NEWS OF THE DAY.

Wsst Coast Railway.—A considerable number of shares in the proposed company for a railway to the West Coast via the Cannibal Gorge, were taken up yesterday. Maobi Pbisokbbs.—The whole of the detained prifonen, one hundred and forty-nine, were yesterday morning transferred from Ripa Island to the Lyttelton Gaol. Watbb Casts.—The works committee of the City Council met yesterday morning for the purpose of considering tenders for the supply of two additional water carts, and that of Mr John Anderson was accepted. Thtjudbestobsi. — The northern district was visited by a sharp thunderstorm, accompanied with rain and hail, yesterday afternoon about two o'clock. It lasted for half au hour, during which time the fall of rain was very heavy. No reports have come in of damage to the crops of a serious nature. In Rangiora some windows in the Lion Hotel, Mr Hossack's saddler's shop, and one or two other places were broken. The storm did not reach Oxford, as it travelled more .eaward. R.M. CotTBT, .Aeaboa.—At this Court on Tuesday, before Justin Aylmer, Esq., R.M., and H. H. Fenton, Esq., J.P., judgment was given for defendant, with costs, in the case Okain's Bay Boad Board v Dalglish. The Bench considered that, besides gross irregularities in the conduct of their business by the Board, in this particular instance no contract had been completed between the parties, and possession of the jetty had never j been given to the defendant. Sdtbbmb Cotjet.—The niti privs sittings were resumed yesterday, when the case of Willis v. Vincent and Others was called on. His Honor expressed the deep regret he felt at the bereavement whioh had befallen Mr Joynt, and the sympathy felt with him by both Bench and Bar. Mr Perceval, who appeared for the plaintiff, said that, under the circumstances, he should ask for a postponement, Mr Joynt being in the case for the plaintiff. Mr Harper and Mr Brittan, who wero on the other side, consented, and the case stood over. The Court then adjourned to Monday next. Bathihg is thb Avoir.—At the Resident Magistrate's Courty esterday, Mr Nugent Wood gave his decision on the case of Albert Runge, referred to him by Messrs Cass and Parker on Friday last. The question was, whether bathers clad in " trunks " could be allowed to use the Biver Avon in daylight or between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., the hours during which bathers without costume are prohibited. The Magistrate was of opinion that the praotice was not an offence against decency, and dismissed the case. A LrsBBAL Got I .—At the shareholders' meeting of the Kaiapoi Woollen Company yesterday £200 was voted as an honorarium to the chairman of directors, in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the company, he having contributed in a great degree towards its present progress. Mr Isaac Wilson, after receiving the oheque, purchased fully paid up shares to the amount, whioh are to be pieced in the hands of trustees, the interest on which ii to form the nucleus of a fund for the relief of hands engaged at the factory. Amathub Athletic Club.—The programme for the proposed opening meeting of the Canterbury Athletic Club, taking place lome time in February, has been arranged as follows:—Hundred yards flat race (first heat) ; throwing cricket ball; one mile walking race; hundred yards flat race (final heat); high jump; quarter-mile flat race; wide jump; one hundred and twenty yards hurdle race (first heat); putting the stone (16lbs) ; half-mile flat race; throwing the hammer (16lbs); final heat hurdle race; one mile fiat race; one mile bicycle race; handicap flat race, 250 yards ; one mile steeplechase; onethird mile fiat race (handicap); consolation handicap flit race, 150 yards.

Pbdestbianibm.—The arrangements for Mr Edwards' feat of walking 180 miles in forty-eight hours have been completed. Twenty gentlemen have signified their willingness to aot as a committee and to supervise the walking, so as to ensure the correctness of the distance covered. Prior to the commencement of Mr Edwards' journey a one hour go-as-you please contest will take place, for which the following have Fagan (Auokland), Webber (Wellington), Woollorton (Ohnstohurch), Wbitting, and Pentecost. The Bailway Band will perform during the evening, and a well-selected programme has been arranged for the occasion. The oontest will start at half-past eight o'olock, and Mr Edwards begins at 9.30. The gallery of the hall will be reserved for ladies.

Sly Gbog Selliks. —Two oases wera brought against the proprietors of the Southampton Boarding-house, at the Police Court yesterday, for selling beer without a license. The evidence came principally, from a woman of bad oharacter, and the prosecution broke down. Some amusement was created by the answers of the witnesses for the defence, who were the staff of the establishment.- One of them, " Dutchy," or Stevens, the cook's mate's assistant, addressed Mr Scott, of Harper, Harper, and Scott, who eppeared for the defence, as his " kind—beloved learned friend," an affectionate epithet whioh seemed to surprise more than please that gentleman, and every one of them declared they were always so busily engaged that they could not see anything going on around them but what was their "own business." Sergeant Morice audibly expressed the ironical opinion that they were the best lot of witnesses he had ever met with.

The AtrsTEAXiAN ObiokbtbbS.—The matoh against the Dunedin team, which numbers twenty-two, will be commenced to day and;,will terminate on Saturday. On Monday the team will leave for Oamaru, playing there that afternoon and the following day.' On the 26th and 27th a match will be played at Timaru, and on the 28th the team will arrive in Christchurch. As notified elsewhere, the Canterbury match will commence on Saturday, the 29th, and will be continued on Monday and Tuesday following. The ground was inspected yesterday by the agent for the Australians, and he expressed himself as highly satisfied with it, in fact, he considers that it could hardly be surpassed anywhere. She prospects, therefore, of an interesting and enjoyable match are hopeful, and given fine weather there will, no doubt, be a large attendance. It may be as well to remind the publio that considerable risk and expense are incurred by bringing over the Eleven, and although no charge can be made for admission to the Park, it is hoped that visitors will endorse their approval of the enterprise by contributing freely at the gate. MiieiSTBATB'B COTTKT, liYTTBLTON. — A first offender for being drank and disorderly was fined 10a at this Court yosterday morning. The steward of the City of Tanjore, Frank Kikke, was charged wi h assaulting the cook, a colored man named W. Boberts, by striking him, and with attempting to do him bodily harm with a knife. The cook stated that the prisoner had for some trifling came seized him by the throat, torn the olothes off him, and was drawing a knife to strike him, when he was disarmed by other members of the crew. The prisoner became very excited and noiay when the complainant was giving his evidence, and had from time to time to be cautioned by the Bench. Evidence was given whioh showed that the prisoner was partly intoxicated when the assault was committed, and from hie demeanor in the box he appeared to be then excited with liquor. After hearing the statement, the Bench convicted him of a common assault, and sentenced him to one month's imprisonment with hard labor. There was one civil case for hearing, Mackay T Neilson, claim £4 18e 2d; judgment in whioh was given by consent. Mr J. Beswiok, 8.M., and Dr. Donald were on the Bench.

Light op ihb Vailbt Lodgs, Eo. 233, lO.G.T—An open meeting of the aboTd Lodge took place on Monday evening, January 17th, in the Heathcote schoolroom. There was a good audience, including several members of the Order from Chrietohnrch. The chair was occupied by the W.O.T. Bro. A. Martin, junr., who, after a brief address, introduced the business of the evening, which comprised speeches, songs and recitations. The first speaker was Bro. F. E. Buckland, who gave a history of the rise and progress of the 1.0.Q-.T. Older during the past twenty-eight years. Bro. Jenrigs followed with an able address on the total abstainer, the moderate drinker, and the unfortunate druLkard. Bro, J. T. Smith, in an excellent address, spoke on the social, moral and political aspect of the Temperance question, and was most attentively listened to, as was the case with, the other gentlemen who addressed the meeting. Bro. Buxton, in a few words, congratulated the members of the Valley Lodge, on their position in the district The speeches were interspersed by songs from several members of the Order and a recitation from the chairman. The usual votes of thanks and the singing of the Good Templar closing ode brought a very successful meeting to a close.

Aqpatio.—The boatrace Barmen t Waiters will take place on the Avon this afternoon at 3.30. The Waiters are the favorites.

Nobth Cabtbbbttbt Raoes.—A meeting of the stewards was held at the Junction Hotel,. Sarigiora, on Tuesday evening, at which thirteen were present. Capt. Parsons presided. The business of the meeting was the consideration of the protest against Farewell in the Cup race. A resolution was proposed to the effect that the action of the stewards is handicapping the mare be endorsed, and the stakes be paid accordingly. An amendment was moved that Capt Parsons and Messrs Duncan and MeGratb. be a committee to take all evidence on the subject and lay it before the C.J.C. for their decision. After a long discussion the amendment was put and lout by seven votes to six. The chairman and president thereupon tendered his resignation and left the room, and the meeting broke up without arriving at a decision.

United Methodist Fbeb Chttbchbs Dibtbiot Meeting.—The second day's sittings commenced yesterday morning at 9 30. The first draft of the stations of ministers for the district was read. A request was presented from the Rev. J. Parkin, asking permission to return to England at the end of the present year. The meeting agreed to ask the Annual Assembly to consent to the remoral of Mr Parkin. The district committee presented its report re the superannuation fund, when the matter was referred back for their consideration daring the year. The churches in the colony were requested to take action to seoure property on the deeds of the connection which is held under the Land Transfer Act. A request having been presented from the representative of the Wellington Circuit, asking that the district meeting of 1882 be appointed to meet in that city, the request waa cordially accepted.

Kaiapoi Bobough OoiTNorE.—The fortnightly meeting of this Council was held on Tuesday evenipg. Present—The Mayo* (Mr Black well), Councillors Moore, Eraser, Pinohing, Smith, Mathews, Woodford and Stanton. Letters were read —From the Woollen Company thanking the Council for a donation towards the footpath. From the Mandevillo Road Board, stating that the Board would repair the Cam embankments. From the poundkeeper applying for 7s loss in costs upon a horse sold. Ordered to be paid. The town surveyor reported that the embankments had all been repaired, the well at the pound oompleted, and anew floodgate on an improved principle fitted to Jones street culvert. Repairs were being made to the Ohoka drain floodgate. The fire brigade sump had been attended to. Xhe works he recommended to be done were to put a pipe drain in Black street and Raven quay ; the Ohoka drain required cleaning, as the medical offlaer of the Board of Health had called attention to its foul sate. The surveyor asked for instruction respecting cattle allowed to graze on streets*! oharge of children. It was reeolved —" That the police be requested to impound all cattle found trespassing on the embankments." The report was adopted, the recommendations to be carried out. The receipts for the fortnight were £1112s, there being & credit balance of £1 7s 2d. Aooounts, £29 9s, were pasted. The valuation roll was submitted and approved. Councillors Smith, Pinohing, Woodford end Mathewe oomplained of a larrikin nuisance. It was deoided to call the attention of the police to the youths who are in the habit of congregating on the bridge and footpaths. Councillor Smith called attention to hawkori plying without licences. Councillor Fraser moved, Councillor Woodford seconded—" That a by-law committee be appointed, of Councillors Fraeer, Pinching, Smith, Woodford and the Mayor." Carried. The Council then adjourned.

Bakers' Piotio.—The heavy rain of Tueiday sight almost led to the postponement of this annual event, bat the glorious morning caused each one anticipating the day's outing to hope for fine weather. Shortly after eight o'clock yesterday morning, the master and journeymen bakers of Ohristchurch and its viciaity, acoompanied by a large number of relatives and friends, assembled in Cathedral square, where the whole gathering was formed into line of proceseion, headed by the Bailway band. Considerable amusement was caueed by the marshal of the procession waving his baton —appropriately, a baker's peel. At nine o'olock, a start was made for the grounds of Sir J. Cracroft Wilson at Cashmere, which were courteously placed at the committee's disposal as the locale of their seventh pionio. There was a very large number of vehicles of every description, each decorated with flags end flowers, the number of whioh may be conjectured when it is stated that Bβ the first of the procession crossed the railway line in Colombo street its last conveyance waa abreaet of the City Hotel. On reaching Cashmere no time was lost in getting off the various items on the programme of sports, which comprised seventeen events. The railway band played a varied selection of dance musio at intervals, and about mid-day an adjournment was made to discuss the good things provided by the bakers for their guests and selves. The silver cup was contested for in heate of 200 and 100 yards each, and was oleyeily won by Flanagan, whose style of running was very good indeed. The two trotting races oreated considerable interest. In the first race the prizes fell respectively to Messrs Farrar 1, Sunderland 2, Wells 3. In the second raoe the positions were : Farrar 1, Whitfield 2, Sunderland 3. In this last event the first prize ought to have fallen to Whitfield, who lost;a long distance through going round the.wrong flag. An interesting event took place just before the close of the day's proceedings. Journeyman Adams, on behalf of the journeymen bakers, presented Messrs Whitfield, Sunderland, Taylor and Hawker, eaoh with a valuable gold locket, suitably engraved with the recipient's name and date of presents' tion. He remarked that the reason of this aotion was that all these four gentlemen had been on the committee for the past seven years, and they had done all they .could to promote their employes' comforts and interests, and also that Mr Whitfield had been their secretary for the past six years. Each reoipient having acknowledged the gift, the order was given to start for Ohristoburoh, whioh was safely reached a little before 8 o'clock. The day's proceedings were enjoyed by all, and fortunately the thunderstorm was of short duration, during which the shelter of the vehicles was gladly taken advantage of. The company numbered upwards of 600 persons.

Thb Vowtktbebb.—The " Volunteer Bsrvice] Gazette " calls upon Volunteer* in the different electoral districts to interview their Parliamentary representatives, and come to some understanding with them as to what they will do in reference to the force when Parliament meets. " VolmSeering" (says our contemporary) "ia at present in such an unsatisfactory state that we strongly recommend the Government to select a certain number of officers from each branch cf the service, viz.—Cavalry, artillery, engineers, rifles, and naval—to report on the requirements of their different arms and their present state ; such inquiry to be held before Parliament meets, and the report to be presented to it. Aβ it is, there is nothing but discontent and a growing feeling amongst officers and men that Government are acting in an unnecessarily harsh and unwise manner in their action towards the volunteers."

Vbbt SkaH Pbopib.—All London (says the "Home jffews") is talking of the last wonder which has come to it—two morsels of humanity of the rentable Lilliputian type, which, are now on show in Piccadilly. One weighs less than fire pounds, and the other barely nine, and both are about a couple of feet high. The smallest, a lady, ia a native of Mexico, and talke Spanish or English indifferently well;' the other, the gentleman, bails from New York. It is difficult to imagine anything funnier than the appearance of these mites, walking up and down their tiny stage, like animated dolls. Lucia, the lady, is about eighteen years of age, foil of life and spirits. The least thing sends her off into a fit of tnerry laughter, and she ia always ready to flirt and coquette with the spectators. Her face is distinctly Mexican in features; she has a very long and rather peaky nose, with a retreating chin and full lips. Her complexion is decidedly tawny; the little Yankee, although two years younger, is of graver aspect, a: becomes hie sex, but be is read; to exchange jests with the public, and can hold his own welL Not the least amusing part of the show is the dejection of Mr Commodore Nutt, the well known Lilliputian, who is utterly out-dwarfed, if we may coin the word, by these almost infinitesimal pigmies. His air is ose of dejection, as J,thougb, in dwarfing, the line ought to be drawn at three feet and a half—his own height. These curious specimens of ethnological absurdity are making the tour of the world, and may be expscted at the antipodes in due coarse.

The Totaubatob. — The " Morning Herald " is informed by Mr Siegfried Franck, the patentee of the totalisator in New Zealand, that he intends commencing actions against all persons in the colony who have constructed, used, or lanotioned the use of instruments which infriDge his patent—and all totalisators at present in u»e in the colony, he affirms, belong to that class. Mr Franck will begin with some of the clubs.

Russia and Chdta.-A St. Petersburg telegram of December 12tb, says :—An article in the "Golos," which is believed to indicate the tendency of the Russian Foreign Office, refers to the short time left to China wherein to come to a decision, and to the opinion expressed in Chinese official circles that in default of an agreement, war may be avoided by postponing each a decision indefinitely, leaving Kuldja under Russian rule. Roverting to the former treaty, in relation to the difficulties, the " Golos " insists on energetic and decisive measures, and says that if ipdefl nite postponement be proposed, it will eimply be a piece of Asiatic cunning, resorted to with the object of waiting until Russia is involved in Earopean difficulties. The "Golos" adds that Russia must send an ultimatum to China.

Ak Heboid Deed.—The Queen has conferred the Albert Medal of the First Class on Farabani Seedie Tindal, serving in her Majesty's ship Wild Swan, for the following services: —On August Btb last, while the Wild Bwan was off the coast of Mozambique, a fugitive slave boy named Farejallah having jumped overboard from a stage alongside the chip, was immediately seized by an enormous shark, which bit off his leg at the knee, dragging him under the water. When he rose to the Burface the shark again attacked him, tearing off his remaining leg and part of the thigh. ,On Farejallah beginning to rise to the surface again, closely followed by the shark, Farabani jumped from the netting into the water, and brought the unfortunate boy' to the surface, nor did he leave the water till he had placed him in a position of safety. The captain of the Wild Swan adds that what makes this, if possible, a more gallant deed, is the fact that Farabani saw the whole of the horrible cataetrophe from the first seizure of the boy, and that, when he jumped into the water, not only the attacking ahark, but three' others were seen close to the chip, attracted no doubt by the blood.

Thb Eabthquakb Shocks in Ibbland and Sootlahd.—The Belfast correspondent of the "Daily News" telegraphed on Dec. Ist, that from all parts of the North of Ireland accounts are coming of the earthquake which was experienced on Sunday evening between 5.20 and 5 30. The shock appears to have been very generally felt throughout the counties Down, Antrim and Derry. All the reports agree as to the hour at whioh it was experienced, and they all indicate the same sensation. Houses were felt to vibrate, the furniture in them to move, windows rattled, and the tremulous motion was repeated several times. Amongst the district! in which the shock was moet forcibly felt are Belfast, Antrim, Lame, Coleraine, Magherafelt, Londonderry, Armagh, and Nowtonards. In all these districts it was felt about the same time, and in nearly every case a similar sensation was experienced. There appears to be now a unanimous opinion that the shock was that of an earthquake. Additional reports from Scotland testify that the shocks of earthquake on Sunday night were felt over a wide district. At Blair Athole, in the centre of Perthshire, the vibration was very severe. All parts of the Island of Lewis were shaken at the same hour. A portion of the roof of the parish church of Oban gave way owing to the shock; and the inmates of Inverary Castle were greatly startled. Bushing* op a Tobacco Faotobt.—Telegraphing from Rome on December Ist, the correspondent of the London "Daily News" says:—At one this morning a fire broke out in the Government tobacco factory in Naples. The fire proceeding from the ground floor, which was moreover difficult of access, the case from the first was hopeless, and the efforts of the authorities were directed to localising the ravages of the conflagration, with whioh view the neighboring houses were demolished, and thirty pump, were brought to bear on the burning -edifice.!. The streets were encumbered with debris, and swarms of wretched men, women, and children were weeping about the scene of tho disaster. Besides the firemen, numerous troops and marines were called out, and the clergy, with the Arohbiahop at their head, were on the spot, seeking to relieve the moßt pressing distress. The damages amount to several millions • but as all was insured the Government will suffer no lose. The chief sufferers are the hundreds of men aud women thrown out of employment. Eight firemen were injured. Replying to the Duke of Sandonato on this subject, in the Chamber of Deputies to-day, the Minister of Finance said that he had provided for their relief. The neighbouring churoh of San Pietro Martire, with its precious Flemish painting*, has happily been isolated. A Heavy Blast.—The much-talked-of blast at the Oamaru breakwater works was fired on Saturday evening at eight o'clock. Every precaution had been taken by the contractor to prevent damage, the railway line being protected by sleepers and the cranes by boards, and the shipping was moved from the breakwater to a place of safety. The train was laid by Mr M'Gill, and the tunnel was then filled to its mouth with soft clay. The charge—half a ton of gunpowder—was placed in two wooden boxes, After the firing of the train about three minutes elapsed before the explosion took place, which was not of a very alarming character. A thick cloud of black smoke mingled with pieces of rock was flung from the mouth of tunnel, followed by the grey smoke of the powder. Some of the rook was carried beyond the end of the breakwater, one piece narrowly missing several adventurous heads in its flight, and eventually colliding with a wooden frame, whioh was smashed to atom;, a splinter hitting a man on tho head, but without serious consequences. The result of the explosion was very satisfactory, the contractor estimating the displacement of earth at 10,000 tons, or 7000 yards, and the saving of labor at £500. As might be expected, the line in the vicinity of the explosion was covered with a mass of rock and clay, in the removal of which a gang of men were employed throughout the whole of yesterday. The contractor intends to commenoe tunnelling at once for another blast on a larger scale than the last one. Boabd or Conssbvatoes.—*A meeting of the Waimakariri Board of Conservators will be held at 3 p.m. to-day. Board of Education.— A. meeting of the North Canterbury Board of Education will be held at 3 p.m. this day.. Atjstbalian Ceickbt Match.—The sale of privileges in connection with this match will take place on Monday next. Art Union.—The winning numbers in Messrs Brice and Montague's Art "Union appear elsewhere. Tbial or Gb_ss Sebd Stbippebs.—A trial of two grass Beed strippers, under the auspices of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, will take place on Friday next at Messrs Henderson and Mcßeath's farm, Middle Riccarton, Children's Exhibition. — Particulars concerning the third annual Children's Exhibition and Parochial Flower Show, to be held on Friday, in connection with the parish of AddinctoD, will be found in an advertisement. Property Assessment Act.—The dates of meeting of the Board of Reviewers appointed to hear and determine objections to the valuations of property under tha above Act are given in an advertisement elsewhere. The sitting for Christchurch will be held in the old Provincial Council Chamber, on the 26th and 27th mats. CBICKET.—The following will play for Sunnyside v the U.C.C. on the ground of the latter at two o'clock ou Saturday next, via. :—Dr. Hacon, Messrs Berkeley, C. Seager, Taylor, Oakley, Smith, White, Allan, Giasson, Mosre and Lancaster; and the following on the Sunnyside ground v another eleven of the U.C.C, viz.: —Mpbst- R_b=B, Dixon, Tamer, Mortis?, Seager, Hopper. Triggs, Crole, Petrie, Hawley and Shand. The following will represent the first eleven of the Bohemians against the Papanui C.C. on the 22nd : —Free (captain), Ritchie, Fisher, Jones, Sheard, Balfour. Woodham, Baumber, Mountfort, Jackson, Creawell; emergency, Newman. The team will leave town by thfl 1.30 train. The se-ond eleven will play the Woolston on the Bohemian ground.