NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2692, 23 November 1882, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Committed for Triad. —Thos. Beeson, charged wit embezzlement, was this morning, at the Resident Magistrate’s Court, committed for trial at the next sessions of the Supreme Court, Christchureh. Bail was allowed, himself in <£2oo, and two sureties in <£loo each.

Raidway League. —The committee of the Railway League, at its weekly meeting last evening, passed a resolution requesting the Government to issue a new Commission, or to extend the powers of the present Commission, so as to admit of a report being obtained on the advisability or otherwise of the trunk line being extended by way of the West Coast. It was resolved to canvass for subscriptions. A report of the meeting appears elsewhere.

A New Impost.— At the Resident Margistrate s Court this morning l , Mr Joyc© applied for the allowance of bail to a man named Pigioni, who is now in custody charged with assault. The prosecutor had. been seriously injured, and had been taken “the hospital, the Bench refusing bail, until the doctor s certificate had been pro—duced as to prosecutor’s safety. Mr Joyce said the man was now all right walking about the hospital, but the resident surgeon declined to give a certificate of his convalescence until he had been paid a guinea for the same. He called Sergeant Mason, who stated that to the best of bis belief the man who had been injured was now nearly well. Mr Joyce said his client could not afford to pay the fee demanded of the hospital surgeon. It seemed rather extraordinary that a salaried official should make such, a demand. Mr Ollivier asked was not this something new ? He did. not remember bearing of anything similar. He thought, if allowed, the charge would be the means of inflicting great hardships on people without funds. Mr Joyce said be had intended specially to bring the matter under the notice of the Bench. Sergeant Mason said he himself had sent up once or twice to inquire as to the man’s state, but the surgeon refused to give any information whatever. Mr Ollivier said the matter would be the better for ventilation. He granted the bail applied for. A Mysterious Ruffian. —For several ■■days past the residents in the upper part of Dublin street, and from there to the Bridle Path at Port, have been subjected to considerable uneasiness by the nightly prowling of what is either a madman or a sensation aiming larrikin. This mysterious party is one night seen personating a rather uncommonly tall female, and next heard of in the role of a frightener of unprotected girls and ladies. On "Wednesday night he pursued the two Misses Turner for fully a quarter of a mile, only giving up the chase when they reached the residence of Mr Hollis, on Dublin street. The police are on his tracks, however, and confidently expect to “ run him to earth ” very shortly. Addington Cricket Club. —A general meeting of members of the above club was held in the pavilion on Tuesday evening last; Mr R. H. Turner in the chair. The treasurer reported a balance in hand of J!3B, which was considered very satisfactory. Mr John Hopper handed in big resignation as captain, which was accepted with regret. The chairman also took occasion to refer to Mr Hopper’s long connection with the club and the handsome manner in which he had always acted towards it. Mr J. Wheatley was unanimously elected captain in his stead. Mr C. Seager was also elected captain of the second, eleven, the office to be a permanent one. It was resolved to accept Mr Line’s offer to keep the ground in repair for the rest of the season. Several new members were elected, and after a vote of thanks to the chair the meeting terminated. Lyttelton Debating Society. —On Wednesday night the last meeting hut one of this class was held in the schoolroom in rear of the Wesleyan church. There was a fair attendance. It was decided that in

face of the apathetic attitude of the members with respect to the projected annual picnic, the event should not he undertaken, for the present. A number of readings and recitations given by the members elicited criticisms of an interesting character, and a very pleasant evening was spent. The chairman inf ormed the meeting that officers of the class for the ensuing term, commencing in February next, would be elected at the last meeting of this term on Wednesday night next, when a full attendance of members is requested. Doa Poisoning. —At Kaiapoi during the last few days several dogs of various valuable breeds have been poisoned near Middleton’s Hotel stables, and owners of valuable dogs visiting the neighborhood ought to be careful of their canine friends.

Presentation. —At the Kaiapoi Woollen. Factory on Wednesday evening, Mr. G. H. Blackwell, on behalf of the employes, presented Mr Fred. Hills, who is leaving for the North Island, with a silver watch and chain, as a token of regard, accompanied with best wishes for his future welfare. “Lyttelton Times” Dramatic So-

ciETT. — The annual performance of this society in aid of the very laudable institution connected with the “Times” office, viz., the sick fund, will take place tomorrow evening. As already stated, the pieces selected are the comedy of “ Our Nelly,” by Mr Craven, author of “ Milky White,” and the farce of “ The Goose with

the Golden Eggs.” The gentlemen taking part in the performance have already wort for themselves no mean reputation for histrionic ability, and they will have the advantage of the assistance of Miss Amy Horton and Miss May Bell. The former lady will sing several songs in the course ©f the comedy, and that she will sing them excellently goes without saying. The Christchurch Orchestral Society have also very kindly proffered their services, and will render a choice selection of music during the evening.

Me Aechibamj Foebes. —Mr E. S. Smythe, the astute and genial avant courier of the special of specials, Mr Archibald Forbes, being now in New Zealand, the public may expect to find artfully concocted paragraphs and telegrams permeating the papers in view of Mr Forbes’ approaching lecture campaign. Mr Smythe is himself an old journalist, and when he is on the war trail cannot, for the life of him, refrain from wielding the quill. Indeed, he is never so happy as when writing, as he can do, a brilliantly descriptive article on the particular entertainment he happens to be connected with. Mr Forbes will reach Christchurch about the New Year, and, no doubt, his vivid word paintings of the many famous scenes he has taken a part in will he as highly appreciated here as they have been elsewhere. A Capsize.— An accident happened last evening to one of the many heavily mden. vehicles returning from the Ashburton racecourse. On arriving opposite the Post office the driver attempted to tarn sharp round, and the vehicle capsized. The occupants were of course thrown out, hut all escaped injury except a woman and. child, who were rather severely shaken. Weathee Exchange. —Testeriay—New Zealand : Fine everywhere, with light S.E. winds and equal pressure. Australia : A depression is off the South and East coast of Australia and Tasmania ; East wind at Sydney, West at Portland, S.E. at Hobart. Barometer Eussell, Wellington, and Bluff, 30.1; Portland and Hobart, 29.6; Sydney, 29.7.

Masonic. —At the usual monthly meeting of the Lodge of Unanimity, Lyttelton, this evening, a presentation will be made to Bro. S. C. Philips, who has for some time acted as treasurer of the lodge, and also rendered good service alike to his lodge and the craft generally. The presentation is made on the occasion of Bro. Phillips leaving Lyttelton for Dunedin, where he has been appointed to the charge of the gaol.

Disturbance at Waikaei.— On Wednesday a few rowdies, who had come in from shearing at the stations, created a row on the railway premises, and police assistance had to be telegraphed for to Amherley and Rangiora, who went on by the mid-day train, and succeeded in making two arrests. The offenders were brought in to Amherley lock-up.

Accident. —About six o’clock last evening a baker’s cart, belonging to Mr W. Thomson, of Colombo street, was being driven through Cathedral square, when the horse shied at a water tank belonging to the Tramway Company, which was left on the tramway. The horse swerved on to the Cathedral footpath, but the only damage done was a smashed shaft. g Fire Brigade Demonstration. —The Christchurch Fire Brigade wish to turn out on the evening of Anniversary Day with the usual tox-chlight procession and exhibition of fireworks in the Park, but it was pointed out that to do this the ICth December .must be kept close holiday, as, being working men, the members could not afford to lose the day if it was not a proclaimed holiday. It was also pointed, out that this might be achieved if the single railway fares obtainable on Saturdays were in force on Friday, December loth, thus making it the market day.

Our New Govenor. —As will be seen by a telegram to be found in another column Sir W. Jervois, at present Governor of South Australia, has accepted the Qovenorshio ; f this colony. Chamber op Commerce. The usual quarterly meeting of the members of the above Onamber will be held at 3 p.m. tomo row i i the rooms, Cashel street. Coustenat Show. —The annual show of the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association will be held at Kirwee tomorrow. There is a fairly good number of entries, and amongst other things it is noticeable that a trial will he held of sheep -dogs, an item worthy of being imitated in other shows, as under any other circumstances the judges are quite unable to award the prize satisfactorily. Free Methodist Sunday School, ■ Colombo Road. —The anniversary of this school was celebrated on Sunday and Tuesday, November 19 th and 21st. On the Sunday My Wardley preached in the morning. In the afternoon a juvenile service was held, presided over hy Mr_ T. Cutler, the scholars occupying the time with singing and recitations. In the evening the Rev. J. Crewes preached. The attendance at each service was very good, at night the building being uncomfortably •crowded. On Tuesday a public tea was - held in the new Oddfellows’ Hall, Sydenham. About ISO people sat down to an excellent spread, presided over by the following ladies—Mesdames Smart, Hocking, Irving, Hunter, Steel, lanson, and Froggatt, and Misses Thomas and Middleborough. After tea a public meeting was hold in the church. The Rev. A. Peters presided. Addresses were given hy the Revs. R. Taylor and C. Penney and Messrs Bowron and Jebson (Sheffield). Hymns at intervals were sung hy the choir and scholars, led by Mr Hayfield, sen. Mr Hayfield, j an., presided at the harmonium. A vote of thanks, moved hy Mr Quick, and seconded hy Mr White, brought a very successful anniversary to a close.

A Clever Horse Tamer. —A rather interesting exhibition of horse-taming took place in a field at the Junction Hotel on Saturday (says the Southland “ Times ”), before a"large concourse of spectators from town and the adjacent district. The horse selected for the occasion was a riding hack, which was parted with hy a previous owner on account of its inveterate bucking and kicking propensities, and which Mr John Dewe—the horse-tamer in question —who had never seen the animal before, broke in so effectually that when it was set at liberty after about an hour’s treatment it followed him about like a dog. An inspection of the animal convinced Mr Dewe that the constitutional defect of the horse was nervousness, and that its intractability arose from that and not from a naturally vicious temper, and he treated it accordingly. The spectators were so pleased that they made up a liberal subscription on the spot, which was handed over to Mr Dewe by Mr John Mclntosh, who had publicly challenged the horse-tamer to give a proof of his skill.

Salvation Army.—The following is given as an example of the Salvation Army street address :—“ Suddenly the ranks break and form afresh into a circle. The crowd halts too. The people in the neighboring houses come out into the street, or throw open their windows to listen. A man steps forward into the middle of the ring, and addresses the bystanders with much earnestness and vehemence of gesticulation in the simple tongue which they understand best. * Friends,’ he says, thank God, I’m trav’lin’ on to heaven above ’ (■ Allelnjah !’ ejaculate his comproioup). ‘but I ain't satisfied with get Cm’ xhere myself, I wants you, everyone ■of you, to come along to ! ANill ye go ? That’s what I axe ye, will ye go ! You can; the worst on ye ! ’ (Cries of ‘Oh yes ! so ye can ; praise the Lord !’ ) ‘A year ago I was as big a blackguard as anyone here. I used to he well nigh mad with the drink, but Jesus showed me the hell afore me, and what was better. He showed me His love, and has cleansed me in His blood, and saved me ! ’ ( ‘ Amen ! Allelnjah !’ ) ‘ Oh, friends, let Him do the same for you, now, to-night! He’s a-longin’ to ! Come right off to our meetin’ and hear of His salvation.”

Fashions in Canada. —“A great antib?.ng crusade” in Canada is announced by the American papers. “ Bang/’ we “ Pall Ma.il Budget,” believe, is the horrid and expressive American -word for the frizzy front that ladies wear. It appears that the Homan Catholic clergy of Canada have been lately alarmed at the progressive frivolity and extraordinary dress of their flock, and, having communicated "with Home, have commenced energetic repressive measures. “ "Wearers of dainty costumes, it seems, are to be declared sinners,” and “ extravagance in dress and tresses is to bo ruthlessly put down.” Already Bishop Eafleche, at Three Rivers, has launched his thunderbolt *at the heads of his fair sinners, and Bishop Fabre, at Montreal, is about to do the same, the former, however, going so far as to denounce all light music. The example has spread itself to other congregations. A well-known elder of the church at Montreal has expressed himself in the following words of wisdom : —“ There is such extravagance in dress nowadays that we cannot tell the difference between mistress and maid.” The prospects of the crusade at present are said to he excellent. The “ bangs ” are disappearing, and the “ pullbacks” are being loosened. After the success of the experiment made on the ■corpus vile of Canada, who knows how soon the crusade may extend to our shores ?” An liipeobaele Stoet.— Some time ago the “ Argus ” published a telegram from Sydney stating that nows had been received in Caledonia of the massacre of the men employed at a beche do mer station in the New* Hebrides, named Vanikoro. This story, according to the Noumea correspondent of the “ S.M. Herald,” rests on the authority of an Indian named Kichemla, native of the French possession of Pondicherry. The correspondent, however, goes on to repeat the following very incredible story told by the same man. He says: —“This black, with two New Caledonian natives, escaped in a boat after two of their comrades were murdered, and the two New Caledonian natives wounded, one of them dying of his wounds on beard a vessel Which Kichemin says was named the Tabouac, and which they found at aachor at a place called Pocapoca. A promise, it is asserted, was obtained from the captain to land them at Sandwich, where they would wait an opportunity of returning to Noumea, where resided the owners of the beche-de-mer station. They were however taken to Port Mackay, where Kichemin says they tried to dispose of him as one of the engaged laborers ; and it was only upon his energetic refusal that they desisted, and he and the New Caledonian—wounded by a ball in the leg—were conducted to the hospital, where Kichemin .remained three weeks, and then got a passage to Sandwich, thence here, leaving the New Caledonian in the Mackay Hospital. Kichemin asserts that it was some employe of the Government who endeavoured to S ill him.” The Mackenzie Clause Intebpeeted.— In a letter to the “Otago Daily Times” Mi- Vincent Pyke, M.H.K., writes—“ From . a commonsenso point of view it is quite too absurd to suppose that the law contemplates shutting out the present holder of a pastoral license from the possibility of becoming the purchaser of a new license or lease for even a portion of his run when it is next offered to public competition in divided areas. Such a law would indeed out Gracchus the agrarian law of Eome. It would be equivalent to a law of pastoral •proscription as against the present licensees, such as was never designed, nor would ever be assented to even by an infinitesimal minority in the New Zealand Parliament.” Ho then remarks that the Act of 1883 deals -exclusively with the future, and concludes; —“It is admitted that the clause is very loosely drafted, and that the words ■* under this Act’ should have been inserted after the words ‘no original holder, transferee. or other person occupying any pastoral lands.’ But both the intention of the clause and its legal interpretation admit of no doubt. The sole object aimed at is to prevent any person from becoming the holder of more than one of the future leases, and not that the present holders should be exceptionally debarred from purchasing one such lease, nor are the provisions of the clause capable of bearing snch .an outrageously strained construction.”

Mhbivale. — An entertainment was given last evening in the schoolroom, Merxvale. It was well attended and very successful. The farce, Borrowed Plumes, was submitted, and went well. Several songs were rendered and received with every demonstration of favor. The entertainment was in every respect a successful one.

There is a talk of constructing important new harbors in two Scotch seaports—-Peter-head and Kirkcaldy. Concerning the former a letter was a few days ago addressed by the Master of the Edinburgh Merchant Company to the Town Council of the Scottish metropolis on the subject _of a harbor of refuge. It was remarked m the letter that a large force of convicts had for some time been engaged at the Government expense in constructing harbor works at Chatham. Tliese works are nearly completed, and the Prison Department are looking out for a suitable sphere of labor for the 900 or 1000 men who will be thus disengaged. Scotland has never got its share of the benefit of public works erected by convict labor, and Mr Livingston (the Master of the Edinburgh Merchant Company) suggests the formation of a harbor of refuge at Peterhead, as recommended by the Royal Commissioners.