TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1650, 31 March 1866, Page 2

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

West Coast Traffic—The following is the return of cattle and sheep driven past Mn Blake's camp, during the week ending March 24 .-—Cattle, 265 ; sheep, 150. Uhitbd Prater Meetiho.—We have been requested to announce the postponement of the usual monthly meeting until Friday next, the sth of April, in consequence of the last Friday in this month falling upon Good Friday. Methodist Free Church.—We have been requested to mention that the Kev. J. White, in connection with this denomination, will preach on Sunday evening next, previously to his departure for Westland. Eoman Catholic Church— On Easter Monday evening an amateur performance will take place at the Catholic Schoolroom for the benefit of that establishment. Several gentlemen have undertaken to appear in the various entertainments. South Rakaia Races.—We hear that Shadow is the favourite for the Maiden Plate and Ladies' Purse, and Hotspring for the Hurdle. Both horses are being trained by Mr. Wm. Compton, at Messrs. Taylor and Ashmore's station, and their condition reflects great credit upon the trainer. Easter Sunday.—We have been requested to mention that the amount realised by the offertories and collections made on Easter Sunday, at the various churches throughout the diocese, will be handed over as Easter offerings to the clergymen officiating in the respective churches. Accident in the River.—We understand that a man named Laud has been drowned in the river at Heathcote. It appears that deceased was on board of one of the small crafts there, and was in the act of drawing water, when he fell overboard and was drowned. An inquest will be held on the body at the Ferry Mead Hotel this afternoon, at three o'clock.

Accident.—On Thursday evening last, an accident happened on the bridge at Lane's mill, by which a horse belonging to Mr. Cuff was killed. He was riding over the bridge, and from some cause, the horse was startled, and rushed against a dray. The shaft penetrated its breast and caused an injury from which it shortly afterwards died. White Crane.—Mr. Barker, the Government gardener, recently shot a bird of this species near the river. The specimen, which is quite a young bird, is of pure white plumage, and measures nearly three feet from tip to tip of the wings. These birds were at one time very common in Canterbury, being seen in large flights, but are now comparatively rare. The one shot by Mr. Barker is being stuffed for the Museum.

Princess' Theatre.—There will be a tpecial performance at this theatre this evening on the occasion of the last appearance of Miss Aitken. This lady will give several readings, and will be assisted by several amateurs. An efficient band will be in attendance, and two or three glees will be sung during the evening. Other portions of the entertainment will be the fourth act of the " Heart of Midlothian," and a " Tribute to Burns."

Assault.—On Wednesday evening last, as Mr. Thomas Atkinson of the Race-course Inn, was proceeding homewards from town, accompanied by Mr. Dixon, he was violently assaulted by a man named Lake, and received some very severe injuries. His coat was found next morning covered with blood at the bridge near Dilloway's and on the police being acquainted the circumstances they instituted inquiries and obtained the above information. We understand that a summons has been issued against Lake, who is a carrier, but has not been served yet, as he has gone up the country. Victorian Mills. — These works, the property of Mr. James Booth, are situated in Tuam street, Christchurch. and occupy about half-an-acre of land. An engine of about 9-horse power sets the whole of the machinery in motion, working simultaneously the circular sawing machine and those for planing, moulding, tonguing, and grooving. By a very simple process the roughest boards, consisting of black pine, rimu, totara, and kauri, are split into thin planks, planed, and then moulded. The action of the circular saw is wonderfully rapid: in a few seconds beams of a considerable size are split into boards, a great saving both of time and manual labour being thereby effected By the old process, tonguing and grooving was a long and tedious operation, now both are effected in a very short space of time. The planing process is equally easily effected; in a few minutes the roughest beams are smoothed and ready for laying as flooring boards. By an ingenious plan, the chips caused by the different operations are converted into fuel for the purpose of feeding the engine. Mr. and Mrs. Heine.—On Thursday night, these artistes gave another concert at the Town Hall. Mrs. Heine played several pieces on the piano, with wonderful execution and effect. She also sung a song for which she obtained an encore, and favoured the audience with " Sweet Spirit hear my Prayer." Mr. Heine executed some exquisite pieces on the violin. His command of the instrument is something wonderful, especially when the lamentable affliction under which he labours, is taken into consideration. Admirable as is his execution of the masterpieces of violin music, perhaps the manner, in which he plays the most simple and wellknwn airs is even more pleasing. _ The feeling and pathos which he throws into these must be heard to be realized. Familiar as they are, they derive a fresh charm from the manner in which Mr. Heinerenders them. And his comical interludes are not less astonishing, although, perhaps, not requiring so rnnch skill as the other pieces which he plays ; still they show a great amount of versatility and ah absolute command over the violin. Mr. Carder sung some ballads very pleasingly. He has a charming voice, and evidently a thorough knowledge of music. But it is a pity that he does not infuse more feeling and sentiment into his songs. He sings well, but mechanically; one misses the feeling of sympathy with the subject of his songs. We understand that this evening will be the last appearance of Mr and Mrs. Heine. ; Rangiora.—The usual half-yearly meeting of the North Canterbury district, in connection with the Independent order of OddFellows, Manchester Unity, was held at the Odd-Fellows' Hall, Rangiora, on Monday, the 26th inst., at 3 p m. Delegates present— I oyal Rangiora Lodge, N.G. Hooper $ Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge, P.G. Grantham; P.P.S. Michael, B. Hart. Officers—P.G.M. Morten, D P.G.M. Robinson, C.S. Turner. The certificate of the delegates having been read, the minutes of the former district meetings were read and confirmed, and the district returns were laid before the meeting shewing a very satisfactory increase of members and funds since the last meeting. The minutes of a special district meeting held Dec. 29, 1865, at which a dispensation was granted to open a new Odd-Fellows' lodge at Hokitika, Westland, to be called the Loyal Hokitika Lodge, and the correspondence in relation thereto were real the minutes confirmed. Two applications were then laid before the meeting—one from a number of the inhabitants of Christchurch south, and I one from the City of Christchurch, for dis- ' pensitions t> open new lodges—that of Ohri-tchurch South to he called the Loyal Volunteer Lodge, and that of the City the Loyal Benevolent Lodge ; they having complied with the necessary conditions, it was resolved that dispensations should be granted, thus raising the number of lodges to five in this district. The meeting then took into its consideration the establishment of a Widow and Orphans' Fund in connection with the order, when it was resolved that the further consideration of: the same be deferred till the next district meeting. Auditors having been appointed, the district accounts were audited and puss d, the report thereon showing a very respectable balance in favour of the district. Theiislrict officers having been nominated for the next financial year, and some routine business having been disposed of, the meeting adjourned. Pkize Firing.—No. 6 Company of the Rifles proceeded to the butts at Hillsborough yesterday, to fire off the following events viz: the return match with the Dunedin Artillery, and the match for (he Westley Richard's rifle [. offered by Lieutenant Hawkes. The former match was postponed owing to the wind

which began about 9 o'clock to blow a furious sou'-wester across the range; and it was intended also to postpone the firing for the rifle, but on the arrivaliof Lieutenant Ilawkee by the 2 p.m. train,! Captain Steward determined to proceed; with-this match. Ac* eordinglyi eighteen members of the company mustered on the range. TJje following were the conditions 'of the match: Each competitor to commence at 200 yards with loaded rifle, with cartridges in the service pouch, and caps in their proper receptacle, and fire.as many shots as possible in two minutes, then to double to the 150 yards range and continue firing until the expiration of four minutes from the time of his commencement. The following is the result of the shooting :—

Private Pringle was therefore declared the winner, having made a score of 15 points, which, considering the state of the wind, may be considered exceedingly creditable. Female Home Bazaar.—This bazaar will be opened at one o'clock on Monday next, and its arrangements will be as follows :— There will be one large industrial stall, over which Mrs. I. T. Cookson will preside, assisted by Mrs. Cass and Mrs. Harper, and many other ladies connected with the Home or interested in its success; and to the furnishing of the stall all the ladies above referred to have largely contributed. Mrs. Watts Russell and Mrs. Archibald Thompson will have each a separate stall. Mrs. Edward Jollie will furnish the tea stall, and Mrs. Cyrus Davie will be present with a collection of Christmas trees. Lyttelton will be represented by Mrs. Crosbie Ward, and one of the most remarkable objects in the bazaar will be placed under the care of this lady, assisted by others connected with Lyttelton. This is a large bee-hive, which the people of Lyttelton have constructed and presented, stocked with articles proper to such an industrial establishment. In the small Town Hall there will be a large refreshment stall, in charge of Messrs. A. Blakiston, Williams, C. Ollivier, and others, and it is proposed to add to its attractions those of some wizard-tricks and other amusements. All the brewing firms in the province have sent contributions to the fluid department of this stall, which they have most liberally supplied with ale and porter; and in stocking the other department the butchers have vied with each other iD presenting joints of their produce. The other provisions also are gifts from old colonists and friends to the institution. The bazaar will be kept open on Easter Tuesday, and with the help of Mr. H. Palmer and Mr. Prince the latter of whom has contributed a collection of coloured lamps, it is expected that in the evening the Town Hall will be a blaze of light, and be open for amusement on the second evening. The band of the Rifle Volunteers is to give its aid to the gaiety of the scene, and the Volunteers themselves have contributed largely to the array of fancy goods to be displayed on the stalls. Captain Wilson, who has already given much aid, has promised to have his galvanic battery in readiness to amuse all, and to shock as many are willing to test its powers. We have been informed that most of the work required to be done for the bazaar will be done either without charge or at half that usually made, and that certain old residents of the Heathcote Valley will give their services free, as cheque takers, watchmen, and other officials. Mr. Rutland and his band of workmen who are to fit up the stalls, will not be behind-hand with their portion of the work. Where all have contributed so liberally to further this benevolent object, it is difficult to specify particulars, and it would be invidious to mention more names; but all the I tradesmen of Christchurch have been extremely liberal with their contributions, and we may mention, for instance, that every dressmaker appears to have dressed a doll for the ! occasion, and some of them two, setting the I very height of the fashions. The whole of the arrangements for the bazaar/and the organization from first to last have been undertaken and carried out by Mrs. I. T. Cookson, whose energy in a charitable cause is not new to our fellow-colonists, and will not, we are sure, go unrewarded.

Colour Sergt. Morton... 6 shots 3 hits 8 points Sergt. Rule ... ... 9 „ 4 „ 9 „ Serg. Brass ... ... 6 „ 2 „ 4 „ Corporal Hislop ... 7 „ 4 „ 11 „ Corporal Grantham ... 7 „ 2 „ 6 „ Lance Corporal Ward... 9 » 3 „ 7 „ Lance Corporal Frew... 8 ,> 2 „ 4 „ Private Cunningham... 8 „ 4 „ 10 „ Private Coy ... fl „ 1 » 2 „ Private Gilpin ... 7 » 5 „ 12 „ Private Paton ... 9 „ 4 „ 8 „ Private Pratt ... 8 >, 4 „ 10 „ Private Gabbitea ... 7 „ 3 „ 7 „ Private Galloway ... 8 „ 2 „ 6 „ Private Pringle ... 9 „ 6 „ 16 „ Private Stemson ... 7 » 2 „ 6 „ Private Ballard ... 8 „ 4 „ 11 „ Private Jackson ... 9 ,, 3 „ 7 „