NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2507, 20 April 1882, Page 3

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Excursion to Wahabi. —There were over 1000 excursionists by the special train to Waikari to-day, and at the wayside stations many passengers were unable to be taken in. The day was particularly fine, and the passengers thoroughly appreciated the grand scenery which this line affords. In all probability the Government will bo asked to grant another excursion train on the first holiday. Pbrsbntation. —Mr D. Gumming, for a long time past chief clerk in the money order department of tho Post Office here, being about to be transferred to fill a similar position in Auckland, was to-day presented with a very handsome marble clock, suitably inscribed. The chief poe(master {Mr Dick) formally mado tho presentation on behalf of the Post ( ffioa employes, and spoke in complimentary terms of the esteem in which Mr Gumming was held by his fellow officers, to which the latter gentleman made an appropriate reply. Thb Opera. —The third performance of

“ Pinafore” was tho meane of attracting a good house at tbs Theatre Royal last night, and, judging by tha encores and frequent hursts of applause which greeted the rendering of the principal items, the audience thoroughly appreciated the efforts of the company to do justice to this popular opera. Miss Maggie Moore’s impersonation of Buttercup was provocative of much laughter, and her rendering of the part was extremely amusing throughout. Lady Gordon ond party have signified their intention of being present to-night, and this, together with its being the last performance here of “Pinafore” by Mr Williamson’s talented company, should draw a good house. “The Pirates of Penzance” is announced foe to-morrow night.

St. Albans Wesleyan Ohhbch. —The anniversary of this church was celebrated on Tuesday last by & tea meeting. After tea a meeting was held in the church to receive tho treasurer’s statement, and for the purpose ot offering a welcome to the Rev. W. Morley, who takes charge of this circuit. After adopting the balance • sheet, the circuit stewards and congregational representatives addressed Mr Morley in terms of welcome. Allusion was made to the sterling qualities of tho late Rev. J. B. Richardson, and to the self-denying efforts of tho Rev. James Buller. The Rev. E. Best, of Durham street church, oxpresaed his gratification at meeting Air Morley. Mr Morley, iu replying, indicated the course of action he should like to take in tho circuit. Tho usual votes ot thanks were given, and the meeting terminated.

Justices of the Pbaob. —ln a recent issue of the “ Gazette ” it is notified that the following gentlemen, residing in Canterbury, have been appointed Justices of the Peace for the colony ; —Messrs George Booth, Hydenham; John Bradshaw, Bt. Andrew’s ; Thomas Bullock, Ashburton; John Doans, Rieoarton ; Thomas Fisher, Timaru ; Henry Joseph Hall, Rieoarton; William Hannibal Lane, Christchurch ; Henry John Le Cren, Timaru; John Manchester, Waimato ; John Wiiford Smith, Lyttelton; George Charles Staukpoolo, Waimate; Charles Benjamin Taylor, Christchurch.

Ancient Ohdeb of Fobestebs. —The ordinary Court meeting of Court Star of Canterbury was held last Monday evening in the Foresters’ Hall. The was large, and a considerable amount of business was transacted. Three members of Juvenile Forestry were initiated into tho parent Court. The Secretary of the Juvenile Court reported that at their next meeting, Tuesday, 23rd inst., a competition would be held in reading, recitation and drawing, two prizes of handsomely bound books to bo given for each subject. Bros. R. O. Bishop and W. A. Sparkos consented to act as judges. It was resolved, on the suggestion of the Secretary—“To place the surplus funds in the Post Office Savings Bank from time to time in the names of the trustees of this Court.” A deputation of members from Court Pride of Richmond attended and asked for the support and assistance of the members in carrying out a concert in aid of funds for the purchase of s section and building a suitable hall thereon. It was unanimously agreed to grant the use of the hall for the concert on Tuesday, May 9th, and several of the members present volunteered to assist oa tho Decision. The quarterly statement of receipts and expenditure was read and adopted. Bro. H. Crooks, P.D 0.R., presented tho Court with a photograph, showing a group of tho members ut the fete held in Dilloway’s paddock in 1866. It was received with thanks. The receipts for the quarter night amounted to £3OO.

Local Oftion. —The polling under tho local option clauses ef tho Licensing Act on the question of whether any additional licenses may bo issued in tho licensing district of Christchurch West, took place yesterday, before Mr G. L. Lee, returning officer, in Bt. Michael’s schoolroom, Durham s'reet, and resulted as followsPublicans’ Licenses— Against, 45 ; for, 9 ; majority against, 36. New Zealand Wine Licenses —Against, 45 ; for, 8 ; majority against, 37. Accommodation Licenses —Against, 44 ; for, 9 ; majority against, 35. Bottle Licenses—Against, 45 ; for, 8 ; majority against, 37. There were no informal votes. The total number of votes recorded was 54, and there are 507 names cn tho roll. Kaiapoi United Cbickbt Club. A general meeting, at which twelve members were present, was held by permission in the Borough Council Chamber. Mr B. Mcore, president, occupied the chair. The treasurer read a statement which showed a small balance in hand to the credit of tho club. It was resolved to hold a muff costume match as the final one of the season, fifteen to be selected to play all oomors. Tho question of giving a dinner was discussed, when it was decided it should take place in tho evening after the match, Mr Isaac Wilson, M.H.R., explained the stops which had been taken towards obtaining a cricket ground, upon which he hoped to be able to report more fully at a future meeting. A Kindly Order. —The London correspondent of the” Sydney Morning Herald’ says :—“ Messrs Jackson and Graham, of Oxford street, London, have had on view during the Ist till the 4:h February, the magnificent furniture they have manufactured for tho now palace of tho King of Siam, at Bangkok. Tho entire order, when packed, will measure 800 tons, and will be shipped with other goods purchased by the King of Siam, in vessels specially chartered for the purpose. The furniture for eomo of tho apartments is richly gilded, tho settees, chairs, and couches being upholstered in magnificent gold damask interwoven with several pale and delicate colors. A piano, by Erard, enclosed in a case gilded over every inch of tho surface, formed a brilliant object. An immense sideboard and the state bedstead wore special objeo's of interest, the latter appearing to be three huge bedsteads combined in one, tho oontre being raised several feet above tho beds adjoining on either side, and tho whole surmounted by a dome and spire, a fine piece of wood carving forming the footboard, dome of the apartments were to be supplied with furniture in pale waxed oak ; and the riohly inlaid tables, wardrobes, cabinets, &c,, formed a collection too numerous to mention, and more than could be exhibited in an extensive range of rooms at one show, the articles being passed on from day to day to the packers, fresh objects filling their places, thus forming a varied exhibition for several days. An immense dining-table, some 80ft long, deserves mention for which Messrs Ostler and Co., also of Oxford street, constructed a mognifloent ornament in glass, running the entire length.’’

Thb Responsibility or Witnesses. — At the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday, a witness in a civil case absented himself, notwithstanding that he had been summoned and had been paid his expenses. Mr Jaynt, counsel, by whom the subpoena was issued, stated that he believed the witness was a steeplechase rider, and, owing to his professional engagements, hed deliberately stayed away, and as his evidence was material, Mr Joynt applied that a warrant might be issued for his production. The Magistrate said it was out of his p wer to issue a warrant for tho arrest of a defaulting witness in a civil aotion : what coaid be done would be to summon him to show ca.rse for his non-appearance. In the event of his not satisfactorily aooounting for his absence, he would be liable to a fine of £10; or, in default, fourteen doys’ imprisonment, besides being liable for any expenses incurred by the side which subpoenaed him.