NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1533, 16 January 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Justices of the Peace. —In consequence of the lack of Justices of the Peace in the Kaiapoi district two gentlemen hare recently been nominated for enrolment on the commission of the peace. Deserting Seamen. —Fire of the seamen belonging to the barque Charles Deering, from New York, deserted on Tuesday night. The master offers a reward of two pounds per man for their arrest. Departure of Home Mails— Mails for the United Kingdom via Southampton and Brindisi, and for India, China, and the East, were forwarded yesterday afternoon by the g.s. Arawata, which left Port at half-past four o’clock for Melbourne via South. Drainage Board Election. —The following are the boundaries of the Sproydon district, for which an election will take place to-day Bounded on the north by the City of Christchurch and the Riccarton district, on the east by Colombo street, on the southeast and south-west by the south side of the River Heathcote from the continuation of Colombo street south to Archer’s Bridge on the Lincoln road. Amateur Opera Company— “ Martha ” will bo repeated to-night for the last time. With the cast strengthened by Miss Amy Sherwin in the title vole, a performance of unusual merit may be anticipated. Mr H. F. Towle has carried out the arduous task he had undertaken in a most thorough and satisfactory manner, and there is little doubt that a crowded house will assemble to witness the last and crowning performance of his company of operatic amateurs. Rifle Match.— A match of considerable interest will be fired at the Cashmere range on, it is expected, Saturday week, between ten members of the Engineer Company and ten Civilians. The challenge came from the Engineers, who will undoubtedly have hard work to beat their opponents, who number some of our best shots. The company has a strong shooting team, and this is considerably strengthened b j tb® presence of Mr Appleby, wto has joined the company as lieutenant. The Canterbury Coursing Club— The annual meeting of this club was held at five o’clock last evening at the Shades, Hereford street, when the report and balance sheet, both of which were of a very satisfactory character, wore adopted, and a number of committee men appointed for the ensuing year. It was stated that the subscriptions for a testimonial to Mr Anson, the late secretary, were coming in very freely. Drapers’ Picnic. — A meeting of the committee appointed at the late general meeting of drapers and clothiers, to make arrangements for the forthcoming picnic on the 28th instant, was hold at the Commercial Hotel on Tuesday evening, Mr Gray in the chair. It was reported that active steps were being taken to carry out the various arrangements, It was stated that the secretary (Mr R. Clark) and Mr M. Jacobs had been to the Port to make arrangements for the steamer that is to convey the party to Governor’s Bay. After some discussion the meeting was adjourned. Lost Scrip— The police authorities wish attention to be called to a packet of scrip, representing twenty £2O shares in the Birmingham and Leicester Railway Company, now in their possession, awaiting an owner. The scrip was picked up as far back as the beginning pf November, in Colombo street, by a porter at the Canterbury College, named John McGregor. The date of the issue of the shares are endorsed on the scrip, which also bears the signature of the secretary of the Railway Company, and although a notice of the finding has been affixed on the notice board outside the Police Depot, no one has as yei put in a claim to it. The Late Floods.— The trifling damage done to the railway by the floods has been completely repaired, and the trains, both passenger and goods, ran as usual yesterday.

Mb Hoskins’ Company.—Mr Hoskins’ company concluded their season at Napier Hat night, and may be expected in Christchurch about Saturday. Disteict Couet, Ashbueton. District Judge Ward visited Ashburton on Wednesday, for the purpose of holding a District Court, but as no cases were ready, owing to the delay in sending the necessary forms; the Court was not hold. In future it is understood the sittings of this Court will be held on the l,sth of paoh month.

The Commissioner of Railways.—Mr Conyers arrived by the Arawata yesterday from the North, having been absent for some weeks on his visit of inspection to the Nelson and West Coast railways. Loss OF the Bakqub Sohiehallion.—lt will be seen from this morning’s intelligence by cable that the barque Sohiehallion, from Auckland to London, has been totally lost on the Isle of Wight. Nothing is said of any loss of life. The passenger list, and particulars of her cargo, will be found amongst the telegraphic shipping intelligence. Madamoiselle Oiiaebonnbt . This talented lady, who has recently been giving concerts in the North, has arrived in Christchurch, and will give two concerts at the Oddfellows’ Hall, commencing on the 23rd inst. She will be assisted by Signora Yenosta, Herr Bunz, and other artists. The programme will comprise selections of classical music, &c., and no doubt many of the lovers of music in Christchurch will avail themselves of the opportunity of hearing a pianiste of whoso performances the Australian papers speak in such high terms. The programme for the two nights has not yet been definitely arranged, but the selections will be such as to display to the best advantage the talents of Mdlle. Charbonnet. Rifle Association. —The prize firing of this Association will take place at the Cashmere Range on Thursday, the 30th instant, firing to commence at 8 a.m. punctually. The prizes to be shot for are mentioned in our advertising columns. His Worship the Mayor, following in the footsteps of his predecessors, has given a valuable cup to bo shot for on the date mentioned. An alteration in the terms of Blake’s Challenge Cup has been assented to by the donor, namely, that any position may be adopted at the 200 yards range, and the 8-inch bulls-eye used in place of the long one of previous contests. By this alteration, much time will bo saved by the competitors, as an alteration of targets will be saved. Entries must be made with the secretary of the Association at Warner’s Hotel, on the evening previous to the match. Railway Fieb Brigade.—An adjourned meeting of the Railway Fire Brigade was held in the Accountant’s office at eight o’clock last evening, for the purpose of enrolling members and electing officers ; Mr F. Back was in the chair. Twenty members were enrolled, and the following officers were elected:—Superintendent, Mr W. Rankin; foreman, Mr G. Merson ; branchmen, Messrs P. Pearson and B. P. Ekberg ; assistant branchmen, Messrs White and O'Neil; secretary, Mr James Ashley. After some discussion, it was agreed that the officers elected should retain office for twelve months. It was unanimously resolved that the following officers should be honorary members of the brigade :—Messrs W. Conyers, F. Back, W. M. Hannay, A. D, Smith, J. Dickenson, R. Carron, A. Garstin, P. Pope, and J. McGarva. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting adjourned. Supbbmb Coubt. —The case of Oleve v King came to a conclusion yesterday, when the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff for £l5O. This, however, is only the first step in the case, as it was agreed between the learned counsel engaged that the several points of law raised on the trial should be argued in banco, on the motion of counsel for defendants that a nonsuit should be recorded or that the verdict should be entered for the defendants. It is also more than probable that the case will come before the Court of Appeal. To-day the case of Henderson v the Napier Harbor Board will commence. This is likely to occupy a considerable time, and quite an array of legal talent has been obtained. The Attorney-General and Mr W. L. Rees will appear one one side, and Mr Macassey and Mr George Harper on the other. City Council Works.—The works committee of the City Council met yesterday, and passed several accounts for payment. It was resolved to call for tenders for widening the Colombo street bridge. It was decided that before anything could be done in the matter of widening Lyttelton street, its width should be verified. The committee determined that the footway from the south town belt to the railway station should be proceeded with on payment of half the cost of the work by the residents in the locality. The surveyor was to be instructed to remove all advertising boards crossing footpaths where they are supported by posts, with the exception of those erected under verandahs. With the view of throwing open to the public as soon as possible the Market-place street now being formed, it was resolved to shingle the same, tenders to be at once called for the material. The removal of the lamp in Cashel street from Inwood’s new building to the opposite side of the street between the premises of King and Davis, was also determined on. Kaiapoi Woollen Manufaotoby Company.—The first annual meeting of proprietors was held on Wednesday at the company’s office, Kaiapoi. Nearly all the shareholders were present, Mr Isaac Wilson, chairman of directors, presiding. Mr J. Harold Evans, secretary, read the report, which noticed the progress of the company and matters of interest only to the shareholders. It concluded by stating that Mr Wilson, the retiring director, was eligible for re-election. To the report was attached a satisfactory balance-sheet, audited by Mr W. P. Wilson, showing the position of the company to be sound. The nominal capital was stated to be £15,000, of which £12,000 has been paid up. The working of the machinery was being carried out on an economical basis, and the largo outlay for buildings and increased plant had been provided for. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr G. Coup, the report and statement were unanimously adopted. Mr Isaac Wilson was unanimously elected a director, A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the directors for their services during the past year. The meeting then terminated. Me Geaham’s Benefit. —Mr J, F. Graham had a capital house at the Theatre Royal last night, on the occasion of his benefit and last appearance in New Zealand. The performance commenced with the closet scene from “Hamlet,” the parts of the Prince of Denmark and Queen Gertrude being taken by the beneficiaire and Miss Tilly Andrews, who kindly gave her services. The scene was well acted by each performer, though Mr Graham was suffering from a severe cold, which had an injurious effect on his voice. Mrs W. A. Toke played Beethoven’s Sonata, No. 12, on the pianoforte. The performance was brilliant, but too rechcrchc for the frequenters of the pit, who manifested in their usual way their disapprobation of what they did not understand or appreciate. The unmanly disturbance was both, an insult to the talented lady who performed and to the gentleman whose benefit they came to patronise. An amusing trifle, in the shape of a two-act comedy drama, written by Mr Graham, and entitled “Love’s Young Dream,” was the next iteip. on the bill. As a foil to display the comic acting of Mr Graham and Miss Andrews, it answered its purpose of affording considerable amusement to the audience, who were liberal in applauding their old favorites. Miss Andrews introduced a song and dance, “ Blue Eyed Joe,” which being encored, she gave a lively naval hornpipe as a substitute. Later on she sang a rather nice song, the composition of Mr Graham, entitled “Can he forget.” The music was easy and flowing and the words appropriate. It was also well received. The piece finished by Mr Graham’s imitating Signor Majeroni in the “ Old Corporal,” capitally done ; Mr P. M. Bates as Essex in “ Queen Elizabeth and Mr Hoskins as “ Cardinal Richelieu.” The entertainment concluded with the third act of the “Lady of Lyons,” with Miss Andrews and Mr Graham in the characters of Paulino and Claude. Their performance was spirited, and brought an amusing entertainment to a conclusion. Messrs Bunz, Thompson, Tankred, Poore, Weber, Ingleson, and Harrison, and Miss Eleanor James gave their services, and helped to contribute to the general success. The Fraudulent Bankruptcy Case.— James Busdngthwaito, who was remanded by the Rangiora Bench to Christchurch, will be brought up at the Resident Magistrate s Court to-morrow morning on the charge, as set forth in the warrant for his arrest, of “concealing and fraudulently removing part of his property, and making material owioeiojjg ia tbe jtivtemeut relating to bis a#aire«"

Mb Tablet. —The biblo reading yesterday afternoon was the most largely attended of any given, the floor of the hall being well filled, The subject, as previously announced, ™" The Lord’s second coming/’ Mr Yarley gave his views in a very clear and able manner. In the evening, long before the time of meeting, numbers were flocking into the hall, which was filled to overflowing, extra seats being brought into requisition in every available space. The whole of the scenery having been removed, the platform was made use of for the audience, numbers being obliged to stand, but the powerful voice of Mr Yarley was readily heard at all parts of the buildings. The subject taken was a continuance of the afternoon’s theme, which was announced by Mr Yarley as “The Three Sessions of Judgment.” The Bible reading to-morrow afternoon, as per advertisement, will be devoted to the consideration of Scripture testimony regarding “ The Jews—signs of the times, indicating the approach of the crisis,” and a special address will be delivered in the evening, at 7.30. City Valuation. —Apart from the natural increase in the value of rateable property in Christchurch, caused, by the growth of the city, it vrould seem to be not altogether unaffected by the choice of the Corporation’s assessor for the time being. For instance, in 1875, when Mr Huddleston acted as city valuator, the total amount of the valuation list after passing the Assessment Court, was £150,626. In 1876, when Mr Cuff prepared the list, the total value after revision was represented by £147,711. In 1877, Mr Flockton’a revised list showed the rateable value of the property of the city to be £173,559 j; and in 1878 Mr Cuff reduced it to £170,596, which the Court ■ further diminished to £168,080. For the present year Mr Leach estimates the total value of rateable property in Christchurch to be £216,702. This estimate is, of course, subject to revision, and probably some changes will be made, but these will not prevent the amended valuation from showing an enormous increase on that of last year. Supposing even that the valuer’s statement of increase is reduced by 20 per cent., which is very improbable, the total increase would still be upwards of 23 per cent, of the total value of property as stated last year. Intbbfrotincial Regatta.—A meeting of those interested in aquatics will be held at the Commercial Hotel this evening, when the subject of an Interprovincial Regatta for 1879 will be discussed. Merchants’ Employes’ Picnic.—A meeting of persons interested in getting up this picnic will be hold to-morrow evening at the Scotch Stores at half-past 7 o’clock. Cricket Fixtures.—The Association match Town v. Country, begun last Saturday, will be continued next Saturday. All those who arc engaged in the match are particularly requested to attend punctually. A match will bo played to day between the H.O.L.C.C. and Bakers’ Cricket Clubs, on the ground of the former. The following will represent the Hagley Oak Leaf: —H. V. Anson (captain), H. Fisher, Q. Hepworth, W. Hepworth, A. Dunbar, J. Lusk, J. Judge, W. Collier, F. Beard, A. Johnston, Hurst. Emergency—J. Niven. The following will represent the U.C.C.C. in the match against Riccarton:—W. G. Cotterill (captain), W. J. Cotterill, J. Dawe, H.O. D. Meares, M. Nalder, F. Robinson, E. J. Ross, Goo. Thorne, H. S. Smith, M. S. Smith, J. R. Wilkinson.