TESTING WHEAT SAMPLES.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9323, 25 January 1896, Page 7

TESTING WHEAT SAMPLES.

A number of interesting experiments with samples of foreign wheats have just been concluded hy Mr U. Williams, of Dimboola. Victoria. During a recent tour of the world Mr P. P. Fraser, of Flinders lane, Melbourne, collected together small parcels of wheat indigenous to the countries he visited, and several of these were sown this season by Mr Wilson. The best results wero obtained from tho Californian and Italian samples, the return from 6oz of the former being 14J!b of cleaned wheat, aud from the latter 171b from 7oz. The other roturns were—Bo-sbay wheat, 2oz sown, 21b reaped ; Hungarian, 2£lb from 4oz; English rough chaff, lib from l|oz; and Egyptian mummy, 21b from 2z. The last-named sample was taken from the hands of a mummy embalmed 2000 years ago, and in apDearance is not uuliko rye, very dark aid uufit for flour miiliog. The season being an unusually trying one, the results may be taken as a criterion of how the various wheats would suit climates such as the Wimmera. The Italian wheat is not unlike brown Tuscan in appearance, and apparently answers all requirements.

Typhoid.—Since the beginning of the month there have been six cases of typhoid fever in the Hospital.

Wedding at Cclvebdkx. —A very pretty wedding took piaca at Culverden on Thursday afternoon. The ceremony was conducted by the Rev. Mr Northcote in the Presbyterian Church. The contracting parties were Mr W. B. Fox, of Tikouka, The Peaks, brother of Colonel Fox, and Miss Wilson, daughter of Mr Frederick Wilson, of Culverden. The church, which was very tastefully decorated, was filled to overflowing with friends of the bnda and bridegroom. Tbe bride was attended by her rwo sisters Misses Emma and Catherine and Miss Xedwell, and the bridegroom was attended by Mr F. S. Northcote as best man. After the ceremony the happy pair returned to Culverden House, where they received the congratulations of their friends. Amid many •' Godspeeds " and good wishes for the future Mr and Mrs Fox left for Horseley Down, where they intend staying a day or two on their way to the West Coast.

Firs Brigade Deaiosstratios.— The Executive Committee of the above met last night. Present—His Worship the Mayor (in the chair), Messrs C. Louisson, H. N. Martin, W. \V. Charters and Superintendent Smith. An apology was received for the absence of Mr G. R. Hart. The Conference was fixed to take place on March the 9th and 10th and the competitions on the 12th and 13th at Lancaster Park, subject to terms being arranged. The official programme as submitted by the Programme and Finance Committee, giving piizss amounting to £169 10i, was approved. The Chairman of the Art Union Committee intimated that the tickets were going off rapidly, and that they had the prizes on view at Luck's buildings. The Chairman of the Canvassing Committee reported that subscriptions were coming in freely. It was resolved that tenders be called for the right of publican's and confectioner's booths. It was resolved that a Grounds aud Works Committee be appointed consisting of Messrs C. Walkden, T. Russell, R. C. Bishop, A. Gabb, and Superintendent Smith, with power to add to their number. After transacting some routine business the meeting adjourned.

Swimming.—The three lengths Club handicap swum off at tho East Christchurch School Bath last evening produced some close and exciting finishes. The following are the results of the preliminary heats, the final being decided at six o'clock this evening. First heat—W. Drake, 83ec, 1; F. Truscott, 2sec, and E. Wilstied, I2aec, 2. T. Wauchop, scr, and A. McEiven, 143 ec, also started. Time, 68aec. Second beat— T. Newton, Bsec, 1; T. Carter, 15sec, 2. H. Truscott, 2iec, md E. A. East, lOsec, also started. Tims, 65 l-sth sec. Third heat— F. Stokes, 23ec, 1; W. Lennon. 7sec, 2. S. Stewart, ssec; T. Blakesly, 7sec, aud A. Calvert, 12« ec, also started. Won on the touch. Tims, 60g3ec. Entries for the 50 yards Inter-Ciub Handicap, to be swum iv connection with the Sumner moonlight narnivai on Tuesday next, close with the Secretaries of the various Clubs ou Monday morning next. A 50 yards handicap race (one for seniors and one for juuiors) under the auspices of tho Lancaster Park Amateur Swimming Club, was swum last evening, W. Calder, from scratch, winning the juuiors, with C. Evans, 53ec, second, and A. G. Duncan a good third. Hanua also started. E. Cholmoudeley won the seniors with 6.cc; G. J. C Smart, lsec, second. W. Baxter, osec ; Stevens, 3sec ; A. Duncan, 2sec, also btarted. Cholmondeley got away first, aud maintained the lead to the finish. Time, 42 l-sth sec. This was a splendid race, all finishing vory close up. Mr R. O. Duncan made an efficient starter.

Education Board. —Mr T. S. Weston was on Thursday nominated by tbeSt. Albans School Committee for one oi the seats on the Education Board, about to become vacant, owing to the retirement by rotation of Messr3 Adams, Meredith and Peryman.

The Wooden Crossing.—The experimental wooden crossiua in Cashel street, at

its intersection with Colombo street was completed ou Thursday. The timber iv it is black birch cut into blocks sin deep by 9in by 3in. which are placed on a bed of concrete 4in thick. They are not bouud in any way except by moans of asphalt packing round the outer edges of tbe crossing. The timber is from the We3b Coast of this Island, and was presented to the City Council for the purposa ot thi3 experimental crossing by Messrs Alau Scott and Co., of this city. The crossing has a neat appearance, and is comfortable to walk over. It only remains to be seen whether it will stand the large quantity of traffic at that point, aud also whether ifc will be more durable thau asphalt, and proportionately no more expensive.

Fireworks Display.—Oa Thursdayinig'at a promenade concert and fireworks display took placs in Lancaster Park. A number of devices were shown, some of which were very pretty and called forth loud applause from the spectators. In addition there were a number of smaller fireworks incidental to such displays, consisting of bomb 3, fire balloons, cannons, rockets, &c. Much amusement was caused by the Darktown Fire Brigade, whoso antic 3in maauiog their engiue were very funny. The eujoymeut of the evening was added to consiuer«».biy by the artistic playing of the Garrison Baud.

Children's Entertainment.—The annual entertainment of the. children by the Christchurch Working Men's Club took place 'on Thursday night in the Recreation Hall,. which was filled with youug folk. They were amused by means of a magic lantern, a shadow pantomime, and a juvenile dance. Between times they were regaled on light refreshments, end each one was presented with a bag of lollies and a toy of a suitable character. The funds for the entertainment were largely subscribed by members, the amount being subsidised by the Club, the Entertaining Committee of which carried out their duties satisfactorily.

St. Albans Swimming Class. —On Wednesday afternoon, at the invitation of the iustructor, Mr William Garrard, a number of the parents and friends of the girls who attend the St. Albans Swimming class were present to see what progress had been made by the children. The girls were put through various exercises, and acquitted themselves most creditably considering the very short time they have been under Mr Garrard's charge. Most of them were quite at home in tho water, and bid fair, with practice, to become expert swimmers. Mr Garrard was warmly congratulated on ail sides on the progress made by bis pupils.

The Akap.oa Coach Line.—Mr B. Barker of Akaroa has added to his already complete plant another vehicle in the shape of a thorough brace waggon. The undercarriage has full circle wheel plates, the wood work being of hickory, and th<i construction is elegant, combined with lightness and durability. The brakes are applied on the latest American principle, which gives a direct pull and distributes the strain more equally along the whole length of the carriage. The body and seats are of a plain but graceful style, with a view ot reducing the labour in keeping the vehicle clean. The trimmings are of invisible green leather, the body being painted dark green and the wheels and gear vermillion, the whole being lined to match. The waggon reflects great credit on the builders, Messrs VV. Moor and Co. of Christchurch.

The Ambulance Fete.—A large and enthusiastic Committee of the St. John Ambulance Association, Scunner branch, met on Thursday evening to make dual arrangements for the moonlight fete taking place on the beach next Tuesday. The order of the torchlight procession was arranged, aud Messrs Block, Bergh, and Raywood were appointed Marshals. It was mentioned that the campers had made preparations on a large scale to take part in fancy costumes with coloured fire and torches. A most attractive programme has been arranged, including swimming races, humorous recitations by Mr Ryan, comic songs by * Messrs Chas. Edgar and Fawcett, songs by Mrs Edgar, Misses Thompson and Hayward, Messrs E. Lovell and Hitchings, and selections by the K3tudiantina and Stanmore bands. The presentation of first aid certificates will be made by his Excellency the Governor's nominee, his Worship tbe Mayor of Christchurch. The Committee intend entertaining their invited guests in a marquee, which will be erected on the beach, the Refreshment Committee having reported that they had received numerous donations of bread, butter, cake, meat, tea, _c. We may mention that the surplus funds are to be devoted to procuring an ambulance litter for Sumner, the need of which has been greatly felt on recent occasions.

Sumner Fireworks. —As will be seen by a notification elsewhere, Mr W. Stokes, who has won for himself well-merited praise for his fireworks, will give a display at Samner shortly.

TEilr-LE of Truth. —Services will be held at the Temple of Truth to-morrow, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Medical. —As will be seen by a notification'elsewhere, Dr. Morris commences practice at Little River on Monday next.

Nautical Examixatiox. — Mr F. J. Crawford, of Sumner, who served his apprenticeship in the New Zealand Shipping Company's ship Waimate, and who has been studying at the Navigation School, "Devouia," Lyttelton, passed his examination as second mate of a foreign going ship yesterday before Captain Allman. The Lyceum. — To-morrow being the auciversary ot the birthday of Thomas Paine, Mr W. W. Collins will lectur« in the Lyceum on "Tardy Justice; or, New Light on the Life and Work of Thomas Paine." The lecture will be preceded Dy musical selections by a full orchestra.

ashecbton" Orchestral SociETr.—The annual meeting of the Ashburton Orchestral Socicvy was heid at G3tes"s Schooi of Music on Thursday evening, Mr W. McDonald nresiding. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows :—Conductor, Mr David Joues (re-electod) ; Leader, Miss Simmonds (re-elected) ; Ron. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr H. Gates (re-sleeted); Committee, Messrs McAustin, Siramonds, Liggitt, Douglas, and A. Harrison. Messrs R. "Curtin and E. Craighead were elected members.

Literary.—We understand an article on " The Home of the Penguins of tbe World," from the pen of Mr W, H. Bickerton has been accepted by the Pall Mall Magazine. The article is illustrated with photographs taken by the writer during a stay ou Mftcquarie Island in March. 1895, and deals with tho strange habitc of the myriads of penguins to be found on this bleak shore. Mr Bickerton is to be congratulated on making hi 3 dibut in a publice.tioo of such high standing.

Fine Art Photographs.—There is at present ou exhibition in tho window of Mr J. W. Gibb, Cathedral square, a frame containing five views of the Caristchurcb Cathedral. The views comprise exterior and interior views of the Cathedral, the centre one possessing the unique merit of sharpness seldom seen in an instantaneous photo, whilst the interiors are quite a revelation in the study of light and shade. The pictures are the work of one of oar leading amateurs, and are excellent examples of the high stage to which the amateur photographers of Christchurch have risen.

Druidism.—The ordinary meeting of the Ohoka Lodge, U.A.0.D., was held on Wednesday evening. After disposing of the usual business a friendly match of euchre and cribbage was played with a teAm, from the Mistletoe Lodge, and resulted iv a win for the local Lodgo by 23 games to 21. During the evening some excellent songs were sung by Bros. Denton, Edwards, Brown, Osborne, Bailey, D.G.P., Clabbnrn, Ellison, Rayner, Creswell, and Clabburn, juur., and concertina solo by Bro. Mines.

Picnics —No less than four picnic parties left Lyttelton by train on Thursday for various rendezvous. The Juvenile Oddfellows went to Kaiapoi, the Presbyterian Sunday school to Riccarton, and the children of thß Wesleyan Sunday school to Papanui. The day was tine and the gatherings most enjoyable. The children of Holy Trinity Sunday school went to Heathcote Valley by the 2 p.m. train, and had an afternoon's outing only, instead of the whole day as has hitherto beeu the rule. The new departure proved a decided success, and the children returned home not too tired about 7 p.m. Salvation Army.—As will be seen by a notification elsewhere, the Sydenham corps ia holding a demonstration on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, January 26th, 27th, 28tb, and 29th. These are the farewell meetings of Staff-Captain Wilson, who leaves for Melbourne on January 31st, he having been appointed to the oversight of th« Men's Traiuiug Home iv Melbourne. The Staff-Captain has been an officer in New Zealand for about twelve years, and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the colony. The meetings will be conducted by Major Bruntnell and Staff-Captain Knight, and also include the farewell of the garrison cadets at present in Sydenham, the whole concluding with a farewell tea oa Wednesday.

Waipaiu Road Board.— An ordinary meeting was held oa January 7fch. Present —Mr J. D. Lance (Chairman) and Messrs James Douglas, James Little, M. J. Burke and S. B. Gibb. Mr Todd, of Waipara Downs, wrote asking to be allowed to take sufficient shingle out of the pit on his property to shingle the drive from the North road to his house. Granted. The Surveyor was instructed to have the piece of the road near the Waitohi crossing, which had been recently formed, shingled duriug the month. Tenders were accepted for shiDgling oa the Stonyhurst road, and shingling and formation on Foxdown, Scott's aud Grigg'a roads Accounts amounting to £143 7s 4d were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.

Christchurch Regatta Club. — A meeting of delegates was held yesterday afternoon. Present — Messrs F. D. Kesteven (Chairman), A. L. Smith, J. R. Evans, W. G. Atack. A. E. Craddook, H. H. Smith, F. W. Hobbs, B. Harding, and H. R. Homan. Mr Ataok moved—" This Committee is quite in accord with the principle of the resolution passed at the last meeting with reference to the oarsmen eligible to row in the Ladies' Plate, but in view of the near proximity of the Regatta, and She fact that it is now too late to alter some of the crews already in training, it requests the movers to allow the resolution to be oescinded in favour of the original conditions." Mr H. H. Smith seconded the motion. As an amendment Mr Craddook moved—" That the alterations as regards the conditions for tho Ladies' Plate, be rescinded," which waß seconded by Mr A. L. Smith. The amendment on being put to tbe meeting was declared lost on a show of hands, Messrs Craddocic, A. L. Smith, Homan and Kesteven voting for it. The original motion was then put to the meeting and carried. The following resolution, moved by Mr Hobbs and seconded by Mr Evans, wai agreed to:—"That the Committee rescind the motion passed at the last meeting, and that the original conditions as regards the race for the Ladies' Plate, be adhered to."

CANTERBURY BAND OV HOPE UNION.— The twelfth annual soiree and meeting in connection with the Union took place on Tuesday in St. Asaph street U.M.F.C Schoolroom. There waff a very large attendance of representatives and friends. The President, Mr J. Smith, was in the chair. The Secretary's annual report showed that ab the commencement of the year there were twenty-five Bands of Hope affiliated with the Union. One has withdrawn its membership, and one has ceased to work. During the year five Bands have affiliated with the Union, which makes a total of twenty-eight Bands, with a membership of about 6000. There is also an application from one Band for affiliation. The Secretary brought before tbe meeting the loss sustained by the deaths of Bros. Lake and Robertson, and also the loss sustained by Bro. Uacdermott, 'Secretary of the Auckland Band of Hope Union, in the death of his daughter. The following resolution was passed ;—" That this meeting tender to the bereaved families its deep sympathy in their sad' bereavement." The Treasurer's report showed that the Union was in a better position than it had been since its formation. The election of officers took place, with the following results: — President, Mr J. T. Smith ; vice-presidents. Misses Roberts, Leney, Simmons, Coombridge and Lowe, Mesdames Hanan and Spencer, Messrs G. J. Smith, M.H.R., Clarke, Miller, Leney, Groze, Black, Baker, Hulbert, Simpson, Howarth, Dean, Sloan, Sykes, De La Cour and Girablett; treasurer, Mr W. Harrison; secretary, Mr W. C. Shaw; auditors, Messrs J. Hoole and J. Field. Ib was resolved to hold the Easter Monday Demonstration and also during the year a series of musical and elocutionary contests on a large scale. During the evening short addresses were given by the President and Messrs W. Parkes and H. Bennetts, a violin solo by Master S. Sloan and songs by Miss and Mr J. Field. The thanks of the Union were accorded to Mr and Mrs W. Parker for the use of room for the Committee meeting ; to subscribers and donors of prizes; to the Trustees and ladies of St. Asaph Street Church for the use of the schoolroom and arranging social; to the Papanui Temperance, Sydenham Mission and City Temperance Band* for services rendered, to the speakers and retiring officers; and to aU who had helped for the success of the Union,

Sydenham.—A meeting of the School j Committee was held on Tuesday evening, i Present—Mr \V. Brew (Chairman), Me3sr. i F. C. Hall, R. Hally, J. Hadfield, Js Forrester, W. Millar, and C. Simpson. Correspondence was received from the , Board of Education, advising that Charles Bird, Mabel Lockwood, and Isabella Wilkinson have passed the fourth year examination and are expected to enter the Normal School when it re-opens. ; It was resolved that the Committee mcc'_ ; next Tuesday to appoint pupil teachers. The Committee was requested to send in the , names of two persons qualified to be mem- - bers of the Education Board. The three j retiring members are Messrs T. W. Adams, j R. Meredith and H. W. Peryman. The i Committee decided to nominate Messrs Adams and Peryman. j

Master Painters' Association. —The annual general meeting of this Association was held in Warner's Commercial Hotol on Thursday evening, Mr T. Gapes, President, in the ckair. The election of ofnje bearers for the eusuinij year took place as follows : —Mr T. Gapes was unanimously re-elected President, Mr John Thompson was reelected Vice-President, the Hon. Secretary (Mr W. Emerson Ramsay) was re-elected, and the following members were elected as a Committee of Management:—Messrs Jas. Allan, Bradley, Duggan, Harper, Lummis, Samuels aud W. Sey, A copy ot the rules from the Journeyman Painters' Union was received and discussed at considerable length. It was decided that the Association meet on tbe drat Friday of each month. A vote of thanks being given to the retiring officers and the health of the President being duly honoured, the meeting closed.

Summer Campers' Sports.—The annual campers' sports took place last eveuing on the beach near Cave Rock, in tho presence of about 300 spectators. Messrs Cox, Sheir and W. Lawrence were judges, aud Mr A. Block referee; Mr W. G. Garrard acted as starter, and the secretary of the sports, Mr F. E. Asquith, was timekeeper. The prizes, two silver medals, presented by Mr D. Sheir, were won by the camp scoiiug most points—First counting 5 points, second 5 points, and third 1 point. The winners turned up in the Pansy camp with 13 points, with the " Mountaineers " secoud with 9 points, and " Lily " third with 4 points. The following are the results :—IGO Yards—First heat, V. Baird 1, Hirous 2 ; second heat, Andrew 1, Candy 2; third heat, Mason 1, Piercy 2 ; final heao, Piercy (Pansy) 1, Baird (Lily) 2, Andrew (Lily) 3. Time, 11 l-sth sec. Half-milo—Muiphy (Mountaineers) 1, Calvot (Woodbine) 2, Curtis 5. Time, 2uiin lOsec. High Jump —S. Ball (sft 2in) 1, Piercy (sft) 2. Quarter Mile—Piercy (Pansy) 1, Murphy (Mountaineers) 2, Guuthorp (Moun„iueors) 3. Time, 6-Isec.