NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 9986, 16 March 1898, Page 5

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Thk "'Weekly Press."—The successful •neep fair just held at Cnlverden receives illustration in the Wtehly Press, and a remarkable sheep-covorwl area is seen, together with a view of the visitors arriving at the Culverden Hotel. A companion gcture shows the record sheep fair of Jr «th Island, lately held at Messrs Tonks and Co.'s Hawera yards. The Jubileaj of Wanganui is liberally illustrated witM engravings of old pictures and portraits m oW identities and a few photographs of tne Jubilee Cap meeting. " The Farmer " discoasea the ages of sheep for profit, purchasing artificial manures, the Amurt sheep sales, the behaviour of lacerne in drought, Home pwam separation, and other subjects of Importance. •' Bullseye " has a good budget Wnoteeon current events, which read with Ban>d interest at the present moment of way preparations. In the Rfferee pages are Wrnished from various-' "tJorreeponclents 'anticipations " for the many race-meetings on St. Patrick's Day. • • Spectator " supplies a budget oi North Island notes, -while the peek's racing news of the colony will bo fonnd fully chronicled. The trotting department should prove of interest to followers of w« sport. British field eporta in all parts of the world come in for considerable notice W the hands of expert writers. . Riflk Association's MBBrtso. —Lieut.Colonel Gordon went down to the Rifle '"••pewtion's meeting at Oamaru by yes»*roay's express. Theatre Royal.—The last performance « .Straight from the Heart" drew a large •edience at the theatre lust night. The \ piece throughout went excellently. To-' n »gnt, which will be the last but one of the | j*»*on, "A Sailor's Knot" will be played. *jMs piece is one which when played here before by Mr Holt was most popular, and, *» aoabt, it will be equally bo on ite reproduction. The season close* to-morrow evening. I Irox Telephone Poles. — Complaints wero made at the last meeting of the 'wscarton Road Board that the railway iron Wephone poles used on roads in the dieJ'TJct were very dftngerous to travellers. Ine Board was of opinion that these polos J ** &t present are very objectionable, and ■bould b* erected at the back of the footPfthe instead of the front whenever possible, •»o V»\t they should be painted white, and it wae resolved that the Clerk communicate *>th th« Railway Department on the fisatHr.

Thr Premier.— It is understood that the Right Hon. R. .T. Seddon has been invited to Lyttelton on Saturday next, when an illuminated address will ba presented to him by the Liberal Association. Thk Mayoral Reception. —As there appears to be some idea that the Mayor and Mayorese should issue invitations to the ; " At Home" to-day, the Mayor desires us to state that the public notification is intended as an invitation to all the citizens, and that Mrs Louisson and himself will be glad to see every one who can make it convenient to attend on the occasion. Tut Russell Ca.se.—A second charge of performing an illegal operation has been preferred against C. J. Russell. The alleged "Dotation was performed at Chrietchurch on December 6th. The case comes on before the Stipendiary Magistrate next TuescUv. Thk Ashbdrton Homk.—Mγ R. Westenra, chairman of the Charitable Aid Board, accompanied by the members of the Aehburton Old Men's Home Committee, and Mr T. C. Norria, the secretary, visited the Ashburton Home yesterday. The Police Commission.— The members of the Police Commission, viz., Messrs H. S. Wardell (chairman), J. H. Povnton, and Lieutenant-Colonel Pitt, arrived* from the North in the Rotomahana yesterday, aiid proceeded to Dnnedin in the exoress. " They are accompanied by the new Commissioner of Police (Mr Tnnbridge), Colonel Hume, Inspector of Prisons, Mr E. W. Kane, Secretary to the Commission, and Messrs J. G. Gray and A. M. Kay, Hansard reporters, and were joined at the Christehurch station by Mr T. E. Taylor, M.H.R., who accompanied them to their Southern destination. The party occupied a reserved carriage. An Immense Tprtle.— Mr J. Hatfield, proprietor of Coker's Hotel, yesterday received by the Flora, through the instrumentality of a friend in Suva, the finest specimen Of a live turtle that has ever been landed in this colony. The turtle measures 3ft from tip of shell to its extreme end, and is 2ft 10in across. This, of course, is exclusive -of its head, &c. It took four strong men to carry it from the street to the back entrance of the hotel. The turtle is to be photographed and weighed this morning, after which it will be slaughtered, and the greater portion of the flesh frozen for future requirements. Midlakd Saleyards.—There was a comparatively small entry of sheep at the Midland Yards yesterday, and a limited attendance. The entry was made up principally j of fat lambs, aged ewes and two and fourtooth ewes and wethers. Fat lambs sold well, but with the exception of placing a few lots of young sheep little bxisinees was done. The reserves put upon breeding ewes had evidently been i-aieed, and the lots offered were generally too inferior in quality to tempt buyers at the prices asked. ; 400 fat lambs made 8s 6d to 10s 7d, fat , crossbred wethers 11s to 13s, fat crossbred ! ewes 5s lid, 195 small two and four-tooth wethers and ewes 7s 3d, 100 two and fourtooth wethers and maiden ewes 7« Bd, boilers 2* Id. Nkw Brighton Football Clttb.—The annual general meeting of the New Brighton Football Club was held in the Clubrooms on Thursday evening. The following officers were elected :—President, Mr Geo. Mclntyre; vice-presidents, Messrs R. C. Bishop, Mace, Millar, Wyatt, Lyons, Hooker, Patrick, G. W. Bishop, Curtis, W. White, Pine, Beauchamp; captaui, Mr IS. J. Foster (re-elected); vice-captain, Mr W. Phillips (re-elected); secretary, Mr E. Neilson ; treasurer, Mr E. Rodger; delegate to Rugby Union, Mr F. Cowper (re-elected); general committee, Messrs Pearce, Lawrie, Searle, Bell, Miller; selection committee, the captain, vice-captain, Messrs Neilson and Searle. Eight new members were elected. It was decided to enter a team for the President's Cup, and to open the season on Saturday, the 19th inst. The meeting then adjourned till Thursday, the 17th inst., for the receipt of the balance-sheet. Ashley T«AFJ?rc Bridge.—At a meeting of representatives of local boards at Rangiora yesterday, the Chairman made a complete refutation of statements made by the hon. member for Ashley, echoed by the Minister of Lands, and re-echoed by the Mandeville Road Board, to the effect that the Ashley Road Board had misapplied part of a vote of £1000 towards the purposes of the Ashley traffic bridge. The Chairman quoted from official documents to show that the vote waa for the " bridge and protective works, "that the local boards in conference assembled endorsed the plane, that the Lands and Survey Department recognised the matter, and that he entered into one of those solemn obligations which the present Government insists on getting before it trusts public money or even quarter-acre sectionß out of its possession, that " the £1000 should be applied to re-decking the bridge and protective works, and for no other purpose whatsoever." It remains to be seen if the parties spreading the allegation of breach of trust will make the amende honorable. Ram Fair at Raxoiora. — The annual rain, and ewe fair of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held at the North Canterbury saleyards, Rangiora, yeaterday. The entry was 235 from the farmers in the district—English Leiceslers, bred by Messrs P. C. Threlkeld, H. E. Peryman, J. Brown and R. W. Chapman; Border Leicestors, from Mesera A. Macfailaue and G. Milne; from Messrs S. Gibbs and J. Johns; and Lincolne from Messrs C. Skevini»ton, H. K. Peryman, W. Pearson and W. Samson. The sale was somewhat languid, the English Leicesters and Shropshires selling beet. For the former Mr J. Brown sold at and j the Shropshires of Mr Johns, bred from Mr G. P. Pulley's rams, brought 4gs. The prices were:—Lincolns lg to ljgs, Shropshireß ljgs to 4gs, English Leiceaters ljga to 2ige, and Border Leicesters lg to ljgs. Kaiapoi Botiough- School.—The monthly meeting was held on Monday evening. Present—Messrs Moore (Chairman), Feldwick, Coup, Avmitage, Clark and Young. Leave Granted Meas-s Caverill and Butcher. A letter was received from the Board of Education, enquiriug for a suitable building, and also what arrangements mit>ht be mado for manual and technical education in the subjects of carpentering, shorthand, bookkeeping, chemistry, cookinganddressmaking. A reply had been cent, stating the steps proposed to bo taken and the probable number of scholars. The head master reported that the number on the roll was 506, and average attendance 464. The master also reported that only one case of irregular attendance ■ occurred during the month. It was decided it be a recommendation to the incoming committee to join the committee's associ- ( ation. Accounts amounting to £2 11s 6d 1 were passed for payment. It was decided ; i|fcM the next meeting be held on the first [ ySonclay in April. ; Fires Relief Fund.—A meeting of ; qf this fund was held < yeSwdiy, Vr the Mayor's room. Present —H>r Worship the Mayor (in the chair), the Mayor of Captain Marciel, Messrs H. B. Kirk, G. Capper, G. R. Harr, J W. W. Collins, and K. Smith. The Mayor i reported that he had paid a visit to Little < River to personally investigate the claims from there. He found a general feeling of : sat&faction with regard to the action of the ■ committeo in dealing with the claims ; decided. There were, however, two more J ' oases, those of Hay ward and Landrigan, j ] which he found from the reports were 1 • worthy of consideration by the committee. • '■ These men had all their crops of cocksfoot, '■ « on which they relied, entirely destroyed, | firewood, &c. Both of them had large 1 families. After some discussion it was ] resolved, on the motion of Mr Hart, , seconded by Mr Kirk, that the sum of £20 t each be granted to these. Awes, and that the , Mayqr be requested to forward the re- t mainaer of the money to Oxford and close , the fund. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded" to the Mayor for his zeal and . energy as chairman, and to Mr F. T. Has-L j kins for the able manner in which he had» discharged the duties of hon. secretary, jri , A Reminder.—Don't forget the great. J 1 of furs to be held this day at Mr CUirlea-j i Clark's rooms. A bona fide unreserved sale, t Commencing at 12 noon. 8663 Zealandia bicycles, £21, with the best of : everything and twelve months' guarantee, ' are on top for good value. Write for cata* 1 k>eue. Gates, Lowry and Co., Zealandia Works, Christchureh.—[Advt.) i Morkpobk celebrated Mild Cured Hams - and Bacon can be had in any quantities from 1 Hubbard, Hall and Co., Manchester street, < next Milner and Thompson's. 2159 '. Bicycle Repairs by competent work- I men, satisfaction guaranteed, charges reaonable. Barlow Cycle Company, 48 Man- i Chester street, next Coker's. 889 I Special.—lf you require a tonio take the { best—Syrup of Hypophosphiles. Barnett, t chemist, lib bottles 4i od, Jib 2s 6d.~ < [Advt,] <

Christchdrch Ctclino Cmjb.—A meeting of the Committee was held last evening. Mr W. K. Thompson in the chair. Three I new members were elected, and large amonnt \of busineot was transacted in connection with the Good Friday race meeting. Rakoiora Borough School.—The Com- | mittee of this school on Monday evening '■ decided to provide an excursion for the children to Lyttelton on March 24th, and also to provide hot water and milk. Kaiapoi Boeodgh Council. —Ap the election yesterday of a member of the Kaiapoi Borough Council the result was :— Mr W. Eagle 77, Mr J. Drabble 60, Mr J. Stanton 58. Mi- Eagle was declared elected. Tub Otago Jubilkb.— Captain Falconer, in command of the Torpedo corps, was a passenger from Wellington, and proceeded to Dunedin by express yesterday. His business in the South is to superintend the laying of a submarine mine, and generally make preparations for the display which is to be made on the occasion of the Jubilee of Otago. Lawn Tksnis.—A match will be played at the Linwood Club's courts, Stanmore road, tomorrow (St. Patrick's Day), between a team from the Ashburton Club and a team from the local club. Visitors are welcome, and afternoon tea will be provided. The following are the teams. Ashburton— Messrs Salmone], Jackson, Cox, Fooks, Upton, and Curtis or Johnstone. Linwood —Messrs Bavlow, Ferguton, Kiver, McLeod, J. Nicholson and Ballantyne. Cyclk Thade PrcKic.—At a meeting of the cycle trade picnic committee held yesterday, it waa resolved that owing to the action of two firms in refusing their support, and declining to clos.e their business premises on March 17th, the picnic should be postponed sine die. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to those firms which had given their support and promised trophies, after which the meeting adjourned. Little River.—The annual treat in connectiqn with St. Andrew's Sunday school, Little' River, took place on Saturday last in the cricket paddock. The children, who were under the charge of the Rev. P. Pritchell and their teachers, thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Refreshments were provided by the teachers and friends, and a large tin of lollies given by Mr C. D. Rankin. The prizes will ue distributed later on. Evenixo Swimming Carxival. — The Canterbury Amateur Swimming Club has received over one hundred entries for the (lie three Inter-club events to be decided at the race meeting to be held in Mr Kent's tepid bath, Richmond, on Friday evening. The entries for the 220 Yards Grand Invitation Scratch Race are —H. Rich, quartermile champion of New Zealand; A. B. Trusdtt, 100 yards champion of New Zealand ; F. Slokes, feast Christehurch, and F. Trnscott, New Zealand. Great interest is being taken in this race. The first event will start at half-past seven o'clock. Obituary.—By the death of Mr B. W. Mountfort, which N took place yesterday, another of the old identities hag passed away. Mr Mounbfort, who came out in one of the first four ships* has been connected during the pa*t forty-seven years with the architecture of most of our churches, and has also acted for a number of years as resident architect of the Cathedral. Ho was in partnership with the late Mr Luck. in the old times, the firm of Mounbfort and Lnck being well known. The deceased gentleman also was Provincial Architect for a goodly number of years, and under his superintendence many of our public build' ings were erected. He also of late years acted as architect to the Board'of Governors of Canterbury College. Ahhburton , Loan. A special meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council was held on Monday evening, to consider proposals for raising a loan to carry out certain urgent urgent works. The works whioh it is proposed to put in hand at as early a date as possible are—Obtaining a permanent right to an adequate water supply, estimated to cost £1500; 550 chains of concrete channelling, £2500; asphalting 400 chains of footpaths, £1000; formation of streets, £500 ; completing Council Chamber buildings, curator's cottage in Domain and oottage for foreman of works, £1000; paying off overdraft, £1500-total, £8000. it was decided to take the necessary step 3 io- put before the ratepayers toroposals for raising a loan. The figures placed before the meeting Qn Monday evening were approxi-; mate; FjtKSKNTA'notfs.—Yesterday afternoon Mc Arthur Cant, who has been a member of the commercial staff of the pfijess Company for nineteen years, was presented by a number of hie fellow workers in the office j on the occasion of his approaching marriage, with a handsome piece of furniture. The Sreaentation was made by the manager, Mc . S. Guthrie, who referred to the high regard" in wjijch Mr Cant was held by all who knew him and had worked with him, and on behalf of those present wished him every happiness in his married life.—Mr Cant was also the recipient laafc night of a wedding present from the Canterbury Chess Club, of which he has. been secretary for several years. Mr- H. Hookhatn, the President ofithe Club, in a short speech wished Mr Cant all happiness, and asked his acceptance of a handsome overmantel aa a souvenir of the esteem in -which he is held by the members, and as an evidence of their appreciation of the time and attention he had devoted to the interests of the club and of ohess in general, The overmantel bears a silver plate with an appropriate inscription. Kaiapoi Sfortb. —At v meeting of the Committee to arrange for sports at Kaiapoi, a programme was drawn tip to be presented to a general meeting of deleg»tes ok friendly societies to be held this, evening. Waikcku Jubilkk Rkorkatiom Rkskrvk. —A meeting to appoint a board to manage the reserve of eighty ax/33 at W aikukn under the Public Reserve Aot, 1881, will beheld at the district school next Monday evening. National Coxckkt.—The eve of St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated this evening at the Opera House by a national concert, for which a very excellent programme h.as been prepared. Hochky.— The second annual general meeting of the Christehurch Hockey Club will be held on Friday next, at 8 p.m., in the City Hotel. Kaiapoi Regatta Ball.—This ball has been postponed till Easter Monday. BakI) Music.—The Engineers' Band will: play a good programme of music on the i rotunda this evening, commencing at a 8 p.m. , ■*••' Wellington Gas Company.—As will be seen by notification else,where, the Wellington Gas Company invite tenders for the purchase of debentures to the extent of £10,000, bearitg interest at tfte ra,te of £4 10a per annum, with a enrrenoy of seven years. Tenders will be received at the office of the company «p to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, 30th March.' AODIKGTOX HORTICPLTURAt. SOCIETY.— The Committee of this Society, at the last monthly meeting, Mr J. Hepworth presiding, made preliminary arrangements for the Chrysanthemum Show on April 29th. WAIMAKARmi-AsHLEY WaTEB SITWLY Board. —Aα election of a member to this Board to represent the Oxford Biding, in tho place of Mr John O'Halloran, resigned, takes place on Friday, the polling booths being the Board's office, Oxford, and the Institute Hall, Carleton. The candidates are Mr Thomas Burgin, Swannanoa, and Mr R. J. B. Dalley, Oxford. Picxic.—The Working Men's Co-operative Society has arranged a picnic,- which is to be held at Kaiapoi on Easter Monday. Reasonable rates have been fixed, and last night tbe General Committee was strengthened by the inclusion of several ordinary members to assipt in bringing the gathering to a successful termination. LixwooD Football Cldb. — The annual general meeting of the above will be held ,in the Club rooms on Friday next, at 8 p.m. Memorial Skrvicjs.—A special memorial service will be held in the Opera House on Sunday next, at 8.15 p.m., in memory of tbe late Frances E. Willafd, President of the World's Christian Temperance Union. The Sumnkr Gala.—This gala, for which an excellent programme has been prepared, will take place to-morrow. A special tram, at 3p. m., has been arranged for. Collie Dog Trials.—The Hanmer Plains annual collie dbg trial is fixed for May 13th. —The Methven Collie Club has decided to hold a meeting during April. A committee, consisting of Messrs W. Beatty, J. Trumper, D. Watson, R* Miliar, G. Alington,W. W. Henderson, H. Cranfield, J. Hibbs, L. Wood, S. Rolls and W. Wright was elected at a recent meeting, and the president (Mr C. P. Mnrray-Aynsley), vice-presidents (Messrs J. Batty and A. Orr) and secretary and treasurer (Mr C. P. Lock) were reelected. A donation of £2 2a from Mr A. Orr was received.

WELLINGTON-MANAWATU RAILWAY COMPANY. The directors of the Wellington-Mana* watu Railway Company recommend the payment of a dividend of 5 per cent THE GOVERNOR. His Excellency the Governor will come up fi-otn the South by the express to-night, and will go right through to Lyttelton, taking the steamer from there to Wellington. Lord Ran farly paid an official visit to Lawrence yesterday, and was presented with an address. He visited the Hospital,-the St. Patrick sports and the Blnespur mines. THE LITTLE RIVER ACCIDENT. We are glad (o learn on inquiry at Little River that Mr Turner has still further improved, and that in the opinion of his medical attendant, Dr. Morris, he is now recovering from the effects of the late accident. CONVEYANCE OF STUD STOCK BY RAIL. Mr J. D. Ritchie, Secretary of the Depart of Agriculture, has written to the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association that the matter of charges made by the railway for the conveyance of stud stock will be brought before the conference of traffic managers at their first meeting. He has no doubt that the question will then receive favourable consideration. Mr Ritchie has urged upon Mr Ronayne the necessity for granting every facility for the exchange of stud stock. MR HENRY LAWSON. The well-known Australian poet and author, Henry Lawson, has left Wellington on his return to Sydney, after a year's sojonrn in this colony. It is understood that his experiences in New Zealand will be embodied in a book of short stories which he is about to publish. Mr Laweon's ultimate destination is London. DELAY OF CABLE MESSAGES. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has addressed a letter to the Premier, complaininsr of the delay in cable messages, which is not infrequently as much as twenty-four hours. In compliance with their suggestion Mr Seddon has promised to bring the matter under the notice of the South Australian Government, on whose lines it is understood the block is ocenrring. It may be mentioned that for the past month press cables, as well as business messages, have suffered great delay, both from this cause and from the numerous Interruptions that have occurred. COMPETITION IN TRADE. According to the report of the Working Men's Co-operative Society competition in Christchurch is carried on to an absurd extent. Travellers from London, Nottingham and Manchester have assured the Society that their rates of profit on many of what are the chief lines of the Society are nearly double those* ruling here. In one department of the Society the reduction in profits compared with previous halt-years is said to be about 17 per cent. Iv the item of sugar a dead loss Was reported of £1 3s b<\ on every ton, which, on account of comJotition, had to be sold at 2& per lb with ea. ' DEATH OF A POPULAR ACTRESS. Much regret will be felt at the sad news of the death of Miss Katherine Hardy, which occurred during the tour of the Broughs in India. Mtss Hardy was one of the most popular members of the Brough Company on their last two tours of New Zealand. Not only was she a talented actress, but she had received a sound musical training, and 'her fresh young voice was heard to advantage on many a concert platform during her residence in Dew Zealand before she finally adopted the stage as a profession. She was one of the' leading singers at the Dunedin Exhibition in 1889, and in musical circles in Wellington ahe was a great favourite. Miss-Hardy, who was born iv the Midland Counties of England, came to New Zealand in 1889. . LOCAL SHOOTING REPRESENTATATIVES. The local representatives at the Rifle A»eociation meeting recorded some good Buoree yesterday. Volunteer T. Robinson won the first prize in the Wanganui match of 700. yards, ten shots, and took second prize of £6 in the Marlborough-Kynoch match, which was won by Sergeant Sommeiville, of Wanganui, who was one of the New Zealand contingent afc the Diamond Jubilee celebration in London. Volunteer Moore and Corporal Simpson (Kaiapoi) secured £3 and £2 prizes respectively in the Marlborough - Kynoch match. Volunteer MacJc&y with the score of eighty-six (or one point only behind the winner) was in second place behind Volunteer McGregor, of Oamaru, in the Hawke's Bay match, Sergeant McFavlane finishing fourth.