TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLV, Issue 4717, 29 March 1876, Page 2

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Registration of Votes. —Persons interested are reminded that Friday next is the last day for registering votes, and that Mr Buck, Hereford street, is still receiving claims.

Timaru Breakwater, The Timaru Herald understands that the Public Works Office in Wellington is at present engaged taking in out estimates for the Timaru Breakwater.

Education Rates.— Rather an amusing incident occurred in the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday. During a case for the recovery of education rates, a complaint was made of the manner in which the notices were served, and his Worship said he knew, from personal experience, that faults existed. On March 2, a notice was served upon him to the effect that if he did not pay the education rate on or before March 1 legal proceedings would be taken for its recovery, and when he asked the person who served the notice for an explanation of this irregular proceeding, the reply was “ 1 don’t know anything about it; lam from the South of Ireland.” It is needless to say that a loud burst of laughter followed.

BailwaylAccidbnt at Ranqioba.— When the 7.45 a.m. down train from Christchurch to Ranglora reached the latter station yesterday, it came into collision with the Amberley train which was standing at the platform after having transferred its passengers, and the violent shock threw most of the passengers off their seats, and slightly injured some of them by driving, their heads against the sidea.of the carriages. No serious injury was inflicted, however, and a good many of them Were more frightened than hurt until they ascertained the cause of the accident, and. were liberated from the train. Subsequent inspection showed that the buffers of the engine were completely broken by the collision, and the plates of iron in front were broken and bent. The accident was caused by the undue speed at which the Christchurch train was driven up'to. the platform. The slippariness of the rails, which were wet, preventing the brakes from gripping, did not make it easier for the engine-driver to mend matters. The collision would have been much more severely felt but for the presence, of mind shown by the driver of the Amberly train in reversing his engine as the other train came up. This somewhat broke the shock, and did no injury to tho Amberley engine. The usual signals were given, and the principal portion of the blame is due to the driver of the Christchurch train for not approaching the platform slowly, ' When the bad provision: made for trains arriving from both ends of the line and running up to a short platform is considered,, the. drivers are certainly to be excused for any slight hitch that may occur, but the safety of the public ought to be sufficiently important to make tho railway authorities either erect a, platform On each side of the line or lengthen the present one'. The Traffic Manager, accompanied by the Provincial Secretary and Secretary for Public Works' wont to Rangiora yesterday by the imd-day train to enquire into the whole matter, with a view of preventing such an occurrence in future.

Acclimatisation Society. The agnal monthly meeting of the Council was held yesterday afternoon. Present—Messrs Johnston (in the chair), Wallace,. Parr, Bird, Lieut-Colonel Packe, and Dr Campbell. A letter was read from Sir Oracroft Wilson, stating his inability to attend the present meeting, A letter was received from the Provincial Secretary, covering a letter from the Domain Board, asking whether the Council had any objection to the Canterbury Hunt Club catching the hares in the Domain. The Government were in favour of their doing so. Sir Oraoroft Wilson forwarded his opinion to the Council, which was to the effect that the'hares ought to be driven to a wider area by dogs which were unable to catch them. The Secretary was instructed to reply to the effect that the Council were taking steps in the matter. A letter was read from the Napier Acclimatisation Society, stating that they had already made arrangements for the introduction of salmon ova from San Francisco. The Society imported some hst year, and the ova arrived in good condition. Several letters wore read applying for trout, Ac., to most of which supplies had been forwarded by the Secretary. The following gentlemen were nominated as rangers for his Honor’s approval; —Charles Dill worth Fox, Eakahu; James Bell, Tiko Bay, Banks Peninsula; Charles Percy Cox, Mount Somers ; and James Johns, North road. On the motion of Dr Campbell,. Mr Mrllish was elected a member of the Council. The Chairman reported that the cages in the Avon had been examined in his presence; the larger cage contained so fish, and there waa only one small sickly looking Ash in the smaller cage. The Secretary reported that he hod seen his Honor the Superintendent, and bad asked him to communicate : with the Superintendent of Otago, requeatiag that the Canterbury Society might bo supplied with two boxes nf the salmon ova expected per Durham. His Honor said .that he would lay the matter before the Executive. The Secretary was instructed to telegraph to the Superintendent of Otago, asking whether the Society could have some of the ealmoK ova expected to arrive by the Durham. Alter the disposal of some routine busmeeSjtho Council adjourned.

, Obiminal BiTxiNaa.—Tb» criminal sittings jof the Supreme‘Courtcommence at 1011: a.m. on Monday next. ' There we ten oSses for trial. ■ '

Supreme OouET.—His JlonorMt Justice Johnston sat in Chambers, yesterday, but the business transacted was of a purely forinal nature, Railway Station. A station is to be opened about three miles beyond the Wash-'' dyke, on the Timaru-Temuka line, and is to called Seadown.

Large Pumpkin.— A pumpkin weighing 64Ibs. and, sft lin in circumference, may be seen at Mr W. Wilson’s shop, Osshel street. The pumpkin was grown by Mr R. W. Chapman, Moeraki Downs, . Spbkydon Road Board,— A meeting of ratepayers inbhe Spreydon Road District was held on Tuesday, March 28, for the purpose lof electing a ■ member in the place of Mr Dunbar, when Mr John Miln was -dnly elected. , ' \ Ashburton Raobs;— The auction'sale- of rights of publicans’ booths, &0., took plaee yesterday, Mr Bullock, officiating. No, 1 publican’s booth, fetched £26.; No; 2, £23; confectioner’s booth, £7 10s; . grand stand, £l2 j saddling paddock, l 0 3; right of selling cards and right of: sports, £9 9a j total, £77 9s. ■:•*•••'•■■■■••■■■"

i A Qubbb Qubsmon:— A gentleman who heard of yesterday’s railway accident, grew very eager to ascertain the particulars, and rushed about the. town asking questions. Hearing that the Executive had repaired to the scene of the disaster, he informed a shrewd friend of his of the circumstance. The friend was puzzled. He thought for a moment, and enquired whether the Executive had started on their trip before the accident or after. Fire.— About seven o’clock last night, a bright glare was visible in a westerly direction, from Christchurch. Its duration, together with the space over which it extended, went to show that an extensive fire had occurred ; but no definite particulars had been received up to a late hoar. The only information obtainable, was brought by passengers in the up train, on the South line, who said that some distance back from the line, between Templeton and the Racecourse Station, there was a fire, which appeared to be stacks or a gorse hedge burning. Accident.— As Mr Brien, traveller for Messrs Vincent and Co., was driving round Oxford terrace, close to S. Michael’s church, yesterday morning, his horse stepped upon an old culvert, and tfie earth sinking, the animal came to the ground with considerable force, and sustained some severe injuries. Mr Brien was thrown violently to the ground, but fortunately no bones were broken, though he sustained several severe bruises. It appears that the spot where the horse bogged had formerly been opened in connection with the Lichfield street water supply, that the, timber underneath had become rotten and that consequently the earth on top fell in when the weight of the horse pressed upon it. From the violence with which the animal came to the ground, it is a wonder that some greater damage was not done, but as it is, some time will elapse before it caa be put in harness again. The Late Rifle Match. —Wo have two letters on the Engineers’ side of the question, which, as they do not throw any new light on the controversy, we feel it unnecessary to publish. The principal arguments advanced are—that the Engineers were not more than three'quarters of an hour behind time, that the delay was occasioned by having to wait for some of their men, and that discs, &s,, were not brought by them, as they imagined thete things to be already on the ground. The rest of the letters consist of taunts of a pleasing and cheerful character, which may very well be imagined without the assistance of printer’s ink. In addition there is a charming challenge thrown out which must be recorded. “ Engineer ” wishes to inform the City Guards that the Engineers will be happy to " fire them for their head and pluck any day,” After this elegance there can be nothing, more to be said. We trust, there-, fore, that wo have heard the last of the match. : Primitive Methodists.— The anniversary services in connection with this church were preached by the Rev J; Berry (Wesleyan) to large congregations on Sunday, and the usual tea meeting was held last night. About 200 partook of the good things provided, and at the public meeting subsequently held there was a very good attendances Mr Delamare, sen., occupied the chair,! and the proceedings were opened with devotional exercises. TheRev B. J. Westbrooke, pastor of the church, read the statement of accounts for the past year, which was of a satisfactory nature. Addresses were delivered by the Revs B. Morton (Baptist), J. Sharp and B. J. Westbrooke (Primitive Methodists). Daring the intervals appropriate music was sung by the ohoir, Mr Delamare, junior, presiding at the harmonium. The Rev B. J. Westbrooke announced that the bazaar in aid of the ohutoh funds would be held at the latter end of May, and the promoters desired to raise about £3OO. Votes of thanks were accorded to Mr Carter for acting as care-taker during the past year free of charge, to the ladies who presided at the tea, the choir, and the speakers, after which the meeting was closed in the usual manner.

. Serious Accident; —A serious accident otcurred on Monday evening to Mounted Constable James O’Malley, who was stationed at the Ashburton. It appears that Constable O’Malley was returning from Alford Forest, where he had been onduty, and when about four miles from Ashburton one foot accidentally slipped out. of the stirrup, which struck the horse on'the.flank, causing it to bolt.: The horse imade direct for a high terrace overlooking the river, and Constable .O’Malley being unable to turn it in another direction threw himself off. He necessarily came down with great violence, and unfortunately sustained very seriohs injuries. Mr H.Sawtell,! of. Christchurch,. who . woe driving, from Alford Forest to Ashburton, passed Constable O’Malley a few moments prior to the accident, and hearing the horse , bolt, he turned round just as the constable fell to the ground. He at once went back, put the unfortunate man into his trap and drove rapidly to Ashburton, where Dr Trevor was ir> immediate attendance, x ester day ffidfhlßg.Couatablft O'Malley was brought to the Christchurch Hospital, and, enquiries last night went to. .show that his right Wrist find arm are broken, the left elbow put out, and tho left wrist either dislocated or broken. The fteotures were set as far as possible yesterday, and last night the patient was doing well.

The Late Boat Accident at Tuiaed.— The Timaru Herald state* that early on Monday after noon, information was conveyed to the Police that the bodyof a man had been' seen floating about in the surf, nearly opposite Woollcombe’s gully. The Inspector of Police at once proceeded : to the George street Landing Service, where a boat, under the charge of Captain Mills, and containing himself and Mr Hill, was promptly launched and pulled down in the direction denoted. Meanwhile, two policemen had followed along the cliff, and on the arrival of the boat it was found that they had secured the body, and hauled it up out of reach of the waves. It being found dangerous for the boat to attempt a landing at the spot, it was pulled back to the Landing Service, and the Inspector, together with, a number of the boatmen, proceeded in an express to bring the body into town. On reaching the spot it was found that the remains consisted of the trunk, the arms as far as the elbow, one leg, almost perfect, and the other intact to the knee; the bead, both hands, and one foot being missing. The troueert were all the clothing that re* malned on the body, and by these which, were of a dark colour, a boatman named M'Kenxie, with whom James Bain had been living prior to bis death, identified the remains as those of that poor fellow. M'Senzia is quite certain ou this point, and we nutyTCherefore feel convinced on the subject. The remains were Conveyed to the' hospital where an inquest will be held on them to-day. The anxiety displayed by all the poor fellow's late comrades to recover the body yesterday was very touching, and it will be a matter of sincere gratification to them (hat one at least of their no fortunate mates will receive a decent buriaL Nothing more has been seen of the portions of a i body reported to.kayebeyu observed on Saturday—but if there Wasany foundation to. ttie report, they vrill no doubt be east up onthe beech within the next day or two.

Public Library.— A consignment of books for the circulating library was received by last mail, and will be ready for issue in a few days. The books have been well, selected, and their value is a trifle over 1518. The Euterpe, which may jbs expected in a week or two, has books on board for the Reference 'Library to tho value of about £l5O. , Lighting of (IhKABU-isjth Gas.—Tho South OanterburyTimes state*, that on Monday evening lait, March 27, M| R. Webster s shop was the/bnly place of business in town lighted With gas. It Was necessarily but pale; it, however, contrasted in brilliancy very much as against one. of the Borough lamps on the opposite Corner of the street.; Outsjde tho office of the Gas Company, on tho works, several jets of gas were burning for sdtne tithe yery brightly. In the bourse of a day or so, the Whole town will be effectually lighted. Canterbury Marble Company. The prospects of this Company arc very encouraging. Tho face of-the quarry has been well opened out, and one block of marble eight feet long, four feet wide, and about three feet thick has been obtained. As soon as a proper road—the want of which greatly impedes the Company—is made, the block will be brought to town. Several very flue specimens of marble from the Company’s quarry may be seen at Mr Makeig’s office, at the corner of Hereford street and Oxford terrace.

6. T. O.—The second Cavalry dinner given by the Ellesmere contingent of the above corps, was: held in Mr Bailey’s Hotel on Monday 1 evening last. About twenty-six gentlemen were present, including Lieut. Slater and Mr F. Brittan of the Christ* church troop. A most sumptuous dinner, replete with all the luxuries of the season, was provided by mine host Bailey, who is now retiring from the Hotel, Dr H. H. Chapman was requested to take the chair, Mr James Lewis vice-chairman. The dinner having been gone through with every satisfaction, was followed by the Chairman giving the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, “ His Honor the Superintendent,” with musical honours ; “Colonel Brett,” the commanding officer; “Our Guests/’ coupled with the names of Lieut. Slater and Messrs F. Brittan and M. S. Campbell; “The Ellesmere Contingent," coupled with the names of Messrs G. F. Oradock and James Lewis; “ The Agricultural Interests,” coupled with the names of Messrs O. Bourn and James Storey ; “Our Chairman and Vice chairman, mine host Bailey and Mrs Bailey,” with musical honours; “ The Army and Navy,” “Ladies,” and “ Press,” all of which were replied to in suitable terms. The Southbridge brass baud' was in attendance, and enlivened the proceedings with their musical talent, under the leadership of Mr Brigensbaw, band-master. Some capital songs were rendered daring the evening by different gentlemen present, and the company broke up at a rather late hour, well satisfied with tho hospitality afforded them by their hosts. A short drill, under Troop Sergeant-Major Lewis, was held previously to the dinner, at the conclusion of which the instructor stated that he was well satisfied at the progress attained by the Company.

Tell Yoke Wife. —lf you are in any trouble (says the Pacific ■ Rural Press), or quandary, tell your wife—that is if you you have one—all about it at once. Ten to one her invention will solve your difficulty sooner than all yoUr logic. The wit of woman has been praised, but her instincts are quicker and keener than her reason. Counsel with your wife, or your mother, or your sister, and be assured light will flash upon your darkness. Women are too commonly adjudged as verdant in all but purely womanish affairs. No philosophical students of the sex thus judge them. Their intuitions, or insights, are the most subtle, and if they cannot see a cat in the meal, there is no cat there. In counselling a man to tell his wife, we would go farther, and advise him to keep none of bis affairs a secret from her. Many a home has been happily saved, and many a fortune retrieved, by a man’s full confidence in his “ better half.” Woman is far more a seer and a prophet than man, if she be given a fair ohance. As a general rule, wives ‘confide the minutes of their plans- and thought, to their husbands, having no mentis to screen from them. Why not reciprocate, if but for the pleasure of meeting confidence with confidence ? We are certain that ho man succeeds so well in the world as he who, taking a partner for life, makes her the partner of bis purposes and hopes. What is wrong of his impulse or judgment she will check and set right with her almost universally right instincts. “Help meet” was no insignificant title as applied to man’s companion. She is a helpmeet to him in every darkness, difficulty, and sorrow of life. And what shemosfc cfaves and most deserves is confidence—without which, loveis never free from a shadow.

A Chinese Custom.— The latest fashion in China, says.an American journal, is something entirely unique, and needs a little explanation for the-uninitiated. A lady announces her intention of getting up a “ sentimental tea-set.”. : This means that she desires each of her friends to present her with a cup and saucer, whose size, quality, and costliness are left to tho tastes and generosity of the donor. When a sufficient number has been presented, the nondescript collection is christened as a sentimental tea-set. The lady is then in duty, bound to give a tea party to her contributors and friends, in which the cheering weed is served in the motley china, gathered together in this polite way of putting one’s friends under contribution. Of; coarse the ladies vie with each other in seeing who can collect the greatest-number of offerings, ihd the gentlemen are warmly welcomed who come bearing in their hands costly cups of Stsvres, or the petite; creations of Oriental teste. We know of a lady in a neighbouring city who numbers already twelve of .these oddities, and.sbe has but just begun her oolleotion. Her tea-servipa thus far ranges from a tiny cap and sauce; a hundred years old to an offering largq enough for a bowl. The, intermediate includes a, ridiculous variety in rja}. Great was thj sport of the first tea'kTA wfjl ‘ e ine unique display afforded an subject; for conversation. We are told by those in authority, that the fashion promises to b? quite universal this winter, end lie are sure' it- be provocative ef eadlssi fun, and, perhaps, just a Tittle rivalry, for will not a woman’s attractive powers be measured bythe number of thAe fragile offerings she receives from her friends P What a resurrection of old tea cups and saucers from long-occupied hiding-places will take place, and what a search there will be in the china shops for specimens rich and ra-e! i The ■ Rotundity of the Barth.— lt will bp remembered that two gentlemen named Hampden and Walsh have had a long pending controversy upon this point.: The matter has been before the .Queen's Bench, and the Lord Chief Justice in delivering judgment said this was an action to recover back the sum of £SCO. The plaintiff entertained views contrary to the convexity of the world, and he published a challenge that he was willing to deposit a sum from £SO to £SOO, and defy all philosophers, divines, and scientific pro' etsors in the United Kingdom to prove the rotnndity and revolution of the World from Scripture, reason or fact, or that they could exhibit to the satisfaction of any intelligent referee« convex railway, canal or lake. The challenge was accepted by a Mr Wallace, who undertook'to show, visibly and by measurement in feet and inches, the convexity of a lake. The money was deposited in a bonk in Mr Walsh’s name, as stakeholder, and an agreement was entered into that if Mr Wallace proved the curvature of any canal, railway or lake by actual demonstration and by measurement to the satis faction of the defendant and another gentleman, and, if they differed, to the satisfaction of an umpire, Mr Wallace was to receive the two ■nma of £SOO deposited, hat if bo failed (he money was to pe paid to the plaintiff. If, however, no decision was come to, owing to the death of either of the two parties, the agreement was to be annulled, or if, the experiment ,could net be tried owing to the weathft i-' farther time than that specified was te be I given for the experiment. The reffrees differed, and the defendant, who had first been appointed one of the referees but resigned, was called upon and acted u umpire, and he decided in favour of Mr Wallace. The plaintiff objected to the payment of the money/ to Mr Wallace and demanded his money back, I hat notwithstanding that Mr Walsh pud the | money to Mr and (he question was 1

whether the plaintiff was entitled to reoovei back his £SOO from the stakeholder. Thai court, after reviewing all the authorities hear* ing upon the question, were clearly of opinion that this was a wager ; but that as the plaintiff repudiated the bat and demanded the money back before it wa* paid oyer, that an action was maintainable for its recovery, and their judgment in the case was for the plaintiff. ''' ' ' N ' :