NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2472, 9 March 1882, Page 3

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Late Attack on the Queen* —The following (message has been received by his Excellency the Governor from the Secretary of State for the Colonies :—“ Your message laid before the Queen. Her Majesty thanks New Zealand for congratulations and loyal wishes.”

The Exhibition.—The "British Trade Journal ” has despatched a special correspondent to attend the Ohristohuroh International Exhibition. The gentleman thus appointed is a passenger by the Botomahana, which is expected at this port in a few days. Messrs Joubert and Twopeny are also advised that the "British Mercan'ile Gazette” and the “Ironmonger ” will send special correspondents to the Exhibition. The gentleman representing the latter journal will also act as correspondent for the “ Birmingham Daily Post.” It has been decided to issue season tickets at two guineas each, by which the holder will be admitted to all parts of the building, including the special art gallery, for admission to which a charge of fid will be made to the general public. They will also confer the privilege of admission to the building one hour prior to the ordinary opening hour to all concerts held in the Exhibition building, and likewise to the opening and closing ceremonies. They are non-transferable, and will consist of a signed form, attached to the carte de visito photograph of the holder, who will have to provide the same. Profiting by the experience taught by the fatal disaster at the Bing Theatre, Vienna, Messrs Joubert and Twopeny have determined to provide additional means of egress from the Exhibition building, available in case of fire. Accordingly four pairs of folding doors will be erected—one at the eastern end of the Avenue of Nations, a second at its western end, and the third and fourth in the centres of the north side of the ■Otago and Australian Avenues. These, when thrown open, will each give a space of

twelve feet, and to faeilitato escape they will bear in large letter* the words, “Fire Escape.” Those, being in addition to the ordinary means of entrance and exit, show commendable forethought, and will, it is hoped, in case of necessity, be the mean* of preventing loea of life. Lyttelton Assessment Court. —At this Court to day, before J. Ollivier, Esq., Judge, the Lyttelton Gas, Coal, and Coke Company, by their chairman, Mr H. N. Nalder, objected to the assessment placed upon the property of the company. Mr X. I* Joynt appeared for the Government. After hearing arguments on both sides, the assessment was upheld. Mr J. Sperry, the Commissioner of the Property Tax department, was also present. A Generous Lunatic. —This morning, between half-past ton and eleven o’clock, a man named Anthony (having previously drawn the sum of £llO from the Bank) found his way to the vicinity of the Golden Fleece, where he commenced distributing the cash broadcast. He gave £32 to a cabman named John Patton, £25 to a tram guard named Charles Stephens, £ls to a cabman named Wm. Batson, and £5 to one Michael Kyan. These, with the exception of Datson, handed the money over to the police. It is reported that he gave £2O to a min, who is described us dressed in a grey suit, wearing a billycock hat, reddish hair and beard, and about thirty-five years of age, and also a sum of £ls to a woman who was passing. Several other sums were also distributed by this eccentric individual, till at last, being out of funds, ho was retracing his steps to the Bank, with the avowed intention of getting more, when he was interrupted by Constable Beaumont whilst crossing Cathedral square, and conveyed to the police depot. It is stated that the cabman Datson, impressed doubtless with the idea that nothing is freer than a gift, refused to hand over the money when requested. Licensing Committees. —The following appointments of committeemen have been mriej-i oases where the ratepayers failed to elect: —Avon : B. J, S. Harman, S. Bailey, W. H. Lane, H. J. Hall, and H. Westenra. Bt. Albans: E. J, 8. Harman, W. H. Lane, H. J. Hall, E. Westenra, and J. E. Parker.

Musical Novelty,— On Monday evening

the Montague-Turner Opera Company will produce Caron’s Melbourne Exhibition prize cantata ” Victoria,” with an increased orchestra and chorus. When the cantata was produced at the opening of the Melbourne Exhibition, it was listened to by 24,C00 people, who applaudod to the echo. It was an immense success, and was repeated several times during the Exhibition,, It will be no doubt a great treat for the lovers of music of Christchurch, and it should draw a full house.

Waeanui Election. —lt may be remem bered that Mr Joseph Ivess’ petition to upset the recent election of Mr J. Wason for Wakanui having proved successful, Mr Wason intimated shortly afterwards that he would not again contest; and further, that in Mr Saunders the constituency would find a fitting representative. Messrs W. H. Zouoh and S. E. Poyntz (on behalf of the Ashburton committee) and Mr J. Jackson (in behalf of the Eakaia committee) expressed regret at Mr Wason’* decision, which they requested him to reconsider, promising him a hearty support in the event of his coming forward. Mr Wason, in reply, stated (inter alia ) that, under the circumstances, he should first have to communicate with Mr Saunders. Last evening a meeting of Mr Wason’s supporters was held in the upper room of the Town Hall, Ashburton, but nothing definite was arrived at as to whether Mr Wason or Mr Saunders would contest the seat. A suggestion has been put by Mr Wason’s committee to Mr Saunders that the latter should release Mr Wason from his promise to withdraw in favour of Mr Sannders. In the event of Mr Saunders complying, Mr Wason will place himself in the hands of his committee, but should Mr Saunders not accede to this request Mr Wason is understood to feel himself bound to support Mr Saunders. The latter gentleman’s intention will be ascertained shortly.

A.O.F.—The half-yearly meeting of Court Queen of the Isles took place last night. There was a large attendance of members and visitors. One candidate was initiated, and one proposed for membership. The election of officers was then proceeded with, and the following duly elected and installed 0.E., J. Balpb, Jun. ; 8.0. E., A. Segar; Tress, M, Weastall; See., G. Dimond ; S.W., J. Mayer; J.W., J. E. Smith ; 8.8., W, Paroival; J. 8., P. Ooote; medical officers, H. McDonald and J. T. Eonse. A hearty vote of thsnks was accorded to the retiring officers, and a certificate and neokribbon presented to P.O.E. W. J. Trehern, who suitably acknowledged the same. After transacting a considerable amount of routine basinets, the Court closed at 9 30.

Thompson’s Diohama. The Gaiety Theatre was crowded to excess last night, when Thompson’s Diorama was again exhibited. On Saturday afternoon there will be a matinee exhibition, as well as the usual evening one. At the former, a present will be given to each child. The Diorama will be on view to-night.

The Austrian Bans. — A concert was given last evening in the Town Hall, Ashburton, to a good house, the members of whioh testified by frequent applause their appreciation of the excellent music provided. The band, dressed in uniform, walked down Bast street from Quill’s Hotel to the hall.

L.T.M.M.LA.—The usual meeting of the above was held last night, Eev. J. Hill in the chair. About twenty-five members were present. The business of the evening, namely, “ President’s Portfolio,” was proceeded with, the gentlemen taking part handhug the respective subjects well- At the next meeting a debate will take place, “Should party or independent members be returned for the House ?” Five members were proposed, after whioh the meeting terminated.

Ashbubton-Eangitata Wateb Supply.— At yesterday’* meeting of the Aahburton County Oounoil, it wa« agreed, on Mr E. G. Wright’a application, seconded by Mr Thos. Bullock, that the Council ns a body be present at the opening of the water-race, and that invitation* be issued to the settlor* of the district concerned, the conduct of the matter generally being left in the hands of the chairman, Mr W. O. Walker, Eanqioba Pabish Chtteoh.—At a special meeting of the vestry on Wednesday, held at the parsonage, a oontrao'; with Messrs Pollock and Thompson to erect the new portion of the church for £7lB 12s 63 was accepted. It was decided to arrange the erection of the addition to cover the present part, which has to be removed, and the services should be conducted in the church as usual. The vestry decided to make a further appeal for dona tions, and hope that all interested in the progress of Church matters will assist them in their undertaking. Mbs Hampson’s Mission.—A meeting of the committee appointed to arrange for printing and publishing in connection with the above was held yesterday afternoon, in the Young Men’s Christian Association’s room. Letters from secretaries of missions conducted by Mrs Hampson at Wellington and Invercargill were read by the Eev. j. Ward, and it was resolved that a printed ticket be given to each usher and each of the enquiryroom workers, as also to each convert. Arrangements were also made for the printing and distribution of notices. It was stated that nearly a thousand persons have joined the several Churches in Wellington as the result of the mission there, upwards of three hundred having sent in their names since the mission closed.

Mb Tubnbb’b Bbnbpit —Friday night has been fixed for Mr Turner’s benefit, for which occasion he ha* selected “Maritana.” Mr Turner’s merits as an artist are exceedingly great, and it is matter for regret that the Christchurch public has not done that justice to them which he had a right to expect. As a tenor ho is perhaps without an equal in the colonies, and in the pari of Don Cro.ar he has full scope for the display of his really magnificent voice. As this is the farewell of Miss Montague and himself to New Zealand, it is to be hoped that the lovers of good music will, on this occasion at least, fill the theatre to overflowing. Tbndbbs pob Ashburton County Oounoil Work.—At yesterday’s meeting of the Ashburton County Council, the following tenders were accepted :—Montalto race—J.

Devery, at Is 2Jd a chain ; Forbes and McGregor, £4 5s for fords. Fencing culverts (South Bakaia Plain) —Eattray and Fenton, at £2 8s fid a culvert ; Ford’s D 2 line, F. Lowe, £4 10s per culvert, Wakanui Flat water supply—Eeaolved—" That J. Black’s and T. Ktily’s tenders be accepted as follows: —Black, water-race, £9B 11s fid ; ditto, £95 10*. Keily, dam and weir, £B9 10s ; ditto, flumes and culverts, £139 5s fid—on the assurance of Messrs Friedlander and Winter that they would be responsible for the balance of halt cost of above, to bo paid by inhabitants interested.”

Inquest. —An inquiry into cause oi death of a lad named William Nixon, aged seventeen years, who was recently admitted into the Hospital suffering from a compound fracture of the left leg whilst at play with other lads near the theatre, was held yesterday before Dr. Coward and a jury, of which Mr John Ashton was chosen foreman. A lad named Eomans deposed to the circumstance* attending the accident, and Dr. Eobinson, hone surgeon, gave evidence to the effect that tetanus set in on Saturday, from which deceased died on Tuesday last. The jury returned a verdict of “ Accidental death.” Frozen Meat Company. —A meeting of the provisional directors of this company was hold on Monday, The Secretary reported that 1233 shares were applied for, and it was determined to register the company under the Joint Stock Companies Act immediately. The memorandum and articles of association prepared by the solicitor to the company, Mr Thos. 8. Weston, were approved of, and Messrs F. Banks, W. Chrystsl, John Cooke, J. T. Ford, and J. Grigg were appointed directors for the first year. An offer was made to the New Zealand Shipping Company for the whole of the space in the frozen chamber of the Mataura, to load for London in April, and applications were received from the following stockowners for space in the shipment:—John Grigg, 1000 sheep and 100 head cattle ; E. H. Rhodes, Lowcliffe and Ohatmoas estates, 500 sheep ; J. McFarlsne, 500 sheep j H. Chamberlain, 200 sheep and 10 head cattle; T. Jenkins, 400 sheep; F. Courage, H. Overton, O. Hurst, J. E. Campbell, and W. Postlethwaite, 200 sheep each ; W. D, Laurence, and H. P. Hill, 100 sheep each; W. J. G. Bluett, 30 very prime downs; J. Ferguson, 8. Garforth, 10 head cattle each ; O. Lewis, 6 head. Several of the applicants expressed their willingness to increase their quantities should it be necessary. Several applications for space for dairy produce were also received. It was determined that if at any time more stock or produce was offering than the company could take, the preference should in all oases be given to shareholders Graziers, farmers, and others should therefore see the necessity of losing no time in applying for shares. The Bowen Prize.—This prize which was competed for last year has been gained by Mr J. Grossman, of Canterbury College, and not by Mr Burford, as was telegraphed a few days ago.