TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 8698, 23 January 1889, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Queen's Cadets.— The list of the prizes offered in the Queen’s Cadets' Art Union is to be published to-morrow. A large number of the tickets have been sold, and it is intended to make a display of the additional prizes in Messrs Milner and Thompson's windows shortly.

Ashburton Hunt Club. —The Ashburton Hunt Club have accepted Mr Edward Saunders’ tender for maintenance of their pack and hunting the hounds daring the season. The following DeputyMasters have been elected:—for Methven district, Mr G. H. Alington; for _ the Longbeach district, Mr J. C. N. Grigg; the Ashburton appointment being held over for a time.

Kowai Pass Jockey Club. —A general meeting of subscribers was held at the Springfield Hotel on Monday evening, Mr B. Cassidy in the chair. The meeting was , called to fir the date of the next races, and to elect officers. Wherever practicable, the retiring officers were re-elected, and a sub-Committee was appointed to arrange a programme, to be submitted to a meeting of the Club on Monday evening next. Thursday, March 14, is the date fixed for holding the next race meeting. Several new members were proposed and elected, and the meeting adjourned with a vote of thanks to the Chairman. West Eyeeton. —A meeting called to consider the advisability of adopting the Counties Act in the district was to have been held at the Board Office on Monday, but owing to harvest there were only three ratepayers present in addition to the Chairman of the Boad Board (Mr J. Addinell). A letter was received from Mr H. J. Horrell, the representative of the riding in the County Council, apologising for absence, and suggesting an adjournment. After a conversation on the subject, it was resolved to adjourn until Monday, Jan. 28 at 7.80 p.m. Piee at Flaxton. —At noon yesterday a granary and contents on what is known as Mrs Bramley’s farm at Plaxton, occupied by Mr J. A. Brown, was completely destroyed by fire. On the fire, being observed, the neighbours collected* but could do nothing to save the property, the fire burning very fiercely owing to two -tins of kerosene and three barrels of fat being amongst the contents of the buildings. The value of the property destroyed was over .£2OO, The origin of the fire .cannot be' accounted for. Insurance on, building, .£IOO in South British Office,, The contents were notinsured. Mr Brown’s; .loss amounts to about .£3O.

Baeiwvtn, tub Aeronaut.-— At about six o’clock this evening the renowned Professor Baldwin, whose “leap from the clouds" has been the talk of scientists and others daring the past twelve months, will make his ascent in a balloon from the Show grounds, Lincoln road. At 6.15 p.m. he will release himself from the balloon when at a height of about 1000 ft, and depend on his parachute to enable him to reach terra firma in safety. This feat he has now performed numbers of times In various parts of the world with success, and from heights ranging from . a thousand feet upwards. Ho has acceded to a postponement of the hour at first decided upon, in the expectation of a warm day, without which it would not be bo easy to cause the balloon to rise to the required height, owing to the condensation of the gas in cool evoninga. There is nothing out of the common about the Professor. He is a. slightly-built, athletic-looking man, of most genial nature, and dilates at ease upon his varied experiences, showing his visitor endless cuttings and illustrations from newspaper's. His collection of photographs and medals, including the gold one presented to him by the Boyal Balloon Society of England, is a very interesting one. Mrs Baldwin fakes great pleasure in showing these, and pleasantly discusses the modus

Board of Governors. The usual meeting of the Board of Governor’s will not be held thin month. Hoatbon v. Hoatbon.— His Honor Mr Justice Ward granted a decree nisi in this case yesterday afternoon.

The Australian Mail. —The as. Eotomnhana. with the Australian mail, arrived at the Bluff at 11 p.m. on Monday. The mails; will arrive in Christchurch by-the express to-night.

Cagmao. —For the information of those interested in " The Butchers’ Libel Case/' it may bo stated thac Webster’s Dictionary gives the following as the meaning of “cagmag":—"A tough old goose; hence, coarse, bad food of any kind. Also, a small inferior kind of sheep.” Pyrotechnic Pain. —Mr F. Illingworth, travelling manager for Messrs James Pain andj| Sons, the well-known pyrotechnists, has arrived in Christchurch, and again proposes to give a short series of firework displays and promenade concerts, the time and place of which will be duly announced. A first programme of pyrotechnic marvels is in coarse of preparation, full particulars of which will shortly appear in our advertising columns. Circulating Library. —Every quarter the circulating department of the Public Library issues a supplement to the catalogue of hooks available for the subscribers. The supplement for the quarter ending with December has just appeared. It contains the titles of upwards of a 100 works of travel, history, biography, architecture, fiction, poetry, drama,, science and general literature. Ashburton Racing Club. The Committee of the Ashburton Racing Club have fixed their Autumn Meeting for Thursday and Friday, .May 9 and 10. The lateness of the season of the fixtures is caused by Easter falling late this year, the Christchurch Jockey Club’s Autumn Meeting on Easter Monday and Tuesday falling on April 22 and 23, the usual time about which the Ashburton Meeting is held, and to avoid a clash the Ashburton dates have been set back. Sporting. Mr Stead’s racehorses Lochiel, Russley and Rose Argent were shipped for Melbourne by the Waihora yesterday under the care of R. J. Mason. It is possible Maxim and one-or two others will leave for the same destination in the course of a few days. Lochiel. is engaged in the Newmarket Handicap and Australian Cup, Maxim in the Australian Cup and Champion Stakes, and Rose Argent in the Ascot Yale Stakes, to be run at the Victoria Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting.

Parish OB' Halswell. —A most successful picnic of the parishioners of Halswell was held at Sumner last Friday. Three tram-cars were filled by the excursionists, who left in a special tram from the Addington Show Grounds. The party was arranged by the Rev Herbert East, Incumbent of the parish. The day was all that such an occasion demanded, and the general enjoyment was considerably augmented by the excellent music of the Spreydon Brass Band. Everything connected with the gathering passed off most happily, and the day was one of real pleasure to all concerned. Mount Somees Presbyterian Chuech. —On Friday last a tea meeting was held in the Mount Somers schoolroom in connection with the local Presbyterian congregation. The object of the meeting was to raise funds to defray the cost of a harmonium for the church, and to provide funds for choir purposes. The tables were supplied by lady friends and members of the congregation, and the meeting was very well attended. After tea two or three clergymen from Ashburton and elsewhere addressed the meeting, and the choir rendered several concerted pieces. The usual votes of thanks were tendered at the close.

Licensing Committees. —The following gentlemen have been elected to the Licensing Committees in the several districts undermentioned in the Ashburton. CountyAshburton (suburban) —Messrs Thomas Bollock, John Grigg, Donald M’Lean, Thomas Sealy and David Thomas. Upper Ashburton—Messrs Thomas Bullock, Rudolph Friedlander, John G. Eestell, Thomas Sealy and David Thomas. Mount Somers—Messrs William Edson, Andrew M'Farlane, William Spence Peter, Arthur E. Peache, and William C. Walker. The Ashburton and Upper Ashburton Committees hold their first meetings on Friday, Feb. 1,-in the E.M. Court at noon, and the Mount Somers on Feb. 4 in the RoadBoard office. Ashburton Bobough Council. —There was not much business transacted at the ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council on Monday evening. A Glasgow lease of the reserve originally held by the Messrs Andrews was granted, subject to JEISO being paid to the Council in consideration of the latter foregoing their claim to improvements. One pound for a flag to the Fire Brigade was granted. The Valuator, Mr Home, it was stated, had completed his work, and the valuation of the Borough was JeiOOO lower than last year. A tender by Mr J. Craigie for painting the fence around Baring square, at 16s, was accepted. Accounts to JEM 3s lid were passed for payment.

Lyttelton Naval Artillery. The annual meeting of the above corps was held in their orderly-room on Monday. There was a large attendance of members; Captain Rose in the chair. The Chairman expressed his pleasure at meeting his men at their annual meeting. During the past year every member had made himself efficient.Hehoped the reverses they had met with would put them on their mettle, and that next year he would be as pleased with them as this. The balance-sheet, showing a considerable sum to credit, was received and adopted. It was decided to build a cutter to compete with the Fort Chalmers boat,.and a Committee was appointed to carry out- arrangements. CJP.O. Toomoy, Gunners Snow, Brown and Cowan were elected a Managing and Firing Committee, after which the meeting adjourned to Monday next to elect members.

The Chops. Our Springfield correspondent write:—Such weather as we have experienced during the last few weeks could scarcely be improved on even, if in the language of trade, it had been made to order. Some of the farmers, would, doubtless, have benefited by more rain; but several drizzling wet days during the period immensely improved the crops, both by adding straw and filling out the ear. In some instances it may be noticed the protracted wet and cold of the early spring has left its mark in patches where the crop shows thin and stunted j but such patches are comparatively insignificant. Taken on the-whole there are few paddocks observable that are not well up to the average, and many of them will go a good: bit beyond. There is still room for imErovement if rain should come, the weather’ aving been far too dry for the crops in the hack country j the little grown will be very light. Hot much has yet fallen to the knives, but in anotherweek ■cutting will be general amongst the oats. Shearing-Is all but finished in most of the sheds,. Qraasmere being the only exception, and here a start will be made during theweek.

Theatre Eotae—Mr George Darrell, Christine Darrell and their dramatic company, are announced to open at the Theatre Eoyal on Saturday next for a season of fourteen nights only. Mr Darrell will stage for his opening play a Highly interesting version of Fergus HumeV celebrated novel “ The Mystery of a Hansom Cab," This drama the Darrells have played with unvarying succees throughout the Australias, whilst the phenomonally-large audiences it recently drew in Wellington is a proof of its popularity with New Zealand audiences. Judging from contemporary notices, the Darrells ana their company appear to be especially united for the portrayal of the characters of the drama, as they have received general commendation for the representation. The talented young actress Christine Darrell is the original representative of the ill-used heroine, as is Mr Darrell of the hero of the drama. Mr T. Nicholson, the scenic artist] la already at work in Christchurch on the scenery, which, with the mechanical effects, will be complete and novel. For the murder eoeno a real Hansom cab, home aad driver will be utilised. Wo anticipate !

The New Zealand Exhibition.— -The Minister for Public Works has consented to grant Mr J. J. Kinsey, Secretary to the Canterbury Executive Committee, railway pass available for Dunedin, instead of the pass, previously sent, which was available for Canterbury only. The Butchers* Libel Case, —The action for libel, brought by Mr J. E. Eosewarne against a number of other Christchurch butchers, closednt 2 p.m. yesterday, when* verdict for the plaintiff for £5 damages against all the defendants, except Messrs Jackson Bros., was returned.

Cable Communication.— A Press Association telegram received from Wellington last night says:—The Port Darwin line has been interrupted since last night (Monday). Communication was expected to be restored some time to-day (Tuesday). Early this morning advice was received that the line was still interrupted.

Scottish Rifles. —It is stated that after mature consideration of the evidence taken by the Board appointed to enquire into the circumstances attending the independent and volley firing of the Canterbury Scottish Eifles, the Minister for Defence has upheld the disqualification imposed upon the corps by the local authorities.

Village Settlements.— Village settlements are now open for selection near the Ashburton saleyards, and on land adjacent to the Mount Somers coal pit. To explain matters to intending applicants, Mr March was in attendance yesterday at the Ashburton Courthouse, and to-day he will be found all day at Mr John Hood’s for the same purpose.

New Brighton. —A deputation waited on the Avon Eoad Board yesterday, re the formation of roads at New Brighton, pointing out that the residents were willing to pay an extra tax,.and also contribute towards the cost of the work. The Board stated that they had no power to take over any roads not already formed and metalled, but they were willing to contribute 25 percent of the subscriptions, and as they cannot take over the unformed roads, no extra tax can be levied. Bible Christian Sunday School, Belfast. —The annual treat in connection with this school was held last Friday in one of Mr B. Berry’s paddocks. The day was fine, and the field was visited by a great many parents and friends. Sports for the children were conducted by Mr Allender, the Superintendent. After the dispersion of the children in the evening a social was held in the schoolroom in connection with the choir. About thirty took part in the amusements under the supervision of the indefatigable Secretary, Mr E. Cresswell, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. E.A.0.8., G.LJB., Excelsior Lodge.— The above Lodge met in the Club Hotel on Monday, Primo Woodhouse presiding. After the neual routine of business. Bios S. Neale and G. H. Albrecht were raised to the second degree by Prime J. Webb, founder of Buffaloism in New Zealand. The initiation ceremony was most impressive. There being no other business, the Lodge adjourned to the refreshment room, where Host Primo S. Lawrence had the tables well spread. After some very good songs, a vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated a most enjoyable evening. The Education Act.— The Wellington correspondent of the Auckland Herald says he has reason to believe that it is the intention of the Hon G. Fisher to introduce a BUI to amend the present Education Act. Mr Fisher claims that he does not propose in any way to interfere with the main principles of the existing system, but rather to enlarge the scope of the Act, so as to include technical education, to provide for the improved administration of tbe system, and to consolidate certain sections of the existing Act, so as to meet the necessity of further retrenchment.

Mischief at the Public Libbabt. — From time to time a spirit of mischief seems to seize the frequenters of the read-ing-room at the Public Library. The latest development is the mutilation of the Wellington and Dunedin daily papers, and the Melbourne Australasian. From the last the illustrations of a recent number have been clumsily cut, and from the others whole columns have been stolen. This is. a matter which the attendant can scarcely guard against, but which those who avail themselves of the privilege of using the reading-room might do much to prevent. Rehearsal,foe Shakspebian Festival. —Last night, at Hobbs’ Assembly Rooms, there was a most successful rehearsal of the choruses to be given at the opening of the Shaksperian festival. The attendance of vocalists uaa exceedingly large, and there was a fair muster of instrumentalists. Mr Wallace conducted, and the several choruses were given with remarkable spirit and vigour. Pinal rehearsals of the grand march will take place at St Aloysius* Hall to-night and to-morrow night, and at the Palace Rink at 1 p.m. on Friday. A meeting of the Executive Committee in connection with the Festival will also be held this evening at St Aloysius’ Hall.

Working Men’s Club. —The annual entertainment to the children of the members of the Working Men’s Club took place yesterday evening, and passed off most successfully. About 350 children were present, with a number of ladies and otherfrienda. At seven o’clock, a Maypole dance on the lawn was begun by a number of children, trained by Mr Victor. After this the children entered the social hall, each one receiving an envelope containing an order for a prize—a toy of some description. After the youngsters were seated, they were marched out by another door to receive their prizes. Owing to the excellent arrangements made by the Committee this part of the proceedings was managed without the least confusion. The children after having been supplied with refreshments, re-entered the hall, and were entertained with a scene from "Bombasfces Furioso," followed by an excellent Harlequinade. The hall was then cleared, and a number of the young visitors who had been trained by Mr W. Garrard, went through a country danoe. Mr J* B. Davidson, Chairman of the Entertainment Committee, then announced that the Dramatic Class would give a performance on Thursday evening, and that on Friday evening the Stanmore Band would play on the lawn. The Company separated after spending a most enjoyable evening. The New Judge. —The Otago Daily Times says:—Mr John Edward Dennis ton was born in 1845 at Bishoptou, near Glasgow. He was educated partly at Glasgow and at Greenock Academies, and at the boarding school of Blair Lodge, near Falkirk; after which he completed his education at Glasgow University. His school career was a brilliant one, and in his last year at Greenock Academy he was gold medallist as best scholar in classics and mathematics. At Glasgow University he gained a valuable scholarship open to all students from the populous Counties of Lanarkshire and Benfrewshire. At College he commenced to study for the bar, hut was interrupted by his leaving for New Zealand in company with his father (Mr Thomas Denniston, of Invercargill) and brothers, in 1862. He entered the Civil Service on reaching the Colony, serving in the Post Office Department at Invercargill for some time under Mr B. D. Butts, the present Chief Postmaster in Dunedin, and afterwards in Christchurch. He left the public service for that of the Bank of New South Wales. During the six years of hie career in the Bank he again took up his law studies, and obtained a position in the office of Mr W. D. Stewart, solicitor, just vacated by Mr (now Sir Eobert) Stout. After completing his examination Mr Denniston joined Mr George Hutchison in practice at Wanganui for a few months, but afterwards joined Mr Stewart in Dunedin as a partner, Mr Allan Holmes shortly afterwards also joining the firm. On the opening of the Otago University Mr ( Denniston attended the Latin and Mental Philosophy classes, becoming a prizeman in both. His career at the Bar in Dunedin is so well known that it is scarcely neces- , sary to refer to It. He has held briefs in » number of important cases, including the celebrated Hall case, where he was associated with Mr F. B. Chapman for the defence. Mr Denniston was married.in 1877 to a4aughjber-<>f^eia^C'ii^^

Excursion to New Brighton.—The New Brighton Tramway Comply will run an excursion train to New Brighton this evening, providing the weather; is fine, leaving Cathedral square at: twenty minutes past seven. The Stanmire Band will play several selections during the evening. ,

A Local Invention. —Mr L._Pozzi, of Christchurch, has invented an ingenious, but simple, appliance for increasing the quantity of ink which can be held by a pen after one “ dip.” It is s email piece of metal fitted inside the pej, so as to retain the ink, but not to impede the flow in writing. A test of the applmce showed that by using it several linw more can be written with it than without it with one dip of ink, Mr Pozzi ha» applied for a patent for his invention. Honours in Technical Education.— Mr Alexander J. Fraser, lat> of Wellington, and now Manager in Sydney for the New -Zealand Press Association, has just won high honours at the Sydney Technical College. Mr Fraser has fir some years been an enthusiast in matters relating to electricity, and since his removal to Sydney he hasattendedthe lectures at the Technical College, with the result the* he presented himself at the annual exuninations in practical electricity and tehgraphy. The examiners* awards have just been announced, and Mr Fraser hai distanced all other candidates in practical telegraphy, heading a long list, while impractical electricity he has secured a second-grade pass. In both classes many of those with whom he had to compete were students who had attended the lectures for nore than a year, whereas he has only had the advantage of seven or eight months o.’sucli instruction. Winchester Jam Factory. —On Friday -evening last a meeting o: the shareholders in this factory was held Mr J. A. Young occupying the chair, j The Chairman stated that the object ir calling the meeting was to hear the Artiles of Association read. In reply to the lon W. Eolleston, the Chairman said there was no actual necessity for calling tie meeting, but it was thought best to d( so so as to let the shareholders know wSat the Provisional Directors were doing. ■ One or two shareholders objected to eo much delay in floating the Company,; and considerable discussion ensued. Ip appeared that five hundred shares had fcjen taken np, bat sixty had been withdrawn, and the actual expenses incurred upto the present date were ;Is l£d per share. The Hon W. Eolleston explained that until the Company was registered they :vere not legally entitled to hold any property, and the object in registering it was to enable them to acquire the plot |(f land set apart for the factory by Government. He _ then moved —“ That the Articles' of Association as presented by Mr IspinaU be adopted,” Mr Barker having serorded the resolution, it was put to the meeting and earned, Mr C. C. M'Carthy consented to act as Secretary until after-the registration of the Company, and terminated. A meeting o! milkmeriWill be held on. Saturday evening at the Zetlani Arms Hotel to make arrangements tor the an ml picnic. The election of two lismhera to represent the Borough of Kaiapoi on tie Waimakariri Harbour Board will take place on Feb. 11. Nominations of candidates most be ma® by noon on Wednesday ’next. j The following will reposeut the Bangiora Eifla Club against the Easette Corps at liangiora on Saturday nextMesat F. Baser,: E., G w and B. d" Auvergne, F. Gallivei J. O. and A. Josltng, D. M'Kay. J. Sansom Tyler; emergency—W. Kennedy.