LOCAL AND GENERAL

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 187, 25 August 1888, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A shipment of Otago cheese has been sold in London at 6d per lb. Scarlatina is prevalent at Woodville, and the school is to be closed in consequence. The Maori who lately caused a sensation at Wanganui by jumping through a shop window, has been sent to a lunatic asylum. The plant and machinery for a starch manufactory, to be established in the neighbourhood of Ashburton, have been ordered from home. The steamer Koonawarra has left Melbourne for Guam Island, but it is thought she is really bound for New Zealand for a shipment of coal, A member of the Victorian Permanent Artillery was burnt to death in a house in Melbourne the other night when in a helpless state of intoxication. In Queensland at the end of last year there were 12,926,000 sheep, 4,473,000 horned cattle, 305,000 horses, and 73,000 pigs. The area under cultivation was 221,000 acres. The ratepayers of Gisborne North are again reminded of the meeting to be held at 7 o’clock to-night to consider a proposal for raising a loan for the purpose of metalling roads, etc. An ex-publican at Geraldine has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, for fraudulent bankruptcy. He received £lOOO a short time before filing, and only accounted for half of it.

Divorce in Switzerland is theoretically easy, but the couple seeking it must go before a magistrate every four months for two years and insist that they continue to desire it. This makes it rather uncommon. Readers are reminded of the exhibition of walking at the Theatre Royal to-night, when F. Penfold (champion of New Zealand) will walk for two hours. During the evening several local pedestrians will walk against him.

A Christchurch telegram says :—Considerable interest is shown here in the discovery of silver-bearing galena. The Owen Valley Company, with a capital of £15,000, has been formed to work the lode, and other companies are projected. A sample was assayed, and yielded from 21 to 116 oz of silver per ton, with 50 per cent, of lead. At the R.M. Court on Thursday the following debt cases were heard: —Park Company v. Muldoon, claim £4, judgment by default; Park Company v. C. Smith, claim £lO, judgment by default; J. Whinray v. G. Stubbs, claim £2 8s on a judgment summons, no order made; H. Lewis v. Lee and Lange, claim £3 17s Id, judgment by default; H. Lewis v. E. Lange, claim £2 17s6d, judgment by default. Mr Longley, the “ original Cash Draper,” is again to the fore with an offer of prices which will be very acceptable in these dull times. The sale is now on and will hat for thirty days Mr Longley considers that the opportunities he will offer for profitable speculalation will in great measure atone for the disappointment that has been inflicted on us by the failure of the “ Mfth'ia Goldfields.” When one can make such a capital speculation at home, Mr J. considers it is far better to do so than to risk comfort, money, and perhaps even life in speculations that only give the remotest chance of a return. To-day is one of the great days of the sale, so that it will be advisable to go early. The nnfcmg carnival to-night promises to be a great success—the entertainment is attractive in its nature, both to rinkers and spectators, and the object U one which must be commended. The rink will of course be open all day, but the fancy dresses in the evening will add to the gaiety of the occasion, and it is anticipated that spectators will be even more numerous than rinkers. Mr Townley's generosity in allowing the free use of the hall tor the occasion is deserving of much gratitude, and the Committee are not sipw in giving expression to it, The opening of the hall will certainly be conducted under auspices that give promise of much future success. The Garrison Band will be in attendance, and and everything is expected to pass off with great eclat. For spectators the price of admission to the gallery is only one shilling. The pablpgraphic agents must take the New Zealand people for a silly lot of buffoons, and there is not much doubt but that we must consider the agents as very little better. When anything concerning the Irish people is upper : most we get enough lies to build an airy castle with, but those who study the Irish question can very fairly guage some of the stories that come by electricity. That conversion of Princess Christian was a capital topic to work on—first it was, then it wasn’t, and a good many tales besides—but a subject gets worn “ lierbare ” in time, and one does not need to be a Christian ”to get sick of this infernal rubbish. Poor Hanlan has lost a son through burning. Well, we pity Ted, but telegraphing such a catastrophe all over the world surely cannot dry the mother’s tears. A couple of English tourists have been assaulted near Gibraltar by Spanish beggars. Most fortunately the. latter have been arrested and charged with assault ! Mercy on them!—it is to be hoped the tourists were some of those clownish news agents. Why in some colonial cities it is not safe to be out of a night without protection. We wonder how it would do to telegraph to Gibraltar an account of the bloodless Whataupoko battles, or of the number of people who are flocking to Garrett Bros’ hoot sale, but of course there is no need to send anything about Garrett’s boots—their reputation is already so Widely circulatedi

The wages paid by the sawmilling firms in Victoria amount to close upon £550,000 a year.

A proposal is made in a Southern paper to license insurance agents at a fee of five guineas a year.

The bank deposits for the year are a great centennial fact. The deposits for Australasia have run up to the enormous sum of £100,000,000.

The banks have assets in the colonies to the amount of £145,000,000, and before the year is out the total will probably be £150,000,000.

A Victorian journalist, named Waldom, was lost for five days in the Australian Alps, where he remained without food. When found he was in a most exhausted condition, with his clothes torn to rags. Victorian agricultural implement-makers complain that British and foreigh manufacturers exhibiting at the Exhibition have closely copied the colonial-made implements. “ The growing brightness of woman and the increasing dulness of man,” says the Australasian, “ is the most notable feature of modern life.” And yet some people deny the equality of the sexes ! Information was received from Mr Rees by

last mail. He had an interview with the President of the United States and Mr Bayard with regard to the Samoan trouble, but the result of the interview has not been received. Mr Rees was to leave New York on July 21st by the Umbria.

It is reported (says an exchange) that the Maori tribe who own some healing hot springs at Rotorua, have spent over £lO on a cable message to Queen Victoria, inviting her to come out and bathe her afflicted leg in the curative waters of New Zealand.

A Melbourne correspondent writes : —The terrific land boom, which has been carrying everything before it, snows signs of subsidence, but nothing in the shape of a collapse is anticipated. Indeed, it is said that with, the advent of fu-ther sums of money expected from Europe, things will soon “ boom ” at a greater rate than hitherto. The Rees family arrived in England by the Kaikoura after a splendid passage, the vessel beating the record by two hours. The Doric left Wellington 100 hours ahead of the Kaikoura, and only arrived at Plymouth 14 hours ahead of her. Lincoln and Arthur Rees showed their cleverness on the voyage by competing in some sports on board, and winning eight out of ten events. They also gained a second and third prize. The unfortunate youth, Edgar Pickard, was again brought before the Court on Thursday morning, this time charged with having no visible means of support. Sergt. Bullen applied for a remand for eight days, which was granted. The Sergeant stated there were other charges against the prisoner of breaking into houses at Patutahi, and he also wished the accused to be examined as to his sanity. Our contemporary is really too playful. We do not object to their reprinting our sentiments, but it isn’t fair to term the Stax da re a “ Southern paper ” —it sounds too cold. In our issue of August 11 will be found a leaderette referring to the fact of the Onehunga ratepayers having decided not to borrow £2OOO as “ a hopeful sign that a more healthy feeling is springing up when we hear of a check being placed on these leech-like little loans.” And for having written these words they term us a “ Southern paper !” In dismissing a case against a woman in Auckland, for stealing a jacket and dress, the Bench said it was a pity the law gave such power, as it appeared to do, whereby a person could'be arrested and taken to prison upon such poor testimony, and it could not help thinking that the detective might have shown more discretion in the matter. The accused was dismissed without a stain on her character. Great indignation was expressed at the prosecutor’s conduct, and at the stupidity of the law that could permit such a thing to happen as had occurred in the case. The following are the teams who take part in the football match School and Turanganui Clubs v. Rovers and Gisborne, to be played in Captain Tucker’s paddock this afternoon :— School and Turanganui: Full back, Thomson ; three quarters,. Maude, Matthews, O’Meara; half-backs, Morgan, Burns ; wings, Witty, L. Maude; forwards, Steele, Crawford, Mann, Skipworth, Featon, F. Thompson, Scott;

emergencies, Pitt, Robinson. Rovers and Gisborne: Fullback, Simon; three-quarters, Lysnar, Morgan, Hepburn ; half-backs, Martin, Jaggs; forwards, Stevenson, Single, Loomb, Jelly, Johnstone, Burch, Harris, Priestly, Turner.

A very sad occurrence is reported in the Sydney papers of the 14th instant. On Saturday night Thomas Daley, a farmer at Pig Island, accompanied by his wife and

two children, went on a visit to some friends at Terara. They left for home at two o’clock on Sunday morning and attempted to cross the river in a small punt. There were no paddles, and they had to use a bit off a rail of fence. When about half way over the boat upset, throwing all the occupants into the water. Each parent seized a child and held on to the boat, calling for help, but becoming exhausted they had to let go the children, who were drowned. A man named M’Gee heard the screams and ran to the spot. He jumped into the water and rescued Daley and his wife, both of whom were much exhausted. The bodies of the children were found on the beach at Terara. The following is from the Sydney Referee: — The Maori footballers have been (to Melbourne), seen, and conquered. In their own mellifluous language they Pukeru te Pakeha, and we, alas ! shall not have the pleasure of seeing them play. Here I, “Tackle-low,” have been hugging myself with the idea that I should be able to renew our friendships, hang on to Jimmy Scott’s fist and exchange sporting reminiscences, rub noses with all my Maori friends, foregather with M‘Causland, and re cite boating remembrances with the darkbrowed Charlie Madigan. How did I look forward to yelling Tenakoe ! Tenakol Katoa I Omai te Korero ke iahoe. And now my soul is pouri, my tangi is unheard, my wishes are blighted, and it is oninau, otherwise busted. However, I hope to get cable after cable announcing victory after victory, but I much misdoubt that the frost and snow of Merrie England will prove even more formidable factors towards the defeat of the Maoris, who abhor cold weather and its hateful concomitants.

The Financial News still continues its criticism of colonial finance. In its issue of the 29th of June it says “The new Queensland loan has not been received with enthusiasm. Possibly it follows too closely on the recent New Zealand and Canadian issues to suit the convenience of jobbers ; but there are several points about it which the public should keep in view. The addition of this issue will oring the total public debt of Queensland up to £25,821,000, or, say a fraction over £6B per head of the population ! It is true that this is the only colony pursuing a vigorous immigration policy, and that the public debt, unlike that of the neighboring colonies, includes practically all borrowings for municipalities, harbors, etc. But, on the other hand, more revenue has to be raised per head—or, in other words, the people are more heavily taxed—than in any other colony ; and yet at the end of the last financial year there was a deficit of over £450jQ00.”

The “ Hans the Boatman Company leave for Auckland to-morrow morning, playing in the northern city on Monday night. Though business people cannot appreciate the passage through of these companies, it has been proved that Gisborne people will have amusement, and it is well that it should be first-class when it is provided. In this respect the company just leaving us can claim a high posjtiqq, for no one can witness the piece without feeling the better for it, unless indeed he be of a very callous nature. Herr duster’s performances on the violin are charming to listen to,, and his accomplishments are envied by local amateurs, of whom we have a great many. The accident to Mr Lohr’s arm will cause that gentleman to remember Gisborne in more senses than one, but the company as a whole express themselves very pleased with the place. The “ kiddies ” have made many sweethearts during their stay here, and the adult members of the company will carry general good wishes with them. We feel sure they will have a very successful season in Auckland. Mr Cunard left Auckland for Bydney by the last steamer.

The Gisborne Library has just received a fresh supply of literature. The Land Court which has been sitting at Tologa Bay for several months, has now adjourned till September 7. when the Court will open at Gisborne. It is reported that the expense to which the Times has been put in defending the libel case brought against it by O’Donnell amounts to between £30,000 and £40,000. A cricket match between Gloucestershire and the Australian Eleven was won by Gloucestershire. On going in for their second innings Gloucestershire required GO ’ runs to win, which number was obtained with the loss of two wickets.

Letters from Los Angelos to persons in Auckland state that the boom at tian Diego and other places has collapsed. According to letters received in Gisborne from San Diego affairs are in as good condition as ever at that place. Fully 1500 people assembled on the Queen street wharf, Auckland, the other evening, amidst a deluge of rain, to see the s.s. Mana* pouri off for Sydney. The steamer took 218 passengers, of which number 192 were from Auckland.

A Christchurch paper says:—lt is asserted that some parties of miners on Tucker and Constitution Flats are making as much as £9 per week per man; we also know alluvial miners in other parts of the West Coast who are making £2O per week per man. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Christchurch, lately, a lad of twelve pleaded guilty to stealing 7s from a shop-keeper’s till to go rinking with. The presiding Magistrate said that “ rinking seems to be demoralising the whole community.” It is said that the hawks have been very destructive in the Waihau district lately—many young lambs having been carried off by them. The settlers are taking every step to rid the district of the pest, and numbers have already been destroyed by poison. At the Auckland Columbia Kink they are trying to teach a real live donkey to skate* Special skates have been made for this latest “ skatorial artist,” who will appear in public shortly. More than one donkey has been seen attempting to skate at Gisborne rinks. The Te Anau left for Melbourne, via Bluff, last night, the following being the passengers:— Mesdames Snowden and Henderson, Misses Young and Blair, Messrs Jelly (2), Wilson, Smaill, Day, Snowden; Master Young, one Maori. Of the many interesting lectures on the syllabus of the Presbyterian Literary Association the one to be delivered next week will, we feel sure, rank very highly, the subject being “ The Early Days of New Zealand.” Mr Witty is the lecturer. The subject is one that should have a peculiar interest for both old and young. The farewell performance in Gisborne of “ Hang the Boatman” was given on Thursday night, McFarlane’s Hall being crowded. The piece went off capitally, as it did on the preceding evenings, and Mr Arnold and the other members of the company created a capital impression of their powers. It speaks well for the merits of the company when it could secure such good houses in spite of the dull times. A display which, in its line, has not previously been equalled in Gisborne is to be seen at Mr Clark s butchery establishment, which is managed by Mr Watson. The shop is brilliantly lighted up in the evening, and the show window is a feature which reflects much credit on the skill and taste of the manager. The meat has been done up in an artistic way that is quite new to Gisborne folk, and the expressions of admiration are very numerous. But the show window is not the only attraction, for last night there was a fine exhibition of first-class meat, which would have tempted the strictest vegetinarian to add more substantial food to his diet. Mr Watson certainly shows much energy and skill in the management of his business. Church of England country servicesßev. O. Dean : Ormond 11, Te Arai 3.15, Patutahi 6.30; Rev. J. Fox: Makauri 1.45, Makaraka 3. Presbyterian Church services to-morrow: — Ormond 2.30, St. Andrew’s 11 and 7, Rev. J. McAra ; Matawhero 2.30, Mr Scott.