TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLV, Issue 4780, 14 June 1876, Page 2

TOWN & COUNTRY.

East Malvebn.—The first of a series of entertainments will be given in the schoolroom this evening. Accident at Waxmatb.—A man named Brown, employed at Bruce’s sawmills, Waimate, met with a bad accident on Saturday, By some means or other he got too near a saw without observing it, and his leg was completely cut through, with the exception of a piece of skin, just below the knee. The useless limb was removed, and the man conveyed to Timaru Hospital. It was there found necessary to amputate the leg above the knee. 1 Akahoa Brume Libeaey.—A numerously attended meeting was held at the Public Library, Akaroa, for the purpose of discussing the question of Sunday opening, Mr J. Aylmer, President, in the chair. The Rev W. Douglas proposed, and Mr J. Dalgleish seconded—- “ That the present hours be altered to between 1 and 5 p m.” Mr Garwood proposed, and Mr Inwood seconded, as an amendment—- “ That the hours be from 10 to 5,” which was carried by a large majority. The Rev W. Douglas then handed in bis resignation as a member of the Committee, which was received. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the meeting. Oantbebuey College.—-A meeting of the members of the Board of Governors was held yesterday afternoon in the Public Library; present—-Mr W. Montgomery (in the chair), the Primate, Rev W. J. Habens, Hons E. W. Stafford, John Hall, and J. B. Aoland, Or Turnbull, Messrs Tancred, Yeel, Forcday, H, R. Webb, and J. Inglis. The Chairman stated that the Committee bad met and considered the question of the site of the Girls’, High school. A report had been drawn up on . the subject. The Committee meeting had 1 passed a resolution recommending the erection of the Girls’ High school on the site of the Female Refuge. The Chairman then road a list of the various pieces of land that might be obtained for the purpose. The Female Refuge site had an opening on to Hereford street, indeed there was a frontage of sixty-six feet to that street. In answer to a question from Mr Stafford, the Chairman said the Provincial Government collected the moneys accruing from the various reserves end sources of income, and handed them over to the Board of Governors. Mr Stafford thought the revenue from the Board reserves might be very fairly sot down at £IO,OOO a year in a short time. The Chairman observed that when the Crown grants were issued, the rents and fees might bo paid on behalf of the Board direct. The Hon John Hall moved "That the High School for girls bo erected on the quarter-aore section offered by the Provincial Government, at the corner of Antigua and Hereford streets, unless at the time before which the building is to bo erected the Board shall have acquired the right of the three-quarter acre section in Hereford street, to the East of the quarter-acre section before mentioned.’' The Hon J. B. Acland seconded the resolution, which was then put and carried unanimously. The Rev W. J. Habens moved That the Chairman be empowered to enter into a contract with Mr Scager in accordance with the contract now submitted, and affix the seal, upon the recommendation of the Building Committee.” Ibis would obviate the necessity of the Board having to meet again prior to the commencement of the work. The motion was seconded by Mr Tancred and carried. The Hon John Hall moved—“ That in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable that the building to be used as a Girls' High School in Worcester street, should harmonise j in style and material and general elevation with the adjoining buildings about to be erected for other departments of the College.’’ The motion having been seconded, was agreed to unanimously, after which the Board adjourned.

Mr Scotland’s Letter. —An account of the indignation meeting at Taranaki, hold to diaousa Mr Scotland's conduct, will bo found in our telegraphic oolumna. Heath ootu Road Board.—Measra George Duncan and William Attwood have been nominated for tho vacancy in this body. The poll will bo hold to-morrow. The Main Thoroughfares.—lt is gratifying to notice that more attention has been paid during the past two days to tho sweeping of crossings and streets in the centre of tho city. Supreme Court.—There will be no sitting in banco to-day, his Honor being absent at tho Circuit Court at Timaru. All the Christchurch business has therefore been postponed for a week. Akaroa Railway Petition.—Copies of the above petition are to be seen ot tho offices of W. Montgomery and 00., and at Wood Brothers, saddlers. They can bo signed by all those who fool interested. Theatre Royal.—There was last evening another excellent .Attendance at the Theatre, when the comedy of “As You Like It’’was repeated with the same amount of success that characterised its presentation on the previous evening. To-night Mrs Darrell will appear in another of her great, impersonations, viz., that of Leah, Mr Darrell appearing as Rudolph. Leah is said to be one of Mrs Darrell's very best parts. Educational Bates. —A test case relating to education rates was heard at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Mr A. Jameson, who, appearing for himself and others, contended that anyone occupying part of a building as offices, did not come within the meaning of the forty-third section of tho Ordinance, which sots forth the persons who are liable for tho rate. After Mr Garrick, Provincial Solicitor, had replied, his Worship took time to consider his judgment. A Wife’s Evidence,—The ruling of Judge Williams in tho first ease alluded to in the telegram from Invercargill has a rather wider application than to the particular offence charged on the occasion referred to. Henceforth, anyone, being a bachelor or widower, who has committed a grave offence, and dreads tho evidence of some female witness, cm by marrying her offhand escape the penalty of his transgression. That many women would be willing to fall in with this arrangement is improbable, but some instances may occur, and it is just questionable if public policy does not demand a modification of the law in this particular. Kaiatoi Borough School.—Tho monthly meeting of the Committee was held on Monday evening last j present—all the members, the Chairman (Mr E. G. Kerr) presiding. It was resolved to close the school, for one week, on June 23, for the midwinter holidays. A letter was read from Miss E. Neville, stating that she bad been classed as assistant mistress at the last examination of teachers, and requesting to have her salary raised from third to fourth year rate. It was resolved —" That Miss Neville be informed tho Committee cannot accede to her request, in consequence of general instructions to tho contrary issued by the Minister for Education.” Accounts amounting to £l4 8s were passed for payment. Mr Whitefoord reported that the Planting Committee had examined the school grounds and made out a list of trees and shrubs required. It was resolved—“ That the Chairman write to his Honor the Superintendent, asking for the necessary plants to be supplied from the Government Domain.” Arrangements were made for sowing the playground with grass during the holidays, and other routine business having been transacted, the meeting adjourned. South Raeaia.—Tho Library Committee met on JuneS; present—All the members. The President, Mr C. N. Mackie, occupied the chair. The Secretary was asked to read the minutes of the last meeting, which he declined to do, and some words passed between the Committee and Secretary to the efieot that he had ignored thorn. Ultimately the minutes were read and confirmed. Mr Maclean proposed, and Mr Middleton seconded, that the Secretary’s resignation be not accepted. Mr M'Hroy moved that the Secretary’s resignation be accepted, which upon being put to the meeting was carried. A long discussion ensued on the best means to adopt in paying off the debt on the Library, amounting to £4l. Ultimately it was decided to have a gift auction on July 6, with a view to reducing the debt. Mr Mullaney proposed that the Lyttelton Times account be paid, which was not carried ; it was agreed that all accounts stand over for one month, when they would bo paid. Mr Maclean tendered his resignation as Treasurer, which was accepted; Mr Mackie being appointed Treasurer, and Mr Cox Secretary and Librarian. Several new members expressed their intention of joining. A vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the meeting to a close. The quarterly meeting of members will be held to-morrow. Girls’ High School.—At the meeting of the Board of Governors yesterday, prior to the minutes being confirmed, the hoa Mr Stafford stated that had he been present at the previous meeting be should have opposed the action of the Board in taking charge of this school. la his opinion, a Girls’ High School in Christchurch would not reach that standard of excellence to place it on a par with tho other portions of the College, and would in fact be nothing more nor less than a Girls’ Grammar School. As such, he did not think the Board of Governors should be called upon to take it in hand. In point of attendance, it would, he considered, be very far short of the boys’ college school, because, in all probability, only those residing in or near the town would be scholars, whereas in the case of the male pupils large numbers were sent as boarders from various parts of Canterbury. For our own part we fail to see why Christchurch should not have its Girls’ High School as well os Dunedin, and at this there are by no means any lack of scholars, many of whom arc quite as high in an intellectual and educational point of view as the pupils in the adjoining building. On the occasion of the presentation of prizes by Sir Julius Yogel some two years ago, that gentleman spoke of the many advantages likely to accrue from such an institution, and expressed a hope that the time was not far distant when the sister Provinces would follow the excellent example set by Otago in this matter. It will be seen from cur report of the Governor’s mooting, yesterday, that the new structure ' is to be harmonious ia its character with tho other buildings connected with the Christchurch College. In all probability it will be commenced in a few days. The Lydia-Howards Burlesque Troupe. —This troupe, which has for the last few months been playing with very great success in Auckland and Wellington, will make its bow before a Christchurch audience to-morrow evening, at the Music Hal), Cathedral square, and as it is now some considerable time since a burlesque company appeared in the city, and as, moreover, the reputation of the coming Troupe is a very high one, play-goers partial to this kind of entertainment have no donbt a great treat in store for them. Among the female and essentially burlesque element of the company, are Miss Lydia Howardo and Mdlle Solange Navaro, two actresses who are spoken of very highly in their own peculiar line. They wore both strangers on their first arrival in this Colony some six months ago, but judging from the Press notices they have evoked on various occasions, they appear to have made themselves very great favourites wherever they have appeared. Then there is Misa Jenny Nyo, who is well known throughout New Ztaland as a burlesque and general actress of great ability; and Miss Ashton and other ladies, who are also spoken of as most useful constituents of the troupe. The repertoire of pieces appears to be an excellent one, containing as it does some of the most sparkling of modem burlesques. Serve's extravaganza of " Chilperio," which Lad a considerable run in the Northern Provinces, is said to be their “ trump card,” and with this they open to-morrow night. For the last fortnight workmen have been engaged in decorating and improving the hall, which now presents quite a clean and cosy appearance. The stage has been fitted up with new proscenium and scenery for theatrical representations, and there is no doubt that the now aspirant* for public favour will meet with a welcome reception, and a considerable measure 1 of success. I

The Raoeooub9B. —Tenders are invited in another column for renting the Racecourse. Opening op PabliahbNT.— lt is stated that the hone Richardson, Richmond, Pollen, and Hall have been appointed' a Commission to open Parliament. Our correspondent at the Empire City states that the mention of 'the latter’s name is looked upon as a sign of his addition to the Ministry. Ilma He Mubska. —The ninth and last concert of the season, will bo given tonight. Millie Do Muraka will sing the “ Shadow Song,” from “ Dinorah,” and “ Lo, Hoar the Gentle Lark ” (with flute obligato by Signor Giammona.) The “Miserere” econo from “ II Trovatoro ” will also be given by lima Do Muraka, Signori Rosnati and Susini, and a chorus. The concert is for the benefit of the cantatrice, who makes her farewell bow to a Christchurch audience to-night. The Auckland Mbmbbes. —Our Wellington correspondent telegraphs that the Auckland members will be debarred from voting in the election of Speaker to the House of Representatives. Tho Taupo did not got over the Manakau bar till yesterday afternoon, so that, fret and chafe as much as they like, they cannot arrive in lime to take part in Thursday’s proceedings. They will also have to be sworn in ou Friday, and the delivery of the opening speech will, in consequence, be somewhat delayed. The New Reading-boom. —Thenew Read-ing-room in connection with the Public Library, is fast approaching a state of completion, and should bo opened, if all goes well, in a week or two, and certainly not a day too soon, for the present reading-room is utterly inadequate in every particular. In fact there is sometimes not sitting accommodation, and tho distribution of the various journals is so arranged that it is often quite impossible to get hold of a single paper or periodical. It appears to us that tho system of filing the various Colonial journals as soon as received, is highly inconvenient. Black may go in and want to see tho New Zealand Times or the New Zealand Herald, or any other journal of a particular date, but iu all probability he will have to wait half an hour, until Brown, Jones, or Robinson has finished with the volume in which the journal White requires is bound up—albeit none of the three want to see that particular issue. In fact, it simply means that one man may monopolise seven or eight journals that he really does not want, because tdey are all filed up together. Wo would suggest that the new reading-room should be altogether differently fitted up from the present one—that, instead of the present “ slabs,” there should bo six or eight large tables, eaoh one devoted to a particular class of literature, and that, instead of being bound up by the dozen, as is now the case, they should be so arranged that tho reader might lay his hands upon a journal of any particular date at once, if it were not actually in uso. There is no doubt that the new reading room, so far as size and general appearance go, will bo far superior to any in New Zealand, but if the present arrangements are allowed to continue, it will be infinitely inferior to tnat of Dunedin in point of utility and general attractiveness. Impokted Stock. —Some valuable purebred Leicester sheep have recently been imported by Mr R. Wilkin, to the order of Messrs Corlett Bros, Upper Riocarton, The consignment includes four ewe hoggelts, one ram, and one ram lamb, all of which have arrived in excellent condition. Five ewe hoggetts were put on board at London, but unfortunately one died on the voyage. The ewes were bred by Mr Hutchinson, of the Manor House, Catterick, Yorkshire, who as a breeder of Leioesters ranks only second to Mr Geo. Turner, jun., of Thorplands, Northampton, the breeder of the rams. The shearling ram took first prize at Croydon, and third prize at the Royal Society’s show at Taunton last year. Both the ewes and rams compare favourably, if they do not excel anything of the same breed hitherto imported, and there can be no doubt that not only Messrs Corlett Bros, but the public generally will benefit by the importation. Four of the ewes are fay Tamworth, twin brother to the first prize shearling at tho Royal Society’s show at Cardiff. He was bred by Colonel Inge, and sold to Mr Hutchinson for £75. The other ewe is by a ram which cost Mr Hutchinson 45ga when six years old, and which was the sire of many prize-takers. The dams of the ewes were by Blair Athol, a Royal and Yorkshire prize ram, and the most perfect Leicester sheep Mr Hutchinson ever saw. Their granddams were by Brother Jonathan, also a prize taker at tho Royal Society’s Shows. The pedigrees of the rams imported by Mr Wilkin are equally good. The eire of the shearling ram was Tatton, and its dam was bred by Mr Q. Turner, senr., Exeter. Tatton was bred by G. Turner, junr., and was by a ram bred by the late Sir Tatton Sykes, of Sledmere, from a ewe that was own sister to the winner of the first prize at the Royal Society’s Show at Wolverhampton. The dam of the shearling was by 8.A., a sheep which was first at nearly every place where he was shown, and was sold for a large price when three years old, and bought back again by his breeder, Mr G. Turner, senr,, who subsequently sold him to Mr G. Turner, junr. Tatton was also the sire of the ram lamb, whose dam was bred by Mr G. Turner, junr. The dam washy 8.A., and tho grand-dam by the winner of the first prize at the Royal Society’s Exhibition at Bury St. Edmonds, which was sold to tho late Colonel Inge for 80gs. A Good Fee.— The Auckland Slar states that Te Hemara Panhia, one of the most enlightened Maori chiefs of Mahurangt, has given one hundred acres of the finest land in the neighbourhood of Waiwera to Dr Mohenbeer, for having cured his sou of a wheiohe (or boil), which be had contracted on the leg. The Richmonds. —From a private letter by tho last mail, the Taranaki News learnt that Judge Richmond, who is ou a visit to England, has been very unwell during tho past winter. His eldest and youngest sons have also suffered from the severity of the climate; the youngest having been in considerable danger from inflammation of the lungs. Mr J. C. Richmond is still in Algeria, following the profession of Civil Engineer. One of his daughters is said to give high promise of attaining to great proficiency in art. A Musical Enthusiast. An amusing case of somnambulism, occurring at Napier, caused some little stir amongst the audience at the Musical Society’s concert. The Telegraph says that the eldest son of Mr 8. Hooper, a child about seven years old, was discovered in his night dress walking into the hall, towards the close of the first part of the programme. Before being put to bed be had expressed his wish to go and bear the musio, and ho must have gone to sleep and dreamt that he was being taken te the concert. It was not till he bad again been placed in bed that he woke up, A Musical Chandelier.— One of the events of the season in Florida was the opening of theNicholls House, at Jacksonville, on Jan. 15 Quests were present from New York, New Orleans, Boston, Atlanta, and other places. The Nioholls House is new and handsomely furnished. One of the novelties is a crystal chandelier in the bridal chamber. By touching a button it is lighted; at the same moment out springs a little oupid, who strikes with a hammer a chime of bells, which peal out, in the sweetest melody,“ Best in this bosom,” “Let me kiss him for his mother,”This novelty is the invention of L. Finch, of New York. A New Line of Yankee Fbaud. —A Washington despatch, published in the New York Tribune, says:—There has long been a well-settled conviction that in the matter of sale and accountability of captured and abandoned property in the South, in oonsequonoa of the war and the Acts of Congress, monstrous frauds have been committed, and the House Committee on Expenditures in the Treasury department has endeavoured to find out the facta. During the past few days inquiry has developed facts of the most astounding character, but member* of the committee are pledged to seoresy. They hold the sessions with closed doors, and are very reticent. Enough is known, however, to warrant the statement that there is a deficit of several millions of dollars between the accounts of sales ef property in the South, abandoned and oi otured, and the return of money from suoh sales, In the matter of cotton the difference is very great The accounts of Simeon Draper, of New York, who was a cotton agent of the are receiving par-

tioular attention, but it ia discovered that many of the books and papers kept by him, which were supposed to bo in the Treasury department, are missing. Some of the attorneys who assisted the Government in its suits against captured and abandoned property hare been examined. When their testimony is made public it will contain remarkable disclosures. The use of largo sums of money arising from sales of property of this character by the late firm of Jay, Oooko and Co is also receiving the attention of the Committee. A Valuable Wore op Art.—The public, says the Melbourne Argus, are greatly indebted to his Honor Mr Justice Follows for his recent magnificent and costly donation to the National Gallery. Probably nothing at all corresponding to the article is to bo found in the Australian Colonies. It consists of a cabinet of the moat elegant workmanship, a triumph of artistic skill and patience which must hare taken many years to execute. In height about sft and breadth 3ft Gin, tho whole of tho front and sides is one mass of inlaid designs in a large numbers of different kinds of wood. Tho lower part of tho front presents the picture of a ruined temple or palace; the upper portion and also the upper halres of tho sides are filled with columns of various orders of architecture; men and women, both Indian and European; birds and sporting scenes, those of boar-hunting being the most conspicuous. There is no apparent order in the manner in which these are arranged, but each figure is distinct, and together they form an harmonious whole. The cabinet was probably manufactured in the early part of the seventeenth century, the large and centre design on each side being that of a lady in Elizabetbian costume, possibly that of tho great Queen herself, os in one instance she is represented as playing the guitar, and in tho other a violoncello, and music is known to have been one of the accomplishments of Henry’s daughter. Tho perspective in every case is excellent. The inside of the cabinet is exposed to view, and this as well as the inner sides of the doors, is panelled and carved in excellent fashion. The face is filled with many small drawers, on each of which a distinct scene ia depicted. Some of the divisions are supported by graceful columns ia wood, and others by ivory figures, which are simply perfect in the delicacy of their carving, these last being studded about in profusion. There are also some medallions in oxidised or Gorman silver. At the top is a crowned head. The cabinet was purchased by Mr Justice Fellows’ father at a Custom-house sale at Ramsgate about fifty years ago. The secret drawers with which it abounds, some of them exceedingly difficult of detection, were filled with articles intended to be smuggled into England without payment of the duty, and for this breach of the law the cabinet was seized and forfeited. The price it then fetched was only £6O, but at the time of the Great Exhibition in 1851 it was valued at £IOOO, a sum which is said to be under its present value.