CHRISTCHURCH TO SUMNER.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2711, 15 December 1882, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH TO SUMNER.

The -journey to the Brighton or Margate , of Canterbury—Sumner —has been considerably improved of late by the opening of the tramway to the Heathcote bridge. Not that one in any way despises Mr Hayward's excellent line of coaches ; but as Mr Weller, senior, remarked "Wariety's charming," and the tram ride breaks the monotony of all coaching. It is, however, in contemplation not only to endeavor to shorten the time taken in reaching Sumner from Christehurch, but to substitute for the crowded coach on a dusty road the cool and pleasant method of locomotion by steam launch, leaving the Heathcote bridge and Sumner ia conjunction with the trams, so as to connect both ways. In order to practically test the feasibility of this project, the directors of the Tramway Company yesterday invited several gentlemen to take passage in the fast and favorite mail boat " Lyttelton," under ' command of Captain ,T. Roberts, who had kindly placed her at the disposal of the company for the trial. The period selected was purposely at dead low water, and as the Lyttelton draws 3ft 9in, exclusive of the very weighty gentlemen who formed the party, it must be admitted that a severe test was made. Shortly after noon the launch left the Heathcote bridge, and, under the able pilotage of Mr J. Day, Sumner was reached against a pretty stiff nor'-caster in thirty-five minutes. Only one trouble was experienced during the trip from shoal water, but this was so trifling as scarcely to be perceptible. The launch was brought right alongside the beach near the Cave Eock, so close that all were enabled to jump on shore. So soon as the arrangements are complete, should the Tramway Company decide upon the matter, every accommodation in the way of jetties, &c, will be provided. After a very nice lunch, prepared by Mrs Paterson, had been done justice to, Mr W. Pratt, who occupied the chair, said he felt sure all present must have thoroughly enjoyed the trip, and would agree with him that the experiment had been most successful. He desired to thank Mr Roberts for having placed the launch at their disposal on the occasion. A start for home was made shortly after 3 p.m., the run to the bridge being done in thirty-eight minutes. If the project is carried out, no doubt there will be a great increase in the number of persons travelling to Simmer, more especially ladies and children, who will be able to take this [ opportunity of getting % sniff of the briny , in comfort.

SUOIHTY FOR THE PEEVELOTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIM>L9.

A public meeting, for the purpose of advocating the objects of the above society, was held last evening, at half-past seven o'clock, in the old Provincial Chamber. There was a fair attendance of the members of the society and other Ladies and gentlemen, and the chair was occupied by his Worship the Mayor. The Chairman, in opening the meeting, explained that the Society was not established solely for the purpose of prosecuting persons for cruelty to animals, but more in the hope of creating amongst the rising generation feelings of sympathy and kindness for dumb animals.

Addresses were delivered by Mr T. S. Weston, the Very Rev. Dean Jacobs, Professor Hutton, the Rev. H. Williams, and the Rev. H. C. M. Watson.

Mr W. H. Shaw, hon. secretary, read

the report, frora -which we take the follow- ■. 'ng tabulated statement of the work of the S4X iiety since its formation : — " 190 member 1 society, 600 members of the Y, £. • branch, 55 cases considered, 3 written cautiOk ns prosecm L i° ns by the society's hon. solicitor, 4 convict ' ons obtained, 2 cases dismissed. Analysis o. c convictions—2 keeping horses without tox *» 2 working in unfit state. The receipts *° ha l "* amounted to .£6O lfe, wbiefo been expended, and the committee- * ould P oint out that unless the funds of the saciety are considerably augmented with the assistance of the public, even the jn "esent very moderate expenditure cannot be maintained." On the motion o* t&. e ltev - Mr Flavell, seconded by Mr W. H. iane, it was resolved to request his Ereei>ncy Sir Wm. Jervois to become patron, of t.^ & society. Mr Shaw read a letter he ..had received from a lady member of the society, promising a donation of £lO, provided ,£4O was subscribed by others. The Chairman said he would be gJ"ad to receive contributions from any one present. I

Mr F. W. Jones would be willing to give £5. [Applause.] Several ladies and gentlemen handed in donations. On the motion of Mr Weston, seconded by Mr H. R. Webb, a vote of thanks was passed to the hon. secretary for his exertions in the cause of the society.

A vote of thanks to his Worship the Mayor concluded the proceedings.