NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2244, 11 June 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

0.J.0. Handicap. —Badsworth has been scratched for the Canterbury Jockey Club Handicap. Horses fob Hawkb's Bay. —The s.s.. Eotomabana yesterday took away fourteen heavy draught horses for Mr Brankin’s contract at Hawke’s Bay. The horses weredriven through to Port from Ashburton. The Habxs at Leebton. —This company gave one of their performances in the Town Hall, which was well filled. The pieces acted were " Diamond Out Diamond,” and “My Wife’s Eolations,” which caused much amusement.

Daeing Hobbeby.—Captain Oongden, of the barque Abernyte, at Lyttelton, reports the robbery, on Monday or Tuesday last, of a gold watch and chain from his cabin on board. The police wore informed of the occurrence, but up to the present the guilty party has eluded discovery. Public Domains. - Judging by the damage which is from time to time done to some of the domains in the outlying districts, it may bo well to state that under the Domains Act,

1860, persons guilty of lighting a fire, damaging fences or trees, shooting or destroying any bird or animal upon such lands, or for even taking away birds' eggs, are liable to a penalty of £2O over and above the amount of the damage done. Lbctuee.— At tho Weedon’s Wesleyan Church on Wednesday last, the Rev. J. 8. Smalley delivered a lecture on “ Tho Scottish Covenantors.” In spite of the rain, the church was nearly filled by an appreciative and enthusiastic audience. At intervals some excellent anthems were rendered by the West Melton choir. At tho close votes of thanks to the lecturer and the choir were carried by acclamation. At the request of tho friends from West Melton, Mr Smalley promised to repeat tho lecture at that place during August. Chops in the Ellesmeub Disteict.— Our correspondent writes :—The crops this season are going in in this district remarkably well, and up to this date everything promises that they will turn out above the average. As far as I can gather at present, wheat and oats are being sown very plentifully ; in fact, all tho farmers seem afraid of barley. Feed is very scarce, especially on the plains,-this year, and before tho winter is over will bo more so, and tho straw in every case is being carefully preserved. Death of Pekkin Waebbce.—The wellknown horse Perkin Warbeck, who has been ailing for some lime, died at Waireki yesterday morning.

Masonic. —At tho usual monthly meeting last night of the Canterbury Lodge, 1048, 5.0., an official visit was paid by the W.M., officers, and brethren of the Lincoln Lodge, After the business of the Lodge had been disposed of, the brethren and visitors adjourned to refreshment, when the uinal Masonic toasts were given and duly responded to. _ A Malicious Act, During Thursday night some malicious individual, whilst prowling about the wharves at Fort, took the opportunity to cut one of the coir springs, the property of the Lyttelton Harbor Boardj also one of the hawsers belonging to the barque Castle Holme. The spring was in uoo by that vessel as a mooring, as was also the hawser, and from the appearance of the outs in both, the damage, which is estimated at £2O, would seem to have been done with a sharp axe or chopper. A reward for information that will lead to a conviction of the perpetrator hoe boon offered by the Harbor Board.

A Lucky Speculator. The “ Nelson Mail ” learns from a reliable source that Mr Thomas Russell, formerly of Auckland, is known to have made a profit of £750,000 by speculating in the rise and fall of Turkish bonds on the London Stock Exchange, The operation extended over two or three years, when tho Eastern question was active. An Item poe Tea Drinkers. —According to a northern paper, there have recently been male at the laboratory of the Technological Museum at Melbourne, series of analyses of teas, obtained from all manner of sources in that city, including all tho kinds in common use in New Zealand, and the results are rather startling. Out of thirty samples purchased out of bulk from importers, and varying in price from lOd to 3s 3d per lb in bond, not a single one would pass the standard even for a low class genuine tea. Tramways in Sydney.—The Sydney correspondent of a contemporary writes : —Some very interesting particulars concerning our tramways were elicited from the Commissioner of Railways a few days back on the occasion of a banquet to Mr W. J. Trickett, M.L.A., ex-Mayor of Woollahra. We have now twelve miles of tramways in operation, the cost of construction of which has been at the rate of £8333 per mile,- the working exponses are £2057 per mile ; the net revenue £1277 per mile; the net earnings exceed 17 per cent, on tho capital invested. The number of passengers who have travelled on our tram lines during twelve months is 7,540,000, while the number who have travelled over 1000 miles of our railways in the same time is 4,402,000. On the Waverley and Woollahra line alone 52,965 passengers travel weekly.

A Slew op the Times.—We take the following from Friday’s Dunedin “Herald.” —Statements of an interesting and startling kind were made at the meeting of the Permanent Building Society last evening. It seems that those who are desirous of erecting houses And that they can get money cheaper in other quarters, and are now ceasing to patronise building societies as they were wont to do. The result is that the business of these bodies has decreased considerably during the past year, and the directors of the Permanent Building Society ore of opinion that the days of such institutions are passed and gone. They accordingly propose to adapt themselves to the altered financial circumstances of the community, and to convert their society into a loan company of a comprehensive character, including the lending of money on mortgages and billsjof lading, and discounting paper for those whose names may not be in the highest repute with the stony-hearted bankers.

Expensive Mischief.—For some time time past, remarks the “ Wanganui Chronicle,” much annoyance and labor has been caused to the employes of the telegraph department through the vandalistio propensities of some larrikins, which find vent in the smashing of the earthenware insulators on the telegraph poles. These young rascals use the insulators for targets to ** cockshy” at, and so many are broken from this cause alone that it is estimated that the replacing of them costs £4OO per annum. That important section of the telegraph line between Turakina and Marten has especially suffered in this respect, and the Government has at last offered a reward of £lO for the conviction of any offender in this way. Detective Sullivan and constable Coyle, of Marton, have succeeded in finding one of the innocents, and an information will be laid against him forthwith.

Gold Production Throughout the WORM). —The recent report of Mr Burchard, director of the Mint in the United States, contains a valuable resume of the production of gold and silver for 1879 and the two previous years. The total yields wore: 1879—gold, £21,073,139 ; silver, £16,207,644. 1878—gold, £23,806 217 j silver, £17,463,700. 1877—gold, £22,789,435 ; silver, £16,208,135. Total-gold, £67,668,791; silver, £49,885,876, or a grand total for the three years of about £146,943,000. The lion’s share of this enormous production was from the United States, the yield of gold and silver in which during 1879 was nearly equal, being £7,779,971 of the former, and £8,162,000 of the latter. Australia comes next with a production of £6,813,645, all in gold ; and she is closely followed by Bussia, which furnishes a tolerably uniform annual supply of about £5,400,000 of gold, though but a small quantity of silver. The Mexican yield is almost entirely silver, value £5,400,000. There has been a considerable falling off in the coinage of the world during 1879 from that of the previous years—the coinage of 1879 being in value £41,457,477, while in 1878 it was £69,955,000. A Pabiiambntaby Spbbb.—There is a melancholy consolation, says a Home paper, in hearing of a House of Commons almost if nob quite as disorganised as our own. The House of Commons at Ottawa recently sat till eight o’clock in the morning, when the last of the twenty-five amendments to the Canada-Pacific Bailway resolutions moved by the Opposition was rejected by the Government party, and the Bill confirming the contract made with the original syndicate of capitalists passed through its first reading. The scenes in the House during the “allnight sitting” just before taking the votes are described as having been of the most thrilling kind. Chorus songs were sung to the accompaniment of toy trumpets, tin whistles, and “ dinner horns,” while some sleepy members were used as targets, and pelted with wads of paper and Blue-books. The Government patty let the members of the Opposition do all the speaking on the amendments, twenty of which wore disposed of in the sixteen hours’ sitting, but interruptions were so frequent that no speeches in the ordinary acceptation of the term were in reality attempted. The night, it is stated, was “ a memorable one in the annals of Parliamentary history.” A Washing to Excursionists.—As the trip to Lake Wakatipu is a favorite one with North Island tourists, it may (says the « Post ”) be as well to give a word of caution regarding the vagaries of the service from Dunedin to Queenstown by the Waimea Plains railway and by the Lake steamers. A party of Wellington tourists visited Lake Wakatipu lost week, and their experience, as recounted to us, was interesting. Travelling south from Christchurch by the express train, they reached the Gore Junction, 330 miles from Christchurch, punctually to the minute. Hero they had to change into the Waimea Plains train, which started a few minutes late, and ambled slowly across that somewhat dreary and monotonous prairie. After going some fifteen or twenty miles at the rate of fully twelve miles an hour, and stopning twenty minutes or so each at various wayside platforms, the engine suddenly detached itself from its train, and ran on in front at headlong speed. The deserted train continued to rumble along by its own impetus until this died away, and then it remained stationary for a long time. At length the runaway engine came tearing back again, and once more took on the train, when it transpired that the water had run short, and had to be replenished at the nearest tank as speedily as possible to avert a “ bust.” Ultimately Kingston was reached only some two hours late, time being made up by running at forty miles an hour down the gradients beyond the Elbow. On arriving at Kingston, it was found that the regular Queenstown steamer had cessed to run, and that only occasional smaller boats could be depended on. This involved a delay of practically three days in going and coming, but the travellers at last reached Kingston en route homeward. The train to Dunedin was timed to start at 8.20 a.m., and they supposed they had ample time for breakfast. Suddenly, however, the bell was rung, and the train started ]ust halt on hour before its time, the officials calmly stating that they had “ altered the time-table now. No notice, however, had been given of this, and had those passengers been loft behind, probably the Waimea Plains Company would have hoard more of the matter. Tourists should, therefore, bo prepared for all contingencies.

Coursing.—-The meeting of the Canterbury Coursing Club was resumed yesterday at Taldhurst. The coursing for the Puppy Stakes resulted in a victory for Mr Beard’s Master Tom. For the Fu oilcans’ Plate, the victory yet remains undecided, and the final course will be run to-day, wuather permitting, in the North Park. Thb Weather.—Since the rains on Thursday the Ashley river has been very considerably swollen, and yesterday the streams were joined right across from bank to bank. Our Amberloy correspondent writes The river Waipara was in fresh yesterday, and the coaoh could not cross. Mr Holder, however, carried the mails himself over th 6 railway bridge, and the driver of the coach, on tho return to Amborley, telegraphed to the driver of the coach from tho North to come on to meet Mr Holder, so as to avoid delay with the mails. No mail north of Amborley came in last night.” Champion Ploughs.—lt is understood

that Messrs Howard and Sons, Bedford, are sending out to the chairman of the Kaiapoi Farmers' Club their champion plough, which has done duty at several of the most important trials in England. After the last ploughing match season here Mr Pashby sent to Messrs Howard and Sons the implement used by Mr Busby at the local matches. This was a plough made by the late Mr Joseph Keetley, of Kaiapoi, on lines laid down by Mr Pashby. Mr Busby, senr., it may be noted, was for many years before coming to Canterbury one of Messrs Howard and Sons’ crack ploughmen, and during a recent visit to the colonies one of the members of the firm invited Mr Busby to return with him, but the latter expressed his intention to remain for the rest of his days with bis family at KaiapoL Ashley Lodob, 1877, B.O.—The annual installation of the officers of this Lodge took place on Thursday evening in the Masonic Hall, Bangiora, D.D.G.M. Bro. H. Thomson being the installing officer. The following officers wore installed for the ensuing twelve months:—Bro. B. Aherne, W.M.; Bro. O. Buckham, S.W.j Bro. J. J. Eobinson, J.W.; Bro. A. B. Blackett, treasurer; Bro. B. Atkin* son, secretary; Bro. S. Stephens, D. 0.; Bro, 0. G, King, S.D.; Bro. E. Muloook, J.D.; Bro. J. Hossaok, I.Q.j Bro. T. Boyd, Tyler. At the close of the lodge the brethren adjourned to the Junction Hotel, where the usual banquet was provided by Bro. Boberts in capital style. Owing to the iaclemont state of the weather, and the fact that two Christchurch lodges and the Eoyal Arch Chapter held their meetings on the same evening, there was not a large attendance of visitors. The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given, and several of the brethren contributed some capital songs. A most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the company joining in " Auld Lang Syne " and the “National Anthem.”

1.0.G.T., Libbbatob Lodge, No, I.—The above lodge held their usual monthly public entertainment at the Temperance Hall, Gloucester street, on Thursday evening last. Considering the inclemency of the weather, the attendance was good, the hall being full. The meeting commenced at 7.30, - Bro. Hollingdale in the chair. The programme commenced with a glee by the choir, and "was followed by a number of .temperance songs and choruses. An interval of thirty minutes then took place, during "‘which a plentiful supply of tea, cakes, fruit, &o;, was handed round to the audience. Another temperance glee by the choir commenced the second part of the programme, which consisted of . longs, readings, recitations by the following sisters and brothers Sisters Harvey, Berrill and Bridges; Bros. Jarvis, Hutchinson, Berrill, Bridges, Cox, Goring, Harvey and Denson. Bro. Coring presided at the harmonium during the evening. A vote of thanks was passed to those who had contributed to the evening’s enjoyment, after which the singing of the National Anthem brought a pleasant evening to a close. Immediately after the lodge went into session, when four candidates E resented themselves for initiation, three eing added to the lodge roll. The session was closed in duo form by W.O.T. Bro. Hollingdale. Mobs Wobk pob the Lawyehs—lt is understood (says the “Post ”) that a writ for £IOO damages has been issued in the name of Messrs Gilbert and Sullivan, against Messrs A. T. Dunning, Harry Sbepperson and Harry Power and Miss Lydia Howards, for the unauthorised performance of “H.M.B, Pinafore” in Dunedin on Friday evening last. Wellington Wateb Supply.—The recent rains have had the effect of considerably relieving the minds of the Wellingtonians as to the discomforts attendant upon the threatened water famine/ The reservoir now contains a depth of about fifteen feet of the indispensible fluid, and, according to latest advices, the “ water was still rising.” Debb in the Waikato.—The deer introduced into the Waikato country from time to time seem to be rapidly spreading. The other week a fine doe was seen close into Hamilton, running amongst the sheep in a paddock belonging to the Messrs Graham, above Cambridge road. The animal was going at no great speed parallel with the road at about 1000 yards distance, and scattering the sheep in all directions.

A Divining Rod.—An instance of a premonitory dream comes from Ross, on the West Coast. The body of an elderly woman who was frozen to death was found by a man named Stephen Burford, who at the inquest stated that be had no rest at all one night through dreaming about deceased. He dreamed that he had found her body by means of an iron rod with a hook at the end, which he had in the house, and it was that dream which censed him to look for her body where ho found it. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased died from exposure to the frost and snow. Political —ln an article on the political outlook in this colony the “ Adelaide Regis* ter ” says :—“ Sir George Grey’s day is gone by. He is a leader without followers, an advocate without a brief. His rose-tinted democratic views have lost their freshness, and it is scarcely possible that he can conjure up any topic that will be alike novel and exciting. If fight he must, he will be like big Harry of the Wynd—for his own hand. The colony is apparently satisfied that Sir George has been already trusted too far and too often, and may be content to repesa at least for a while its absolute confidence in the present Ministry, who have really done so much to promote the country’s interests and to deserve the gratitude of the constituencies.”