NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4753, 27 October 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Thb New Aobht-Gkubbah.—Our Weilington correspondent telegraphed last night as follows:—"Sir Francis Dillon Bell has been appointed Agent-General, at a salary of £1250 per annum. The new Agent-General will be required to act in every capacity required by the colony, including the negotiation and inscription of loans, &o." ALLOCATION op Qoxtsty Fuhdb.—The question of allocating the funds of the county held in trust for the local bodies, was raised at the County Council yesterday, and Mr MoMillan gave notice of motion that the subject be taken into consideration at next meeting, which will take place on the 24th proximo. Thb Ashbubton Railway Bbdogb.— The Chairman of the Ashburton County Council on last Monday, received a letter, intimating that it was proposed to disallow public traffic on the above bridge for the next three weeks between the hours of 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., while the new planking was being pat on it. This will cause great inconvenience to the people in the district, as the river is at present too high to admit of being crossed by drays. Nabbow Escapb pboh Fibb. —A narrow escape from fire was experienced yesterday morning by the residents of Freshford House, Lichfield street. The servants noticed smoke issuing from the flooring of the kitchen at a distance from the fireplace. An alarm was raised, and Mr William Holley ran in, and with a pick prized up some of the floor boards, disclosing a vast collection of rags, paper, matches, &c.. doubtless carried thither by the rata, and which was in full blaze. A few buckets of water soon put an end to' any danger. R.M. Cotjbt, Abhbtotoh.—At the above Court yesterday, before F. Guineas, Esq.) R.M., two lads named William and George Toser were brought up, charged with having escaped from the Burnham Industrial School, and remanded for three days. 0. M. Robinson sued George Watts for £5, damages sustained by him through some fowls belonging to Watts trespassing in his garden. Mr Branson appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Wilding for defendant. Judgment was given for 12s and costs.

Magistbai'b's CoubTj.TJansioba.—At the i above Court yesterday, before J. Beswick, Esq., RJkf., A. H. Cunningham and BL Blackett, Esqrs., J.P.'b, Ohas. Taylor and Thomas White were each fined 5s and costs for cattle trespass. John McDonald was brought up on a warrant to answer the oharge of neglecting to pay for the maintenance of his son at the Burnham Industrial School. Payment was ordered to be made In a month, or in default one month's imprisonment. H. Blackett and Wm, King, claim £5 13s sd, judgment by default and costs. D. Kevin v T. Denoh, claim £5 Is, adjourned for a week. G, Newton v A. Campbell, claim £3 9s, set off of £6 143. Judgment for defendant by default and coats. F. Stevens vM. Lucy, claim Bs. Judgment for plaintiff and costs. W, A. Burrows v P. MoMahon, claim £17 17s 6d, adjourned for a week. J. Anderson v D. Fitzgerald, claim £5 Bs. Judgment by default and costs. P. McGrath v J. Barley, olaim £110s. Judgment for defendant with. costs.

Mount Sombbs Bailway.—The following letter has been received by, Mr SI. G. Wright, M.H.8., in reply to a petition iorwarded by him on behalf of the unemployed at Ashburton:—Publio Works Office, Wellington, 19th October,lßßo.—Sir,—l am directed by the Minister for Publio Works to acknowledge the reoeipt of your letter of the 30th September enclosing a petition from certain of the unemployed, and in reply to state that the policy ot the Government is to reduce the number of men directly employed by it at reduced wages as much as possible, and with tkis view they are anxious to avoid multiplying centres at which such employment is given. Under these circumstances the Minister has been unable to comply with the prayer of the petition, but in order to meet the: case, or at any rate partially so, directions were yesterday issued to the Engineer in Charge, Middle Island, to prepare for contract, and call for tenders, a short length of formation on the Mount Somers line.—l have, &c,. John Knowleb, Under Secretary for Public Works. Jutbhiih Fobbstby.—The Juvenile Court Star of Canterbury held its regular monthly meeting at the Foresters' Hall last evening. This Court, whioh has now been open just twelvemonths, has a membership of over 200, and last evening the anniversary of the Court's opening, the room was well filled, the majority of the youngsters being present. At j the conclusion of the usual business, a few of the juveniles gave an entertainment whioh included songs (comic and sentimental) recitations, readings, and selections by the drum and fife band, which is now in a very advanced state, and does great credit to Mr H. Poore, the bandmaster. The fife duet by Bros. Mason and Harrison was especially, worthy of mention, the performers receiving a wen-deserved encore. Bros. EL Norton (comic song), and W. Bobb (recitation) also recived hearty recalls. P.D.C.8.8r0. Maohon of the Parent Court moved a vote of thanks to the performers, which was carried with applause, after which Bro. Maohon complimented the drum and fife band on their efficiency. The 0.8. then closed the Court.

Thdb Dbxttdb.—-The Pioneer Lodge held their usual fortnightly meeting at their Lodge room, Wellington Hotel, on Monday evening. There was a large attendance of members. An official visit was received from the Athelstan Lodge. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to A.D. Bro. Thomson for his present of two boxes for the benevolent fund. One member was initiated and three were proposed. It was decided to lend the regalia to the Otago Lodges for use at a fete to be held at Dunedin on November 9th. A sum of money was voted to a brother of the Ethelbert (Springsten) Lodge, who wai in distress. P.A. Bro. Willsteed presented D.P. Bro. Swinnerton with an address on behalf of the members of the Order of No. 13 district, which was suitably replied to. D.P. Bro. Swinnerton explained what had been dor* at tha meeting of the delegates of the amalgamated friendly societies* fete, when it was decided that the Pioneer feie no part ,m the procession. » SV • • B '» Bo< * e w " elected B.H-VJLD3., vtee Bra. 3. B. Harris resigned. The secretary ww instructed towrite to the various Lodges in the district in refenmea to holding monthly district meetings. Z^iS*^ l^ I *?* bo «J*M having been transacted, tiie Lodge was closed in due form.

Sklwyn Ooottx Cousoru—The Council held its monthly meeting yesterday. The business was not of much general importance. The aw*" 1 *! meeting will be held on the 24th proximo. Lohsbeach Boad Boabd.—The election of two member* to fill vacant seats on the above Board, which took place last Monday, resulted in Mr E. G. Wright and Mx Dobson being elected. . j Kaiapoi Fibs Bbiqadb.—The members of this brigade have decided to carry ont the j anniversary demonstration of fireworks on ] New Year's Day, and havealready commenced to make the preparations for the tame. "Haslet Pabk Boado.—This question was again discussed at the County Council meeting yesterday afternoon. The action of the subcommittee appointed to confer with the other bodies was confirmed, and the Council did not see any reason to prolong the conference under present circumstances. Thbatbb Royal.—Monday's bill was repeated at the Theatre Royal last evening to a fair house. For to-night, " Arrah na Pogue," the well-known and popular Irish drama, is announced. Miss Clara Stephenson will impersonate the heroine, a part she is well qualified to play, and Mr Borford will appear as Colonel O'Grady. " Leah " is billed for Friday.

Pbesbttebian Soib.ee.—A soiree in connection with St. John's Presbyterian Church, Lyttelton, will be held in the Oddfellows' Hall to-morrow evening. Lyttelton Naval Brigade.—A notification appears elsewhere to the effect that any desirous of joining this corps may be sworn in at Mr Dransfield's office, Christchurch, between 7.30 and 8 o'clock this evening. Confedebats Dioeama —The Confederate Diorama will show at Oxford East to night, at Amberley on Thursday, Leeston on Friday, and Soutbridge on Saturday. Industrial Association.—The general meeting has been postponed till the 3rd prox., at 8 p.m. New Zealand UNrvEßsrrx.—Candidates for matriculation and junior scholarships are reminded that no applications will be received after November the 13th.

"Yoono Men's Christian Association. — The annual meeting of the Young Men's Ch-istian Association will take place this evening, at half-past 7 o'clock.