability be a contested one.

Bbbaoh of the Elections Act.—A caße against E. Thomas is expected to be heard at the Amberley Magistrate's Court on January 12th, for an offence against this Aot, arising out of the recent elections. The accused appeared at the Court on Thursday, but was allowed bail pending the receipt of proof of the irregularity complained of. Nabbow Esoafb. —About three o'olock yesterday afternoon, as an express van was being driven leisurely round the corner of Liohfield street into High street, an elderly man, who was crossing the road, was knooked down, and both wheels passed over his head. He immediately got up, and walked away, and, saving a few outs on the face, seemed no worse for his accident.

Vagbanoy.— At the Eaiapoi Court on Friday, before Caleb Bmith, Esq., Mayor, W. Mann, a previous offender, was charged with vagranoy. Sergeant Gilbert stated aooused had been asking persona about town to assist him with money to p»y his railway fare to Christchurch. He had also solicited drink, and on being refused became abusive. Accused had asked the sergeant to give him money to pay his expenses to town, stating that he had no money, but on searching him 7s 7d was found in his possession. There was also in his pookets a notice to appear on bail at the Ohristohuroh Resident Magistrate's Court to answer a charge of drunkenness on Wednesday morning. Tho Mayor remanded the caso for seven days. A Fatal Mabbiagb.—A melanoholy affair took plaoe at Newton-on-Trent on Ootober 7th. The daughter of John East, horse dealer, of Nether Broughton, Melton Mowbray, was married by special lioense that morning to Thomas Wilmot, junr., horse dealer, of Newton-on-Trent. In the afternoon the bride and bridegroom left Newton-on-Trent on their wedding tour for London. On reaching Retford station the bride was taken suddenly ill. They returned at o'noe to Newton, where she died at eleven o'olock, through, it is said, the excitement of her marriage. Deoeased was only twenty-three years of age. Wanted, an Opposition Leadbb. The " Wanganui Herald " (Mr Ballance's paper) says that it is to Mr Maoandrew or Mr Montgomery that the Opposition must look for their leader. It oannot stand Sir George Grey at any price. If the circumstances happen which brought Sir George to the front before, he would at once consider it his duty to comply with the wishes of bis party. His qualifications for the position, however, are so well known that we hardly think any conjunction of circumstances is likely to happen to bring about such an event. Just as he wreoked his party before, he would wreok it again. He has no sense of what is due to others, and ho has an exaggerated notion of what is due to himsolf. Hecoe, hardly any man of first-class ability would lend his assistance or embark with his fortunes in the same oraft. One illustration of tiso defects of oharacter which made Sir George Grey so generally distrusted, even by those who agree with his principles, has just occurred. Two members of the same party. Mr Sheehan and Mr Speight, were candidates for the Thames. Mr Speight was sent to contest the seat under tho auspices of Sir George Grey, and the unpleasant feature of the affair is that ho went to oppose one who had beon in possession. This was an unpardonable sin from a party point of view. But no sooner is Mr Sheehan elected than he receives a congratulatory telegram from Sir George telling him in gushing terms the less the colony would have sustained in his defeat, which the wily old gentleman had triod to bring about. If our reader* could enlarge the character from these lines they would see at onoe why that once great name and power had ceased to charm. Bbitish Volchsbbbs.—The twenty-second official year of the British XToluntecr orgonication has been brought to & close, and now fell returns of the strength and effioienoy of eyery regiment in Great Britain are to be forwarded to the War Office f«r the information -of the Government. It is believed that ia many respeots the large total of 206,537 of all arms enrolled at the end of the previous year —tho largest in tho history of the force will be found to be exoeeded when the returns for the offioial year just closed have been made up. Emigbation to Canada. —Tho oapial returns show that in the nine months endtd the 30th September, 40,197 immigrants (imnuding 8958 from the United States) entered the different provinces of Canada. The number for the year 1880 was 38,505, of whom 10,961 were from the United States,

A.O.F,—The quarterly meating of „ th ? Court Star of Canterbury, No. 2309, will be held on Tue»day next, for the transaction ot the usual business. . HoRTntTMUKii, Socibtt. —The monthly meeting of the Ohristohuroh Horticultural Society will be held in the rooms of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association on Tuesday next, when there will be an exhibition of flowers, fruits, &c. Ltttblton Btiujing Society.—The secretary of this sooiety gives notice that the regular meeting will be held next Tuesday evening. Govbbnob's Bat—The steataer Lyttelton will be open to-morrow and Monday for the convenience of all who wish to spend their holiday at Governor's Bay. She is announced also to land her patrons, not in small boats on the rooks, but on the jetty direot. Racing Stock:. —There arrived by the Marlborough thia morning from London nine brood mares, all in grand condition, the property of Mr Q. G-. Stead. The ship came to the wharf this afternoon, and landed the lot in safety. Lyttblton Regatta.—A meeting to receive entries was held on Friday night, when the committee received moneyß from fifty boat owners. Following is a list of the events:—Ships' boats sailing race, throe entries; yachts, three; sohooners, five; whaleboats (youths), three; canoes, throe, open boats sailing race, six; double sculls, four ; ships' boats, three ; outriggers, fouroared, four; pair-oared, three ; Friondly Societies' boats, three j inriggors, four-oared, three ; ships' boats, pulled by carpenters, two ; Naval Brigade, four boats; dingies, one. Should the weather be suitable, the Lyttelton Regatta for 1882 will eclipse any of its predecessors as regards both the number and variety of the events and the prize money offered.

Inquest.—An inquiry touching the death of Ellen MoHaffie, wife of James McHaffie, who died suddenly yesterday afternoon, was held this morning at the husband's residence, corner of St. Asaph street and the Lincoln road, before Dr. Coward, and a jury of whom Jatneß McNicol was ohosen foreman. James MoHaffie deposed that deceased had been ailing from March last, having been occa sionally attended by Dr. Nodwill. This witness also stated particulars as to the circumstances attendant on her death. Dr. Nedwill deposed to having attended deceased, and gave evidence as to the nature of her ailment. Dr. Moßean Stewart deposed to having made a post mortem examination, the result showing that death resulted from peritonitis and cancer. The jury returned a verdiot in accordance with the medioal testimony.

Obituary.—lt is with very great regret that we announce thetieath of Mr 8 Stuckey, of the Ferry road, who, although he has been ailing for sometime, was not in such a critical state of health as to aauae any undue anxiety. With a view to trying what change of air and scenery would do for him, be availed himself of the recent excursion train to the South, and has been since stopping at Queenstown, in the Otago Lake district. Finding himself getting worse yesterday, he despatched a telegram to Mr John Overton, of Prebbleton, and acting thereon Mrs Stuckey left Ohristohurch by this morning's express en, mute for Queenstown. Meanwhile a further telegram arrived from Queenstown oonveying the sad news of Mr Stuckey's death, which will be regretfully received by a large circle of friends. Bingsland.—Arrangements have been ma'le for holding the annual treat of the United Methodist Free Church Sabbath school, in the grounds of Mr Flesher, at Axbury, New Brighton road, on Monday next, jonuary 2nd. In addition to the customary festivities provided for the scholars, tea will be provided for the parents and friends in the afternoon.

Abhbxtbton Poliob Coubt. Yesterday (before Messrs O. P. Cox and B. Alcorn, J.P.'s), John Tobin was oharged with having, by false pretences, obtained goods worth £2, and pleaded guilty. A few days ego he told Mr Kemp, landlord of the Eakaia Hotel, that he was working for Mr J. L. Coster. Acouied then produced an order for £2, and was supplied with goods The order was presented for payment, Mr Cotter subsequently explaining that accused never worked for him or obtained an order from him. Accused was sentenoed to fourteen days' hard labor. Pbbsonal.— The "World" contains the following paragraph, which, it is understood refers to the Bev. Charles Meyiey Thompson, who was private chaplain to Sir Hercules Robinson in New Zealand : Sir Henry Meysey Thompson has just sustained a severe domestic loss in the death of his brother, Mr Charles Meysey Thompson, who left England some months ago for his health, and died somewhat suddenly abroad last week. It is perhaps not generally known (says the " Wanganui Chronicle") that the deceased gentleman suffered ostracism from Government House for reproving a lady of the household for leaving the ohurch in the midst of the administration of the sacrament.

TT.A.O.D.—The half-yearly meetiDg of the Lyttelton Hearts of Oak Lodge took place on Thursday evening. There was a large attendance of members, the visitors being Bro. White, P. A. Bro. Skinner, Bro. Gunderson, M. 8. Bro. H. E. Rowe, and P.S. Bro. F. W. Parker, of the Hutt, Oak of Sydenham, and Athelstan Lodges. The principal business of the evening was the nomination of officers, and a presentation to P, S. Bro. Harrington. The nominations for the various offices were fully contested, and P.A's Bro. Skinner and Gillies were nominated for the office of distriot president for No. 20 District. The pleasing oeremony of the presentation was proceeded with by ArchDruid Bro. Lawson, who in an eloquent address acknowledged on the part of the lodge the great gratitude felt by the brethren to P.S. Bro. Harrington for the valuable sf r« vices rendered the lodge and order in general during bis term of office. As a mark of the esteem in which the lodge held that brother, he presented him, on behalf of the lodge, with a handsomely illuminated address. P.S. Bro. W. J. Harrington, who on rising was received with cheers, said that he felt at a loss to find words to express his gratitude to the brethren of the Lyttelton Hearts of Oak Lodge for the handsome manner in which they had testified to their appreciation of his past services. He would treasure the gift as long as he lived, and after he was gone from amongst them he was sure that his children and grandchildren would look upon it with a healthy pride. After 6ome further routine business, A.D. Bro. Lawson closed the lodge in due form.

A Liobhbing Casb.—The Oamaru "Mail" reports that at the looal BM. Court, before Messrs Sumpter and Roberts, J. P.'s, William Gruar, the holder of a bottle-license at Ngapara, was charged witti having si«ld a less quantity than was permitted by the Licensing Ordinance. Sergeant-major Thompson appeared fur the prosecution, and Mr Hislop for the defendant. Constable Oleary gave evidence to having gone to tho defondant'a shop and purchased a flisk of brandy for Is 9d. In cross-examination he admitted that he had, by his conversation, given the defendant to understand that ho was ploased at the defendant not having Bigned the petition for his removal from Ngapara. After having talked for some time, he asked, the defendant to let him have the branny. Mr Hislop called attention to the fact that the constable had aided in the commission of the offonoe, and asked tho Grown to prosecute him for his conduct. On tho case for the prosecution being closed, ?/tr Hislop contended that the case mustd/d dismissed, Bnd pointed out that the under which the information wyisu.id hod not, as was required, been puJe ft as evidence. Some argument followed, ffld tho Benoh took time to consider theiy decision. At two o'clock they dismissed tne case, without prejudice to further proce<?djbgs. The Chops it* the Northebn Distbict. There is hardly tlhe extent of &rain under orop this year which there has been in some previous years. She largest acreage is under wheat, the crops of which are later than usus.l. Harveal was hardly expected before the end of JanJiary, but the effects of the past few clays' nor'?-wester has beon such as to prematurely hacten ripening, end tho harvesting of oats has t*mmenoed in several placer. It is to ho regretted that about the centre of the Kowai district *ust has slightly mado its appearance tmoni tho wheat crops. As a rule tho crop 3 are ip remarkably fine order, attributable a greati deal to modorn improvements in farming, arid the splendid start they received from Axe dripping weather of the spring. Gentile rains, however, would row prove beneficial on the light landß and on tho late orfaps. Barley has not been sown to any great Extent, but there are a few really nice even crops of this cereal to be met with. The hay hafvost has been satisfactory, and the yield of grass seed is generally thought to be rather bejtter than usual. Green crops stand in need pi cooler weather and moisture.

Ins Waipa.—The Now Zealand Snipping Company has received a cablegram from London, dated the 27th instant, oonhrming the safe arrival of the Waipa, e Ibwbil SPAEBOW^OLtTB. —A meeting o. this club vsi held in the Irwell Hotel, on Thursday, the 20th inst. Mr H. Overton, in the absence of Mr Dudley, was voted to the ohair. The chairman read a statement of accounts of last year's doings, whioh, after one or two outstanding subscriptions were paid, left a debit balance of about £1 19»The number of eggs paid for was 9COO sna birds 1000. After considerable discussion, it was decided that Mr MoOlure bo asked to reoeive and pay for eggs and birds on the same conditions as last year, and that the chairman advance the money until such time as the voluntary subscriptions [could be collected. A vote of thanks to the ohairman (•rminated the meeting. Nob'-Wbstbb at AbhbTXBTON —On Thursday and throughout yesterday this dust- ; raising visitor blew furiously over the plains, und shook wooden houses and dusted furniture so effectually that people forgot to feel apprehensive as to whether Mother Shipton's prophecy would yet come true. The orope in Aehburton district are quickly ripening. Approximately, seven-tenths are in wheat, two in oats, and one in barley. About Mount Somers the farmers' anticipations are sanguine, plenty of rain having fallen there. At Wakanui and Longbeaoh the wheat average promises to be fair. O its generally will be thin and poor, exoopt where sown early on good land. Barley has sufferod sadly through luck of rain, though moist woather even now would bolD to fill it and considerably aug mont the yield. The strong winds prevailing ore doing no little damage. STBiKa binding Reapbbs.—lt is estimated that over 150 binders are now at work in the harvest fields of Groat Britain, Mr Walter A. Wood alone having eighty string-binding machines at Long Sutton, LinoolD, and all doing satisfactory work. On some farms the binder has worked through the whole harvest without giving five minutes' trouble. At a trial on Friday by the Long Sutton Agricultural Society, Wood's machine out six acres of wheat in less than five hours, and did not miss tying a single sheaf at the rate of one sheaf every 2i-3eos , excepting at the time when the ball of twine ran short and was replaoed by another. There was, unfortunately, no competition, but the judges, Mr J. G. Hobson and Mr George Skelton, awarded the prize to Mr Wood for the great ingenuity and practical value of his maohine. —"Times," August 30th. Obickbx. The matoh Carisbrook v Lancaster Park was commenoed yesterday on the Lancaster Park ground, and the game, as far as it has gone, is slightly in favor of the home team. The strangers went in first, and put together 117, of which Spring scored 42 in good style, Cook 15, Austin 18, and Vernon 13. The Lancaster Parkites at the commencement of their first innings went down rapidly, until Wilding and Beeves made a stand, when the match began to look more hopeful. With the aid principally of these two and Macdonald the Carisbrook man were topped when eight wickets were down, and when time was called the last two men were in with 132 to the credit of the side. Of these Macdonald scored 44, Wilding 40, and Reeves 19. Maodonald's innings was the best he has played for some time, being without a chance until he had made about 40, when ouriously enough he gave three ohances in rapid succession, all of which were missed, but on giving a fourth the ball was secured. The match will be continued to-day. Tubatbb Royal. Bartley Campbell's play of "My Partner" served last night to re-introduce Mr W. H. Leake to Christohurch playgoers. During his former visit Mr Leake thoroughly established his reputation as a painstaking artist of considerable ability, and therefore not to be wondered at that he was warmly greeted on making his entrance. His performance of Joe Saunders was marked by a great deal of power and dramaticeffeot,and was throughout an excellent rendering of the oharacter. Not only was he good in the stronger soenes of the pieoo, but his pathos was natural and effective Miss L'zzie Laurence was good as Mary Brandon, and Mies Bessie Vivian made quite a hit as before in the oharacter of Posie Pentland. Mr Hamilton, as Major Butt, had one of those parts in whioh he is so thoroughly good, and he played it excellently. Mr Wallace made a good deal of the Chinaman, and the other parts were fairly filled. The farce of " The Handsome Husband," with Mr Hoskins in the cast, conoluded the performance. Tonight Mr Leake will appear in " Riohard III.," and on Monday playgoers will probably have the pleasure of onoe more welcoming Miss Pomeroy in her charming impersonation of Viola. Cust.—The Presbyterian manse oommittee met at the Road Board offioe on Wednesday evening last. Eleven members were present. The Rev. N. MoOallum presided. The ohairman reported that he had received four tenders for the erection of the manse. After some careful consideration of the ways and means, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Higgint, seconded by Mr Oromie —" That the tender of Mr George Donaldson, of £302 10a for the building of the manse, be aooepted." Mr Donaldson engages to have the manse oompleted in four months, and he intends starting at once with the building, bj as to give the members of the congregation an opportunity of oarting the materials, at least as muoh as possible, before harvest. The old site of ten acres in the valley has been sold for £6O, and a more convenient and suitable site of about four aores has been obtained from Mr George Cook, extending from the Main Oxford road into the swamp. Messrs Higgins, Oromie, Ruddenklau, Grant, and Burton are appointed a building oommittee. It was deoided that every effort should be made to get in the promised subscriptions at or.ce. It is intended to hold a bazaar and gift auction about the middle of April next in aid of the manse fund. The subscriptions promised up to date amount to £175. Sebioiculturb. Yesterday afternoon, Mr J. P. Jameson, President of the Industrial Association, accompanied by his Worship the Mayor and the secretary of the Association, paid a visit to the residence of Mr Federli, to inspect the operations now being conducted by that gentleman in furtherance of the efforts of the Government to establish the silkworm industry in this colony. Mr Jameson had invited several influential gentlemen in the oity who might be expected to take an interest in the matter to be present, but with the exception of his Worship the Mayor none responded. Mr Federli, who is evidently an enthusiast on the subject, took great pains to explain to his visitors the different processes of silk manufacture, as illustrated by the means adopted by him to demonstrate the success of hie experiment. Ho has had constructed a small machine with a wheel on whioh the silk is wound from two groups of five cocoons each the wheel being turned by a handle ; but he explained that he is having prepared for the approaching Exhibition a similar machine, ou-pable of beiDg worked like an ordinary sewing maohine with treadles. Besides tho saving of labour whioh this would effeot, it could bo made the means of affording employment to females, one of whom, ho estimates, would be able to wind about lib. of bilk a day. Another feature worthy of re mark is the plan adopted by Mr Federli to transfer the silk worms from one tray to another. He places sheets of perforated papor over tho tilkworms, and then spreads frenh mulberry leaves on the paper. Tho worms at once crawl through the holes in the paper on to tho leaves, and can thus be removed in a body to a clean tray. The advantage i't this method is that it obviates the necessity of lifting the silkworms ono by one. Altogether, Mr Fedorli's operations are very interesting, and those who paid him a viei*. yesterday were amply rewarded for their trouble. MobmonisM at Hamburg.—The authorities of tho city of Hamburg have arrested and imprisoned a Mormon elder who had been 10ms time since expelled from that oity for endeavoring to make proselytes and per-sundi-g them to embark for Salt L»ke City. His offence consists in his return to the Bcnne of his former operations for tho purposes of renewing his propagandise

Novel Suicide. —There was perhaps cover n more extraordinary suicido than that of a police employe in the Prupsian village of Hohornolsei!, who, a few weeks ago, drove u three-inch nail into his forehead with a curtain rod. The surgeons had a difficulty, with the exertion of their wholo strength, in getting the nail out. The Q.ueen has been pleased to confer the decoration of the Imperial Order of the Crown of India on Olivo, Lady F*>r«ußtoii, wife of tho Right Hon. Sir James Fargußi>oi>, Bart.., K. 0.34.0., Governor of the Presidency of Bombay, and on Mrs Emily Adam, widovr of tho Right Hon. William Patrick Adam, OLE., lately Governor of the P/esidency of Madras.