NEWS OF THE DAY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2170, 20 February 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Wednesday night’s “ Dunedin Star” relates the following adventure at Fort Chalmers with an octopus. This morning Avhile some young men were bathing round Observation Point, one of them named Fullerton was seized by an octopus fully Gft in length, Avhich coiled itself round his body. He immediately called out for assistance, and his companions managed to drag him out on to the beach, where the octopus uncoiled itself and left him. Had there not have been assistance near at hand the lad must have been drowned.

At a meeting of the Geraldine County Council which took place yesterday, the question of holding the meetings of the Council in Timaru was fully discussed, and it finally resolved that the Council should meet in Timaru for the future.

A meeting between the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce and the Minister of Public Works took place on Wednesday, when the Hon. E. Richardson brought under the notice of the Minister the expediency of running a train between Dunedin and Christchurch at ordinary speed, leaA'ing the former city in the afternoon, and provided with sleeping cars. If this Averc done it was pointed out, a daily post could be established betAveen the tAvo centres, and also facilitate the work of business men. The Minister replied that this Avas a most important question, and should have his most attentive consideration.

This evening the Opera Bonffc and Comedy Company will give their final entertainment at the Theatre Eoyal and Mdlle Muziell, who has made herself quite a favorite with her audiences, will take a benefit. The jnograrame will comprize the “ Smugglers Bride,” and “ Margery’s Sweetheart,” forming a grand double bill, and to heighten the attractions Mdlle Muriell will sing for the first time in public “The Sang O’ my Ain Fireside” an original song composed by Mr Hal Gray; music by Mr Watson. Tomorrow evening the Company perform at Temuka, after which they proceed to Dunedin via the West Coast, and Invercargill. A new weekly paper is ‘.to be issued in Dunedin at the end of next week. It will appear under the name of “ The Echo,” will be edited by Mr Robert Stout, and published by Mr W. Absolom Smith, of George street. Its politics will be, as may be imagined, liberal, and its principles, as may also be imagined, Freethinking. Indeed, in name, size, and tone it will be a resuscitation of the “ Echo ” which gained some fame under Mr Stout’s guidance some years ago.

“ Lillie,” Queen of Skates, and Professor Taylor will give one of their classical entertainments this evening in the Queen’s Hall. It will be recollected that some three years ago the same artistes created a most favorable impression. Since then they have made a tour of the Colonies and as the result of their travels, a number of attractive novelties have been added to their repertoire. To those who have never witnessed Professor Taylor and his fair partner in public, we may mention that in addition to wonderful evolutions, and step dances in skates, their entertainment is varied with songs and Indian club exercises, and its merits have been generally ackuowlegcd by the Press.

An old Akaroa resident says the “Mail” at present located in Christchurch, sends the following;—“ l Ourselves as others see us . —I was showing one of your Akaroa boys the ‘ Lions ’ wc have here (the Cathedral City) at present on exhibition the other evening, and when crossing the square immediately in front of the entrance to the nave of the cathedral, he remarked very naively, but quite innocently ‘ Hallo! are they pulling that old building down.’ Of course I had to enter into an explanation.

At last night’s meetin; of the Timaru Literary and Debating Society the question “Free Trade v. Protection” was very fully discussed. Put to the vote, ten member’s were found in favor of free trade and nine in favor of protection. Mr and Mrs Florence have arranged for a couple of benefit performances at the Theatre Royal, on Thursdayand Friday next. They will be assisted by Mr and Mrs Vincent and several of our leading Amateurs,

One of Messrs Peacock and Gcaney’s carts had a narrow escape this morning. Ths vehicle was standing at the side of the Oddfellows’ hall, opposite the new Post office, when the horse attached to it commenced to back. There is a very sharp slope just at this corner, and had it not been for the timely assistance of the men working at the building opposite and some passers-by, both cart and horse must have tumbled down the hill into the gully. As it was no harm was done.

Messrs Maclean and .Stewart will sell at their rooms, to-morrow, 1000 acres at the Gorge, Meyer’s Creek ; also, horses, saddles, drays, harness, and cows. Sale at 11 a.m. Messrs Jonas, Hart and "Wildic will sell at their yards, to-morrow, draught horses, colts and fillies. Sale at 11 a.m.