NEWS OF THE DAY.

Leoal. —His Honor Mr Justice Johnston will sit in Chambers this day at 11 a.m. The list of cases appears elsewhere. Opawa.—lt is announced that an entertainment in connection with the district school will be given in the schoolroom this evening, commencing at 8 p.m. The G-hapb Snow. —Mr E. Garland requests us to correct the statement in Wednesday's issue that Mr S. Harper was awarded the first and second prizes forHambro' grapes, the first prize and the first-class certificate of merit having been awarded to Mr Grarland.

Shipment of Houses.—lfr Walters' Isaac Walton and Hippocampus, and the marcs Peeress, Yatterina, and Fanny Fisher went north in the s.s. Hawea yesterday. A number of useful draught and light harness horses arrived from Port Chalmers by the s.s. Hawea. They were brought up by Messrs Irvine and Dickson. Conversazione. —The Governors of the Canterbury College intend celebrating the opening of the new College buildings and the recently erected addition to the Museum, by a conversazione. In order to make this thoroughly successful, the committee intend endeavoring to enlist the co-operation of those persons having pictures, works of art, and other articles of what Mrs Partington would call "bigotry and virtue." It is proposed that the exhibition shall be open to the public for eight days. Cricket.—The Lyttelton Cricket Club play their final match this season—Married v Single—at the Valley ground on Saturday next. Stumps are to be pitched at 1.10 p.m., so players must leave Lyttelton by the 1 p.m. train. The following gentlemen take part in the match:—Married—Messrs Hawkins, Cole, Rogers, Jacobson, O'Grady, Nalder, Hildyard, Edge, Garforth, Mackay, J. Gebbie. R. Cotton, H. J. V. Rogers. Single—Messrs Donald, W. H. Eyes, A. Martin, T. Smith, W. Smith, H. Taylor, J. Tregear, Watte, H. Willcox, and F. Makeig. Mutual Improvement Association.— The usual weekly meeting was held on Wednesday evening, when an interesting essay on "The Crusades" was read by Mr Brock, wliieh was followed by a discussion on the subject. It being usual to set apart an evening periodically, to be especially devoted to reading pieces selected from some particular writer, and one of those evenings occurring next Wednesday, readings chosen from Charles Dickens's works will be given. The meetings of the association are always open to the public, the attendance of ladies being particularly desired, although not necessary to take part in the discussions of the association.

Fine Acts.—There is now on view at Mr Firth's shop a splendid painting by Mr Gully of Milford Sound. It includes the Lion and

Mitre Rocks, and is certainly a gem in ite way. In the foreground is the forest-covered lull, with snow-clad peaks standing out in bold relief as a background, whilst between lies the blue water of the Sound. It is needless to say that it is artistically done, and well worth a visit by all who have not yet had an opportunity of seeing one of the most picturesque spots in New Zealand. The picture will remain on view until Saturday.

Presentation at Southbridge. —The members of the Lodge of Progress, Southbridge, having determined to present their first W.M. with some material sign of their acknowledgment of bis past services, subscribed for and presented to Bro. R. B. Willis, P.M., a jewel, bearing the following inscription: —" Presented to Bro. R.B.Willis, P.M., Lodge of Progress, E.C., No. 1651, in recognition of his valuable services as its first W.M., April, 1877." The jewel, most tastefully executed by Messrs Coates and Co., of Christchurch, was presented by W.M. Bro. T. E. Bush, on behalf of the members of the Lodge, with a few laudatory remarks, which were suitably acknowledged.

Mirror op England.—This panorama was exhibited in the Oddfellows' Hall, Lyttelton, on Wednesday and last night. On both occasions there was a good attendance, and the audience seemed much pleased with the beautiful views of our old home across the sea. Mr Kennedy, though suffering from severe cold, gave a clear description of the scenes represented and made- his audience enjoy a hearty laugh at his humor on several occasions. The larrikin element in the gallery was rather strong and noisy, and requires putting down with a firm hand. The panorama will be again exhibited to-night and tomorrow night, and there will be an afternoon performance on Saturday. Mandeville and Rajjgioka Road Boakd Election.—The election of a member to serve on this Board, in place of Mr J. C. Boys, resigned, took place at Rangiora on Thursday. Captain Parsons, chairman of the Board, acted as returning officer, and having read the notice for the election, called upon any ratepayer present to nominate a candidate. Captain Brandon proposed, Mr A. Bramley seconded, Mr Geo. Cone ; Mr E. R. Good proposed, Mr Pentecost, sen., seconded, Mr H. Dudding. A chow of hands was taken, which the presiding officer declared to be in favor of Mr Cone. A poll was demanded on behalf of Mr Dudding. which was at once opened, and at four o'clock the returning officer came forward and stated that the numbers polled were—for Mr Dadding 206, Mr Cone 168 ; majority for Mr Dudding, 38 ; he therefore declared that gentleman duly elected. The newlj returned member and the defeated candidate briefly thanked the electors for their votes, and the meeting terminated.

The Terehakau Rush.—Our Dunedin correspondent telegraphs to us that, according to information received there, the new goldfield north of the Teremakau is being rapidly developed. He adds.that the Hokitika correspondent of the Star says that the latest accounts are exciting, and thafc hundreds are leaving Kumara the prospects being half-an - ounce to the loud. Earlier particulare regarding the rush have already been quoted. Should it prove profitable, it will inevitably benefit Greymouth, but it is within the itnge of possibility that the news has some connection with, the opening of the Greymoutb. and TfTpmakaw tw&w&y*

Fatal Accident.— Shortly after six o'clock on Wednesday night tliree little boys, brothers, named Henry, Michael, and Philip Kudd, were coming on the Sandhills road to town, when through the moonlight they heard a horse cantering towards them. As the horse neared them they saw it had a saddle and bridle «i, but no rider. The eldest boy, Henry, went into the road and succeeded in

stoppii»|r the animal, 'the younger boys going on towards home. Having proceeded some little distance along the road, they were startled , by seeing the body of a man lying on the ground on his face, and believing it wns somebocrr hurt, they ran into Mr Palsiiret's gatehouse at hand, culling for Mr Clark, the gardener. It transpired that a few moments prior to this Mrs Clark had remarked " There goes Peter Kerr," and alarmed by the boys' statements Mr Clark at once went up the road and found that unfortunately it was poor Peter Kerr lying dead on his face, with blood oozing from his nose and mouth. The body was warm, and Mr Clark at once sent for Mr Slater, who remained alongside the bodr while a doctor was sent for, and it was

being removed to his late home at the Sandhills. Dr Syme arrived as soon as possible, tnit all hope was over. The last seen of deceased in town was at the Golden Age Hotel, about half-past five, when he was shouting for a few friends, bnt could not be considered to be under the influence of drink. It is but right, to remark that the accident must have occurred at or about half-past six o'clock ; that Mr H. Slater, barrister and solicitor, was in charge of the body shortly after that hour; that instead of ' being accidentally killed, Mr Kerr, for aught anybody knew, might have been murdered, and though the distance is not more than two miles from the police depot, it was not thought worth while to send a messenger in with the news. ' LOYAL YOLUXTKER LODGE AXXIVERSARY. —If succeeding anniversaries must always be considered the most plowing, it was certainly left to the eleventh anniversary of this Lodge to leave last evening the. most kindly remembrances. That it could have "been otherwise under the arrangements was improbable, as the Lodge had determined to eclipse their previous anniversaries. Mr .1. Buggey had been engaged as caterer, and worthily he fulfilled what was expected of him, as the arrangement of the tables with pot plants, cut flowers and ferns so judiciously arranged as to relieve the heavy banners of the Lodge placed north and south of the hall, and to blend nicely with the more lively colors on either side, exhibited very great taste. The menu gave general satisfaction, and the waiting arrangements misfit well be emulated by other caterers in Christchurch. Ample justice was done to the bill of fare by the sixty gentlemen who sat down, after which a long toast list was disposed of. The chair was occupied by P.P.Gr.M. Sharpe, supported by R.S.P.G. Waig, and L.S, J. L. Fleming; V.G-. J. M'Farland and Bro. Priston filling the vice-chairs. It should perhaps be mentioned that among the ether officers present were P.Q-.M. Wright and D.P.G-.M. Cameron. After the usual loyal toasts had been drunk, a long toast list was disposed of; one, among others—that of Bro. Rolleston[beingi-eceived vociferously,with three times three and one more. What between pleasant speeches and harmony a very agreeable anniversary was spent, and the drawing towards the "twal," though accepted as a necessity, was regretted by every one present, with a hope that time might have become revolutionized when next they came round as to let them stay only a little longer. AGEICTTLTirRAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. —The usual monthly meeting of the committee of the Association was held at the office yesterday. Present —Hon. Joltn Hall (in the chair). Messrs Wilkin, Norman, Ford, Moor, Gilmour, Ferguson, Walls, Mcßeth, C. F. Barker. It was decided to have the annual report of the Association for 1876 printed for circulation. Mr Wilkin moved "That Mr T. Hill, V.S., be made a life member of the Association, on the under-

standing that he will act gratuitously as consulting surgeon to tlie Association, he having expressed his willingnes to do so." Mr Wails seconded the motion. Mr Ford suggested that it would be as well to make the motion to read so that Mr Hill might be a life member so long as he acted as honorary veterinary surgeon. After some discussion, it was resolved to alter Mr Wilkin's motion by leaving out- the words "life member," and put in the words " a member of the Association without payment." The motion as amended was then put and agreed to. The various committees of the Association were appointed as follows : — Ground committee—Messrs R. Wilkin, J. T. Ford, W. Norman, W. Henderson, and A.. Duncan. Editing committee of Tonn. and Country Journal —President, vice-president, Hon. John

Hall, Messrs D. Craig, A. Duncan, J. T. Ford, W. Henderson, and K-. Wilkin. Finance - committee — Messrs Henderson, Anderson, and W. Norman. Ram Fair committee—Messrs W. Henderson, Mann, and Ferguson. (To bring up a report at next committee meeting.) A letter was read from Sir Thomas Tancred recommending the committee to establish a class for the English Leicester sheep at the next Metropolitan Show. Mr Ford moved —" That Sir Thomas Tancred's letter be acknowledged, and that he be informed that the committee would take the matter into consideration when the premium catalogue was being arranged for next show." Mr Norman seconded the motion, which was agreed fco, A letter was read from Mr Murphy, stating that he had prepared a paper on " Agriculture, Past and Present," which he had been advised to read before the association. Mr Wilkin moved—"That Mr Murphy be thanked for his offer to read the paper, and requested to forward the same to the President and Vice-President for perusal." Mr Ford seconded the motion, which was agreed to. A letter was read from M,r Thos. Pashby, suggesting that it would be much better to judge and award prizes to stud horses at the parade, instead .of at the November show, as the entries were totally unfitted for stud work while in show condition. Mr Wilkin moved—"That Mr Pashby's letter be made the subject of special consideration at next monthly meeting, and that notice be given by advertisement of the same." Mr Mann seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Accounts amounting to £165 were passed for payment, and the committee adjourned.

Cottntt Cotjncti, Fitttngs.—The "fixings" of the Cook County Council Chamber appear somewhat scant, if we may judge by the following from the Poverty Bay Standard : "The furniture in the County Office on Saturday evening consisted of one table, five chairs, and a spittoon ; the latter article being the personal property of a former clerk, who had kindly allowed it to remain for the service of the members of the Road Board. The deficiency of chairs was made up by two or three being borrowed from an adjoining hotel. Our reporter had forgotten to take his own chair with him. He was accommodated with a form. Sitting too near the end it tilted. One end of the form struck the ceiling; the other end did nothing in particular. The reporter, when on the floor, lost his presence of mind, and got up on the wrong eide, by which his leg came in violent contact with the leg of the form. The only sympathy he received was from a Councillor, who regretted to see a member of the press so completely floored."

Napieb Harbob Works.—Oar Napier correspondent lately referred somewhat disparagingly to the new harbor works there. The Herald questions the correctness of his conclusions, and adds :—" It may be worth while, for the benefit of readers outside the province, to remark that less tlian one-fifth of the whole work is, us yet, completed. The contract is for £30,500, and the contractors have, up to the present time, received only £5570 in progress payments. Those who know these gentlemen best will feel most satisfied that they have received every shilling that is due to them. At present, the eastern groin does not reach the outer boundary of the space within which the shingle travels up and down with the tides. Most of the shingle, therefore, is still thrown on to the bar, as before. When the groin passes beyond thie point, then the shingle will be trapped by it. That is the theory, at any rate. Another 250 feet moreover have to be added to the western mole before it closes the western channel said directs the water that now flows away through it, towards Petane, on to the bar."

(J.AB Coal.—At a late meeting of th» Pmedin City Council a tender for the snpp] T ot cool to the Gasworks, at 39e por ton wae received from Messrs Martin and Watson It was suggested.that Orry mouth coal should be used with Newcastle coal, as it was now used largely for the manufacture of gns i». Oanrnru, lunam, and Christ church It was remarked that the experiment eonid not do any harm, as it would be impossible to produce worse gas than has been inflicted on the unfortunate consumers* for some time past. The matter was referred to a committee for enquiry.

N.U'iEit Lrx.mo Asylum.—Dt. Skae Inspector of Lunatic Asylums, visited the Napier Asylum on the «)th and 10th instant, and expressed himself us well satisfied -with tho establishment and its management. Hβ says : —" It is very clean and in good order but extremely bare. The patients are all very quiet, and none are under restraint, or m seclusion. They appear to be us well cared for as the nature of the accommodation and the means jof treatment at command permit of. The register of admission and the inspector's book arc the only statutory books kept. It is a frequent practice, apparently with a view of saving expense, for the medical officer of the Asylum to grant, one of the t-ertideates on which a patient is admitted. This has been done in the cases of the last eight patients received. I have called attention to this fact, as this is contrary to the 17th section of tho Lunacy Act."

Pkksextatiox to Br. Hector.—ln the report of the proceedings of the Geological Society of England we read :—The Present next handed to Professor Ramsay, F.R.S., the Lyell Medal and part of the Lyell Fund, fat liMiisniission to James Hector, M.D., F.R.S., director of the Geological Survey of New Zealand. The President said it was given in in recognition of his long and valued services in geology and paliiMiitology both in British North America and in New Zealand, and he referred to those services at some length. Professor Ramsay, in replying, said, " As a physical geologist, I regard him as standing in the very first rank ; mid his qualificatione have been shown, not only in North America, but also by his thorough organisation of tho Geological Survey of New Zealand, which, under his charge, has attained . a position second to none in the world."

Death op Mb. Henry Handysidk.— The sad intelligence has been received by the English mail that this ingenious inventor has fallen a victim to smallpox, which lie took on 9th February. Noticing his death, the Nelson Colonist says : —"lt is not long since the progross of his design for enabling steep gradientsto be used on railways was noticed in our columns, and since then, it. is understood, persons of consideration in such matters have been induced to consider his plans favorably, with a view to their application on the branch lines of some important companies. The chairman of the North-Western spoke of tlieprobable adoption of his system, and the object for which he has struggled for yea» seemed in a fair way of success when his career was cut short. Mr Handysido was formerly employed by the Provincial Government of Nelson, and in that service displayed considerable fertility of resource in dealing with difficulties occurring in his practice. Many who were at one time disposed to ridicule the contrivance whereby he felt confident railway construction and working could be materially reduced in cost, were struck by its simplicity when it was disclosed, and they, with the friends who have long supporter! him, will regret that he did not live to see it brought into permanent use."

A Case of Bigamy.—Wo observe by thtf Wairarapa Nem» that the alleged bigamy dec has assumed a new phase. When last brought up, the lady—Agnes Eobinson—waej in the absence of any evidence for the prosecution, discharged. On that occasion it appeared that Cheesman, the first husband, had written a letter positively declining to go ore with the prosecution. He is said to be willing to take the lady back. Robinson, the second husband, has now in turn been prosecuting"Agnes." On Friday, in the Resident Magistrate's Court. Featherston, Mr Stedman, on his behalf, applied to Mr Wardell for a warrant for the apprehension of Agnes. Mr Wardell, the R.M., rather demurred to granting the_ warrant, but ultimately said he would take time to consider the application. Front what transpired in Court it uppears that the fair but fickle lady was originally called Agnes Williams, and that ehe married a person named Cheesman in England. Then, somehow or other, after coming out here, she went; to the Wairarapa, leaving Cheeeman, and i» November last, according to the charge against her, married a laborer named Robinson' at Tcnui. The position of the case at present is: —Robinson is tired of Agne*, and wishes to be quit of her; hence he prosecutes her for bigamy. Cheesman, on the other hand, is full of love and forgiveness. It is quite an affectiug little drama.

Mb GiSBOiKfE kv Totaka.— Telegranw report how Mr G-isborne is getting on towards the somewhat uncertain result of the Totara election. In addition to what appears elsewhere, we notice by a telegram sent to the Press Agency from Hokitika that on Monday evening Mr G-isborno addressed the electors of Boss, the metropolis of the Totara district. A crowded meeting, it is said, heartily received the candidate. Ho referred to h» being a stranger to the district, and not resident ; but contended thnt his residing in Wellington might have its advantages. With a good deal of humor he pictured a local representative whose enthusiasm might be so chilled that he would probably be found betaking himself to Bellamy's or ruminating in. the Assembly library over a file of the Mats Gvardia n. He expressed himsc'f opposed t» separation, either financial or political, as prejudicial to the best interests of the colony. Though he favored abolition of the province* he did not consider the Counties Act now in force altogether satisfactory. He thought the number of counties and concurrent powers given to counties and road boards caused considerable confusion, and-pointed out how improvement could be mnde in the present syelem. He expressed his opinion fully on education, local self-government, the special claims of goldfields districts, finance, taxation, and other questions of general interest; ancl also on the Mokonui water-race, charitableinstitutions, goldflelds regulations, gold duties Boss sections, and other matters of local consequence. On the conclusion of his speech several questions were put and answered to the evident satisfaction of those present, and » unanimous vote followed in favor of M.v Gisborne's election. The other candidates, it is added, are now working hard.