NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2419, 6 January 1882, Page 3

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Ikteecolohial Weathbb Exchange.— Sidney, Thursday evening. There is a moderate depression to B.E. of Tasmania, with S.W. winds on the South coast of Australia, and calm in Sydney. The weather generally is fine. Barometer—Portland, 30.0 j Hobart, 29.5 ; Sydney, 29.8. Avon Boad Boabd. —The annual meeting of the Avon Koad Board was held to-day at 12.20 p.m., in the office of the Board, Fapanui road. Present—Mr J. L Wilson (chairman), Messrs Dunlop, Flesher, Munro and Cooper. About ton or twelve ratepayers were also present. The annual statement of accounts showed the receipts for the year to the 29th December to be £5470 5s sd, consisting of the following Items:—Balance at Bank, £1767 2s 5d ; Government, £1039 0a 9d ; rates, 1880, £646; other sources, £233 14s; rates, 1881, £1784 8s 3d. The expenditure amounted to £3854 14t 9d, leaving a balance in the Bank of £l6lO 10s Bd. The assets were put down at £4554 7s sd, and the liabilities, £240 Is Id. The ohoirman said this was the customary annual meeting, which was called for the purpose of placing before the ratepayers the business of the past year and the state of the Board’s fianance. The printed statement of accounts showed the expenditure and the assessments of the different wards, and in this respect be considered the ward system an advantage. After some further remarks on the general affairs of the Board he said that although he was retiring from bis present position as chairman, he would be always glad to give to his successors any advice and assistance in his power. Several ratepayers asked questions concerning items in the accounts, and received replies. Mr Flesher drew attention to the valuation of the assets, which, compared with laet year, appeared very low in regard to some of the itmes. A ratepayer remarked that in the case of tho “ office, land and furniture,” put down at £6OO, euch a low valuation would, in the caee of a sale, operate injuriously to the interests of the ratepayers. Mr Flesher moved, and Mr Kerr seconded—- “ That in the opinion of this meeting the

valuation of the Board’s assets is not correctly recorded, aa entered in tho balance-sheet.” The motion was put and carried. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the proceedings. Ohtjhch Bazaak at Poet.—Tho unsold goods at tho Presbyterian Church at Lyttelton are to be disposed of to-morrow (Saturday) evening, by Mr Dallas, at auction. U.A.O.D. The half-yearly summoned meeting of the Perseverance lodge of Druids was held in the lodge room, St. Mary’s schoolroom, Addington, on Tuesday evening, A.D, Bra. Peek presiding. There was a fair attendance of members. During the evening the election of oflicers for the ensuing halfyear took place, with the following result— A.D., Bra. J. Greenwood; Y.A., Bro. 8. Gilbert; sec., Bro, E. A. Bogers ; treasurer Bro. Petrie, re-elected ; A.D. Bards, Bros. Baird and Fulton ; Y. A. Bards, Bros. Loveday

and Boujan; 1.G., Bro. T. Brown; 0.G., Bro. H. Holt; auditors, Bros. Stenhouse and Fisher; surgeon, Dr. Bussell, PA. Bro. W. Skinner was nominated for D.P. for the No. 20 district. After the usual business the lodge wag closed in due form by the A,D,

Ashburton Chbbsb and Buttbb Factoby.—More than two-thirds of the shares for this project hare been taken np. Thb Pebmibb. —The Hon. J. Hall proceeded to the Hurnnui yesterday, in order to go forward to the Waiau, it is supposed to see the proposed site for a bridge. He would proceed by special coach to the Waiau and return to town this evening. At the time of the Premier’s visit the river referred to was, probably from the quantity of rain falling on the ranges,, in heavy flood. Thb West Ooast Railway Commission. — Messrs Mollraith and Beaumont, two members of the Commission who, owing to the stormy weather, had been unable to go beyond Fowler's Pass, returned to town last evening, and their report on the capabilities the country through which the West Coast Railway is to be projected will be watched for with some interest. Hanmbk Plains. —lt is reported that the Commissioner of Crown Lands at Nelson has approved the laying off by the Government of a township near these springs. The intended site, which is on a terrace thirty feet high, with all facilities for drainage and water | supply, is an admirable one in every way. An j iron girder bridge, estimated to cost about £3OOO, would be wanted at Arthur’s ferry. Banqioka Litbbaby Institute. The usual monthly meeting of this committee was hold on Tuesday evening last. Present — Messrs Cunningham, Fulton, Buokham, Shorland, Ellis, and Hossaok. The business conducted was of merely a routine character, and certain accounts having been passed for payment, the meeting terminated with the usual vote of thanks. Ashburton Fibb Brigade. —The members met on Tuesday evening, when Mr George Wilson was by ballot elected B member. Branohman MUlar had sufficiently recovered from an accident to his foot to enable him to attend and thank members of the brigade for having saved his house from fire on 23rd December. St. Albans Borough Council.—This newly elected Council held its first meeting for despatch of business last night, Mr W. F. Boatson was appointed to fill the offices of town clerk, treasurer, surveyor, and collector for the borough. The usual working committees were appointed and the Council decided to hold its ordinary meetings on every alternate Monday, the next meeting to be held on the 16th inst. A report of the proceedings will be found elsewhere. Ashburton Distbiot Court. —Yesterday, before bis Honor Judge Ward, the following oases in bankruptcy were heard: —Be MoMasters, a debtor, Mr O’Reilly (for Mr Purnell, who was prevented by illness from attending) appeared to apply for Mr Parnell’s costs to be paid out of the bankrupt’s estate. Order granted. Re Little, Mr O’Reilly applied for and obtained an adjournment until next Court day. Be H. Cape William- ' son, Mr O’Bailly applied for the bankrupt’s , affidavit to be taken off the file, as certain statements had been recently admitted to be incorrect. Ultimately, his Honor intimating that Mr O’Reilly oould renew his application for the attachment of trustee, and the bank- j rupt might then be summoned for examination, Mr O'Reilly said he might adopt that , course. ,

Masonic. —The installation of W.M. and investiture of officers of the St. Augustine Lodge, Mo, 609, took place last evening, at the Canterbury Lodge. Bro. DD.Q.M. H. Thomson, assisted by P.G.B.W. Bro. W. Deamer, performed the ceremony, in the presence of the largest Board of installed masters ever congregated in tbit district, numbering thirty-five. Bro. H. Sawtell, P.8.W., was installed as W.M., and the following were invested as officers for the year, viz., Bro. 0. P. Hulberl, I.P.M. ; G. M. Douglas, S.W. ; T. W. Stringer, J.W. ; E. J, Smith, treasurer ; Keith Wilson, secretary; 8. Papperill, S.D.; 0. D. Morris, J.D. ; Kev. H. E. East, chaplain ; W. Newby, D.O. ; A. Sharland, LG.; W. Toms, tyler. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the brethren adjourned to the St. Augustine lodge-room, where a recherche banquet was provided. The usual loyal and masonic toasts were duly honoured, and after spending a very pleasant evening the brethren separated.

I/IOEN3BI> YIOTUAIiLBSS’ ASSOCIATION.— The usual monthly meeting of the committee of the above was held last night at the Scotch Stores, Mr H. Allen presiding. Following the committee meeting, a general meeting was held, which was largely attended. Mr Allen occupied the chair. A number of notices of motion on subjects of great interest to the trade were given for the next general meeting, to be held in April. A number of honorary members of the association representing firms of high standing in the city were present. It was resolved that for the future all meetings should be called by advertisement as well as by circular. The nominations for the offices of president, vicepresident, treasurer, solicitor, secretary, and committee, for election in April, were received. A large number were sent in, and a keen competition for the various offices is anticipated. Thk Ashbtthton Chops.— Our correspondent writes that the recent and present prevalence of nor’-westers has hastened the dispiriting fact that the yield, generally speaking, will not be good. Except in favorite spots, as in the Mount Somers and Methven districts where rain has been plentiful, the wheat yield|will, it is feared, be below last year's average ; and, unless an immediate change to damp and cool weather occurs, a repetition of the unfavorable results of the harvest of 1878 may be looked for, so far at least as the light lands are concerned. The epell of dry weather has had a disastrous effect on oats. While the early sown oats show sufficient straw for a fair yield, the lack of moisture must render the grain thin and light; and late crops of this cereal will in many oases be scarcely worth cutting. Barley, which in the Ashburton district generally is a late crop, has suffered even more than have the oats, and promisee indifferent results. At the same time, things in Ashburton district have not gone to quite so bad a pass as appears to obtain about Oamaru. Mr E. Menlove, for instance, out of 2700 acres under crop, is said to have only 700 that will pay for harvesting, and intends feeding off the remainder.

Benefit Entebtainmbmt. The Mammoth Minstrels gave a most enjoyable concert at the Oddfellows’ Hall last evening. The troupe generously tendered their services gratis, the entertainment being in aid of the Kerr and Campbell fund. It will be remembered that these unfortunate men were drowned in the river Heathoote a short time ago, and the proceeds of the entertainment will be devoted to the benefit of the relatives of the deceased. Mr H. Gardner ably presided at the piano. The opening chorus, “ Strike the chords of pleasure,” was rendered in good style by the full company. Mr A. Gordon then gave “ The call to arms ” with patriotic spirit. Messrs T. Dickson and T. Flowers were loudly applauded, and MrW. H. Dodd with "You get more like your dad every day ” was enoored. Mr W. Terry gave “ Boses underneath the snow,” and was loudly encored. Messrs Eastern Brothers’ performances on tho horizontal bar were especially good. The second part was equally well rendered, Messrs 8. Dickson, W. Dodd and John O’Oallaghan being exceedingly good in clog and jig dancing. The finale, “ The American National Guards,” and the farce “ Scenes in a Studio,” were very amusing, and, in fact, the entertainment may be pronounced a success, and reflects great credit on the minstrel troupe. Sbbticb of Sok<3.—A service of song.

entitled “ The Mayflower,” descriptive of the migration of the Puritans to America in the [seventeenth century, was rendered last evening in the Wesleyan Church, Durham street, by the choir. The attendance was not so good aa the service demanded, the church being only about two-thirda filled. The connective readings were given by the Bev. P. H. Isitt, and were descriptive of the restrictions placed upon liberty of conscience by Elizabeth and the first James, both of whom wore very severe in the treatment they extended to Nonconformists, to whom imprisonment, death, or exile, was ungrudgingly dealt. This struggle between liberty and oppression led to many flying to Holland, and ultimately the Speedwell and the Mayflower were chartered, and 105 Puritans left Southampton in August, 1620, for America. The former vessel returned to port, the captain being faint hearted. After a perilous voyage of sixtythree days the Mayflower cast anchor at Cape 'Cod, in the Bay of Pundy. The privations of the Puritans and their contests with the Indians—whom they vanquished under the leadership of the historically renowned Captain Miles Standish —were all graphically narrated, as was also the farther additions from Europe, that resulted in the permanent foundation of what has developed into the Great American Bepublio. The musical portions were also well rendered, and the proceeds are to be devoted to the funds of the Sunday school Attached to the church.

Thb Abtilleey Band. —This band gave an open air performance last evening in the grounds attached to the Drill-shed. Teout.—Yesterday Mr J. 8. Wagner, of the Clarendon Hotel, took five fine fish from the Oust yesterday, the largest of which weighed 101 b, Hoboeata Races.—Mr John Thorne writes to correct a mistake made re the Hororata Cup. He states that the second horse should have been Blink Bonnie instead of Thorneoroft, Ashburton Bobough School. —Mr H. Dempsey has been appointed head master of is school.

Opening op the New Asylum—The new

wards for males will be open for the inspection of the public on Sunday next, between the hours of 10 and 12 a.m. and 3 and 4.30 p.m. Sydenham Bobough Council—Mr Sherlock, one of the candidates for the vacant seat in the Sydenham Borough Council caused by the election of Mr J. Joyce as Mayor, having withdrawn, Mr J. T. Brown, the other candidate, has been declared duly elected. Lyttelton Bbgatta.—The protest entered by the Lyttelton craw in the double sculls race at the late regatta against the Kaiapoi crew has been decided. The judges’ opinion is that the race be pulled over again for the second prize. Ashburton Police Ooubt. —Yesterday morning, before Mr R. Alcorn, J.P., a man named George Digby was charged with vagrancy, having three convictions against him during December. He was sentenced to fourteen days’ imprisonment. Accident. Yesterday afternoon a lad named Edward Pollock, about twelve years of age, who was standing near the Star and Garter Hotel, asked the driver of a passing baker’s cart to give him a ride, and whilst mounting, fell, and the wheel of the trap passed over his left leg and broke it. The lad was taken to the Hospital, where he is progressing favorably. Nbw Grain Stobe at Ashbubton.—ln addition to the buildings mentioned in a recent issue as being erected in Ashburton, is that of a second grain store which Messrs P, Cunningham and Co, are building. Its dimen. slons are 122 ft long x 42ft wide, with a height of 20ft. The material Is heavy timber, covered with corrugated iron, and the foundations and floor are of concrete. The storage capacity of this and the original building will be, approximately, 120,030 bushels. Messrs Jenkins and Sandoe are the contractors. A siding runs from the railway to both sheds, the lines of the siding passing through the entire length of the new shed, and it is intended to put down a weighbridge on a site convenient for weighing grain by both dray and truck load. Gladstone Election—The “ South Canterbury Times” undertands that a petition is to be presented against the return of Captain Sutter for Gladstone, on the ground that the deputy returning officer at Fairlio Creek closed the poll before 6 p.m. on the day of the election.

Theatre Royal.—“As You Lika It” was produced last night by Miss Pomeroy and her company at the Theatre, and went very successfully throughout. Miss Pomeroy’s Rosalind is a very charming performance, full of tenderness and vivacity. It is evidently the result of a careful and loving study of the part, and the result is an impersonation fully equal, if not superior to anything we have had here. Miss Lizzie Laurence made a very good Celia, and Miss Maud Douglas as Audrey is entitled to praise for her rendition, Mr Flemming’s Orlando has already been noticed in terms of commendation, and last night he was fully up to the standard of his former performance. Mr Leake was the Jaques, and he played the part throughout with a great deal of power and artistic finish. His delivery of the well known speech, “ The Seven Ages,” was marked with great purity of elocution, and generally bis conception of the part was excellent. Mr Hoskins’ Touchstone is tco well known to need comment. Mr Hamilton as the banished Duke was also I very good, and Mr Wallace is entitled to ! special notice for his really capital performance of Adam. The other characters were well filled. To-night “ The School for Scandal,” with Mies Pomeroy as Lady Teazle and Mr Hoskins as Sir Peter, will be given. NbAely a Real Fight.—-It seems that blood was near being spilled at an Aidershot review the other day. Writing about 11 one of the prettiest field days they have held at Aldershot this season,” the London military correspondent of a contemporary says : —“ The Duke of Connaught’s Brigade formed the defending force trying to retire across the Basingstoke canal, with the enemy attacking them across the Long Valley. The Duke made a most vigorous stand, and certainly very few of the other force would have got across the Long Valley alive. But they did so all the same, and got so excited over it that the 74th Highlanders actually fixed bayonets, and, rushing up within forty yards of the Duke’s position, were preparing to charge the 93rd and 82nd. The colonel of the 82nd, luckily, with great presence of mind, put himself in front of his men, and gave the order to ‘ cease firing,’ ‘order arms,’ which instructions were obeyed, and directly afterwards the ‘cease firing ' sounded along the line. So no lives were lost, as they doubtless would have been but for the action of Colonel Walters, who, seeing the danger of the position, took upon himself to act independently, and thus prevent what might have proved a most unpleasant business. Dubious Acoidbnts at the Elecxbical Exhibition. —The Paris correspondent of the “ Times,” writing recently, says Yesterday a gentleman was leaning over a balustrade to examine an extremely interesting machine of M. Ohristofle, when his gold chain made a connection between two conducting wires which happened to be exposed. His chain became red hot and set fire to his waistcoat. To-day I had some conversation with a gentleman who was nearly killed the other day by a Brush dynamo-electric machine. Part of the conducting wire was not insulated, and was lying on the floor. He touched the stand of a lamp which formed part of the conducting system. His body then formed a connection through the ground to the naked wire, and contracted his muscles so as to cause his hand to clench the lamp. Ten lamps were in circuit at the time, and so much current was passed through him that eight of them were extinguished. He was powerless to unclasp his hand. Every muscle in his body was paralysed. His face was distorted ; his lungs were so acted upon that he could scarcely breathe. He could only utter a faint and unnatural cry. The workmen in the place fled from the workshop, believing that some explosion was about to happen. A friend came up and tried to unlock his hand. It was impossible. He then lifted his legs from the ground. This broke the circuit, and his hands were released, while burning sparks flew to his hands in the action of breaking the cir- j ouit. He was insensible, but has since then greatly recovered, and has devised an improvement to the lamp which will prevent a recurrence of such an incident. The Accident at Bluff Regatta.— From the account published in the local journals of the fatal accident that occurred at the Bluff regatta during the race for the outrigged skiffs, it appears that as soon as the competing boats cleared the wharf it was observed that the sea was likely to be too much for them, and after going a short distance the Awarua Club’s boat took a sea aboard and filled, and the crew at once began to pull for the shore. As their boat had two watertight compartments which kept her well afloat, they afterwards turned and followed the other two boats to render any assistance they might require. Meantime, the Bluff Harbor and Invercargill boats had reached the turning flag, both boats being nearly full of water. As soon as they began to turn, it was found they were quite unmanagaable, and whilst in the act of turning, a sea took the Invercargill boat right on to the Bluff boat and both at once sank. Considerable excitement was occasioned on the wharf, and several boats at once put off to the assistance of the men in the water, but unfortunately they all arrived too late to save the lives of the whole of thelcrews. One of the Bluff Harbor Board crew men (Mr Andrew Robertson) was drowned, and up to a late hour his body had not been recovered. From the statement of one of the orow it appears that as soon as the boats went under the crews all took hold of them, and there was sufficient buoyancy to float them, but the deceased, who was only able to swim a very little, persisted in climbing upon the bottom of the boat, whan the boat sank and he went down in sight of them all.

Cricket. —The team to represent Lyttelton in their match against the Hillsborough C.C. on .Saturday will be chosen from the following : Messrs Smith, Morico, Seymour, Mitchell, Matohet, Wagstaff, North, Morrison, Wright, Lindsay (2), McWilliams, Grubb, Brown, Browning, Atkinson, E. Willeox. Members to proceed by 12.45 p.m. train for ground at , Heathoote Talley.

Drainage Board Nominations. — The following nominations were received to-day by the roturning-oflloer for the extraordinary vacancies, viz. :—Christchurch—South-East ward, Mr Samuel Manning ; South-West ward, Mr William Vincent ; North-East ward, Mr 8. O. Earr and Dr. Doyle ; NorthWest ward, Dr, Prins and Mr J. E. Parker. Spreydon—Mr Abraham Ashworth. There being no opposition for Spreydon _ and the South-East and South-West Christchurch sub-districts, Messrs A. Ashworth, S. Manning, and W. Vincent, were declared duly elected. Tho elections for the contested sub-districts will take place on lueslay, January 17th. Lost Child.—A lad named Willie Genet, aged nine years, son of Wm. Genet, confectioner, residing in Caledonian road, loft bis home last night about 9 o’clock, and had not returned at 1 p.m. this day. Ho is described as being dressed in a dark tweed suit, and a Tam o’ Shanter hat.

The law of the harvest is to reap more than you sow. Sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character ; sow a character and you reap a destiny. A public lecturer, in speaking of the “modern physical degeneracy of women,” exclaimed : “ We must take good care of our grandmothers, for we shall never get any more.”