NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 9990, 21 March 1898, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Premier.—The Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, with his secretaries, Messrs Hamer and Crow, arrived at Lyttelton by the Rotorua yesteftay afternoon. He was welcomed by Messrs John Joyce and Tanner, M.H.R.'s, the Rev. Father Salvador, Captain McLellan, and other members of -the Liberal Association. He leaves for Dunedin by to-day's exptess. Arrests. —Shortly before eleven o'clock on Saturday night Detective Fitzgerald arrested a man at Waimate for obtaining, by means of valueless cheques, £4 17s from the Bank of Australia, and £4 19s. from Timothy Cronin, of Waimate.—A lunatic, whose name the police could not ascertain, was arrested at Halswell yesterday. Inquest.—An inquest was held on Saturday, before Mr R. Beetham, S.'Ajl., touching the death of William Henry Williamson. Mr W. H. Donald was chosen foreman. A verdict was returned to the effect that the deceased shot himself whilst temporarily insane.

Severe Thunderstorm.— On Thursday evening last a heavy thunderstorm, with vivid lightning, followed by a most severe hailstorm, passed ovor a portion of Cheviot, the hail breaking windows, and in its path stripping off the leaves of the turnips, rape and potatoes, even outting down the young grass. The loss of feed by this storm will be much felt by the settlers.

Cheviot. —Our Cheviot correspondent writes:—The boring for the artesian well at the factory has been sunk to a depth of 530 ft, and as far as the funds will admit. A subscription list has been started amongst the settlers to continue the work, whioh is being responded to with considerable success.

LYTTEWrON PBICSBVTERtA!. CHURCH. — The Rev. A. Treadwell, minister of the Lyttelton Presbyterian Church, is leaving Lyttelton for _ month's vocation. Tbe Rev. Robert Welsh, at present on the West Coast of the North Island, will supply his place. Bazaar.—<M» Thursday afternoon and ovening the children attending the Woodend and Waiktiku Wesleyan Sunday schools held their annual juvenile bazaar, in aid of the missionary work in New Guinea. The boxaar was opened by the Rev. T. G. Carr, and there waa a large attendance. Afternoon tea was provided by the elder scholars. Most of the articles were disposed of, the proceeds amounting to £7 6s. This result of the children's work is very gratifying to their teachers and friends.

St. Patrick's Conoert.—The oonoert piven at A?hburton on St. Patrick's night drew, as usual, a crowded house. The musical arrangements had been entrusted to Mr H. A. Gates, who organised a very attractive programme. Items were contributed by Misses Brick, Mr Higgins, Miss Collins, Mrs J. Wilson and Miss Bra .ken, Mrs E. T. Robinson,- Mrs Rouse and Mrs CConndl, Messrs F. MoSherry, Burgess, C. Reid, R. Wood, W. Fitzgerald and the young members of his family, Mrs Claridge, Misses Bourne, junr., and T. Devane and Miss and Master Cullen. 'At the close, the Rev. Father O'Donnell cordially thanked all those who had helped to make the concert co great a success. VA-Bdjotorv.— Mr and Mrs A. Leatham and family were entertained at a social in the Elgin Schoolroom on Friday, when a very large number of friends assembled to bid them goodbye and wish them health and prosperity in their new home at Sherwood. Mr John Cochrane presided. After an enjoyable programme of music had been gone through the healths of-the guests were duly honoured, and regret was expressed that they were leaving the district. Mr Leatham has for many years been one of Wakauui's best farmers, but recently sold out at a good figure and has bought a larger property at Sherwood on the Methven line of railway.

Sailing Race.—The final race of the season was decided by tbe fleet of the fleet of tbe Brighton Sailing Club on Saturday afternoon, when the following boats competed .-—Alcyone (scr), Waiwera (Bmin), Mann (I3min) and Truant (16min). The wind was squally from the sou-west, and soon after the start Waiwera found it too much for her. This left Truant with a long lead of Alcyone and Mann by the time the tripod, was. weathered, and a splendid race home ended in Alcyone just managing to catch the limit boat and win by a few lengths. Mann finished third, Waiwera not completing the course. In the aggregate of points for. the champion flag Alcyone stands first with 16, Truant 12 and Waiwera 7. This is the sixth occasion on which the champion flag has been won by Alcyone. Art Society. — The opening of the annual exhibition of the Canterbury Society of Apts will take place in the Gallery tomorrow evening by the Hon. E. C. J. Stevens,; President of the Society. lady Ranfurly sends three pictures. Sunday Lecture.—There was a. large' audience in the Lyceum last night to listen to the lecture by Mr W. W. Collins on "Theistic and Anti-Theistic Theories; Mind in Nature."

The Governor. — Hi* Excellency Lord Ranfurly arrived at Lyttelton from Wellington by the Rotomahana on Saturday afternoon, and went on by special train to Dunedin. Ministerial.—The Hons. J. M'Kenzie and W. C. Walker arrived from Wellington by the Rotomahana on Saturday. Mr M'K.en_ie went on by special train to Dunedin. Burn ham Industrial School. — The first meeting of the Board of Advice of the Burnham School was held on Saturday, when Miss Colborne Veel, Mrs Guise, Mr Weatenra and Mr E. Smith were present. The first official meeting was fixed for the 6th April, when arrangements will be made for the dates of the official visits.

Shooting Season —The Secretary of the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society has received a telegram, through Mr Chas. Lewis, M.H.R., from the Hon. W. C. Walker, (Colonial Secretary), to tbe following effect:-—"Season for shooting native and imported game this year will commence Ist April." Morris Tube Shooting.—On Friday evening tbe members of tho Christchurch Working Men's Club Rifle Class tired another competition at the 300 yds range for prizes presented by Messrs Edward Recce and Sons, Fletcher, Humphreys and Co., and the Crown Brewery Company. The following were the highest Scores :—W. G. Munford (3) 35, R. G. Forgie (4) 35, R. C. Wells (scr) 34, J. Hastie (scr) 34, C. Lummis (2) 34, fi. Barlow (1) 33, C. Blake (2) 33. The Auckland" Fire. — Superintendent Smith has received a telegram from the Fire Insurance Association, requesting him to be present at the inquiry into the disastrous fire which occurred in Auckland, by which the D.S.C. and other stores were destroyed. It is understood that Superintendent Smith's evidence is required in regard to the efficiency of tbe plant, and the general equip, ments of the Auckland brigade. Superintendent Smith left by Saturday night's ft _"fi_LiiiGr Oxford Bush Sawmillers.—The Hon. Minister of Railways has written to the ' member for Ashley stating that with regard to birch sleepers and planking, ho has decided to order 10,000 sleepers, 300 18ft Bx4 and 300 14ft Bx4 planks, and " he wished for the names of the persons most in need of the orders to be sent to him." Mr Meredith, M.H.R., has, we are informod, called a meeting of sawmillers at an early date, as he states in his letter, " to arrange for the distribution of the orders." It will be remembered that the suggestion as to the die-, tribution of orders to the sawmills was made in the leading columns of the Press on January 29th. A Social Reunion.—On Saturday last a party of about thirty of the employees of the Press Company paid a visit to Kaiapoi, •*-■ where after witnessing the football and hockey games they dined at tbe Pier Hotel, an excellent meal being provided by Mrs Linstrom. In the evening a social gathering waß held at tbe Working Men's Club, where Mr J. Bailey presided, and the members of the Managing Committee did all in their power to entertain the visitors. Matches at cards were organised, and Morris tube shooting match took place, in whioh the Club members scored 252 points and the Press shooters 229. A few toasts ware afterwards given and several capital songs sung. Military Funeral.—The remains of the late Lieutenant Robert White, of Temuka, were interred with military honours at Temuka on Friday afternoon. The service was conducted by the Rev. Thomas Farley, vicar of St. Saviour's, and hon. chaplain ol the Temuka Rifles. Lieutenant White was an old Temuka resident, and prior to coming to the colony in 1869 had served in the 83rd regiment. He took his discharge in China in 1868, In 1881 he volunteered for service at Parihaka and was placed in command of tbe local contingent. On the occasion of his funeral the bearers were ; Captains Findlay and Cutten, Lieutenant Whitehead and ex-polour-Sergeant Coira. The firing party was under the command of Lieutenant Campbell, and there were also present Major Young, V.D., and Sergeant G. Levens, two of deceased's oldes. comrades. The Timaru Garrison Band attended and played the '" Dead March," " Hard Times " Club.—On Friday evening a meeting of-the members of .-he New Brighton " Hard Times" Club wap hold in Amity Hall. Mr George Capper was voted to the chair. It was decided that three social evenings should be held in the months of May, July, and September. The following Committee waa appointed to carry out the arrangements: — Messrs F. Bodger, F. Collins, C. Curtis, J. Malcolmson, W. Mansell, A< W. Owles, A. Robb, J. Tulley and A. H. Wyatt. The election of a chairman was held over. It was decided that the gatherings should be held on moonlight nights and that the original style of conducting them should be strictly adhered to. Offers of assistance from various sources were received and accepted, - It was stated that there was a probability that the Club would be requested to give two entertainment in Christchurch during the coming winter in aid of charitable objects. "Te Kurapa " waa unanimously elected ecribe. Dog Trial Club.— The Christchurch Dog Trial Club met on Saturday ,at Messrs H. Matson's. . Mr F. A. Archer oocupied the' chair, and there was a good attendance. The Methven Club wrote that they proposed to hold their trials next- month, and the Waikari Club, that theiis would be on the 22nd and 23rd April. It was decided to hold the Club's trial on April 28th and 29th, and to close entries on April _Ut. The following officers were elected :—President, MrW. Recce ; vice-presidents,J_e_si. G. E. Rhodes and W. O. Rutherford ; sec- " rotary, Mr H. H. Ellis ; treasurer, Mr W. W. Morten; committee, Messrs C. P. Hugonin, W. B. Clarkson, R. Wilson, P, Elder, D. Fraser, C; Stewart, H. Gray, F. A. Archer, J. J. Isbister, F. J. Millton, C. E. Caloutt, L. Matson, A. W. Bennett, R. Latter, L. Wilson, W. Henderson, and 0. • ■Bradley, with power to add to their number. Mr Archer was elected Chairman of. the Committee. Prizes were agreed to aa under:—Heading and bringing back £10, £4 and £1 ; heading, bringing baok and yarding £10, £5 and £1; hunt-a-way with slew £6, £3 and £I.' A sub-committee of five was elected to deoide upon the poi/ita to be allotted in the competition. Mesfers Hugonin, Elder, Gray, Wilson and Bennetts were appointed a sub-coromittee to select suitable ground for the coming trials. . The Thornton Season.—Tne plan ot reserved seats for the Thornton season, which commences on Friday next at the Theatre Royal, will open at Messrs Milner and Thompson's this morning. Dee Creek Sluicing Company. — A •

meeting of the above will, be held at ei§ht o'clook this evening at the Caledonian Society's rooms. Open Air Music—The Sydenham Band, under Bandibaster W. F. McLean, will play a programme of music on the lawn of. the Sydenham Working Men's Club to-night,-at eight o'clock. Timber Sale at Little River.—The excursion tram to Little River, in connection with Wood and Laurie's timber sale, will leave the Christchurch Station at 10 a.m. on Thursday next. . This train will piok ,up passengers at all stations en ronte. Kaiapoi Rifles.—At an inspection parade under Captain IV Millar on Friday evening there was;a good muster of forty-eight of - all ranks, and a steady drill under the sergeants. The annual meeting of the corp* takes place,next Friday.; Cycling.—At the St. Patrick's sports, held at Dunedin, the Stirling cycle was firston six occasions, as Well as being three times second and five times third. 8939 Dressmaking.—Ladies are advised that in anticipation of heavy demands upon this department for the approaching season a leading Melbourne dressmaker has been - engaged to take charge of a room at the D.T.C. The styles introduced will be quite a departure from those in vogue in the Christchurch shops, with the further inducement that a specially moderate list of prices has .been arranged for every model of gown made to order. 2288 Zealandia bicycles, £21, with the best of everything and twelve months' guarantee, are on top for good value. Write for catalogue, dates, Lowry and Co., Zealandia Works, Christchurch.—[Advt.] Mokepork celebrated Mild Cured Hams and Bacon can be had in any quantities from Hubbard, Hall and Co., Manchester street, »' next Milner and Thompson's. ' 215S Special.—lf you require a tonic take the _ - best—-Syrup of Hypophoap hites. Barnett, * chemist, lib bottles 4s od, £lb 2s 6d.— f Advt.] Bicycle Repairs by competent work* .-' men, satisfaction guaranteed, charges reaon* able. Barlow Cycle Company, 48 Man* cheater street, next Cokers. 689

A Boat Capsized.—At Lyttelton on Saturday afternoon a boat in which some young men were rowing over to a yacht eapii7,ed, and c occupants were thrown into the water. They managed to reach the shore in safety none the worse for their wetting. *. TKEN-fiTHET-- O TUB POLICE FORCE. — During .Jubilee week the Dunedin police force is to be strengthened by Detective Warsaok from this city, Acting-Detective Brol . v horn Wellington, and twelve constables. Mr._c.tL Union.—The first concert of the pew season in connection with the Musical Union will be given in the Opera House on Thursday, April 14th. The cantata •- Hineinoa," eonipor.e.l by Mr Alfred Hill, late of Wellington, will form the principal portion of the prognnnmc. This will be the first occasion on which a work by a New Zealand composer Ikih been performed by the Union, and, no doubt, the production will be looked forward to with great interest. The chai-a.ters will be allotted as under -.— Hincino'i, Mrs Burns ; Tutauekai, \lt Maitland Gardner; Tiki, Mr P. Hockley; Tohunga, -Mr S. Hawker. For this concert the in .v system of drawing for teats will come into force. This will take place on Monday, April 4th, at 10.30 a.m., JjjtMcss.-. Milner and Thompson's. Saturday's Markets.—The entry for horses on Saturday included some good draughts, a number of unbroken light hor.. . and several draughts from Mr John Boag. These brought £37 10s, £37, £3., £33 "lOs and £32 10s. Others from Sydney and the North Island brought from £15 to £26, and inferior sorts from £8 to £18. Good light harness horses realised from £10 to £16, hacks £5 to £8 109, and weeds £1 10s t% £4 10_ There was only a moderate entry of pigs. Better sorts fetched from 15_ to 22s . 1, weaners 9s to 103, suckers 7. to 83. Poultry was generally not of a high standard, but a few good birdf fetched satisfactory prices. Good table roosters ran from 3s to 4s, small ones and other sorts ls to 2_, hens ls 9d to 2s 6d, ducks 2.s 6d to 3s 6d, and geese 3a 6d to 4s 6d per pair. Suicide at Ska.—At 9.40 a.m. yesterday, when the Corinna was between Cook Strait and rtaikoura, on her way to Lyttelton, a steerage passenger who gave the name of William John Gilpin, -deliberately jumped overboard, exclaiming, " Good bye toeveryono." Thesteamerwasstopped,aboat was lowered, and the body was recovered in eight minutes, but despite continuous efforts for over two hours animation could not be restored. A pound note and several shillings were found in the man's pockets, also a loaded life preserver. It is supposed by some who saw the body that the man was John Gilpin, who some years ago was licensee of the hotel at Governor's Bay. Lately the deceased has been working at Wellington as a coal lumper. On the arrival of the Corinna at Lyttelton the body was taken to the morgue.

Durham street Methodist Church.— {The anniversary services, coupled with harvest festival, were celebrated yesterday in connection with thi3 church. The Rev. S. F. Prior, of Nelson, conducts both services. In the morning the rev. gentleman took for hia text "Freely ye have received freely give," and delivered a thoroughly practical sermon. The choir sang as an anthem Gounod's "Sanctns" from "Messe Solennelte," Mr A. Allen taking the tenor solo. In the evening the choir sang " I waited for the Lord," Misses Andrews and Duncan taking the duct and Mr Allen the tenor music. Tho same gentleman sang Mendelssohn's ''Be ye faithful unto death." The Rev. S. F. Prior again delivered a powerful sermon, illustrated by quotations from Tennyson and other poets, given with much elocutionary power. Mr H. Johnstone was the conductor and Mr T. Searell officiated at the organ with his well known ability. {The annual tea and public meeting will be held in the church on Thursday, when Mr G. J. Smith, M.H.R., will preside. Rev. S. F. Prior will give a lecture, " A Little Child." Mr R. T. Searell will play an organ solo and Miss F. Andrews will be the vocalist.

Death of a Well Known Swimmer.— Deep regret is felt at the death of Mr Thos. 8. Wauchop, the well known swimmer, and captain of the East Christchurch Swimming Club, who died at his parents' residence in Lichfield street east yesterday afternoon, shortly after fTve o'clock, from typhoid rever, which he was supposed to have contracted while camping at New Brighton, through drinking impure water, about the middle of February. A little more than a Week ago he began to sink and lost consciousness. He was attended by Dr. Ovenden, and ©rs. Palmer and Geo. Deamer were called in in consultation, but the patient never regained consciousness. Mr Wauchop, who was only twenty-two years of age, was most popular among swimming men, and was universally liked and respected by all who knew him. He first became prominent as a swimmer in New Zealand in 1895, and in two years was at the top of the tree. He held for a time the 100 yards championship of New Zealand, but owing to his illness ho was unable to compete at the last championship meeting held at the Richmond baths, and the championship passed to A. B. Truscott. Another of Mr Wauchop's successes was the wresting of the fifty yards provincial championship of Canterbury from W. G. Stratton at Lyttelton on New -.ear's Day, 1897. In addition to being captain of the East Christchurch Swimming Club Mr Wauchop was treasurer of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association. Much sympathy is felt for his parents and family.