NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8479, 10 May 1893, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

««. Personal.—The Rev. P. R. Munro, ol Rangiora, was unable to take his services at tho Presbyterian Church, Rangiora, on Sunday, and Yesterday was still confined to his house with illness.

Political.—Mr Blake, member for the Avon, addressed a meeting of his constituents last night, and received a vote ol thanks and confidence.

London Gaikty Company. —An important advertisement in connection with tho London Gaiety Company giving the programme for the season appears on page 3 of this issue. . , fc ' .' L_.oyD _ Sdrveyor,—Captain H. S. Willis, Marine Surveyor.for the Canterbury Under, writers' Associatibp,' has received a cabla iuforming him (hat ho has been appointed to the position 0$ Surveyor at Lytteiton for Lloyd's Register. '< ' ■ Pioneer BiovclA' Club. ---Tho attention of tho members of this Club ia dirooted to the fact that to-night is set apart for musio, song and story, at tho rooms at 8 o'clook. Public Trust Office Board.—-The Rev. Tcoli Pita Mutu, of Kaiapoi, has been appointed a member of the Public Trust Office Board (Native branch), vice Mr Ho mi Matenga, resigned. Bakd of Hope.—The monthly meeting of the Band of Hope associated with the Church of Christ was held on Monday last. Songs were given by Misa Parkyn, Messrs Rogers and Jack, and duetß by Miss Trerlse and Robson. The programme also included a musical medley and a dialogue. Howard's Digging Plouoh.—On Moa« day a successful trial of Howard's digging plough was hold on Mr G. Brown's farm, at Wakanui, in tho presence of a number of farmers of the district. The plough did excellent work, and all present expressed themselves highly pleased with it. HoaottATA.—A meeting was held in the Library ou Monday to consider the qucation of raising funds for the purpose of purchasing new books. Tho Librarian stated that there were about 676 books for circulation, 124 that required re-binding, and others to be disposed of. It was resolved for the whole of the Oommitteo to canvass the district for subscriptions towards buying new books. ,*• A Plaque of Mick.—A resident of Ngapara informed ttio North Qtatjo Times on Saturday that that place was suffering at the present time from a plague of mice. The mice are running about in thousands, and nothing is secure from their doprod-* tionfu A pAxty who travelled through the Cave Valley district on Monday stated that he also noticed a number of mice, and on one Bpot, about an eighth of nn acre Ift size, there were as many as lorty running about.

Malvern.—Our correspondent Writes ;•— The weather recently has been all agaiue. the farmers, and work is Consequently Setting in the background. Sheep dipping as been carried on under considerable difficulty, and tho constant wet has been a detriment to condition. On the other hand the mildness of the rain lias promoted a steady growth of feed. A large quantity of Cape barley and rye is being grown for winter sheep fed, and looks remarkably well. The first lambs of tho season are to be seen, owned by Messrs Rutherford, Keys, and Stubbs. Cattle are still in good demand and owners not anxious to sell.

DunßAndkl Library. — The annual general meeting of the Library was held in tho Dunsandel Hall on Monday. The balance-sheet showed a credit of £22 15s 7d Oil hand. The following Committee was elected for the ensuing year:—Messrs P. Westenra, J. M. Furae, F. Lill, J. Lockhead, 8. Shorrard, D. Wraight, D. Cameron, F. Wright, J. S. Robins. A bonus of £2 2s was voted to Mr Robins, librarian. It was resolved that the sum of -610 be reserved as a sinking fund for the ball, to corry out any necessary re* pairs, and that the sum of £8 be spent on books, Messrs J. Robins, D. Wraight and P. Westenra being appointed a Sub-Committee to select the books. Mr F. Lill (Secretary) 'and Mr P. We-teara (Treasurer) were elected. Railway Sleepers.—ln tho Oxford district Messrs E. B. Youngman, J. Luce, J. Rossitter, W. Rydo, A. Vallauoe and Mrs Peraam tender to supply iv all 23,000 sawn birch sleepers at 3- per sleeper. At Springburn Sharplin and Co. supply 10,000 at 2s lid, and Boyd and Sharplin at the same place 10,000 at 3s. At Peel Forest Mr J, M. Booth supplies 3500 sawn totara at 3s lid, and Mr R. T. Button 1500 at ot 9d. At Lytteiton Butler Bros, of Greymouth supply 4000 sawn silver pine at 5» Hu and 3s Bd, 2000 sawn silver pine 3a 9d aud 6000 sawn birch at 2a 9d to 3s, each delivering at Lytteiton. PROTRCT_NG THE HOUSEHOLD WASH.—A correspondent sends the following:—-A rather good story is going the rounds at the expense of what in thieves' slaug is kaowo as a "snow-dropping" thief, or ,one who takes clothes from drying and bleaching lines. It happened that Mr and Mrs ——• had a lengthy argument ou the question of bleaching by the aid of electricity. Tha gentleman, being an amateur electrician, had connected the week's wash as it bung out to dry and bleach on a thorn fence with a couple of copper wires, and before going to bed had laid on the current from the battery. Somewhere about 2 a.m. the whole of hi» neighbourhood, which is infested.with cats, was, disturbed by a a**™* l . n . oWl * ing, which increased to fearful »nriek«? e and in order to quell the row our hero went forth in his pyjam-w and "uppers, armed with a shotgun. He was sure thacats were in tho fence where the clothes were, or very near it, but fortunately there was a little moon, and, before tiring, he caw that a woman was writhing in pain with the corner of a wet sheet in one hand and the skirt of another garment in the Other. Her first exclamation was, " For «o«dn.esa sake, if you'll let mc off this time '111 give it np." He had to go indoors to disconnect wires, and ou returning he found that the thief was gone, together with tho sheet aud the other garment. There were signs that she had had a terrible struggle, which suggested that she would not visit that baas pardon again. Stars akb Coming, other w » K * tx f ; KNOWN MARKB EFFACING.—Our N6. 7 Star at #15 10a is good value. Twelve months' e-uarautce. Fitted with lln solid tyre.. Easy payments. Adams, GonTIBS and Co., 70 Manchester street, Chr.stchuich.—[ Advt.J 13 Cheap Liguts. — Kerosene, 180 test, water white, patent tap, 5s 3d per tin. -0* 6d per case ; Electric candles, 5d per _•» ; Price's National, 7_d per lb. KINOAIDa, G.I.C.—IADVT._

Y*^—One of the oldest residents in Itf***'* Mr John Moore, leaves ie__tf**"/ for atrip to the Old Country f A number of his ohl friends jiA^ er,u oa Tuesday to wish him bou et bi f„a _ safe return. K*^tirv'Besubv-: Coups.—The social P*ffl»tch adjonrueil from April 27th, the Corps' ra_j.e, CashSSi tiko -_h*Scia y next, Alay Hth. AU ere- «"• requested to attend, ami ammucSit iber-,^j refreshments will be rJroti* 1 • B ' t j lc S tTTOund free. IsursTitv.—Messrs Mason, Ttf ana Co. liave just received an 511 -"m a X'Tth Island bult-cr factory i* r '{t, k.yal Alpha No. 2 cream separS *°iy--a-!s. These in reasonable dairy V> T .oor-s, s* v -hree hours -ii_:ht and gfang s!ijl n 20,000 gallons of milk ;rT *'f k ': %qual to 2000 gallons each r ill) l ™

iit hl0 «iC*l_-- Mr J - J - Ken Qed y ansl his company opened thtir _P Jfd t the Ashburton Uddlellows'Hall _n____v to a crowded hodss in " Current _i»_ B °"r i ; c - 1 went very smoothly through--v-oked heart y applaust-. Last niybt Sidvwoa to appear iv his favourite the «* Shaughraun °L«_ chosen. The company mter.d j£ their BU.y through the week, y. Hans the Boatman and Lord

LITERACY ASD DeBATIKO ! *£_-There was a fall and representa- ; jSndaaceat Mondays aajnoq g >.t*e , Liofa Debating Ssocicty. The **]•?■ ! S3--1, President, was rathe chair, gshSdan's play of " The Reals''was , _ff in <-W_cter For next meeetmg the j felnSe! four pieces-My Religion, ! C Reform, World cf Cant, and L_e_ S were d»wn for, and paper, on each 1 £t w to be given at next meeting. ■'foMW E_c-f»- Yesterday a boy * i_f» bicycle came into collision with a " ! _2 r _ van at the crossing in Cathedral ■ ~ north of the Bank of New Zealand. lies appeared to be making a close : ™ v suddenly the boy was seen ' *i_«i_tly W he under the horse's feet. He " clear, however, without injury, van ran right over the bicycle. V*he_ wit* l aJffi cu - tv itr waa extricated the ■rixel n»s found to be twisted, con- ,: s&hle damage being done. t ParrUß Concerts.—The programme of Jmorww night's concert appears in _•_« column and is certainly the most _«_l nrogr-m-ie yet offered. In addition 'li* irnda Bros , there will be Miss ' __TE_«ite Johnson, ot Wellington, Mr W Woodhouss, of Sydney, and Mr Walter \ ft baritone singer, who will make • _!fc-t*'aD_«arance iv Chriatchurch in two \ __?"Ss Kind's Own" and «' Soldier - S" i 53 *-• r *° wl °y * il * l *" ) s ' HETome they brought her warrior dead'ami : vhssa. artweirj." ioiEBOA Maobi Troupe.—This troupe B v_ s perfon-uuice in tha Oddfellows' J.ll Lj*ttel-on, on Monday evening. ■jgi. was a fair attendance. The pertagt&ce coa_isted of a number of hakas, _ dances, as performed on various oceans, such as before and after a fight, at j aaecUtions, ic. Maori songs were sung, j k -3__ fight between a couple of Maori Uiriors, and a large number of other items nrs given, the programme being a very jiagthy one. All tne members of the _c_pe are evidently well trained, and the ■erforms-ce went off without a hitch. j Chess.—Ob Monday evening a team of ten Bea-beT. from the Chriatchurch Chess Club j net fccm-ar number of the Sydenham Club t. tie rooms of the latter, and played a Batch. Tbe older Club succeeded in coring a victory, winning six out of ten rs. The following won their games:— Christchurch —Messrs Gray, Connal, indenton, jun., Jones and Neeve ; for Sydenham — Messrs Scott, Grimstone, __rkt tad Carter. The visitors were highly -__ued with their visit, aud hoped that a Htsni match would be arranged. There ! tet tho other members of the Christdsrch Club present, who complimented He Clab on having such a snug room. Vetk-ak Cricketers —The annual meetBg of the Veterans' Cricket Club was held it_j_3as' die on Monday evening, the frs-ada*. (Mr G. Wilmer) occupying the _UT. The annual report and balance sheet ten !__d. There was a small balance _ feacd after paying all expenses. The sport, which dealt with the progress of the M-od the matches that had been played Bra*g the year showed that the season had |Ka most successful. The following officers jpp elected:—President—Mr G. Wilmer; I-M-President-, Mr G. Tombs; Secretary «__ Treaaurer, Mr G. Wilmer ; Committee |-4__«_r_ Hooker, Bush, Garland, Dawe, Siege, Ayers, Weston, Blake, and Calvert. t_« passing the usual votes of thanks the hatting terminated. Kaiapoi Bo_oogh Schooi_—The monthly •eeUng of the Committee of this school was bid on Monday. Present—Messrs Moore painnan), Feldwick, Fraser, Butcher, Ska, Johnson, Caverhill, Coup, and Fisher ut Head Master reported the number on Hi 552, average attendance 455. He apjtm for sundry requisites and repairs, •_*_! irere referred to the newly-elected Vjetag Committee, Messrs Feldwick and OkTerh-l The Chairman reported that, as -*e_ted at last meeting, he had arranged with the Head Master for three weeks' _alk__y to the school from Friday last. It -*-- agreed to obtain offers for fuel supplies lor the winter ©oaths. Accounts £1 2s 6d were passed. It was decided that there be procured uiae copies of the Education Act aad thereunder for the Com--USee, aad the meeting then adjourned. Krvzs 80-BD.— An ordinary meeting of -b.Soat_ Wtimakariri River Board was held |"*t*_*r afternoon. Present—Messrs W. &*g (c____!an), R. M. Taylor, T. Wilson, Ju Mcmejl J " a Atkms on, J- Glanville •aa H. Crooks. The Overseer reported that ««ace the last meeting there had been two •sail feeds in the river, but no damage bad «« -eae.. He recommended that the base •fao. 5 groin at Ch*ney_ should be pro- «**- wSh the stone in hand, as the river *»» «co_r_-g under the bank in the directs® «f the road. He also reported upon •* *Ksfc places which required planting. «wudecided to carry oat the work sug- &***& at No. 5 groin; that the idea of P^* 0 )? * fence between tbe upper and "*« works be abandoned, and to plant two „_f" portions this year, protecting the I*aa_w__ with double fences. Accounts to £_4i 5s lid were passed for gS«*«t. The tender of Wm. Cooke for _*' *•» accepted for cutting basket wil*wjtStewart's Gully, Draughts Club g™» of the Christchurch Draughts _»»_*_ entertaiaed at sapper last even- __!«!_! . and officers in cele- ™«. of Ihe opening of the new Club "*-?» in tha -letropoht-n Hotel. There Z, 4 and after a number __S^L h * d been by members an the dining room a pi ui sapper was laid. Mr A. L. _T**> ™deot of tbe Club, occupied tlie 3F- a. coupk of bours was afterwards ,X & 80clal maQ oer, when the following gooethroagh :-« The Queen;" to the Chmtchurch Draughts by Mr J. Connal, and reKSL to .«*? & I _J- E. Hon. "Kindred Clubs," proposed by . m^ n *|*s- d responded to by Mr HxVrv Weekl J Papers," proposed by i *** to by Mr J. j Jits,. uJf e "preseutatives of the daily ! ?«rr«S' to by Messrs G. Past uTa k. Biltc lhTe; "The* Presidents, wooifrLr eseat -'' p™- b y L "llje to by the Chairman; •od resßt»!__ P'^P o6 **! by the Chairman, th# e^^® 1 u> b y Mr Schneider. During ia^l_R__ WBe songs were sung by ted Jir j w *'. BiltcUff, Fraser, and Gale, tish rw^-^Lr^ 4^6 Save a humourous ScotThe Club hold their meetlavito ?**&? and Thursday evenings, and i-wL f ß **** 2 officers ___d a suitable iS. A be prosperous. G_s^ c tickets issued V the Kd__si •ad cZ r?-«-A_*r_-, _____ited, are extended ** -hT B hf J - ased U P to 30th. S^^th-rfi 0 Jmd workrooms are now ®S_B. iL I^ 1 ? 111111 manaKement of Mr y which has lately been in the deUvery of orders will opal -Ma •?!*•■*. and every cabinet and tiitjw!. o6 ,. inspected before delivery so P-WtcTi* 0a „ th ,1 most artisdcally finished Hg: wm be allowed to leave the studio. B _fJti^ IG6LESWOETH axd Binns church itr>l o i_ Jn a studio in ChristZ _ the Production. of their °«»t«d_ B 2f lt QPaltypes. which have in*iit* f urore among fashionable ash Pbeece's "Rembrandt" it,J *hed in I? 1 ?, 8 _ dl-eBS Photographs, teaapL m Platlnette, are admitted the "*• btudio, High street.—

Social Gatheri-so. — The V.M.C.A. Rowing Club will hold their winter social at. the rooms to-morrow evening at eight o'clock. A goml programme of vocal and instrumental music will be provided. Popc_ar Science Lecture.—At the Lyceum to-night Mr VV. W. Collins will lecture on "The wonders of the living world," which will be illustrated by oxyether light views and diagrams. Acknowledgment. — The Hen. Lady Superintendent of St. Mary's Home desires to acknowletlga with thanks the receipt of Harvest Festival offerings from Ohoka, and new clothinc from Rakaia.

Pio.neer Bicycle Club.—The first of the series of entertainments in connection with this Ciub will take place to-night at the clubrcom at 8 o'clock.

-iiiATARY Dispi_.y.—The Committee of the above have received letters from Timaru, Dunedin, Ashburton, Lytteiton, and Kair.poi, alt of which places have signified their iutention of entering team- for the military tournament. Christchurch will be represented by nearly every corps.

Entertainment.—The Lyceum was well filietl last night, when the Standard Dramatic Company gave their first performance here. The programme iucluded " The Rightful Heir " aud " My Brother-in-Law." The performance was above the averags of amateur performances, and a very efficient orchestra, under the leadership of Mr C. Buuz, gave the incidental music, aud played several seiectious very creditably.

Litkrabv GtrrLD.—The weekly meeting of the East belt Literary Guild was held on Monday, Mr Ray, the President, in the chair. The subject for the evening was the direct veto question. Mr Wright in the affirmative, and Mr Stevenson the negative. The direct vote was carried by a majority of 10 to 2. A number of young ladies were present. Several new members were elected.

Industriai, Association*.—The quarterly general meeting of the Industrial Association will be held in Hobbs' buildings tomorrow evening at eight o'clock. The report of the Select Committee of the House on the industries aud manufactories of the colony will be considered.

St. Savioot.'s, Temuka. — The parish festival in connection with this church was brought to a close on Saturday evening, with the exception that there are -till a few shooting prizes to be arranged for. The net proceeds will be between £130 and £140. On Saturday evening the Timaru Garrison Band played a variety of selections, and the produce was submitted to auction by Mr J. MundelL

The Musical Societ.".—To-night the music-loving public of Christchurch will have a great treat in the shape of the first appearance here of Mr Alfred Hill as a f.olo violinist. The programme has not been published, so that it ia impossible to say what is to be done, except that one knows that Mr Hill plays a couple of solos, and that the piece de resistance of tho second part is " The First Walpurgis Night." As will be seeii by advertisement, special tram arrangements have been made for the Papanui and Sumner Hues.

Concert.—There was a good attendance at the Oddfellows' Hall last night, wheu the annual entertainment in aid of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took place. The vocal items included songs by Misses Partridge and Watson and Messrs Farrant and Godfrey. A recitation was given by Master R. Dickie, and tho Truda Brothers played several selections. The comedietta of " Written in Sand" and the farce of "Two Heads are better than One" were given as the concluding part of the programme. The characters in these were taken by Mrs Popham, the Misses Watson and LaNauze and Messrs Watson, Raphael, Ross and Meadow.. Both pieces were very creditably performed.

SroENHAM Wobkisg Men's Clxtb. —The first monthly social for the winter was given in tho hall of the Club on Friday evening, the room being tilled. Messrs Maurice and ijaig contributed songs and duets, Mr H. Price eon-do songs, Mr Peate a song and dance, Mr W. Collier a vioiin solo, Mr Williamson a cornet solo, Mr Mitchell a bone solo, and Messrs Kcrmodo and Post gave selections on the mandoline and banjo. All the items were encored. The Engineers' band gave two selections, and a somewhat lengthy programme was brought to a clese by a scene from the " Merchant of Venice," in which Messrs Hawley, Haig and Maurice took the principal characters. AsHßC_tTO}f Borough CotrKcii- — The monthly meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council was held on Monday evening. Present—His Worship the Mayor (Mr R. Bird), Crs. Cuthbertson, Duucan, Flower, Jones, Orr, Scaly, Thomas. The debit balance at the Bank was reported to be £943 12s 6d. Letters were* received from the Secretary of the Municipal Association, Wellington,re thenewMunicipalCorporations Bill, .from the Wellington Trades Council, forwarding copy of subscription list for the proposed Ballance memorial. The form was handed to Cr. Jones. From the Hampstead Town Board, complaining of the bad state of the North-east belt. The matter was referred to the Works Committee. From the Fire Police, enclosiug names of those willing to enrol themselves as members of the Fire Police and Salvage Corps. It was resolved that the names be approved, and that the thanks of the Council be tendered to those offering their services. It was decided to call for tenders for 600 yards of shingle. On the motion of Cr. Thomas, an extra member was added to each of the various Committees. The Mayor was asked to bring under the notice of the Charitable Aid Board the necessity of giving the local representatives discretionary power to deal with urgent cases in so far as admitted to the Old Men's Home. Sitting a_ a Domain Board, the Council granted the Ashburton Football Club a close day for a match in the Domain on May 24th.

The Whakatake Swamp.—A number of Canterbury men went to settle ou the Whakatans Swamp, Bay of Plenty, the party comprising people who were familiar with swamp lands in Canterbury. A correspondent of an Auckland paper writes:— " It has been raining in torrents for the last three or four days, and there is no doubt our Canterbury settlers on the swamp, between Te Teko and Whakatane, are having a bad time of it. It does seem strange that these enterprising people should have come to make new homes for themselves on this swamp land in the wettest year that has been experienced in this country during the last thirty years. Even with the very dry summers that we often have in this bay, it is a great undertaking, and with the heavy rains that we had all last winter, and through the greater part of this summer, and for it to come down as it has for the last few days, beats all records. It is no wonder that these plucky people feel disheartened with tne poor prospects they have before them of ever making their undertaking a success, at any rat- with the present outlet for the large body cf water they have to contend with."

L__sToir School Committee. -—A meeting of this Committee was held on Monday, all the members being present, Mr Cook in the chair. On the motion of the Rev. W. G. Parsonson, seconded by Dr. Gosset, it was decided by 4 votes to 2 that the meeting adjourn, in order that the Board of Education might be asked to rule whether a new election of Chaiiman was necessary under circumstances which occurred after the annual meeting of householders. 'These circumstances, briefly put, were that, on the motion by Messrs Landrey and Graham that Mr Cook be re-elected Chairman of the Committee, an amendment was moved by Mr Barnett and the Bey. W. G. Parsonson that the Rev. W. Grant be appointed to the position. This was lost by 3 votes to 2, Mr Grant not voting. A further amendment was moved by the Rev. W. G. Parsonson and seconded by Mr Barnett, that Dr. Gossett be the Chairman for the j'ear, which was declared lost, the Chairman exercising both a deliberative and a casting vote against it. Without putting the substantive motion to the vote Mr Cook then said, " I declare Mr Cook the Chairman for the year." It was stated by the movers that Mr Cook did not represent the majority of the Committee.