TOWN & COUNTRY

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 8247, 13 August 1887, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY

Ministerial Resignation. We have authority for saying that the Hon Mr Larnach has not resigned the Portfolio of Mines. His resignation of the Ministry of

Marine is gazetted. The result is, that Mr Larnach is still Minister of Mines, while the Marine Portfolio is amalgamated with that of the Commissioner of Customs, held by Sir Julius Vogel. The change was announced in the Financial Statement of May 10 last. Supreme Court. —ln Chambers yesterdaymorning, his Honor Mr Justice Johnston granted probates re Elizabeth Fuchs, deceased, to F. J. Fuchs (Mr Loughrey), and re James Barbery, to the executrix named (Mr Bruges). The Premier —Last night Sir Robert Stouc addressed a crowded meeting in the Oddfellows' Hall, Sydenham, and received a vote expressing thanks and confidence in his Government. Sir Robert also addressed a crowded meeting at Leeston on Thursday night, and to-night will speak at Kir wee.

A Generous Girt.— Mr George Gould has very generously responded to the circular issued by the Committee of the Christchurch Cadet Corps, by sending a cheque for J 65 to his Worship the Mayor in aid of the funds of the Corps. This liberality should prove a stimulus to others to whom copies of the circular were sent. Lyttelton Literaet Society. —The usual weekly meeting of the Lyttelton Literary and Biblical Association was held on Thursday evening in the Wesleyan Schoolroom, when there was a good attendance of members considering the state of the weather. Songs were given by Mesdames Holland, Mugford, Miss Atkinson and Mr Collins. Readings were given by Misses Joyce, Jenkins and Mrs Mugford, which were all very nicely given. A recitation by Master James Webb, was given exceedingly well. The subject next week is a paper on the Jubilee of the reign of Queen Victoria. Southern Cross Petroleum Company. The half - yearly. general, meeting of shareholders of this Company was to have been held last evening, in the rooms of tee Agricultural and Pastoral Association, but owing to there not being a sufficient number of shares represented, it was adjourned for a fortnight. Mr F. W. Williams read a telegram that had been received from Mr Stubbs, stating that the South Pacific bore, 1200 feet, was finished last week. Mr Weaver reported; "Good well; 137 feet of oil in pipes; very valuable amber oil; same as venango lubricating.” Oeangeism. —The regular monthly meeting of Walker’s Purple Heroes, No. 24, L.0.L., was held on Thursday evening in the Orange Hall, Worcester street. Bro J. Venables, W.M., presided, and there was a good attendance of members and visitors. Two candidates received the Orange degree, and one was proposed for membership. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—Bro J. Boyes, W.M.; Bro W. R. Prowse, D.M.; Bro W. J. Sioan, Chaplain; Bro F. Coles, Secretary; Bro R. Brown, Treasurer. After the transaction of other business, the meeting closed with the National Anthem. A Narrow Escape. =r An exciting scene was witnessed by the few inhabitants who were on the beach at Sumner during the inclement weather on Thursday afternoon. Three lads had sailed down from Christchurch in a small boat. On leaving the pier for the return journey, they were suddenly caught aback by a fearful squall from the sou’-west, and that, combined with a strong ebbtide, took them out on the bar, on which there was a tremendous sea running. They were nearly an hour battling literally for their lives with the fearful wind and tide, but eventually, by good luck, managed to get under the lee of the beacon rock, and so ashore with drenched clothes and a boat full of water. This should serve as a warning to inexperienced people and amateur boatmen on the estuary. Village Homestead Settlements.— On Thursday evening Mr March explained to quite a large number of men in the Ashburton Courthouse the terms under which about 1000 acres in Mayfield North, about two miles southward of the Mount Somers railway line, were to be thrown open for settlement under the village homestead system, in blocks of about 50 acres. Interesting information was given by Mr March, and some of the holders of similar blocks already in cultivation spoke in very satisfactory terms of the system. Yesterday Mr March received applications for the blocks, and the probability is that suitable parties for settling on all the Mayfield blocks will be secured out of the number. It is to be regretted that no Government land is available for these settlements in the Wauanui district, one thickly populated by farmers, among whom plenty of work would be available for suitable settlers.

Temuka Dairy Company. —The regular monthly meeting of the Temuka Dairy Company was held on Thursday afternoon 5 present—Messrs Brown (Chairman), Austin, and Cain. After routine business had been transacted, the Secretary reported that a shipment of cbeese had been forwarded to the Company’s consignee on August 2, The shipment consisted of 11,6691 b. Accounts to the amount of .£l7 3s 44 were passed for payment. A copy of the yearly balance-sheet was laid before the Directors. It showed that the business of the past year had been satisfactory. It was decided to hold the annual meeting of shareholders on Monday, August 29, at the Wallingford Hotel, at 7.30 p.m., to receive the report and balancesheet, and elect two Directors in the place of Messrs Brown and Hayes, who retire by rotation, but who are eligible for re-elec-tion, and also to elect two to fill the vacancies caused by the death of Mr John Paterson and the resignation of Mr Grant. Some minor details were discussed, and the meeting terminated.

Lincoln Ploughing Match Dxnneb.— The dinner in connection with the Lincoln ploughing match took place on Thursday evening at the Lincoln Hall, where Mr F. L. E. Hill served a dinner such as ploughmen see nowhere else. Owing to the stormy evening, and to the counter attraction of the Premier at Leeston, the company was smaller than usual. In the absence of Mr W. E. Ivey Mr A. P. O’Callaghan, member for the district in the late Parliament, consented to take the chair, and Dr Cooke was Vice-chairman. The usual toasts were honoured, Mr O’Callaghan responding for ,f The Legislature,” and Mr G. Armstrong, a candidate for the representation of the Akaroa district, for <s The Visitors.” Mr P. Sinclair, Honorary Secretary of the Match Committee, was deservedly praised for his exertions in ensuring the success of the match, and the toast of his health was most enthusiastically received. During the evening many capital songs were sung. Dr Cooke, and Messrs Sinclair, junr., and Crockett being the principal contributors, and the Chairman had the unusual experience of not receiving a single refusal to his request for a song.

Cost Literary Society. —The regular meeting of the Literary and Debating Association was held at the Oddfellows’ Hall last Monday evening. The President (Mr Higgins) was in the chair, and there was a large attendance. Mr Cottle read a paper on "Phrenology,” which led to some discussion, and also to a public examination of heads, in which another local amateur, Mr Moderate, highly distinguished himself. In the course of the evening the following resolution was moved by the Rev E. H. Wyatt, seconded by Mr M'Donald (Secretary), and carried by acclamation —“ That this Literary and Debating Association desires to place on record its regret at the departure of the Rev P. R. Monro, VicePresident, and its grateful sense of the services rendered by him to the Association.” The mover pointed out that the very idea of the formation of such a Society was due to Mr Monro, that it was through his energy that it was brought into such a flourishing condition, and that it was largely owing to his genial presence and interesting addresses that the meetings had been animated, pleasant, and popular. The President spoke in warm terms endorsing Mr Wyatt’s remarks, their truth being also pointedly illustrated by the comparative failure of the debate in consequence of Mr Munro’s unavoidable absence that night. The next meeting of the Association will be the last of this session. It is probable that a paper will be read on “Mesmerism.”

Concert fob the Cadeccs. —A grand piano, one of the best, has beon most kindly lent, on the application of his Worship the Mayor, by Messrs Milner and Thompson, for the concert for the Queen’s Cadets on Tuesday next. Supreme Court.— -The hearing of the suit of M‘Donald v. the Rangiora and Mandeville Road Board, was Continued yesterday, and when the Court rose its farther hearing was postponed till Monday, August 29.

St John’s Literary Society!' —The " usual meeting of this Society was held last pight, only, on account of the weather, drawing a very small attendance. The usual discussion was postponed till the following meeting next week. Hosxanoa Fruit.— Mr J. T. Matson has from a friend in Hokianga some specimens of oranges and lemons, which fully confirm all that has been said as to the suitability of the climate there for growing sub-tropical fruits. Oddfellows’ Hall, Kaxapoi. The Juvenile Lodge of 1.0.0.P.M.U. celebrated their anniversary, on Friday night, in the above hall, with a tea meeting and social gathering. A great number were present, despite the bad weather, and a most pleasant evening resulted. Special Services. —There appears in our columns to-day au advertisement announcing united evangelistic services every evening next week in the Oddfellows Hall, Lichfield street. It will also be seen by the advertisement that a special meeting for those interested in the success of the effort will be held to-morrow afternoon in St Paul’s Presbyterian Church. The imSortance of the subjects announced for the bove meeting ought to bring together a Idrge number of those interested in the mXsaion. Birthday Celebration at Kaituna Station. —A very pleasant gathering took placa at Kaituna Station on August 4. A large number of friends of Mr W. F. Parkinson assembled, by invitation, to celebrate his 21st birthday by a banquet and ba\L Thirty couples sat down to dinner. After the good things provided had justice done them, dancing was commenced to 1 the splendid music provided by Mr W. Gr.*y, and kept up till daylight, ■when the .company dispersed, having thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The Weather. — The weather yesterday was as severe as any experienced during the winter. A piercingly cold south-west wind blew during the day, accompanied by frequent falls of bail, sleet, and rain. The weather in Lyttelton was of a most wintry description. A bitterly cold sou’-west wind was blowing all day, accompanied with frequent showers of hail, sleet, and rain. The hills above Diamond _Harbour and Rhodes’ Bay on the otfoer side of the harbour were covered with snow, which continued to fall on all the* hill tops pretty well the whole day. Derailed Locomotive a*!? Kaiapox. —At about 1140 a.m. yesterday, one of the large engines, in shunting' some loaded waggons out of the gooda-shed, ran through the points, and got off the rails. The place where the accident happened being on the main line, the up train from Christchurch could not pass, and the passengers had to be transferred to a special train sent down from Rangiora. This train returned at the usual time, and the fsravellera from the city were soon re-embayked. The derailed engine was placed on the line about 8 p.m., apparently not much damage being done. Garrison Band Social Meeting.— The members and friends of the Christ* church Garrison Band, to the number of' about 35, met at Warner's Commercial Hotel yesterday for the purpose of spending a social evening. The chair was taken by Mr E. Trist Searell, the. conductor of the band, and under hia leadership a very pleasant evening was passed, several members of the band proving very creditable songsters. Besides the songs, a number of toasts of the usual description were proposed and responded to, and the eyening*s proceedings were closed by the singing of “ Anld Lang Syne.” Society fob the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. —A meeting of the above Society was held at the Provincial Chambers yesterday afternoon at half-past four. The attendance was small, Mr M. Murphy occupying the chair. The Inspector reported that he had made a number of rounds in the city, and had visited Lyttelton. Two convictions had been obtained during the month, one for beating a horse, in which costs and fines were inflicted amounting to £2 l9a, and another for working a horse suffering from sores, in which the defendant was mulcted in i £1 18s fines and costs. A number of cautions had been given to people who appeared to take little heed of them, and tne Inspector was watching them carefully. The Inspector reported that the following cautions had been given: —" One, for working horse with wounds; two, lame horses; four, handling fowls carelessly; one, for working horse with a heavy doth on when the horse was much distressed; one, overloading; one, cruelty to a goat; one, working decrepit horse. Noticed 20 horses with wound; one horse starved to death (case now in hands of the Police); two horses sold for killing; 85 cases in all, besides the two posecutiona already mentioned.” A letter was read from Mr Reginald Coward, containing hia resignation from the work at Waikari. The letter was received with regret and acknowledgments of the valuable work done by Mr Coward. The Inspector’s report was received, and considered very satisfactory. The Secretary mentioned that 54 essays had been received by the Society on “ Kindness, the best policy—Why ?” And it was decided that the prizes for the best of these should be given at the annual meeting, to be hold about the end of the month. The Superintendent of the Lyttelton Sailors’ Home acknowledges, with thanks, the receipt of a parcel of hooks, from Mrs W. Young, Canterbury street, Lyttelton. Mr Herrick desires to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of £1 from a friend for the P.G.M. and the Poor Fund. , Nominations for the North Canterbury Steeplechases close with the Secretary, Mr W.O’Connol/, at Amberley, this evening. A general parade of the companies of the Queen’s Cadet Corps will he held in the Drillahed this evening, at halt-past six o'clock. A variety entertainment will he given at the Tuam Street Hall this evening. The programme is a miscellaneous one, consisting of musical Selections, songs, fto., and a silver cup will he competed for by well-known step dancers. The “New Bapld" Bicycles have been awarded the gold medal. A. B. Preece, sole agent.— [advt.] Children photographed by the instantaneous process. Btandlsh and Preece, High street.— [Ad vt.]

African Slavery. —Mr Donald Mackenzie, who undertook to carry with him on his journey to the Court of Morocco an address from the Britishand Foreign AntiSlavery Society, asking the Sultan to take steps to put a stop to the abominations of the slave trade in that country, successfully performed the delicate mission entrusted to him. The Sultan promised to give his best consideration to the prayer contained in the memorial. The Scene in the Victorian Assembly. —The Argus, referring to Mr Gannaon’s attack on Judge Windeyer on Thursday last, says“ The Assembly is long suffering, without doubt. It listens to the ravings of its Caliban with disgust and shame, but it does nothing. It allows the tone of public life to be debased and a demoralising example to be set to the community, and is content to indulge in gentle deprecations or in private wails and lamentations. Last night’s outbreak was a bad one, no doubt, but it is only the last of a series which ought to have been suppressed long ago. Of course the member for south Melbourne is a sympathiser with the Mount Eennie gang of violators. So much was to be expected from the patron of the late Ned Kelly. What is asked is, that no member should be allowed to make a speech contrary to the decencies of society. This should not be an impossible task. The Argus once did yeoman's service to the State by speaking of * privileged ruffians' in the House, for the phrase did much to check for a time the ill-conduct then rampant. We have no desire to be forced to repeat this charge. Yet the conduct of yesterday’s offender fairly comes under the head of * ruffianism, and the circumstance that he is privileged is established by the circumstance that he goes ‘ unwhipt of justice.’’

A Monster Celebration. —The Crystal Palace celebrations of the Queen’s Jubilee were to be on a magnificent scale. Fifty acres of the grounds were to be illuminated by 50,000 lights, and a stage was being erected on which fifty girls attired in the most elegant costumes would make their appearance before the public. Introductory to this was to be a grand panorama, representing the defence of the City of Rome by that melodramatic soldier Garibaldi. The picture was painted by Leon Philippet, and was equal to anything of the kind ever presented before to the English public. It recorded historical as well as pictorial recollections of one of the most important events in the history of modem warfare. There were graphic illustrations of the scenes which occurred in the tragic struggles between the French, who attacked and conquered, and the Garibaldiana, who sought to repel the French Emperor’s army. The Liquor Law in America.— The enforcement of the " blue ” law prohibiting Sunday drinking in New York has (remarks the St James’s Gazette) naturally set the saloon-keepers to work to find means of evading it, and the number of persons taken up for drunkenness on Sunday in that city now is slightly in excess of what it was before the law was put in operation. When the dealer lives in the house where the saloon is located, he simply gives up his "parlour” to his guests, who imbibe their favourite beverages seated in easy chiars, and altogether more comfortably installed than they would be in the bar. Locksmiths are said to be making a harvest in latch-keys; the proprietors of the stores finding it convenient to supply their regular customers with these articles. In certain cases side-doors are appearing where they were never known before. In other cases, again, doors are being made in back-yard fences, and the thirsty citizen who knows the ropes reaches the tap-room through the hall-way of the adjoining house. In short, the law is being evaded as systematically and as easily as the prohibition laws are evaded in Maine, in Kansas, or in lowa. The Kansas Times mournfully remarks in a recent number that “ there is not a place of any size in Kansas where liquor cannot he obtained as easily aa falling off a log, and a greased log at that.” Such are the successes of prohibitive legislation.