TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVII, Issue 6536, 7 February 1882, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

San Fbanoiboo Mail.— The City of Sydney with the inward San Francisco mail, reached Auckland last evening. A summary of news will be found elsewhere. The mail will probably reaoh Christchurch on Thursday. City Council.— The usual meeting of the City Council was held last night, when a good deal of business was transacted. A report of the proceedings will be found on another P f'BAMWAY.— Complaints having been made of the condition pf parts of the tramway the City Council last night resolved to insist upon the conditions of the concession to the Company being carried out.

Death in Lyttelton Gaol.— One of the prisoners at the gaol at Lyttelton, died at 5.45 a.m. yesterday. The deceased Daniel Hamer, who was 36 years old, was sentenced to ten years penal servitude in 1877 for larceny, He lid been suffering from consumption for some time past. An inquest will be held to morrow.

Mabkbt Flaoi Sohkkb.—A scheme for utilising the whole Market place site, by erecting upon it si number of shops, was laid before the City Council last night in a letter from Mr Thomas SeareU. The proposal was to build 87 shops ;in all, 'at a cost of £6BOO, which were estimated to bring in a rental of £2016 per annum. The Connell did not entertain the proposal. Selling Liquqb Without a Liobnsb —A number of offenders were proceeded against at the Resident ’ Magistrate’s Court yesterday for spiling liquor without a license. All the cases except one fell through, on account of there being no evidence to show that the liquor was not obtained from some licensed house adjacent. In the case in which a conviction was recorded the Bench marked their sense of the serious nature of the charge by inflicting a fine of £2O. Ashbubton Racing Club.— At a meeting of the Ashburton Racing Club, on Saturday evening last, the programme for atwo daya' Autumn Meeting was drawn up and adopted with slight alterations, the following being the chief events Handicap Race of 50 sots, 2 miles, over 8-flights of hurdles; Maiden Plate of 80 sots, li miles, weight for J, for horses that have never won 10 sots public money; Publicans’ Purse Handicap of 60 sovs, 2 milesj Ashburton Cup Handicap of 100 sovs, 2 miles, added to sweepstake of 6 sovs; and seven other races. Oantbbbuby Chess Club.— The operations of the Canterbury Chess Club have hitherto been carried on somewhat at a disadvantage on account of the want of a comfortable room in which the members could meet for the purposes of playing the “ royal game,” and of enjoying that soeial intercourse which is so essential to the well-being of the Club. This difficulty has now been removed, a convenient and comfortable room having been obtained at the Scotch Stores, where it is announced the Club will in future meet every evening. A general meeting for the election of Vice-president will be held on Monday evening next. ; The Road Stbambb.— The road steamer belonging to Mr F. Jenkins made its appearance in the Northern district on Saturday night, when it brought fnjm Christchurch to Eaiapoi a complete set ofjthreshing materials, comprising engine, combine, and elevators. It reached Kaiapoi too late'to proceed further, and remained by Burnip’s Hotel all day on Sunday. As the bridge over the river in the town is very much out of repair, the Borough authorities refused to allow the steamer to cross it, and consequently the machinery had to be conveyed to its destination by means of horses, while the road steamer returned to town.

Hotel Employees’ Picnic.— The hotel employees’ picnic, which will be held at Governor’s Bay on February 16, promises to he a great success. At a largely attended meeting held last night at the City Hotel, over which Mr Dighy Andrews presided, it was stated that a considerable sum had already been subscribed, chiefly through the exertions ofMrß. Long and others. Arrangements have been made to hayo the catering done at the White Oliffs Hotel, and Button’s Cavalry Band has been engaged for the occasion. A liberal programme of sports was adopted, and all are in anticipation of spending a day’s thorough enjoyment, which will be opnolnded by a ball at the Oddfellows’ Chambers in the evening. Fibb at South Rakaia.—A fire occurred on Saturday evening at Bokeby, the property of Mr Lyttelton, which destroyed a building 40ft by 20ft, used as a house for the men. No one was living in it at the time, as the hands were away harvesting How the fire originated is unknown. The building stands in an isolated position, a few chains distant from the wool shed and several chains from the dwelling-house. It was uninsured. That some person or persons have some ill-feeling against Mr Lyttelton is apparent from the fact that aome few days ago he had two of his reapers mid binders considerably damaged whilst standing in the field during the night, thereby causing great annoyance and delay at this most critical time. It has been suggested that the farmers of the district join with Mr Lyttelton in offering a reward to anyone who shall give each information as may lead to the discovery of the perpetrators of this malicious act.

Allb&bd Laeohkt.—On Saturday evening Sergeant Gilbert arrested a man named John Driscoll at Kaiapoi on a charge of the larceny of some wool from Mr J. Kerr’s wool scouring works, Ohoka. The larceny was oommited early on Saturday morning, and but for the horse (which Driscoll seems to have taken for the purpose of driving the wool to Christchurch) having bolted, it may be that the wool would have been sold. As it was, the load was found lying on the road near Eaiapoi, the dray in another place, and the horse, with the harness, on elsewhere. The horse belonged to Mr 0. A. Fountaine, proprietor of the Ohoka Hotel, where Driscoll stayed on the night previous to the robberyj and he left there at three o’clock that morning, taking the horse without leave. Some horses that Driscoll brought to the hotel on the previous evening had strayed away from there. Prisoner was brought up yesterday morning, and a remand applied for till tomorrow.

Bonus Maxing.-— About twelvemonths ago a description appeared in these columns of a double furnace marine boiler constructed by Messrs John Anderson and Sons for a steamer plying on the West Coast of this island. The firm are now engaged in making a boiler of somewhat larger dimensions, made on the same principle, for the Lyttelton Harbour Board dredge. This boiler is about 60 horse power, and is Bft long, with a diameter of 10ft. The two furnaces are each 2ft din in diameter, and are constructed ef steel plate. The contains 148 2fin tubes. The steam chest is Bft in height and 8 in diameter. The shell of the boiler is of the best Staffordshire fin plate, and the combustion chamber and tube plates of Lowmoor iron. The whole is rivetted by means of the hydraulic riyetter. It is anticipated that the boiler win be ready for delivery in about a month s time. Messrs Anderson have also on hand two large Cornish boilers for the Eaiapoi Woollen Factory, one of which is already completed. It is of 24-horse power, and is 18ft in length by sft in diameter. The flue is 3ft India* meter, and is fitted with improved Galloway tubeii The steam ohest is ift high and about 2ft 6in in diameter. The whole is constructed of 7*l6th and i-inoh Staffordshire boiler plate, fastened together by means of the hydraulic rivetter. The other boiler isumform with the above, and will be finished in a few weeks'time.

New Bbidohs.— Councillor Louisson’s motion re now oartbridgei, «u referred hut night by the City Council to the Works Committee.

The Otago Bras,—A full account of the interview between the Auckland deputation and the Premier on Saturday, relative to the re-leasing of the Otago runs, will be found in another column.

The Assassin Guiteau,— The application on Ouiteau’e behalf for a new trial has been refused, and he now lies under sentence of death. According to a telegram he will not be hanged till June 80. Tub Gbating Dec*.—'The last stone at the dock was laid on Saturday afternoon, and the concrete work was also finished. About ten or twelve days’ work at the engine and pumping house will finish the whole of the work until the'caisson is ready. Watkb Supply.— The Water Supply Committee are to bo requested bytbhe Oity Oonncil to consider the desirability of bringing forward another water supply scheme. Councillor Hulbert is to bring the matter forward at the next meeting of the City Council. Legal. —Mr T. S. Weston, M.H.R , of Christchurch, and Mr Allan Holmes, of_ Dunedin, will hold the half-yearly examination of gentlemen seeking admission to the law on the third Monday in March. We understand that there are thirteen candidates from all parts of the Colony. , Bpobting.— A match took place on the Racecourse yesterday between two animals owned by Messrs Feroy and Henshaw. The distance was half a mile for £lO a-side, the former carrying Bst 71b, and the latter 9it. There was a large number of spectators, and after a close run Mr Hemhaw’s horse came in four lengths ahead of the other. Dkbteuotivb Fibh at Gibbobkh.— One of the most destructive fires that has ever occurred in the Colony took place at Gisborne, in the Poverty Bay district, on Sunday night. The damage is estimated at £IOO,OOO, while the insurances amount to oyer £82,000. Such particulars as we bare received are published elsewhere. _ „ ~ Dbahaxio.— Mr D. H. Harkins, whose reputation as anexponent'of the drama stands very high in Australia, America, and the Old Country, has arranged with Mr Williamson to open a season of a fortnight at the Theatre Royal, on Monday next. Mr Harkins brings his own company with him, and will make his debUt here in “The Colonel,’’ which has been a great success in other places.

Obiokbt. —The return match between the Lyttelton and Hillsborough olubs was played on Saturday on the ground of the latter, mid resulted in a win for Lyttelton by nine wickets. North, Mitchell, Willoox and Brown batted well for Lyttelton. Ford was the only one of the local team that made any stand. Atkinson and Mitchell for Lyttelton, and White and Banks for Hillsborough bowled well. Boating.— The sixth heat of the Trades Rowing Club Doable Senile came off last evening, and resulted as follows Eclipse (north bank): E. Wells, stroke; J. Paul bow; A. Wells, oox, 1. Cygnet (south bank); F. Wigzell, stroke; F. Gee, bow; A. Butterfield, oox, 2. The Eclipse led from the start, and won a well-contested race by about a length. The final beat will be rowed at 7 o’clock this evening. Tee Cathbdbal Oboan.—A detailed description of the new organ in coarse of erection at the Cathedral is given elsewhere this '’morning. It may be interesting to mention that there are no less than 2095 pipes in the distributed amongst the various portions as follows’:—Great organ, 728 j choir organ, 492; swell organ, 666 j pedal organ, 810. A portion, as already announced, will be used on Sunday, and the organ will be completed within a month. OahtbbeubyOathomoLitkeaßy Society. —This Society, which meets every Monday evening, in their rooms, Barbadoes street, has lately formed a Glee Club, and last night a musical evening was given with considerable success, which reflected great credit on the musical director, Mr 0. Oakes. The programme contained twelve items, consisting of songs and pianoforte pieces, by Messrs C. Oakes, A. Adams, B. J. Loughnan, J. Bagley, and J. Hennessy. Mr Nolan gave a snort reading, and recitations were given by Messrs Gegan and Mahalm. Fionbbb Bioyolb Club.— The usual monthly meeting of this Olub was held last Thursday at headquarters. There was a fair attendance of members, Mr B. Pinckney being added to the ,'list. The following runs were fixed for February 18, Tai Tapu, 26, Harewood. 'For the coming annual races Messrs Hnhbard, Douglas, and Lowry were appointed handicappers, Mr S. P. Andrews starter, and Mr A. M. Ollivier judge. The programme for the annual races to be held on March 25, which had been drawn up at last meeting, was now arranged, and after a little unimportant business the meeting closed. Accident. —A serious accident happened to a man named John Williams at Opawa yesterday afternoon. He was engaged in excavating clay at the Opawa Brickworks when some overhanging earth gave way, and, falling violently upon the workman, almost buried him beneath it. On his being extricated, it was found that Williams nad sustained severe injuries; his right hip waa dislocated and the right arm broken. He was taken to his own home, close by, where Dr Meikle shortly arrived, put the patient under chloroform in the presence of Messrs Anderson and Hacon, and- then successfully reduced the dislocation and set the fractured bone.

Thbatbb Botazi, —There was a capital house at the Theatre Bojal last night, when the programme of Saturday night was repeated, and met with the most enthusiastic reception. Although “ Eureka ”is a sensational drama, it contains a good deal of comedy, which is entrusted to Miss Maggie Moore and Messrs Tinoent and Stuart O’Brien, in whose hands there is hardly need to say none of the funis lost. Little Lillie Moore again won golden opinions, and the compliment of recalls was as widely extended as on Saturday. This evening the same programme will be riven. Those who have already seen the Williamsons will regret to know that the present is their last week here, and those who have not seen them should not lose the opportunity of witnessing their admirable performances. Iktbbpbovihoiau Obiokbt Match.— The tables have at last been turned by Otago, and after years of successive defeat they have scored a handsome victory. The Canterbury men proved unequal to toe task set them, not even being able to reach their previous total, and the match ended in favour of Otago by 77 runs—the first victory they have scored since 1874, when our sister Province won by an innings and 28 runs. No one will grudge the Otago men their victory, as, year after year, they have cheerfully sent their men to certain defeat; while the sting, if there be any, is softened by the fact that it is to the presence of the former Canterbury bowlers—the brotners Frith—in the ranks of Otago, as much as anything, that the latter’s victory is due. Fresh interest will now be attached to these annual contests, which in the future will enter as it were upon a renewed and more vigorous lease of lire. Canterbury has now won 11 matches, Otago 7, and one has been drawn.

Chbibiohttboh Ahathub Swucunro Club. —A meeting of the Committee of the Christchurch Amateur Swimming Club was held last evening, at Mr Francis* residence, for the purpose of making arrangements for the annual swimming matches to be held in the Lincoln road School bath, on Wednesday, Feb. 22. The Captain, Mr A. Francis, preaided. The question of the purchase and apportionment of prizes was postponed to a future meeting. The Chairman mentioned that the sum of £7 had been subscribed amongst the Club towards the Kerr-Oampbell fund. The Treasurer was authorised to forward the amount to Messrs Ollivier and Toosey, the trustees of the fund, stating that the donors wished their contribution to be devoted to the benefit of the widow and family of the late Mr J. Eerr, who had lost his life in- endeavouring to save Campbell. Mr Leonard stated that he would offer a prise of one guinea for the best exhibition qt floating at the forthcoming match. Five new members were proposed, and after passing some accounts the meeting adjourned. The annual meeting of the. Tsmperanoe Hotel Company will be held this evening at the hotel. An adjourned meeting of grocers and employes# will be held this evening, at the Britannia Hotel.

* mMtlur of tb« ihArebold«rß of Ward and Co. will be helcfibla afternoon at Messrs P. CanninghThrfld «d Galatea," by the OMNMI«l«l Boole*, will take place thla 6 Tho falo* of mwtl.fr and public xneettaf iB%SSuSL SUSSES Anniversary Services, will be held this afternoon and evening In tbe Oddfellows Ball, Mo at real tegular meeting of the Emulation I*odge of Inatraotfonwlll bo held thla evening, at half-part •oven. In the 8t Angaatlne Hall. .... BatmTStfl wtt* by idT#rtlMnioDfc tliftt on or before* Saturday next all out.landing city rate, will be aaed for without fntther noUoe. A general meeting of the Cathedral Bellringer, will hold at 8 o’clock thi. evening, lathering, ing chamber. Honorary member, are particularly r *A U »oolal'meoUng of the member, and friends of tbe Young Men'. ChtfrtlanAaaoolatlon wlllbe held at thol* room.. Cathedral square, thi. eT A Q meeting of butcher.' employeea will be held at the Empire Hotel, thi. evening, to make Anal arrangements re picnic, to take place on Thursday.

T.ivw Aooidirt.— A singular accident happened in Wellington one day laet week, which shows that one cannot be too careful in handling those most dangerous adjuncts to the household—oil lamps. According to a local paper it appears that a large and hand* tome porcelain lamp had been place an occasional table near a window, the aspect of which was exposed daring the afternoon to the rays of the sun. The china reservoir would appear to have become intensely heated, and, whilst the reservoir was in this condition, it was refilled with oil, which, for conditions of precautions and of safety, was kept in an underground cellar. The cool oil, upon being poured into the heated lamp, expanded, and burst the porcelain reservoir, but fortunately the gates of the oil did not ignite, and, beyond a slight scare and the damage occasioned to the lamp and the carpet of the room, no other injury resulted. It is easy to see, however, that had a light been near the consequences might have, been eerioue, and perhape fatal. Qviikblard Ooooanxtts. Tbe epeeial reporter of the Queenslander, who has been giving a series of interesting reports on the sugar-growing capabilities of the north-east coast, has one descriptive article which shows that other remunerative products can be grown in that district besides sugar. This paper describes bis visit to the ooooanut grove of Mr Barnes, near Maokay, which he says is ” one of the most remarkable sites in all Australia.” Mr Barnes, it appears, has 1200 of these graceful trees, with their long, feathery, frond-like leaves, growing on 10 acres of ground, and as the leaves of one tree touch those of its neighbour, ” the whole forms a shady grove of elegant beauty unparalleled in its effect anywhere on the surface of this wide Continent.” The oldest tree* reach a height of 20 feet. The quality of the nut improves with the age of tbe tree, and as those at Maokay are not yet at their best, Mr Barnes contents himself for the present with securing the local market, and has not yet looked about for export. The grove is said to thrive remarkably well, so that the cocoanut may be added to the long list of important vegetable products to which Australia, in some part of its vast extent, has been proved to be suited. Difabttbb or thb Woltebbkb’s Csbw. —The Sydney Herald of Jan. 21 saves—- “ Additional interest surrounded the departure of the Lusitania yesterday on account of tbe faet that the largest proportion of her passengers embraced the officers and crew of B.M.S. Wolverene, who are returning to England, so that citizens of every class and grade, from Sir John Bobertson downwards, assembled on board for the purpose of bidding a final adieu to their many friends otr the Boyal navy. The Government steamer Thetis steamed round from the Wolverene shortly after 11 o’clock with the petty officers, seamen, marines, and their baggage. After the Thetis had made fast alongside the Lusitania tbe work of transhipping luggage commenced, and this was speedily done by the tan, who maintained a continuous line to and from the steerage of the vessel,'as busy as bees, until the last item of baggage had been deposited in the steerage. Then the men bade good-bye to their friends and relations, and long before eight belle had sounded there was a rush to shore by those who were not willing to be conveyed to Melbourne. The men then crowded the side of the Lusitania, and after she had moved lazily from the aide of the wharf, a signal was given by one of the late officers of the Wolverene for three British cheers, which were given lustily, and loudly returned by the hundreds of persons crowding about the wharf. About 12.30 the Lusitania moved slowly away, amid a waving of handkerchiefs and hats in every direction. As the vessel steamed away, the old band of the Wolverene struck up ‘ The Girl I left behind me,’ ‘Anld Lang Syne,’ and ‘Buie Britannia.’ In passing down the harbour a salute cf guns was fired from the Nelson, the ensign was dipped in the usual way, and up ascended Commodore Erskine’s flag as commander of the Australian station, when parting cheers were exchanged. The old adage, ‘ Off with the old love and oh with the new,’ will not apply here. Many years may pass away before Admiral Wilson and his gallant crew are forgotten, and the departure of these tars was marked by a gratifying feature, which is, perhaps, without its parallel, for there was not a single case of intoxication or disorder.” Bubolaxt at Pout Ohalmbbs.—Testerday’s Otago Daily Times says:—Several petty depredations have lately occurred at Fort Chalmers, and at about 1.20 on Saturday morning a daring burglary was committed in the very centre of the town, the shop of Mr James Gott, jeweller, being broken into by a man named John Elder, and a number of gold and silver watches and jewellery taken away. The burglar was interrupted in his operations by Constable W. B. Young, who was on his beat in George street. Hearing a noise in Mr Gott’* shop, he at once went to the front door and tried it (knowing no person resided on the premises). Finding it secure, he ran round to the back, and was just in time to see a man jump out of the window. He at once pursued him, when the fellow wheeled round and struck him violently in the eye. A sharp tussle ensued, and in spite of his desperate efforts to escape the constable safely lodged his prisoner in the look-np, and on searching him found a brooch, afterwards identified and claimed by Mr Gott as one that had been entrusted to him for repairs. Subsequently, Constable Young found three watches on the grass between Mr Gott’a shop and the railway line, and three others in the tunnel. Prom the number of articles missing, it is evident that the man had an accomplice (not yet in custody). They effected an entrance by forcibly removing a shutter and breaking a window. It is also surmised that an attempt was made to break into the shop of Mr W. Noble, draper, from the fact of a large pane of thick plateglass being found broken during the night. Constable Young deserves great praise for the manner in which he stuck to the man after sustaining so severe an assault from him. Considering the size of Port Chalmers, and the fact that for many months past the Corporation have discontinued lighting the streets at night, it is a wonder that oases of this kind have not occurred before.

A Botal Tkansiatob.— A good story reaches ns from Belgium, the truth of which is guaranteed. A banking-house at Yervicrs recently received a letter from a Bank at Bnda-Festh. The recipients knew that it related to a matter of great importance j but unfortunately they could not master .the contents of the missive, as it was written in the Hungarian language, and there was not a soul at Yerviers who understood that tongue. Accordingly one of the partners took a journey to Brussels, expecting to find everything he wanted at the capital; but only to be disappointed—nobody at the Banks could read Hungarian. There was, however, still the Austro-Hungarian Embassy, whither the banker betook himself, to learn that there was an who spoke Hungarian, but he had gone to Biarritx for some seabathing. Almost in despair, the hero of the story called upon the Burgomaster, with whom he was acquainted, and related his troubles. After some thought his Worship, striking his forehead, exclaimed, "After all, sometimes our most foolish ideas prove the best." With this enigmatical observation he asked for the letter. The next day he returned the original to the gentleman

from Terrier*, with a translation in French in a neat feminine hand. "To wh*t Hungarian - fairy do I owe thi. ,[ ool} fortune f” askad the delighted bank® “This is an affair involving .ome million.' and I .hall be happy to pay a handsome douceur to the translator who haa enabled me to get at the meaning of the letter in time to conclude the affair.” “I take you atyoar word,” replied the burgomaster. » ai Te me 10,000 franc* for the poor of Brands, f or the translator i» none other than the Queen She ha* experienced a lively satisfaction in employing net knowledge of the Hungarian language to oblige one of her subjects.” The Queen of the Belgian* i. a daughter of the Archduke Joseph, whose beneficent rule of Hungary i* .till remembered by the people, and .he wa* born in the capital city during her father’s palatinate. 6 Ah Orix Polab SlA.— Off the eastern «ide of Wrangel Land, and evidently lying between it and another undiscovered shore, I* during the open season an open lane of water leading to the north as far a. tbe eye can reach, through which a current flow, steadily north at the rate of twenty or twenty, ive mile* |a day. This current flows like a river between two ice-bound banks, the uhore ice on either side appearing not to have been disturbed for years, and possibly for ages. The coast line of Wrangel Laud was visible at far a. the eye could reach. It pre* sented a bold and mountainous appearance. 'Che absence of any material disturbance of the shore ice I* accepted a* a proof that there is another large tract of land lying east of Wrangel Land, limiting the area of water and making it impossible to counter ocean currents to the one mentioned to exist. Wild geest, accompanied by thsir young, have been seen coming from the region of the pole, showing the presence of land and fresh water.—John Muir in 8a» Francisco Bulletin.