NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8476, 6 May 1893, Page 7

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Qcsen's Cadets.—An inspection of this Corps by Lieut.-Colonel Gordon will take place on Wednesday evening bext at the Volunteer Drillahed, Cashel street, at 7 p.n_

Garrison Library.—The monthly meebing of the Garrison Library was held last night at the Mounted Rifles' orderly room. There was a good attendance, and Lieut. • Colonel Gordon presided. The evening was occupied with a discussion on "Volley and Independent Firing." Lieut. Woftstein Will read a paper at the next meeting. Firic— A bout lOo'clock yesterday morning .a tire broke out in an upstairs room in the house occupied by Mr J. Sergeant, Allen street. The cause was a defect in the chimney. Tho walls were packed with sawdust, and the fire was thus confined to a small space. Tho occupants, with assistance, were able to extinguish it before the arrival of the Fire Brigade, which had been summoned.

Lyttelton Water Supply.—A poll was taken yesterday at Lyttelton on the question of whether the present, sin main through the tunnel should be replaced by an Biu one for the purpose of the water supply. The poll resulted in 335 \ote3 being cast for the proposal, and 62 against it. As all the ratepayers who did not vote were counted against tjie proposal, and it would have required 366 to carry it, it was lost by 31 votes. DRuiDitii.— The fortnightly meethig of Star of Angle-ea Lodge, So. 110, U.A.0.D., Lincoln, was held on Tuesday evening. In the absence of the A.D. P.D.P. Bro. W. Bartram presided. Information was received thab an official visit of the District Grand Lodge officers would take place on the following lodge night. One candidate was initiated. It has been decided to erect a hall at Lincoln, and a strong Committee has beeu appointed to make the preliminary arrangements.

Lyttelton Literary Society. — The members of this Society opened the session on Thntsday evening, when the President, the Rev. P. W. Fairclougb, gave a most interesiing lecture on " The Measuring of Space." There waa a large attendance. Mr J. Joyce, Vice-President, occupied the chair. The lecturer illustrated his subject by mechanical and other contrivances aud bj* their aid was enabled to give his hearers a very clear idea of how the distances to the celestial bodies are acertaiued. The lecturer was listened to with much interest and enjoyment and at its conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Fairclough.

Lyttelton Railway Station.—An improvement that was very much needed has just been made at tho Lyttelton railway station. The platform is decidedly small and inconvenient considering the large amount of passenger traffic, and the travelling public often found tbeir lugguge had to be dumped on the ground near the cart stand. To obviate this the authorities have just had erected an additional platform for the reception of luggage going to or coming from the steamers. The public will no doubt fully appreciate the convenience. Southbrook.—ln connection with the Southbrook Wesleyan Church and Sunday school v sale of work and produce was held on Tuesday last, the object being to raise funds for the purchase of a new organ for the church. The proceedings were opened by the Rev, Gar lick, minister of the district. The stalls were presided over by Mesdames Chaiterton, Shepherd. Ellis, and McCarron, while Miss Sealey dispensed light refreshment. An interesting art exhibition was looked after by Mr Graham. In the produce department Messrs Cliatterton and Shepherd acted as salesmen. There was a good attendance and, as a result, almost all the goods were disposed of, the sum of £27 being realised.

Ambkbley Cricket Club. —On Thursday night the members of the Amberley Cricket Club, winners of the North Canterbury CricKet Association Cup for 1892-3, meb to receive a report for the season's *play, and to dispose of the cup. As the latter is now the property of the Club, it was decided to present it to the captain, Mr C. B. Mason, who has for the last thirteen years acted in that capacity, and Who now completes his quarter of a century as* a cricketer. The season's play for the cup shows au unbeaten record, ten .games being played, nine of which were won and the tenth drawn. Mason headed the list with an average of 16, Adams and Baird next with 14, and Dr. FkzHenry 11. In the bowling Adams, with the fine average of 2, came first, followed by Mason and Baird wibh 4. The Club's finances are in a satisfactory condition. Extension of Premises.—Mr John R, Procbor, optician, 145 Manchester street, has found ib necessary to materially increase the accommodation for those requiring his aid when seeking amelioration for defective or failing - sight. In Ike colonies much greaber attention is now paid to the correct fitting and adjusting of spectacles than was the case but a few years ago. Mr Proctor personally attends to this part of his business, and in order to keep pace with the increasing calls upon his establishineut, has now fitted up a very complete suite of rooms where his customers or the oculist's patients cau receive every attention. A nicelyfurnished little room ia also provided where any of the doctors or eye specialists • cau arrange bo meet pabients if fouud necessary or more convenienb. On the same floor'is the workshops where the pebbles or glasses are ground and fitted, and altogether the additions made by Mr Proctor have made his establishment very complete.

Canterbury Liberal Association.—The Central Committee met on Thursday evening at the Temperance Hall, Gloucester street. Several members joined the Association since the last meeting. The Committee expressed hearty approval of the action of the Executive in sending delegates to attend the funeral and other matters iv connection with the death of the late Premier. The Bey. F. W. Isitt interviewed the Committee, and gave his views on cheap, and in extreme cases, free law, with reference to judicial separations, and many other matters affecting the poor. The Committee expressed sympathy with the objects he bad in view, and promised early attention. A strong Committee was appointed to deal with the unemployed question, and was authorised to take any action they might deem advisable. The organisers for the Avon and Riccarton electorates reported progress, and stated that movements were on foot in both electorates to prevent any friction between the different centreß. A public meeting ab Woodend in conjunction wibh Kaiapoi and Rangiora branches was arranged, and the Secretary was instructed to supply Ashburton with full particulars as to the mode of working the Association, as requested by them. The Committee agreed to meet fortnightly from that night in the Temperance Hall, and then adjourned. DirxsANDEL. —A successful tea and public meeting in connection with the Presbyterian Sabbath school, was held in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening. The Rev. W. Grant occupied the chair, and a programme was gone through. The Revs. K. Erwin, J. M. Simpson, G. Webster, and W. G. Parsonson gave short addresses, Mrs Reader and Miss Johnston (of Leeston) songs, the choir aud children ?*ag choruses, and Mr Devereux gave a cornet solo. A number of books were distributed as prizes to the children during the evening, and the choir took the opportunity of presenting one of their number. Miss Lucy Wright, on the occasion of her marriage, with a glass epergne and a pair of handsome silver candlesticks. — A pretty wedding took place in the Dunsandel -fall, which was decorated for the occasion, on Thursday, when Mr Wm. Young, of Temuka, was married to Miss Lucy Wright, eldest daughter of Mr J. T. Wright. A large number of friends were present to witness the ceremony, which was performed by the Rev. W. Grant. The bride, who was given away by her father, was attended by four two sisters and two cousins, and Mr J as. Young acted aa best. man. Miss Irvine presided at the organ, and played the " Wadding March." At the close of the ceremony the party proceeded to Mr Wright's residence, where a wedding breakfast was provided in a large marquee erected on the lawn. The wedding presents were numerous and valuable, air and Mrs W. Young left for a trip to the Hot Springs. In the eveniug there was a largo assemblage of friends; dances, songs, and other amusements were indulged in, and the party did not break up until the small hours. FKA*rß_utw__GHT Cycles, — Humber, Star, Model B, just turns the scales at 321bs. When specially ordered—Racars from Sabs* Adam*. Curties and Co., 10 Manchester street, C-rUtehurcb.— lAdvt.J **

Lki.al Appointments.—A Wellington if g^^ St , ate9 _ that Mr T * W - Stringer, ot Christchureh, succeeds Mr Martin tlxivV 1 , Prost ? cu ~- r - Mr Lou-jhrev, ex-Ai.n.K has been appointed Solicitor to tne Public Trust Office at Christciiurch.

Acclimatisation Society. — A special .general meeting of the above will be held at the Secretary's office, Wilkin's building, Hereford street, on Wednesday next, at **.oO p.m. Pc-xcniNE-Lo Entertainment. \n entertainment of this character wUI be «iven at the social hall of the Students of fi-uth on Tuesday next at 8 p.m. New Brighton Tramway Company.— Ib is understood thab the Directors of the Aew-Brighton Tramway Company will recommend the payment of a dividend of 10 ppr ceut. for the year ending April 30th. Health Lbctures.—The concluding lecture of the course by Mrs Dr. Potts was given yesterday afternoon in the Theatre Royal, when there was a very large attendance of ladie?. The subject of the lecture was • Maternity/ and some very useful hints were given by Mrs Dr. Potts on the subject.

Musical.—The concert of the Musical Society on Wednesday, which will serve to introduce Mr Alfred" Hill to the musicloviug people of Christchureh, promises to be quite as full in a moderate way as the Thursday Pops. The reserved seat plan has filled up well, aud one could almost have imagined from the rush for seats yesterday that the Gaiety Company had arrived.

The Art Gallery.—The exhibition at the Art Gallery, which is gradually drawJug To au end, was well attended yesterday. Iv the eveniug a very good concert was given under the direction of Mr rf. We'r. For to-night, which is tbe lasb of the exhibition, the Truda Brothers will play a programme of music, including " Serenata " by Uraga, "Stephanie gavotte, a selection from "Faust," &c.

Sunday Afi krnoon Lectubes.—The Rev. H. C. M. Watson will deliver the next of the series of Sunday lectures to morrow afternoon, iv the Oddfellows' Hall, commencing at three o'clock. The subject selected is " One of the Most Certain Facts of History," a phrase by which Dr. Volkman designated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mr VV. J. Ballinger will be chairman. Admission to the lecture is free.

Roap Board Elections.—The following gentlemen have been returned at Road Board elections :—Riccarton — Messrs W, Boatr and Jas. Jucksou ; Oxford—Mr W. J. Bassett and Dr. Weld; Mount Hutt— Messrs Brown and Wallace; South Malvern—Messrs W. Leemingahd W. Hitchell.

. Kaiapoi Institute.—A lecture, illustrated by lantern views of old Canterbury, which was proposed to be given by Messrs Hart and Seager in aid of the book fund of the Kaiapoi Institute, on the 16th, has bean unavoidably postponed, owing to the hall in which the lecture was to have been held having been previously engaged for the same eveniug by a Native troupe, which is engaged in illustrating old New Zealand. Presentation to Father Lr Menant.— His Lordship Bishop Grimes has announced that he will be unable to attend the presentation to Father Le Menant on Sunday next. In a lebter to Mr O'Connor his Lordship says:—"l leave to-morrow (Saturday) for Little River, where I shall officiate ou Sunday. Thence I shall proceed to Akaroa, where my visitation will probably lasb a forbnight. This will explain ray absence ou Sunday, absence I sincerely regreb under the circumstances."

Meeting of Cremtors.—The first meet--ing of creditors in the bankrupt estate of William Withey, pork bubchor, called for yesterday, did nob take place owing to the absence of a quorum. The estate goes into the hands of the Official Assignee to be dealt with in the usual way. The debtor's liabilities were £65 Bs, aud assets nil. The unsecured creditors were Dr. Downes (rent) £25, James Kelburn -£12, Berry and Co. £4 18s, John Thorn £6, Drs. Prins and Lomax Smith £16 Bs. and two smaller creditors.

Military Display.—A meeting of the Committee was held in the E Battery Orderly Room on Thursday evening, when it was decided bo hold, iv connection with the above display, an exhibition of old arms and military curiosities. It was also resolved to add a race to the programme, which is to competed for in marching order. Twelve hundred tickets have been disposed of, and a large amount of minor business having been transacted, the meeting adjourned.

The Ivey Memorial. — A meeting of the Ivey Memorial Committee takes place on Thursday next. The Committee would be glad to know if any who have subscribed Would object to the Memorial being offered to the School of Agriculture. It is ilso requested that all who are willing to subscribe, provided the Memorial be placed at the School, will kindly do so at once, in order that the list may be closed.

Operative Bootmakers' Society.—The Christchureh Operative Bootmakers' Society held their fortnightly meeting at luglis' BuiMing on Thursday night. Mr T. Crooke, President, occupied the chair. After some eulogistic remarks it was unanimously resolved to telegraph to Mrs Ballance— "Thab' the Christchureh Operative Bootmakers' Union desire to express their sense of the great loss Mrs Ballance and the colony have sustained by the death of tbe late Premier." The Social Committee reported that they had completed all matters in connection with the social to be held next Wednesday at Inglis'Building. It was resolved to issue invitations to the Mayor and Lady- Mayoress. The Union delegates reported favourably as to the steps taken to establish a " Progressive Liberal newspaper." The Union decided to cordially assist the movement. Mr W. W. Tanner, M.H.R., wrote, offering to help in establishing a library.

Yotjno Men's Christian Association.— The work amongst the young men is being carried on vigorously, but mainly by the young men themselves. Olasßes and meetings (especially the Sunday ones) are well attended-; and generally there- is life and energy displayed that indicate interest and progress. The Board of management has decided to appeal to the public to clear off the floating liabilities, which do not exceed £150, and as an incentive two friends have guaranteed 30 per cent, on all sums raised up to £100. The young fellows have already responded liberally to the call, and it is hoped that the general public, will not be backward in assisting an Institution which does unostentatious but exceedingly useful work amongsb our young men. " Any donations will be thankfully received by Messrs William Chrystall and James Cullender, joint Treasurers. ...

Welcome Social.—There was a large attendance in the Bible Christian schoolroom, Lower High street, last evening, when asocial gathering was held to welcome the Rev..A. Mitchell to the co-pastorate of the church. The Rev. J. presided, and short addresses of welcome were delivered by him and several leading members of the congregation. Tne Rev. Mr Mitchell responded, and during the eveniug he sang " The holy city." "The village. blacksmith," and " When night is darkest the dawn is nearest." His fine bass voice was much admired by those who had the pleasure of hearing it. In the absence of Miss Orchard, Miss Corrick presided at the piano. Refreshments were provided, and a very pleasant evening was spent. The Rev. Mr Mitchell has won three first prizes out of four singing competitions that he took part in in Victoria. He wears a gold medal, won in a competition at Horsham in 1892, open to all Victoria, for a bass solo and trio. The Rev. Mr Mitchell should be an excellent addition to the musical talent of Christchureh.

CASTERETJftY WOMEN'S IkS_T_~_E.—At a meeting of the General Committee of the Canterbury Women's Institute it was announced that several liberal offers of lectures had been made to the Institute, and a course is being arranged to run through the months of June, July and August, the lectures to be given every Wednesday. Among the subjects submitted are " House and home," illustrated by lantern slides; "Matthew Arnold," "The Rival Claims of Idealism and Materialism," as well as papers with discussions o» "The Relation of Parents to Teachers," and other subjects bearing on education. It is intended that a large, proportion of the lectures and papers shall be given by women. The following resolution was also carried unanunously—r"The Committee of the Women's Institute tender their sincere thanks to Professor Bickerton, Mr Groesmann, Mrs Grossmann, Dr. Jennings, and Mr Page for their very able lectures delivered in the recent course on behalf of the Institute."

The Jane Douglas.—By advertisement in another column it will be seen that during the wiuter months the s.s. Jane Douglas will leave for Kaikoura, direct, on first and third Sunday in each month at 6 p.m., instead of weekly as usual. Postponement. — Owing to the Oddfellows' Hall ab Lyttelton being engaged on Tuesday evening next, the lecture by Messrs Hart and Seager, in aid of the Lyttelton Seamen's Rest, has been postponed for a week or two. Due notice of the date will be advertised.

Science Lectures. —Despite the inclemency of the weather a good audience assembled at the Oddfellows' Hall, Kaiapoi, ou Thursday evening, when Mr VV. W, Collins commenced a course of weekly science lectures, tho subject for the first lecture being"" An introduction to scientific study." The lecture was profusely illustrated with views and diagrams thrown upon the screen by means of the oxy-ether light lantern, worked by Mr F. J. Quiun. Kingsley Clcb. —The fortnightly social in connection with the trades' section of the Kingsley Club was held lasb evening in bhe rooms of the Club, Inglia' buildings. There was a very large number of members present. A capital programme of songs and readings was gone through by the Misses Turubull, Martin, Matthews, and the Messrs Mansfield, Davie, Townsley and A. Bickerton. It was resolved that in future these socials will be held oa every alternate Friday evening. A Needed Improvement.—The Churchwardens of St. Mary's, Merivale, with a solicitude for the comfort of the parishioners who attend church which ia most praiseworthy, have arranged to construct an asphalt footpath in Church lane. Whilst the work is now kept back by the continued wet weather, they have had some screenings put down as a temporary measure. Such thoughttuluess deserves, and will no doubt receive, appreciation in the shape of an increase in the collections.

Reassuring.—lt may not be generally known that during the last three months Messrs George King and Co. have disposed of no less than £100,000 worth of land in the Canterbury District. This information has been volunteered by a prominent member of the firm solely, of course, actuated by patriotic motives, in order to make our Australian friends sitting in the sackcloth and ashes of financial depression, envy our happy lot. Civil Servants'Salaries.—The interval which elapsed between the extinction of the late Ministry and bhe appointment of the new one, occurring as ib did ab the end of the month, caused some inconvenience (says the Post), to Civil Servants, as salaries could not be paid until a new Ministry was in office. When the usual cheques were forthcoming, two days late, there was a regular rush to the Bank.

Tuts late Mr R. L. Higgins.— On Thursday Mr J. B. Mansfield, ornamental mason, completed the erection in the Cust cemebery of a memorial stone to the late Mr R. L. Higgins. The Rev. D. D. Rodger and a Committee had the matter in hand, and raised sufficient funds in the district bo enable a very handsome monument to be erected. The headstone is of red Swede granite on a polished blue stone base, and mounbed on blue stone, the whole standing 7ft 6in in height. It bears the following inscription :—"ln memory of Robert Luke Higgins (pioneer of Cust district), died November 9th, 1892, aged 73 years. Erecbed by his friends as a token of regard and esteem." '

The Gaiety Company.—Mr W. Hughes, laden with photographs of the Gaiety ladies—which have already done their fell work on the hearts of several of our gilded youth—arrived from the North yesterday. Mr Hughes, who by the way grows younger every time he visits New Zealand, has now to go down back streets with his little lot of photos for fear of being had up for obstructing the thoroughfare. The originals of the pictures make their debut at the theatre on Tuesday, May 16th, when the colonial "chappies and Johnnies "are expected to muster in great force to give them a good send off.

Popular Concerts.—Now Hhat "Sixpenny Pops." have come here to stay the management of those given at the Tuam street Hull are at their wits end how to cope with the thous&ads Who every Thursday evening yearu to hoar the vocalisation or listen to the sweet and seductive strains of the Truda Brothers. Now in future instead of allowing tho crush to collect all three entrances will be opeu, and it will not be necessary, as has been done by some, to take six o'clock dinner in the front row of the dress circle so as to ensure being in time. In order to give everyone an opportunity of hearing the artists who were so successful a general encore of the whole of the programme has been decided upon. Personal.—There is perhaps no one better known throughout New Zealand than Mr Asten, of "Old Judge" notoriety. A raconteur of more than ordinary success, full of American humour, the news of his recenb marriage brought forth a sborm of congratulations. Mr Asten is at present in Christchureh on a honeymoon tour, and on Thursday a deputation waited upon Mrs Asten and himself at Colters Hotel to present their congratulation. That they were warmly received and hospitably treated goes without saying.—Mr P. Gill, recently representing the Mutual Life Association in Wairarapa, has been appointed district agent for the Southland district, with headquarters at Invercargill. Though his winter quarters are likely to be cold, Mr Gill—who was stationed here some time—takes wibh him the warm remembrances of Christchurch friends, which may be a comfort to him.

The Savage Club.—A new wigwam has been found for the Savages of Christchureh, who have now migrated to the home of statistics and wool sales—the Chamber of Commerce. There under the painted dome of that palatial hall bhe mystic ribes of Savagedom will be celebrated every Monday night. Next Monday a genial Savage will occupy the chair, and a most enticing programme hns been arranged. At 8 o'clock sharp the fearful and wonderfully carved mace of the Club will be solemnly deposited on the table, and then—well, as the old theatrical advertisements used to say—" trouble" will begin. . Howard's Digging Ploughs.—A successful trial of Howard's digging plough was held ab Mr Hay Smith's, of Kaiapoi Island, yesterday, before a large number of farmers'in the surrounding district, including Messrs Thomas Lord, Hay Smith, Henry Beal, James Hey wood, Busby, Merrin, Burgess, and Land: The plough was subject to a severe test iv couch, cocksfoot, and stubble fully a foot long. Everybody was greatly pleased to see the thorough manner in which all the stubble and rubbish was complebely covered and a perfect seed-bed left, and were surprised to notice the easy draught of the plough. Good business is said to have been done on the ground. Quick Travelling.—The journey accomplished by the Southern members who attended the funeral of Mr Ballance was an object lesson, says the Post, on what can be accomplished in rapid travelling, and must constitute the record for the journey made. They left Dunedin by special train at 7.15 a.m. on Saturdays reached Christchurch at 3.15, lefb Lybbelbon by the Roborua at 6.30, arrived here ab 6.15 a.m. on Sunday, left again by tbe funeral train at 7.58, and reached Wanganui ab 2.30 p.m.— 31£ hours from Dunedin. The arrangements in regard to the special brains, both here and in the South, were extremely creditable to the Railway Department and the Manawatn Railway Company. Freethought Lectures. —The subjects of Mr W. W. Collins's lectures at the Lyceum to-morrow will be, afternoon at 3, " Ridiculous Philosophy," a reply to the Christian Evidence lecture of Sunday last, and in the evening at 7, '*The Civilisation of Religion, and the Religion of Civilisation."

All deposit tickets issued by the Eden Gkorsk Compact,-IiUTED, are extended and can be used up to September 30th. As the studio and workrooms are now under the personal management of Mr Binns, the delay which has lately been experienced in the delivery of orders will soon disappear, and every cabinet and opal will be inspected before delivery so thab none but tbe most artistically finished photos will be allowed to leave the studio. Mlgrereg Wbigglesworth ASM BINNS will shortly open a studio ia Christchurch for the production of their patented matt opaltypea, which have created such a furore among fashionable circles in Wellington.—iADVT.] See Standish and Frkecs's beautiful Platinetbes, also Photograph* of the Earl and Countess of Glasgow. Vestibule, 218 Hich street—AnVT.) We Have a Baby, and to keep it well ftive it Towxend's Tasteless Powders, Sold every where. One shilling, sent by past oa receipt of V& stamps*—i Advt.,