NEWS OP THE DAY.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 9993, 24 March 1898, Page 4

NEWS OP THE DAY.

Held Over.—Owing to pressure on our , space, a number of letters to the editor are unavoidably held over. Arrest. —A woman was arrested yester> - day afternoon by Detective Fitzgerald on the charge of stealing from a man £? in money, a watch and guard, and a pipe," of the total value of £7 18s 6d. Meat Freezers' Association—The Produce and Exporters' Committee of the Chamber of Commerce will meet this afternoon to consider a letter which lias'been received from the Frozen Meat Trade Association at, Home, urging the Chamber to take step 3 towards the formation of a Meat' Freezers Association in New Zealand, and' pointing out the usefulness of, aud necessity tor, such an Association. Hospital Water Supply.-—The Christ*, church Hospital Board cauie to the conclu* sion yesterday that for the purposes of the water supply of the institution the original recommendations of Mr Dobaon should be adopted. These mean a continual pressure and probably a second Worthington pump. The House Committee wae empowered to see the recommendations carried into erfeofc. Thr Express.—Two express trains again went south yesterday. The first, which ' left at 10.55, went to Timaru, and the second , '' —a long train —left at 11.5 with: the through passengers. A long express, composed mostly of empty carriages returned from Dunedin, and drawn by two engines, arrived lost night from the south. Chiusxchuroh Amateur Swimmwq Ctvs. —At a Committee meetiug last night arrangements were made for the presentation of prizes. It was decided to send s ... letter of condolence to the mother and family of the late Mr T. S. Wauchop, and to postpone the races to be held this afternoon until Saturday afternoon. Natives' Association , .—The Committee of the Chriatohurch centre of the New Zea« land Natives , Association met yesterday* The sub-coramifctee appointed to go into the; matter of a concert and public meeting re* ' ' ported that no suitable naU would be o\>« tamable for Easter Monday, and that out* side artists would not be ab liberty on that night. After* discussion it was decided to , hold- the concert in the Choral Halt on April 21st, and to engage the beet singew from other parts of the colony, as well a* - local talent. The Rev. C A. Fraec's name, was added to the Concert Committee; Art Exhibition.—The exhibition of the Canterbury Society of Arte was fairly well patronised yesterday. In the evening a v musical programme woe given under the direction or Mr H. Wells. Songe were sung •' by Misses Shand and Gray, a violin solo was played by Mr H. Tombs, and selections were also played by a str.-ing (juartette. The gallery will be open to-day, and this after* noon Mr CorWck'a juvenile band' of six ;■ , performers (two violins, 'cello, Aate, clarionet and cornet) will be present. Afternoon tea will be supplied at a moderate charge by Mr Freeman. In the ereniog, » , .- programme arranged by Mies West, will be gone through. Miss West- will be at the piano, and Misses Graham, Marsden, Shanks , - and Tribe, Mrs Jennings, and Messrs Alien and Bell will contribute items. An Exflodbd Idea.—ld*connection with the theory that the perpetrator of the horse outrages must be a man with some Know* . ledge of anatomy, Mr J. R. Charlton, M.R.C.V.S., yesterday expressed the con- . viction to a 'Press reporter that euch know* leclpce was not necessary. In his opinioiT anyone who had been a groom at a stable or , knew anything whatever about) horses. could inflict the wound with an ordinary knife. He pointed oat that the jugular vein Iβ perfectly distinct and as large as a man's finger, so that no one could have any difficulty in finding it. . Electricitf for the Hospital—-During the past year tracings of the Hospital and other buildings proposed to be lighted by electricity have been sent by the Christchurch Hospital Board to Messrs Holmes . and Co., of Newcastle 6n«Tyne, and fresh plans and specifications and estimates have just been received front them. .; The House Committee recommended yesterday the allocation of the greater portion of the eurphw ~- for this purpose, and also for the purpose of obtaining extra boiler-power now required. The Board passed an estimate of £2147 for. ■ the two purposes. It was mentioned by one <•' of the members that the electric light would ■ -, ensure a saving of £300 a year. McClinton and Thomson's Bwilla Soa» i i» • what Prof. Kirk 'recommends. (See advt. . frontpage.) 7681 '

The Weatherbound Passengers.—The ■wo Chriatchurch cyclists who were weatherbound at Bealey have succeeded in reaching the Otira Gorge, but do not recommend others to follow their example till the roada arc hotter. Tub Abattoir Question.--The committee act up hy the City Council to go into the abattoir question has decided to consult with the yclwyn County Council on the gubjtot before reporting to the Council. TiiK AsuBUKTox Home.—Members of the ChariUblu Aid Board visited this Home recently, and were greatly pleased with what they saw. The improved appearance of the institution gave rise to expressions of jtpprcb.ition from several members of the Board, who ascribed it largely to the superf ision, energy and interest of Mr Harper. Tub Railway Station.—The practice of closing the railway station for some time Jjeforo the express train steams up to the platform is adopted nearly every night. As a farther means of preventing people having po business there from assembling on the platform, it is the intention of the department to fence off the station at either end. Memorial to the Late Mr T. S. Wauciiop. —The swimmers and friends of tic late Mr Wauchop have started a memon»l fund, of which Mr E. W. Roper, President of tiic E.C. A.S.C., has consented to act js treasurer, and receive subscriptions. The officers of the various swimming clubs are ftlso authorised to receive donations. A meeting in connection with the fnnd will be held at the Clarendon Hotel on Monday next. The Samaritan Home.—The trustees of this Home placed their estimates before the Charitable Aid Board yesterday, from which i t appeared that the deficiency would be £264. This is the amount which the Charitable Aid Board may have to find should the Home become a separate institution. The Board, however, is opposing this being done, so that the expenditure in respect of it is quite problematical. No provision has been made specially on the estimates for the Samaritan Home, which last year cost the Board £336. Presentation.—On Monday Mdlle. HilJion, of Messrs Strange and Co.'s dressmaking department, on behalf of the employees, presented Miss Nellie Davis, on the occasion of her approaching marriage, With a handsome silver hot water kettle, photo frame and photo of herself, as a token of their kindly feeling towards her »nd good wishes for her future welfare. Casual*. —When the question of outdoor relief was under consideration by the Charitable Aid Board yesterday the disposal of caßiials was mentioned. Mr Acton-Adams ielt that something should be done aa suggested by the papers, to take in persons who could get a bed nowhere else in town. ■ Messrs Dobson and Dunlop took up a similar position, and Mr Harper looked upon it as * duty of the Board to provide private accommodation for any one coming into town who had no money. The Chairman pointed out that Herrick's Home generally met the difficulty. To carry out the suggestions properly would mean a heavy expenditure. Promotion.— Mr Ashby, who has been attached to the R.M. Court in Christchurch for tho last seven years, leaves to-day for Riverton to take up the position of Clerk of the Court theie and sundry other offices in that district. He has gained many friends by bis careful and courteous performance of hie duties here, and he takes with him their congratulations on his promotion.

Distress.— A town member of the Charitable Aid Board was advancing reasons for » vote on the estimates. We were, he obwrved, likely to have an unusually severe winter owing to the farming industry suffering considerably from the drought, and no doubt numbers of men who usually found employment in the winter time in the country would gravitate to the towna, which would have to provide for them. A country member replied that the position taken up was a mistaken one. Farmers would work harder than ever this winter. The estimate in question was, however, passed. A. Missionary Chuiich.—ln replying to complimentary references to the Baptist Church last night, the Rev. J. J. Doke said it was truly a missionary church, and one of their number had laid down her life on a foreign shore. They, however, did not conceive that missionary work meant work only in foreign parts, and could not understand that interest which became enthusiastic over the foreign heathen and took no notice of the heathen afc its own door.

Administration of Charitable Aid. —Lost year the cost of administering charitable aid in this district was £13,602, or £54 lees than this year's estimates, which do not include a grant to the Samaritan Home, an institution debited with £336 last year. The individual increases in the estimates of expenditure as compared with the similar estimates of th*e previous year are—Memorial Home £635, Armagh street Depot £50, contingencies £200. Leaving out the increase of additional accommodation at the Jubilee Home, the demand on the ratepayers would have been £400 less this year than last. In decreases of estimates Lyttelton Orphanage •hows £60, and industrial schools £100.

Tug Recent Storm.—Our Oxford correspondent writes:—This district was visited by a very heavy gale from the northwest on Monday evening at 4.30, and gates, hurdles, sheets of iron and straw stacks hastened away towards Kaiapoi at a tremendous rate. Some of the flying material was forced against standing buildings, driving in doors and smashing windows. Wheel traffic was suspended, including that of the übiquitous bicycles, and pedestrians tig-sagged (md floundered under ■ the influence of the storm, a bad harvest, ihort pasturage, and a very moderate turnip crop, wo had consoled ourselves with the idea that we had at least saved some straw and hay to tide our stock over the winter,'but the tops of. the stacks are •11 gone, and what is left will got a thorough soaking by the heavy south-west rain sdecoedirig the gale. lam unable to tell at present the amount of damage done, but it must be considerable.

,Thk Chinese Mission.—An unique function, so far as Christchuroh is concerned, was performed last night, when the foundation stone of the new Chinese mission hall was laid. The mission commenced about seven years ago,- when the Rev. C. Dallaston was pastor of the Oxford terrace Baptist Church. Since then the members have increased to fourteen, who on an average attend the class. In coneeqaenco of the difficulties of language and custom requiring as many tetehera as taught, increased accommodation became necessary, and were made for erecting a separate hall. This is to be 24ft x 1411, of brick, and situated between the church and schoolroom. It is also to serve the purpose of an •oiusement and recreation hail during the winter mouths. The ceremony ef laying the foundation atone was performed by Mr G. J. Smith, M.H.R., the proceedings being illuminated by means of torches and Chinese wloured lanterns. Subsequently a public Meeting was held in the church, when the «cv. J. J. Doke presided, and id the course M his opening remarks mentioned that this , J»s the second effort in connection with this class of work in the colony. The first *as made at Dunedin, where a hall not connected with any particular church was dedicated to the Chinese. Mr G. J. Smith made • congratulatory speech and shorter addresses were given by Mr Chidgey, leader of the class, and two of the teachers, and a vote of thanks wae accorded .Mr Smith for having taken part in the ceremony. The proceedings included prayers and several nynins, and during a collection, which rea'Wed £8 4a lid, three members of the class contributed on their celestial musical instructs a selection which was encored.

Bictclks for Eastbr can be supplied inwii stock or built to order at a few days' wtoee, for £21.—Oafces, Lowry and Co., •fUandia Cycle Works, Christohurch.— . DaKSMAKnro.—Ladies are advieed that w anticipation of heavy demands upon this «epartment for the approaching season a leading Melbourne dressmaker has been •ng&ged to take charge of a room at the U.LC The styles introduced will be quite * departure from those in vogue in the "-onstchurch shops, with the further induceWent that a specially moderate list of prices "as been arranged for every model of gown »ade to order. 2288 Specul.-—lf you require a.tonic take the of Hypophosphites. Barnett, demist. Ub bottles 4e 6d, %lb 2s 6d.---lAdvt.] Buy a Gramophone, the latest and most Jonderful home entertainer ever invented. °°w «gents New Zealand, Barlow Cycle Jfjnpany, 48 Manchester street, next Coker'e. -» 9880 MoEEPOMt celebrated Mild Cured Hams •noi Bacon can be had in any quantities from «nobard, Hall and Co., Manchester street, aext Milner and Thompson*. 2159

Tennis.—The formal opening of the two new courts of the Canterbury College Tennis Club will take place at 2 p.m. next Saturday. The Thornton Season. — Full houses have nightly faced the curtain throughout Mr Thornton's seasons at Dunedin, Oamaru and Timaru, sufficiently attesting the popularity and drawing powers of "The Strange Adventures of Miss Brown," with which the popnlar actor-manager opens his Christchurch season to-morrow night at the Theatre Royal. The management may comfidently anticipate a boom for the sea3on, for the Christchurch public have a liking for a good laugh. Valedictory. —The friends and late coworkera at the D.I.C. of Mr H. Taylor, entertained him at a social gathering at the Clarendon Hotel last night. He leaves Christohurch to take up the management of a business in Wanganui, and advantage was taken of the opportunity to wish him success. Briet complimentary speeches weie made and songs sung, the proceedings throughout being of a festive description. The Askburton Drowning Accident. — An inquest was held at the house of Mr H. Dally on Tuesday afternoon on the body of Peter Leslie, who was drowned in the Ashburton river that morning. From the evidence it appeared that he wa9 riding on the shafts when crossing the stream. The horse stumbled and threw him into the water, which was about three feet deep. He regained his feet, and was in the act of liberating the horse from the shafts when the animal kicked and knocked him down. He regained his feet once more, but the strong current caught and swept him under the dray, and carried him 200 yards down the stream, the body being subsequently picked up on a shingle bank. The son, a lad of thirteen years, jumped eff the dray and tried to rescue his drowning father, but the current was too strong for him. A verdict of "Accidental drowning" was returned. Mr Leslie had resided for many years in tho Ashburton district. He was a native of Edinburgh, aud was sixty-one years of age. Sale of Work.—Mr W. W. Tanner, M.H.R., is to open a sale ot work at the Linwood Congregational Church, Ferry road, this afternoon. Tho sale will also be open to-morrow. There will be an entertainment and various amusements each evening. Durham Street Methodist Chitrch. — The anniversary meetings of this church will be continued to-night, when a soiree will be given in, the schoolroom at six o'clock, and a lecture in the church at half-past seven by the Rev. S. F. Prior, of Nelson, on the subject "A Little Child." This lecture ha 9 been given with great success in other parts of the colony. Miss F. Andrews is the soloist, and Mr R. '1 3 . Searell will preside at the organ. Hockey.—The Drapers' Club opens its season at the South Park this afternoou.

Typhoid Feveu.—The number of cases admitted into the Hospital during the present season is reported to be very much below the average so far. Hospital - Expenditure.—The House Committee of the Hospital reported yesterday that no additional levies would be required from local bodies. Quadrille Assembly.—The season of the Sumner Quadrille Assembly was commenced on Tuesday evening in the Sumner Town Hall, which was very prettily decorated for the occasion. About eighty guests were present. Refreshments were provided by the ladies, and several songs were given. New Charitable Aid Building.— The tender of Mr Otley ha 3 been accepted for the erection of a new building at the Armagh street depot. The amount is £479. The Hals well Horse-stab bing Case. — Chief Detective Chrystal, accompanied by Constable Ganntley and a mounted trooper, went out to Halawell yesterday to investigate the horse-stabbing case. So far no freeh developments have arisen. Dairymen's Social.—The second annual social gathering of the dairymen will be held in the Art Gallery to-morrow night. Bakers' Union.—The Canterbury Bakers' and Pastrycooks' Union meet in the Gloucester street Temperance Hall on Saturday night. The business i 3 to form conditions of labour, to be submitted to the master bakers.

Sumnkr Quadrille Assembly. — The seaedn of this Assembly was opened on Tuesday evening in the Town Hall, about thirty couples being present. The hall was prettily decorated with flowers and evergreens, and the stage furnished as a drawing-room for the occasion. Light refreshments were provided by the ladies, and dancing 4 was kept up with spirit till the small hours.