TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7223, 24 April 1884, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Supeeme Court.— The case of Wright v. the Christchurch Drainage Board occupied His Honor and a jury of four all day yesterday, and was not concluded when the Court adjourned at five o’clock till half-past ten this morning.

Addington Workshops Band. The Addington Railway Workshops Band, under the leadership of Mr Pooley, performed in Cathedral square last evening. A considerable number of persons assembled to listen to the music, which was rendered in a way that showed that the bandsmen are improving under their instructor’s tuition.

Southern Ceoss Petroleum Company.—The pipes ordered from America by the above Company arrived in the Tongariro,and will he forwarded to the works at the earliest opportunity. The No. 2 bore, which has been stopped pending their arrival, will now be pushed forward, and it is not anticipated that there will be any further delay. Disc Harrow Trial.— A public trial of a disc harrow took -place yesterday at Sefton, in a paddock kindly lent by Mr John. Baird. Messrs P. and D. Duncan’s implement was superintended by Mr P. Duncan, with horses supplied by Mr M. Hanna. Messrs Eeid and Gray and Messrs Booth and M‘Donald were to have competed, but failed to put in an appearance. There was a good attendance of the farmers of the surrounding district, much interest being evinced. The machine worked well, and gave great satisfaction, all being well pleased with its performance.

Earthquake at Homk.-A sovero shock of earthquake* has boo* l m tho oast ot England, which scorns to havo caused considerable damage, especially at Colchester. ~ „ Kaiapoi Woollen I actoky.— lho Hon J. T. Peacock has joined tho directorate of tho Kaiapoi Woollen Company, in place of Mr Isaac Wilson, whoso seat has become vacant on. accoiftit of his non-attendance through illness. South Pacific Petroleum Company.— An adjourned mooting of the South Pacific Petroleum Compatiy was held last night, when it was resolved to take stops to have tho directorate removed from Sydney to Christchurch. A report of tho proceedings appears on another page. Working Men’s Political Association. —Tho Secretary of the Working Men’s Political Association has received a telegram from tho kindred Association at Napier, tendering tho thanks of tho working men of Hawke’s Bay for the action of the Avon electors at Mr Kolloston’s late meeting.

Weather Exchange. New Zealand ; Pino, but with still decreasing pressure, light variable winds, rough sea, on east coast of North Island. Australia: Pine, pressure steady, and moderate westerly winds on mainland, and northerly in Tasmania. Barometers New Zealand : Russell and Wellington, 30-1, 30’2. Australia: Sydney, 30-0; Portland, 29’8; Hobart, 29’9; Albany, 30’1. New Brighton Racing Club. —Last night, an adjourned meeting of the New Brighton Racing Club was held in the Empire Hotel. There was a fair attendance, and Mr C. Palairet was voted to the chair. The principal business done was the adoption of Mr Ellis’ report, estimating tho cost of preparing the new course at .£SO. Mr T. Free agreed to carry out the work at his own expense, subject to his having the land at a rental of JS2S a-year. Inquest. —An inquest! was held yesterday afternoon, before Mr C, Whitefoord, Coroner, touching the death of John Skidmore, found dead at Woodend. Dr Chilton made a post mortem examination, and the jury returned a verdict of “ Death from Natural Causes,” in accordance with the medical testimony. The last time the man was seen alive was on Sunday night. When found, the face had been eaten away, it is presumed by rats. Richmond School. —As a misunderstanding seems to have arisen with regard to the closing of a school in Richmond, in consequence of a death from diphtheria having occurred in it, we are requested by the Medical Officer of Health to state that the school referred to is a small private one, and that there is no evidence before him which could justify him in recommending the Richmond State school to he closed. It will, therefore, remain open as usual.

Christchurch Fire Brigade. The annual meeting of the Christchurch Volunteer Fire Brigade took place at the Lichfield street station last evening. About 30 members were present, and Mr Superintendent Turton occupied the chair. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year :— Seci’etary, Assistant-En-gineer, G. Woodham ; Treasurer, Fireman W. B. Hobbs ; Librarian, Engineer Fuller (re-elected); General Committee, Foreman C. Samuels, Branchman G. Winstone, Foreman Smith, Branchman R. E. Green, Branchman -H. J. West, and Fireman Stinnear ; Auditors, Engineer J. Fraser and Fireman J. Watts, senr. Kaiapoi Institute. —At a meeting of the Committee of the Kaiapoi Institute on Monday evening, at which Messrs Wilson (Chairman), T. Hart, Bourke, Goldthorpe, Mathews, and Eevell (2) were present, the balance to credit at the Bank was reported to be J>3B 2s 4d. Accounts amounting to £37 16s lid were passed for payment. Considerable comment was made upon the subject of members keeping books over the prescribed time, and it was decided to take steps with a view to recover the missing property. A vote of thanks was passed to the Book Selection Committee, and it was decided to call for tenders for repairing old books. * Blue Ribbonism. —A public meeting was held under the auspices of the Rangiora branch of the Blue Ribbon Gospel Temperance Mission, at the Institute Hall, Rangiora, on Tuesday night. Mr E. R. Good presided, and the Revs W. Rowse and J. O’Brian Hoare delivered addresses, the latter gentleman confining his principally to women. Mr Rowse, in the course of his remarks, stated that the Blue Ribbon Mission had done more towards inducing sobriety amongst the Natives of the North Island than all other measures tried. Sankey’s hymns were sung by the Blue Ribbon choir, under the leadership of Mr F. Cumherworth, and votes of thanks to the speakers and Chairman concluded the meeting.—On Monday evening a detachment of the Blue Ribbon Army, in command of the Captain, visited the Heathcote Valley, and after a march round held a service in the Wesleyan Church, kiudly lent for the occasion. The demonstration passed off very successfully, and secured new pledges. The Campbell Benefit .—The Committee appointed by the Oak of Sydenham Lodge of Druids, held a meeting on Tuesday night for the purpose of settling the business in connection with the late concert and ball given by the Lodge in aid of the widow and children of the late Bro John Campbell. The Committee are to be congratulated on the success attending their efforts, the amount in hand after paying all expenses being .£26 14s 6d. It was resolved that 'the money be paid over to the Campbell Fund Committee, for them to invest with the money they have collected for the widow. Hearty votes of thanks were passed to the following:—The Volunteer Lodge of Oddfellows, for having given the use of their hall gratis; to the caretaker, Mr Foster; to Messrs Redfern and Gardiner, of the Caxton Printing Works, for their kindness in having done all the printing in connection with the concert and ball gratis; to the City Guards Band, and all performers who gave their services. There being no other business, the meeting closed.

CmUSTCHUECH POULTRY ASSOCIATION. — A meeting of the Committee of the Christchurch Poultry Association was held at the Commercial Hotel last evening; present—Messrs E. Evans (in the chair), G. E. Triggs, G. Eitchie, E. S. Leversedge, J. C. Clark, T. Mather, T. Eeese, G. B. Muschamp, J. J. Parker, and E. E. M. Evans, Hon Sec. The Secretary reported that since last meeting he had had the schedule and rules printed and distributed amongst members and probable exhibitors. Some copies had been sent to Auckland, and ono of the principal fanciers in that city had intimated his desire to exhibit at the Christchurch Show. He had since ascertained, however, that the Auckland Show would be held during the week following that at Christchurch, so that the gentleman in question would not be able to exhibit here. Ho had received a letter from Mr P. Back, Traffic Manager of the Eailways, stating that the birds in training for the pigeon race could not be carried free on the railways as heretofore. The matter had been referred to Wellingbut no concession could be obtained. ■A. discussion took place on the question of starting the pigeon race, and it was decided that the birds should bo liberated at intervals of not less than five minutes, the exact time to be fixed when the number of entries for the face is known. A discussion took place with reference to the appointment of judges for the show on July 1, and it was decided to write to several gentlemen enquiring if they would accept the position, it waß decided, on the motion of Mr E. E. M. Evans, seconded by Mr J. J. Parker-—“ That the usual Art Union bo held this year.” Messrs A. Walker, Goodman, Muschamp. and Parker were appointed a sub-Committee to carry out the details of the Art Union. Som« small accounts were passed for payment, and the Committee adjourned.

T;ie Hon the Premier.— Major Atkinson is to address tho Christchurch public on Saturday night, at 7 o’clock, in the Tuam street Hall. Ho announces so early an hour because ho wishes to leave for Wellington the same night. The Hospital Drainage. —At a special meeting of the Christchurch Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, hold yesterday, it was decided to recommend to the Government the necessity for having tho Hospital premises connected with the sewer, as advised in Mr Austin’s report of March G. The Steam-Collier, Timaru. The Timaru Collier Company’s now vessel arrived at Timaru yesterday morning from Oamaru to load produce. She was inspected by hundreds of tho townspeople. Her carrying capacity is excellent, and she looks just tho vessel for tho work of coal-carrying.' The Park Suicide.— With reference to the suicide of John Rosewcll, we are informed by the Customs Department, that he was a pensioner at Home, and the cause of his discharge was certified as “ Invalided—insanity from lead poisoning (from which ho recovered); character throughout very good.” Rosewcll was also known as John Cross. Attempted Suicidr.-t-A man named Tojn Kitching, in a fit of delirium tremens, tied, his hands and feet yesterday with flax, and secured them with a flax ligature to his neck. He then rolled into the Ashburton river to drown himself. The cold water, however, changed his mind, and he yelled “ Murder.” His cries were heard in time, or the country would have been saved the expense of maintaining him at Addington, whither he was sent for eight days’ medical treatment.

Accidents. —A rather serious accident occcurred yesterday afternoon at the Standard Brewery, South Belt. A tap in one of the boilers burst, and Mr F. Innes was severely scalded about the body and arms, one of the workmen being also severely scalded. —As Mr C. Oram and Mr Montague Smith, of Kaiapoi, were going home in a buggy from Rangiora on Tuesday, upon meeting the north train tha horse shied badly, and threw the occupants of the buggy into an adjoining ditch. The animal started kicking, smashed the vehicle

and damaged the harness. Mr Smith extricated the horse, though with difficulty, and then proceeded to help Mr Oram, who was found to have had his collar bone fractured, and was otherwise badly shaken.

Ashburton Caledonian Society.—A meeting of the Committee of the Ashburton Caledonian Society was held on Tuesday evening, Mr C. Hogg in the chair. The meeting was called for the purpose of considering the advisability of starting evening classes in connection with the Society, and it was resolved that tho Chairman and Secretary be authorised to procure a room, and take all the necessary steps towards the formation of classes for educational purposes. It, was also decided that arithmetic and book-keeping should be compulsory subjects. These classes have been formed on the same lines as those which have been so successfully founded by the Dunedin Society, and will be opened for the benefit of members and their friends.

Alleged Larceny. —By a somewhat curious coincidence, two men were lodged in the lock-up last night, charged with stealing similar articles from shops belonging to the same person, though situated in different parts of the town. One of these culprits is a man named James O’Hearn, the possessor of two or three aliases, who was observed to take an overcoat from outside the shop of Mr T. Austin, clothier, in High street, put the garment on, and walk away. He was followed, and Constable Scott’s attention was directed to him. He offered some resistance when arrested, but was secured and taken to the watchhouse. The other offender was named Thomas Cole, who attempted to take an overcoat from a shop belonging to Mr Austin, in Victoria street, and was arrested by Constable Leahy. Presentation. The very handsome silver claret jug and salver presented to Major Slater by the members of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, are now to be seen at the establishment of Messrs Coates and Co. The jug, which stands 14 inches in height, is of burnished silver. The handle is of frosted silver, in the form of a vine branch, from which a wreath of leaves interspersed with clusters of grapes, extends and twines around the body of the jug. The lid is surmounted by a cluster of grapes. On the body are engraved the crest and motto of the recipient, beneath which is the inscription—“ Presented to Major Slater, on his retirement from the C.Y.C., April; 1884.” The salver, which is supported on three feet, is 16in in diameter, and is adorned with an engraved pattern of intertwined roses, ferns, and grapes. In the centre are Major Slater’s crest and motto, with an inscription similar in purport to that on the claret jug. Alarm of Fire. —An alarm of fire _ occurred about half-past nine last evening, but, owing to the promptitude of the Brigade, the consequences were not serious. About the hour named, Messrs T. and A. Anderson, bootmakers, were going home along Manchester street, when they noticed a glare of fire in a small wooden building situated near the corner of Lichfield street, and used as a workshop by Mr W. Hooker, cabinetmaker. One of them at once proceeded to the Lichfield street Fire Brigade station, and gave the alarm. Fortunately, nearly all the members of the Brigade were assembled there at their annual meeting. These ran to the spot, burst open the door, and quickly extinguished the fire, which was confined to the wall paper and canvas above the mantelpiece. A small fire was burning in the grate, but from the appearance of the wall it is supposed that a candle had been left burning on the mantelpiece, and had ignited the paper. The damage done was very trifling, but there is no doubt that if the fire had not been discovered, Mr Hooker would have sustained heavy loss, as there was a considerable quantity of furniture in the building which was detached from the shop, and owned by Mr H. Marks. A general meeting ot menibers of the Sydenham Football Club is convened for 7.30 this evening at the Club Hotel.

This evening the Lyttelton and Stanmore brass hands will amalgamate and hold an open-air concert, under the leadership of Mr D. M'Killop, at the corner of Stanmore road and Cashel street. An excellent programme will be provided, commencing at 8 o'clock. A harvest thanksgiving service will he held in the Cathedral this evening, at 7.30. A bazaar, in aid of the Papanui Presbyterian Church, will ho held in the Papanui Town Hall on May 1,2, and 3.

Tawhiao in Melbourne. —KingTawhiao has been affording some amusement (not perhaps, unmixod with pique) to the Press in Melbourne. The reporters tried to interview him on board the steamer at Williamstown, but “as soon as he saw himself pursued by the owners of notebooks he frowned darkly, and grunted his kingly displeasure. He took the first opportunity of escaping from his tormentors ■when the luncheon hell rang, and with more agility than ceremony of leave-taking ho obeyed its summons.,” Foiled on board the steamer, the reporters followed the Maori party to their hotel. On the road the party had been helping to push the truck with their impediments, and, “ perspiring freely with their exertions with the truck, proceeded to cool themselves in their shirt sleeves. They had just settled down when, the greetings being over, the reporters thought they might use the pliant hour to get the long-wished-for interview with his Majesty; but no sooner did they enter than, with a grunt of disgust, sounded in all the notes of a guttural gamut, tlm King and his party, perceiving their enemies, stopped wiping their foreheads, picked up their coats and fled precipitately to the recesses of their bedrooms. Like Macbeth’s guests, they stood not upon the order of their going, but went at once, and being gone, the pursuit of knowledge was given up in despair.” The reporter of

one journal has a little revenge out of the Maori monarch, for he states that “ the King spends a good deal of time on deck when he is at sea, sitting in a chair with his hoots off and smoking like a chimney. Neither he nor any of his retinue have as yet contributed much to the general sociability, but the passengers who are to accompany to them to England are in hopes that, as the novelty of their situation wears off, a few war dances may diversify the concerts which always enliven the saloon of the Sorata.”