NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 173, 28 December 1874, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Almanac. —We have received from the publishers a copy of Tomb’s Sixpenny Almanac for 1875. It is very neatly got up, and contains a largo amount of useful information. The New Zealand Songster.— We have received this publication from Mr Braithwaitc, of Dunedin. The book, which is neatly got up, contains the songs sung by the minstrel troupes who have visited New Zealand, and, in addition, many other poetical effusions by various authors. Waimakariri Punt. —Duiiug the recent flood some four hundred tons of earth slipped at the approaches to this punt. Great efforts are being made to remove it, and it is hoped that dray traffic will be commenced by 1 hnrsday next. Banks’ Peninsula Show. —The annual agiicultural and pastoral show in connection with the Banks’ Peninsula Association will be held on the grounds of tne Association, Duvauchelle’s Bay, to-morrow. The Ilalcym will make a special vrip to convey excursionists on the occasion. L.V.A.— A shot and shell practice of this battery took place at Battery Point early on Saturday morning last, when sonic very good lilts were made. The gun is to be sent to the Invercargill Artillery. It is proposed that the Lyttelton Volunteer Artillery should join the Christchurch battery, as an outlying detachment, now the Christchurch battery have to come to port for shot and shell practice. Boxing Day in Port. —A very close holiday was kept in Port. A few Government officials were at their posts, but they had nothing to do. There were a variety of attractions. The Bruce took excursionists to Pigeon Bay, the Halcyon took passengers to Diamond Harbor and to Governor’s Bay, and there were of course trains running to the Foresters’ fete in the Heacbcote Valley, and very crowded they were. The steamers were very fairly patronised, and luckily the day was line and the sea calm, so that few suffered from seasickness. A great many people came to Poit from Christchurch, and most of the sHips in harbor had visitors aboard, The schooner Alert and the Annie Ogle were cruising about during a portion of the day. In spite of the great hilarity there was little noise and disturbance. Sunday School Union. —The anniversary services in connection with the Canterbury Sunday School Union took placeyeslerday at the Durham street Wcsloyau Church. The various schools commenced to assemble shortly before 2 p,m , when there vveie present the following, viz, Wesleyan: Durham street, St James’, and Avonside; Congregational: Manchester street and Ferry road; Free Methodist ; St Asaph street, and Addington, and Bingsland; Presbyterian: St Paul’s; Baptist: Hereford street. The large church was filled to overflowing in every part, the congregation numbering about 2500, The Rev S. Macfarlane delivered an earnest and affectionate address to the children, who, under Mr Roberts, sang a selection of hymns very nicely. The collection realised £8 18s 9d. Acclimatisation.— The salmon confined in the Avon in the floating cage were visited on Thursday last by Sir G. Wilson, Dr Campbell, and other gentlemen interested in the acclimatisation of these fish. Since the last inspection the salmon have perceptibly increased in size, and appear to be thriving so well, that it was considered desirable not to remove them for the present. The woodwork inside the cage was found to be covered with the spawn of the native fish, whilst the shrimps and other fish seen both inside and outside the cage afforded evidence that the salmon did not lack for a food supply. Messrs R. P. Grosbie, J. Miller. E. W. Tippetts, and other members of the boating club kindly lent the assistance of themselves and boats for the occasion. Accident. —On Christmas Day, as aMr Boyle was driving a trap on the Sumner road, in which were his wife aid three children, having arrived at the cutting, the horse commenced to back, when the whole, of the party (with the exception of a boy whohad jumped out) were thrown over the embankment to the distance of about five feet. Fortunately they were quickly extricated by numerous pleasure seekers close by, but not before they had been very much bruised, especially Mr Boyle, who was unfortunately under the cart, and when picked up was quite unconscious. Mr Boyle lias been under medical treatment since, and it is satisfactory to note he is progressing favorably. It is certainly time that this dangerous portion of the road to a place so often travelled by those desirous of visiting the sea-side should receive attention from the authorities. The TRrp op the- Bruce to Pigeon Bay. —The s s. Bruce started on her second excursion from Lyttelton on Saturday under happier auspices. A mild N.E. wind moderated the heat of the weather, and the gentle heaving of the sea was just sufficient to remind one that the Pacific was not asleep. About 200 were on board. She arrived at Pigeon Bay about 11.80, and the party was transferred to the shore by the steamer’s boats and Mr Ockford’s. An adjournment was then made to a paddock in close prox ! mity to the hotel. A committee was formed and athletic sports commenced. They were for both young and old, and included racing, jumping, leap-frog, barrow races, and trotting match. Collections were made on the ground for prizes, and a considerable amount was raised in this way. All appeared to enjoy themselves thoroughly. It was a picnic. The fun was kept up without intermission till about I p.m., when the shrill whistle of the steamer warned them it was time to return to poit. The passage back was a very calm one, and all appeared to enjoy it thoroughly. Rounds, glees, and madrigals were sung, and it was a happy party that landed at No 2 wharf about twenty minutes co six. Most of those from Chiistchinch proceeded in ihe six train, but some were unfortunate enough to be detained through there not being sufficient accommodation until 8 p.m. We hear that a number more would have gone in the Brnce, but the 8 80 a.m. train was so crowded that a number had to be left behind,

Masonic Lodge of Unanimity, No 604 F. C., Lyttelton —The installation of officers for this lodge for the ensuing twelve months, look place on Christmas Eve; H.W.D.GM. Brother W. Donald conducting the ceremonies. The following brethren were duly appointed to their respective offices: —Brother R, Anderson, vV.M. ; Brother H. McLcllan, J.8.M.; Brother R. King, H.W. ; Brother P. Cunningham, J.W. ; Brother H, Macdonald, S.D. ; Brother J. Boston, J.D. ; Brother G. Warue, secretary ; Brother W. LG.; Brother T. Hester, tyler. After the installation the brethren adjourned for the banquet, to celebrate the festival of St John the Evangelist. The catering was fulfilled by Brother W, Bur'dp, and it is needless to say that it was served in a most skilful manner ; the B.W.D.G.M. in the chair. On the cloth being cleared the usual loyal and masonic toasts were given, and heartily responded to, the Brothers at the festive board being enlivened by appropriate vocalisation. The brethren separated after having passed a very instructive and most social evening. Wesleyan Sunday School Treats.— The annual Sunday school treat to the scholars attending the Durham street Sunday school took place on Saturday last. The weather was all that could be desired, and the school, when joined by the Avonside branch, numbering in all about 4QO, marched in procession to the pleasant grounds of Mr Shepherd, beyond the Stanraore road. The supply of good things suitable for both children and elders was most abundant; and during the day improvised sports were carried out, the winners receiving satisfactory prizes. The parents, friends, and teachers entered con amove into the day’s fun. which passed off without asingle hitch. Shortly after seven o’clock the children were marshalled, and, having given three hearty cheers for the host, hostess, and teachers, fell in and were marched home ; the little ones being conveyed in traps. The St James’ Wesleyan School had their outing on the same day, and repaired, accompanied by their teachers, to Mr Taylor’s shady retreat on the Lincoln road. Here also an abundance of good things had been laid in, and after suitable sports bad been indulged in. the children returned to the school before dispersing for home.