TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 7563, 30 May 1885, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Ashburton Debating Club. —lt hasbeen decided by this Society to sit once a month as a Parliamentary Union. Musical. —Madame Summerhayee will give the second of her musical afternoonsat the rooms of the Gitis' Friendly Society to-day.

Kaiai’oi Volunteers, —The Chairman: of the Xaiapoi Borough Council has received 50 Snider rifles for the use of the local corps. The New Loan. —The new loan of one million and a half has been placed on themarket, aud tenders close on June 4. The minimum is 97 i, but it is expected the hulk of the money will be obtained at 99. Strasburg Clock. The Strasburgr; Clock will be on view for the last time today from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., 2 to 5 p.m., and 7to 10 p.m. On Thursday next the clock will be shown at Timaru, where it will continue on view for a week. Telegraphic Cable Charges. The Canterbury Chamber of Commerce haveresolved to enlist the other Chambers oIT this and the Australian Colonies in a combined effort to reduce the charges on cable messages sent by the New Zealand line.

Trade with the South Sea Islands.— At yesterday's meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, it was resolved to spnd to theIslands a suitable person, to enquire, im the interests of this part of New Zealand,, into all matters of commercial interest, there, the cost of tlie embassy to be defrayed by subscriptions from Canterbury.

Industrial Exhibition. —The Secretary of the local Committee of the Industrial Exhibition has received a telegram from Mr Callis, stating that plans of the building would be forwarded from. Wellington yesterday, and that carriages intended for exhibition may be forwarded up - to July 20, but that all matter intended forthe catalogue must be sent in as early ate possible in June. Masonic. —The ordinary monthly meeting of the Canterbury Masonic Lodge was held last evening. The special feature of the meeting was a lecture by Bro the Eer J. Hill, who addressed the Brethren on. .“ The Signs, Symbols, and Emblems of theSecond Degree.” Visiting Brethren were invited by advertisement, and there was a large attendance of both visitors and members of the Lodge. Mbs Leavitt’s Mission. —Mrs Leavitt delivered a second address at Eangiora on Thursday evening, the Good Templar Hall, where the meeting took place, being crowded to overflowing. At the conclusion ■ the audience accorded the lady a heartyvote of thanks for her kindness in visiting Eangiora. Votes of thanks were also--.' passed to the Chairman (the Eev WEowse), and to Mr T. G. Smith, for providing the singing at the meetings. Several pledges were taken, and blue ribbons distributed during the evening. Woolston Eiplb Corps. —A general meeting of this corps was held on Thursday evening at the Woolston Library. There was a large attendance, and the following officers were elected:—H. E. Peel, First Lieutenant; E. Bound, SecondLieutenant. The appointment of noncommissioned officers was postponed for a fortnight. The uniform decided on is bhieblack, and red facings, with forage capsand helmets to be approved of. It wagresolved that drill be commenced Tuesday, and every subsequent Tuesday, until further notice. Theatre Eotal; The cold weather last night somewhat reduced the number of those present at the performances of the Howardo Burlesque and Comedy Companyin the Theatre Eoyal. The programmewas the same as that of the previous night,, with the exception of some slight alteration in the “Olio” between the two dramatic pieces. The applause was liberally bestowed by the audience. To-night wiU be the last appearance of the Company,, and there will be an entire change, theprogramme consisting of “The LittleSentinel” and “ The Limerick Boy.”

Gospel Temperance Union. —A meeting of the Executive Committee was held yesterday in the rooms of the_ Y.M.G.A.,Eev J. O’B. Hoaro in the chair. It was decided to hold a public meeting in connection with the Blue llibbon Gospel Temperance Union once a month in the city. Arrangements were made for' the first meeting to be held on June 23 next. Themeetings are to be carried out on the same principles as those conducted by Mr E. T. Booth. It was also resolved that at each, public meeting questions be invited, eitherin writing or from the platform, after each address. The city and suburbs were divided into districts, for the purpose of house to house visitation by the ladies. Accident. —A passenger by Thursday’s train from Oamaru informs us of a remarkably narrow escape from death. An old lady, apparently between seventy" and eighty, wished to get out at one of the smaller stations, anct was over-anxious, apparently, lest she should not have time to do so. - • She was warned by a gentleman to be careful, and as shqs was encumbered . witb parcels, be did all he possibly could for her assistance. Despite his repeated cautions she stepped from the carriage platform before the train had; stopped, and fell between the rails. The crunching of a tin box caused the passengers to think that an awful, accident had. happened; but, much to their relief, the old lady was found to- be uninjured save for a shaking and the fright. Linwood Congregational Church.— The opening services in connection with the Linwood Congregational Church, Ferry road, take place to-morrow, when the pastor (Eev T. Taylor, 8.A.) preaches both, morning and evening. In the afternoon a children’s flower-service will be held, conducted by the Eev Mr Gilmour, commencing at 3 p.m. A tea meeting is advertised, for Tuesday next, after which a public meeting, presided over by Mr P. S. Malcolm, will be held in the church. The old building, which stood, on the old site in Philip street, has been removed in halves to the site in Ferry road, and a new wing measuring 40ft x 20ft added, so that with the present addition the church is capable of accommodating 300 persons. The alteration has been carried out unden the superintendence of Mr Widdowson, architect, and reflects great credit on that gentleman. St John Ambulance Association. — There was a large attendance yesterday afternoon at the second lecture of thecourse now being delivered at the City Council Chamber under the auspices of theSt John Ambulance Association. The lecture, which was given by Dr Brittin, was divided into three sections. The firsttreated of the general direction of the main arteries, the points being shown, where the circulation may be arrested by pressure with the finger, or by the application of a tourniquet. The second section, dealt with bleeding, and the various extemporary means of arresting it; while - the third treated of that most useful surgical appliance, the triangular bandage* some of the uses of which were explained and practically illustrated. While Brittin was lecturing at the Council Chamber, Dr Hacon was delivering the opening lecture of the series to another class, meeting at Merivale schoolroom, where there was also a good attendance. On. Friday next the third lecture on fractures and sprains will be given at the City , Council Chambers by Dr Eobinson, and'DrJ Brittin will give the second lecture ,a® Merivale. '

Chamber of Commerce. — The CantorTcmry Chamber <>f Commerce held their quarterly meeting yesterday afternoon, when they transacted a large amount of business, as reported on another page. Weather Exchange. New Zealand : Gloomy weather generally, with light variable winds. Passing showers at Gisborne and Hokitika. Australia : Fine generally, with uniform and high pressure ; westerly winds. Barometers. —New Zealand: Russell, 30'2; Wellington, 30‘0 ; Bluff, 29'8. Australia : All stations, 30-3. Malvern Licensing Committee. —The polling for the election of the Malvern Licensing Committee, on Thursday, resulted as follows :—J. D. Enys, 76; H. J. Mathias, 74; J. A. M'llraith, 73; G. Rutherford, 71; J. P- Barr, 64; J. Lord, 58; J. Jebson, jun.. 57: A. E. Sayers, 12. The three temperance candidates were in a minority. . Do« Registration. The raid now being made oa the ownfirs of unregistered dogs seems to have had the desired effect of frightening a good many people into compliance with the demands of the Dog Registration Act. A considerable number of animals were legalised at the City Council office yesterday morning, and the Secretary of the Selwyn County Council was also kept busy in the work of registration. Imported Poultry. —Mr A. Walker, the well known poultry ancier, received by the longariro yesterday two pair of black-breasted red game fowls. The birds were sent from England, and arrived in splendid condition, and were imported to Mr Walker’s order by Mr Isitt. By the same boat Mr Evans, Secretary of the Christchurch Poultry Association, received three barb hens, one of which is a remarkably handsome bird, and should make ber mark in the show pens. Ail the birds are in splendid condition. Poultry Association. —At a meeting of the Art Union Committee of the Christchurch Poultry Association, it was decided to request Mr J. Goodman to assume the po-ition of Secretary and Treasurer, which he filled last year. It was also resolved to expend jCSO in prizes, and that the first prize should consist of a pen of poultry, value £3 3s. The Committee agreed that any person selling a book of art union tickets should be presented with a complimentary ticket of admittance to the show.

The Defaulting Bhideqboom.—Honeywood, the barman who was the hero of an ugly case in the Ashburton Court last week, was yesterday sued for th* board and lodging or the girl whom ho persuaded to leave her situation and take lodgings, with a view to getting married to him, a marriage which ho evaded by bolting on the morning of the day when it should have come off. The girl's landlady sued Honeywood for JO3 7s 6d, but the defaulting barman did not appear, and judgment with immediate execution for the amount was given with costs.

Tho Eev D. Gilmore ia arronnf.od to preach the first of a series ■-f sermons on the “Lord’s Second Coming,’’ at the Sydenham Baptist Church to morrow morning. An ordinary of the Philosophical Institute of < anferbary will he held on June 4, at 8 p.m., when Mr Hoglwn will read a paper on Bnddha and his Philo«»ph> On account of the special service at the Oddfellows’ Hall, "Kaiapoi, to-morrow evening, at O.SO p.m., and Mr E. T Booth’s ad- tress at the same place, the ordinary '■ u'Cm mthe Presbyterian, Wesleyan, and Primitive ttetbodiat Churches at Kaiapoi will commence at 5,30 p.m.

One Effect of the War Scare. —Tho Australasian noticed as a curious incident of the recent war scare the withdrawal of sums of .money from Building Societies, Savings Banks, and ordinary Banks, under ther belief that the money would bo safer place of concealment. It is curious (says our contemporary) as illustrating a survival of, or rather a relapse to, the hoarding inst inct which it was thought that advanced civilisation had nearly eradicated. Infantile Prudence —Here is an amusing story, told by a Home pajier, about a small boy at one of the Christmas-tree entertainments. At supper his mother, yielding to his entreaties, gave him two of the painted figures from the twelfth cake, with strict injunctions not to eat them, adding that if he did devour them he would most certainly be very ill, and probably might die. “ I'm not sure to die if I eat them?" he sated. “Not sure," replied his mother; “but in. ail probability you will;" and she went away intent upon ■ hospital thought. The next day something caused her to recollect the figures, and she asked to see them. Master Lawrence could only produce one, and when asked for the other he remarked casually, "Oh! 1 gave that to Bertha [his little sister], and told her to eat it, and if she ■j does not die before to-morrow, I mean to 1 eat this one myself." |i Punishment op Neglectful Officers. —Had. General M’Neiil been unconnected with the Court, lie would mo doubt have been blamed for allowing the forces under bin command to he surprised by the Arabs, I -as was the case in the Soudan recently—- & surprise which cost ua many lives, and seems entirely to have disorganised our

transport service. About a year ago an English gentleman travelling in Germany i came across an officer employed in superintending some details of military railroad transport. He bad been a captain during the Franco-German War, and had allowed his company to lx; surprised. After being’ imprisoned for 18 months, he was placed in the military railroad transport service, and told that he was never to receive promotion. Being surprised by an enemy is regarded as the one unpardonable sin by the Germans. A Sad Stout. —Truth tolls the following ; —“The wife of. an officer on duty in Egypt was in an exceedingly delicate state of health, having recently been confined, and was, of course, extremely nervous about her husband's safety. Down the street one night came a brace of leatherlunged news vendors, bawling out: ‘ Another great battle!' ‘Slaughter of the Guards!’ ‘ 'Eavy British losses!’ ‘ Many officers killed!’ &c. Terribly frightened, the unfortnate lady sent out for a paper, and at the same moment a loud ring at the front door announced the arrival of a telegram. The message was from her husband, assuring her of his safety, but, believing that a terrible catastrophe had overtaken the Guards’ Brigade, she—on seeing the telegram—at once concluded that it contained the news of his death. She swooned away, and died a few days later, literally from the shock. Needless to say that the slaughter of the Guards was a pure invention, improvised because the bawling newspaper criers know where the house 'was.”

A Stock _ Exchange Swindle.— There has been quite a flutter of excitement in financial circles over the frauds and flight of Mr Battle George Goldsmid, of the London Stock Exchange. Ho appears quite worthy to rank in the Walhalla of the Blakeways and Parkers, whom he has in all probability by this time joined in the detective-defying regions of Spain. Mr Qoldsmid’s defalcations are variously estimated at from 15200,000 to £400,000, the former being the more generally accepted figure. Wild speculations and extravagant living had been the causes of his downfall. Like Blakeway and Parker, he manipulated securities and victimised friends and relations to an enormous "extent to cover his losses and keep up his credit on the Stock Exchange. Even to the last he paid up all his “ differences,” a chance deficit of only £3O affording the Stock Exchange Committee their only opportunity of declaring S him a " defaulter.” The Daily Telegraph, in H®. money article, alluded mysteriously to jwtlolonial Bank ” as being a loser by Gi Jjfemid to the extent of some .£40,000. Tile" Colonial Bank” is the Queensland National, but the loss is only £20,000, the circumstances of which have not transpired.

A Veteran Apple Tree. —On the land of an old gentleman named _ Hotchkiss, living at Cheshire, Connecticut, is an apple tree supposed to be, at the present time, no less than 18G years old. It is said to be the last of an orchard planted by the first settlers in that neighbourhood. Mr Hotchkiss, who is in his 82nd year, has known and owned it for nearly half-a-cen-tury, and, some time ago, he informed the writer that when he was a boy he heard his grandmother say that she used to play in her early childhood under its then broad and sheltering branches. The body of the tree is 4ft in diameter up to the point where the limbs branch out. Its height is 00ft, and from its utmost branches apples falling perpendicularly lie upon the ground 33 yards apart. Mr HotchkisS said that he had picked up and measured 125 bushels of good, sound apples for one year’s product of this tree, and ho estimates that it has borne from 10,000 to 12,000 bushels from the date of its being planted up to the present time.

Remarkable Historical Discovery.— Archieological research seldom enables the modem world to realise so vividly the events of antiquity as a recent discovery in Rome renders it easy for us to do. There is a striking passage in Tacitus narrating the murder of the Emperor Qalba and his adopted heir, Piso Licinianus, by Otho’s soldiery, Piso being dragged out of the Temple of Vesta and killed by one Floras of the Britannic Legion. After many supplications, his widow Verania, reputed to bo the most accomplished Roman woman of the day, prevailed upon Otho’s greed to sell her the mangled body of her husband, wlych she conveyed away and caused to be burnt. One day last month, some workmen engaged on digging foundations outside the modem Porta Salara came upon a sepulchral chamber underground. It proved to be a vault belonging to the Piso family, and the principal tomb bore an inscription showing that it enclosed the ashes of the murdered Piso, and narrating his widow’s piety. The tomb was broken open by the pickaxe of an Italian workman, and the ashes of the Imperial heir given by him to his wife to serve as lye for her washing. Hamlet’s reflections in the graveyard will immediately suggest themselves.

A Cunning Dog. —A correspondent of the Spectator gives the following t —“ One summer afternoon a group of children were playing at the end of a pier which projects into Lake Ontario, near Kingston, New York, U.S.A. The proverbial careless child of the party made the proverbial backward step o2 from the pier into the water. None of his companions could save him, and their cries had brought no one froia the shore, when, just as he was sinking for the third time, a superb Newfoundland dog rushed down the pier into the water, and pulled the boy out. Those of the children who did not accompany the boy home took the dog to a confectioner’s on the shore, and fed him with so great a variety of cakes and other sweets as he would eat. So far the story is, of course, only typical of scoresof well-known cases. The individuality of this case is left for the sequel. The next afternoon, the same group of children were playing at the same place, when the canine hero of the day before came trotting down to them with the most friendly wags and nods. There being no occasion this time for supplying him with delicacies, the children only stroked and patted him. The dog, however, had not come out of pure sociability. A child in the water and cakes and candy stood to him in the close and obvious relation of cause and effect, and if this relation was not clear to the children, he resolved to impress it upon them. Watching his chance, he crept up behind the child who was standing nearest to the edge of the pier, gave a sudden push, which sent him into the water, then sprang in after him,and gravely brought him to shore.”

New System op Gas Lighting. — A new system of gas lighting for private dwellings has been shown in operation at the Langham Hotel, London, which deservos every attention. We may state that the large dining-room and another apartment of that hotel have been fitted with powerful recuperative lamps, the invention of Mr F. W. Clark. These lamps have hitherto been used chiefly for illuminating railway carriages, the Great Western Railway Company having for some time past adopted them, By a ventilating arrangement, they are made to consume their own smoke, the burners being so constructed that the requisite volume of air, heated to a high temperature, •is admitted into the lantern at the point of ignition. There being no smoke, and consequently no waste from imperfect combustion, the saving in the quantity of gas consumed must be considerable, while less heat is engendered, and the discolouration of

walls and ceilings is avoided as with the use of the electric light. The flame is projected downwards inside a glass dome, the light being thus unaccompanied by any shadow, and, instead of issuing out in a vertical stream, like that of an argand burner, it spreads out into a clear white ball of fire. As a consequence of this whiteness in the flame, different shades of colours in textile fabrics may be readily distinguished at night by its aid.—lnvention.

Electric Lighting at Alexandra Palace. —At this popular place of entertainment, which was re-opened on Tuesday last (says the Electrical Review of April 4), the electric lighting of the buildings and grounds has been executed by the Giilcher Electric Light and Power Company. In the dynamo house at the west end of the building are four machines in actual use, with an additional one ready to switch on in case of emergency, the steam-power being derived from a 30-h.p. liobey engine. The out-door lighting is served from two dynamos in a house out in the Grove, which are driven by two engines made at the Battersea Works, of 10-h.p. each. In the building there are in the towers four arcs of 30&0-candle-power, and in the east transept, one; in the winter garden, four, of 2000 c.-p.; in the Italian garden, two; in the corridors, six ; in the picture galleries, eight; in the grand transept, 14; in the central transept, seven; in the east transept, two; and in the forestry, four; while outside the building there are, in the grove, eight arcs of 2000 c.-p., one of 3000 c.-p.; in the Japanese village, four of 2000 c.-p.; and in the drive one of 2COO c.p.; making a total of sixtysix arc lamps. The band stand is ornamented by incandescent lamps of various colours, and in the refreshment bar are incandescent lamps also; the total of these being 219. All the outdoor wiring is done with naked wires carried on insulators, this part of the work having been attended to by Mr Harrison, who has had considerable experience at the Crystal Palace and elsewhere. The whole installation has been carried out under the superintendence of the Company’s electrician, Mr Pricker.

How Postage Stamps aee Made. —ln planting, steel plates are used, on which 200 stamps are engraved. Two men are kept hard at work covering them with coloured inks, and passing them to a man and girl, who are equally busy printing them with large rolling hand-presses. Three of these little squads arc employed' all the time. After the small sheets of paper upon which the 200 stamps arc engraved have been dried enough, they are sent into another room and gummed. The gum used for this purpose is a peculiar composition, made of the powder of dried potatoes and other vegetables, mixed with water. After having been again dried, this time on the little racks which are fanned by steam power for about an hour, they are put in between sheets of pasteboard and pressed in hydraulic presses capable of. applying a weight of 2000 tons. The next thing is to cut the sheet in half j each sheet, of course, when cut contains a hundred stamps. This is done by a girl, with a large pair of shears, cutting by

hand being preferred to that of machinery, which method would destroy too many stamps. They are then passed to two other squads, who perforate the paper between the stamps, pressed once more, and then packed and labelled, and stowed away for despatching to fulfil orders. If a single stamp is torn, or in any way mutilated, the whole sheet of 100 stamps is burned. Five hundred thousand are burned every week from this cause. For the past 20 years, not a single sheet has been lost, such care has been taken in counting them. During the process of manufacturing, the sheets are counted eleven times.