The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1879.

Ashburton Herald, Volume II, Issue 521, 9 December 1879, Page 2

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “ Evening Echo”). TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1879.

The Rivers. —The Ashburton was yesterday flooded by the late rains, and the crossings on the river were uncomfortably > high for equestrians. We notice that the line at Otaio has again gone.

The Hyde Family. —The Gqqd Ternplars of Ashburton have decided to show their sympathy in the cause of charity by holding an entertainment in the Templar Hall on Monday, December 15th, the proceeds to be given for the benefit of the family of Mr. Hydes, the heaviest sufferers by the late fire. A good programme has been arranged, and a price within the reach of all has been fixed for admission, and we hope to see a good attendance in so good a cause. T.O.G.T.—The weekly meeting of the Dawn of Feace Lodge was held last evening. The Grand Lodge Representative, Mr. Sando, attended and requested information on any business the lodge might wish him to support in the Grand Lodge during the session about to open. . A discussion ensued on the qualifications required to entitle a member to the Grand Lodge degree. Ultimately it was decided to request Bro. Sando to support a liberal measure that appeared on the business sheet of the Grand Lodge, making the Grand Lodge degree obtainable by all good and loyal members, on the basis of time. The entertainment Committee for the benefit of Mr. Hyde, who suffered by the late fire, reported that they had decided on holding the entertainment next. Monday evening, the 15th inst., and it was resolved that the lodge at its rising do adjourn to Monday, Dec. 22, so as to allow the entertainment to be held on the 16th. The lodge having closed in due form, a degree meeting was held when one member was admitted to the 3rd degree. Mr. Jones, of Timaru, D.C., gave a very hopeful account of the progress of Good Templary in the Timaru district. Rakaia Sports. —At a meeting of the Rakaia Sports Committee on Saturday evening, held in Mr. Partridge’s Hotel, there was a good attendance, and satifactory progress was reported by those who had : taken charge of subscription lists. About LSO had been promised and further contributions were expected. The promoters of the sports are confident that the meeting will be a very successful one,, and as the prizes will be attractive, a silver cup being amongst the number, some good men may be expected to enter the lists.

Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway. —This railway is now within 30 chains of the terminus, and is expected to be completed next month. Notice has already been given to Government that the line will be ready for passenger traffic on the 15th January, and it is anticipated a formal opening will take place about that time. At present, goods and produce can be taken up and down the line, which appears to work very well.

The Masonic Hall.— The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Masonic Hall, in course of erection at the corner of William and Tancred streets, will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 30., at high noon. There is expected to be a large attendance of members from other lodges, and the ceremony, which is an impressive one, will be well worth witnessing. The pouring out of the coin, and the wine, and the oil, we hope, will be emblematical on this occasion of better times in store —for tlie first part of the business at any rate. Fire near Chertsey. —A fire occurred about half-past eight on Friday morning in a cottage occupied by the persons who have leased on Mr. Packer’s property about three miles from the township. The occupants of the cottage, four in number, lost the whole of their belongings, including watches, and a considerable amount of money, besides the whole of the clothing of the party. Mr. M'Causland, the owner of Orange Feel, lost his riding saddle, besides a considerable amount of money. The total loss is estimated at about £2OO.

Chertsey. —A public meeting is to be held in the Chertsey schoolroom on Thursday evening next, the 11th inst., to consider the proposed Property Bill, now before the House. A great many persons interested consider the Land Tax far preferable, and a good meeting may be anticipated.

Arrival of English Ships. —On Sunday the ship Hurunui, from London on the 14th August, arrived at Lyttelton after a fair passage. She brings in all 250 passengers, and during the voyage five deaths occurred and one birth. Four of the deaths were of children, and the fifth was that of Mrs. Emma Davidson, who died of puerperal fever. Yesterday, the Lady Jocelyn, ship, arrived at Lyttelton from London via Plymouth, which she left on the 30tli of August. No deaths occurred on the voyage, but the passenger list was increased by four births. She brings 43 saloon passengers and 406 immigrants.