NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 727, 18 October 1876, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Boating at Lyttelton. —The opening of the boating season at Lyttelton will take place on Saturday next, with a procession of yachts and boats, to start at 2,30 p.m. Foot Race. —A spin of 100yds for £1 a side, took place yesterday on Latimer square, between J. McGregor and D, Grubb, two local amateurs, Grubb won by a short distance, making very good time. Rangiora Horticultural and FloriCULTURAL Society, —At a recent meeting of this society, present—Messrs Merton (chairman), Robison, Atkinson, J. Ivory, E, Ivory, Jennings, jun, Shoreland, Stapleforth, Stephens, and Aherne (hon sec), it was resolved that the next exhibition, the first of this season, be held on the second Thursday of December. Judges were nominated, and a committee appointed to carry out the minor arrangements of the flower show. Drapers and Clothiers’ Association, —The quarterly meeting of this association was held in the Foresters’ Hall last evening, Mr Gray in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The two prize papers on “ The best means of obtaining six o’clock closing on Saturday evenings” were read, the first being contributed by Mr 0. M. Gray, and the second by Mr W. C, Falconer. A vote of thanks was passed to Messrs J. W. Grierson, R. Dawson, and R. W. Black, the three gentlemen who kindly acted as judges. Several new members were proposed, and other business of a routine character transacted, and the meeting separated, 1.0.0.F.M.D., Rangiora Lodge.—The excursion of the members of the Loyal Rangiora Lodge with their friends, per rail and sea, to Rhodes’ Bay, takes place to day. Upwards of 400 tickets were reported to have been disposed of up to last evening, J-herefore the party will be an exceedingly large one. The Banks and places of business in Rangiora will be closed to-day. Special arrangements have been made in regard to extra trains, and for the steamer Titan and other boats to convey the excursionists to the spot selected. A good programme of sports has been arranged. Each visitor is supposed to provide his own refreshment. A brass band will be in attendance, and probably the newly formed local string band will also favor the party with its company.

United Methodist Free Church.— The anniversary tea meeting of the St Asaph street church took place last evening. About 250 persons sat. down to an excellent tea, provided by the ladies of the congregation. After the tables had been cleared away a public meeting was held in the church, the Rev T. R. Fisher presiding. After a few introductory remarks from the rev chairman, Mr Oatway, treasurer, read the annual report, which showed very satisfactory progress had been made during the year. The receipts had been £146 17s Id, and the expenditure £139 6s 7d, leaving a credit balance of £l7 10s 6d. The present outstanding liabilities were—To Building Fund, £270 ; to Sunday school fund, £SO. The report and balance sheet were approved. The meeting was subsequently addressed by the Revs T. Hodgson (Auckland), J. J. Pendray (Oxford), H. R Wilkinson, and S. Macfarlane, and Messrs Leadley and Plesher. The Rev Mr Macfarlane, in the course of an interesting and forcible address, stated that Mr Hicks, of Cornwall, England, had promised to give £6OO towards the erection of the new church, provided the building were erected free from debt. After exhorting his hearers to use their best efforts in aiding the building committee to attain the end so much desired, the rev gentleman concluded by moving the following resolution—'• That this meeting having heard of the munificent offer of Mr Hicks, pledges itself to a hearty and generous support of the building ’committee in their efforts to procure a new and substantial church, which shall be erected free of debt,” Mr John Caygill seconded the resolution, which was unanimously carried. During the evening selections of sacred music were sung by the choir, Mr C. Hyde presiding at the harmonium. At the conclusion of the addresses, hearty votes of thanks were passed to the ladies who had provided the tea and to the choir,