NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10023, 29 April 1898, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Police Commission. — Yesterday afternoon the members of the Police Com mission paid visits of inspection to the Samaritan and Salvation Army homes.

Shooting Prize.—The Imperial Rifles Corps has been presented by Mr Bates, of Sydenham, with a very handsome lamp, to be competed for among the members as a shooting prize.

Police Changes.—Constable Cox, who has come down from Wellington, will be on plain clothes duty here, acting with the detectives. Constable O'Connell, also of Wellington, went through on Wednesday to Oamaru, where he will be stationed.

Whale Feed. —Large quantities of whale feed were cast up on the New Brighton beach during the night, and on either side of the Pier the 'thin red streak caused by their being left stranded can be seen for miles.

Woodend.—At a vestry meeting of churchwardens in St. Barnabas schoolroom, Woodend, it was decided to have a concert and sooial gathering in connection with St. Barnabas festival on Bth June next.

Mutual Improvement Society.—At tbe last meeting of the St. Saviour's Mutual Improvement Society the programme for the evening was the " Question box," and some very interesting questions were discussed.

Working Men's Club.—The half-yearly meeting of the Christchurch Workinp- Men's Club was held last night, and presided over by Mr E. Smith. Fifteen candidates presented themselves for the six vacant seats on the Committee, and the ballot resulted in the return of Messrs W. Ellis, R. Heimburger, W. Lavery, R. J. Irwin, A. Hunt and T. Cain.

Highbaxk Postal Service—A public meeting, attended by over seventy settlers, was held in the Higiibank school on Tuesday, to consider the question of obtaining a better postal service. At present the service ie a weekly one, and the mails are sent to Methven and then brought back to Higiibank instead of being sent via Rakaia and Barr Hill. It was decided to draw up a petition, to be signed by all the settlers, asking for a daily delivery of mails.

Hockey.—The first match in connection with the Canterbury Hockey Association's Thursday competition took place yesterday afternoon on the South Park, the competing teams being Diapers' A. v Post and Telegraph. The game in the first spell was very fast, but the Diapers' forwards showed superiority, they had much the best of the game tlivongbout, and won by 5 goals to 1. For the Drapers McColl scored 2 goals and Ritchie, Flesher and It-win 1 goal each. For the Post and Telegraph Palmer scored and Ford played a reliable game. This being the first match of the series, great interest was displayed on both sides.

Land Tax Valuations.—At Mr Montgomery's meeting at Leeston on Tuesday night, Mi* Wm. McMillan, Chairman of the Elle~mere Road Board, informed the meeting that the Commissioner of Taxes, Wellington, had forwarded him a reply to the resolutions passed at tho indignation meeting held at Leeston on the 15th April, stating " that the resolutions wore forwarded back to the supervising valuator, Christchurch, who will deal with the objections at the Assessment Court at Leeston on Friday, 29th inst." Mr McMillan supposed that the reply meant that tho Ellesmere district had now objected as a wholo against the valuation, and that anyone having a grievance must attend the Assessment Court, when his objection would be considered. Mr T. B. Howson considered the reply was almost useless. It was too late.

FuLLT-n's Myriorama.—Lovers of •" old Erin's Isle" were afforded a treat at the Theatre Royal last night, when beautiful views of Irish scenery and Irish cities were shown. The programme was entitled *■ Through Ireland on a Jaunting Car." Beginning at Kingston Harbour, the audience were taken on an imaginary tour through Dublin, County Wicklow, Ennis, Kerry, Kilkenny, Cork, and half a dozen other counties and towns, seeing all the most interesting and beautiful sights and scenes. Mr Howard Chambers was in excellent voice, and received emphatic encores for his singing of "Off to Philadelphia" and "The desert, the latter being especially well sung. Mr John Fuller sang "The Minstrel Bog" and " Ora Pro Nobis" in his best style. Miss Hettie Warden sang " Dublin Bay " and " Killarney " very prettily, and danced an effective Irish jig. Mr Ben Fuller received an encore for his singing of " Encore One Polka." Miss Lydia Walters recited " Christmas Day in the Workhouse" successfully, and Mr John Flora sang " The Irish Jubilee" with considerable humour. Messrs S. Fuller and H. Chambers sang a duet " Excelsior" with excellent effect, and tbe humorous trio " A little farm well tilled" by Messrs S. and W. Fuller and H. Chambers brought down the house. There was a large audience, and most of the items were encored. The programme will be repeated to-night.

St. John Ambulance Association.—A meeting of the members of the Sumner branch was held on Tuesday evening in the Town HaU, Sumner, Mrs Heyward, the Secretary, presiding. Mr Phillips reported there were twenty-six members on the roll, and during the time the branch bad been in existence, about three years, sixteen accidents, several of them very serious ones, had been attended to by members. These in eluded Volunteer Harrop, whose leg was smashed by the tram running over it, and a "*icyclist who got severe scalp wounds on being thrown when riding down the steep Port road. To the timely assistance rendered there is no doubt these two and others owe their lives. The branch, shortly after its initiation, had the misfortune to lose about £20. This money had been collected for the purchase of an ambulance on wheels, tourniquets, and other necessaries, and the branch, not having been able to raise that amount since, is much in want of these appliances. The branch was in immediate want of bandages, kc. — the usual contents of the basket. It would be much obliged if injured persons who were attended by tbe members of the branch would be kind enough to, at least, return the bandages. In all its experience, only one patient who had been attended had subscribed towards the expenses of the branch, and it tendered ita hearty thanks to tbat one patient for tho amount —one shilling—given. It was decided to make a levy of one shilling a member to purchase bandages, vaneline, and other contents of the <unbula_c« basket.

I Governmental Idbas of Land Values I At the Waikari Assessment Court yesterday j a sworn statement was made that an ownor , had offered 3000 acres ot land for settlei ment purposes at £3 15s pet* acre, which ! tho Land Tax Department insists on rating • at Co pet- acre.

CiiKV.s.vNTHKMCM Show.—This show ' takes place at the Art Gallery on May 4th 1 and sth, aud the entries for it close with the

! secretary to-day. j Political.—Mr W. H. Montgomery ad* ; dresses his constituents at the Lakeside schoolroom to night, at Little River on ; Monday, at Springston on Tuesday, and at i Tai Tapu on Wednesday, each meeting commencing at 8 p.m. Mr Meredith meets the j electors of the Ashley electorate at Sefton on Monday and at Amberley on Tuesday. j AceiDr.NT.—A man named Oeorge Beaton ! was brought to the Hospital from Little | River on Wednesday night, suffering from a badly cut foot. He was cutting wood, when the axe caught in a root and slipped from his grasp, severing bis big toe from his foot aud nearly cutting through another. I Cyoli-co.—A road race in connection with the Ashburton Cycling Club was run off I yesterday, the start being from the Public j Library to -Winchtnora and back, a distance ;of sixteen miles. There were fourteen ! starters, and the race was won by 0. Willis | with T. F. Gibson 'Sinin 20*e?) 2, and jO.Cm in (3min 3sec) 3. Willis's time waa i 45min 4", sec. Tkais bkhind Timr.— Ls-9t evening' 9 North train was considerably behind tiroe by the extra traffic from the Rangiora races for which a special might have been provided. Wkllisoton Athletic Park.—Applications, accompanied by testimonials, are in. vited for the position of custodian aud ground man to this Company. The applies, tions must be in on or before 9t-li May. Colonial Experiences. — Captain W. Jackson Barry announces a lecture to be given by him at the Oddfellows' Hall this evening. As the Captain describes himself as •' our pioneer author and explorer and one of the founders of three colonies," rsminiscences of an entertaining character may be expected.

College Rii'-les.—A company parade of the Christ's College Rifles was held yesterday evening, when there was a muster of thirty* six members, under Lieutensnt Smith. Tuam street Drain.—The requisite number of signatures to the petition in connection with the Tuam street drain has been obtained, and the matter will come before the Borough Council at its uext meeting. Socialist Church.—The usual meeting of the Socialist Church was held yesterday evening at the rooms, Hobbs's Building, The business of the evening was the discussion of Herr Michael Fliii-scheim's proposal to establish an exchange bank. The soheme was thoroughly discussed, and member* generally expressed their approval. Akaroa Dog Trials.—The Akaro* county annual dog trials will take placs at Little River, beginning on Monday next. There are fifty-nine entries this year, including several dogs which have already taken prizes at other local trials, and a good attendance is expected. Lyttelton Rates.—A meeting of the ratepayers of Lyttelton is to be held tomorrow night at eight o'clock in oj>-80io-nists' Hall to consider the of 3d in the £ on the borough r-<*tea. New Zealand Natives' '<' Inaugural Entertainment.—The fine programme prepared by the New Zealand Natives' Association for their iaaugural entertainment is attracting a great deal of attention. No pains have been spared to make it unique and interesting, as well as a musical treat. Some very pretty costumes have been obtained for the tableaux, and the other items will be equally attractive. Several members of the House of Representatives, including the Hon. W. Rolleston, have signified their intention of being present. The box plan opens this morning at Milner and Thompson's, and tickets are selling rapidly. Masonic.—At the communication of the Albert Edward Royal Arch Chapter, at Lyt* /telton, on Wednesday night, there were pre* ! sent forty-two Royal Arch Masons. This is i the largest number ever present at a lodge io I New Zealand, and included repreaentatives from every Chapter throughout the colony, from Auckland to Invercargill. Among those pretent were M.E. Cornp. George Powley, first Grand Principal, and H. J. Williams, Grand S.E., the latter of whom worked beautifully the Mark Degree. At the banquet subsequently held, among the toasts was that of Comp. the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, proposed by tho Rev. E. E. Chambers. In responding Comp. Seddon related, in "fiifl. happiest manner, some amusing experiences of Sis on the West Coast.—The annual communication of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand was opened yesterday afternoon at the Choral Hall when the M. W.G.M. Bro. Barron

presided. The reports, &c., of the variou*

organisations, Standing Committee, Board ol Benevolence, <&c., were considered, and the business of the Grand Lodge transacted. Last night the installation ceremony took place, and was a very brilliant affair. To-night a ball will be held iv the OpenHouse. Mr W.H. Montgomery at Leeston.— Mr W. H. Montgomery, M.H.R. for Ellesmere, addressed a meeting at Leeston on Tuesday night, Mr Wm. McMillan, Chairman of the Ellesmere Road Board, in the chair. Tho address was on the same lines as that at Southbridge. In answer to a question with reference to funds for paying old age pension, Mr Montgomery Btated that the surplus for the two years would be some £500,000, and would be ample to pay the old age pension claims for at any rate two years. In answer to other questions bo said he was in favour of the Government partially assisting an irrigation scheme. He would do what he could to get the Government to subsidise some workable scheme. He thoutrht the matter was too great a one to enter into in a hurry. He would favour a commission being appointed to consider the question. Local bodies and settlers should start the work themselves and then get a subsidy from the Government. He would not support the Government in another loan to carry on the Government's reckless expenditure. Mr Montgomery was frequently applauded. Mr Hugh Anderson proposed, ana Mr Alex McLachlan seconded, a hearty rote of thanks to the speaker. This was carried.

New Brighton Hard Times Mustek. —At a meeting of the Committee it was decided to inaugurate the winter series with an invitation muster on Thursday, May 12th. One hundred and twenty-three invitations will be issued, and " Amity Hall" will be taxed to its utmost to accommodate guests. A programme of exceptional merit and novelty was eubmitted and adopted, and the opening muster of " deadbeats " should prove enjoyable to all. Many offers of assistance were left in abeyance, and as the directors adjourned till Monday evening next, many details were left over till that date. Letters from Bulftwayo, Hong Kong, Coolgardie, Blenheim, Invercargill, and other places have been received, and a wide-spread hope expressed that the Btightonian Club willcontinue their festivities and send invitations to abseat Christchurch friends. Chbai* Bicycles*.—A word of cantioa k Kiven to the public against buying cheap bicycles, now being so freely advertieod, w against first class, up-to-date cycles for either sex, reasonable in price, moat easy for terms, and carrying with every maohine the Anglo-New Zealand Cycle Company's guarantee for durability, speed and comfort. D.I.C, agents. Shaw, Robinson and Co. give particulars of several thousand pounds worth of startling bargains in general drapery, clothing, ladies' and children's macintoshes, cloaks, jackets, ifec. ; also, a special Hue of 500 pairs of corsets, la lid and 2s lid, worth 3s 6d and 4s 6d respectively. Men's colonial tweed suita-198 5d and men's knitted sox at 4.Jd. Genuine bargains. Should there not be a circular in your paper, send to us and we will poat you one immediately. Hours of business, 9 am. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 10 p.m. 213 Cashel street, opposite Press office. 1483 Si\ECiAL.—lf you require a tonic take the best—Syrup of Hypophosphites. Barnett, chemist" lib bottles 4s 6d, "jib 2s 6d. Creditable Workmanship. — Oates, Lowry and Co. are now showing a number of ladies' Zealandia bicycles, specially finished in coloured enamel, which surpass anything of the kind yet made in the cofonv.— [Advt.] Excelsior Bioyclks.—Built only to order, never break down, best of everything, up to date. Price, £21 gents, £22 ladies Barlow Cycle Co., 48 Manchester street, next Coker's. -\** McClinton and Thomson's Farilla Soap is what Prof. Kirk reoommends. (See *"dvlj. front page.) "&*

Avon Rowing Club.—lt has been decided to hold the annual smoke concert and distribution of prizes on Thursday, Mny sth. With Pkm'atch. —The Imperial Rifle* ordered their sixty great-coats from the Kaiapoi Woollen Company, and were -supplied with great despatch. The order was not given oeforc tiie Friday immediately preceding Easter week, and the coats were delivered on the succeeding Thursday, in time for them to be used at the -.amp.

Salk of a Farm.—Out- Leeston corre•pondent writes:—Mr VV. Bishop has privately s- I<l his grand little farm lo Mr Peleu. of Tai Tapu, at a s.it:.-U-lury figure. J%lr Bishop has been farming here for thirtytwo vesrs, his farm being an early .«-!eetir.i\

Sot Tiißßinci:. —The remains of the late Mr P. G. Marshall were inferred in the Church of England portion oi the Ellesmere publicemetery yesterday, anil were followed by a large concourse of ',ro*>le. The Rev. L*. J. Cocks officiated at the grave.

Cakd Toi'hnamknt.— The third match in connection with tiie card tournament at Lyttelton result*-d as follows : —Fire Brigade beatD'Uids by 4 games ; Permanent Artillery beat Navah by 4 games : Buffaloes beat Railway by 10 games ; Y. M. Club A beat N Battery by 8 games ; Oddfellows and Y.M. Club B*a draw.

Scmni'k BoKornii Council. —A special meeting of this Co-.ineil was held on Tuesday evening to correct a flight irregularity that had occurred in striking the rale.* for the present year. A resolution pistil in committee last week w.-i*. rescindfJ, and a. resolution pas-ed tint tlie general rate for the year be fine shilling in tlie £, and the •rater-rate 2\ per cent. The meeting to confiiui thi* will therefore be held on the 10th May, instead of on Ihe 4th May us previously announced. 1.0.0.T.—At the weekly session of the Hope oi Christchurch Lodge greeting* were received from Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin Lodges. The election or officers resulted aa follows :—Chief Templar, Sis. May Ashbolt; Vice-Templar, Sis. Gumming ; Secretary, Bro. Cumming ; Financial Secretary, Sis. Staunton ; Treasurer, Bro. Fillingham ; Chaplain, Sis. Bastion ; Marshall, Bro. O. Keiffe; 1.G., Sis. Roach; Sentinal, Bro. Marlow; Past C.T., Sis. Ashbolt, sen.

Pkksentation. —Mr H. T. G ill was on Wednesday presented by his fellow employees in Messrs M.Hnrrisand Son's establishment with a silver watch on the occasion of his leaving the firm for Whakatane, where he intends to take up farming. Mr J. Wallace, on behalf of those gathered together, made the presentation, and spoke in warm terms of Mr Gill's popularity, and wishirg him prosperity in his venture. The watch boro the inscription— " H. T. Gill, from the employees of M. Harris and Son, Christchurch.",,

Inquest.—A baby named William R. Buckler, born in November last, was licensed, under the Infant Life Protection Act, to Mrs K. Scally, of Peterborough Btreet, in whose custody it died. An inquest was held on Wednesday at the Albion Hotel before Mr Beetham and the customary jury. The evidence was to the effect that the baby had been well cared for but had died of marasmus. The verdict returned by tho jury was in accordance with this evidence.

Wedding. —A very pretty wedding took place at St. Peter's Church, Riccarton, last week, when Mr Edmund Sponcer was married to Annie, youngest daughter of Mr E. Hack, of Upper Riccarton. Tlie Rev. W. T. P. Winter was tho officiating clergyman, and the church was prettily decorated for the occasion. The bridesmaids were Miss Spencer, sister of the bridegroom, and Miss M. Troleaven, cousin of the bride. The bridesmaids were tho recipients of handsome gold brooches, the gift of tho bridegroom. As the party left the church the organist played " The Wedding March." A large numbor of guests wore afterwards entertained at the residence of the bride's parents. The presents were both costly and numerous.

Acknowlkogment. — A quantity of flowers has been Bent to the Hospital by Mrs Cairn, and periodicals have been forwarded by Meadaniea Vere, Thomas and Newman.

Gifts.—£lsoo to be given away free in prizes of watches, albums, woi kboxes, workbaskets, kc, by Hubbard, Hall and Co., for Crown brand tea coupons. Full particulars from Hubbard, Hall and Co. 2159