NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XLV, Issue 7227, 12 December 1888, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Caledonian Gathering.—The entries for the handicap races in connection with the above, which will be held on December 17th, closed yesterday, bat, as all bearing 'the postmark will b« received, the list has "not yet been prepAeS* -

-Consecbation. —A mortuary chapel, exceedingly good in design and workmanship, has recently been greeted in .the iieathcote Cemetery, and- s is Wbe ooniecrated by the Moafc J4ey,i>he Primate on Friday after noon at half-past four o'clock.

A Novel Boat.—Captain Allman has invented a little boat, which is propelled by pedal power, and ie on the bicycle principle. . She has with patent floats, and is steered by a very simple motion. She is calculated to make 10} knots an hour, with very lit&s power. ThSt. AcciDurr at? LTTsr»iToir.~Yesterday the unfortunate victim of the accident at Messri Talbot and Co 'a storfea was still alive, but was suffering from attack of convulsions. Since tbe accident he has been conscious, and woognieed -.-hn sifter, doctors; holdout no hope of ie covery. ' ."' -

Orphans' Chbi wmas .» ■' bkat. — Next Monday a garden party will be held in the grounds of the Lytteltou Oirobaaag* fl* Lyttelfcon in aid of the. annual Christinas treat for the orphans. Lara tennis, swings, aid otber anmseiqents irill be provided, and the fine hand of the institatiori will discourse mueio at interrala. The gates will be open tiam 2 J».m. to 7 p-m. As the charge of admission is v«y lour, sad the object of the entertainment one that should appeal to the hearts; of all, i* » Cβ be hoped,the* * very larjce, number of people will present toemeelfres on that daj.

Salb of a BraKpjt,ioßAßßa.—On day, under a diatress sale at RaozST grey steeplechaser, to Mr J. Wallace at £i 2. w **.«?* STOBNHAir WOBKIVe CW-i social gathering in connection witT t£. above will take place this evenin* »♦„:!?? O'clock. aJ»»«agH5 Moonlight Excursion.—A moonlit excursion to Sumner will tako placet*/ evening, the tram leaving the squanfa? 7.15 p.m. A band will accomp^jT^

Kaiafoi Bobouqh School.—Theannn.! entertainment ia aid of the prise fundfc announced for Thursday evening, and «ffl inchide glees and choruses, dialoeS! m*nual and bayonet exercise by the oadeS" and a gymnautic display. VWK v»

Thk Latk Dog Show.—Tho Committee of this Show were to have met last night As, however, the number of members present did not constitute a quorum na business was transacted. The meetino will be held in tho course of about ninf days. m

Thmathe Royal.—There was a g&y! attendance at the Theatre Kovallastaurht when, the Hicks-Sawyer Minstrels | a » their second performance. The varioua items of the programme were all encored, aud the performance went excellently throughout. The Minstrels will apnea* again to-night. ?;

The Heathcote Fatality.— of Robert Brown, who was drowned wtae Heathcote river on Saturday, was die. covered yesterday evening by a mas namedfJohn Clarkson. He found it about seven o'clock opposite the Heathcote race* course, or a mile from the place where the canoe capsized. An inquest will prohibit be held to-day.

Nabeow Escape.—On Monday after* noon, as the train to town was travelling between Culverden and Medbury, Charles Boal, one of the unemployed men, fell oj the train while it was going at full speed. His mates spoke of the matter at the Medbury station, and the engine went back with Constable Johnston, who wae on the train, to find that the man was uainjniei beyond having a scratched nose, although he had altogether a very narrow escape.

Masonic. —At tho meeting of the Si Augustine Lodge last night, Bro. C. Huß, S.W., was elected a W.M. for tho ensuing term. Bro. F. J. Smith, P.M., wae reelected as Treasurer, and Bro. Stevens« Tyler. There were a munber of visitou present, including Bro. Peter Wilson, JP.M, St. Andrew's Lodge, Duncdin, and aftet the close of the Lodge a very pleasant eve» ing was spent.

CHEISTCHUKCK HbuTICULTUKAti SOCUTI, —The annual Kose Show will be held tin* year on Thursday, December 13th, at the Oddfellows' Hall, Lichfleld street. The' refreshment stall will bo presided over by Lady Wilson and other ladies. In tbe evening there will be a concert at whidi some of our best amateurs will take pat The show will be open to the public at noon. Exhibits are to be ready, fg» staging by 10 a.m. • Sale op Peivileoesi. —Mr James Camp* bell yesterday sold the privileges ooo» nected with the gathering of the Canter* bury Caledonian Society on December 17th, There was a good attendauce, and the fo|» lowing prices were realised: —No. lpu> iicans , booth (in the Pavilion), £20, Mr H Green, Imperial llotel; No. 2 publican'i booth, £9, Mr Fuchs, "Wellington Hotel, No. 1 confectioner's booth, £10, Mr Mia. chinton; No. 2 do, £7, Mr Minchintoa. The total of the salu was £IG. , Salvation Army at Kangxoba.— -iTeJi terday the band of the Salvation Arpiy took up a position during the busypart of the afternoon at the junction of victoria and High streets. The nuisance became so bad that the police had to be called oa to request them to move on, which the " Captain " elected to do rather than mate a test case of it. At the place where the Army assembled and held a service, it may be stated, is the busiest part of the town ou market day, and the farmers' hotaea having no ear for martial or sacred mtM on brass instruments, quite a scene fu paused Among the.animal 3, which threatened to upset the vehicles. Meeting/ of Ratepayers at Sobtb

Okabi. —-A meeting , of" ratepayers , vac held at Bradley'b Hotel, South Orarl, oa Monday evening last. There were four members of the South Orari Kirecßowd and some seven ratepayers present IU E. A. Barker, Chairman of the Bk« « Board, was voted to the.ohair. He read* letter he had received, signed by MUM itri ratepayers, asking that a meeting tf called for the ' purpose- Of affording lib* ratepayers some information as to hot the funds were being expended, and tie , proposals of the Board .for futnre useful. ness. The Chairmain gave'detailed-iniot-mationj as to the Board's proceedings, asd after an hour or two spent in discoaatog the position and actions of the Board, a vote of thanks was passed to the Chainuui and the members of the Board for the vett lucid manner in which they had explained the .affairs, of the .latter. Mr MMob-'* resignation, as a member of the Board, was accepted and the meeting terminated. The Belfast Fibe. —The insurances in connection with the late fire at the Belfast Factory were settled yesterday. The total amount paid on the meat and other item* was £4298 Bs, and on the buildings, a) previously arranged, £10,500, making ft total of £14,798 Bs. The temporary waße and roof are likely * to be completed' on , Monday next, and freezing operations a& the rate of about 900 sheep per diem wffl commence on Tuesday • morning. Thaw temporary arrangements will continue, 8 is expected, until the middle of Febrnarj, when the ground r will be required for tbe new buildings. It lias been arranged b> charter the hulk Edwin Fox.whicb is capable of freezing 400 cheep per day, and Aβ will be in Lyttelton about the 15» January. She is bein£ fitted Chalmers with new boilers, and will be used ultimately to bridge over tiWs Mj terregum between the period of the u»of the temporary buildings and the erection of the new ones. The filan for the Bβ* buildings has been decided upon, ■will be of brick roofed with iyon. J Tlttn will be two- fire-proof partitions, »M» will divide the whole freezing room an« stores into three fire-proof divieka*. Each division contains two freezing rOMB*. one' downstairs and one up, 80' ui»fctw whole building has six freezing roosM capable of freezing acme 725 sheep e«fc and three storee capable of holding 7w| sheep each. The rooms will be fitted wjw overhead* railways, and upstah* *we nassage will be fitted with delivery t»We», and shoots for delivering , meat into »» railway trucks. AUBTBAiL*. ANt> N»W ZEAiAJTO.—I&P"' OH. Brown, who has recently returned fre» a lengthened tour through the Austrelu* colonies, delivered a most interesting «& -' ture at Ashburton tm Monday eveou* Mr D. Thomas, the Mayor elect, Mr Hrown commenced by remarking w* to say he had spent more than two &&££]! in Australia, a&d returned better pJ*J*~than ever with New Zealand, waa pnttaf it very mildly indeed. He had at rartfH* ttmee travelled a pood deal t}iroa & l **°l land, England, tnanyparts of the Eu«^ continent, through many of the P'P*^ pafta of America, as well as Auetralivjw* had arrived at the conclusion that M**.. Zealand, taking it all in all, was the t*» part of the whole creation of God. Hβ »' mitted that New SSealand was '«« a country in which large «"* rapid fortunes were made, but *» maintained that for those wh.> were ««* ■ tent to go along smoothly and moderate comfort, there was not a *°*?Scountry on earth that could ej oß * *». colony, and this could be applied V a *~~2' larly to the condition of our worJrin' mg* As a country for farming puretute, S* Brown maintained that New Zeaia^ l^ a long way ahead of any of the Anfitrauwj colonies, and in support of this : he advanced many figures as toave»e» yield ol produce, and the actual p«*» obtained for them on the farm. H£ £**** . gra hie description of some of the «•» Sontb. Wales scenery, and an W£ graphic, though less pleasing, deeenpj»* of the Victorian land boom. The lecte* wasg listened to with rapt Bt throughout, jmd frequently and »e»wj, applauded; ( 3Pbe Chairman, at the <#**» proposed a hearty vote of thanks, andL» S doing so took occasion to ™ ,{UtC j jui Mr Brown's figures and some of n* remarks with regard to Victoria. a»| motion waa seconded by Mr Clayton* ■*■ carried with acclamation. ' ;.

- Bkjcabtok Pabkh Fete.— 'he annual ■rmnah/ete in connection, witk St. Pete*, JESSon, will ** Mft in: the gtocnia of to-day. A very attractive pronuaioe <& sporte, Ac, has been prepared. Palace Eixk. —There was a very large attendance last night at the Kink. It is intended to hold a special festival on the $fth inst.in tie shape of a fancy dress csraiv&L . • ~ Gabdes Pakty.—A garden party in aid of the fund tot the annual Christmas treat at tie Orphanage will be held on Monday next in the grounds of-the Orphanage. All kinds of amusements will be provided, and as cheap return fares to Lyttelton have been arranged for, no doubt there will be a l*rge gathering of visitors on the occasion. Bazaar at Ltttbxton. —At 2 p.m. fo-day the bazaar in aid of the Holy Trinity Church, Lyttelton, will be opened. It will be held in the shed near the Eailway station, at Lyttelton, at the right hand side of the railway gates. For some lAw past ladies and other helpers have been busy, and a very choice lot of useful articles of apparel and toys suitable for Christmas presents will be offered for sale.

" Thb Messiah." —A rehearsal of " The Messiah " was held last night at the Weeieyan Bchociroom. There were 270 prelent The plan for the reserved seats will open on Friday next. It is intended to have the platform at the south end of the Kiak, i-e., that nearest to Gloucester rtreet. It will be 50 x 36, and will hold 280 vocalists and orchestra. The solos tore been allotted as follows:—Soprano, Mrs Wallace; contralto, Mrs Townend; tenor, Mr Appleby ; bass, Mr Miller. Mr Normington will preside at the organ, Mr Skelton will lead, and Mr F. M. Wallace will conduct.

Woodend. —The Wbodend Band of Hope gave their monthly meeting on '■ TriHay evening last in the Oddfellows* Hall. There vac a crowded attendance. Mr J. Little occupied the chair. .Miss A. : Eittle presided at the organ. The programme in. eluded the following items:—Songs by Mrs Ayers, Mrs Hopkins, Miss A. Little, Mr Mossman, Minnie Needham, and Mabel Bobinaon; duets by Mrs Ayers and Miss A. little; recitations By » rT. Ayers,Masters Bargees, Hopkins, and Hewitt, and Misses Martin, Smith, Bailey, ana Knott; two dialogues, entitled " Our Motto," by three girls, and " A Patient "Wife's Beward," by the elder members, were also given. The choir sang at intervals. At the close of the meeting the Chairman invited new members, when six joined.

YoLT72iTM« Pbrade.—A parade of the let Canterbury Battalion 08, V. took place last night. Major Joyce was in command, and the following officers were also present:—Major Franci3, Lieutenant Day (Acting Adjutant), and Captain Linn (Quartermaster). The following was the vmdp state:—-City Guards, lieutenant Masaey, 29; College Rifles, Captain Harper, 26 ; Christohurch Rifles, Captain Bristow, 40; Sydenham Rifles, Lieutenant Hobday, 27; Irish Bines, Captain Loughrey, 26; Eichmond Bifies, Captain Bowron, 83 ; Scottish Rifles, Lieutenant Anderson, 33; Band, Sergeant Gordon, 17 —Total, 231. The battalion marched to the Park and was exercised in battalion movements and extended order. '

Baxgioba Bpobtß.—A meeting -was held it the Municipal Chamber on Monday even ing, Mr G. Cone in the chair, and sixteen present. A letter was read from the Traffic Manager, granting a late train. The .tenders of the brass band (j£7 10s) and of i Jir J, Bounrree for publican's booth. (.£10) were accepted. Two Maoris attended, and stated that the Natives would roast a Bollock and dance a haka for £2, and the "meat to Iβ given to them. The Committee considered the terms too high. A programme, including - twenty events, of which eight will be for bicycles, was draws-pp. Arrangements were made to repaid tke track; and, after passing some formal business, the meeting adjourned., t *OjL» ! ißumriES. — Three buildings, which have been among the landmarks of the city, so far as Colombo street is concerned,weresoldyesterdaybyMfeSßrsTonks, Norton and Co., for removal. They were those occupied- by Mr £. -A. Garnett, Mr Turner, seedsman, and Messrs Kincaid asd 'Marriott. For some time past it^has. been evident .that the day had when these remains of old. dmstmust give place to--something .more ; modern. Accordingly they were offered for sale with the following result t — So. 1 (recently occupied by «Mr Garnet), £9 10s; No. 2 (occupied by 'M» Tomer, seedsman), £& 10s; No. 3 (recently -occupied by Messrs Kincaid and Marriott), .£3 ss. It is intended to remove the old buildings at once, and replace them with something more in accordance with the progress of the city.

Popular Spobts Association. — The Sub-Committee of the Popular Sports fAMßOdation appointed to draw -op a , prolamine, met on Monday evening *ad completed their task. • They bare introduced races for single and married women and did men's races.. The have met with very fair sipport from the various tradesmen of Christchurch, who have contributed small articles for prizes instead of money. His Worship the Mayor has very liberally given two tons of coal, which the Committee have -•Hotted as prizes to various events, aa the Committee have found it difficult to. get crops and tr phies, as in past years. They Jifcul hope, however, to receive several farther donations of toys, fruit and sweets for the children's races. Mr Victor has kindly offered the uso of his maypole, and win kindly undertake the management of U for,iheamusement of the children. r Any further donations will be thankfully reoeiTed by the hon. treasurer, Mr H. Crooks; or the hon. secretary, Mr 1 , . T. Haekins, at the City Council Chambers. J ■ Snuraut Distkict School.—A. -rery ■aooeasful concert was held in the Oddfellows* Hall, Colombo road, last evening, in aid of the prize fund of the Sydenham District School. There was a large attendance, the hall being filled. The programme was opened with a selection by the Syden ham Brass Band. Solos were sung by Misses Smith, and A. Button, Messrs G. T. Booth, Broom, H. Johnson, and Haig; quartettes by Misses Martin ■ad Button, and Messrs Johnson and B«Droy; a piano solo was played by Misß Bowler; and a recitation was given by Mr C. H. Brown. A glee entitled "Farie Voices," was one of the best items on the programme, but the performers were generally successful in pleasing the large audience. > iss L. Button acted as. accompanist. Sir F. C. Hall occupied the. chair, and he announced that 138 children were entitled to receive prixee for regular attendance, and for these the sum of £21 had been expended. It "in anticipated that the net proceeds of the concert would be £25, and the balance would be devoted to the purchase of prizes ■tor those children who had onlymused half a day throughout the year. Votes of thanks were passed to all those who had Mrintod in carrying out the concert.

LO.G.T. — Last Friday evening the osaal quarterly entertainment under the auspices of the Dauntless Lodge, 1.0. G.T., mm successfully carried cat. The programme, which was & particularly good ane, included a pianoforte duet by Miss "Barrell and Miss Florence, which was ably rendered, "The White Squall," given by Mr Young in good style, a recitation by Sir Evans, •* The Auction," which was much enjoyed. The duet "O'er the Hill or the Dale," by the Misses Hopper was tomfiy encored. The scotch songs by Miss Minnie Bodgers, of Wellington, were most highly appreciated, her rendering. of "Wai ye no Come Back Again," and the encore sang "There is Nae Luck About the House," being worthy of tpecud notice. After some songs, and by several members of the Lodge the first part -as brought to * eonehtskm, and a plentiful supply of tea and cake was handed round. The second part was opened by Mr W. Ford irith a "pianoforte solo, followed by Mr X* Carder, who eang " Maid of Athens," which was encored. The recitation, " Man and wifo," by Miae Ksher, and the song, "The Holy ftiar," by Mr Mat -a, were also, encored; «c was Mies Bodgers' Scotch song, "Tney nj I Marry the Laird if I WiiL" A dnett by Miss Florence and Mr Young, «adone by Mus Hopper and Mias Puller followed and had to be repeated. " Auld t*ng Syne " aztd " God &ye the Queen," Vy the audience, brought the entertaineeafcpnmded by the "Bam&aaa*' Lodge tomcioao-

<hb Saw Feasctsoo Mail.—The s.s. Wanara, with the San Francisco mail, did not leave Wellington till 6.15 ajn. yesterr day. She arrived at Lyttelton early thi3 morning. Her mails were brought toCaristchurchby special train arriving at 4 a.m. Arrangements were made at the Post Qffice to sort the mails at once, so that they might be dispatched by 'the first trains and delivered in town early this morning. A Bom.—As Mr F. Warner, an employe of Mr E. Hammond, butcher, Geraldine, was serving a customer, on Saturday last, at the back of the cart, having the tailboard down, the horse managed to get his blinkers partly off, and astonished his driver by immediately darting off at racing speed. A trail of prime joints of meat marked the course of the horse's flight, to the evident satisfaction of sundry doga in the vicinity, who were soon busy apportioning to themselves the various prizes luck had thrown in their way. The horse having safely negotiated the corner of the street endeavored to turn into Mr Hammond's yard, but the wheel striking the kerbstone a grand shower of meat was sent flying all over the road. The horse kept on its course round the corner, but was soon captured and brought back, no damage being done beyond that to the meat.

Baptist Crtjbch Sunday School.—The tea. and public meeting in connection with the anniversary of the Oxford terrace Baptist Church Sunday school was held last evening. There was a large attendance at the tea, and the church was well filled at the public meeting. The building was very tastefully decorated. The Sev. C. Dallaston presided, and the meeting was opened by prayer by the Eev. J. Wagstaff. The Hon. Secretary, Mr .W. Cox, read the annual report, which showed that the school was in a prosperous condition. The number of scholars on the roll was 350, and the average attendance was 239. There were 29 teachers, 15 male and 14 female, poring the year 1336 books had been issued from the library to 113 girls and 688 to 69 boys, an average of 40 books weekly. The Hon." Treasurer, Mr Joseph Martin, submitted a balance sheet which showed a small credit balance. THe officers for the ensuing year were installed as under : —Senior Superintendent, Mr C. Chidgey; co-Superintendent, Mr T. Chivers; Hon. Treasurer, Mr Jos. Martin; Hon. Secretary, Mr C. H. Cox; Librarian, Mr W. Jenkins. During the evening addresses were delivered by the ■ hairman, the Eevs. D. Dollamore, Hinton (Caversham.), and Dewdney (Lincoln road). Solos were sung by Misses Burnham, r>-. Hewitt, and Empson. The children, conducted by Mr Chivers, sang very nicely some of the anniversary hymns. Mr H. Corrick presided at the organ. After votes of thanks had been passed to those who had decorated *he church, and assisted at the anniversary in various ways, a most successful meeting was closed in the usual way. East < hbistchubch . School Com> kittxs. —This Committee held their usual ! monthly meeting on Thursday evening last. Present—Mr J. T. Smith, and Messrs Sandstein, Parkes and Williams. An apology was tendered for the non-attend-ance of the Sev. C. Dallaston. The Head Master's monthly report, giving the usual returns, was submitted. Mr Scott explained his action in reference to Dr. B. W. Richardson's Temperance Lesson Book. It was resolved to urge the Board of Education to take steps to cause the study of Dr. Eicharason's book to be compulsory. Mr Scott handed in JBIS 13s sd, as the proceeds of the concert for the prize fund, stating the success of the entertainment was largely due to the exertions of Miss Keqham and Mr Just; £o was voted from the rent of the Phillipstown playground for prizes, which it was arranged should be distributed on Friday next, at 2 p.m. The Secretary was in-structed-to congratulate the Head Master, Head Mistress, and teaching staff generally, upon the success of the recent concert, and the satisfaction of the Conuodttee at the good of the scholars. A parent attended to complain of the* treatment of his child a& th£.main school. The matter was left in the-hands of the Visiting Committee to. inquire into. The Swimming Bath Committee, were requested |o report upop the best means of rendering the Rame available for the use of girls, and the Chairman to get, if possible, a reduction in the price charged for emptying the bath. Some formal letters from the Board of Education were read, and some accounts' pdssed, when the meeting adjourned to two o'clock of the second Thursday in January, 1889.

Attend the, Interprovincial Bicycle Races, Lancaster Park, boxing Day. Keen competition by good riders.—{Aj>vt.J

Tot Adelaide Cohpositoes' Steiks. A recent telegram from Adelaide says: " A -meeting of the Trades and Labor Council was held to night, when the strike of the compositors on the South Australian Register was considered. It was decided practically to boycott the Register in every possible way, and also to boycott as much* as possible the business people advertising in that paper, one tradesman being singled out for his active sympathy with the Register. It was also mentioned that a scheme was on foot to start a morning newspaper under the auspices of the Typographical Society, to be run on thoroughly democratic lines.''

Thb Authoress or "Donovan" and "Wβ Two."—Messrs Hurst and Blackett write to. an English paper.-—" We are informed that'an impostor has lately visited Ceylon, and has passed himself off as Edna Lyall, the author of 'Donovan,' &c. Possibly this person may have something to do with the very extraordinary reports which for some time have been afloat with regard to Miss Lyall ; and since these reports are of a very annoying nature, and have been extensively circulated, the Press would be doing Mis 3 Lyall a service by promulating the following facts.—Edna Lyall (Miss Ada Ellen Bayly) is the youngest daughter of the late Bobert Bayly, of the Inner Temple, barrister-at-law. She was brought; up as, and has always remained, a member of the Church of England; and for the last few years has resided at Eastbourne. We are happy to say that Mise Lyall has always enjoyed excellent healtbi, both mental and physical."

Pbatkbs fob Rain.—ln view of the disasters likely to accrue through the prolonged drought to the farming interests, and through them to the whole community, Archbishop Carr has issued a circular to i lil his clergy, instructing them to offer tip special prayers for rain, such as are wtovided for by the ritual, the special fo:rm taking that of the collect, "Ad Pet<*ndum Pluvium," which must be read bef ore the epietle of the day is read. The circn dar was read in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, by the Bey. Dr. Graber, and also in all the churches of the diocese. Much significance is attached to the notice from the fact that in the sanctuary of the cathedral were Car* Una). Moran, Archbishop Murphy of Ho4)ar<;, Bishop Moore of BaUarat, and Bisbop D&BB0 of Wileannia. The circular re/ids as follows:—" St. Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne. November 23rd, 1888. —Eev. and Dear Sir, —Until further notice yew. will please add, whenever the rubrics permit the addition, the collect 'Ad Petendum Pluvium* to the collects of the mass, and you will invite the people to join their prayers to the prayers of the cVweh for the cessation af the drought which is now causing serious and: wide-spread aJarm. I remain. Rev. and Dear Sir, very faithfully yours, Tboic&b J. Cabb/*