TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5892, 14 January 1880, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Unsupported Acclimatisation. —That the Acclimatisation Society could do very little in the way of stocking our streams and introducing valuable birds and animals if they depended on public support to carry out this work, may be inferred from the fact that the total subscriptions received for the year 1879 amounted to £l4 9s. The White Fish Ota.—The boxes in the fish-house at the Acclimatisation Grounds have been fitted with 18 gauge zinc to secure the tiny white fish when hatched, and every preparation has been made by the Council to render the forthcoming experiment a success. The Hinemoa left Auckland with the boxes yesterday. The Church of England Cemetery.— Although great trouble and expense have been taken by the Church of England Cemetery Board to keep the cemetery in order their efforts are frustrated by some persons who are in the habit of visiting the place for the purpose of stealing flo .vers and plants. These desecrators of God’s acre are not only boys, but in many instances well-dressed women, who when remonstrated with by those who have seen them commit these acts —which Maoris and other supposed partly civilised savages respect the abode of their dead too much to be guilty of—reply in very insolent terms. This conduct has now reached to such a pitch that the Board have been compelled to arrange for the presence of police in plain clothes to be stationed in various parts of the cemetery. South Waimakaeiei Board of Conservators. —The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held at noon, yesterday; present—Messrs Harman (Chairman), Duncan, O’Callaghan, and the Mayor of Christchurch. Some conversation took place on the striking of the rate for next year, with a view cf obtaining uniformity throughout the various districts, after which, it was decided that those members of the Board connected with Boad Boards, should cause the assessment to be forwarded to the Chairman as soon as possible, and a circular for same information would be sent to the Borough Councils. A rough statement *tf accounts, asked for at last meeting, was submitted, and it was resolved that a fair copy should be made after information had been received to allow of the blanks being filled, in and the statement audited, and the same should be published after next meeting. A number of accounts were passed for payment. Heathcotb Racing Club.—A meeting of the above Club was held on Monday evening at the Heathcote Arms Hotel, Mr F. Pavittin the chair. Seventeen members were present. Twenty new members were elected, bringing up the strength of the Club to about 40 members. A discussion of a conversational nature followed, during which it was stated that Mr Fenton, from whom the Club were endeavouring to lease the course, was in treaty for the purchase of some sections in the centre of the land, so as to be able to give the Club an undivided right to the whole block, and until this business was concluded no progress could be made in the direction desired. It was decided to allow the matter to remain in abeyance for three weeks. Among remarks made with reference to the Club’s next meeting, the programme sketched out consisted of five events, four to be for stakes of not less than £25 each, the fifth to be the Heathcote Oup for a sum of at least £SO. It was also decided that the races should be run under C.J.C. rules. After a reference to minor business, the meeting adjourned. The Late Mrs Darrell.—The funeral of the late Mrs George Darrell, we find from the Melbourne Argus, took place on Jan. 5. A very large number of members of the profession in which she occupied so high a position, and an equally large number of private citizens who had known and respected her as a friend, or admired her as a talented actress, attended the funeral. The cortiga was a long one, and in addition to those who proceeded with it to the cemetery, a considerable number gathered round the grave, the assemblage comprising an unusually large proportion of familiar faces. Messrs George Ooppin, Vincent, Theodore Hamilton, G. R. Ireland, F. 0. Appleton, representing the stage, and Messrs H. G. Turner, Garnet Waloh, and Dr J. E. Neild acted as pallbearers In consequence of Mrs Darrell’s death, Mr Darrell gave up his part in the “ Forlorn Hope ”toMrW. H. Reynolds. A performance of the piece under the special patronage of Australians has been arranged, and Mr Darrell will probably not resume the character till then.

Oeiokst—The Rustics. —This Club, recently formed, continues its practices regularly on Mr Gorton’s premises, at View Hill, and its numbers are gradually increasing. In consequence of a desire on the part of the residents south of Harman’s Gorge road, the boundary of the district has been extended to the road known as the Gorge road. A match was played on New Year’s Day between the Rustics and Oxford Club, which resulted victoriously for the latter Club, owing to their receiving the assistance of some of the Rustic members. On Saturday evening, after the usual practice a general meeting was held in the View Hill Woohhed, Mr J. R. Gorton, captain and promoter of the Club, in the chair. There was a large attendance of members, and after the usual formality of opening the meeting, the Chairman said that the Club had been fully as successful as they had anticipated. His wish in establishing the Club was to create a unanimity of feeling in the. district, and he hoped they would be careful in electing members that they should be residents in the district, and men with whom they could meet with pleasure; and if they continued to act in harmony, he (Mr Gorton) was prepared to present the Club with ten acres of land in a convenient position, which could be used as a cricket ground and recreation reserve. This statement was received with cheers, and expressions of thanks were general. Four new members were duly and formally balloted for, and elected members of tho Club; and it was decided to send a challenge to play the Oxford Club a return match on Saturday, Jan. 17, the site of the match to be left to the choice of the Oxford team. Mr H. Feary was elected a member of the Match Selection Committee in place of Mr H. Ffltoh. The following is the team selected to play in the match next Saturday Messrs Feary (3), Clark (2), A. Ashworth, F, Ffitoh, Kmgeford, Pole, Leonard, and Gorton (Captain!. Emergencies—Messrs Gilchrist (2), O’Shea, and Slevero.

Telegraph Office. —The hours for ordinary Press work hare been changed from 10 p.m, to 8 p.m, No reason is at present given for the alteration. Railway Picnic. —At a meeting of railway employees, held on Monday evening in the accountant’s office, it was decided to hold the annual picnic on Feb 4. A Committee was appointed to carry out the necessary arrangements. *

St. Luke’s Parochial School.— From an advertisement in another column it will be seen that in connection with the parish of St. Luke it is intended to open a day school in the new schoolroom. Church doctrine and Bible truth head the list of subjects that will bo taught. The school will open on Jan. 19. Conviction and Sentence or the Riotebs. —As will be seen by the report of the Supreme Court proceedings in another column, eleven of the rioters wore yesterday convicted. Four of them were sentenced to eighteen months’ imprisonment with hard labour, and the rest to twelve months with hard labour.

Bible Christians. —A public tea for the reception of the Rev J. Crewes will be held in the Congregational schoolroom, Manchester street, to-morrow, at 6 o’clock. A public meeting will be held at 7.30 in the same room, and the following gentlemen have been invited to take part:—Revs Fraser, Reid, Walker, Dallaston, Horner, Macfarlane, White, Clover, Keast, and Mr Reed. Friends from the country are invited.

Oddpbllowship. —At tho regular meeting of the Rangiora Lodge, M.XJ., it was stated that arrangements had been made with Mr Roberts to provide a'dinner on the evening of the day on which the Ashley district is to be opened, viz., on Thursday, Jan. 22 ; and it was also agreed to summon the Lodge for the next meeting, to take into consideration a member’s conduct for a breach of the bylaws.

Silt Pits. —Specimens of the silt pits which some time since were designed by Mr C. Napier Bell, the Engineer to the Christchurch District Drainage Board, are now on view in Messrs Austin and Kirk’s yard, Colombo street. These pits, which have been constructed in glazed earthenware, possess the great advantage of thorough cleanliness and absolute security from leakage, and their simple construction is extremely well adapted for securing freely running drains and freedom from smells.

Waxmakaeiei Haebotjh Boaed. —The adjourned ordinary meeting of this Board was held on Monday, at the Council Chambers; present —Messrs Wearing (Chairman), Mathews, Beharrell, Denton, and Moore. The Secretary laid on the table designs and estimates for punts, tackle, &c., wanted to put the dredge in thorough working order, the estimated cost of which, together with an engine, amounted to about £3OO. The Board then went into a committee of ways and means, after which it adjourned. City Improvements. —A specially summoned meeting of the City of Christchurch Lodge was held on Monday evening for the final consideration of the competitive designs sent in for the new and handsome hall to be erected on the old Lichfield street site. Nine designs had been received, and after a lengthened discussion the one with the motto “ Practical” was selected by ballot. This, we understand, is by Mr J. C. Maddison, the successful architect in the late competition for the municipal buildings. The hall when finished will be a great improvement to the appearance of that portion of Lichfield street.

Extension of Business Peemises.— Some extensive alterations and additions are now being effected at the premises of Messrs Petersen and Co., jewellers, High street. By an addition at the rear, the shop will have a total length of 56 feet, the entrance being removed from its present position to the opposite side of the window. The rearward addition is now nearly completed, and will be in use before there is any need to alter the front of the building. A short arched corridor connects the two portions, and a massive iron door has been so placed that the whole of the new part may in a few moments be converted into a strong room. By day, a ooft light is obtained from a range of side windows placed at a considerable height, and at night two sun-burners will be used. In the design and arrangement of the show cases much taste is being displayed, and by a judicious use of large silvered plates of glass the general effect will be materially enhanced. The side windows referred to are being fitted with iron shutters, so as to guard as far as possible against any danger in the event of a fire occurring in the vicinity.

The Patti Conceet Company. The Concert Company which is expected to arrive by the next mail steamer from San Francisco, does not include, as many may think, the celebrated Adelina Patti, but her sister Carlotta. Concerning it Signor De Vivo, the manager, wrote to the Argus that they met with great success in their tour through the United States. They were to open the new Central Music Hall in Chicago on Dec. 8, and after giving four concerts there, they were to leave for San Francisco, giving concerts in Denver, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, Stockton, and San Jose. The Company were to leave on Jan. 19. Signor De Vivo himself left on Dec. 22, and arrived by the mail steamer. The party will consist of Madame Carlotta Patti; Mr Ernest De Munck, her husband—a moat distinguished artist, of great European reputation as a violoncellist; Mr Theodor J. Toedt, a young American tenor of very pleasing quality of voice, who is said to be master of operatic style as well as of classical songs and ballad music; and Signor Ciampi-Cellaj, a baritone singer of whom we have before now heard very favourably. Peesbyteeian Meeting. —A meeting of Presbyterians convened by the Rev James Hill was held last evening in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Montreal street north, for the purpose of considering the advisability of holding Sabbath services in the North belt district. Owing to the very inclement weather the attendance was not large. The Eev Convener having opened the proceedings with prayer, detailed the initiation of the movement. It commenced with the Christchurch Presbytery, who invited the officers of St Andrew’s and St Paul’s churches to consider what steps should be taken to open a cause at Sydenham and the North town Belt. The Committee which was then formed for this purpose, devoted their attention to first establishing a cause in Sydenham, and at the first meeting which was called, the attendance was not much larger than at the present meeting. It was suggested there that they should commence with one service each Sabbath, but they had decided to open with a forenoon and evening service, and the result had been so gratifying that on last Sabbath the attendance was from 170 to 200 persons at each service. The Presbytery had now turned their attention to the North belt, and lately a letter had been received by the Presbytery suggesting that a cause should be established here, and that the Eev J. D. Fergusson who had recently come to reside on the Papanui road should be asked to officiate. As the application had only come from one person, the Presbytery could take no definite action j a meeting of residents in the district had, however, been called, and it would be for them to decide whether a trial should be made. After further remarks it was decided that a trial of forenoon and evening service should be made for four weeks, and the Rev Mr Hill was authorised to ask the Rev Mr Fergusson to conduct the services. A gentleman present suggested that the Rev Mr Hill should hold the opening service, but that gentleman would give no decided answer until ha had conferred with Mr Fergusson. Mr M'Ooll offered to play the harmonium at the services fixed upon, and this offer was accepted with thanks. It was also resolved to hold the services in the hall in which the meeting was assembled. The Rev Mr Hill said he had no doubt but that a fair proportion of Presbyterians were among the residents in that part of the district, and he was strengthened in his belief by the fact that the branch of fit Paul's Sabbath School held in that hall was attended by about 80 children. Having made a start, he was sure the Presbyterians there would come to the surface, and the result would be as great a success as they had had in Sydenham. The meeting then closed with prayer. I

§an Francisco Mail.— The 8 . 8 . \v~77T with the inward San FrancUco mail •’ expected to leave Wellington at 11 a .m to'd 18 Wednesday, Jan. 14, to connect with e*,,';* 7 train for South on Thursday. * re3s

Kaiapoi Domain Board.— The adjourned annual meeting of this Board was held n < n. office of Mr J. L. Wilson ; prosent-MeS* J. L. Wilson (Chairman), Beharrell Wearing. Mr J.L. Wilson was re-elected Chairman for the Board for ensuing year after which the Board adjourned. b J ’ Bailees’ Ouicket Club.—A meeting 0 e members was held last night. The report and accounts were passed as satisfactory.' Accounts to the amount of £4 7s 6d were passed f or payment. The match which was arranged to take place on Thursday with St. Albans was postponed till further notice. The following were elected members of Committee:—Messrs Taylor, Ritchie, Whitfield, Alexander, and Hawker. The meeting then closed.

Levels Road Board.— The annual meeting of the above Board was held yesterday, and Mr Beswick was re-elected Chairman. It was resolved—“ That the Levels Road Board regret the action taken by the members of the Levels Biding in bringing the Counties Act into force against the general wish of the ratepayers, and also that the opinion of the Board’s solicitor be taken as to the necessity for a new petition for separation from the County." Explanation.— The following telegram from the manager of the Press Association at Wellington explains how it was we were unable to furnish a summary of mail news on Monday morning ; —“ On Sunday night, on the mail being telegraphed, arrangements were made with Dr Lemon to keep the special wire open from 8 to 10 to get the summary through. All special wire stations were warned just before seven to return at eight, but at eight o’clock the Christchurch operators were not there, and Blenheim endeavoured in vain to get a reply. At last by Wakapuafea Christchurch was rung up for midnight service, and Blenheim tried to get Christchurch to take mail news, bat Christchurch refused to do so, and therefore none of the southern morning papers got any. It was stuck up at Blenheim. Dr Lemon is making a strict inquiry into the gross neglect of duty.”

Thb Theoby of Music.— On next Tuesday evening, the Very Rev J. O’Malley is to deliver a lecture in the Oddfellows’ Hall. His subject is to embrace the laws of sound, the structure of the human ear and throat, and the theory of music. It will readily be admitted that the lecture must be a very comprehensive one, and • that the sub-sections are of such a nature as to preclude the possibility of weariness when dealt with by a scholarly and fluent speaker. The human organs referred to have, by reason of their wonderful construction, and their marvellous capabilities, excited the admiration and astonishment of scientists, and it would be a poor description of the aural and vocal organs that did not command undivided attention. The laws of sound, and the theory of music, which have many points in common, are also branches of science which are of absorbing interest. Such a lecture as is promised, the Rev J. O’Malley is peculiarly capable both of writing and delivering, and it may therefore be anticipated that he will be welcomed by a crowded audience.

Waimate Public Libbaby. —A meeting of the Committee of the above Library was held at the Institute on Monday last; present —Messrs S. W. Goldsmith (in the chair), Olsment, Connell, and Major. A letter was read from Mr W. B. Hawkins, a member of the deputation appointed to wait on the Borough Council respecting a new site for the Institute, stating that the Council had promised the deputation that, in the event of the Government declining to grant the site adjoining the post-office, the Council would grant the site at the corner of the Victoria terrace and Queen street, A letter was read from the shipping agent in Lyttelton, stating that as soon as the case of books on board the Euterpe came to hand, he would forward it at once. Proposed by Mr Clement and seconded by Mr Connell, “ That the Secretary forward to Messrs Mudie and Co. the balance of book account immediately on the arrival of the books.” Carried. A letter was read from Mr H. O. Thompson, offering to present to the Library a copy of ‘‘ Green’s History of the English People,” and also sending an Atlas containing 62 classical and modem maps. It was resolved, “ That Mr Thompson’s proposal be accepted, and that the Secretary write a letter of thanks to Mr Thompson.” The Secretary stated that the subscriptions received during the past month amounted to £3 Os lid. Accounts to theamount of £5 were passed for payment. It was decided to order the “Magazine of Art” from the London agents, and the South Canterbury Times, if supplied on the usual terms (half-price). The Secretary was instructed to write the County Council, and solicit the payment of the customary subsidy £ for £, last year’s subscriptions, amounting to £23 odd. The meeting then adjourned. Aids to Coeeespondencb. —Since noticing the “ manugraph,” which is being sold by Messrs Crerar and Whitcombe, we have been shown a specimen of the “ polygraph.” The new claimant for public favour is of New Zealand manufacture, and it is being introduced in this city by Mr W. H. Warren, of Wellington. The polygraph is almost identical in appearance, mode of manipulation, and results, with the manugraph, having, however, the advantage of a more apt designation. The composition of its pad is of a darker colour, and people are warned against tasting its gelatinous substance by the announcement that it is highly poisonous. In testing the specimen submitted to us, the reproductions were not so decided in colour as could have been desired, this fact being due to the insufficient density of the aniline ink used. The printings were, however, sufficiently good for ordinary purposes. Mr Warren informs us that he is still experimenting, and that amongst other improvements he hopes to be able to produce a black ink to replace the violet tint now used. It may perhaps be of interest to state that these transfer pads form a very good appliance for nature printing, that is, obtaining a number of printed impressions of leaves, fern fronds, &e. Messrs Petersen and Co. are showing a pocket apparatus which is well termed the “ stylograph.” The stylus, which is made of vulcanite, is hollow, and by means of an accompanying ball syringe, of very neat construction, it can be charged with ink. A needle, held in position and rendered flexible by a non- corfosivo spring, passes out at the point of the stylus, where it terminates in a diamond tipped point. The working of this pencil-pen is very good, and that one will remain in good working order for a lengthened period was successfully demonstrated by Mr Oobn. That gentleman, in starting for New Zealand, charged a stylograph with ink, and used it constantly during the voyage without having to re-charge it or to rectify it in any way whatever. Messrs Petersen are expecting to receive a large number of these clever contrivances in a few days, and no doubt they will be eagerly purchased. A moetiug ot the Ancient Order of Drn-ds will be held at--pringstou to-morrow. The Lodge will be opened on Saturday, Jan. 17. A field trial of Johnston’s Harvester String Binder will be held on Friday next at Mr John Overton’s fans, Prohbleton. The annual picnic of the Lyttelton Sabbath schools, comprising the Church of England ana Wesleyan schools, takes place at Hillsboro to-morrow in one of Mr Garland’s paddocks. A special train will leave Lyttelton for the ground at 9.30 a.m.

The Recent Railway Collision in New South Wales. —The coat to replace and make good the rolling stock damaged by the late collision on the Paramatta line will probably be less than £IOOO. It will be satisfactory, remarks a correspondent of the Sydney Telegraph, to know that though both carriages destroyed had gas cylinders attached and charged, there was no explosion, the gas escaping from the pipes, and although very mucn battered, the cylinders were nocbrotciv showing that they must be well made and or good material. Mb E. A. Pboctob. —The_ telegraphic announcement in yesterday’s issue (says t o S.A. Register) that Mr E. A. Proctor, tno astronomer, is expected to leave America i April for New Zealand and Australia _ i* * teresting even to people outside scien i circles. Mr Proctor is one of the ® popular of modern lecturers, and at P re , he is making a second tour in Canada

the United States. He is also a prolific Other Worlds than OurV’ and «Lieht Science ”beingamong the best known nf his books. His contest with the Astrono-mer-Royal respecting the transit of Venus, in which Mr Proctor came out victorious, caused considerable discussion at the time, and the eminent astronomer’s explorations of the southern heavens will be looked forward to with much interest. _ A New Monstee Steamee.— The Gunord Company, not to be outdone by the Orient, have concluded a contract with Messrs J. and O Thompson, of the Clyde, to build a ship, the size ot which will be exceeded only by the Great Eastern. The Sahara, for such is to be the name of the new steamer, will be built of steel. She will be 7500 tons burthen and 10 000 horse-power and will be able to carry 450 first-class and 600 steerage passengers, and 6500 tons of cargo. The ship is to be readv for sea in March, 1881. Oh Wells xk Ohio.— Some remarkable phenomena arc reported from the oil regions of the United States. Some months ago a party of oil operators from Titusville and St Petersburg began operations in the newly discovered oil region of Trumbull County, Ohio. Thev have struck a vein of petroleum of a character heretofore unknown in the oil business. It is lubricating oil of the finest quality, and comes from the earth refined Mid ready for use on the finest machinery. The well, it is stated, is flowing at the rate of five barrels of this oil a day, for whioh the operators have a ready sale at 16dols. a barrel. Ordinary oil is now selling in the Pennsylvania regions at 63 cents a barrel. Two thousand acres of the tract in whioh this remarkable well is situated have been leased at enormous prices by other speculators. Among the sand taken from a new oil well near State lane, at a depth of over 1000 feet, was a piece thickly studded with sea shells and bearing the impressions of several curious fish. Four miles from Clintonville, Venange County, a well was sunk to the depth of 900 feet. No oil, but a heavy vein of gas was found. The owner of the well attempted to remove the casing ; it was raised a foot. The fresh water at the top of the hole rushed into the space at the bottom ; it was caught by the great rush of gas, and thrown 100 ft into the air. This natural fountain has been gushing at the rate of 2000 barrels of ioe-oold water a day ever since, with no indication that the supply will ever cease.