TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3568, 25 June 1872, Page 2

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Teachers’ Examinations.—The second quarterly examination of candidates for appointment as teachers under the Board of Education will be commenced by Mr Bostell, Inspector of Schools, to-morrow, and will be continued for three days.

Holt Trinity Church Avonsxde.—The Bev. C. Turrell, M.A., has conducted the services at this church for the last two Sundays. The congregation, which during the time the services were conducted by lay readers had greatly fallen off, is now increasing. On Sunday, notice was given that the Holy Communion would be celebrated on the first and third Sundays in each month.

The North Belt Plantations.—Considerable damage has been done to the wire fencing of the plantations on the north town belt. A portion of the fencing near the Carlton Hotel is down, so as to afford free. ingress and egress to horses and cattle; the turnstile, at the end of Montreal street has been pulled up and lies on the ground, and some of the elm trees have been much damaged. Wesleyan Church, Leithfield.—A meeting of the building committee was held on the 21st inst., at which the Bev B. Bavin presided, when it was finally decided that a section of land which has been selected in the centre of the township, should be purchased forthwith ,* that certain plans and specifications should, subject to sundry alterations, be adopted ; and that public tenders for the erection of the building should be advertised for at once. The new building, when completed, is intended to seat about 150 persons, and will supply a want which has been felt for a long time by members of the Wesleyan body in this district. The greater part of the estimated cost has already been contributed, and with additional effort on their part, the committee are sanguine that the building fund will be considerably augmented by the time the church is open for public worship. Fine Arts.—Two water-colour drawings by Mr Fredk. Burchall, comparatively a recent arrival in the province, may be inspected at Mr Firth’s shop, High street, and not without some pleasure. Although it is impossible to judge Mr Burchall’s skill with any degree of nicety from two pictures, still there is sufficient in those under notice to carry conviction that he is far from a novice in the art. “ The Mill at the Corner,” a rather heavy bit of Normandy scenery, is much better than its companion, “ The Needle Bock and Cave,” a study in Jersey, but we should like to see more of Mr Burchall’s productions before entering upon a criticism. In the meantime it is sufficient to say that those we have noted are ef a promising character. Whilst on this subject it may also be observed that Mr F. Cousins, recently returned to this province from Australia, has also turned his attention to water-colour drawings, and has already produced two or three very nice pictures. Church of England Cemetery, Lyttelton. —The consecration of the cemetery took place yesterday by the Lord Bishop of Christ | church. The announcement that the cemetery was to be consecrated, no doubt, took a great number of persons by surprise, the impression being that it had been consecrated years ago, but we are informed that circumstances beyond control have been the cause of the delay until the present time. The day was anything but propitious, a drizzly rain from the S.W. set in, or no doubt the number present would have been much larger. The Lord Bishop arrived at the cemetery gates about 2 o’clock, and was met by the IteV P. Knowles, Messrs Donald, Bouse, Gibson, Graham, Taylor, and Flimmer, and about 80 of the inhabitants of the town. The Bev F, Knowles presented to his Lordship the petition numerously signed by the inhabitants. His Lordship having signified his consent, the service commenced by the reading of the 49th and 115th Psalms. After a short exhortation by the Bishop, the choir sung the 85th Hymn, and the procession went round the grounds. The benediction, by his Lordship, brought the ceremony to a close.

Courtenay.—An entertainment took place at the schoolhonse on Friday evening, June 21, the chief object being the raising of funds to pay off a debt still owing to Mr Poster (the Schoolmaster) who some months ago kindly advanced part of the purchase money, of the harmonium used for church service. The chair was taken by Mr J, D. Enys, M.P.C. The entertainment consisted of music, vocal and instrumental, by some ladies resident in the neighbourhood, and the Bev. P. Pember, Messrs M'Nee and Brown. Headings ware also given, viz. :—“ Jackdaw of Eheims,” and the “ Coronation,” by the chairman; “Lord Ullin’s Daughter,” D. Thompson; “ Tam o’ Shanter,” M‘Neo, senior; “ Selection from Nicholas Niokleby,” and “ The Jumping Frog,” by F. G. Steadman, the National Anthem of course finishing the proceedings. The chairman at the conclusion spoke a few words on the new Education Ordinance, and contrasted Courtenay present with his reminiscences of it ten years ago. Ho expressed his pleasure at hearing so good an entertainment, advising the people to encourage talent among themselves, so as to enable them to back up others who came from a distance to help them. The Bev. F. Pember also spoke on the subject, And expressed his willingness to help on any future occasion, as he considered the meetings must enlarge people’s minds, and do good generally. The Volunteers.—The usual monthly inspection of the head quarter volunteers was made by Col. Pocko at the Drill Shed last night. Considering the very inclement nature of the weather there was a very good muster, the Artillery Engineers and City Guards being most notable in this respect. The Cavalry band under the leadership of Herr Biinz, was in attendance, and previous to the J ‘ fall in ” played a series of popular airs. The usual inspection manoeuvres, so far as compatible with the size of the building, wore gone through, and the men acquitted themselves in a very creditable manner. On their termination Col. Packo proceeded to present the Cavalry attendance prizes for the past year, as follows : —First prize, £5 —Sorgt. M'Guinncss; second prize, £3—Trooper Cohn; third prize, £2—Trooper Anson. In doing so ho paid Sorgt. M'Guiimoss a special compliment for his regular attendance, stating that ho had not missed one parade during the period for which (lie prizes were given. After the distribution of the prizes the battalion drill was suspended, and the corps were exercised by their respective commanding officers. This plan of working independently within view of each other appeared to have a very good effect both on officers and men, for a much greater degree of smartness was shown than at the ordinary company parades. The plan is one that could bo followed with advantage at every general muster of the . ttalion.

Thk Melanesian Mission. Private letters received in Auckland state that the Bev. John Selwyn, 'ion of the Bishop of Lichfield, is likely to, join the Melanesian Mission.

Educational.—lt is notified in a recent issue of the Otago Provincial Gazette that 100,000 acres of lamlin the Waitaki district have bosh set apart os an endowment for the Otago University. AgbicuxtUSAl.—ln its report of a grain and seed show, recently hold at Riverton, a Southland contemporary says :—Of the variety known as Providence oats, it is stated that over 20,000 bushels were harvested this season in the the produce of a parcel of four ounces, imported from Scotland through the posYofflce a few yeirs ago. Si. Albans Wintbe Entertainments.— The first of the winter series of entertainments under the management of the St. Albans Mutual Improvement Association will bo given in the, course of next week. Mr J. T. M. Smith has; charge of the musical portion of the entertainment, and a good programme is in preparation. Otago; Land Laws. —ln a recent Dunedin exchange, it is stated that 25,000 acres of land, namely, 17,500 acres in the Kakanui Hundred, 3138 in Awamoko Hundred, and 4134 in the Marewhenua Hundred, have, on a resolution of the Government, approved of at a meeting of the Waste Lauds Board, been thrown open for sale at 10s per acre, upset price. 1.0.0.F.,M.U. —The annual meeting of the Lyttelton District Branch of this Order was held on Saturday. The district was reported to be in a good financial condition. The following officers were elected: —W. Bailey, G.M.; E. W, Roper, D.G.M.; P. G. Hobbs and Sowden took the Purple Degree; N. G. Kerr took Past V.G. Degree; and J. Hobbs was elected auditor in place of E. W. Roper, retired by rotation. Papandi Ploughing- Match.— The first ploughing match in the Papauui district will be held to-day, in a paddock on the North road forming part of Mr Munro’s farm. The prize list is, exceptionally good, for not only is the money given by the committee in excess of what is usual at competitions of this kind, but there are also more extra prizes than will be generally met with at ploughing matches. The natural result has been to attract a goodly number of entries of tried men, and the land being very suitable to the purpose, a successful match in every respect is anticipated. The conventional dinner will be held at the Sawyers’ Arms Hotel, in the evening. Benefit Congest.— 'The preliminary arrangements for the concert, intended to be given for the benefit of Mr H. Poore are progressing very satisfactorily, every indication being given of a first-class programme being submitted. The, musicians and vocalists of Christchurch have answered readily to the appeal, and much more talent will in fact be available than can be used. Amongst the performers will be the Orchestral Society, M. Fieury, Mr Coombes, and the best amateur vocalists in the city. The Christys, whose performance is to constitute the second part of the programme, are also to be augmented for this occasion only by Messrs Button, Philips, Rowley, jun., Precce, and J. S. Dunlop. Peeseeved Meat.- It would seem that one of the chief causes of colonial preserved meat being viewed with less favour iu Britain of late, is that bad meat, prepared in Britain, has been passed off as colonial. An Edinburgh paper of March 16 says : —ln proof of the growing popularity of Australian meat in Great Britain, it was stated'by Lord Alfred Churchill at a meeting in the London Tavern on Saturday, that the value of the sales in this country amounted last year to £500,000. There is no doubt that the large quantity of so-called Australian meat which is notoriously manufactured in this country has injuriously affected the sale of the real article; but this is an evil which the adoption of a few simple precautions on the part both of the Australian companies and of the public ought speedily to overcome. Congest. —The first of a series of grand concerts, announced by Mods. Fieury, was given in the Oddfellows’ Hall last night, but was far from being the success that was anticipated. Musically speaking, there was nothing to declaim against, indeed quite the reverse was the case, but in the very important matter of attendance, the experience of the evening was exceedingly unsatisfactory. It is true the leather was very much against the concert —being of a most miserable character—but even with every allowance for this, the paucity in the attendance can scarcely he excused. Mona Fleury’s reputation as a musician should be sufficient to attract a good audience under almost any circumstances f more especially when it is known before hand that he has obtained the assistance of the very best of our local talent. What makes the matter still more important is, that Mons. Fieury is an artiste who would be unquestionably an important acquisition as a permanent resident and member of our musical societies. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the remaining concerts of the series will be patronised iu a manner something like commensurate with their merits. The programme last night was necessarily more of an instrumental than of a vocal character, but it was none the less-acceptable on that account. The programme opened with the overture, “ Zampa,” by Mons. Fieury and Herr Biinz (prima violins), Messrs Button and Philips (violin secundus), King (piano),Rowley (flute), Triphook (clarionet), Tankard (euphonium), Coombes and Gardner (cornets), Spensley (violincello), Thompson (bass), and Seager (drums). It was played exceedingly well, never better in Christchurch, and but for the clarionet being a trifle out in the solo part would have far surpassed any previous performance of it here. Mr Long sung “ Keep your powder dry,” but it was not in his best style, and fell rather flat on the audience. Beethoven’s sonata, “Andante No 2,” was played by Mons. Fieury (violin), accompanied by Mr King (piano), in very fine style, and with beautiful expression. The duett “ Norma,” is a very good selection for comets, enabling the instruments to show off, and full justice was done to it by Messrs Coombes and Gardiner. Each played his solo well, but the duett portion “ Mira O Norma,” and the allegro following were much better. ■ The accompaniments were also very well played, an encore was very deservedly demanded, and the last allegro movement was given in response. Mrs Long sung “ Kathleen Mavourneen,” but she was not so good in the upper notes as we could have wished, indeed they were not a little interior to her lower notes. It must be conceded however that she sung very sweetly, and the encore awarded her was deserved. “ Leah ” was given in response, and not being so high, it suited her voice admirably. Airs from “ Lurline,” played by Mons. Fieury, was a very enjoyable piece of instrumentation, and loudly applauded. “ The Last Man,” a very difficult song, was sung by Mr Merton, but being rather beyond the range of his voice, he was not quite so successful as is his wont. The Drum Polka (Jullien) by the band, which concluded the first part of the programme, was spoiled by the drums being played too loud. The second part was opened by Jullien’s “ Polonnaise,” a very pretty thing of its kind, which was well played by the band. Mrs Long rendered the Italian song " Yoi che sa peti ” very well, but the instruments were a trifle too loud. Haydn’s quartette for stringed instruments, by Messrs Fieury (primo violin), Biinz (violin sccundo), King (viola), and Spensley (violoncello), was beautifully played throughout, the violoncello solo being particularly effective. Mr Merton sung “ Friend of the Brave ” very well. It is just suited to his voice, and he made the most of it. The instrumental acompaniment was also very effective. Beethoven’s “ Allegro No. 5,” by Mons. Floury, brought forth a fine pice of violin playing. The tone was extraordinarily rich, and the bowing that of an accomplished master of the instrument. A selection of national airs, arranged by Mons. Fieury, and named “ All nations,” was played by the band, and brought the concert ,to a close. The selection is not quite so general ns it might bo, being principally French, with only one Russian, “ The Russian hymn,” and (hushing with “ God save the Queenbut they wont very well, and formed a good finale to the concert. Mr King played all the accompaniments on the piano, and deserves notice for the very excellent manner in which he acquitted himself. Taken as a whole, the concert was a decided success, and those who were absent missed a treat.

St. Albans Wesleyan, .Circuit.— The quarterly meeting ;for the ftiiAfljianß circuit will bo held on Monday next, comtaoncing at half-past two o'clock in the afternoon. Enioutbtown.— A sinking class, with the ultimate object of a choir, is about to bo established in connection with the Knight* town Wesleyan church, unde* 1 the able tuition of Mr J. T. M. Smith. The first practice will be held during thopreaent week. Wilson’s Bridge, Waltham. The Hcathcoio Hood Board would do well to direct their attention to the state of the bridge across the river Hcathcotc, at Waltham, generally known as Wilson’s bridge. The planking is loose, and there has been more than one narrow escape from a serious accident. 1

Peospecting. —The ranges at the back of Mount Rochfort, near Westport, are being thoroughly prospected for auriferous quartz reefs, which are believed to exist in that quarter. Inangahua Reefs.—The coal used in quartz-crushing operations at Inangahua costs £l2 per ton. Handsome returns will be required from the reefs, to cover such nn expenditure as this. Work ing Men— AW orking Men’s Friendly Aid Society has been formed in Auckland. Its objects are stated to bo to afford mutual us sistance in sickness, and to form a burial fund. The subscription is 2s a month. Taeanaki Iron Sand— The San Francisco News Letter says : —‘ The Taranaki sand, N.Z., is supposed to be identical with the famed beach sand of California. It is now used in the manufacture of the finest quality of steel, and emery paper for burnishing metals.’ The Scandinavians. Referring to the Scandinavian emigrants, the Wairarapa Mercury says:—“We can recommend no trip more enjoyable than one to the new settlement above Masterton, where the immigrants are working. Englishmen may see many a worse example for them to follow in the way of road making, and Englishwomen will learn many useful lessons in the way of keeping their homes tidy, with every disadvantage to encounter, and many ‘ wrinkles ’ in the culinary art. We notice that almost every householder there has a spinning wheel in her possession, and we expect that we shall shortly see some home-spun stockings, &c. produced by them.” Meteorology. —The Southland News of June 15 has the following :—“ Our Bluff correspondent writes: —‘ A singular meteorological phenomenon occurred here on Thursday night. During one of the heavy squalls, accompanied with sleet, a light, resembling a ball of fire, with a bluish red colour, was seen at the extreme point of each of the spars of the vessels lying at the jetty. The same phenomenon was exhibited on the tops of many of the trees on Bluff Hill. Sailors give the name of ‘ corbizants ’ to these lights. It is the first time they have been seen by the residents, but I understand their appearance on vessels’ yards and mast heads at sea in heavy gales is no unusual occurrence.’ ”

Peeseeted Meats.—Mr P. U. Giedhill, of New Plymouth, has allowed the Taranaki Herald to make the following extract from a letter he has received from Halifax, Yorkshire: —“I bought a six-pound tin of New Zealand preserved meat, and I never wish to have any better. It was bought at a grocer’s shop. It was as fresh as if just cooked. Every grocer in Halifax sells it. I enclose you the label taken off the can. You have no need to be afraid to breed cattle when you can send it here in such good condition. Many tons of it are sold in this town every week.” The label is from a tin of boiled beef, and has on it —“ New Zealand Meat Preserving Company’s Works, Long Bush, Southland; Timaru, Canterbury; Kakanai, Otago.”

Another Coalfield. —Dr Hector has been on a visit of inspection to the coal beds at Ngakawhao, near the Duller mouth. The Westport Times has authority for stating that the favourable opinion formed by him on his former cursory examination of the locality, has now been amply confirmed; and his report to the Provincial Executive will doubtless be eminently favourable. The area now held by the prospectors comprises twenty acres of coal, exhibiting a thickness of 16 feet, and all easily workable. Upon a very moderate computation, this will yield 200,000 tons of coal, and beyond this area coal outcrops are found for a long distance up Mount Rochfort. The facilities for a shipping are all that can be needed—deep water, and abundance of stone for building wharfs or piers. The prospectors intend sending coal almost immediately to the Westport market, where, at anything like a moderate price, it will command a ready sale. We hear that the price at the Ngakawhao will be ten shillings per ton.

Costs in Resident Magistrate’s Courts, —The Wanganui 'Herald has the following:— The monstrous amount of costs in which suitors are mulcted in Magistrate’s Courts in town and country is cause of much dissatisfaction. According to the Wairarapa Mercury, at Greytown, on Thursday last, the Resident Magistrate pointed out the enormous amount of expense which had been incurred in a case that was then being adjudicated upon. A debt of £lO had been incurred, and judgment had been given for the full amount; defendant neglected to pay, and a cow was seized, which did not realise the full amount; defendant still neglected to pay the balance, and be was proceeded against under a clause of the Resident Magistrates’ Act, 1868, generally known as the “ Debt Fraud Clause.” The case was heard on Thursday, and the amount was paid, but the defendant was rather astonished when he found that the costs amounted .to £8 7s 3d, or nearly the amount of the original debt. Verily, Chancery is nothing to it. Fiji.—The Auckland correspondent of the Otago Daily Times writes :—“We have Fiji papers here to 10th April, via Sydney. I glean from those which have reached us, that Mr Thurston has been returned by Taviuni .as its member, at the head of the poll, and in face of strong opposition. The cutter Volunteer was seized while under the English flag, by the Admiralty Court of Fiji, and advertised for sale, apparently to And means of liquidating claims upon the vessel made for wages by the crew. The captain protested, declaring the vessel was owned by his brother at Tanna, and placed the vessel and himself under the protection of the Consul. The Consul prohibited the sale, but it was to have proceeded in defiance of his prohibition. On the officers of Government attempting to remove the Volunteer from her anchorage, they were opposed, and, after a severe scuffle, driven off by a detachment from the Protection society. Fortunately no firearms were used on either side. Ultimately, the Government agreed to keep the case open till the arrival of a man-of-war, and the Consul prohibited any British subject from further interference. A Mr Craig, charged with illegally detaining in his service a girl who wished to leave, had a writ presented from the Court, which he tore up and treated with great contumely. On this he was arrested, but being a member of the Protection Society, they released and tried him themselves, finding him guilty and expelling him from the society. So far the proceedings have, under the circumstances, been orderly, but signs are apparent that the struggle has lasted long enough. For example, the friends of Craig treacherously seized at night, and tarred and feathered Dr Eyley, who had given evidence against him. This has aroused great indignation on all sides, and a now body is enrolled to keep the peace, and pledged to punish aggressors, bo they whom they may. Fortunately, the settlers of Fiji are of an unusually high class ,of men, as a rule. They consist chiefly of planters and others wiio have a considerable stake in the country, and have always been aolc to put down any attempt at rowdyism oven on the beach at Lovuka. I know that this statement will startle many who have the idea that Fiji is the Alsatia of the colonies. It is, nevertheless, true, and those who know the country know also that the colonial rowdies who have from time to time visited the islands have not been able to find cither a living or a comfortable location among the settlers, and have been forced either to leave for other islands, or to live wretchedly among natives in the out-districts where white men were little known. The weight of taxation, which is one of the chief complaints, is falling heavily on the natives, and said to be exciting discontent among them.

Fisu Cultuuk in Califoenia. —ln Cali-' fomia the great importance of fi»h culture is recognised by the State. The State Commissioners of Fisheries in a recent report, estimate that the area of inland bitys and fresh water lakes in California adapted to fish culture exceeds 650 square miles. In addition, nearly 100 streams from the coast range of the western slope empty into the Pacific, and several hundred water-courses unite in the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. The whole forms a most remarkable water surface and when properly stocked with fish will bo a source of revenue to the State ranking next to its agricultural and mineral resources. The importance of the development of the State fisheries, it is olleged has not been properly appreciated, but enough has already been accomplished to guarantee the most complete success. The commissioners have undertaken the work as a labour of love, receiving neither fees nor salary. The present Board, in their report, enter into the subject of fish culture at length. The immense area in which the fish may bo propagated, the manner of keeping the rivers stocked, the best quality of fish to be introduced, artificial hatching, the way to preserve the water pure, and various other details arc minutely set forth. The Legislalature has placed 5000 dollars at the disposal of the Commissioners, to be expended in fish culture.

Lawlessness. —The lawless condition of affairs existent in the Indian territory of the United States is illustrated by an account published in the Fort Smith New Era, Arkansas, of a terrible affray at the Genoa Snake Courthouse. It occurred “ between Deputy United States Marshals Owens and Peavy, and posse, and a party of Indians and half-breeds, partisans of a desperado named Proctor, who was on trial at the court-house for the murder of his wife. One of their number (Bent), a Cherokee, went up to the door to reconnoitre. As soon as Proctor’s friends, who were in force inside, saw him, and who were evidently expecting the posse, they opened fire upon the marshal’s party, who wero halted a few yards from the court-house. The attack was so sudden that seven of the party were killed, nearly all at the first volley. The remainder returned the fire, and some of Bent’s friends inside the court-house also commenced firing, and for several minutes a regular battle raged inside and outside the courthouse . The judge presiding received a load of buckshot in the knee, and the sheriff was killed outright. The prisoner escaped with his friends. Three of the Indian party were killed, aud.l7 or 18 on both sides were wounded. Deputy-Marshal Owens was killed. Peavy escaped, and sent a messenger out here for assistance, and a force of 30 mounted men left here for the scene of trouble. A demand has been made upon the authorities for assistance in capturing the murderer.”