NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9330, 3 February 1896, Page 5

NEWS OF THE DAY.

■•> Ciiristch.rcu Election.—By advertise, meut in another column it will bo seen that the dale of the Chriatchurch by-oleotion has been fixed for Thursday the 13th of February. Nominations are due on Wednesday the sth of February. Fine Arts.—The tickets for Mr Van Der Veldou'a art union are going off well. With such au opportunity — one which seldom occurs iv a colony—of B*.curmg pictures by so distinguished an artist, there ought to be a great number of tickets d-uoaed of. Garrison Library.—The monthly meeting of the mwniK-ra will be held ou Wednesday utxt, at 3 p.m., when the business of the adjourned annual meeting will be taken tip. , Player's Navy Cct.—-Player's Navy . Cut, Player's Navy Cut, Player's N*>,vy Cut tobacco ami cigaroltei just arrived at j Davis, and Uaib'.. 9_73 j

Arrests.—jThere are .even- persons to appear before the Justices of the Peace this morning, and among them is a young man charged with steaUug s*, the property of one A. Brown. LYTT-LToy Habboub Eoard. — The adjourned meeting of the Harbour Board for passing tbe annual accounts will take place en Thurs lay next at 2 p.m. Lrrr-LTON Land Sports.—The cloning meeting of tho Lyttelton Laud Sports Committee was held on Wednesday night, Mr J. Gordon occupying the chair. The balance sheet showed receipts £33 14s and ] expenditure £23 4s, leaving a balance in hand of £5 lO*. After the usual votes of thanks, the meeting terminated. The Bland Holt Season.—The return eea?on of Mr Bland Holt. Company will open at the Theatre Royal to-morrow evening with " Saved from the Sea," a melodrama which is spoken of as exceptionally strong, alike in plot and scenio effects. The ] Company arrive from the North this morning, and the season is fixed for twelve nights. j Working Men's Co operative Society. —A special general meeting of the share- j lioiders of tbe above, for tue confirmation of the alteration of the rule* of the Society, will take place to-night at 7.30. in the j .•\lbort Hall, Colombo street. The quarterly ordinary meeting will be adjourned till Monday, February 17th. at the same hour and place. Social Gathering.--A social gathering will be held in St. Mark's Schoolroom, ■ Opawa. on Wednesday evening next, to wish Archdeacon Cholmondeley (who is paying a visit to the Old Country) ban voyage, and to introduce his locum tenent, the Rev. \ A. S. Fox, to tha parishioners. There will be no charge for admission. I Sydenham Amateur Swimming Club.— The fifty yards' championship of this Club j was held last Friday evening and resultod— j C. Cameron 1, A. Russell 2, G. Bell 3. C. Kent and G. Cobeldick also started. Mr J. A. Caygill acted as starter. The following will represent the Sydenham Water Polo team against the Railway Swimming Club next Thursday :— VV. A. Hal), G. Cobeldick, A. Russell, R. Hall, C. Kent (Captain), C. Cameron, G. Bell. Cycling.—The monthly meeting of the Pioneer Bicycle Club was held on Friday eveniug. It was decided to run a railway excursion to Weka Pass and Waikari on February 20th inst., and that members and their friends should be invited, also to hold a race meeting ab a date to be fixed by the Committee. 1 Building Trades' Picnic.— At a meeting ! held on Thursday night it wa3 definitely decided to hold the annual picnio at Alloa Hopkins' paddock, near New Brighton racecourse. The Committee reported favourably on the sale of tickets, and other routine business was transacted. Should the weather prove favourable a great gathering is anticipated. School, or Art.—The exhibition of the work of the students of the School of Art opened on Saturday, when a goodly number of visitors took the opportunity of inspecting them. Considerable and marked progress is shown by the exhibition to have been made in the various departments of study, and the work exhibited reflects credit on Mr Herbert Elliott, the head master, and tbe staff under him. The exhibition will be open to-day and to-morrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. The Permanent Artillery.—A number of men are now being taken in the Permanent Artillery, but at a reduced scale of pay, viz., 4s 6d per day, being la per day reduction. Wheu a man joins he now receives 4s 6d per day, out of which he has to pay for messing, the average cost being Is 8d per day, washing and his kit, which costs about £12, so much per month being deducted until the coab has been defrayed. Practically a gunner's pay the first three months is ab the rate of £2 or £3.' "Under these circumstances it is not surprising the men volunteer for the police force. Hospital Fete.—What promises—if the I weather is at all propitious— to be one of the most successful fetes given here will take place in the Hospital grounds on Thursday afternoon. The fete is projected io aid of that most deserving charity, the Destitute Patients' Fund, and looking to the good don* by tbe dispensing of timely help through the fund, it is to be hoped there will be a large addition to the funds. All kinds of amusements have been provided, including a baby show, Richardson's show, Punch and Judy, and a host of other things, which should draw a large attendance of visitors. Those who intend to enter competitors for the baby show are reminded that entries may be made with the Hon. Mrs Parker, or at the Hospital, up to midday on Thursday. Mokriß Tube Shooting.—On Friday evening the members of the Christchnrch Working Men's Club rifle class fired another competition at the 200 yards range for prizes kindly presented by Messrs J. Gould, E. Recce and Sons, Ashby, Bergh and Co., Burrell Bros., and S. H. Vernazoni. The following were tho highest Buores.— ■-G. Allen (scr) 34, J. Hastie (scr) 34, W. Garrard (sor) 33, R. C. Wells (sor) 33, J. A. Lummis (1) 33, H. Thomas (4) 33, W. G. Munford (1) 32, A. Cowan (1) 32, R. G Forgie (2) 32. On Saturday evening the competition was for a class prize at 200 yards. The following were the highest scorers :—W. Garrard (scr) 34, A. Cowau (1) 34, J. Hastie (scr) 33, J. A. Lummis (1) 33, G., Allen (sor) 32, W. A. Caldwell (1) 32. W. G. Munford (1) 32. Progressive Liberal Association. — The usual fortnightly meeting of the Committee of the Progressive Liberal Association was held on Thursday night. MrT. J. Gledhiil (President) occupied the chair. Correspondence was read from the Premier cf New South Wales, enclosing copy of the Public Service Act. It was resolved that the letter be acknowledged and Mr Roid bo thanked. The Wellington Trades Council wrote that it had much pleasure in contributing towards the expense of priuting and publishing a Labour and Liberal Directory. The Secretary was ordered to acknowledge the letter with thanks. The following resolution was passed—" That the Committee of the Progressive Liberal Association wishes to deolare that it was noc represented at the meeting held on the 23rd of January, at which a motion was carried in favour of Mr R. M. Taylor as a candidate for the vacant seat in the representation of Christohurch." Farewell Social. — A well-attended gathering of members of the police force stationed in Christchurch, and several Irionds, took place in the mess room at the Police Depot on Saturday evening for the purpose of bidding good-bye to Constables Sinclair, Abbott, Christie and Ramsey, who have been transferred to different placos in I the North Island. The table was liberally spread with light refreshments, the arrangements 1 * having been well carried out by ' Detective Maddern assisted by actingDetective Marsack. The chair was filled by I Sergeant-Major Mason and the vice-chair by ! Chief Detective Henderson. After the toast of '* The Queen," the Vice-Chairman proposed that of " Our Departing Comrades." He expressed much regret that they were about to lose their comrades, whom the public would miss as good officers and the Inspector would miss as good men. He alluded to tbe excellent feeling that existed between the detective and foot branches ef the service, and to the pleasant relations between their guests and their comrades. The Chairman also spoke to the toast, and said he hoped the change would be for the benefit of those who were about to be removed. A number of young men were now joining the force, aud he trusted they would ace the necessity for bringing themselves up to a standard of efficiency. Sergeants Barlow, Briggs and Wilson also spoke of the good qualities of the four men who were, leaving. The toast Was drnnk with musical honours, and Constables Ramsey, Christie, Sinclair and Abbott suitably responded. Tho toast- of •« The Press," " The Chairman," and *' ViaeChairman " were among those also proposed. During the evening some excellent tongs and recitations, Sec, were given by Sergeant Barlow, Constables Koster, Dillon, Dougan, Rowell, Ainsworth, Marks, and Andrew, and Messrs W. Hoban, Johnston, Kerr, and Donovan. Signor Dominico Rubino supplied some excellent harp music and acted as accompanist. Quite Rbfr-SHINO.—As proof of the return of better times and the quick discernment of the purchasing public when very qjsosii-J value is given, the D.I.C. warehouse on Friday and Saturday was the scene "ef much activity. Such a sight is very seldom witnessed in thk city as the attendance of the pnblio on Saturday evening in the departments of this Company, and tbe remarks of satisfaction and delight by the customers on retiring with their purchases quite justifies the Company's adveri tiaement to be found in our columns j to-day. 8839

Th- Gothic.—The Gothic will not leave Wellington till Saturday, the Bth inst. Lawn Tennis.—__ match between Kaiapoi and New Brighton players took place on Saturday on Mr G. H- Black well's court. The -cores were Kaiapoi 63, New Brighton The Lyceum—Mr W. W. Collin., in the Lyceum last night, delivered a lecture on " Modern Literature and the Decay of Faith." Mr Collins announced that he would take an early opportunity of redelivering hia lecturo on the life and character of Thomas Paine. Entertainment.— At the Students of Truth Social Hall, Madra3 street, co-night, tbe three act drama, «• The Bells," will be played. Board ok Education.—The following gentlemen have been nominated for the vacant seats on the Board of Education, viz., Messrs T. W. Adams, J. M. Douglass, R. Meredith, B. M. Moorhouse, H. VV. Peryman, K. P. Pole, G. Tomb., S. R. W.bb a_d T. S. Weston. Ann at. —A meeting of the Annat Lawn Tennis Committee took place iv the schoolroom oa Friday night, Mr Key* ia the chair. The resignation of Mr G.o. Rutherford as President wa? received with regret. Mr Keys was unanimously elected to th. vacaucy, Mr McNae waa chosen as VicePresident and Mc Chas. Field was placed on the Committee. School Comm**ttee. A meeting of the Annat School Committee was held on Wednesday, Mr Keys (Chairman- and Messrs McNae, Teague and Searie being present. The master's report showed 59 ou tho roll and the average for December 45.6; also that two of the three boys—Leonard Piner and S. H. Haddrill—wno competed at the scholarship examination had gained exhibitions. Mr McLeod waa congratulated on his success. It was notified tnat Piner declined to take the exhibition up. Valedictory.—Dr. Gosset, the champion golfer of New Zealand, was entertained at a farewell social in the Leeston Hotel on Saturday evening. The doctor and family leave by tbe Gothic, which sails from Wellington on the 6th inst. A large number of his friends and well-wishers were present, Mr John Reunie occupying the chair, having the guest of the evening on his right, Mr R. London supporting him on the left. Several toasts were honoured, among them being " The Q wen and Royal Family," " Farming i-t.reats " —responded to by Messrs Holley, Rennie and Chamberlain— "Tbe guest ot the evening," Sec. In replying to the last Dr. Gosset mentioned that domestic affairs would probably monopolise too much of his time to allow him to pay much attention to the English golf matches, but should circumstances make it possible he would certainly have a game. Messrs Dent, Hunt and Moore contributed vocal itoms. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from the Revs. W. Grant, A. C. Lawry and Father Chervier, Messrs Mathias, Campbell, Inwood and Cameron. Christchurch Sailing Club Regatta. —Tho Chriatchurch Sailing Club held its annual regatta at Sumner on Saturday afternoon. A lare;e number of visitors went from Christchurch, about 809 people iv all being present. Owing to the absence of wind, thd yacht race was not a success, the bo_ts not being able to return to the judging point's. The Ladies' Pair-oar Race resulted in a win for Misses M. Day and A. Crawford, and M. JST. D-y was tho coxswaiu. The climbing of the greasy-pole, which was won by E. Monck juur., afforded much amusement. The course fot* the swimming and sculling races was laid out from the tram bridge to the jetty, so that a good view of the races could ba obtained. Afternoon tea was provided by several of the ladies of Sumner. The following are the results of the competitions :—L.dies' Pair-oar Race—First heat, Misses Day and Crawford 1, Misses Bridges 2 ; second heat, Misses Buddeu and Partridge 1, Misses Brown and Crosbie 2 ; final heat, Misses Day and Crawford 1. Pair-oar Race-— First heat, Daly aud Hardie 1, Treleavea aud Cowlishaw 2; second heat, Crosbie aud Atkinson 1, Lee and White 2 ; third heat, Daly and Hardie 1, Ebert and Symes 2; final heat, Daly aud Hardie 1, Crosbie and Atkinson 2. Fishermen's Race—Walker Bros., 1. Swimming Race—Symes 1, Ebert 2. The duck hunt was won by Daly. Political.—The Hon. the Premier left for the South by tho express on Saturday. Magisterial.—There was no business for transaction at the Christohurch Magistrate's Court on Saturday. Supreme Court.—The long vacation in connection with the Supreme Court came to an end ou Friday. The Circuit sittings of the Court at Timaru open this week. The Late Bishop Luck.—lb is expected that Bishop Grimes will arrive from Auckland to-morrow. A solemn requiem mass will be celebrated in the ProCathedral, Barbadoes Btreet, shortly after the Bishop's arrival. An Ester, rising Firm.—Mr T. Fitzgsrald leaves, in April next, via Monte Video, in order to engage further talent for the circus. There are already several engaged who have achieved a world-wide reputation. University Examination Results.—ln the list of those who passed the matriculation examination the name C. Brown should have read G. Brown and A. J. Tanner A. J, Turner. Acknowledgments. —The Superintendent of the Lyttelton Sailors' Home acknowledges with thanks the following donations for the Seamen's Rest:—Periodicals from Mr Jenkins, Lyttelton ; illustrated Home papers from Mr W. Adolpb, ship Blenheim ; London Tit Bits from Mrs Arnold, sen., Lyttelton; magazines from Mr W. Guise Brittan, Australasians from the Lyttelton Fire Brigade. Concert.—An excellent concert was given in Mr Hawker's Beach Hall by the Richmond choir, under the leadership of Mr J. A. Fiesher, on Friday night. The Hall was well filled, and the various items, consisting of solos, duets and glees, also a flute solo by Mr Fiesher, "and a speech by Mr T. Newtown, were given in good style. At tho close a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the performers. Mr Fiesher, in acknowledging the vote, promised ab some future period to give another concert. After refreshments had been partaken of, tho visitors returned to Richmond. Kaiapoi Half-Holiday. — On Friday evening a special meeting of the Kaiapoi Borough Council was held. Present—the Mayor (Mr Feldwick), Crs. Webster, Drabble, Bugg, and Clark. It was explained by the Mayor that notioe had been given by the Inspector, under the Shops Assistants Act, that persons who wished to adopt a half-holiday different to that which the local body would fix had to do so before January 31st, and the Council now met to fix the half-holiday which waa most convenient to the majority. Cr. Drabble expressed the opinion that the Council should fix the halfholiday for all. Or. Clark inquired whose duty it was to see that the holidays were observed. The Mayor said the Canterbury Inspector had promised to have the senior constable appointed a sub-inspector. Councillors expressed the opinion that the weekly half-holiday throughout the colony shouid be fixed on Saturday afternoon. Cr. Drabble moved, Cr. Webster seconded— *■• That the weekly half .holiday be observed on Thursday afternoons." Carried. No action had been taken in regard to closing at 9 p.m. on Saturdays. DEFENCES OF WELLINGTON. The Evening Post of Saturday publishes opinions from two residents conversant with military matters, both strongly condemning the defences of the Port of Wellington. j ANGLING. The Ashburton river remains in good I fishing condition. The long spell of hot, ! dry weather is causing many of the subsidiary streams to dry up, and day after day the water becomes more confined to the main channel. THE GOVERNOR. Lord and Lady Glasgow, with their family and suite, returned from the Lakes to Dunedin on Saturday afternoon. His Excellency was received by the Mayor, the Naval Artillery furnishing a guard of honour and the Artillery firing a salute. THE BARQUE LOTHAIR. The Nelson Colonist of Thursday published the following paragraph :—" We hear that this vessel is not likely to sail for Callao for • few days, some financial matters having yet to be settled. Mr Fisher, the Italian Consul, returned to Wellington by the Grafton last evening, bat it is expected that he will visit Nelson again in a few days.

It is said that the expenses charged against the vessel during the month she hoe been here exceeded £200, aud that some of the charges made are protested against." EPIDEMIC OF BANKRUPTCY. The Samoa correspondent of the New Zealand Herald writes that financially Apia is in a worse condition than was ever known before. An epidemic of bankruptcy seems to be impending. THE MEDICAL CONGRESS. Theie will be 124 doctors present at the Medical Congress, which is opened at Dunedin to-day. A SENSATIONAL DIVE. At Wellington, yesterday, one of the officers of the barque Lutterworth dived from one of the yards into the water, the height being about 50ft. SAN FRANCISCO MAIL. Tho Mahinapua, with the Sau Francisco mail, arrived at Wellington at Bix o'clock yesterday morning. The Omapere, with the Southern portion, left for Lyttelton at a quarter-past ten _.m. ENCOURAGING FOR FARMERS. An Auckland Press Association telegram states that the pro.pseta of our farmers and settlers at present are encouraging. Representatives of Melbourne and Sydney houses are there with the view of purchasm-* the gathered crops on the spot for cash, either by tho ton or in stack. Some owners in the south of Auckland had a tempting offer made for all their oaten sheaves standing, but although tbe prices were looked upon as very good and profitable, the growers wished to ascertain yesterday's auction quotations, with the result that they do not feel inclined to sell without an increase in the amount. A LIBERAL AND MODEST DONOR. For the ntnteenth year in succession, reports the Neio Zealand Church News, a Bank of England note for £100 has been placed in the offertory bag at St. Mary's, Kilburn, by a benevolent person unknown. The note has on each occasion been accompanied by a small slip of paper, signed "X " (always in tho same handwriting), requesting that tbe money should be distributed among the various charitable organisations connected with the church. A DEFAULTER CAPTURED. A Press Association telegram from Dunedin states that Frederick Home, the defaulting Secretary of the Dunedin Finance and Loan Company, who disappeared about five months ago, was arrested on Saturdayjust as he was about to board the barque Brior Holme, wool ladeu for London. The police were on the alert, aud having ascertained that a man named Christian Anderson bad been booked but was uot on board, Detective O'Connor and Sergeant Geerin went as far as the Heads with the barque. Some five miles from port a boat put off from the shore, in which Home was a passenger. When tho pilot boat put off Detective O'Connor captured his man and took him to Dunedin. Hia defalcations are said to be over £1000. GOLD AT PAHAUTANUI. Bayß a Wellington correspondent of the Otago Daily Times :—" It was found thus wise: Amongst the other barnyard domestics of his family were certain ducks of a curious turn of mind. It was not at all uncommon, but only in perfect keeping with things, that these useful birds should find their way to tho neighbouring brook aud fish about there for anything and everything wherewith to satisfy their inward craviugs. Tne ducks grew fat, bub one—'the daddy of the lob'—swallowed something that disagreed with it so much as to cause its sudden demise. Full of forebodings of ' foul' play, tbo busy, anxious spouse of Farmer J one 3 held a post mortem, aud at the inquest adduced such evidence and producea. such astounding products from the gizzird of the deceased as to cause a verdict of ' Died from an overdose of gold 1' The exhibit proved to have been quite half a thimbleful of gold, some pieces being as big as barley corns. Now, the only place this duck could have mined for the gold was in the bed of the Horokiwi Creek, and so after a proper burial the farmer hither hied, and putting down several holes found the bed rock at a depth of 4fb and prospects of gold thereon. Mr Jones is now preparing to put down a paddock, and in the eveut of getting payable prospects, he will lose no time in opening out and working the ground on a larger scale. It is but right to add that tho golden ground is all on private property."