SOCIAL AND GENERAL.

Press, Volume XL, Issue 5755, 28 February 1884, Page 2

SOCIAL AND GENERAL.

On Tuesday, the 19th instant, the crop of oata from a five acre paddock; the property of Mr Davidson, Church Bush, was threshed out, and the return of grain, exjpJusive of seconds, wae 400 bushels. ffce pa tang Chief Justice (Mr Justice J" 18 requested Messrs T. S. Weston and Allan Holmes to hold the tf&il-yearly Law examination of candidates for admission to the Law at the several chief cities of the colony, on the third Monday ia March. The list is a lane one, numbering tiiirty-ttree names, nvlre are foar barristers and twenty-four solicitors not previously admitted, and one and four solicitors who have been wflviouily admitted in other colonies. The Jcimination is by written questions and .answers*

The prospecting parl>y sent out to obtain additional stone from the property of the North Creek Gold Mining Company ha\p*tumed to town, bringing with them o^sMJd-beaMß^^^^ fined, with sSdip Cgafe, a locality -perfectly" aco&isible to mays. Thesufuriher state thattfax breakingtpnt th&«»artz every piece broken off anewed ,goldWsibleH» the-aaked eye, and the Iprospoctiag party have every reason to believe that the reef is of very considerable extent, and that the leadew in the other portions of the ground held by the Company radiate from it. In addition to the members of the prospecting party, a shareholder in the company also went with them, and,he jjtatea_*hat- wherever the specimens of the reef were broken off gold was showing plainly. Indeed, this can be seen on the pieces of quartz brought down. The party also brought with them some stone from the casing of the reef, which; was roughly crushed here and washed in a tin dish, showing distinctly specks of gold. The ceremony of laying a top corner .stone and unveiling the foundation stone of the new building for the Young Men's Christian Association, near the Public Library, is to be performed by Sir William Pox, K.C.M.G., on Tuesday,; March 4th. It was found impracticable for Sir William to come in January to lay the foundation stone according to the usual custom, hence the reason the ceremony is to take the somewhat novelform indicated. It will be performed at three o'clock in the afternoon, followed by a tea and public meeting.

The annual meeting of the Temperance Hotel Company, Limited, was held last month; Mr H. W. Packer in the chair. There were fifteen shareholders present. The Secretary (Mr Jas. Bowlker) read the Directors' report. It etated that after four months' trading last year they had decided to cease carrying on the hotel business and to let it if a suitable tenant could be found. The offers to lease j&e hotel were few, and the present lessee had obtained it for three at .£7OO per annum, taking the furniture at a valuation, the payment to be extended over twelve months. The balanef-eheet was taken as read. It showed a total lose to data of £2341 10i 9d. The debit balance at the beginning •of the year was £1567 8s ; hotel expenditure and wages, £1457 15s 6d; interest, £534 ; loss on furniture, £580; and other items, £110. The hotel revenue was £1512 7s 8d; and the rent received under the new arrangement £395 This left the los 3 for the year £774 2a 9d. The principal item of the liabilities was the loan account with the Bank of New South Wales, which stood at £7000. Very nearly all the capital has been called up, and the principal assets were the buildings and freehold property, which were valued at £7411 133 6d and £3025 93 respectively. The report and balance sheet were adopted. Messrs Watson, Smith, and Granville were nominated and duly elected Directors, the last in place of Mr Webber, who retires absolutely. Mr Buckland was elected auditor. In answer to Mr Dallas, the Chairman explained that most of the loss was due to revaluation of the furniture when the present tenant entered on hie lease. Their actual loss while trading was only £200. Next year their position would be better than it was at present. Votes of thanks to Mr Webber and the Chairman for services during the past year were carried unanimously, and the meeting ended. On Saturday, February 2nd, an accident happened to Mr Thomas Ballantyne, of Canowie Farm, on the Ham road, whereby he lost his life. About 6 p.m. he left Mr Seaton's stable with a horse and waggonette. Mrs Potts, of Woolston, states that she was walking in the Bosh Inn road, and saw the deceased's vehicle approaching rapidly. The horse was evidently beyond the driver's control, and when past her she followed it, feeling afraid there would bean accident. Within three chains of his own gates, the horse swervrd, and Mr Ballantyne was thrown out. He fell on his head, and was carried into the house* Dr. Nedwill was quickly on the scene, but life-was extinot. From the doctor's examination it seems probable that death was directly caused by fracture of the skull. There were several severe wounds on the head. Deceased was a native of Selkirk, Scotland, and emigrated to "Adelaide twenty-five years ago, where lie enjoyed distinguished euccess in his business. Twelve months since he arrived here, and bought a farm on the Ham road, which he named Canowie, after the celebrated breed of sheep which he was the firat to introduce to New Zealand. He wa3 a far-seeing, practical man, and took the greatest interest in the more recent discoveries and aims of high farming. Deceased was brother to Mr John Ballantyne, of this city, and leaves a wife and family of eight children. He will be deeply regretted by all with whom he came in contact, his kiad heart and genial manner having gained him many friends. .

The subjoined remarks were made by Lieutenant Lowry, 8.N., at the meeting of the Naval Artillery and the "blue jackets" of H.M.S. Espiegle, in the Oddfellows* Hall at the Port on February 6th "It was/ said the Lieutenant, " always a special pleasure to seethe Eoyal Navy and the Volunteers pulling so well and cordially together, as all were evidently doing that evening. Hβ would remind the Naval Artillery Volunteers that in the hour of the country's need they would probably be the first to be called upon to meet the foe. By the water he must come, and on the water they must meet him, if they wished to keep fighting and bloodshed from their own hearthstones. If not learnt before, this lesson would be sadly forced home on the country by the bitter teaching of war. Then the cry would go up for cruisers, gunboats, and men to man them. That was the time for which the Naval Artillery Volunteers must held themselves prepared. They should especially exercise in boat work, and, at the earliest opportunity, be drilled at guns mounted afloat. In the end a system of naval defence must prove the truest economy for New Zealand. There was no power that he knew of which could move a stone fort at Fort Chalmers to help Lyttelton, or heavy land batteries at Wellington to drive an enemy from before Auckland. Oh the other hand, the telegraph could summon every Naval Artillery volunteer and every war vessel in New Zealand to assist to crush an ship or squadron off any threatened point; while, with his base so threatened, no commander would dare to leave his ships defenceless by landing bis men. Again, the heaviest shore batteries and thousands of soldiers would not save Lyttelton from the humiliation and grave pecuniary loss of finding their port blockaded by the smallest of Alabaraas while days were being spent in bringing up an Imperial cruiser, whioh perhaps at the time might be engaged chasing a foe reported on one of the great ocean trade routes. Let them then strive by diligent exercise at naval drills so to perfect themselves in fighting afloat that they may be found in the trial hour to be • Beady, aye ready/ "

The annual general meeting of the Christchurch Kifle Volunteer Company was held on Friday evening, the 15th. instant, in the Company's Orderly Boom. There was a good attendance, and Captain. Fergoseon presided. Lieut, Smith, the Honorary Secretary, read the balance-sheet, which showe a credit balance for the year 1883 of £17714s Bd. This. Company has the credit of drawing more capitation than any other Company in the Canterbury district, except in one case; the amount is J8125. After the balance-sheet had been passed, Lieutenant Martin, of the Christ's College Bines, stated the result of hie inquiries at Wellington about uniforms and equipment, and a resolution was carried to the effect that an immediate application be made to the Defence Office, Wellington, for the issue of scarlet uniforms, white belts, and overcoats. The Company will accordingly be well equipped for the Easter encampment. It was also decided to send at once to England for helmets, as these cannot be obtained from the Government stores. After votes of thanks to the auditors, to T. H. Potts, Esq., Governor's Bay, for the use of his paddock for the I Christmas encampment, and to the Collector of Customs for the use of the steam launch, the proceedings terminated.

The bowling match Victoria ▼ Canterbury, played on the green of the Chnstchurch Clufc'dn Feb. 3rd, resulted in a vwfcfey for tKiWrimiors by eight points, the tos#Bcorisisbemg--Victoria 99, Canterbusr?l. /There was a goodly attendance of visitors, an* generally the afternoon was moat pleasantly speHt. A service was held at St. Mary's Cte»dii»Merivale, on Sunday, Feb. 4fch, the ijCHW{rsi»tion being very large. Special PeaSns 'md Hymns suitable to the occasion were" sung, and a short address given ~ij the Incumbent; after which the bouqoete were collected, and the services terminated. The flowers were afterwards forwarded to the Hospital. Mr Eobert Colthart, clerk to the E.M. Court at Sheffield, met with an accident on February 9th. He eustained a heavy fall, and so seriously hurt the knee of his left leg, which bent under him, that he is unable to move. The limb is swollen to a great extent, and till that is reduced it is impossible to know the exact nature of the injury, or to siy if any bone is broken. . The fourth annual meeting of St. Saviour s Church of England TemperanceJSociety was held on Monday, Feb. 3, in the Schoolroom, Sydenham, the President, Bey. H. B. Cocks, in the chair. There was a fair attendance of members. The business of the evening was the election 1 of officers for the year. A general and entertainment committee were elected, and Mr E. H. Dutton was re-elected Secretary. Votes of thanks were passed to the various officers and to Miss Cocks. Mr Dutton gave a reading, and pianoforte solos were played by Misses Cocks and Pickering. The meeting then closed. There was a large attendance on the Is February at the Trinity Congregational Church, Manchester street, to bid farewell to Mr Williams, the pastor, who is leaving that Church. Messrs Beaven. Eowe, and Clemance, on behalf of the young members who had joined the Church during Mr Williams* pastorate, presented to him an oak stationery case, with a suitable inscription. This was supplemented by a puree of sovereigns, also inscribed, from the Church and congregation, which was handed to the minister by Messrs J. P. Jameson, F. Malcolm, and J. Callendar. Mr. Williams, in .thanking his congregation, took occasion to refer to his secession from the Congregational Union. He had been Chairman of that body. He had loved it well, and if he now left it, it was only that he might become a CongregationaliEt of the truer type of Barter, Howe, and Watts. In a moving speech he explained that his faith and teaching would remain deeply evangelistic. The rev. gentleman was much applauded when he sat down. The Beys. Mr Hoatson and Mr Seth Smith spoke in feeling terms of the late pastor, and expressed the regret of the congregation at his severance from their church and body. Mr Williams then delivered a farewell speech, in which he reviewed with some emotion his long connection with Trinity Church, and gave much valuable advice and admonition to its congregation. The meeting was closed with prayer by the new pastor, Mr Seth Smith. The Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U., held a meeting on Feb. 11, specially summoned, to receive the auditors' report and balance sheet for the year 1883. The most gratifying part of the report is that relating to the sick and funeral fund, the sum of £30 only having been expended in funeral claims and £273 advanced in sick payments. As the receipts of this fund from all sources were £820, the profits on the one year were £547. In addition to the sick payments, which are considerably in excess of other lodges in the North Canterbury District, the lodge has advanced £32 as distress gifts.. The management fund, although not making much headway yet, has gained in the year £8, and the total funds of the lodge are £7909, with a roll of 361 members good on the books. The auditors have appended to their report a statement showing that the lodge had made a good choice in securing the services of their present Secretary and Treasurer. Some notices of motion were held over for discussion until the 25th instant, on which date the adjourned meeting takes place. I

A very exacting and at the same time satisfactory trial ef the Bail way fire engine took place recently, intended to demonstrate fully the power of the engine. The object of the trial was not as has been erroneously stated, to allow the City Council to consider the advisability or otherwise of the purchase of the engine, but simply to allow a proper estimate to be arrived at as to the efficiency of it in case of a serious fire. His Worship the Mayor, the members of the City Council and Fire Brigade Committee were present, and watched the trial throughout with very great interest. The engine was stationed at the Cashe! street bridge, and the members of the Railway Fire Brigade, under Mr Superintendent Ashley, mustered strongly. The first trial made was under 60lbs of steam, when seven branches were on with a fine delivery of water. This, however, was only as it were the preliminary canter for the first event. This consisted of laying out four liuesof hose from the river to the scene of the late fire in Cashel street. Under about 1401b of steam, water was delivered into three of the lines with l£in nozzle branches, one of the streams throwing over Hobday and Co.'s and the other over Beath and Co.'s whilst the third stream was throwing up against the Empire Hotel wall as high as the parapet. Unfortunately the hose was not strong enough to bear the pressure, and it ripped in several places, whilst in others a great waste of water occurred from leakage. Had it not been for this the trial of conveying four good streams of water the distance indicated would easily have been accomplished. - As. it was, though not fully successful, the great value to the city of such a powerful engine as that possessed by the Bailway Brigade was made fully manifest. Even if not used actually for the extinction of fires, the aid of such an engine would be invaluable in the direction of filling the tanks for the use of the (iby engines, thus obviating the chase* •f the supply running short in case of a fire requiring time for its extinction. The trial, therefore, though made. under very disadvantageous circumstances, cannot but be regarded as very satisfactory, the only improvement required in the equipment of the Brigade being the possession of leathern hoee instead of the canvas now used, as it is unable to stand the pressure required to force the water the distance from the river to the tanks. It is probable that the Christchurch Brigade will have an opportunity ere long of testing the power of their engines similarly, but nothing definite is yet arranged.

Just before two o'clock on Sunday 17th mat., a fire broke out in Mr Robert Forbes' ship chandlery store in Norwich Quay, in Lyttelton. The fire was first seen in the back part of the building, and fed by the very inflammable nature of the goods quickly spread to the front part of the premises. The local fire brigade turned out very smartly, and with the splendid pressure of water at command extinguished the fire before it had spread to the premises immediately adjoining occupied by Kinsey, Ward and Co. and the "Lyttelton Timer , agency, and Mr W. Austin. Mr Forbes' premises were closed on Saturday* »* 4 P- m -' Forbes having previously left for his home in this city by the two o'clock train. No fires were used on the premises, and the only reasonable conjecture is that some inebriate or wayworn had, late on Saturday night, sought temporary lodgings in the back part of the premises (they being very secluded), and by some neglect caused the fire. Acting upon this presumption Sergt. J. T. Ma3on caused a doubtful person to be arrested yesterday. On his own admission it seems he was resting for the night in a friendly railway truck very close to the locality of the fire. The Lyttelton Volunteer Fire Brigade deserve a word of credit for their activity, as do also the regular police force and the fire police, and a large army of volunteers. Mr Forbe3 will be of necessity a heavy loser, as bis only insurances are JBIOOO on stock in the New Zealand Office, and JE4ooon the building in the Australian Mercantile Company. Both Companies are, it is 6aid, reinsured in part. A considerable quantity of salvage remains, more cr les3 of course damaged by water.

The Lytfeltpn Volunteer Naval Brigade entertained their blue jacket friends belonging to H.M.S. Espiegle on February 7th, at a spread in the Oddfellows* Hall in port. The Brigade, in charge of Lieutenant Edwards, end accompanied by the Lyttelton Brass Band, met the naval men at the boat landing, and marched with them to the hall. The tables were laid by Mr W. G. Shepheard, whose catering gave every satisfaction, and the hall presented an extremely pretty appearance with the decorations of flowers and flags. The evening was spent most happily in chatting, singing, and indulging in similar rational amusement. Soon after ten o'clock the National Anthem was played, and the proceedings terminated, but not before three ringing cheers had been given for tie crew of H.M.S. Espiegle and responded to. Hearty votes of thanks were also passed to Mr. E. Griffiths, for presiding at the pianoforte, and to Mr. Carder for his vocal assistance.

That popular sportsman Captain Cotton achieved on Feb. 13th, last a pedestrian feat. He had wagered JJISO that he would walk from Stoneyhurst Station into Christchurch in eighteen hours. The distance is seventy-two miles, so that an average speed of four miles an hour wa3 required. Captain Cotton must have started in uncommonly good form, for, leaving Stoneyhurst at 12 o'clock on Tuesday night, he walked to Amberley, a distance-of thirtynine miles, in 8 hours 25 minutes without once stopping on the way. His average rate of travelling for this long spell was four miles and a fraction over five furlongs an hour. The roughest part of the road wa3 now past, and more than half his task done, so the Captain spent in rest and refreshment the eighty minutes he had gainedonhisrequired average, andaf urther thirty-five, for which he drew on his confidence, discounting the bill on the spot. First a bath to relieve the Bense of fatigue, then breakfast,' and then a sleep, which lasted for an hour and a half. At twenty minutes past ten he was again on the road, and was next heard of at Eaiapoi, which he reached a little before 3 p.m. Hβ was now a few minutes ahead of his contract time, and not in the least distressed. An eye-witness describee him as going -an capital order, and looking perfectly fit to finish the twelve miles to Christchurch in the three hours of allotted time remaining. The event proved that the gallant Captain. was even fitter than that, for he entered the Christchurch Club at a quarter to six, fifteen minutes to the good. He was fortunate in the weather, for though the day was hot and the roads dusty, there was a dead calm, an advantage somewhat rare in Canterbury, and one which will be appreciated by any one who hae ever walked a long distance against the wind. Captain Cotton got in fatigued, though not excessively co, and went to bed as soon as he had bathed and eaten. He is to be congratulated on his walk, which may be compared to some of thp feats of his famous predecessor, Capt. Barclay. It is indeed no mean achievement to walk seventy-two miles jat; an average pace of better than four miles an hour, especially for a man who is, as we understand Captain Cotton to be, totally untrained. The annual gathering of the butchers of the city took place on Thursday, 13th February, at Lansdown, and was in every way successful. Better weather could not have been desired. About 9 a.m. the vehicles, all gaily decorated with flowers, flags, and other ornaments, drew up in single file in Cathedral square. Shortly after the hoar mentioned the proceseion, headed by horsemen and the Garrison Band, left town en route for its destination. Both horses and men were attired in gay colors, and one rider was dressed in imitation of an Old English Beef-Eater. At Lansdown the picnickers enjoyed themselves thoroughly, the. races and sports being entered into with warm interest. The annual tea and public meetings in connection with the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church, were held on Tuesday Feb. sth, and largely' attended. .At the former the edibles were supplied and dispensed by the ladies of the congregation. The Bey. C. Dallaston occupied the chair at the public meeting which was held in the church. Besides the Chairman, addresses were delivered by the Eeys. Erwin, M.A.. ; Bray, Gilmore, Staudring, and Carey. During the course of the evening the choir, under the leadership of Mr Corrick, Fang a number of sacred selections. The annual report, which was submitted to the meeting, congratulated the members on the excellent progress the church had made during the past year. It also stated that the gathering commemorated the seventh year of the pastor's settlement, as well as the anniversary of the church. Seven years ago the members numbered 100, now there were 333 names on the roll. The building they then had seated 264 persona, now they were the possessors of one which would comfortably accommodate 700 people, and was capable of holding 100 above that number. The receipts for the past year amounted to .£llO6 Is Id, including returns from the bazaar; and £150 had been paid off the church debt. The Sunday School was reported to be in a flourishing condition.

An accident occurred on Friday afternoon, February Bth, at Buchanan's City Foundry, Colombo street, whereby a man named John Campbell lost his life in an awfully sudden manner. He was by trade a trimmer, that is, a man who finishes rough castings by grinding and polishing them. This work is done at the City Foundry by aa emery wheel, which revolves at a high rate of speed. Campbell started to vrovk with it yesterday morning. At a quarter-past two there was a loud report, and a man named John Craig, who was working in the same shed with the deceased,, saw him stagger, and fall flat on his back. The wheel had broken into tHree or four pieces. Two of these had struck Campbell with enormous force. The others travelled in the same line, but in the opposite direction, and cut a good sized hole in the wall of the shed. Dr. Thomas was sent for, and arrived in five minutes, but nothing could be done for the man, who had probably died instantaneously. The body wa3 removed to the Prince of Wales Hotel, to wait the inquest. Mr Buchanan, who had oiled a part of the machine two minutes before the accident happened, and had only just stepped into an adjoining room, believes it to have been caused by the jamming of the casting which deceased was grinding between the wheel and the rest on which the castings are held while being ground. There was about a quarter of an inch between the wheel and bar, and one part of the casting was email enough to have slipped between. This view is borne out by the appearance of the bar in question, which is dented in the middle, and the casting was broken. The wheel was 16in in diameter, and weighed about 501b. j Deceased resided at Sydenham, and leaves a wife and six children. At an inquest held next day, a verdict of " Accidental Death , ' was returned.

A pleasant friendship has been established between the Royal Navy men of H.M.S. Espiegle and the Volunteer Naval Artil-i lerv at port daring the stay of the visitor in Ljttelton waters. Recently the Volunteers entertained the Boyal" blues" at a social, and this was reciprocated on February 11, by a really pleasant meeting got up by the officers of the Bepiegle for the mutual enjoyment of* the blue jackets of both services. Mr Shepherd was asked to cater, and from the compliments that passed during the evening he was most successful in suiting the taste of his patrons. The Oddfellows' Hall, the scene of the festivities, never looked gayer, the man-of-war's men having made a point of getting up the decorations. It unquestionably did look very inviting, as the captain of the Espiegle, Captain Bridge, came forward on the stage and addressed a few words x>l congratulation to his worthy crew's guestd. Captain Bridge daring his j remarks also paid the port of Lyttelton a j high compliment, and expressed his very j agreeable surprise at the grain resources of j this "thoroughly English province." After I a" few remarks from Lieut. Edwards, j L.N.V.A., the captain withdrew, and the : dance programme for the evening was entered upon j one of the most truly enjoyable Imperial-Volunteer gatherings ever held in Port, up well into the j HtTiill hours of the morning. H.M.S. t Espiegle left on Wednesday, i

The Christcaurch Volunteer City Guards held their annual meeting in the orderly room on Feb. 11. The attendance of members was good. Captain Wolfe occupied the chair. Lieutenant! Garnet* was appointed Secretary, and Corporal Auleebrook was promoted to the rank of sergeant. The General Committee was elected, the following being the members —Sergeant . Anlesbrook, Privates Ward, Davidson, Dearaley, and Parker. Firing Committee—Sergeants Aulesbrook andCahill and Private Dearsley. It was announced that prizes would be given for eood attendance, the first a rifle, presented by Lieutenant Garnett; second, a cup, by Captain Wolfe; third r a cup, by Lieutenant Francis; and a fourth by Sergeant Cahill. It was decided to send home an order for great coats, waterproof sheets, and water bottles to complete the corps' outfit.

At a meeting of the Kaiapoi "Vestry on Thursday, Feb. 13th, the Rev.jVere White, Incumbent, presiding, it was decided t< invite offers for leasing the old parsonage, with an acre and half of the land not yet sold. It was considered that if sufficient rent would be forthcoming to pay the interest and sinking fund on a loan of JE3OO, this course might be preferable than borrowing that cum to complete the purchase of the new house, because if that ceuld be done in a few years a permanent endowment of J640 to JBSO might be available for parochial purposes. The Vestry also decided to send a circular to the parishioners intimating to them the present state of the Church finances, and soliciting their attention to the adyisableness of placing the Vestry in a position to present a balancesheet showing a credit at the Easter j meeting.

A meeting of Provisional Directors of the North Creek Gold-mining Company was held on Tuesday, 19th inst. The Chairman informed the Directors that the application for registration had been made, and that the list had closed with 5404 shares subscribed. It was resolved that this number be allotted, and that no further applications be received, until the opinion of the shareholders be obtained at a pabhc meeting as to the disposal of the balance of unsubscribed shares. It was considered that the funds available from subscribed shares, and the monthly calls, would be sufficient for the present intended operations. The employment of three mining hands with th* manager to open up the ieef and get down the quartz for testing purposes was approved. A telegram from the Hon. W. Eolleston was read, stating that he was in communication with Professor Ulrich with the object of his visiting and reporting on the quartz reefs in the Wilberforce district. It was resolved that the extraordinary meeting of shareholders be held on Thursday, March 13th next, for the purpose of electing permanent Directors. The calling of an ordinary meeting was in the meanwhile left to the Manager.

A fatal accident happened at Little Biver on Friday, 15th. It appears that a boy named Edwin Osborne, between four and five years of age, was riding on one of White and Co.'c team way trucks, when he fell off, the wheels passing over his head, killing him instantaneously. An inquest was held on Saturday last at Mr A. McNae's, Forsy th Hotel, Little Eiver, before Mr W. B. Toawill, J.P., and a jury of which Mr H. E. Tyson was foreman, to inquire into the death of Edwin Osborne. Edwin Osborne, father of the deceased, said he last saw him alive on Friday morning. The boy would be five years old next June. Mrs Harvey said she saw two boys sitting on the truck. Saw Osborne look towards the horses. Saw him fall off, and the wheels of the truck went over his head. Hβ appeared to be taking his lrgs out of the way just as he fell. Charlee Kow said he was driving the horses attached to the truck. Saw two boys, Osborne and Sefton, playing outside Sefton's house as he was passing. Stopped at the points to ad just them. Started the horses. Heard some one shout, and saw Sefton running away. Saw Osborne lying on his back, picked him up, and carried him into the stable, and found him dead. He might have breathed a few times Sergeant Brooks said he had examined the deceased. Found a deep wound behind the left ear, and another at the base of the skull. The skull was fractured, and no doubt caused the boy's death. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death," adding as a rider " That in future no children should be allowed to ride on the trollies." .

On JFeb. 13 th a trial was made of the capabilities of the plant of the Volunteer Fire Brigade of this city, and it may be considered as thoroughly satisfactory. The time in which the men succeeded in playing two jets of water and the distance were both creditable to the company, as well as a good test of the power of the engines which are used for the purpose of fire prevention. At seven o'clock the two engines—the Deluge and the Extinguisher —left their respective stations in Lichfield and Chester streets. In less than nine minutes' time the first-mentioned was stationed at the Cashel street bridge, and was pumping water through two lines of indiarubber hose into a canvas tank, situated near the intersection of Colombo and Cashel streets. From this tank the Extinguisher supplied two jets to the scene of the late fire in High street, the height of the streams reaching above the parapet of the Empire Hctel. The engines were worked up to their full pressure, and the nozzles used were three-quarter of an inch. Succeeding , this was a trial of the distance which it was possible for the engines to convey water, and at the same time supply a jet which would be effective. In order to do j this, the Extinguisher was removed to a position opposite the drapery establishment of Messrs G. L. Beath and Co. and still kept in conjunction with the Deluge, which was stationed at the bridge, and was feeding the tank by two streams, the single length of hose used measuring 1016 ft. One line of hose was run out as far as Proctor s shop in High street, about 100 ft to the north-west of Tuam street. Over this ength the two engines working tandem fashion, conveyed water and forced it to a height of between 50ft and 60ft. This test was an exceedingly satisfactory one, and taking into account the time lost in uncoupling and re-coupling the operation occupied about twenty-five minutes. The distance covered in as straight a line as the angles in the road would permit was 2010 ft, and the total length of hose, irrespective of any bends in it, was 3055 ft. After this the Deluge itself supplied water te four branches measuring dbove 100 ft each at the intersection of Cashel street and Oxford terrace. The nozzles used were one of five-eighths of an inch in diameter, one of an inch, and two of three-quarters of an inch each. From the first-mentioned the water reached a distance of 103 ft, and the remaining three were only a few feet behind. Two lines were substituted for the four, the nozzles used being one of an inch and one of an inch and a quarter. Though the distance the water was conveyed was not quite so far as in theprevioußteet,thevolumewaslarger and fully realised the expectations of those interested. Tkis experiment concluded the trials so far as distance and height (were concerned. The Deluge was subsequently stationed at the White Hart tank and pumped out 4ft lin in 14J-min, or in about double the time it took the railway engine to empty a similar quantity. The Deluge, it may be mentioned, is understood to pump 450 gallons per minute and the Extinguisher 300 gallons, while the Bailway engine is constructed to pump as much aa 900 gallons in the same space of time. The Mayor and several Councillors, including the Chairman and members of the Fire Brigade Committee, were present during the operations, and all appeared well satisfied with the work done by both the Brigade and the plant.

The annual treat given to the children attending St. Stephen's Church Sunday School, Ashburton, was held on Dr. Trevor's grounds on Feb. 15. Some 360, including children, parents, and friends, were present, and the weather being fine the picnic was most enjoyable to both young and old. The new school building, situated at the back of the church and facing on Burnett street, is now nearing completion, and when finished it will be the most commodious building of its kind in the county. Great praise is due to the Bey. E. A. Scott for his continued and untiring exertions to raise funds for the erection of a Sunday School building.

A Pleasant Point correspondent writes —The harvest in this district is just in foil swing. The crops are generally above the average, though in many cases rust has slightly affected the wheat, and in several cases has rendered the sample anything bnt first class. Friday was a fine harvest day and closed without a cloud. Saturday opened very drizzly, and shortly after noon a heavy easterly downpour commenced, which lasted until Sunday night. Monday morning rose bright and warm, and about 1 p.m. a fine westerly breeze sprang up that largely neutralised the effects of the storm on the saturated stooks. Last year's experience in this district has made farmers exceedingly sensitive to the changes of the barometer, and its movements during the next fortnight will be eagerly noted by producers and their creditors. The Hon. J. T. Peacock has been elected as Chairman of the Lyttelton Harbor Board for the ensuing year. Mr Bobt. Allan was nominated, but declined, owing to pressure of private business. A resolution expressive of the high appreciation entertained by the members of the Board of the efficient manner in which the retiring Chairman, Mr C. W. Turner, had carried out the duties of the office during the past year, was carried unanimously. The statement of accounts in connection with the Industrial Exhibition as presented on Feb. 22nd, at the meeting of the Committee shows that there is a balance to credit of Jei6s 143 4d—i.e., this represents the JJ3OO handed over from the last Exhibition. No statement as to the gross receipts and expenditure during the continuance of the Exhibition can be published, as the balance sheet has not yet been audited. It may be explained, also, that the balance of J816514s 4d given above has, since the audit, been reduced by at least £25. A meeting to receive the balance sheet when audited will be called. The following is a copy of aletter addressed by Captain Bridge, of the Espiegle, to His Excellency the Governor:—" I have the honor to bring to your Excellency's notice that by the courtesy of the Lieut.-Colonel Commanding the District and of the members of the Christchurch Volunteers, the rifle range near the Heathoote station was placed at my disposal for upwards of a fortnight, so that the annual musketry practice of the seamen and marines of H.M. ship under my command could be carried out. The Lyttelton Naval Volunteers also allowed the use of their range whenever required 2. I should esteem it a favor if your Excellency would make known to the Lieut.-Colonel and the members of the above-named corps that their courteous readiness to aid mc in complying with the regulations has been of great value to H.M. service." "When there are thirty graduates of the University of New Zealand continuing on the books of the College, clauses 7 and 18 of the Canterbury College Ordinance gives to the majority of these graduates power to fill up all vacancies thereafter occurrwg in the number of the Governors. We understand that advice has been received that eight undergraduates have been successful. "With the twenty-six who passed last year, the number is now increased to thirty-four. The election to fill the vacancies existing will therefore be conducted according to the rules above mentioned; it will take place during the month of April, and subsequent elections will be in the hands of tbe graduates. The telegram received gives the names of the appended undergraduates as having passed, Bnt it has yet to be confirmed by letter. The names are—Messrs W. P. Evans, B. M. Lain?, A. J. Mayne, J. A. Newell, J. J. Paterson, W. A. Bobinson, W. Taylor, and Miss E. H. Searle. A most interesting ceremony took place on Wednesday, Feb. 20th, at the conclusion of the stock sales at Addington. Mr William Henderson, the Chairman of the Canterbury Sale Yards Company, mounted the auction rostrum and said that he had been deputed by a host of friends of Mr W. H. Bighton, the late yardman for the Company, to ask those assembled to join with him in wishing Mr Bighton good-bye, and in doing so he had to express on behalf of those interested their complete satisfaction at the way in which the duties connected with the yards had been carried out, for not only had this been done in a highly creditable manner, but in promoting—as Mr Bighton had—the interests of the Company, Mr Bighten had also gained the good will of all those who had used the yards as a market. Mr Henderson then said that he had been requested to present Mr Bighton with a gold watch, as a token of the very great esteem in which he was held by all classes with whom he had come in contact during his connection with the yard. Mr Bighton replied in feeling terms, and said that the manner in whish the gift had been made and the evident sincerity expressed of the good-will towards him, he valued more more than gold; but the handsome watch which had so kindly been presented would in every "tick" remind him, while far away in the old country, of the many sincere friends left in New Zealand. At the conclusion of the presentation the recipient's health was duly honored in Host Amyes* best liquor.