Untitled

Clutha Leader, Volume II, Issue 83, 10 February 1876, Page 5

A considerable quantity of local matter, as well as Correspondents' letters have been crowded out. They will appear in next issue. .

We understand that the return match between the Clutha and Tapanui Cricket Clubs will take place at Balclutha on Friday, the 18th instant. Further particulars will appear in our next issue.

By advertisement it will be seen that the Australian Star Burlesque and Dramatic Troupe wil* appear in Barr's Hall on Monday evening.

Mr Logan, Telegraph Inspector, visited Kaitangata on Saturday last and fixed the site of the telegraph ofiice in that township, near to Hislnp's Store. We believe the line to. connect it with Balclutha will be erected without delay.

His Lordship, the Bishop of Dunedin, will officiate in St Marks Church here on the evening

of Sunday first,

A' Gazette ' Notice states that Mr W. T* Smith has been appointed manager of the Kaitangata cemetery.

His Honor the Superintendent, has set apart 2800 acres in the Tapanui Hundred, for sale under deferred payments.

The town of InvercargiU was lighted With gas for the first time on Thursday night last. There was a public demonstration on the occasion, and the Mayor publically congratulated the citizens on the event. -

Mr Walter Hislop, son of Mr John Hislop, Secretary to the Education Board, has been taken in as a partner in the firm of Messrs Gillies and Street, Dunedin.

A concert and soiree, in aid of the Kaitangata School funds, will be given to-morrow evening, when we hope to see a large attendance and a successful entertainment.

William Hislop, in the employ of Messrs Bryce Brothers, Milton, was thrown from a young horse, on Thursday last, and had one of his legs broken.

Sir Julius Yogel is to be presented with an illuminated address and entertained at a public dinner upon his arrival at Wellington. It is said that it is being got up by a number of needy expectants, of something to turn up.

Miss Mary M'Laren, of Milton, has passed her examination as a first class pupil teacher. Mr Philip Bremner has passed as a third class pupil teacher, and is now employed as such in the Tokomairiro Grammer School.

We notice from a statement published in the ' Gazette ' that the liabilities of the six Banks doing business in New Zealand, for the quarter ending 31st December, 1875, amounted to £7,207,765 12s Id, and their assets to £11,325,946 5s 3d.

Mr Fred. Cotter has been appointed Examiner of Titles for Otago District under the Land Transfer Act ; Mr A. R. TJre, Registrar and ' Returning Officer for Dunedin; and Mr J. E. Denniston a revising barrister for Otago.

Three good drafts of fat cattle have recently been sent from Inch Clutha, and we believe they realised satisfactory prices in Dunedin. Two of these drafts were from the Messrs M'Donald, and one from Mrs Bowler's

A correspondent of a contemporary writes * — The contractors for the Mosgiel and Outram Railway are pushing the various works on, bridges, culverts, fencing, formation, being all in hand, while the new erections, Post Office, Bank of New Zealand, etc., are all but completed. The township wears quite a business-like look just now.

The crops are remarkably heavy upon Inch Clutha this season. Both wheat and oats are above the average, and potatoes and turnips are in advance of former seasons ; at least they will be utilised at an earlier date. Orchards are looking well, and early apples are now ready for use. Of their quality and flavor we hope to be able to speak by-and-bye.

The Makura coach arrived three hours late last night. The cause was a slight accident and detention on the Mataura Railway. From what .we learn it appears the points at a dangerous embankment had been left open,ahd the engine ran off the line. It had a narrow escape from going over the embankment, but was stopped in time, and no damage ensued.

We observed the other day in the ' Evening Star '.a copy of a letter sent by our good friend the Ex-Mayor of Milton, Mr James Goodall,- to, Mr Macandrew, the Superintendent, on ; thej health of Milton. It is a jpity ,the old: gentle-: man's remarks with referenced the water supply have not come to pass, as with all the go-aheadj and borrowing notions of the present Mayor,; Milton is as far away from Salmo'nd's Creek as! ever.

We are glad to notice that progress with the Matau bridge is now being made. Three rafts of piles from the Blue Mountains have arrived, and the quality of the timber seems first-class. Black and red birch are among the piles. The former seems of first-class grain, and resembles the black pine in toughness and solidity. Of course there is very little of tho black or real red birch growing in this locality. The birch, which is more common here is called red, but it is quite a bastard, compared to the red which has come down the river from the Blue Mountains. It stands in the same relation as the bastard totara (or cedar as it is called) does to the real totara. The completion of this bridge will be hailed by the settlers as a boon of great value, and in an especial manner ■ the thanks of the settlers as well as the community at large are due to the Matau Road Board for the immediate and persevering manner in which this matter was, through them, brought before the settlers and the Government. We hope, in acknowledgement of the interest so displayed, that when the time comes for opening. the bridge, the settlers of the district will pay a tribute of honor to the Beard. Nothing shortof a dinner can be looked for. .

Commercial men and the travelling public generally, who put up at the Crown Hotel, will be agreeably surprised at the very comfortable additions and alterations made in it within the past few months. Mr Stanbrook has evidently made up his mind to have everything replete with comfort for his customers, and we may with safety say that there are few small townships with a finer hotel than the Crown. The beds and bed-room furniture, &c, are all beautifully clean. The house is provided throughout with electric 'bells, which sound the number of the room by rotation from one bell. In the old house are seventeen bed-rooms, four private parlors, dining-room and ."billiard-room. All the bed-rooms are to be single in the course of a short time when the new addition is finished and furnished. The' servants' sleeping-rooms are down-stairs; the men's ' dining and 'sleepingrooms being adjacent to' the kitchen, the 'lastmentioned department embracing . a large area, with a lemirigton' range capable of cooking for 500 people at onfce. A scullery, fitted with every cotivenience, occupies one side ;of it, while the range is heated by a 10-horse power boiler. Mr Stanbrook "intonda to send hot and cold water all over the house. The new buildings have ten first-class bed-room*-, four parlors, and a bathroom, together with family suits. There are fine grates in'mauy of the bed-rooms, and the commercial sampling room is a .very, good one. The whole interior is lathed and, plastered. When this house 1 is finished the "convalescent seeking rest from- the wearisomeness |of city life, or illness, will find; in Stan-brook's Crown Hotel the. quiet , and rest so much required. "The suites of apartments' are provided with a" -private entrance by .which ladies and gentlemen with their families and. servants can haye access to it without being obliged to' siibmitAto the riot always over civil attention of loungers at the main entrance. The whole improvements are of the most, solid kind, and have been effected regardless of expense.

It is estimated that £10,000 will be required to complete the bare shell of the Christchurch, Cathedral, and that 40,000 more will be needed to finish the structure.

Matters agricultural and pastoral are progres sing favorably on Inch Clutha. Harvest operations will be general in a few days, and there is every appearance that harvest labor will be equal to the demand, so that no lack of hands is anticipated, either on the island or throughout the Clutha district. .

We have been shewn a very handsome silver cup, the gift of Messrs J. and A. M'Lean, auctioneers, Dunedin, and awarded at the recent show here to Mr John Johnston, Kaihiku, for the best pen of five mei'ino rams. The cup bears a suitable inscription, and will form an approy priate "heir loom,", of which we daresay. Mr Johnstone has already a good many.

At the '.Press' dinner at Christchurch on Saturday, Mr Pritchard, the Managing Director, referring to a remark made by a previous speaker with reference to the commercial unsuccess of jointstock' newspaper companies generally, said an apt illustration was afforded by the present condition of the * Otago Guardian,' which he as a shareholder could say was bad, notwithstanding its handsome revenue.

WE hear that the Railway Hotel, Stirling,, is about to be opened again by a Dunedin firm. They have placed it in charge of their hotel manager, Mr Albert Griffiths, late of the Criterian Hotel, Palmerston, whose busiuess habits and well known courtesy to travellers will no doubt readily procure for the house an extensive share bf public patronage.

After the recent decision of the Synod upon the subject of instrumental music, allowing it to be introduced- into congregations substantially unanimous in its favor, the Rev. Dr Steel, the representative present from. Sydney, remarked it was a pity to see the argument all upon one side, and the victory upon the other. The instrumental music debate in the Synod would therefore appear in this respect to have presented a very striking resemblance to the abolition debate in last Session of the General Assembly.

At the weekly meeting of the Lodge H®pe of Balclutha LO. G. T., on Friday night the following officers were installed for the ensuing quarter : W. C. T., Bro. Cramond ; W. V. T., Bro. Kilgour ; W. S„ Bro. Teller ; W. F. S., Bro. Frier ; W. T., Bro.. R. Hosg • W. C.8r0., Rev. M'Ara : W. M., Bro. C. Hogg • W. I. G., Bro. Nelson • W. O. G., Bro. HoUoway ; W. R. H. S., Sister C. Thomson*; W. L. H. S., Sister C. Hislop. Bro. Fleming was elected L. D., for the ensuing year. After the installations, Bi*os. Cramond and Kilgour returned thanks for the honor that had been conferred upon them. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the retiring officers. After the closing of the lodge a meeting of degree members was held, and it was resolved to constitute a Degree Temple to meet on the evening of the third Monday of every Inonth.

A strange and rather dangerous adventure was lately taken at Catlin's River. One morning Capt. Hayward observed a man with a small flat bottomed boat cross the bar and proceed to sea. Believing something to he wrong, he proceeded after him in his own boat. After a long pull he got alongside, and in reply to the inquiry as to whither the mariner was bound he got, for answer " Denmark." He got him to forego such a long and dangerous voyage for the time being, and sent him back to the Owake Flat where he has been at work amongst the settlers for some time past.

Some time ago we (' Evening News') reoeived a telegram that Tongariro, the safety valve of the earthquaking provinces had closed up — ceased working. This is known in native tradition as betokening heavy shakes. We observe that tho people are awakening or being awaked to the emergency, and the ' Weekly Mercury' published at Napier speaks thusly on domestic arrangement— " Householders might do worse than take warning by this, and secure their crockery. Plates and dishes should be placed flat on shelves and not on their edges as is commonly the practice, and tape should be fastened in front of shelves containing bottles."

To show what may happen to a magistrate in Victoria, Mr Lane, P.M., at the meeting of the Belfast Licensing Bench on the &oth ultimo, read a document, of which the following is a copy, verbatim et literatim. It was addressed — MiLane, P.M., Belfast: — "Notice. — If you or Chambers or Gray oppose Fitzgerald's license, death will be your doom, have sense in time. You will be shot like dogs." Mr Lane remarked that personally ho had no fear, nor would it influence the Bench in any way. The letter was then handed to the police.

The load from Sutherland's Hotel, Catlin's River, to the landing place has now been formed, and the metal is being carted, so that there is every prospect of its shortly being in good serviceable condition. Nothing has yet been dona to improve the road from Glenomaru to Owake. The good weather is passing away and this matter ought to be attended to immediately.

A BEAUTIFULLY written testimonial was recently presented to Captain Hay ward, - Deputy Harbor Master. Catlin's Biver. It was signed by over thirty Master Alariners frequenting the port, and was presented by Captain Thomson, Harbor Master. It was given in -recognition ot' the many valuable services and kindnesses rendered by Captain Hayward, to those tradirig to the port during the many years he has held his appointment there. It is no doubt due to his care and attention that so few casualities have hitherto occurred at this dangerous and much neglected port. We believe it is seldom that a more deserving or better earned testimonial has been presented to any one.

During the past year, the number of vessels arrived at Catlin's River was 142, equal to 5813 tous register. These conveyed from the mills in the district upwards of 3,400,000 feet of timber, besides a large quantity of wool and produce. The only casualty was in the case of tho Spec, on 16th August, when she struck upon the centre rock, and became a wreck. Were this rock once removed the entrance would be safe, and an increase of the traffic would no doubt be the result as the freights would then be lower. It is to be hoped the Government will shortly take action in the matter.

Capt. Ha yw atid, of Catlin's River — The arrivals during the past month havo been 15, 633 tons register, against 14 sailed, 571 tons register ; all loaded for Dunedin, except one which went to Oamaru. There has been nothing more done towards removing the centre rock, but let us hope the work will be undertaken ere long. Tho Spec which was purchased : by Mr Rohert Mason, sailed in charge of Captain ' Tall for Dunedh" on the Ilth where I have no doubt they will soon put her all to rights. The Huon Belle, Lloyd's Herald, Isabella, Mable Jane, and Fanny are at present loading, the two latter being at the " Big Mill."

An employe at the Christchurch Railway Station, nataed Burn, who of been working fol* some time past at Is. an hour wages, has just succeeded to an income of several "thousands a year. It would seem that having, some years ago, contracted with his father termed amis-alliance, he, though being only a child, was disinherited, and after a time he came out to this province, where he has had to rough it pretty 'hard. Whether his f aeher relented or not, it ds difficult to say, but he certainly destroyed the -will, which disinherited his only child, and he died before making a new one. The son tfhus succeeds to the whole of the property as heir-at-law. — ' Evening News.'

The Rev. James Buller, at the recent Conference in Wellington, signified his intention of visiting England, having retired from the active work of the Wesleyan ministry. Thereupon the Conference adopted the following resolution . — " The Rev James Buller having requested permission to retire as supernumerary the Conference records its great respect for his character as a Christain minister, and its high apprecia-. tibn of his labors during a period of. thirty-nine , years; courteous bearing inthe official position he has occupied among his brethern, as , Super- , intendeht of Circuits, Chairman'of Districts, and President of tOonf erences. His efficient discharge ; of the duties of those offices has greatly endeared him to all, and the prayers of his brethren will not cease tliat he may be spared fdr many years to serye the Church -either in England, which country he is intending to visit; or -vyherever Providence may- direct his future course." - An . influential committee has been formed for the purpose, of presenting a suitable testimonial to the Rev. gentleman before he leaves the Colony,

The inhabitants, of Hill; End are greatly ,in want of a branch post office. 1 . The district is a large one, and quite as : much entitled to a post office as Lovell's Flat.. ; : V',

We are informed that Mr Charles Humphries, of the Mataura Bridge Hotel, is, putting up a new house, having superior. accommodation.

Mr Thomas KeenAN, 'of the Temperance Hotel, Balclutha, lately owned by Mr Joseph Robertson, has added' an attached bar to his house. , , ...

We would again refer, to the public nuisance, which occurrs at the Milton Railway Station in connection with the urinaTs and closets, which are still without water and filthy.' Is there" no law to meet this foul.offence ?

We observe the Ticket .Office at the Clutha end of the railway line is' now op the opposite side of the road, and the' cab : stand is directly below it. The change is very much for tho better in summer, but will be sloppy in winter unless the road be metaled*

We are informed, by a friend that he went to Gore from the Mataura Station, a distance of twelve miles in. seven minutes. If this is a correct statement, we would not be surprised to hear one day of that engine-driver running the train off the line. This is doing over express time, a mHo in thirty-five seconds.

The proceeds of the late benefit giveu to Mrs Kinnear, in Milton, amounted to £6 2a. Mr James Grant, the acting manager of the Bijou Club was deputed to the honor of presenting it. Mrs Kinnear, with her usual generosity, requested Mr Grant to place it to the oredit of the old Milton Dramatic Club, to assist in paying their debts.

Messrs Kilgour, bakers, Balclutha, are now able to do- a pretty extensive business in the biscuit line. With the assistance of their superior machine they can turn out two tons per week. Kilgour's biscuits are well known, at Clinton, Tapanui. and Mataura on the one hand, and' Port Molyneux, Catlin's River and Kaitangata on the other. We have reason to think that Milton would also patronise ' them if they looked for it. A large amount of these goods sold in [.that place are supplied from Dunedin houses.

THE entertainment given by the Milton Amateur Christy Minstrels at the .'Southbridge School house, was attended with considerable success. The Minstrels appeared ' as usual to advantage. "We noticed, however, that the audience kept up a running fire of cominerit on the various pieces before them. This sort of amusement, though very intesting to the partakers, is annoying to the performer, who becomes sometimes quite bamboozled by the "so tto voce," and is thus thrown out of his part. It has thus been our unpleasant position to hear singers ask the audience for silence. We presume that our Southbridge friends acted in .accordance with their gifts,' and did not know any bettor, but they should remember in future that silence is sometimes more thought of than applause.

At tho meeting of the Lodge Bud. of Balclutha (juvenile) T.0.G.T., the following officers were installed for tho ensuing term :— C.T. Bro. D. Coghill ; P. C.T. Bro. W. Fleming ; V.T. Sister Mary Barr ; C. Bro. George Bruc9 ; S. Sisfcer Cecilia Kilgour • F.S. Bro. George Stewart ; T. Bro. John M/Iver ; M. Sister Isabella Chirriside ; I.G. Bro. Percy Brewer ; O.G. Bro.- John Bell,; R.H.S. Sister Fleming ; L.H.S. Sister Stewart; D.M. Bro. Alfred Hogg, and A.S. Sister Bessie Boss. A number of members of the Lodge Hope of Balclutha were present, and after the installation ceremonies were over, tthe lodge was entertained for a short time by some excellent recitations, &c, given by the juveniles.

"Will you walk into my parlor, said the spider to the fly." In the present instance, the fly seems to have been the aggressor, and walked into the lobby without an invitation. A law* case occurred last week in Milton between a local tradesman and a settler. The plaiDtiff in the case, a well known Milton blacksmith, wished to see the gentleman who conducted the defence, and for this purpose waited on him at his office. The legal gentleman saw the smith for a brief space, and told Winy he would speak with him further when he ' returned from the bank. The smith, unaccustomed to legal wileß, innocently hovered about, "but never more he saw the man approaching from^ythe bank." At last feeling sure that the man of law must have gone out somewhere else in pursuit of his extraordinary duties, he determined to seek him out, and on repairing to a certain private boardinghouse, he found on enquiry that the lawful object of his visit was within, but would not, could not, and should not be seen. So said the keeper of the gate. Bnt the smith,- a mighty man was he, with broad andsinewy hands, and the muscles of his brawny arms stood out like iron bands • so he knew not the keeper of the gate, and he said *"' I will find him," but upon advancing into that long passage he saw naught but doors on either hand, and he knew not the door which covered the sanctum sanctorum of the : man he wanted. While he was thus in doubt, -out from his hole in the side of the passage darted the lawyer, and seizing the smith by the shoulder (as our friend said just like a spider takes a fly) he ran him down the long passage, and past the rows of silent doors, whose mysterious occupants had so disconcerted hith, and finally over the door-step. Then the breathless spider told the utterly confounded fly to go- about his business, and thank his stars that he had : not made a dinner out of him.