LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3580, 1 October 1879, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Runaway.— A horse in ono of Baddcn's express vans, while feeding on the stand this morning, had his bridle rubbed off through a front van backing over his head. Tho animal at onco started across Colombo street towards the new Post Office, going at a good paco, although one wheel was chained. Ho seemed firat inclined to mako foi a horse and buggy standing in front of the Posfc Office, but was turned off, and then the runaway made straight for a horse and spring cart, which contained a young girl, drawn up at tho north-west corner of the square. Tho collision which followed was pretty sharp, but was fortunately deadened by tho wheel being "dragged." Neither of the vehicles was upset, and the young girl, though vory much frightened at the shock, stuck pluckily to the reins of her horse. The bolter thon took a turn towards Colombo street, but was slopped near Hargreaves' corner without doing any damage. The spring cart was nofc injured beyond a little of the paint being rubbed off. t Cantebbuby Libebal Reform Associa- , tion. — A meeting of tbe Central Committee ; was held last evening at 7.30 at tho offices of tho Hon Treasurer, Mr H. E. Alport. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, after which correspondence from the Liberal Associations in Wellington, Napier, and Invercargill, and from other source?, was read and disposed of. A number of accounts wero passed for payment. The rules and objects of the Association as drafted by a sub-Committee wero then brought up, and after amendment were unanimously adopted by tho Central Committeo. The goneral meeting of members of the Association for the adoption of rules was fixed for Tuesday evening, Oct. 7, at halfpast 7 o'clock. The rules adopted by tho Committeo can be seen by membera ot* the Association at tho rooms of Mr H. E. Alport, Hereford street. Barbados stbeet Beidge.— This bridgo, which has just been completed — a full description of which has already appeared in these columns — wns formally oponod to-day for traffic by his Worship the Major and City Council. Immediately afterwards the Mayor and Councillors, with a number of other gentlemen, proceeded to the recently-erec'ed Star and Garter Hotel, in response to an invitation fco luncheon from Mr Toovey, proprietor, to commemorate the simultaneous oponing of the bridgo and his new hotel. After luncheon a complimentary toast list, interspersed with songs, whiled away two or three hours pleasantly. Little Old- Folks Gband Entertainment. — Under the abovo novel titlo an entertainment will be given in the public school on Friday ovening, Oct. 3. It has been postponed from Thursday evening, in consequenco of the Durham streot tea meeting on that nighfc. Tho programme will embrace most of the young people who took part in a similar entertainment a few weeks ago, and tho pruceols will bo given to the funds of the Harper street school. The commendation the young people secured on tho former occasion should command a largo audience on Friday evening. The boys from the Children's Home will tako part. The Unemployed. — From the Public Works Department we learn that there are now 445 men employed on fche Wota Pass section of the Amberley and Brunnerton Ruilway, and thafc ib is nob the intention for the prosent to placo any additional labour upon that work. The Government, howover, bave decided that should any considerable number of men still remain out of employment to open another section of the Opawa branch railway, near Albury. This would afford employment to any number of men who under present circumstances are likely to require work. Heatiicotb Rates.— Between 40 and 50 summonses wero taken out this morning against residents in the Heathcote district who are in arrears with their rates. The Road Board authorities intend taking out batches regularly until tho last is exhausted. Police Inspection.— Tho usual monthly inspection of the Ohristchureh contingent of polico was made this afternoon, at the depot, by Inspector Hickson. Twenty-five men paraded. CiiKisTcnuncn Wateb Supply. — A meeting of the Water Supply Committee will bo held to-morroiv afternoon, at half -past 3 o'clock. New Municipal Offices. — The Designs Committeo will hold a meeting afc the City Council Chambers on Friday next, at 4 p.m. Habmomo Socibty. — The usual weekly rehearsal of the Harmonic Socioty was held last night in St John's Schoolroom, and there was a satisfactory attendance of members. The musio for tho forthcoming concert was rehearsed under the conductorship of Mr Landergan ; tho part singing was especially noteworthy, as evidencing the fact that previous rehearsals had given the vocalists a very good idea of tho spirit of tho composer. Battalion Pabadb.— A battalion parade was held at the Drill-shed last night, under Major Lean. Tho City Guards, Engineers, ana Artillery Corps were well represented. Tho Engineers were officered by Captain Warner and Lieutenant Appleby, tho Artillery by Captain Craig and Lieutenant Strange, and the City Guards by Captain Hawkes, Lieutenant Wolfe, and Sub-Lieutenant Francis. Tho Battalion Band was in attendance. Tho parade was a very satisfactory ono. St Miciiael's Entbbtainment. — An attractive feature in the entertainment provided for Thursday evening noxt is the exhibition of a numbor of photograph viows in England, Italy, Switzerland, and New Zealand, somo interesting enlarged microscopic objects, such as insects, ko., photographs of famous statuary, &c. Altogether, with the musical items, the programme promises an instructive as well as an amusing entertainment.

Tihabu- Habbotje Cbane.— The repairs to the steam crane having been effected, work was resumed at the breakwater yesterday. Gaiety Theatbe. — Saturday's programme was repeated at the Gaiety Theatre last night.Ihere was a thin house. A new bill will be submitted this evening. Waimakabiei Habboub Boabd. — At a publio meeting, of which a full report is given in another column, held on Monday, it -was resolved unanimously that the Board should not be merged into the Kaiapoi Borough Council. ■ Kaiatoi Dbedge. — Mr R. Evans, of Kaiapoi, has generously given tho uso of ono of his engines to the Harbour Board for the dredge free of cost for three months. Immediate steps will bo taken to place it on the dredge and get tho latter to work. OrBNiNG of the Cbicket Sbasov.— The cricket Beason will open on Saturday next, but there will be no practice on tbe Association ground in the meantime, as the turf is scarcely ready to bear the strain. The opening match of the M C.C.C. is announced elsewhere, but tho U.C.O. bave not yet made any sign. Vital Statistics.— Tho following is a return of tbe births, deaths, and marriages for Christchurch and district for the month ending Sept. 30:— Births, 197; deaths, 55; marriages, 37. The numbew for tho corresponding month laßt year were respectively 161, 29, and 31. At Timaru, 30 births, 10 deiths, and 7 marriages were registered during the pasfc month. Sebvice of Sono.— The repetition of the service of song at the Wesloyau Church, Rangiora, was not so succe ssful as the former one, the attendance being very limited. Tho subject was " Eva," and the musical portion was nicely rendered. Mr Jamc3 Thompson, of Ashley, suppl.ed tho readings, which woro well selected. Rangioea Boßoron. — Active steps are being taken at Rangiora to prepare the necessary petition praying for tho dissolution of the Borough, in consequence of the dissatisfaction felt by several of the ratepayers at the Council's action in several matters. A petition has been commenced, and it is said that over 100 signatures havo been promised already. Cbisiinal Sessions. — The quarterly Criminal Sessions of the Supreme Court will be held before His Honor Mr Jualico Johnston, on Monday next. The proceedings on the first day will commence at eleven o'clock instead of ten as heretofore, the earlier hour having been found very inconvenient for persons who bave to attend from fche country. Alleged Labcent. — Two men named Thomas Quinton and John Holden, who only arrived at the Northern railway extension on Monday, were arrested at the Pass on the same evening for stealing cheese from tho store of Messrs Needham and Adams. Constable Johnston, who arrested the men, brought thorn into Amberloy yesterday in Mr Mayger's waggon, and they will be brought up to bo doalt with by Mr Whitefoord on Thursday at the Resident Magistrate's Court, Amberley. New Cricket Clttb. — A meeting was held at the Commercial Hotel on Monday evening, for the purpose of forming v Hew Cricket Club. It was decided thafc a Club, called the Wanderera, be formed, for purposes similar to those of the Zingari at Home. Colors, light blue and black. The following officers wore elected : — President, E. 0. J. Stevens ; Vice-President, C. C. Corfe ; Secretary, "W. V. Millton ; Cotaraittee, Messrs J. Hartland, A. Longden, J. S. Monck, M. Nalder, A. M. Ollivier, and Hr SI. Secretan. TnEATRB Rotal.— -"The Little Duko" was performed last night for tho third time. There was a moderate house. Tho members of the company were in excellent voice, and tho opera went with moro than uaual evenness. Mies Lingard appeared to have considerably overcome her tendency to. sing out tune. The beautiful airs belonging: to her part were accordingly better appreciated than on previous evenings. Thero can bo no doubt that as fche car becomes familiar with fche music of "The Little Duke" the merits of tho composition compel recognition. Tho opera will bo repeated to-night. TnE Deitids. — A Lodge in connectioa with the above Order was opened laet night, at Sfc. Matthew's Schoolroom, Knightstown, by Bro J. J. Brenan, Grand Lodge Secretary, assisted by the officers- and members of the Pioneer Lodge. The initiation ceremony, which is of a very impressive character, was carried out very successfully, and tho following officers were duly installed : — A.D., Bro Boyce ; V.A., Bro Winchester ; Secretary, Bro Primmer ; Treasurer; Bro Hirst ; A.D.B.'s, Bros Ward and R. Barton; V.A.D.B.'s, Bros M'lntosh and Ashmead ; 1.G., Bro Taylor ; V.G., Bro Stephenson ; Surgeon, Dr Chilton. The appointment of auditors and trustees was deferred to nexfc meeting. After a hearty vote of thanks to> Bro Brenan and officers of the Pioneer Lodgo;. the Lodge adjourned to Tuesday next at the' Library, Knightstown. Mr Hirst of the Caledonian Hotel, gavo a free cold collation, afc which thera wero soveral toasts givon, and songs, and a thoroughly enjoyable evening was spent. Dangerous Accidbnt. — A very painful and dangerous accident happened on. Monday to a little son of Mr Devery, of tho Sneyds Arms Hotel, Kaiapoi. The child, who is only four years old, was. playing outside, near whero a mare and foal wero feeding, when from some unexplained cause the maro kicked out twice, hitting tho poor little fellow the first time on tho leg, which is badly bruised, and the second timo on the left side of the head and face, breaking tho frontal bone and inflicting a noßty cufc all down the face. Mr W. H. E. Pinching was sent for and quickly arrived, and did all he could for tbe little sufferer. Ho is now progressing as well as possible, and great hopes aro entertained of his recovery. Fires.— At a quarter past six o'clock last night, a fire was discovered in the storehouse at tho back of Mr Duimford's crockery warehouse, Colombo streot. The door was burst open by the neighbours, and tho flames, which issued from a heap of straw, were extinguished before any greater damage was dono than the charring of tho weather boards. The store had been locked up at 5.45 by a young man in tho employ of Mr Durnford, aud at that timo everything appeared to bo safe. The building contained proporty to tho value of £1500, which was uninsured. The damage done by breakage is estimated at £5. Credit is duo to the Fire Brigado for their prompt attendance on tho spot, though fortunately their services were not required. The origin of tho fire is unknown. — On Saturday morning a stack of hay — about 10 tons — the property of Mr Kruse, farmer, Papanui, was destroyed by fire. The stack had been ignited in three places.