NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XVI, Issue 2187, 22 April 1870, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Mr Rolleston met a large body of the electors of the Woodend district at five p m yesterday at the Woodend Hotel, Mr Thomas Wilson occupying tho chair. After explaining his policy as a candidate for the fciuperintendency, at the conclusion of the meeting a unanimous vote of confidence was carried by acclamation.

An adjourned meeting of the Chamber of Commerce waa to have been held yesterday afternoon, but lapsed for want of a quorum. The members present were Messrs Inglis, Curtis, Hennah, and Walton.

Mr George Cotterell gave one of his Drawing Room Entertainments on Wednesday night at the Colonists' Hall, Lyttelton. The attendance was not so good as we should like to have seen, the front seats only being tilled. The performance was excellent, and the large number of characters taken by him were very well sustained, and elicited roars of laughter.

The drama of "Doing for the Best," the burlesque of "Orpheus and Eurydice," were performed at the Theatre Royal last evening.

We understand that the members of the Canterbury Jockey Club intend getting up a day's sport on 24th May, in honor of the Queen's Birthday. The programme, which will be issued in a few days, will comprise crois country and flat races, and will come off on the racecourse.

The Rangiora fair on Thursday, called the harvest fair, was very largely attended. The accommodation was moat complete," and the attendance of visitors was unusually large. Tho number of cattle on the g»--nmd were— sheep, 500 ; cattle, 200 ; horse*, u0 ; pig*, 50. Mr G. Cottereil gives another of his delightful drawing-room entertainments th.s evening, in the Town Hail. A dramatic entertainment, wa* given on Wednesday evening to t!ie inmate* and their triends at Sunnysido. Tlie evening opened with the drama of "Bla.:k-Ey;d Susin," in the sustaining of which many of the inmate? and eomo of the attendants took purt, and which passed off very w«.-i!. The. interest of the play wus grea'ly enhanced by new scenery and a moving dioram:* from tho pencil of Mr Charles Mus*ey, vtiiu has nlso painted a new pr.i-cenium for the amusoment hall at Sunm wide. 'J'iio patients wlio constituted tho audience were highly delighted at the treat provided for thorn. When tho Philharmonic Society, some, few weeks ago, save "Judas Maccabneus" we suggested that it. should be repeated, for it was very evident tho performance might be improved. We have no doubt the eociety have continued their practice—although to say the truth we were somewhat disappointed with the result last night—and wo eiy so in the firm belief that the society could do very much better. It is true the palpahle contra temps originated in the orchestra, if the few instruments could be dignified with the title of orchestra—and it is true tho instrumental performers aro by no means identified with the society. Hut with a few exceptions, there waa a vein of indecision running through tho -whole performance, and at this we were disagreeably surprised. The line opening chorus " Mourn yo aillicted " lacked precision in the opening, hut improved. "O Father, whoso almighty power" is bo excellent in itself as to render any approximate version interesting. Tho following spirited choruses " We come in bright array " and " Lead on '' wanted life. *' Hear mc, O Lord " pleased us better. But the choruses in " Judaa Maccabceus" are nearly all dramatic in stylo and very difficult, and wo should bo hard to please if we did not own to having derived much pleasure from them, sung as they were last night. " See the conquering hero comes," a failure on the first performance, went as well as could bo expected, the trebles making themselves heard almost for the first time. The solo singers were deficient in clear correct enunciation, a fault fatal to the delivery of recitative. We believe the Philharmonic Society would do well, in the absence of efficient soloists, to direct their attention more particularly to the chorus and to part-singing. Mr Merton sang remarkably well and with his usual spirit; as conductor, he is of the utmost value to the eociety, as one thoroughly conversant with the oratorio school of music.

Tho annual parish meeting of the parishioners of Sfc Luke's was held last evening in the schoolroom ; the Incumbent, the Bey. E. A. Lingard, in the ch&ir. Tho proceedings of the meeting were oponod with prayer. The Chairman briefly reviewed the past year, and said that hebelioved theyhadcause to be thankfnlforthe result. Tho offertories were somewhat greater this year than the last. The school also had progressed favorably. During the year Mr Winter, one of the churchwardens, had resigned in consequence of proceeding to the West Coast; and he (the chairman) had therefore to appoint Mr ELnapman as churchwarden. He laid upon the table certain returns connected with the cemetery, and called upon the churchwardens to read the annual report. Mr A. F. N. Blakiston then read the following report:— " The vestry beg to lay before the parishioniers the annual parochial report and statement of accounts, from the period from Easter, 1869, to Eastor, 1870. Tho vestry, though unable to report that the parish is free of debt, may yet congratulate the parishioners upon a considerable reduction of the liabilities ; while at the same time some necessary improvements have been effected in and about the church, and at tho school reserve in Manchest"r street. The total present liabilities amount to £78 3s, b»ing £34 9s 5d less than at the commencement of the year. The total amount raised in the parish, during the year, has been £617 4s lid. The financial arrangements connected with tho school were in the middle of the year transferred by the vestry to tho hands of the school committee, with whom it now rests to provide the funds for carrying it on ; and the school accounts aro now kept apart from the church accounts. The vestry having undertaken the liquidation of certain liabilities, handed over the school to the committee freo from debt, and it has now a balance to its credit. The proceeds of the entertainments given in the winter, on behalf of the schools, amounted to £35 5s 4d, and havo mainly contributed to this satisfactory result. Steps havo been taken by the school committee to obtain en increased share of the grant made to the Christchurch schools, amounting to £15 a-year; this, with a reduced expenditure, has rendered the school self-supporting. — W. A. Knapman, A. F. N. Blakiston, churchwardens." During a discussion on the report, the Rev. Chairman said that he believed that instead of continuing the system of education by means of denominational schools as at present, it was better to be content with the Education Board providing a good secular education, and to trust to the efforts of tho clergy and the Sunday schools for religious education. On the motion of Mr C W Bishop, seconded by Mr E B Bishop, the report was received and adopted. Mr Wright moved that the paid sittings be confined to a certain portion of the Church, which was seconded by Mr C R Blakiston. To this an amendment was moved by j Mr Bowron, that the whole of the sittings be ! free. The Key Chairman said that whilst he was not opposed to the present arrangement, yet were a resolution to be passed affirming that the poor were to be confined to a certain j portion of the church, he would at once place his resignation in the hands of the Bishop ; for he could never consent to minister in a church where invidious distinction was attempted to be made. Mr Lee, in seconding the amendment, said that he thought the incumbent had somewhat misunderstood the meaning of Mr Wright's motion. Mr C. W. Bishop also opposed the motion, balieving that it would be best to maintain the present system. Mr Nottidge intimated his intention of opposing the original proposition amd the amendment. Mr Wright expressed his regret that the chairman had taken such a view of the matter. It was not his (Mr Wright's) intention to draw any distinction between the rich and the poor in the, church, but merely to provide that a certain portion should be set aside for free sittings. After a slight discus-1 sion tho amendment was put and negatived,'

Mr Leake moved another amendment —" That the present mode of letting the seats be continued, and that a more distinctive mark be attached to those that aro free." Mr Steward second-1 the amendment, which was agreed to. The Rev. the Incumbent nominated Mr Knapman a* his churchwarden for the ensuing year. Mr A.. F. >'. Biakiston was . lected as the parishioners' churchwarden. The following gentiemen were elected as vestrymen. Messrs Leake, Balfour, Coshead, Malyon, C. W. Bishop, Stur f , Geo, and Douglas. Tie following were chosen as the school committee — Messrs Gordon, sen, Fletcher, Gee, C. W. Bishop, and C. R Blakiston. This concluded the business of the meeting.

A general meeting of the Footh7! Club was held hst evening in White's Hotel, Mr Balfour in tho chair. Tho balance-sheet, which showed a balance in hand of £'5 16s 7d, was audited and passed. The following officers were then elected f.-.r the ensuing year ; —President, Sir X «T S Harman ; secretary and treasurer, Mr T Gordon ; committee, Messrs A F N Blakiston, Mainwaring and Balfour. The following new members were elected —Messrs G Hall, McDonald, Mounier and Watnor. It was decided that tho opening match of the season should bo played on Saturday next, on Latimer square, the sides being North v South. Tho committee was also requested to arrange for a series of matches for tho season.

The annual and Easter meeting of the parish of Kaiapoi took place on Wednesday evening last at tho church, the Rev. W. W. Willock being in the chair ; and a number of parishioners were also present. The statement of accounts was read and adopted. The receipts were —Balance from 1869, £3 3s 2d ; cash, per cemetery account, £4 5s 8d ; do offertories, £139 Is B.}d ; do per rents, £73 17s 6d ; do sale of grass, 15s ; do donations, £6S 5s 4.} d ; total, £269 8s sd. The expenditure was—paid incumbent, £174 Ss 8d ; do sexton, £20; do repairs and expenses, £76 la 9d; do offertory on Christmas day to Orphan Asylum, £3 12s Id ; do ordinary expenses, lighting, &c , £15 5s lid j total, £289 8s sd. The cash to credit in the cemetery account was —from rent of paddock, £6 ; and five burial plots, £10 10s; against which has been paid out for fencing, painting, &c, £12 4s 4d, leaving the balance carried to the general account. A unanimous vote of thanks for the donation named in the general account was carried. Mr Birch said there was a balanco not represented in the accounts of about £20 14s due to the parish. Mr J. Birch and Dr Trevor were elected churchwardens; Messrs Bean, C. Bell, Revell, and C. E. Dudley vestrymen ; and these, with Dr Dudley and Mr J. C. Porter, were elected a school committee. The Chairman stated the numerical attendance at the school was good, while some of the scholars bad lately distinguished themselves in gaining scholarships. The average attendance during the year had been about 82, there being about 114 scholars on the books. He then proceeded to give an explanation of the finances, which were deemed satisfactory. A discussion took place relative to improving the church, which was ultimately left with the vestry to decide. Votes of thanks to Mrs Willock for the manner in which that lady undertakes to preside at the harmonium during Divine service, the outgoing churchwardens and vestrymen, and the choir were carried, when the meeting terminated. The school report showed the average cost of education of each child in the school for the year to have been £1 10s Bd, and far below the usual estimated cost of education in this province.

Some time ago we called attention to tho fact that several Christchurch residents were ucting in co-operation with several parties in Westland, with a view to developing a gold bearing reef on Kelly's ridge, Taipo, Westland. It was then stated that at least half-a-ton of quartz would be sent to Christchurch for crushing. After considerable delay arising from the road being washed away, which prevented the quartz coming to hand so soon as could be wished, and the difficulty experienced in procuring a steam engine, the crushing was at last effected under very favorable circumstances, but notwithstanding from half-a-ton of quartz 12dwts 22grs were obtained. This result would probably have been much larger had it not been for the great loss of quicksilver. The present shareholders propose throwing 504 £5 shares open to the public, and when they are taken up a five stamper battery will be at once sent for. A provisional directory has been appointed.

The Star of the South, with the Wanganui Contingent and thirty-one Hauhau prisoners on board, arrived here, says the "Independent" of the 16th, yesterday at noon. She at once proceeded to the head of tbe bay and the prisoners were immediately landed at Rhodes' wharf, and under a strong guard of constabulary marched up to Mount Cook barracks, where accommodation has been provided for them. These thirty-one individuals are tho men recently captured by Kemp and Ropata, and although some of them are old and decrepit, most of them are strong ablebodied savages. Several of them are well known miscreants, and four have been identified as Chatham Island escapees. We presume they will be tried here, and those who escape severer punishment be sent to join the Tangahoe hapu in improving the harbor and other pubiio works in Otago.

A fatal accident occurred this morning, says the "Wellington Post" of the 18th, at Thorndon, to one of the hard-labor gang of prisoners, named August Schroeder, the particulars of which are as follow :—An opening of considerable depth has lately been made in Molesworth street, in front of the Galatea hotel, for the purpose of getting at a drain which was out of repair. Round this a railing was placed, and this morning a gang of men were at work in the hole; the warders, as usual, on the top watching them. One of the warders, named McCarthy, had his gun under his arm, the muzzle depressed, pointing towards the prisoners below, whether cocked or not does not appear very clear. Some noise behind caused M'Carthy to move, when, possibly from his clotheß catching the hammer, the gun went off, the contents striking Schroeder close to the heart. The unfortunate man never spoke, but, after reeling for a moment, fell against the bank He was instantly picked up, but died in a few minutes. The body was removed to the Hospital, where an inquest was held this afternoon, the result of which we will announce to-morrow. Schroeder was a sailor belonging to tbe Melita, who had been sentenced to three months' imprisonment for assaulting the police and misconducting himself while in a state of drunkenness. The gang was sent back to the jail immediately after the occurrence of the aocident, and McCarthy was placed under a tort of tern-

porary arrest by Mr Read, pending the j result of tho enquiry into the circumstances, i This ia not the first accident that ha* oc- | curred ihrough these same lire! v-ks earned i by the prison warder*, and one nrght nelli ask what business hive they with gun* at j all? If they Hre after an e*e.apiiv;! prisoner,! it is at the manifest ri?k of 7">ot in.; ?oim> cne j else, as was the case at Lyttehon some years ; ago, and passengers in the streets are m danger of being wounded or killed by an unintentional discharge. If a prisoner e-vipes hi" isfsafe to be recaptured, and even if ho should not it in better so than to run the risk of killing the inhabitants of the town. All the-*e warders require is a pistol for their own defence, to he carried in a <\\*o when not I required; and we trust the ("Jovernment will : consider these repeated accidents in su!l7ient . cause to prohibit loadt d ami capped iireloeks j being carried through the streots by men who J in nine oisas out of ten are ignorant how to j handle them.

The Doyleston Mutual Improvement Ass . ciation met in the rooms at the Creek Lodge, on Saturday, the 16th instant, Mr J. Ronnie presiding. The chairman read an excellent opening address, in which ho congratulated the members on having iirm'.y established a useful institution, lie adverted to the importance of some means of intellectual exercise in the country districts, the lack of which was painfully visible. Ho suggested, with regard to tho title of the Association, that Ellesmerc be subeti'utod for Doyleston. He did this not from any spirit of opposition, but because ho believed it would be more generally supported. He understood there was a feeling abroad that the Association was too local, and ho thought the name had something to do with it. He then called on all members to weigh well their decision on any subject which might come on for discussion. Tho subject for that evening was a very important one—viz.: Thomson's road steamer against a tramway orlight railway. He hoped they would listen attentively to tho several arguments, and endeavour to arrive at a sound conclusion. Ho then called on Mr J. McLachlan, who, iv responding, read an elaborate paper in support of Thomson's road 6teamer, quoting from reports of various successful trials, and argued that, seeing the funds at the disposal of the Provincial Council were not sufficient to induce contractors to construct tho proposed tramway, tho Provincial Government could not do better than import several road steamers to act us feeders to tho Southern Railway. Mr McLachlan produced some estimates, which went to prove that road steamers would puy better than a tramway or light railway. The Chairman then called on Mr Lambie, who, responding, read a paper in support of a tramway or light railway, using every argument in their favor. He contended that the road steamers would frighten horses, break down the light bridges on the road, and otherwise prove a nuisance ; that they wero wrong in principle, by using main force to overcome friction, which on the other hand waa reduced to a minimum by the use of rails. After both sides had been duly ventilated, the Chairman called for a show of hands; tho result being equal, tbe Chairman declared it to remain an open question. Mr Davidson was then called, who read a humorous selection from "Sam Slick the Clockmakor." The Chairman stated it was now their duty to elect officers for the session. The following were elected, viz.— Mr John Ronnie, president ; Mr J. McLachlan, vice-president; and J. Lambie, secretary and treasurer. The following arrangements were made for next meeting—Mr Swinburn to give an essay, Mr James Lambie a reading, and Mr J. Lockhead a recitation. Mr W. Gray was admitted a member of the association, and the meeting adjourned.

"We learn from tho Sydney correspondent of the "Argus" that Mr Stieger, the German chemist, who assisted Mr Manning in his earlier experiments in meat preserving, has lately still further improved his process. Tho chemicals employed are said to be so volatile that no trace of them is observable shortly after opening the tins, and samples are now being shown about which keep good several days after being opened, and tho flavour of which is said to be unexceptionable. The patentees are of course very sanguine as to success of this modified process.

The exodus from South Australia is not over yet. The " Register" of March 30 says: — " Reports state that about eighty waggons and drays are on the overland route, part going through the Long Desert from Wellington, but the greater number passing Kingston. It is difficult to say where tho people will settle, as they are on the move for homos either in the south-eastern district or in Victoria. Some are remaining near Narracoorte, in expectation of reduced rates for land. 'No doubt,' writes a local correspondent, * tho emigration tide will turn as soon as tho land laws are amended.' "

From Mansfield we ("Argus") have a telegram stating that a terrible gunpowder explosion occurred on Wednesday at Martin's G-ap, twelve miles from that township. Two waggons, it seems, wero on the way to Jamieson, loaded with miscellaneous storea. One of them carried seventy-five kegs of gunpowder, which became ignited, through what means the telegram does not inform us. The explosion was terrific. Tbe powdor waggon was shattered to atoms, and the fragments carried in all directions. The drivor was also blown in pieces, his head and arms being found on the ground, and his legs in a tree forty feet from the ground and 150 yards from the scene of tho explosion. Four of the horses composing the team were killed, and the horses in the other waggon were dreadfully burnt. Singularly enough, the driver of "the Becond waggon escaped without injury.

In an article on protection the " Argus" makes tbe following comparisons : —The Warrenheip Distillery Company and tho Melbourne Meat-preserving Company. The former, though receiving a bounty equal to the whole value of its produce, lost about 8} per cent, of its capital during the past half year ; while tho latter, receiving no bounty at all, but paying duty on the imported commodities which it uses in its process of manufacture, realised in the same period a profit of about 23 J per cent. We commend the lesson to the careful consideration of those persons who still cling to the opinion that the state should plant new industries, and force their growth by violent and unnatural means. The Warrenheip Distillery Company was so planted and forced, and see what has become of it. The Melbourne MtJat-pre-serving Company, on the other hand, wm established in the ordinary cour«e of business, and is already earning a profit of nearly 50 per cent, for its shareholders, while at the same time it u% conferring great advantage* upon tbe general community.