NEWS OF THE DAY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2620, 13 August 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

In the Supplement to the present issue of the South Canterbury Times is published the first instalment of a new story ) entitled “ The Mystery of Major Molyneux,” by Marcus Clarke. A cablegram a few days ago informed us of the death, in the prime of manhood, of that highly-gifted author. “ The Mystery of Major Molyneux” was the last production from the pen of the ablest writer of fiction the colonies has yet produced. The late Mr Marcus Clarke was a Victorian native, and has laid the plots of all his stories in the Australian colonies.

A special session of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, 1.0.G.T. (English Constitution), will be held at the Foresters’ Hall this evening at 7 o’clock. Members entitled to the Grand Lodge Degree arc expected to he in attendance with their credentials at that hour. At 8 o’clock the subordinate lodge will be opened, when candidates for initiation, those desirous of joining by clearance card, or those from the American Order who may not have violated the pledge, and are desirous of connecting themselves with this Order, will have an opportunity of doing so under the most favorable circumstances. The Executive Officer, Bro William Price, of Wellington, will preside. There will he a conversazione on Monday evening at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Barnard street. Preparations are being made to make this entertainment as imposing and comfortable as possible; the hall will be tastefully decorated with flags, flowers, and evergreens, and at the interval for refresh-

ments, there will he an abundance of fruit, confectionery, &c., handed round to the visitors. The programme which from the nature of its contents is an exceedingly good one. will be found in another column, and as the ladies and gentleman who have kindly given their services are so well known in Timaruno comment is necessary. Every attention will be afforded to visitors, and a very enjoyable evening may be anticipated.

Dr Douglas who has had temporary charge of the Timaru Hospital since Dr Chilton's leave of absence, has been presented with a testimonial of a highly complimentary character by the Hospital patients.

“ Ilichelieu ” was produced at the Theatre Eoyallast evening. Herr Bandmann appearing as the Cardinal King, and Miss Beaudet as Julie dc Mortemar. To Mr J. F. Cathcart was allotted the part of the Count de Barrcdas. The piece was very successful, the principal performers receiving frequent re-calls For this evening the “ Corsican Brothers,” and the trial scene from the “ Merchant of Venice" are announced. The prices have been reduced on this, the last appearance of the company in Timaru.

Mr W. H. Leike, a comedian, who has won golden opinions in Dunedin opens with his company here on Monday evening next m Bartley Carapbcli’s drama of “My Partner.” On Tuesday evening “ The Danites” will be produced and the fame of this play which has had an enormously successful run in London, and also in the colonies will doubtless fill the Theatre Boyal. Mr Leake is supported by the well-known artists, J. J, Wallace and Th' o. Hamilton, with others.

We are glad to learn that Mr Peters, contractor, who was jammed between the steam crane and the Breakwater, the other day, is. now out of danger although his injuries are very serious, one leg being fearfully lacerated. Mr Mcllroy, the engineer in charge of the crane, is certainly deserving of honorable mention for the prompt manner in which he acted at the time of the accident. The moment he perceived Mr Peters’ unfortunate predicament, he reversed the engine without waiting to shut off steam, and the crane flew back—just in time, To Mr Mcllroy’s presence of mind Mr Peters undoubtedly owes his life, as had the engineer waited to shut off steam or stop the crane in the ordinary manner, a fatal accident must have inevitably resulted. At the a mua! meeting of the New Zealand Insurance Company at Christchurch yesterday, a dividend was declared of ten per cent. The net profit for the year was £■10,050, of which £25,000 was added to the reserve fund, bringing the total of that fund up to £IOO,OOO. A seizure of thirty pounds of tobacco was made yesterday, at Wellington, on board the brig Neptune, a Newcastle collier.

A child name I Neill was drowned at Alford Forest on Thursday through falling into a well which had been left uncovered.

The Ashburton County Council has now about a hundred and fifty rades of water race constructed or under contract. The effect on the production of the district is expected to be very great. The Council is also establishing extensive plantations which will be immensely beneficial in a few years.

The public are hereby informed that the Cheap Sale of Drapery, Ac., at J. Strachan’s close-positively on the 23rd instant, when the premises will be closed for stocktaking, so as the business can be banded over to Messrs Park & Anderson on Sept. l.ln order to facilitate stocktaking, remnants of all kinds \'ill be disposed of extra cheap. Those who hold receipts of purchases of less than £5 arc reminded to have them made up to that sum in order to get a ticket for the Gift Art Union to be drawn on 22nd instant, prizes of which are now on view. —[Advt.]