NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9253, 2 November 1895, Page 7

NEWS OF THE DAY.

CHBJSTCHUit-ii Mayoral Election.—Mr Thoa. Capes h*s decided to accede to the request of a large number of ratepayers and allow himself to be nominated a* a candidate for the Mayoralty. Eanoioka Sales.—Owing to the holidays there wilt be uo auction salos at Rangiora on Tuesday next. Mat.k Twain.—Mr S. L. Clemens, or as he is more widely knoivn—Mark Twain —is fixed to give two lectures at the Theatre P.cyal here ou the 13th and 14th inst. under the direction of Mr R. S. Smythe. Temporary Old Men's Home. —The temporary Old Men's Home, which waa opened at. the premises formerly occupied by the Junction Hotel, has been closed. Richmond Fjree Methodist Ciiubch.— The sacred cantata, " Beatitude*," which was given last Sunday afternoon in connection with the Sabbath school anniversary services, will be repeated to-morrow evening instead of the usual service. Ranuioha Rifle Volunteers' Bazaar. —There was a good deal of business transacted at this bazaar on Thursday, aud in the evening a number of tableaux were presented. The total receipts to date are about £170, aud tho bazaar is to be reopened and closed this evening. Race Ball. —Tho arrangements for the bal) to ba held in the Provincial Chamber* next Thursday are well forward. The ball and supper rooms are to be lit by electric light, and no doubt this will be much appreciated by those present, as the rooms will be kept much cooler than has been the case hitherto. National Association.—-The Council of the local section of the National Association met at the rooms, Morten's Buildings, half an hour previous to the general meeting of members ou Thursday evening. The President, Mr Geo. Swaun, occupied the chair, and seventeen new members were elected. Correspondence was read. Mr H. T. Gourlay was elected to fill a casual vacancy on the Council caured by the retirement of one of the members. Tub Cabnival.—Amongst the many amusemsnts of Carnival week is a series of concerts and dramatic entertainments, to be given by some of the leading Dramatic Clubs and vocalist in the V.M.C.A. Hall, Cambridge terrace, commencing on Tuesday next and continuing on Wednesday and Friday, The proceeds will be devoted to the buiidiug account of theT.M.C. A. Rowing Club's new boatahed. Malvern Women's Institute. — The monthly meeting of the Institute was held in the Annat Schoolroom on October 27th. P-pera were read on the treatment of criminals and prison roform. After discussion a resolution was passed:—"That this meeting considers the present system of criminal treatment very unsatisfactory, and recommends the classifying of prisoners, and the establishment of a State farm where prisoners for a first offence could be sent with a view to reforming them." Oue new member was elected. East Belt Church.—The anniversary services in connection with tho East Bait Wealsyau Church will be celebrated to-mor-row, when the morning service Mill be conducted by the Rev. J. Sarginson, and the evening 'service by the Rev. Jb\ W. fsitfc. Iv the afternoon, at quarter to three, the oratorio "Dettingen Te Da.mi" will be given in the church by the combined choirs of St. Albans and East Belt churches, led by an efficient orchestra under the conductorship of Mr J. \V. Collier. The Trustees have decided tot to take up a collection, but to make admission by silver coin. Acknowledgments.-—TheSuperiutendent of the Lyttelton Sailors' Homo acknowledges, with thanks, the receipt of a parcel of illustrated Home papers from Mr G. Coliius, bookseller, Lyttelton. Also a parcel of Fair Play and Sydney Bulletin from Mr Dalgleish, Lyttelton. Mrfierrick desires to acknowledge with many thanks the receipt of £6 for '* The Creo'ue " from Waikuku aud Woodend frieuds. Also, Is ".nowflakes," amounting to £15, per Acting-Secretary (Mrs VVillcox), specially givon for *' The Creche." All who have •• snowballs " not yet sent in are earnestly requested to do so as help is urgently needed. " The Creche" ia now open to receive children, and is nnder the charge of Miss Lees (district nurse to the mission), who will be ably assisted by the matron (Miss Bali). Children are received from 7.30 a.m. and durir.*? the day for a small charge. L*dy subscribers and friends are earnestly invited to visit "The Creche," Hereford street west, any day (except Sun* day) after 10 a.m. Obituary.—Last week W9 had to record the death of another of our New Zealand pioneers, Mary Ann Jackson Hughes, who passed away at the advanced age or eighty, at St. Martin's, Opawa. Boru in Birmingham in 1315, the deceased arrived in Sydney at the early age of nine. She, with hnr family, arrived in Wellington twelve months after her husband, landing on Petono Beach in 1840. They lived in a thatched whare between Apuri Spur and Hutt river. They removed to Wellington when it was surveyed and formed into a settlement. After three attempts at building a house, each of which were frustrated by the iuaoris cutting down tho beams, &c, a house was erected at Taitai, whence the family removed, ouly to remain a short while, as the Maori war soon broke out, when everything waa ransacked or destroyed, even the forest trees being levelled. While Mr Thos. Jackson Hughes was in the house endeavouring to keep the Maoris at bay, Mrs Jackson, with her family, was hiding in a hollow treo which had been picked out lor such ao emergency some time before. All the other white men were away in Wellington for provisions. After such an experience the white women and children were forced to Beck refuge in Wellington, while this house was made a stockade for the soldiers. Now. being p-rt of the pah, it is occupied by Maoris. Some time alter, having built the Travellers' Rest, tha family returned to the Taitai. In 184S Mr Hughes came to Port Cooper, and next year was followed by his wife and family in a small vessel commanded by Captain Sinclair. Mr Hughes had the contract for digging the foundations of the barracks, making the jetty, roads, &c The family has resided in canterbury ever since. Mr. Hughes has lived to see three generations born in hew Zealand. She leaves four children, thirty grandchi dren, and thirty-five great grandchildren, all but two of whom aro ■till in New Zealand.

Sno_THAN_ Examination. —A theory examination of snnrth&nd pupils under the tuition of Mr J. M. Telford was held in the Y. M.C.A. room lant night, Mr T. Lisle otfi-iacing a* supervisor. Tiik Lyceum.—To-morrow in the Lyceum Mr VV. \V. Collins will lecture ou " General Booth's Social Scheme; a Criticism and a Warning." St. Maky's Catholic C_u_—At the weekly meeting of this Club ths programme was a debate whether athletic- are carried on too much in New Zealand, the negative being carried. Tauuna F-TE3.— The second of the series of fetes at T_hnu_, which was fixed to be held thin afternoon, has been postponed uutil nexo Saturday. Working Men's Co-operative Society. —The quarterly general meetiug o; the members of this Society will be held at the Albert Hall on Monday next, at 7.30 p.m. ' Musical —To-morrow evening, at vespers, at the C-tholic Church, Lyttelton, Mr Philip Newbury and Madame Spada will sing solos. Slaughterhouses.—The amendment, in the Abattoirs and Slaughterhouses Amendment Bill, to prevent keepers of abattoirs from drain in? into streams, w&s moved by the Hon. J. E. Jenkiuson, not by the Hon. W. T. Jennings, as reported. Open Ala, Music—The Garrison Baud will, weather permitting, play the following programme on the Rotund- this evening, commencing at eight o'clock : —March, "The Yeoman;" trombone solo, "11 Bravo;" contest selection, " Dei* Freichutz;"' march, "Thurmer;" cornet solo. " Cleopatra ;" contest selection, •* Halevy; " " God the Queen." Rev. Haskett Smith.—This gentleman, who arrives in Christchurch to-day from Wellington, will preach to-morrow morning at St. Michael's Church and in the evening at the Cathedral. Mr Haskett Smith will give the tirat of his Oriental nights' entertainments in ths Oddfellows' Hall on Tuesday evening next. The reserved seat plans are now open at Milner and Thompson's. Tiieatp.b Royal.—The cleverly written and highly exciting play ''The Prodigal Daughter" was repeated last night at the Theatre Royal to a full house. The piece went excellently from first to last. To-night will bo tho ia-t opportunity of seeing this production, as it has to be withdrawn in order to enable the other novelties in Mr Bland Holt'_ repertoire to be given. On Monday *' A Life of Pleasure" will be given for the first time here. Theosophical Sooiett.—As will be seen by notification elsewhere, iv additiou to the usual afternoon meeting at 3 three o'clock to-morrow, there will be a public meeting in tho eveniug. The subject for ths afternoon will bs " Progress oi Hum.nity." At 7 p.m. there will be the first of a series of simple talks on theosophy. Tho readiugroom is open to the public every Thursday afternoon. Japanese Fair.—-This Fair, which is to be held in the Art Gallery, will bs opened by his Worship the Mayor next Wednesday afternoon. The principal attraction will he a choice selection of Japanese goods which have just arrived. There will also be a largo variety of sewn work, faucy goods, toys, pot plants, &c. The programmes for the evening eutertainmnnts will consist of vocal aud instrumental items, tableaux, legerdemain, limelight views, &,a. It is intended that £10 shall be given away in prizes in the competitions in cakes, flowers and dolls. The Estudiantina "Band.—Mr F. Arenas, the President of the Estudiantina Baud, arrived last night from Dunedin, having completed arrangements for two concerts to be given by the Band in the Garrison Hall, in aid of the funds of the Otago Yacht Club. A local Committee of over a hundred gentlemen has been formed, and the concerts nob only promise to be & great success but the visit of the Band made one memorable in musical matters in Dunedin. The dates fixed for the concerts are November 18th and 19oh. In addition to tho Baud som- of our leading vocalists will take part in the programme and Mis 3M. B. Varthi. wiil act; as accomuauist. Sydenham Gospel M'issiox. —The sale of work and exhibition were continued ou Thursday evening. There was a large attendance, despite the inclement weather. The industrial exhibition was a great attraction. The takings were vary satisfactory. Ths programme of musical itonis included songs from Mr Jones aud Mr Small, a duet by Misses Field, and recitations by Misses Wilson and Hall. The sale of work will be continued to-day and this evening. Polo.—The opening of the polo season takes place at three o'clock this afternoon, when, besides other games, a match, The Club v The Law, will be played, the former being represented by Messrs Parker, Palmer, Gould and Archer, and the Law by Messrs Lane, A. Rhodes, R. H. Rhodes and Scott. Mrs Shand, thii lady President, has kindly undertaken to provide tea, and it is hoped that there will be a good attendance of both players and spectators to do honour to the occasion. Industrial Exhibition.—The art muslin and calico from the Exhibition was sold yesterday afternoon at Messra Ayers and Beauchamp's. There were 181 lots. The art musliu was in pieces of from five yards to twenty yards, aud brought from 2s to 4s a piece. The calico was in pieces of twelve yards, and averaged 2s to li 6d par lot. The accounts have not yet been made up, but the amount realised will bo about £15. Sale of Wobk.—The sale of work at the Sydenham Wesleyan schoolroom last night was very fairly attended. Every thins* disposed of was the work of the Ladies' Sewiug Guild, and brought good prices. During the evening several ladies and gentlemen gave some impromptu charades and songs were sung by the Rev. Mr Parsonson, Mr Daltry and -list* Joll. Mr Winter Hall also gave a reading. The tableaux vivants, "Pilgrim of the Night," "The Snow Quseu," and." Guardian Angels " were well done and much appreciated. Refreshments were kindly dispensed by several ladies throughout the eveniug. N ewbuby-Spada Mosioai, Festival-— The opening concert of the Newbury-Spada Company will be given at the Opera House on Monday evening. Madame Spada sings "Angels ever bright and fair," and "The jewel song," from "Faust." Mr Newbury will sing "The Message," "Come into the Garden Maud." and "The Holy City." Miss Kitty Grindlay will sing " The Worker," and "She wore a wreath of roses." Mr Hobbs will give " Hybrias the Cretan," and "Off to Philadelphia." Mesdame Louise Herbert plays Godard's " Mazurka" and Chopin's "Scherzo." On Tuesday " Elijah" will be given by the company, assisted by Mr Prouse and the Motett Society chorus aud orchestra under Mr H. WeUs. Ths Metropolitan Show.—This year the Metropolitan Show will have the added attraction of a comfortable stand from which an excellent view can be obtained of the parade of stock, jumping events, &c. The work of erection ia all but completed, aud it will not only be a great convenience to the public, but also to the Committee. It is tir_e that the Ground Committee of the Association began seriously to consider the question of avoiding the crush and risk of serious accident by dumping the people down near the gates and forcing them to run the gauntlet ot a host of cabs, busses, and drags. If the tram-line were carried into the grounds on the western side and tickets issued inclusive of tram faro and entrance, and same done on the eastern side for drags, there would be no need, as now, for hundreds of people to run the risk of being chopped up amongst the wheels of contending vehicles. The time has Jong gone past for this kind of thing, and one only wonders that a progressive Association like the A. and P., should have allowed it ia continue. Pbouibition League.—The usual meeting of the Prohibition League was held last evening in St. John's schoolroom. The President, the Rev. F. W. Isitt, presided. The following resolution was carried without dissent: —"That this League expresses its appreciation of the resolution carried by the Canterbury Christian Endeavour Union at its annuil gathering held on October 3lßt, in which it recognised that its motto, 'For Christ,' implies that its members shall fee earnest, not only in seeking salvation of individual souls, but in efforts to secure the organisation of society on a Christian basis, and that it is determined to do its utmost to promote the prohibition of the licensing of the drink traffic and kindred evils. The League recognises the great importance of the fact that such a stand is taken by an organisation representing so many branches of the Christian Church, and comprising the most devoutly energetic sect-ion of young New Zealand."

Woodloch's Ciscus.—The members of j this circus arrive this morning from the North, and the opening pirformiiice will be triven on the ground opposite the Theatre Royal on Monday evening. The Company is spoken of elsewhere as being an excellent one. Students of Truth.—Mr Worthington will lecture to-morrow at the Tempi, of Truth at 11 a.m. on " Give *ud Take." and at 7 p.m. "The Arm.nian Massacres." Angling.—Mr W. J. A!pe has a fine trout on view iv his window. High street. Tne fish, which weighs lOilb, was caught by Mr A. Andrews at the Dallingtoa bridge. 'iii_ CJ.C Me_tinc.. — \ notification appears elsewhere with regard to the holders of members', complimentary, and grand stand tickets.' They will be required to produce both tho ribbon and the ticket attached at the gites, and are requested to wear them 80 that th.y will ba plainly visible to fie officials of the Ciub. The train arrangements for the race days .appear elsewhere. The Harper Case —An application for a special jury in this case was to have been heard yesterday before his Honour Mr Justice Denniston, but was postponed until -iouday nexo. The Exhibition. — Though the final balance sheet is not jet out it is understood that the net profit ou the Exhibition will be a trifle over £2000. The Permanent Artillery.—Lieut.Colonel Gordon prvid his monthly visit of inspection of the P.rni-nent Force at Lyctelton yesterday. The Worthington Libel Case.— In Chambers yesterday the case of Worthington v Hornsby and others was fixed to bo heard before a special jury on Monday, December 9th. Chamber of Commerce.—As the second Friday iv the month is Shuw Day, the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce will probably meet on the following Friday, November 15th. Supreme Court.—His Honour Mr Justice Denniston sat in Chambers yesterday and disposed of the cases on the list. Lyttelton Navals.—Oa Thursday eveniug Colonel Fox, the Inspecting Officer for the Government, accompanied by Lieut. - Coionei Gordon, paid a visit to the Lyttelton Navals c.unp as Fort Jervo:3. The Navals, who mustered some sixty-two of all ranks, under Lieut. Commanding Joyce, and Lieutß. Torlesse and Woodbury, were examined in gunnery work. The late hoar at which the inspection started prevented a deal of work being done. However, one of the large Bin guns was fired with common aheil at a tareet laid some 3000 yards distant, and the result showed that the gunnery bidges held by some of the men have been well earned, as although the shot was, so to speak, a trial one, it would have been fatal to an enemy's vessel had aha been entoring the harbour. The work was done smartly and intelligently, and it was a pity that darkness aud tha heavy mist prevented any further firing taking place. A considerable amount of other work was, however, got through, and the inspecting officer did wonders considering the time ut his disposal. The inspection and examinations in gunnery, which are held by Colonel i ox, were continued yesterday evening, and as there is a very large number of men going in for examination the result should be interesting. The Navals are very enthusiastic in their work, which is shown from the fact that the almost unprecedented average of 61 out of a possible 66 have been present during the whole term. The fact that for the first time for several years the Navals have a full complement of officers is very encouraging to them, aud iv their Lieutenant commanding they have an enthusiast. Stanjiore Band.—On Thursday evening the Stanmore Band played selections on the lawn in front of tho Working Men's Club. These were much appreciated by a large number of onlookers despite the very inclement weather.

MR M. DAVITT.

The Secretary to the Davitt Reception Committee has received advice by cable that Mr Daviit will commence his New Zealand tour on the 6th inst. at Invercargill, aud that he leaves Auckland for the Old Country by the San Francisco boat on the 30th inst. * Most of the large centres have invited Mr Davitt to visit them, but, owing to his short stay in the colony, he will not be able to accede to these requests. None of the West Coast towns will.be visited by him. —' r V

ACTION FOR LIBEL.

A Press Association telegram from Wellington states that a writ for £1000 for libel has been served on the Evening Post at the instance "of the Colonial Treasurer for an alleged libel contained in a statement that Mr Ward had met Mr Murray on board the Hauroto, and that his denial of it was untrue.

DISSATISFIED FARMER..

At Gisborne, yesterday afternoon, a largely attended meeting of sheep farmers waa held, to consider the prices received locally for stock, compared with the prices obtained in other places. It was Btated that sheep farmers were getting only 12s for fat sheep, compared with 20s and upwatds in the South, 7s to 83 for shorn sheep compared with 16s quoted elsewhere. Skins were locally quoted at ss, as against 7a to 8s e'sawhere. A Committee was set up to enquire into the matter, and report to a future meeting.