NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9289, 14 December 1895, Page 7

NEWS OF THE DAY.

I . -c Thb Strxnding of the Fifkshirs.—A nautical enquiry into the stranding of this steamer at Oamaru ia to be held* at an early date not yet axed upon. Heavy Gkass Orop. —On Mr Chas. Flutey'a farm, Maori Reserve, near Woodend, there is growing a crop of prairie grass 7ft iv height, und a crop of Italian rye graas measuring sfo 3in. The weight of aeed in each is evidence of an excslleut crop. Sparrows.—These mischievous bird* are play in t* sad havoc with the early ripening oats. The winter was a capital one for using poison, but very little of it waa used, and the suoply of birds in some districts now quite exceeds the demand. Rakgiora Rifle Volunteers. — On Wednesday evening a meeting of the Committee of Management connected with the recent bazaar was held at the orderly room, Captain G. H. N. Helmore in the chair. The balance sheet showed the nee receipts to be £151 15a 3d. Votes of thanks to the ladies of the working bee, stall holders, electricians, Mr G. W. Luxton und Private H. Jones, wece carried unanimously. SJpringfikld.—-The recent heavy rainß have worked havoc with the crossings of the Kowai River and completely obliterated the roads on the river bed. The Midland Railway has suffered a great deal, the embankments at the culvert on the Wet Creek being largely scoured away. Repairs are now being executed by a considerable number of men, assisted by a ballast train, under Inspector Smith.

" The Messiah."—Ac excellent'rehearaal took piaco on Tuesday evening for th* Christmas oratorio, which is to be given by the Musical Union ou Friday next. There were about 140 vocalists present, aud Miss Venie Flower came up to town specially for the rehearsal. The plau of reserved seats is now open at Milner and Thompson's. With the attractive list ot soloists and the powerful chorus under the direction of Mr F. M. Wallace the oratorio should lie given uuder most favourable auspices. Following tbe custom of former years, it has been decided to hand over half the nett proceeds to one of the local charities. Christchurch Tramway Company.— The arrangements on f'•* "iues of this Company for Anniversary Day aud for the New South Wales match appear elsewhere. The Bible in Schools.—At St. Andrew's Church to-morrow morning and evening the Rev. Gordon Webster, M.A., will preach on " The Religious Education Question." The subject in the morniug will be '"RBligioua KJnc-ibion in Public Schools," and in the eveuiug "The Propoied Text Book of Scripture Lessons." , Citizens' Ball. —At a meeting held yeaterday it was resolved to hold a citizens' ball in honour of tbe New South Wales team on the night of January Ist. A General Committee was appointed, and also an Executive Committee to carry out the various details connected with the ball. Carriers' and Cabmen's Benefit Society.—A meeting of the Carriers and Cabmen's Benefit Society was held at the Terminus Hall on Thursday, 12th, the President (Mr Symes) in the chair, when the rules of the Society were read and confirmed. Cycling.—Mr J. C. Cusack, the Secretary of the Cyclists' Alliance, has received a letter stating that Mr W. Kerr, who ia well known in Christchurch, will represent New South Wales in the championship meeting, under the auspices of the Alliance, early in the year. Mr Kerr left Sydney yesterday for Lyttelton by the Wakatipu. Riflb Association. — The Canterbury Rifle Association hold their prize-firing ou Monday, commencing at 8 a.m. In addition to the Mayor's prize there will be a valuable trophy for the aggregate presented by A. Loughrey, Esq., an ex-officer of the Ist Canterbury. In accordance with the request of the President (Colonel Gordon) competitors must fire in uniform. Intimation has been received that railway passes are refused, but tbe Government have given a grant of ammunition. Anniversary Day Excursion. — The excursion to Akaroa in connection with the regatta there is undoubtedly one of the principal attractions for the holiday ou Monday, and to prevent a recurrence of the disappointment experienced last year by intending passengers the Union Steamship Company have decided to have another steamer in readiness to make the trip should the Corinna not be sufficient. Arrangements have been made by the Railway Department to have a special train from Lyttelton to Christchurch on the retnrn of the steamers for the convenience of excursionists. Journalism' Institute.—Tbe adjourned annual meeting of the Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Journalists' Institute was held at the City Hotel yesterday afternoon, Mr S. Saunders presiding. The acting Hon. Treasurer reported that there was a small balance to credit. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year :— Chairman, Mr S. Saunders ; Hon. Secretary, Mr G. R. Allen; Hon. Treasurer, Mr W. G. Atack; Committee, Messra W. H. Triggs, G. R. Hart, a Hull, Geo. Capper, O. W. Kxall, and Geo. Milne. A donation of £1 Is was voted to the Stubbing fund, and the meeting then terminated. Soothbriuue.—The annual. meeting of the congregation of St. John's Presbyterian Church was held on Thursday evening. The attendance was a great improvement ou previous years. Rev. Mr Mackie presided. Mr Mackie stated that he had/, acted as Clerk of Session on behalf of Mr Robert Thompson, whose health precluded him from attending, and in a few remarks referred to the deaths which had occurred during the year. There had been 19 baptisms during the year, 24 additions to membership, 12 removals by certificate. Tbe total on the roll was now 156. The Committee's annual report showed a fairly successful year, all liabilities having been met to date, witb the exception of one month's stipend and a small outstanding account. The balance sheet showed a credit balance of £4 19s sd. The ordinary Sabbath collections were £2 6* 9d less than last year, with an average of £2 15s 94 for each day. The church sittings and special subscriptions showed an increase of £1015s over last year, the total amount raised uuder this head being £110 9s lOd. The report was adopted. Mr Burns, superintendent of the Sabbath school, read bis annual report. Mr Macpherson reported on behalf of the Lakeside schooL Mia* Gabbie reported on behiif of Little'-Bfckaia school. Mr Pilkiogton read the report of the Christian Endeavour Society. There were now twenty-nine active, eight associate, and nine honorary members. The new members of Committee were now Mr J. McMillan, Mr A. Macpherson, Mr A. Cameron, Mr Irvine, Mr Gabbie and Mr Pilkmgton. Messrs A. Cameron and S. Moore were re-elected auditors. A vote of thanks to the Treasurer, votes of thanks to the organist and choir, the superintendents and teachera of the Sabbath school and to the managers, also a vote of thanks to the chair, were carried.

Artistic—A new departure in window dressing has been taken by Messrs C. H. Manning and Co., photographic artists, by the adoption of light drapery, which has > very pleasing effect. The present display of new pictures is excellent in every way, natural, well toned, and artistically finished!

Summer Excursion. —The Stanmoreßand will proceed to Sumner on Sunday by the 2.5 tram, and will play selections on the beach. Geraldixe School Committee.-—At the monthly meeting of the Geraldine School Committee on Thursday night the head master reported average attendance 184, which was below the miuimuin. Ths Lvckcm.—Mr W. W. Collins will lecture in the Lyceum to-morrow on " Attempts to interfere with onr educanational system. Should the Irish Text Book of Scripture be used in our State schools J'' Christian* Endeavour Union. — A united Endeavour ratly will be held at St. Paul's Church on Tuesday next at 7.30 p.m., to haar an address by Rev. G. Sol tan, founder of the Endeavour movement in Tasmauia. Tenders foe Hioes.—As will be seen by a notibcuion elsewhere, the Gear Meat, Compauy invite tenders for the purchase of the hides and calfskins from the works for twelve months. Tenders will be received up to noou ou Monday, December 30th. Picxic.—The annual picnic of the employees of Maine Bros, will take placs on Monday next at Kiiapoi. Studksts ok Truth. —At the Temple of Truth to-morrow Mr Worthingfoa will lecture at 11 a.m. on " The Doctor of Law," aud at 7 p.m. on " Woman and Knowledge." Crrir and Subi*rp.an Tramway.—The tram arrangements on this line for Anniversary D&y appear elsewhere. School of Domkstic Instruction.—A conversazione in order to show what is taught and done at thi*above school will be held in the buildings, 123 Lichfield street, on Thursday, December 19th. En'teutaisment.—Aa will be seen elsewhere, a graud Christmas entertainment will be given in the schoolroom of St. Mark'a, Opaw-t, on Thuraday next by the Opawa Kindergarten,' The programme includes action .songs, recitations, marches, minuets, tableaux, &?., and the youug ladies of the parish will dispense"strawberries aud cream. . Tahuna Fetes.—A, children's concert, under the direction of-Mias Freda Maraden aud Mr Maitland Gardner, will be held at Tahuna this afternoon. Ou Anniversary Day an open-air ooncert fete will bB held at Tahuna, when Miss Moaeley, a violiniste from Dunedin, and others will assist.

Richmond Swimming Clvb. —Theßichmond Swimming Club will hold its anuuai sports meeting at the Richmond school bath this afternoon, commencing at half-past two. A capital programme has been arranged, including the 100 Yarda Championship of I Canterbury and a ladiea' race. The Stauinore | Band will be present. A special tram will leave Edwards, Bennett's corner at 2.5 sharp. Bowling.—The following will represent the Christchurch Bowling Club in their match to-day with the Canterbury Bowling Club :—Taylor, Cuff, Lainbie, Maddisou (skip), Marshall, Hulbert, Dr. Thomas. Wood (skip), Raphael, R. D. Thomas, S Manning, Thomson (skip), Scott, Throp, Parsons, Struthers (skip), Money, Bishop, Anderson, .Jackson (skip). Honorary Reserve Corps.—The third series of bronza medil competitions took place yesterday, with strong choppy wind, which was much against good shooting. There were eleven men competing and the following were the best scores up to the present time :—Private W. B. Scott 188, Sergeant Wakeliti 185, Private Banks 177, Private \V. Scull 174, Private Allison 173, Private Gundersen 162. The final competition takes place ou Thursday, January 9th. Rev. Haskett Smith.—The Rev. Haskett Smith will give a special matinee this afternoou in the Oddfellows Hill. Ou this occasion the subject will be " The Land of Long Ago, or the days of the Giants." The marvellous ruins of Baalbek will be included in this interesting lecture. The entertainment will be illustrated by rare ami beautiful pictures. Mr Haskett Smith sails by the Penguin for Wellington this evening. Prohibition League. — The monthly social meeting of the Prohibition League was held in St. John's schoolroom on Thursday ; the Ray. Frank W. Isitt occupied the chair. Nominations were received for officebearers and Committee for the ensuing year. During the evening, a programme of vocal music, recitations and readings was given. Resolutions were passed action of the Wellington Licensing Committee in granting a removal of a license to Newtown, aud also expressing indignation at the remarks of Mr Hawkins, 8.M., of Clutba, and requesting the Department of Justice to remove him. Fire Brigade Demonstration Concert. —The programme of the concert in aid ot the funds of the Fire Brigade Demonstration, which takes place at the Opera House on Monday next, appears elsewhere. Those taking part in the programme will be Misses May Beatty, Hilda Meadows, M. Hewson, aud L. Thompson, Messrs E. Lovell, R. Millen, D. Ryan, A. Millar, F. Peat, C. Edgar, A. Joss, Hall, and Pickering. A farcical comedy in one act wi'.'. conclude the performance. As the night is a holiday one and the cause for which tho concert is given a good one, no donbt there will be a large audience. Christmas Reunion.—The gathering in St. Johu's Schoolroom, last night, was most successful, aud largely attended. The proceedings of the evening were not handicapped by that stiffness which often pervades such gatherings. The address of hia Lordship, Bishop Juiiua, was exceedingly interesting, being descriptive of his recent trip to the West Coast. Tbe Misses Partridge and Pilkington Bang a duet, " When the Wind Blows from the Sea." Mr Foster "Good Night, my Beloved," aud Mr Sullivan, "The Scar of Bethlehem," and with Miss Watson the duet, " Scena," from the "May Queen." Mr L. Watkins played a pianoforte solo, and acted as accompanist for the evening. Refreshments were provided by the ladies of the parish. Mr Worthington's Life.—Mr A. B. Worthington continued his lecture at the Temple ot Truth last evening" concerning hia life. There was a moderate attendance. Mr J. Bowlker withdrew from tbe Committee which had beeu set up the previous evening by Mr Worthington, as he was dissatisfied with certain evidence placed before it. Mr Worthington gave his version of what he termed the Armagh street scandal, and went on to say that through the various secessions among the students the financial affairs-in connection with the Temple had become involved. He had mortgaged all the furniture and his last book, he had nothing but what he stood up in, and even had not had money with which to purchase coals. He dealt with the purchase of the Temple by himself, and tho difficulties which had prevented his obtaining money coming to him from America. The money was being brought to him personally by a friend who was coming to New Zealand via London. When he reached the latter place, however, some one placed in hia hands a oopv of the Sun newspaper containing the charges against Mr Worthington. His friend was also told that Mr Worthington had left Christchurch, and consequently he had not come any further with the money, as he did not know where to find Mr Worthington. Matters connected with a recent secession of students was referred to, as was also the statement written for the Chicago Inter-Ocean by Miss Krautz concerning Mr Worthington's career. After mentioning that the United States Consul in Auckland bad not replied to communications from him, Mr Worthington said there was a latent possibility that he might resume the libel action against certain of tbe defendants in the recent case. He concluded by stating that he did not intend to leave Christchurch. After several questions had beeu asked and answered tbe proceedings closed. Fire at Kaiapoi.—On Thursday a fire was discovered in some grass near Davies street, which was fortunately extinguished, but not before it had reached the shop of Mrs Wearing,' on . Charles street, and charred the outer wall.

The Sewage Farm.—Mr H. Y. A. Wales, the Mayor-elect of Dunedin, and his Worship the Mayor of Christchurch, together with Mr Cutbbert, Secretary to the Drainage Board, visited tbe Board's sewage farm yesterday afternoon. The Ross Show. —The show of the Rose Society was opened in the Art Gallery yesterday afternoon, and, especially considering the bad weather we bave bad, was really an excellent one. There was a large attendance of visitors during the afternoon.

Ladies requiring Christmas presents for gentlemen friends should not miss seeing Davies and Lamb's splendid stock of pipes, walking sticks, match boxes, cigar cases, ** 9678

Supreme Court.—His Honour Mr Justice Denniscon sat in Chambers yesterday, and disposed of the applications on the list. Subsequently, his Honour sat in banco to hear an application for a suit of certiorari in the matter of the granting of a certificate for a license at Reef ton. After argument, his Honour granted the certiorari removing tho certificate into the Court, with a view of being quashed, with costs as against tbe licensee.

Normal School — The annual prizaeiving in connection with the pupils of the Normal School tookplace yesterday morning. There was a large attendance, including a number of the friends of the children. Mr Adams distributed the boys' aud infants' prizes in tiie big schoolroom oc the boys' department and Mr H. W. Poryman cave away the girls' in their department. Both gentlemen prefaced the distribution with a short addreas. Those of the infants who >lid not receive prizes were presented with cards and certificates, which were presented by Mr Adams, and were superbly printed at his own expense. Presentation. —Mr George Lister, a guard ou the New Brighton tram, who is about to enter into the bouda of matrimony, was on Wednesday last the recipient of a set of carvers and two serviette rings. The presentation took place at a carnival gathering in Hawker's Hall, over which Mr R. C. Bishop presided, and it waa made by Mr A. Henderson on behalf of the travellers on the line, aa a recognition of Mr Lister's uniform courtesy and attention. Several of those who were preaent spoke on the matter and drank to the health of Mr Lister and his future wife, after which the recipient made a suitable acknowledgment of the gilt and the kind remarks which had been made.

This Fire at the Kaiapoi Maori Pah. —Footballers and cricketers will all sympathise with the loss sustained by Mr W. Uru in the destruction of his house on Thursday, and all his belongings, nothing having been aaved except the clothea he and hia wife were wearing. The disadvantage of the Shopa Act was proved when his friends sent into town to buy some blaukets and bedding during the afternoon. It is possible the fire might have happened througha Maori woman, who had been smoking, throwing the end ot her cigarette on the matting, on which it had smouldered and ignited after Mr Uru and his wife went out. On the other hand it is possible, as the fireplace waa an open one and the chimney had not been recently swept, some lighted soot might have fallen. Mr Uru's attempts at making a home havo been unfortunate. The first house be put up was, when nearly finished, blown over, and now the second one has been burned.

Masonic.—The installation of the Worshipful Master and investiture of the officers of the Southern Cross Masonic Lodue, Kaiapoi. was held on Thursday evening. In the absence of Grand Lodge officers, the ceremony was conducted by Bro. C. Young, Past Master. The officers are—Bro3. J. McLachlan, W.M.; J. H. Morley, I.P.M. ;D. M. Marshall, S. W.; H. Bardeo, J. W.; W. Doubleday, Secretary ; G. H. Morlev, Treasurer ; W. Moore, S.D.; A. H. Hunt.'j.D.; J. Bailey, Tyler. There was a good attendance of brethren, and thirty-seven visitors from Ashley, St. Auguatine, Burns and other Lodges, also Bro. J. McLachlan, M.H.R., father of the Master Elect. The banquet was provided by Bro. L. J. Cox in very grand style, and afterwards there was a full list of toasts and songs given.