NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XLI, Issue 6152, 8 June 1885, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Moorhouse Statue.—Mr OUivier by the last mail received a letter from London, enclosing a drawing of the pedestal of the Moorhouse statue, as proposed by the sculptor. It has a plain, squaie base, with a tablet let in on one side. As regards the statue itself it is completed, and will be placed on one of the direct steamers leaving England this month. Those who have seen it speak highly of its artistic exceUence, and also as being an exceedingly truthful resemblance of the late Mr W. S. Moorhouse. A New Zealander, now in London, who saw the statue, says he can heartily congratulate, the citizens of Chriatchurch on possessing a beautiful work of art, and one which will be an ornament and a credit to the city.

The Ltttelton Railway Frauds.— Committals in several other cases of aUeged complicity in the frauds on the Railway Department at Lyttelton by several of the casual laborers employed, took place on Saturday. The number now committed amounts to six, leaving five other cases to be investigated. Bail has been granted in aU the cases except that of Hough. The Court wiU resume at 11 ajn. to-day.

Conceet.—The concert to be given by the members of St. John's choir to-morrow evening should be largely patronised judging from the very excellent programme which has been issued. The solos will be given by Miss Broadbelt,'Miss Buchanan, Mrs Garrard, Miss E. Rowley, aad Messrs Jones, Fawcett, and Towsey. A duet by Misses Buchanan and Broadbelt, a vocal trio for ladies' voices, several glees and part songs, and a piano solo by Mr Towsey, complete a very attractive programme. Mr Arthur Towsey, organist of St. John's, wiU conduct.

Distbict Covet.—The usual sitting of the District Court wffl open to-day at 11 a.m., before His Honor Judge Ward.

Licensing Meeting. — The quarterly meeting of the Woolston Licensing Committee wffl be held at noon to-day.

C.M.L Shoes Concert.—The second concert of the series wffl take place to-morrow evening, when a first-class programme will be given.

Nxw BittiGteroN Tbamwat Company (Li__tkd).—The registration of thiscomeffected by Mr T. S. Weeton on Saturday morning, last. Thkatbb Royal.—The Howarde Comedy and Burlesque Company appeared on Saturday night at the Theatre Royal in two pieces, "That Charming Widow" and " Paddy Miles' Eoy." The same biU wiU be repeated to-night.

Scholarship.—lt is understood that Mr John Tinline, who has left on a visit to England, has endowed a scholarship in connection with Christ's College, to be eaUed the Tinline scholarship, cf the value of £60 per annum. Skating Rink.—There was a very good attendance of visitors at the Rink on Saturday evening. It is the intention of the proprietors to offer a trophy for long distance skating.

. Service of Song.—On Thursday evenin? the members of the Ashburton Presbyterian Church choir gave the service of song entitled "Minnie; or a Sister's Love." Mr Arthur read the descriptive sketch, and the choir rendered the music in a very creditable manner. The proceeds were in aid of the organ fund. Ratkpatees' Meeting, Waiau. — The meeting of ratepayers to consider the annual balance-sheet of the Amuri Road Bard, which was to have been held on June 2nd at noon, lapsed for want of a quorum. The Jewel Robbeet. — The prisoner arrested on suspicion of having been concerned in the jewel robbery at Wellington will be brought up at the R.M. Court there ©n Wednesday next, and Mr Lezard has been subpoenaed as a witness. SergeanfcMajor Mason will accompany Mr Lezard, as he also is required in the case.

Annat. —The membera of the Malvern Lodge of Oddfellows gave a concert and baU at Annat on Friday ovening last. Consequent on the inability of several singers to bo present the concert was not very weU patronised, but, under the difficulties which had to be overcome, did not paß3 off at sll badly. Dancing commenced at 11 p.m., and was kept up vigorously tiU 4 a.m. by about twenty couple. Kaiapoi Bridge.—The Borough Council, as a Bridge Committee, met on Saturday morning, and, in company with the engineer, inspected the work and the apparatus for opening it, which appeared to be almost unworkable, which was attributed by the engineer to a want of ballast in the balancing part of the opening girders. At a meeting, at which Mr R. Moore, Mayor, presided, the question was f uUy considered, and a report drawn for presentation to the CouncU at its next meeting.

Attempted Suicide.—The female witness in the inquest held on Saturday at the Terminus Hotel had previously come very near providing the material for another inquest in her own person. After a somewhat exciting interview which she had with Mr Nicholson the day before his death, she hastily swaUowed a bottlefui of chloral, and but that medical aid was procured very quickly, and exceedingly active remedies employed, she must soon have gone over to the majority.

The Wakanui Seat. — The contest for the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr John Grigg, late member for Wakanui, has already commenced in earnest. Early on Saturday an influential requisition, bear-in? over 250 signatures, was presented to Mr E. G. Wright, asking that gentleman to come forward as a candidate. After mature consideration, Mr Wright sent a reply to the effect that he would accede to the requisition, and contest the election. Mr J. Ivess has also announced hia intention of again contesting the Wakanni seat. The name of Mr J. C. Wason has been mentioned as a probable third candidate. The rumor, however, is generaUy regarded as one having but Utile foundation. Funeral.-The body of the late Mr John James Mumford, who died from the effects of a gunshot wound received at Rolleston recently, was interred yesterday in the Cemetery, Barbadoes street. The two mourning coaches were foUowed by a long train of carriages, and the mourners were exceedingly numerous, very many members of the Orders of Druids and OddfeUowß foUowing the remains ef their late comrade to the grave, and the process on was sweUed by the many private friends of the deceased, who was exceedingly popular among those who knew him. The service waa performed by the Rev. H. J. C. Gilbert of Phillipstown, and Mr Scrimshaw furnished the funeral.

Lincoln School Committee.—The usual monthly meeting was held on Monday. Present-Messrs Doherty (Chairman), Bartram, jun., White, and Topham. Correspondence was read from the Board of Education re salaries. The Rev. Mr Teakle applied for the use of the school for the purpose of holding a concert on June 22nd. Resolved, that the school be let for concert only. Mr Dalton wrote, asking for the smaU room for dancing purcoses. Granted. The Chairman asked the Committee if he had to charge the full amount for the use of the school at Mr Lambie's dinner. He was authorised to do so. The master's report was read and considered satisfactory. The Committee decided to close the school for a fortnight, the time of closing to be left to the Chairman to arrange. Sundry accounts having been passed for payment the meeting adjoined.

A Canard.—The minds of the bold mariners who reside in Lyttelton have been much exercised during the past two or three days by a report that someone had somewhere seen a paper containing a full, true and particular account of the arrival in London of the ship Loch Maree, after two years' sojourn in the ice. The insurances en the ship have been paid some two years ago, and aU hope of her ever turning up has long Bince passed away. Every effort was made by anumber of people in Lyttelton to discover the source of the rumour, but without effect. At last Captain McLellan, the Harbormaster, set himself to work to ferret the matter out. As it was reported that someone on board the Arawa had the paper in question, he went there. But it was the old story of the number of cats, and after a good deal of trcuble the whole matter resolved itself into nothing. It may be considered to be a very good joke for some one to start such a rumor as this, but if it had a local application the consequences might be very serious.

Inquests.—An inquest was held on Saturday morning at the Terminus Hotel by Dr. Coward and a jury, whereof Mr Frederick Jackson was chosen foreman, on view of the body of Frank Nicholson, recently deceased. In addition to the facts already published, the evidence went to show that deceased went to the Terminus in February last with his wife, but sent the latter home in March by the Rimutaka. Since then he had been a prey to jealousy. He left the Terminus Hotel on Monday last, and Jessie Chambers, resident in Sydenham, who had seen him at intervals from Monday to Thursday, deposed that he threatened to destroy himself. He left her hous9 on Thursday at two pjn., on which day he purchased a pistol and a box of cartridges at Mr Daye s, the gunsmith in Colombo street. Charles Isaac Williams, waiter at the Terminus Hotel, deposed to having found the deceased in his room on Thursday evening shot through the head. The jury returned a verdict of " Suicide during temporary insanity." Later in the day the Coroner, with a jury, of which R. Nunwick was chosen foreman, held an inquest at the house of the deceased, in Harewood road, touching the death of Godfrey Litchfield. Evidence was given to show that deceased had been iU for six months past, and in a desponding state of mind. On the evening of the Ist instant he went into the stockyard by his hopse, and two of his servants, who were suspicious of his intentions, following him very closely, found him cutting his throat with a razor. Dr. Doyle was sent for, and, arriving very quickly, be did ail that was possible, but the windpipe was nearly severed, and death ensued on the 4th. inst. The jury's verdict was " Temporary insanity."

CoarpuHENTABY .—A dinner is to lie given at Oxford this evening to Mr W. F. Pearson, M.H.R. for the Ashley district.

Petition on Religious Education.— A petition ia in circulation to be presented to Parliament praying " that the Education Act maybe amended to allow ministers of religion, or duly authorised by them, to communicate religious instruction in schools witiiin school hours."

Thb Ghaxn Agency Company.—We understand that at the general meeting of the New Zealand Grain Agency and Mercantile Company, Limited, which was held in London last week, the Directors recommended that the business of the Company should be graduaUy liquidated and the assets divided among the shareholders. After three years' experience the Directors have arrived at the conclusion that New Zealand does not offer a profitable field for the carrying on of a grain business by a joint-stock Company, although they can well understand that such a business can be successfully conducted by a private firm.

Parish op Kaiapoi.—The "Banner of Faith," a monthly journal issued to Church members, in its June issue states that as the Board of Nominators are not able to appoint aa incumbent, the Bishop has appointed the Rev. J. W. Stack, curate in charge. Mr Stack was connected for some time with the Maori Mission, and is at present in charge of the St. Albans parochial district. He has had long and varied experience in Church work, and wiU no doubt receive a hearty welcome from his new parishioners. The Rev. H. Vere White vacates the incumbency on June 30th.

Concebt.—Madame Summerhayes' third matinee musieale came off on Saturday with great success. The programme waa remarkably weU chosen, and it had attracted an audience which nearly exhausted the seating capacity of the Girls' Friendly Society room. The concert giver herself played Mendelssohn's "Andante and Rondo Capricioso," a polonaise by Chopin, and Rubinstein's " Valse Caprice," and the works of such popular composers interpreted by Madame Summerhayes were naturally very weU received. Mrs Leonard Harper sang two German songa to her Own accompaniment, Rubinstein's " Dubist wie cine blume," and Jensen's " Lehn deine Wang," and she brought out their beauties in a truly artistic style. The Lieder writers were evidently in favor, for not only did Miss LiUy Mason with aU her weU known brilliancy of execution sing Schumann's "The Noblest," and "The Walnut Tree," but Mr R. F. Nicholls chose Schubert's ,r The Adieu" for his second song. He had first given Salaman'a rapturous serenade "I arise from Dreams of Thee" with much feeling, and both songs were applauded. A just share of the programme was allotted to modern English composers in one song, but a better specimen of that school's work than Henry Pontet's " The Vision" might easily have been found, cleverly sung though it was by Mrs Brooke. Madame Summerhayes ended the|concert| withJDe Sivrai'a " Balmoral," a piece which has been so thoroughly hacked in Christchurch that, whatever its intrinsic merits, it would have pleased more out of. the programme than in.

Miss T. P. Chapman's Lecture—This young lady, who comes from Dunedin, lectured in the Theatre Royal last evening, her subject being "How I Left the Catholic Church." The theatre was crowded, every seat in the circle being occupied, and among the audience there was a large number of ladies. Mr Hall occupied the chair, and briefly introduced the lecturess. Miss Chapman is about twenty-two years of age, and of a prepossessing appearance. She spoke extempore, but occasionally referred to notes. She speaks cleariy, with a good deal of pathos occasionally, but her utterances were, in some instances, given with more than the usual platform speed. Of her early training and education she said nothing, and the first facts of her Ufe referred to occurred in Dunedin about two years ago, when she was a Catholic and practising the Catholic faith. Among the things which Bhe objected tom connection with Catholicism was that she had been asked to sign a petition asking for aid to Catholic schools, and had refused to do so, believing that the Bishop should have consulted the opinions of his people on the subject. Miss Chapman condemned the doctrines of penance, indulgences and trahsubstantiation,. and did not think that the lines of the teaching in the Catholic Church were what they should be. She also gave her Dunedin experience of the manner in which the clergy of the Catholic Church exact money from the members of that denomination. In the course of her remarks she referred freely to the names of different priests, and also mentioned that during the last two years she had been studying Freethought principles. She cbaUenged any priest to meet her on the platform and disprove what she said. Miss Chapman was frequently applauded during her lecture, and at the close of her discourse announced that Bhe would lecture again on next Sunday night.

Hubunui Bbidge.—A meeting of ratepayers of the Amuii district, convened by advertisement, was held in the schoolroom, Waiau, on the 2nd inst., to consider whether a special rate or not should be struck for the maintenance, or otherwise, of the Hurunui bridge. After considerable discussion, Mr E. Jones proposed, and Mr D. Rutherford seconded :— '* That the Amuri County Council be requested to ask the Road Board to get their Overseer to have a monthly inspection of the bridge, and carry oat the necessary repairs until the railway ia open, or failing the Overseer, the CouncU strike a rate and do it themselves." Mr A. W. Rutherford moved as an amendment— " That in the opinion of this meeting the Road Board be requested to instruct their Overseer to make a monthly inspection of the Hurunui bridge, and to effect any necessary repairs, and that should he see any signs of immediate danger he should at once take steps to close the bridge to all traffic." The amendment being seconded by Mr W. Rutherford, was carriei by a large majority. The meeting then closed.

Working Men's Club. — A lecture was deUvered on Thursday evening at the Sydenham Working Men's Club by Mr S. Day on the subject of " Cremation and Funeral Reform." There was a large attendance. The lecturer contended that some reform in our burial customs was very desirable, as there were many serious objections to our present custom of disposing of our dead. The danger to the health of the living from inhaling the gaseous exhalations from the bodies if the dead could not be avoided bo long as the ordinary system of interment waa continued. No matter how deep down the bodies were buried, the noxious gases must come up; nothing but hermetically sealed coffins could prevent that. But cremation at once met the difficulty, as it decomposed the bodies by a process which precluded decay. Disease germs were also effectually destroyed by this preceas. Quite as much respect could be shown for the departed by cremating their earthly tenements before corruption set in, and by wearing four inches of crape, as by twenty yards of broadcloth. A vote of thanks to the lecturer, at the conclusion of his address, was very heartily given.

Loburn Library.—On Monday a meeting of subscribers was held, Mr D. Carr, vice-president, in the chair. Mr D. Brock, hon. treasurer, reported the year's receipts to have been £25 4% 9d, expenditure £1368 2d, leaving a balance of £1118s 7d. Mr P. Casseriy, hon. librarian, reported 238 volumers had been issued during the year, forty new books had been purchased, and there were twenty subscribers. The balance-sheet and reports were adopted. General regret waa expressed on the earing of the district of Mr C. A. Canningham, who had filled the office of President for many yean. Votes of thanks were accorded the retiring officer. The Committee elected included Messrs D. Carr, P. Ca=s*rly, W. Swan, D. Dick, C. Carmichael, and J. Gilmour, and at a meeting of the Committee subsequently held Mr Carr was elected President; Mr Dick, Vice-President; Mr D. Brock, Treasurer; Mr Casseriy, Librarian; Mr Swan, Secretary and Asristant Librarian. After passing some fcrmal business, the meeting adjoined.

Fire.—Shortly after mid-day yesterday, I a fire, which fortunately did but Utile damage, broke out in a four worried cottage in Montreal street, Sydenham, ocanp&dby a man named Lunnon. ATioy brought the alarm to the railway gates, where thfite is a small bell, and Mr Turton hearing the alamo,' telephoned Tto the Chester IBtreet station to send down the chemical engine. There w&mo onerafchome at the timtisaad the have originated from Bome-lslothes whioh were hanging from the mantelpiece, being drawn into the fire by the draught caused by the wind. The fire got into the weatherboard, lining, &„, but on the arrival of the railway hand engine and the chemical engine it was found that their services were not required, the neighbours having extinguished it. The damage done would perhaps amount to JE7 or _S. The building was insured for JEIOO in the London and Lancashire, and the furniture for _75 in the Hamburg Magdeburg. It may be noted for the information of residents in the southern portion of the city, that an alarm of fire can be given at the residence of Mr Superintendent Turton, 106 South Belt, ns he is connected by telephone with the Chester Etreet station.

Resident Magistrate's Coukt, Waiau. —At this Court, on June 4th, before Mr Caleb Whitefoord, E.M., Mr Duncan Maofarlane, of Hawkeswood, Cheviot, waa fined JBI and £3 4s costs for being the owner, of two unregistered dogs. This case is rather peculiar. Mr Maofarlane Uves in Cheviot county, where there ia no dog tax, but coming with sheep into the Amuri district he refused to register his dogs when asked. He was under the impression that it was not necessary to do so, but he now knows differently.

Kaiapoi Horticultural Society.—At a meeting of the Sub-Committee of this Society, it was decided that the prizeß for the last season be paid during the present month at the Press agency Office, Kaiapoi. Tho accounts were also passed for payment. _ A report was drawn up for presentation at the annual meeting, in which it was recommended that in future all members' subscriptions must be paid in advance, or the Committee could not expect to retain the offices of an honorary secretary or treasurer. It was decided, if the funds admit, to make a donation to the funds of the brass band.

Service of Song.—A service of Bong, in aid of the funds of the Presbyterian Church, waa held in the Town Hall, Rakaia, on Wednesday. The ohoir, who were under the leadership of the Rev. Mr Stewart, gave "Christie's Old Organ," the Rev. Mr West, of Southbridge, giving the readings. There was a very good attendance. There was no charge for admission, but at the close a coUection was made, resulting in the sum of _5 17s IJd. This was the first service cf song ever held at Rakaia, but it is not likely to be the last, as it is the intention of the Church Committee to give seveial this winter.

Cathedral Union.—A meeting of the above will be hela this evening, when the Rev. A. v. Wright will read his paper on " Churchmanship and Charity," which he was prevented by illness from reading at the last meeting.

Alcoholic Fatuity—The chronics debauchee feels that he positively cannot exist without his alcoholic stimulation. To quit drinking or to continue the habit brings death all the same. Such a man can find in American Co.'a Hop Bittera properly used, a perfect panacea for the drunkard's cure. Read—[Advt.] The Life of an M.P.—An M.P. deploring the evil effects ef London habits on the health, said that were it not for the American Co.'s Hop Bitters he could not live through with the irregular hours he was forced to keep. Said he," Aa soon aa I feel weak and exhausted from long night sessions and meals at irregular hours, I resort to my Hop Bitters instead of stimulants. They regulate my bowels and keep my appetite good, my brain clear, and my strength and health are preserved." See. —lAdvt.] By lack of open air exercise, and the want of sufficient care in the matter of diet, the whole physical mechanism often becomes impaired during the winter. AVer's Saisaparilla is the proper remedyito take in the spring ef the year to purify the blood, invigorate the system, excite the Uver to action, and restore the healthy tone and vigor.-trfADVT.J

TJniveesitt Education.—We (J* Timaru Herald") understand that practical Bteps are being taken to secure for outlying districts like South Canterbury, Weatland, and Nelson, certain advantages in connection with university'education at Canterbury College. When last in Chriatchurch Mr Dawson, the Rector of the High School, accompanied by Professor Brown, had a long interview with Mr William Montgomery, M.H.R., the Chairman of the Board of Governors on the question. The disadvantages students at a distance from Canterbury College labored under were clearly pointed out, and several sohemes were propounded to put the advantages of Canterbury CoUege within reach of deserving students. Mr Montgomery warmly approved of any movement in this direction. At present steps are being taken to get a joint petition from the Head Masters in the various High Schools outside Christchurch to the Board of Governors, so that the matter maybe taken up in earnest. The Professorial Board have talked over the matt r, and they will also make certain representations. We trust that something wUI come of this praiseworthy movement, for to get pupils to the stage of matriculation and leave them there is abßurd.

Fbeehold v Leasehold.— The "Auckland Herald" remarks in reference to an interview between Mr Larnach and a deputation at the Thames: "Mr RoUeaton formerly contended, and Mr Stout and Mr Ballance now contend, that the Uking for a freehold is a mere sentiment, which in a very short time would wear off, to be succeeded by a deep affection for leaseholds. The experience at the Thames would not seem to confirm this idea; for here we find the settlers, after a long experience of leaseholds, agitating for freeholds, and, moreover, wanting the land for nothing under the provisions of the Homestead Aft ! Perhaps the most curious feature of the interview, as reported by our correspondent, is ,-Mr Larnach,, a member of a Ministry whose Premier and Minister of Lands declare that the State wiU give no more freeholds, declaring solemnly 'that he believed in Bottlers having their freeholds,' and adding 'that if he could assist towards that end in this instance, he would do so.' "

Maxwell's Career in England.— From the files of the late St. Louis papers it is learned that the Chief of Police of that city has received a letter from A. Hartley, of Allegan. Mich, which throws some new light on the career of MaxweU, who was recently arrested in Auckland for murder. FoUowing is the full text of the letter : —"I am a native of Leeds and Morley, England. My mother has just come from there, and she tell mc that MaxweU came to Morley about three years ago aa a temperance lecturer, and made a conaideiable stay there, boarding with Mr Joseph Rhodes, proprietor of Hope Foundry, Morley, a wealthy gentleman, and a good worker in the cause. After being there a few days, Mr Rhodes' servant told her employer that if he was going to keep that man he would have to get another cook; that he was too much of a hog to cook for. Mr Rhodes asked what the trouble was, aad she told him that MaxweU had just eaten eighteen eggs for breakfast, and that he was too consequential for her. Mr Rhodes at once told MaxweU that he could not accommodate him any longer, and he went to Rev. James Crooks, vicar of St. Paul's Church, and the envelope found by you is addressed to him aa curate. Maxwell waa curate to the above Crooks, of St. Paul's Church, Morley. The Rev. Jamea Crooks bjarded with my mother for seven years, and he told her, previous to his coming away last Fall, that he waa about to let his curate go, as te did not like him. Maxwell, while with Crooie, spent his time giving lectures and putting the blue ribbon on; many people subscribed to him freely, so one day he told Mr Crooks that he had just received a letter from his wife in America, and she was dangerously,—, and he had to return at onca. He returned at once with considerable biggage to Mr Crooks. The latter did hot like his ways, and he told Maxwell fc'at it was imposaible for him to accommodate him, so he moved off to a ton n three miks distant and commenced

work. In a short time he betrayed - gentleman's daughter, and he was mobb_, out of town. For any further partienK you can address Rev. James Croot? ■SSS" or Honorable Jose *«