TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume L, Issue 5535, 18 November 1878, Page 2

TOWN & COUNTRY.

The WAntAKABiKi. —This rivor did not riso to such an extent os to cause any interruption in tho railway traflic, though there was a considerable fresh in tho stream. Immmiguation. —Tho Immigration Department has been advised by telegram from tho Agont-Gcaoral, dated. Nov. 6, as under: — Waikato, 161; Timaru, 166 for Lyttelton. Thatcukk, the Comic, Sinobb.—lt will bo seen from tho Chinese news published in another column that Thatcher, tho comic singer, go well known a few years ago in Canterbury, is dead. Panokama of New Zealand.— Tho inhabitants of Loburn were entertained on Friday evening with this panorama, the views being shown in tho schoolroom. There was a large attendance, and tho affair was successful:

Ciikss Matos with Wellington.—This match was to have been continued on Saturday night, but in consequence of an interruption in tho telegraphic communication, its continuance had to bo postponed till a future opportunity. Ashley County Council.—The only candidates nominated for the vacant seat of tho Oxford riding in this County was Mr John B. Pearson, who was consequently declared duly elected. Mr G. F. Headings was returning officer, and there was not much interest taken in tho proceedings. : Chbistchcbcii CityGuaeds.—On Thursday evening: tho Christchurch City Guards entertained the visiting contingent of the Invercargill Rifles at dinner at the Terminus Hotel. Captain Hawkes presided. Major Lean, Captain Craig, and Lieutenant Strange were amongst the visitors. A most enjoyable evening was spent. Bntbbtainment at Flaxton.—On Friday evening an entertainment in aid of tho funds of tho Church of England Temperance Society was held in tho main schoolroom, Flaxton. There was a large attendance in the room, and the entertainment passed off very successfully. The Rev. F. Inwood occupied the chair, and Mr J. MThtjro, of View Hill, showed the views and explained them in on interesting manner. At the close ho was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for tho entertainment produced. : Impobtant to Impobtebs. — As some misapprehension seems to’ exist with reference to the allowances made to importers under “ The Customs’ Tariff Act, 1878,” we publish for the information of our readers the section of the Act, boaring on this subject:— “8. No discounts or deductions from the value of any goods chargeable with ad valorem duty shall bo allowed unless such discount or deduction be clearly shown to the satisfaction of the Collector of Customs on the. original invoice in tho same handwriting as that in which such invoice is made out, or unless the same be verified by the signature of the manufacturer, merchant, or person from whom the goods set forth or described in the invoice were purchased, and by whom such discount or deduction has been or purports to have been actually allowed.” Mayobal Election.—A meeting of ratepayers was hold on Saturday evening at Mr O. T< lok’s auction rooms, with tho object of forming a Committee to work in the interest of that gentleman at tho forthcoming contest for the mayoralty. Those present then formed themselves into a Committee, Mr J. Gapes being elected permanent chairman, and Mr W. Clifford vice-chairman. Mr Ick gave a lengthened explanation of tho Carter’s lane question, and also as to tho purchase of a horse by tho Works Committee of the City Council, about which something had appeared in print. Tho explanation given was considered satisfactory. After discussing preliminary business the Committee adjourned until to-morrow at 7.30 p.m., the chairman intimating that it would be advisable to meet every evening until tho polling day.

The Gaiety.—There was a crowded house at the Gaiety on Saturday night to witness the final performance of the C.K.B. Minstrels. A varied and attractive programme had been provided, which gave the heartiest satisfaction, judging from the applause and laughter which greeted tho Minstrels at intervals of the evening. Mr Simonson repeated his violin solo of “ Annie Laurie,’’ with variations, and, being recalled, travestied some well-worn street airs in a manner that created roars of laughter. Before tho conclusion of tho programme, Mr Simonson appeared before the curtain to thank the Christchurch public for their patronage daring the two short seasons here of tho G.K.B. Minstrels. Ho also referred to the visit of another company of Minstrels, who will be hero in tho course of a week or so, and said they were exceedingly clover artistes. Mr Simonsen and his company appear to-night at Southbridge. Govbenob’s Bat.—A mooting of ratepayers was held in the schoolroom, Governor’s Bay, on, Friday at 13 o’clock. Mr Hodgson, Chairmen of the Port Victoria Road Board, presided. The meeting was called for tho purpose of considering the best route from Governor’s Bay to tho head of tho hay. Mr Bradley moved—“ That this meeting considers that the diversion of tho road over Munson’s Hill, os now surveyed, is tho best, being a good gradient and the shortest route, and will benefit tho greatest number of ratepayers.” This was seconded by Mr Vigors. Mr Robert Monson moved as an amendment, which was seconded by Mr Mansen, sen.—“ That tho road bo taken down the Point.” Considerable discussion took place os to which was the most desirable route. In this Messrs Forster, Allan, D. Qebbio, and B. Mansen took a prominent part. Tho Chairnmp put tho amendment to the meeting, when three hands wore held up in favour of it, whilst against it 19 hands wore shown. Tho resolution was then carried by 19 to 4. Mr Allan moved—“ That this mooting reauosts tho Board to get on with tho road diversion over Hanson’s Hill, as now surveyed, as speedily as possible.” Seconded by Mr Forster. Mr Blatohford moved as an amendment— 11 That before any proceedings aro taken with t he upper road, the lower road be surveyed, to bob which is tho beet.” This was seconded by Mr W. Hall, who thought it was only fair to have tho lower road surveyed to see which was tho boat. Mr Allan said ho should object to tho funds of tho Board being used : after the upper road had been approved of. i If any parties wanted the lower road eur- ; roved; they could got it Mono at their own oxnenso. The amendment was lost by 20 toi 5 and tho resolution carried. A vote of i thank* to the Chairman terminated the pro- ! ooodiog*’ i

TiMAHt/.—Ho further th S S already been reported WW 4rra. D *:^ terrier, arrived in the ? an s „ ...u«l«. Carter. They are both hanawmo ooimgb and have boea pmotakers at llome, from tho boat /train of blood m Engird. Ro«B«.-An unusually fine stand of rose., considering tho dry new of the w«*on, wm exhibited on Saturday by Mr ohudlov, at h 'Atop in Colombo street. Tho »tand fneladed many varieties, tho best of » Mmhuno Faloot, Madame Borard, Glory of Waltham, and Madame Themo Lorot. Too earn of the collection, however, was a bloom of Lord Macaulay, rather small, but firm ana of excellent shape. . . . , , . Hot ITotJK».—About si* o’clock last evening it was rciwrlod to tho police that a boy about si* year* of age had been found wandering on tho road loading from Cashmere to the Lincoln road. Mr George Sandford, who found tho lad, left him in charge of Mr Aiken, tho overseer at Cashmere. The boy gave hi* name a* Boland Boot. Ho is of etout build, with fair hair, and i» dressed in a dark tweed suit, with a crow of black braid on tho knee* of tho trousers. Assault. —A Bingular caw of assault occurred in Gloucester street at about half-past ten on Saturday night. Mr and Mr* E. P. Martin, who reside on th* Bast Belt, were just returning homo from tho Theatre, when a man named Peterson, a resident at Waltham, stepped up behind Mr* Martin and grossly assaulted her. The man—who appeared to be nearly drunk—was at once given into custody, and will be proceeded against at the Pplice Court this morning. Tiuutbh Royal.—The reproduction of " Tho Shaughraun,” with tho addition of tho second act of “ Flying Scud,” formed a capital Saturday night’s bill, and proved to bo a most enjoyable performance. Mr Walton was very affective as.Oonn, his drolleries creating hearty laughter, and the piece throughout played extremely well. The performance this evening is for the joint benefit of Messrs Walton and Haygarth, and tho drama to be produced ia “Tho Poop o’ Day Boy,” with new and appropriate scenery and appointments. Stkai-iho peom Gaedbns. —There have been numerous complaints recently of petty thefts from various gardens, and at length one or two of the offenders have been caught. At about half-past ton o’clock on Saturday morning a man named Crompton was pounced upon os ho was in the act of stealing cabbages from a garden at Knightetown, belonging to Mr Ollivier, carpenter, and was given into custody. In another case to bo hoard this morning, three persons are charged with stealing a rhododendron from tho garden of Mr Sutor. Impoetkd Hobses.— By tho ship Eanglfcikei there arrived yesterday two thoroughbred brood moree for Mr Carter. They are named Miss Kate, a dark brown, and Macksiccar, a bay. Miss Kate is by Adventurer out of Sporting Life. Macksiccar is by Knight or the Garter, out of Cassandra. Both animals have arrived in splendid condition, and have been tended on the passage by Geo. Lawson, who deserve* great credit for the way in which he has brought them into harbour. Both mares are in foal to celebrated horses.

INQOBBT.-5-An inquest was held at tlio Commercial Hotel, Timaru, on Saturday, touching the death of Mrs Drew and her child, who were killed during the violent gale on Friday last. After hearing the evidence tlio jury returned a verdict of accidental death, and added a rider to the effect that roofs placed upon concrete or brick buildings shoula be properly fastened to the satisfaction of a public inspector, appointed by the local governing body. The roof of the building in question was only laid upon the concrete walls and was not fastened in any way.

Police Changes. Mounted-constable David Cartmill, who lor some years past has been stationed at Ashburton, has been transferred to the Waiau township, vice Constable Schroder, who for many years has acted in that district as constable, Clerk to the Bench and Licensing Court, Postmaster, and Registrar of Birth, Deaths, and Marriages. Constable Schroder, who has resigned from the force, was under the direction of the officer in charge of the late Nelson district. It has not yet been determined who is to replace Constable Cartmill at Ashburton. The Metropolitan Snow.—We have received a letter from Mr P. 0. Threlkeld, questioning the correctness of the statement that Messrs Coates and Co.’s prize for the highest prize-taker in horses, sheep, and cattle at the recent Metropolitan Show had been gained by Mr John Ferguson. Upon inquiry we learn that in the hurry of preparing the list of prize-takers Mr Ferguson’s name was inadvertently inserted instead of Mr Threlkeld. So soon as the mistake was discovered, the Association’s Secretary wrote to Mr Threlkeld, explaining the circumstances of the case, and apologising for the error which had arisen.

Fobbstbks’ Magazine.—a new half-yearly magazine, called “The New Zealand Foresters’ Miscellany,” is about to be published in Christchurch. The promoters, in a circular letter addressed to the various Courts, express their desire to promote the welfare of the Order by affording a means for the interchange of friendly ideas between the Courts and brethren in New Zealand. The first number will be issued as speedily as possible after the meeting of the District Court (probably early in February), and will contain such information as will be likely to prove of general interest. Already replies have been received from several Courts, and substantial aid has been promised. Picked, dp at Ska.— The ship Eangitikei on her passage out when in 9 N. 23 W., on Sept 5, picked up two Portuguese sailors from a boat belonging to the Portuguese ship Ameriquo. They were the survivors of a boat’s crew who had gone out to pick up a man who had fallen overboard, and on their way back to the vessel the boat capsized. Two of the number were immediately seized by the sharks, but the other four gained the swamped boat and had to beat the sharks off with pieces of the bottom boards of the boat. The sharks in their eagerness to seize their prey came right into the boat. Two more of the men succumbed to the exposure and exhaustion, and the survivors were rescued after having been 60 hours' in the water. Fuller particulars are given in our shipping Columns.

Ashlkt County Council.— A public meeting was hold in the Town Hall, Amborley, on Saturday evening, colled by Mr Ensor, as Chairman of the Kowai Hoad Foard, in consequence of representations made to the Board that the North Kowai riding was entitled to more than one member in the County Council. About 50 persons were present, Mr Ensor in the chair. After considerable discussion on the subject, Mr Bonn moved—“ That in the opinion of this meeting the Kowai riding is insufficiently represented in the County Council, and that our member bo requested to use his influence to obtain other representative for the district.’’ Seconded by Mr D. Robertson and carried unanimously. Mr A. M'Donald then .moved —“ That our member, Mr Fendali, be requested to Use his influence to prevent the Ashley County accepting the Counties Act during the ensuing year." Seconded by Mr 0. J. Harper and carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to Messrs Ensor and Fendali concluded tho business.

Tua Fobbsxbsb' Fktb.—Great exertion* are beina mode by the managing committee of the Foresters rate, which is to take place on Boxing Day, in the grounds of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, to render the gathering of this year far more attractive than any of its predecessor*. It will be remembered that last year a drill competition for boys attending any of the district whool* was introduced, and proved to be exceedingly interesting. The same attractive feature is to be made use of this year, prises of £& and being offered to the successful squads. Au entirely new item, Js a monster art union of children s prises j and a good addition to the programme—although tho idea is a borrowed one—-i* the Barnum museum. Tho committee, has decided upon prohibiting all games or tables m which there is any gambling tendency, and this must be regarded as a stou in the right direction. Whilst keenly alive to emv chanco of adding to tho Widow and Orjnmns fund, and to helping forward the various good works which tho Foresters have at heart the committee has most thoughtfully extended the hand of charity bv issuimr the'Burnham the Burnham Industrial School and the Lvttolton Orphanage. The youngster* arc tX conveyed to the ground, at the expcnsTof the duHnSel°v l U P Ued With Zttwssrcst ss Foresters’ to stiU wore popuhj

Union-Bowing he ant off in con nectfon with the Unt«» Wing Club ore the ftcnlw t sculls * These are to toll* pV* on Saturday 3' 2S f“ u th* fSiSUr^^j iB senior I mirfti and six for tit* junior*■P* Messenger vbom Tim Bk*.—-On Saturday on which wo* written In pencil the following. “« MW. Ceptoin Pltxroy. ship Toad, recked on the steaiU **»d w * nt d **”| Copt in and SB han. and \ •are you all.*’ It fthoitld be added that the Customs’ authorities had the impression that this waft another of the many foolifth act* of a iimilar kind which mere constantly brought under their notice. Quad Boot Found nr thk Bo**.—lnformation ha* been received by the police of the finding of the dead body of a »»" ™ Jfh bank* of the Clarence Biter, Motoewmrtn nation, in the Marlborough district. The body had the appearance of haring lam IntJie non (lion where found for a long timet oati kerned to be that of a man about 66 year* of age, 6ft lOin in height, with long black hair, dreeied in a new pair of moleftlin trou»er» and light tweed rest. A countable wa» dcspaahrd from Blenheim, a distance of 85 roilcft, to bring in the body. Where it woe found i* said to be in an exceedingly rough part of the country. Bobton’b Circus.— On Saturday there were two performance! at the “ Great A«»* Indian Circiw.” The first, in the afternoon, was numerously attended, principally by children, whose enjoyment of all that they saw ana heard was unmistakably genuine j the second, in the evening, was not *o well patronised. At both the programmes were of the usual varied and ammmg character. The Circus was to hare opened to-night at Ambcrlcy, but arrangements hare been made by which the company will again appear this evening, for positively the lost time in Christchurch. An excellent “ Olla Podrida” will bo presented. Accident in Ltttnlton.— On Saturday morning John Hemsen, a seaman on board the New Zealand Shipping Company’s ship Chari, met with a very severe accident, and had a very narrow escape of losing his life. He was engaged in bending the fore royal, when the port lift suddenly carried away and the man fell. There was a fresh south-west breexe blowing at the time, and the wind blew him inboard; ho was caught about six feet from the deck in the running gear that had been made fast to the fore-topmast backstay. Had it been calm at the time of the accident, the unfortunate man must have been smashed on the wharf. As it was his left arm and one rib were broken, his left side being severely bruised. Dr Bouse was speedily in attendance, and had the sufferer conveyed to the casual ward.

A muff cricket match, between Christehmcb and Lyttelton teams, will be played on the Uagley Phtk ground to-morrow. Wickets will be pitched at 11 a.SQe A special general meeting of the member* of the Mnthal Benefit Building and Investment Society will ho held at Mr Gee’s schoolroom, Worcester street, on F/lday, at 7.15 p.m. The annual general meeting of the Society wul he held at 7.30 pun.

Wholes axe Destruction op Whales. — Something like a capture was made on Sept. 7 by a number of Shetland boatmen, who succeeded in driving no less than 115 whales ashore at the .West Voe of Sumburgh, near Dunrossnees. The blabber was sola on the spot three days later.

Mb Sbtkem’s Visit to Ekoland. “ Atlas,” the well-known contributor to the World, writes:—“Mr Henry A. Severn, whose lectures on experimental science has* made quite a sensation in Hew Zealand and Australia, is on his way to England, where he will commence a course of lectures on light and the spectrum analysis; electro-magnetism in its relation to the telegraph, telephone, &c.; terrestrial magnetism, the principle of the mariner’s compass, and kindred subjects. Mr Severn is said to be unrivalled in his experiments, which are conducted with apparatus of an unusually extensive and superior kind. Mr Severn is a son of Consul Severn, the friend of Keats, and brother of Mesaxa Arthur and Walter Severn.” A Vigilant Maoxsthatb.—A Melbourne correspondent says:—At a Victorian police court the other day a cheap practitioner was amongst the tipsy watchhouse waifs, and was duly fined ss. On the same morning, a little later on, he appeared on behalf of a client. After the rising of the Court, a highly respectable attorney, talking with the Chairman of the Bench, expressed his surprise at seeing a man who had i ust been fined for drunkenness being permitted to appear in a case—at any rate, lor that day. “ Well," said the very practical magistrate, “1 observed on the watchhouse sheet that when his pockets were searched there was nothing in them, and I thought I might as well letliim earn as much as would discharge the fine 1 had inflicted. Otherwise we should never have got it.”

Victorian Railways —The new Victorian Railways Construction Rill provides for the construction of 1121 miles of railway at a cost of £6,125,000. Thirty-two Hoes an scheduled, but the proposed loan of £2,500,000 will construct only 14, and the Government propose to take these in the order in which they are. placed in the table. The total mileage of these 14 lines is 404. The list includes three short suburban lines. One line of 13 miles is called a milk line, as it is intended for the benefit of the dairy farms of the district. Branxholme to Apsley is the longest line of the series, namely, 86 miles, and it is to be pushed with mainly for intercolonial purposes. The Bill is to lie on the table for toesession, but a Bill appropriating £23,000 to make the necessary surreys has been prepared, and will hare to be taken without delay. Rblics op Cyrus tub Gbbat.—A rather startling archaeological discovery is reported from Galicia. About three weeks ago a peasant woman, while working in the fields in the neighbourhood of Michalkov, on the Dniester, dug up several golden objects, including goblets, a staff, hrouches with dragons’ heads, and a crown. The well-known historical investigator. Dr Praglovski, and other arcliKologists of Lemberg, have oomo to the conclusion that these ornaments belong to the regalia of the elder Cyrus, who fell in a campaign against the Massageta, about 529 B.c. In his report upon these objects Dr Praglovski declares that anyone who examines the details and style of the ornaments, and thou compares the place where they were found with the reports in Greek historians concerning Cyrus’ expedition against the Scythians, will at once agree with his conclusion. The intrinsic value of the objects is sot down at 100,000 ilorins at least, or about £IO,OOO.

No “Devil” on th* “NightShift."— One evening when visiting the IhtntU* Advertiser office with some stranger* Mr Qilfillan got heartily merry over an amusing incident. In the absence of the entire literary staff he wa» shown into the editor’s room by an occasional contributor. On eeeing the system of electric bells arranged on the wall at the back of the editor's chair, he asked an explanation, and finding that the editor could by a touch of his finger summon into his room all or any of the heads of the departments from all parts of the establishment, above or below, Mr OtlUUsn exclaimed, with a pass of the hand, “The editor hew can therefore call the devils from the vasty deeu or draw an. angel down.” The guide bavin* touched the devil's bell several times withpewowge entering an aupeamnw. Mr GdtUfon said, “ The devil must turelx he from home, or taking a nap.” The icwde having again touched the bell, a sedate wot* positor entered and informed the astoa£»hed six SdolS** ‘tT* men m dr,a * thereafter six o’clock. The amusement of tho visitors was. still more heightened when, «a being exnlained “ r^ oa ‘ c P*™ compositor USlowed of 1 no devil » allowed to work on the night shift, or after «x o’clock at night" The ideaef the deril fcgK. Aot P “ limcnt «««> roars