NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2238, 4 June 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Pebsonal. —Mr B. Mont, of Koiapoi, expired early this morning. Oddfellowsiiip. —The aecond anniversary of the Loyal Phillipstown Lodge was celebrated on Thursday evening last by a dinner, got up by Bro. G. Collier, at the Boyal George Hotel, in first-class atylo. Mr B. J. Leahy, of the Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge, waa requested to take the chair. After full justice ban been done to the good things on the table, the chairman gave “ Her Moat Gracious Majesty and Royal Family,” “ Hie Excellency Sir Arthur Gordon,” “ The Legislative Council and House of Representatives.” Several other toasts wore given, among them being “The G.M. and Board of Directors,” given by P.P.G.M. Bro. Kent and responded to by P.P.G.M. Bro. Liddell; “The District Officers,” “Tho Sister Lodges.” “Kindred Societies,” responded to by members of the Masonic, Ancient Order of Foresters, and Druidical bodies. Tho toast of the evening was given by the Yice-chairman, Bro. J. Guntrip, of tho Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge—“ The Loyal Phillipstown Lodge," and was ably responded to by Bro. Henry Toomer. tho first N.G. of tho lodge, who gave a few statistics showing great progress financially and numerically. Several capital songs and recitations were given, as well as an exhibition of vontriloquial powers by Bro. Greerer, causing an unlimited amount of laughter at tho droll way in which he introduces his various characters. In giving “The Host and Hostess,” tho chairman highly complimented them on the tastefully arranged tables and tho decorations of the room, as well as the splendid bill of faro put on the tables that evening. After tho “The Press ” was given the company broke up, having spent a very enjoyable evening. Lyttelton Beass Band.— At a meeting held last night at the Lyttelton Colonists’ Hall, in connection with a proposal to organise a brass band at Port, it was agreed by the eighteen members present that the first practice should be held on Tuesday evening next. Mr H. Bowles, the instructor, submitted a price-list of instruments. It was resolved to ask for the use of the Church of England schoolroom as a practising hall. Lyttelton Unemployed. —This morning, at the Lyttelton Police Court, Isaac Johnson was charged with vagrancy before Mr Caleb Whitefoord, R.M. Tho man for some time past has been by day an habitue of the rendezvous for the unemployed in Port, the Post office corner, and by night ho fain would betake himself to the quietude to bo found within one of the enclosed railway waggons' in tho station yard, or would coil himself up in on empty water tank. Tho Magistrate did him a kindness, and tho public an acceptable service, by sending him to prison for two months.

Lvttelton Peeiianekt Land, Building and Investment Society'.—The secretary of the above society notifies that the usual monthly mooting will bo held on Tuesday night next. The Dkuids. —An adjourned mooting for for taking steps to form a now lodge was held at the Grosvauor Hotel on Thursday evening. D.P. Bro. Samuels occupied the chair. Mr L. Peglor was appointed secretary pro tem, and Mr D. Bryant treasurer pro tem. A working committee was formed, consisting of Messrs GK Blackie, S. Smith, J. Soung, W. L. Motley, and the si orelary with power to ada to their number. It was decided that the next meeting bo held on Tuesday next for the purpose of receiving nomination moneys, and other business. The meeting then adjourned with a vote of thanks to the chairman. The monthly district meeting was hold at the Wellington Hotel last evening. D.P. Bro. Samuels occupied the chair. It was decided that the lodges bo advised to set apart the second lodge night in the quarter for a lodge o: instruction. D.P. Bro Samuels stated that he would be glad if those who intended taking part with the Bud of Hope Lodge, Saugiora, in their procession and entertainments would give in their names, so that he could make arrangements for a conveyance. Some other business having been transacted, the meeting adjourned with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

Asphalts Channelling. The " or 'f a committee hare decided to put the aspnalte channelling forwarded for trial from Ashburton in Cashel street, to replace a part of the wooden kerbing and stone channelling which has long been an eyesore in so frequented a thoroughfare. Pupil Teachers.—An Experiment. At the last meeting of the Board of Education, Mr Bowen referred to the difference between the present ay stems of public education in England and the United States. In the former country, the use and training of pupil teachers were made an essential part, indeed the Tory backbone of the system ; while in the United States they were entirely dispensed with. Ho readily seconded Mr Fraser’s motion, because it provided for giving a thorough and fair trial to the English plan. The resolution is as follows :—“ That the inspectors bo instructed in the examination of schools, to examine specially and report upon the condition and progress of pupil teachers, and on the amount of instruction given them in general education and the methods of teaching.” QobSB Cuttekb.— At the annual monthly meeting of the committee of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association yesterday, Mr Mollwraith drew attention to the great want existing in Canterbury—where there are thousands of miles of gorso fences— a gorse cutting machine, with a .view to seeing if tho Association could, by offering a liberal premium, induce the manufacture of a good one. Some discussion ensued, in the course of which it was argued, that as tho invention of a thoroughly good machine meant a fortune to tho lucky inventor, any efforts of the Association would bo somewhat superfluous. It was mentioned that a well-known engineering firm in Christchurch were engaged upon a machine, of the results to be attained by which they are very sanguine.

Theatrical, —Mr J. Smith, the advanceagent of Simonaen’a Opera Company, passed through Christchurch on Wednesday. Mr Smith, during his stay, endeavoured to negotiate for a week’s occupancy by the company of the Theatre Royal here, but so far as can be learnt, was not successful. It is probable that tho company will proceed to Dunedin, where they will open at the Queen’s Theatre. Mr Towle produces “ The Chimes of Normandy,” an opera bouffo which has created quite a furore at Home, at the Theatre Royal, following tho close of tho CardenLeigh season. The cast is a very strong one vocally speaking. Mr Cary is gradually collecting his company for “ The Pirates of Penzance.” Mr J. T. Hydes has boon engaged for the Policeman, and it is stated that Signor Oarmini Morloy will undertake tho principal tenor part. Messrs Baker and Farrou, writing to a gentleman in Christchurch from Detroit, state that their return trip through the States has been a g-eat success, and that they hope shortly to re-visit Australia. From Mr Q. Lingard, who will be recollected by many here, comes the information that the panorama of “ Zaalandia ” has been a very great success in England and Scotland, and has aroused a large amount of interest in Now Zealand.

American Farms. -The average value of farm lauds in the United States, according to a recent Government report, has increased during tbe past year 8 per cent. The largest increase is in Florida (28 per cent.) and the smallest in another Southern state, Virginia (1 4 per cent.) The average increase in the New England states is 8 per cent., which is also the rate in Massachusetts. The middle states show about half this advance, the South Atlantic states more, and SouthWestern states less, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska —states lying together in the wheat belt—return a round increase averaging 13 per cent.

A Radical Curb por Drunkenness.— Under the above heading, a Hungarian paper tells the following Russian story:—A workman brought a complaint against four of his follows that they had given him twenty-five blows with a stick. The accused on being asked for their defence produced an agreement in writing, one clause of which expressly stipulated that if one of their number drank to such an extent as not to bo able to attend to his work, the others were to measure out to him twenty-five blows, and that they had merely carried out the agreement. Upon this the Magistrate discharged them, remarking that they were not deserving of blame for what they bad done, but rather of praise.

Thb Fourth Estate in Many Lands. —Under the above heading a correspondent ■ends the “ Auckland Star ” the following journalistic statistics : —The point nearest the doath Polo at which newspapers are published is Invercargill, situate at 463eg 25min South latitude. The publications farthest south upon the continent of Africa are at Cape Town, 34deg 56min South, and those farthest from the equator in South America at San Carlos, Chili, at 41deg 52min. In the island of Ceylon, India, twenty-six newspapers are published, including two dailies (one of which has a circulation of 1450 copies per day), eight weeklies, two semi weeklies, ten monthlies, two semi-monthlies, and two quarterlies. In the province of Punjab, India, are twentyseven nowzpapers, twenty-one of which are weeklies, and tbe remainder monthlies. The interest attached to this fact is increased when wo remember that Punjab forms the extreme north-west corner of the Indian empire, and lies adjacent to Afghanistan, the scene of recent exciting rebellion and war. The Empire of Morocco cannot boast of a newspaper of any description. It is literally revelling in the “ bliss of ignorance.” One paper only is published in Persia—the 11 Iran of Ispahan,” a Government organ. Only a single paper is published in the Republic of Liberia. The “ Observer,” issued at Monrovia with a circulation of 363, published semimonthly. Iceland supports three newspapers. As far as is ascertained no other newspapers are published so near the Arctic circle as those. Tunis has one public sheet devoted almost entirely to Governmental announcements, and published, like the Thames “ Enoch,” when occasion requires ; or “ sufficient inducement offers.” In Algiers are published twenty newspapers. At Throndhjem (Dron thoim), Norway, throe daily journals. In South America, the Republic of Chili “runs” seventy-five newspapers. But New Zealand bears the palm for having attained, par excellence, the most flourishing civilisation in a journalistic point of view. Her catalogued publications are—collectively unprecedentedly large (over 140 in all) able, progressiva and high-toned, of which colonists may bo justly proud.

The Chinese Question. —The influx of Chinese is creating a stir at Riverton. A special meeting of the Borough Council was recently held, at which the Mayor is reported to have stated that “one of the principal reasons that induced him to convene the meeting was to consider the Chinese question. When the census was taken a month ago it was found that there were eighty-six JOhinamen returned as occupying a certain building, and the smell that was emitted therefrom was so noxious that people were compelled to give the premises a wide berth, and travel on the other side of the street.” He thought that if they commenced an agitation against the Chinese, other towns would take the matter up, and by combined action some check might be put upon the evil. It was agreed to call together a public meeting on the question.

A Chinese ENTBRPBian. —There is talk (the “Cromwell Argus” says) of a strong company of Chinese having combined to carry out a 'gigantic mining operation, being no loss than bringing the water of the Nevis River to operate on the alluvial deposits of the Bannockburn. The undertaking will cost a lot of money, as the labor and outlay of capital must necessarily bo very great; but if the scheme should bo carried out—and authorities say it is practicable—the extent of auriferous ground the water would command is very wide and all carrying gold in more or less payable quantities. It there Is any truth in the rumour, wo much regret that Chinese are the movers, as it will result in the district being inundated by Mongolian laborers.

Spofpobtii as an Athiete. —Spofforth is not only a good cricketer, but is also a firstrate short distance runner. At the last Sydney Amateur Athletic meeting the event of greatest interest was the 100 yards flat race, which resulted in a dead heat between Spofforth and Rush. As Spofforth got away with the lead and Rush gained upon him considerably during the last twenty yards, it was thought that in the run off Rush would easily dispose of the “ demon,” but Spofforth again got away at the start and succeeded in putting in the first fifty a gap of at least two yards between himself and his opponent, which he kept till the finish, winning easily in lOjaoo, The moat jubilant at Spofforth’s victory were Messrs Murdoch and Bonner. The Australian captain says he is is a position to match Spofforth against any amateur in the colonies for a stake bet of £IOO.

Oonceet. —Our readers are reminded that a concert is to be given in the Templar Hall, Worcester street, on Monday evening next, by Mr A, A. North’s Tonic Solfa binging Class, assisted by friends. An excellent programme has bsen issued, and a pleasant musical entertainment may be looked for. For particulars see advertisement in another column.

Bible Christians. —Tho new church for this denomination, situate at the corner of Lower High street and Wilson street, just opposite the Oaversham Hotel and Jenkins sawmills, will be opened to-morrow. A. prayer meeting will bo held at 7 a.m. The Rev. J. Bullor will preach in tho forenoon, Rev. O. Dallaston in the afternoon, and tho Rev. J. Orewes in the evening. On Tuesday there will bo a public tea at 6.30 p.m., and as near to 7.30 as practicable there will be a public meeting, in which the Revs. T. R. Cairns, R. Taylor, B. Bautnber, E. O. Perry, J. Wilson, and other gentlemen may be expeatod to take part. Tho Revs. Elmslio, Ward, Williams, and Wilson and Dr. Russel and Mr J, T. Smith have kindly consented to assist in subsequent services, and as the ministers of so many churches havo consented to come forward to express Christian sympathy toward the Bible Christian connection on this interesting occasion, and several other public gentlemen havo kindly consented to render help, it is expected that the members of tbe several churches and temperance societies of the city will be present in large numbers.

Magistrate's Court, Kaiapoi.—At this Court on Thursday, before Mr Blackwell, Mayor, J. Rogers was fined ss. P. Lyle 10s for being illegally on premises.

The British Census.— It is exactly eighty years (says tho “Home News”) since the first census of Great Britain was taken. Not till ten years after was a similar reckoning attempted in Ireland, and then only with very unsatisfactory results. Yet the census is no modern invention. Tho office in Craig’s Court, which, on April 4th, was the very lifefocus and heart-centre of our great Empire, had its prototype in the Villa Publioa, the building in the Field of Mars, wherein the Roman Censor more than two thousand years ago anticipated tho function of tho English Registrar-General. The post, however, js easier and less complex under Queen Victoria than it was under the Caesars. It was a startling disclosure of the last census that the United Kingdom contained about nine hundred thousand more women than men, and philosophical statisticians are no doubt impatient to learn whether nature has in the interim adjusted the balance or enlarged the very remarkable disproportion. Laws tor Bicycles.— A Home paper says A code of by laws has been adopted by the general watch committee of the Salford Corporation, and was to be passed under the common seal of the Council at its meeting on Wednesday, February 9th. They have received the approval of tho Local Government Board. The by-laws direct that no bicycle shall be ridden on any footway ; that every bicyclist shall between sunset and sunrise carry a lamp, which shall be so lighted and kept lighted as to afford adequate means of signalling his approach; that every bicyclist overtaking a cart or carriage, &c., shall give sufficient warning of his approach, by sounding a bell or whistle, and that in passing snob cart, carriage, &c>, the ordinary rule of the road as to wheeled vehicles shall ajiply. In the event of any horse or other animal becoming restive or alarmed on the approach of a bicycle, the bicyclist is directed to dismount until all danger is past. For every breach of these by-laws the offenders will be liable to a penalty not exceeding £5, at the discretion of the justices, who, however, have power to remit. The Socialists and thb Crown Princess.—lt is stated that the Crown Princess of Germany received by post an anonymous letter declaring that her illustrious husband, the Grown Prince, would fall a victim to a sentence of tho Nihilists at tho funeral of the murdered Czar. March 27th being the second anniversary of the death of her third son, Prince Waldemar, Her Highness, accompanied by her children, with Princess Christian and Princess William, went out to Potsdam to attend divine service in the Friedenskirohe, where the deceased Prince is buried, and returned in the evening to hear, of course, that the anonymous and discomposing prophecy had been falsified. The missive in question is as likely as not to have been concocted in a spirit of cruel levity; yet, pending the search for its unprincipled author, it will doubtless form tho subject of comment in the Imperial Parliament, when the memorial on the Socialist law comes on for discussion. Meanwhile, it is persistently stated that the Governments of Russia and Germany are seriously bent on bringing to the notice of the European Powers the perilous spread of revolutionary principles, and intend proposing some common and international means of combating tho growing evil.” — “European Mail.”