TOWN AND COUNTRY

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1324, 29 November 1864, Page 4

TOWN AND COUNTRY

Destruction ok Gamb.—A correspondent dresses us upon this subject, and we only w i s i, 1 a ~ more would do the same. The fear of the only check likely to be efficacious with fjii 18 who crawl about the banks of our rivers inrl l 8 at this time of year for the purpoie of nr.lt i parent birds and thus certainly dooming tho L to destruction. * c Droo <l The Skwage op Towxs.-In our third m,™ be found the report of the select committer'of House of Commons which has been occupied •/ . siderable time in the investigation of this sulif 0 "' At the present moment when a scheme of drain for this city is about to be decided upon, the rtJf arrrived at by the committee, based upon the • dence of some of the most scientific and praotH'i men of the day, must be especially valuable Tl 1 sewage can be conveyed to a distant spot, i n a hWi state, by means of pipes, and there utilized j, Yi! conclusion arrived at, and the baneful effects f polluting streams by sewage is also clearly pointed

The City Dkainagk.—By reference to our r P port of the special meeting of the City Council I*l,l last evening, it will be seen that the report of th Drainage Committee has been adopted as a w|,r,i and that on the motion of Mr. C. W. Bishop th Council have determined to proceed with the dra age of those portions of the city proposed to be first drained by the select committee, as soon as nra,.*;! able. It will also be observed that at theVorw period, the Surveyor will proceed to Melbourne nr such other place as shall be determined for the pose of purchasing the pipes required f or the tmr* pose ; but it must not be concluded that manufal" turers in this province are deprived of the of competition. We hope, therefore, that the Sur veyor will have no occasion to travel out of tto province, but that persons in the trade here will use their endeavours to supply the desired article as we have 110 doubt such a thing can be accomplished Sporting.—ln our report of the state of the betting for the Champion Itace in our last issue wp should have said that " Una has been quoted at lo to 1 ; but yesterday 6 to 1 was offered and taken readily. Princess' Theatre.—We were glad to see a a marked improvement in the audience which attended at this theatre on Saturday night, to witness the repetition of the " Pottelton Legacy." xi )e or j_ ginal story was written by the short-lived Albert Smith, and published in a feuilleton as a newspaper started by him entitled the Electric Telegraph. After the appearance of only a few numbers, however the journal died a natural death, and the author'continued the story as a serial publication. In London it had, in publishers' parlance, a " great run" and has been published in a cheap form. As ever? one who has read the book will recollect, the story turns upon the circumstances of the will of an old woman named Maitlaiul, who being throughout her lifetime of a miserly turn of mind, dies possessed of considerable property. For some time prior to her death, Mrs. Maitland had discharged the duties of guardian towards two cousins (a nephew and a niece of her own) who had the misfortune to be deprived of their respective parents at an early a»e. Feelings of the most tender nature spring up between the two cousins, which go on increasing after the discovery that the aunt approves of the attachment. Unfortunately, however, the hero falls into the hands of a fast, scampish individual named Flitter, who, in order to prevent his marriage with Anuie, the heroine, and in the expectation of receiving the old woman's cash, entangles him in a liaison with a pretty French adventuress called Leonie (or, as the play-bills have it, Leoni) the wife of one of those worthies pretty generally known by the expressive cognomen, " men on the town." For a while the unsuspecting hero falls a victim to their machinations, but is at length delivered from their toils by means of a shrewd, hard-headed old lawyer of the name of Twinch, who succeeds in inducing Mrs. Maitland on her death-bed to leave all her money to Annie, on condition that she will accept her cousin in marriage. Of course, there are the usual subsidiary characters, such as the good curate, aud the ordinary accessories to simiLr stories. At length, after passing through various vicissitudes and quarrelling with his lady - love (thanks to the mischief making of Flitter) mutual explanations take place, and everything ends, as the story-books say, to the satisfaction of all parties. There is a striking scene, in which a daring attempt is made to rob the residence of an old dowager, but is frustrated by the intrepidity of the heroine, who risks her life in raising the alarm. The miscreants are detected and punished, and the young couple cleared from any imputation which might have been thrown upon them, and from all the unlucky consequences which might have befallen them through the malice of those who were bent upon their ruin. The foregoing is only an outline of the story as published from the original manuscript of the author; but as is the case in the m-.ijority of instances, the dramatised version of the novel is very deficient, omitting those portions whose production might have the effect of relieving others of some of the dreariness with which they abound, and presenting incidents the improbability of which must be fully apparent even to the most indiscriminate of audiences. To dramatise a novel, and more particularly one which partakes of the nature of a sensational production, is a very difficult task, and one too often attended with failure. Notwithstanding the dreary monotony of the plot from beginning to end, we can congratulate the ladies and gentlemen of the company on the success which crowned their efforts m the portrayal of their respective characters. Annie Maitland, the heroine, was taken by Miss E. »\ lonian very creditably, and her acting, particularly m the scene where she mourns over the corpse of her departed aunt, was remarkably good. Philip Hammond, her cousin and lover, fell to the lot of Mr. Richardson, and could not have met with a better representative. The acting of Mrs. Cox, as Mrs. Sherrard, was very good in the snow scene, where she accidentally meets with, and informs, Philip ana his lady-love of the conspiracy of her cruel husband and Wyndham Flitter for effecting their destruction. The ruffianlv Sherrard was well sustained by Mr. W. South. Mr. Hall, as Clarke, was extremely amusing iu the little tie to do, and Mr. Sheils played the part of bepumus Twinch in his usual manner. Miss FannyV se j?' made a capital Leonie, and no one could refrain appreciating the perfection with which she siu " the part of the Frenchwoman endeavouring to m. herself understood by her English acquaintanc e Flitter was carefully personated by Cox, whilst Misses Twinch, the eccentric sisters of the law je • who, although far in advance of that period o existence when any attraction was visiole, n despaired of being married, were ' Miss A. Wiseman and Miss Urry. AH 1 characters were well sustained, 'lhe fairv e\t « ganza " Endymion " terminated the performance-. Last night the "Pirates of the Savannah • played to a full house, and went off very suea>>t i - The scenery by Mr. Willis was remarkablyjoou. The extravaganza of " Endymion " was repeaa. Kohler's Garden's. —This place of ie» J now presents a very attractive uptKnirunu, gardens being in great beauty. The now et» > full bloom, and the grounds form an • refreshing change from the dust and heat or . - church. Several alterations and have been effected. The new bar, "monster platform," and commanding a p. view of the gardens, has just been comply c\., • tastefully and elegantly decorated. 1 t : ce ground affords an excellent opportunity tor p to the amateurs of this game. . t The Ykomanry Cavaluy.-Oii Saturday meeting of those interested in this corps, was the old Town Hall, Captain Commandan »■ • (for so he has been gazetted, although elce ei ■ .j. corps as Major Commanding) in the clian . . after the members were assembled, Clip ; a strong attended, and as senior officer ot mi * - the unavoidable absence of Major White, . • tered the oath of allegiance to 49 moinuerj.. stated lie could not remain long, but would in any other gentlemen desirous of \ , rs Government Buildings nn) r day between r _ of one aud three p.m. The lion, secre . Ollivier, appeared in a suit of uniform t»■ (0 been recommended by Capt. Reader with a the same being adopted by the corps. It i» • u * e nice, smart, soldierlike uniform, consisting t t j ie tunic with red facings aud gold mounting - sword-belt being worn underneath, while pantaloons or corresponding colour and ma ■ worn under a pair of serviceable long boo s. cap is of the regular undress pattern used i () country, commonly knoyvn as the "m u ® ll * I '; m r,i e can be made to suit this climate b> addition of a white cover aud long peak m. i > s firmly to the front, while tlio spurs are ot nt) neck pattern. The arms, supplied by 9° . rl) j ne were submitted, —Terry's breechloai ni, ' r , lt | ier giving great satisfaction, but the snore » heavy, yet withal a serviceable article. mistake has apparently occurred at heat q • the sword-belts and knots are w .' nte ' leather cartouche boxes and belts are of plain » t() and of infantry regulation. This, ho« e*. , t j„ ( altered under the supervision ot Mr- ■ t j ie who volunteered to get the belts alte jets proper shape, and to japan 'J® . , unanifree of cost. It was carried

nusly that Captain Reader should communicate •rlithe Commissioner of Police, asking him to liL Sergeant Darby of that force to be transferred f the Yeomanry, where he will hold the position of Srireant Major and Drill Instructor. Sergeant riarby was at one time Drill Instructor to the Cavalry Volunteers in Melbourne, from which place vp has brought good testimonials. On the motion f Mr- W. K. M'Lean, the following gentlemen were ipeted as a committee, in addition to the officers are ex officio members—Messrs. C. M. Ollivier, t St Quentin, W.K.M'Lean,D.lnnes,E. Coleman, n V Oakes, Joshua Cuff, J. C, Brooke, J. H. Fysli. Vfr C M. Ollivier was requested to continue as pcretary. Mr. St. Quentin and Mr. W. H. Morley then offered their services to act as drills—in which occupation they have both had some experience— der the supervision of the Sergeant Major ; and vote of thanks to the former gentleman was recorded f or his handsome offer and spirited services hitherto. A very pretty stand was exhibited by ,r f Wood, saddler of High-street, containing samples of semi-military bridles and sheepskins for the saddles. They were much admired, and reflected ereat credit on Mr. Wood. The samples are again be submitted to the committee, when they will form a subject of consideration. The sheepskins in Particular were worthy of notice. Mr. J. C. Aikman was detailed by the Commandant to act as Adjutant, and he will take charge of the arms and accoutrements, serving them out to thoso members sworn in. This appointment gave general satisfaction, and a vote of thanks to the chair brought the proceedings to a close A committee meeting will be held this p nine, at five o'clock, at Messrs. Ollivier's office when the hour and locality of the first drill will be determined upon. From the foregoing proceedings and from the names of the gentlemen associated with the movement, the Yeomanry Cavalry must undoubtedly hold a leading position in the volunteer force of New Zealand.

The Supreme Court.—-The sittings of this court will be held on Thursday next, the Ist December, at 11 o'clock, a.m., at the Town Hall, before His Honor Mr Justice Gresson. The calendar is not a very heavy one, and the criminal business will only, in all probability, occupy a few days. We have been reauested to draw public attention to the day and hoar of the assembling of the court, as great inconvenience has arisen on former occasions through the want of punctuality shown by the jurors, witnesses, "a other persons. The following are the criminal cases for trial:—Forgery, G. Puller; larceny, T. Oakenful, stealing from the store of Messrs. Walton, Warner and Co.—the other prisoner in this case, by name Atkinson, was accidentally killed at Lyttelton whilst working with the hard labour gang; J. Burjress a cabman, stealing money from a passenger; J Connop,'and M. Mitchell, stealing a £10 note from an hotel; H. Moss, two charges; obtaining money on false pretences, T. Sayers; indecent exposure, J. Lee two charges. The civil cases to be heard before a common jury on the 12th proximo, are—Maher v. Oakes, two cases; Buss v. Teek. Before a special iury on the 19th, Hall and another v. Kenrick. Fish Curing.—We recently paid a visit to the establishment of Mr. Carter, of High-street, who has lately started the plan of curing and smoking fish. Hitherto, our townspeople, if they wished to enjoy the luxury of a dainty bloater, have been compelled to depend upon those imported in tins, and which were not at all times to be procured at a reasonable price, or if obtainable, frequently proved anything but appetizing. Now, however, thanks to the newly introduced process, we can be supplied with herrings and other fish, freshly cured, and fully equal to those imported from England. Possibly when the undertaking has been a little longer in operation, and experience has introduced some new improvements into it we may find the Canterbury bloaters rivalling those of Yarmouth. The Dutch boast that Amsterdam is built upon herring bones, for it owes much of its wealth and extent to the money obtained from *.je fisheries. Perhaps, the future historian of the province will have to chronicle the foundation of some township established upon the same basis. However, leaving the future, let us return to the present, lhe premises of Mr. Carter are situated in Chester-street Christchurch. On entering the premises, we find a small brick structure, with a slated roof, transversed in the interior with iron bars, on which, as soon as the senses get accustomed to the dense smoke, we find suspended rows of herrings and other fish undergoing the process of drying and smoking. The smoke is caused by a large smouldering fire composed of manuka scrub and other materials which create stifling fumes, which are allowed partially to escape through a very small aperture in the roof. The fish suspended in this style, remind one of Dugald Daleetty's simile to the unfortunate parent of the Children of the Mist. After hanging, until they are sufficiently smoked on one side, the fish are turned, so that every portion of them shall be duly cured. The fish are brought down to Christchurch every evening by Messrs. Cobb's coach, in quantities of 112lbs at a time, from Saltwater Creek. Mr. Carter informed us that he has already found a very large sale for the fish so prepared; could he enlarge his premises, and ensure a greater supply of fish he might greatly extend his operations. The public are beginning to appreciate his exertions in starting this new branch of industry, and we hope that he will reap the reward of his enterprize. We should add that moki after undergoing the process we have sketched, forms a capital substitute for kippered salmon—a hint which we throw out for the benefit of our readers north of the Tweed. Congregational Church. — The new church, just completed for the use of the members of this denomination, was opened on Sunday last, for the celebration of Divine Worship. The Rev. Charles Frazer, Moderator of the New Zealand Presbyterian Church, officiated in the morning. In the afternoon the Rev. J. W. Habens, 8.A., the pastor of the church, addressed the children of the congregation, the majority of whom attend the Sabbath school established in connexion with the church, and m the evening the Rev. James Buller, President of the Australasian Conference, preached a very able sermon. The congregation at all the services were very numerous. Collections were made at the close or eacn service, a sum of £30 being Two prayermeetings were held during the previous week; the one a union meeting in which the members of the various other denominations participated, and the other a special meeting of the members of the Congregational body. This evening, the opening of the new church will be commemorated by a public tea meeting at which a large attendance may be fairly anticipated. , Roman Catholic Church.—We learn that Monseigneur Viard, the Roman Catholic Bishop of V\ ellington, will arrive here in a day or two, and will dispense the Sacrament of Confirmation towards the end of the week, at the chapel on the Ferry-road. Stone-planing.—Mr. Blytli of Chester-street, Christchurch, has just introduced a stone-planing machine into the province, which apparently succeeds very well. Under the shelter of a small shea is a four horse-power oscillating steam-engine, which sets in motion a large, heavy travelling slide made of solid beams, firmly tied together. This is furnished with revolving blades, made of highly tempered steel. The stone to be planed is subjected.to the action of these blades, which are about two inches in diameter, and shaped something like a carpenter s chisel. The engine having been started, works as if gifted with intelligence, and polishes the stones placed beneath the blades as perfectly and almost as noiselessly as if they were deal boards. The stones so prepared can be used as plinths, hearth or gravestones. The hardness of the stone is apparently no hindrance, as the machine has been applied with equal succcss to that found in the different Canterbury quarries. That supplied by Mr. F. Thompson and by Messrs. Forgan and Sons, which are totally distinct in their composition, have been smoothed with equal facility, and when we saw it, a hard, lumpy block of tufa was undergoing the process. The machine, at present, stands upon a temporary platform, but it is the intention of the proprietor to have it placed upon a permanent basis, and thus to increase the efficiency of its operations. The Late Case of Drowniko in the Waimakariri.—The body of the unfortunate man who was drown3d whilst crossing the Waimakanri a few days ago has not been found, although every effort was made for its recovery. Christchurch Volunteer Fii*e _ Brigade. Last night the members of this association assembled for hose-drill. No. 1 company took up their position in Latimer Square, for the purpose of testing the artesian well there; but it was found insufficient for the required purpose, the being filled in one minute and emptied in one minute. The engine threw the water from the well as far as the Clubhouse, and could easily have been made to project it to a greater distance. No. 2 company practised in Gloucester Btreet, drawing their supply of water from tjje stream in the garden of Mr. Justice Gresson. The object of selecting this spot was to see it they could cover White's Hotel, the Times Office, and thehdjacent buildings. It was found that this was perfectly practicable, and that the hose cou either be brought along the passage adjoining the 1 imes office, or by the back of the gardens in the vicinity. A meeting of the members was subsequently held at the Temperance Hotel, Colombo street. It was convened in Accordance with the 13th section of the Fire Brigade Ordinance recently passed in the Jrrovincial Council, which empowers the majority or tne members to draw up such rules and regulations for

the guidance of the body as they think most proper, u es . awn U P by the committee of the Christchurch Brigade were accepted at the meeting last night, and the memorandum of service for twelve months signed. The rales had been previously in force, but a meeting of the Brigade was necessary xu order to give them legal sanction. Thatcher has been continuing his entertainment at the Town Hall, on Saturday and yesterday. The Hall has been moderately well attended, and if the audience was not on these two evenings quite so numerous as during his former visit to Christchurch the public seem to be as much pleased with his performances as when they first heard them. The entertainment included some new locals, in which the notabilities of the city were rather severely yet laughably handled. This evening is appointed for the benefit of Madame Vitelli, and we hope that the public will show their appreciation of her talent by a numerous attendance. We believe that Thatcher will on this occasion produce, like the good householder, things new and old from his treasury. A new song, or rather a local farce, written for the three members of the company by Thatcher, and entitled " The Early Closing Movement" will be presented. This is a squib against some of our townsfolk, who with rather questionable wisdom, have opposed the movement so designated. Picnic to Port Levy.—On Saturday last a most agreeable party assembled on board the fine steamship Otago at the invitation of Captains White (Blue Jacket),D'Oyly (Parisian), Smith (May Queen), and Babot (William Miles), and were taken down the harbour to Port Levy, where the steamer Moa, kindly placed at the disposal of the pleasure-seekers by Mr, Reece, was in waiting to take them on shore. The run from Lyttelton to Port Levy occupied too little time, so that the sixty ladies and gentlemen present felt half inclined to go on. However, as they had no tickets for Port Chalmers, it became a necessity for them to go on board the Moa. With three parting cheers for the Otago, the Moa steamed up the bay till opposite the Maori Pah, where the excursionists were landed, and they soon commenced to do justice to an excellent spread, prepared by mine host of the Queen's, Mr. J. N. Fairhurst. After a day's thorough enjoyment, enhanced by the sweet music discoursed by the Brothers Kohler, and delightful weather, the company returned to Lyttelton about seven p.m.. On passing each ship in the harbour, due honour was given to the largest vessel here, the British Empire, then to the Blue Jacket, Parisian, William Miles, and lastly the May Queen; the cheers from the pleasure seekers being heartily responded to by the crews on board the respective ships. When the Moa reached the Government Wharf, to land the party, a large number of the townspeople had assembled to welcome them back to port.

Emigration.—The report of the Sydney Immigration Officer has been published. We extract the following comparative table from it by which it will be seen that the number of immigrants who arrived in New Zealand in the year 1863 was nearly 14,000, being second only to Victoria, which received 20,000: —

Colony for which Emigrants Number of embarked. emigrants. 6,3»9 Queensland {Unassisted} ascer ' ;a ' 10,339 20 > 261 South Australia... 1,898 Western Australia | vZm.'.Z *34 } 220 m (Assisted None\ no Tasmania | Unassisted 38 ) New Zealand { Unassisted } Not ascertained 13 > 919 53,054