TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LI, Issue 5578, 8 January 1879, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Slaughter-House Licenses. —We would remind butchers and others requiring slaughtering licenses, that the new regulations for issuing them are now in force, and that applications for the licenses for the current year should be made at once. Anyone slaughtering without a license subjects himself to a penalty. Alleged Cruelty to a Hoese,— An* information has been laid against a man named Duncan M'Alister, blacksmith, of Waitohi, for cruelly killing a horse which was taken to his shop to have tampers cut out. It is alleged that M'Alister was the worse for drink, and he beat the horse about the bead till he killed it. The case will come off at the Temuka Court on Jan. 22. Accident at Oxford.—A serious accident occurred to a young man named Robert Osbourne while he was excavating a cutting on Cusdfn’s Mill road. About a ton of earth fell upon him and nearly buried him. Dr Weld was immediately sent for, and it was found that three of Osbourne’s riba were broken, and that his right shoulder was dislocated. Quick Travelling,— The coach conveying the mail between Amberley and the Waiau, a distance of 46 miles, did not reach the Waiau on Friday last at the proper time, and Mr Thomas Fraser was despatched on horseback from the Waiau Post-office at 1 p.m. on the following day, with the down mail. He had to catch the train leaving Amberley the same day at 5 p.m., and this he did, with five minutes to spare. Tub Latb Champion Sailing Race.— The match between the Alert and the Torea will not come off, at all events for the present. Captain Grundy not having received any further instructions from his owner, Has finished loading his vessel and is now ready for sea. Should the race be sailed over again by the two vessels it would create a considerable amount of interest, ss both of them have a large number of adherents. Alleged Hoese Stealing.— Three young men, somewhat the worse for liquor, who were returning to their homes in Yaldhurst, about half an hour before midnight on Monday, went into a section there and took out a mare, on which they rode away towards the Waimakariri. The wife of the marc’s owner, hearing a noise, roused her husband, who followed the men and recognised them. He yesterday came to Christchurch and took out a warrant against the young men for horse stealing.

Sydenham Borough Council.— The fortnightly meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council haring lapsed on Monday evening for want of a quorum, was held fast night, and a considerable amount of business was transacted. It was reported to the Council that the concrete channelling along one side of Colombo road had been completed, and that a by-law dealing with streets, pathways, &c., had been drafted. It was also announced that satisfactory progress had been made with the new map or the Borough. A report of the proceedings will be found in another column. A False Alabm. —Constable Stanley, of Pleasant Point, yesterday discovered the owner of the clothes found near the creek about 20 miles from Pleasant Point. It appears a man named John Matheson, a labourer working with Derrick and M’Kenzie, contractors, left his camp yesterday morning in fin insane state, only partly drjjio 'mates went to look for him shortly afterwards, and found his trousers and shirt lying alongside a creek. Matheson was supposed to have drowned himself, but after considerable search he was found in a shepherd’s hut some distance off. Hobticuxtubal Society. The Christchurch Horticultural Society’s monthly meeting was held at the Commercial Hotel, last evening, the particular business being the awarding of the prizes offered by the Society, and others for carnations and picottees. Tne following were the judges’ awards. Open Class. 12 carnations and picottees—J. Greenaway, 1. 6 carnations —J. Greenaway, 1. 6 picottees — J. Grecdaway, 1. Amateurs’ class. 12 carnations and picottees—H. Crooks, 1; D. Craw, 2. 6 carnations—First prize not awarded; D. Craw, 2. 6 picottees—first prize not awarded ; D. Craw, 2. Extra prizes given by J, Greenaway for new exhibitors only. 6 carnations and picottees, varieties—0. Lawson, 1; H. Crooks, 2. First class certificates were awarded fox the following extra exhibits :—To Mr John Dutton, for a plant of variegated musk and also a fine plant of Adiantum affine or Cunninghami , a native fern ; to Mr S. Jackman, for 6 extra fine roses, varieties ; to Mr J. Greenaway for a very fine collection of gooseberries, including 18 varieties, and second class certificate for 18 carnations and picottees. The judges were Messrs G. A. Eeade, J. Dutton, and J. Guntrip. Tbial of Eeapebs and Binders.— The trial of reapers and binders arranged by the Agricultural and Pastoral Association is announced to take place on Thursday, Jan. 16, in a field of wheat situated at Avonhead, Upper Biooarton, the property of Mr Wm. Boag. It has been determined that all the machines entered for competition must be on the ground and ready for work by nine o’clock on the morning of the trial, and that up to eleven o’clock no person save the members of the Committee will bo allowed to follow the machines or to leave the headlands. It is also provided that during the whole of the trial the public must on no account interfere with the free working of the hones or machines, and that no horses other plan those used in the trials will be admitted into the field. The field is distant about four miles from Christchurch, and can be reached either by the Riocarton or Fendaltown roads. In addition to having placed his crop of wheat at the disposal of the Association for the purposes of the trial, Mr Boag has undertaken to provide a paddock for the accommodation of the hones and vehicles of visitors. The number of machines entered is larger and much more varied than at any of the previous trials, and there can be but uttle doubt that the attendance on the occasion will be large. Thu Amateur Opera, —Mr Towle’s Amateur Opera Company is now in possession of the Theatre Royal, and last night held their first rehearsal there. The whole of the performers were present. The final rehearsal will he held to-night, on which occasion Mr Towle has verv wisely arranged that all the characters ana chorus shall appear in their proper costumes, so that any deficiencies usually observable on a first performance may be previously detected and eradicated. The oast is now advertised, and of those of the performers who are known to a Christchurch audience are certainly possessed of the required vocal ability to do thoir parts full justice. The orchestra is an excellent one, comprising two first and two second violins, viola, violoncello, and double bass, two ilutes, clarionet, two cornets, tenor horn, euphonium, drums, and piano, under the conductorsbip of Mr R. T. Soarroll. The wardrobe, scenery, and properties are to be entirely new, and there is no doubt the piece will be mounted as effectively as possible. The plan of the reserved stalls will be thrown open at 11 this morning at Mr Merlon’s music shop in High street, and will doubtless be availed ef, as it will meet the wishes of many of those who wish to bo present. It is also announced' that holders of tickets to the unreserved stalls will be admitted 15 minutes earlier than the rest of the public, which will enable them to obtain good seats without being subjected to the discomfort of inconvenient crowding.

English Bibos. The Acclimatisation Society decided yesterday on a list of birds to be brought out from England by Mr H. Bills. Mr Bills is expected to arrive from Melbourne to-day, and will probably sail by the Racgitikei. The Humble Bee.—The Acclimatisation Society are going to make another effort to introduce the humble bee, and preparations for this purpose will bo made by Mr Bills when the fittings are being placed in position tor the English birds to be shipped under his ebarge. Police Court, —At the police court yesterday morning the charge-sheet did not contain a single entry, and the only item of business 3j9 an adjourned case of failing to provide r the support of a wife and child, this being further adjourned, in the absence of Mr Hellish, until to-day. Lyttelton B.M. Cocax.—The Lyttelton R.M, Court has for several days been without a magistrate, but from a telegram received by the Mayor from the Hon. J. Sheehan, it appears that the vacancy will be filled up shortly. In the meantime Mr Mellish will sit at Lyttelton occasionally. Distribution of Tbout. —The Acclimatisation Society bare already distributed this season 20,450 young trout, and have still in the • gardens 700 more to be yet liberated, making a total of 21,150 hatched out this year. On no previous occasion has the Society been so successful, and to mark their sense of the Curator’s efforts in their behalf, the Council yesterday- voted him a donation of twenty guineas, Avosbidb Church.— An entertainment was given last evening at the schoolroom in aid of the funds of the Church choir. The room was crowded, and the performance passed off most successfully. Solos, duets, and instrumental selections comprised the programme, all of which were heartily applauded. We are dad to be able to state that the result of the concert will be » substantial addition to the funds of the choir. Canterbury Rifle Association.— The firing in the montlily competition by members of the Canterbury Rifle Association, for the cup presented by Mr Petersen, took place on Saturday at the Cashmere range. There were 15 competitors in attendance, but, owing to the unfavourable weather, the scoring was scarcely up to the usual average. Mr Cameron proved to be the winner with 63 points. Sergeant Bnckley, 56 points, took the second prize, and Sergeant-Major Manning, 54 points, the third prize. The Stewaet Family. —Last night the Oddfellows’ Hall was again crowded with a highly appreciative audience to witness “ If.” The sisters with their father were as usual enthusiastically applauded; Miss Docy received the compliment of an encore for her sceca from Lucrezia Borgia, and Miss Nellie was similarly honoured for her laughing song. The term for which the Stewarts have taken the hall is now rapidly drawing to an end, so that those who nave not as yet witnessed “If ” have not many opportunities left them for doing so. Drainage Boaed Elections.— The nominations of gentlemen to serve as members of the Drainage Board during the ensuing term of three years took place yesterday, and a detailed account will be found in another column. It will be observed that in only one district—that of Spreydon—is a poll rendered necessary, and there Mr H. Q. Tancred, the former member, is being opposed by Mr J. S. M. Jacobsen. It may be remarked that but for the courtesy of a voter who was present in the interest of Mr Jacobsen, Mr Tancred’s nomination would have fallen through. Bangioba Parish Church Organ, The metal pipes for this organ, which were ordered from England, have now arrived by the ship Hurunui, and were landed last week. The organ is in readiness for their reception, and Mr C. Farrell, the builder, expects to hare the instrument ready for transmission to Bangiora in about two weeks. It will be formally opened as soon os ready, for which purpose Mr Merton is actively engaged in preparing some pieces. Mr Neville Barnett will, it is stated, assist at the opening, by giving a recital, and Mr Merton will give a grand concert in the Institute Hall in the evening. Illegal Sale of Fish. —At yesterday’s meeting of the Acclimatisation Society the secretary statcd tßai, to was aware of three American salmon having been caught by fishermen at the mouth of the river, and sold in Christchurch. As these men bad been licensed by the Collector of Customs to fish for three miles up the river from its mouth, he was powerless to take action against them, although these salmon had been protected by Government proclamation. Mr Farr was requested by the meeting to bring the matter directly under the notice of the Undersecretary, and the Chairman promised to communicate with the Government. Difficulty of Reposting. —Mr Justice Johnston yesterday called attention to an inaccuracy which had crept into a published report of his charge to the Grand Jury, and at the same time expressed surprise that it should be stated in the report referred to that he was inaudible at the reporters* table. Strange as it may appear to lus Honor, it is nevertheless a fact, that of his charge, scarcely a single sentence could be heard from beginning to end. The acoustic arrangement of the Supreme Court is so defective that his Honor has frequently to exhort witnesses to speak louder, and sometimes to have them stand close to him. In the latter case it need hardly be said that much of what the witnesses say is totally inaudible to the reporters, and, no doubt, also to nine-tenths of the person! in Court. Suggested Improvement in thk Conduct op Prosecutions. —His Honor Mr Justice Johnston remarked yesterday that the Crown was accustomed to rely, in criminal coses, too much upon the depositions taken in the Magistrates’ Courts. Irr oases of importance, if not in all cases, it was most desirable that the Grown Prosecutor should, either personally or through a solicitor, examine the witnesses before calling them into Court. The result would be a great saving of time, as the true value of the evidence of each witness would be thoroughly known and possibly many additional facte would be elicited. The occasion for his Honor’s remarks was the questioning of a witness by the Crown Prosecutor as to a fact not mentioned in the lower Court hut elicited bv the prosecution after the prisoner's committal. Aquatic. —lt was recently stated in our columns that arrangements were in progress for a friendly contest between members of the Canterbury and Union Rowing Clubs, and that it was contemplated to arrange a series of events such as would constitute a regatta on a small scale. The gathering has been fixed for Saturday afternoon, Fob. 11, and the following programme has been agreed upon by the joint Committees:—To start at three o'clock, senior four-oar race, & miles; halfpast three, junior four-oars, 2 miles; four o’clock, senior pair oars, Ik miles ; half-past four, junior pair oars, li miles j five o’clock, senior double sculls, 1 mile; half-past five, junior double sculls, 1 mile. The clubs are to be allowed to enter one boat for each event, and the four-oar races are to be rowed in boats with fixed seats. In the junior races the competitors must be under 20 yean of age on the day of entry, and all entries are to be made on or before Jan. 15. The programme is, without doubt, a well-arranged and generally attractive one, and as the tune announced for starting each race is to be closely adhered to the public will doubtless attend in largo numbers. An adjourned meeting of railway employe* will bo held in the accountant's otUoe at 1.30 p.m. on Saturday. A meeting of the sub-committee of the Courtenay Farmers' (Sub will be held at the Holkett Hotel on Saturday, at 7.30 p.m. A meeting will be held this evening of football players to consider the proposed visit of an English team of players next whiter. The return match between the U.C.C.C. aud H.0.L.C.0. will be played on Saturday next, on tbo ground of the former, ploy to commence at i. 30 p.m. punctually. The following will represent the U.C.C.C.Messrs Bruges. Buchanan, W. CottcrilL Dawe, Frost, Harvey, Moores, Robinson, M, H. Smith, Thorne and Wilkinson. The return match between the H.O.L.C.C. end Bakers' Clubs will bo ployed on Thursday, on the ground of the former, play to commence at 1.30 p-m. The following will represent the H.OX.C.C.: —Messrs Anson, Ashby, Burley, Clark, Collier, Dunbar, Hepworth. Judge, Kerr, Socket, and Smith. The annual meeting of the Conning Club, as will be seen by advertisement, will be held on Jon. 13, at the Shades. Several matters of importance ■will bo brought forward, and a food attendance ef members is requested.