TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 9090, 29 April 1890, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Bible Society. —The annual meeting of the Canterbury Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society was held last evening. A report appears in another column. Telephonic Communication.— I There is a possibility of the adoption of a proposal to connect the northern Boroughs of Eangiora and Kaiapoi with Christchurch by telephone.; but its feasibility has not yet been fully matured. Bably Closing. —ln onr advertisement columns will be seen a notification from the Retail Drapers, Outfitters, Tailors and Bootmakers* Association, informing the general public that they have no intention of closing their respective places of business at 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Primitive Methodists. —The anniversary sermons at the Cambridge terrace church were preached on Sunday, by the Eev W. S. Potter in the morning and evening, and the Eev E. Taylor in the afternoon. The services were well attended and passed off satisfactorily. The singing was rendered by the church choir, Mr Earwaker conducting, and Miss Eider presiding at the harmonium. St George's Church, Kiewee. —The annual meeting of parishioners was held on Monday evening, the Eev Fynes-Clinton in the chair. There was a poor attendance. The balance-sheet showed an expenditure of .£7B 10a, with a small debit. The following officers were elected:—Bishop’s warden, Mr J. Turner; parishioners’ warden, Mr J. Wilson; vestrymen, Messrs Cook, Portbury, C. L. Davies, Murdoch, and Griffith.

Fijbe. —On Thursday evening a serious fire occurred at Colonel Tosswill’s farm. Mr M'Laren’s machine was threshing, and had left the work for the night. All bands were in bed, in their tents. At about halfpast ten a glare was observed, and on getting out of their tents the men saw the machine and elevator and part of a stack of wheat on fire. Mr McLaren loses a valuable machine, lately imported, with all the newest improvements, and Colonel Tosswill about six hundred bushels of wheat. Both were insured. The origin of the fire is not known.

Barbadoes Street Bohan Catholic Church. —Last Sunday Gounod’s “ Masse Sollenelle” was again repeated with the same success as on the previous Sunday.At the offertory Mr Beiges sang Clifton’s « Eoce Deus ” with fine effect. At vespers Mrs Neileon repeated Gounod’s “ Ave Maria ” in her usual artistic manner. Messrs Briggs and Behan also sang a duet. Yesterday high mass was celebrated by the Eev Father Cummings, Aubrey and Halbwachs. Farmer’s “Mass in B Flat” was given. At the offertory Mr Koilson sang Mercadante’s “Salve Maria” most artistically. Large congregations attended the services.

The Bishop op Nelson.—Amongst the numerous visitors now staying at Sumner is Bishop Suter, of Nelson, at the Marine Hotel.

Queen’s Cadets. —The four companies Queen’s Cadets will parade under Major Newall to-morrow evening at 7.30, at the South, belt drillshed. Every member must be in attendance.

Sale of Crown Lands. —Particulars of some Crown Lands in the Canterbury district, which will be open for sale or selection on and after May 27, will be found advertised in this issue.

Sydenham Borough Council. —The usual fortnightly meeting of this Council lapsed last night for want of a quorum. There were present the Mayor, Councillors Gledhill, Jacques and Hopper. A special meeting will be held next Monday.

Motktt Society.—This Society gives a performance to-night at the Oddfellows’ Hall of Handel’s famous oratorio, Judas Maccabosm. The work has been in rehearsal for some time, and the representation promises to be a most successful one. The Sydney Athletic Trip.— The Secretary of the New Zealand Athletic Association informs us that the collection, made at the football matches held in the North Park on Saturday afternoon resulted in the voluntary subscription of JS7 towards the expenses of the athletic team visiting Sydney. "Sfoon Match.—The City Guards held their fourth spoon match on Saturday. The conditions were seven shots each at 200 and 300yds, Wimbledon scoring. Lance-Corporal Coombs, who fired from scratch, succeeded in winning the spoon with the creditable score of fifty-five points. Abbest.— 'Yesterday afternoon Constable Marsack arrested a man named Henry Smith on a charge of larceny. Smith is accused of stealing 11s from a man named John Brown a few days ago. The accused was in company with Healy who was brought before the Court yesterday morning.

Masonic.—A number of brethren from the bouth arrived by the express last night, to take pact in the inauguration of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. Others are on their way from the North Island. Tomorrow night, it is announced, there will be a late train to Lyttelton, leaving Christchurch at half-past eleven o’clock.

Canoe Racing, —The canoe race between Messrs Johnson and Imano, of the Opera Company, resulted in favour of the former. It gave rise to another match between two other members of the same troupe, Messrs Ford and Elliott, which was won by Mr Ford. Roth events afforded immense fun to the spectators. A Sundial toe Chbistchuece. —At the meeting of the City Council last night, a letter was read from Mr Winslow Scanlon, of the New South Wales Survey Department, but formerly of Christchurch, forwarding a plan of a sundial, calculated for the latitude of Christchurch. The gift was received with thanks, and his Worship the Mayor has undertaken to erect the sundial at his own expense. y.M.G.A. Liteeaky Society. The ordinary meeting was held last night. Mr Kaye occupied the chair. The business of the meeting was “A Chat About the Exhibition,” by Mr G. Hart, who dealt with hia subject in a manner which proved interesting and instructive. The one regret expressed was with regard to the poor manner in which Canterbury was represented. The lecturer was awarded a vote of thanks. The next meeting will bo devoted bo elocution.

A Well-won Peize. —The first prize of .£3OO for the second part of the “ School History,” says the Sydney Telegraph, has been awarded to Mr H. H. Lusk, barrister-at-law, and the second prize to the Rev James Milne, Presbyterian clergyman. This portion of the history is mainly a chronological statement of the chief events in the life of the Colony. It will he remembered that Mr Luak was the successful writer of the first part, dealing with the industrial, social, and constitutional development of the country, and for which the prize was £llsO. Mr Lusk was a former resident of Auckland.

L.O.L.—The Wickliff Lodge held its usual monthly meeting in the Methodist Schoolroom, Selwyn street, Addington, on Friday last, there being present a good attendance of members. Several brethren from No. 2 also attended. A good deal of business having been got through, several brethren spoke for the good and welfare of the Order, giving some very good advice to the young members. After the usual vote of thanks had been accorded to the visiting brethren, to which Bros Douglas, White and Diffin responded, congratulating the Lodge on the steady progress they are making, the Lodge was raised to the E.A.P.

Swarming with Fish.— The upper harbour at Dunedin, the Times says, is at present swarming with red cod, and all last week the lower part of the wharves were lined with men and boys catching this fish, while the watermen are having quite a boom in letting out boats to parties to go out afishiug. On Friday evening one party of three captured in three hours over twenty-five dozen, and on Saturday afternoon the bay was quite alive with boating parties on fisiiing intent. As the fish are easily caught, and the outfit only costa a few pence, there is nothing to hinder all and sundry from getting a good supply of this very wholesome and nutritious food.

Theatre Koval, There was a very good house at the Theatre Eoyal last night, when Williamson, Garner and Musgrove's Comic Opera Company repeated La Mascotte. The performance went exceedingly well, and was received with hearty applause. Unfortunately Miss Fanny Liddiard was prevented from appearing by au attack of influenza, and the part of Princess Fiametta was taken by Miss Lewis, who acquitted herself most creditably, singing and acting with an animation which gained the well-merited approbation of the audience. For her excellent rendering of the song and dance in the last act she received a double encore. This evening the company will perform The Yeomen of the Guard , and tomorrow they will give, as their farewell performance, the ever-popular comic opera Patience.

Christchurch Rifles Challenge Belt. —The Challenge Belt of the Christchurch Rifles was on view yesterday at Mr G. T. White’s. It is a handsome trophy that any Volunteer would be proud to wear, and the workmanship reflects credit on Mr White. The belt is of patent leather, enamelled in black, and mounted with silver. Attached to it is a neat pouch, which bears the initial letters of the corps in monogram. The buckle or centre piece of the belt is a square of solid silver, upon which is embossed a rifleman in military position ; around him is a wreath of laurel, and at each angle of the square are two rifles crossed over one another. Upon the belt are three ornamental bands of silver engraved with sprays of laurel, and five clasps of the same precious metal have plain burnished surfaces awaiting the names of the fortunate winners of the belt. “Little Lokd Fauntleboy.” The dramatised version of Mrs Hodgson Burnett’s beautiful story, Little Lord Fauntleroy, seems, wherever it has been produced, to have met with a success scarcely second to that of the book itself. Local playgoers, therefore, will be pleased to learn that the well-known firm of entrepeneurs, Messrs Williamson, Garner, and Musgrove, have arranged for a season in Christchurch of the same Company engaged in the original production of the piece in Melbourne and Sydney. Mr Joe Brown, the agent in advance, arrived yesterday, in order to prepare the way for the Company’s visit here. Little Lord Fauntleroy will b© presented at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night next, the season being necessarily limited to seven nights, owing to engagements having been booked ahead for the tour, which has to be completed in time for the Company to re-appear in Melbourne. It is promised that the same artists, character for character, employed in the original production in the Australian Colonies, will be engaged in the representation of the piece here, and the association of the names of Mosers Williamson, Garner and Musgrove with the venture should bo a guarantee that all that is promised will bo-carried cut,

Kaiax’Oi Courthouse. —The contractors have commenced the removal of the old buildings. University Examinations. Mis 9 Saunders, the head mistress of the Ashburton Girls’ High School, passed the B.A. examination; but owing to the fact that she did not keep term, her name was not included in the list published on Saturday. Exhibition Goods Returning. —• The exhibits sent from Canterbury to the Exhibition are now returning, and Mr Kinsey is busy in superintending the sorting of them preparatory to delivery to the exhibitors—in many cases a by im means easy task. Five trucks laden with returned exhibits came up on Saturday. It would be well for exhibitors to be on the look-out for their goods, and to put themselves in communication with Mr Kinsey about the matter.

Burglary.— A few nights ago a burglary was committed at the premises of Messrs J. Bowman and Son, auctioneers, Hereford street. The burglar entered by prizing open the front door with some instrument, which left very decided marks on the woodwork. He broke open a desk in the office, and took therefrom the sum of 14s 4d, which was all he got for his trouble. It is supposed that the thief expected to get the proceeds of a sale which had taken place on the preceding day, and which realised about <£loo. Mr Bowman, had, however, fortunately taken the money away with him. Charing Cross.—An entertainment in aid of the school prize fund was held on Friday, Mr James Gough presiding. The programme opened with a piano overture by the Misses Boulton, and there were songs, recitations, etc., by the children, who had been carefully trained by Mr and Mrs Sheldon. In the interval Mr Gough presented the prizes. Soners, recitations, &0., were then given by Hutchinson and Martin, Mesdames Grainger, 800 and Sheldon, Messrs Belgrave, Gough, Whitela w, Goodwin and Grainger. The room was tastefully decorated. Dancing to Mr Eameay’s music was indulged in for -2-iew" hours. The result was a success, financial and otherwise.

Bible Society.— On Friday evening a most successful meeting in connection with the British and Foreign Bible Society was held at the Pernside schoolroom, about a hundred and twenty of the residents or the district being present. The' Yen Archdeacon Dudley occupied the chair; The Rev H. T. Robjohns was present, and delivered an interesting address on the origin of the Society and its work. At the close Mr T. S. Mannering proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Rev Mr Robjohns, also to Mr Richard Evans, the energetic local collector for the Society, and to the Venerable Chairman. A collection taken dp during the evening amounted to £1 14s 7d, making the total subscription from the district for the year about £9.

Tennis.— The Canterbury Lawn Tennis Club will open their season next Saturday ■at 2.30, and, as various improvements to the grounds have been made, given fine weather there should be a very _ largo gathering. Mrs Nedwill, the President’s wife, baa kindly offered to provide refreshments, and, as all visitors are expected to bring their rackets and play, the afternoon tea will no doubt be appreciated. The Committee hope that all members will be present and bring their friends, and those outside the Club who are interested in tenuis are also invited. There will be a good double between Messrs Grossman and Ross and Messrs Wilding and Harman. It will be remembered that the latter couple were defeated by the Wellington representatives in Dunedin, so it will be seen if we have other players coming on to uphold the game of tennis in Canterbury. After the gentlemen’s double all the courts will be open to anyone wishing to play.

COUETENAY AgEICULTUBAL AND PaETOEAL Association.— The annual meeting was held in the Kirwee Hotel on Thursday evening; present—Mr T. H. Anson (President) in the chair, Messrs Gough, Dysart, M'Lelland, O’Malley, M'Nae, Turner, Seaton, Fentz, M'dausland, W. M'Lelland, Sandison, Croskill, A. E. Davis, Paterson, J. Cook, Grant, Needham, Johnson, Reid, Robertson, and the Secretary. The question of forming a Farmers’ Union was held over; The Secretary read the annual report and balance-sheet, which were considered very satisfactory. It was resolved to call a special meeting to discuss financial matters at an early date. The following were elected officers for the ensuing year:— Mr T, H. Anson, President; Messrs Gough, H. W. M'Lelland, and Seaton, VicePresidents; Mr M‘&ae, Hon Treasurer, Twenty gentlemen were elected as the General Committee, and three as a Supernumary Committee. A Ground Committee was also elected. The usual votes of thanks were passed, and the meeting adjourned.

Sunday School Anniversary. —Special services were held at the Kangiora United Methodist Free Church on Sunday to commemorate the establishment of the Sabbath. School in connection with the church. The Eev A. Peters preached, his morning subject being ** The Character of Daniel/ 1 and evening “ The Prodigal Come to Himself.” Soecial hymns were sung by a choir of about one hundred voices, assisted by the following instrumentalists: Messrs T. Withers (organ). A. Flesher (flute), A. Strong (clarionet), J. Watson (euphonium), T. Sutherland and B. Strong (violins), la the afternoon the choir gave a most interesting service of song entitled “ The Young Hero,” which was compiled for the occasion by the Eev A. Peters, who also read the connective portions. The musical selections included a solo by Miss Ogden, and duets by Mrs Peters and Miss C. Watson, and Misses E. and C. Watson. The congregation showed special interest in the day's proceedings, the church being crowded, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Christchurch Hounds. —On Wednesday last the meet took place at Mr John Overton's, Prebbleton. This fixture is always looked forward to with pleasure by members of the Christchurch Hunt Club as being one of the moat delightful meets of the season. Wednesday was no exception to the rule, it being a lovely day, a most enjoyable outing, and, to crown all, there was good sport. In the morning there were two really first-class runs, one of about twenty minutes with a kill, and another about thirty-five minutes, the hare taking refuge in some thick goree, out of which it was impossible to dislodge her. In the afternoon the scent was not so good, still two or three good gallops wore enjoyed over a grand hunting country. A very large field was out with a good sprinkling of strangers, and also many spectators in. carriages, to all of whom Mr and Mrs Overton extended a hearty welcome. A large marquee was erected on the lawn, in which a most sumptuous luncheon was laid, and the hospitality shown by the host and hostess will bo long remembered by those fortunate enough to be present. New Zealand’s Prospects.— The Investors' Guardian, an influential Loudon monetary paper, has a leading article founded on the late address of the President of the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce, which has been issued in pamphlet form. It says“ Some despondent minds, a short time ago, seemed to think that these conditions would be reversed, and to apprehend that general ruin was in store for New Zealand, because some adventurous local merchants had overtraded, and the banks had thereby been temporarily embarrassed, as if these episodes would not bo certain to occasionally recur in every new region where men had courage and energy enough to face uncertainty in their eagerness for the development of their country.” The article shows that the statistics of recent New Zealand trade prove that the depression is passing away. It thus concludes : —" There can be no reasonable doubt that its fine climate, the richness of much of its soil, as shown by the high average yield of wheat, coupled with the well-known fact that New Zealand stands first of all the Colonies in its facilities for sheep producing, renders this Colony moat attractive to farmers and emigrants from the agricultural classes. The augmented demand from our masses for Now Zealand mutton canuot fail to increase this tendency, which will receive further impetus from the great mining wealth of New Zealand, the development of which, ia, yetit| its infancy.”

Tv atapot EnriiS CiitJß. —-On Saturday the second competition for Mr prize ■was won by Mr F. Humphreys, with the score of seventy-nine. The three best aggregates from five competitions will win.

This Cathedral Bellringers. The members of the Christchurch Cathedral Bellringers' Society are requested to meet in the tower at a quarter past seven this evening, to give a peal of welcome to the Bishop-elect. Orange Society. The No. 1 No Surrender Lodge mat on Friday last. There was a good attendance. A vote of thanks was accorded the Committee for the efficient manne" in which arrangements had been made for the social hold on April IS.

South Eaeaia Eoad Board. —The folh.iwing have been nominated as candidates for the Board in place of Messrs Lyttelton and Pycroft, who retire by ballot Messrs W. M. Lyttelton, ,T. Lambie and G. Viiutich. The election of two members will take place on May ti. i'AfANUi.— T ie Wesleyan Band of Hope hold their monthly meeting cu Friday evening; the Rev 0. H. Standage in the chair. There was a fair attendance. _ .A good programme of songs, duets, recitations, musical selections, &0., was contributed, and the chairman delivered an addrots.

Me Boas's Hokse Sale.— Special invitation cards are being issued for the ] uncheon to be held as Mr W. Boag’a special horse sale at Burnside, ou Tuesday, May G. Among the invited guests are several prominent clergymen, including his Lordship Bishop Julius, the Kcvs Dr Elmslie and Gordon Webster. •Mbs Bakyerts. This lady continued her mission last evening in the Tuam Street Hall, when there was an overflowing audience. Sho gave an impressive address, and embodied an account of her conversion. In the afternoon Mrs Baeyertz delivered her fourth • address to Christiana. The attendance was very good. To-night sho la to continue her mission in tho Tuam Street Hall.

r *” Railway Servants. —A special meeting of a Sub-Committee was held on Saturday evening, when the ballot on the question ot affiliating with the Canterbury Trades and Labour Council was closed. The numbers previously published wore 433 for and 15 against. " The numbers received on Saturday wore 135 for and 29 against. The totals stand thus—For 573, against 3-1, being a majority of 539 in favour of affiliation.

The Mining Exhibition in London.— The whole of the New South Wales exhibit of minerals—comprising about two hundred tor:s—which has been on view at tho Lunedm Exhibition, is to bo sent to the Mining Exhibition that will shortly bo opened in the Crystal Palace at Loudon. Tho collection has been sent by rail from Dunedin, so as to catch the Doric at Lyttelton, to be shipped by that boat for London. These exhibits will ho supplemented by others from New South Wales, which will be sent direct from Sydney. Surely something will be dona to eocuce tho representation of the mineral resources of New Zealand at this important Exhibition.

Glenrot Coal Company. —Mr William Smart, mining engineer for this Company, returned from Kororata on Saturday, and reports that the contractors for the lowlevel working tunnel on tho Company's ground, after cutting through several yards of very hard rock, are now cutting through coal measures which are fully equal to the JBrockley coal, so favourably known to the Christchurch public. These low-le®el drives will enable a very large area of coal to be wrought on a free level, as all tho seams aro dipping towards these workings. The last prospecting drive in the Brockley ground, which adjoins this mine, showed seven seams of black coal, which the Glenroy drives will be able to tap at over five hundred feet below tho outcrop, besides other seams, the outcrops of which have been prospected by this Company. Springfield.— A most agreeable meeting of old residents of Springfield and tho neighbourhood took place at .Keane’s Hotel on Friday evening. The occasion waa a “send-off” to Mr William M‘K ay, lately Manager of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency's Brookdale station, Messrs W. and li. M‘Kay (by the way, no relations) having secured the lease of Woodstock, and purchased the stock. The former, in order to assume the active management of tho property, severs his connection with the Springfield district, where he has been so long known and respected. Mr James Cunningham occupied the chair, and proposed the health of the guest in a few appropriate words, wishing prosperity to the Messrs M'Eay in their new venture. The guest suitably replied. Messrs Rutherford, Williamson and Lindop also spoke eulogistically of the guest’s many good qualities. Songs and toasts enlivened the proceedings. _ Mr Henry Davies presided at the piano. A most enjoyable evening was brought to a conclusion with “ Auld Lang Syne.”

Nelson last winter was favoured with the preBanco of His Excellency the Governor, who, with Lis family, resided at the “ Cliffs,” the residence Of Mrs A. J. Iliohmond. This charming property, which is said to he one of tho most delightful in the Colony, is now to lot, furnished, for several 3 ears, by alessrs Baker Bros., tho well-known auctioneers of Wellington and Auckland. In consequence of tho consecration of Archdeacon Julius, the meeting of tho Philosophical Institute advertised for May 1 is postponed until May 8, blandish and Preoce, High street, always to the fore in artistic taste, have just imported tho latest designs in studio sconce. Bikonogen.—'This most recant and wonderful develooer produces exquisite results in photo, rraphy, and is used solely in Christchurch hy C. H. Manning, Royal and Vice-Regal Photographer. Sea magnificent specimens at studio. Pish and Oysters!!!—The undersigned are prepared to supply stowort island oystera in any quantity at ton shiUmsa per sack, at the Bluff. Urwiu and Co«, Bluff Harbour.— [Advil!