TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 4619, 3 December 1875, Page 2

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Sblwtn Election,— Mr Eeevea will address the electors on Thursday next, not on Thursday week, as stated in yesterday’s issue. Lyttelton Election. —Mr H. P. MurrayAyaeley requests the electors of Lyttelton to meet him at the Colonist*’ Hall, on Friday Dec. 10. „ IxcusaiONS TO Akaboa Eeqatxa.— ln addition to the New Zealand 8. S. Co.’s e.s. Wellington, the Union Steam Shipping Company intend laying on a steamer, and ehould Captain M'Lesn’s new steamer, Akaroa, be ready in time, she will also be put on to convey excursionist*.

Fiji Exhibition.—This interesting exhibition was again open yesterday. It is well worthy a visit. Kaiapoi Mayoral Ejection.—Mr E.G. Kerr was nominated yesterday for re-election as Mayor of Kaiapoi. Theatre Royal.—“ The Lancashire Lass” was repeated yesterday evening with inarked success. There was a good house, particularly of country visitors. To-night, Mias Florence Colville will take a benefit, appearing as Lady Teazle in " The School for Scandal." Anniversary Sports.—As usual, these sports are exciting a groat deal of interest among local amateurs. A largo number are now in training for the various events, and the course on Latimer square is busy every evening with pedestrians of all ages and sizes. Local Industry.—ln a former paragraph, we referred to a vessel being built by Mr J. Grubb, on his slip, the building of which reflects great credit on the builder. So far as the hull was concerned, it was finished on Wednesday, at 6.80 p.m. On that day, the vessel was successfully launched, a large number of persons being present. The ketch was christened by Miss Grubb " The Agnes.” Lyttelton Mayoralty.—The nomination of a candidate for the office of Mayor for the Borough takes place on Deo. 9. For the information of the ratepayers, it may bo stated that any person duly qualified can nominate a candidate, and that such nominations, shall be deemed correct if signed by not less than three persons duly qualified to vote at the election and by the person so nominated as a candidate. It is rumoured that several candidates will offer themselves for election, and os the election itself will be similar to the election of Councillors, the contest will be warm. 1.0.G.T., St. Andrew's Lodge.—After the usual routine of business had been got through on Tuesday evening at the St, Andrew’s Lodge, a paper was read by Brother Duncan, 11 On the New Zealanders,” in which he dwelt at some length on 'their origin and mythology. He was listened to with marked attention throughout, and at the close of the meeting a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to him. It is the intention of the members of this Lodge to have initiation nights but once a fortnight, the other evenings to be given to the delivery of Papers, Essays, Lectures, &c. West Oxford Town-hall.—A public meeting was held at Mullins'Hotel on Wednesday evening, to take steps towards erecting a Town-hall in West Oxford. Mr S, J. Gamman was voted to the chair, A list of names was read of persons who had. promised to take up shares. About 350 had been applied for. An offer of a section for £2l made by Mr Simmonds, of Malvern, was considered. It was decided that the offer be accepted, and that a Public Hall be built on it. -A Working Committee was next elected. It was decided that the hall be named the Central Town-hall, A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings. Lyttelton Pubiicß uildings.—Although those buildings have not been taken possession of by the Government officials it is satisfactory to know that Captain Gibson, of the harbour department, has taken the initiative, and removed his office and that of his staff to the new buildings. The Postmaster, Mr W. Allwright, finding the rooms ready for his accommodation, intends, either to-day or tomorrow, to remove his office from the wretched place he now occupies to the commodious premises prepared for him. The hon E. Richardson paid a Visit, on Wednesday, to the buildings, and expressed his highest approbation of the way in which the works had been carried out.

The Mayoralty.—As the time for electing the next Mayor of Christchurch is rapidly approaching, the members of the City Council thought it desirable after the special meeting yesterday, to nominate one of their body as a candidate. After some discussion, a unanimous wish was expressed that the present Mayor would allow himself to be proposed for re-election. His Worship said he had not tho slightest wish to again occupy the position of Mayor, but if he felt it to be the wish of the Council and the citizens generally that he shonld do so, he wonld accede to it. At a later period, a nomination paper, signed by the whole of the Councillors, was handed in to the Town Clerk, and in consequence, a special meeting has been called for "Monday, for the appointment of a Returning Officer, as the Mayor, being a candidate, is rendered ineligible. Masonic. A lodge, under the Scotch Constitution, was consecrated at Lyttelton, last evening, under the title of the Canterbury Kilwinning Lodge. Bro F. W. Thiel, acting for the Prov. G.M. of New Zealand, 5.0., was installing officer, assisted by Bro J. Baylee, as Depute Master, and Bro J. Booth as Substitute Master. The ceremony of consecration and dedication being completed, Bro A. Taylor was presented and duly installed as First Master of the lodge. The following officers were then invested : Milne, S.W.; Hodge, J.W.; Duff, Treasurer; J. P. Parker, Secretary; W. Austin, S.D.; J.Dunlop, J.D.; F, Lindsay, LG.; —Zealander, Tyler. On the conclusion of the ceremonies, the Brethren adjourned to the Canterbury Hotel, where a most recherche supper was provided by Bro W. Burnip. The usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured, and after spending a very pleasant evening, the guests departed by the 11.30 train, wishing the new Lodge every success. A choir, consisting of Bros Hobbs, Bell, Hodge, and Walcot, with Bro J. J. Milner as organist, contributed greatly to the impressive rendering of the various ceremonies.

Oxtoed. —The annual Parish festival took place on Tuesday last. The weather being fine a great many people turned out to enjoy themselves. The gathering was as large as last year, but there were fewer visitors than on any former occasion. The first event on the day’s programme was the bazaar, which was well attended, and the whole of the articles went off by three o’clock in the afternoon. The amount realised from the bazaar was about £23, Tea was laid upon the table at four o’clock, and about 250 sat down. The tables were kindly provided and presided over by Mesdames Eenrick, Parish, Woolstien, Opie, Pearson, Lough, Comyns, Crowe, Moyer and one by the bachelors. After tea the younger portion of the community adjourned to the paddock for a game, which they seemed to thoroughly enjoy. The next part of the proceedings was the concert, which took place at the Drill-shed at eight o’clock in the evening, It passed off very well though not so successfully as last year. Mr Parish proposed a vote of thanks to all those who had assisted in getting up the tea and bazaar, which was heartily accorded. Mr Parish stated that the proceeds of the day amounted to over £SO. A vote of thanks was then given to the Chairman (Mr Higgins) and Mr Merton, of Eangiora, The National Anthem terminated the proceedings. Public Libeaet.— The books imported by tneDuke of Edinburgh for the Circulating Library were received ou Wednesday,and put into circulation yesterday. This is a great improvement upon the practice hitherto m vogue of keeping the books for two or three days before commencing to circulate them. The list of books is a very good one, and comprises Moore’s “Lord Byron," limb’s “Club and Club Life in London,” “ Old Shekarry Wrinkles ” &0., Bret Harte’s complete works, Molloy’s “ Eambles on French Biters, ’’ Holme's “ Elsie Yenner,” Oassel’a edition of “ Gulli-, ver’s Travels,” Virtue’s “ Our British Landscape Painters,” “Wodd’s “Trespassers,” B. Ohampney’s “Quiet Comers of England,” Philpott’s "King and Commonwealth," “ Among the Arabs and Life in the East," “Mark Lemon’s Jest Book,” Disraeli’s “Curiosities of Literature,” “ Spanish Pictures," E, J. 8. Whymples’ “ Scrambles among the Alps,” L. B. Day’s “ Govinda Samanta," Gorvine’s “ Commentaries on Shakespeare," Thackeray’s “Bluebeard Keys," Stephens’ “ Playground of Europe,” “Lite of B. Whateley,” Gallon’s “English Men of Science," Palmer’s “Desert of the Exodus,” W. Melville's “ Katerfelto,” Maine’s “ Early English Institutions,” Crowest’s “ The Great Tone Poets,” Sohlieman’s “ Troy and its Bemains,” “Diary of the Shah of Persia,” Sinclair’s " Sketches of Old Times,” Bird’s “ Six Months in the Sandwich Islands,” E. Ohatrian’s “ Brigadier Frederick,” Fothergill’s “ Maintenance of Health,” Do Morgan’s "Budget o! Paradoxes,” “The Great Army Sketches of Character ” Ac., Geo. GaakeU’s " Algeria as it is,” Winter’s “Curiosities of Civilisation,” Taylor’s “ Geological Stories.”

Deatnagk Ace.—Notices ' regarding the election of members will be found in another place. Lecture.—The Rev W, J. Habens will, on Tuesday next, deliver a lecture in the Oddfellows’ Hall, on Tennyson’s new poem " Queen Maw.” S. John’s Church, Hoeoeata.—A bazaar, in aid of tbe funds of the parish, will be held on New Years Day. "New Zealand Magazine.”—The first number of the New Zealand Magazine is definitely announced to be published on Jan, 1, 1876. Geneeal Assembly of the Peesbytbbian Church.—Owing to the detention of tho B.s. Eawea—carrying the Northern members—at Nelson, the opening of the Presbyterian Assembly is postponed until to-morrow evening. Christchurch Election.—The hon E. Richardson requests tbe electors to meet him at the Oddfellowe’ Hall, on Wednesday next. Electors interested in the return of Mr Ribhardson are invited by his Worship the Mayor to attend a meeting in the Music Hall on Saturday evening. Cricket. —A match, Leeeton v. Waltham, will be played to-morrow at Loeston, Wickets to be pitched at 10.30 a.m, Tho following players have been chosen to represent the Waltham Clubßeard, Biz, Thomson, Taylor, W. Frith, Terry, Frow, Hooper, Todd, Ball, Blanchard, and C. Frith. Fire Alarm. —At thirteen minutes past one o’clock this morning the Market Place fire-bell was rung two or three times, but on inquiry being made at the station, nothing could be ascertained except that a slight glare was visible in the direction of Fendallfcown. It is not known who rang the bell. None of the engines were taken out. 0.Y.0. —The first competition for the selection of men to represent this corps in the competition for the General Government prizes will take place on Deo. 16, and the second on the following Monday. None but those who hare qualified as efficients will be allowed to compete. The ranges will be 200, 250,300, and 400 yards, seven shots at each, standing at 200 yards, and any position at the other ranges. The minimum number 'of points required to qualifiy a competitor to represent the corps is 260, which is nearly an average of centres; therefore, no opportunity for practice should be lost. Christchurch Horticultural Society. —A special meeting was held last night; present —Messrs W. Wilson, Okudley, J. Low, Napier, Greenaway, Kennington, Allen, Allen jun,, G. A. Reade, Crooks, and J. Low. Mr G. A. Reads was appointed ( Treasurer of the Society in place of the late Mr G. Gordon j and the following resolution was also passed: —"The Society very deeply regret the loss of their late Treasurer (Mr G. Gordon) after very many years of a useful and active life spent in the best interests of the Society.” A resolution was passed expressing regret that Mr Webb’s name had been omitted from the list of subscribers. The meeting then closed. Lyttelton Gas, Coal, and Coke Company.—The lighting up of the town by gas was appointed to take place on Wednesday night, but owing to circumstances beyond the Manager’s control it was not such a success as it was thought would be realised. In enterprises like this, however sanguine might be the prospect, a slight hitch will sometimes mar the entire success, and this appears to have been the case. The gas on Wednesday night at the upper portion of the town had a good pressure, but the lower end was deficient. This, no doubt, was owing to the amount of atmospheric air in the pipes. Last night the gas was again tried in various parts with a better result, and there can be no doubt as to tbe complete success of the Gas Company.

Melancholy Accident at Leeston.— A ead accident occurred in Leeston, between 8 and 9 o’clock on Thursday morning last, to Mr J. M'Yinnie, foreman of Mr White’s timber-yard, near the Lake. He had driven to Leeston, to meet Mr White by the morning train, in a light dog-cart, drawn by a young horse just broken to harness. Whilst waiting at the station, the train passed, the whistle of the engine frightened the horse, and caused it to turn short round, capsizing the vehicle. Mr in trying to save himself, jumped out, and though clearing the trap, fell, and* broke ‘his leg very badly above the ancle. Mr Palmer, Station Master, happening to be present at the time on the platform saw the accident, and had the unfortunate man conveyed immediately to the Dispensary, where, after due attention had been paid him by Dr Ohapman, who found that Mr MWinnie’s leg had sustained a compound fracture, he was taken down to the Christchurch Hospital in the goods train by Mr White. Lyttelton Colonists’ Society,—The usual monthly meeting was held on Wednesday evening. Dr Bouse (President) occupied the chair. Correspondence was read—Prom Dr Macdonald, asking leave of absence, and stating that Mr Parr had informed him that Tobin’s system of ventilation could be fitted at a moderate cost. Prom Mr J. C. Boddington, asking leave of absence, and calling attention to the way the papers were arranged. The matter was referred to the Library Committee, Prom the Lyttelton Times and Press, declining to supply their papers gratuitously to the Hall. Mr Joyce, Treasurer, staled that the Society had to their credit £lO7 3s 8d; receipts for the past month being £l3 19a fid. Accounts amounting to £45 10s fid were passed for payment. The Secretary said he had not been able to see Mrs Burt on the subject of supplying the Hall with papers and periodicals, and, in consequence, he had not ordered the new publications which it had been determined to subscribe to at the last meeting. On the motion of Mr P. Cunningham, seconded by Mr P. Graham, it was resolved—“ That the resolution with regard to procuring papers from Mrs Burt be rescinded.” With respect to procuring placards stating objects of readingroom, &c., it was resolved, that the Secretary see to the matter at once. The following report of the Building Sub-Committee was read: — The Sub-Committee beg to submit, for the approval of the Committee, the following suggestions 1. That the tender of Mr Bose, scenic artist, for completion of proscenium, renovating scenes, &c., for the sum of £2B 9s, be accepted. 2. That six of Tobin’s ventilators be fixed in the Hall, at a cost of 12s each. 3. That the plastering of the walls be repaired where requisite, and the walls be papered and varnished throughout; and that the windows be frosted, and those made to swing be air-tight. 4. That eleven forms, with backs, be altered in height, and stuffed, seated, and backed, at a cost of £1 each. 6. That six of the present forms be fitted, at a cost of 7s fid each. 6. That all the said forms bo stained and varnished. 7. That the woodwork be re-varnished throughout. 8. That the chairs now in use be transferred to the reading-room. 9. That in consequence of less risk from fire by gas being laid on, the question of additional exit be allowed to remain in abeyance, 10. That an additional music-stool be procured. The President moved, and Mr H. B. Webb seconded, the reception of the report, which was carried. Clauses 1,2, and 3 were passed. Clauses 4,5, and 6 were struck out, and a resolution that 100 chairs be procured for the Hall at a cost of 6s each was carried. Clauses 7,8, 9, and 10, after some discussion, were carried. Respecting the insurance of the building, the President stated that through the gas being laid on in the building, the premium had been reduced 10s. The following report of the Library Committee was read as follows“ Your Committee suggest that a counter, forming three sides of a square, be erected in the Library, and that shelving be placed wherever available space exists on the walls of.the Library and under the counter, leaving space for entrance. That all debris at present in the Library be cleared away, and space be made for new books expected to arrive, and also the classification be deferred until the arrival of the said books.” Mr Nalder complained that he had received no notice to attend the. Building Committee. It was resolved—" That the Librarian be instructed to calljmeetings of Sub-Committees the same as pppinary meetings.” It was resolved—“ That in future no decorations be affixed to the walls by nails." In reply to Mr Edge asking permission to remove works of reference for the use of schools, it was stated that the President only hod this power under certain conditions. The meeting then adjourned.

Bast Oheistohuboh School Oommittbe. —A special meeting of the Committee was held in the lower vestry of the Congregational Church, Manoheeter street last mght. Present—The Hey. W. J. Habens (Chairman); Messrs (J. 0. Yeel; J. S. Williams, Kirk, Bray, and J. P. Jameson. Mr Leach, the Bate Collector, attended, with a list of persons who applied for the remission of rates. The list was duly considered by the Committee. Mr Longhrey, head master, brought up a list of extra materials required for the main school. It was decided that, the materials shoold.be purchased. MrLoughrey reported that the attendance at the main school since it was opened had been as follows Monday, boys 316, girls 232, infants 280, total 828; Tuesday, boys 387, girls 235, infants 285, total 857; Wednesday, boys 329, girls 242, infants 300, total 871; Thursday, boys 315, girls 210, infants 290, total 851. The total number on the roll was stated to be 922, consisting of, boys 356, girls 257, and infants 809. The Chairman reported that on the first day of opening the main school there were only 63 children In attendance at Bingsland, but now there are 128, the increase being caused by children, after they had entered at the main school going back to the Bingsland school. Some discussion ensued as to the best means for stopping this, but ultimately it was decided to leave the matter in abeyance. Mr Longhrey was requested to report at next meeting upon the best form of absentee note for.the various schools. It was decided to have an extra row of desks in each of the lower front rooms at the main school. A letter was read from the Minister of Education, asking the Committee to allow Mr Lougbrey to examine all the schools in the District, according to the standard. It was reported that Mr Longhrey had already commenced to do this. Another letter was read from the Minister for Education, giving a large amount of information respecting the household and building rates levied iu the District; also sanctioning the purchase of clocks for the main school; and stating that an allowance would be. made to Mr Longhrey for rent at the rate of £SO per year. It was reported that Mr Kimball’s tender for furniture for the infants’ department at the main school had been accepted. It was decided the blue gum trees should be planted on the South and West sides of the Bingsland school site for shelter. An alteration of the fall pipes at the South town belt school was sanctioned with the view of preventing the rain-water from flowing -under the buildings. The estimates for the Education Department for works in hand was agreed to, but those for new works were postponed. It was decided to modify the arrangements for lavatories at each end of the main school, with the view of providing for a master’s reception room at one end and a Committee room at the other. Mr Mountfort recommended that tenders should be called privately for the work, but the Committee decided in favour of public tenders. Applications were received from Mies Caygill for appointment as teacher; from Mr J. B. E. Taylor for appointment as third master of the main school, which was postponed for consideration; and from Mr W. G. Parsons, a supernumerary pupil teacher, for a permanent appointment as such, and it was decided that the first vacancy should be offered to him. A letter was read from the Bev E. A. Lingard calling attention to certain repairs required at S. Luke's schoolroom, lately in the occupation of the Committee, and Mr Jameson was authorised to have them carried out. The Committee then adjourned.