TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 9292, 22 December 1890, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

The tf Canterbury Times.” The success of the Christmas number of the Canterbury Times has been bo great that it has become necessary to print yet another edition. Those whose orders have not yet been filled will therefore kindly accept this intimation. The third edition will be published at about eleven o’clock this forenoon, and parcels will be made up and despatched forthwith. Those of the general public who desire to secure copies, either for their own Christmas reading or for transmission to friends; Sira requested to make application at this office, or at any agency of the Lyttelton Times, as soon as possible. Sunnysxde Asylum. — lt is announced' that visiting at this institution will ba suspended on Thursday next, Christmas Day. Mb Whitefooed, R.M.—Though still confined to his bed, Mr Whitefoord is progressing as well as possible through hia. illness, but it will be some time before he will be able to resume his official dutiea,j as perfect rest is the main requisite to: recovery. Oratorio in the Cathedral. ~otuf, readers are reminded that Spohr’s oratorio “The Last Judgment” will be performed, this evening by the Cathedral .choir., .The! collection will be in aid of the Cathedral: Choir and Music Library fund. y Excursion to Little River.— ln con-; nection with the athletic sports at Little 1 Siver on Tuesday, Dec. 30, an exquraiojj l train will bo run, leaving Christchurch at' 8.52 a.m. and returning at 6 p.m. Parti- 1 culars of the faces, Ac., will be found in an! advertisement.

Advancement of Science.— His Excellency the Governor will be passing through Christchurch next month on his way to' open Parliament, and he hopes to be I present at the opening ceremony of the I Australasian Association for the Advance-: ment of Science on Jan. 15. Sumner Excursion. —lt is advertised! that the weekly tramway excursion to. Sumner will leave Cathedral square at 7.15 p.m. to-morrow. The Stanmore band will accompany the party, and on . the! beach there will be a dancing board, to! which admission will be by tram ticket. Educational Institute.— An alteration has been made in the representatives from North Canterbury to the New Zealand Educational Institute, which meets in Auckland on Jan. 6 next. The Rev ,Ti Fla veil and Mr C. S. Howard are unable to attend, and their places will be supplied by Messrs T. Hughes and Bullook.. Mr* Bullock will also be one of the representatives. The others are Messrs T. S. Foster and R. P. Clarkson.

Woodknd Rifle Club.--A well-attended meeting of the members of this Club was' jaeld at Archer’s Hotel, Woodend, oa' Friday night, Mr C. Dampier presiding. It was resolved to open the range -on Saturday, Dec. 27, with a match between the members. The Chairman reported that some Martini-Henry rifles had been procured. A Sub-Committee was appointed to carry out improvements on the range, and a vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings. Personal —A contemporary gays:—Mr W. Cleeve Edwards, C.E., son of Archdeacon Edwards, who is engaged under Mr Napier Bell on the Midland Railway works* has been offered a responsible appointment on theTaamanian railways by the Engineer-in-chief. We understand Mr Edwards has, however, declined the appointment, preferring to remain at his present work. It is gratifying to And young New Zealanders receiving offers such as these*when it is considered there is such a large field Is Australia from which to make selection. Good Tbmflabt.—The Hope of Christchurch Lodge met on Thursday last. Bro Young, C.T., opened the Lodge. Shortly afterwards the members of the Star of Unity Lodge, from H.M.S. Cara 9oa, attended in official regalia, and were invited to fill the various chairs, Bro Cordeg acting as C.T. One candidate wae initiated, the naval brothers carrying on the initiation. One member was received on clearance card. It being an "athome’* night, refreshments were served. Harmony was then taken up, the brethren from the! Curagoa chiefly contributing. The evening was a thoroughly enjoyable one. Grange Socibtt.—The Orangemen of Timaru, taking advantage of the sitting of the Grand Lodge in their town, Ray® arranged for a concert and church parade j the funds raised by this means to go. W the widow and youthful family of Bro Boyd, who was a prominent volunteer and Orangeman. The concert is to take place on Saturday, Dec. 27, and the church, parade will be held the following day. All belonging to the Order, headed by the Garrison Band, are to attend service at the Presbyterian Church, Barnard etreefc. It is hoped that every person who possibly can will assist in this praiseworthy object as Mrs Boyd has four children to support, the eldest of whom is but eight years old, St Andrew’s Church. Special services were held at this church yesterday, in commemoration of the arrival of the Rev Gordon Webster and bis induce tion to the pastorate on Dec. 16, 1887In the morning Mr Webster exchanged pulpits with the Rev E. Taylor, of the Durham street Wesleyan Church, who preached a stirring sermon,, and in the evening with the Rev Dr Elmslie, who preached to an immense congregation from the words of Job, “ Acquaint thyself with God, and be at peace.” In the afternoon, the Rev Mr Webster delivered a special address to the children of the Sunday school. Special musical selections were rendered at the services, which were all bright and cheerful. Thanks, —We have much pleasure, in publishing the following letter s—" Christchurch, Dec. 21.— Dear Sir,—The bandsmen of Christchurch desire to thank you very heartily for your kind assistance, by way of locals, &0., in your paper, since tha commencement of the art union. You will doubtless remember we had JBI3O to wipe off, which we have done' and come out on the credit side. We are confident that had it not been for the assistance of the Press of Christchurch, especially the Lyttdtxm Times, we would not have been so successful. Hoping that you will accept buir thanks, which are hearty and sincere,—lam. Sir, yours faithfully, Wm. Mansell, Hon Sec. To the Editor, Lyttelton Times, Christchurch.” Public School Entertainment. —Oa Friday evening last the annual entertainment in aid of the prize fund of tha Geraldine public school came off in tha Volunteer Hall', and was a great success financially. The infants, under tha leadership of their teacher. Miss Pearson, sang several action songs very creditably. After an overture, “ Mandolinata." by May Fisher, a pupil of Miss Fish, the elder children sang one of the Kinderspiels, entitled “ The Flower o’ the Forest,” tha children taking the principal parts in character. The usual votes of thknlnj brought a successful and happy evening to a close. The school was announced to reassemble on Jan. 26. Instead of prizes being awarded this year, it is the intention of the Committee to give the children a picnic shortly after the school duties recommence. Killincht.—lmportant additions have recently been made to the Public Library in order to meet the growing requirements of the district. On Friday evening a most successful concert was held in the schoolroom towards reducing the debt on tha building. Mr M. O’Brien, Chairman of the Library Committee, occupied the chair. The following ladies and gentlemen generously placed their services at the disposal of the Committee, and afforded a treat of no ordinary character to a fairly numerous audience:—Missea Cooper, Comerford and Tipler, Messrs J. Yates, Comerford, Paddy, Prime and Rev E. Whitehouse (violin solo)t An amusing reading was given by Mr M'Rae. The accompaniments were well played by Misses Comerford, Tipler and Spring. After n hearty vote of thanks to the performers the concert was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem. The young popple '/theh...ad|pu^aed > to the new room, and dancing formed a pleasurable pastime till daylight.

Tibhiwo.—On Saturday Mr Alps, of Colombo street, exhibited two very fine rout taken, from the Lower Selwyn by a hriatohuroh angler. The larger fish toled Ilf lb, and the smaller 9&lb, and both re handsome fish. Rakaia..— Our correspondent writes ; he river is .in heavy fresh and still sing. There is no appearance of an iatement of hard North-west weather, nd the crops axe suffering considerably. >a Thursday there were a few,very light ihowers, which only just managed to damp, fee-dust. . . .

Yachting,— The yacht Maacotte relumed from Akaroa on Saturday afterloon. - Yachtsmen are looking forward to I good contest on New Year’s Day at lyttelton between the Wellington yacht and our local crafts. The Mahanga, of Akaroa, will also be a contestant. Sint to thb Asylum. The third officer of the steamer fiangitira, Mr J. Sutherland, was sent to the Lunatic Asylum on Saturday morning. He showed ■gna of insanity on Tuesday last, and Iraduallj got worse, so it was thought •indent to remove him from the ship. 7 I*B»BSNTATiON. —On Friday afternoon the scholars of the Doyleston school pre■ented their teacher, Mies Howard (who is leaving on account of the school being Inade into a main school) with a handsome Writing-desk and work-box, also, _a purse i-.nd work-bag. One of the senior girls road K letter expressing the regret felt on •cconnt of their teacher’s departure, and their hope that she would have as useful and,successful a sphere of labour elsewhere. . Capillary Attraction.— A correspondent with a turn for statistics amused himself in the interval, during the performance of The Messiah, by counting the bald heads among the audience from his elevated seat in the gallery of the Oddfellows’ Hall. His researches revealed the fact that there were among the gentlemen present fifty-seven who affected heads of the ** ostrich-egg ” pattern, or nearly so; whilst there were many others who, like the statistician himself, are engaged in the laborious occupation of “growing through their hair.’’ A Gobs® Fibb.—About two o’clock on Saturday a telephone message was received at the'Obester street Fire Brigade station that there was a fire in London street, Richmond. The bells were rung, and the Brigade, with all their engines, turned out to the first fire in Richmond since it has become a part of the city. They found that there was a fire, truly, but all that was burning was a gorse hedge, supposed to have been set alight by some children playing with matches. The firemen and their engines thereupon returned to the stations. Content Schools, Ashburton.—A very pleasant entertainment was given at the Convent; Ashburton, on Friday. A large number of children, with their parents, assembled in the main building, which was most tastefully decorated, to hear the (musical entertainment and see the prizes distributed. After the programme had been gone through in a very creditable manner, the Very Rev Father Chastagnon addressed those present, and then called bpon Father Aubrey to distribute the prikei, which he did, accompanying the gift with a kind and suitable remark to each. , Til Taptt.— The annual picnic in connection with the Band of Hope was held on Dec. 16 in the grounds of Mr J. T. P. Mbnhead, Spring Station, Lincoln. There was a large gathering of members and friends. 1 The Committee were soon busy getting off races for the children, this being the principal amusement before luhbh. In the afternoon various games were indulged in = — shooting, rounders. Aunt Sally, cricket, &c._ The weather being all that could be desired, all seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Tea was spread about five o'clock, and by six preparations were, being made for homo. Before leaving the ground ringing cheers were given for Mr and Miss Morsbead, and for Mr Miller, President of the Band of Hope. Ashburton Borough School.— There was a.large gathering at St Stephen’s ichoolrobm on Friday evening, the occasion being the breaking up for the Christmas holidays of the Borough School, and the fcrmnn.l prize distribution. Mr W. J. Bilcook, Chairman of the Committee, distributed the prizes, and said that the Committee intended during the next year to do something towards encouraging tifY-Tininal education, by offering prizes for different descriptions of handiwork. He then asked his Worship the Mayor (Mr Friedlander) to take the chair. Speeches trere made by Major Steward, M.H.E., and the Eev S. A. Scott. A number of songs ..and recitations by the children, followed by a magic, lantern exhibition, twaifa up a very pleasant evening’s entertainment. Ebt Charles Clark. —The return to Christchurch of the most popular lecturer that ever came here will be a welcome event, not only to those who remember the brilliant orator, but to the new generation that have only heard of him. More than twelve . years have elapsed since thronged audiences assembled nightly in the Oddfellows’ Hall to hear him illustrate Dickens or Thackeray, or describe the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey; and although during the last ten years (several famous men have made lecturing tours in the Colonies, none ever achieved so great a success as Mr Clark. He has been lecturing continuously since he returned to the Colonies about nine months ggo, all accounts describe him as being a more brilliant lecturer than ever. During last week he drew large audiences to the Wellington Opera House, and his opening lecture in the Oddfellows’ Hall here has bepn fixed for next Monday. Thb Brantford Binder.— A trial of this machine took place in a field of oats HftHT the racecourse, Ashburton, on Saturday. Owing to a strong Nor’-wester blowing not a, great many farmers were ■present, thinking, no doubt, that no would risk its reputation by living a trial under such difficult circumstances. But the agent of the machine Irenfc on with the trial. The machine (hat was tried was a new seven-foot but that had never tied a sheaf before; but from the time that the horses were harnessed , on, it did its work splendidly, taot a single hitch taking place or a loose pheaf being thrown off during the whole that onr reporter was present. Although this machine has only been in the district two seasons, it has gained an ezOfcllent name for itself. In light, uneven CTOM it does excellent work, and to show bbac it can also manage heavy ones, a fa* mar present said that he had cut a isrenty bushel crop with one of these last season, opening up and all, lod it had done it well. The expert in bt&hdahce, Mr Sliger, gave .farmers all (necessary information, and altogether the trial was very satisfactory. Christchurch QuN Club,—A series of handicap pigeon matches were shot by the members of the Christchurch Gun Club on the Heathcote Racecourse on Friday afternoon. First match £1 each, was won by Whittle, sent. 26yds, killing seven lairds; Mathews 23yds, six birds; and Green 23yds, six birds, dividing second juid. third money. Second sweep, of ill each, at five birds.—Whittle, junr. 24yds, five birds, and W. Hurcombe 23yds, five birds, divided first and second prizes; while Green 23yds, Bennett 24yde, and Banger 23yds, killed four birds each, and divided the third prize. Third sweep of 20s each, five birds, was won by W. Hurcombe from 24yda. Whittle, senr. 26yds, Whittle, junr. 25yds, Bailey 27yds, and Matthews 24yds, each shot four birds, knd divided second and third prizes. Fourth sweep, of 20s each, five birds, was won by Green from the 23yds mark, with a score of five birds. Whittle, aenr., 27yds, Bailey 27yds, and Mathews 24yds each killed four birds, and divided the second and third prizes. Two double rise matches were -fired, the first of which was divided by Nankivell and Whittle, senr., and the lieebhd by Bennett and Whittle, senr. The Weather was against good shooting, as a strong wind blew from the shooter to the traps. The birds, too, were hardly a level lot, some of them being very alow to rise. In the evening the members of the Club hold their first annual dinner at the A 1 Hotel, where they spent a pleasant flrroßirT-

The Cushion Ttbb.—A machine fitted with this, the latest improvement to modern cycles, will be ridden on Boxing Day, at Lancaster Park, at the interprovincial bicycle races. Theatrical. The members o£ the Kennedy-Dobson Dramatic Company will leave here this morning and proceed from Springfield to Hokitika by special coach. They open at the New Princess’ Theatre, Hokitika, in The Shaughraun on Friday night. Railway Excursions.— ln consequence of the cheap holiday tickets, the issue of which commenced on Saturday, the express train to the South was much more crowded than usual, la addition to the ordinary passenger traffic to the nearer stations, about one hundred people availed themselves of the cheap fares to Timaru, Oamaru and Dunedin.

The Bands’ Art Union.—The result of the art union got up by the Christchurch bands to clear off the deficit on the band contest of November, 1889, has been most satisfactory. After paying off all liabilities there remains a credit; balance of £99 10s 9d. The Committee and their energetic Secretary are to be congratulated on the result, and the bandsmen of Christchurch have also reason to be specially grateful to the Honorary Treasurer, Mr J. A. M'Cullogh. The Governor. The Governor and party left Christchurch for Dunedin by the express train on Saturday. His Excellency took Lady Onslow on Friday to see the house which lately belonged to tho Hon W. Eobinson, and which Hia Excellency inspected in October last with a view to renting it. Lord Onslow went on Saturday to Seacliff, Otago, to obtain for Lady Onslow the benefit of country air and quiet. He hopes to spend a few days in Christchurch before returning to Wellington to open Parliament. The Hospital Escapee.— James Davis, the man who escaped from the Hospital on Tuesday last with only his trousers, shirt and stockings on, was discovered on Friday night by Sergeant M'Grath, camped in some gorse bushes near the foot of the Port hills not far from the Convalescent Home. The man was undoubtedly insane, and was brought up at the Eesident Magistrate’s Court on Saturday and committed by Messrs E. Westenra and S. D. Barker to Sunnyside, on the advice of two medical men. “The Messiah.’’— The Hon Secretary of the Christchurch Motett Society writes: —“ Will you kindly contradict by a ‘ local ’ the report that ‘ The Messiah ’ concert on Friday was given by the Christchurch Motett Society. The concert was tendered by Madame Burton’s Company, assisted by the chorus and conductor of the Motett Society.” It may also be stated that the hall was crowded, many being unable to obtain admission, some of these remaining outside to enjoy the music. The Company proceeded on Saturday night to Wellington, where this evening they will give the first of two sacred concerts in the Opera House, in conjunction with the Harmonic Society, Kaiapoi Regatta. —A meeting of this Committee was held on Saturday night, at Burnip’a Hotel, Dr Crompton Parsons in the chair. The following entries were received for the various events Single Sculls, 3; Youths’ Doable Sculls, 4; Senior Pouts, 2; Ladies’ Plate, 1; Senior Pairs, 5 ; Maiden Pairs, 5; Senior Double Sculls, 5; Maiden Double Sculls, 5; Junior Pairs, 5; Open Boats’ Sailing Eacc, 8. It was resolved that the course for the Sailing Eace be:—Starting from Askeaton round buoy eff bar, to win opposite grand stand. Some routine business was attended to, and it was resolved to meet again on Monday night to appoint Sub-Committees. Considerable regret was expressed that the entries for the Senior Fours and Ladies’ Plate were not more numerous, and several members of Committee were in favour of extending the time for closing entries to Monday night. The meeting thou closed. Theatre Royal. —One of the chief attractions in town for Boxing Night—and one which will, no doubt, be exceedingly well attended—is,the opening performance of the London Bellringers and Musical Novelty Company fa the Theatre Eoyal. The Company have lately arrived from Australia, where they were spoken of in very high terms of praise by the Press, and these opinions have been very heartily endorsed by the Press of the North Island, where the Company have been doing remarkably good business. The musical entertainment is said to be an excellent one, and the very funny burlesque and pantomimic sketches introduced during the course of the. performance are said to be refined and without the least trace of vulgarity, or the “music hall” stamp. The company have their own brass band with them, and have besides one of the cleverest cornet soloists in these Colonies, Herr Von der Mehdeh. The entertainment by its excellence should command big houses during the Christmas week. The Cathedral. —The services at the Cathedral yesterday were of a special nature. There was an ordination service in the morning, and in the afternoon the rite of confirmation was administered. There was a fairly numerous congregation at each service. In the morning, Mr Cocks, son of the Eev H. B. Cocks, incumbent of Sydenham, was ordained a deacon by the Eight Eev tho Bishop of Christchurch. The exhortation before the ceremony was delivered by the Rev H. B. Cocks, who, taking for his test part of a vers© in the sixth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, “And they laid hands upon them,” gave the history of the institution of the office of deacon—the first step in the career of a minister of the church—and spoke of the necessity which brought that office into being, and which stillexisted, and of the duties and responsibilities which appertained to it. The hymns were in keeping with the occasion, and the anthem “ how Lovely ” was sung. In the afternoon, a confirmation service was held, there being eleven candidates, members of the choir and the Cathedral school. Prior to the ceremony, the Bishop, in a very impressive address, pointed out to the candidates its significance, and, at its conclusion, he spokt to them in earnest terms of the responsibilities which they had assumed. Christchurch Swimming Club. Two hours’ amusement was afforded at the West Christchurch school balls on the occasion of the annual display given by the members of the Club. Among the spectators were a number of ladies. The arrangements were excellently carried out by the Committee under Captain A. Francis; The programme began with a display of springboard diving, in which the antics Of Mr G. Jackson caused mu eh merriment. The tub race in heats was won by H. Laurenson, most of the competitors coming to grief in their attempts to navigate their unwieldy craft. A aeries of fifty yards scratch races resulted in a vietory for J. Crummie, and tho Sub-Captnin W. E. Sneddon won the 25yds electric dash. D. H. Caahbolt won the 50yds steeplechase, Crummie and Jewiss won the p.ck-a-back race, and Merrie the 50yds back race. The leapfrog race, African surf-board race, rescue from drowning, all served to show the proficiency of the members. Sir W. E. Sneddon won considerable applaiae by plunging 49fb Sin. The match at water polo between teams from the rival Clubs, East and West Christchurch brongafc the programme to a close. This resulted in a win for the Christchurch Club by two goals to one. Cheers being given foi the Christchurch Club the proceedings terminated. The Houbb Surgeon of Christchurch Hostital desirsn to acknowledge, with thauks, the rectipt of £1 from Miss amelia IVituco and of £1 Is trim Mr Wynn-Ailliarns in aid of tho patients’ thrttmas treat, bnpormtondent Andrews, of the Railway Fho Krigide, wishes to acknowledge tho receipt, with thauks. of a cheque for £2 2s from Messrs Uooth, Macdonald and Co. for B«rvici-B rendered at the fire on their promises on Deo. 15. ’the Hou Lady Superintendent of St Mary’s Home desires to acknowledge, with thanks, the following donations Joints of mutton, Mrs N Ca va- parcel worn clothing, Miss Tripp; parcel worn clothing. Mrs Hanks; parcel worn clothing, Mrs bridge; parcel worn clothing, Mrs Thorpi; two forms, quilts, washing-machine and crockery, Mrs Blnkis -on; sewing-machine, lira Aohind; four bags potatoes, Mr Ashworth; parcel hats, Miss Mitchell; parcel oranges, Mrs Aingwr; parcel clothes, boots and shoes, Mrs Harley; new garm-nta, Mrs chambers; now garment-, Miss Hastings; remains lunoneon, choral festival; cake from sn Mary’s sale o'work. B. W. Meers, Art Fboto rapber. Popular prices, superior woriamshp, satisfaction guaranteed, ( hildren a hj>o ialty. Do not mista*e the address—Meers, 2X2, Colombo street, . Showroom upstairs.—LA9W.l

The Premier’s Soliloquy. —According to “ Oivis,” in the Otago Daily Times, Sir Harry Atkinson is supposed to commune thus: — To bide or not to bide: that is the question; Whether ’tie better for us still to bear The slings and arrows of outrageous Ballauce Or to sink arms beneath a sea of troubles. And, by resigning, end them ? To go, resign; No more ; and by resigning say we end The heartache, and the thousand painful snubs The Cabinet’s heir to; ’tis a consummation Devoutly to be wished. To go, resign— Easign : perchance to starve : ay, there’s the rub. For in resigning, ugh! what straits may come. When we have shuffled off the benches here. Must give us pause: there’s the respect That makes s Ministry thus cling to life ; For who would bear the whips and scorns of Eeeves, Dick Seddon’a tongue and Cadman’s contumely. The fangs of Hutchison, the claws of Grey, The insolence of Fish, and all the spurns That patient Mitchelson and t’others took When we ourselves could our quietus make With a bare penstroke ? Who would fardels bear. To grunt and sweat under a weary life, But that the dread of losing place and pay. On Opposition benches from whose bourne We never may return, puzzles the will. And makes us rather bear the ills we have Than fly to others that we know of old P Thus office does make cowards of us all. And thus the native hue of resignation la sickbed o’er with the pale cast of fright. And independence, honour, duty, all. In this respect their currents turn away. And lose the name of action. How a Gladstone Speech was Exported. —The venerable statesman, says a Scottish contemporary, began hia speech at 4.6 p.m. and finished at 5.30; the last of the reporters’ “ copy ” was in the printers’ hands—at a distance of half a mde off—at 5.38; the formes of type were made up and sent to press at 5.50; twelve minutes were spent in the stereotyping room; tho machines were set rolling at 6.2; and boys with bundles of papers were selling in all directions a minute or two afterwards, the completed report being published half an hour before any other. Thera were in all over six colnmns of a report, of which almost five columns were devoted to Mr Gladstone's speech word for word. Nine of the reporters formed the note-taking corps proper; another took what is known as a “ check note,” a third acted as “ timekeeper.” No. 1 took a shorthand note for one minute. No. 3 followed; and soon. No. I, of course, had time to write up his notes before his turn came round after No. 0 had completed his note-taking. In the later stages the “ turns ” were reduced to half a minute each. One reporter had charge of the collection and arrangement of the “ copy,” and as each “ section ” was ready it was handed to a boy, whose duty it was to act as go between from the reporters to an outside messenger at the door. From this door at the Corn Exchange to the newspaper office there was a chain of boys, each with a beat of about 200 yards. Each boy on receiving copy ran forward to his nearest neighbour, returning afterwards to his former post, and in this way the various sections were delivered at the printing office in an incredibly short time—more quickly, indeed, than by cab or horse. At headquarters fifty-four compositors in their order each took up a sheet of the “ copy.” The operation of setting up each, sheet would only occupy three or four minutes. The report was out of hand within a minute or two of setting down, and all without a hitch;