NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 9989, 19 March 1898, Page 7

NEWS OF THE DAY.

AtrcnoNs.—The advertisements of Msssrs W. Buss and A. P. Tutton will be found on page 11 of this issue.

The San Francisco Mail.—The San Francisco mail arrived in Wellington by train last night from New Plymouth, and will be brought on South by the Rotomahana, which is to arrive "in Lyttelton to-day.

The Crops at Cheviot.—The continual showers during the past few days have had a very beneficial effect on the feed at Cheviot. _ There are some good crops of turnips, and these are growing fast. Gorsh Fire. f. A fire, on Tuesday, started in a gors|e fence near Mr Montgomery's house at Annat, and spread te some trees and grass around the building. Several chains of fencing were destroyed and it was only with the greatest difficulty that the house was saved. The origin of the fiee is a mystery. Waddington.—A branch water-race has been made from the main, Malvern, aud connected with the one from the Hawkins that feed 3 Bangor and the Upper Greendale district, and there is now a splendid supply flowing through it. This will be of great assistance, as the farmers in that direction have at times this season been very short of water.

Fire at Halswell.—While Mr Patrick Pope and his family were at the Irish national concert on Wednesday night their house at Halswell was burned down. The building was of wood and comprised six rooms. It was insured for £120 in the Commercial Union, which office held a risk of £70 on the furniture. Nothing was saved, and the origin of the fire cannot be explained.

Diseased Fruit.—A proclamation has been issued by the Governor of New South Wales prohibiting the introduction into that colony of any plant or fruit affected by codlin moth, Queensland fruit fly, pear tree slug, scale insects (including San Jose scale), or such other diseases as may from time to time be proclaimed in the Government Gazette.

Christchurch Drum and Fife Band.— At a most enjoyable social held by the members of the Christchnrch Dram and Fife B*nd in their rooms, the Bandmaster, Mr VV. G. Crawford, presiding, songs were contributed by Messrs Rhodes, Woledge, McFarlane, Gay, Brightmore, Dixon, Sendall, Stewart, and Townend; instrumental selections were given by Messrs Crawford, Mcßae, Woledge, Rhodes and Trethowan ; and Messrs Woledge and Hale played a whistle duet. Refreshments were handed round during the evening. City Improvements.—Messrs Morrow, Bassett and Co. have purchased the section of land fronting on Cashel and Manchester streets, next to Mr Weeks' printing establishment. They intend erecting a large two-storey building iri brick, and transferring their business from Manchester street South there. The site is an exceedingly central one, and the new building will fill up the gap now existing at the corner of the streets referred to.

Concert at Port Levy. —Under the auspices of the Port Levy Tennis Club, a concert was held in the schoolhouse for the benefit of funds, .on Tuesday evening, Mr G. Fleming taking the chair. Songs were contributed by Misses Martin, Campbell, Lewis (of Pollard's opera company), Messrs Field, Hall and others, the entertainment oonclnding^with a farce, entitled " Dr. Bill's Stomach Pump." At the invitation of Mr Fleming, those present adjourned, to bis wool shed, where dancing was kept up till the next morning. A special steamer had been arranged for by Mr Fleming to take the visitors down.

Society for Social Ethics.—At the last meeting of the Executive of this Society resolutions were passed heartily approving of Dr. lrving's action in recommending the general use of cremation instead of the present system of earth burial, and expressing tbe Society's sense of the great loss to the world, aud more particularly to the W.T.0.U., occasioned by the death of their fearless and efficient leader, Frances E. Willard. An invitation to the Society to be represented at the meeting of the National Council of the Women of New Zealand in Wellington on April 20th, was accepted, and Mrs Mary H. Plunkctt was appointed delegate.

The English Football Team. — The news of the inability of Mr Mullineaux, of St. John's College, Cambridge, to bring a team of English footballers through the colonies before the season of 1899 has been received here with some amount of regret. Canterbury football last season was not up to a standard of perfection, and among those who take a lively interest in the game it was anticipated that the visitors this season would furnish an example worth emulating, besides giving to the sport an impetus it last season showed itself to be bo much in need of. However, as our players cannot have the example, they are not without advisers of the best style" of play to be adopted to earn a large measure of success on the Northern tour which takes place this year. -

Defective Weighing. —In connection with the defective weighing of grain by the Railway authorities, the Produce and Exporters' Committee of the Chamber of Commerce has forwarded the following resolution to the Minister of Railways:— "That the Committee again represents strongly to the Minister of Railways the gross injustice which continues to be made in weighing grain in trucks at Lyttelton. Already this season much confusion and annoyance has been caused to both merchants and sellers, and the present system is so inaccurate as to be of little value. As there are no other means available for weighing grain in bulk sent direct down to the vessel, the committee again urges that special instructions be given *on the subject, and that more care be taken in future." The Committee has embodied the resolution in a letter, in which it is added that the Committee understands that somewhat frequent changes are made in those who have to do with the weighing and making up of tbe weights, and suggested that possibly less confusion would result if the officials were less frequently changed. Bowliko. — The contest for the Ross medals has now been narrowed down to two rinks, skipped respectively by L. B. Wood and C. Jackson. It is probable that the final will be played off to-day.

To-day's " Troth."—The usual eightpage editions of Truth will be published to-day at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. The contents will comprise a large and varied selection of reading matter, consisting of further chapters of the interesting story " The Testimony of Esther Sandys," short tales and sketches, and a large number of up-to-date articles, together with the latest local and telegraphic news of the day. The Premier.— Telegrams were received in Lyttelton yesterday from the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, stating that it would be very inconvenient for him to leave Wellington that day and he could not address a meeting on Saturday. He will, however, meet his friends in Lyttelton on his return from Dunedin.

Pottcß Changk?. — Detective Benjamin leaves for Napier towards the end of next week.

Arrrsts.—Detective Chrystal arrested a man yesterday on a charge of having stolen last Saturday night a £1 note from the band of another man. —Constable McLeod arrested a man yesterday on a charge of stealing a watch. Truant Officer's Work. - At the Magiatrate'sCDurt, Christchurch, yesterday parents or guardians were convicted and fined in twenty cases of failing to ensure the attendance by their childreu at school. One case was adjourned and one dismissed. St. Patrick's Day.— Though there was no demonstration at Lyttelton on Thursday, the " wearing of the green" was much in evidence. Shortly before 11 o'clock at night some loud detonations as of a cannon and a few fireworks came from the lonic, presumably in honour of the occasion.

The Bland Holt Comtasv.—Mr and Mrs Bland Holt and the members of their company left for Dunedin yesteday. They open at the Princess Th.--._tre in "The Cotton King." Their season in Christchurch has been a remarkably successful one throughout. Mr Holt commences his Sydney season at -.aster.

Tub Express.—Owing in a great measure to the severity of the north-west wind which prevailed throughout Canterbury aud North Otago yesterday, the express train was delayed in transit, and did not arrive in Christchurch till 9.25 p.m., twenty-five minutes late. The traih was not a heavy

Good Templary.—At the usual session of the Hope of Christchurch Lodge there was a large attendance of members and visitors, including some bine jackets from H.M.S. Tauranga. Sister Eastwood, L.D., declared the result of the election tor District Deputy to be as follows :— Bro. A. Fellingham 26, Bro. T. C. Hill 11 and Bro. J. D. Wilson 9. Bro. Fellingham thanked the members for the honour of returning him for a second term, Greetings from England, Australia, Wellington and Gem of the Sea lodges were received and heartily reciprocated. Rangiora Morris Tube Club.— At the annual meeting of the Club on Thursday the officers elected were :—Patron, MV A. Y. Hay; president, Mr C. I. Jennings; vice-presidents, Messrs J. Sansom, U. Scott, E. W. Relph ; captain, Mr C. d'Auvergne ; vice-captain, Mr H. Gulliver; secretary, Mr J. J. Wilson ; treasurer, Mr R. Walker. The accounts showed receipts £12 3s 9d, payments £14 14s, assets —a credit of £4 12s. Votes of thanks to retiring officers and Mr J. O. Josling, bandicapper, were carried. It was decided that each member firing be charged sixpence, including nine cartridges. Cycling.—Mr F. D. Kesfceven, Secretary to the League of New Zealand Wheelmen, was a passenger toDunedin by yesterday's express in order to be present at the League's moating, to be held there on the 24th and 26th inst. " Don" Walker, the Melbourne holder of several amateur records, was also in the same train. Judging by the enthusiasm displayed by wheelmen in thvs meeting, it promises to be the Veritable championship meeting bf the colony, seeing that all the New Zealand cracks, as well as a number of Australian riders, are to compete at it. A number of local cycling enthusiasts will proceed to Dunedin on Monday morning. The Frank Thornton Season.—Mr *L. .T. Lohr, whose name is a household word in New Zealand in connection with theatrical matters, arrived last night from the South to make opening of Mr Frank Thornton's at the Theatre Royal. This'Viy on Friday, 25th inst., with "The Strange Adventures of Miss Brown." During the season the pieces to be produced will be, "ThePrivate Secretary," "Sweet Lavender," " Mamma," and " Charley's Aunt." In the South Mr Thornton has been most successful, and no doubt he will be equally warmly welcomed here.

Timaru Freezing Works.—At the invitation of* the Christchurch Meat Company, who are making very considerable enlargements and improvements to their works at Timaru, a number of gentlemen interested in the progress of refrigerating are to be present to-day to witness the new works in full operation, subsequently a luncheon will be given. Those who started for the scene of operation yesterday were Messrs Gilbert Anderson (manager of the Company), A. H. Turnbull and W. P. Cowlishaw. A number of others invited, including the Hon. J. T. Peacock (Chairman of the Company), Messrs J. Embling, R. B. Bennett (a representative of Fitter and Sons), W. H. Gundry, J. G. Murray, G. Scott, and J. A. Randall left last night in the Tokoraaru for Timaru. " l W.C.T.U.—The branch of the Women's Christian Temperance Union held their annual meeting in the Lee3ton Town Hall on Thursday last. During the afternoon an "At Home" was given to members and some 300 guests. The hall was tastefully decorated and a sumptuous spread was provided by the lady members. Mrs A. Arthur, President, occupied the chair. Miss read the annual report, &c, which showed the local branch had forty-six members. Miss Wills, Treasurer, presented the financial report, and this also was satisfactory. Mesdames Shepherd and Munnings (two visitors), the Revs. C. Griffin and W. Grant addressed the meeting, and musical items were given by several members. In the evening the ball was packed, when speeches and musical items mad«»/ up an interesting programme. The Rev. W. Grant presided.

The Smithfield Meat Market. — This establishment, situated in High street, near the Clock Tower, has been fitted up for Mr Jas. Knight, who has resumed business in Christchurch, and was opened to the public yesterday with a display of meat of the best quality. The shop has been fitted; up with a view to effect as well as to utility. It has an open front, -with the«xceptic_ of a smallgoods, window, which is enclosed in plate glass supported by an electroplated pillar. The whole of the window goods are arranged on a 16ft x sft marble -slab, and the hanging carcases are suspended from graded polished steel rails. The walls are covered with imitation tiles, except-where two plated mirrora, each 12ft x 10ft, are inserted. The ventilation is complete, and for evening lightiog there are tw» electric arc lights outside, nine incandescent electric lights under the verandah, and eieht inside the shop, worked from a marble switch board. Mr Knight opened with a special selection of meat. It included a first prize steer and heifer from Mr W. Henderson, beef from MrR. H. Rhodes and Mr Rorgfeldt, Southdown crossbred wethers from Mr S. Garforth and others, Down cross lambs from Mr W. F. M. Buckley, and veal and dairy fed pork from equally reliable sources. The display attracted much attention iast night.

Amberlet Art Union.—The drawing of the Amberley Art Union will take place on the 24th inst. '

Sheep Dog Trial Club.—A general meeting of the above will be held in Matson's land sale rooms at 2 p.m. to-day. Dialectic Soc_s_y.—The annual general meeting of the Canterbury College Dialectic Society will be held to-night, when the retiring President (Mr O. T. J. Alpers) will deliver an address.

Buy a Gramophone, the latest and most wonderful home entertainer ever invented. Sole agents New Zealand, Barlow Cycle Company, 48 Manchester street, next Coker's. 9880

Special.—lf yon require a tonic take the. best—Syrup of Hypophosphites. Barnett, chemist, lib bottles 4s od, Jib & 6d.— [Advt.]

Zealandia bicycles, £21, with the best of everything and twelve months* guarantee, are on top for good value. Write for catalogue. Gates, Lowry and Co., Zealandia Works, Christchurch.—f Anvt] Morepork celebrated- Mild Cured Ham 3 and Bacon can be had in any quantities from Hubbard, Hall and Co., Manchester street, next Miiner and Thompson-, 2159

The Governor.—His Excellency the Governor will arrive from Wellington today, and proceeds South on Monday to open the Dunedin Jubilee Exhibition. * Ministerial.—The Hons. J. M'Kenzie and W. C. Walker will arrive by the Rotomahana from Wellington to-day. Marksmeh _. Badges. — The following members of the Port Guards, Timaru, have secured marksmen's badges :— Colour-Sergt, Stephens 48, Sergeants Hathaway 51, Beckingham 53, Waugh 55, Corporals Budd 44, Beckinuham 51, Stevens 53, Privates Bain 47, Bufford 48, Bums 45, Catlow 44, Emmerlon 47, Gosney 61, Holgate 47, King 47, Pearson 55, Silverton 44, Stevenson 49. Cycling Tracks.—The civic authorities scarcely understood the boon they were conferring on cyclists when they had .the pathways through Latimer square asphalted. During certain hours of the day the track from Worcester to Hereford street is almost completely in charge of cyclists, to the great discomfiture of pedestrians, for whose benefit the improvement was intended. A Rough Night.—Wednesday night was a very rough one in the westerly ranges, rain falling heavily from the Coast side. Slips have again blocked the road in the Otira Gorge, and stopped wheel traffic for a time until they are cleared away. The rain reached this district (writes our Springfield correspondent) and was exceedingly welcome for grass, root crops, and the water-races. The Grain Standard. — In conformity with a resolution of the Chamber of Commerce that the Produce and Exporters Committee be requested to produce samples of the new season's grain to be used as a standard for the North Canterbury district for the year, the committee has met and decided to take no action as tar as oats and barley are concerned, but to collect fair average samples of wheat of the following varieties :— Tuscan, pearl and Hunter's white. Several of the grain merchants have been asked to contribute 201b of each kind towards this object. These samples will be mixed and used as the standard for the district.

Canterbury; Rowing Club.—The scratch fonrs and double sculls will be rowed at three o'clock this afternoon. Tea will be dispensed for members and their friends, and old members are specially invited. Lecture.—Mrs Harris will deliver a lecture to-morrow evening in the Choral Hall at 7 p.m., on a subject to be chosen by the audience.

Educational Institute.—The adjourned general meeting of the North Canterbury Educational Institute will be held at 10.30 a.m., to-day, at the Normal school. Prohibition.—An open-air meeting will be held in Cathedral square this evening. The chair will be occupied by the Rev. Frank W. Isitt.

Sunday Lectures.—The subject of an address by Mr W. W. Collins in the Lyceum to-morrow evening, is " Theistic and Anti-Theistic Theories: Mind in Nature." There will be a musical programme rendered before the lecture.

Durham. Street Methodist Church.— The thirty-third anniversary services of this church will be celebrated to-morrow. At 11 a.m. -the Rev. Mr Prior will preach from the tex■!J , '" Freely ye have received, freely give," and the choir will sing Gounod's anthem "Sanctus." At the evening service the Rev. S. F. Prior's subject will be "The Unreturning Past, the anthem "I waited for the Lord " (Mendelssohn) and the sacred solo "Be thou faithful unto death." On the following Thursday the annual soiree will be held, and a lecture delivered by Rev. S. F. Prior, entitled "A Little Child."

Society of Arts.—The annual exhibition of the Canterbury Society of Arts will be opened on Tuesday next, 22nd inst., at 8 p.m., by Hon. E. C. J. Stevens. The exhibibs, especially the local ones, show an improvement upon those of last year, and a greater number of pictures have been received. The Committee have spared no pains to make the ceremony of Tuesday evening a success. Messrs Jones and Nairn have kindly promised plants, Mr H. Fuhrmann will provide the decorations, and the catering will be in the able hands of Mr Freeman.. The admission for the opening night is 2s. THE LITTLE RIVER ACCIDENT. The improvement in Mr Turner's condition continues, and we learn on enquiry that there is a chance that the patient may be strong enough next week to be removed from Little River. THE WINNER~OF THE BOWEN. PRIZE. Mr John Caughley, who gained the Bowen prize at the last New Zealand University examinations, started life as copy boy on the defunct Napier News. He is now on the staff of the principal State school at Napier. TECHNIC AL~ EDUCA riON. Out of the vote passed for technical schools during last session (reports the New Zealand Times) the Government has decided to render assistance to the Wellington and Dunedin technical schools. WHABFAGE CHARGES AT NAPIER. The Napier Harbour Board has appointed a committee to revise the wharfage charges at that port. One member says that where rates are unduly heavy, goods come by rail from Wellington and the Board lose the wharfage. For instance, cornsacks can be sent by rail from Wellington to Waipawa cheaper than they can be imported via Napier. Then the rates on theatrical luggage are so high as to operate against companies visiting Napier. RUDYARD KIPLING IN SOUTH AERICA The arrival of Mr Rudyard KipUog .and his family in Capetown has been an evenb of interest in South Africa. Under the title of " Tommy's Welcome" the Cape Times publishes some verses by Mr Edgar Wallace, of which the first is t— 0, good mornin', Mister Kiplitf ! you are welcome to our shores _ To the land of millionaires and potted meat, To the country of the "fonteins" (weave got no "bads" or "pores"), To the place where di'mouds lay about the street At yottr feet; To the 'unting ground of raiders indiscreet. SOME ASPECTS OF WOMEN'S FRANCHISE. At a meeting in Melbourne to support the extension of the franchise to women, one of the speakers described from personal observation the operation -of women's franchise in Wyoming. The first man brought before the first lady justice of the peace of that territory was the J.P.s own husband, who stood accused of drunkenness. , (Laughter). She sentenced hUn to thirty years., {Applause and remonstrances). Oa one occasion he (the speaker) was on a jury trying a* murderer. Two of the jurors were ladies. All the male jurors wanted to bring in a verdict of not guilty, but this the women would sot hoar of; it was no use arguing with them, because they only went into a corner and prayed fervently for the ten obstinate men. (Applause and laughter.) It ended in the wvurderer being convicted. RANJITSINHJI AS A BETTING MAN. During the visit of Mr Stoddart, Prince Ranjitsinhji and Mr A. C. M.claren to Aspeodale Park races, the "jubilee plunger" of the team—Ranji—had a royal day. Ranji - system of betting, says a writer in the Melbourge Age,, is -unique. In a field of four, and when the odds are short, he frequently backs three, and if he should be beaten by the fourth he probably regards his luck as bad. At Aspendai. Park he backed every winner anckwon, but, considering the limited odds on offer in every race, it would not be wise to attempt to guess how much. After the meeting the Indian prince was surrounded by an eager crowd of persons who like the turf so much that they would not miss a meeting, but Ranjitsinhji showed no inclination to repeat his Sydney performance by distributing douceurs amongst "tipsters" who pre-; tended that they had, by their advice, led him to fortune. THE ATMOSPHERIC' GAS COMPANY. Experiments in connection with the alleged invention of atmospheric gas by Lee and Elliott, the two, men arrested in San Francisco and aftaswa.ds released, we beisg

daily continued in Sydney, and a reasonable hope is entertained that the practicability of producing a gas having a commercial value and promising a return to the shareholders has been established. The gorgeous statements of the alleged inventors that gas could be manufactured and retailed with considerable profit at 6d per thousand feet are, of course, absurd, but it is claimed (says the Daily Telegraph) that the machinery in the possession of the company can produce gas which will be readily disposed of in country towns, and at a figure which will be materially less than that at which gas is now supplied in districts remote from the city. SCHOOL EXCURSIONS BY RAIL. School excursions in future will be run only on condition that the committee arranging the excursion places at latest two adults in charge of each carriage to maintain order and prevent the children riding on the platform. The number of adults, exclusive of teachers, is not to exceed the number of children. The committee must undertake the sale of tickets and all responsibility for their value. REMARKABLE OYSTER-BED. When the ship Timaru was taken up on the Patent Slip at Wellington recentlyi about 1000 oysters were found on her bottom. It is supposed they got there when the vessel was in Australian waters. NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING COMPANY. M/__. Burnes, chief clerk in the Christchurch office of the New Zealand Shipping Company, has been appointed manager at Wellington, vice Captain Rose, who retires ' at the end of the year. Mr Burnes goes to j Wellington in June. CHEMISTS AND THE SHOPS ACT. Mr Kenny, S.M., decided yesterday, at j Wellington, that a chemist who was in the habit of selling packets of tea in ihe ordinary course of business had a right to do so on half-holidays. OUR " LITERARY COLUMN." On Monday next we shall publish in our " Literary Column" an article by Dr. Hocken, of Dunedin, on "The Jubilee of Otago." In view of the celebrations next week, and Dr. Hocken's authority to write on the subject, our readers should find the paper of especial interest. NEW ZEALAND FREEZING SHEEP, j It was recently announced that the seven j lots of ten sheep each sent from Wellington, after the last Agricultural Show, to London for the freezing competition, had been judged, and the prize awarded. The sheep which gained first prize, it has transpired, belonged to Mr W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R., and had also been awarded first prize when alive. LAND SETTLEMENT. Mr Allan McLean's estate in Canterbury, comprising 48,000 acres, is under offer to the Government, and is at present being examined and valued by Mr James McKerrow, Land Purchape Conu_iß_ioner, and other officers. "WHERE IGNORANCE IS BLISS." At the Masterton Agricultural Show the other day a number of young men and boys availed themselves of the roof of a shed wherefrom to view the jumping competition. They were smoking, passing witty comments about the different riders, and generally having a good time. The shed was packed inside with dynamite and gunpowder. "THE BITTER CRY "—FOR PURE MILK. At a Borough Council meeting the other day in Newton, a suburb of Auckland, the Sanitary Inspector reported that a large number of cows had been allowed to roam about where there is nothing to drink but sewage. Councillor Davenport said he had seen cows drinking the drainage. The ToWn Clerk mentioned a ease where the sewage had been dammed up for the purpose of watering the cows. it was agreed that the report of the Sanitary Inspector should be sent on to the Dairy Inspector of the City Council. FOOD SUPPLIES FOR SOUTH AFRICA. The barque Opawa, now at Newcastle (N.S.W.), has almost completed loading a cargo of meat and produce for Durban, South Africa. Her cargo included UOO cases tinned meats, 27 frozen pigs, 140 C bags wheat, 500 bags flour, 50 tons compressed fodder, 81 boxes kidneys and tails, and 3000 quarters beef. The remainder of the refrigerating space of the barque will be occupied by frozen mutton. The shipment is being made principally on account oi the scarcity of food supplies in South Africa. ABNORMALLY HOT WEATHER. Melbourne residents have groaned under an infliction of heat this summer, but they may gain some consolation from the worse experiences of their neighbours. The Barrier Miner (published at Broken Hill) gives the official thermometer readings from January Ist to February 23rd, which show some startling figures. In January there were 19 days of over 100 in the shade, 114 being the highest reading. One sequence from the 6th to the 12th inclusive ran from 103 to 108, and included two days of 110 and one jof 112, and another sequence, January 23rd to February Ist inclusive, or ten days in all, ran from 102 to 108, with one day of 110, and one of 114. February (up to tho 23rd) | contained 13 days of over 100, with a I highest of 108. On the day when the shade reading reached 114 Broken Hill was favoured with 10 points of rain, which was the first rain register since September 21st. JURYMEN AND MOSQUITOES. At the conclusion of a case at the Central I Criminal Court in Sydney, the foreman of the jury returned thanks to the judge and the sheriff's officers for the consideration with which the jury had been treated while losked up for the night. "I would like, your Honour," ooubinaed the foreman, "to impress upon the sheriff the necessity for evicting that army of mosquitoes from the jury-room. Last night they were like a brass band in there." !< f Are there no curtains yet?" asked the judge. " No, your Honour," replied the foreman. " Notwithstaoding," remarked Acting-Justice Rogers, with a glanoe at the newspaper representatives, " oil that has been said on the subject by the humorous press." **' Yea," replied the foreman, indicating a juryman with a bald head, "Mr had to cover his headU with a paper all night, to keep it intact."