TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 8121, 18 March 1887, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

The Rainfall. —Mr J, B. StanselTs record of the rainfall up to 9 o’clock yesterday morning was 0 54in. This amount had fallen during the previous twelve hours. The temperature was very low—--40 degrees—and snow fell on the Fort hills.

Cycling, —An evening run of the Christchurch Bicycle Club took place last night. About thirty cyclists, head by the Club's brass band, proceeded through Waltham, Sydenham, and Addington, and after a most enjoyable run, proceeded down the Lincoln road through town to the Club's rooms.

Football. —A meeting of the Addington Football Club was held last evening, when the Secretary read the report and balancesheet, which were unanimously adopted. The following officers were elected for the ensuing season Captain, Mr J, Whiting; vice-Captain, Mr F. Knight; Secretary, Mr E. Robinson; Treasurer, Mr H. Bell; General and Selection Committee, Messrs G. Neill, G. Toppliss, D. Scrimgeour, W. Larcombe, E. Simpson. ■ After transacting some general business, the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair. Sumner Town Board. —A special meeting of the above Board was held on Tuesday last. All the Commissioners were present. Nine tenders for the culvert under the road near the Cave Bock Hotel were received, and that of Messrs Howes and M'Lachlan accepted. The estimate of receipts and expenditure during the year was submitted and approved, with certain alterations. It was decided to hold a special meeting on Tuesday, April 5, to strike a general rate cf Is in the £ bn all rateable property in the district, payable in one sum on April 19. The meeting then adjourned. Catholic Literary Society. The usual weekly meeting of the above Society took place on Tuesday evening; present— The President in the chair, and about 40 members. The resignation of the Librarian, through pressure of private business, was accepted with regret. The committee appointed for the arranging of a picnic on Easter Monday, reported that they had selected Bhodes’ Bay. The programme for the evening consisted of songs, readings, and recitations, the greater number of the items being very creditably rendered. After spending a very pleasant time, the meeting terminated in the usual manner. Presentation. —On Wednesday evening the members of the Working Men’s Club Variety and Combination Troupe presented their stage manager, Mr Theo. Spanjer, with a very handsome silver oup, suitably engraved. The presentation was made by Mr Bond, who spoke of the great assistance rendered by Mr Spanjer, and the good nature shown under the usual stage manager’s troubles. Mr Spanjer replied, thanking the members for their gift, which was unexpected, and trusted that as long as he was a member, ho would try still further to forward the interests of the class and the Mother Club. After the usual good wishes, the company separated. Eesidknt Magistrate’s Court, Geraldine.—On Tuesday last the usual fortnightly sitting of the Eesident Magistrate’s Court was held at Geraldine. Mr H. C. S. Baddeley, 8.M., and- the Rev G. Barclay, J.P., presided. The Magistrate gave judgment for defendant in the case B. J. H. Fox v. T. Farrell, heard last Court day. William King was charged with allowing one cow to wander at large in the streets of the township, pleading guilty, he was fined 10s and coats. Edward Evans, for having an unregistered dog in his possession, was fined 10s and. costa. Thomas Piggott was find 20s and costs for trespassing on the property of Elizabeth Pye, a widow, residing at Upper Bangitata. The Geraldine Town Board summoned Williard Lawson for causing a nuisance to exist at the back of his premises, whereby it flowed through a culvert on to Mr J. Cunningham’s section. After hearing the evidence the Bench, although it was clearly proved the nuisance existed, did not consider the offence fixed on the accused. The only civil case heard was that of J. Biordan v. G. Westropp, claim £i 18s 4d. Judgment by default. Par Nobile Fbatbum. —Yesterday a couple of brothers, named Reynolds, were convicted in the Resident Magistrate’s Court of no fewer than five charges of stealing clothes from lines and various other places. They had “ planted ” the stolen goods in a vacant section in Barbadoes street north; bat unfortunately for them the owner of the land noticed that the ground had been disturbed, and instituted a search, which led to the discovery of the “plant,” and to a two nights’ vigil on the part of Detective O’Connor and a constable, the latter of whom caught the culprits when they were in the act of disinterring their spoil. In Court they loudly protested their innocence, telling a not very probable tale of having purchased the goods from a man who had gone to Wellington. Mr Beetham, however, remarked that it was no use playing with men like them, and gave them six months apiece on each charge, the sentences to be cumulative, so that backyards and clothes lines will be safe from their depredations for two years and a half. The police have in their possession a quantity of goods found in the Reynolds’ cache, for which they are anxious to find owlcts. The articles comprise a ham, sugar and other, groceries, and some clothes.

Treatee Koval.—The Jubilee Sincereagain had a big house last night, theirfinished singing earning them continuousapplause. They perform each night this - week, giving a change of programme every evening. , *

Chbibtchxjech Leidebtafel.—To-night the Christchurch Liedertafel give a Herren. Abend in Warner’s Assembly rooms. Judging from the excellence of former grammes, that of to-night should please the most fastidious audience. Rifle Shooting.—A competition takesplace on the Lyttelton rifle range on Saturday next between those members of the NBattery of Artillery who have not previously fired in a match. The prize is asilver medal, presented to the Company by Mr J. T. Brice, of London street. Kailway Excubsion to Ambeblet.—Notwithstanding the unpromising look of the weather yesterday morning, the railway excursion to Amberley was fairly well’ patronised, nearly 200 passengers takingtheir tickets at Christchurch. No doubtmany more were picked up by the train at the intermediate stations. St Patrick’s Day.—St Patrick’s Laypassed off very quietly in Temuka. Owingto some misunderstanding all the storeskept open, although little or no business' was done. A large number of vehiclespassed through the town in the morning,, the occupants of which were evidently bound for the sports at Geraldine, whilst others made their way to the race meetingat Pleasant Point. The Yolunteees. —On Wednesday evening Major Newall inspected the Eangiora Rifles. Forty-five men were on parade under Captain Gordon. The Mayor expressed satisfaction respecting the appearance of the men and the progress madeiu the drill. He also impressed upon thecompany the desirability of as many a® possible attending the Easter encampment at Oamaru.

The Weatheb at Akaeoa.—We learnfrom our correspondent that on Wednesday evening very gusty weather came up front the south, bringing heavy showers of rain and hail, which continued with short intervals till yesterday afternoon. Thehills were already pretty green, but thegrass will now be considerably improved, where allowed a chance, and winter feed will be fair on land that is not heavily stocked.

Canterbury Art Society. —Last evening a very successful Concert was given at the Gallery, and the attendance was good. This evening, through the courtesy, of Misses Spensley, Bell, and A. and LTaylor, Mrs Palairet, and Messrs Gray, Bead, and Johnston, a programme, comprising vocal and instrumental selections, will be given. We are requested to remind our readers that the Exhibition closes to-morrow. Straw Trussing. Messrs. J. and FHoward’s patent straw-trussing machine was exhibited at work at Ohoka yesterday by the agents, E. Beece and Sons. In thesetimes, when it behoves our farmers to save all they can, this question of using straw for many purposes instead of wasting or destroying it, has often been discussed in these columns, and we are convinced that now such a simple means pf handling straw is introduced its value 'will prove very great. The trusser was most successful in. tying the straw as it was delivered by the threshing machine, both when used with, and when used without the elevator, and those present expressed themselves as being: very pleased with the work done, and predicted that every farmer would in the future insist on having .his wheat straw tied.

The Circus. —The attendance at Messrs Herbert and' Fitzgerald’s London Circus • last night showed that that place of amusement still maintains the popularity which, the excellence of its opening performances secured for it. The programme yesterday evening was somewhat varied from those , which have preceded it, but was in every, ‘ respect equal to them, and the feats og the performers were received with demonstration of approval by the audience. The Bronco horses were, as usual, especial favourites. The efforts of the human artists were, however, not by any means unappreciated. Mr M. Jones’ startling feat of taming a doable somersault over twenty guns with fixed bayonets was performed with the same effect as on the previous night. The circus will be open again to night, and to-morrow a matinee will be given. New Zealand Protection Association. —The usual weekly meeting took place in the Gospel Hall on Tuesday last, at 7 30 p.m. Vice-President Douglas occupied the chair, there was a large number of members present,’ and several hew members were elected. Mr J. M. Douglas was elected to the Presidency, in place of Mr Howland, who had recently resigned the-' position; and Mr J. W. Walker was elected vice-President, to fill the vacancy caused; by the resignation of Mr L. Pozzi. Nominations were taken to fill the vacancy made by Mr Douglas being elected President. The nominees were Messrs Doubleday, Shaw and Wheeler, and the election will take place at next Tuesday’s meeting. After some financial business was transacted the Tariff Committee reported that they were progressing favourably with the revision of the Customs tariff. Mr Pozzi’s notice of motion was then considered, and carried as follows That this Association invites traders and working men to express their opinions on the following question. As Freetraders and Protectionists all wish to see a change from depression to prosperity in the Colony by the increase of industries, and as there are only two principles involved, namely, Ist, to impose a protective tariff and maintain the present rate of wages and the eight hours’ system, 2nd, or, on Freetrade principles, to reduce the rate of wages and increase the hours of work, so as to com- * pete with the European workmen, which of the two principles would they prefer, or have they any other system to suggest? Copies to be sent to each of the Protection Associations tliroughout the Colony. The President was authorised to represent the Association on the Jubilee Committee. The meeting then adjourned. St Albans Wesleyan Church.—A meeting of the members of the St Albans Wesleyan congregation was held last night, for the purpose of considering the affairs of the connexional paper, the New Zealand' Methodist. The Eev J. Berry occupied the chair, and explained the object of the meeting. He said that circumstances rendered it necessary that JBIOOO should be raised at once as capital to work the paper, which would otherwise have to be given up. He had this week held similar meetings at Waimate, Timaru, and Ashburton, and m each place the matter had been taken up with great heartiness. Mr C. W. Turner explained more fully the circumstances under which the money was required, and urged that it was a matter of not only connexional, but catholic evangelical interest, inasmuch as the paper, having a circulation of 2500, and reaching, therefore, at least 10,000 persons, carried religious teaching and influence far morewidely than the pulpit. He thought that, the objects in view would be better attained by small contributions from the many than by large ones from the few. Hr E. CBrown and others expressed their views, and amongst other things it was suggested that the matter was one of sufficient importance to merit being mentioned from the pulpit on Sunday. As Mr Berry will not occupy the St Albans pulpit on Sunday - next, an influential lay gentleman undertook to lay the matter before the congregation on Sunday morning, and Messrs E. C. Brown and Frank Smith were appointed to receive and solicit suberiptions afterwards. In connection with this subject, it may be mentioned that a similar meeting is to be held at Durham street Wesleyan Church this evening, when it is hoped as practical and hearty a response- ■ will bo made as has already been done- • .. elsewhere. i

Supreme Court. —His Honor Mr Justice -Johnston sat in Banco yesterday, and will sit in Chambers to-day at H a.m. Coursing —A meeting of the Committee of the Selwyn County Coursing Club was held in the Kirwee Hotel on Saturday, March 13; Mr John Barnett in the Chair. The Secretary reported on the financial position of the Club, the only liabilities being small accounts owing for advertising, which . he more than covered by unpaid “i subscriptions. A report was drawn up suggesting that an All-Aged Stake of £2 2s, and a Puppy Stake of ill Ha 6d be run for on April 21; Mr Creswell to be asked to judge, and other preliminary arrangements ■which (together with financial statement for past season) will be submitted to a general meeting on Saturday, March 19. The Geraldine Volunteer Band. — On Tuesday evening last a presentation of a handsome baton was made to Mr T. Sherratt, Bandmaster of the Geraldine Volunteer Band. The ceremony took place in the Good Templar Hall, where a capital supper was catered by Mr D. M'Hraith, of the Bush Hotel, in that town- , ship. Captain Pearpoint occupied the chair, and Lieutenant K. M'Kenzie the vice-chair. After the usual loyal and other toasts had been disposed of, the health of the guest of the evening was proposed by the Chairman, and drank amidst applanse, and musical honours were given. The Chairman then made the presentation, accompanied by a very happy speech. The baton is of ebony, silver mounted, with ivory handle inlaid with mother of pearl- It bears the following inscription:—“ Presented to Mr T. Sherratt, by the Geraldine Volunteer Band, as a token of their esteem." Bandmaster Mr T. Sherratt returned thanks to the members of the Bond for their handsome present, and gave them some practical advice in regard to their practising, and suggested that an annual re-union of the Band should be held in the future. Some capital songs were sung, and the usual orthodox toasts given and responded to, a very entertaining evening being spent. I.O.G.T.—About sixty members of the Christchurch Lodges of the 1.0.G.T accepted an invitation to pay a fraternal visit to the Good Intent Lodge of Bangiora on Wednesday evening last. The visitors left by private conveyances, and reached their destination shortly after seven They at once adjourned to a commodious tent erected on the grounds of the Good Templar Hall, where an abundance of light refreshments were served out. The Lodge was then opened, the Hall being well filled. After five candidates bad been initiated, all farther business

was suspended. Interesting addresses were then delivered by Bro Efiord, D.D., Bro B. Armstrong, of the Dauntless Lodge, and by Bro Evans, and a', lengthy programme of songs, recitations, and dnets, contributed by the members, and visitors. An adjournment was made for, the tent at 10.30, where an excellent supper was provided by the Bangiora brethren. In consequence of the heavy rain'which was falling, the brethren again assembled in the hall, and a series of parlour games were entered into with much spirit. The Christchurch -visitors took their departure at 3 a.m., after passing a hearty vote of thanks to the Bangiora brethren for the manner in which they had been entertained, and reached home about six o’clock, having thoroughly enjoyed the visit. Dbuidism. —The visual fortnightly meeting of the Mistletoe Lodge, No. 96, TJ.A.O.D.. was held on Monday evening, in the Druids’ Hall, Worcester street, A.D. Bro Allen presiding. Important correspondence having been dealt with, amongst which was an appeal in aid of the {and to liquidate the debt on the band rotunda. Several members spoke in high terms of the kindness ana promptitude which charaotn>Kl the bands of Christchurch -when appealed to for their services by the Ladge. It was resolved to forward a sub'fflb k lon of .£1 in support of the object of

the rotunda of debt. It was unanimously resolved to take part in the demonstration celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee, also appointing Bros Beck and Bailey delegates to attend the Committee having charge of the arranging for the celebration. The Lodge was pleased to learn of Bro 'Tomlinson's re-election as District President of No. 13 District. A sum of one goinea was voted to assist the Juvenile Lodge. Harmony being declared, Bros BaiUie and Hull contributed songs, and Bro Tomlinson a recitation. Business being resumed, the Arch Druid requested a full attendance of members for next meeting, when very important business is to be dealt with, amongst which will be the nomination and election of medical officers for the Lodge. . The receipts of the evening were JBI2 12s 6d. The Lodge was then closed in due form by the A.D. The usual meeting of the Juvenile Lodge of Druids was held in their room, Manchester street, on Wednesday evening, when, in .addition to other routine business, receipt was acknowledged of JE3 3s from the Pioneer Lodge, and £2 2a from the Hope of St Albans Lodge; also a donation from the Mistletoe Lodge. The Committee have notified the Juvenile Lodge that Mr Seager will shortly give one of his popular entertainments, entitled "Mirth, Music, and Magic.” Tbs Garrison Band w it perform the following programme on the Band Rotunda this evening at S o’clock, nnder the oonduotorabip of Mr B. T. "Searell, Bandmaster Quick mnrch, "Set pie” (Handel); prayer, Mof<? in Kgitto" (Eoasini) j overture," Nelmcodonoeor" (Verdi); solo, polka. "Jupiter" fLngui); selection, “Lucia <?1 Idunmermoor” (Donizetti); waltz, “Tolanthe" (Sullivan); overture, “ Soir da Antomivie" (Bonlllau); quadrille, "Rosalind" (H Sound); Selection, i-cotoh (Harlmann); finale, “God Save the Queen." The Secretary of the Christchurch Hospital wishes to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of a quantity of limit from Mesdamen Dickenson and Cochrane; periodicals from Mrs Alabaster, Mr K. Tippets, ana a friend; books from Mr B. Wilkins ; vcwetables from Mrs Cooksley, and old linen from a friend.

The Master of the Lyttelton Orphanage desires to acknowledge, with thanks, a donation of £5 from the Popular Amusements Association towards the Recreation and Library Food. Oaviee and Lamb, the popnlar hairdressers and tobacconists, 253, Triangle, High street.—[Adtt.]

Sensational Scene in a Church.— A. somewhat extraordinary scene is said to have occurred recently at the morning service at Staplegrove Church, near Taunton, the whole of the congregation becoming asphyxiated by the gases from the heating apparatus. About the middle of the service people felt a peculiar faintness, not sufficient to make them leave their places, but by the time the sermon was drawing to a close they are described as falling like “ninepins" about the church. The lady organist, being near the stove, feeling it stronger than others, and trying to escape, fell fiat on her face in the aisle. Four or five others followed suit, and were at once carried off to the rectory. The rest of the congregation made for the doors, feeling faint and overcome. Help poe Needy Actobs. —The annual meeting of the Actors' Benevolent Fund was held recently, on the stage ■of the Xyceum Theatre. Mr. Henry Irving, who occupied the chair, said that in the past year more money had been distributed than in any previous year. The weekly allowances to the aged and distressed amounted to .£I3OO, which constituted an annual charge of about 45 per cent on the income of the fond. There were on the fund thirty old friends that they looked after whoso ages amounted to 2068 years, or an average of 67 years. He only wished that the incomeof the fund amounted to ten -times its total. No more fitting memorial, he thought, of the reign of their beloved -Sovereign could be made than for the actors and actresses of Great Britain to stand shoulder to shoulder iu support of such a noble fund as theirs, a fund which unostentatiously and secretly relieved the wants of so l many. He could not understand himself how any actor could possibly neglect to support the fund, bathe dto state that of the 8000 actors gdom there were only 1200 who to the fund..

•in the subscribe

An Electric Novelty.— Electricity has in its time played many parts ( sa J* Opinion), but to apply it to a conductor s baton s has, at any rate, the superior merit of novelty. After the recent manoeuvres of the German Army a serenade wm given in honour of the Emperor, and 1200 executants took part. It was pitch dark, and, of course, quite impossible for the bandsmen to sea tbe conductor’s beat. But science suggested an accumulator on the music desk, connected with a properly-covered wire secured along the conductors stick, from the tip of which there shone a tiny electric light. _ _ , An Indo-European Canal.— ln a recent communication to the French Academy of Sciences, M. Emile Eude proposes a canal between India and Europe by way of the Euphrates Valley, the Persian Gulf, Mid Syria. This was in ancient times the great route of commerce, before the founding and development of Alexandria diverted it on Suez and led to the Suez Canal. The new route is put forward as a parallel way to that of Suez. His project is a canal with a double aim, a canal of irrigation and of navigation. In this way he proposes to restore fertility to these wastes. The plan is to create a river from Soucidieh to the Persian Gulf by making the Euphrates flow to the Mediterranean by Aleppo and Antioch; from Beles, in deepening the river from Beles to Felondjah (near ancient Babylon); in passing from the Euphrates to the Tigris by the canal of Saklavijah; and lastly, m descending the Tigris from Bagdad to Kornab, Baasora, and Pao on the Gulf. The new canal would shorten the going and coming voyage to Bombay by six days. M. Eude does not consider the engineering difficulties of a serious kind except the stony banks of Abou-Said Kerbeleh, which, however, would not resist modern appliances. He estimates the total cost at between a milliard and fifteen hundred million francs. Newspaper Reporters.— The Kev -Ur Talmage, who has had not a little experience with reporters, has expressed _ the following opinion (records an American paper); “ Talk about reporters not being truthful aud honest, I think that they are, as a class, more truthful and honest than those who say that they are not. I' personally know a great many of the reporters on the leading papers in New York city, and they are. all perfect gentlemen. I have never been misrepresented during all the years that I have been acquainted with newspapers and newspaper men. I have-never had a reporter break faith with me. Whenever they have promised to return a manuscript or omit anything, they have invariably done just as they .paid they would do. That there are mistakes in newspapers I am willing to admit, but lam not willing to admit that they were made purposely. The trouble with most men is that they are constantly trying to keep something back instead of being perfectly open, frank, and free. This the reporters invariably discover, and they will invariably find out what that something is. Most of the mistakes aud misrepresentations made in the reports are mistakes that can almost always be charged up to someone outside of the newspaper office —usually an interested person." The Tasmanian Mail suggests that Dr Talmage was perhaps at one time employed on the staff of a newspaper and had to fly round the Government offices for information from those who were unwilling to give it, but the moral to he drawn is that it is just as well not to try to keep anything back from reporters.