NEWS OF TEE DAY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2513, 9 April 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF TEE DAY.

Mrs A. St G. Hamersley last night presented a silver-plated cornet to Mr Thomas Perry, leader of the Timaru Artillery Band at the request of the members of the band, who were anxious to mark their appreciation of the value of Mr Perry’s services as leader. The ceremony took place at the residence of Captain Hamersley, and passed off with great eclat.

At the ordinary monthly meeting of the Mechanics’ Institute Committee, held last night, it was resolved —“ That the report of the Sab-Committee on new books be adopted, and that the order for books as per list read be forwarded by the first outgoing mail.” “ That the masters of vessels while in port have free use of the readingroom.” “ That the ‘ Bookseller for 1880 ’ be procured.” The transaction of some further routine business, passing of accounts, &c., terminated the meeting. For making use of obscene language at the Railway Hotel, Pleasant Point, Allred Beckley was fined 10s yesterday. The proposed transference of Mr Watt to Oamaru is apparently not at all relished there. The “ Forth Otago Times ” thinks strong opposition will be raised to it, and says that, " looking at the matter from a political point of view, Mr Watt's transference would perhaps never have been suggested had the leanings of the members for the district been other than they are ; but it is surely too bad to punish the sins of the electors by permanently saddling the comraurity with a magisterial Old Man of the Sea.” The “Mail” condemns the proposal in much stronger language, and says that if it be persisted in the Government will never bo forgiven by the community. A Melbourne correspondent of the “ Ballarat Star ” writes “ The Coffee Palace, in Collins street, is the biggest success of the day. I was creditably informed by “ one who ought to know, you know,” that it is paying 200 per cent, on the outlay. So great is the demand for sleeping accomodation that the company are building sixty new bedrooms. Twelve shillings and sixpence per week is charge for a single room, and you can have meals at any price your pocket will allow you to pay. So great is the success of the coffee venture, that a second one in Bourke street is now arranged for, and will soon be in full fig."

We regret to learn that Mr Copeland, telegraph operator, who was about three years in the Timaru Telegraph Department and only left here about a month ago, having been transferred to Wellington, died at the latter place yesterday of typhoid fever. Hopes were entertained of his complete recovery until recently, when he had a relapse, which, in his already weakened state, proved fatal. Mr Copeland was only 21 years of age and was much respected in Timaru.

Two sermons will be preached at the Wesleyan Church to-morrow, by the Rev. Mr Beck, the newly appointed Minister. The annual tea-meeting takes place on Tuesday.

The juvenile Pinafore promises to be an immense success in Timaru. Already sixty seats have been secured at the Box office— Mr Amos’, so that those who desire to patronise the circle have no time to lose. We may mention that one of the gems of the entertainment is contributed by Master Willie Pollard, aged nine, the black cook of the piece, who delights Corcoran and his crew with a nigger-song and dance, so well executed as to inevitably bring down house and ship together.

Special Announcement. —New Winter Drapery—Wood and Smith beg to announce that they have opened a splendid assortment of Autumn and Winter Drapery, comprising an immense lot of Maids’, Ladies’, and Children’s Jackets and Ulsters, at exceptionally low prices. New Millinery. —Shepherd’s Buildings, Main South Road, Timaru.— [Anvx.]