TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 4815, 25 July 1876, Page 2

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Catholic Schools.—An entertainment in aid of this institution will be given on Thursday evening, consisting of musical and dramatic selections. Mount Banqitoto Sxltee Mine.-—The directors of the Mount Bangitoto Silver Mining Company have appointed Mr F. Maston their mining manager. Operations at the mine will be commenced immediately. Noetheen Land, Building, Loan, and Investment Society.—Meetings to explain the objects of this Society and receive applications for shares, are advertised to be held at Woodend, Bangiora, and Oxford, during the present week. School oe Mines.—There is at present upon the Order Paper of the House, a notice of motion by one of the West Coast members to the effect that, having in view the vast undeveloped mineral wealth of the Colony, and the necessity for obtaining information concerning the metals and minerals with which the country abounds, the House is of opinion that it is advisable to establish a School of Mines.

Football Match. —A match was played in the Kaikainui Hotel Paddock on Saturday last, between Kainpoi and Bangiora teams. The former was captained by Mr M. H. Smith, and the latter by Mr T. Chapman. After some capital play, Mr E. Chapman kicked a goal for the Rangiora side. The game was resumed, and, after some hot work, Mr J. Wachsmann kicked a goal for the Kaiapoi side. Time was now nearly up, and the play stopped without either side having achieved any decided advantage.

Enteetainment at Timaeu. —An entertainment was given at the Mechanics’ Institute on Friday, July 21, by the members of the Life boat Lodge of Good Templars, The programme was a very attractive one, and the manner in which it was gone through was creditable to the performers, and was also thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. The following is the programme : Overture (piccolo and piano), Messrs Bilton and Allan; song, Mr Owers ; song, Mrs Simpson ; recitation, Mr Roberts; song (encored) Miss Brown; comic song and recitation (encored), M. Josephson; duet, Messrs Binshin and Simpson; solo (piccolo), Mr Allen; song (encored), Mr Foster; song (encored), Mrs Ray; song (encored), Mr Padget; recitation (encored), Mies Cramond; song, Mr Thornton; song (encored), Miss Griffin; song, Mr Foley; song, Mr Owers; solo (encored), Mrs Hold gate ; song, Mr Nelson ; song (encored), Mrs Simpson ; song, Mr Padgett. The National Anthem was then sung, which brought one of the most enjoyable entertainments held here for some time to a close. Mr Bilton presided at the piano.

Testimonial to Me 8. Lbb.—A presentation, consisting of an elegant tea and coffee service of plate, bearing a suitable inscription, procured from Messrs B. Petersen and 00., was, on Saturday evening lest, made by a few of his friends to Mr Samuel Lee, proprietor of, and till lately, driver of the Northern line of coaches. The party mot at the Boyal Hotel, Leitbfleld, and Mr L. 0. Williams was voted to the chair, MrG. Collier being elected vice-chairman. The Chairman in presenting the testimonial, said, that the Committee appointed to canvass for subscriptions bad met with considerable encouragement, and that though the party was not a large one, the good-will of the donors was not to be judged from their absence on the occasion, several having already sent apologies for their non attendance. Mr Lee had, during the long term of their acquaintance with him, invariably proved himself thoroughly anxious to cater for their convenience in every way, and they could not allow him to retire from the active working of the road without marking their sense of this in a substantial manner. He then made the presentation, which Mr Lee acknowledged in appropriate terms. The health of Mr Lee was then drunk in an enthusiastic manner. The following toasts were subsequently proposed : —"The Northern Whip,” Mr West Chamberlain ; “ The mercantile interest of Leitbfleld,” “ The Licensed Victuallers,” " The Visitors,” " The Pastoral interest,” “ The Agricultural interest,” " The Chairman,” “ Mr Dumergue,” “ The Press,” " Our Host,” and " Our next merry meeting,” and the toasts having been interspersed with numerous songs, the company broke up shortly before midnight, having spent a pleasant evening.

Baffle.—The steeplechase mate, Auckland Kate, was raffled for at Warner’s Hotel last night, for £l5O, Mr D. O’Brien, her owner, had tho good fortune to win her, Sfoetino. Yesterday, Mr Nosworthy effected the sole of the grand chestnut, thoroughbred entire Slanderer, to Messrs Brown and Mitchell, of Warnambool, Victoria, at on extreme figure. It will be remembered that Slanderer is own brother to Calumny, and that, when a fool, mot with an injury, that incapacitated him from racing. Tho horse leaves for Victoria in tho Alhambra to-morrow.

Woodend 1.0.0.F..M.TJ.—A capital entertainment was given on Friday evening last by the brethren of the above order, in tho schoolroom, assisted by Miss Bowie and Miss Mathias, Brother M. P. Tompkins in the choir, A programme consisting of about twenty pieces, was well got through. Songs wore contributed by Brothers Horrell, F. Smith, Nott, Brow, Thompkins, and Williams. There was a very good attendance, and a considerable sum was realised. The proceedings were diversified by a clever trapeze performance by Brother P. S. Williams, Cantbebuet and Westland.—Mr Barff, one of tho members for Hokitika, has given notice of an amendment on the Government’s Financial Arrangements Bill, to the effect that there shall be a re-adjustment of the respective liabilities of Westland and Canterbury in connection with the public debt contracted previous to the secession of the West Coast from this Province. For years. past this has been a very sore subject with tho people of Westland, but inasmuch as they agreed through their agent with the arrangements made, it is improbable that the House will think proper to go behind that agreement. Lydia Howaede Burlesque Teoupe.— There was not a very full house at the Music Hall last evening down stairs, but the gallery was well patronised. “La Sylphide” was repeated for tho last time. To-night “ Nonuses,” which has been highly spoken of by the Melbourne and New Zealand Press, will be produced, and will, we think, thoroughly please the patrons of burlesque, even more so than “ Ohilperio.” Herr Schol'c takes charge of the orchestra, which has been strengthened by the addition of a violin and clarionet, and no pains have been spared to make the production a thorough success. As observed in our yesterday’s issue, Mr Towle has consented, upon solicitation, to take the leading tenor part in “ Nanuses,” which has necessitated the appointment of another conductor as above.

Football Club, South Bakaia.—A meeting of persons interested in the formation of a Football Club was held on Saturday evening, July 22. About fifteen were present, and several others have promised to join. Mr Edwin Clark was voted to the chair. On the motion of Mr T. Fagan, it was resolved—- “ That the Club be called the Bakaia Football Club.” The subscription was fixed at 5s per annum. Mr Bourne was elected Hon Sec., Mr Clark Treasurer. The election of Captain and Committee was postponed until next meeting. The Secretary was instructed to write to the Christchurch Football Club, asking them for a copy of their rules and regulasions ; also, to get a ball, &o. It was decided that the colours of the club be light blue and white. It was unanimously resolved that Mr N. Maclean be asked to be President of the club. The meeting then adjourned. From the number of old football players and young men in the district, there is every chance of the Club being able to turn out a good team to play with other clubs.

Enteetainment.—An entertainment under the auspices of the Christchurch Mutual Improvement Association was given in the Durham street Wesleyan schoolroom last night. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, only a small audience assembled. The Bev W. Morley, President of the Association, occupied the chair. The following programme was carried out, with more than ordinary success:—Song, Mr Long, “The Village Blacksmith reading, Mr Allison, “ The Sicilian Tale ;” song, Miss Ness, “TheGipsey’s Warning dialogue, Messrs Prudhoe and Knibbs, “Wolsey and Cromwellsong, Mr Cliff, " Come Away reading, Mr Gapes, “ Look at the Clocksong, Miss Kent, “ Evangeline reading, Mr Booth, “ The Floods of Lincoln song, Mr Long, “ The Arab’s Farewell to his Steed reading, Mr Ainsworth, “ The Irish Schoolmastersong, Miss Ness, " Thy voice is nearrecitation, Mr Eoe, “The Lepex song, Mr Cliff, “ The Irish Emigrant comedy on marriage, Messrs Knibbs, Boon, Gapes, and Jones; song, Miss Kent, “For Everreading, Mr Knibbs, “ The Broken Heart;” song, Mr Shelton, “The Anchor’s Weighed ;” reading, Mr Ainsworth, “ The Historical Butcher.” The musical arrangement were under the direction of Mr W. S. Smith, and Mr T. Searell presided at the piano. A vote of thanks to those who taken part in the entertainment brought the proceedings to a close.

Leitheield Pubic Libeaey. —The annual meeting of subscribers was held at the Library on July 17, the President in the chair. After the usual routine business had been transacted, the meeting re-elected Mr J. H. Moore, President, Several persons were nominated for the Secretary and Treasurership, but declined to act. Ultimately the President accepted the office. Messrs Barclay, Sage, Norton, Taylor, and Fraser were elected Committeemen. A meeting qf the Committee was held on July 20; present—Messrs Moore (President), Barclay, Norton, Sage, and Fraser. The President read a report on the financial position and general management during the past year. Letters from tne Provincial Secretary, re grant; from Messrs White and Co., agents New Zealand Insurance Company, re renewal of policy; from Mrs Feathery, re right-of-way were read and considered. It was resolved to renew tho policy on the building, to let Mrs Feathery the right of way for £1 per annum and the use of her stable on exchange days, and failing her acceptance, to look the gate. The President was requested to obtain the grant from the Treasury, and to deposit £3O with the Permanent Association and Loan Society for six months. It was resolved to expend a. sum of £lO in the purchase of furniture. It was further resolved—“ That in order to economise the funds of the institution, the services of a paid librarian be dispensed with; that the days of exchange be limited to Tuesdays from 11.30 to 12 30, and Saturdays from 6.30 to 8 p.m,, and that members of Committee attend as required at the library gratuitously.” The meeting then adjourned. Etbbbtt’s Hibeenicon.— Considering the very unpleasant state of the weather last evening and the strong counter attraction there was a capital attendance at the Hibernicon, at the Oddfellows’ Hall. The beautiful views of American and Irish scenery are nightly received with tokens of the most marked appreciation, and one never tires of looking at the really artistically painted panorama. The change, too, of the comedy from American Irish to Dutch Irish, is received with great favour, and the comicalities of Mr Wallace call forth the most side-splitting laughter. This gentleman is, without doubt, one of the most amusing and versatile negro delineators we have ever had in Christchurch, and has established himself as an immense favouriteHis dancing of that amazing style of step so peculiar to American niggers is quite a treat to those who like this kind of entertainment and his grotesque movements in this department nightly called forth most enthusiastic applause. Mr O’Neil is one of the best stage Irishmen we have seen; for, while full of the rich and racy humour so characteristic of an Irishman, he i« quite free from exaggeration. Miss Stoneham’s character portraits of the young Dutch girl in service in Ireland is a very pretty piece of acting, and her singing and dancing are highy appreciated. The young lady has considerable talent, and itis no wonder that she should be such a favourite with all who attend this place of amusement. Miss Da Vere and Mr Tomholt ably filled up the other portions of the programme. We would remind our readers that to night is set apart for the benefit of Miss Stoneham, who, as a hard working and clever little actress, deserves a full house. We might also remark that this is the last week of the Hibernioon in this city, and we can conscientiously recommend those who have not yet witnessed it, not to miss the opportunity of doing so.

Ashburton Fiek Brigade. —A public dinner will take place at Oram’s Somerset Hotel, on Monday evening next, when it is expected that all the members, and others interested in its success, will attend. Public Works Statement,— The Minis, ter for Public Works will deliver his annual Statement this evening. We shall probably be able to present our readers with a summary of the Statement in to-morrow’s issue. New Catholic Chapel, The new Catholic Chapel in Barbadoes street is now completed, and the appearance of the building is in every respect creditable to Mr Mumford, the architect employed. The interior of the chapel is finished throughout with groat taste and elaboration. The total cost is stated at £2OOO, and the building provides room for about two thousand persons. We understand that the consecration will take place in about three weeks’ time, and will be performed by Bishop Hedwood.

Inquest.— An inquest was held at the Hospital yesterday afternoon on the body of Sarah Wragland, the wife of John Wragland, Canal Reserve, who died suddenly on Saturday last. Dr Coward, Coroner, presided, and Mr J. B. Sheath was ch’sen foreman of the Jury. Deceased, who was of a delicate constitution, had been unwell for a few days, complaining of headache and bile. Her husband did not think it necessary to call in medical aid, and deceased took a little cas tor oil and pain killer,but it didnot seem to do her any good. Early on Saturday morning she became worse, and her husband went several times for a neighbour, but deceased expired before anyone arrived. Dr Powell, who made a post mortem examination of the body, described the condition of the various organs, and attributed death to inflammation of the bowels and congestion of the kidneys, caused, in his opinion, by blood poisoning from some kind of malaria. Supreme Oouet. —The case of Bash v, Lightband and another, was commenced before his Honor Judge Johnston and a special jury, at the Supreme Court, yesterday morning. The defendants are the proprietors of the boot factory at the corner of Hereford and Manchester streets, and the plaintiff, who is a painter occupying the adjoining premises, alleges that the nuisance was of so serious a charoter that he and his wife and children suffered in health in consequence. It was admitted that the nuisance had been very greatly abated since the action commenced. During the course of the trial, there was some talk of a settlement, but nothing came of it, and the case for both plaintiff and defendants was finished when the Court rose. The nominal damages are set down at £2OOO. but of course it is not pretended that injury to anything like that amount has been suffered. The case will be Resumed at eleven o’clock this morning, instead of ten o’clock, the usual hour of sitting, in consequence of there being Banco, Divorce, and Vice-Admiralty business on the list for ton o’clock. This will be disposed of, or postponed, before the trial in question is resumed.

Two Loss Tunnels.—At Addison’s Flat’ Westport (says the West Coast Times) a party of miners have just finished a tunnel 3000 ft in length, and another party have nearly finished a tunnel which is 5500 ft long. At the Caledonian, German Jack’s, and Giles’ Terraces similar gigantic tunnels have been put in. Mr Broad says these tunnels “ are monuments of the industry and perseverance of the miner.”

Supeemk Court Bulbs.—The following rule has been gazetted under the Eeguloe Generates of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, to come into force (fh and after August 1 next:—“ Whenever, by any rule of this Court, the practice of the Courts of Equity, or of any of the superior Courts in England, is adopted, or may be followed, the same shall be deemed to be the practice which existed in England immediately before the Supreme Court of Judicature Act, 1873, came into force.” Eailway, to the West Coast.—The following important item of intelligence is published in the Westport Times of a recent date. Further information upon the subject will probably be given to-night, when the Public Works Statement will be delivered : “Mr C. T. O’Connor, the District Engineer, has received instructions to survey a railway line from the East to the West Coast of the South Island, with a view to the construction of a connecting link between the Canterbury and the West Coast coalfields.”

The Kumaea Rush. —The correspondent ©f the Grey River Argus writing from the Kumara Rush, this week, says : “ The general run of the olaime, from the prospects I have seen washed, will turn out wages at all events ; there are a few claims in the terrace where yields may go to £lO per week. Some of these tunnels will have to be driven from 600 ft to 800 ft to intersect the shaft, in order to get out their wash to advantage. At least ten loads a day will have to be taken out and put through to come up to the necessary calculations made. At the lower end of the prospecting, where the shallow ground commences, some heavy cutting will have to be gone through in bringing up tail races, in moat instances. I do not think lam far out in saying that from 500 ft to 600 ft in length, and eight feet in depth, will be required, and then the grand desideratum, water, will be required, there being little here for so many.”

Fatal Mining Accident.—Another of those painfully fatal accidents, says the Grey River Argus, which are only of too frequent occurrence on the Goldfields, happened at Bell’s Gully, in the No Town district, on the afternoon of Friday last. From a statement made by Mr Charles Gunn, one of deceased’s mates, it would appear that about four o’clock, and just as the party were “ knocking off” for the day, the deceased, Butlin Porter, being in the “ face,” throwing out stones, was called to by Gunn to stand clear, as a fall of earth was imminent. The unfortunate man made to get away, but was caught, the falling debris covering him up to the neck and crushing him against the sidlinge of the reef. He was immediately extricated and conveyed to his hut at a short distance, and medical aid was speedily procured from No Town. It was then found that Porter, besides having a leg broken at the ankle, had also sustained severe internal injuries, and his removal to the hospital was resolved on. After leaving No Town, the party had not proceeded far before grave fears were gathering strength that the poor sufferer would have to suooumb to his fate; and on halting at the Half-way, it was painfully evident that death was very nigh. While a warm drink of milk was preparing, and amidst a scene of solemn earnestness depicted on every face, Butlin Porter expired, asd No Town lost one.of its oldest and most respected residents. A London Yageant.— The patrons of street mendicants, says the London Sow, will be encouraged to learn from the ease of Fanny Martin that their clients are not undeserving of their favours. Fanny Martin is forty-five years old, and, on the strength of possessing “ a haggard appearance,” has lately been found in Fleet street begging, and holding out her hands to gentlemen as they passed. When searched, nine shillings and fivopenoe in silver and copper were found upon her, and also a banking book. According to this book the amount to the credit of Mrs Martin at the moment when she was begging in Fleet street was £l2O 14s fid. Whether this amount represents the whole of this lady’s fortune cannot be ascertained without searching the books of the Bank of England and other documents where people are proud to find their names, in order to see what sums she has invested in the funds or elsewhere, bat the information supplied by the banking book Iras enough to show that Mrs Martin had been soliciting alms on the false plea that she was destitute. Obtaining money by false pretences is a crime known to the law, but it sepme to solicit alms with £l2O in the pocket does not amount in law to begging. Sir Robert Garden, before whom the case came, contented himself with referring to the Directory, and finding that Mrs Martin had given a correct address, dismissed her with her money and bank book. The result supplies a capital idea to that large body of persons who possess a small fortune, and who wish to add to it without needless exertion. They have only to cultivate a haggard appearance, and to hold out supplicating hands in the street, when they will reap a modest but substantial reward.