TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 8432, 16 March 1888, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

WoniaKG Ken’s Club. Yesterday evening the memoirs or the Working Men’s Club Dramatic Class performed the well-known drama “ Meg's Inversion.” The social hall of the Club was filled with an audience which evidently appreciated the performance. Local Imdostet. —A new local industry lias just boon started in Christchurch, in the shape of Coombs’ patent military polish, which is held to bo the best of it?, kind in New Zealand. Mr Coombs has received some good testimonials as to its practical worth.

CHIUbTCUOUCH HOKTICULTURAI. SOCIETY. —The Chrysanthemum Show, in connection with the above Society, will be held on Thursday, April £G (not March £d as inadvertently stated yesterday), in Messrs Simpson and Williams’ rooms. High street. It is expected that exhibits vail be coat from Tuuaru and Oamaru.

Police Chamceb. —Inspector Brchain is to be transferred to ‘Wellington, and Mr Thompson, from Oamiivu, succeeds him. Detective Kirby is to be transferred from Timaru to Christchurch, The Timaru visas will probably have a good many of their throats cut when the cat is away and the predatory mice prowi over this Tom Tiddler’s ground.

Fins at Teuuka.—On Thursday aftc-*-noon a fire occurred at the premises of £.*• John Cuauard, storekeeper, in the settlement of Arowhenaa, near Temuka. It appears that Mrs Cuanard had left the house fora few minutes, leaving the door, which faces the nor'-wost, open. It is thou a hi; that sparks from the fireplace ignited the wad-paper, for in a tew minutes the whole place whs in liamec. Mr Alms Edgeler was the first upon the scene, but he was powerless to save anything. Mrs Guimard attempt'd to enter the house, but w.,s kept bred: by the neighbours. In about twenty lav.utra ire whole building was wrecked. Mr Cuavavd was absent at his farm at the time, snd very fortunately the children were all at play, or lives might have been endangered. The Temuka Fire Brigade turne d out promptly, but were too late to be of much service. Mr Cunnard, in addition to the loss of his stock and furniture, loses about £25 in notes, and a valuable gold watcb, pretented to him by Mr Cassidy when lenvi’;.' ids fti fi: i. i a driver on the West Coast road. The building and stock were insured in the Koyal Insurance Company, but the amount is nob known.

Board of Education. —The meeting of the North Canterbury Board of Education yesterday was unusually brief, as the discussion on Mr E. G. Wright’s motion re Inspectors was, at that gentleman’s request, ho being absent, postponed till next sitting of the Board. The Recent Firs Brigades’ Demonstration.—Sir John Hall has, in a note to Mr Mitchell, the Hon Treasurer of the late Brigades Competition, expressed his pleasure at the result of the efforts of the Committee, and enclosed a cheque for two guineas towards the expenses. Abbe t. —Last night a woman named Clarkson, the wife of a well-known character, was arrested on a charge of smashing the windows of a boarding-house in St Asaph street. The woman’s husband, Edward Clarkson, was arrested at the same time for obstructing the police in the execution of tneir duty. Bible Society. —From Nelson, viA Hokitika, ail the way by coach, there arrived on Wednesday evening at Warner’s Hotel the Rev H. T. Roirjohns, 8.A., the representative of the Bible Society in New Zealand. He begins his series of meetings in Canterbury this evening at Lyttelton. The weather all the way along was exceptionally bad. The journey has been much delayed.

Wesleyan Jubilee Bazaae.—Notwithstanding the crowded attendance and brisk sale at the above, a large and varied assortment of goods still remains. ' The Committee have therefore decided to dispose of the whole by public auction this evening, at 7.30 p.m., in the Durham Street Schoolroom. A golden opportunity for securing most tempting bargains is thus afforded. Ashburton Ram and Ewe Fair. —This fair, which is to be held at the Tinwald Saleyards to-day, has attracted an entry of about 30,000 sheep, including drafts from some of the best flocks in the Colony. In the present active state of the store sheep market this fair is worthy the attention of farmers desirous of supplying themselves with good sound lines of cross-breda or merinos. Saturday return tickets will be issued from stations between Christchurch and Timaru to Tinwald. Lieutenant Andrew. —A letter has been received from Lieutenant Andrew, who is now stationed with his regiment—the Second Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment—at Nowgong, Central India. His friends will be glad to hear that he is in the best of health and strength, and is making good progress with his studies in Hindustani, Persian, and Arabic. He has sent a challenge from his regiment to the North and South Canterbury Battalions for a rifle match, which, it is to be hoped, will be accepted, if only because it will tend to increase the good feeling which should prevail between the English and Colonial regiments.

Cantkebuey Aet Society. The promise held cut of an attractive concert at the exhibition by some of our most prominent amateur musicians was fulfilled last evening by the Misses I. B. and A. Spensley and Pender, and Messrs Izard, Gard’ner, and Cane, who gave a number of excellent solos and quartettes to the very great enjoyment of the largest gathering of visitors that has taken place at the gallery this season. We are again asked to remind our readers that the exhibition closes at the end of the present week, and that the Art Union, which comprises a number of choice pictures, is to be drawn on Saturday afternoon.

Accident. —An accident of a severe nature happened yesterday evening to Dr Irving, while leaving the parade of the Mounted Rifles in Hagley Park. His horse objected to quit the troop, and bajan to plunge. Dr Irving, having trousers on instead of boots and riding breeches, came off, and, tbe ground being very hard, he sustained Potts’ fracture of the left tibia. By the assistance of bis comrades, and of a St John Ambulance pupil who was present, he was made as comfortable as possible and sent in a cab to his house, where he was attended to by Dr Moorhouse. He hopes to be able to see patients who can come to him, and will make arrangements with his professional brethren to attend those who r

cannot teme to his house. Pies at Eangioea. —A few minutes after the midday train from Christchurch to Eangiora passed through Southbrook, a patch of gorse in a gravel pit to the north of tho railway station was observed to burst into flames. A strong nor’-wester was blowing at the time, and the fire quickly extended to the railway fence, and from that to a plantation of trees surrounding Mr W. Pearson’s house. A crowd of people soon gathered and set to work to beat out the flames, but it was only after three hoars’ hard work that the fire was extinguished. Mr Pearson’s dairy and dwelling-house were in the greatest danger, tho former being actually on fire two or three times. There is pretty clear evidence that the fire was caused by a spark from the railway engine. Templeton School. —The monthly meek ing of the Templeton School Committee was held in the Library on Monday evening ; present—Messrs C. Benjamin (in the chair), G. W. Lucock, E. J. Andrews, and James Voice. Correspondence was received : —From the Board of Education re salaries 5 also, circular from the Chairman of the Ferry Road School Committee re conference of School Committees. The usual report was received from the master, stating that the attendance was still very irregular; number on roll 101, total average for eight weeks Vo'9; and calling attention to several repairs that were necessary. The Works Committee was instructed to attend to the same. Other unimportant business was transacted, and the Committee adjourned. Bdeglaey. —Enjoyable as was the exhibition of Mr Pain’s fireworks at Lancaster Park the other night, it ultimately brought grief to some people. On returning home, Mr and Mrs Parsons, who live near the OpawaChurch, discovered that some enterprising burglar had been making nearly a clean sweep of all their little valuables, while they were absorbed with rockets and the other pyrotechnic beauties of the show. Almost every drawer in the house bad been rifled, the exception, curiously enough, being one in which there happened to be left a key. The enterprising ono evidently contemplated further depredations, for the next morning it was found that someone had been prowling round Mr E. S. Harley’s residence, on the opposite side of tho road. Here, however, there were lights burning, and people moving about, which seems to have caused tho burglar to postpone the maturing of his felonious little plans till a more favourable opportunity presented itself.

Tekuka Biflu;:. — The annual meeting of the members of the Temuka Kifla Volunteers took place on Tuesday evening. Captain Ilayhurtt occupied the chair, and after a few preliminary remarks stated that the company had received A9l by way of cax>ita6ion, and that the balance to their credit at the bank amounted to .£ll4. The yearly expenses amounted to about i?so,*and he suggested that those men who had earned it should receive the capitation loss 10s, paid to the fund, and that those who could h ;vo gained it, but did not, should contribute 10s to the fund. The olass-iiting badges had baea won by Corporal Whitehead, Sergeant Hobbs, and Sergeant Guy. The Secretary presented the balance-sheet, which was unanimously adopted. 'The Captain’s suggestion re capitation was agreed to. The following Committee was elected: —Captain Whitehead, Colour-Sergeant Coira, Sergeant Hobbs, Corporal Clinch, and Private Smallridge. Lieutenant Findlay was reelected Treasurer, and Corporal Mason Secretary. On the motion of Corporal Mason the Committee was empowered to expend the sum cf ..‘.‘3o in improving the hail. The question of going into encampment was coir ide-red. It was stated that if a camp were held at Timaru, as proposed by Colonel Bailey, that the Government would preside free railway passes and tents, but that the men would have to keep themselves. This could be done for about Is Gd per day. The majority of the men present signified their intention of going into camp it suitable arrangements cjuhi be made. Hearty votes oi thanks were accorded to the Captain, Secretary, Treasurer, And out-going Committee, and the meeting terminated.

▲ Puls 'M'tt.t. Accident. Shortly after «Hia o'clock yesterday morning a young man named George Neuble,. worklr,cr a t Chinnery's flax null, had hia right 'sm drawn »"+■» the scutcher, and so mangled that Dra Clayton and liownaa found it necessary to amputate it doae to the shoulder. The unfortunate man to married, but has no family. At xmon ho was in a favourable condition, having stood the operation very well. Mounted Rifles.— A parade of the Mounted Rifles was held last evening, at which there was an excellent attendance. Lieutenant Reece being in command. After bf“"g inspected by Major Slater, the corps were put through dismounting and drill, which was performed with the usual smartness. An invitation was read from Captain Bowron to dino with the Richmond Eifles on Sunday at their camp at New Brighton, which was heartily received. It is expected that nearly every member of the troop will be present at the Easter encampment. Fatal Accident at Akaboa.— Between three and four yesterday afternoon » heavy southerly squall upset a small boat. Collets Spray, twelve feet long, half a mile ofi the Kaik, and the occupants, two youths, Edward Hewer and Eobert Brown, held to the keel, hut after some minutes the former left the boat to swim ashore. Ihe women at the Kaik saw the accident, and ran down and told the Maoris inland Jack Williams, who launched a light leaky boat, sailed out mid picked up Brown, who recovered, seeing nothing of the other. ThoAkaroa lifeboat and otnera went in search. No hope is entertained of finding the missing boy, who was a general favourite, and much sympathy is felt for hia friends. ... . i?jun Enquibt.— At Asnburton yesterday Mr John OlUvier, the Commissioner appointed by Government for the purpose, held an enquiry into the ctocumatances m connection with the intention of the Wakanui Eoad Board to take land for the purpose of forming a new road through the property of Mr W. Jameson, to rake the place of a road which had been destroyed by the encroachments of the nver. Mr White appeared for the Wakanui Eoad Board, Mr Purnell for the objectors, of whom Mr Jameson was the chief. Mr Purnell, in opening the case for the objectors. stated that about four years ago part of a road known as the Eiver road was washed away. The Eoad Board proposed, in order to replace that road, to extend a Government road through Mr Jamesons land to Wilson’s road. This would not suit many of the settlers, who wished the road formed through Mr S. Brown’s land, and the existing road sold* The roacl proposed by the Board would also bring down water in times of flood, which would he a source of danger to the adjoining property. W. Jameson and S. Brown were examined at great length on behalf of the objectors, and at five o’clock the enquiry was adjourned until to-day. Fibe at Chebtset. —About noon on Wednesday, a fire broke out in some grass seed which was being threshed by a contractor named Thomas Peiks, on the farm of Mr W. H. Bale, Chertsey. The grass sheaves, instead of being stacked in the ordinary way, had been stored in a four-teen-stall stable and an adjoining room, on the farm, and the combine was drawn up alongside to thresh it, all jut a small quantity being- threshed. u sheaf took fire by some means in passing through the machine, and the blazing i straw was carried up the elevator, andCdeposited on the stack, which hurst at onefcinto flames. The flames soon communiit.ted to the building, and Mr Perks seeim the danger his machine was in set the taction power of the engine to work, and -;ot it away without material injury. lie then attempted to rescue the elevab ■■, but owing to the rope breaking, ibsuata ed considerable damage before it was removed. The whole of the grass seed, aboufSOO bushels, the straw, and the bnildh 's were destroyed. Mr Perka’s loss is eilly covered by insurance, hut it is not yeiAscertained whether or not Mr Eule is insded. It is surmised that the fire was used by a having dropped into .no of the shlavea, which the men, who v-xd weaving »t the machine, had beer sleeping upon, and had been ignited by t,e friction of pwffri w g through the machine. New Zealand Protection Association. —The usual weekly meetig was held on Tuesday night last. The President occupied the chair, and therewas a good attendance of members. A Irge amount of business was transacted, md letters read from kindred Association? Extreme regret was expressed by themembers of the Association that so many oour citizens and mechanics were leaving tb Colony to seek for work in Victoria an- other parts of the world. It is noticeale on every steamer leaving New Zealand'or Victoria, that large numbers of those that should be earning money and contribning towards the.support of the Colony are bliged to go airily and enrich other coun.ics, and the qulation to, “ Why are they.bliged to do so?” and the answer is, “3ecause the work they should have to 6 hero is imported from other countriesthat contribute nothing towards the suport of New Zealand.” By the workin, population leaving our shores, the farmers are deprived of a market for their iroduce, and it to also the meane of heapig more taxation on the farmers and thos that remain here. The Association sees d way to alter this state of things except y adopting a protective policy for the inusfcries and productions of the Colony. A Eeception Committee was appointed t receive the southern delegates attendimthe Customs Tariff Conference in Wellinpon, who will arrive here by the eveningtrain to-day. The Association will hold meeting on Saturday afternoon, when tl Canterbury and southern delegates wil be present. The names of the delegates i m the South Tniftwrt are as follows: —Sou .land Protection League, Invercargill, ilssrs Stewart and M'lntosh; Protection League of Otago, Dunedin, Mr O. J. Idge; Industrial Association of Canterb ,-y, Mr H. B. Kirk; New Zealand Protection Association, Christchurch, Mr h Bollhouse. After some routine basin*.) had been transacted, the meeting adjurned to Saturday afternoon. Tbmuka Football CEUB.-The annual general meeting of the Temka Football Club was held in the Termx;a Hotel on Wednesday evening. There was a good master of members. Mr J. L Flint occupied the chair. The report ad balancesheet were read and consider idatisfactory in the extreme. The total inome for the year amounted to *£2o 15s 6d,ind the expenditure to *£2o Bs, Icavic a credit balance of *£l7 Cs. The firstfifieen had played nine matches, winnin five, losing one, and three were drawn. The second fifteen played three matcheaagainst the South Canterbury Football Cub’s second fifteen, and scored five poirs to three. During the season cups were tresented by the President, Vice-Presidet, and the Captain. These were won V Messrs G. Velvin (back), E. Cutten (nrward), and Clinch (best in second fifteer. The Club had joined the Canterbury iugby Union and were represented by the Kov J. Hoatson anfi H. Mathias. It «.3 suggested that the Club should also jia the South Canterbury Eugby Union wich Ird been recently formed. The repori and oalancesheet were adopted. The fobwing officers were elected President, Ir J. T. M. Hay hurst; Vico- Presidents, IT Hayes, and Messrs A. Grant, J. Talbo, and A. M. Clark; Captain, Mr G. Divin; ViceCaptain, Mr P.Le Crcn ; 3 rotary, Mr J. Blyth, jun.; Committee, lessra J. W. Velvin, J. L. Flint, E. < itten, P. K. Gray, and W. Dyson. Met,-s P int and Cutten each presented a rophy of the value of *£2 2 a, and it was iropo’sed that the trophies be awarded V ballot at a special general meeting to b called at the close of the season, a lembet to be eligible to play in at least hreo matches. It wa.i resolved that thoTernnka Football Club join the Souh Canterbury Union, and Messrs J. L Flint and J. Velvin were appointed dtegates to the Union for the ensning yar. Ten new members were elected. Th opening game of the season was fixed to b played on the first Saturday in April. very cordial vote of thanks was passed t<Mr J. L. Flint, the late captain, and the leeting terminated with similar compliments to the re-taring-officers*

The Easteb Encampment. —The Eangiora Rifles have reported themselves as highly desirous of attending the camp at Harewood during Easter. The Christchurch Rifles will also, it is expected, be strongly represented at the campThe Weather. —Stormy weather was being experienced yesterday morning in some parts of the Colony, and that the Upper Waimakariri was in flood. The recent barometric range has been unusually low for this period of the year.

Melbourne Exhibition.—Manufacturers are reminded that the entries for the Melbourne Centennial Exhibition close to-day at the office of Mr W. B. Mitchell, Secretary to the local Committee. Up to the present time a fairly satisfactory number of entries has been received. Lyttelton Picnic. —The final meeting of the Committee of the Lyttelton Trades picnic was held in the Colonist Hall, on Wednesday evening. Mr W. G. Shepheard occupied the chair. After the balancesheet, which showed a credit balance of £7 8a sd, had been read, the hon Secretary (Mr J. T, Brice) was presented with a gold ring, for the energetic manner in which he had worked the picnic up for the last two years. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr C. H. Gilmore (hon Treasurer). It was decided to place the money in hand in the Bank, to form the nucleus of the next year’s fund.

A Prohibition Case. —At the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Timaru, yesterday, a peculiar case came on, M'Ouinness v. J. L. Smith, for inciting to the commission of an offence against the Licensing Act. Some weeks ago the police laid an information against the barmaid at M'Guinness’ Club Hotel, for supplying defendant, a prohibited person, with liquor. The case was dismissed, the barmaid proving beyond doubt that she did not know the prohibited man Smith; and a smiilarcaseagainstM'Guinnessfell through as he was not responsible for the act of the servant under those circumstances. Yesterday the licensee brought a test case against Smith, to see whether the responsibility might not be shifted partly to the shoulders of the prohibited person, who, counsel contended, was guilty of inciting the barmaid to the commission of an offence, viz., supplying a prohibited person with liquor. The Bench dismissed the case on the ground that nothing in the Act would sustain such an action. Messrs Lynch and Hay appeared for complainant and defendant respectively.

Benefit Concert. —Mrs Price must have been exceedingly gratified to see so many of her friends and pupils at the Oddfellows’ Hall last night, on the occasion of her annual concert; still more gratified must she have been at the appreciation shown by the large audience of the musical talent of her daughter, and of the efforts of herself and assistants to carry out a well-selected programme. The concert consisted of two parts, the overtures to which were played on two pianos by Mrs and Miss Evelyn Price, and Miss Price and Miss Fanny Widdowson. Several choruses from “Maritana,” the solos of which were tastefully given by Mrs Price, were sung in good time by a number of young ladies and three gentlemen. Songs were contributed by Mias Ella Wood, Miss Evans, and Messrs F. G. Newman, and G. Cronin. A duet from “ Maritana ” was well sung by Mrs Price and Mr Bushelle. Miss Evelyn Price, besides playing almost all the pianoforte accompaniments, executed a violin obbligato to one of the songs, and several difficult but taking pianoforte solos. The encores were very numerous and the principal ladies were frequently complimented with bouquets.

Sydenham Lawn Tennis Club. —The Sydenham Lawn Tennis Olub have reason to congratulate themselves on the success of the concert and dramatic entertainment they gave in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Sydenham, last night. Nob only was the programme of a superior tone, and carried through excellently, but the audience was large enough to gladden the heart of the Treasurer. The audience was a kindly one, and willing to bo entertained, facts that, no doubt, tended much to the success of the performers. 10e latter comprised Miss Seales and Miss Button, soloists; Miss Martin, who took part with Miss Button in a vocal duet; Miss Clara Bill, violinist, who performed very ably tho more difficult than attractive ‘‘ Air Vario ” of De Beriot,- Mrs G. Smith and Miss Kenner, who played the opening piano item, a piece with “Tho Last Rose of Summer ” for its theme; and Messrs D. Dunlop and G. T. Booth, who contributed songs very acceptably, and took part with Messrs Skelton and Prudhoe in theamusing quartette, “ Tho Three Chafers.” ifverything was encored, proving that the performers had been successful in pleasing their audience. After a short time with Mr Seager's mirth and magic, the comedy, “Mad as a Hatter,” was.given, and closed the proceedings.

The Hon Secretary of tko Prison Gatn Mission desires to acknowledge wPU sinoera tlianks tho receipt of apples amt vegetables from tee Lev H. T, Purchaa; also m-nt from Mr Lane. Tho band rotunda will 1m occupied this evening by the Garrison Band, under Bandmaster Boarull. The programme is as follows March, *• Fearless ’• (Brunet); overture. “Lo Diadome” (Herman); selection, “ lolantho ” (onllivan); vaise, “ At the Ferry ” (D'Aib rr) ; trombo ie solo, “II Bravo” (Yercadento); selection, “Martha" (BTotow); overture, “no Dieu et l.i Bayadere ” (Auber) ; selection, “ Faust ” (Gounod) ; quadrille, “United Service " (Godfrey); National Anthem. Tho following members of the Scottish Rifles will lira in tho match vc/6 iv. Ghriaichurch R’.llcs nt the Club range on Friday morning : Lieutenants Anderson and Bud, Sergeants W. Fraser and Gray, Corporals Duncan and hVKinley, Lance-Corporal Haig, Privates Walker, H’Taggurt »ud Turpin. Emergencies: Privates Hastij :ml Reece.

The following will rep'esent tho Eangiora Volunteer Company in the match with the Coilo e Eld do on Saturday at Christchurch :—ColourSargaant fehiel. Sergeants Ty er, Jones and B. d’Auvergae, Corporal Humphries, Lance-Cori;oi ala Humphreys and C. d’auvorgna, Privates .Tosling, (lullivar, and MMlay; emergency—rrivate m. Leech.

1 he following will represent the Christ’s College Eilla Corps in the match against the Permanent Artillery on Saturday next. A conveyance will leave Cathedral square at 1.30 p.m. sharp:—Liontenants Day and Hanmer, C lour-Scrgeaut Smith, Sergeant stow, Lance-CorporalColoiough, Private W. Cox, R. Blakistotf, C. Blakistjn, Robison, sml Million; emergencies—Privates Andrews and Fuller.

The following will represent tho Christchurch Bides in tho match with the City Guards, and will leave the Cathedral square at 4.30 a.m. on ' aturday, March 17, for Bromley Range:—Lieutenant Reynolds, Colour-Sergeant Peake, Soigeams Cole and Sandford, Corporal Breen, Lau e-Corporal Creeswell, Privates Millar, Dennis, Robinson. Saudford, and E. T, Brunsdon. The following will flro in the afternoon, leaving tho Square afc 1.30 p.m, sharp on the same date for tho Christchurch Riilo Club RangeSer.-eant ciehop, Cor orals Scott, M Laron, and Thompson, Lauce-C( rporals Twentyman and Papjr.ll, Privates Foster and Drayton, Dr Thoma;; onurgency Palmor,

An Old Newsfapeb.— On Jan. 1 (says the London Times) the Frcssburgcr Zeiiung celebrated the commencement of tho 123 th year of its existence. It is the oldest paper In Hungary, and, next to the Wiener Zeitung, it is the oldest in the whole Austrian Empire. Attempts had been previously made to establish Latin, Gorman, and Magyar newspapers at Pressburg, then the capital of Hungary, but they all failed, A century ago the Frcssburgcr Zeitung acquired a high reputation during the war which Joseph 11. waged against the Turks by keeping a correspondent at Semlin, close to the theatre of hostilities, from whose reports most of the European journals of the time borrowed their accounts of passing events. Town Refuse. —A correspondent of the Scientific American gives the following particulars as to tho mode of burning town refuse which is adopted at Desmoincs, j owa : —“ The furnace is ISft long by 4ft Gin wide, has a capacity of 50 yards of garbage daily, and cost, with building, about £I7OO. About 2ft from the bottom of the furnace is a solid iron plate, and above that, and upon which falls the substance to be burned, is a heavy iron grating. In the centre of the furnace is a circular hole, closed by a trap, into which were thrown, while X watched it, two dead horses," seven dogs, IS barrels of garbage, three loads of manure, 15 bushels of rotten eggs, and three barrels of rotten fish. This was all consumed in one hour, with no offensive smelly from the combustion, and no r-umko. T. i o f■irnrvc

was cold I'biTi s ; a»t. d. h t.vn: r,r-< * K " fires, one in front and another in toe rrar. The rear lire was started first, ’ihe refuse is dumped upon th© grating through the manhole, tbri/sJW*v?‘ kept &’fOt7 from the

fire so as not to extinguish it. The heat from the flames in the front and rear rapidly dries the matter, and soon all is burning. The theory of the inventor is that if there were only one fire, the combustion would be offensive. The draught carries the smoke to the rear fire, which consumes the noxious gases, and destroys all germs.”

Rumoured Meeting of Stanley and Emin Pasha. —Dr Sohweinfurth has sent a letter to Berlin from Cairo (writes the Fall Mall Gazette of Jan. 17) dated Dec. 30, stating that the news of Stanley’s have ing succeeded in reaching Emin Pasha arrived at Cairo on Dec. 22. More definite intelligence was expected there shortly. It is hoped that this may be of a nature to confirm the report which is mentioned by Dr Sohweinfurth, but which, singularly enough, has not hitherto been received through any other channel.

A New English Rower. —The new Tyneside sculler, Charles Carr, is now much talked of in English aquatic circles. He won a match on the Tyne, on the last Saturday of the year, against William Giles East, of Putney, for fifty sovereigns, finishing a dozen lengths in front of the Thames man. Mr W. Innes (“ Pegasus ”), who backed East, says that “ Carr is an exceptionally good man,” and congratulates the Tynesidera “ upon their improved prospects of regaining the championship of the world.” Carr is 24 years old, and exceptionally tall for a sculler, standing Gft 3Jin in his stockinged feet. A leading English sporting paper remarks: —“ The triumphs of Americans and Australians have left professional sculling in a very depressed condition on the Thames, and seem to have absolutely killed it on the Tyne. Possibly the appearance of young Carr may bo the beginning of better times. After hia very easy victory over East, it is very likely, indeed, that an early opportunity will be taken to match the northern sculler with George Bubear for the championship of England. A year ago young Carr had never been heard of in connection with rowing; indeed, it was only in February last that he took his seat for the first time in an open boat.”

Nine Months on a Desert Island.—A romantic story of adventures upon a desert island is related by two survivors of the schooner General Siegel, who have arrived at Honolulu (says an English paper). The men state that the General Siegel left Honolulu on Sept. 1, 1836, for French Frigate Shoals, on a shark-fishing expedition. Her crew was composed of Captain Aberdine, Adolph Jorgen, the mate, the two men already mentioned, Peter Larkin, Peter Brown, Martin Neilson, and Charles Clemens. On Sept. 23 they arrived off Medway Island. On the night of Sept. 26 the vessel was riding at anchor off this island, the whole of the crow being camped on shore. Towards midnight a gale of wind arose. The vessel drifted ashore and became a wreck. The crew thus found themselves cast upon a desolate island in mid-ocean, their only means of sustenance being seabirds and their eggs and fish. About ten days afterwards a painful accident happened to Peter Larkin. While engaged in killing fish with giant powder one of his hands was blown off. He died from his injuries in a few days. After this a feud appears to have arisen between the mate Jorgen and the others. William Timpo, one of the survivors, says that while he was alone in the hut Jorgen crept behind him and tried to strangle him with a rope. The lad called for help, when the mate desisted from the attempt. While the captain and Brown were after eggs Jorgen murdered them. Wtien the others heard of this they taxed Jorgen with it, but he said the two had committed suicide. Olsen and Timpe then resolved to leave the island. They accordingly destroyed the ship’s boat, and then sailed away on June 28 in a scow and left the mate alone. They headed for Marshal Island, which they reached after a voyage lasting two months and a half. The Consumption of Beer and Spirits. —An interesting question (says the Sydney Echo) has lately cropped up in reference to the drinking habits of Aus-

amen, or, in other words, the average amount of drink consumed per head of the respective populations. At first sight it would appear that Colonials have a very bad record, but a little investigation proves beyond doubt that they are not quite so black as tho figures paint them. For instance, in England the price of an ordinary glass of beer is 2d, and in these Colonies the same amount of beer of scarcely as good a quality, costs _6d. Thus it will be seen that tho Colonial, because he pays threo times as much for his glass of beer as the Englishman, is credited with drinking three times_ as much. Taking larger quantities into account, the disparity is still greater. For the common draught porter —which, by-the-way, is generally better than the “ stout ” retailed in tho Colonies—the charge is only 3d per quart when consumed off the premises—i c,, the public-house or beer shop—and 4d when drunk afc tho counter, and what is termed “ fourpe-nny ale ” is sold on draught at that price per quart, whether consumed on or off the premises. For the same quantity in the Colonies at least three or four times that amount is charged. And yet, because so much more money is paid for alcoholic drinks in the Colonies than in England, wo are charged with far greater indulgence in them than the people in the Old Country. The same argument applies with equal force to spirits. It is true that in some Australian hotels a small glass of spirit; can be obtained for 3d, but the usual price at the majority of the hotels js 6d. The samo quantity can be obtained in England at from 2d to 4d. the latter being the top price. In Scotland it can be had for lid. Taking everything into consideration —especially the great difference in climate—Colonials have nothing to be ashamed of when their drinking habits are compared with those of Englishmen.