TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 4451, 20 May 1875, Page 2

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Olive Beanch Temple, 1.0.G.T. —A special session will be held this evening. A Late boy named Charles Mardon, who . was kicked by a horse and severely injured at Bangiora on Saturday last, is out of danger, and progressing l favourably towards convalescence. -

Peovincial Scholabships. —The time for receiving names of intending competitors for the provincial scholarships expired yesterday, and the total number to hand at 4 p.m. was 98, comprising 67 boys and 31 girls. The total number last year was 74, all boys. The examination in the three junior classes Will commence on June ,2, and for the senior , class on June 9. ! ;: 1 Sudden Death.— -A sailor named John Black,formerly a seaman on board the Tintern Abbey, from which' vessel he had lately been discharged, fell doWn' dead oh Norwich Quay, Lyttelton, yesterday at 4.20 p.m. It appears the deceased was seen walking, in front of the hotel for over an hour before the sad occurrence took pluoe. 1 At’the time mentioned, he was seen to stagger and fall from thp pavement into the road. The deceased, on being lifted up on the pavement, only gave two or three short gasps. ■Dr Macdonald was quickly on the spot, and he pronounced the man dead, expressing ah opinion, from the appearance of the face, that a fit of apoplexy was.the cause of decease. Revision of Electoeal Bolls.— Oh Tuesday last, Mr B. J. Lee, Revising Officer, held a Court of Revision with regard to the electoral rolls of Christchurch East and West. In Christchurch. East there were 148 new claims, eight of which were objected to, and the objections sustained. There were 113 old claims objected to, of which' .102 objections were sustained. Christchurch West—New. claims, 132; objected to, 9; allowed,.?; 1 old claims, 137 objected to, 131 objections allowed. Yesterday the Avon and Heathoote rolls, were revised, with the. following, result: —Avon—46 new claims; objected to and objections allowed, 7; 99 Old claims objected to, and 94 objections allowed. Heathoote—--71 new claims; objections, 3; objections allowed, 2; old claims objected to, 110; objections allowed, 106. Dbutbohbb Ybbbin. —A meeting of this society was held yesterday evening at Barrett’s Hotel. - The meeting was called to take' into consideration the desirability or otherwise of the. society taking advantage of the Government system of Industrial Life Assurance. The Secretary stated that, according to the statement of the Government Actuary, the funeral fund of the society could be pud over (for eaeh member) to the Government' Life Assurance office, and that if snob, were done the relatives of any member at his death would receive a far larger, amount, than any society yet gives, and that all the responsibility of meeting these payments' would lie with the Government. After some discussion, it was decided that it was unadvisable to come to a hasty decision on a matter of so great importance; it was therefore resolved to have the proposal further considered at the uext meeting of the society. .

Certificated Teachers’ Association. — A special meeting wUI be held on Saturday next. >:[ l; , ;'■"; I ..j Theatre BOyal. The “ Bed Pocket Book ” was repeated lest night to n very smell .house. i •; ■■

Ea ngioea Horticultural Society.—-A meeting will be held et the soid Board office on Tuesday next. \ Ohbistqhvbch Stxbf(.eohaßß9,—The programme for the steeplechases, to be run on Friday, July 16, will be found in another column.

Tradesmen’s Athletic Club.—A general meeting of members was held yesterday evening, at the Garrick Hotel, Mr Davison in the bhair. It was resolved that the programme of - the sports to be published on the Sports’ Day should include the names and colours of the various competitors. It was also decided to call tenders for selling confectionery on the ground, and to secure the services of a band. Messrs B. W. Millett, W.O. Maxwell, David ion, M’Niool, and Oogan, were elected members of committee. This concluded the business of the meeting.

Woodbnd Wesleyan Sunday School.— Sermons in connection with the anniversary of this school were preached by the Eev W. H. Beck on Sunday lost to large congregations. The tea and public meeting took place on the following Tuesday, when a large company eat down to a well-provided tea got np gratuitously by Mesdames Bickers, Ayers, Little, Salkeld, and Griffiths. The church was tastefully decorated with ferns, evergreens, and flowers, and was well filed with auditors in every part. The chair was occupied by Mr Salkeld, who delivered an appropriate address, and called upon the Secreta ty, Mr S. Ayers, to read the annual report. From this ib appears that there are 147 children upon the* roll with an average attendance of 118; 16' teachers, with an average attendance of 12. The income during the year had been £l9 7s Bd, and the expenditure £lB 2e 6d. The proceeds of the present anniversary amounted to £ll 4s lid. Mr Thomas Wilson\Tiad been re-elected Superintendent, and Mr S. Ayers,; Secretary, Mr Skevington, Superintendent ofl the Waikuku branch. The meeting was then addressed by the Have H. Bull, P. Fairclougfa, W. H. Beck, and Mr Thomas' Wilson. The'; proceedings were much enlivened by the; special pieces aang by the children under the! leadership of Mr 8. Ayers ;Mr R. Turner! presiding at the harmoniam, The customary votes of thanks were then carried by acclamation in favour of the ladies, the choir, and the Chairman, and the meeting closed with the; benediction. i

Yeteban Yoluktebbs.—A preliminary meeting of those interested in the formation of a corps of old volunteers in the province, was held at Warner’s Commercial Hotel last, evening. Owing to the weather, and other meetings being held in which many of those intending to be present had to take part, there was only a moderate attendance j but a large number were enrolled, and many more named were promised. As the matter at present is only in emlryo it was agreed that there should be a free discussion on, and several valuable suggestions were thrown out. It was urged that the title “ Yeteran Corps” was objectionable, as many efficient men who had servedonly for afowyears ; in the Regulars or in the Yolunteers would be glad to join if a less exclusive title was adopted, and ultimately it was agreed to; alter the title to “ The Reserve Corps.” Mr S. Manning was then voted to the chair, and ex Sergeant Woodford, 0.8. Y., was elected as hon. sec. The first resolution formally agreed to was with respect to the title of the corps as above, and the second was to the effect that the term of service, in any service which should be required to make any one eligible for election in the Reserve Corps, should be determined by the committee and a provisional committee (including seven old volunteers) with power to add to their number, was then appointed to arrange the. matter referred to in the above resolution; to draft rules and regulations for the general working of the corps; decide on the uniform to be worn; the place for drill, Ac., &0., with a request to report to an adjourned meeting, to be held on Thursday next. The latter day was fixed, with the view oi snaUing residents in Lyttelton and Kaiapoi to attend if they desired. . . Chuboh Mbktikq at LihcoXiK.—A meeting of churchmen of the Lincoln, Springston, Thi Tapu, and Green Park districts, was held | at the schoolroom, Lincoln,! on Tuesday last, to consider what steps should be taken to obtain a residence - for the -Rev H. Stocker, incumbent of the districts, ip. a more central put of the district. The meeting was fairly attended, all the different districts being represented. ,On the motion of the Rev A. F. O’Callaghan, seconded by Mr J. G. Ramsay, the chair was taken by Mr Richard Wright, churchwarden for the Lincoln district. The Chairman said he presumed they all knew that they had met that evening to make arrangements for a residence for Mr Stocker in a more central part of his cue, and he thought they would all agree that Lincoln was the most central and most convenient place for the clergyman to reside. Besides this, it was necessary for Mr Stocker to remove from Burnham, on account of the health of Mrs Stocker, the doctors having recommended a change of residence. The Chairman then read a letter from the most Rev the Primate, enclosing printed regulations and conditions on which the Church Property Trust would assist in building a parsonage, and asking to have an estimate forwarded as to what amount of stipend could be raised in the . various districts. He (the Chairman) might state that he had seen Mr C. F. Payne relative to leasing 1 his house at Lincoln, and that gentleman had consented to lease it for a term of three years. It would be for the meeting to decide whether they should erect a parsonage or lease a house as a residence for their clergyman. The Rev A. F. O’Callaghan said, it seemed, to him that they were bound to find a home for Mr Stocker immediately, otherwise they would stand a great chance of losing Mr/ Stocker , altogether. However anxious they might be to erect a parsonage for theif clergyman, he thought they must secure a residence while the house ■ was being built, he begged .to move—“ That it is the opinion ofrthismeeting tbat immediate steps should be taken so. that the services of the Rev H. Sto'cker should be retained for the district.” Mr J. Gt, Murray (Greenpark) said he had great pleasure in seconding.the motion. The motion was carried unanimously. In answer to a question, the Chairman said that there" ‘was no suitable reserve near, that would answer for a parsonage to be built on. It was resolved that , the Chairman and the Rev A. P; O’Callaghan form a deputation to wait upon .Mr Pyne to ascertain whether he would let his house for one year instead of three yean. The deputation proceeded: toMrPyne’s residence, and upon their return ' stated that,. that gentleman had acquiesced in the wiehof the meeting, and had agreed to lease the housefor the time required. A committee, confuting of Messrs Wright, Murray, O’Callaghan, Sluis, Hurst, Beaumont, Wm, Miles, junr., and B, Townshend, were appointed to collect subscriptions to pay the rent of the house. The Rev A. P. O'Cal- ' laghan said he had no doubt but that the Church Property Trust would pay part of the rent, if the district raised the balance. After some discussion as to the desirableness of erecting a parsonage during the next twelve months, and also as to the beat site, one offered by the Chairman on the Blleamere Junction rood, near the Lincoln township, being generally ‘ considered the most suitable place; it was resolved that a; committee, consisting of Messrs Wright, O’Callaghan, Beaumont, ' Parson, J. G. Murray, C. Eimber, H. Trott, Charles Eimber, John Brooke, and Champion be appointed to canvas the district for subscriptions towards the purchase of a site and tbe.building of a parsonage at Lincoln, also, to take names for subscription for the stipend guarantee fund, and to : report to a meeting to be held on Tuesday, Jane 1 at the schoolroom, at 7 p.m. j A ; subscription list was then banded round the room, when £B6 XOs was subscribed. 1 A vote of thanks was accorded .to the Chairman forpresiding, which he (the Chairman) acknowledged, saying he was exceedingly glad to see that the meeting had been so unanimous in their actions that evening, and he had no doubt that they would soon be able not only to boast of a psrtonsge, but they would see : their way blear to buud a church in township .of Lincoln. The meeting adjourned.

Stas of tb« Easy L0d0a,16,G.T., Ashboeton.—This lodgeheld ,its usual weekly meeting at the Übrary Ha3l,"'on Saturday .last, Three new members’were initiated, and thefollowing officers were then installed for the enauiug quarter Meikleham, W.OT.j Bro Watkins, Wiw.T.s Bro Piokford, V%jO. i Bro Scott, W.T.V'Bro Meldrum, W.B. (rs-elooted) j Bro W. Turton, W.P.S. (rei Bro Boutley. W.M.; Bro King, W.D.M.; Bro Allan, W.I.G.j Bro Greenaway, W'.0.0t. ; {sister Crutch, W.8.H.5.; Sitter Bobinson,'W.L.U.S.; Bro Price, W.A.S.j Bro St Bill, taking hie pl£oo as P.W.O.T. The installing officer being Bro Elston, D.G.W.0.T., lodge deputy. It must be a source of pleasure to members of the Order, and to many not member* of this Order, that this up-country lodge, dating its; birth iesa than a year ago, already numbers fifty subscribing members. A small library; for the distribution of temperance literature has been established in connection with the lodge, and : it is intended to celebrate their first anniversary by a soirie and concert on May 24, when assistance from several Christchurch friends will be afforded at the entertainment. Fbieston Wesleyan Chitboh.— The anniversary tea and public meeting in connection> with this church, was held on Tuesday evening last, when there was a large attendance, the church being crowded to excess.' Tables were provided by Mesdames Phillis, Turner,! and Donald, and Miss Turner. The usual; public meeting was held afterwards, and! presided oyer by Mr J. Q. Walker of Christ- j church. Sir Turner, treasurer, then reported; that the debt on the churCh, which at last; anniversary stood at £65 6s Sd, by special; subscription made by some of the friends,! together with the proceeds-of the present j anniversary, had now reduced to £20,1 which he hoped sooiTtp see cleared off. In the course of the evening, earnest and able! addresses were delivered by Messrs J’; Q, Walker, Elmsley, Luxford, Mitchell, and' DawsOn. The choir of the Papanui church i sung in the course of the evening, the anthems, i . “ God will arise,” “ Thou, O God; are full of ! compassion,” “As the hart panteth,”/ “If ll , were a sunbeam,” and “How beautiful, upon i the mountains,” which were very heartily j applauded by those present.. Votes of thanks; were passed to the choir, the ‘ladies * who provided the tables, and the Ohairman, The! doxology was sung, and the benediction; closed this very pleasant and successful anniversary celebration. Pbesbytbbian Synod.— The Synod reassembled in the vestry of St Andrew’s church at 11 a.m. yesterday. After an hour had been spent in devotional exercises, the order of business for subsequent sittings was arranged. Several matters were partially; considered, when the Synod adjourned - till! 3 p.m. On assembling at this hour, a deputetion attended from the Presbyterian. Church: Extension Association, consisting of Messrs; Higgins (president), W. Dymock, and White-; law. They addressed the. Synod on the work ■ done by the Association hitherto, referring to the number of ministers introduced through its instrumentality to the province, and stating that during the past year several ministers had received settled charges, leaving only one ! at the disposal of the Association,; and-even he was likely to be settled in a short time. In this manner the Association had been increasing the congregations, and promoting the work of the church in the province, and if properly supported hoped to do a great deal more. They had written home lor more ministers, and the deputation hoped the Synod would recommend the congregations to support the Association; Several members of the Synod spoke in support of the Association, and the matter was then adjourned for further consideration until the evening sitting. The Bev A. F. Douglas tendered his resignation as clerk of the Synod. .On the motion.of the Bev 0. Fraser,, seconded by the Bev G. Barclay, the Synod accepted the resignation, at the same time recording their thanks to Mr Douglas for the manner in whiok he had discharged his duties. The Bev A. F. Douglas then proposed the Bev N. B. Campbell as clerk of the Synod, which was secoiged and agreed 1 to. '. The Synod proceeded to consider a memorial friom the congregation .of Staffordtown, Westland, countersigned by the Bev W. Hogg, asking the Synod ~to sanction the establishment of Stafford as a separate charge in the Presbyterian Church, and to appoint and declare .Mr Hogg its minister. After sonse discussion; it was resolved on the mdtion of the Bev W. Gillies, “ That the Synod hare heard with much pleasure of the success of Ur Hogg’s labours at Stoffordtown, but inasmuch as thb releasing of him from Boss, And his settlement at Staffordtown are matters belonging to the Presbytery of Westland,the Synod cannot interfere unless the'Presbytery refers the matter to it.” The Synod then adjourned and met again at 7 p.m. The Bev C. Fraser moved—“ That the thanks of the Synod be tendered to Ur Barclay, the retiring Moderator, for the excellent sermon preached before the Synod.” The Bev W. Douglas seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to. The Bev Charles Fraser next moved for the consolidation and progress of the church, and for the avoidance of litigation, that the title deeds of the various properties of the church should be in due form ; the Synod of Canterbury hereby appoint the following committee, to examine into the condition and terms of the several title deeds of church property within the bounds of the Synod; and where title deeds, are not in existence, to see that immediate steps be token to obtain the same, and to report theron to the next meeting of Synod, viz. Messrs Fraser and A. F. Douglas, ministers; M'Dowal and J. Cameron, elders; Mr Fraser, convener.” The motion was seconded by the Bev W. Gillies, and agreed to. The Sabbathschool committee’s report was then called for. The Bev 0. Fraser said the members of the committee resided so far apart that a meeting hod not been held during the past year. He suggested that a small committee of gentlemen residing near at hand should'be appointed, and.urge.d the advisability of establishing a Sandayjchpbl Union, _Qpe.or two othejunem* hers r spoke in favour of the latter, bat several opposed it on the ground that' While the Canterbury Sunday-school Union, wqa inexistence, a separate one for the Presbyterian schools was undesirable. It was ultimately reaolved—“That a Sabbath-sbbqol committee be appointed to report upon'the present state of the Sabbath-schools in connection with the church ; ministers being instructed to give all information required, by the committee, and that the committee be instructed to send the scheme laid before last Synod for the establishment of a : Presbyterian Sabbath School Union, to the various Presbyteries in order that the latter might'send it to ministers or kirk sessions for conference thereon with Sabbath school teachers and others interested work; and that the reports of the result of such conferences be sent into the committee to be laid' before <the Synod at its next meeting.” ’ The motion was carried the Beverends Fraser and Free, Messrs Camerop, M'Dowal, Gavin, and Jaimes Eoberteon being appointed to constitute the committee. The subject of the Synodical Sustentation fund was next taken up. Messrs Dymook and A. Don can were beard as representing the committee in charge of this subject, who explained that, partly owing to the absence of Mr Duncan from Canterbury, nothing practical had yet been done, and urged the appointment of a' new committee. On the motion of the Bev W. Gillies, seconded by the Bev 0. Fraser, it was agreed—“ That the old committee be discharged, and that the following gentlemen be appointed a committee to take the subject into consideration, with full power to ask for all the information they might require, vis., Messrs Higgins, B. Sutherland,: M'Dowal, Cameron, Gavin, Dymook, and Duncan.” Mr Gavin, as a member of the Church Exteneion Association, referred to the necessity for the erection of more churches ,in the city and its vicinity. The Bev 0. Fraser moved—“ That the Synod cordially thank the deputation from the Church Exteneion Association for their presence and interesting information, and express their high appreciation of the Association’s work, and warmly recommend the cause to the various congregations," The proceedings were then closed with prayer. It should be said that the members present at yesterday’s meeting who did not answer to their names on Tuesday, were the Bevs J. W. Cree, W. H. Horner, and W. M'Gregor.