NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11580, 11 May 1903, Page 7

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Tho Westport Coal Company's output last week was 13,598 tons lcwt of coal.

A man was arrested in the city on Saturday night on suspicion of stealing a bicycle lump.

The adjourned inquest on the Lite Mr Simpson will be held at the Morgue at 4 p.m. to-oay.

The Public Works Department has accepted the tender of J. FoTbes.. Cust, for additions to the stock inspector's house at Kothei-hom.

Tlie nominations for a member of the Board <*» Governors of Canterbury College in the room of the Hon. Wm. Montgomery resigned, will close to-day. On Sunday morning in the North Canterbury district a north-west gale of wind did some damage to apple and pear crops by shaking the fruit off in bushels. Toward midday the force of tlie gale moderated. No other damage is reported. The prize offered by the Christchurch Meat Company, in connection with the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association's show, for the best jien of five wethers suitable for freezing, was Avon by Mr S. Mackenzie, of KiiiL-Kdown, and not, as previously utaied. by Mr E. Kel'and, of Timaru. The sheep were judged by the price they realised on the London market, and this mistake occurred through a clerical error on the p;urt of the Company. Tlie •winning pen realised £7 15s sd. Of interest to members of Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and also to Farmers' Clubs, should bo the fact that .the secretary to the late Agricultural Conference is offering a prize of £5 5s for the best essay on "Tlie benefits conferred by A. and P. Associations on the agricultural and pastoral interests of the colony, and the social and intellectual advantages to be derived from the periodical gatherings of those most interested in the above pursuits." Essays will be received only from niembera of A. and P. Association., and members of Farmers' Clubs. They are to toe in by June Ist, 1903, and the prize •Hay _ to be published.

Statements having oeen published that tho Maeterton A, and P. Association have practically decided to change the time of holding their show from the autumn, at a meeting last Saturday the President gave these reports an emphatic denial.

The criminal session of tho Supreme Court will open this morning at eleven o'clock, before his Honour Mr Justice Denniston. The calendar of cases for trial is an exceedingly heavy one.

The Kelbnrne and Karori Tramway Company, Wellington, has declared a dividend of 5 per cent, on preference shares, computed from the date of payment of calls up till December 31st last, and carries forward £245 14s 2d.

At a clearing sale of live stock on Mr Peter Stewart's farm, Seaview, on Friday, a draught mare, aged five years, by Middlerijrg. fetched the high figure of 774, guineas, Mr J. Boag, of Brooktside, being the purchaser.

Mr Johannes C. Andersen, of the local office of the Lands and Survey Department, whose verses have appeared in different New Zealand and Australian journals, haa a volume of poetry in the press, which will be published (shortly.

In connection with the railway strike in Victoria, it may be noted that Mr GeorgeMusgrove received a cable on Saturday from his manager in Melbourne, stating that the cessation of the running of the suburban trains would have the result of greatly reducing the audiences at the theatres.

At the Malvern show on Thursday, the first prize for tares was won by J. Traves, and B. Yates was second. The following were other results:—Hunters —N. Nelson 1. G. L. Rutherford 2. High Jump—Gand C. Kain divided. Gentleman's driving competition—F. Bull 1, G. Clare 2. Ladies' driving competition—Miss 0. Field 1, Miss M. Foster 2. Wood chopping —A. Bunn 1, P.. Rceseter 2.

The complete figures are now available of the total number of voters who exercised their privilege at the recent municipal elections for Greater Christchurch. They show that out of a total of 9744 persons on tlie rolls 4791 recorded their votes. In Sydenham tho polling was heaviest, 1717 out of 2919 voting. In the Central Ward 1381 persons out of 3349 voted; in St. Albans 803 voted out. of 1737, and in Linwood 890 voted out of 1739. At the poll on the amalgamation proposals, out of a total of 9674 persons on the rolls of the different boroughs, 4088 recorded their votes.

During the encampment of the Masterton Rifle Cadets on the Show Ground, complaints were mode by residents in the vicinity that firing with ball cartridge has taken place. Captain Morton was called upon by tlie A. and P. Association's Committee. He explained t>at they had held a Morristuba competition, the ammunition used being Gantlet's .303 practice ammunition, which is used at a range 25yds, and is completely harmless at 80yds, and is in use In most of the drill halls and in many private residences in tho colony. Tho Committee, however, decided to prohibit ball practice of any kind in future.

Mr L. Cockayne's decision to remove his Alpine garden from New Brighton to the Canterbury College grounds will result in a valuabwadjunct being provided for students who are studying botany at the institution. Under Mr Cockayne's superintendence a suitable place will bo provided for the collection behind the biological department buildings. To date, fifteen thousand daffodil 'bulbs have been taken from Mr Cockayne's garden, and planted in the various publio -places in the city under the control of the Beautifying Association. The transplanting has entailed considerable work as there are about sixty varieties. As it will lie impossMoto transfer all the plants in Mr Cockayne's garden direct to the Association's grounds, some will be temporarily placed in the Museum grounds. A Wellington correspondent writes: — Fortune plays strange pranks with the lives of men. When in 1857 Dr. (now Sir James) Hector —who is retiring from the position of Director of the Colonial Museum at the end of June—went with the expedition to explore north-west Canada, he met on the man-of-war which took the party out a voting and enthusiastic lieutenant, who had every hope of a naval career before him. Hector, then an almost untried man, rose rapidly, and gained in science some of the highest distinctions the scientific world could offer him. The lieutenant is—or was until lately—an ordinary "hand" dn a northern sawmill.

An Auckland telegram states that an elderly woman named Bridget Johnston went into the residence of a neighbour named William Black, with a tumbler in her hand and stated that she had dissolved the heads of a cttTdboard box of matches in the water and had drunk the contents. She handed five shillings to Mrs Block with a request that the latter should buy a nightdress in which to dress her for burial. The tumbler she carried contained a small quantity of water, in which were the heads of a few matches partially dissolved. Dr. Walker, on examination, found that the woman woe in no immediate danger. He administered an emetic, and then ordered her removal to the hospital, where she is now progressing favourably.

The anniversary pea-vices in connection with the North Belt Presbyterian Church were conduoted yersterday by the Rev. W. Hewitson, of Knox Church, Dunedin. There were large congregations on each occasion, especially in the evening. Eloquent and practical sermons were delivered, that in the morning dealing with the duty of membars to bring others to Church and not depend entirely upon the minister to do •this, and in the evening the preacher showed that salvation was by faith, and not by works. Special anthems were sung by the choir, under Mr H. M. Johnson. The collections during the day amounted to £30 16s. Tho annual tea meeting and sacred conceit will take place to-morrow evening. Considerable despatch was shown by the City Council's electrical engineer (Mr L. Birks) in connection with the installation of the electric light at the new Clarendon Hotel. On the 24th ult. Mr Louissom intimated to tire City Council his desire to have the clectricitv supplied from tbe destructor, and the Wednesday following Mr Birks had all the material ready, and the installation completed on the Friday following. Temporary armngements were made, by Mr Louisson- with Messrs Turnbull and Jones to supply the necessary current until the destructor supply i.* available. Tlie Clarendon installation will form part of the City Council system of electric lighting for tlie city. At the meeting of the Works Committer* on Thursday the tenders for the material for tlie- destructor electric lighting Kclveme will be dealt with. The Agricultural Department's leaflet giving the exports of dairy produce and meat for April shows that there was a considerable shortage in each branch as compared with April. 1902. The quantities and values exported were as follows, those for the corresponding month of last year being in parentheses: —Butter. 7683cwt. value £36.741 (20.888cwt. valu? £98,810): cheese, 8146 cwt. value £21.804 (12.713cwt. value £26.965); frozen beef, 10,328cwtt. value £12,801 (30,302cwt). value £35.542): frozen mutton. 162,603 carcases, 79,242 cwt, value £93,553 (197,050 carcases. 99,985cwt. value £106,366); le.s and pieces, 669'cwt, valne £7424 (10,143cwt, value £11.518); frozen lamb, 234.716 carcases. 74.674cwt, £118.923 (332,798 carcases. 106,738cwt, £160.117).

A meeting of the General Committee of tlie St. Patricks Day concert in aid of the fund for a homo for the sick and distressed of all nationalities and creeds was held on Friday night. Mr W. Hoban, chairman of tlie committee, occupied the chair, and his Lordship Bishop Grimes was also present. Tho balance-sheet showed that the result of the concert wa.s a net profit of £100, which, with the amount already in hand, made a total to the credit of the fund of over £200. The balance-sheet was adopted, on the motion of the Bishop, who explained tliat his absence from the concert was due to an accident, end also that being at Mount Cook he was unable to send a telegram explaining his absence. A special vote of thanks was accorded to Mr O'Connor for his zeal and energy as secretary, and votes of thanks were also recorded to the ladies who had contributed so largely to the success of the concert, and to the. chairman. A small sub-committee was appointed to consider what form of entertainment could be devised between now and next St. Patrick's Day so _ to augment the fund.

The Rotomahana on Saturday brought a shipment of 35 horses to Lyttelton frcm the North Island.

Frank Cozanett, who on Thursday attempted to commit suicide, was on Saturday committed to the Sunnyside Asylum.

The Premier has informed Mr G. Laurenson, M.H.R., that he will be in this city on the 22nd hist., when he hopes to fulfil his promise to visit Banks' Peninsula.

Owing to some misunderstanding as to the dates for the Majcroni Company, there will ba a period during which the Theatre Royal will not be, so far as at present arranged, occupied by a professional company. The next to arrive will be the new Rickards's Variety Company now playing in Dunedin, opening hero on May 23rd.

After the wreck of the Elingamite the Auckland agents of the Huddart, Parker Company issued orders for food, clothing, etc., amounting to £900, which is a-claim on the relief committee. The proprietary now accepts £500 in settlement, thereby practically increasing their contribution to the relief" fund to £900, as they gave £500 previously.

The Department of Industries and Commerce has received from the War Office forms for tender and conditions of contract for tho supply of 200,0001b of tinned corned mutton, for delivery at the supply ro'ervfe depot at Woolwich. To enable colonial merchants to tender, the time for receiving tenders has been fixed for July 29th next, Early application to the Secretary of Industries and Commerce in Wellington is necessary to ensure obtaining a copy of the form" of tender, as only a limited supply has been sent forward.

On Saturday evening the Rangiora Brass Band was presented by the Mayor, Mr Curmichael, on behalf of the public, with a tricycb'. carriage for instruments and music. It was painted in blue, and neatly panelled. The letters, "Rangiora Brass Band," aro one side, of the carriage, and "Presented by residents" on the other. On Sunday afternoon the band gave a sacred open-air concert near the Borough Council Chamber, which included a number of new pieces that were played with excellent effect under Bandmaster Tvler.

Victoria Lake is at the present time quite dry, having been drained at the suggestion of tho Christchurch Model Yacht Club in order that the bottom may be cleared of weedy. The channel across the middle of the lake will be cleared and deepened also, co that in future it may he emptied more quickly. It is proposed to put down another large-sized artesian pipe, so that the process of filling the lake, which at present takes nine or ten days, may be considerably hastened.

The Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association has decided to ask the Chief Veterinarian, Mr Gilruth, to give a lecture on the diseases of stock, under the auspices of the Association, and it is probable that Mr McNaught, Wool Instructor, of Dunedin, will also give a lecture, under the patronage of the Association. The Association has decided to advertise for suggestions for the improvement of their show. During the past two months no less than 59 new members have joined the Association. One of the new members of committee, Mr CM. Maze, has been instrumental in securing the whole of these new members.

A remarkible development in connection with the Teerang (Victoria) Friendly Societies' sports meeting the other day was the formation of a " combine" by the cyclists and pedestrians, in consequence of the action of the Societies in prohibiting betting. So determined a stand wub taken by the athletes that the sports were a fiasco. The first event of the day, a dairyman's wheel nice, had only one competitor, whose arrival on the track was the sequel for groans and taunts, which increased as the solitary wheelman careered round the ring. The same cyclist had it all his own way in the novice race, and in the half-mile foot race there were only two competitors. The novice foot race had four, and the half-mile wheel race a similar number. When only two pedestrians put in an appearance for the hurdle race, the committee met, and decided to wipe out the remainder of the foot and wheel races.

Victoria has developed a Dukhobor trouble in a mild way. At White Hill, a small village near Bendigo, a number of well-known and esteemed residents in the hamlet have decided to sell their belongitgs and go out in the highways and byways and preach the Gospel as Chris* would. The community view the movement, with mingled pity and derision, and a call has been-mnde for the authorities to interfere. The principals in the movement are very reticent as to their arrangements. Some of the band have already disposed of their belongings and left the districts, and others are living in an empty house waiting for the "call from God" to depart. For some time past they were earnest street preachers and Bible readers, but about a couple of months ago one of them went to Ballarat, where ho met an American, who claimed to be a prophet inspired of God. He originated the movement, was made treasurer, and afterwards left tho district, calling upon the others to follow. They decline to state what their financial arrangements arc with him.

According to our Dunedin correspondent the Borough Councils in the Chalmers electorate are at present puzzled as to how to make up the loss in publicans' fees brought about by the carrying of no license in Chalmers. "The town clerk of the borough of North-East Valley reported to his Council this week that it could avoid the necessity of increasing the rates in the following manner: —It had been customary for all boroughs to take advantage of the provisions of the Financial Arrangements Act, and apply for an advance of 75 per cent, of the Government subsidy previous to U»_ meeting of Parliament. This amounted to £140 12s 6d in the case of this borough, and the loss arising from publicans' fees was £135. Foreseeing the effect of a prohibition vote being carried, he did not apply for the usual advance, and he had now the power of getting £140 more .subsidy this year than the borough had previously received. It was pointed out by Councillors that the portion referring to the license fees meant that the Council did not get any money from the Government to balance the deficiency, but merely received an advance to meet it-

Two first offending inebriates were fined 5s and costs at the Magistrate's Court on Saturday by Mr Beet ham, S.M. Charles Wilson was* fined 1 10» on a similar charge, and Albert Edward Wood was remanded for medical treatment till May 16th. Charles O'Molley, for drunkenness, was fined 20s, or in 'default seven days' imprisonment, and for using obscene language in Manchester street, was fined 20s. or a further seven days' hard labour. Charles Pegler, draper, employed by Kenneth Mathoson. told the Court that two pairs of trousers and a vest were stolen from outside Mr Matheson's shop on May 4th. Two small bora gave evidence that they had seen Charles Wilson, who had been arrested on a charge of drunkenness, walk off with the clothing. Accused said that he had nothing to say, except that he. did not take the trousers. A sentence of three months' imprisonment was imposed.

The success which follows the operations of the Taieri and Peninsula Milk Supply Company is remarkable, as the following figures, "supplied by our Dunedin correspondent, will show:—The quantity of milk purchased by the compony for the month of March was 853.954 gallons, for which the sum cf £15.513 10s lOd was paid. Of this quantity 23,629 gallops were purchased for selling again, while 830,325 gallon? were utilised for buttermaking, the quantity of butter manufactured being 384.0301b. During the period between the beginning of January and the end of April the amount paid by the company for milk was £66,749 os Bd, and the total value of the butter exported within the same period was £50,865 17s 7d, in addition to which the local sales amounted to £25.132 Is 3d. The company owns some forty creameries, and has more than 1000 suppliers. In 1892 the account sales were £13,118. while, in 1902 (ten years later) they had increased to no kss than £194,658. The outlook for the butter market is not too promising. The company has about 2000 tons stored in the North Ishmd, and 4000 tons in Melbourne. There is no outlet in South Africa, while the market in Australia offers no inducement to shippers*

The Victorian population returns for 1,-iKt year do not make -pleasant reading. The Sitate managed to lose 3192 of *er population, notwithstanding a natural (tlsongh very low) excess of births over deaths of 14.284. Departures exceeded arrivals by 17.470, and the exodus has been largely of young and vigorous males, who go to "seek better prospects elsewhere. In spite of the lessened total population, the population of Melbourne has increased by 4000 during the year. Of the total inhabitants of the State 415 per cent, now live in the metropolis. With a rich and scantily-settled country awaiting development, "it is impossible."(says the " Argus ") to regard the tendency as healthful.

The Studeboker Bros., who make the famous "Daisy" Carts, have the. largest waggon and carriage factories in the world, covering a tract of 101 acres. 8

Fancy Baskets —Just opened up, an immense assortment. All sizes and shapes, from Is each. John Hall and Co., opposite Clock Tower. 18

Black, Beattie and Co. are giving splendid value in white colonial blankets, double bed size, at 17s lid. 20s 6d, 24s 6d, 27s 6d, 30s 6d. Call and inspect their stock before purchasing elsewhere; Is in the pound discount for cash. 16

Motor bicycle bargains. Three latest motor bicycles, in first-class order, used a little to teach pureha.sers to handle motors, reduced from £50 to £30, for spot cash. Apply prompt to Oates, Lowry and Co.— (Advt.)

Art Daisy wool work taught free. Machines 2s 6d. All materials may be had for Daisy work. Also new style of oil painting taught in two lessons at 134 High street, opposite A. J. White's. 21

Second Autumn Display at the D.I.C.— An exhibit of altogether unti.-ual interest commences to-day ot all tho latest arrivals by recent steamers of new autumn and winter novelties. Special displays are arranged in all the departments of fasliion, and the ladie.s of Christchurch will be -amply rewarded for making a call at the Company's warehouse during the next few days. 39

If you have tho faintest suspicion that your eyes are not just right, if they bother you in" any way, it's best to have them examined at once. Do not go to the average optician or spectacle seller, for he is unable to distinguish between optical defects and diseases, but consult John R. Procter, 180 High street, Christchurch, who' will give you a thorough examination free of charge. 2115

Wanted Known—Jewellery sale, for one month, of watches, clocks, rings, brooches, and all other classes of jewellery, sold at greatly reduced prices. K. Grieshaber, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 155 Colombo street. 7463

Sheep netting centre strands from 2£d yard, pig netting, 2ft wide, from 2id; fowl netting, 3ft, lgd, 6ft, Also in stock, strongest netting made for fences. Netting for birds, pigeons, chickens, etc., in all sizes, in 100 yd coils. Also, black and galvanised fencing wire, hog, barb wire, staples, etc. Our prices defy competition. Fletcher Bros., Wire Netting Merchants, Lower High street. —(Advt.)

The latest creations in ladies' jackets and paletots for the autumn season, manufactured by the Kaiapoi Woollen Company, are now on view in the leading showrooms. Tho universal opinion ia that for elegance, style, and beauty, no imported garments can compare with these. The lovely cloths ore soft and warm, while each garment has the stylish, tailor-made effect peculiar to all Kaiapoi goods. See that your new winter purchase bears the special Kaiapoi ticket, which is the guarantee of reliability. 39