NEWS OF THE DAT.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7863, 14 May 1891, Page 5

NEWS OF THE DAT.

Thb Wehkly Pbess. — That interesting phenomenon the vegetable caterpillar ,ie the subject of a good letter this week from "An Old Settler," who advances with considerable skill the case for considering it a vegetable. TJ. B. Quicks ••Telegraph Flashes" are continued, and give a look at Society from a fresh standpoint. They are brightly written, as befits their name, and leave one anxious for the next instalment. Dr. Foster's excellent paper on the newspaper furnishes some valuable criticism, and in "Something about • Truth'" we get a view ot the career of an exceptionally successful journal. Max O'Bell, who is reported to be coming to lecture here, ie pictured on the platform, end highly amusing he appears to be. " A battle with Afghans" is an extraordinarily clever description of a genuine modern fllfht, excerpted from a story by Budyard Kipling. Spectator deals with recent disqualifications at Canterbury Park, and gives also a lot of boxing, hunting, and coursing news and comment. Of general news we note the temporary close of the adventures of the Sham - Curate, and a sketch of the career of the two absconding members of the House of Commons. The Sable Talk is a contribution to the subject Of prohibition. Thb Midland Bail way.—The public Jneeting caliea by the Bail way League to consider'the question of tne action of the Government with reference to the proposed deviation of the Midland Bail way takes place to-morrow evening, at the Oddfellows' Sail. Prior to the meeting the General Committee will meet for the transaction Of important business. One of the features of the evening will be the delivery, by Dr. Symes, of a lecture, illustrated by dissolving views, maps, plans, &c, on the tbuway and its progress, the West Coast, its minerals, timbers and other wealth, l'hore will be no charge for admission to the lecture, and special arrangements will be made for the accommodation of ladies. The League are making every effort to Inake the meeting a success. Gosed by a Bull.—Mr George Morton, 6 farmer, of Waihao, was nearly gored to death, yesterday morning, by a young bull. Ec was in the act of opening one of the farm gatesj and the animal attacking him tossed him about and gored him in a fearful manner. An employee ran to assist Mr ilorton, and had great difficulty in getting the animal away. The eufferer Wasfoundto be unconscious and was carried Borne, Dr. Barclay being at once sent for. On examination the doctor found Mr Ilorton had several severe wounds with amor beuisee all over the body. Mr Morton at present is in a very critical condition, and feara are entertained for his tecovery. Spmtoon School. — The following jaudren have been awarded prizes at the Bpreydon school for general proficiency in wen- school work:—Standard Vl.—Fanny jratforth, Thomas Handisides, Norman Jtanc&n. Standard V.—John Wilson, Bessie Eankin, Ethel Comer. Standard *».—Francis Evans, George Adcock,Ethel gWH«»n. Standard 111. — Charlotte *ttad, Robert Aitken, Edith Dawkins, «nic MoGetrick, Maggie Whiting, Beaaie Norwood. Standard ll.—Lizzie Stephens, jwnaie Butler, Edith Lloyd, Arthur Mor,«ad, Elsie Hawkey. Standard I.—Bose Aacock, Annie Green, Calvin Kenrick, jwrjr Stephens, Lottie Butler, Clara wimley, Ben Kenrick. Upper infant*— MOM Bird, Annie Steel, Lily Whiting, mnaie ilurphy, John Bird, Mary Deu«<>tm. Lower infants—Annie Cant, Jessie •wancan, Ernest Evans, James Smail, «giur Suckling, Minnie Bedway. aOBTICULTDKAL SOCIETT.—The Com «"«* of the Christchurch Horticultural **iehr was held at the rooms of the A. ~"l r. Association last night. Present— J OO - E. C. J. Stevens (President), J. «eatnp s. J. Donald, W. G. C. tadTn erg, *?" Brook »ng. E- E. M. Evans, fn»+v vie ' -Apologies were received «r the absence of Messrs P. Cunningham, *•■ Appleby, T. Abbott, and A. M.Ollivier. rebalance sheet for the late cbrysanvZ- au m suow stated that the receipts had 6s6d ' and the expenditure was **« than that by j£2s 14s 10d, after proto 2if be en made for prizes amounting 3s. After some conversation •"Pecting the number of classes at tne mows, notices of motion were given to be tod? A d at the annual meeting, to «M a fi." 16 . number to two, and to recon- *» H aefinition of amateur. There wae exhibited at the meeting by the Hon. g. y. J. btevens a specimen of the Irie gylosa and of the Amaryllis Criapa, by eW" £• M - Evans of tfa e Be»e Toule S. Brooking *W Qe Garibaldi, Diana and Empress SjoSned erS Ot detaii "* then rte' in Palmß . *°*.table decoration,

Cathedral Mission Choib.—There will be no practice this evening of the Cathedral Mission choir. Practices trill be resumed on Thursday, May 21st. Wbatheb Edwin telegraphed from Wellington yesterday afternoon:—-" Every indication frost tonight, and low tides from now."

Cam Bridob, Kaiapoi.—The Mandeville and Rangiora Road Board announce that the Cam bridge on the road pist the Brewery and the Woollen Factory, which ia much used by the public, is closed to-day for repairs.

Naw Bbiohtoh Tbamway Company — The adjourned meeting of the shareholders of the Company will be held tomo t r u°T mornin & at Hobbs* buildings, Cathedral square. Thkatbb RoYAt.—On Monday evening next Mr Carl Hartz will give an entertainment at the Theatre Royal, entitled " Carnival of Pun."

Howard's Diooi>- a Plough.—A trial of the above will be held on Monday next in Mr W. Jameson's paddock, near Leeston. On Thursday, 21st inst, a trial will take pliKie at Sefton, in Mr J. Wyllie's paddock, one mile from the township. Fxbb at Bromxey.—About 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday an unoccupied four-roomed cottage on the sandhills at Bromley was burnt down. The building belonged to Mr J. Sandford, and was insured in the New Zealand Office for .£IOO. The place had been empty for some six weeks, and no information is available as to the manner in which the fire stivrted.

Pilfsring at Ltttblton.—On Tuesday nig-ht there were several cases of pilfering , , near the Duke of Buckingham, from some trucks of cargo on the wharf. A case of candles was emptied, and a box of sardines and several tius of marmalade were found stowed away under the wharf yesterday morning.

St. Mary's, Addington , . — A magic lantern entertainment; will be given in the parish room on Friday evening. The exhibition of pictures is designed to afford an evening's pleasure to the children of the pariah, who will be admitted for the small charge of 3d, adults free. It will begin at half-past seven.

Concert.—To-night the members of the Amateur Opera Company give a concert in the Oddfellows' Hall, Lytteltou, followed by an exposition of legerdemain by Mr E. W. Seager. For the concert a very excellent programme has been arranged, and no doubt there will be a large attendance at what cannot fail to be a capital entertainment.

Charitable Aid Board.—lt has been resolved that the Charitable Aid Board meetings shall in future take place on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 10.30 a.m. Hitherto the Hospital Board has met at 10.30 a.m., and the Charitable Aid Board at 2 p.m. There is, however, a larger number ot country members on the Charitable Aid Board than on the Hospital Board, and it has been decided to reverse the times of meeting. A Legacy of thb Land Boom. —The Geraldine County Council had a long discussion yesterday on the question of maintaining , the county bridges over the minor rivers built in the flush of the land fund times. Many of these bridges are now falling into disrepair, and by deciding to restore the Orari bridge the Council recognised the duty of keeping them up.

Delegate to Municipal Conference.— At the last meeting of the Kaiapoi Borough Council Cr. Doubleday was uanimously selected to represent the Council at the Municipal Conference. The selection was an admirable one, on account of his business ability, knowledge of the Municipal Corporations Act, and powers of reflection as to the effect which any proposed amendments might produce Too many attempts are made to amend this particular statute upon hastily drawn conclusions. So important an Act should be amended with the greatest care. Thb Obphanage.—At the meeting of the Charitable Aid Board yesterday, it was resolved to request the Institution Committee to report upon the advisableness of utilising part of the Orphanage for the accommodation of the old men. The Ashburton Home is not sufficient for the purpose, and as under the boarding out policy of the Board there are not so many children in the Orphanage, it has been thought well to attempt to utilise some part of it for the old men. JBowling.—Now that the season for play had ended, except with some of the more enthusiastic members, the two Clubs are turning their attention to the improvement of their respective greens, and getting them in order for next season. Captain Marshall has very kindly undertaken the work of levelling and renovating the green of the Canterbury Club, and very good progress has been made with the work. Judging from what has already been done, the members will have a far better green than they have yet been able to obtain. At the Christcburoh green the portion to the eastward is being trenched, and will be top-dressed. Addington Wobkshops Band. — At a meeting of the members of the above band, held on Monday evening, it was decided to have au excursion to Sumner on Maj 26fch, in honor of her Majesty's birthday. The band will parade in full dresa uniform in the morning, and proceed by tram to Sumner. On arrival a very excellent programme of music will be given under the direction of Mr Pooley, bandmaster. As the band now musters thirty-eight strong, pleasure seekers at Sumner on the Queen b birthday will have seme good music. In the evening the band will hold a social gathering at the old Masonic Hall, Tuam street, commencing at eight o'clock. Thb Fbmaeb Eefuge.—The Charitable Aid Board have for some time past regarded the Female Refuge, which they took over from a Committee, somewhat in the light of a white elephant. How much this is so may be gathered from the state ment of Mr Dunlop yesterday, that there were three inmates, and that this year, so far as it has gone, the institution had cost the Board nearly JBSOO. A letter was read yesterday from the St. Saviour's Guild, formerly the Social Purity Society, asking for a conference with regard to the Befuge, and a Committee was appointed to represent the Board thereat.

Avon Bowing Club. —A smoke concert and presentation of prizes in connection with the Avon Bowing Club took place last night, at the Star and Garter Hotel. There was a goodly muster of members and visitors. The chair was occupied by Mr W. B. Perceval, M.H.8., one of the Vice-Presidents of the Club. The prizes won during the season were distributed as follows:—Club pairs, Messrs H. Chivers and F. Bobbins; Giub sculls, Messrs H. Griffin and B. A. Godfrey j single sculls, J. MoKendry. After the usual loyal toasts had been given, the following were duly honored, viz.:—" The Avon Bowing Olub," " House of Bepresentati v es," coupled with the Chairman, "The Canterbury Bowing Club," " The Union Bowing Club," "Kindred Sports," "The Ladies," "The Press," &o. During the evening some good songs were sung, and those present epent a very pleasant time. GOVBBNMKNT APPOINTMENT. The following interesting item appears in the Gore Standard : —" We understand that Mr John btrauchon, of Mataura, has been offered the Commissioner ship of Crown Lands and Chief Surveyorship of Weatland by the Government. There can be no doubt that tbe present Ministry, in the appointments they are making, are recognising worth and long and faithful service." Commenting on the above the Otago Daily Times says :—" It will be remembered that on the 6th August, 1890, on the motion of Mr Grimmond, the salary of the Commissioner of Crown Lands and Agent for the Crown, Nelson and Westland, was struck off the Estimates, Mr *Fish having previously moved s> reduction. It seems hardly probable therefore that a separate Commissioner has been appointed for Westland, as in the debate in Committee of Supply, Mr Seddon said : ««This officer's duties could not be otherwise than light, seeing that the Midland railway bad secured all the land. Laet year, in Weatland, not as many acres had been, taken up an the number of pounds put down for this vote. As regarded the coal leases they were all m the hands of existing Companies. It would not be found that six leases nad been let during the year. There was no work in connection with the settlement of the land for this officer in the Nelson and Weattaad district!."

City Council.—A special meeting of City Countiil will be held at noon to-day, to hear objections to the burgees list. Madame Patby.—Mr L. J. Lohr, the ■well known and genial advance manager, arrived yesterday morning ia Auckland. He has come ahead of Madame Patey, the celebrated contralto, who opens in Christchurch on June 16th.

The Lbeston Charob. —The Eev. Mr Grant, of New Plymouth, has been called to the Presbyterian charge of Leeston. MiBESKeK , ! Baixjes.—lt is understood Corporal Pavitt and Trooper Cookaley, of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, have obtained the marksmen's badges for this year.

Christcbtoech Presbytery. —An ordinary meeting of the Christchurch Presbytery was held yesterday, at which a deal of business was disposed of. Ths Kaiapoi Charge.—The Presbytery yesterday sustained the request of the Kaiapoi congregation, calling to the charge of their district the Ray. Mr Gow, of Reefton.

Kaiapoi Licensing District. —The date fixed for election of the Committee for this district and the local option polling takes place on Tuesday, June*2nd. Nominations of candidates for the Committee are required to be made by noon of Saturday, the 23rd inst.

Belfast.—A public tea and concert will be held in the Town Hall, Belfast, this evening, in aid of the Church of England Church fund. Addresees will be delivered by the Bishop of Christchurch and ooher gentlemen. After the concert the Belfast coach will leave for P&pauui.

Show of Apples.—There is on view at the rooms of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association a fine collection of apples, which were recently exhibited at the chrysanthemum show by Mr C. W. Adams, of Groendale. They are well worth a visit of inspection. The Late Mr S. Stephens.—The North Canterbury District, through its Secretary, Bro. Chas. Foster, has tendered its fraternal ympathy with the Ashley District Lodge, on the decease of Bro. S. Stephens, whoee many years of faithful service for the good and welfare of Oddfellowship had gained for him the respect and reverence of every member of the Order.

St. Andrew's Caledonian Socibtt. — At a meeting of Directors of the Kaiapoi St. Andrew's Caledonian Society on Thursday evening at the Mandeville hotel, Mr W. Fraser in the cbair, it was decided to appoint a Committee to carry out the srrangements for a ball on the 22nd inst.

Ashbubton Water Supply.—ln another column will be found the full text of the report of the Ashburton Borough Council on the town water supply. It will be seen that though the residents have been suffering from a scarcity of drinking water during the past few months, the cause is not far to seek, and a sure remedy lies in sinking the pipes a few feet lower than has hitherto been the practice.

Photography.—There are now on view in Messrs Staudish and Preece's vestibule, High street, excellent photographs of the two Lancaster Park Cricket Club's teams that won the Senior and Junior Cups. The firm in question is noted for its success in taking groups, and the two in question ara quite up to the usual standard, not only as specimens of artistic grouping, but aa individual portraits.

Postage to United Staths and Canada. —We are again requested to call attention to the fact that there is no reduction in the rates of postage on letters for the United States and Canada, and that it remains as before—sixpence per half ounce. The rates to the Continent of Europe also remain unchanged. Gift to thb Hospital.—Through the energy and perseverance of Mr G. Willmer, captain of the Veteran cricketers' eleven, a valuable adjunct to the Christchurch Hospital, namely, an invalid's wheeled chair, has been presented to the institution. The funde for its purchase were the proceeds of various cricket matches promoted, and carried out by the veteran cricketers. The authorities are very grateful for the gift, and no doubt it will be highly appreciated by those patients who make use of it. A GbnbbouS Bsfcnd.—At the meeting of the Charitable Aid Board, yesterday afternoon, the Chairman mentioned that a gentleman in England, cousin of a former inmate of the Old Men's Home at Ash? burton, had remitted the sum of i>l4s by draft for the cost of the maintenance of the person referred to. The matter having been brought under the notice of the relative referred to by a gentleman in Christchurch, he at once remitted the sum which has been mentioned.

Protection League.—The Christchuroh Branch of the Protection League met on Tuesday, in their rooms, street. Mr D. Shaw, President, in the chair. The policy of the Government as foreshadowed by speeches of Ministers was discussed, and it was resolved that the attention of the Government be drawn to the policy advocated now and for some years by this branch of the Protection League, viz.: A land and income tax versus a property tax; a State Bank; and full protection by a high Customs tariff upon all things that should be made in the colony, whilst admitting all things that we cannot manufacture or grow in the colony duty free. It was decided to attend the meeting of the Industrial Association next Tuesday, to hear the paper by Mr Belhouse on foreign trade treaties. Th* Mbthvbn Tbap Acoidbnt. —Mr Peter Williams writes that our account of this accident hardly states the facts of the case. He says: —"The accident happened through the bolt which attaches the pole to the axle on on one side break ing, consequently the swingletrees fell on the horses' heels, causing them to bolt, and the driver to lose control of hia steering gear. This happened about six miles from Methven, not two, and tho youug horse was not in the lead, it was m the pole. This I know, as I myself helped to yoke the team up and start them on their journey. His passengers and I consider that great praise is due to Lindsay for the able manner in which he handled his team under the trying circumstances. H« did the best. thitt£ he could, when he found he could not pull up the horees. After a bolt of about half a mile, he pulled them across the road into a hedge, throwing down one of his polers and breaking his pole, thus averting what might have been a very serious accident."

Edkn Geokgb Company, Limited, the leading photographers of Christchurch, have now reduced their price*. Cabinets, 10ft per doz; enamelling, ot per doe extra; any style or position. We are the only photographers who make no extra charges to visitor* from the country. See advertisemeut on another page.—! Advt.J R. W. Mkers, Art Photographer Popular prices, superior workmanship satisfaction guaranteed. Children a speciality. Dv not mistake the address — Meers, 212 Colombo street. Show room upstairs. -| Advt.J

U. H. Manning hae made no advance in the price of his grently uti mired and superiorly executed photographio work. The same moderate charges are made for his excellent appreciated pictures this year as in the past, iituufcs by appointment advisable to avoid detention owing to pressure of businens.—l Advt. i STANDi&fe AMD Pbkbck's eucceas in Photocraphv is due to DrudueiuK only reliable work.—Studio, 218 High street.— Advt.i

Th« London-Pabis Tbmfhonb.—The completion of telephonic communication between London and Paris has been followed by experiments whic£ show that people living in London can hear the music of some of the theatres in the French capital. Becently Massenef 3 opera " Le Mage," which ia now being played at the Grand Opera, was distinctly heard in the silent room of the Telephone Department of the London Post Office. The head of the department in Paris declares that there will be no difficulty in establishing a telephonic communication between London and Australia. The charge of 8s for three minutes' conversation is decidedly high, but some of the newspapers, which now have private wire* between London and Paris, contemplate abandoning these wires and using the telephone for half or three-quarters of an hour each night, in order to talk their ** copy" for the next day's publication.

Ptr&K Swksw.—Auleebrook'*.—[Adv.] The public health is endangered Jtjf persons who vend counterfeits of Wolfe c *• Arab" and "Shah" brand Teas from all Grocers and Storekeeper*.