NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2558, 20 June 1882, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Brought Back I —B. 0. O. Bennett, late auctioneer hero, was brought beck from Auckland in the steamer Eotomahana in custody this morning, at the instance of some of his creditors, who want him. Thk Eleotbio Light. —Mr Meddings proposes to light up the concert room in the Erhibition with two electric lamps next Saturday night. Tho lamps will be those used in Lyttelton last Saturday night, ca.;hof which gives a 2000 candle power light.

Cable Stoppage—We have received notice from the Telegraph Office that the cable station at Alexandria, Egypt, has been temporarily closed. Licensing Committee, Christchurch "West. Extensions to midnight os tfce closing hour wore granted to-day to three hotels, as reported elsewhere. During the hearing of applications, the Chairman took occasion to mention that, in view of the projected alteration in the law, the Committee had com-

manicated with tho Government, suggesting how desirable it appeared to be to leave it optional to grant extensions to 11 pm., and not necessarily to midnight, adding that the Committee hoped tho present law was m force only temporarily. Previously to announcing their decision, tho Chairman reverted to the] subject. He and his oolleagues felt that the decision to be arrived at in Christchurch West was equally difficult with the decisions in other localities. The law had placed the committee in an invidious position, and in one which they should not have been called on to occupy. It seemed deiirable there should be three different classes of licenses, the closing hours to be at 10 p.m., II p m., and midnight respectively, with proportionate fees. Pii°J to next quarterly meeting it was to be hoped that a change will have been effected to faoilitate tho committee in the discharge of their duties. Applicants would bear in mind that the decision given to day might, in view of these observations, be, therefore, regarded as temporary to such an extent that the whole question could be re-opened at next quarterly meeting. Ashburton Library. —At a committee meeting held in connection with the above on Saturday, it was stated that subscriptions to the amount of £IOO had been promised towards the erection of tho new library building. The Exhibition. —There was no special attraction yesterday at tho Exhibition. In the afternoon and evening the Austrian Band played a good selection of music. To-night Mr Crook will display his lime-light pictures. New Masonic Lodge. —lt is understood that a second Masonic Lodge, hailing under the Grand Lodge of Scotland, will be opened in Christchurch very shortly, the necessary dispensation having been obtained for the purpose. An experienced P.M. of the Robert Burns Lodge will, it is said, ha the first master. Magistrate’s Court, Kaiapot. —At this Court on Monday, before O. Whitofoord, Esq., B M., W. Fraser v J. Richards, £2 9) ; judgment for plaintiff. Eokersloy and Maofarlane v Hamilton ; no appearance. The adjourned case of H. Davis v J. Saunders, £9, for damage to sheep, was settled out of Court. Committed poh Trial.— At tho Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, before J. Ollivier, Esq., R.M., Daniel Mann, alias Gray, alias Eraser, was committed on four separate charges of forgery, and uttering cheques on the Banks of New Zealand and Union of Australia.

Stanmobb Election. —Mr Oowlishaw addressed the Stanmoto electors last evening at the Phillipstown Schoolroom. There was a large attendance, and after Mr Oowlishaw, with several interruptions, had addressed those present, a number of questions were pat and answered. A resolution of thanks, and one inimical to Mr Cowlishaw’a candidature, were put and lost.—At Bingsland, lust evening, Mr W. H. Pilliet received an unanimous vote of thanks and confidence. Mr S P. Andrews retires in Mr Pilliet’s favor. Sydenham Bobouqh Council. Last night this Council held an ordinary and a special meeting. The latter was to complete the steps legally necessary to enable the Conned to acquire land for the purpose of extending Gordon street. The former proceedings in the matter wore unanimously ratified, so that a much needed thoroughfare will be provided for the ratepayers of the borough without unnecessary delay.

Eybeton Licensing Meeting. —The adjourned meeting of the Licensing Committee for this district will be held this morning, at the Road Board office, Ohoka, to consider the application for the renewal of the license of tho Hneyd’s Arms Hotel, near Kaiapoi, which the Committee decided was not necessary for the requirements of the neighborhood, but allowed the applicant, under section 63 of the Licensing Act, fourteen days in which to defend the objection. In the meantime, it is stated, numerously signed petitions upholding the Committee’s view, as well as in favor of the license being granted, have been handed in.

Masonic Ball—Tha ball in aid of the Destitute Patients Belief Fund of the Hospital, projected by the Masons of Canterbury, takes place to-morrow evening in the Canterbury Masonic Hall. The committees have been most zealous in the discharge of their duties, the decorations especially alone being ■well worth a visit to sea. When the Hall is filled with brethren in the various clothings of the different degrees, added to the dresses of the ladies, it will present one of the prettiest sights seen here. The musical arrangements will be under the superintendence of Mr Schwartz, whilst Bro. Messenger will attend to the catering. An efficient number of stewards have been appointed to specially care for the comfort and convenience of their guests, and altogether the ball promises to be a great success.

Dbahtaqk Board. —At the usual meeting o£ this body yesterday afternoon a considerable amount of business was transacted. In reply to the chairman, the engineer (MrO. N. Bell) stated that the drainage pipes were sufficiently large to carry off the excreta, that the flushing power, if not sufficient, could bo easily increased, and the fall was as good as could be obtained. Satisfactory bank arrangements were reported as having been made. Plumbers’ licenses will in future be under the control of the Board. The sum of £IOO was authorised to be expended in bringing up the manhole covets to the surface on the North Avon sewers. The claims of MrT. H. Parsons were referred to the Board’s solicitor. Several matters were referred to the works committee and others to the engineer. Mr W. Stocks’ tender for pipelaying was accepted, and Mr Durwood was appointed mechanical engineer to the Board. A considerable amount of routine business was also transacted.

Fuoit the OHATHAM3. —A correspondent at the Chatham liands sends the following:— *• I know a good many of your large circle of subscribers have rather vague notions of what kind of place this is. I had myself o week since. There are in round number* about •400 of a European population here, about ninety Maoris, and perhaps forty Muorioria or Chatham aboriginals. The cultivated land on the island, I am informed, does not exceed 2000 acres altogether. In the centre of the main island there is a lake, the area of which is 1000 acres. Sheep farming forms the principal business of the people. The aggregate of all the flocks is estimated at 85,000, crossbred, Bomnoy, and merino. Mr Thomas Eitohio, an old and much respected settler here, has imported some capital equine blood. Ho has two thoroughbreds—one named Middleton, a son of one of your well known racers, Tradncer. There are two very good harbors, Kaingaroa and Whangaroa, and an abundance of excellent fish, chiefly blue cod, hapnka, terrakee, and ling. Eels seem to be anything but scarce, and of the feathered tribe wild duck, geese, and quail are in plenty. Mr Eitohie some time since made an effort to introduce pheasants, but they don’t appear to have been acclimatised. It is not an uncommon thing, I understand, to meet with wild cattle and untamed steeds in travelling over the country, and settlers complain a good deal of the destructiveness of wild pigs and wild oats. During the right season the coast is a profitable one for whalers to cruise round and some good oatohes are made. Of timbers the ■varieties are limited to an area of about 40,000 acres. Akeake appears to be the most valuable. There was no grain grown for export last season, and at present runholders are ploughing with a view to putting in English grasses. The capital of the Chathams I should say is Waitangi, if a collection of building* designated Magistrates’ Court, look-up, blacksmith’s shop, a few Natives’ whales two hotels and stores combined, a store and a Post office can bo called a capital. Mr L. Deighton is the Resident Magistrate, and there are three Commissioners of the Peace, Messrs. Cox, Ohudleigb, and Moore. There are no road* on the islands worth the name, and as there is both swamp and beach to face the explorer, travelling is not the delightful occupation fancy is apt to paint Two institutions I was surprised to find wanting among a population of 400 Caucasiansthere is neither church nor school on the island. More than once the remark was made to me the day I landed, ‘Wo are much in need of a minister of the gospel amongst us. Surely some earnest worker could be found willing to cast hia lot among the Chatham sUnderc*

8 porting. — At the meeting ,„J a Olnb, held last night, the added to the rule* of the Club, member of the Canterbury Jockey • shall, as an officer of the Club, r ® cei * . J remuneration for services rendered r Club.” It was decided that a day » be held on January Ist next. B*™ . races for the November meeting were ag to, and there will now be twenty race the three days. The added money’»® _ Canterbury Derby was fixed at 800 » v •» instead of 250 sova. as heretofore. The Exhibitors' Bam.— When the ball given last night by the exhibitors was n projected, it was not thought that 1 “ J ’ r . bo so pronounced a success as the gathering of last night proved to be. To this result t e unwearying zeal of the committee, especially Mr Arthur T. Edwards, and the hon. sec., Mr G. O. Allan, in no small degree oontnbuted. Messrs Joubert and Twopeny met the exhibitors most liberally, placing the Art Gallery, the lighting, and the services of the Austrian band at their disposal free of charge. Dancing commenced soon after nine o clocx, when there was a goodly company pressnt, some 200 having availed themselves of the kindly hospitality of the exhibitors. -the catering was in the hands of Mr Messenger, who gave every satisfaction. The tables were arranged in the concert hall, and the way in which Mr Messenger catered for those present deserves commendation. Dancing wee kept up with great spirit till early morning, and a most enjoyable evening was spent by those present.