TOWN & COUNTRY-

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 8459, 18 April 1888, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY-

School op Agriculture. —The report of the examiners of the students in practical agriculture ” is published in this issue. Bazaar at Southbrook. —On Monday the Wesleyans of Southbrook held a bazaar to raise funds for repairs to the church and schoolroom. The proceeds were highly satisfactory, the major portion of a very nice selection of articles displayed on the stalls being disposed of. The Jubilee New Testament. The Bible Society's ag«nt, Mr Robjohns, informs us that up to date 4500 copies of the above-mentioned edition of the New Testament have been ordered for distribution in the State schools of South Canterbury. In all, 10,900 copies are required for New Zealand, and there are many more orders yet to come in. A Nicht at Hame. —At the Y.M.C.A. rooms this evening Mr W. J. Ferguson, whose fame as a Scottish humorist and reciter is widespread, will give a lecture on the “ Songs of Scotland." The lecture is to be interspersed with Scottish songs, glees, music, and humorous readings. That these will be exceptionally well rendered there can be no doubt, for Mesdames H. Alan Scott and H. Westmacott, Misses Button and Fanny Martin, Messrs M'Hroy, H. Johnston and Smeaton, and Pipers Campbell and Ross are announced as taking part in the programme. Mebivale Recreation Club. —A Club has been formed in the parish of St Mary, Merivale, which should prove a boon to the youths of that district. It has been styled a Recreation Club, but the object of the RevT. Flavell, and those who are associated with him in the work, is to provide a certain amount of instruction as well as amusement. Major Wolfe has undertaken to drill those desirous of being so instructed, and another gentleman has offered to teach a drawing class. A Chess Club and a Shaksperi&n class will also be formed in connection with the Society. Youths over thirteen years of age are eligible for membership, and a meeting for the purpose of inaugurating the Society will be held at 7.30 p.m. on Friday next. “ The Herd Laddie." —" The Herd Laddie’s” score now reaches, after last night’s play, 284 games. The players yesterday and last night were only ordinary and many of them the champion ate up in one act, hence the rapidity with which he was able ta get through with a smart day’s work. Mr w yllie played thirty-five games all told yesterday, and although many of them were played against gentlemen who knew the game in only a moderate degree, some were played by young players, who gave “The Herd Laddie” some stiff fencing. The play, however, did not alter the champion’s record from the previous night, as he won all the thirty-five games played. It is intended that a series of games shall be arranged with Mr Boswell so soon as the rush of the ordinary players’ games are over. On that occasion it will he necessary to make special arrangements for admission, as it is not considered fair to the champion—now an old man—to have to meet a player like Mr Boswell in a small, crowded room with a reeking atmesphere. Christchurch Poultry Association.— A meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Christchurch Poultry Society, to carry out the details of the art union, was held at The Shades on Monday evening j present —Messrs T. O. Robertson (Chairman), J. Ford, J. Stapleton, and R, E. M. Evans. The Chairman announced that the sum of £3O had been voted by the Society for the purchase of the usual prizes of poultry, pigeons, and canaries. A recommendation was made by the Committee that a grand gift distribution should be inaugurated this year, with a view of adding to the popularity of the exhibition. It was unanimously decided to adopt this recommendation, and the following valuable articles were fixed upon as the principal presents:—Drawing-room suite in green and gold damask. Singer’s treadle sewing machine (complete), Summerscales’ 24in mangle ; engraving, “ The Death of Nelson”; box of hundred cigars, and a tea set of forty pieces. The Treasurer was authorised to make the necessary arrangements. The meeting then adjourned. New Cricket Club. —Yesterday afternoon a meeting of those interested in forming a cricket club in the Ashley County was held at King’s Junction Hotel, Rangiora; Mr E. Wilder was voted to the chaw. After some discussion, Mr R. M. Pemberton moved—“ That a club, to be called ‘ The Ashley County Cricket Club,’ be formed, with its headquarters at Rangiora." This was seconded by Mr G. H. N. Helmore, and agreed to. It was resolved—“ That the annual subscription be £V Is for playing, and 10s Gd tor honorary members." Messrs Helmore, Glasgow, Blundin, A. Chapman, and the Chairman were anpointed a Committee to make enquiries about a ground suitable for play, and to report at the next meeting. At the request of the meeting, Mr J. Glasgow consented to act as Secretary and Treasurer pro icm, A Canvassing Committee was appointed as follows : —Gust, Mr E. Blunden; Kowai and Waipara, Mr R. M. Pemberton; Ejreton and Ohoka, Mr A. Chapman; Loburn and Fernside, Mr Wilder; Yvoodeud and Rangiora, Messrs Glasgow and Helmore. The meeting then adiourned to Tuesday fortnight. Presentation to Brr,nor Grimes.— Amongst the numerous addresses presented to the Roman Catholic Bishop, none, it may safely be said, will eclipse in their “setting’’that of the Hibernian Society. To begin with, the address has been illuminated by Mr M‘Cardell, who admittedly stands facile princess in tho art in New Zealand, and Mr M'Cardell has in this instance produced some of those exquisite drawings which resemble the work of the best etchers. These are made to partake of the implied Nationality of the presentation. For tho rest, the illuminated work is aglow with gold and rich colouring, with flowers, and with insects whose wings seem almost tremulous. The address, like others we have lately had the pleasure of noticing, is in book form ; and so far as our knowledge goes the Hibernians have secured one of the most sumptuous specimens of bookbinding ever produced in this Colony. The covers were specially designed by Mr Macintosh, of the LytteUon Times Company’sbookbinding department, and the work was executed by him. A dark green morocco leather has been used, and this is relieved by inserted white cresses and a boldly-raised shield, the whole being profusely enriched with hand-tooling in gold. The linings are of watered green silk, and the edges are gold burnished. Altogether, the address is a specimen of thoroughly artistic-work.

Political. —Mr W. B. Perceval will address the electors of Christchurch South at tho Oddfellows’ Hall on Friday next. Auditors' Pees. —Tho Linwood Town Board resolved, at the meeting held on Monday, to pay no audit fee until it had been decided by tho Government who was tho person properly entitled thereto. Tub Australian Mail. —Owing to a severe westerly gale, the Australian mail steamer did not leave the Bluff for Port Chalmers till yesterday, consequently her mails will not reach Christchurch till to-night. Supreme Court. —His Honor Mr Justice Ward will resume tho civil sittings this morning at eleven o’clock. Yesterday His Honor sat in Bankruptcy, and disposed of a large amount of business, as reported on the usual page. Mb Lance, M.H.E., at Ashlet. —On Monday evening, Mr Lance, M.H.8., addressed a well-attended meeting of his constituents at the Ashley schoolroom, and at the close received a vote of thanks. Mr Ell wood presided. Accident. —Yesterday a man named Walshawe, an employee of the Victoria Foundry, had tho misfortune to have one of his kgs broken by a sheet of iron falling on him. The occurrence, it appears, was purely accidental. Church of Christ. —The meetings are increasing in interest, the attendance last night being larger than on any previous occasion during the series. Mr Houchins displays originality in the treatment of his subjects, and is able to rivet the attention of the audience.

The Acclimatisation Gardens. —The fish-hatching house at the Acclimatisation Society’s Gardens has been re-arranged, so as to provide accommodation for 300,000 ova. The oldest portion of the structure has been pulled down and replaced by a "lean-to,” containing four ranges of hatching-boxes. Columbia Eine.— -There was a large attendance of skaters at the Eink yesterday evening. The majority of tho beginners in the art are rapidly getting into form. There are, however, a number of recruits to the ranks of learners every day, and the strange and wonderful antics cut by some of these afford intense amusement to the spectators, who gather to witness the performances of their more venturesome friends.

The Death at Addington Gaol. —At tlie adjourned inquest yesterday, in connection with, the death of Edward Currie in the Addington gaol, the jury found that the causa of death was failure of the heart’s action. They expressed the opinion that due attention had been given to the case by the gaol officials. A report appears elsewhere. Modnt Somees Mineeals. The Inspector of Mines is expected to arrive this evening at Ashburton, from whence he will proceed to Mount Somers, in company with several members of the County Council, for the purpose of enquiring into the mineral resources of the district, upon which he has been instructed by Government to prepare a report. Gold in Abhbtjeton. — A resident in Ashburton noticed some small specks of metal in the bottom of a bucket of well water one morning lately, and, taking them to Mr G. Murray, jeweller, they were found to be gold. It is stated that traces of gold have been found in sinking wells in the town, but in such minute quantities as not nearly to pay for working. Primitive Methodist Chdhch, Phillipstowh. —Harvestthanksgiving services were held in this church on Sunday, and, despite the inclemency of the weather, there were good congregations at both services. The Eev W. Laycock preached in the morning, and two local brethren officiated in the evening, in the absence of the above rev gentleman. Volunteer Inspection. The two Lyttelton Volunteer Companies mustered for inspection on Monday evening, theHavals, numbering forty-nine, under Captain Eose, and the Battery, under Captain O’Brien, thirty-nine. The Garrison Band was also present. Major Hawaii was the inspecting officer. Orders have been received instructing the Naval Artillery to again take up the work of learning big gun drill. Canterbury Amateur Athletic Clhd. —The rain which fell so heavily on Friday and Saturday last, and necessitated the postponement of the C.A.A.C.'s sports, also rendered the cinder path at Lancaster Park unfit for any hard work. The recent improvements ab the turns, which have been banked up, do not yet stand rou-b weather; but the recent spell of fitia weather has settled everything, and with good luck between this and Saturday, some fast times should bo done both by pedestrians and bicyclists, as the track is once more in really good order, thanks to the efforts of French, the custodian.

Eaiapoi Literary Institute. —At a Committee meeting held on Monday, with Mr W. Eckersley in the chair, it was unanimously resolved to point out to subscribers that unless subscriptions in arrear bo promptly paid, the Institute must be closed; also, that an entertainment in aid of the funds be arranged. The Treasurer, Mr E. Eevell, gave the financial statement for the year, showing receipts <£s3 10s, and expenditure .£65. It is evident that this institution, with its capital circulating and reference libraries, is in ariiculo mortis, and that unless all concerned act vigorously, a source of profit and pleasure to hundreds will he a thing of the past. Surely both subscribers and the public should come forward to prevent this.

Band of Hote. —The first annual meeting of the Sydenham Presbyterian Church Band of Hope was held last night. The Eev P. it. Monro occupied the chair. There was a large attendance of both young and old, and a varied programme of songs, recitations, &c. was listened to with evident pleasure. The report for the past year was read by the President, Mr Duncan Martin, and showed that a considerable amount of good work had been done by the Society since it was formed. The roll contains 170 names. The office-bearers elected for the ensuing year are as follows:—Honorary President, Rev P. E. Monro; President, Mr Duncan Martin; Vice-Presidents, Messrs A. A. Campbell and Peter Watson; Secretary, Me Robert Rankin; Registrar, Mr John Mason; Treasurer, Mr Robert Allen; Organist, Miss Fergusson, with a large Committee of Management. Ameerley. —The Rev Father Douglas paid a hurried visit to Ambcrley last week that ho might have an opportunity of seeing the property of his brother, MrT. Douglas, who is residing in England, lie remained on Sunday, and gave two csrncrs in the Church of the Holy Innocent?, morning and evening. Both services largely attended, notwithstanding the severity of the wcr.th'.v. It will be a long time before the impm-dott made by his eloquent sermons will be effaced from the memory of those who heard him. in aid of the funds of the before-named church & gift auction, bazaar, and concert will be field at the Oddfellows’ Hali on Friday next. From the number of influential persons interesting themselves in the promotion of this object, it is expected to to a great success. Tue evening concert, both vocal and instrumental, will be by v.-ch-known amateurs from Christchurch. East CHEitTcunr.cn School Committee. —The usual monthly meeting was held last Thursday evening. All the members were present. The head-master’s monthly report was submitted. Mr Scott stated that the average attendance at the main school for the year ended March 31, has been as follows: —For quarter ending June SO, 1000-2; Sept. 80,1010; Dec. 31,1023-8; March 31,1071. thereby showing a steady increase. Mr Scott asked that the desk accommodation in the infants’ school might be increased during the holidays, It was decided to apply to the Board of Education for the same. Circulars from the Board of Education in reference to the new scale of teachers' salaries and the amount payable to the Committee in fntaie for incidentals were read, and referred to the incoming Committee to deal with. An application from Miss Rowley for a further allowance on account of salary wa* referred to the Board to deal with. The report—as drafted for the usual meeting of householders—was read and approved. After passing some accounts the meeting adjourned.

The Minister op Lands. —The Hon G. F. Eichardson left Christchurch lor Wellington last night. Mr M'Kerrow, Surveyor - General, accompanied the Minister of Lands. A Set-Off. —ln a case heard in tho Eangiora Ecsidenfc Magistrates Court yesterday, the Bench came to the conclusion that an extraordinary quantity of clothing had been supplied to a lad in service—according to the set-off claim against wages due. The claim for a period' of twelve months included eight pairs of moleskin trousers and eight pairs of boots. Miss Stratton’s Concert. - Among t he amusement advertisements appears the full programme of Mies Stratton’s concert, which is to be given to-morrow evening in the large hall of the Y.M.C.A. It will be teen that the dt-huianic is to take the lion's share in the instrumental numbers, she playing no fewer than five pianoforte selections from the works of Beethoven, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Bartholdy, Chopin, and other well-known composers! She will also, with Mr P, M. Wallace, play in a duet for pianoforte and violin! Mr Wallace plays a violin solo of Wieniawski’s. Miss Speneley and Mr Appleby contribute the vocal numbers, which include Pinsuti's " Laddie," Cowcn’s “ Spinning,” and Barnby’s "Hay break.” Papanui Horticultural Society.—A meeting of tho Papanui Horticultural Society's Committee was held on Monday evening last. There was a good attendanre, and Mr J. Donald presided. The meeting was convened to take into consideration the holding of a Grain and Farm Produce Show in connection with the Chrysanthemum Exhibition. The Sub-Committee reported that they had been well received by the different grain merchants and other business men in town and district, and that there was now a sufficient sum in hand to give very liberal prizes. After some consideration it was resolved that the show be held about the first week of May, and that the exact dale bo duly advertised in the daily papers. Tho prize schedule was then drawn up, and Mr Donald appointed Secretary, with full power to carry out all details in connection witk tho show. After tho appointing of judges, stewards, &c., the meeting adjourned. The Ehodes Memorial Home.— -The Committee of the Ehodes Memorial Convalescent Home have appointed Mrs 3. Drummond Macpherson to the position of lady Superintendent, and it is understood that the Home will be opened for the reception of inmates about the middle of next week. A staff of servants has been engaged, and every preparation made to ensure the comfort of the occupants. The building is furnished in a style which may almost be termed luxurious, and there is’ no doubt that, under the able manage- 1 ment of the lady who has accepted the responsibility of superintendence, it will 1 prove a home indeed to many a one recovering from the effects of sickness, whose return to health will be materially accelerated by a sojourn within its walls. It may be mentioned that during the cold; weather which has prevailed on some few' days recently the Home was found to be particularly warm and comfortable, its elevated situation not having had the effect of rendering it bleak or cheerless. There are to be, 'it should be stated, two! classes of inmates; those who sleep in the large dormitories and dine at the common' table, and those who occupy private apartments, for the use of which an additional charge will be made. *J he Blaster of tee Armagh street Depot wishes to acknowledge, with .h ulks, the receipt of fruit and vegetables from the Primitive Methodist Church, FhilUpstowu, per Air Franklin. The animal meot'ng of the ■ denial Insurance Company of New Zealand will be held nt-S p.m, on may 16 in tho Chamber of Commerce room, liambtoa Quay, Wellington. A special meeting of tbs ratepayers of the! Springs Hoad district will bo bold in the Board: ollioe, Springston, on Tuesday next at 1.30 p.m., r». closing road, &e. '1 he dates of the annual meetings of ratepayer! of the following Hoad Hoard districts are adver.; Used elsewhere Ellesmere, Avon, Hast Moivera, Bonth Malvern and iSntais. The dates of the annual elections to fill tbp Tivcnnei-p on tho West Eyre ten, Eyre ton, Avotu Couth Malvern and Springs Hoad Boards am ai, vertised elsewhere. The local option polling for the Lincoln licensing district takes place on April 00,

Ktcudisb and IVeecs, tins popular pliotcs'niphepa. Studio, 2IS, HifcU street.—Auvr.

Dead in the Dyke. — A shocking discovery was made near Derby in connection with the February snow-storms. A baker, named John Allsopp, was bringing home the dead body of his brother, who had died in Leicester Asylum. During the snowstorm the horse walked into a deep dyke by the roadside, and Allsopp died from the exposure, beth corpses being found in the dyke. Wanted, a Clerk.— The Wanganui Herald tells the following rather good story, indicating how recommendations from clergymen are sometimes looked on, and how even the smartest of local bodies get taken in at times :—“ A Council on this Coast, requiring the services of a clerk, advertised in due course for seme one to fill the vacancy, and received bushels of applications. To go through these a SubCommittee of three was appointed. Their method of procedure was simplicity itself. All the candidates who were recommended by clergy men were im mediately shunted, the Sub-Committee being unanimous in the* opinion that recommendations of that class were as a rule not the best to be obtained. Having done this they proceeded to select* man, who in due coarse arrived. When last heard of this gentleman—who was selected because he happened not to bo recommended by a minister—was preaching in the local Wesleyan Church, and it turns out that he has been a parson himself.” A Queer Dog Case.— lt is certainly an unusual circumstance for a dead dog to bo declared the winner of a fight, as we read in the American journals was the case a short time ago in Long Island City. The fight was between a brlndle named Ben and a white and black bull called Spot—the odds being m favour of the latter, end the fight for lOOdols a-side. The animals, it is related, fought savagely for upwards of two hour; and a half, after which the handlers began to revive them with a plentiful coll water sponging. It was whilst being thus refreshed that Ben the briud’e, weighing thirty pounds, expired in the attendant’s hands, the sudden demise not, however, being immediately remarked by the spectators. The fight was about to be resumed, and the handler of Ben held the dead do? ia such a position that it reemed as though it were alive and r'-ady to continue the combat. Spot’s handier alio appeared on the opposite side of the pit wiuv his dog, but on being released the latter turned tail, the ceasequence being teat the referee at ones oculared B:-n the winner. When the truth became known, the handler bf defunct Ben was warmly complimented upon his shrewdu.;ss, owu-g to which the victory was awarded to ».n animal after the breath was out of his body. Old Maids and 'Widows. —When some proj)het at a public meeting asks, “What are we to do with our girls ? ” the answer is plain enough—“ Many them,” but what to do with 10-.uslcs in destitute dreamstances, find i;. nocuying years, is another matter. Perhaps the example of what is done unto them elsewhere is worth considering, at any rate. The Home Newt 1; us that st a meeting of the Peterborough Bond of Guardians on Jan. 28, the clerk read the following extraordinary application : —“ Farcett, Hunts, Jan. 26, 1883.—Sir, —Some time back a man wrote to you for a wife. He lived at Dogsihorpe, I think. Well, now, I want one out of the Union, if you have one what will dc. I am a batchelor, forty-four years of age, and I heard the part on u-ad at church on Sunday it was no good for a man lo live alone by hissclf, so if you hove a woman in the ho-.-.io as wants a hirdmnd fend her me. I hear that ihc man at Dogsihorpe got a good wife—ask the Board what they can do for me.—Your?, James Dale.—Mr Vergette, C-oik to the Board of Guardians, Peterborough, Northamptonshire.” The master said the previous applicant, who was about City, came to the house and saw about twenty of the women, and one of them went out soon afterwards. It was suggested that the applicant should go to tna house and see if he coaid find a wife, tad ihe matter dropped.

Snake-swallowing) Extraordinary.At. interesting discovery of a singular nature was made at Coogee (the Sydney Morning Herald relates) by Mr H. J. M'Cooey, whose name is well known in scientific circles. Mr M'Cooey was strolling in the neighbourhood of Coogee Bay, when be suddenly startled a large black pwftVo (Pseudechis porphyriacus) and no leas than eighteen young ones. No sooner was the reptile started than she made a strange hissing or gulping noise, and opened her mouth widely. Into which her young glided with extraordinary rapidity and disappeared down her throat. Mr M'Cooey instantly despatched the reptile, and on dfoitfioHng her killed thirteen of the young snakes, the remainder making their escape in the grass, Mr M'Coooy’s discovery sets at rest a question which has always been regarded by scientific men with scepticism, viz., whether or not snakes swallow their young in order to protect them.