The Star. WEDNESDAY. AUGUST 24, 1881.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4163, 24 August 1881, Page 2

The Star. WEDNESDAY. AUGUST 24, 1881.

iNTKBCOWNIAIi WbATIIBB EXCHANGE. — Tho following information was received yesterday from Sydney : — " The depression reported yesterday is passing rapidly eastward, being now off Macquarrio Island, causing a hard S.E. galo in Sjdnoj with three inches of rainfall in tho Inst 24 hours. During somo hard N.E. sqii'ills tho telegraph lines were laid down and the mountains covered with snow. Thero is a high barometer in tho north and interior, being 30*4 at Portland and Wentworth, and 300 at Sydney."

San Fu akcisco Mail.— The mail arrived at Auckland iine Jast night. The usual summary will be found in auother column.

Timabu Gas Company.— This Oompany has reduc. d the price of gas to 15s per 1000 feet. The reduced rate comes into operation on Sept. 1.

Small pox at Sydnby. — During the preeent month 21 cases of small- pox have been reported at Sydney, no less than 18 of which have bruken out since Wednesday.

Nbw Gbain Shbd at Lyttblton.— The Harbour Boara have decided to ereot a shed on the new reclamation at Lyttelton, 620 feet in length, a*, a cost of about £6000.

Ranoioka Railway bTATioK. — Somo very necu.sury alterations to this station, for the convenience of the officers are being effected. he office now occupies the room formerly use a as a gentlemen's waitingroom.

Thb Khcknt Attempted Suicide. — From enquiries mede at the Hospital yesterday, it was ascertained tuat the man Tobinson, who attempted to poison himself on Monday last, was progressing favourably towards recovery.

Timabu Railway Statiok.— Mr Tornbull, M. ti.R., bae obtained a promise from the Premier tbat the new railway station at T'Tiviru »i!l ho constructed without delay. luo yiu.ua and specifications are said to be finished and lying at Wellington awaiting tho calUng for tenders.

Compensation Covet. — The Compensation Court, in the case of Mr Robert Wilkin'* claim, he.'d an adjourned sitting yesterday morning, when the butiness was confined to the delivery, by his Honor Mr Justice Johnston, of tbe Court's decision on the question of limitation.

Closing of Countby Telbobapk Offiobr ok Sundays.— Government have determined to clos? no less tban 184 of tbe smaller telegraph offices on Sundays, in oonsequenoe of the small amount of business transacted on that day. In Canterbury the only ofiice* open for the future will be Christohuroh, Lyttelton, and Timaru.

Thhathh Royal.— The attendance at tho Theatre Royal last night w.s greatly affected by the miserable weather, and those who did attend were by no means enthusiastic in their reception of the third presentation of " The Galley Slave." To-night there will be another novelty, "Eustache the Convict," produced by Mr W. H. Leake and the company supporting him.

Thh Cathbdbai,.— At the meeting of the Dioceean Synod yesterday, it was announced by His Lordship the bishop that tho opening v. ( -..« .nA*- of the Cathedral for divine service will t_.ko pla.ee on Thursday, October 27. An intere_ting report upon the work of tho Cathodral Commission during the past year was presented to the Synod yesterday, and will be found by our readers in another column.

NEGLBC*r_.D CHiLDEnx.— Four children belonging to Richard Lancaster, a well-to-do butober in Ashburton, wero yesterda Burnham School for seven years, by the Ashburton Resident Magistrate. The children who are, respectively, 12, 8, 7 and lfr years old, have owing to the dissipated oharaoter of their father and mother been sadly neglected. The father was ordered to pay 5s a week towards the support of each child.

Kaiapoi Sohooxs. — A spocial i m the Committee of these schools was held on Monday evening, to receive applications for the appointment of infant mistress and second master, vice Miss Kaufmunn and Mr W. Dixor, botii of whom have accepted more lucrative appointments. Several applications were received, and ultimately it was agreed to rocommend the applications of Miss Pashby and Mr J. E. Kitchingman to the Board of Education. Trades 1 : b.— A mc . ting Provisional committee took placo at the Foresters' Hotel on Monday evening last. Mr S. P. Andrews, M.H.R., was unanimously elected President and Mr Hiorns Treasurer pro tern. lt was unanimously resolved— " That tho Olub bo called the [Trades Rowing Club ; that the colours be. red and white j that the annual subscription for aotive members be £1 ls, entrance fee 10s, and honorary members' annual subscription £1 Is ; and that Mr Recce's offer of boats be accepted." After passing rules, kc, the meeting adjourned. Alfobd Fobbst School.— At a meeting hold on Saturday, several letters were read and considered from the Board of Education, among which was one giving the master and sewing-mistress three months' notice. Four applications were received for tho post of master for the side-.chool, and Mr W. T. Davison, of Ashburton, was appointed, subject to the approval of the Board. It was resolved that the Ohairman write to the Mount Somers Road Board, drawing their attention to the accumulation of water on the road in front of tbe main school ; ale . to the dangeroua stale of tbo gravel pit, which is full of water, with no protection for the children. It was also rosolvcd that the

Ohairman have tho fence repaired round the plantation, and procure a few loads of shingle to be spread at the entranco to the main fchooL

Pigbon Match. — A tumbler pigeon flying match took place a few days ago between birds belonging to Messrs G. Bryenton, W. Williams and J. Teasdale. The birds rose at 10.30 a.m. Thero wero nino birds in each kit. The favourites at the start were Mr J. Teasdaie's, but they disappointed their backers, as they only flew 41 minutes. Mr G. Bryenton's flew 1 bour 6 minutes. Mr W. Williams' flew 2 hours, but tbey were disqualified, as he lost one of his birds. Mr

Bryenton did not claim the prize, as he did not consider his birds had won it on their merits. The match will be contested again on or about Tuesday next. It is only fair to Mr Willioms to add that his nine birds were seen fl. ing over his home 1 hour 15 minutea after they were liberated, but as tbey were ai.e Bhort whon they settled, there was nothing left for the referee but to disqualify them.

TIMABU Watbbwobks.— Theso works have been pushed on rapidly during tho winter, and they have found employment for a good many mon. The small contract system has been found to work admirably, and the saving in cost has been considerable. Before the works were commonced, it was estimated that they would cost £60,000, and a loan for that amount was negotiated. Messrs Dobson and Son were appointed Engineers, and under tbeir able management more work has been done than was included in the original proposals, aud it is estimated that the saving in oost will reach the large sum of £11,662. This saving was mainly effoctcd by the decrease in the price of labour, and the low prices at which the contraots were taken. The Borough Oouncil is now in a dilemma. Councillors find themselves in pos.eß_.on of a large sum of monoy, which, according to tho terms on which tho loan was raised, cannot be expended on anj thing but waterworks. Lbcitbes.— At tho Templar Hull last evening Mr Gcorgo Gray delivered an exceedingly interesting lecture on " The Chemistry of Alcohol." Tlio illustrativo exporitnents were both numerous and tolling, come of them having tho additional merit, from a scientific point of viow, of being absolutely original. Mr Gray was listened to with, marked attention, and at tho cloeo a vote of thanks was accorded to him by acclamation. —On Monday Mr F. P. O'Reilly, delivered a lecture in (he Ashburton Town Hall in aid of the building fund of the Oatholio Ohurch. Tho Mayor occupiod iho chair, and the Boy Father Coffey, MA., waa also on the platform. The audienco was not so largo as the merits of tho lecturo deserved, but still thoro was a good attendance, notwithstanding that tho night wus wet and disagreeably cold. Tho lecturer ohoso for his .übject "William Pitt," atd succeeded in keeping tho closo attention of Jiis audience for an hour and a half.

Biblk Chbistians.— The Rtv J. Crewes it conducting a special mi.sion in the new Church ut tho corner of Lower High streot. Laßt evening Mrs Holder, of tlio Primitivo Methodist Church, as.istod. R.t address, which was very aimple and scriptural, was full of truths aptly illustrated, and was rec.ivud with marked attention hy tlio congregation. The attendance wa_ good, and, i>i the cmirso of tho sorvico, ono joung pcruo.i w.-i.t to ILo enquirers' pew. Tin's evening Mrs Lodge, who, with a few otlior ludie., )j_.B recently been successful in spocial effort . to reclaim poor women leaving the pripon and tho refuge, will delivor o, short addro.s, an.l on Friday evening Mrs SYotl, who has beon taking part ono evening in each week in the very Bucceisful evangelistic services b.ing conducted by tho Kov J. Smallov, in tho Wesh van Church, at Springston, will speak. >uveral local preachers and cither prayer-lea.i -.tb will also n.sist. On Sunday evening ihe Roy J, Crowes will conduct a special cvaugelistio service.

m Thb Pibatbß of Pbbzancb."— lt is stated that the takings of Carey's " Pirates of Penzance" Troupe, the first week of their performances in Dunedin, amounted to £523.

Thb Late Fibb ih Ltttblton.— A reward of £50 has been offered by the Government to anyone giving sucb information as wfll lead to the conviction of the person or persons who set fire to the ketoh X.X.X. in Corsair's Bay, Lyttelton, on the night of Augnst 11.

Pbize Cut.— -The first prize cup for merino sheep, awarded at the last show of the Ashburton A. and P. Association to Blr C._ 0. Hawdon, is now to be seen at the establishment of Messrs Coates and Co. It is a flaeon of burnished silver, without any ornament, and inscribed with the name of the recipient and the date.

Diocbsas Synod. — A full choral celebration of Holy Communion, in conneotion with the opening of the annual session of the Dioceaan Synod took place at St Michael's, the pro-cathedral church, yesterday. Thirty ofthe clergy were present, besides a number of the lay members of tho Synod and jthers. The service was conducted by the Mo:fc Reverend the Primate, assisted by the Venerable Archdeacon Harper. At 2.30 p.m. the session of the Synod wa9 forma'ly opened at Christ's College Library. The Most Rev the Primate delivered an addresa, and the reports of tbe Cathedral Commission, the Standing Committee, and the Ch-irch Work Society wore read. A report of the proceedings will be found in another column. At 7.30 p.m. full choral evening service was held vx St Michael's. There was a good congrega^ tion. The service was commenced with hymn 1.9, sung as a processional. The prayers were intoned by the Revs W. H. Elton and E. G- Penny. The sermon waa preached by the Bey H. C. M. Watson, from psalm liii, verses 1 and 2. Hymn 216 waß sung after the sermon, and at the conclusion of the service hymn 446 was sung as a recessional.

CoTTNciiioa Httlbbbt at thk Academy OV Music. — A meeting of ratepayers favourable to the re-eleotion of Councillor Hulbert, for the south-east ward of the city, was held last night at the Academy of Musio. There was a fairly numerous attendance, and the chair was taken by Mr Warner. Councillor Hulbert, in answer to a question, stated that ho was in favour of the continuance of the present Fire Brigade as one means of reducing icsurance rates ; but the very best means would be the providing of an ample supply of water. With regard to the Tramway, Uie concession which had been granted could not be interfered with ; but he believed that in any future arrangements the city should reap some advantage. At the s.me time, if the public wished to have the benefit of trams, they should pay for it. With regard to the officials of the City Council, their work had been efficiently done, but the fault was in the administration. The great need wao for a legal Town Clerk, whose office should be apart from that of the Treasurer. The inspection of tha town had. hitherto been neglected, and he (Councillor Hulbert) would vote for the inspection being done by the officer appointed, while tbe office work should be done by an assistant. He would not go further into the matter as be wonld have an opportunity of explaining his views fully on Monday night. At this Btage a ratepayer asked if the meeting bad been called for the purpose of Councillor Hulbert's being cross-questioned. The Chairman replied that it was only a meeting of Councillor Hulbert's friends whom he. invited to form themselves into a Committee to secure his re-election for the South- east Ward. A large proportion of those present at once enrolled themselves on the Committee, and the business of the meeting came to a close.

Tbe ladie. and gentlemen tatiog part in the con«ert iv conneciion witb the Druids' Centenary are requested to attend rehearsal at tbe Dull Shed, this evening, at half-past eight.