NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7879, 2 June 1891, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

CaowN Lands H_Na_a,---_r H, & Mussen has boon appointed R_ngerfort_« Crown lands of dmwrbury, Lb-ston ano Souxaßamai Constable Simpson is appointed Gierke, the Magiscrat-'s Court and Licensing Committee at Leeafcon, and Constabh "Warring Clerk of the -.aaUtrsfe.'. Coart at SouLhbridge.

The Bootmakbbs' Dispoti.—Weußi.ap' stand that satisfactory arrangements hats been come to betweou Messrs Wal-tr, lieeves and Co. and the Christchurch Operative Bootmakers' Union, tho firm haviug accepted the Union's rules and regulations.

East Belt Bbidob.—The plana of tha I East Belt bridge were before* the Council I last night. Tho cost, as estimated by the I City Surveyor, was .23511. After mm I discussion, the Council carried an amend* I ment to Cr, Swarm's proposal to refer tb* 1 matter to tho joint Committees, to t_s I effect that the Council could not see their 1 way clear to sanction the erection of tha j bridge as proposed. I Lkctubb.—Tho Rev. C. H. .Bradbury k ! announced to lecture in Triuity Hall, 1 Manchester street, on Thursday eve-log, 3 the subject being " Charles Kingsley *_. 1 Christian Socialism." Tho popularity rf 1 the subject, and the lecturer's know jl ability combined should ensure a attendance. The Mayor will preside. I Thb P«ni_tsu__- Tbade.—The Lyttettoa and Peninsula Steamship Company, Limited, was registered yesterday with a capital of -210.000. As will bo scan by advertisement the Company has purchased i the steamers Akaroa and Jane Dough* which will trade to the Bays and Akaroa as heretofore. The Directors of the new Company are Messrs J. S. Cumeron, A. Cuff, C. Cuff, F. Graham, James Hay, g George G. Holmes, J. J. Kinsey, and Oeo. | Talbot. I A BaxcK Culvert. —During the oiß* § cuasion on the plans for the East belt i bridge last night in the City Council, Cr. i Goss made a peculiar suggestion. He saia that if the citizens wanted more bridges over our beautiful river, he should be ia favor of constructing, a brick culvert ore? the Elver Avon throughout the whoa length of tho city, so that tho river could be crossed at any point within W boundary of the city. ~ _ Inqobst.—An inquest was held y«at*r» day on tho body of Miss Jane Alice Farm aged twenty-three years, who died au* dealy on -day 31st. The inquest was h*l„ by Mr Bectham, Coroner, at tho r_aio«t6B of the deceased's parents, 23 Glosscastej? etreet. Dr. Ovenden had made ft V* mortem examination, and the jary r* L turned a verdict of " Death from hfttw» causes.'' ~ ,j, | | Citt CouMcu.—The City Cornell {*» \ I night had a kind of a field night, it frajfff i nearly 10 p.m. before tho badness «• ! concluded. The subjects of tho eleetriQ i lighting of the city, and the corpo-afca ! tramway lease, occupied a good deal J '< time. A report of the proceedings oppew elsewhere. The length to which ttoF* ceedings extended was evidently a*. £ pected by the caretaker, as the fires ia m chamber aU went out. and the t^parajar* of the chambar feU almost to tutm CaßQUisa. - His Honor * Justice Denniston, in Grand Jury yesterday «ornwgr, rrfewjiw tho facility afforded forcwi-togtaljj owing to the case with which olwqwPJ seated by unknown persons, ba signed by persons wg»«gf JJ -g shopkeeper, were cashed His Ua «■■**? JhTwaXg* which had been gif*jgj . timo to time from that Beach w«* dwr* garded, and apparently it was aid mj° refer to the matter whilst ■to_*9£gj . others were content to »*JK sale of a shilling's-worth of g«« °» I< Th« Luvtb Sib Jumps Voh Some months ago an inquiry■«■ »■«■*? Germany with for the memorial bust of the late SvrW Yon Haast. An answer has •ino>ioj*| r-oe_v.d,from whioh it appe*» tb**» cost of preeoring pedestal from that country would gmjv SoMd the surplus of the fjnd It has, therefore, advisable to let the bust R tfj present wooden stand until a pod«w &ew Zealand stone can be . hearsal of tho Opa«a held on • fo 2fr,iS£3* numb er went off to the $*$$£ fcfc* o'clock there wUrhkcjy ba a»' of Christchurch «•»«■ amoag »- "SSL' VmrmMtoflEZ Tho first general meotm* othe • d holdersin >t P Preserving Company, Limited, was ac the Company* «*» tew !L^ r D»ai.l bridge terraoe last •»•»»»"'. ' tt ßt » te me_* ■ Crawford presiding. / was of the affairs of the laid before the meeting. it ap during tbe few months mm, i& c ™ t a*, < business tho Company *■_?£,* its / rate of U per cent. P eE .fjf*p f _.*nt ./ paid-up capital expressed their eatisfaotioa JJ SS in which the w»oy bad been conducted by *"■£* ac Sfsanguino hopes «J«gJS"Jf fSj* ftgsured, and that »JW i r£ i th» ne«# busineaa wiU be can4«* oa » «" intuw»

[ *?Jrtoeß'GoLD-twrNO Company.-.Tbe I **__»_r_i meeting of the above Com- !■'-#*• held at Warnor's .Hotel this i tffifc^.no-TS.--The receptions of GeneI Mrs Mite yesterday, in High J ** fwere largely attended, both after. % - »^ J^lTsoci-ty.—A practice of the I * C X 1 of the Christchurch Musical I be held this evening at the ! Hall. ■ *'££'Vo-tfOTESRS.— As will be seen by ' . elsewhere, the district order • 4?ert *Sng 0 f Volunteer officers at 8 for a*T tjje 4th inst. i 3 cancelled. The take place at the Christ's fuXrderlyrooiu, at 9.15 p.m. to-morrow, 08 iU the Defence Minister. Sunday night a public %f„_.of a tomperanca and religious was held in the Oddfellows' fiall, at which addrcss.es were Riven SS£»v-. E. Ginger, G. Bond, and A. ftJJfflfiMiso on Lamps. — Councillor ««nin_i»a last ni * ht reprobated very ?Su7_J the advertising which was being *5Ja out on tbe gas lamps of tho city. amusing discussion followed, ♦njujmately Cr. Bonnington earned a (ianfor a return showing the revenue _Xa-le, &■£; by one vote. Tbe price ■i it may l>iJ fc° tc ' l ' * 3 2s P er lamp EnEAl) ' s Lectors.—The incleint weather last r.ight militated largely the attendance at Mr Whitehead's in the Ducham street Wesleyan rh_j_b, on " Home, Mother and Heaven," fc ttboso who braved the elements were fcandantfy rewarded by the entertainL»nt provided for them by the gifted and futile speaker. It is to be hoped that large audience will greet him this evenj when the __eunedy of Lancashire gives V address on •' Illustrious Abstainers." fil Worship the Mayor is advertised to Lfc the chair. . . .. 2jjuujow Escatb. —A traction engine. rtsdhy Messrs Boss and Campbell, and rL n by J. Howe, was travelling along S Main toad on Saturday last, going in of Waihao Downs, and while itLjptiPg to crOEB the brid 8 8 • ver tbe Ebo»>» eac tho Forks Hotel » the pl*nkSaave way, allowing the hind part of _afn*in e t.o drop some 3ft balow the u!L of the bridge. Luckily, thero was JUrieafc sound planking to prevent the aoguie falling right into the river, a diataxtce of 10ft. Ist Blackball Mine.—According to ftaSreyniouth Star "tha Blackball coalaina will be in active operation sooner gas many folks anticipate. A meeting of £j, ft |_areholders i 3 to be held at Christdsyah, when overtures will be considered & powerful shipping company, fijioald these negotiations terminate suc«s«f_lly—and there is every probability (hat they will—then we shall soon see uctber powerful fleet of steamers dividing .ifo trade with tha Union Company, and fttebig the coal trade in markets beyond the .otony" - BIECTRIC LIGHTIKS SOB THE ClTT—In the CS£y Council last night the question of the jjaeisio lighting of the city came up for A letter was read from Mr ganger giving it as his opinion that the Council were not precluded by the agreeasaat with the Gas Company from enterJsg into negotiations with the Eleotrio _rie_t and Power Company for the hghtjßgof the city by electricity. A pretty fe-gthy discussion ensued on the matter, and ultimately it was agreed to let the matter drop for the present. A report of f_9 disenssion appears elsewhere. BououGH off Sumneb.—The proclamation of the Sumnerborough was made by his JjosUeaey the Governor on May 22nd, and feehulea the lands bounded to the N.E. by |_c estuary of the Beathcots and Avon, __d by the ocean from a point due north $_ tbe northern corner of section 866 to Qodley Head, thence to the S. generally Jw LftVelloa harbor, towards the W. and B.W.byth. borough of Lyttelton to the Mount Pleasant roai' near the south-west cornet cf section 274 a, by the side of that toad to Christchuroh and Sumner road, thence to the northern corner of section 866, sad therefrom by a line due north to the estuary. Mr James, Crawford is appoint- Town Clerk, and air C. L. Wiggins Betnroi-g Officer for the borough. M_ HiXNiNQTOK.—Mr Joseph Hanningfew, brother of the late Bishop Hannington* the martyr of Uganda, lectured last wesing, at the Oxford terrace Baptist C_arch, on Palestine. The lecture, whioh .«_ most interesting, was illustrated, by gokfred photographic views, shown by Mr Creak's powerful limelight apparatus. The vjstra were throughout clear and good, especially those of Jerusalem, Bethany, s_ii Nazareth, the large audience rejisstedly testifying their approval. This era-lag, at balf-past seven, Mr Hannington lectures upon his -walking tour from ths Cedars of Lebanon to Jerusalem, when limeHght views will again be shown and much interesting information given con"terning the return of the Jews to the .!l_!y Land. Bible readings upon tbe Utf's second advent are being held at fchres o'clock, in the scnoolroom, to-day fe_d tomorrow. F_«BStTATXON- AT ASHTON. —As MisS Ingram, the mistress at the Ashton school, hw received an appointment at Loyleston, &c Committee and friends embraced tho of her departure to express their appreciation of her services as a teacher. She was invited to meet tho Committee and a few friends on Thursday BV«&uig, when she was presented with a very handsome gold chain and jewel-case. He Taylor, Cbairman of the Committee, who made the presentation, read a testimonial from the Committee referring to the painstaking zeal with which she had -ischarged her duties, and to the high praise she had always received from the tssrators at their periodical visits. Mr -fcjior, the Superintendent of the Sunday tttaoL on behalf of her class, then prett&ted her with a very pretty gold bcace- »~» and convey od thei 1 * best wishes for her fctwe welfare.. Mr Mitchell, the master 6f the school, returned thanks on behalf Mas Ingram, and the meeting broke TMtAfuotiM Chabges.—Although comare sometimes made regarding the telephone charges in New Zealand, it apV**sa that they are lower than those whioh |twa.l hi London. A paragraph in the Jw*-Wcmwv of April 3rd, 1891, announces j**t the charges for the use of the post twee telephone exchanges in the various . «*!» throughout England have been re* weed, and now these charges are—For B&bscribers within quarter mile radius _SS half milo JJIO, three-quarter mile one mile J. 14. For the London-Paris wfcpfeoae, where the distance is 311 miles, *j* »»te3 are 8s for a conversation of ***** minutes. At a meeting of subxq the London telephone exchange fti&grch-nt complained that although he |*w -SO per year for hi. office telephone *8« £1$ for the one connecting with his house, the services were not good, "a ti-sre were frequent long delays befora *«i»»V«onld be obtained. In New York v & kfephono charges are higher even ***a ia London, the fee being only a short -J3O per year, aud it was expected 5, fSCome more expensive. Tho following, fotehare the New Zealand terms, therevery favorably with those Ujwed above, th© fees being for the first business connection jeiO for half jeHforone mile. After the half mile £8, one mile £9, and for connection, limited to one mile, for **wtt business or private houses _S7. » **f°»ssD BifleClub.—The Canterbury £™ary Cavalry, Kaiapoi Bines resident CsJkt and the Woodend Euie held a field day at the range there on About thirty competitors comg«4 for prizes offered in classes for rifles "™«carbiaesat 200,300 and4oo yards,five «w_j at each distance, and for Martini _S_L at 300 ' 4DO and 60 ° y ards - Tha numbered about fourteen in each *?■* the fi ra t f or ac r jfl €B carbines, f£-___ b y Mp Moore ' M.H-R,, was won by rj*k Ti-nmper of the Kaiapoi Bales, a score of 66 poin(3, in which was the possible of five bulls-eyes at 2* yards. The firing for the Martini *«» was not completed, and will be taken Saturday week. In this match .•rffttit D'Auvergne, Bangiora Bifles was Mr C. Dampier-Gro-_ley, Presi4W_ _, tt ' Wo °dend Club, was present JS? firing, and Mr J. G. B. Winaloe A^f^f 4 the duties «f Hon- Secretary. ILXW*? Pri»'«»* »Ul be given on *»«©n_s_u flwa of the matches.

I-ICK-tOND L_CBNfiXN« CO-tUITIBX.— Th« first meeting of the above Committee should havo been held yesterday, but as there was no business for transaction the meeting did not take place. Football.—At Kaiapoi oa Saturday the junior flag match between Kaiapoi and Sydenham teams resulted in a victory for the former by 6 points to nothing. Waitohi School Site. I —A reservation of ten acres for a school site in the Waitohi survey district has been made. Cheistciturch Draughts Club.—A special general meeting of the above Club will be held in the Caledonian Society's room, Hereford street, this evening, for the purpose of making final arrange meats for two matches and the annual tournament. Members and others are requested to attend.

Patsnts.—Complete specifications for patents have been accepted from Mr J. W. Oliver, Canterbury, for an invention of a relieved rotary valve for a cat off valve for steam governors. Mr W. C. Page, Ashburton, an invention for wire strainer without boring holes in posts. Messrs F. Nokea and* J. Fauliug, Ashburton, for portable folding ladder.

The lUilwat Coal Coj«tj_act.—Owing to the loss of tbe s.s. Lawrence, the Moldhinui Coal Company, which had the contract to supply tho New Zealand Bailways with some 30,000 tons of coal, has made arrangements with the Grey Valley Coal Company to supply tbe balance of the coal contracted for.

Children's Essays.—The second prize in Class I. of the competition for the Children's Essays under tbe auspices of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, was awarded to E. L. de Montalk, a pupil of West Christchurch School, aud not Feudaltou, as stated in the report.

Ths Cbnsus.—The Waimate Tunes has been informed "That over twenty residents in the Waihao district have not been included in the recent, census returns. In some cases the census papers were left and have never been called for 6iace they were filled up; and in others no census enumerator had been near the place. This is attributed to the sub-enumerators who were appointed being unacquainted with the district. If other districts show a similar state of affairs, there will be no difficulty in accounting for the missing 8000 of the population for which the Begis-trar-General says he cannot account."

Tub Dbpbkssion.—The other day, says a Napier contemporary, a bank manager and a tradesman in Napier were talking, lite latter complained of tbe general dullness of trade. The banker said that was certainly not due to any lack of financial accommodation, for all the banks had large sums they would be glad to lend on decent security. " But," he added significantly, "though there is plenty of security people won't take tho money. Property owners are so uncertain as to the future that enterprise is killed. They say that they may be taxed out of tho country." Tub Sheriff.—ln the course of his address to the Grand Jury yesterday morning, his Honor Mr Justice Denniston took occasion to express his appreciation of the manner in which Colonel Lean had discharged the duties of his office as t Sheriff. His Honor further expressed his regret that departmental reasons, quite apart from Colonel Lean's fifcuess for the discharge of tho duties, had caused his services to be dispensed with. The Grand Jury, before being discharged by his Honor, expressed their entire concurrence with the remarks made by his Honor concerning Colonel Lean, and also their regret that the necessities of the public service had caused the removal of Colonel Lean from the office which he had so well filled.

Ashbuston Caledonian Sociktt.—The first " Ingleside" of the season, under tho auspices of the Ashburton Caledonian Society, was held in the local Oddfellows' Hall on Friday evening. The attendance was not so large as at somo previous gatherings of a similar nature, but those who were present spent a few hours in a very enjoyable manner. Dance mu3ic was provided by Mr Brooks and Piper Tolmie, and Mr W. G. Bees, Mr D. Millar, and others contributed songs. These pleasant winter gatherings have always been a feature iv the yearly programme of the Ashburton Caledonian Society, and though on Friday evening there were not so many present as usual, a large attendance may be looked for at the " Ingleside " to be held on June 26th, for which occasion a special programme will be prepared. Chbistchuech Diocbsb. —At the last meeting of the Standing Committee the Bishop stated that as tho Bey. E, A. Phillips had resigned the Cure of Kaiapoi, and the District of Woodend would shortly be vacant, he wished to unite Woodend with Kaiapoi, and Ashley and Lobum with Bangiora. Tho Committee concurred in the proposed amalgamation. A statement by Bishop Harper of the origin and object of tbe Chatham Islands Mission Fund was read, and it was resolved that the Bishop of the Diocese be requested to apply to the S.P.G. for a grant of 4100 a year towards the maintenance of a clergyman for the islands. Notice of motion was given for the next meeting by the Bey. H. C. M. Watson— "That a sub-Committee be appointed to consider whether any, and, if any, what, steps should be taken to provide a suitable residence for the Bishop of the diocese, and to report." Sup_ua_tß Coubt.—The quarterly criminal session of the Supremo Court opened before his Honor Mr Justice Denniston at 11 a.m. yesterday. The calendar was a very light one. In Begina v Athole Stewart) Lamb the prisoner pleaded guilty to four charges of forgery, and his Honor took time to consider an application made to admit him to probation. In the case of Begina v Gorman, unlawfully wounding, His Honor sentenced the prisoner to twelve months' imprisonment with hard labor, the jury recommending the prisoner to mercy. In Begina vS. Northey,. forgery (three cases) the sentence was two years' imprisonment with hard labor in each case, to run concurrently. In the case of Begina v W. M t McDowall, for larceny, his Honor sentenced the prisoner to six months' imprisonment with bard Labor. After consideration of the ca_e of A. S. Lamb, on whose behalf Mr Nalder had applied for probation, his Honor granted probation for one year on the first of the four charges, and sentenced the prisoner to one hour's imprisonment on the others. In the case of Begma v T. H. Conway, the last case on the calendar, tho prisoner was found guilty, and sentenced to two years' imprisonment with hard labor.

Prohibit-OX, — The Chwck News for June has an article {on the " Prohibition question." It doubts whether a majority of citizens are justified in imposing their will upon the minority in any question affecting established institutions. "Liberty of conscience," it says, "is surely the heritage of all alike. It matters not what the assumed evil may be. Suppose, for example, that by a large majority of the Christians at Sydenham it were determined that a local Freethought Lyceum should be closed at j their trill, on the assumed ground that it is destructive to .the best interests of ; the people, would such an act be justi-j liable, even with the concurrence of Par- j liament ? Or, put it the other way about, j and is it not in either case the beginning of tyranny ?" Dealing with the j assumption that the closing of public- i houses will put a stop to drinking habits our contemporary remarks: —! " In reply we say that to assume this j may be only to put a veil before one's | eyes, Demand will ever create a supply, j and the last condition of a prohibited city i may be worse than the first. Working j Men's Clnb9, and other clubs which will be only to ° readily conceived and initiated, together with illicit supplies, may bo uo better for the morals of a community than the present system of public bars." In conclusion, & c Church News favors a thorough revision of the Licensing Act, whereby provision might be made for granting licenses to really trustworthy applicants with really suitable premise., and for an actual inspection of licensed houses by a body of Inspectors who shall give their whole time and attention to this work. Wreaths, Crosses, Bridal, Bridesmaids' and Hand Bouquets, Sprays and Buttonholes artistically arranged at Nairn aud Sons, Florists. Lincoln j Pore, Fragrant and ExbJlarating- •• Arab ** and " Shah w brand Tea, 2s aud 2, _dperlb. '

Asbsst at Post.—A maa named E. Coates was arrested last evening by Constable Bleasel on a charge of stealing an overcoat, the property of Wm. Brice, of Lyttelton. He will appear before the Court this morning.

Ho&obata ENT__vrAi»_tSNT.—We are requested to state that the dramatic entertainment at Hororata takes place on Thursday, the 4th instant, and not on Friday, the sth, as stated in a recent newspaper paragraph. Vital Statistics. — Tho Registrar's returns for the month of May are as follows: Births (City), males, 13; females, 19; total, 32. District—Males, 54,- females, SS; total, 112; grand total, 144. Grand total for previous year, 152. Marriages (City), 19; district, 11; total, 30. Last year, 41. Deaths (City)— Males, 7; females, 10; total, 17. District—Males, 13; females, 11; total, 24; grand total, 41. Grand total last year, 67.

Swede Tubnip3.—Mr W. Ackroyd, of Temuka, from some of Yates' seed has grown a maguificent crop of Swede turnips. Twelve of these were on exhibition on Saturday. Without the tops they weighed 18t>£lb. As may be imagined 3 they °were perfectly sound and of good shape.

WasLBTAN Chubch, Tbmuka.—A gift auction of produce, &c-, m connection with the Wesleyan Church, Temuka, took place on Saturday, and drew a large attendance. Mr W. S. Moslin officiated as auctioneer, and succeeded in securing some excellent prices for every lino submitted. Mr T. Buxton and Mr H. M. Miles lent valuable assistance in promoting the affair, the net proceeds of which are to be devoted, to tbe enlargement of the parsonage.

Tb-htka School Co_i_ii_tss. —At a special meeting of the Temuka District High School Committee, held on Saturday afternoon, six applications for the appointment of fourth teacher in place of Mr C. J. Goldstono were received. On the motion of Mr Cooper, the Committee decided to recommend Mr Thco. B. Strong, of Waimate, for the appointment.

Southbbidqb.—On Sunday morning the Bishop of Christchurch held a confirmation service in St. James's Church, the church being crowded to excess. Appropriate hymns were sung by an efficient choir, under the leadership of Mr T. A. Gates as organist, some of the Leeston choir kindly taking part. Eleven candidates were confirmed. In the afternoon his lordship held a service at Killinchy, and at Dunsandel in the eveuing.

Bau-ioba High School.—A meeting of the Board of Governors of this school was held on Monday afternoon. There were present —Messrs G. J. Leech (Chairman), J. Buddenklau, J. Fulton, E. B. Good, J. Johnston and H. Boyd. The Chairman reported that eight tenders had been received for leasing the Board's reserve at Waimate, and, on the motion of Mr Johnston, that of Mr A. Cockburn, at 16s per acre, was accepted. The matter of arranging the lease was left with the Chairmau, wh» promised to see the applicant with reference to the matter. After discussing a few minor matters, the meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

ANGLICAN AND NONCONFOEMIST CliBaQT. —The Chunh News has an article on the leader and correspondence which appeared in tho F-U.BS lately regarding the clergy and their work. Dealing with the assertion that the clergy of the Church of England in tho colonies are not equal in the average ot ability and earnest zeal with the ministers ot the other voluntary ohurohe3, and that these show a greater activity than the Churoh clergy do in the social life of the people, the Church News remarks:—" Now, ot course, in all properly conducted disputations the first thing to do is to define the particular meaning of the terms employed. Therefore, until we are furnished with the intended definition of the term * ability/ as used in the case before us, we are unable to comment upon it. 'Ability* is a wide term, and may mean anything from the power to write a Bampton Lecture down to the ability to chatter a tea meeting address. We are fully satisfied that the average of ability among the clergy of" the Colonial Church to do the work allotted them iii a way which shall stand the test of time and the judgment of the great day is an average by no means * below par.' **

Wa.___tb a. and P. Association.—The annual general meeting of the Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Association, was held at the Eoyal hotel, Waimate, on Saturday last. There were present Mr J. S. D'Einden (Chairman), and Messrs McGoverin, W. J. Hardie, M. O'Brien, D. Boss, Middleton, Mitchell, Cochrane. Black, Frost, M. C. Studholme, M. Smith, and the Secretary. The annual report and balance sheet were read, and being considered satisfactory were approved and adopted. The following officers were then appointed for the ensuing year:—President, Mr Geo. Morton; Vice-P.esident, MrM. McGoverin; Treasurer, Mr J. S. D'Emden; Secretary, Mr D. Jackson. A Working Committee, consisting of active members was also elected. A resolution was passed sympathising with the President, Mr Geo. Morton, on account of the accident whioh had boon nearly fatal to him, and expressing pleasure at the fact that he was now getting better. A member wrote expressing regret that he could not attend the meetings bo long as they were held at the present meeting place, but no alteration was made. There being no other business the meeting terminated. A Strange Ci ast.—The inhabitant© of Lyttelton were somewhat startled yesterday afternoon by] the look-out man at the Heads signalling that a strange steamer was off Pigeon Bay, smd it had tbe look of a foreign man-of-var. The appearance of the strange craft was decidedly suspicious. Her funnel was not only a black one but it was farther forward than usual, while her bowsprit was rigged in. She also carried more than the ordinary number of boats, and her yards were down as if prepared for action. On the news of the stranger's looks becoming current a general feeling of uneasiness prevailed, and visions of a Eussian invasion were rife. These feelings were strengthened when the stranger refused to respond to the signal asking for her number, and the tug- was despatched to find out who and what she was. On closer examination the vessel did not have such a formidable appearance as at first supposed, and the authorities, who, it is needless to say, were on the gui vive, did not deem it necessary to give the call to arms. All doubts and fears were set at rest when tbe steamer came inside the breakwater. It was then discovered that she was only a harmless freezing hulk—the Prince of Wales, from Napier. On this becoming known to the anxious watchers, their uneasiness was dispelled, and a feeling of safety once more prevailed in the port. It is very probable that the hulk did not show any signals for the very sufficient reason that she had none on board. It is too bad, however, to frighten peaceful inhabitants of the colony after this fashion. If such piratical-looking craft will go cruising about New Zealand waters, they ought to be able to tell us who they axe when challenged. Edejt Georgb Company, Limited, the leading photographer* of Chri.tel.urch, have now reduced their prices. Cabinets, 10. per dox; enamelling, as per doz extra; any style or position. We are the only photographers who make no extra charges to visitors from the country. See advertisement on another page.—{Advt.J CL H. M__N-€_XG has made no advance in the price of his greatly admired and superiorly executed photographic work. The same moderate charges are made for his excellent appreciated pictures this year as in the bast. Sittings by appointment advlsablejtoavoid detention owing to pressure of business. —[Advt.J R. W. MisKs, Art Photographer Popular prices, superior workmanship satisfaction guaranteed. Children a speciality. Do not mistake the address— -deers,. 212 Colombo street. Show room upstairs.-| Ad vt.] SIAXDXSIC AMD P_tߣC_fS SBCC«M in , Photography '» due to producing only reliable work.--Studio, 218 High street.— Aiwr.l "Arab"and "Shah" brand Teas from all Grocers and Storekeepers. A Perfect Beverage—"Arab" and 4 Shah " brand Teas. 3* aud 2s id per lb. A FX-UWCY Foon.—Aolaebsook'a Biscuits.—{Ad*- I .] Use your intelligence, and buy only j Wo-fe'sSo-uaaJps. J