NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2501, 13 April 1882, Page 3

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Eoyae Austbaiian Ciecus.— This circus, which is billed as the leviathan show of the colonies, will give its opening performance in a tent which has bean erected on a portion of the vacant land opposite the Theatre. It is stated that while South it was well patronised, and no doubt, considering the influx of holiday folk to Christchurch at the present time, it will meet with a liberal share of support here.

Distbiot Coubt. —The Court sat this morning, at ten o’clock, when the case of Hinton and Price v Landergan was resumed. Judgment was deferred. The only other case remaining on the list, Barton v McLean, was settled out of Court.

Mdsinqs on a Muse. — A poem, ssys tb* " Tapanui Courier," has been written "by Thomas Bracken, Biq., M.H.E., of Dunedin, on the death of the celebrated American bard Longfellow, whose demise was reported hst month.” The " Courier” gives it at length l and, as a whole, the poem is considerably fetchipg, but some parts of it have an ambiguity which, however proper to Poets, is rather puzzling to common people. Take the first verse:—

"The minstrel’s voice is songless now, “ Death's stamp is on that honor’d brow ; “ No dirge for him, no sigh nor tear—- « We’ll shout above the poet’s bier “ Excelsior! ” Why shout ? and why above or over the coffin ? Are we to Woke the poet ? The praotiee of that ceremony is said to be extit ot. Again, if the word is to be token in another sense, why shout ? A shout over the dead woold have no more effect than the merest whisper. There is yet another reading, and it must be the right one. The press reader has been at it again ; the fourth line should read—

“We’ll shout above the poet’e Beer." Certainly; beer naturally follows shouting. Therefore, O Bracken, New Zealand’s Laureate, let the canakin clink ! Death of an old Colonist, —We regret to hear that Mr B. Shadbolt, of Duvanchelle’s Bay, died last night, leaving a wife and several children. The deceased had lived on the Beninsnla for many years, and was much respected by all to whom he was known, either in his business relations or as a private gentleman. Fkbey Hoad Tbamwat.—The formal opening of the tramway, as far as Lancaster Park, will take place to-morrow, the tram leaving Cathedral square at 11.30 a.m. Kaiapoi Boeough Council. —On Tuesday, the usual evening for meeting, there was not a quorum, and no business was transacted. The members present wore—The Mayor (Mr Smith), Councillors Pinching, Stanton, and Feldwick, who, after waiting half-an-fcour, dispersed. The Pumping Station.—This morning the Heathoote Hevision Court assessed the value of the pumping station at £440, taking into account the value of the land and the cost of the erections. The Boad Board had estimated the value at £IOOO, and the Drainage Board assessed at £l6O or £l7O. Mr Cowlishaw appeared for the Drainage Board, and Mr Scott (of Messrs Harper and Scott) for the Heathoote Eoad Board, Nautical Inquiey.—The preliminary inquiry which was to have taken place yesterday concerning the stranding of the schooner Jessie on the Kaiapoi bar was postponed, as the witnesses were not in attendance. They were engaged endeavoring to save the vessel, and the Marine Surveyor is of opinion that their efforts will be successful. The ;inquiry was to have taken place in the Custom House before the Collector, Mr Boae. Kibweb. The anniversary tea meeting of the Baptist Church, Kirwee, was held on Good Friday, in the new Temperance Hall, the pastor, the Eev. D. Dolamore, presiding The attendance was good, and the meeting, which was addressed by Messrs Bawle, Bray, and Shepherd, a pleasant and successful one. In the meeting a handsome writing desk was presented to the organist, Miss Paterson, who has for a long time freely and very efficiently led the praises of the congregation. Sydenham J.P.’s. —At the usual meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council last evtning it was determined to forward the name of the late Mayor, Mr J. T. Brown, to the proper authorities at Wellington, with a request that hie name be added to the list of Justices of the Peace. The Mayor stated that some time since the name of Mr G. Booth had been forwarded to Wellington for a like purpose, and thac he was duly gazetted, but from conscientious scruples had refused to take the customary oath. AOOIDBHT.— The dangerous way in which the streets arc left by the Drainage Board, or rather the contractors, was made manifest by an accident occurring to a cab on the Bast Town belt, near Gloucester street. The ground, owing to the rain, has sunk down, feaving a large hole in the centre of the road. This is not proteoled;m any way, nor has a light on it, and the cab drove right into it, bringing the horse down and breaking the shafts. It certainly is time something wu done to compel a body that has cut up our streets to such an extent to ensuresuo precautions being taken as are necessary for* the safety of,,the. public.

Obangs Meat Pbbsbbving Company. The profits o£ this company last yea stated to have reached £23,768. _ A JuailOE op thb Pbaob.— Mr Thomas Bullock, of Ashburton, auctioneer, has oeen gazetted a justice of the peace, Nobthbbn Railway Extension. T opening of the line Waipara to Waiaan, takes place on Monday next. ThbAtkk Koval.—There was a crowded house in every part last night at the theatre, when “Patience" waa repeated most successfully. The principals in the opera had to respond to a number of re-demands, ana throughout laughter and applause was hearty and frequent. The opera will be again performed this evening. A Pleasant Gathering.—ln commemoration of the conclusion of the contract for the erection of the Exhibition buildings, Messrs Carmichael and Son entertained their employes, with their wives and families and a number of friends, on Tuesday. The gathering took place in Messrs Carmichael and Son’s large workshops on the Ferry road, where the company sat down and did justice to an excellent dinner. After the feast a number of toasts were proposed and duly responded to, and the healths of Messrs Joubert and Twopeny, Messrs Carmichael and Son, and Mr Lambert were drunk with much enthusiasm. In the evening tea was served, and the company separated about ten o’clock.

Wobking Men’s Political Association —A committee meeting was held in the Prince of Wales Hotel last night to hoar Mr Thorne, a delegate from the Trades and Labor Council of Otago, speak upon the various questions to be brought before the House at the next session. He was received with great attention, and it was resolved on the motion of Mr Graham —“ That a vote of thanke be accorded to Mr Thorne for the clear manner in which ho explained the working of the Council and the benefits derived therefrom, and that ho be requested to attend at the next general meeting, which will be held at the Freethought Hall on Friday next at 8 p.m.” Abhbiteton A. and P. Association. —The annual meeting in connection with the above was held yesterday afternoon at the upper room of the Town Hall. There was a good attendance, Mr T. Bullock occupying the chair. The balance sheet for the past twelve months was read, and showed a deficiency of £174 3s 63. The balance sheet was adopted. The election of officers was then proceeded with. Mr E. 8. Coster was re-elected president, and Mr 0. P. Cox vice-president; committee—Messrs T, Taylor, D. Williamson, C. J, Harper, D. Oliver, J. Carter, J. Lambie, J. Clark, F. T. Mayo, S. Saunders, T. Bullock, A. Leathern, B. Friedlander, H. T. Winter, B. Millar, and Dr. Trevor ; Mr G. Jameson, secretary ; Mr A. Harrison, treasurer. This concluded the business of the annual meeting. Kaiapoi Team way and Bbidgb.—The Sorougb Council haying been given to understand that a new bridge was to be erected by the Government, upon the Council contributing one third of the cost, which waa to answer as a combined ordinary traffic and railway bridge, have pointed out the necessity for the prosecution of the work without delay as the present swing bridge is in a dangerously critical condition. The Council was informed that last session of the General Assembly a sum had been voted by the Government for the railway branch and the bridge. It seems, however, that there has been a mistake made somewhere, for, in reply to a letter from Mr Wilson, M.H.E, the Hon. the Premier has replied that he cannot trace any record of any arrangement or vote, and that the railvray officers report strongly against the branch railway, which would entail an expenditure of at least £I4OO without the bridge, and which if constructed would not yield any additional revenue. It has been proposed to convene a meeting of ratepayers to decide upon the erection of the bridge so soon as a committee of the Town Council report on the plans which may be proposed for adoption. How the cost of the work is to be borne will form the moat important item for consideration. One proposition which has been suggested is that a special loan be raised, and the same be repaid by a toll levied, however, only on non-ratepayers. The reason for this is that the bridge is on the main North road.

Pigeon Bay Pebseytesian Chueoh.— In connection with the induction of the Bev. K. 0. Morrison at Akaroa to the pastorate of the Peninsula congregations, a teo meeting was held on Tuesday week in the sohoolhonse at Pigeon Bay, The room was decorated for the occasion, and was well filled. Tables were provided for, and presided over by the following ladies: — Mesdames Goodwin, Innes, Gillespie, Price, Hay, Bu’ua, and Misses Marshall, Soaley and the Misses Pitcaithly. After a hearty tea the public meeting was commenced by Binging the 100th Psalm. Prayer was offered by Kev. A. Blake, who also, in a few appropriate remarks, introduced Mr Morrison, who had been twelve years in Switzers, Otago. The hymn "Only an armourbearer ” was then sung by the choir, Miss Senley presiding at the harmonium, Mr Morrison then addressed the meeting in a speech illustrated by numerous anecdotes ; among other points taken up were the evil effects of quarrels among neighbors, and the necessity of ministerial visitation to maintain 'a bond cf sympathy between pastor and people. The hymn “Toiling on” was then sung; after which the Eev. Robert McGregor, of Kaiapoi, addressed tho meeting on some of the " Hindrances to the spread of the Gospel,” among which he named scepticism, neglect of ordinances, intemperance, and tho exclusion of tho Bible from the day schools of the country. He concluded by cordially welcoming Mr Morrison on behalf of the Presbytery. After another hymn, Mr Blake was called upon, and spoke of the qualifications and duties of the ministry, and how people and pastor might help or hinder each other. Votes of thanks were moved to the ladies by Mr Stewart ; to the choir, by Mr Innes; to the speakers, by Mr Pitooithley. Mr Gillespie moved, and Mr Innes seconded, a vote of thanks to Mr Blake for the satisfactory manner in which he had discharged Ms duties as moderator during the vacancy, Mr Marshallmoved, and Mr Budna seconded, a vote of thanks to the chairman. All these were carried by acclamation. A very pleasant meeting was brought to a close by Mr Morrison pronouncing the benediction.