TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1695, 23 May 1866, Page 2

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Nomination Day.—We observe that a special train will leave Heathcote at 11.30 this morning, bringing up people who wish to be present at the nomination of candidates for the Superintendency, which will come off to-day, There will certainly be a large number of persona coming from all parts to witness the proceedings. The Melbourne Mail.—We have not received our Melbourne post files in a complete stato, and it would appear that the South Australian has the mail brought by her still 'on board, If this is the case the postal authorities have committed a blunder very much to the inconvenience of the public. The mail ought to have been transhipped to the Auckland. SoftQicAL,-.We Understand that the operation of trephining the skull, for the pur•pose of removing a portion of depressed bone, the result of an old fracture, was successfully performed by Dr. Prins on Monday last. The ease was one of unusual interest, f And we believe the following medical gentlemen were present: Drs. Parkerson,Turnbull, Deamer, Frankish, Rouse, Leech, and Coward. Up to the time of our going to press the patient was progressing favourably towards recovery.

Working Mens' Association, There was to have been a meeting of this association last.night, but it did not come off, as most of the members were elsewhere, being occupied at the meetings held last night by the committees of the three candidates for the Superintendency. The chairman, in adjourning the meeting till next Tuesday week, said that the association had wished to pass a resolution exonerating its members from any blame for the late disturbance in the Town Hall, as none of them had taken any part of it. Union Phayer Meeting.—During the past month the ministers of the various Protestant denominations in this city have held a conference for the purpose of establishing the monthly meeting for United Prayers which has been held for nearly a year and a half on the last Friday in the month at the Mechanics Institute, upon a more satisfactory basis. No alteration has been made in the time of meeting, viz., 7 o'clock p.m., but it has been attempted thus to interest both the different ministers, and through them their different' congregations in the monthly meeting. The next meeting will be held on Friday, the 25th, at 7 o'clock, when all who value the privilege of United Prayer are invited to attend. Grand Steeplechase Sweeps.—No less than 5 Calcutta Sweeps came off last night, at Barnard's Repository, a fact which fully proves the interest felt in the well filled events got up by the Stewards of the first Christchurch Provincial Steeplechases. The ruling prices, as resulting from purchase and betting showed that Camel is first favourite; but Lottery, Weka, St. Michael, Dolphin, and Musician, were freely fancied. There is to be a sporting gathering this evening at the Jtoyal Hotel, for the final speculation on the forthcoming events, and Mr, A. Cuff has liberally declared that he will present to the Steeplechase Fund, one half of the customary per centage on the subscriptions and sales.

The Provincial Council Elections,— We are given to understand that the. following are the probable dates at which the elections; will be held for the return of Provincial Councillors forthe districts named. It must be clearly understood that the dates are not named officially, though they will be found nearly if not altogether accurate.

Woodend Bazaar.—On Whit Monday, a bazaar was held in the school-room, Woodend, for the purpose of raising funds in order to pay off the debt on the building, and to provide a bell and some 'othtr furniture for the church. 'The room was tastefully decorated with flags, evergreens, &c. Mrs. Stack's stall, which occupied one side of the room, was most elegantly decorated by Miss Vickery, who evinced much tact and skill in disposing of the varied selection of articles displayed on the stall over which she presided. A pine-tree, bending beneath the weight of the knicknacks with which its branches were hung, stood opposite this stall, forming a graceful and conspicuous object. The refreshment stall, under the direction of Mj-s, Weeks and Miss Bowen, was placed in a tent kindly lent by the Hev, B. W. Dudley. The business of the bazaar commenced at noon, and as the room was crowded with visitors, a brisk trade was carried on until eight p.m. Notwithstanding many obstacles, the out-door amusements were well supported, especially the Aunt Sally, managed by Mr. Cuff, and those provided by, Messrs. Howell and Woods., The amount taken during the day was £6l 5s Od, which added to the sum received by Miss Bowen for the bell, gives a total of £73 55. : '

Christchuuoh Vkstry.~A meeting of thiß'Veatry was held yesterday 4.30 p.m,, in the City Council Chamber. The following were present:—The Ven. the Archdeacon of Christchureh, chairman; Messrs. Gordon and Hawkes, churchwardens! Captain Wilson, Messrs. March, C, R. Blakiaton, A. F. N., Blakiston, Packer, Crawford, Hobden, and Hawley, vestrymen. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The subsci-ipiiQus towards liquidating the debt on the parish, which had been collected during the week, were handed to the churchwardens. It was resolved that the offertories which have hitherto been devoted to the Paroohial Aid Fund, should he discontinued, and that the debt due to the Fund should be liquidated us soon as possible, and that the Standing Commission of the Synod should be memorialized to this effect. The Ven. the Archdeacon of Christchureh, the churchwardens, and Mr. March were requested to draw up the memorial. Some accounts were passed, and ordered to be p.iid. Mr. March gave notice of a motion to be brought forward at the next meeting of the Vestry, to be held dune 5, to the effect that it is desirable that the parish shuuld be divided, and the debt proportionately adjusted. After some routine business had been transacted, the Vestry adjourned, Inquest.—Yesterday an inquest was held by Wm. Donald, Ksq. at the Canterbury Hotel, Lyttlton on the body of Thomas Shephard, who was found dead in the road to Port Levy, near to Purau, A jury being cmpanelled, Mr. J. S. Wilcox, was elected foreman Jus. Wicks, waterman, proved that he took deceased over in his boat to Rhodes Bay on Tuesday evening, about 6 o'clock, and landed him on the beach, at that time deceased appeared to be the worse for liquor, George Hamilton, who keeps the Accommodation House at Purau, stated that deceased called athishouso on Friday morning, he said he had been out all night, and was going

to Port Levy, Witnessctesired him to stay and rest himself, as he appeared to be weak. Mrs. Hamilton gave him some refreshinei t; ho Htartcd for Port Levy about 11 o'clock, and was observed to lie down on the grass for a short time and then get up and walk up the lul towards Port Levy ; lie appenred to walk well; about 9 o'clock witness was going to bed, and heard a «cooey," got a lighted candle and proceeded forward to where the wand appeared to come from, and called out that it was not possible to reach the place ; the only answer received was another "cooey." The sound appeared to come from the top of the cliff; the candle was blown out,and he returned to the house. The night was very dark, but not cold, un Saturday evening Mr. Harris called at the house and stated that Shephard had not arrived at Port Levy and that he had come in. search of him. He proceeded with Harris to search, but was unsuccessful. Next day some men from Mr. Fleming's commenced a search, and on Monday the body was.found undor a cliff, about three chains from the track. The cliff is about 40 or 50 ft. in height, and near to the spot he heard the "cooey." Deceased formerly worked for Mr. Fleming at Port Levy. Other witnesses gave evidence showing that the deceased left for Port Levy, as stated above, but did not arrive, and that a search was made, but without avail, till Monday morning. It was evident from what was stated that deceased had got off the track, and in the darkness of the night fell over the cliff, and thus met his death. The jury returned a verdict of" Accidental Death,"

Election Meeting.—On Monday night Mr. S. P. Andrews addressed the electors of Christchurch at the Devonshire Arms Inn. Mr. Manßell occupied the chair. Mr. Andrews said he was prepared to stand by what he had already said at the Town Hall. He regarded the land as the foundation of our resources', and it was a paramount duty of tho Government to adopt the most approved means of obtaining and expending the revenue derived from H. He would not sell the land for less than its value; he would keep it till it fetched that, and, if necessary, bor row money in the meantime. But he thought the days of borrowing for the province were near their end, and he could suggest a better means of raising a revenue. He believed in self-reliance, and he was confident that if the province were to adopt his system of deferred payments for the land, it would not only benefit the colonists, but help to fill the public chest. He then entered into a detailed description of, his scheme. He thought it was most important that the Government should facilitate,the acquisition of homes for the the people. Homes of their own were greatly desired by working men, and he wished to see them independent of the rich. Inequality between classes was increasing; a man of wealth desired to be worshipped by his poorer brethren; but, whether rich or poor, a man is a man, unless he is a criminal or a maniac. He believed that if his system were adopted, 19 out of 20 working men in the towns would settle down in homes of their own in the country. He would abolish pre-emptive rights. A squatter paid 2s 2d per acre per annum, and an acre, on an average, would feed one sheep, for the fleece of which he got from 4s 6d to 4s 9d nett profit. He could not see why, with such a profit, there should be any pre-emptive rights. While on the subject of land, he would mention what he had never seen adverted to here j perhaps, because so many of our public men were lawyers. He would like to know why a man could not convey a piece of land as simply as he could a horse or a cart. In Adelaide and Victoria there wasa law in force known as Torrens's Land Act, which enabled a man to convey land merely by paying a registration fee of 2s 6d. No deeds were necessary. He would like to see that law in force here. After touching upon .several other topics, a few questions were put to him, which he answered, and a vote of thanks to him and the chairman terminated the meeting.

Her Majesty's Birthday—To-morrow being the anniversary of Her Majesty's birth will be observed as a holiday at the public and other offices, and will be kept generally in a similar manner. All branches of the Volunteer force of the Province will.assemble in honour of the occasion. No. 3 Company of the Eifle Volunteers in Lyttelton will parade at the Drill-shed at 11 o'clock, and fire a feu it joie, and the Artillery will parade and fire a salute. There will he a full-dress parade of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, in Latimer square, at 10 o'clock, under the command of Captain Cracroft Wilson. The parade of the Hifle Volunteer force in Christchurch to-morrow is ordered for ten o'clock, at the Drill-shed. At the same time the Regimental Band will proceed to the Eailway station to meet the fleathcote Company and play them into town to the rendezvous. There has been, some difficulty in fixing a place for the evolutions of the day, in consequence of an objection entertained to the firing, even witli blank cartridge, in Latimer Square, or any where within the town. It is now arranged that, by the kindness and courtesy of Mr. C. the use of tho large paddock opposite the Carlton Hotel and beyond the T6wn Belt will be obtained, and the force will be marched out there. A feu dejoie will be fired, and the Rifles" marched past" in quick time ; after which the corps will be drawn up to receive from the hands of the Ladies of Canterbury the Silver Bugle presented by them. We believe Mrs. J. Cracroft Wilson will act on behalf of her fair comrades. The Superintendent's Challenge Cup, and the various prizes won by marksmen at public matches will also be presented. And the parade will be dismissed in ample time to allow members to take part in the various amusement i of the day. In the evening there will be a public ball at the Town Hall under the patronage of the Superintendent and the Cnnterbury Hifle Volunteers. Several influential gentlemen have consented to act as stewards; Kohler's Quadrille Band will be in attendance, the ball commencing at 9 o'clock. Messrs. Morton and Robertson will provide the refreshments. There will also be an excursion to Tort Levy on the same day under the auspices of the Rifle Volunteers of Lyttelton. The s.s. Waipara will start on the trip from Peacock's Wharf, Lyttelton, at half-past twelve, and return the same evening. The band of the Company will be, in attendance. Foremost among the amusements of the day will be the newly established Provincial Steeplechases. They are to come off at the course selected for the purpose at the end of Cashel Street, and promise to be a great success. Three events are on the card, a Provincial Handicap, a selling steeple-chase, and a scurry steeplechase, for all of which tho entries are most satisfactory. A grand stand has been erected on the summit of the hill, from which an excellent view of the course will be obtained. Kaiapoi Mechanics' lNrrmrrE.T-.The anniversary of this Institute was celebrated by a tea meeting and miscellaneous entertainment, in the Lecture-room of the Institution, on Monday evening last. The room was gaily decorated for the occasion with flags, devices, &c. The most conspicuous of which was one over the platform boaring the arms of tho province, and the mottoes " Advance Canterbury," and "Unity is strength." The tables were arranged lengthwise across the room, and were severally presided over by the following ladies viz sMesdames, J, Uestvick, J. Birch, C. Dudley, Fieldwick, A. Weston, J. Keitlcy, Mathews, Hancock, and Warren. About 80 persons partook of tea which being concluded the tables wore removed and Mr. J. Beswiok M.H.R., president of the Institute, took the chair. By this time the body of the Hall had become well filled, about 200 persons being present. The chairman having thanked the ladies for their valuable assistance and remarked that the Institute had hitherto been free from debt, referre.l to the object of the entertainment which was to provide funds for a number of books, periodicals, &c, shortly expected for which the committee Tould otherwise be unable to pay. The entertainment which was of a somewhat varied character then proceeded, and was on the whole well received. The programme consisted of Keadings, Recitations, ongs, and Dialogues all given by amateurs, and principally residents of the town. 'J he Rev. W. Kirton's address on knowledge was very interesting, as also were the readings by Messrs. Hewlings, R. C. Rose,

B. Ellis C. Lezard, and Addison. Mr. Jones T S t C J ° ttage ty tho sea " most effectively, fully deserving an encore. Mr. Furley, by a comic song and recitation, created infinite amusement, as also did a dialoeue between, that gentleman and Mr. Addison The hall was illuminated for a short time bv Mr. Lezard with the celebrated magnesium light, but being without apparatus it was not so successful as anticipated. An instrumental duet by Messrs. Hcwlings and Mathews, on the harmonium and Cornet, wai well rendered. The evening's entertainment was brought to a satisfactory conclusion at 11 o'clock by the national anthem. We should not forget to mention that Messrs, Mathews H. and J. Feldwick, and J. Moore members of the late Kaiapoi brass band' greatly contributed to the result of the evening, by several selections of instrumental music. The entertainment may on the whole be regarded as a success, but we should certainly advise in future that lighter subjects and of less duration be selected for readings than_ a majority of those given on Monday evening.

Nomination. Polling Lyttelton... ... June 6 , ... 7 Ghristchurch ... „ 8 . .. 9 Papanui ... 11 ■ ,. 13 Kaiapoi ... ... „ 14 . ... 15 Mandeville ... „ 18 . ... 19 Kangiora... ... „ 20 . ... 21 Oxford ... 22 , ,., 23 ■Sefton ... ... „ 25 . .. 26 Waipara... ... „ 27 . ... 28 Eiccarton ... July 2 , ... 4 Lincoln ... ... „ 5 , ... .6 Heathcote 7 . ...9 Port Victoria ... „ 12 . ... 13