NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9300, 30 December 1895, Page 5

NEWS OF THE DAY.

— ♦ , CiiRiSTCUURCH Tramway Company.—The Sunnyaide extension of the Addington section of the Christchurch Tramway Company's Hues will be open for traffic on and after January Ist. Hakbour Exccrsions —As will be seen by a notification elsewhere, the Uuion Steamship Company's e.s. Corinna will run two excursions outside the Heads on New Year's Day, lasting two hours each trip. Mb WoiiTiiiNOTos.—We understand that Mr A. B. Wortliington, who left by the Mararoa for Sydney on Friday evening last, has informed one of his friends by letter that he is on his way to Now York. The Lyceum.—Last night being the last Sunday of the year Mr VV. W. Collins at the Lyceum gave an appropriate lecture on " Old Father Time." Ho touched Qα some of the events of the past year, especially on the death of Professor Huxley and the books published, and spoke hopefully of the cotniug year. German , Ficnic.—The annual German picnic was hold this year at Ladbrooke's on Boxing Day in a paddock kindly lent by Mr J. Sharp. The party numbered close on 200, many having come from long distances to renew old acquaintances and to make new ones. Theouiiog proved most enjoyable. Masonic—There ie at present on tour through Now Zealand a very distinguished Masonic visitor from New South Wales, Captain Niotienstien, who holds high rank in tho United Grand Lodge of New South Wales. Japtain Nietienalien, who is in command of ,the training ship in Sydney, took a very active and energetic part in, bringing about tho formation of the- New South Wales Constitution. The . Lyttei-tox Kegatta. — Captain Falconer, who is to superintend the submarine display in connection with the Lyttolton Regatta on New Year's Day, has arrived in Chnstchurch. He states that the display this year will be even on a greater acttle than on former occasions. Fine Brigade Demonstration. —The Eutertainmeut Committee of the Fire Brigade demonstration, which ia intended to take place in February next, will meet to-night at tho Library of the Cheeter street station. Tho arrangements proposed to be made by the Committee for the entertainment of the visitiug firemen are exceediugly varied and complete, aud the gathering of 1896 should be one of the most successful yet held. Farm Notes.—ln the North Canterbury district the crops still progress witli satisfaction. The wheat, looks very even and the corn is filling well. Oats are fast ripening, and farmers are looking out for heavy machines. Some of these crops will reouire the old Burgess and Key side delivery to successfully husband them. Nearly all tho enumerators have finished collecting the statistic?, which, however, if matters go on as merrily as at present, will be an under-eatimate, as none of the farmers gave in more than last year's results as the estimate for this. Jubilee Memorial Home. —The matron of the Queeu's Jubilee Memorial Home desirc3 to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of magazines from Mr Brittain, Hevicio of Reviews from the Progressive Liberal Association, papers from Mr Wilson, Mr Gardener, Mra Bridge, cards from Dr. Murdoch, parcel from Ministering Children's League, parcel from " Momfieuri," cake Mr H. Fuchs, cake Mrs Williams, sweets Airs C. Lightband. Many timnks to the kind friends who provided tea, music, aod gifts for the afternoon of Saturday, 2lst, also to Mra Parsons and friends for their donation for a Christinas treat. Sailing Race.—On Saturday afternoon the fleet of the Brighton Sailing: Club decided a handicap race over the usual course. The starters were—Alcyone scr, Waitangi omin, Ariadne 9tnin, Manu 12min, Waiwera 15min, Truant 17min. Truant was first round the tripod, cio3ely followed by Waiwera and Manu, with the rest of the fleet dome distance off. When half way home Truant grounded, and Manu took command, eventually winning with a little to spare. ■ Waitangi beat Waiwera on the post for second place, with the others close up. ■ W. Strange and Co. inurnate that their warehouse and show rooms will be open tojflorrow (Tuesday) night (New Year'e .Eve) till nine o'clock as usual. 896 Ladies requiring Christmas presents for gentlemen friends should not miss seeing Davies and Lamb's splendid stock of pipes, walkiog >lick», match boxes, cigar cases, 4c 9578

New Years Eve.—To-morrow being i e 7,V ar ' a Eve - w » tch ni 5 ,,! l services wifi be held iv several o[ the city churches. Hoomasay Nicht.—The members of the Canterbury Caledonian Society intend holding a social gathering to-morrow evening to speed the parting and welcome the coming year. Prohibition L2A<;ue.—A special meeting of the Chtistchurch Prohibition League will be held thie evening at St. John's schoolroom, at eight o'clock. Funeual.—The funeral of the late Mies Norm, daughter of Mr T. C. Norria, who wa3 recently drowned while bathing at Gisborne, took pace it the Avonside cemetery on Biturday. The ceremony, which was a most impressive one. was conducted by his Lordship Bishop Juliu*, assisted by the vicir, the Rev.\\\ A. Pascoe. The "Dead March in •• Saul " wns played as the procession left the church. There was a large attendance. Pigeon Siiow.—The Christchurch Pigeon FJymp Club held a show of homers in the Fanciers' room on Saturday. Mr F. Dacro was the Judge, and gave every satisfaction. The Club dusires to thank that geatlcman for his services. The following is the result:—Show homers, cock—Mr Ayling 1, Mr Buchanan 2. Mr H-irt 3. Show homers, hen—Mr Hart 1, Mr Green 2, Mr Smith 3. Working homsr*, cock —Mr Ayling 1, Mr Buchanan 2. Mr Pearce 3. Working homers, hen —Mr Howisou 1, Mr Watson 2, Mr 3. Lyttelton Rowing Club.—A msotiuc of the Committee of this Club was held last week. The Captain reported that all the arrangements for* the bazaar to be held in aid of the Club's funda ou New Year's D-iy were well forward. A large number of ladies have been working for this baziar for some months, and a splendid assortment of I goods has been got together. It will be held in the railway sheil close to the station, and will be opened to-morrow eveningNew Year , * Eve. Poucc News.—Seven persons were taken into custody on Saturday and yesterday, having vino charges against them. They appear at the Police Court to-day. Detective Maddreh arrested a man with three aliases on a charge of haviug stolen several articles belonging to Timothy Sullivan, of Ayiesbury. Constable Aiusworth took in charge a man for damaging furniture belonging to James Hensley, of Lumb's lane and for assaulting a woman named Clayton, who had to be removed to the Hospital, where it was found that she was considerably bruised and had some ribs broken. Obiteaky. —Tho death is announced in Invorcargill, at the age of 76, of Mr Thomas Williamson Hal!, a brother of Sir John Hall. The son of a well known family of shipowners and shipmasters at Hull, the deceased waa eduoated in France and Germany, and at the age of sixteen went to sea, becoming an owner and master on his own account at an early age. in 1852, with his wife and two young children, lie set sail for New Zealand. The ship Mahommcd Shah, on which they were passengers, was burned off the Australian coast, but all on board were saved. Mr Hall first took up a run on the Rakaia, and later on wa3 one of the pioneers of the Mackenzie country. Ho afterwards took up his residence in I'unaru, bui some years ago removed to Livercirgiil to be near his sous. Iα South Canterbury he was a member ot several of the local bodies, includiug the Timaru Harbour Board. His wife, two yean her husband's senior, still survives, and there is a family of several grown-up sons. Cultivator Trial.—A public trial of Meesra P. and D. Duncau'a spring tine cultivator was held on Mr KuighVrf property, Racecourse Hill, on Friday, wheu a large uumber of farmers were present. Tho completeness and success of the trial served to fully establish the utility of the patent twitch knife attachment. The first piece of ground operated upon was a mat of couch skim ploughed only the day previous. Nine twitch knives were firs:, used cross-cutting tue furrows into 9Ain block*, but subsequently these were induced to seven leaving 13£ in blocks. Theao blocks, tho spring tinea having been substituted for the knives, were speedily reduced, leaving the sods well exposed to the sub. The machine with tines on was then pub into a field having a coating of sorrel. This the machine worked iv a manner fully equal to skim ploughing and much speedier. Experiments were tried iv treating the couch to the actiou of the twitch knives before skim ploughing, and this waa regarded by the farmers present as an effective and ecouomical way of working ouc the twitch. The trial throughout was a complete success, and Mr Knight testified his opinion practically by purchasing the machine complete as exhibited. City Mission , Home.—Mr Herrick deaircs to acknowledge with thauks the receipt of a large number of contributions in kind from numerous ladies aud gentlemen from 7th December to date. He also acknowledges tho following cash donations not otherwise referred to: —Four Little Boys 2», Hetty 2* 6d, Rev. Doke 2* 6.1, Mrs Stewart 10a, McDougal sa, Mts Hill 6s, Mrs Robertson 2s 6d, F.C., 2s 6d, Sympathiser (Kaiajjoi) 10*, Mrs Cook 4s, Mrs Packer 2s 6J, W. (Timaru) 53, Mrs Johnston 10*. W. 3. £1, H. R. Butcher £1, Q.C. (Otaki) 10a, Meta 2s 6J, A.W. £1, J.R. (Kaiiipoi) 3s, Stening 10a, E. Coo £1, O.R.U. ss, J. J. TriomDSon 53, J.H.F. ss, Tea 2s 6<l, H.A.H. si, Sympathiser 63, Old Scrooge 2* 6d, Help Ss, IVo Friends ss, Two Sieters 2s, Friend 2s 6d, Sydenham 53, Help 33, Biuk Friend 2i 6.1, Friend 2s 61, Edwards sa, Frieud 2s 6d, Frieud 2i, Friend 2s, Friend 2<, Hospital Friend ss, Frioud Is, Anonymous 4s, Friend 10s, Friend 10s, Friend ss, Linwood Friend 10s, Ludy Friend 2a 6d, Home Contribution-box 133 6d. Distribution* of Prizes.—The annual treat aud prizes given in connection with tho Balcairu Schcol took place on Thuraday last. The Chairman, Mr McNamara, ou presenting the prizes, congratulated the teachers on the success of the Inspector's examination. The following is the priza list:—Standard VII., C. Fitzpatrick Standard VI., M. Dron 1, E. Bailey 2, C. Bruere 3. Standard V., V. Sellars 1, A. Dion 2, L. Reed 5. Standard IV.. W. McNatnar.v 1, A. Moore 2. G. McCaw 3. Standard 111., T. Fitzpatrick 1, F. Reed 2, D. Moore 3. Standard 11., A. Sutherland 1, A. Bruere 2, W. McCaw 3. Standard 1., J. Hutcheaon 1, E. Fitzpatrick 2, B. Nawman 3. Upper Infants, A. Homershain, M. Truman, G. Mair. Lower lufants— J. Moore, W. Truman, J. Reed. Mrs Sellars , special for diligence, F. Watson. Ten attendance prizes. Mra Dennis' special for writing, A. Moore. Sewing prizes—Standard VI., E. Bailey 1, M. Dron and C. Ashley 2. Standard V., A- Dron, L. Reed 2, A, Bailey 3. Standard IV., A. Moore 1, D. Sellars 2. Standard 111., J. Moore 1. Standard 11., E. Tmnns 1, W. McCaw 2. Standard L, E. Fiizpatrick 1, B. Newman 2. Infants, H. Truman, M. Truman, G. Mair. New Brighton - .—The annual meeting of the members of the Presbyterian Church was held on Friday in last evening, the Rev. Dr. Elinslie presiding. Mr Parrott, Treasurer,' read a statement showing the work of the Committee during the past year. The balance-sheet was considered very satisfactory. A hearty vote of thanks was unanimously passed to Mr Parrots and Mr McGavin for their services as Treasurer and Secretary. After a fsw remarks by the Chairman the meeting closed. The ladies then hinded tea and light refreshments round, which were thoroughly appreciated by those attending the meeting. Pvduc Notice.—Messrs Ballantyne beg to intimate that their premises will be closed at the usual hour, viz., 6 p.m., on New Year's Eve. 818

CUSTOMHOUSE CHANGES. Tne position of Senior Landing Waiter at Christcharch is about to be filled by Mr J. H. Hemp ton, who has been connected with the Customs in Wellington for several years. He is to succeed Mr H. J . Hawley, who baa been promoted to tha position of Chief Clerk at Wellington. THE GOVERNOR. At Mongonui his Exeellcucy Lord Glasgow was presented with an address on behalf of the settlers by Mr Houston. M.H.R , and an address on behalf of the Natives by Wireinu Mateni. The Hiuctnoa reached Wangaroa on Saturday with the Governor, en route for Rusaell.

A PLUCKY RESCUE. A passenger to Wellington by the steamer Flora on Saturday night, an elderly man, bad a narrow escape from drowning. He fell between the steamer and the wharf, and before he was rescutU by Mr C. Ferrier, of the Union Steamship Company, was greatly exhausted. In jumping overboard Mr Ferrier oat hii left hand very eeveiely.

Three of ths finpers a-i.l tho palm were so badly damaged th-ii '< '-'vi to be attended by a medical mm. "•»" Forrier has no idea how he received the iiijtiriea. H.e has now quite a Hot of names of those he has rescued from drowning.

xMR HARRIS. Speaking of Mr Marria, the Loudou Echo says:—"' Ie is a tine position for a young man to win, this headship of the list of the finest aad most accomplished Civil Service iv the world. In no Civil Service iv the world arc the tests of admission so severe, in none is even an ordinary petition so Honourable. In uono are the prizvs so great. One would fain hope thac the success of the'eaudidace frotn New Zealand might pro?e to bs a sign, however small, of the Imperial Unioti which m-iny dream of, and ia which the administrative and executive prizes of the whole D amnion would bo open to every citizen in it."

THE COLONIAL BANK. The Hen. G. 51' Lean, in the course of an interview with a member of the staff of the Otago Daily I'imct, gave a considerahle amount of information as to matters connected with the liquidation of the Colonial Kink. Amoogst other things he saiJ the Directors wer* as anxious for the appointment, of liquidators and the payment, of money to shareholders as anyone; but in such matters shareholders must not be too impatient of results, as the transferring of the business of oaa banking institution to auother was not, exactly such a fiinple thing as the handing over of a bag of sugar iv ordinary trade. Ho wished it, co be clearly understood that ho had sought no position or emolument, though as a matter of fact in the first instance the Government and the representative of the of New Zealand had pressed upou him his acceptance of the Presidentship of the Bant of New Zealand, to which a large salary was attached ; but he had felt no hesitation in declining it, as he recognised that as President of the Colonial Bank he was intimately identified with that institution, and should devote his energy and abilities, as far as lay in his power, to its interests and the interests of Uβ shareholders. A? far as he was concerced, he would still devote his energiea in the direction of seeing that the best was got out of the Colonial Bank assets in the interests of the shareholders, though he was not prepared to accept, any position in connection with the Liquidation Board. It mu3t be apparent to any business man that th<3 difference between the realisation of accounts aud their values as going concerns must be considerable and would have to be allowed lor. The staff was one of the great anxieties of the position the Directors had to face, for when the contract; was signed not one individual member of the staff had any pledge thac he would be taken over. But the Directors had an assurance that at least 100 suitable officers would be taken and as many more as were required. PREPARING FOR THE HARVEST. Our Ashburton correspondent writes :-— The morning train from Ashburton on Saturday included a long line of trucks, on which were a number of the famous McCormick reapers and binders, which were being sent out to Mr John Grigg'a Longbeach estate. As the machines passed through Ashburton ou their *vay to Winslow they attracted the attention and admiration of large numbers of farmers who were coming in to market, and one was reminded of the near approach of harvest. The machineb were conveyed from Winslow to Longbeaeh on lorries drawn by a powerful traction engine, and the sight waa a novel and most interesting one, the machines filling the largest order ever yet given iv one line for harvesting machinery in the Ashburton district. There were fifteen in all, and they had been purchased by Mr John Cirigg to enable him to be ready to cope with the rush of work he will have at Lonabcach in the course of the next few week 5.

SHEARING IN THE SOUTH. An Upper Waitaki correspondent of the North Otago Times writes:—"l daresay you will be interested to kuow how shearing is progressing in thie district. Shearers and ahed hands are extremely scarce. I have beeu working short handed sinoe work commenced on the 12th inst., and not a man hau' come looking for employment. Fortunately the weather has beeu moat fa%-ourable for shearing, and there has been no delay. It hsi3 been very hot and muggy during the last ten days, causing great melting of the saow fields, consequently the lakes and rivers are in high Hood. The Ohau Lake was last week higher than it has been since 1878. The mustering so far is revealing a mortality from the winter's snow storm quite ao heavy as we dreaded. Until shearing ia completed, the exact loss cannot be told, but it is already evident that the shortage in sheep to shear, yield in lambs, and alpo in quantity of wool from the survivors will be greater than was anticipated. In every mob that is brought to the shed are hundreds of sheep in all stagee of " peeling," many, indeed, with not a tag of wool on their bodies. Phenomenal tallies are being done by some of *he Australian shearers, as is to be expected when they get so many that can bo shorn by ]*U3t a few touches of the machine. MAORI KAIK AT MOERAKI. The North Otago Times publishes the following paragraph :—Some of the visitors to Jioeraki oa Boxing Day found time to visit the Maori kaik, and the decay and, delapidation in the houses and surroundings of the kaik was remarkable. The graveyard is a scene of desolation, and the graves of the great Raniri te Mamaru and Hira Mauhara bear unmistakeabla indications that the residents of the kaik do not hold the memories of these great Maoris ia deep veneration. The little chapel with its stained glass w iudows situated within the enclosure wears, however, a well-kept appearance, as docs also the school; but the windows of the Maori houses are patched with bagging, and are otherwise out of repair. The kaik is one of the places of interest at Aioeraki, and one feels a pang of regret as one sees the evidences of that decay that is fast making towards the extinction of the Maori. Certainly a great and noble race will soon be extinct.