NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9916, 22 December 1897, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Thf, WKKKUf Press. — The current Weekly Press is a seventy-two page paper, and it should be noted that it coete threepence to send it to the United Kingdom or to Queensland. The handsome town of Oamaru is selected for illustration, and makes a most creditable representation of New Zealand civilisation; in addition, the tangi over Paora Taki has furnished several picturea, and there are some large portraits of the Royal Family from recent photographs. Numerous stories for Christmas reading are provided, written by the most popular authors of the day, and there are some clever contributions from New Zealanders. The Referee is full of information, concerning the forthcoming holiday racemeetings, the Auckland R.C.s summer Sathering especially being exhaustively ealt with. The trotting department is full of interest, while the athletic, oycling, cricket and other out-door pastimes receive great prominence this week. Promotios.—Mr C. A. Richardson has been appointed to the secretaryship' of the New Zealand branch of the Mutual Life Association in Wellington, as successor to Mr A. Gilbert, who was recently promoted to the London Branch. Mr Richardson has been accountant at the principal office in Sydney for a number of years, and was at. one time captain of the New South Wales team of cricketers againtt the English and intercolonial elevens.

Held Over.—Over to the great pressure en our space, caused by political news, echool prize distributions, &c, we are compelled to hold over our "Jotting* for Women," several letters to the editor, 4c. Pkpartino Cyclists.—Some of the visitfug cyclists who competed at the race meetjail on Saturday left last evening. A number of local cyclitts gathered at the station |o fiiv I lie mi oIT. \Vi:st Oxford.—A social gathering in foiiiie-'tion with tho lawn tennis club was jiel.l at. tho Town Hall last Thursday. Much <!i-e>iil is <luc to the indefatigable secretary, >Ir K. Mounsey, for the way in which he worked to make the social a success. Fkmohts.—The Freight Reduction Committee will not in future be able to quote Australian rates of freights on wool in eupport o< their oft-repeated arguments, that the New Zealand rates are excessive. The Sire-tent rates in Sydney by sailing ship are (1 for greasy, and Jd for washed wool, while thu Freight Reduction Committee are carrying it 5-16(1 and 7-16 d. . Calkndak*. —We have, received calendars for 1393 from the Sun Fire Office (Kinsey, Barm* aivl Co., agents) and Messrs W. Recce and Son. Tho latter is a local production, representing nport in New Zealand, and was designed and printed in the Press Company's jobbing department. Thk National, Union or Typists. —The first typewriting certificates in New Zealand Kantm by the National Union of typists, union, have b<»en gained by Misees A. Hart, 0. Whitoouibe, F. Farrow, M. JCiver, and Meesrn H. W. Lockyer-Digby, »nd .T. H. H. Dunkley. Thk Brown Benkkit.—lt is satisfactory to be able to record that the efforts of the committee in connection with the recent benefit concerl to Mr Brown resulted in the tery substantial sum of £102 being realised. Kanoiora AimßTio Association PrivitwiK*.— The privileges for the Association for the New Year's sports have been sold. •Confectioner's booth, Mr W. Edwards, £6; publican's booth, Mr M. Scott, £10. A list of the open events, for which entriee close on Monday next, appears in this issue. Midday Train on North Line.—lt if understood that the Railway Department has.rtfusod the application of the settlers on the north line and residents at Amberley to attaoh a passenger carriage to the mid-day luggage train, which would have proved a great convenience, and would have been a eource of revenue to the railway. UARHKLn.— The Darfield Union Sunday School held their anniversary on Sunday. The Rev. J. Clover officiated iv the morning and evening, and the Rev. Bowie in tho afternoon. The school children sang selections from "Heart and Voice" at each service. Mr Withcll conducted and Mies 'M. MofTatt played the organ. On Monday evening the prizes were distributed by the Rev. Bowie. Selections and recitations were given by the school children. Planjct Jβ. Implements. — At West Oxford, yesterday, a vary successful trial of those labour-Raving implements took place, in the presence of a number of farmers and market gardeners. The final trial of the Planet Jr. implements, under the supervision of the American export, will take place to-day at 2 p.m. on Mr D. Kruee's farm, North road. Hudson's Surprise Party.—Tho change of programme last night at the Theatre i Royal by tho Hudson Surprise Party drew a crowded house. All the various items on the programme, tho majority of which were now, went with all the go which has characterised the performances of this clever company. To-night the season will come to a close, and the farewell programme is one of unusual attractiveness. As this is the last occasion on which Christchurch playgoers will have an opportunity of seeing these really excellent entertainers, no doubt there will be a large gathering. Christ's Collkgk Cadets. — Colonel Gordon inspected the Christ's College Cadets in the college quadrangle yesterday afternoon, when there was a muster roll of forty-Reven. In the absence of Captain Cotterill, Lieutenant Lindsay was in command. The corps was exercised in com- ' , panydrillbyLieutenant Lindsay, in company drill with markers by Lieutenant Wceton, in manual firing by Colour-Sergeant Blunden, in the new bayonet exeroiee by Sergeant Louieson, and in physical drill with arms by Bergeanti Holderpes? and Fox and Corporal Oyerton. The instructor, Major U. V. Richards, was present, as were also some of tho school staff and a number of spectators. • Christchurch Cycling Club. — The Committee of the Club met last evening. The secretary reported that the profits of Haturday'e race meeting were £50. The following officials were elected for the meeting on Christmas Day :—Referee, Mr R. C. Biehop; judges, Messrs T. Bassett, J. P. Kelly and H. Fleming; result board, Messrs A. F. Hobos and D. Ryan ; starter, Mr W. G. Williams; scratching steward, Mr G. Harris ; clerks of the course, Messrs R. L. Adams and J. Boyd; timekeepers, Messrs G. Hulston, E. Clarkson and R. H. Thompson; laptakere, Messrs F. T. Pannell and J. Henderson; Press stewards, Messrs A. T. Washer and C. Pannoll; stewarde, Mesers W. E. Thompson, J. S. Kemp and C. H. Cotton. It was decided to engage the professional band and to add a consolation race and spectators' race to the programme. Thk Dunkdin Cycling Record.—Mr W. A. Thompson, who started at 1 a.m. to try and break the Christchurch - Dun•din record, reached Timaru at 10 a.m. yeaterday, after being 9hrs on the journey from Christohurch. The time is an hour under record time for that distance. Mr Thompson had a mishap early on the toad. Just before Dunsandel, twenty-five miles from Christchurch, was made the tandem pacers came to grief and Mr Thompson rods over them. He was not hurt nor mc machine damaged. He remounted and HxJe on. The tandem's front wheel was •fcdljr buckled, and by the time it was • fafriy straightened Mr Thompson was too fer ahead to bo overtaken. Under rather •jiverse circumstances Mr Thompson continued his journey from Timaru, and at 3.34 p.m. ho made Olenavy, 137£ miles from Ohristchnrch. Here he met heavy rain, a •trong head wind, and roads too rough for fast work, so gave up the attempt and rode •lowly on to Oamaru. It Is probable that another attempt will be made at an early date.

PRKSKNTATIONS.—A trio of presentations took place last night at Miss Carr's school of shorthand. Tho first of these was to Mr H. W. Lookyer-Digby, and comprised the two medals and certificates given by Sir * Isaac Pitman and Sons for 200 and 220 ' worda per minute, the latter being the Australasian record. The presentation was ' made by Miss Ethel Hart in a very neat epoech, in the course of which she referred to tho pride felt by the scholars of Miss ;Carr's school at the success attained by Mr Kgby. She also presented Mr Digbv, on behalf of the pupils, with a handsome dressing bag, in commemoration of his having made the Australasian record. Ihe fag bore a silver plate with a eoitJole inscription. A second presentation followed, being made to Miss Ethel Hart by Mr E. M. Carr on behalf of the pupils of ™« Bchool, in recognition of Miss Hart having been the firet in New Zealand to ' obtain a certificate for 150 words per toinute. The presentation took tho form" of »,. • very handsome brooch, which was duly fc&aowledged by Mies Hart The third , ; Presentation was made to Miss A. M. Carr oy her pupils, through Mr G. Webster. I'hia was a handsome gold cable bracelet, tod was given as a mark of the esteem and aspect in which Miss Carr is held by her pupils. Ifc was duly acknowledged by Mise Carr. The Beckrnham Estate.—The Becken-, "am estate, the property of Captain Fisher, *M offered for sale yesterday at Mr Charles Clark's rooms. The property, which 19 Jitoate in Colombo etreet south, near the foot of the hills, comprises one hundred *J*es which have been cat up into sections. The sale was in conjunction with Messrs <* ' £yne an d. Co., and EL Matson and and Mr Brown acted as auctioneer. The whole property waa first offered in one lot. A atart was made at and the bids finally ran up to £5460. At this price it was withdrawn. The home•tead block, comprising five acres two roods and twenty perches, with house, grounds, Stables, dairy, fee., was then offered, but Jaa withdrawn at £560. Lot 7of the subdivision next came under offer. This comprised half an acre with 100 ft frontage to Colombo street. It was withdrawn at £109. Mf Brown then stated that the trustees «»&rt instructed him to withdraw the whole °i the estate and to treat privately with *oy buyers who might desire to purchase. .■ BoxiNo Day Excursions.—The particud -n "* °' *^ c ra, il wa y excursions on Boxing fl 'j ay to Otarama and Little River appear I Wscwhere, as also the train alteration* for :■' we bicycle race*

Personal. — His Excellency Viscount Hampden, Governor of New South Walea, the Hon. Dorothy Brand, Miss Darley and Captain Feilden, "A.D.C., arrived in Christchurch yesterday from Wellington and have taken up their residence at (Joker's Hotel. They remain here a few days and then go on to Mount Cook.

Dn. Lamb.—The Rev. Dr. Lamb, who was compelled to leave the New Hebrides some months ago owing to ill health, is now in Cbrietchurch, and is much better than he was. He has been residing for a few months in Queensland, and finds that fine dry climate specially adapted to lung trouble. After getting some special business in connection with the mission arranged, Dr. Lamb intends to return to Queensland, where he trusts to be recuperated .and return to the New Hebrides in April next. Dr. Lamb's cpecial work, the building of a hospital at Ambrym, New Hebrides, is completed and in working order.

Odokkllowship.—The annual meeting of the Rangiora Oddfellows' Lodge was held on Monday evening, when the officers elected were—Bros. J. Bishop, N.G. ; R. Cook, V.G. ; J. Frost, E.S. ; J. Griffiths, G.M. and L.M. ; W. J. Wilson and J. Voss, auditors. A vote of thanks to Bro. Jeffries, G. M., was passed. He was presented with a P.O. certificate and his name ordered to be put on the respect board. A motion of sympathy to Mrs O'Rourke, mother of Bro. R. O'Rourke, was passed, and the deceased brother's name ordered to be placed on the respect board. Notice was given to form a benevolent fund. At the Pioneer Juvenile Lodge the officers elected were— Bros. W. Jones, G.M.; N. W. Jones, N.G.; E. Trollope, V.G. ; A. Nottiugham, G.S.

Nkw Brighton School. — The annual picnic of the scholars attending the New Brighton borough school was held in Mr Corsair's grounds at Tai Tapu on Monday. The New Brighton Tram Company brought the children up to the city in the morning, and the City and Suburban Company conveyed them back at night, both free of charge. They were taken in drags to Tai Tapu, where a thoroughly enjoyable day was spent. At the conclusion cheers were- given for the Mayor of Now Brighton (Mr K. C. Bishop), to whose generosity Ihe children* were indebted for their outing, and also for the committee and teachers. The annual school concert was held last night. Dunsandel Sale.—Owing to the monthly sale at Dunsandel falling on Boxing Day there will be no sale this month

Fksdalton School Bath.—Two concerts in aid of the Femlalton school bath iuncl will be given by children to-night and to-morrow night. Tattersam/s Hobsb Sale.— Aβ will be seen by a notification elsewhere, owing to Saturday next being Christmas Day, the usual horse sale at Tattersall's will take place on Friday next at 11 a.m. Boy.s' High School. —The speech day in connection with the Boys' High School will take place in Canterbury College hall this evening, at 7.30. Property Sales.—To-day Mr Charles Clark offered a building site of three acres in Colombo street south. This brought £60 per acre, the purchaser being Mr George Dale.

Wkstland County Council. —As will be seen by a notification elsewhere, applications are iuvited by the Weetland County Council for an engineer. Applications will be received at the County Chambers, Hokitika, up to Wednesday, January 12th. Sydenham and Addington Crickkt Club.—The formal opening of the new pavilion of this club in the Sydenham Park will take place on Christmas Day at 4 p.m., when the Mayor of Sydenham will preside. Afternoon tea and refreshments will be provided. Frozen Meat Company.— The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Frozen Meat Company will take place in the hall of the Chamber of Commerce at 3 p.m. to-day. Scholastic—Mies Sweet, who has been for six years assistant mistreae in the kindergarten school bo successfully carried on by Mrs Bendely, and latterly by Miss Bendely, in Montreal street, notifies elsewhere in this issue that she has purchased the goodwill of the school from Mies Bendely. In future the school will be conducted uuder Mis 3 Sweet's own management. The " breafcingup" entertainment and picnic took place yesterday, and the date of re-opening will be announced in a future issue.

Pionkkr Bicycle Cltjb.—The handicaps for the cycling events at the Pioneer Boxing Day races are published elsewhere, and, as will be seen, are far in excess of previous years. Thirty-six entries have been received for the Two Mile Second-class Handicap, which goes to prove that amateur cycling is still in the ascendency. The great Pioneer Cycle Handicap contains some of the beet known racing men in the colony, and will be the best and most exciting race of the year. Christchcrch Music Hall.—The erstwhile Temple of Truth bos been re-named the Christchurch Music Hall, and has been entirely refitted and arranged for email companies. A moveable proscenium and butterfly folding wings have been put in, with a scenic backing, and the whole arrangements so completed that a small dramatic company can give performances. The Nrw Zealand Natives' Association.—The iirsb meeting for the purpose of forming the Chris tehurch branch of the New Zealand Natives' Association will be held in the Temple at eight o'clock this evening. The chair will be taken by Mr W. H. Cooper. Mr W. Recce has been nominated for the position of president of the association, and Mesar3 H. J. Beawick and T. W. Stringer as vice-presidents, while some of the beat known and moat influential citizens of Christchurch will be nominated for the committee. The objects of the association will be explained by Mr Poison, a member of the Wellington committee, who has been instructed to form the Christchurch branch.

Military Tournament and Concert. — It ie announced that the military tournament and fireworks postponed from Anniversary night on account of the weather will be held in the drill grounds ou Boxing night. The postponement ehould not militate against the success of the gathering, as additional entries have been received from several corpo in Otago, Christmas week being more suitable for them than the day previously, fixed. In consequence of the additional entries it has been found neceesary to enlarge the ground originally laid off for the contests and to provide extra lighting power. Seating accommodation ia being provided for over 2000 people. The concert will be repeated, with new songs, dances and impersonations and several added attractions.

Don't Forget.—At Mr Charles Clark's rooms thU day Sale of Pledges, commencing at 12 noon.—[Advt.] Town Talk.—Everyone is talking ot Looargan's assigned drapery stock. On Friday, Saturday and Monday the crowd of eager buyers was so great the doors had to be closed. The public fully realise the grand opportunity offered and are buying with great spirit. The prices are really quite irreeistible, and as every article must be sold fresh lots of extra bargains will be offered each day. This morning the stock of fancy goods for Christmas will be offered at half-price. Millinery and mantles have been further reduced for a speedy clearance. 3348 Special.—lf you require a tonic take the beet—Syrup of Hypophoephites. Barnett, chemist! lib bottles 4e od, $lb 2s 6d.— [Advt.] Bicvcut Repairs by competent work men, satisfaction guaranteed, charges reaonable. Barlow Cycle Company, 48 Manchester etreet, next Coker's. 8988

Maoonochib's Worcester Sadce is the best of sauce. Piquant and appetising, it is an excellent " pick mc up." Few saucer equal it and none surpass it. 2239 Out ok a Total of 353 Ctclks exhibited recently at the New Zealand Metropolitan Cycle Show, held at Christchureh, and the RangioraandCanterbery Agricultural Shows, 314 were fitted with Dunlop tyres, or over 88 per cent. Dunlops. Facts like these speak volumes for the quality and popularity of these well-known tyres. The Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Co., Ltd., 128 Lichfield street, Christchurch. 7630

Hcbbard, Hall and Co. for Christmas hams, Christmas fruits, preserving sugars, teas, andj all kinds of general groceries at lowest prices. 2159 Buy * Gramophone, the latest and ruo3. wonderful home entertainer ever invented Sole agents New Zealand, Barlow Cycle Company, 48 Manchester street, next Coker's. 9888

Maconochik Bros. , Marmalade lim a world-wide reputation. Made from the finest Seville oranges it is always an ac otpUbU »fiß«tfMr at the breakiaat übl*.

THK TICK PEST. Dr. Brittiu, who has juet returned from Australia, has brought with him exhibits and' photographs of the tick pest, which, together with the reports of the intercolonial conference on the tick pest and red water disease, can be seen at the A. and P. Association offices. One photograph shows the blood of a bullock thickly sprinkled with tbe micro-organisms of the tick fever. POSTAGE ON HOME PAPERS. Purchasers of the Weekly Prest for transmission to the old country or to Queensland should note that owing to the inclusion of extra paged the postage this week will be threepence. THE INFLUENZA IN WELLINGTON. Influenza ia still rampant at Wellington, and the visitation is more widespread than on any previous occasion. The epidemic is remarkable for the variety of its effects on its victims. The chemists in Wellington are rushed for quinine. AN OLD GIRLS' ASSOCIATION. The chairman of the Canterbury College board of governors is responsible for the proposal that an "old girl*' association" should be established in connection with the Christchurch Girls' High School. Christ's College and the Boys' High School had " old boys' associations," and he saw no reason, he said, why an association of the "old girls" of the Girls' High School should not be formed to keep the past in touch with the present, and to uphold the prestige the institution had established. THE NEW POSTCARDS. We have received samples of the new postcards—one Id and the other Nearly three-fourths of the back is taken up with representations of New Zealand scenery —Mount Cook, Otira Gorge, Waipiti geyser and Mount Egmont. The views are very well executed in colours, but the space left for writing any message is very limited. The cards, however, are very suitable for sending Christmas greetings, and will no doubt be largely employed for this purpose. Scenery postcards are very much used in Switzerland and Germany, where they are largely purchased by tourists, who post them to their friends. Doubtless the New Zealand cards will be used for the same purpose. They are certainly much superior in point of get-up to most of the Continental cards that we have seen. BRIDGE CONSTRUCTING. The following is abridged from the Southland correspondence of the Otago Witness. Nearly the whole of the work referred to was prepared and fitted together in the firm's yard at Lyttelton before being sent out:—" The bridge over the Mataura above Fortrose was practically handed over to the Government last week. Ie is a fine substantial structure, erected on the cylinder principle, with a span of 80ft, sunk to a depth of 29ft in the bed and 50ft on the banks. The average depth of cylinder is 56ft. The bridge contractors were J. and A. Anderson, of Christchurch. In the way of bridge-contracting the firm have become rather prominent. This makea the twentyfifth iron bridge manufactured and erected by them, of which twenty were superintended by Mr Sneddon. At Millar's Flat, on the Molyneux, another of the firm's bridges is now in course of construction. Mr Sneddon, who made himself popular during his stay in this neighbourhood, left a few days ago for Christchurch." The same firm have manufactured and erected seven bridges for the Midland Railway Company and eight for the Otago Central, and have manufactured, biit not erected, for the Government the large Kapua viaduct in the North Island, lately completed.