TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 8406, 15 February 1888, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Kaiapoi Licensing Bench. The nominations for this body are;—Messrs R. Coup, E. Feld wick, W. K. May, F. Weston, T. J. Lumet, and Richard Evans. A poll for the election of five or the above will ha held on Wednesday, Feb. ‘22.

The Fire Brigade Demonstration. — Captain M'Lachlan, of the Thames Fire Brigade, arrived in Christchurch yesterday. He is the first of the large number of firemen, officers and men, who will visit our city during the next week or two on account of the forthcoming demonstration.

St Valentine. —The observance of St Valentine’s Day did not very materially add to the labours of the Post Office officials in Christchurch yesterday. There was, it is true, a slight increase in the number of letters posted, but nothing nearly so large as there used to bo a few years ago. The sending of “ valentines,” along with some other old customs, is evidently nearly a thing of the past. Athletics. —Mr Dwyer is bringing down from Wellington a troupe of athletes, which includes boxers and club-swingers. All who enjoy witnessing, or taking part in, a good bout with the gloves have a treat in store for them, as tho leading lights amongst tho boxers are P. F. Slavin, who is regarded by many as the champion of Australia, owing to his challenge to the holder, Jackson, not being accepted, and J. Hall, champion light-weight of this Colony, a title ho gained by his recent victory over the plucky and hard-hitting William Murphy. The opening performance will take place at the Theatre Royal, on Fob. 17, and we might mention that Mr Dwyer intends giving a five guinea cup be competed for by am&tours, the to 4oiy points.

Australian Mail. Notwithstanding the late arrival of the ‘Waihora at the Bluff on Monday, the Australian mail reached Christchurch by last night’s express, and was delivered at the usual time. Upper Ashburton Licensing District. —The following gentlemen were nominated yesterday for the Licensing Committee for the Upper Ashburton district :—Messrs T. Bullock, D. Thomas, T. Sealy, K. Friedlander, and J. G. Restel. These constituting the required number were declared duly elected. Saint Mare’s, Kakaia.— The Rev H. Francis, curate of Hillingdon, Middlesex, now on a visit to this country, addressed the Sunday-school children at the children’s service last Sunday, and preached in the evening a very striking sermon on the parable of the Good Samaritan to a large and attentive audience. Sir Julius Vogel. —Sir Julius Vogel arrived from Wellington by the Wairarapa yesterday, and is staying at Warner’s Commercial Hotel. He will remain here for a few days, and then visits Dunedin, whence he will return to Christchurch. Sir Julius will probably at an early date leave the Colony on a trip to the Old Country. Blue Ribbon Mission. —At the Blue Ribbon Hall, on Monday evening last, the Temperance story “The Little Captain,’’ was rendered by a choir of some fifty Band of Hope children, the Rev J. G. W. lillia presiding. The story was read with much feeling by Mr H. Olney, and the musical illustrations conducted by Mr G. H. Pye, who was supported by Messrs H. Pillow (accompanist), M'Creedy and Walker (violins). There was a good attendance.

Personal. —Mr M. Murphy, the Secretary of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, returned yesterday from his holiday trip to Australia. He kept holiday by visiting the Centennial Show, where he acted as a judge of model dairies, and inspecting various Agricultural and Industrial Institutions in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. He also made investigations into the Californian thistle and codlin moth pests. While in the North Island, through which he passed on his return, he paid some attention to the question of the damage done by the Hessian fly. A Fatal Result. —lt will be remembered that on Jan. 19, the day of the Springfield races, Mr Robert Wallace, well-known in Christchurch as the landlord of the Criterion Hotel, broke his leg and sustained other injuries while wrestling. As the result of the accident erysipelas set in, and about 9 o’clock yesterday morning Mr Wallace died at Sheffield. He was about forty-five years of age, and before he took the Criterion Hotel was in the Police Force, in which he attained the rank of sergeant. He afterwards carried on the business of a contractor, and. at the time of his death was keeping an hotel at Sheffield. St Paul’s Church. —The annual meeting of the Sunday-school Teachers’ Association was held in the old church on Monday ni?ht, the Rev J. Elsmlie in the chair. The meeting was of a social character, and was attended by a large number of teachers and friends. After disposing of the ordinary business of the meeting—receiving annual reports, &c.— the Rev Charles Murray (missionary), now on a visit from the New Hebrides, gave a very interesting address concerning his work on the Island of Ambrym, where he is stationed. During the evening light refreshments were served, and some pleasing musical selections rendered. The gathering was of a most enjoyable and successful character throughout. Cust School Committee. —The ordinary meeting of the Cust School Committee took place on Monday evening; present— Messrs Hassall (Chairman), Cromie, Sandercock, and Crysell. Correspondence was received from the Board, (1) forwarding school accounts duly audited ; (2) names of candidates for seats on Board ; (3) notifying the result of pupil teachers’ examination, one having passed and ono failed. Resolved—“ That the Committee record their vote in favour of Messrs Wright, Booth, and Anson.” A letter was received from Miss Meredith, forwarding her resignation as a pupil teacher, to take effect at the end of the quarter. The resignation was accepted, and the question of appointing another teacher deferred till the next meeting. A number of accounts were presented and passed for payment. In reference to the working of the compulsory clause of the Act, regret was expressed that the action of Mr Cunningham in endeavouring to have a truant officer appointed did not meet with the approval of the Board.

Heavy Sea.— On Monday a heavy eea was running on the coast near Temuka. The roar of the breakers could be distinctly heard for some seven or eight miles inland, and the scene on the beach was a grand one. On the previous day the ocean was almost as calm as the proverbial mill-pond, but during the night the sea rose, and in a short time was washing over tho sand banks protecting the Milford Lagoon. Tho bar being partially choked the lagoon rose to a great height, and was covered with sea foam—tho churnings as it were of the breakers. The tributary creeks rose also some 7 or Bft, and boats were easily navigated where a few hours previously one might have walked dry shod. As the tide went down the pent up water in the lagoon cleared for itself a channel, and in a very little time a mouth was opened up come two chains wide. At midnight on Monday the formerly swollen creeks were nearly dry, and the lagoon had fallen nearly 9ft. This scouring out of the lagoon will be most beneficial to tho fish, and large takes of herrings and flounders may now bo expected. Harvest Thanksgiving. A harvest thanksgiving was celebrated yesterday at Holy Trinity, Avonside, by a tea and festival service. Tea was laid at 6 p.m., the tables being presided over by Mesdames Potts, Hopkins, Pascoe, Gowon, Godfrey, Sunderland, Stoddart, Jameson, Gard’ner, Pickering, and Landin, other ladies kindly contributing; and the attendance being very good, ample justice was done the good things provided. The service at 7.30 was conducted by the incumbent, the Rev W. A. Pascoe, assisted by the Rev W. Harper and the Rev W. Dunkley. Hymn 352 was sung as a processional. Special lessons for the day were read, the first (Deut. xxvi., 1-12) by the Rev W. Dunkley, the second ?(St John vi., 3ti-lG) by tho incumbent. Goss in A was sung as tho service. The anthem was by Sir John Goss—“ Fear Not, O Land!”— the bass solo being tastefully sung by Mr Maitland Gard’ner. The preacher was the Rev W. Harper, who, taking for his text Luke xvii., 17-18, preached an impressive aud appropriate sermon. Hymns 380, 381 and, as a recessional, 383 completed the service. The church was adorned elaborately with tho fruits of the season, the effect produced being very tasteful.

Ellesmere Jockey Club. —The annual meeting of the above Club was held in the Royal Hotel, Southbridge, on Monday evening. There was a small attendance. Mr W. Bishop occupied the chair. The Secretary stated that there was a credit balance of .£6 2s 7d in the bank, hut There were a few outstanding liabilities which would absorb that amount. The following officers were elected for the ensuing twelve months : —President, Mr W. Bishop; VicePresidents, Messrs W. G. Luun, J. 11, Campbell, and D. M’Millan; Stewards, Messrs F. Busch, H. F. Britton, S. H. Lemon, E. T. Claridge, G, M’Cluro, J. A. Randall, J. D.iloway, and F. Overton; Starter, Mr W. G. Lunn; Judge, Mr E. A. Frankish; Handicappers for district races, Messrs J. M’Kellar and W. Briggenshaw ; for open races, Mr R. Richardson ; Clerk of tho Course, Mr C. A. R. Frankish ; Clerk of the Scales, Mr W. H. Woodman; Treasurer, Mr H'. F. Brittou; Secretary, Mr W. Moorhead. Last year’s programme, with a few alterations, was adopted. Tho qualification for district horses was made more distinct, and a harness trot was added to the programme. The date of the coming meeting was fixed for March 27. A discussion took place on Mr Stead’s proposal re country meetings, but tho question was dropped, most of those present considering that it was “ totalisator ” meetings that were aimed at. A vote of thanks to the chair brought dose.

Theatre Royal.—Mr Frank Cates has been successful in disposing of a large number of tickets for his entertainment at the Theatre Royal to-morrow evening, so that there will probably be a crowded attendance.

The Hon Minister of Lands. —The Hon G. F. Richardson visited the Immigration and Lands Offices yesterday morning, and also was present at the trial of Wolseley’a sheep shearing machine, in the Now Zealand Loan and Mercantile Association’s stores. Mr Richardson left last evening for Wellington. Earthquake. —lt was reported at Kangiora yesterday that three sharp shocks of earthquake, in quick succession, and preceded by a loud rumbling sound, occurred at an early hour in the morning. A farmer at Flaxton states that the second shock was so seriously felt at his place as to displace thjpo pans of milk from the dairy shelf, spilling the milk upon the floor.

St John’s Literary Society. —lt is to be regretted that owing to Mr Fred. Watson, one of the principal performers in the programme, being taken ill very suddenly, late in tbe afternoon, the management were reluctantly compelled to postpone their entertainment, advertised for last evening. They purpose, however, carrying out the programme at as early a date as possible.

Presbyterian General Assembly.— The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand was formally opened at St Andrew’s Church last evening, when the newly-elected Moderator delivered an address, which will be found reported on another page. The Assembly meets daily in the Provincial Council Chamber from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., and from 7 p.m. till 10 p.m. Grocers’ Picnic. —The grocers held their annual picnic yesterday at Halswell, where Mr Candy’s paddock had been kindly placed at their disposal. A procession of about a score of vehicles was formed in Cathedral square about 9 a.m., and after passing through the town, headed by the Sydenham Band, went to the scene of the outing, where the holidaymakers enjoyed themselves with races and sports for old and young.

Waikaei School Committee. —At the adjourned meeting of the Waikari School Committee, on the evening of Feb. 11, it was decided to vote for Messrs T. H. Anson, George Booth, and B. G. Wright to fill the vacancies on the Board of Education. The master’s report for the three weeks ending Feb. 3, showed the average attendance of scholars as 64 5, with 90 on the roll. It was decided that sewing competitions be held in accordance with the suggestions in the master’s report. Mr Stout subscribed 10s to the prize fund, which now exceeds .£lO. Messrs Johnstone, Stout, and Tonkin were authorised to purchase prizes to the full amount of the fund. Industrial Conversazione. —The Subcommittees appointed to make arrangements for the conversazione of the Industrial Association on March 19 are not by any means allowing the grass to grow under their feet. That entrusted with the task of obtaining exhibits has met with very gratifying assurances of support from manufacturers, and the Entertainment Committee has made a good beginning with the work of providing amusement for the expected throngs of visitors. It is intended to make the conversazione of a thoroughly industrial character. A principal feature wfll be a fine display of machinery in motion, always a great attraction at gatherings of this nature. Organ Recital. —Last night Mr Tendall gave, in the Christchurch Cathedral, another of his series of organ recitals, and it was even a greater success than say of those he had previously given. Mrs Westmacott sang the solos, which included the beautiful air from Sir William Sterndale Bennett’s “ Woman of Samaria ” “ O Lord Thou Hast Searched me Out,” as also Gounod’s “ The King of Love my Shepherd Is,” and the lovely “ O Rest in the Lord” from “Elijah.” Among the selections on the organ, which were all nicely played, the most acceptable, perhaps, were the allegro from Beethoven’s quartett. the allegretto from Mendelssohn’s Sonata No. 4, Mendelssohn's Lieder No. IS, and Merkel’s Pastorals. The offertory, which was in aid of the Music Library Fund, amounted to .£l3. Sydenhaji Baptist Church. The eighth anniversary of the above church was celebrated yesterday by a tea and public meeting. An excellent tea was provided, of which a large number of persons partook. After full justice was done to the tea, a public meeting was held, which was presided over by the pastor, the Rev F. W. Walker. After the annual reports had been read, addresses were delivered by the Revs W. Keall, C. Dallaston, Arthur Dewdney, and Mr Fraser. The choir, under the leadership of Mr Hepworth, sang the anthems “Hallelujah lor the Cross,” “Arise, Shine,” “Shout, all ye Lands,” “Let Every Heart Rejoice and Sing,” which were rendered very creditably. Votes of thanks were tendered to the ladies and gentlemen for their services in connection with the tea, Ac. A successful meeting was closed with the Benediction.

Canterbury Rowing Club. —A special general meeting of the above Club was hold at the Clarendon Hotel last evening to consider the desirability of joining the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association. Mr J. O, Jones occupied the chair, and there was a fair attendance of members. The Chairman made a lengthy explanation of the proceedings of the Club in connection with matters concerning the Association, and moved—“ Tuat the resolution passed at the last annual general meeting prohibiting tbe Club’s crews competing against coxswainless boats be rescinded.” He gave reasons for the change in his opinion. Mr E. M. Boulton seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr Boulton then moved—“ That the Club join the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association.” This was seconded by Mr p. E. Greenstreet and carried. 'I his concluded the business.

Cycling.— According to announcement in our issue of yesterday, Fred Wood essayed to reduce the one mile record for New Zealand, at Lancaster Park, last evening. By the time announced —viz., 6.30 p.m. —about 200 persons had assembled to witness the champion’s attempt, and a few minutes later his appearance was greeted with applause, Starting straight away, his first lap was done at a high rate of speed, and it could at once be seen that he intended to make- good his assertion, fihe second lap was also very fast, and the third and last was completed with one of those tremendous spurts for which he is no w to well known. The time-keeper soon after announced that he had succeeded in 2 min 46 = sec in reducing the record from 2min 505-soo, as made by W. D. Beau, which announcement wau received with rounds of applause. The time-keepers were Messrs A. Lowry and H. Francis, whilst Mr N. Oates officiated as starter.

A Curious Mistake. —At the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, before R. iv.etham. Esq., Joseph Garrett, alios 'William Car Larry, was charged with being illegally on the premises of 11. Marks early that morning. Evidence was taken that the of the house heard the accused wandering about the premises. They called for help, when the police came and toJc the accused in charge. Garrett made a statement to the efiect that he had just come back from grass-seeding, had had a glass or two of beer, and had lost nis way. He thought he was at his camp on the Peninsula, and a as calling out for his mate when ha was arrested. Evidence was called by tne police to show that the man was quite sober when he was brought to the iocK-up. Mr Pender said that the man had only just recently been released from gacl, alter completing n sentence or years imprisonment. The Bench declined to believe the prisoner’s statement as to his innocent intentions, and sent him to gaol for one month’s imprisonment.

•Jbe Master of tho Armagh i-trout repot Vors to r.clmonledp'e, with ibanks, tho receive of a qnim. titv of pastry, sent t-y the fiutchoihail miitea. , , , , Mr aerric; desires toac..n..w!aagc. with marks, the receipt of of vegetables and apples ; also, parcel or newspapers and periodicals for the Mission s Mbs, £1 for “ The Poor from ladies of £hn*tohfrcl'r

Suicide of a Millionaire. —The London correspondent of the Liverpool Post writes:—“A telegram from New Fork announces the death by suicide of the ‘ youngest millionaire ‘ in America. L refrain from repeating his name here, but may mention some of his eccentricities. His extravagance had made him the talk of the country for the past two years. He spent his fortune like a Monte Christo. As recently as September the ‘ youngest Midas ’ in America came to Europe, accompanied by a prize-fighter, who was to whip any person offending his employer. He stayed abroad two weeks, and took back with him to New York six beautiful women, but tboy were promptly sent back by his relatives. The voluptuary himself died at Kansas from an overdose of laudanum.”

A Warning.— Ladies will do well (says the Pall Mull Ga~ctte) to see that the stiletto in miniature, which the prevailing mode of wearing the hair has brought into use as a connecting link between their head and their head-gear, does not point inwards. A New York lady was making some purchases in a store a few days ago, when she suddenly fainted and fell from the counter-stool to the floor. She was carried unconscious to a waitingroom, when it was found that her head was covered with blood. On attempting to remove tbe bonnet it was ascertained that the hat pin had been forced through the skull in the fall, and had penetrated deep into the brain. She was removed without delay to the New York Hospital, where she recovered consciousness; but the physicians at once pronounced the case a hopeless one, and she died in the course of a few hours. Waitoa Gold. — A great deal has been said in the northern papers, remarks the New Zealand Times, about the discovery of gold at Waitoa, which by many was thought to be of doubtful value. It is, therefore, satisfactory to find that tbe discovery is about to be thoroughly tested. The facts of the case are as follow : Some time ago a find of gold was reported on Mr J, B. Smith’s property, situate at Waitoa, in the Thames Valley, and which adjoins the Te Aroha goldfields. The property was bought up by the Christchurch Goldmining Company, but on being prospected it is said that gold in payable quantities was not to be found. It was therefore, currently reported that the country had been “ salted,” and hence the unfavourable comment. A machine is now being erected for crushing, and Mr Smith intends to have 100 tons crushed at his own expense, after which the Company will have 200 tons treated. The mine (if such it is) is therefore likely to be thoroughly tested.