NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XLI, Issue 6144, 29 May 1885, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Consecbation.—The Most Eev. the Primate will consecrate the new Church of the Good Shepherd, Linwood, on Sunday morning next, and address the children at a special service in the afternoon. Throughout the octave there will be daily services with epsdal preachers. Several of the town and Bubnrban choirs have promised their help, and on Monday evening Mr Arthur Towsey will preside at the organ. WBA.THBB Excrakqb.—New Zealand, yesterday—Slight depression in the Southj soli high presence m the North. Winds moderate and ' changeable, bat chiefly westerly, with showers is the central district. Australia—High pressure over the interior and on the South Coast, with depression approaching boa the west; winds moderate, and - generally fine. Barometer — Buesell, 30.3; Wellington, SO.O; Bluff, 29.8; Albany, 29.9; Hobart, 30.1; Portland, 30.3 j Sydney, 30.4.

bT. John Ambulancb Society.—The lecture to be given this day at the City Council Chambers, at 4.30 p.m., in connection with the stove Society, is the second cf the series. A repetition of tbe first lecture will also be given at tit. Mary's, Merivale, at 4 SO p.m. Public LmaißY.—Monthly tickets for the circulating department of the Public Library can now be obtained. The subscription is at the rate of 6d a week, and anyone wishing to subscribe can do so by depositing 5s with the librarian, without any other introduction whatever. The deposit is returnable at any time on surrender of the books taken out. Tkbknce.—At the meeting o! the Board of Governors of Canterbury College hf Id yesterday, a letter from His Excellency the Governor was read acknowledging a from tae Board respecting certain plajs of Terence prescribed for the year's pass examination, and stating that under present arrangements he was not in a position to interfere in the matter. St. Andrew's, Little Eiveb. — The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Andrew's Church, Little Biver, was held in. the schoolhouse on Saturday last, the ,23rd instant, the Bey. — Knowles in the chair. The Chairman briefly stated the object of the meeting. Mr H. E. Tyson read the annual statement of accounts, when it was unanimously resolved—" That the statement of accounts as read be adopted." Mr H. E. Tyson was elected as clergyman's churchwarden, and Mr William Coop as parishioners' churchwarden. The following were elected as vestrymen, viz.:—Messrs George Eeynolds, Matthew Fitten, and Peter Mullins. The Chairman intimated that an entertainment would shortly be given in aid of the Church Building Fund. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings. Pbesbytebian Chxjech, Methven.—-On Monday last the ceremony of inducting the Eev. D. McNeill into the charge of the Presbyterian districts of Methven, Alford Forest, Springbum, Mount Somers, and Eangitata, took place in the Springbum school. On behalf of the Presbytery there were present the Eevs. -J. Elmslie and E. Erwin, of Christchuroh j Eev. E. Porter, of Prebbletonj Bey. |A. M. Beattie, of Ashburton j and Eev. iA. Blake, of Tinwald. After the ceremony of ordination aad induction was brought to a close, during which there was a large number of people present, a public tea was held. Tea over, the Eev. J. Elmslie presided at a public meeting, and congratulated the residents on having a minister appointed, and urged all parties to mutual co-opera-tion and sympathy with their minister. The Eev. l>. McNeill also addressed the meeting, as did also the Eevs. Blake and Beattie. A number of vocal and instrumental selections were rendered during the evening by ladies and gentlemen from Ashburton and the hills districts. A collection resulted in the sum of £10 being raised towards the church f and. A proposal to provide a horse and buggy for the newly ordained minister was responded to by the sum of £33 being subscribed in the room. Pedestrianism.—A contest of a novel character took place on Monday last, in the Colombo road, Sydenham, between Wm. Wilkie and Charles Eoderick, both local men. The contest in question consisted in the picking up of ICO potatoes which had been laid at a distance of one yard from each other, and placing them in a basket. The distance travelled was 5? miles 227 yards, and was won by Wilkie (who led from the start), in the very fair time of 29min 30sec. Both men fell several times. Mr Walls, of Sandridge Hotel, acted as umpire. It is contemplated to arrange another match shortly for £10 aside, to again start from Sandridge Hotel, Colombo road, Sydenham. Mes. Lhavitt at Eakoioba. — This I lady gave an address in the Literary Institute Hall, Bangiora, on Wednesday evening. Thera was a very large and appreciative audience, the hall beisg well filled, the Ten. Archdeacon Dudley occupying the chair. Mrs Leavitt began by pointing out that temperance is now believed to be next in importance to religion, for whe£ in a sober mind people are more likely to listen to religious instruction. She adverted to the pre-emi-nent importance of religion, but urged temperance as a stepping stone to a better life. The "Women's Christian Temperance Mission" of America was then referred to, Mrs Leavitt giving details of the working of the eoeiety, both in the past and at present, showing what expaclients were adopted to prevent drinking, and to educate the people in the principles of temperance. The fundamental rules were, total abstinence foz the individual and prohibition for the State. She strongly urged the claims of total abstinence as opposed to moderate drinking, referring to the fact that out of every seven moderate drinkers one became a drunkard; the safest and surest way was therefore to give up drinking altogether. The opinion of the judges was that drink caused a large proportion of the crime committed in the world, and doctors' evidence conclusively proved that alcohol is only an irritating poison. She recalled the fact that at a hospital in London, where the use of alcohol ia prohibited, the death rate is lover than in any where it is used, and she referred to the tables of the Insurance Companies to prove that abstainers live very much longer than those who constantly take alcohol. In conclusion, she requested all who had not yet taken the pledge to step forward and do so. Mrs Leavitt's address was listened to with great attention, and a' its close she was greeted with loud applause. Twenty-five persons then signed the pledge, and others donned the blue. The singing was under the leadership of Mr T. G. Smith and Messrs Withers and Jennings. Mrs Leavitt was accompanied by Mesdames Packe and Wroughtbn, of Christchurch, who were on the platform during the meeting. The Dog Days.— "Mow is the season of the year — not for rabies—but in which Mr Beetbam on Thursdays receives (and fines) paople who have neglected to pay dog tax. And it is strange to find, on each occasion, such a large number cf otherwise well-regulated citizens who ha?e to plead guilty to the soft impeachment. Afo3t cf them are fined, and most of thtm go away dissatisfied. Thera werj twenty-eight last week ; yesterday there were thirty-one, and and there are hundreds more to follow. When disposing of a pr«moas batch, his ; Worship pointed out a flaw ia the Act. It amounted to this, that if the dog owner was nimble enough, to register his dog bet-seen tie? time of the constable's visit of inspection! and the laying of the information, he wasj rewarded by exemption from penalsy{ Some of those who came up to-day hati taken the hint, and so escaped. But there was one'cute policeman w&o managed; put a stopper on that game. He the dogs at his leisure in the early part J of the day and paid hia visits in the evening, and having captured a J.P., laid hie informations still later. Now, ac the Registrar of Dogs bad closed his office before the policeman went round, it is obvious to the meanest comprehension that a flank movement on dog owners of a peculiarly brilliant description had been executed j thus?the door which bad seemed to be opened to reluctant taxpayers was this morning ftund to lead to a mere cut de sac, aad they had to pay up and look pleasant. One individual did not look pleasant—quite the contrary. His behaviour vas perfectly shocking. He protested loudly that be would know the reason why he was asked to pay 10a,. and 7s costs,! after he had registered his dog, I even though he was a little late/ He said this was the first timfr he had ever been in a Court; ther had dragged him there, and he was notspiajr to leave until he got justice. Hia W|J*kJp expostulated with him in tie »§?*** manner, but lie grow still more tip* 6 *** and had to be carried out of the room. He raved stall louder "wiUptoe hearing of the Court/ and it was p till ,an officer who weighs about SOOlfy who was pained and surprised by hia of duct, had taken "him in hand and spi> him round several times and then that he subsided. To give gresßors their due, how-ever, the rxjjority of them accept the sternly impar of his Worship quietly and mouifully, and shell out tnthout making any t>nble.

Leoai.— Hie Honor Mr Justice Johnston will sit in Banco on Wednesday next, in bankruptcy on Thursday, and Chambers on Friday. Theatre Botai*—The bill of the preceding evening was repeated last sight at the Theatre. The Company will appear again this evening, and to-morrow there will be a change of programme. Masonic Lectube.— A masonic lecture will he given this evening at the Canterbury Maaonio Hall by Bro. the Key. J. Hill, Diet. G.M..5.C., the occasion being the ordinary monthly meeting of the Canterbury Lodge, 1018, E.C. The Steasburo Clock.—To-day and to-morrow will be last occasions on which the model of the Straaburg Clock can be inspected. Stinday "Wokk is the Hakbor.—At the meeting of the Lyttelton Harbor Board yesterday, a resolution was passed refusing the use of the pilot staff and tug boat to mail steamers leaving Ljttelfcon on Sundays, except in cases of emergency. The Sailors' Home.—The first annual report of the Lyttelton Siilors' Home Committee -was laid before the Harbor Board yesterday. The result of the year's work appears to be exceedingly satisfactory. Thb Sink.—There was a very large attendance at the rink last night, including a number of ladies. The City Seed Band was in attendance, and played several selections. The rink will be open this evening. Little Eiveb Court.—On May 26th (before H. C. S. Baddeley, E.M.,and A. D. Allan, J.P.), for allowing cattle to wander at large Geo. Bobinson, C. D. Bankin, and J. Sharrock were fined each 10s, J. Stanbury £1103, and H. Derby £1. S. Timi, for leaving potatoes in bags on a public road, was fined 103. In Eeichenbach v Inder, claim £1 2a GJ, judgment was for plaintiff. Lectube.—The ninth of Sir E. Dobson's lectures on building construction was delivered at Canterbury College last night, the special subject being floors. Iα the lecturer's hands this title covered a very wide range, of construction, from the wooden, plaster, cement, and conorete floors of dwelling-houses, warehouses, and factories, to the shingle, macadam stone and wood floors of our streets and roads. There was a large attendance, and tie lecturer was frequently applauded. Local Option.—The result of the local option poll which took place at Little Eiver on "Wednesday, the 27th, was as follows :—Publicans' licenses, 5 for and 6 against; New Zealand wine licenses, 5 for and 6 against; accommodation licenses, 5 for and 6 against; bottle licenses, 5 for and 6 against. Totals—For the above licenses, 20; againat, 24. Masonic.—The usual monthly meeting of the Lodge of Concord, No. 1025, E.C, was held last night, at the hall, Papanui, when there was a large attendance of the brethren and visitors. The main incident of the evening was the presentation of an address to Bro. T. A. Peterkin, P.M., who is leaving Canterbury, having been appointed Superintendent of the Hillside Workshops, Dunedin. The presentation was made by the founder and first W.M. of the Lodge, Bro. C. E. Briggs, P.M., who referred in terms of eulogium to the many services rendered to the craft in general, and to the Lodge of Concord in particular, by Bro. Peterkin. As one of the founders of the Lodge, he had done his duty zealously and well, and the brethren parted from him with regret. The address, which was handsomely printed on parchment, and signed by all the members of the Lodge, was as follows:—" Bro. T. A. Peterkin, P.M.—Dear Sir and Brother,— "We, the undersigned members of the Lodge of Concord, No. 1925, E.C, on the eve of your departure from this district desire to congratulate you on your promotion in the Public Service, and at the sometime to express our regret at losing so energetic a member of the Lodge and such a genial friend. As one of the founders of the Lodge of Concord it must be highly satisfactory to you to note the progress made since its consecration—a progress to which your efforts and zeal have greatly contributed. Wishing you .every sacoesa in yourf new sphere, we remain, dear sir and Brother, your sincere well wishers." Bro. Peterkin briefly responded, and in the course] of • a few remarks spoke of the regret! he felt at leaving the Lodge, in which pie had always taken co warm an interest./. The brethren and visitors then, at the infitation of the W.M., adjourned to refreshments, and a very pleasant hour was spent.: Spotting. — The following was the distribution of the prizes in the Bobin Hood and Globe Consultations on the Bhthday Handicap and Grand National :— Eobin.Hood—first, JE9OO, tent maker, Blenheim;; second, £270, laborer, Ferry road j thirds £135, storaman, Dipton, Invtrcargttl. Grand National—firat, £270, farmer, Selwyn; second, £135, clerk, Chrietchurch; third, £67 10s, gardener, Porirua Ferry, Wellington. Special Unlimited on Grand National—first, £208, cordial manufacturer, Southbridge; second, £124 17s, hotel-keeper, Cashtl street; third, £83 sa, bricklayer, Addington. The number !o€ shares [cold was 13,280, being 5280 over the original issue, and 748 prizes were given inetead cf 220, being 528 extra at £5 each. Globe Consultation closed with 2221. Birthday Handicap—first, coach proprietor, Sumner, £19918s; second ditto, life insurance agent, Christchurch, £83 53 6d; third ditto, commission agent, Hereford street, £39 193. Grand National — first, lady residing in Hereford street, £39 19a; second, livery stable proprietor, ChHstchurei , , £66 12*; third, commission agent, Ferry road, £33 6a. (Totjbsing.—lt has been suggested to have a Coursing Meeting in the Templetan District. A fair amount of entries has already been promised, and the stakes have been fixed for an All-Aged ajid Puppy at three guineas and two resbectively. Mr B. P. Kissell will officiate as Secretary; Mr W. G. Judge has promised to act in the position of Judge, and sn efficient Slipper will be engaged. The properties of Messrs Bvley and Carpenter have been promised to course over. Full particulars will be notified later on. / Chamber of Commerce.—The quarterly jreneial meeting of members of the above will be held at 3 p in., to-day. Tempebakck LxcitTEE. —Mrs Leavitt will (address a meeting at the TJciced Methodist free Church, Richmond, this evening. TATTERSiu/s Club.—The annual general meeting of Tattersall'e Club will be held in the new premises, Boobs' Buildings, this evening at eight o'clock. Musical.—The next of the series of matinees mueicales given by Madame bummerhayes will take place to-morr >w at the Girls' Friendly bociety Boom, when a very good programme will be presented. An AliAbastxb Box.—Young girls finding their complexion growing sallow, and their skin becoming rough or freckly, resort to perfumed ointments for a restoration of their bloom. All such should nee American Co's Hoo Bitters, which will restore bloom to cheeks, whiteness and beauty to their complexion, making rich blood, good health, and happy smiles. Bead.—[Akvt.] Wobktng Men. —Before you begin your heavy spring work after a winter of relaxation your system needs cleansing and strengthening to prevent an attack of billions or spring fever or sickness that will unfit you for a season's work. Ton will save time, sickness and expense if you will use one bottle of American Co/a Hop Bittera in your family this month. Don 6 wait. Bead. —[Advt.j Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, &0.. are quickly cured by using Baxter's "Luag Preserver." Thik old-established medicine is pleasant to the palate, and highly extolled by members of the medical and clerical professions. Can fee recommended, lor testimonials see fournh page.—rAovT.J PffDDiue Eatiko Match. —In Steinerwald'e Hutel, Beading, Pa., on March 7th, several hnndn id persons assembled to witness a mate 1 at liver-pudding eating tor 20 doL ,md a keg of beer between Joseph Marq net and Henry Smith. Smith was out of coipdition and tailed to appear. Marqoet wajje very hungry, after lie preparatory fast, 1 nd set to work alone. When time was calla I it was found that in an hour and a half h< 1 had devoured four and a half pounds el padding, tea large glasses of beer, fire It, rge glasses of water, three glasses of w, uakey, a bottle of vinegar, a bottle of ■ catsup, and a large loaf of bread. Hβ is £ about thirty years of age, and a laborer by* occupation. .i

Thb Paymknt to 3*muu.i —The Victorian QoTenxment has vaidta! Mejor-General its proportion of the sum to be contribnted by the Austra lasian colonies during the current rear towards the expenses incurred in coootc tionwith the annexation of put of New Guinea by Great Britain. The total cum to be contributed was .415,000, and the respective amounta to be provided by th* or lonies were to be calculated on the basis "f population, excepting in the ca*e of Fiji, whos<> proportion was to depend uroa h*r r.venuH. Victoria'e proportion ie. JEKS93 8s 81, which is a largeY amount than that which any other colony will pay. Wkioht-Carrtino Contest —A weightcarrying contest, which caused a considerable amount of interest, bajjan on the 16th of Mar.h. and was brought to a conclusion at the IVnce of Wales'* Groun-is, Bow, London, oa March. 23rd,,. half-a dozen competitors being left in. As on the previous occasion, however, the spectators crowded into the inclosnre on ■ the men, and the affair was completely spoiled in consequence. The distance was one mile, each man to carry one hundredweight, and Lyon Morris, who never gave his opponents a chance, won easily by 40 < yards, in 7min. 321 sec. Cremation.—On March 27th the crematory, which was erected at St. John's, Woking, Surrey, was made use of for the first time for a human cremation, and the ■ body reduced to ashes was that of Mrs Piokersgill, of Clarecce Gate, London. It had been previously subjected to autopsy. The deceased lady was well known in * literary and scientific circles, and expressly stipulated in her will that her body should be cremated after death. With a view to this, she had previously become a subscriber to the Cremation Society of England, in whose crematory the las: rite was performed. Scientific Wonders.—At the Paris Electrical Exhibition, amongst the most astounding of the wonders exhibited is the thermo-microphone of Dr. Ochorowiez, shaped like horns, and hung in the centre of the great hall, from whioh issues the airs pliyed by a military band 300 yards away, and heard by all the people in the hall; a typographic press by M. AUwaet. worked by electricity; and the Bunckroff coil, producing an exact imitation of lightning. But the wonder of wonders is the electro-galvanic transformation of plants and flowers into solid metal under the •'yes of the spectators, who can hardly believe the evidence of their senses. Native Lands Court.—The Government have decided to dispense with the services of three cf the Native Lands Court Judges and appoint three other gentlemen to the vacant offices. The retiring Judges are said to be Mr H. T. Clarke, Mr. L. O'Brien, and Mr E. M. Williams, each of whom is entitled to retiring pensions of J2300 a jear. Mr H. T. Clarke rfceived his first appointment in 1843, Mr L. O'Brien entered the Government service in 1855, and Mr E. M. Williams was appointed Besident Magistrate of Waimata in 1861. Whether theae ' three gentlemen retire from their present appointment 3 of their own free will and accord we ("Napier Telegraph ") are not in a position to say. Their places will be filled by others at £600 a year, the con atry thus losing £900 a year. The gentlemen whoso names are mentioned to till the vacancies are Messrs McDonnell, formerly well known a? Colonel McDonnell; J. A. Wilson, of Tauranga; and B. J. Gill, of the Native Office. Nbw Firb Alarms foe Stdney.—The Superintendent o( Fire Brigades (Mr William D. Bear) has supplied some information respecting the two fire alarms which have recently been fitted up in Sydney. , One is erected at the corner of Fitt and Market streets and the ither in George street, Haymarket. The system is that introduced, by the Utica Fire Alarm Telegraph Company, of New York, and the alarms have been fitted up on trial. The following is an outline of the system :— Directly the door of the alum box is opened there is a small lever in sight, which, when pulled down, rings a very large gong at the' central fire station. A number is struck on .'-J the gong by a hammer attached, acd ie - t repeated the eocond and third time.' Ths- - ' number struck denotes the number, of the box from which the alarm' is sent. The airangement at the central fire station is that as sootfas the gong has , struck the complete number once, and the came has been correctly received, one manual engine, one steamer, and the ladder - truck will proceed to the locality of the alarm box, and in the meantime the volunteer fire stations, will be informed of the supposed fire. The gong, &o>, st the central station is worked by means of a clockwork system, whioh starts off striking , as soon as the lever of one of the points is pulled down. The battery of the alarm is worked by means of Daniell'q cells (ten in number), and the whole is on a closed circuit. If this system answers in Sydney it ie the intention of the Superintendent to recommend to the Fire Brigades Board the advisability of completing a circuit of twelve such points round the central fire station. Thh Penjdeh Incidskt.—The Kussian official account cf the battle was as follows : —" General Komaroff reports that in consequence of the aggressive and openly hostile action of the Afghans Le was compelled, on March 30th, to attack their fortified positions on both banks of the River Kushk. The Afghan detachment, 4000 strong, with eight guns, was defeated and dispersed, losing 500 killed, all their artillery, two colors, and the whole camp, with transports and provisions. The Kuesiars lost one Turcoman officer (Seid Nazir Yooz Ba*ki), killed, Eeceiyed contusions. Colonel Nickseich and Sab-Lieutenant Kozmin. Wounded, the Cossack Captain Koteeff and Lieutenant ' Ahabaloff. Of the rank and file—Cossacks and Turcomans—tea were killed and twenty-nine wounded. After the battle General Komaroff returned over the Koshk . and re-occupied hia former positions. English officers were spectators of the engagement, but not participators in it. On seeing the defeat of the Afghans, they requested Bussian protection, but unfortunately the convoy eeat by General Komaioff was unable to reach them, and they were carried off in the flight of the Afghan cavalry. The Russians only numbered about 1000, composed of two battalions, two or three ." sotniaa of Coaeacke, and Colonel Alikhanoff's Turcoman militia.'' The sami- ; official "Journal de St. Peterebourg" of April 10th, commenting upon General - Komaroff'fl despatch, eaid—" The absence of precise details only permits of conjecture at present regarding the origin* ; character, and bearing cf the . conflict. i The fact that General Komaroff, after , , having repulsed and driven away ; the Afghans, returned within his ■ lines is significant, acd affords reason to * suppose that the movement of the Russian ■ troops most have been cweed by hostile I acts on the part of the Afghans. On this \_ ! supposition the affair can only be regarded ' as an accidental conflict difficult to avoid in a situation so uncertain and strained considering the proximity of the two parties. , We ara happy to b«s able to add tbftty according to information from a British source, tie British officers mentioned m General Komaroff'a despatch have eaf elf reached Afghan territory." "• "