NEWS OF THE DAY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2515, 12 April 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The total pro petty tax up to April 9 is £235,97-1, Francis Campbell, an old journalist, was found dead in the “ Free Lance ” office last evening. An anti-Gatholic preaching tournament has been commenced at Auckland, Tim statement that the Parihaka Maoris are ang from a contagious epidemic is officii. contradicted,

Co’onel Roberts, A C. is recovering from typhoid. At Christchurch, a man named Dowdte, while rabbit-shooting, lodged the contents Of his g'jn in his foot, and, subsequen iy after amputation, died in the hospital. The Rev, 0, Pym, of Auckland, has commenced a scries of evangelical services on benalf of the funds of the New Zealand Insurance Company.

Incendiarism is said to be rife in the Napier district Nine stacks of wheat and barlcj r have been destroyed on the farm of Mr Ramsay at Flaxmere.

Charles Weyenleben, a currier by trade, German by birth, aged 45, who came to the colony from Sydney in October last, shot himself in the Auckland Domain yesterday. He had lately been discharged from the hospital..

The weekly session of the English Lodge Victory, No. 42, 1.0.G.T., was held last evening, at the Foresters' Hall, Bro. Edward Jones, W.C.T., presided. Progress was reported by the Easter Monday Fete Committee, who informed the Lodge that the program me of the sports to be held at the old show ground, and also particulars of the entertainment to take place in the Theatre Royal in the evening, would be published in the South Cantbeduby Times on Thursday evening, and in the “ Timaru Herald ” on Saturday morning next. The Committee have decided to make both sports and entertainment as interesting and attractive as possible, and some of the prizes for competition will be such as will offer inducements to both professional and amateur athletes. Much depends upon the support given by the public to this the first attempt of the united Lodges to cater for a whole day’s amusement in Timaru, as to whether any further additions to the intended programme will be made. Should the weather be favorable it may be expected that a large number of members and visitors will avail themselves of the cheap railway fares, and probably remain in town until next day. Arrangements are being made for a first-class band,*s,who will discourse, throughout the day at the show grounds, some excellent selections of popular music. The entertainment at the Theatre in the evening will comprise readings, recitations, songs, &c., and short speeches on temperance by gentlemen earnest in the cause. After a short recess Sister Jane Jones played a few pieces of really excellent music on the organ, a reading on “ Distillation ” was given by the W.C.T., and songs by others present. The subordinate Lodge closed at 9 o’clock, and shortly afterwards a Degree Lodge was formed, when one brother and one sister were admitted to the degree of Fidelity. The evening’s proceedings finally closed at 9.30.

A London correspondent tells an amusing story of the all-night sitting. As soon as the division was announced two of the most popular of the Parnellities, having sat up all night, thought they would fgo over and have a Turkish bath. This intention was carried out and one of the first men they recognised among the half-clad figures in the bath-room was Mr Foster, to whom this method of refreshment had simultaneously occurred. Mr Foster, it is said, assumed a resigned look, as if he admitted the impossibility ot getting away from Ireland even in the recesses of a Turkish bath

The American telegrams state that reports are coming in of the loss of life occasioned by the tremendous floods in California. Steamers are plying on the submerged plains taking off the people and stock.

Next summer Captain Webb is to try to swim from Holyhead to Kingstown, a distance of sixty-four miles. Dr Timothy, of Eochdale road, Manchester, intends trying to do the same feat. The doctor, whQpSwims on his back, and uses a paddle by Mark Addy, has already swaiiTs'ome long distances. The Sydney Coffee Tavern Company have leased the premises adjoining their present establishment, and have about twenty additional bedrooms. This is a sign of progress.

The Juvenile Pinafore Company open to-night at the Theatre Eoyal, and the great popularity of the comic opera combined with the novelty of such small performers will doubtless attract a big house. Easter holiday makers will see that it is notified in another colum that the favorite steamer Waitaki will sail for Dunedin on Thursday evening, leaving there for Timaru on Monday evening, arriving here again early on Tuesday morning. Mr Edward Mitchell, who has purchased the right to sell refreshments at the Temperance Fete on Easter Monday, notifies that he will be able to supply visitors with an abundance of tea, coffee, cordials, and all kinds of refreshments in his luncheon tent. The prices will be strictly moderate, the refreshments will be varied, appetising, and of first-class quality and parties from a distance will be able to secure a good square meal on terms that will enable them to dispense with the customary hamper. Mr Mitchell is an experienced caterer and on this occasion he intends to show what liberality and efficiency can do in the eatable and drinkable line when judiciously combined. Parties desirous of establishing games and sports may arrange terms by applying to Messrs J, B. Witt and Co.

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. — [Advt.]