NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2417, 4 January 1882, Page 3

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Trial of Gbabs Seed Stbippbhs.—Tho annual trial of grata teed strippers, under the auspices of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, was held yesterday at Spreydon, in a paddock belonging to Messrs Henderson and Mcßeath. The machines eligible for competition were those which had been exhibited at tbe late show by Messrs P. and D. Duncan, R. Wilkin and Co. and Messrs Scott Bros.; tbe latter machine did not however put in an appearance. The ground allotted to each machine was about three acres. The judges were Messrs W. Prebble, John Miln and J. Bruce. After a very careful examination of each machine as to its structure, mode of working and quantity of seed collected within a given time, tbe prize was awarded to Messrs P. and D. Duncan's machine as tbe one most suitable for colonial requirements. Eanqioba Resident Magistbatb’s Court. —The nsnal sitting of this Court was not held on Tuesday, as J. Johnston, Esq. (Mayor), was the only Justice present. Two cases set down for hearing were adjourned for a week.

A Nuisance. —The attention of the City Inspector of Nuisance* might very usefully be directed towards a most offensive drain in the passage next to Langdon and Judge’s shop in Cashel street. At present the passers by are in danger of typhoid or some other fever, particularly during the present hot dry weather. Sydenham Bobough Council. The nomination for the vacant seat in the Sydenham Borough Council caused by the election of Mr J. Joyce as Mayor, took place yesterday. Two nomination* wore received, viz., Messrs J. T. Brown (formerly Mayor) and J. Sherlock. A poll will take place on the 13th inst., between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Inteboolonial Weathbb Exohanqb.— Sydney, Tuesday evening.—Fresh N.E, winds prevail in South Australia ; N.W. in Tasmania ; and light S.B. in New South Wales. There is an area of high pressure over Victoria. Barometer—Sydney and Portland, 30 0 ; Hobart, 29.8. Election Petition—A petition has been duly lodged with the authorities against the return of Mr Harry Allwright as member for Lyttelton in the House of Representatives, on the ground that some aliens recorded their votes in his favor. Dbath of Captain Ologstoun.—Testerday's 11 Timaru Herald” says.: —lt is with very great regret we have to announce the death of this gentleman, which took place at Mount Four Peaks yesterday morning. Those of our readers who were acquainted with Captain Ologstoun will, wo feel sure, join with us in our expression of sorrow, for few gentlemen were more respected or more generally liked than the late gallant officer. Captain Ologstoun, as a young man, saw service in India, going to that country in 1848, bearing a commission in the Punjaub Irregular Cavalry. He served through the terrible mutiny years, and retired from the army about the year 1860. In 1882 he came to New Zealand, and with the exception of a brief visit to England in 1865, bo has lived in the land of his adoption over since, either at Mount Four Peaks, on the run which he held conjointly with Messrs Walker Bros., or in Ohjnstohuroh. On Sunday night the deceased gentleman retired to rest in apparently the most robust health, but at an early hour yesterday morning he was found dead in his bed. Disease of the heart was the cause of death, a disease which the lamented gentleman was known to suffer from, but there wae not the slightest indication that a fatal termination of the disorder was so imminent. Captain Ologstoun was but forty-nine years of «ge.” Lyttelton Regatta. The four-oared outrigger race came off lust night. The wind from the north-west off the land, and the water, though comparatively lumpy over the coarse, was by no means such as to interfere with the progress of the race. The crews were anxious for the fray—the Dunedin boys particularly—they having boon put to considerable inconvenience anti delay. Four boats entered—Dunedin, HossLhcote, Illysus, and Cam—and all came puEotuolly and to the atartere* dag at 613 p.m- The distance was about two miles, and the favorites from the etart, the Kaiapoi boat Cam, held the lead right through, winning at 6 23-50, The Christchurch boat Illysus was live seconds later, and the Lyttelton crew in tho Heathcote seven seconds astern of the winning boat. The four-oared inrigger race, which, like the previous one, had been postponed from the previous day on account of the weather, was otarted by Mr Packard at 7.34 The course wea the same as the outriggers, two miles. Ni! Desperandum, of Dunedin ; Arawata, of Lyttelton ; and the Christchurch crew in tho Ripple, contested tho honors. The Ripple kept well clear of her opponents throughout the race. A foul occurred between the other two off Baker’s point, resulting in a protest being entered by the Dunedin crew. Tho race finished in grand Btylo at 7.46, tho judge’s flag falling as the Arawata passed tho stand. The Christchurch and Dunedin boats were so close together that a tie was declared.

Proposed Mayobal Tribute. —A number of circular*, signed by Mr Alfred Harris on, one of the Aehburton Borough Councillors, have been sent to resident! in Aehburton, stating that it ie propoied to erect a auitable memorial to Mr Hugo Friedlander, whose term of mayoralty has Just expired, in recognition of the valuable services rendered by him during his term of office. Should the proposal moot with support, . ia further proposed to devote subscriptions to some such tangible result as the construction of a dam and an ornamental bridge in the local domain, an appropriate inscription to be curved in the stone-vrork. Ashburton Vital STATISTICS.— During December 32 births were registered in Ashburton district, 5 marriages, and 8 deaths. Bbapeb Trial, —A field trial of the Aultman harvester was held on Tuesday at Rangiora, The machine is said to have worked very satisfactorily. Thb Williamsons. —Goring to an arrangement made with Miss Pomeroy, through her I agent, Mr J. Piokersgill, the Williamson company will open here a week sooner than was anticipated, viz., on January 16th. This necessitates tne shortening of the season of Miss Pomeroy here by a week, which, despite the advent of our new friends, all playgoers will regret. At the same time, we shall no doubt accord a hearty welcome to Mr and Mrs Williamson and their company, more particularly as they bring with them so world-wide a reputation. N. Z. Grand National. Ashburton sportsmen had been led to expect that the next meeting of the Grand National would have been held at Ashburton, A hitch, however, appears to have occurred through the alleged apathy of some of those who were originally most enthusiastic about the project, and the matter still remains in abeyance. It is thought by some that an united effort by the local hotel-keepers and others would result in having the matter definitely settled to the honour of Ashburton. Service of Song —A service of song, entitled “The Mayflower,” will be rendered in the Wesleyan Church, Durham street, on Thurs. day evening. The Rev. B’. W. Isitt will give the connective readings. The proceeds will go to the Sunday school funds. The service is descriptive of the voyage of the Mayflower with the Pilgrim Fathers to America, and their settlement in that country. Dysentbky at Ashburton. Our correspondent writes that the most assiduous endeavor should be made by adopting the approved sanitary precautions of modern science to cope with the tendency to dysentery which has manifested itself in Ashburton. Nine deaths have been registered since Sunday, nearly all arising from that illness. Warm weather, accompanied by stiff nor’weeters, have been prevalent. Theater Royal.—" Twelfth Night ” was repeated last evening at the theatre, and went capitally throughout. Miss Pomeroy’s, Viola is a very excellent performance, perfect in its parts, and complete as a whole ; in fact, she may be said to have entirely realised the conception of the author. The other parts, especially those of Messrs Hoskins, Flemming, Hamilton, and Wallace were adm-rably rendered. To-night that most dreary but lucrative play, “East Lynne,” will be produced. Some day perhaps the stage will undergo a period of purgation, and then “East Lynne” and kindred pieces will disappear for ever. The only regret is that this millenium has not already arrived. However, all things come round to them that will but wait.

Dbay Accident.— Last evening, about six o’clock, a dray loaded with timber was passing along Victoria street, and when near Trent’s coffee mills the driver, noticing the tram train approaching, took precautions to keep well clear of it, but probably forgetful af the length of his load and its close proximity to the telegraph post, the result was that the rear of the load came into contact with the P r

post in question, and the leverage thus brought to bear on the'dray, caused the axle to snap off close to the wheel, and the shaft horse falling was completely buried with the load. A willing crowd soon collected, some beeping the animal’s head down, whilst the others speedily removed the load, and the harness being loosened the horse rose without having sustained any apparent injury, the only damage done being the broken axle.

New Buildings at Ashbueton.—Messrs Nelson and Goutts are the contractors for the new Bank of New Zealand, which is estimated to cost £2OOO, fittings included. The site adjoins the present building. The new premises, built of white stone from Messrs Friedlander's Kolmar Quarry, will have a frontage on East street of 36ft, and a height of 24ft. The Bank chamber will be 34ft x 25ft, and 18ft high. Mr Compton has the contract for the grain stores and offices for fcbe Ashburton branch of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. The building will be of galvanized iron, with a frontage on West street of 82ft 6in, a depth of 112 ft, and a height of 25ft, The foundations and flooring are to be of concrete, and the supports of iron-bark. Mr Armson, of Christchurch, is the architect. At Wood and Co.'s brewery a malt-house it about being erected, the building to be two-storied, with a frontage on Cameron street of 36ft, and a length of 120 ft. Tbe material will be brick, with Alford Forest stone facings and concrete flooring.

Oarlbxoit School Committee. —The ordinary monthly meeting of this committee was held on Monday evening. Present—Messrs H. Eogelbreoht (chairman), H. Little aud W. W. Webb, Letters wore read—From the Board of Education re payment of £25 4s 2d to tho credit of the committee with the Bank of New Zealand, Oxford, for salaries for month of December, and incidental grant for quarter ending December 31st, 1881; also enclosing form to be filled in of school furniture, &c., on hand; and re the appointment of auditor, and a return to bo filled up showing the number of Maori and half-caste scholars attending school. It was resolved—- “ That Mr Alexander Moderate be appointed auditor for the committee’s accounts.”' Tho chairman informed the committee that in accordance with the Education Act of 1877, a meeting of householders would shortly be held for the purpose of the election of a committee, of which due notice would be given by advertisement from the Board of Education. Bush Fires.—Our Akaroa correspondent writes:—The Peninsula during the past week has been the scene of some very heavy fires. During the past six months a great number of men have been employed on different sections falling bush, and the past few weeks having been so hot, the owners of these sections thought it a good time to fire their fallen bush. The first of these was a 200 acre lot on Messrs Snow and Anson’s, at Feraki. Assisted by a strong nor’-wester on Boxing Day, the fire was a grand sight, the dense columns of smoke, rising in one great pillar, formed a scone very rarely witnessed. Every day since then fires have been lit; but on Friday the largest bush fire over lit on the Peninsula was to be seen. This was on Messrs Sandys and To. and,Mr Jas. Daly’s, at Waikirikiri. Over 700 acres of the finest bush, grand totaras and pines, fell victims to the devouring element. So far I have not heard of any very heavy damage being done except in the way of fences and a patch of grass seed here and here ; but there is plenty of time yet if this weather continues, as these fires do not go out till the wot weather seta in, so that every time a nor’-wester comes the smouldering embers are tanned up again, and the fire is blown across the gullies on to the dry grass seed, Bain is much wanted here for the dairy farmers, as the cows are drying up very fast now, and the weight of cheese each day becomes much less.

Nbw Yhae’s Tbmpbsanob Picnic. —On Monday, 2nd instant, a large annual gathering of juveniles and adult members and friends of the cause took place in the grounds of the Rev. H. B. Cooks, at Burfleld, Heathcoto. Various amusements and games occupied the morning and afternoon of the day, the St. Saviour's, Sydenham, branch of the Church of England Temperance Society successfully contesting a cricket match with the Pride of Sydenham Lodge of Good Templars, and other games with varied success, to the general amusement of all parties concerned. In the early part of the evening, seats were placed on the lawn, and addresses on the temperance cause wore given from the verandah by the Rcr. H. O. M, Watson, Mr Buxton, the Bov. H. B. Cooks, and others. Interspersed amongst these were glees by the choir and songs and recitations. Miss Cooks kindly playing the pianoforte accompaniments with her accustomed ability. Dancing al fresco was also enjoyed by several young couples. Refreshments were of course provided, and lollies for the children. The St. Saviour’s Sydenham Ladies’ Sawing Society elso had a stall of; useful wearing apparel, which was bo well patronised that almost a clean sweep of the goods was made before the day closed ; the work given by the ladies thus producing a very satisfactory donation towards clearing the debt on the church enlargement fund. A very pleasant day was spent by all.

[ Thb Gaiety. — Lyons’ Tourist Company again appeared in the pantomime last night, and all the principals were Tery successful. This evening is announced as the last of the ■tay of the company in Christchurch, and it has been set apart for the benefit of Miss Amy Horton. Masouio. —The installation of Bro. Henry Sawtell as W.M. elect of the St. Augustine Lodge, 609, E. 0., and the investiture of his officers will take place at the Canterbury Masonic Hall to-morrow evening at six o’clock. At the conclusion of the ceremony the brethren will adjourn to the St. Augustine Hall, where the installation banquet will take place.