NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XXIX, Issue 3893, 14 January 1878, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

City Cottncil.—The usual fortnightly meeting of the City Council will be held this evening at 7 o'clock. Hbathcote Road Boabd.—The nomination of candidates to fill the vacancies at the above Board will take place to-day. Masonic.—A Lodge of Instruction in connection with the Canterbury Lodge will be held this evening at the Masonic Hall, Manchester street.

Loan and Invkstxeni Society.—The third half-yearly meeting of the Friends of Labor Loan and Investment Society will be held at tbe Market Hotel this evening, when the report and balance sheet will be submitted, and the officers elected for the ensuing year.

Gazelle Expedition.—We understand that the sub-committee appointed to investif_te tbe matters connected with the Gazelle eorch Expedition will present their report shortly, when some important business will be laid before the shareholders.

Impobtation of Mabblk.—Mr I. Butterfield has just imported a quantity of marble direct from Italy, the first of the kind brought here, which is well worth inspection. It comprises head stones worked and polished, and also in the rough. Those which have been worked ore very artistically finished. Chbistchttbchv and Hokitika Mail Contract.—We notice that Messrs Cassidy and Clarke have determined upon relinquishing business on the West Coast, and invite tenders for the purchase of their extensive coaching properties, horses, &c, together with the Christchurch and Hokitika mail contract for the ensuing year. Freehold properties, race horses, hacks, buggies, &c, belonging to tbe same firm, are also announced to be Bold on an early date. Lhctttbb.—Count de Zaba will deliver a lecture tomorrow evening, at the Congregational schoolroom, on the method of studying universal history. The system of mnemonics which it is the object of the lecture to explain is extremely ingenious, and, though somewhat complicated at the first appearance is easily mastered, when the principle of its construction is understood." The author claims for it that, while facilitating the acquirement of a complete and aopurate knowledge of history, it is calculated also to develop habits of order and association' of thought, and thus to improve the memory and strengthen the intellectual powers. -We hope to see the lecture well attended. Thb Soldbnb ; op__a Company.—Mr. B. J. De Lias, the spirited entrepreneur oi the North Island, arrived on Saturday by the Wellington, to make the necessary preliminary arrangement%for the appearance here of the Soldene Opera Bouffe Company. The company is at present performing at Dunedin, and, judging froia tbe accounts received thence, with-some success. Their repertoire is a large one, incl_ting, in addition to those familiar to Christchurch playgoers, such as " La Fille de Madame Angot," "Barbe'Bleu," and " Genevieve de -Brabant," those new to us here, such as "La Belle Helene," &c. The date of opening is .fixed for the 22nd instant, at the Theatre Royal, and we understand that the initial performance will be " Genevieve de Brabant," in which.' Miss Emily Soldene was the original Drogan in England.

Immigrants bi thb, H___fo_d.—The following is a list of: the trade* and occupations of the immig—inU to arrive per ship Hereford:—Farm laborers, 118; general, 7; miner, 1; carpenters, 10; cooper, 6; shepherd, 1; bricldayerflU; groom, I; painters, 2; engineer, 1 _ plasterer, 1. Single women— General servant*, _3f housemaids, 7} nursemaid, 1; dairymaids, 7; parlourmaid, 1; cooks, 5; nurses, . 2" machinist, 1 ; housekeeper, 1 ; ]a_di7__Jd, 1. Summary— Mole adults, 150; feriiale adults, 121; male children, 31; female* children, 28; mole infants, 4; female infants, 2. Total, 336, equal to 300. statute;adults. Nationality— ?-<£_?" W&+l«? ,^" a * < '* Oj~-___. -arj.y, 1; C—annel Islanders, B; Germans, 5. The list can be seen on application at the immigration office.

TbahwA- Company.—A meeting of the provisional directors of the Canterbury Tramways Company was-held on Saturday. Mr J. E. Brown in the chair. Mr Allan proposed, and Mr Sargeant seconded, "That Messrs Turner, Brown, and Coleman be appointed a committee to confer with the mumcipolities and Avon Boad Board, and eventually to report to the provision—l directors.'' The motion was carried. On the motion of Mr J. A. Bird, seconded by MrCbleman, Messrs Garrick and.C-wluhaw' were appointed, interimsolicitors to the company/ Mr Bird moved, and Mr Hancock seconded, that the appointment of Mr Birch as interim-secretary be confirmed. After a vote of .thanks fo the chairman, the meeting adjourned. Habbwood Boad Steam Thbebhing Company.—The first meeting of the shareholders of this company was held in the district library, Harewood road, on Tuesday evening last. Mr J. Donald, chairman, stated that this meeting hod been called for the purpose of giving an account of what had been done up to the present time. The report as read was approved. The rules drawn up by the directors for the working of the eompsny were considered very appropriate. The chairman stated tbat the circuit of the company hod been divided into three wards. It remained to be decided by lot which ward the machine was to start in, and at which end of the ward. The following was the result:— Fendalton road first, Harewood road second, and North road third. Mr G. A. Durey was appointed manager for the current year. Mr Paterson very kindly offered the company the use of a dray for the season free of charge, which was accepted with thanks. Messrs Kruse and Paterson were authorised to purchase a horse and harness for the company. The chairman further remarked " that " a Rnston and Proctor's engine and combine had arrived for the company, and that the straw elevator would be ready in a few days. A vote of thanks' to the nhaimiMn terminated the proceedings.

Rttssbu's Fiat Post Office.—A public meeting took place at the district schoolroom on Friday. Mr Robertson was voted to the | chair. He stated that the meeting had been called to consider which was the most convenient place for the post office, and what I days were thc most suitable for carrying the mail. He might state that Mr Yates had, in order to accommodate the district, consented to act as postmaster, and was willing to continue in the office or to resign if tbe meeting considered any other place more convenient for the public. Mr Atkinson was strongly in favour of the office being at the schoolhouse, as tbat was the most central place in tbe district; He moved a resolution to that effect, which was seconded by Mr J. Mcintosh, and carried. A unanimous vote of thanks was then passed to Mr and Mrs Yates for attending to the post office hitherto. Mr T. Henry considered that it was advisable to have the mail days changed to Wednesdays and Saturdays. Mr Mann's motion, " That Mr Pole be appointed postmaster," was seconded by Mr Balfour, and carried. The chairman was requested to forward a report of the meeting to the Chief Postmsster, Christchurch, and the proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the _lainnan.

Proposed Club fob Abhbitbton.—A meeting was held at the Commercial Hotel, Ashburton, on Thursday, 10th instant, to consider the advisability of forming a club at Ashburton. There was a large attendance of gentlemen resident in the town. Mr Thomas Bullock was voted to the choir. After the matter had been fully discussed, it was reeolved—" That a club bo formed, and that it be called the Ashburton Club." Dr. Trevor waa elected President, and the Rev. W. E. Paige Vice-President, Mr E. G. Crisp Secretary, and Mr C. B. M. Branson Treasurer. The following gentlemen were elected a committee, viz., Messrs Bullock, Chi—tie, J. S. Bruce, Saunders, and C. E. Foots, all to bold office for three months. It was resolved that the subscription be £5 per annum, and tho* the club be co__ned to gentlemen residing within a radius of 15 miles of Ashburton. Abo 'that the committee be authorised to draw up rules for the dub, Ac., and report at the next general meeting, which was fixed to be held on the last Wednesday in the month. Prom the inlerrst manifested at the meeting the project bids fair to be a success. Indeed, snch an institution is much required in the town, and is calculated to create a social feeling between the residents in the outlying districts and those in the township.

Accident at W__dinoton. ; —An accident occurred in the playground of the district school on Friday. William Johnson, while playins, by some means fe_, and.get—ng his right foot entangled in some wood, one of the bones waa wrenched; out of its place. The child was at once conveyed home and placed under the care of Dr. Meadows. Thb Wellington C_ic____.—The Wellington "Post " states that some of the local cricketers hardly seem satisfied -with the result of the interprovincial match yesterday, and believe that a much better team could have been chosen to represent Wellington. To test this a picked eleven from the Royal Oak and United Cricket Clubs, through the medium of its advertising columns, challenge the team who played against Cant—bury to try their strength in a match. Btt.t.tabps. —Mr- Roberts, the champion hand stroke player, appeared at Badcliffe's hotel on Saturday evening, when there was a goodly muster of the lovers of billiards. He opened with a match with on ornateplayer, in which some very excellent strokes were made on both sides, resulting in a victory for the champion. This was followed by an exhibition of his fancy strokes, in which he performed some very astounding feats. Mr Boberts proceeds, we believe, to Timaru, and we con promise our Southern friends a great treat in. the matter of billiard playing.

St. Barnabas, Woodend.—The Sunday scholars received their prizes on Friday lost at the Church schoolroom. A large number of the parents were present. The prizes were presented by the Hon. H. B. Gresson, who first spoke a few words to those assembled on the duties of parents and children with respect to the Sunday school. Two special prizes, presented by Mrs John Gresson and Mr Stokes, were won by T. W. May and Grace FarrelL There was a Christmas tree to wind up proceedings, which greatly pleased tbe children, many of whom hod never seen one before. Cheers were given [for Bey. H. G. Gould, Hon. H. B. Gresson, and the donors of the special prizes. ASHBTTBTOH TbMTLAB HALL COIUMNY.— A meeting of shareholders of this company was held at Mr Sando's establishment on Wednesday evening. There was a good number |present. The following gentleman were elected directors :—Messrs A..0. Aitken, K. Sando, B. Elston, Thos. Williams, James Scott, G. H. St. Hill, and B. p. Smith. Messrs Garrick & Cowlishaw were appointed solicitors to the company. A section in Moore street was selected as a site for the hall. It was resolved to accept applications for shares from members of all recognised temperance societies and to leave the' share-list open till a future meeting. It was farther resolved to offer a premium |of £2 for the best plan for the hall. After the general meeting the directors met, transacted some routine business, and adjourned till the 16th instant. Mb Edwabd Wilson.—Our Melbourne telegrams convey intelligence of the death of Mr Edward Wilson, of the firm of Wilson and M'Kinnon, proprietors of the "Argus." Mr Wilson's name has for many years been associated with the colony of Viotoria, not alone as joint proprietor of its leading paper, but as a public man, and particularly in connection with the subject' of acclimatisation and others of prominent colonial interest. As a promoter of many worthy objects of importance in a youqg country, Mr Wilson was an enthusiast, and the handsome income which he derived from the "Argus" and other properties enabled bim to exercise that enthusiasm to on extent which many others were unable to attain. He was less intimately associated with the newspaper profession or with his own paper than was his partner, Mr M'Kinnon, but his death will be deeply regretted by the staff of the " Argus" and by Victorians generally.

Haevbstbes ank B_a___s.—A trial of these machines took place at Sefton on Friday. The trial took place in a large paddock of oats belonging to Mr Geo. Gorrie, who wob also tbe owner of the machines—one made by W. Wood and one by 0. H. and L. J. McCormick. The crop was estimated to yield from 70 to 80 bushels per acre, the straw in .some places measuring six feet in length, with a great undergrowth quite green, the ground rough and uneven. A large number of gentlemen witnessed the trial, and were highly pleased with the result, both machines doing excellent work. This trial 3™YS" <^_*^rn * s i_f v _f J* success beyond a doubt. _K_r_niy objection expre_se_ was _. to the manner in which the Wood's machine delivered the sheaf, which might be injurious in ripe corn. The McCormick's was pro. Bounced perfection, and several orders were given on the ground for the coming season. A Wood's machine, tried at Ohoka on Saturday, worked equally well in a very heavy uneven crop of oats. Theatre Rotax.—" The Woman in Bed" was produced on Saturday evening at the theatre. The piece is one with which playgoers here are tolerably familiar, it having been played several times previously by the various stars visiting ns, and by the stock companies. It is a play which rather provokes contempt without the generative assistance of familiarity, and it is only by much effort in the way of emotional display on tbe part of the representative of the leading character that it can be saved from creating a feeling of dissatisfaction with its Elot and sentiment. Miss Ada Ward exerted erself in this direction, and more especially in the lost two acts was successful in achieving her desire to make something of an indifferent part, receiving at the close of each act a warm call before the curtain. Mrs Walter Hill, as on former occasions, played the Countess Donati, and did so carefully and well. The parts of Marguerite, Ninon, and Francises were creditably filled by the Misses Vivian, Lizzie Morgan, and Lilly May, respectively. In "Victor Stanson, Mr Burford had one of those parts which he can assume so thoroughly well, and he played it capitally throughout. Mr Musgrave as Bravadura, and Mr Hill as Mattee Twitti were also good. The Count Claudio of the evening was more remarkable for gorgeousness or apparel than anything else. Mr Williams deserves very great credit for the really excellent scenery he gave us. The mountain scene in the prologue and that of Venice in the lost act were very artistically done. " The Woman in Bed" will be repeated this evening.

Chkistchubch Cobn Exchange.—ln another column will be found a report of steps which have lately been taken to establish in Christchurch a Corn Exchange and Farmers' Club, and of a meeting held on Saturday, at which such an institution was formally opened.. Prior to the meeting, sufficient information had been obtained as to the probable success of the project to induce Messrs Matson and Co. to specially fit up rooms for the purposes of an Exchange and Club of the character referred to. These rooms are situated immediately contiguous to Tattersall's Horse Repository, and are admirably suited for the purposes intended. Fronting the street there is an inquiry office, furnished with conveniences for the exhibition of samples of grain, and immediately behind is the general clnbroom, comfortably furnished, well lit, and with files of papers upon the tables— a feature of the clnbroom, which will, of course, improve as time passes, and as agricultural and other literature accumulates. Behind this room there is another, where members may retire for more private consultation, or which may be used for the meetings of the managing committee. Mr W. Bateman, who acted as secretary at the meeting on Saturday, and who has had large experience in similar connection in Victoria, is in charge of the clubrooms, and from him all information will be obtained by intending subscribers.

Sib Gbobgb Obex ahd Strp_Bra_EKDKSTS. —The editor of the Wairarapa " Standard," Mr R. Wakelin, has revived a discussion about Sir George Grey's famous letter to that journal. It seems that Mr Curtis, M.H.R., speaking at Kelson the other day, "attacked Sir G. Grey's action last year, ridiculing his telegram home that force was going to be used in order to abolish the provinces, and his foolishfletter to the Waiararapa ' Standard,' stating that the Superintendents would be removed if necessary by poison," This speech has aroused the ire of Mr Wakelin, who issues a formal challenge to Mr Curtis, undertaking to pay the sum of £50 to any public institution that he (Mr Curtis) may designate, if any competent and impartial tribunal that may be mutually agreed upon shall decide that the letter in question is deserving of the epithet' foolish,' that it refers directly or inf erentially to the poisoning of Superintendents, or that it wfll bear any such interpretation that he and others have given to it; on the under___sding that he (Mr Curtis) forfeits a like sum if the decision is given against him. Tbe Wellington "Post " remarks:— «* We would advise Mr Wakelin to drop the subject of that letter. Tbe less said about it the better. Nobody else in New Zeal—id could make head or tail of that letter except Mr Wakelin himself."

Ditobcb. —Lord Adam, of Glasgow, recently heard evidence in the Court of Session in an action raved by Hanna Bice or Williams, against her husband, Lewis Williams, formerly a blacksmith in Govan, and now in New Zealand. The parties were married in Jorrow, Durham, on May 13th, 1865, but several years ago the husband deserted his wife, and on this ground the Lord Ordinary granted decree of divorce. - Chinese Missions.—Considerable difficulty appears to be experienced by the Presbyterian Church in successfully carrying on missionary operations among the Chinese in Otago. Messrs Cowie and Paul Ah Chin, who were engaged by the Church to prosecute the work, having resigned, it was agreed at the Synod hut night that a suitable person should now be sent to China for a period of two or more years to learn the language, with a view of labouring among the Chinese in Otago at some future date.

Thb Seat fob Wa_a___, —Amongst other possible candidates for Mr Bunny's seat in the Assembly for the Wairarapa, should he resign it, the "Wellington " Post " has heard mentioned the name of Mr Colman Phillips. Mr Phillips recently come from Auckland and, purchased a station at Waihenga where he now lives. He is known to New Zealand colonists for his connection with the" projected South Sea scheme, and his controversy with Sir Julius Vogel on the subject. By profession Mr Phillips is a barrister.

Accident with Eebosbhb. —A very serious accident occurred at Biverhead, Auckland, to Bobert Hog&n, acting engineer on the s.s. Semi, when the steamer was alongside Harkiss Point railway wharf. Hogan was engaged in lighting a fire, and in order to came the wood to barn poured kerosene from a can on the fires. The stream of kerosene communicated with the contents of the can, and an explosion took place. Hogan was enveloped in flames, and before they were extinguished by Captain Jackson the man was very badly burned. Mr Lamb, of Biverhead, accompanied Hogan to town, and had him conveyed to the Hospital. The unfortunate man is about 35 years of age, and has a wife and child.

Bills of Sale.—The " West Coast Times," in reporting proceedings in the Hokitika Bankruptcy Court, states that his Honor Judge Weston "commented severely on the system of bills of sale, and expressed a strong desire to make certain merchants disgorge other people's goods, which they managed to take possession of under the bills of sale. His Honor also expressed his opinion that a great many persons thought that they had only to file a sohedule, and go through the Court; but, while he occupied the Bench, he intended to make searching examinations into these coses. With regard to the duties of trustees, his Honor was very emphatic. He held that it waa their bounden duty to see that all creditors got equal benefit, and even although there was but little remuneration for the o _cc, in the public interest they ought to be very painstaking and careful."

The Colorado Bebtlb.—_ome wonderful interpreter of prophecy has found out all abont the Colorado beetle, rivalling Dr. Cu__ling's discovery that tho potato blight of some 30 years ago was foretold in tbe Revelations of St. John. With rare modesty somebody has just published a book anonymously at Liegnitz, showing that the Colorado beetle, the phylloxera, the locust, and the cattle plague, are the apocalyptical horsemen mentioned in Revelations iv., v. 2-8. An English journal soys:—" The Duke of Richmond ought to see to this. It would be a terrible tiling '.for Great Britain if even a Conservative Government were to stiffen their necks against Divine Providence, and try to delay the Millennium. Or perhaps'it would be better to direct the attention .of the cattledealers fo the work."

Thb Osborne - Kbapbb and Binder.— Same of these celebrated machines which have such a reputation in America arrived on Saturday per s.s. Wellington, consigned to Mr B. Wilkin. The ''Penrith Observer," of 18th of last September, writes of these machines as follows:—" Ths knives cover, a breadth of six feet, and the com as it falls under the reaper is received by a sheet of canvas the full length of the knives, and worked at each end by means of rpllero. The canvas is endless. From it, by a peculiar mechanical contrivance, the corn is conveyed to a platform at the opposite side of the machine, ovejr which a fork, "thret____.'' with wiWwErips a gooi. Quyvl r-MfrjOßm tffie Wire around it, fastens it securely, and' th„ gently sweeps the sheaf off the board on to the stubble, the butt end falling first; The draught of the machine is exceedingly light, and the work of the reaper remarkably clean and satisfactory. It is not too much to say that the machine does its work cleverly."

Density op the S_tt__.—A remarkable instance of density of the skull was recently referred to in a paragraph published in the Sydney papers. It referred to a mulatto who was shot by the mate of bis vessel, the ballet not penetrating the skull, but being found on the top of the head under the scalp. Dr. Hooper, of .Auckland, writes to the "Herald":— "That others besides mulattos have thick skulls, the following case which occurred in my own practice will show. About ten years ogo I wob called to see a lady who, under the influence of great grief, had .hot herself. I found her in bed with a wound just above the left ear; the ball had entered this, and was lodged ou the top of the head under the scalp, fully Biri. from the place of entrance. Tliere was no fracture of the skull, although the bullet (a round one) was completely flattened. She recovered without any bad symptoms. I learned from her own lips that she placed the pistol close to her head.''

Labc-nt Case, Timabt/.—The cose of the Police against Isabella R. Dick has reached to such a complicated stage that the " Timaru Herald" supplies the following pa-tic-Jars to make it comprehensible :—" On the firßt occasion, when the charges preferred against the accused were dismissed, a letter hod been admitted as evidence, which has since been held to be illegally received, and on the strength of that a re-hearing of the case is asked for. His Worship has taken until Wednesday to consider whether he will grant or refuse the re.-hear_lg. The bone of contention in the second day's proceedings consists in the following facts—Two dresses were produced in Court, to make which it was alleged that the accused, while in the employment of Mr Sutter, had received twenty yards of cloth, but had kept and converted to her own use between five and seven yards of it. Experts were called in to measure the dresses, for the purpose of ascertaining the quantity of the material in them, but they differed so widely that the bench made an order to have the dresses taken to pieces for the purpose of having them properly measured. Since then dresses of the BOrne size and shape have been made by the prosecution, presumedly with less material than the twenty yards which the accused is alleged to have received to make the first dresses. That this had been done came to the ears of the defence,and yesterday a further adjournment until next Wednesday was granted to Mr Hamersley, and the dresses were ordered to be given up. This was done to give the defence on opportunity of employing independent dressmakers to make similar dresses, so as to test the quantity of material that it would take to moke them. Thus the cose stands at present."