NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9602, 17 December 1896, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Thk WKRicr.v Prkss.—A page of intereai to every fanner is that in which Sreddressing Machinery at Addington is des. cribed and illustrated. Among other varied illustrations thoso of torpedo work, from photographs lent by Mr fcrank Harris, at* novel. The literary pages are extremely well filled, and we note thab Professor Mathew's paper on " Universities, Old, aad New," is accompanied by an excellent portrait. The pulpit portrait of the week is the Rev. Win. Cruden. Supreme Court.—His Honour Mr Jnstica Denniston will hold a sitting in Chawbenj to-morrow, at 11 a.m. Mayoral Installations.—The installation of Mr W. H. Cooper as Mayor ol Christchurch will take place to-day at noon, That of Mr Waymouth as tho Mayor of St. Albans will be hold at 7.30 p.m. Wbka Pass Excursion.—The excursion* tram to Weka Pas 3 will leave the Christ* church station at 8.10 a.m., and Papanui station at 8.30. A special tram will eonneci with this train at Papanui, leaving Christ* church at 7.50 and St. Albans at 8 o'clock,' The 8 tram from Christchurch will also W in time. Distribution ok Prizes. — Tho presentation of the prizes to tho saholars of the Monastery of the Sacred Heart school, con« ducted by the Religious of Notre Dame deMissions, will take place to-day at 2.30 p.m. His Lordship Bishop Grimes will preside. A very excellent programme of vocal and instrumental music, recitations, &c., has been arranged for the occasion. Conobrt at Leeston.—On Tuesday night Mr H. Jtossiter conducted a concert at Leeston in aid of the Catholio schools of that district. The concert was a success, and the arList-* who went up from <town were cordially thanked by -the Rev. Father Chervier. Kaiapoi Musical Socirty.— The final rehearsal for the Christmas concert ,woa held on Monday evening. The programme is an attractive one, as, in additionally local band and a -horns of 100 performer., solos will be given by Mrs and Miss CorrlokMr Puschell and Mr R. Halley. ■**. Angling.—The rivers Opihi and Temulfi 1 are in grand order for fishing-, although & good baskets have been made lately. - A slight fresh would do no harm, and' clear some of the streams of the weed that il rapidly growing this weather. # ■ Tiikatrical. —Mr J. Morgan, who is in, advance of the Delroy Company, arrived last night from tho South to make arrangements for the opening of the Company here on Boxing night at the Theatre Royal. .Misjj Ada Delroy and Mr Bell, who are well tun favourably known to tho Chriatchur--public, are the principals of tho Company. . Garden Party.-—Mr J. Freeman gave a garden party to his employees at Somervil'le, Sydenham, yesterday, which ..was a marked success. He also entertained at the same place the inmates of the Jubilee Home, who spent a pleasant and happy time. During the day. a musical programme, in which many leading musicians took patti was given, and at the conclusion tho hoafc and hostess were accorded hearty cheers. . Inter-provincial Bicycle Races.—TM programme for the Pioneer Bicycle Clab 8 Annual Intel-provincial Race Meeting, to> be held at Lancaster Park on Boxiflg Dayis published in another column. t ThPioneer Club's meeting this year promise - * to be one of the best yet held. Already intimations have been received from the best riders of Auckland, Otago, WestlatibV and Wellington of their intention to compete. Entries close to-day with the Secretary a* the Club's rooms. .

&A--K OF WORK. JtX. muaii ouuvotioiuy-;— of work was held in the Druids' Halt Lincoln, on Friday last, in connection-wittt St. Stephen's Churcli. Mr Gray, of tJA School of Agriculture, opened the sue » little after 2 p.m., when business WM begon, and was continued until 11 p.m., ri&tiltwff. in over £40 being raised for the purpos* « reduoing the debt on the church.. Xfl| ladies, who for the last six month* hM» 5 worked hard, are to be congratulated ojton? the success of the undertaking. '.'___ Fancy Fair.—-There was a very ltfFi attendance at the U.R.O. fanoy oaro-V-V*. the Opera Houtfo, last night, when *», audience doubled that of the opening. WP< mony. Most of the items were' enapfwbnt the demands could not lie complied The "Feast of Lanterns" and "Crescent March," by the children, were e«tre»*»lj[ pretty. MissL. Thompson and Mr Kflgw sang, and Mr Ryan gave hia recitation 'TW time I backed the winner." The Bmw»* ladies gave the fan dance " Dinah, D«' Do," which was highly appreciated. *&*, fair will open again this evening, >«**' auother programme of amusement vruh « given. The Sydenham Band will give,their services on this occasion. i Masonic—The installation of W.M. ana investiture of his officers of Lodge of*' 0 * grew No. 22, N. Z. C., took place at Southbridge on Wednesday evening. There was ft fl**** attendance of the brethren and '*W™>* brethren. The ceremony of installing .«•"■■ performed by the R.W. Grand S*Jpe«**~ tendent Bro. J. J. Hamilton, assisted ME »* Grand Lodge officers. Tlie following omeM were duly installed—W.M., Bro. D- Of. mour; S.W., Bro. F.Paddy; J-W„?% J. Cowan ; Secretary, Bro. Geo. Treasurer, P.M. Bro. R. Webster; te-*?t**' Bro. E. Cowan; J.D., Bro. R. P. fjjf 1.G., Bro. T. E. Boyce. At the clo.eof~t*w Lodge the brethren adjourned to re *J*f"2' ments, the usual Masonic t honoured. The catering was in the M»*g; of Bro. W. Hibbard, who gave *»*«? sati sf action. ■*" • " 4 . *f The "Victory" Sewing Very few people can realise what ,**L machine is capable of. The vanety, « ■work it accomplishes without alterationi w. tension, needle or cotton is quite a tion to expert machinists, and roust' w seen to be believed. Every detail w be explained in the new department »ow opened at the D.I.C. No one flb£»« think of purchasing a sewing »f P" without fire, seeing the "Victory..., 1363 . -: Nrrvk.—Tho best brain and nerve tonia yet discovered is Compound Syrup «* Hypophosphites. Barnett and Co., Victon* atreet. fiw-S ... * Lovkly Akaroa—the prettiest _««-?™* resort .n New Zealand. Boating, MP"ffi fern-gatheriug, &c. Every Grange's Family Hotel, on the Bea-cn. . At»vt.l ,- '.q-V Goons at Whot.wialb PsioM-T/£>. Wardell Broa'. new list. ;"."-•*"

Masonic. —Tho installation of the W.M. elect of the Crown Lodge, S.C.oand the investiture of his officers, will take place {anight at 7.30 at the Masonic Hall, Montreal street. WoKKiso Mkn's Club.—An extraordinary general meeting of the members of the Chri«'- c}im 'eh Working Men's Club will be held this evening, at nine o'clock, to elect * w o Com mi t toemon, &c. P.AHAVAV Sick Bknrhit Society. —A general meeting of the members of the above will be held at 0 o'clock to-night in the room over Telegraph Department, Chrietchurch Mimical Usion\— The performance by the Jfusicivl Union of "The Creation " will take place this evening in the Temple, Madias street. The solos will be taken by Miss A. Corrick, Mo«»rs Millar and Puscholl. The final rehearsal ou Tuesday evening gives prpjniso of a very excellent performance of {he work to-night. By the removal of the organ more apace has been got for the orchclni and chorus without encroaching * on the seating accommodation of the body . of the hall. ... *' ORAN'fiE'sM , -— A specinl summoned meeting of No. <\ District, L.0.L., was held last evening in the Orange Hall, Worcester street. The W.D.M., Bro. Hanna, presided, nnd was supported by Bro. - J. Mathers. R.W.G.M. Middle Island, N.Z. ; Bro. Tolerton, P.W.G.M.; Bro. Caygill, G.S. ; B»'°- 0'"'"- f»-T. ; and Bros. \Vhite, pouglasand Simpson, P.D.M.'s. The correspondence was dealt with, including the I business sheet for the coming G.L. meeting »t Timaru, and District delegates were appointed. Tho balance-sheet, which was adppted, showed a substantia! credit balance, and the Order generally was reported to be in a flourishing condition. The R.W.0.M., at the request of the i W.D.M., presented P.D.M. Bro. Diffin with B framed certificate nnd P.D.M. Bro. Simpeon with a handsomely engraved pendant in recognition of services rendered. The re- j dpients suitably responded. The W.D.M. thanked the oHicers for the hearty support accorded him, and wished the incoming officers a prosperous year. The election resulted as follows:—W.D.M., Bro. Me-! , Causland; D.D.M., Bro. Nash; D.S., Bro. j Bailey; D.T., Bro. Taylor; D.C., Bro. Woodall; and Committee, Bros. Beattie, Hodgen, Maakrey, Diffin and Hampton. Votes of thanks were passed to tho G.L. officers, retiring officers and acting Secretary. CHP.iSTCHuncn Diocesan Choral Association'. —A general meeting of members of the Association was held at Dr. Irving's Jiouse on Monday. The Precentor (the Rev. Walter Duiikley) was in the chair, and at hie request Mr Bellhoiise acted as Secretary. Apologies were made for the absence of Dr. Irving, Mr C. F. Turner, and the Rev. W. T. P. Winter, who also resigned from the Committee. The Acting Secretary read the annual report, and on the motion of Mr Scott, seconded by Mr Smith, the consideration of the annual report and statement of accounts was deferred to tho next general meeting. Correspondence was read from (he Rers. H. C. M. Watson and W. T. P. Winter. Mr Wells read the scheme . for tho better management of the Association, which had been drawn up by a duly-appointed Sub-Committee, and after some discussion it was moved by Mr ficott, seconded by Rev. H. Airay Watson, , •' That; tho document be printed or type-, Written, and distributed amongst the choirs for their approval, or otherwise, as they may consider best." It was decided to commu- , nicate with Mr Wells while he was in England re the Service Book for the next Festival. A vote of thanks was given to Mr Bellhouse for his services at the late Festi- " val, and on the motion of Archdeacon Lingard he was requested to act until the ad- - journed meeting, which it was decided should bo held on the second Monday in February next. A vote of thanks to the Diocesan Choirmaster, and wishing him lon 'voyage, brought the meeting to a close. . Save Your Babies.—Use Townend a < Tasteless Teething Powders. These powders ', cannot be excelled in allaying irritation in , teething. All storekeepers. W. P. Town•nd, 183 Colombo street. 1982 "Flor de Nave," "Hoffman House,'. ■ •♦Muria's" and other grand 6d Cigars at , Dnvies and Lambs. th The Baby's Food. —More than the photo ~ Try new Health Food, watch baby outgrow Vi «ihe photo. Send post card for free sample. < f Supplies Company, 245 Cashel „■.., Street. , * 674 Trek.—Hubbard, Hall and "\T.Co.*e Gigantic Christmas Tree, covered with .".beautiful presents, is the admiration of ; everyone. 383 : - Goods at Whoi/rsalb Pricks. — See ''.Wardell Bros', new list. 312 A COVETED POST. Two hundred applications were received for the post of caretaker of the Little Barrier Reserve, salary £160. Several ship- ■ masters were among the applicants. A MEMORIAL PORTRAIT. At the breaking-up of the Dunedin Girls' High 'School, yesterday, Mrs Reynolds unveiled a portrait in oils of Miss Dalrymple, through whose efforts thirty years ago the school was mainly founded. AN APOLOGY DEMANDED. The Qarterton Observer understands that Mt A. Armstrong, Returning Officer for tho , ' Wairarapa, has instructed his solicitor to demand from Mr Coleman Phillips a public ftpology and retractation of. certain alleged slanderous statements ; failing this an action for damages, laid at £1000, will be commenced. , PRESERVATION W NATIVE BIRDS. ■ Mr Henry has returned to Wellington from Resolution Island, where for nearly two and a half years he has been attending to the preservation of New Zealand birds, chiefly in transferring the different species from the mainland to the island, where they ■would have a better chance to thrive. Mr Henry has in this way transferred over 190 varieties, THE PETONE~MURDERS. Stephon Boaher, who is now serving a - Sentence of two years, will (says- the Neiv Zealand Times) be charged in ahout three Weeks' time with the murder of Mr and Mrs Jones, at Petone. Basher's second wife (now Miss Recce) is in better health than j , Bhe has been for some time past. When tho ; trial comes on there will be between sixty \ and seventy witnesses. The police are adducing very strong evidence, and the case , is likely to cause widespread interest. ; ANGLING. Angling is now (says the Timaru Herald) in full swing in the various trout streams, *nd at the headquarters of the sons of Itaak Walton at Winchester, the Wolseley Hotel, a good tally has already been made this season. Visitors are bringing in splendid baskets daily, and the record up to the present exceeds) 1000 fish. A good nwny Australians have entered their names in the visitors' book this season, and others nave announced their intention of visiting Winchester for the Christmas holidays. It .; "mat be a great treat to exchange sun- , browned Australian scenes for the pleasant verdancy of Winchester. The rainbow trout, which were liberated in the Waihi a few months ago, are doing very well. Many of them arc seen from time to time, and they are evidently growing nicely and thriving, showing good condition. ADJUSTMENT OF COMPASSES. In response to the deputation which Waited on him on Tuesday, the Minister of i Marine has decided to issne a regulation empowering the Department to grant a license to masters of foreign-going ships to "Adjust the compasses of their own vessels upon payment of a fee of ten shillings. It Will not be necessary that a licensee should specially adjust his compasses before sailing "he in satisfied that they are properly adjusted, and the certificate will be sufficient evidence that the compasses are satisfactorily adjusted. A WEIRD SCENE. j On rare occasions a phenomenon, similar to that sometimes seen in the Hartz mountains in Germauy, and known as the j Spectre of the Brockon," can be seen from the summit of Ben Nevis, Nelson. The •knghtwater correspondent of. the Helton *<ul i writes that a party had a capital view ox the spectral shadows on Saturday week.

J»!j - ey to the nort h-east of the peak was mled with mist while the sun was nearly down in the south-west. To each member ot the party a complete circle composed of the rainbow apcetrtim was visible. Inside this circle the huge shadow of the beholder was displayed, and the smallest movement of hand or foot was made apparent in the shadow. It would be impossible to judge the distance of the apparition, but as the mists advanced the outline.became mueli less distinct. One very clear figure appeared to rest on a peak which must have been two miles oft" at least. A very strange feature was that ono could not sec the shadow of his neighbour at all unless that neighbour were almost touching him, then the two circles would appear cutting one another. A person 6ft away would produce a spectre qutte invisible to anyone else. For fully half an hour the weird scene wae enjoyed, then the setting of the sun abruptly ended it. ORDER FOR BRAVERY. Our Wellington special correspondent telegraphs:-It will be remembered that some time ago the Premier determined upon the institution of a new order for bravery in New Zealand, and prizes were offered by the Government for the best designs for medals and certificate.". Designs were received from students at the Art Schools of Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, and elsewhere. The designs sent in, however, were few in number and poor in quality, except in two or three capes. Miss Florence Droome and Miss Milly Igglesden, of the Wellington school, took first and second prizes respectively for both medal and certificate. I learn, however, that the designs will not be marie use of, as the Home authorities will not allow Mr Seddon's new order. The prize money will, however, in all probability, be given to the successful students. MANUFACTURING STATISTICS. There were 98 grain mills in the colony in 1895, as against 129 in 1890; 52 flax mills as against 177 in 1890; and 22 soap and candle works, as against 19 in 1890. The number of hands employed at the grain mills in 1895 was 419. In 1890 it was 449. At the flax mills the figures were 2169 men and 1027 boys in 1890, and 484 men and 163 boys in 1895—a very large falling o/F. The wages paid at the flax mills in 1896 amounted to £17,544. In 1890 the amount was £116,168. iVlthough there were more soap and candle works in the colony in 1895 than there were in 1890, the number of hands employed and the amount of wages paid were considerably less. PROBABLE WATER FAMINE. There is a probability of a water famine in the City of Auckland. The Auckland Star suggests that before any costly scheme for a well water supply is undertaken it would be well to make an exhaustive examination of the volcanic localities. The editor believes that the ground in the neighbourhood of Mount Eden and the other extinct volcanoes must be honeycombed with great caverns, and it is quite possible that some of these are cisterns for enormous supplies of water that overflow, but never reach the surface near the city.