TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 4620, 4 December 1875, Page 2

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Volunteers.—A general inspection will be held on Thursday next. A.O.F. —A summoned meeting of tho Court Star of Canterbury will be held on Monday. Cheviot Election.—Mr Leonard Harper offers himself as a candidate for election to the seat for Cheviot. Kaxapoi Mayoral Election.—Mr G. H. Wearing was nominated yesterday, as a candidate for the office of Mayor. Peesettebian Assembly.—The Assembly will open this evening. Yisiting ministers will preach in the Presbyterian Churches tomorrow. Certificated Teachers’ Association.— The usual monthly meeting will bo held in the Durham street schoolroom, on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 12.30 p.m. , E-aiapoi Athletic ' Sports.— A public meeting of persons interested in getting up Sports at Kaiapoi daring the present season, will be held in the Borough Council Chamber on Tuesday evening next. Drainage Board,—Mr T. D. Jones has received a requisition from 387 residents in the South-east Ward, requesting him to come forward as a candidate lor representing that, part of the City on the Drainage Board, and ho has consented to do so. The Mayor will offer himself for the North-east Ward, but as yet there are no candidates for the North-west and South-west Wards. Paper Mill foe Otago.—Tho Easby, on her trip South, had on board the machinery for a paper mill to be established in Dunedin. The machinery was made by Chapman, Bros,, of Sydney, and came over in charge of Mr Lynn, who has been engaged by the promoters to superintend the erection of the mill and manage it when erected. The machinery has been safely landed at Dunedin. Lyttelton Dramatic Society.—A meeting of tho Committee was held in the’ Colonists’ Society’s Committee room, on Thursday evening. After discussion, it was resolved that, on the completion of the erection of the new proscenium,., it be inaugurated by an entertainment, the first part to consist of music, followed by a Spelling Boe, and concluding with a farce. The entertainment will take place in January next.

Foresters’ Fete.—A meeting of the Committee was held on Thursday evening; Bro W. R. Hobbs in the chair. It was reported that Richardson’s show was ready for use, the canvas covering and scenery having all been obtained. It was resolved that about £4,0 should be given as prizes in the. sports on the day of the fete. Some conversation ensued respecting the site, but no decision was arrived at. The Chairmen of the various siih-Oom-mittees arranged to meet en Saturday night to draw up a programme of the sports for the fete day, and to issue posters. It was unanimously decided not to agree to the amalgamation proposed by the Athletic Club. The Committee then adjourned. Little River Library.—A meeting of the Committee was held in the Library on Thursday evening last. Pressent—Messrs Robert Powrie, R. Shaw, W. Greenland, M, Fitton, and Thomas Holt. Mr Robert Powrie occupied the chair. A tender was received from Mr N. Walters, for a bookcase and matchlining the Library. The Secretary was instructed to ask Mr Walters to send in another tender. Mr Montgomery having forwarded report and plans as to drainage of the Lakes, it was resolved—“ That the best thanks of this Committee be given to Mr Montgomery for presenting to the Little River Library a copy of Mr Bray’s report re drainage of Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth.” After arranging for sale of papers, &0., the meeting terminated.

Gaol RETUHN.—The following is the return for the month ended Nov. 30:—Males—for trial at Supreme Court —Lyttelton,4; Timaru, 8. For trial at District Court—Timaru, 2. Hard labour—Lyttelton, 98; Addington, 47; Timaru, 16. Imprisonment—Lyttelton, 4; Addington, 3; Timaru, 4. Medical treatment —Lyttelton, 6. Lunatics—Addington, 2; Timaru, 2. Debtors—Lyttelton, 5. Total males Lyttelton, 117; Addington, 52; Timaru, 32. Females for trial at Supreme Court—Addington, 1. Hard labour—Addington, 34; Timaru, 1. Imprisonment—Timaru, 2. Medical treatment Addington, 4. Lunatics—Addington, 1. Total females— Addington, 49; Timaru, 3, Total in gaols— Lyttelton, 117; Addington, 92; Timaru, 35, Total discharges males Lyttelton, 18 ; Addington, 82; Timaru, 10. Females— Addington, 18; Timaru, 2. Totals—Lyttelton, 18; Addington, 50; Timaru, 12. Canterbury Rowing Club.—A meeting of the Committee was held at the Garrick Hotel, last night, when there was a good attendance of members. The business or the evening consisted of altering and adding to the by-laws of the Club, so as to make some of them more stringent than at present, which is very necessary in oases where they relate to the wearing of the uniform of the Club and in the use of boats. It was also agreed to recommend to the next general meeting that three new boats should be ordered from Salter, of Oxford, namely, a four-oar outrigger for training crows, and two more sculling boats after tho style of the Dart, the only sculling boat at present in the possession of the Club. During the evening, the following prizes were offered for competition on the dates mentioned:—Deo. 18 —Mr Douglas s, a Cup, one mile, for Senior Pairs, four crews to enter or ho race. Mr Blakiston’s prize, ono mile, for Pairs under 21, four crews or no race. Jan. 8, 1876—Mr Herdson’s prize, miles, double senile. Committee s prize, deciding heat for Junior Fours, under 19. Jan. 15—Mr Revan’s prize, one mile, for Fours under 21, winning at Herdsons. A general meeting of members will be held at Warner’s Hotel this evening. . ~ Concert ax Eangiora.—A concert, in aid of the fund for enlarging the Parish Church, was given in the Institute Hall, on Thursday evening last. Tho Hall was well reserved seats not being able to contain aU the ticket holders. The Bev Canon Dudley presided, and tho following programme was submitted, viz s—A march, piano, by Mrs Dudley; song, Mr Merton, “The Bridge; mental, Mr Packer; song, " Bide a wee, Mrs Peele ; song, Mr Johnston, “ Bonnie Prince Charlie; instrumental solo, Miss Fuller; song, “Bonnie Kate,” Mr Watkins; song, " The music of her voice,” Mrs W. Cuff i instrumental, MrH. W.Packer; song," Man the Lifeboat,” Mr Dorn; instrumental, Miss Fuller; song, “ Hark the clarion sounding, Mr Merton; song, Mrs Peslo, “The Harp in tho air;" song, “ Meet me once again,’ Mr Watkins; instrumental, Mr Packer; song, “ The murmur of the Shell,” Mrs W. Cuff; song, Mr Johnston, “For a’ that;” song, “The Monarch of tho Woods," Mr Dorn. This concluded the programme Which throughout was well received. Miss Fuller’s performances on the piano were so appreciated es to lead to on encore. Tho National Anthem was sung, and tho Rev Canon Dudley, on behalf of the Church Building Committee, returned thank* for the support which the public had given the concert, and more especially too performers, for their stare in assisting it, announced that another concert would be given in a month.

H.A.0.8 S.—lho quarterly meeting will bo held on Thuwday, Kaiapoi Election.—Mr BesWiok will meet the electors at Woodend on Monday, and at Eyretoa on Thursday. The Mayoralty.—lt is rumoured that Mr W. Wilson in to be nominated as a candidate for election as Mayor of Christchurch, Pigeon Match.—Tho next pigeon flying match, under tho auspices of the Poultry Association, will be from tho Ashburton to Christchurch, The date has not yet been fixed, Christchurch Election.—A meeting of the Hon E. Richardson's supporters will be held this evening In the Canterbury Music Hall. Mr Stevens will address the electors as follows: —On Tuesday at Knightstown, Feathers’ Hotel on Thursday, and Colombo Road School on Friday. Pbbshntation.—Yesterday the boys attending Bingsland School presented a testimonial to Mr Hill, who has been promoted to the Main School,for his successful mastership and uniform kindness during tho time they were under him at the Avonside and Bingsland Schools. The testimonial consisted of a handsome clock and pearl-handled knife. Theatre Royal.—There was a full house last night to witness the “School for Scandal,” produced on the occasion of Miss Colville’s benefit. The cast, with ono or two alterations, is the same as on several previous representations, and therefore requires no particular notice. To-night, “The Lancashire Lass ” will be repeated. Sudden Death of a Child.—A child, seven months old, the son of Mr Robert Bowbyes, tailor, High street, died suddenly yesterday. After being out for a time during the middle of the day, it was laid asleep in its cot, and shortly afterwards was found to be dead. The- child had always been delicate, and is supposed to have died from convulsions. Avon Election.—lt will be seen from pur advertising columns that Mr Rolleston has asked the electors of tho Avon to allow him to alter the day of bis meeting from Wednesday to Tuesday. We believe that this alteration is partly in answer to a request from a number of electors, and partly in consequence of Mr Richardson’s meeting on the same night in Christchurch. Narrow Escape from Deowhing.—A woman named Jane Lilly, residing at the Sandhills, had a narrow escape from drowning in the River Avon yesterday. She was walking along the river road with her husband and a man named Clements, when she either slipped or threw herself into the river near the Avonside Church. The two men were slightly in front of her, but on hearing the splash tamed back, and after some trouble succeeded in getting her out of the water. John Lilly informed the police that his wife had been in low spirits for some tune, and that he believed she purposely jumped into tho river. Fire.—The glare which was the cause of the Marketplace bell being rung yesterday morning originated from a fire on Mr T. Leathern’s property at Fendalltown. From inquiries made by tho police yesterday, it appears that shortly after one o’clock a.m. a man named T. M. Martin observed an unoccupied house belonging to Mr Leathern on fire, and though several other persons went with him, they were unable to save anything. The house contained six rooms, and was occupied by Mr Leathern until he removed to Tai Tapu some three weeks ago. A man named Welsh informed the police that Mr Leathern told him some time ago .that the house was insured for £l5O or £2OO, bat nothing definite eould be ascertained on this point.

Salmon Caught at Dunedin.—The Otago Daily Times of Dec. 1 says:—The utmost excitement was caused at Port Chalmers yesterday morning, by the rumour of tho capture of a real salmon in the harbour. At first, the report was pooh-poohed; where could the salmon have come from ? when none .had yet been acclimatised. This and kindred questions were put, until some one suggested that the Molyneux experiment of a few years ago might not have proved such a failure as was supposed, and regretted at the time. Next came the query, but where is the fish ? and then Mr lanes, of the fishing station as the Peninsula, Was said to have been the fortunate capturer of the veritable salmon, and inquirers dispersed in search of Mm. He was soon found at the Railway Station with basket in hand, containing the most beautiful fish that had ever been seen at the Port, and which was pronounced on all sides to be a salmon trout. A plump fish, fair to see, was the stranger, covered with silvery scales, and when measured and weighed was found to be twenty-six inches long, by seventeen inches in girth, and 10|lbs weight. The fish, carefully wrapped in a cloth, was taken to Dunedin by Mr Innes in the first train, and exhibited in the shop window of Mr Melville, fishmonger, Princes street, where it attracted quite a crowd. The fish wa^taken in a net just below Quarantine Island. Dramatic Suicide. — A strange suicide lately occurred at a picnic near New York. A number of gentlemen had formed a party to one of the suburban retreats near that City, among whom was Professor Doremus, a wellknown literary gentleman. By him was introduced to the company a young Italian artist, named Pietri Yaini, 'who had been attached at one time to the Italian Embassy. He was known in society as a romantic young man with a romantic and unfortunate history, wMch ha kept to himself. He was also known to be in good circumstances. Those of the company who recalled bis works, which found a place in the last Exhibition, remembered that they were generally of a sombre nature and upon- tragic subjects. After some time the pleasure-seekers fell to singing and recounting stories, when suddenly the young artist asked permission to recite a poem in Italian, but as all present were not thoroughly versed in that language, his request was not heeded at once. Professor Doremus, however, assured the company that it was worth while to bear him, as, in addition to being a good portrait painter, he was also an excellent elocutionist. On this suggestion, Signor Yaini was requested to give a recitation, and he eagerly and even impetuously complied. He stood, as he spoke, almost in the centre of the group, his listeners half sitting, half reclining on the turf, some smoking, others sipping their wine, looking up at him, interested almost from the first moment he began to speak, on account of the intense and earnest manner of his delivery. Every eye became fixed upon him as he proceeded, and it was soon seen that he was lost to all surrounding scones as he became absorbed in the recitation of the impassioned lines from Phffldra, which be had selected. As be spoke the young man, seemingly as an appropriate gesture, took from his breast a locket which he opened and kissed once or twice during the recitation. Most of those listening supposed the act illustrative of tho lines. Near the close of the recitation—in fact, while uttering the last sentence—he took from his pocket a small pistol, which he placed to his temple. Supposing this, too, to ne merely an illustrative gesture no one of the company endeavoured to interfere. But when, aa he uttered the final words, which, translated, read, " God, who jadgeth all things well, will judge this act of mine,” he pulled the trigger and fell instantly to the ground, the entire group sprang to their feet in horror or admiration. For so completely were most of the company desired by the acting that they began, at this tragic climax, to applaud, and one gentleman, entirely muled, cried out “ Admirably done I” while another exclaimed “Wonderful.” _ But Prof. Doremus who understood Italian and recognised how inappropriate were tho actions of tho speaker, instantly realised that a real tragedy had boon enacted. Exclaiming “ My God! he has really shot himself,” he ran quickly to tho body and raising Signor Yaini’s head found him still breathing. Tho now horrified group gathered more closely around and soon realised that the young man was rapidly sinking. The ball was found to have lodged in his brain, and if was evident that death must follow. Dr Ellis, a physician of New Rochelle, who was present, at onoe probed the wound from which a mass of blood and ■ brain waa oozing, and pronounced it fatal At half-past five, after lingering only a short time the wounded man died, fib reason has been assigned for the deed, the suicide not having uttered a word after firing the fatal shot. *

Exportation op settit eeom Ambbica'to England. —The Americans, says the Spectator, are trying to «end us fruit. The Ohio, which pm to leave Philadelphia for Liverpool on August 26, had on board 8000 orate*, equal to about a* many bushel*, of peaches, all grown in Delaware. They are to be kept by refrigerators in a temperature of about 86 deg, and will, it i* said, keep good for a length of time. If the peaches are nice—a point upon which we have heard two accounts—we heartily welcome the experiment, bat the Americans will have to be a little dogged about tho matter. Attempts to sell good cheap fruit in London are often baffled by the informal Trades Union which manages the Trade, and would rather destroy whole cargoes than allow the people to obtain cheap fruit. The Americans should open shops of their own, and even then the monopolists will buy up their poaches, and either sell them at double rates, or sell them rotten, to create a prejudice. Extinguishing a Fiebby Steam,— There are (says an English journal of a recent date) few requirements of the day more pressing than tho discovery of some simple and efficacious means for the immediate extinction of fire. It is, therefore, well worthy of note that the destruction by fire of a ship laden with cotton has been prevented by the application of steam. The Prairie Bird, with a cargo of cotton, took fire on her voyage from New Orleans to Liverpool, tho fire being apparently the result of spontaneous combustion. The ship was about fifty miles from Key West when the fire broke out between decks. Her hatches were battened down, all openings were stopped, and, with the fire smouldering, a run was made for Key West. There a steamer was brought alongside, and through a hole made in the deck a pipe was passed, and twenty-one hours’ steam was forced in among the burning cotton. When the batches were raised no fire could be found. The entire cargo had to be discharged temporarily, as it was found to be much heated. Two hundred! and seventy-nine bales were sent to New York for sale as damaged cotton. On re-shipping the undamaged bales they were found considerably swollen by the steam. The China Cotton Trade.— The United States Consul at Tientsin, in an official report to the Department of State at Washington, lately printed, laments over the lost cotton trade of America with China. “ Our trade,” he says, “ with China in manufactured cotton goods was once considerable and promising; but in a time of national misfortune that trade passed away to others, who secured and still enjoy its benefits,by the practice of downright systematic frauds. That countless tons of clay and other adulterations used by English manufacturers should be sold to the Chinese as cotton, with the aid of counterfeited trade-marks, is evidence of the shifts made by those manufacturers to retain control of a trade that does not naturally belong to them. Notwithstanding the difference in the price of labour in both countries, it seems anomalous that England should buy cotton of the United States, transport it across the Atlantic, and when manufactured send that same cotton in the shape of fabrics by a long and circuitous route to the consumers in China, when the same market is so much nearer and easier of access to the Unitod States, where the cotton originates. American manufacturers could certainly purchase cotton in the United States on the same terms offered by English manufacturers; and it would seem that the higher price for labour paid by the American manufacturers should be partly, if not wholly, compensated by cheaper transportation direct to China across the Pacific, while English goods would have to bear the additional coat of transportation across the Atlantic and a superfluous half of the distance from England round the Eastern hemisphere to China. If American goods could avail of cheaper transportation even now, it must be remembered that they could not at present compete in China with grossly adulterated and hence cheaper English goods bearing the same trade-mark. Walking Eight Miles in an Hope.— From Land and Water we find that a pedestrian named Perkins has accomplished this remarkable feat. He had previously tried the same performance, but gave up at the end of the sixth mile, having taken 46min 45aecs, to accomplish that distance. On that occasion he was certainly overstrained, and the cold, raw weather was greatly against him. Both Perkins and his backers felt confident, however, that he could perform the feat under favourable circumstances, and another match was arranged, time being backed for £IOO to £SO. The match accordingly came off at Lillie Bridge, when Perkins won with considerable ease, finishing the entire distance in 55seos under the hour, the best walking feat on record. This time everything proved favourable to him, and he came to the start in the perfection of condition, and started the favourite, 5 to 4 being laid on him, although the betting had all been in favour of time before he came to the ground. That great interest was taken in the result, was shown by the large number of people present, there being between 5000 and 6000 on the ground before five o’clock, at which time he was announced to start. At 5.35 he started, J. Riley accompanying him as attendant, but so fast did Perkins get over his first mile that Riley could not keep up with him. As will be seen by looking at the appended timing, the first mile was completed m a wonderfully short time, and Perkins appeared os fresh as when he started. Before completing his third mile he looked slightly heated, and was perspiring a little, but he soon recovered, and as he was backed to finish the four miles within twenty-nine minutes, he was doing his best. His backers had a close thing over this part of the matcb, as he only saved them by one second, the time of the four miies (half the distance) being '2Bmin 59aeo. He was now backed freely ‘at 2 to 1 on him, but his fifth and sixth miles were done in slower time. After this he increased his pace again, and walking very fairly, came in an easy winner with nearly a minute in hand. The excitement was very great, and ho was long and loudly cheered, as he came in, and ran up the Steps of the pavilion apparently as fresh and well as when he started. The crowd at Lillie Bridge contained a considerable portion of the rough element, but although there was a good deal of noise, there was no other disturbance.