NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XLIII, Issue 6545, 14 September 1886, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Casle.—Tbe officer in charge ef telegraphs hands us the following: -'< We are now advised that all the direct routes to Europe are interrupted-" An interruption has occurred on the ove land line to Port Darwin.

Legal.—His Honor Mr Justice Johnston will sit in Chambers and in Bankruptcy to-day. The Chamber sitting, it may 'be noted, commences at 10 30 a__.

Obituary.—News haß been received in Christchurch of the death in England of the Bey. J. Seven. The deceased gentleman, who was one of the oldest settlers in the Woodend district, will lie remembered by many of the older colonists.

A Volunteer Corps for Banqiora.— With a view of considering this subject it has been arranged to hola a meeting of those interested in the movement on Thursday next, at the Borough Council Chamber.

Football.—A match waa played on Saturday between the Kaiapoi second and Woodend first, on the ground of the latter, resalti-g in a win for the visitors, who scored 7 points to 6. The two teams after* wards had a sod—l gathering.

St. Albans Church, Ohoka. —His lordship the Bishop of Caristchurch administered the rite of confirmation to ten young people on the afternoon of Sunday last. The attendance at the service waa very large, the church being crowded in all parts.

Ihgi—side.—ln response to an invitation from Mr Donald McLean, the President of the Ashburton Caledonian Society, there was a large gathering at an "ingleside," held in the local Town Hall oa Friday: evening. M_do and dancing, indulged in! in a most hearty m__u__rby nearly al] present, helped to while away a most enjoyable evening. Each meeting held duiiag the winter has been an unqualified success, and the Executive Committee and others who have so materially assisted in bringing the gatherings to a successful issue are. deserving of great praiae.

Thb B-ArrH-'s Mails.—According te the Otago Daily Times the Rnapehu has taken on to Welling oa pome??.—he mails intended focthe South. We __**te*^t—£ .ttwy shall be a_t __-* againassoon avp-ssibl-

_*-_-_-_-_-_.—The anniversary services of St. James' Presbyterian Church, Southbridge, were ocnducted by the Bey. 3. Erwin, ___~ on Sunday last, and both were attended by, large congregations. Tarn S.S. ___r__oa.—Hia Worship the Mayor has reoeived a telegram from the Hon. W. J. M. Lamach stating that, in consequence of the heavy weather and southerly gale, the Hinetnoa has been delayed, and will not sail from Wellington till to-day (Tuesday). Therefore, she will not leave Lyttelt">n till to-morrow (Wednesday) for Port Chalmers to tike miners to Big Bay. An.t Socxanr.—The attendance yesterday at the Gallery of the Art Society was again good, and in the evening a very delightful programme of music was admirably given by the Misses Spensely, Gard _er, and Bell, and Messrs Izard, Gardner, and Orchard. This evening a vocal and instrumental concert will be kindly given by Miss Bell, and Messrs Barkas, Cane, Nottingham, Dillberg, and othrrj.

Malvern—Our correspondent, writing on Monday, says:—Bough weather get in here on Saturday night late, and at 4 30 this (Monday) afternoon has not cleared up. Snow commenced falling at 5 a.m. today, continuing at intervals, occasionally alternated by heavy hailstorms. A cutting south-easterly wind prevails, making the air extremely cold. All farming work has been stopped by the rain and snow, leaving a bad look-out for those who have not yet got all th«ir wheat in.

Confirmation at Kaiapoi—On Sanday the rite of confirmation was solemnised in presence of a large congregation in the parish church of Kaiapoi, by the Most Bey. the Primate. There were thirteen candidates, inclusive of a Maori youth. His lordship delivered an sddress full of advice and counsel, and the Bey. J. W. Stack also officiated. Tbe service was ful-y choral under the direction of Mr Budd. Mr Blakeley presided at the organ.

Ths Weßtpobt Coal Company.—ln reference to the rumors that the Westport Coal Company intended placing their steamers under the control of the Union Company and that certain mine interests were to be amalgamated, the Westport Times saya:—" It new turns out that such is not the case. Mr W. Hay Dickson, Manager of the Westport Coal Company, wires to us from Dunedin, in reply to a telegram recently sent, that there is'no such arrangement,' and asks us to ' give the statement a distinct denial.'"

Thb Sydney Footballers.—The New South Wales team will return to Chris :- church by the express train from Dunedin this evening. Footballers are requested to welcome them on arrival. To-morrow the return match will be played at 3.30 p.m., and in tbe evening Mr A. E. Bhodee, President of the Canterbury JBugby Union, will entertain the visitors with a private ball at his residence. If time will permit on Thursday morning, a party of gentlemen contemplate taking the teams on a boating excursion up the river, and return in time to enable them to get away by the Manapouri, sailing in the afternoon for Wellington. Lincoln.—A well attended meeting of persons favorable to the formation of a Lawn Tennis Club was held in the _incoln Hotel on Saturday evening last, Mr A. P. O'Callaghan, M.H.8., in the chair. It was decided that a Club be started at once, to be called the Lincoln Lawn Tennis Club. Mr Hill _ offer of a piece of land, forming part of the old cricket ground, was accepted, being considered in every way suitable for the purpose. The following officers were elected for tbe ensuing year :— President, Mr A. P. O'Callaghan, M H.E.; Eon. Treasurer, Mr H. B. Howell; Hon. Secretary, Dr. J. Cooke; Committee, Eev. A. B. D. Toswill, Messrs Geo. Gray, F. Hill, and J. Wilkinson. Sub-Committees were appointed to have the greund prepared at ones, and to frame a set of bylaws to be submitted to a general meeting to be held on the 25th inst.

• Sofb___ Court.—The case of McQueen v Dockery, which was an action arising out of the taking cf accounts in an estate, was to have been tried yesterday before his Honor Mr Justice Johnston andappecial jury of four. When the case was called on, however, Mr Austin, who appeared for the plaintiff, stated that an amicable arrangement had been arrived at since the parties had come into Court. Mr Hulbert, one of the special jurors, brought, under the notice ot his Honor the inconvenience caused to jurors brought from the country by cases being settled at the last moment. Mr Eevell suggested that the difficulty might be met by the parties litigating being held responsible for the expenses of jurors, unless notice was given them before the time of trial. Hie Honor, while admitting the hardship complained of, could not see how, in the state of tbe law at present, it waa to'be remedied. He would, however, take an opportunity of discussing the point raised by Mr Eevell with his brother Judges.

Social Oath-binq.— A very successful social gathering was held on Friday night, in the Oddfellows' Hall, Sydenham, in aid of the Sydenham Juvenile Druids' Sick and Funeral Fond. The excellent programme, and the large attendance of their friends and the public, andthevery-atiefactorymannerinwhichthe gathering was carried out, showed that the management committee had been working hard for their juvenile brethren. The programme consisted of alternate son? and I dance. Songs were given by Miss E. Hill and Messrs Brew, Maurice, and Scenare, which received well-earned applause. Messrs K. Price and Laing caused a considerable amount of mirth by their comic songs and were recalled repeatedly. The encore given to Messrs Haige and Maurice for their duett was deserved. Master F. Grenfill, of the juvenile Lodge, gave a recitation very wel for one so young. The hornpipe that was danced by Mr Newman was very well done indeed. The Sydenham Glee Club contributed two items, which were loudly applauded. Selections played on a flute and brass whistle by Messrs Stenare and Weir were very nice, and duly encored. The accompaniments and dance music wetplayed in a very able manner by Miss N. Bowler. A hearty vote of thanks having been passed to the performers, the enter* tainment was brought to a close.

Manchester Unitt, I.O.O.F.—The halfyearly meeting of the North Canterbury District was held in the Schoolroom, Wattdington, on the Bth inst. The District Officers present were—Bros. J. G_atrip, Prov. G.M.; B. Manks, D. Prov. G.M.; and Charles Foster, Prov. C.S., the various lodges being represented aa follows, viz :— City ot f O__istch_rch, Bros. C. J. Wilkins, P.P.G.M., E. Winter, D. Kennealy, A. W. Winter, G. Miller, P.G.'s. Perseverance, J. Richardson, W. G. Woodford, P.PG.M/s; F.-Hay ward. Kaiapoi, P. Bate, P.G. Volnnteers, W. Skinner, A. P. Greenfield, P.G.s ; E. Bobson, N.G. Benevolent, W. H. Browne, J. Osment, P.G.'s. Addington, J. A. Clarke, PG. Malvern, J. Borthwick, P.S. Waterton. G. J. Soal, P.G. Papanui, H. E. Morgan, P.G. Phillipstown, H. Toomer, P.G. Coleridge, — Beech, P.G. J. Jebson, P.G., Malvern Lodge, Tyler. The Auditor's report and balance-sheet, which wer_ received and adopted, showed the finances of the district to be in a very satisfactory condition. A Committee waa appointed to revise the district by-laws, with instruc-ona to make provision to prevent Lodges investing their funeral funds in land and buildings, except with the consent of a District meeting. P-P.G.M., J. Bichardson, Prov. G.M. J. Gtffitrip, and Prov. C.B. C. Foster, were appointed to represent the North Canterbury District at the ensiling conference to be held in Chiisushnrch in November next, to which representatives of each district in New Zealand have been invited. A hearty vote of thanks was recorded on the minutes te the Malvern School Committee for the use of the school; also the Loyal Malvern Lodge for the manner in which tbe visitors were entertained at luncheon. At the conclusion of the business a P.G.s Lodge was formed, and a number of members hold—g necessary certifi catee received the various degrees to which they were entitled, after which tbe Prov. GJ_ closed the Lodge with the usual formalities.

St. John A__._anc_. — The examine- j tion of the canrti__tea at Pleasant Point toot on Thursday l-«_ Dr. H-Oon w_a tbe Hon. Examiner, and a portion of his report is as follows: —'I am able to report that the class of ladies at Pleasant Point has evidently been instructed with much care, and the result is sato's'actory in all ways. Each lady candidate has passed a satisfactory exam in*l ion in writing and viva voce I was very pleased with the men's stretcher drill, and the Surgeon Instructor deserves the warmest thanks of the 3 Committee. Every male candidate has pissed." The following were the candidates who passed the examination : — Mary Halatead, Frances Biittin, Annie Thompson, Ellen Olliver, Edith Acton, Emma Smytb, Annie Howell, Henry Satyth,Jam°B Bishop, Thomas Lyle, James Thompson, Esv. T. Jasper Smyth, George Butler, Walter Acton. Dr. Brittin was the Hon. Lecturer. The first of the free lectures in St. Matthew's Schoolroom, St. Albans, was given on Thursday last. Dr. Irving was the hon. lecturer. The next lecture will ba given by Dr. Thomas at the same time and place.

Steel and leon.—A meeting was held last night, at the Commercial Hotel, of gentlemen favourable to the formation of a Company for the manufacture of crucible steel and malleable ciet iron. Mr P. R Berland was voted to the chair. There was a moderate attendance. Mr J. Bowlker said he had called the meeting in the interest of the promoters of the establishment of a Company for the purpose above mentioned. The mang&nesa could be found in sufficient quantities, and the question was whethor it could be payably worked. Mr E. Ford supplied Borne information, which he supplemented by saji-g that he believed the steel and iron manufacture would become a payable concern. Mr Waddell stated that he had made some steel from, the manganese obtained here, and his supplies had givethorough satisfaction. He had to abandon the project for the want of funds, and expressed his opinion that, with sufficient money, steel and iroa could be manufactured equal in strength and durability to that impoit'd. Mr Ford instanced an engineer who had found the sample steel equal to the best imported and well adapted to his requirements. After _ome discussion, Messrs Ford, Berland, and Bowlker were appointed a Committee to obtain fu:l particulars, and report at a meeting to be held at an early date,

Lancaster P__t_ Tbotting Cldb.—The settling over tbe lata meeting will tike place to-da? at 2 p.m. attheO J.C rooms. Big Bat Pbo;p_cting —Aa willbe'seen by advertisement el-e where, the Hinemoa will leave Lyttelton with prospectors for Big Bay at 3 p.m. to-morrow.

Masoxjc—The usual monthly meeting of the St. Augustine Lodge, No. 6>9, E.C , will be held at tbe St. Augustine Hall, Manche6ter street, this evening at 7.30. Ohoka Quadeillb Assembly.—The winding up ball of the present series of quadrille assemblies at Ohoka takeß pla'-e on lfriday evening, and is expected to prove an enjoyable affair. Pof___r --ecttjbbs.—The first of a course of threepenny lectures will be delivered to-night by Mr P W. leittafcthe Oddfellows* Chambers. The lecture, which will be illustrated by diagrams, is entitled "Pmd. Dowlas; Slave, Orator, and Emancipationist." PoViRTT AND FuFFEBING. —"I WBfl dragged down witu debt, poverty, and suffering for years, caused by a sick family and large bills for doctoriug, which did them no good. I was completely discouraged, until one year ego, by the advice of my pastor, 1 procured nop Biit*r_ and commenced their use, and in one month we were ail well, and rone of us have seen a sick day since; and I want to Bay to all poor men, you can keep your families well a year with American Co.'s Hop Bitters for les3 than one doctor's visit willccst. I know it.—A Working Man. Bead.— [Ibvt.j How to Gkt Rick —Expqsa yourself day and night, sic too much without exercise, work too hard withou, rest, doctor all the time, take all the vile nostrums and imitations advertised, and then you will want to know.—rAnvT.J How to Get Wkl_. —Which is answered in three words—Take American Cj.'a Hop Bitters. Bead— fADvr.l

Bail ways and Debts. -The? Bullionist states that it is able to put its fingers on syndicates that would be " happy to purchase the entire Australian railway system at the sum which it now represents in the national debt."

The American Wool Tabiff. —A. depu* tation of wool-growers waited upon the Victorian Premier recently with reference to obtaining a reduction of the duty charged by America upon wool. Mr Gilließsaid that he had com_m»icated with the other colonies on the subject.

Fbok the Pulpit to the Bar.—lt appears from a Home paper tbat Dr. Bentoul (the minister of St-. Andrew's Presbyterian Churcb, Woolwich) has been called to the English Bar, and has appeared as counsel in a libel suit in which a member of Parliament was plaintiff. The doctor's Presbytery did not feel c ailed on to interfere.

An Ancient Bible —A copy of the first edition of tbe Bible in the English language, translated by Miles Coverdale, and issued in 1535, was sold in London recently. It is bo excessively rare that no perfect copy is known to exist, and the one under notice had the title and first few leaves supplied in facsimile, as also was the map. With all these disadvantage?, to woich was added the one of being a " grubby " copy, it fetched JBI2O. New Zealand Cbabs— It is not generally known that a large edible salt-water crab is to be caught on the New Zealand coast, and it has often been proposed to make the attempt to acclimatise the species common on the British coasts. List Sunday a gentleman living in Wellington was fishing for crayfish with a net at the point on the Kubirnie side of tbe Hermit's Cave, and caught two large crabs. The larg _t was of dimensions worthy of those from the Channel Islands to be seen in fishmongers' shops in London. It measured more than nine inches across the shell. The smaller one was about five inches in diameter. -Both were caught at dead low water.—_f«o Zealand Times.