STEWS OF THE DAY.

Hospital Tehdbrs.—A number of tenders for Hospital supplies were opened last night, at the meeting of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board.

The Chaplains at Addhtotos awd Lytteltoic.—The report of the standing orders committee yesterday laid upon the table of -the Diocesan Synod, recommended that £25 s.j_ar should be jjiven to the chaplains of the Lyttelton a_dXA__ingt-h gaols. Apoplexy.—A fisherman named Rhodes, a well-known character in Port, who ha« recently come back from the Old Men's Home at Selwyn, and resumed business, had an apoplectic fit in the street in Lyttelton yesterday. He was removed to his own house, where Dr. Bennett attended him.

The MabiosHttbß. —This clever troupe performed at the Oddfellows' Hall, Lyttelton, on Monday and last night. On each occasion there wag a large attendance, and it need hardly be said that those present enjoyed themselves. The troupe appear again in a midday performance, and to-night, after which they leave Lyttelton on a visit to some of the smaller townships. Db»Matio News.—The Baker and Parron Troupe passed through Canterbury on their way to Dunedin yesterday, going per s.s. Hawea. They propose to open here on December 31st. The Georgia Minstrels apptar to have made a great- hit at the Queen's Theatre, Sydney, where they opened on October 12th in " Uncle Tom's Cabin." They have been playing to snob, crowded houses that numbers have nightly had to be refused admittance. Earthquake.—A smart shock of earthquake was felt throughout the northern part of this island on Monday evening about 11 p.m. The usual batch of telegrams on the subject has been duly sent. That from Nelson states that the shake was the most severe experienced for years ; that clocks were stopped and pictures thrown down, but no greater damage done. The shock was also felt in Chrietohurch. Accidbnt nr Port.—Mr William*, second officer of the Bride of Lome, met with a serious accident yesterday. He was assisting in setting up the mainstay with the aid ef the steam winch, when the chain-strop of a block employed parted and struck him in the forehead, tearing off the scalp and lajiog the skull bare. In the fall two ribs were also broken. The patient was attended to by Dr. Macdonald, and carried to the casual ward, where he now lies in a precarious state. Vagrancy.—Yesterday morning a man, name unknown, and two women named respectively Anderson and Leckie, were arrested for breaking into and occupying an empty house, the property of Mrs T. D. Jones, situated at the rear of the Scotch Stores, in High 6treet. It was only a few days ago that another gang of disreputable loafers were ejected from the same premises by the police. The latest illegal tenants will be brought up at the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning. Invalid Sbamsn.—The House Surgeon's weekly report of patients admitted into the Hospital is one of the matters that meet with close attention from the Board. In the case of seamen discharged from their ships through illness and becoming inmates of the Hospital, steps will be taken to fix as far as possible the responsibility of their maintenance on the masters of the vessels they have beon discharged from. Ashlb- County Cricket Club.—A.meeting of the Ashley County Cricket Club committee was held on Tuesday, October 22nd, at Roberts' Club Hotel, Ringiora, the vicepresident, Mr 0. Ensor, in the chair. Several new members were eleoted to the club. It was resolvi d tbat a match between the eleven who represented the county last year against twenty-two, selected from the various clubs n the county, be played at Eangiora, on Saturday, November 16th, instead of on October 30 h, as previously arranged. It was a.so resolved that the secretary write to the ecretary of tbo Midland Cricket Club, proposing to play them on Thursday, December 4tb, or 11th, in Christchnrch, as originally proponed by them, instead of on November 21st, at Ra lgioro. The -la-ou or Kaiapoi.—Our correspondent informs us that Mr Ellen returned from Wellington on Tuesday. He went there on a mi-sion from the Borough Council to represent the injury done to the east part of the town and district near Kaiapoi by the floods in the Waimakariri. His errand wis successful in obtaining promises that the matter would be seen to, and there could be no doubt that the Government and its engineers were thoroughly acquainted with the management of the river. It is every way probable that by the lengthening of the railway bridge, the removal of the stone work pier, and lengthening of the openings in the sandhills, all of which were pointed out at least two years ago, tho river w-ill be allowed a free outlet, and sensibly diminish part of the cause of the damage. This it is said will be done. Gun" Club —Half-a-dosensweepstakes were shot off in Mr Mann's paddock, St. Albans, by the members of this Club yesterdsy. Beven members met in the first sweep, which fell to Mr Wagner, who killed four out of five birds. Nine competed in the second event, and Mr Wagner was again successful, Messrs Eedwood and Woodman tying for thß second prize. In the third sweep Mr Maxwell beat eight others, Mr Porter running him closely. The fourth was divided between Messrs Maxwell and Kirkwood, and the fifth between Messrs Porter and Woodman. The last sweep on the list was won by Mr Neil-»«, who had Mr Wagner for his nearest attendant. The shooting on the whole was decidedly above the average, though the strong wind was quite in favor of the birds. It is a great pity that some cheok cannot be put on outside so-called sportsmen, who not being members of tbe club, amuse themselves by shooting the birds crossing the boundaries.

Captain "W. J Babbt.—This early colonist, who has been lecturing in the North Island, proposes to give a sene3 of lectures here on his colonial experiences, which have extended "over half a century. Speaking of Captain EUrry the " New Zealand Times" says :— ".The lecturer acknowledges that hs was selftaught, but we must admit that he pops-sfes an extraordinary memory, and his colonial experience is of a varied and highly infereetirg nature. The captain was born in 1819, and landed in the colonies in 1829, and during that time has seen many ups and downs. Captain Barry is about to leave for the mother country, after an absence of half a century, to have his work published entitled "Fifty "Stars' Colouial Experience," for which he has at present upwards of _SOO subscribers. He lectures on Tuesday next at the Lyttelton-Colonists* Hall-

Mcpf Cbickbt Match.—The first of a series of muff cricket matches was played yesterday on the U.O.C. ground between a team captained by Mr W. R. Mitchell, and one by Mr A. Cuff. During the day some capital play was shown—for muffs—and the game was a much enjoyed. Mr G. M. Dann of the Oxford Hotel provided a capital lunch. Mr Mitchell's team went first to the wickets, and thanks to the efforts of two of its members, managed to score 73 before they were finally disposed of. Mr Cuff's team then went to the wickets and were got rid of for 33. In the second innings Wr Mitchell's team scored 54 and Mr Cuff's 84, thus leaving the former winners by ten runs. The scores were as follows. First innings—Captain Mitchell's team : 0. Jackson, 0; W. H. Smith, 2 } J. |Hall, 0; SManning, 0; O. E. Briggs, 0; A. Wright, 1 j B. Hale, 29; W. S. King, 37; Captain Mitchell, 0; J. D. Smith, 0; H. Garland, 0; F. Hobbs, 1; J. Dunford, 2 ; bye, 1; total, 73. Captain Cuff's team—Hill (sen.) 11; W. F. Warner, 2 ; J. Fleming, 1; R. Hill, 5; Captain Cuff, 0; G. Tombs, 2; J. G. Warner, 0 j Hobday, 1; BJ. Hale, 2; J. Strange, 2 ; E. Ford, 0 ; C. P. Hulbert (not out), 3; W. Savage, 1; byes, 3; total, 33. Becar.d inning —Captain Mitchell's team : 0. E. Briggs, 24; C. Jackson, 2; W. 8. Kng, 7; B. Hale, 0; W. H.Smith, 7 ; J. Hail, 0 ; S. Manning, 8 r -A. Wright, 0,- H. Garland. 0; F. Hobba, 0 ; W. B Mitchell, 5 ; W. Dunford, 0 ; J. D. Smith. 0; -extras, 1; total, 54; grand total, 127. Captain Cuff's team—Second innings: W. F Warner, 0; J. Hill, 3 j J. Fleming, 1; E. Hill, 8; J. G. Warner, 26: A. Cuff, 14; H. ffobdav, 4; B. J Hale, 16 ; J. Strange, 4; G Tombs. 6-, O. P. Hulbert, 0; W. Savage, 0; H. WFord, 0; extras, 2; total, S_; grand total, 117. A match is projected with the Lyttelton muffs, and will no doubt prove as pleasant aa j th»fc plaj'ttijftf eld. J-,

Thb Maixs-—The outward Saez m_il w_s despatched yesterday afternoon per ss. Arawafa. The Auitr-li- with the inward San Fratsci»co mail arrived at Auckland last night.

Ashburton Backs —The dae of thia fixture is on November 13th and 14th, instead of November 14th and 15th, v previously advertised.

Thhaibb 80-AX.—" The Angel of Midnight" was repeated last evening at the < Theatre. To-night " Caste" and "The Married Bake" will be produced. Mr Bates* Eccles in the first, piece is acknowledged to be a very fine piecfl of acting; indeed. Immigration Omiobs.—Mr JB. March is already making preparations for the removal of" his department into the new Government Offices. The heavy safes were transferred yesterday from the present Immigration Office into the new one, which will be "on the tecond floor of the new buildingi, ia an angle facing the Cathedral. Gaiety Theatre. —There was a crowded house at the Gaiety Theatre last evening, when Madame Cora and Val Vose repeated their entertainment. The programme throughout went excellently, .especially the ventriloquial entertainment, in which Mr Trotter, Mrs Brown, and the other figures took a prominent share. The company appear again this evening. Houbb Br_a-ON.—The prorogation of the Assembly will liberate those members of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board who have been so long absent, and the first full meeting of the Board which has token place for some weeks will be held early in November, when a number of important questions will come on for discussion. Amongst theie will be the the appointment of a house surgeon to tho Hospital. Supreme Cottbt.—His Honor Mr Justice Johnston and a special jury were engaged yesterday from 10 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. trying a case of trespass at Bangiora. The plaintiff, James Bassingthwaite, sued the Mandeville and Bangiora Boad Board for £1000 damages for having cut a drain through his land. - The jury returned a verdict for £50 damages. To-day the caso of Young v Hassal will be taken. Thb Diocesan Stnod.—The annual session of the Diocet.n Synod was opened yesterday afternoon in the College Library, when the President (in the absence of the Bishop, the the Very Bey. the Dean of Christchurch) delivered the opening address, whioh will be found elsewhere. The Synod will meet again at four o'clock this afternoon for the despatch of business. Deceased Cleh_tmejt.—ln the course of his opening address yesterday the Very Bey. the Dean paid a well-deserved tribute to the memory of the late Bey. Mr Jackson, who, he stated, had grown up among them from his boyhood, and had on all occasions worked heart and soul for the benefit of tbe Church of whioh he was a member. The Dean also referred in feeling terms to the services rendered by the late Bey. Mr Oldham, of

Kaiapoi. Sfbcial Services. —Special services were held yesterday morning and evening in St. Michael's Church, on the occasion of the opening of the annual session of Synod. In the morning the Litany was read and the Holy Communion administered. In the evening there was a full choral service, and the voices having been strengthened for the occasion, the vocal music was most effective. There was a very largo attendance, and the collections made at both services will be appropriated towards defraying the expenses of Synod. Immigrants ex Waitangi.—The majority of the immigrants will be landed today. The p.s. Titan will proceed to Bipa Island at 8 a.m., and bring across about 60 immigrants for Timaru and 20 for Ashburton. A steamer will also go to Quail Island and bring over about 30 single men for Timaru and Ashburton. They will proceed to their destination by the 11.40 train. The others will be landed at 2 p.m., with the exception of a few families who still remain at Bipa Island,

Thb Hos-Itax Additions.—The Chairman of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board expressed considerable dissatisfaction last night tbat the report drawn up by Mr Hurrell, relative to the extent and nature of the additions and improvements to the Hospital buildings, should have been sent to Wellington without having been previously submitted to the Board for their approval He wished it to be distinctly understood that the recommendations should be the expression of the Board's opinion. They finally recommended the erection of a morgue, a pot mortem room, operating and lecture-room, and a new kitchen with sleeping accommodation for the servants who, up to the present, had been located in out-bouses aud the various wards.

Kaiapoi Cbiczbt Cxus.—A mooting of persons interested in forming a cricket club was held at Schmidt's Pier Hotel, on Monday evening. There was a large attendance, Mr H. J. Wood in the chair. It was resolved to establish a club to be called the Kaiapoi Cricket Club, to be composed of playing and honorary members. The officers elected were, Mr J. Lowthian Wilson, president; Dr. Ovenden and Mr G. H. Black well, vice-presi-dents ; Mr H. A'Court, secretary and treasurer 5 Messrs Thome, Bar-aye, Bate, Wood, Hadey, and B. M. Wright, managing oommittee. It was resolved that the members', subscription should be 10s, juniors under eighteen ss, the latter to have no voice in the management. It was decided that the committee revise the rules at a meeting to be held at Mr Wilson's office, on Thursday. Twenty-four names of intending members were given in. It was decided to accept an offer of cricketing material from Messrs T. and W. R May, also that the committee report upon a suitable playing ground at the next meeting. The meeting then adjourned. Abhburton Ga» Co.—A general meeting of shareholders of this company was held in the Town Hall, Ashburton, on Monday ».f tornoon, 21st October. Thn li-yor, cfiairman of prnwoioiicJ - airectors, presided. The secretary, Mr Ivess, read the directors' report, in whioh it was stated that the whole of the shares had bean allotted, the site for the works had been purchased, and the plant ordered from England. The latter might be expected to arrive in New Zealand in about four months or so from the present time. It was proposed by Dr. Stewart and seconded by Mr Shury—" That any shareholder shall be entitled to act as a director provided he hold twenty-five shares." Mr E, G. Wright moved as an . amendment—" That a director shall be a holder, of thirty shares." Mr Quill seconded the amendment, which was carried. Some discussion as to the number of votes to which each shareholder should be entitled then' ensued, when it was resolved that the clause in the Joint Stock Company Act, 1876, bearing on this question, be adhered to. The directors' report, after being amended with regard to the number of votes, was adopted. The chairman stated that the next business before the meeting was the election of seven permanent directors. The following were elected, viz.:—Messrs Thos. Bullock, E. G. Wright, B. Priedlander, F. Doherty, Andrew Orr, Joseph Ivess, T. Quill. A vote, of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.

E_u Bekbdikg.—The new industry of emu breeding is occupying the attention of Borne people in Maryborough, Queensland. The " Patriot" thus comments upon thefaot: —" Those Maryborough (emu) hen-wives are long-headed fellows after all. They have read somewhere that a well-known Parisian firm, delighted with the ornamental specialities in the Australian courts at the ' exposition,' have given their London agents carte . lanche to buy up all the emu eggs they can procure from Australia, for the purpose of converting them into cups, inkstands, and other domestic conveniences. This opens out a wide field of speculation to emu fanciers; for unless they extend their operations, we fear it will soon be necessary to put an export duty on the egg of the wild bird, to prevent the sinister supporter of our colonial coat-of-arms.from sharing the fate of the dodo and the moa."

1.0.0.F, A.C.—The lecture to bs delivered by Bro. Adams, in aid of the building fund of the above Order, i 9 postponed until Friday evening, November Bth.

Concebt. —A concert, in aid of the funds of the choir of St. Mary's, Merivale, will be he!d in the schoolroom to-morrow night. Mas Bates' Benefit—Mrs Bates takes her benefit at the "Jhe*tre Boyal on Friday next, when, by particular desire, " Elizabeth " will be played. Mrs dates' is a favorite wi;h Christchurch playgoers, and there will, doubtless be a full house on the occasion.

NOBTHERN AGBICULTUT?, AT. AND PASTORAL Exhibition.—The entries for this show, to be held at Rangiora on Thursdayweek, close to-day. Annual Chubch Meeting.—Tbe annual church meeting iv connection with the Diocesan Synod will take place this evening in the College Library, when the lollowing papers will be read —"The advantages of a t hurch Society," by Mt H. Selwyn Smith; "Recreations," by the Rev. H. Stacker; and "The Personal Experience of Christians," by Mr J. Grigs. The chair will be taken by the Very Bey. the Dean nt half -past seven o'clock-