TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3572, 28 June 1872, Page 2

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

The San Fbancxsco Maid.—The Nevada, with the southern portion of tha mails, left Wellington at a quarter past nine yesterday morning, and under ordinary circumstances is due in Lyttelton about three o’clock this morning. As, however, the weather has been unfavourable, she may be a little later. Arrangements have been made for sending a special train through for the mails at 3 o’clock. , The Nevada will remain in Lyttelton till after the arrival there of the 8.30 train from Christchurch.

Benevolent Aid Society.—The secretary desires to acknowledge the following donations : —From Mr W. Pratt, £5 ; Mr A. Whincop, £5 ; H.J.L., 10s.

The Museum.—We are informed that Mr Frederick Chamberlain, a Canterbury runholder, at present in England, has just sent out a fine collection of coins to the Museum. St Vincent de Paul.—The last entertainment given by this society, resulted in a clear profit of about £ls. The next entertainment will be given on or about the 22nd of July.

Town Hall Company. A meeting of shareholders was convened at Spensley’s hall, at 2 p.m., yesterday. The representatives of the Press were informed that the proceedings were of a private nature. Educational.—ln reference to a report which appears in another column, it will be seen that the preliminary steps are being taken to bring the new Education Ordinance into operation in the Borough of Kaiapoi.

The Domain.—The house which the Government wisely decided to erect in the Domain for Mr Armstrong, the head gardener, is now rapidly approaching completion. Many advantages will accrue from Mr Armstrong residing on the spot, and he is to be envied, not a little, on the very commanding and attractive position which the house occupies. Planting on the Noetheen Railway The Government purpose carrying out a similar system of planting on the Northern line of railway to that adopted on the Southern line. Mr Armstrong proceeded al®ng the line yesterday for the purpose of deciding what portions to plant during the present season, and no doubt active operations will be commenced within a few days.

Lowee Heathcote School.—ln consequence of the increased attendance at the Lower Heathcote school, tenders have been invited for additions to the present schoolhouse. They will consist of an additional class-room, 30ft long, by 18ft wide, due provision being made for warming, ventilation, a verandah porch, and a small room for depositing the children’s cloaks and hats.

The Melbourne Intercolonial Boat Race.—The proposed intercolonial four-oar race at Melbourne, does not appear likely to be a success. The Sydney Rowing Club, in response to an invitation to take part in the race, have replied that the date selected will clash with their own intercolonial regatta, and, that being the champion oarsmen of the colonies, they think that any race for the colonial championship for the ensuing season should be rowed in Sydney waters.

Post and Telegraph Offices. The buildings to be used as Post and Telegraph Offices at the Waiau township and the Hurunui, are approaching completion. Both buildings are from designs by the Colonial Architect, and were framed in Christchurch. The one for the Waiau is the work of Mr Fuhrnmnn, and that for the Hurunui is by Mr D. Reese. Suitable accommodation is provided in each for the postmaster, who will also be telegraphist, together with post-office,operating and battery rooms. These offices will be suitably fitted and furnished. Woodend. —A meeting of the householders was held at the Wesleyan schoolroom on the 26th inst., to consider the advisability of forming Woodend into an educational district, under the Ordinance of 1871. About twenty were present, Mr M. Thompkins being in the chair. It was resolved that it was advisable to bring the district under the educational Ordinance, and a temporary committee was elected to fix the boundaries for the proposed district, draw up a petition to the Board and obtain signatures. After a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting terminated.

An Unfortunate Occurrence. — We understand that a son of Mr Gould, farmer, near Pleasant Point, in the Timaru district, whilst employed digging in the garden, which is swampy soil, turned up a very large and perfect moa’s egg, but unfortunately, from an ignorance of its value, broke it. The egg was the largest ever found, and quite perfect, and the loss to science is very great, as may be gathered from the fact that there is only one real egg known to be in existence, and that is in a European museum, for which, although partly broken, it was purchased at a cost of £lls. Dr Ilaast has written to Mr Gould with a view to procuring the pieces of the broken egg and re-uniting them. It is t* be hoped that ho will be successful.

S. Michael’s. —Mr Robert Parker has been engaged as organist and choirmaster of S. Michael’s Church, and will enter upon his duties at an early date. The art union in aid of the Chancel Fund is attaining very formidable dimensions indeed, and the tickets are selling with a readiness which promises the realisation of a very handsome sum towards the erection of the chancel. The improvements to the exterior of the church have been continued, and the grounds have now a very neat, well arranged appearance. The painting or total removal of the boll tower from its present conspicuous position is now about the only matter requiring attention to give full effect to the bold, handsome design of the church.

Supreme Court.—His Honor Mr Justice Gresson will sit in Chambers at 11 o’clock this morning.

Eooxdall.—The match to be played in Cranmcr Square, to-morrow, will be Past Collegians v. the Club. Play will commence at the usual hour.

Eanoioha and Oxford Railway.—A public meeting is announced to be held at the Road Board office, Rangioia, on Saturday next, at 7 p.ra., to bear the reply of the Resident Minister on the expediency of having a railway through the town. An All-England Eleven.—By the Australasian of April 15 it would appear that the Melbourne Cricket Clubs have on their own responsibility undertaken to invite a team of gentlemen cricketers to visit the Australasian colonies, and trust to after arrangements for obtaining the co-operation of other clubs. In a circular addressed to the various clubs with the object of securing such co-operation it is said that “ The committee appointed at the late special general meeting of the Melbourne Cricket Clubs for the purpose of inviting to the colonies an eleven, composed of the most celebrated English gentlemen cricketers (including the renowned W. G. Grace) have every reason to believe that the instructions forwarded to their agent in London, by the last mail, will result in the arrival in Melbourne next December, of an eleven comprising the best gentlemen players, with probably three or four crack professional bowlers and a professional vricket-keeper.

Courtenay. A public meeting was held at Watson’s Half-way House on Saturday, the 22nd inst., for the purpose of considering the best means to adopt for the erection of a church in the Courtenay district. On the motion of Mr Potts, the Rev. 1C Pember was voted to the chair. The rev. chairman dilated for some time on the great benefit that would arise from the erection of a church in a central position, and considered the time had arrived when an effort should be made for so good a cause. After some discussion as to the probable cost of a building, a committee of the following gentlemen was formed, viz. Messrs Anson, Potts, Gunien, Turner, Lord, and Watson, with power to add to their number, to canvass the district for subscriptions and to report progress in a month. At a meeting of the committee held afterwards, Mr T. H. Anson was voted to the chair, and the chairman was requested to communicate with the Bishop with reference to the site, &c. Arrangements havir. g been made for the canvass of the district, the meeting adjourned for a fortnight. It is gratifying to remark that on a subscription list being opened, the amount of £SO was forthwith subscribed.

City Guards. The half-yearly meeting of members -was held in their orderlyroom last night, when there was a large attendance, and Captain Hawkcs presided. The minutes wore read and confirmed. The chairman reported that the funds of the corps were in a flourishing condition, and said it was with considerable regret that he had to announce the resignation of Color-Sergt. Clarke. Sergt. Clarke had been one of the most regular attenders at the parades, and would in every tespect be a great loss ; but as he was leaving Christchurch, he had no other resource but to resign. The meeting then proceeded to the election of non-commissioned officers, with the following result; —Sergt. Fountains to be Color-Sergt.; Corporal Gidliver to be Sergt.; Privates Ashby and Malcolm to be corporals. The committee for the ensuing six months was also appointed, to consist of Colour-Sergt. Fountains, Sergt. Edwards, Sergt. Gulliver, Corpl. Malcolm, Privates Smith and Strange. It was stated that the bearskins for the corps were shortly expected to arrive from England, and the minimum height to be observed in admitting recruits being submitted for consideration, it was resolved that the old standard of sft6in be adhered to. On the motion of Private Strange; seconded by Lieut. Wolfe, the retired Colour Sergeants of the corps—A. Clark, W. H. Rule, and T. Brass—were elected honorary members of the corps for life in recognition of the valuable services they had rendered to the corps. The subject of the annual ball being mooted, it was resolved to hold it in the some time during the month of August, and that every endeavour should be used to mate it a success, a result which, judging from previous experience of the corps in such matters, is sure to be attained. A proposal that the prizes won by the corps in shooting competitions—including the two Mayor’s cups—and the good attendance prizes, should be presented during the evening of the ball, was unanimously agreed to. A vote of thanks to the retiring committee, and a similar compliment to the chairman, then terminated the proceedings. Moeeaki Downs.—A public meeting was held last Saturday evening at Messent’i Hotel, to take into consideration the recent rise in the prices of blacksmiths’ work—especially in this district; and, also, to take steps towards forming and starting a smiths’ shop on the co-operative system. The meeting was to commence at half-past seven, but the chair was not taken till after eight. Mr Thomas Howson was voted to the chair, and explained to those present the object for which they had met that evening. Mr J. Free moved the first resolution, as follows:—“ That this meeting is of opinion that a company be formed, on the principle of the Pioneer Steam Threshing Company, for the purpose of starting a smiths’ shop in this district.” Mr Ruddenklau seconded the resolution, and said he would not like to see the poor “ cockatoo ” plucked the same as the poor birds, the geese, in Germany, where they take off all the feathers, and leave only the down. (Laughter.) His opinion was that the blacksmiths up here would like to take both the feathers and the down. (A Yoice : What was the price of feathers there ?) He said that the feathers were of more value than the geese. (Hear, hear, and cries of “ Oh.”) Mr W. Dobbs said he would like to see more farmers present before they decided on anything definite. Mr Garland hoped that the present meeting would be adjourned, in order that more notice should be given to the public. Mr Bowick then explained to those present, the reason of the recent rise iu the price of blacksmiths’ work. He said that they were wrong in attaching the blame to the smiths for the rise, for they seemed to forget that iron had risen to such an extent that they (the smiths) in order to live and pay their way must of course charge more in proportion for their work, and he hoped a reduction would take place, as soon as the price of iron would admit. Mr J. Hodgson said he did'nt know, but thought the smiths were too well paid as it was before. Mr Garland said that one set of heeled shoes, weighing 81bs, and nail* for them, cost two shillings, and that the blacksmiths mad* a clear profit of 6s on each such set. Mr Bowick informed them that it could not be done, and that the best way of knowing the price of articles was having to pay for them, as he had to do. (Hear, hear.) Mr J. Hodgson said, millers, shoemakers, and saddlers were well paid. (A voice : How do you know that saddlers are well paid ?) He was certain smiths are too well paid. Mr Garland then proposed “ That this meeting be adjourned for a fortnight, and that it be advertised in the newspapers.” Mr Dobbs seconded the motion. The chairman then declared the meeting adjourned till that day fortnight. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

Intercolonial Free Trade. —Though the South Australian Register appears to be acquainted with the contents of the Karl of Kimberley’s despatch on the question of intercolonial free trade, it has not yet published the document, which it describes as a voluminous one. Referring to the despatch, tha Register says ; —“ It enters at great length into the arguments submitted at the last Intercolonial Conference, and subsequently in memoranda from Ministers in the various Australian prouuccs upon the subject of differential duties, and invites a further discussion of the subject. Earl Kimberley, who writes in an exceedingly courteous and conciliatory spirit, urges that it would bo bettor for the colonies to adopt the policy of free trade, which has been found so beneficial in Great Britain, but makes no attempt to dictate the course that should be pursued. In effect he withholds his decision upon the subject of differential tariffs and the right of fche colonics to make fiscal arrangements with other states until ho hu heard additional arguments.”

Tempkkascb. —The Otago Daily Times of Juno 22, soys: —The Sons of Temperance, Antidote division, No. 78, held their adversary soiree in the Wesleyan Hall last evening, the Rev. Thomas Boseby, M.A.,LL.8., Deputy Most Worthy Patriarch, in the chair. There ■were about 300 present, and the room was decorated in a really tasteful manner. After tea there was an address by the chairman, in which ho stated that the first meeting of the society was held on the Bth February, 1871, so it had now been over 15 months in existence. The number of benefit members on the roll was 115, and of honorary members 11, making a total of 126, and the amount of cash in hand, clear of all liabilities was £2-10. The chairman spoke of the peculiar benefits attaching to societies founded on the Total Abstinence principles, illustrating his argument by comparative statistics of the Sons of Temperance and other benefit societies. He drew attention to the fact that divisions of the order had been organised during the last few months at Christchurch, Oamaru, Waimate, and Timaru, and urged upon the audience the importance of joining heartily in the present agitation for the passing of the Permissive Bill.