NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XX, Issue 2305, 20 December 1872, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

A pressure on our columns has compelled as to hold over a number of reports and correspondents' letters. The Chief Postmaster informs us that the Kangitoto's Australian mails were landed at Hokitika, and will be brought to Christchurch by th. coach arriving on Saturday afternoon. Information reached town last evening that a man hanged himself on Wednesday evening, at Blake's accommodation-house, Hanmer Plains. It has been determined to give the children of the Lincoln school a pic-nic on Friday, 27th December, and a committee of ladies haa been appointed for carrying the scheme toafjatisfactory conclusion. We wigh them fuccees*

The Cure Boating Club,, Kaiapoi hold a special meeting thi_v evening 'to discuss certaiu maters connected with making arrangement for the entry of a boat for the Interproviciol Regatta, to take place this year at Wellington. The cricket match on Saturday next will be a continuation of the St-ven v. the Eleven which was commenced on Saturday 14th instant. The wickets will be pitched at 1.30 p.m. We are informed by the Chief Postmaster that the s.s. Wellington leaves the M.-tuakau with the San Francisco mails this day. aud will arrive in Lyttelton ou or about Sunday next, The outward mails will not be dispatched for a day or two. A cricket match will be played on Saturday next between a local team of the Ellesmere Club and a second eleven of the Christchurch Club, to be played on the ground of the former. The following will represent the Christchurch Club :—Mathias, R., Miles, Mathias, J., Reeder, O'Douohue, Frith, Brierly, W. H. Eyes, Barnes, H. Ford, J. H Wilson. The eleven will leave by the first train for the Selwyn.

Pacini's classical opera Saffo was presented last evening at the Music Hall. We regret that a pressure upon our columns prevents us from not noticing at length the exceedingly excellent manner in which it went from first to last. We were sorry to observe, however, that the house was not so full as we expected, considering the undoubted merits of the opera. To-night, we remind our readers, the universally popular opera Sonnambula will be performed.

We learn that the nominators have nominated the Rev VV. Watson to St. Johu's Church, and the Rev gentleman has left for Melbourne to make arrangements for leaving his charge there, and bringing over hi 8 family to Christchurch.

We are requested to state that the Rev R. Davies, Archdeacon of Hobart Town, will preach at S. Luke's Church this evening, the occasion being the day of special intercession for the increase of ministry appointed to be held in all churches of the Anglican Communion. Similar services will be held in St. Michael's Church.

On Thursday some little boys set fire to the dry grass near the South Waimakariri Railway bridge. It was, however, extinguished after two or three acres of grass had been burnt, and before it reached the fences or did further damage.

We are informed that sharks have been frequently seen in the harbor of late, and some few have been captured. One of these measured some seven feet in length. Under these circumstances it would be advisable for all batners to confine themselves to the bathing shed, and not venture in deep water. On Wednesday last a little boy, son of Mr W Harris, Kaiapoi, narrowly escaped being drowned in one of the dug by order of the Borough Council, for supplying the Are engine with water at the end of Beswick street. It has been suggested that these water-holes should be securely fenced round. On Thursday last an elderly man named George Winskill died suddenly at Simson's dining-rooms, Kaiapoi, of heart disease. He had been for some time under medical care, and had come from Leithfield to Kaiapoi to be near Dr Trevor. On the day named, after partaking of a hearty dinner he went to lie down, Some time after the deceased was found lying on his bed quite dead. It will not be necessary to hold an inquest. A meeting to see about the annual sports at Lincoln, on New Year's Day, took place on Tuesday evening last, at the Perthshire Arms. There was a large attendance, and a committee was appointed, consisting of no less than sixty members. From these a working committee of twelve, and a secretary and treasurer were selected. Secretary, H. C. Jacobson; treasurer, John Dunn. Committee—Messrs Haydon, Blair, F. C. Murray, H. White, John Tod, James Tod, W Brooks, E. Townshend, John Dalton, H. Meyemberg, P. Tod, James Hill. It was determined to add a trotting match to the athletic games. Mr J. Haydon occupied the chair, and before the meeting broke up, £9 had b_en subscribed. The next meeting takes on Monday, 23rd instant.

A quarterly meeting the Providence Tent Independent Order of Rechabites was held at Lodge's Temperance Hotel last evening, at half-past 7 p.m. ; most of the members were present. The minutes of the previous meet ing were read and confirmed. One initiation took place, and several other gentlemen were proposed as members, after which the following gentlemen were elected officers for the eusuing six mouths :—C.R., Bro, C. T. Kiernan; D.8., |srp. W. H De la Mare ; \Secretary, Bro. F. P. Le Brettou ; W.S., Bro. R. Kent; M.S., Bro. Richards ; Levite, Bro. Walters; Guardian, Bro. P. Nolan ; Tent Surgeon, L. Powell, M.D. After the usual routine of business the CR. closed the tent in due form.

Arrangements have been made by which the members of the Provincial Executive and Council will have an opportunity this of afternoon ascertaining the justice of the vote for clearing the River Avon. Invitations have been issued tothese_geritlemen by the captains of the local boat clubs to take a tour pf inspection down the river in boats, after the same style as that in which the members of the City Council recently took part. The trysting place will be the boat sheds, opposite Ward's brewery, and the time of starting is fixed at two p.m. punctually. We understand that most of the invitations are accepted, and we look to the movement as likely to prove of incalculable benefit, not only to the boating interest, but to the general sanitary condition of Christchurch, and the districts through which the river passes. The party will probably include most of the members of the Executive, and about thirty members of the Council, as well as tbe Provincial Auditor, the Mayor of Christchurch, and several heads of departments. We are requested to ask as many boating men as can make it convenient to attend, to be present on this occasion. Mr Morton, of Morton's Commercial Hotel, will superintend the catering"department at Paynton's refreshment robins at New Brighton, where "all the d.-lieaeies of the season" in the form of fruit, kc, will be provid-d.