NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4540, 18 February 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Doe Registbabs.—The following appointments of dog registrars are gazetted:—Henry Hudson, for Longbeacb. Road Diitriot; Wm. Compton, for Mount Hutt riding, Ashley Oonnty; and James Wilkie, for Wakanui Boad District. South Max,vhbht Cembtbbt. — The following trustees hare been appointed for thie cemetery :—Moses Bcott, Edward McMillan (sen.), Nathaniel Grinrod, Arthur L. Joseph, and Edwin Smith. Chabitablr Aid Boabd.—A " Gazette " notice is published to the effect that Messrs John Thomas Brown and James George Hawkes |have been appointed additional members of " the temporary Hospital and Charitable Aid Board for the Canterbury district." PiAKoyoETB Rbcital.—Mr A. Forest, who comes with a high reputation as a pianist, will (five a pianoforte reoital at the Oddfellows' Hall on evening next. The programme comprises selections from the works of Mendelssohn,- Thalberg, Weber, Baoh, Beethoven, and others of the great masters. Voluntbbb Rbvibw. — Colonel Packe, Major Lean and two or three iterabers of the Canterbury Jockey Club, with the secretary, visited the course on Monday afternoon for the purpose of seleoting the site for the forthcoming review. After a> careful examination, jjr was determined on and arrangements will be made accordingly. Ibish Rbmef Ftod.—A meeting of the oommittee took place yesterday, when the subscription lists which had been collected on Saturday, were submitted. The money subscribed in this way was very insignificant. It is, however, expected that when the final settling takes place the fund, including the £600 already sent to the Lord Mayor of Dublin, will reach nearly £1000. Thh Habhohic Society. —At the reheareal of this society last night there was a good attendance, and as the band was present the practice was very enjoyable. The mamben are making good progress with the choruses of the cantata, which are exceedingly pretty although somewhat difficult The solo parts will tax all the strength of the society. Officiating Mikistbbs.—From the list of officiating ministers within the meaning of the Marriage Act, 1854, recently published, it appears that the number of ministers belonging to the various Churches in New Zealand is as follows:—Church of England, 300; Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, 74; Soman Catholic, 66 ; Presbyterian Church, of Otago and Southland, 51; Weeleyan Methodist Society, 86 ; Congregational, 12 ; Baptist, 7 ; Primitive Methodist, 17; United Methedist, 11; Lutheran, 8; Hebrew, 8 ; Church of Christ, 2. Total, 652. Dbpßtatioks.—A number of deputations from various bodies will wait upon Mr Oliver to-day, at the Government buildings. Amongst others, there will be deputations from the Christchuroh City Council, re endowments ; from the Chamber of Commerce; from the residents of Akaroa, re Akaroa and Little Biver railway; and from the Sydenham Borough Council respecting the removal of gatekeepers at the crossings on the railway lines. Cabmen's Pichic —The cabmen, livery etablo proprietors, and. their employes, following the example set by the other trades, had their annual picnic yesterday. Tney started from .town shortly after nine o'clock for the rendezvous at Cashmere, Sir Cracroft Wilson having lent a paddock ou his property. The vehicles, containing the holidaymakers, to the number of about one hundred and sixty, made quite an imposing procession, the_ route being enlivened by Button's band which was engaged for the day. On arrival at their destination the usual sports oame off, with the addition of a steepleohase and trotting match, and the large party returned to town about seven o'clock in the evening after spending a very pleasant day. Shadow Pantomimb. —The Shadow Pantomime entertainment, which, it is proposed to give on Saturday next at the Theatre Boyal in aid of the Irish Belief Fund, promises to be a success. When it is stated that the valuable aid of Professor Biokerton, Messrs J. M. Thompson, Seager and Cherrill has been secured, it will be understood that there is every probability of the effects produced being excellent in their way. Efforts are being made to get a large attendance of children ou the occasion, so as to afford them both an afternoon's amusement and an opportunity of contributing towards a laudable objeot. In addition to the Shadow Panto* mime, there will be a number of dissolving views exhibited. CHBiSTOHtraoH Cathbdeal.—A confcraot has been let for the completion of the nave of the cathedral as regards the stone and timber work. Messrs Wm, Stocks and Co., the successful tenderers, have undertaken to carry out the work, including clerestory, large arch at the east end of the nave, roofs of the aisles and nave, also a temporary sanctuary of anapsidal form, fora sum of £9588. This excludes Minton tiles and window glass, which are together estimated to cost £520. The Cathedral Commission are to be congratulated in making a strenuous effort to complete a portion at least of. the cathedral, especially when the fact is borne in mind that only £7000 is available out of the Church Property Trust Loan. The commission however believe that the public will subscribe further sums when it is seen that the building is really a fact, and that services are to be held within its walls in a year or so Shall Coal.—The system of utilisation ef small coal whioh has been so long known in France is about to be introduced into the Durham coal trade on a large scale. At one of the large collieries of the Marquis of Londonderry, briquette machines are being erected by a Leeds firm for the manufacture of briquettes, or compressed fuel of small coal. It is stated that, at a cost for preparing, mixing, and making of about 1* per ton, an excellent fael oan be made from the waste or small ooaL In Franoe the use of briquettes bo made is on a large ecale—one company alone producing 300,000 tons yearly; but the system has not, up to the present, been largely adopted in England. It ia probable, however, that if the attempt new being made at the Londonderry collieries prove suooeesful, it will soon be followed extensively in the north. Woodknd Distbiot School.—A meeting of the committee was held in the schoolroom, on Monday evening, Mr J. Little (chairman) and the following members being present— Hon. H. B. Gresson, Messrs Conway, DanielJs, Stanton, and HorrelL Correspondence was read from the Board of Education, enclosing Mr Lambert's report; also enclosing the names of those gentlemen nominated to fill the vacancies on the Board. Letters were also read from the Rangioj-a and Loburn committees, asking the committee to support the election of a member north of the Waimakariri on the Board. It was decided to support the gentlemen nominated by the committee at a previous meeting, viz.: Messrs H. J. Tanered and H. S. Webb. It was also resolved that the Board be recommended to carry out the suggestions made by Mr Lambert, the estimated cost being about £66. The chairman was farther requested to ask the Board to make an addition of two rooms to the master's house, it being very much needed. The meeting then closed. Cabtbbbub? Fbxasb Bkfttgb. — The usual monthly committee meeting of the Canterbury Female Refuge was held a few days ago. The following members were present:—His Lordship the Primate (president), the Very Bey. the Dean, Messrs. Jameson, Parker, Pratt, Booth, and Aldred (secretary). A letter from Mr Hopper, of Addington, baker, was laid before the meeting containing an offer to supply the institution with bread I free of oharge for the period of three months. !Mr Hopper also promised to use his inI finence with other bakers with the view of obtaining a gratuitous supply for the whole year. The committee instructed that their beet thanks be forwarded to Mr Hopper. Once more, the preparation of the new wing of the Refuge for the taking in of Class B engaged the earnest attention of the committee. Within the last six weeks five women belonging to this class might iave been admitted if the necessary accommodation had been provided. The cost of the alteration necessary, including extra fencing, furniture, &c, would be about £70. The meeting waa encour&ged on hearing that two gentlemen outside the committee were interesting themselves in the matter, and offering their help to collect the sum required. The committee have now the hope that in a short time their desire to /extend the usefulness of the institution by admitting this class will bo realised.

Accident at Kistbhslb..—On Monday a man named RoaericK Meßeat i was killed by a reading machine accident. An inquest was to be held. Thb Ltsch Family. — This company, stret»g:hensd by several other artiste*, intend p&ying another visit t> H>w Zealand shortly, leaving Melbourne on the 17tfa inefc. Cembtesy BKGiTLvriOKe. —The rules and regulations for the Homrat* and Kimberley cemeteries were gazetted on February 12th, in accordance with the Cemeteries Management Act, 1877TOIiUHTKBB PSIZB FIBINO—A list of tb.o priz«B apportioned to the competitors in the Canterbury district, amounting in the aggregate to £25, will be found in the advertising columns. Oddfbllowship. — The Loyal City of Christchurch L.idgo held a summoned meeting on Monday night to receive the auditor* , report and balance sheet. The auditors congratulated the lodge upon the general prosperity of theis- affiiw, and in tbe report recommended an increase of salary to the treasurer. The balance • sheet submitted, showing a credit of £14 to each member, was unanimcuily adopted. A very handsome emblem of the society was presented by the lodge to P.Gr. Bro. King, in recognition of his service;, after which, the meeting closed. Rechabitb Tba Mebtesto.—A publio tea meeting in connection wish the Independent Order of Rachabices took place at the Templar Hall yesterday evening. The proceedings opened in the usual way, the tables being tastefully laid. At the publio meeting sublequently there were present representatives from various parts of the North and Middle Islands, they being in attendance at the annual district meeting (the first sitting of which took place yesterday. Bro Harding, Distriot Deputy Ruler, presided. Several speakers addressed the meeting, and -rocal and musical selections were given at intervals during the evening. Nobthbbh Tbain Dklated .—On Tuesday the midday tram, which is timed to leave Kaiapoi for town at 1.40, was delayed at that station two hours awaiting the arrival of a epecial train on the line between Christoharch and Kaiapoi, which latter, it turned out, was being detained at Belfast. The detention was the cause of considerable annoyance to up country residents, who were preoiuded from reaching town within banking and merchants' office hours. The epecial ought to have crossed the train at Kniapoi. The Kaiapoi station master had to solve the difficulty by sending a messenger by road to ascertain the cause of delay. < AeSBSSMBNT COTJBT, ASHBtTBTOX. — The appeals against the valuitiore made by the borough valuator, were heard yesterday at the Aehburton Court-houee. Most ef the valuations were upheld ; that on the Commercial Hotel was however reduced from £500 to £360. Jameson Brothers grain store was reduced from £350 to £280, and Orr and Co.'c etore, rated at £100, was reduced to £65. H. B. Johnstone reduced from £40 to £13 15s for sections in Kermode and Dobson streets; Aoland, Campbell and Co., from £80 to £50; Andrew Wood, £80 to £56; A. Connolley, £20 reduced to £13; Mitchell and Turner, £90 reduced to £60; Parker and Co., £45 to £24; W. Keall, £80 to £65. Several other slight reductions were made. Amalgamated Tbadbb Pionio. —A general meeting of the committee was held on Monday evening, at the Prince of Wales Hotel. It was resolved that the train for Southbrook, where the picnic is to be held, should leave at 8.45 a.m. from Ohristchurch on Saturday next, returning at 5.10 pm. The various committees for the supervision of sports, &0., on the day were appointed. The merchants in town who have been waited on have responded liberally, Messrs Gr. L. Beath and Co. giving a special prize of a silver cup for throwing the hammer. A final meeting of the general committee will take place on Friday evenicg, at the Prince of Wales Hotel. The prices ef the ticket for the pionio have been fixed at 4s 6d far adults and for children 2, 6d. Thbatbk Botax.—The favorite comedy entitled " The Game of Speculation," was performed at the Theatre Royal last night. Mr Hoskins , admirable impersonation of Mr Affable Hawk is so well known that praise or critioism are alike superfluous. It is sufficient to lay that this sterling comedian wag never •een to greater advantage. The daring, cool, good humored speculator was pour tray ed to the life, and Mr Hoskins was called before the curtain at the end of each act. Mr Boothman was easy and gentlemanly as Sir Harry Lest er, and succeeded far better than in the preceding comedy, by the adoption of a quieter and less demonstrative style. The three creditors, Earthworm, Hardcore, and Prospeotuß, were fairly represented by Messrs. Stark, Rede, and Alexander, the first named gentleman more completely identifying himself with his character than hit colleagues. Mr J. P. Hydes was quietly amusing in the little part of Thomas. Miss Lizzie Morgan was a graceful and ladylike Julia Hawk, and Miss Lucy Ashton sustained the part of Mrs Hawk. The performance terminated with the burlesque of " Mazuurka," which went very well. It will be repeated this evening, preceded, by request, by "The Serious Family." Bapvist Chttboh, Oxford Tbbbacb.— The anniversary tea and publio meeting took place last evening in the above church. Fully 300 sat down to an excellent tea provided by the ladies of the church and congregation. Daring the interval ef removing the toa tables, prior to the publio meeting being held, a number of the ladies were engaged in the vestries at the back of the church in effecting sales of some articles remaining over from the last bazaar, their efforts being attended with very fair results. The pastor, the Rev. Charles Dallaston, presided at the publio meeting, and after having called upon the Rer. T. W. Smyth, of ESrwee, to engage in prayers said he had. great pleasure in seeing so large a gathering at this the third anniversary meeting, since he had become pastor cf the church. In the oouree of his, speech he gave some interesting details of the increase of the ohurch and congregation during that time, by which it appeared that from ninety-five members at first it had increased year by year till it now reached the number of 203, after allowing for removals to other places and also for those who had been transferred to form the new ohurch at Montreal street south. The congregations on the Sabbath days had increased from about 150 in the mornings, and 250 in the evenings, to 250 and 400 respectively. The chairman said he had great pleasure in welcoming the Rev. T. Anson Cito, who had undertaken the joint pastorate of tie Montreal street south and Lincoln road churches, and also the Bey. Spencer. Both of these gentlemen had been in connection with the East London Missionary College. Addresses were then given by the Revs. T. Anson Cato, — Spencer, and T. W. Smyth, and also by Mr Richards, of America. The church choir, under the leadership of Mr H. Corrick, the choir master, who presided at the American organ, gave with good effect several acthems during the evening. The meeting, which was & very successful ope, was brought to a close by the rev. chairman pronouncing the benediction. ■ FbOTBOTIOK OP IfiOK FBOJC SSA-WATBB. —Beally praotically valuable discoveries are sometimes long in being aiopted (s*ye the " Australian Shipping News"). Several years ago it was discovered by one of the offiosrs engaged in surveying Natal that certain sparges or euphorbiaceons plants when cut so coated their knives that they were not afterwards affected by runt. The officers were led to suggest that the gum of the plant might eventually prove a valuable article of commerce as a preservative for iron or other metal work exposed to the action of air and water. The plants grow in Natal in abundance, and they found no difficulty in collecting s> suffiJ oient quantity of gum for practical experiment. To this end the gum was dissolved in I spirit, which was found to be the most ready means of applying it. At the Cape it was successfully tried for coating ships* bottoms, but for several years nothing has been heard of it. Recently, however, soma enterprising men have introduced the gura into England and have tested it with marked β-ccsaa. Thefe is, therefore, every probability that a new and important trade industry will be developed in the English South African colonies. •

LxcTO3B.-»rMoßlej wiHdeliTOr eaethe lecture on Satoday night at the Oddfellows' t gK4.nnKweEiGiafTA.-A. meeting wffl fee the Cferamewaal Hotel to Cahtxbfpbt Bi?i.k AesociAiioe.—A rf the members of the abore, fw e!«>. toon of officers and Coned], mil be kaldthia ewmng at Cookson'a Commercial Hotel. o» Cohioebcb.—The Quarterly genera! meeting of the Ohasabsr of CoWeree SJr^^Sp!^ 116 Wem '' Ca3hel Bteßfc ' *■