NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XXXI, Issue 4195, 7 January 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

A.O.F. —The names of the officers for the ensuing year of the Court Star of Canterbury, No. 2309, of the above order, are advertised in this morning's issue.

Kaiaboi Do-cain Boabd.—The monthly and annual meeting of this Board were to have been held at, 3 p.m. -on Monday, but were adjourned for, want of a quorum.

ASHBFBTOH A. AJTD P. ASSOCIATION,—-A meeting of the oommittee of the association was held on Monday afternoon. Present— Mr John Grigs (chairman), Messrs Clark, Hunt, Smith, Metcalf, and Zouch. Applications for the ofiice of secretary to the aesociatios we& opened, and that of Mr C. A. Calvert was accepted. After some routine business the meeting adjourned. 8 -D-NBAX Bobough ' COUNCIL, r-r Last night, for the first time since its establishment now aver a year ago, there waa no quorum at tbe Sydenham Borough Council, and the meeting consequently lapsed. It takes five, including the M*yar. to forma quorum.—last sight there we_eo_lylfoar,w,, the Mayor, and -Crs. Brown, Pavitt and White. After waiting half an hour for a fuller attendance, the meeting was adjourned «rr*o o*rfo<4 U»« . .

Thb Cabmen and the Council. —A deputation of city cabmen waited on the Council yesterday and made certain suggestions concerning the by-lawa now under consideration, home of these were adopted and otheTrejected. A report of the proceedings appears elsewhere.

Tub Obfhanagb.—Through the resignation of Dr. Donald as medical officer to the Orphanage, that institution is deprived of medical aid in cases of emergency until tbe appointment of someone to fill his place. The Government has been communicated with upon the subject. Death.—The announcement of the death of Mr James Gilligan, reported in the telegraphic intelligence of Monday, will be received with regret by his many friends. The decease, though sudden, was not unexpected, as Mr Gilligan-has incurable for some time past by his medical attendants.. •

Guild or thb Holy Rood.—A "gathering of the members of this Guild and the Sunday school children took place on Monday. They assembled at the customary place of meeting, and marched in procession, with banners flying to the grounds around Mr C. C. Howard's house, where they were entertained during' the rest of the day. Lath Jubo_B. —When the names of the Grand Jurors were yesterday called over, two or three were, late, and it waajafterwards found that they had come in from the North by train. Their fines were therefore remitted, and his H snor suggested that it would be very desirable, perhaps, if, on the first day of the sessions, they did not commence until eleven instead of ten o'clock. Subsequently the Grand Jury brought iv a recommendatiou to this effect, which the Judge stated he would forward to the proper quarter. Waltham Sunday School.—The anniversary services in connection with this school were held in the Colombo road Churoh on Sunday, when sermons were preached to large congregations by the Rev. W. B, Martin, J. Luxford, and C. _)_llaston. The children sang several hymns at each service' very well, Mr Daltry conducting the singing, and Miss Needham playing the harmonium. The annual soireej in connection with this school, will take place in the Waltham Church this evening, after which a publio meeting will be held and addresses delivered. The children will also contribute some music.

Fbbby Road Congbbgational School. — A treat wbb given on New Year's Day to the soholirs of the Ferry road Congregational Sunday school. This was the first occasion of the kind since the establishment of the school, and the gathering was held in a paddock lent by Mr Anderson. Soon after ten the children, mustering about a hundred, were marched from the school to the ground, where sparts of the usual character were held. Luncheon,, a baby show, more sports, tea, and an auction of the remainder of the feast followed, and the meeting separated at about eight o'clock, all present having apparently enjoyed themselves.

Hospital and Chabitablb Aid Conference. —A conference of the representatives of counties and boroughs situated between the Rangifcata and Hurunui, to consider the question of the. Government proposals respecting hospitals and charitable aid, will be held in the Provincial Council Chamber, on Friday next, at half-past ten a.m. It was suggested in the memo, to the Board, submitting a resolution passed at the last meeting of the Selwyn County Council, respecting the holding of the conference, that the Christchurch Board should be represented on that occasion by the Chairman and Dr. Turnbull, and those gentlemen will probably attend. The Mayor of Christchurch and Councillor Cass have been elected to represent the Christchurch Council at the conference. •

Death at thb Quabantinb Station.— Yesterday morning the Government steam launch went off to the quarantine station with Dr. Hogg, of the ship Opawa, in answer to a signal from the station that a death Had occurred there. It was found to be that of a ohild named Hannah Langford, eighteen months old, the fatal complaints _eing whooping cough and diarrhoea. Upon the arrival of the Opawa with Government immigrants on the 7th ult. it was deemed necessary to send two families, composed of Mr Meara, wife, and four children r and,Mr Langford, wife, and five children; toy we station, there being at the time infectiafj'sickness amongst them. The case of t_eMchild who died.yesterday was the only one under treatment for some dayß, the others having fully recovered.. Dr. Hogg states that ifc is unnecessary to keep the families at the .station any longer, so it is probable that the Immigration Officer will permit them to leave tomorrow. - - •

:■-• AcciD_N_a.—A little boy, seveu years, of age, who had only been two diys in the colony, was admitted into the hospital yester-day.-He was playing on a fence near the railway station, when he accidentally fell and broke |the small bone of the left arm. The injuries were attended to by the house surgeon, and Jthe boy is progressing favorably. Another lad named Tretbury,|thirteen years old, was playing with gunpowder, when some of it exploded in bis face, inflicting serious injuries. He was taken to the hospital, but it is feared that he will lose the sight of one, if not both his eyes, besides his face-being permanently disfigured. There was a third admission, the patient being a man named John M'Gann, in the employ of a farmer named Lahy residing at Southbridge. In this case M'Gann was attempting to jump over a fence after a beast, when he fell and broke the small bone of his right leg. A serious accident occurred yesterday to a little fellow! about seven yea~s old-, a son of Mr P. Back, the railway manager, by which he broke his collar bone in two places. He fell off a, high -fence in the back garden, and when pioked up was quite A doctor was. quickly in attendance and the. bone re-set, and -the little fellow is now doing well. Gaol Rbfobh.—ln the course df his remarks yesterday Hia Honor Mr Justice Johnston spoke of the very great necessity that existed for some change in the prison system, so far as the classification of 'the prisoners wtts concerned. In referring to the subject, when the jury made a presentation regarding. it, his Honor said that gaol reform ought to be made a popular demand; and that until it was, no real reform would take place. Hie fact was that, at the present time, first offenders came out worse than they went in, and without classification a gaol was a perfect normal sohool of crime. I He had some years ago been on a commission to inquire into the whole subject, with a view to its rectification, and that was the conclusion they had come to.' The state of both gaols and lunatic asylums was a great social evil, and until the people warmed up and made an agitation about the matter, they would ,never get a change. It did not rest with the Judges, or with the administrative department, but must be a distinct matter of legislation. Until it was the present condition of things would continue to exist. TbbA-BE Royal—The fantastic ingenuity of Messrs Baker and Farron has triumphantly vindicated itself in converting a pleasant little comedy, full of interest, into a perfect nightmare of absurdity. As the "Governor's Wife," the bizarre production placed on the stage last night achieved a certain popularity, the plot though farcic-1 being coherent, the situations not altogether beyond the bounds of probability, tbe characters well drawn, and the language piquante, if not possessing the highest order of wit. After going through the crucible of Baker and Farron, the play has come out the antithesis Of all this. The Elot ia an impossibility, the situations to the ist degree extravagant, the characters distorted beyond recognition, ahd the wit only calculated to make the judicious grieve. The honors of course belonged to Messrs Baker and Farron, the former revelling in 'the character of the mock governor, which fairly bore a family resemblance to the Mock Duke of the Honeymoon, and Mr Farron being quite at home as an Irish soldier, and the fictitious bride. The best sustained character in the play and ' the least altered from the original was the Captain Thunderblow of Mr J. J. Welsh, who Impersonated tbe peppery old captain with excellent effect, and obtained well-merited applause. Mr H. Jordan gave a manly representation of Lieutenant Goodhap, and Mr Byan was exceed* ingly funny as an irrepressible negro ; servant. Miss Marie Morooini and Miss Julia Hinton played the : Bonbrette - parts of Rosa: and Madly with spirit, and Miss Rebecca Saunders was interesting in the character of Miss Hoibeck., In the oaur»e of the pieca Mr Farron partially redeemed hia other shortcomings by the excellent jaanner in whiph he sang the pretty ballad, "The dear bLitUe Shamrock," and, in conjunction with $fr Baker, rendered some comic duets in a manner that evoked a furore of approbation from their admirers.' After all, there is no accounting for taste, and tha antics of the benefieiares probacy servo to ill a vacuum that, but for them. #o_ld feaye to reowp void.

H_ATHOOT_ Road Boabd—The polling for the three vacant seats on this Board took place yesterday, with the following result : — Mr;- John O'Neill, 245 ; Mr Thomas Bruce, 239,- Mr W. Hawker, 216} Mr Thomss York, 148; Mr F. W. Staples, 99; "Mr John Saudford, 93. The first three candidates were declared duly elected. Sailing Match. —It is probable that a match between the schooners Torea and Alert may yet be arranged for at Lyttelton. The respective owners are in treaty to that end, and the owners of tbe Alert have signified their readiness to have it come off. The captain of the Torea is awaiting instructions from Mr Mitchelson, of Kaipara, the Torea'a owner.

Lincoln Schooi..—By the kindness of Mr and Mrs John Sharp, the children and teachers of, - the -Lincoln school, with the parents of the former, had quite a pleatant .time on Friday«last. The paddocks of Mr Sharp were placed at the disposal of the party, numbering some 200,-and games of various Jnnds were enjoyed during the day.

Little Akaloa I O.Q.F , M.U.—The halfyearly meeting of the Loyal Hand-in-Hand Lodge took place in the schoolroom on Friday evening, [December 27th, for the • election of officers. After the ordinary business had been transacted Bro. W. Ashton was installed aa N.G.; Bro. R. Rix, V.G- ; Bro. Hy. Bennett, G M.; Rro. W. R. Willis, E.S. The lodge then clo.ed.

Gband and Putty Jubymkn.—ln concluding hi» remarks to the Grand Jury yesterday, his Honor Mr Justice Johnstjn informed them that as the English law now stood, special jurors had to serve upon petty juries. As upon two of the petty juries yesterday, citizens whose names are on the Grand Jury list were called, namely, Messrs H. E. Nat&an and F. Hobbs, it appears that the same law now prevails here.

Lira Depositions.—lnconsequence of the depositions in a case heard at Ashburton, not having been sent in time to the Crown Prosecutor, his Honor the Judge, yesterday, requested the Serjeant of the Ashburton police to inform the Magistrate's clerk at that place that he had committed a breach of the law, and that unless in future he forwarded those documents more promptly he would probably have to suffer by fiae or otherwise.

Fibb at RangiobaX— On Sunday, about 615 p.m., a fire was observed by Mr J. Burt amongst the shavings in an unfinished buildiag in Fitzgerald street, lately the proEerty of Mr W. Wallis, auctioneer, but now anded to his trustees in bankruptcy. The fire had caught the flooring, boards, and uprights, but was soon extinguished before any great damage had been done. The injury sustained to the building timbers may be valued at £5. It is supposed that some boys had been: playing near with matches < during the afternoon. The building was not insured.

Abandon-ient of Pboskcutions. —In some cases that yesterday came before the Supreme Court, the Crown Solicitor desired not to proceed with the indictments, and stated that they would accordingly be withdrawn. His Honor asked how that was to be done—had permission been obtained from the AttorneyGeneral. It was not right that men should have charges suspended over their heads for an indefinite time.' In all cues where it was intended to enter a nolle prosequi permission should be obtained from the A_torneyGeneral; Subsequently the persons referred to were discharged.

Bbeaoh of Domain By-Law.—ln reference to a case that should have been heard in the Rejident Magistrate's Court yesterday, but was not on account of the inability of the officer to effect a service of the summons, it was mentioned that the Park Ranger usually fails to furnish sufficient particular! concerning offenders to render identification easy. The charge was against one John Hill for. a breach of the Domain By-laws in allowing a dog to wander in the North Park; but beyond the name given to the ranger, the police had no particulars that might serve to direct them to the whereabouts of the party wanted.

Thb Stewabts.—There was a large; atten : dance at the Oddfellows' Hall last evening! when theStewarts repeated their clever entertainment " If." The various songs, dances, &0., were loudly applauded'and encores were frequent. Miss Nellie's - singing of the Laughing Song is one of her best efforts, and was enthusiastically received. Miss Docy was capital in her impersonation of the Cook, and she sang capitally. Miss Maggie was excellent in her impersonations, and was also very good in the double song and dance with Miss Nellie. Altogether, "If " went capitally. Tt will be repeated this evening. ■•

RbTTBEMBNT OF. JUBIES.—Almost as SOOU as the Judge had finished summing up in the first case yesterday the jury expressed a wish to retire at once to consider their verdict. His Honor said this course was very undesirable, and be had always found it better that the jurymen should' confer together, in the box, as they thus saved a great deal of time, and came to their verdict with muoh more clearness. As this was the first case of the session, he desired to bricg this matter before them/ The jury in question, however, after a few minutes' deliberation, again expressed! their wish to retire, arid retired accordingly. ' y

N.Z. Rifle Association.—A xneptfng of the local-council was held at -iWarb.;'. Hotellast evening. Present—Major Lean (in the chair), Captain, Hawkes, Lieut. Sfcraragej and Mr Appleby. The minutes of the previous i meeting were read and confirmed, and Several accounts.pas.cd for payment. To provide for the payment of these, it was decided to open a petty cash account, out of which the local accounts could be paid; Several letters were, read from the secretary in Wellington, specially requesting that all persons intending to join should do so at once, so as to secure the Government subsidy; also, that a canvass should be made of the tradesmen for .funds for a tradesmen's prize. This it was decided to do. , Any members of the association wishing to obtain rifles must send in the-cost; as advertised, to the local secretary and treasurer, Mr Appleby. After the discussion of general business the mooting adjourned.

United Ancient Obdeb of Dbuids.— The usual half-yearly meeting of the above order-was held last night at their lodge room, Wellington Hotel, Tuam street, there being a very fair attendance, and Bro. "Oppenbeini, AD, presiding. The usual preliminary business being disposed of, the auditors read the balance-sheet, which showed very satisfactory progress, in spite of the unusual expenses. The report was put to the and adopted as read. A candidate was; then initiated as a member of the order. The election of officers to serve for the ensuing half-year then took place, resulting in the election of Bro. Rose, A.D.; Bro. Williams, V.AD.j Bro. Samuels, R.H.A.8.; Bro. Boyce, L.H.A.8.; Bro. Lindsay, R.H.V.8.; Bro. Keye, • L.H.V.8.; Bro. Schoneberg, Inner. Guardian; . Bro. Stewart, Outer Guardian. The Lodge closed at 11 p.m. with the usual harmony.

Evangelical AllxAhob.—The first meeting connected with the week of united and universal prayer throughout the world, as arranged for by the Evangelical Alliance, was held last evening at the Durham street Wesleyan Church, presided over by the Rev. W. Morley. The meeting was opened; with singing. . Prayer was then offered by the Rev. W. H. Homer and Rev. W. Tinslej. , The Rev. C. D&llaston read a ; portion of which was followed byan address fromthe Rev. J. Elmslie, after which the Communion Service was proceeded with, tbe elements being taken round to the communicants .by the ministers of the various churches. An address having been given by the Rev. 8. Macfarlane, and prayer offered by the Rev. J. 8. Smalley, the meeting, which was' well attended, was brought ttt-'close by the Bey. W; Morley pronouncing the Benedictidb. The. second of these services will take place tbis* evening atthsSt. Asaph street Church.-. I

Santtaby Cpitinilßß.—The sanitary com-mittee-bf the City Oduricil met yesterday, whom the subject under consideration waa the •Mjitary condition of-the soath side of the f oMH town belt, submitted to-them by tbe Council. The matter was discussed uv connection with a letter from the Local Board of Health, drawjiDg .attentfcui to the -unsatirfactory condition of the side ohanhjlajin that, localify: The committee, after carefully con* iidering the whole question, came to the conclusion that if *fcny" nuisance existed, it arose from the ratepayers of the Borough of Sydenham. The committee cq-akjerod thai it was the dqty of the -* Hdroiigh »f Sydenham to contribute their share of the coat ia keeping half of the aouth belt in order,, especially as they received the whole of the .pcs raided trow that jide of tlie belt. The committee decided to recommend that no action be taken by the Council in the matter. At the game time, the committee recommended to the Council that the north side should at once, in. justice to the burgesses within the belt, be concrete channelled and the footpath asphalted, the city half of lie belt shaving »}iMr*fwipißa«4. „.. s-.

Rbafebs and Bindbbs.—There have recently been discharged in Lyttelton 1060 reapers and binders. The Wdlard Mudgett brought over 2521 pack-iges, comprising 540 machines, and 2326 boxes of wire. The Alexander McNeil brought 520 machines, and 1680 boxes of wire. These machines have, been landed and put together in Lyttelton,and thence despatched to their various destinations. As each machine occupies more than one waggon, the extra strain upon thelimited resources of the railway department has been very considerable. Thb Scp_.E_tE Coubt.—Tho usual quarterly criminal sittings of the Supreme Court commenced yesterday, when his Honor delivered a longer address than usual to the Grand Jury. During the day all the bills wero returned, but those against John Dempsey for manslaughter, and John .Reeve for an unmentionable offonce." . These were thrown out. -George Briud, found gmlty of stealing a watch from a dwelling, was sentenced to -one year's imprisonment. Edward MoKenna, who pleaded guilty to forgery, waa sentenced to six ' years'' penal servitude, having been previously convicted ; and Ahdool, a coloured man, who was found guilty of stealing £10 from a dwelling-house, was sent to prison for six months. John Casey was found guilty of stealing £41, and was remandSd till Wednesday for sentence. George Muff, who pleaded guilty to burglary, was put back in order that witnesses might be called to character. At ten minutes to seven o'clock the Court adjourned until ten o'clock this morning. Thb Hospital Conobbt. —A great deal of energy haa been displayed by Mr Ohdton in organising the concert which is shortly to take place for raising a special fund for the Hospital. Miss Amy Sherwin, the Tasmanian prima donna, has in the kindest manner con* ' sented to sing two songs, which fact alone ought to secure a full hcuße, if the latter were , not already certain. The programme has been most judiciously selected, for, with the exception: of one or two standard compositions which always attract, nearly every item i 3 new, or at least very rarely heard. In ad- | dition to Miss Sherwin, Signora Venosta, Miss ! Lavinia Taylor, and Messrs H. F. Towle, Simms, and B. Foster will appear. The Christehurch Glee Club will sing gome exceii lent glees and part songs, among them being " The Young Musicians," by Kucken; the ! " Three Chafers," by H. Tetthn; ahd " Tell mc on what hply ground," hy Fttss. Signora Venosta will contribute tbe always welcome " H Segreto," from Lucrezia Borgia, and Miss L. -Taylor a fantasifi onthg English concertina from Sohira'• opera, "Niccolo de Sapi," and, in conjunction with Mr Simms, a bouquet of Welsh airs by Blagrove. Signora Venosta f and Mr Towle will give the grand duet'from "II Trovatore.V and- Mr R. Foster "The Yeoman's Wedding," by Prince Poniatows-i, •and ** When the quiet moon is beaming," by [.Johannes Schemdorf. Lastly, Mr Simms j will sing Henry Litolff's " Spinlied." Apart from the object'for which the concert, is given, suoh a programme should test the holding capacity of the Theatre Royal to its fullest extent. 1

Dbainaoe BoA_.D,-.The nominations for the various portions of the Christchurch drainage district will-be held to-day., Kaiapoi Sp^ibts.—The*final meeting of this Sports Committee will be held %,t-Burnip*s hotel this eyening, when the protest arishi_ jput of the Publicans' Purse race trill be considered. ■

CHBISTCHUBCH E_GINEEB r ,S,Q_.UN_EEES. —This company will parade at'the Drill Shed at half-past 7 o'clock to-morrow evening, for the usual monthly inspection. Football general meeting of ihe Christchurch Football Club and persons interested in football matters will be held at the Commercial Hotel, at"B o'clock, tb-morT'ow evening. ; . Waltham Sunday School . ;Anniveb. sabt.—-The: annual soiree in' connection with this school will take place at 6 o'clock this evening. The publio meeting afterwards will be held in the Colombo road Church.

. Cantbbbuby Coubsing Club.—A generalmeeting of the members of this club will be held at the Shades, at 4 o'olock, on Wednesday, 15th inst.