Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1201, 27 December 1871, Page 2

Local and General.

VoitrNTEEKS. — The first number of a newspaper entitled The Neiv Zealand Volunteer Gazette and Colonial Forces Record is announced to appear in Auckland on Jan. 6. Cantekbuby Rowing Club.— A general meeting is convened for Thursday next at 8 p.m., at White's Hotel, to consider important business. •^CANTEEBunY Mitsefm. — About onethousand persons visited the Museum yesterday, a large .proportion of -whom were country visitors.^/ . Sale of Poisons Act. — The Resident Magistrate has been appointed Registrar under this Act, and he directs attention to its provisions, which come into operation on Jan. 1, 1872. j. Cubistmas Waits. — The old custom of welcoming Christmas with music was revived, in Lyttelton. Soon after midnight on Sunday, the Borough band assembled and patrolled the streets, playing the fine old Hymns Christians Awake, and Adeste Fideles. City Council Licenses. — Holders of licenses under the By-laws of the City Couni oil — hackney carriages, carriers, hawkers, drivers, conductors, kerosene and registered buildings — are reminded that it is necessary to givo notice of their intention to renew them for the ensuing year. Fatal Accident. — A German, employed on Mr Wcstcnra's station, Selwyn, was killed on Monday last. It appcara that a horse had been gored by a bull, and that the deceased was engaged dressing the wounds when the horse kicked him in a vital part. Deceased, who leaves a wife and child, died shortly afterwards. St. Maey's CumcH, Adbixgton. — Divine service was celebrated in this church on the morning of Christmas Day by the Rev. F. G. Brittan, who preached from the text, " For Herod shall seek the young child to destroy him." The decorations were simple, yet elegant. Wreaths of red geraniums and white lilies mingled with dark green foliage and blue flowers encircled the windows and festooned tbe walls of the church, and at the east end there was a cross of white lilies surrounded by evergreens and flowers. St. Pkteu's Chujich, Riccakton. — The ornamentation of the Chwcb at Riccarton dedicated to S. Peter, on the morning of Christmas Day, was composed principally of flowers and evergreens, so arranged as to produce a very pleasing eifect. The arches and pillars of the nave were festooned with flowers, mingled with evergreens. The font and communion rails had also floral ornaments. Over the communion table was the following inscription, " The Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us." The morning service was conducted by tho Incumbent, the Rev. C. Bowen, and at the conclusion of Morning Prayer, the Holy Communion was administered. Tub In-coming Suez Mail. — As the Alham bra, which left Melbourne on Dec. 20, does not bring even the mail news, the inference is that the P. and O. steamer was again behind her time. Tho mail itself was due in Melbourne on Dec. 21, and the telegraphic, summary of news is usually received about two days in advance. No doubt the loss of the Rangoon would cause some slight disarrangement, and the non-arrival of the mail on the due date is just what might have beeu anticipated. Under the circumstances, and as an alteration has evidently been made in tho dates on which Messrs M'Meckan, Blackwood and Co's boats were to leave Melbourne for New Zealand, it is impossible to say when we may look for the arrival of the mail. Avonside. — A large congregation assembled at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Avonside, on the morning of Christmas Day. The decorations of the church, which were of a very tasteful character, have already been described. The service was full choral from Mercer's collection, the canticles being chanted to Gregorian tones. The hymns were 43 and 44 from "Hymns, Ancient and Modern." Mr Milner presided at the harmonium. Prayers were intoned by tho Rev. W. H. Cooper, who also read the lessons for the day and the Gospel, the Epistle being read by the Incumbent, the Rev. E. Giles. The sermon was preached by the Rev. W. H. Cooper, from Luke ii., 15 v. At the conclusion of the sermon, the Holy Communion was administered, the service being again full choral. The offertory was in aid of the Sunday School. There was no evening service.

Sumner. — A' very -'large number pf persons visited Sumner yesterday ,'formingpicnicparties on the beach and visiting the caYeky The PREMiEB.'-~We understand, thatkit is likely the Hon. W.Fox' will visit Christchurch this summer, probably- during the month of March. j. A>A y' ; ~' : '■'■■■ The San Francisco Mail.— An Auckland contemporary states that the San Francisco mail is due there every fourth Monday in 1872, commencing on Jan. 1. Boxing Day. — Lyttelton was inundated with visitors yesterday, all of whom seemed on pleasure bent. The monster pic-nic no doubt drew a large number of visitors, but the other excursions were well patronised. The s.s. Halcyon left with seventy-five excursionists on board for Pigeon Bay, and returned at 8 p.m. The steamers to the Head of the Bay were also fairly filled with visitors. An extra train was put on at 8 p.m., to accommodate excursionists. There was also a late train from Port at 10 o'clock. Theatre Royal. — Tho Theatre was literally crammed to suffocation last evening, when the usual Christmas pantomime was produced. The curtain rose to a sparkling comedietta, followed by the burlesque of "Harlequin King Blear," written by Mr Craven. The sceuery by Mr Massey deserve the highest commendation, and also the manner in which the mechanical arrangements, under Mr Rose's direction, were carried out. The burlesque itself was very amusing, and several local hits were introduced, some of which went well with the audience. The pantomimic part of the performances was well sustained by Mr Cripps, as clown ; Mr Inglis, as pantaloon ; Miss Nye, as columbine, and Mr Power, as Harlequin. Altogether the evening's performances were most enjoyable, and there is every probability of the theatre being largely patronised during the week. S. Luke's Church^ — Morning and evening services were held hi S. Luke's Church on 'Christmas Day by the Incumbent, the Rev. E. ;A. Lingard. There was a large congregation at each service, which waa^semi-choral. The Christmas decorations of The church showed considerable artistic skill. The pillara of the nave were wreathed with evergreens and flowers, and the capitals crowned with plumes of the graceful toi-toi grass, with which also the chandeliers were decorated. The screen in front of the choir was profusely ornamented with flowers and evergreens, and so were the reading desk, organ, gallery, and vestry screens. From the centre of the chancel arch a star formed of white lilies was pendent. The font was also wreathed with flowers and evergreens. Over the northern and southern entrances the word "Alleluia" was inscribed. Tho western entrance bore the inscription " Christ is come," having on one side a double triangle formed of flowers, and on the other a floral Maltese cross bearing a wreath of flowers in the centre. The general effect of the decorations was very good. y/jPic-Nic. — About 200 ladies and gentlemen Ttecepted an invitation to a pic-nic at Purau yesterday. Messrs Wood, Cunningham, Hawkins, and M'Clatcliie, who had intended to give Christmas parties, agreed to amalgamate, ap"d the result was a most enjoyable pic-nicy^ The schooner Ocean Wave was fixed upon To carry over the party, and at 10 o'clock the s.s. Gazelle took the vessel in tow, and after a pleasant ti'ip, the party landed at Rhodes' Bay, and proceeded to one of Mr Rhodes' paddocks, which had been specially cleared for the occasion. Games of all kinds were got up, croquet, quoits, racing, aud dancing forming an important feature in the programme. A sumptuous repast was prepared for the visitors, and ample justice was done to the good things, after which the games were renewed with great zest. Before embarking Dr Donald proposed the healths of i those who had arranged the pic-nic, which he said far exceeded any that he had ever been present at. Three hearty cheers, with three times three, were then given for Messrs Wood, Cunningham, and Hawkins, who returned thanks, expressing themselves highly delighted that So many friends were present. Tbe party re-embarked and landed in Lyttelton, when an invitation was given to the party to adjourn to Messrs Wood and Cunningham's largo store. An excellent room had been arranged at one end of the building, and dancing was kept up to an early hour. S. Michael's Church. — The church of S. Michael and All Angels, the oldest church in the province, was on Christmas Day decorated probably for the last time. The ornamentation was under the superintendence of Mr W. G. j Brittan, jun., and was tastefully and skilfully executed. The pillars of the nave were encircled with wreaths of flowers and greenery, and festoons of flowers adorned the aisles and were pendent from the roof. The lectern had a graceful ornamentation of grasses intertwined with flowers ; and the font had a very beautiful appearance, with its ornaments composed of feathery fronds mingled with flowers. The communion rails were encircled with evergreen spirals. The inscription, " Unto us a child is born," was over the eastern window, and a large cross of white lilies was placed over tho Communion table. The Morning service which was semi-choral, was conducted by the Very Rev. the Dean of Cbristchurch, the choir wearing white surplices for the first time. Tho Dean preached from the text, . " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." There was a large congregation and the Holy Communion was administered at the conclusion of the Morning service. Mr Landergan presided at the harmonium. What rendered these services the more interesting is the fact that they will probably be the last Christmas services held in tho old church. Oddeellows. — The half-yearly meeting of the district was held at the Oddfellows' Hall, j Lyttelton, on Dec. 22. Present — H. B. Lissiman, G. M. William Bailey, D.G.M. J. S. Jenkins, C.S. ; Delegates P.G. Joseph Hobbs, V.G. James Kerr, City of Norwich Lodge; Permanent Secretary Robert King, Heart of Friendship Lodge. Tho minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The balance sheet, duly audited, 'was received.

The correspondence was read. On two communications being handed in by the G.M., and received by him from the Timaru Lodge, it was resolved that,, as they had not been sent through the C-S." in accordance with the rules, they be not received. It was resolved that the C.S. be instructed to inform the Timaru Lodge that the proposition passed at the last meeting be carried into effect as soon as the money owing by the Arowhenua Lodge and guaranteed by the Timaru Lodge be paid. P.G. E. W. Roper received the purple . degi-ee. The nomination of officers took place— That D.G.M. W. Bailey be G.M. next term ; tbat PG. E. W. Roper be D.G.M. An explanation being given by the G.M., it was resolved, " That a vote of thanks be given to the District Officers, and the meeting approved of the action taken by them for calling the meeting at Lyttelton." The following accounts were oi-dered to be paid :— Board of Directors. £12 9s lid ; Tuthell, £16 Is ; District Officers fees, &c. St. Saviour's School Gathering. — A festival in connection with the Sunday school of St. Saviour's district, Colombo street south, took place yesterday. The scholars, with their teachers and friends, met in the grounds of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association at 2 o'clock, and amongst those present were the Very Rev. the Dean of Christchurch, Incumbent of St Michael's with which parish St Saviour's district is connected, and the Rev. C. Bowen, Incumbent of St Peter's, Riccarton. The sports were carried on with great animation and vigour, according to the following programme : — IOO yards Jlat Race, for boys under 16 years of age, 11 entries — Smith, Ist ; Scott, 2nd. . 440 yards Flat Race, open to all comers, 13 entries — Blackmore, Ist ; Hankins, 2nd. Running High Jump, for boys under 16 years, 9 entries — Kershaw, Ist ; Hankins, 2nd. For boys under 12 years, 9 eutries — Brunt, Ist; Maun, 2nd. 100 yards Flat' Race, for boys under 12 years, 12 entries — Mann, Ist ; Smith, 2nd. 1 mile Handicap Race, open to all comers, 32 entries — Triggs, Ist ; Spence, 2nd. 100 yards Flat Race, for boys under 14 years, 12 entries — D. Scott, Ist ; J. Scott, 2nd.' Running Long Jump for boys under 16 years, 13 entries — Hankins, Ist, (13ft Sin) ; Triggs, 2nd, (13ft 2in). Running Long Jump, for boys under 12 years, 10 entries — Bruntj Ist, (10ft 7in) : Smith, 2nd, (9ft). Three-legged Race, open to all comers, 5 couples entered—^mith and Hankins, Ist ; Johnson and Rice, 2nd. 100 yards Flat Race, for girls under 16 years, 16 entries — Hammil, Ist. Lockwood, 2nd. 50 yards Flat Race, for girls and boys under 8 years, 15 entries — Pengelly, Ist ; Yates, 2nd. 100 yards Flat Race, for girls under 12 years, 19 entries — Dawnie, Ist; Bartram, 2nd. Blindfold Race, for girls of any age, and boys under 8 years — won by Lawrence. 100 yards Flat Race, for girls under 14 years, 15 entries — Smith, Ist ; Robson, 2nd. 100 yards Flat Race, for girls under 16 year3, l7 entries — Barton, Ist ; O'Callaghan, 2nd. A variety of other sports succeeded, and at their conclusion, the children aud their friends partook of tea provided in a large marquee on the ground, and this being over, they departed to their homes, having .spent a pleasant afternoon. ' S. John's Church. — The . Christmas festival was didy observed afc the Church of S. John the Baptist. Divine service was held at 11 a.m. on Christmas Day. On the bell ceasing the choir, followed by the Incumbent, the Rev E. Bailey, and the Right Rev the Primate, entered the church ' by tbe south door, singing the 383 rd hymn from " Hymns Ancient and Modern," and proceeded up the aisle to their seats, Mr Parker accompanying on the organ. The service, which was full choral, was conducted by the Rev E. Bailey ; the Primate preached from John L, 10 and 11. At the conclusion of the sermon the Holy Communion was celebrated, the service being full choral. Tho offertory was in aid of the schools connected with the church. There were a large number, of communicants. In the evening service was again held by the Incumbent. The church was splendidly decorated. The " fair linen cloth " with .which the communion table is covered bore in front a floral cross formed of scarlet verbenas, and vases of flowers wore placed on the table. The communion rails were wreathed withovergreens and flowers. ' The chancel arch was decorated with evergreens, and bore tho inscription, " Thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift," in white letters on a red ground. The steps leading to tho chancel were covered with flowers, and the step to the altar bore the inscription, '{ I am the Bread of Life." The lectern \ and .pulpit weio both decorated with evergreens and flowers. At the back of the pulpit there was a triangle formed of evergreens, having in tho centre " 1.H.5." Wreaths of greenery and flowers decorated the organ, which bore the illuminated inscription, " Let everything that hath breath praise, the Lord." A floral cross was placed near the organ, with a scroll on.which was inscribed, "The Word was made Flesh." The western wall had the word "Immanuel" in white letters on a red ground, having on one side a circle with " lesus " in the centre, and on tho other the letters A. and O. surrounded by a wreath, the whole design being encircled with greenery. The northern entrance bore the inscription, "Unto us a Child is born ;" and the southern one, " Unto us a Son is given." The font was profusely ornamented with flowers and evergreens, and the general effect of tho decorations was of a very rich character. Oddfellows' Pic-nic. — The brethren of the Loyal City of Norwich Lodge invited their Cliristchurch brethren to a pic-nib, which took place yesterday. Tho place, chosen was a sandy bay just outside of Rhodes' Bay, eastward of Ripa Island, and mopt pleasantly situated to enjoy the sea breeze. The weather was everything tliat could bo desired, tho heat boing agreeably tempered by a bracing N.E. wind. The first (rain from Christchurch was crowded with jxcursiouists, and tho resources of tho railway in the way of carriages was taxed to its utmost. The second and mid-day trains were crammed to excess, and it is seldom that such

crowds have been in Lyttelton. Steamer after steamer left the wharf with pleasureseekera; who on arriving at their destination separated, some to enjoy themselves in roaming oyer the hills, others engaged in a a good game of cricket, quoits, &c., or had a dance. The most favourite game was "kiss in the ring," and it was kept up with unflagging spirit all the day. Aunt Sally was on the ground, and the person wh® was conducting this amusement must have netted a good sum towards the fund for which the pic-nic was prompted. The Lyttelton Borough Band played some good music, and dancing -was kept up - with great vigour. Mr R. JBelgrave was the caterer for liquids, and his booth - was well patronised during the day.. Taken as a whole, - the affair was ably carried out, and reflects very highly on the committee appointed to carry out the details. . , ; Cricket.— A match i will be played oh Friday next ou the Hagley Park ground between the Ellesmere and Christchurch Clubs, wickets to be pitched at 11 a.m. punctually. The C,CC. team will be chosen from the following .—Messrs Harley, Miles, Mason, Gr«iy, Wilson, Reader,- Wonter, Turner, Barringer, Nalder, Murray, Nichols, Burnell, Greenwood, J. Fowler. The Pacific Mail SERVicE.-^-The Honolulu Commercial- Advertiser aaysi— lt appears to be likely now that a strong effort will be made during the coming session of the j American Congress to secure a proper subsidy j for the Webb line of steamers between Cali- ! fornia and Australia. The New York Chamber of Commerce will, it is said, memorialise j Congress on the subject, and by a late tele--gram it is stated that Mr Webb had anintar- \ view with President Grant, when he called attention to the danger of American lines of ; steamships having to give way to British lines, i unless something is done by Congress. The failure to obtain a subsidy for the Webb line jat tho last session was .owing to the wide » spread dislike to subsidies generally, and I mainly to the fact that a measure was pre- : sented to Congress, asking for grants, covering large amounts, for a half dozen lines of ocean 1 steamers, in every possible quarter. The j magnitude of the demand killed the whole. It j is to be hoped that the matter "will be better managed this year. The International Society. — The Auckland Herald of: a recent date, contains the following :— The old war cry is the motto of the society — " Down with the rich ;up with the poor labourer !" Its ramifications ai-e said to extend to tho United States, and there are ' not wanting those who ascribe the recent great fires, which have attracted, the attention of the world, to the incendiary agents of the Internationals. A San Francisco paper has - the following paragraph — " On Saturday afternoon last, in the presence and in the hearing of our reporter, a man, whose address was by? him instantly handed over to the police, made' the following astounding statement : — There is a society in existence, called the International Society, of which lam a member. Our object is to make .capital subservient to labour. We intend to do this by the only means in our power, namely, by touching the pockets of the capitalists. The fire at Harpending's Block was caused by this society ; so were the fires at Virginia City and Pioche. You will yet hear of more fires all over the Union, and we have not finishod with San Francisco. Thiß language was used in the presence of witnesses whoso integrity and character are above question. There names are also in the hands of the police." In view of the late Music Hall fire, can the International Society have extended to Auckland ? " ', -' Farming in Tasmania. — Tho Australasian of Dec. 16 says: — Some of the. farmers of Tasmania are contributing to the local journals detailed statements tending to show the utter unprofitableness of their avocation. With dear labour, dear money, bad roads, high taxes, and only one small market, the condition of tho corn-grower seems to be as unsatisfactory as that of the fruit-grower. One agriculturist gives his expenditure upon, and returns from, 90 acres during two years' cultivation. Tho loss on the first year was £174, while that on the second was : still greater. The whole proceeds of 90 acres did not pay tho expense of reaping, threshing, cartage, and commission, leaving out of tho question ploughing and preparing the land, rent, and every other charge. " This is not an isolated case," he says, "but the common case with all my neighbours, with the exception in their favour that they mostly put in with one ploughing. I ploughed many times. The following I calculate as the cost of a farm servant: — Wages per week, 10s; keep do, 10s ; wear of tools and damage, Is. Total per week, 21s. Taking the price of wheat at 5s in town, or 3s on tho farm, it will thus take 7 bushels of wheat per week, or 365 bushels per annum, for each farm servant; and if the loss of time by ill-health, drunkenness, &c., is taken into account, this will be below the average." Shut out from the Victorian market by our abominable tariffs, and having no expanding demand to provide for in the restricted community at home, the condition of the Tasmanian farmer appears to be cheerless both in the present and in tho futufre. Drain of Gold to Germany.— The Times of Oct. 9th, in its money-market article, has the following : — Vague ideas about disturbances to bo created by the adoption of a gold currency in Germany, and also by the willingness of our capitalists to guarantee the next indemnity payment due from France, are at the bottom of the whole affair. If people would ask themselves by what means it can be possible for Germany to take 'from us a single sovereign that we may not bo disposed to part with, all alarm would be dispelled. If Germany desires gold she must do ds she would if she required corn or any other article— pay for it ; or if, as is now the ease, she does not require to buy it, owing to Franco being bound to send it to her, France, if she requires aid in the transaction, cannot obtain that aid except upon conditions^ such as commend themselves entirely t^M

our capitalists. A legal change in the German currency can be effected without difficulty, but its practical results must be slow. \So far as we may facilitate the substitution of gold for silver in that country it can only occur through our buying their silver on terms that will advantageously supply our wants for India and China. As to the possible effect of a locking up of 10, 15, or 20 millions of gold as a military deposit in the Castle of Magdeburg, supposing the German Parliament to sanction so thriftless a measure, it must in international relations \bo almost inappreciable. There would be "virtually so much less gold in the world, the total thus withdrawn or extinguished about equal to a moiety of the extra sum thrown into circulation within the past 15 months / from the store held by the Bank of France, or of a twelvemonth's supply from Australia and California. Yet these things have been sufficient not only tp inspire apprehension through every branch of our financial operations_and to cause our traders to rush to obtain and hoard at comparatively high interest two millions of currency, but also to revive the old mutterings by which they: • would throw upon the Bank Charter Act J 'the responsibility for their own folly. Our ! commerce, both for extent and profit, is such as was never before attained. We are under , no improvident commitments, and the whole ' world are our debtors. At such a time it is difficult to reason with a disquiet which pic- j tures the possibility of a depletion only to be inverted, by measures of uncompromising severity. I A Remarkable Coloubed Man. — There seems t<j be a not only most remarkable but also deeply injured man in South Carolina. A correspondent of the Philadelphia Press •gives an account of the Rev. Elias Hill. He is a Jiure black, and was. born near Clayhill, York district, of slave parentage, in 1819. 1 When but seven years old ho became afflicted w#h rheumatism, which so contracted his lower limbs that he was unable to walk. This ' contraction has since continued, and attacked ' all his limbs^ His legs resemble more the I 'talons of a large bird than anythmg else, whilst his arms are so deformed and his fingers so contracted that they are almost useless. ..' His upper and lower jaws are as tightly ft clenched as a vice, and to enable him to ■receive food, his front teeth have been 'extracted. He is utterly unable either to walk or crawl, and has to be carried in every instance. Yet withal, he has " a massive intelligent head, a clear sonorous voice, and an intelligent eagle-like expression." He educated himself, and early began the preaching of the Gospel. Three different times ho has been •compelled to change his manner of writing. At first he was able to hold his pen in the ordinary way until he lost the use of his fingers,- when he was obliged to grasp the pen with all hia...fingers knotted in a bunch around it. && the process of contraction continued, he could only fold his hand over the pen, and thus scribble in the best way he could. With all . his limited opportunities he compares favourably with any man in the State. "Contrasted with General Wade Hampton or any other Southern leader he is a marvel." It is much to be regretted that this afflicted and praiseworthy being has not been permitted by the Ku'Klux to end his days in peace. On the sth of May last a band of disguised men came to his cabin, drove away a small boy who attends him, and after destroying all his books and papers, gave the rev. gentleman a severe flogging. He received some twenty or thirty lashes with a halter round his neck and a pistol pointed at his head. Nor did the chastisement cease until he had promised that on the following week he would renounce, through the columns of the Yorkville En'qufrer, his Republican principles. At the time, the Ku-Klux whipped the old man they charged him with having preached political -sorn^hs; but he denies having dono so, and is unconscious of having given cause of offence to any one. His case, seems to have excited some commiseration, and a general impression prevails that the Ku-Klux have been rather hasty and overbearing in their conduct.