NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9125, 8 June 1895, Page 7

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Cukistchcrch Hospital. — The commission of inquiry into matters connected with tho management, &:., of the Chr istch urcb Hospital opened yesterday. Preliminaries were arranged, and the Commission adjourned until 10.30 a.m. on Monday, when evidence will be taken.

Supreme Court. —His Honour Mr Justice Denniaton sat in Chambers yesterday and disposed of the cases on the Hat. Subsequently his Honour sat in the Divorce and Matrimonial Causes jurisdiction of the Court. The only case for hearing was that of Solomon v Solomon and another, a Dun* edin case, remitted for hearing to Christchurch. In this his Honour granted a decree nisi. A Record Beatek. —Two hundred cups of excellent tea out of one pound of tea. This apparently impossible feat is nevertheless true, and the face was discovered by Mr W. Edwards, the well known public caterer, of Colombo street south, who unsolicited writes Messrs Jameson, Anderson aud Co. as follows :—" I have given the tea supplied by your firm an exhaustive trial, particularly at the New Brighton Pier, cricket matches in Lancaster Park, at the polo tournament held last February in Hagley Park, also on Show Grounds at Leeston aud Christchurch, at all of which my patrons spoke very highly of the tea. I also found it very economical. Perhaps yon are not aware that lib of the article supplied by you will make nearly 200 cupa of excellent tea." Mr Alfred Budd, the caterer ac Timaru, also writes :—" I thought it would be of interest to you to know that during the last eight months we have been visited by 13,311 persons in our refreshment rooms, duriuK which time we have only used your tens, to our owu and our eiutomen' satisfaction." 8617

Newspaper Thefts.—A number of residents in and about Linwcod have been annoyed by having their daily papers Btoleu. The thieves evidently go through the gate of a house before the occupants are awake, and abstract the paper irom the front lawn.

A Peculiar Detinitiox. —In the course of a divorce case l:efore the Supieme Court yesterday one of the witnesses was giving a description of the wife of the petitioner. The learned counsel asked the witness the age of the lady. "On," said he, "I should cay on the worst, si .c of forty."

Kaiapoi Wesleva>- Mutcal Associa Tiox. —The weekly meeting was he'd iv the schoolroom ou Thursday. There w.ia a large attendance. Rev. J. S. Smalley, PresUent. in the chair. Miss Alley, ot Eyre ton, gave an interesting address on ,; Individualism,' , which was discussed at length by Messrs Herbert, R. A. Papprill, Alexander, Gaarder and the Cuairmau, and Mies Alley replied. Cribbage—On Thursday evening, at the Caledonian roonu, a match took place between Sydenham and Caledonians, when the former won by eight games, 29 to 21. After the visitors had partaken of refreshments Dr. Thomas (in lieu of the Vice-President, Mr Coanall, who had left to caleb his tram), congratulated the viciors. Mr Spiller, on behalf of the rfyiienham Clnb, responded.

Whist. —A team from the Lin woo J Club visited Woolston on Thursday evening to try conclusions with the members of the Library at whist. A most exciting and enjoyable contest resulted in a draw, both teams scoring 22 points. The visitors returned home delighted with the hospitable manner in which they had been entertained by their Woolston friends. Original Art. —Mr Thomas Peate, who died on Thursday evening at the Hospital, devoted his time to teaching himself the art of painting. He evidently had a natural gift for this art. A spray of fuchsia particularly which he drew would put to shame many of the paintings exhibited at some art exhibitions.

The Unemployed.—His Worship the Mayor has received the foilcwing telegram from the Premier:—"lα compiiauce with your request, I shall be pleased to meet the local bodies at 11 a.m. next Saturday/ The deputation has been fixed to take place at the Provincial Council Chamber at 11 a.m. to-day.—The Mayor has received a letter from the Hon. \V. P. Reeves to the effect that the resolu tion passed at the meeting of the local bodies concerning the unemployed would receive due consideration at the hands of the Government this coming session.

Musical Entertainmekt. —The first of a series of winter entertainments was given on Thursday evening by the members and friends of the Sydenham Gospel Mission, in their new Hall, Sydenham The building was crowded, and several items were encored. Tne following took part —Soio, Miss Young; recitations, Mioses Milnes and Hall ; cornet and euphonium, Messrs Sharp and Fitzsimons; duot, Mrs and Miss Sharp ; dialogue, Misses Milnes (2), Rogers, Chegwin (2), Smith. Several quartettes and authems were sung by the choir, and selections were played by the Mission Brass Band.

Oddfellowsiiip.—The regular meeting ot the Washington Lodge, No. 45, 1.0.0. F., A.C., was held in the Lo>lge-room, Selwyn street, Addington, on Monday evening, when there was a very large attendance of members and visitors. V.G. Bro. F. Greening presided. One brother was reported as being sick, and his wants were ordered to be attended to at once. The Secretary stated that he had a large supply of " Aims and Objects of Oddfellowship," and they would be ready for distribution next Lodge night. After the transaction of a large amount of business, the Lodge was closed in due form by the N.G. Tuesday next will be observed as a solemn day throughout the Order, when Lodges will engage in proper and suitable exercises in memory of their deceased members.

Union Rowing Club.—At a meeting of the Committee held ou Wednesday, it was decided- to write to the City Council asking the Council to have the whole width of the footpath asphalted in front of the boathouse, and further, that the Club would bear the whole cost if required. Some little time ago the Club was instrumental in getting a requisition, signed by the adjoining ratepayers who own property between Silmore and Avon streets, with a view ot having half the width of the footpath asphalted, but the request was not acceded to. The Sub-Committee appointed to carry out the fancy drees ball reported most satisfactory progress. The ball promises to be as successful as that of la3t year.

Land Board.—Au ordinary meeting of the "Canterbury Land Board was hejjl on Thursday, wheu there were present Messrs J. W. A. Marchftnfc (Chief Commissioner), D. McMillan, R. Meredith, A C. Priugle, and Hon. W. 0. Walker. The followiug applications for laud at Arowhenua V.S. were granted:—Section 305, lr lip, to Jame3 Douglas; section 823, 1 rood, to Mury Spillaue ; sectiou 755, 1 rood, to Simon B. Norton. Two applications for exchange of perpetual leases to leases in perpetuity, and a number of applications for transfers of leases and licenses were granted. Tho Crown Lands Rangers reports were read and dealt with, as were also the cases of a number of defaulters as to residence and improvements and payments of rent and instalments. It was resolred to authorise the Commissioner of Crown Lands to consent on behalf of the Board to mortgages under the Government Advances to Settlers Act., 1894.

Masonic—On Thursday evening the installation of VV. Master Bro. G. F. Smith, of the Ashley Masonic Lodge, was held at Rangiora, and the investiture of the officers for the year was also carried out. Those invested were — 1.P.M., Bro. H. Jones; S.W., Bro. A. J. 0. Bailey ;< J. W., Bro. A. Teinpier ; Treasurer, Bro. A. B. Blackett, P.M. ; Secretary, Bro. Sydney Smith ; S.D., Bro. E. VV. Relph; J.D., Bro. J. Dobson; D.C. Bro. R. K. Reeve; 1.G., Bro. VV. Bennington; Tyler, jßro. A. Sorrell. The ceremonies were conducted by P.G.M. and G.S. Bro. H. Thomson, arsisted by Grand Officers Bros. Hulbert, Hamorton, Hull, aud Millar, and officers of the St. Augustine and Unanimity Lodges. The Lodges of Concord, Southern Crocs, Thistle, Burns, &c, were represented, and about 150 visitors testified to the popularity of the Ashley Lodge, and the appointment of its present Master. A splendid banquet was neld in the Institute Hall, provided by tho brethren, under direction of Bro. J. Roberts. A number of toasts and excellent musical selections were given, and an opp irtunity was taken to present Bro. R. Ball, Past Master, with a beautiful solid gold jewel, in recognition of his valuable services in the cause of Freemasonry, and for the welfare of the Ashley Lodge. Canterbury Liberal Association. —A Committee meeting was held at Otley's Rooms last eveniug, the President in the chair. Reference was made to the loss snstained by the Secretary, Mr C. Foster, in the death of his wife, and a letter of condolence was sent to him. Satisfaction was expressed at the fact that the enquiry into Hospital matters had advanced to its present stage. The question of the unemployed was discussed, and the following resolution passed — " That the large numbers of unemployed in all the principal centres of labour in the colony calls for immediate relief by the Government, and that they be requested to at once find more funds for the purpose of relieving the prevalent distress, with the full assurance that the country and the House when ifc meets will fully endorse their liberal policy." The question of old age pensions was discussed at great length, and it was resolved that at the next meeting of the Association a scheme should be laid before the members. Business Notice. —It has been truly said that the more force of character, the more originality, the more honesty of purpose and sincerity a man possesses, so does the bitterness of his detractors increase ia force. A philosopher once remarked that the worth of a man should be measured by the bitterness of his detractors rather than by the number of flatterers he possessed. So it is with the Empire Tea Company's blended teas, they have acQuired each a splendid reputation for their worth, that attempted detraction from sheer force «ft" superiority has become inevitable. The Empire Tea CorapaDy are perfectly wiling to put their professions to the test, because they know they have reached each a high standard of excellence in tea blending that no amount of detraction can blast their reputation. The Empire Tea Company's sales are larger now than they ever were, because the public, the only judges, realise the fact that they are buying an article that defies competition. Surely "in the multitude of counsellors there Iβ wiedom." 9597

Industrial Exhibition—A meeting of the Entertainment sub-Committee in connection with the Industrial Exhibition will take place at 7 o'clock to-night at the office of the Society. VfooDEsn. —A social in connection with the Woodend Bible Class and Mutual Improvement Society wa3 held on Wednesday evenine. Over tifiy pereone were present. Music, readings, recitations, and games tilled up a very enjoyable programme. Foctball.—The senior matches to-day are Linwood v Chmtchurch and Sydenham v Canterbury College, at Lancaster Park; Merivale v East Christchutch, at ■Sydenham : and Kiiapoi v North Canterbury, at K:mpoi. The teams are fairly well matched, and in consequence some amount of interest is taken in football circles in the contests. Rangiora Morris Tube Club. — On Thursday evening, the present competition for Mrs A. V- Hays' challenge cup. by the Ransjiora M>ni3 Tube Club was concluded by Us beino; won by Mr B. d'Auvergne making a sc -re of 34, or 153 in four competitions. The next on the list was Mr Pain, who made 33. There was a good attendance, and several other large scores were ma'ie. Sunday Lecture. —In the Lyceum, tomorrow, Mr YV. W. Collins will give a lecture, illustrated by limelight views and likenesses, on "Ireland: Her struggle for political and religious liberty." Special Service. —Churchgoers will have a special opportunity of hearing the Rev. H. R Haweis as a preacher prior to his leaviug Christchurch. He has kindly consented to preach at St. John's, Latimer square, to-night. The service will commence at seveu o'c'ock.

Sailer Footballers.—Several of the crew of H.M.S. Pylades paid a visit to the Lytteltou Recreation Ground yesterday afternoon, and indulged in a game of Association football. The *ars quickly demonstrated that they were well up in the game, aad some of them proved themselves to be exceptionally clever players. If a match could be arranged with the local Club, it would no doubt prove an interesting contest. Southbridge.—A service of song entitled " Nell," was given by the choir on Wednesday evening in the Presbyterian Church There w&s a tjood attendance. Mr T. A. Gates acted as organist, whilst Mr Hogg took the reading part. At the close of the performance the Rev. Mr McKie thanked those present for their attendance, and also the choir.

Ckoir Concert. —A concert was given by the choir of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church last night, in aid of the piano fund. Songs were given Dy Misa Duncan, Miss Hardy, Miss McGregor and Mrs Hunt, Messrs S. Robinsou, G. J. C. Smart; vocal duets by Miss Hardy and Mrs Hunt and Messrs Smart and Johnston. Misse3 Henderson and Le Mercier played a piano duet and Miss Henderson a piano solo. Severallgleee and part songs were also given, and Mr S. Johnston gave a reading. I»lr Davis Hunt acted as accompanist. A vote of thanks was accorded to the performers, on the motion of Dr. Elmslie.

Socials. —An " At home " was given on Thursday night by Mr C. H. Fox to a large number of friends in the Albert Hall, which has lately been tastefully fitted up for dancing purposes. A lengthy programme of dancing, interspersed with vocal and instrumental music, was successfully carried through, and at the conclusion three hearty cheers were given for Mr Fox, and wiahes expressed that his venture would prove a success.—An Oddfellows' social was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Lichfield street, last night, when there was a Urge attendance. Songs were given, interspersed with dancing to the strains of Mr Fox's band. Mr \V. Elwards was the caterer, and the social passed off very successfully.

Sacred Concert.—A sacred concert will be given in the Temple of Truth on Tuesday evening next under the directorship of Mr Fitzgerald Faulkner. Vocal solos will be given by Misses EC. Wells, May Wella, Wes3ra Mason, Hicksoa, Young, and Trewerne. Mr Fauikner will play two organ solos, and Mr 0. Bunz a violin solo. The chorus •♦ And the Glory " and the anthem •' To Thee, Great Lord," will be given by the choir. Misses Lloyd and Skelton will sine; the duet " 0 Lovely Peace," and there will be two selections and an overture for the organ, piano, and orchestra. The programme is an exceedingly attractive one, and no doubt there will be a large attendance on the occasion.

JLitxle River.—On Tuesday evening. June 4th, a very pleasant social and dance, given by the united Clubs (Boating, Tennis, Cricket and Rifle), took place in the Maori Hall, which w*s very prettily decorated. One end of the room was also fitted up as a miniature drawing-room. Paring the evening, Mr \V. H. Montgomery presented the trophies won during the past year. The successful competitors were :—Boating— Messrs W. Chapman, H. McGloin, W. Reed and A. Rsed. Tennis —Combined doubles, Miss Greenland and Mr E. P. Bean ; ladies' singles, Miss Sefton ; gentlemen's singles, Mr P. Joblin. . During the evening, songs were contributed by Masdames Fisher and Wright, Misses Morrow and Buchanan and Meaers J. Coop and Fuller. The danca music was played by Mr Hayfield, and Mr J. Reynolds was a very efficient M.C.

Richmond Methodist Free Church.— The anniversary and reopening celebration in connection with this church was brought to a close on Wednesday with the annual soiree. The church was full. Instead of the time-honoured tea meeting a concert and coffee supper took place. The concert consisted of the cantata " Bethlehem '* (Root), which was sung by the church choir, assisted by friends. The sofos were taken by Mrs Corrick, Mis 3 McGregor, Msssrs L Buchanan and H. M. Johuson, the miuor parts being tilled by Misses Stunner, Kerr, King, and Patrie, Mdasra Hughes, Gott, Barlow, and T. H. Johnson. Several of the numbers were redemanded. Mr J. A. Flesher conducted, Mr A. Corrick led the orchestra, aud Miss Ha ifield presided at the piano. The Trustees , annual report was presented by the Secretary. The membership of the Church stood at fifty-nine, with a number of names on the probationers' roll, an increase attributable largely to the establishment of a Christian Endeavour Society. Reference was made to the loss sustained through the deaths of ihe late Mr J. S. Cooke, who bad been Superintendent of the Sunday School for upwards of fifteen years, and ot Mra J. J. Vivian, who had been identified with the church for many years. The financial report showed that the receipts for trust purposes had been £64 18s sd, aad the expenditure £77 9a lid, the debit balance being covered by outstanding assets. The following additional amouats had been raised :—For circuit purposes £102 16i 9d, Sabbath school £35 9s sd, Band of Hope £3, mission fund £9 11s sd, and other purposes £9. The alterations to the gallery, &c, had cost upwards of £32, which waa almost covered by subscriptions.

Chbistian Endeavour Union.—The half-yearly rally of the Canterbury Christian Endeavour Union was held in Trinity Congregational Church on Thursday. The proceedings were opened at 2.30 p.m., when there was a good attendance, and the President (the Rev. R. Erwin) occupied the chair. After singing, and prayer by the Rev. Mr Ginger, a ten minutes' Endeavour prayer meeting was held. The President then called upon tha Rev. C. Porter (of Darfield), to deliver an address on " How beat to obtain practical results from the consecration meeting," and v interesting and profitable discussion followed, in which a number of leading Endeavourers took part. Miss Muaniaga introduced the subject of " Work amongac the juniors," which was also well discussed. At the evening meeting the chair was occupied by Mr Hercus, one of the Vice-Presidents. The Rev. Dr. Eltnelie delivered an address on " The Christian Endeavour Society in relation to the congregation." He pointed out that one of the most pi|#*ing characteristics of the Endeavour movement was that it lived, moved, and had its being within the church. He urged upon all Endeavourers the duty of supporting in every way the church to which they belonged, and pleaded with them to use their beat endeavours in the work of winning the souls of the young of the congregation. The Rev. Sidney Baker followed with an impressive address on "Devotion to Jesus Chrisc in Daily Life— the duty of Christian Eudeavourera." The Secretary then called the roll, consisting of twenty four Societies, the majority of whom responded with a text and verse of a hymn. The Chairman in his closing remarks congratulated the Union oh its success and rapid growth, and the proceedings were brought to a close by Dr. Elmsiie pronouncing the Benediction. Miss Taylor presided at the organ at the afternoon session and Mr Owen officiated in the evening.

Opera House.— There was a good attendance last night at the Opera Hou3e, when the Alhambra, Gaisty Company repeated their programme very successfully. For to-night there has been arranged a specially attractive programme of minstrel and specialty items, including Professor Tindall, Mons. Drisoll and others. Gospel Temperance Meeting.—A meeting will be held iv the United Methodist Free Church, St. Asaph street, to-morrow, at 8 p.m., when addresses will be delivered by the Revs. H. C M. Watson and F. W. Isitt and Mr E. Armstrong. The Rev. Dr. Hosking will preside. Students of Truth.—At the Temple of Truth tomorrow the subject of the addresses will be—lla.m., " Bible Talk ;" 7 p.m., " Contrasts." The anthems will ba "Comfort ye," and "The Glory," from "The Messiah." Paufulet.—Mγ Wα. Harker has embodied in a pamphlet, under the title of "The Good Time's Comicg," the letters which he has recently written to the Christchurch papera. Benefit Concert.—A benefit concert, in which a whole host of talent will take part, has been arranged under the auspices of the Operative Bootmakers' Association, in aid of one of their members, who has met with an accident. It will be held in the Oddfellows' H%ll on Thursday evening. The object, apart from the attractions offered, is so excellent a one that it is to be hoped the halt will be crowded.

Stdenham Poultry Association. —The fourteenth annual show of this Society takes place on Wednesday and Thursday next, and promises to be very successful. The entries are—Poultry, 270 ; pigeois, 222 ; canaries, 20; total, 512. The judgej for tho different classes are—Game, Dorking 3, Orpingtons, Cochins, clucks, novice clasa and bantams, Mr A. Johnston ; Houdans, Brahmas, Plymouth Rocks, Hamburghe, Spanish and Wyandottes, Mr C. Deal ; Leghorns, Minorcas and Andalusians, Mr A. Clark jfantails, carriers, dragons, jacobins, magpies, turbits, owls, aad novice class, Mr S. Temple; barbs, pouters, show homers, working homers, Autwerpa, and all varieties of tumblers and variety class, Mr J. McLean ; canaries, Messrs G. Ritchie and J. Stapleton.