News Of The Day. (Press, 13 October 1874)

On 13 October 1874, the Victoria Government announced the revocation of a prior proclamation that had placed vessels arriving from Lyttelton under quarantine regulations, a decision now published in the Gazette. Communication with the West Coast and stations north of Cheviot was interrupted the previous night due to unspecified issues. Sir James Fergusson, the Governor, was expected to arrive in Christchurch that day from Dunedin, continuing his journey to Wellington on the s.s. Taranaki the following day. Additionally, the City Council planned alterations to Victoria Bridge, which would impact the current facilities for watering horses. The annual meetings for school committees and auditors were held the previous evening across various districts, with details of the discussions and reports to be shared elsewhere in the publication. A concert to benefit the German church's bell fund was scheduled for Thursday, 15 October 1874, instead of the previously stated date of 25 October. In entertainment news, the Avonside Dramatic Club was set to present music and a comedy performance that evening in the schoolroom at Merivale. A public meeting was also convened for Thursday at the Kaiapoi Institute to address issues related to the Waimakariri River's overflow. A lecture titled "The Present Religious Movement in England" by Mr J. H. Twentyman was planned for the Riccarton schoolroom the following evening. This lecture had been postponed due to Mr Twentyman's illness. In legal matters, the criminal session of the Supreme Court concluded, with two defendants acquitted in the case of Regina v Frederick Peiper and George Doig. However, in the cases of Regina v George Hendley and Regina v Charles Weed, both charged with sodomy, the individuals were sentenced to two years' imprisonment with hard labour. The Lower Heathcote Library committee held a meeting, during which they discussed the library's financial status, including new subscriptions amounting to £125 6s 6d. They decided to apply for government assistance and announced plans for a general meeting of library subscribers. The report highlighted Mr J. Greaves's arrival from the Natal Queen with two thoroughbred horses in excellent condition, of notable lineage. The Board of Conservators met to discuss the state of the Waimakariri defences post-flood and plans for ongoing monitoring of their works. They also received a letter regarding land flooding from the river. Lastly, an inquest at the Royal Hotel in Southbridge was held regarding the drowning of 16-year-old Frederick William Fagan in the Rakaia River. Evidence showed that while searching for firewood, the horse he was riding fell, and he was thrown into the river, leading to his tragic drowning. The coroner's jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" and addressed the conduct of a juror who had missed previous sessions, warning of legal penalties for disrespectful absenteeism.

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