NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2424, 12 January 1882, Page 3

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Tub Williamsons. —These clever artistes will make their dehut in Christchurch at the Theatre Royal on Monday next, in the celebrated ploy of “ Struck OiL” Though personally strangers to many playgoers here, Mr Williamson and Mise Maggie Moore are well known by repute as having won golden opinions in all parts. During the season several novelties will be produced, and no doubt Mr and Mrs Williamson and their company will bo as largely supported here as they have boon in Dunedin and elsewhere. The box office has been opened to day at Messrs Milner and Thompson’s music warehouse in High street, where seats may bo secured. Kaiapoi Institute. —The monthly meeting of the managers of this institute was hold on Tuesday evening; nine members present. Mr Caleb Smith, president, in the chair. The treasures reported a balance of £8 Is 4i to credit. Accounts, £7 9s 2d, were passed. It war reported that forty-three new subscribers had intimated an intention to join at the reduced rate, but as it had been decided not to accept a less number than sixty, the question of bringing in the reduced rate of subscription was deferred. It was resolved not to allow books to be taken away by strangers without the value of same was deposited, or a guarantee for return given by an accredited member, and that in all oases the librarian be held responsible for the carrying out of this regulation. It was decided to hold the regular meetings on the third Monday of every month. Mastodon Stab Minstrels. —There was music in the air, or on the water rather, this morning, at Port, as the steamship Arawata approached the wharf. Everybody inquired the cause of the seeming manifestation of delight. Some suggested one thing, some another, but all were unanimous that there was a liquid melodiousness and a bewitching charm in the musio as it broke upon the ear of the listener. The mystery was soon after cleared up, as a number of “ culled passons” —genuine negro minstrels —stepped ashore, accompanied by the advance agent of the Mastodon Star Minstrel Troupe, advertised to open to-night at the Gaiety Theatre. District Court. —The case of G. Hooper’s Trustee v 8. Parkes occupied the District Court to-day. It was an action to recover £2OO for alleged conversion of property. His Honor reserved judgment.

City Licenses.— Tho attention of those who require to take out licenses for the ensuing year under the city by-laws are reminded that they are now leady for issue, and that they render themselves liable to penalty for being unlicensed.

Pbaoticb at the Ebsxdbnt Machstbatb’b CotTBT. —In connection with the adjoarnment of a civil action at the Besideut Magistrate’s Court this morning, on account of the amount involved being above the jurisdiction of the Justices who occupied the Bench, Mr Holmes commented on the inconvenience and loss the profession and the public were put to by the continued absence of a Beaident Magistrate. He said he thought it discreditable that in one of the chief cities of the colony there was no provision—or only very inadequate provision—for the discharge of the very important duties appertaining to the office of Bosidont Magistrate. This state of things had been going on for a long time, but during the illness of the late Mr Hellish people had refrained from complaint; now, however, no sentiment should be allowed to prevent a public expression of the feelings of himself and others as to the way in which the business of the Court was carried on. Professional gentlemen on many occasions found themselves in attendance there, often with witnesses brought from distant parts at considerable expense, only to loam that their cases could not be dealt with because of the absence of a Magistrate competent to deal with them. That way of conducting business was calculated to upset the arrangements of all concerned, and it was time it ceased. Finally, he hoped their Worships, who must know the state of affairs as well as himself, would find themselves able to speak of it from their places, in which case, no doubt, the Government would speedily take care to have it altered. Mr Lee, the presiding justice, said that, no doubt, owing to the illness and death of Mr Hellish some inconvenience had been experienced, but bo was informed that a Besident Magistrate had now been, or would shortly be, appointed, when the delays would be pat an end to.

Tub Maim.—The letter portion of the Ban Francisco mail may be expected to reach Lyttelton by the Penguin on Saturday mornirg, and the newspaper and book portion by the Te Anau on Tuesday. The cause of detention ha» been the fumigation of the mail*. IHTEB COLONIAL WBATHBB EXCHANGE. Sydney, Wedneaday evening.—The_depression is now over Tasmania, but there IB a second centre off South Australia, the gale having backed to N.W. The wind is still N.E. and moderate in Tasmania, and light N.W. in New South Wale*. Barometer —Portland, 29, 4,; Hobart, 29 3 j Sydney, 29.6. Eailwat Band.—The followjng programme is to be performed by the Kail way Band in Cathedral square on Friday evening, commencing at 7.3o:—Grand pas redouble, Lea Grenadiers.” Brepsant; overture, “ Znloika, _ Tillinrd; valae, “ Lnaetto,” E. Tellford ; grand fantasia from the opera “ Martha,’ Flowtow, arranged by E. Smith; quadrille, “ Chants du Soir,” Tilliard ; fantasia, “ Olivette,” Audran; slow march. " Valiant,” E. Marie; fantasia, “ Un Petite Elysee,” Edward Newton; polka, “ Gaze'le,” E. Smith; euphonium solo, 11 Assault Musicale,” E. Smith, composed expressly for the great euphonium contest for .6100 between Mr Henderson and Mr W. H. Smith, at the Gateshead Town Hall, England. November, 1873; galop, “Electric Post,” Muloot; finale, National Anthem.

Picnics. —The annual picnic was held on the Duck Pond, Head of the Bay, Lyttelton, on Thursday, January sth. Most of the residents of the neighboring bays were present, and all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The proceeds were to be divided for the benefit of St. Peter’s and St. Cuthbert’s Churches. As usual, the ladies provided all the good things that could tempt the appetite, and full justice was done to their bounty. A dance in the evening, in the school - room, was the sequel; to a very enjoyable day.— The children attending the Sunday school connected with St. John’s, Latimer square, held their annual picnic yesterday on the grounds of Mr Duncan at Papanui, and a very pleasant time was spent.—The choir picnic in connection with Holy Trinity Church, Avonside, also came off yesterday, the locale selected being Khodes’ Bay. Every one present enjoyed themselves thoroughly, and had a very happy day, Leoittbb. —A large audience assembled last night in the Wesleyan Ohnroh, Durham street, when the Eav. A. Eeid delivered his third and last lecture descriptive of his recent visit to the Holy Land. The chair was occupied by the Eev. J. Bailer. The rev. lecturer commenced at the point at which his previous lecture terminated and continued his narrative until the conclusion of his travels in the East. He described the cities of Fort Said, Alexandria, and Cairo, and gave an account of his visit to the Pyramids, and of a trip down the Suez Canal, mentioning incidentally that one of the Orient steamers whioh passed through the Canal when he was there paid no less a sum than £2OOO for dues. The lecture, whioh was marked throughout by graphic language and great descriptive power on the part of the lecturer, was listened to most attentively, and at its conclusion a vote of thanks to the rev. gentleman was carried by acclamation.

Tradesmen's Athletic Club.— The adjourned meeting of persona desirous of forming a tradesmen’s athletic club was held last evening at the Wellington Hotel. Mr Grainger was voted to the ohair. The attendance was good. Messrs O. Bowley and F. O. Purchase were appointed treasurer and secretary respectively. All present signified their intention of joining the club, the entrance fee to which was fixed at 10s. A committee was appointed to draw up by-laws, and a deputation of those present was appointed to wait upon leading citizens to obtain their patronage for the club. Honorary members can be admitted at a fee of one guinea. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the proceedings. O.K. Whiskey Tbophie3. —At the Caledonian Sports, held at Lancaster Park on January 2nd, Messrs Robert Wilkin and 00. offered three silver cups for competition. The first of these, valued at £5 ss, was offered for the best sword dance or Ghillie Oallum, and was awarded to Mr James Mcßae. The second, of like value, for reels and strathspeys, was won by Mr Elder, and the third, valued at £4 4s, for pipe music, pibrochs and marches, was adjudged to the same competitor. Both the successful competitors are residents of Ashburton. The cups wore made to Messrs R. Wilkin and Oo.’s order by Mr M. Sandstein, to whose establishment they were sent subsequent to the gathering, for the purpose of having Messrs Elder and Mcßae’s names severally inscribed. This has been done, and yesterday the cups were forwarded to thd respective winners.

Xhb Deuid9. —The half-yearly meeting of the Hope of St. Albans Dodge, for the election of officers, was held in the lodge room, St. Albans, on Tuesday evening. There was a full attendance of members, also several visitors. The secretary read the balance sheet, which showed a steady increase in the funds of the lodge. The following Bros, were then elected to the various offices for the ensuing term—A.D., Bro. J. E. Tomlinson ; Y A., Bro. Ohristison; A.D. Bds,, Bros. W. Moore, J. O. Butler; Y.A. Bds., Bros. T. Cooper, J. Berry ; secretary, Bro. T. Walker ; treasurer, Bro. W. Jordan ; 1.G., Bro. G. Davis ; 0.G., Bro. R, Barter, P.A.; M. 8., Bro. W. Drake, P.A. ; L.S., Bro. Dr. Jos. Irving; Bro, John Harris, P.A., was nominated for district president. The newly elected officers were installed by D.P. Bro. Samuels in a very impressive manner. An unanimous vote of thanks was passed to Bro. Somuels for his attention to the lodge during his term of office. One membar was initiated and another proposed. The lodge was then closed by the newly-elected A.D.

A Bad Look out. —Asia Minor is threatened with a repetition of the terrible famine of 1873-74. Locusts, drought, depopulation, and migovernment, have wrought their effects. This year’s crops have almeat universally failed. The district of Angora again appears to have suffered the most severely, and the unfortunate inhabitants are already beginning to emigrate en masse in search of food, lest winter snows and swollen streams should out off their communication with the outer world, and they should again find themselves pent up in their mountain homes, without a chance of escape, and reduced to the same fearful plight which seven years ago oattued fathers and mothers to sell their children for a handful of corn.—“ Pall Mall Budget.”

A Roman Yilla at Wingham. —The work of exploring the foundations of a Roman villa discovered by Mr George .Dowker, of Stonrmouth, in a field called “ Vineyards,” at Wingham, is (according to a Home paper) being actively prosecuted. Earl Oowper, the owner of the property, and the tenant are giving their hearty co operation in the researches, which are being conducted under the auspices of an influential committee, with Mr O. Roach-Smith, F.S.A., Mr G. Dowker, F.Q.8., Mr J. R. Sheppard, and Mr George Payne, F.B A., as the executive. Tho masonry first touched upon proved to be a bath, the walls being covered with black and white lessens ; the floor was also paved in a similar manner, but had been destroyed. Leading np from the bath towards the north are three steps, which lead in'o a room (No. 1), 10ft. square, paved with black and white tesierro arranged in a diamond pattern, and enclosed in a border of alternate black and white stripes. Adjoining and northward of this room is another (No. 2), 12ft square, paved with black and white tessera, admirably disposed in a labyrinth fret design, bordered as ia the previous example. As far as at present ascertained the foundations do not extend further in this direction, but on the digging being extended to the west of room No. 1 a portion of the bypaoaust was uncovered at a depth of 6ft. The passages through which tho hot air passed into the various parts of the building by means of flues have been cleared of the debris with which they had become filled by the falling in of the floor above them. The excavations are now being carried on to the south of the bath, where foundations have been touched with the (probe some twenty or thirty yards distant, and apparently running in several directions. The researches appear likely to yield very interesting results. Subscriptions towards the cost of the work are coming in rapidly. Hospital Patients. —During the fortnight ending January 7th, twenty-three patients were admitted into the Hospital, and twenty-one discharged, leaving fifty-nine in the institution on the date mentioned. Five deaths occurred dating the fortnight. At tho corresponding period last year exactly the same number of patients were in the institution.

ASHBUBTOK HOKTIOtrXiTtTBAIi SOCIETY.— A meeting was held on Tuesday evening in Mr Alfred Harrison’s auction rooms, Mr Harrison in the ohair. The secretary stated that Mr Jffi. G. Wright, M.H.8., the president, had written to the Colonial Secretary for permission to hold an art union in connection with the show,

Training Ship vob Lvttelton. —At a meeting of the Hospital Board yesterday, on the motion of the Mayor of Sydenham, the Orphanage committee were authorised to make inquiries as to the possibility of procuring a training ship for Lyttelton. Mr Joyce, in his remarks, suggested that a man of war might be obtained for the purpose, and referred to the gift of H.M.B. Wolverine, recently reported to have been made to the Sydney Government. Impobtbd Dbbb. — A correspondent wants to know why a pair of young deer imported from Tasmania more than a month ago, have ever since been kept in the Acclimatisation Society’s grounds cooped up in a small case—measuring about four feet or five feet square—in whioh they were “oribb’d, cabin’d, and confined ” during their paisage from the other colony. Perhaps the secretary of the society can explain why these unfortunate animals have not been liberated long ago.

Whbbb is Waihbnga ?—The “New Zealand Times” of Monday says—Either the schoolmaster or the authorities of many of the Post offices North, as well as South, are very much abroad, judging from the inability of the officers to find the whereabouts of the Waihenga Post-office, whioh is situate in the Wairarapa. On Saturday a gentleman carrying on business on Lambton quay was somewhat surprised at finding in his letter box a letter whioh had been posted at Dunedin and addressed to his brother at Waihenga, who, strangely enough, is the postmaster of that place, and who, one would suppose, would have been pretty well known—at any rate at the Wellington Post office. The envelope of the missive bears evidence, from the date stamps of Oamaru, Timaru,Waitangi,Waitaki, to,, that it has gone through these Post offices. Both sides of the envelope are literally covered with inscriptions of “ Not known here —try such and such a place.” At length the happy thought appears to have struck the local postal authorities that there was a person possessing the same surname residing in Wellington city, and into his private box the letter was thrust. The name and the direction are written very distinctly, and the wonder is that any difficulty in sending to its destination was experienced at all.

A Cleteb Conspiracy —The case of Frederic G. Barton suggests the desirability of a change in the Home Office system. In 1876 Barton was sentenced to ten years’ penal servitude for burglary. In prison he met with George Smith, who had been sentenced to fifteen years’ penal servitude for receiving stolen property. Smith’s sentence was about to expire, and Barton told bim that he was coming into a large sum of money, and that If he obtained his release from the Home Secretary, bis (Barton’s) father would pay him for it. Smith petitioned the Homo Secretory for the release ot Barton, on the ground that Barton was deaf, and had 'pleaded guilty to three indiotmente when he only intended to plead guilty to one of them. Such a mistake seems to us impossible, but the Home Secretary was convinced, and the ex-convict, addressed as George Smith, Esq., was officially informed that his petition bad been successful, and Barton was released after undergoing only three years’ penal servitude: Barton enlisted, reached the rank of recruiting-sergeant, and then committed a burglary in the house of the Eev. F. Cook, where he had been a servant before his first conviction. Barton averred that Smith had got up the case against him because he had not been paid the promised reward for procuring the pardon ; jut the police proved the guilt of the prisoner and Sir G. Bramwell sentenced him to ten years’ penal servitude and seven years’ police supervision.—London paper.

Raising thb Wind. —Some of the Natives in the Provincial district of Auckland do not seem to be inclined to treat Europeans with much civility. The “Star” says the influential Chief Marsh Brown of the Ngapubis, who offered not many years ago to find a Native contingent to do battle against the Eingites, is endeavoring to recoup the £6O a year which he lost under the retrenchment policy by setting up Courts and laws of hie own. The heavy and wholly illegal fines which are enforced under those laws have caused a good deal of dissatisfaction among the victims. Another mode of getting muru out of the pakeha for the loss of his salary is the imposition of 6s per head upon every European who ventures into the settlement of Waiomio for the purpose of seeing the caves. Before, all Europeans were made welcome without distinction or recompense. Within the last month, two Europeans who visited the caves in ignorance of the new rule were seized upon and threatened with the confiscation of their clothing. A feminine band stood round eager to perform the delicate office of stripping them, and for some time they were left in doubt whether they would not have to make their way back to Eawakawa attired in the costume of the Greek slave. After much parleying, however, Marsh Brown let them off with the confiscation of their hats, and they returned home with nought but pocket-handkerchiefs to shield their noble Anglo-Saxon foreheads.

The West Coast Commission, The “Patea Mail,” of Thursday last, furnishes some interesting information with regard to the movements of Sir William Fox and the settlement of reserves on the West Coast: — The West Coast Commissioner reached Patea last night, and has been in conference to-day with Mr Parris respecting the completion of Crown grants for Native reserves in this district, | Nearly all the grants are ready to issue, some details requiring adjustment respecting Tauroa’s and Komino’s reserves. Mr Skeet, surveyor to the Commission, is also in Patea, to complete the laying-off of roads through reserves. Sir W. Fox and Mr Farris will, in a day or two, proceed northward, and complete the Crown granting of Mokoia reserve (occupied by Mr Dysaght), and the Kokotari reserve near the sea at Manutahi. The Native block to be reserved between 000 and Taungatara river will be next completed, and the remaining land belonging to Government in that district can then be sold—probably 14,000 acres of excellent land.