NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XXVII, Issue 3584, 3 January 1877, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

♦ Board of Education.— The Board of Education will hold a meeting at three o'clock this afternoon. Bankruptcy—On Friday next, in Chambers, an examination will be held in the estate of Thomas Bullivant. Endowment.—Cγ Hobbs has given notice of an important motion re aa endowment of land for the city. The Cabmen.—Pending inquiries ac to character, permits for one month will be issued to the applicants for licenses for the year 1877. Flower Show.—The Horticultural 8o« ciety will hold a flower Ehow this evening at Mr Alport's rooms. The public will be admitted at 6 p m.

Returning Officer —At yeaterday'e meeting of the City Council, Mr Q. L. Lee was appointed returning officer for all civic elections in Christchurch.

Justice of the Peace —rntimation has been received to the effect that Mr Gapee has been appointed a Justice of the Peace as Mayor of Chrißtchurch.

The Mail.—The s c. Taupo left Welling, ton yesterday afternoon at half-past three o'clock with the inward San Francisco mail on board, and is therefore due at Lyttelton early this forenoon.

Kaiapoi Institute —The monthly meet, ing of the managing committee was not held on Monday, and in all probability a special meeting will be convened, of which notica will be given.

Street Improvements —Relative to the wideniag of Colombo etreet opposite the Bank 01 New Zealand, Or Hobbs has given notice of motion for consideration at the meeting of the Council on January 15th.

County Councils —The County Councils of Ashley, Selwyn, Afcaroa, Aehburtoa, Geraldiue, and Waimate will meet for tbe first time at noon to-morrow. The Selwyn Council will*a«eemble in the late Provincial Council Chamber.

The Eastern Question. —As will be seen by oar cable telegrams, the conference has submitted certain proposals, and unless they are agreed to by the Porte the am bass a >ors of all the Powers represented will withdraw from Constantinople.

Almanac.—We have received the New Zealand Churchman's Almanac for 1877, which contains, in addition to a calendar containing the proper lessons for the year, a table of the Bishops of the Church and the members of the General byood.

Defaulting JDROHB. — At the silting of tbe Supreme <Jonrt yesterday Messrs Walker and P. Cunningham were fined £5 each for non-attendance as grand juroraf and Mr Ogden 40s for non-attendance as a|etty juror.

Wanton Destruction.—lt appears that Mr Hulbeit was not th* oily sufferer by the malicious destruction of hie plate gliss on New Tear's Eve. Mr Ellisdon, chemißt.Higb street, had hie windows scratched in a similar manner on that night. We hops that some trace of the perpetrators of this *tanton pitcs of mischief will be discovered, aiia that be or, they will receive the punishment which ench as act no justly merit*.

I 0 0 F M tt. WOODEND —At the halfyearly meeting of this lodge, the officers elected were BJo M Brown, N.Gv|,Bro He Eder. V G. ; Brfl T. Williame, secretary ; Fro G. Bissett, trejsnrer; Bros M. B. ThOinpfcioe and H. sick visitors; Brce T. Smith and H.f 3er, truetees. Theatbb B^ai- — "Frit*" wae repeated last evening atihe Theatre Koyal to a capital house. Mr Erflniet's eongs and dances went capitally throughout, and generally the piece wa* as eucceetful as on former occasions This will be the last week of "Fritz," as Mr Emmet produces " Jan, the New German," next.

Baklow's Cibcus.—The circus was fairly attended lastevening, when the various items on the prograß , were gone through success fully, especially those allotted to the Raphael family. Tbedogs and monkeys also created great amusement. As will be seen by advertisement the prices of admission have been reduced to 21"and Is. The company appear again this evening.

Inquest.•T-αn inquest was held at the Hospital yesterday afternoon on the body of John Wooding, whose death was recorded in yesterday's issue. Dγ Coward officiated as coroner, and Mr Davis was chosen foreman of the jury. After hearing the evidence, the jury returned a verdict—"That deceased h»d committed suicide while in a state of temporary insanity."

Ppbeydon Boad Board.—A meeting of ratepayers in the Rpreydon Boad district, was held at the office on Tuesday, January 2.3d, for the election of three members to eerre in the places of Messrs Tancred, Buxton, and Milne. The accounts for the past year were read and approved, and the three retiring members were unanimously reelected. After passing a vote of thanks to the returning officer, the meeting adjourned.

Ltttelton Regatta—A meeting to consider protests was held at the Mitre Hotel yesterday afternoon; the Vice-Commodore in the chair. All the protests were disallowed with the exception of that from the Rangitikei's and Langetone's crews, in the ships' boat pulling race, against the Hawea, the judges deciding, after hearing evidence on this point, that the race should be palled over again on the return of the Hawea. We notice by advertisement that the distribution of the various prizes won at the Lyttelton regatta last Monday will take place at the Mitre Hotel on Thursday evening next.

The Bink.—There was a large attendance last evening at the rink, when Mdlle Franzini went through her performances on the bicycle blindfold. This, however, did not seem in the least to incommode her. as the various feats were performed with the same ease and grace which has marked her former appearances. Advantage was taken of the occasion to present Lillie with a silver medal subscribed for by a number of skaters. Both Lillie and Mr Taylor went through some very clever skating feats. It will be seen by advertisement that Mdlle Franzini will appear for four nights longer,

Ashbubton School—The annual treat to the children was held on New Year's Day in Mr Hay Smith's paddock. The day was beautifully fine, although a 8. W. squall passed over in the afternoon ; but good shelter during tbe time it lasted was found for all in the tents which the committee had provided. At least 300 children were on the ground, and eagerly contested every raca, very few of them failing to gain come kind of prize, which consisted of about £15 worth of toys and useful aitides. Tea, ginger beer, buns, cake, sand wiches, and an abundance of other good things were plentifully distributed to all comers, and they returned home about six o'clock, thoroughly pleased with their day's enjoyment.

Accident to the North Coach —Aβ the north coach was returning from the Hurunui to Amberley on New Year's Day, it met with an accident on what is known as the Wash-house catting in the Weka Pass. Fortunately no lives were lost, although West Chamberlain, the driver (a well known and tried driver) suffered injuries which will probably confine him to his bed for a few days. It appears that, coming down the cutting, the break was enough, and with the heavy load caused the off mna wheel to break, which threw the driver off his seat. He stuck to the reins, otherwise the result would have been serious. After he fell, it is evident the wheel mast have gone over his f oot* He, however, returned to Amberley on horseback, secured another coach, and returned for his passengers, who, however, were too late for the afternoon train, W. ChamberJain deserves great credit for his preeence of mind exercised in this case.

FxTAt Accident at Makikihi.—On Sunday afternoon (says the Timant Herald) a party of young men were bathing in a water-hole at Woolehed Gnlly, Makikihn One of them named Tine, on getting into deep water, being unable to swim, began to plunge in the water. He was caught hold of by a man, who attempted to get him out of the water, but in the struggle Tine dragged the other man under. The man was obliged to let go his hold of Tine* and on his again frying to rescue the drowning man, he could not find him. Constable Oilchrist was on the spot at four o'clock, about two hours after the occurrence, and every effort was made to recover the body! It wa<j not, however, until Monday morning that the body was found, the banks of the water hole being shelving, and the water of considerable depth, making the recovery of the body a difficult task.

Supreme C'ottbt. —The criminal sessions of the Supreme Court opened yesterday, before hie Honor Mr Justice Johnston. The calendar was an unusually light one, there being only thrre cases for trial. Tα the case of Regina v Norman Evans, in which the prisoner had been convicted of perjury, bnfc sentence respited until after argument before the Court of Appeal, hie Honor sentenced the prisoner to four years' penal servitude. In Regina vT. H. Knibbs, the prisoner was found guilty on two chargpg, one of stealing post letters, and the other of having in his possession dies for making counterfeit coin. On the first case sentence was deferred, pending the argument of a point raised by Mr Izard, that the letter was not the pro perty of the Postmaster-Qeneral after being placed in the private box, and that, there fore, the indictment was bad. On the charge |for possessing dies for manufacture of spurious florins, his Honor sentenced tbe prisoner to three years' penal servitude. In Regina v Herbert Fleming, larceny from a dwelling, a sentence of nine months' imprisonment was recorded. In Regina v Hagh McPhereon, forgery, the prisoner was acquitted. This concluded the calendar.

Sumneb.—During the past few days thie watering place has been crowded with holi day seekers, testifying to the increased favor b-stowed upon it as a fitting place for a day's enjoyment. On New Year's Day, notwithstanding the many counter attraction* there was a great inflax of visitors. A subecrip tion list was started in the village last week for the purpose of providing a pyrotfchnical display on New Year's night. This was liberally respoaded to by the residents and visitors, a total sum of £15 being obtained. The arrangements were intrusted to two or three gentlemen, and right well were they carried out. There was a profα-ioa of every, thing in the fireworks line, which were all fired from the cave rock. Let off from puch an eminence and particularly picturesque spot the effect was most striking. At the close of the fireworks nine tar barrels, previously fixed in prominent position on the rx;k were fired, and lit up the township. Two or three of these were sent to sea alight, I and floated out with the tide for a considerable distance. Several balloons were also

■snt np. Aβ ao additional source of erjjoyment to the pyrotechnic display, an open air concert had been added, .given on the racks. The items comprising MendeTsshoa's quartettes, trios, chorueee. etc, were beauti f ally rendered by several ladies and gentle men residents, and by three leading' muelc»l gentlemen from Cbristchnrch. About 250 people were gathered round the singers, and being repeatedly shown np by the colored fifes, presented a truly picturesque sight, not easily to be forgotten. A eimilar conceit was giver? under the lee of the oave rock, tn Boxing Night. - - ■■

ASHBURTOW BOAD BOABD —A meeting of the electors was held at 11, P n * man, Mr John Qll £, rea d "he report and financial statement, which was IdSSd ."J the ratepayers fuHy endorsed the*&"<J the Board m resisting the claim m S against them by the Upper A e>. burton uli* Board. Messrs David WiC Thorn * Taylor, Donald Wi'liamson, nnd J o ? p b Hunt were then nominated, and , !0 other candidate being proposed were declared duly elected. U, J

Butchers' Picnic —A meeting wae held at the Britannia Hotel last evening Mr H Messenger in the chair. It was proposed Mr Hudson, eeconded by Mr G. Andrews and agreed to—" That the butchers hold a picnic, on a date to be hereafter named by the working committee." Proponed by Jlr G. Andrews, seconded by Mr C. Hudson, and agreed to—" That Messrs Gunnel!, Hankin* Holland, Hall, Berne, 0. Hudson, O. Andrews!, and T. Holt (with power to ndd to their number), be appointed a working committee ** Proposed by Mr Mcßeth, eeconded bj Mr Morrison, and agreed to—" That a meeting of the working committee be held on Thawday evening to inquire into the requirements for the picnic, and any other business, and report the same at the next meeting of the association." Mr T. Walker was appointed secretary and treasurer. It was suggested by Mr Roantree that the masier butchers provide a picnic for the recreation of their employee. A good ceal of disjUFsJon ensued, but nothing defiuite could be arrived at until the next meeting of the associatica.

POUTHBHIDOE TOWN HALL COMPANY.— The balf.jearly meeting of shareholders wae held on Saturday afternoon, Mr Edward Lee in the chair. The secretary (Mr H. Lee) read the minutes of the previous meeting, which were confirmed The accounts and balance sheet, showing a debit balance of £16 10s 4d, were laid on the table. The treasurer explained that the deficiency was owing to the expense incurred during the last half year in erecting a gallery and panelling the wal's of the hall. On the motion of Mr A. 0. Williams, eeconded by Mr Bourn, the report and balance ebeet as read were adopted. Mr Petrie was elected a member of the managing committee, vice Mr Bridge, deceased. It was resolved that in future the managing committee be intituled directors instead of committee-men, as heretofore. The treasurer was authorised to sign cheques under the eeal of the company, so as to avoid unnecessary delay in passing accounts. The directors were instructed to endeavor to get the inside of the building painted as Boon aa possible, and to arrange with the chairman, of the sohool committee about the terms of his tenure of tbehafl. Messrs Wauchop and Paddy were appointed a letting committee. MeFsre Graham and Willie having been nominated to hold the office of trustees in the place of the late Mr Bridge,- a ballot was taken, which resulted in the election of Mr W. Graham.

North Kowai Fohool Annual Picnic.—The annual picnic of the North Kowai school children took place on New Year'a day, at the Double Corner homestead, which was kindly lent by Mr F. Courage. The attendance of children, parents, «nd friends, could not have been far short of 300. The facilities offered by the railway seem to bava been largely patronieel, as some visitors from Chrietchurch were present. The edibles, &c, for the children, were provided by Mr O. Higgine, confectioner, Amberley, who deserves great credit for the manner ia which he fulfilled hfe contract. Dancing waa kept up with greit spirit on the lawn, and races for the children were gone through. It was the iDter fcion of the committee to hare distributed the school prizes to the children at 2 p.m. bat through some unaccountable error t v c repoit -had failed to reach them on the morning wbich necessitated the postponement of the same. The most exciting event of the day was a hack race for young ladies, residents in tfce district; as the abilities and merits of riders and horsfewera pretty well known it caused great excitement. The tmeawere 01 £1. and 6«. fctne amount being subscribed: on the ground in a very short time. Seven faced Mr 8. lrf*e* wha kindly acted as stnrter. Mr B. Poster acted as jadge, and L. 0. Williams as clerk pt%\ue course. The names of the hoises and tidere were as follows :T-The Claimant, M»ss Bella M'Gee (62), 1 ; Sir Juliua Vogel, Mise Cisey Ward (£1). 2; McPhereon, Misa aianba Dalziel (6s), 8; Nobhv, Mies M. Wattle; Annie, Mies K. Ward ; Pickwick, Miss Annie Stanton ; Anne Wilson, Miss A. Ooleman. lhe starter got them away in line, and the race evidently would hare been. Miss M. Watties hod she net been disqualified through riding innde one of the fhgs, The judge declared them as above. The day wee brought to a. close by dancing, all having evidently haying eojoyed themselves,

Leeston Prebbytebian Chtjbch—The annnal meeting of the congregation wee held on the evening of Thursday last; the Key J W. Oree in the chair. The meeting was dnly opened with prayer j after which, the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The financial statement, which was read by the treasurer, was as follows :—Receipts: Balance from last year, £66 17s 2d ; collections, £70 12a PJd ; seat rente, £54 5s ; and tea meeting, £R5 16s 4d. Total, £247 10i lljd. Expenditure, £159 5s 3d. Balance in hand, £88 Ba Bj4. The following report of the committee was afterwards sabnaitted to the meeting :—" In presenting their annnal report your committee desire to congratulate the congregation on the financial prosperity of the year which has now come to a close. It will be seen from the treasurer's statement that the total income of the church has been 4180 lOe 9Jd, being an increase on list year's receipts of £23 8s 2jd. The expenditure hea also been considerably increased, principally in connection with additions to the manee, and the precentor's salary, but still the balance in the hands of the treasurer is 488 5s B£d, as compared with £66 17s 2d of last year. This prosperity ie due entirely to the Babbath collections, and the mode of taking them. While the average collection amounted to 12s 6d under the old method, it amounts to £1 6e under the new. In the department of seat rente your committee are unable to report any progress, owing to the limited accommodation, provided by the present buildicg, bat had all the seat rente been paid that are dne, the revuntte of the year would have been increased by £20 15s, the amount standing unpaid. The congrega'i n are not altogether to blame for this, as there has been no well-organised method of taking the seat rent*. However, it baa been arranged that in future each member of the committee should undertake to collect them in in a certain portion of the district, and it is hoped that by this arrangement they will be paid more punctually than hitherto. Tour committee regret that they are unable to report any progress in the matter of church and manee sites. It is considerably over a year since the Presbytery took tbe ease into their own hands, and after several fruitless attempts to obtain a conveyance, Mr Marshall appeared btfare the Presbytery on the 13th of July last, and according to the minute of that meetings which was duly forwarded to tbe committee, he promised to convey the property on terms which were accepted. (Minute read). The committee appointed by the Presbytery to see tbe .transaction carried through, afterwards applied to him to complete the conveyance in terms of the minute, when be replied that he bad not promised to convey the site of the church. Th»y bare since written him on the eu'ject, but hay& obtained no more satisfaction, aud it is understood that thf-y will ask to be ieli'-ved of their duties on the firet opportunity. Your ceaimittee now resign their charge into the hands of the congregation, ai d woold piay the Great Head of the chuich to voneiuafe even greater blessings in the future th.n He has vouchsafed in the past " The financial statement and report having been put to the meeting and adopted,the following gentlemen were elected to s.rve on the committee for the ensuing year—Messrs J M orison, Alrldge, T. Hogg, B. O. Barns. G tfcOlare, W. Panling, W. Johnston, J 6 Harper, J, McYinnie, D. Killahan, and 8, Doyle.