NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8481, 12 May 1893, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Population op tub Colony.—The citi* mated pogulatiou of tho colony on March 31afc wan—Males 348,670, fonnles 307,609, total 656,179. The Maori population wm sob down at 41,993.

The Martins at New Brighton Th» Committee of tho Canterbury A. and P, Association have decided to telegraph to the Government aud urge that the martini at Now Brighton be at once placed upon the list of protected birds. False Alakm.—About eight o'clock last evening au alarm was given from the annunciator opposite Mi* W. Harris , homo in Worcester street. The Brigades turned out but found no signs of a fire, or of tho person who had given tho alarm. Cakleton.—The Roy. X Meyeon .of the Free Methodist Church, Oxford, delivered an amusing and interesting looturo entitled " Tom O , Jacks " in tho Carloton school* room on Tuesday evening, May 9th» u< a large audience. Mr H. Seed presided.

Industrial Association.•—At a meeting of this body last nigh 6 v resolution vu carried which supported tho reoonnnondt*. tion of a Parliamentary Committee being carried into law at regarded colonial ammunition, iron, machinery, aud kauri timber.

Collections of Grasses and Forao» Plants.—A Wellington telegram states that the Minister of Agriculture offers prizes for collections of dried specimens ot gta«iea and forage plants, introduced and Native, prominence being given to the moat useful indigenous species. Tho first prize is £25, the 2nd £15.

Arrivals and Departures.—The immigration and emigration returns for April show, arrivals '2394, departures 1909. 'i'lie arrivals were, from" United Kingdom 289, New South Wales 10S8, Victoria 954, Tasmania 55, other places 38. The dfipurtuips were, to the United Kingdom 325, Quuennland 2, New South Wales 905, Victoria 511, Tasmania 66, other placei 102. During the month seventeen Chinese arrived aud eevea departed. New Partnership.—Wβ notice that Mr Geo. E. Way and Mr Thomas do Renzey Condell have entered into partnership, under the style of Jameson, Andorson una Co., and will carry on the business of the firm as formerly. Their business consists of that of tea merchants, general agents and accountants, and they represent the United Insurance Company and the New York Life Insurance Company. We wish the new firm every success. Oxford Prksbvtjerian Church. —-This Church held ita annual congrogutional meet* ing on Wednesday night, tho [lev. 1). D. Rodger in the chair. The Treasurer, Mr Black, read the financial report for tho pant year, which was considered satisfactory. Mr Sayers read a report on tho .Sunday School which showed thirty on the roll with prospects of an increase. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mies Buchanan for feet past services as organist. Mf lifiinoily WM appointed Secretary and a Committee' elected for the ensuing year. Inquest at Rakaia.—An inquoet touch* ing the death of the child Win. Murray, who was killed on Tuesday, was held in thf; Courthouse, Rakaia, on Thursday, Mr L. Oxley, Deputy-Coroner, and a jury" of which Mr H. Primmor waa chosen tore* man. From the evidanco of the child , ! parents and J. Coffey, who saw tho accident, the deceased was knocked undor a portable whare forming part of a ohaffcutting plant, and was drawn out from under the wheels of tho chaffcutter by the lad Coffey. Dr. Cordner, who had examined the body, **w that death was oaujsed by the fracture of thf base of the skull. In his opinion, neither of the wheels had pasted over the body.The jury returned a verdict of " Accidental death," no blame boing attached to a»J| person. P ~ Honorary Reserve Couva.—The corps social match, adjourned from April 27th on account of the inclement weather, took place yesterday afternoon at the corpe radg®* at Cashmere. It was expeoted that ft flood number of the younger members, end thaw? who have had very little practice, «BUla have attended. Capt. Harman bfcd fsoipod prizes for the highest scorers among theOβ* members, but on account of counter tions in the country only two •aew«fl<tf fl ? erß anrl a few of the old mem bore turned |«P< Capt. Harman wae in charge of thoahootiMK. and the following were the scores :*•»***• j>. R. Wakelin, 30 at 200 yds, 32 at 600 yd*. and 27 dt 600 yds. total 80; CorsL MoKav, 27, 31, 25—83 ; hoo. mem. Aoser»o», 25, 29,27—81; Sergt.-Major Evans; 22, 27, 27 j —76; Pte. Robertson, 25, 26, 20-701 hon. raem. Ssndford, 27,16, 17—60; «* Ffltch, 23, 22, 10-S6 1 Pte. Luinmis. 21, 2, 17—40. Wx&x Christohurch School CoMMtWBB—Tho monthly meeting of this Committee was held on Wednesday evening. Present —Messrs J. W. Mnnnings fChaJrnift»). Mesure F. W. Sandford, J. Vcnables, A. Bleach, J. Isblster, H. Curlett w\ % T> Ohisoall. Apologies were received from Mesan R. Hill Fisher and G. Tombs. Mesere Hart and Seager had offered to give their lecture to the children some baturday afternoon, and it was agreed to accept their offer. The caretaker wiw allowed the usual assistance during the winter months. The Canterbury Womon's Institute wrote oonaratulatine the Committee upon IW having inaugurated girls' swimmmg corapetitions and a tield club in counection with the school. The Treasurer stated th»t he bad received 18* 6d half cost of fenci»g, and £1 for use of bath for swimming exhibition, also a cheque from the Swimming Club for £50 4e. and that the credit bal*»«e wan mi 2s Id. Account* amounting to £5 Uβ 6d were passed for payment. Ano only tender for tho supply of fuel wtM cDsuiog year wat that of Meeere W. Waste and Co., which, though Higher than «ft» 6 year, it waa decided to accept. Shortly before the closo of the meeting tho Heau Muster sent word that Mr W. Taylor. M* Head Master at Addington School, and formerly for five years and iv half second Master at this school, bad died that evening. The news was received with groat regret by the Committee, aud it w»s decided to send a letter of condolence to Mrs Taylor and express the high appreciation in whjch he was held when employed fctf thie nnhooL Thf meeting then adjourned.

--gQrAKE. —A decided shock of earth*t felt in Christchurch and at Lyt*7 and Kaiapoi at eight minutes past morning. "Dairy Faittory.—The Central "factory machinery is now getting order, and already several bun'jfcr*icht s! °* butter has been placed on *Vk£p Invitation— Mr Fillis has kindly ■Li the children at the Burnham School to attend the circus will be a great treat for the •*^f;". 120 of whom will be present. £•£' Thistle. —A letter in tlie ** RESS °* a rece nt date, *Pt ;„Northern Farmer,"' with reference Janoer oi spreviing the Californian 11 c o ver see *i token from in-tfc-Tfljtjilocks, is to be forwarded by the A. and P. Association to the Grant. — The Minister of • lion h* B n,ade tiie ortu Canterbury Kjion Board a grant of £1000 towards Baii&»2 Fund. It will be remembered *tfhe Bos l decided t.i> bring under the oi the Department the necessity for a of money which was considerably than that. Management of the Railways.— i Hrcular received by tbe Canterbury A. Jp Association from the Otngo Agncul!Sl ixiety, with reference to the manage*t of the railways, and askmg for an • • n was referred to the Finauce Comffije '» report upon. Several members tT .tronely against any enange being *°; birKa&t that reasons should be StaSrftaito information of the GovernE f" ,v Temperate Meeting.—The Ll on Tuesday. The £T- y £Stcupied the chair, and *fe foiioviar programme was gone through: a tno by Misses Dunn and GaUetly "T'jir Sinclair; recitations by Lucy •M *Mary Wright, and Eddie Galletly; ~f~LT,~ " D y Messrs Johnston, Paunett, v*~Sgy Matthews, and J. Kennedy. rfxrt City Reserves.—The Reserves fvLiittee oi the City Council, accom LjH by tbe City Surveyor, paid their 2b»l visit of inspection of the reserves ~Sj(lftV. They had fine weather, and this, SuTthe" addition of tbe exercise of inspection would furnish them with a good appetite w> thoroughly eDJoy the contents gfthe hamper which found a resting-place \'ew Brighton Pier.—lt is understood that tbe Directors of the New Brighton Pier Cempwjy have decided to complete the conjjyntfien of the pier as originally designed, jhe total length will be 700 ft, of which gQOffc have been completed. Tenders will be invited for the work in a few days. Daring the past season the pier has been a kveurite resort for visitors to the beach, mi the Directors, encouraged by the liberal jajuier in which the present section has beta pjtroniaeil by the public, feol themttlxts jnstiiied in putting in hand immediately the work lequiied for the comajgiioa of the structure. jHiUsDsoME P&ize.—lt will be remembered that Mrs G. P. Donnelly, of Hawke's 8»r, won the first prize at the late Metropolitan show for a ladies' hack with her dubit, Aotearoa. Instead of taking the cash prize, Mrs Donnejly asked that a suit»He memento of her victory should be purgtied, and any surplus might go towards tie pdze land for light horses next year. Jhe Aaociation, therefore, had one of their $gft£sc*t£e handsomely framed in New ZoaJed woods, and no doubt Mrs Donnelly fgUppreciate the prize very highly. Bcssandel Sports.—A deferred meeting of" the DonuaDdel Sports Conunittee was isM in the Public Hall, on Wednesday freeiDg" Present—Messrs Parker Westesra (in the chair), D. Cameron, J. M. liix», D. Cornelius, F. Lill and J. Boag. fbe balance-sheet snowed a credit of £13 &on hand. It was decided that the sum of ]gl 1« each be given to the Secretary and JJWMarer fer their services, and also the Bin of £2 be granted to the Domain Board. Belfast.— A successful concert and tea fceeting in connection with the English €|orch was held in the Town Hall, Belfast, 0B Wednesday evening. There was a large jttendance. Tbe following ladies were the ekkf contributors to the tea, and presided cm the tables ;—Mesdames Allen, Tisch, Brosm, Scott, Carsten, Englefield, Hillier, Kxoii, Nieholls and Meyer, and the Misses Janeg, Tisch, Allen, Nieholls and Dixon. The afier meeting was presided over by the pastor, the Rev. T. A. Meyer, who stated lhat the object of the meeting was to raise fan d 8 to snpply material to the Ladies' tkild for work for a bazaar, with the.! object of building a parsonage in Belfast, on their own ground. Mr Weston and the Rtv. J. 08. Hoare also spoke, the latter reciting " The Digger's Story " excellently. Kr and Mrs Meyer played a pianoforte duet, Miss Kissell gave a pianoforte solo. Messrs LUlyman, Ogier and Meyer and Mrs Hopkins sang songs and duets. Mr Bailer rapplied the comic element, aud Mrs Vtnghan presided at the piano. The aaeeting was followed by a dance. unwood Chess axd Draughts Clttb.— k meeting of those interested in the formation of a Chess Club for Linwood was belA in the Borough Council office last rrenj&g. There was a fair attendance, and Aβ ibjoc (Mr J. C. Atkinson) occupied tfo rioir. It was unanimously resolved, on gemoUoaof Mr H. R. Smith, seconded by Mr M«tiott—" That an Association be Bread, to be called the Linwood Chess and «*u»f&ts Club." The following gentlemen Kre formed into a Provisional Committee feferther the objects of the Club:—Messrs W.Bowlker, H. Pannett, A. E. Ridley, S. ]&*, C. A. Bnckner, J. Marsack, J. R. Tully, J. Marriott, A. Hulbert, and «• A. Cooke. It was resolved on the s*oa of Mr Smith, seconded by Mr «{%—-'That Mr W. A. Cooke be apfottted Hob. Secretary aod Treasurer pro •*• It was raggested that the subscription oe fixed at 10s per annum. The meeting *M adjourned till Wednesday next at 7.30 fat, when the officers will be elected, and a tl» meantime the Committee will make aqairies regarding a suitable room and for members. CatIRMAX OF THE EdITCATION yesterday's meeting of the aortfa Oanterbury Education Board a short ensued on the action of the v *** rtl *n in withholding from the reporters r*** oo °* which Mr Saunders had given "«• at the previous meeting. The Chairtbat he had withheld tbe ■"f 0 * «caase it reflected on the Inspectors «a referred to a report by them which had **teea nabbed. H e held that it was «* «lt» 4nties of the Chairman to prorr"* interests of the officers of the Board »?«»lias reasonable. Mr Joyce moved seconded—" That tbe action be approved." This was i&f*** 1 by Messrs Westenra and MereifcjJuu ?• Hon " W - Montgomery, Mr XM T^ l, ' however, explaining that he did ta&M^} o***0 *** *<> dancerous a precedent tht Chairman of that .7 «aW having power to say what g?™«, *oald B Tt be published. Mr it would be well if e*T»m *" B»et only once a month, or SLJ /***> M the Chairman was be T" to act as 31r Wright had done "Pn>vf, "wiion in his pocket, saying c££«r ltheoM man-' , (Laughter.) The called Mr Saunders to a point of tx _>tte never made nse of any such JTc? ,00 ' nor had he any intention of ,jCTjS the old man." He discharged U) be his duty in witUnotice from publication. Mr gj£~«*»continued that if Mr Wright was Ejjj&Tjkcide what wek or wae not to be j c * 1 > the Board had better merely j *»cea ye&j. to elect their Chairman, j tjAsJJ} OO of publication or not rested wno should decide, and not ! *ni3* irman. However, if the Board tter »«i rn,an was to have BUch P° wer » •»ii a in the future what j The motion was carried.

e Dosit tickets issued by the Bden i£n** YOMpajjt, umtted, are extended 4, rt* 0 . w used up to creptembvr 30tb. etodio and workrooms are now gr? «» personal management of Mr Zf£Mhe delay which has lately been J2*"«acea in the delivery of order* will toj °«&Ppear, and every cabinet and tsTt Jlr 1 . be inspected before delivery so JQ?°ne but the most artistically finished «bs«n>« w Si oe flowed to leave the studio. WfcIGGUSVrOBTH AND BINNS «W* } ly °P en a studio ia ChristJM»L» for tfa e production of their S™«d matt opaltypee. which bare tiSiZri* a f*ron among fashionable Jβ el'i»»«Ctou.-iADVT.] fe?Wisa and Prkkce'B "Hembrandt , eTentujj. drew photographe, Jα PlaUnette, are admitted the EtV.3 **"*" stadio » Rt** e treet -—

Ascension Day.—Yesterday being Ascension Day special services wero conducted at the Cathedral and at St. Mary ? s, Merivale. At the former the Rev. R. J. Thorpe was the preacher and at the latter Rev. C. J. Merton.

Commercial Travellers' Association. —The annual ball in connection with the above will be held ab hfobhs . Assembly Rooms this evening. The Committee have made all arrangements for the comfort and convenience of those attending. Stdenham Prohibition League.—A meeting of the above will be held at the Wesleyan schoolroom this evening at eight o'clock.

"Our Fathers' Church."—The fortnightly meeting in connection with the above will be held at the Caledonian Society's Room to-night, when an addre33 will be delivered on " The right ethical use of the Bible and the significance of Christianity."

Thb Late Premier.—Mrs Balknce has written to the District Secretary of the Ancient Order of Foresters, acknowledging the receipt of the very kind letter sent- to her by the officers and members of the Order, and returns her grateful thauks for their warm expression of sympathy with her in her bereavement.

— Arrangements have been made to open a new Sunday school for thia district in connection with the Church of England. The school will be beeon next Sunday morning, commencing at Tialf-past ten o'clock, in the district schoolroom, and it will assemble regularly every Sunday at the same f ime.

Theatrical.—The Kennedy Company scored a great success at the Ashburtou Oddfellows' Hall on Wednesday night, when they played " Hans, the Boatman*" to a crowded honse. Owing to the large houses the Company have continued to draw MiKennedy has decided to extend the season beyond the present week, and to put on "The Colleen Bawn," "Little Lord Fauntleroy," "Our Boys," and "East Lynn."

Prohibition Debate.—A debate between the Rev. L. M. Isitt and Mr W. W. Collins lias been under arrangement in Wollington, but is likely to fall through as Mr leitt now stipulates that Mr Collins shall debate as a representative of the "liquor interest." Thia Mr Collins declines to do but is anxious to debate the question of prohibition with Mr Isitt on broad ethical and social principles.

School of Agriculture.—At the meetiug of the Committee of the Canterbury A. and P. Association held yesterday Sir John Hall moved the motion standing in his name, to the effect that the Government be asked to take steps to have the sum of £7900, alleged to be due to the School of Agriculture from other departments of the Canterbury College, be made available for scholarships, &c. The motion was, after a a discussion, amended by substituting .£SOOO for £57900 and agreed to. Collision.—Yesterday afternoon, at one o'clock, while the v Willowbank coach and the Sydenham tram oar v were standing at the Al corner, two empty drays driven by one man attempted to pass between the tram and coach. The horse in the rear dray shied, and running into the fore-carriage of the coach forced its horses on to the footpath. No damage was done to either vehicle nor to numerous people who were on the path.

Volunteer Capitation.— A Volunteer corps in Cbrietchurch recently applied for capitation for the paat year. In reply its commanding officer received notice from the Defence Department that the Minister intended enforcing the circular which was issued last year. The circular in question stated that Companies under the minimum strength at the end of the year would not receive capitation. The effect of this is that probably more than*one Company here will have to disband.

City and Suburban Tramway.—Mr J. Brightling, the contractor for the construction of the tram line to New Brighton via Cashel street, for the City and Suburban Tramway Company is making good progress with the work at the city end. He has a large gang of men at work, and the line has been completed from the East Belt to Barbadoes street, and in a couple of days will be finished up to Madras street. Forty pound railway metals are being used for the city portion of the line, andaa for the Sfcan-moi-e road and the remainder will be laid with 301b rails.

South Loburn.—The Easter meeting in connection with South Loburn Church was held on Monday last. The statement of accounts showed a small credit balance. The Curate nominated Mr T. Mungeam as his Warden, and Mr G. Barwell was elected Parishioners' Warden. The following gentlemen were elected Vestrymen :— Messrs W. Dβ Troy, J. Armstrong, J. Armstrong, jun., H. Fisher, G. Fisher and R. Wellwood. Votes of thanks were passed to Miss Dβ Troy and Mrs Wellwood for their services at the organ, and to Miss Armstrong for gratuitously cleaning the church.

A Rouen Experience.—Mr W. W. Crawford, the Government dairy expert, had a somewhat rough experience when travelling in the South recently. He had conducted a meeting, in a township, which lasted till after 11 p.m., and he then had to drive to another place between thirty and forty miles distant, over a somewhat rough road, to catch the first train for Chrisuchursh. He arrived about 4 a.m., and tried two hotels, oue of which he wae able to get into, but as the local race meeting had been held that day the house was full of racecourse habitues of a certain class, Mr Crawford, who preferred their room to their company, thought it wisest to leave, and he passed the remainder of the night in a carriage at the railway station. Sir John Hali,.—ln reviewing Sir John Hall's public career, in view of his approaching retirement from active political life, the New Zealand Herald observes that " probably in the whole list of men who have taken part in the Government of New Zealand, we have not had Sir John Hall's equal as an administrator. Nothing was ever confused or astray in any Department he had charge of. He was in all he did painstaking, accurate, and judicious. And with these useful, every-day qualities, he combined the calm foresight of a statesman, taking in the main features of a large view, and not merely being absorbed in details. Cautious as he has been in making any new departure, he has ever been liberal in his opinions, in a. sense in which that word was wont to be used. He had always been the champion of women's claims to the franchise, and probably before he finally leaves public bfe, he will see hie measure the law of the.land." New Bbighxok.—The fine weather yesterday tempted a crowd of holiday seekers out to Now Brighton, the afternoon trams being laden. The pier was well patronised, and much interest was taken in the proceedings of a fishing party under the auspices of Messrs Warner and Coker. Mr W. F. Warner, with a landable desire of opening up if possible a fishing ground near Christchurch, has presented the New; Brighton Boating Club with a fine seine which he got out from Musselburgh in Scotland. The party yesterday were engaged under Mr Warner'e genial supervision in trying their hand at caetmg the net, and a large crowd of interested spectators watched them from the shore as they put off in their bjpat. They had some good practice, and as soon as they get into the way of managing the net they will soon be able to see what prospects there are of profitable fishing in this way along the New Brighton beach. The Circus. —Last night there was a very large audience at the circus, every part of the large tent being crowded. This afternoon will witness the laet but one matinee of the season, and to-night the last but one evening performance. To-night the farewell change of programme will be presented, in which Mr Fillis promises to excel all other efforts, he himself and his clever wite appearing in a new double ace entitled, El Bolero Espagniol, or the Spanish lorers, in which they introduce two very clever performing horses. Another novelty will be the feeduig of the four Nubian Hods in full view of the audience. Another pretty item in wheh Madame Filiia will further show her Ekill as a horse trainer will be her introduction of the Arab gelding Allah, who goes through a clever and novel performance under madame Fillis' guidance. Those who have not yet visited Fillis , Circue had better take the opportunity of doing do, as after to-morrow evesuine's performance Mr Fillis folds up his tente lUse the Arabs, and as sttently

steals away. _ . Woeth Attention.—Laxene at os 6d a tin. highest tesc kerosene os 3d, sperm candles 5d a lb, roller flour at 16e a sack, silk dres*ed 15s, oatmeal 2e 6d a bajr, new raisins 5d lb, at T. Taylob's, Cashel street.—CAD vt.J

Footbatx.—A match was played yesterday afternoon between the Hardware Football Club and the D.LC, the former winning by 31 poincs to nothing. Tries were obtained by Thompson (3), Clarke (3), Orr (1) and Clarkson (1). Hawkes converted 2, Alexander 2 and Thompson 1. For the winners Godfrey, Maher, Thompson and Nicholb played well. Sunday Temperance Lectures.—The first of a series of Sunday evening temperance meetings, similar to those held in Sydenham for the past two years, which have provsd so successful, will be held in the Tuaru street Hall on Sunday evening next. The meetings begin at 8.15 p.m. sharp, to enable those attending the various church services to be present. The Rev. H. G. M. Watson will preside on Sunday evening, and brief speeches and musical selections will be given.

Pioneer Bicycle Club.—The first of a series of amusement evenings in connection with this Club wa3 held on Wednesday, at the rooms, when a very pleasant time wae spent. Songs were given by Messrs Fletcher, Hay ward, Murie, H". Thompson, and W. Thompson, and recitations by Messrs Black and Gates. Mr Alexander contributed a couple of fiute solos, and Air Eyre an English concertiua solo. Messrs F. Hunnibell and W. Thompson ably officiated at the piano. It is intended to hold these eveniugs regularly through the winter months.

Military Display.—The arrangements in connection with the Military Tournament are proceeding in a very satisfactory manner. Lieutenant Andrew, of the Indian Army, has consented to act as judge in the physical drill and bayonet exercises. The conditions under which the tug-of-war will be competed for, allows all Volunteers to pull without infringing their amateur status. The Christchuroh Reserve Corps have kindly placed their orderly room at the disposal of the Committee on the night of the display. The general conditions and rules which govern the competitions have been printed, and Corps who have not already received them may do so on application to the Secretary. Personal.—The wide circle of acquaintances of Mr Richard Evans, of Kaiapoi, will learn with regret of the decease of his father, Mr Richard Evans, of Tregynin, Wales, which took place on March 18th after a long illness, at the age of 78 years. For over half a century the late Mr Evans was farm bailiff in the employ of the Sudley family. He was intimately associated with the cause of Calvinistic Methodism, and for many years was superintendent of the Sunday school. He was also a lifelong worker in the cause of temperance. At his funeral, in spite of cold wintry weather, there was the largest funeral cortege ever seen in his native town.

Gaiety Company.—The plan of the dress circle and reserved stalls for the approaching season of the Gaiety Company opens this morning at Messrs Milner and Thompson's. The season commences, as already intimated, on Tuesday evening next, with " Faust Up to Date," which it maybe noted is a totally different version to that of Goethe. Mr Waller Raynham, who has so successfully carried out the stage managership throughout the Australian tour, will do so here. As the season is for nine nights only, and during that period the Company play four pieces, no repetition beyond the announcements already made will take place. A Wellington correspondent telegraphs — "The Gaiety Company continne their run of unprececented success. ' Carmen' up to Data' has filled the Opera House nightly, and was withdrawn this eveuing in favour of ' Joan of Arc' On Saturday a mixed programme will be presented, and on Monday the Company leave for Christchurch. Mr H. Mnsgrove, the popular manager, states that treasury returns show that a record has been established here."

Lecture on "The White Czar."—At the East Belt Mutual Improvement Association last evening the Rev. F. W. Isitt delivered a lecture on "The White Czar." to a large audience. The lecturer dealt with the unfavorable conditions underwhich the Czar Alexander was trained by the great Catherine, briefly'sketching the crimes by which the latter gained and retained the throne, and the unfortunate career of her son, the Czar's father. He narrated the circumstances under which Alexander succeeded, sketched the condition of Europe, and the first conflict between Alexander aud Napoleon at Austerlitz. Eyiau and Friedland were referred to, and the great invasion and retreat from Moscow were pourtrayed. A strong contrast was drawn between the intense selfishness and ruthless cruelty of Napoleon and the generous and humane conduct of hi 3 Russian opponent. Mi Isitt was frequently applauded, and at the close a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to him.

Cycling.—Mr H. J. Pither (Pioneer Bicycle Club) put up a New Zealand road record for 100 miles yesterday, when be did the distance in the splendid time of 6 hoars 38min 46sec, including stoppages. The course was the usual fifty-mile one to Leeston and back, done twice over. Tbe weather was perfect, and the roads wsre very fair after the recent drying winds. Pither started at 8.5 a.m. from the Plough Inn, returning there the first time at 11.6, thus doing fifty miles in 3 hours lmiu. After a wait of about ten minutes he went off for the second round, aud riding well within himself, reached home at 2h 43min 46secp.m., thereby accomplishing the 100 miles as above stated. The average speed per hour was 15 miles 81 yards. Pither rode a machine fitted with Boothroyd pneumatic tyres, put up by Mr R. Kent, of this city, and has gained the special prize ot five guineas given by the New Zealand Cyclists' Alliance for the first rider to do 100 miles under seven hours aud a quarter. As will be seen, he got under the time by no less than thirty-one minutes. Popular Concerts.—That the Thursday night popular concerts still retain a powerful hold over the public is amply proved by the faot that la3t night the Tuara street Hall was filled to its utmost capacity. The Trada Brothers played several selections to while away the time until the commencement of the programme. Mise Marguerite Johnson sang in a duet with Mr Weir in the first part, and also gave Bishop's "Bid mc discourse." Miss F. Martin, who was m excellent voice, sang " The dear little shamrock" and " The lover and the bird." Miss Rowley's contributions were " Home they brought her warrior dead " and " Thou art weary. Mr Robarts, who has a pleasing bass voice, sang "The king's own" and "Soldier Jim." Mr Fred Woodhouse's good tenor voice was heard to great advantage in " The blue Alsatian mountains " and "The maid of the mill." Miss Vartha played a piano solo brightly and well, and the other items were contributed by Messrs §. Truda, C. Edgar, G. R. Truda, and Dave Gardner. During the evening several of the numbers were encored.

H.M.S. Raleigh Struck sr Lightning. —The R.M.&. Kaikoura brings word of the arrival at Cape Town on 13th March of H.M.S. Raleigh, with Rear-Admiral Bedford on board, after a trip to various parts on the west coast. Daring the cruise, when near Fernandez Po, a frightful tornado was experienced. It was something which all on board will long remember. The lightning was intensely vivid, and the thunderclaps were described as teirific. For a time there was almost a continuous blaza of light overhead, and the rain came down in perfect sheets of water. A sad accident happened on board daring the storm. It appears that a first-class boy, named William Brunton, while aloft, missed his footing ia the rigging, and falling to the deck was almost instantaneously killed. About 10 o'clock in the morning a renewal of the thunderstorm took place, and while the chaplain, the Rev. Wilson Highmoor, was conducting service the ship was struck by lightning. The effect is reported to have "been almost indescribable, and everyone on board received a severe shock. The peal of thunder was instantaneous, and the alarming condition of the elements rudely caused the service to be closed. It was discovered afterwards that the lightning flash had affected the ship's compasses so seriously as aicer the deviation to as much as lOdeg. In the afternoon the remains of Brunton were buried at sea with naval honours, and as the thunderstorm was still raging the feeliugs of the deceased's comrades as the bo dy was received by the angry sea may well be imagined.

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The Fiust BcshFetxist. Pap.ty.—Mr Jiackay, of the Labour Bureau, gives the Xeio Zealand Times an account of the trip he took to the Otaraakapua block with the first party of men, twenty-seven in number, who had been selected to take up bushfelling contracts. The party, accompanied by Captain Turner, of the fenrvey Department, and including the wife of one of the men, left Wellington on the 3rd inst., and reached their destination, a clearing of about 200 acres, known as the Wairaki clearing, via Birmingham and Pemberton, on the Friday. The -weather being very threatening and the track little, better thaa a morass, the woman was urged to remain behind, but she determined to go on. saying, " What i 3 good enough for my old man will do equally well for mc." Heavy rain came on before the men had put up their tents on Friday at the. clearing, and much of the bedding was soaked, the whole party having to lie that night on sacks. |On Saturday morning it we.s still raining heavily, but the camp presented quite an animated scene. The dozen tents were pitched on one side'of a little stream, on the opposite side of which were some eight or ten tents, forming the main camp of a party of surveyors working somewhere in the neighbourhood. Tiie men were busy about their camp, apparently not one whit dismayed or depressed by the dreary outlook and the discomforts they had already had to put up with. They were to start their bush-felling work on Tuesday morning. The men will be paid at the rates ruling in the district for such work, and will have to draw their supplies from Birmingham. Acknowledgment.—Mr Herrick desires to acknowledge, with sincere thanks, the receipt of the following during the past fortnight:—Clothing, &c, MeadamesMearea, Chrystall, Chisholme', Rhodes, Aitkins, Harris, Baggs, Bowden, Neaves, Woods, Gough, McFarlane, Quaine, Olney, Wilkinn, Cox, Daly, Bates, Smith, Norton, Miss Chapman, Messrs Buamer, White, Baxter, Hunter, Gillett, McDougall, Dr. Thomas, H. R. Butcher, Lewis, Hay ward, J. and C. T., Sympathy, Sydenham friend, Dunsaudol friend, Rangiora friend, Craumer square friend and friends, Girls' Friendly Society, Papanui, towels ; vegetables and fruit, Rev. Stack; Messrs H. R. Butcher, Goodwin j bread, meat, &c, Messrs Neaves, Cooper, Hawkins; hares, Mr Radford ; dripping, Mrs Neave, Dunsandel friend, a friend, Cranmer square friend; periodicals, Mrs LeSueur, Mr Fletcher; pastry, &c, Tai Tapu Wesleyan Church, Girls' High School; bedding,&c, Mesdamea Smith, Baggs ; cash donations, Opawa friend 10s, lady friend 10s, Felassie 3s, Sumuer friend 4s 6d, Carpenters' and Joiners' Association £1 4s, R. M. B. £1, balance from Woodend Queensland Relief Fund £3 3s, Primitive Methodist Sunday School (Greendale) £3 13s 3d, Mrs Greenwood £1 (For coal), collected by four (Greendale Baptist Suuday School) £2$ 11s.