TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 9398, 27 April 1891, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

The School Committee Elections.— The election of District School Committees for the ensuing year will take place this evening. Arrangements have been made for some of the masters at the East and West Christchurch schools to be in attendance all day at the main school, in order to witness the signatures of intending voters to the ballot papers for the election in the evening. This arrangement is for the convenience of those voters who may bo unable to attend the meeting. At Lyttelton, the Chairman of the outgoing Committee has made arrangements for a teacher to be in attendance at the school throughout to-day, to certify to the signatures of any householders who may wish to record their votes. The signature can be certified to either by the Postmaster, a Justice of the Peace, or a teacher, hence the action of the Committees. There is every indication of a keen contest for the election of the Committees in this district. The labour party, who announced their candidates some days ago, and who are in favour of uniformity of school books, will, it seems, need to poll heavily to secure the return of their nominees, as the other side, we are informed, have been actively engaged during the past week in canvassing for votes. If a “ householder” could not conveniently go to a Justice of the Peace to record his vote, the Justice, it was found, could readily wait upon him to attest his signature. The Unionists now say that on another occasion they must have their own special canvassers and their own special J.P.’s.

The Australian Mail. —The Rotomahana, from Melbourne, arrived afc the Bluff yesterday, at noon. Her mail will be due here to-morrow night. San Francisco Mail. —This mail did not leave Wellington yesterday for Lyttelton until three o’clock in the afternoon, the Mahinapua having been delayed on the West Coast.

Band op Hope. —The monthly meeting of the Crescent road Wesleyan Band of Hope, was held on Friday. There was a good attendance, also, a good programme consisting of songs, recitations and dialogues contributed by the members. Kaiapoi Band op Hope. —The opening concert of this Society took place on Friday in the Wesleyan schoolroom, Kaiapoi. The attendance was very large. The various items, which were contributed principally by juvenile members, were well received, and the whole was a great success.

"Volunteering*. —On Friday night the Kaiapoi Rifle Company mustered for drill in thoir Hall, in Raven street, under command of Lieutenants Wilson and Miller. Fifty-eight members answered to the roll call, and were afterwards exercised in the customary drill. At a general meeting of the corps, held after parade. Lieutenant Wilson was elected captain.

North Belt Literary Association.— At the weekly meeting of this Society recitations, readings and musical items were given by Messrs R. Torrance, W. EalI,D. Sutherland, J. Watt, W. Goss, W. Watt, H. B. Strange, W. K. M'Kenzie and Wilkinson. Miss Wilkinson was the accompanist. Pianoforte solos were played by the Misses Webster, L. Strange and Eeicl. The business for next meeting will be a debate. Land and Income Tax v. Property Tax. East Oxford. —The bachelors of Oxford and the district held their annual ball in the Town Hall, East Oxford, on April 24. About one hundred and ten persons were present. Dancing was kept up with great spirit until five in the morning, and at intervals songs were contributed by Miss Woodward, and Messrs Giles, Poster Lugar and Grimwood. Mr Bourgeois danced a hornpipe. The music was supplied by Brown Brothers and Pickerill, and the catering was under the superintendence of Mrs Kirby. Bald at Longbeach.— On Friday evening the workmen and tenants on the Longbeach estate celebrated the homecoming of Mr and Mrs J. C. N. Grigg by a ball in one of the large grain stores at the homestead. Great enthusiasm was displayed when the health of Mr and Mrs Grigg was proposed, and later in the evening, when Mr John Grigg was similarly complimented. The kindly feeling that so manifestly exists between employer and employed may serve as a clue to the successful working of the Longbeach estate.

Christchurch Lmdertapel. —The last of the “ Gemischtsr abend ” concerts of this Society for the 1890-1 season is to be given in the Tuam street hall on Thursday evening, when a more than usually enjoyable programme is to bo put forward. In addition to a good selection of glees from the Orpheus and Chickoriug collections, the members will sing, by desire, two special favourites, viz., the ” Blue Danube Waltzes ” and the Soldiers’ Chorus from “ Faust.” Mrs Wilding (piauo) and the able conductor, Mr F. M. Wallace (violin) are to play the four “ Pensdes Fugitives,” by Heller and Ernst; Messrs Weir, Appleby and Millar will sing Calcott’s “Peace to the Souls of the Heroos.” The usual vocal solos by members will complete a first-class programme.

HiLMEoaouGn Rifle Range,— The fifth and fins! competition of the season between the members of the Volunteer Companies interested in the rifle range at Hillsborough was fired off on Saturday. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, the muster was not so large as the Committee would have liked to see. The attendance during the five matches has averaged about thirty, and considering that the weather has been anything but ■propitious on most of the days, this result tends to show that our Volunteers are as anxious to improve themselves as ever they were in the “ good old days.” The Committee beg to thank the following for their kindness and liberality in providing prizes: —Messrs E. H. Rhodes, W. B. Perceval, M H E., Davies and Lamb, Williams and Stevens,E. Eeece and Sons, S.Manning and Co F. Egan, Aitken and Roberts and Ashby, Berg and Co. The following were the prize-takers on Saturday; conditions, ten shots at 200 and 200ydsQuarter-master-Sergeant Dougall, E Battery (ser), <7B; Sergeant Wright, College Eiflea (6), 73; Corporal Pavitt, Mounted Rifles (6), 71; Corporal Colclough, College Rifles (6). 64; Gunner Berry, E Battery (6), 64; Colour-Sergeant Smith, College Rifles (scr), 62. The three highest of the following are the prize-takers for the aggregate of four out of the five matches fired: —Quarter-master-Sergeant Dougall, E Battery, 302; Lance-Corporal Millton, College Rifles, 256; Corporal Pavitt, Mounted Rifles, 249; Colour-Sergeant Smith, College Rifles, 249; Sergeant Hen wood, E Battery, 228 ; Gunner Berry, E Battery, 224; Corporal Colclough, College Rifles, 215. APerfectFood —Aulsebrook’s Biscuits.—. .AavrJ

Personal.— Sir Eobert and Lady Stoat were passengers by the steamer Penguin, which left Lyttelton on Saturday night for Wellington. City Council Election. —The election of a Councillor for the South-west Ward of the city takes place at St Michael's' school to-day. Messrs J. T. Smith and E. Levoi are the candidates. A Cricketer’s Departure.— Mr A. E. Moss, well known in cricketing circles in Christchurch, has received an appointment at Ashburton, whither he proceeds to-day His loss to the Lancaster Park Club wiU prove a gain to the Ashburton cricketers.

Mb J. GL Euddbnklau.— By the Tainui, which is due in New Zealand this week, Mr J. G. Ruddenklau, with his wife, returns to Christchurch. Their many friends will he glad to know that the trip to Europe has been of service to them, and that they are in better health than they were when they left here, Mr Euddenklau, in a private letter received by Mr W. P. Warner last week, speaks with pleasant anticipation of again greeting old friends, and tells of the hard winter just experienced at Home.

The Phonograph.— On Saturday after* noon Messrs MacMahon Bros, closed their short but very successful season with Edison’s phonograph at the Theatre Eoyal. Notwithstanding the wet weather & large audience, mainly composed of children, assembled at the matinde, and showed very plainly their appreciation of the machine, the " records ” and Professor Archibald’s explanation. To-night the phonograph will be exhibited at Eaiapoi, and to-morrow it will be shown to the residents of Lyttelton.

Morris-Tube Shooting. —An interesting match took place at the Gladstone range on Saturday evening, between teams representing the Addington and Stamnore Bands, resulting in a win for the former by a majority of fourteen points. The following are the individual scores Addington : Analey 33, Blazey 29, G. Jenner 28, Hancock 27, Clarke 27, S. Williamson 26, Pratt 24, Smith,2l, Knight 20, Derry 16; total 251. Stanmore s Bailey 29, Mills 28, M'Killop 26. Harris, 26, Beattie 26, Dunn 26, Fisher 24, Wood 19, Jones 19, Scott 14; total 287.

N Battery. —An inspection parade of the N Battery of Artillery was held at the drillshed, Lyttelton, on Friday. There were thirty-six of all ranks present under Captain MTntyre. Major Douglas, N.Z.A., was present, and the men were put through, gun-drill and theoretical instruction in artillery work. The Battery purpose celebrating their anniversary by holding the annual “ social” on Friday, May 8. Fleming’s band has been engaged, and, judging by the number of tickets sold, the affair promises to be as great a success "as previous gatherings of the N Battery. E anchor a. —By advertisement elsewhere it will be seen that a very high-class concert is to be given at the Literary Institute Hall, Rangiora, to-morrow evening by the leading members of the Christchurch Amateur Opera Company. This will be followed by an exhibition of legerdemain by Mr B. W. Seager, which embraces Maskeleyno and Cook’s latest novelties, “ The Head of Ramesis,” “ The Animated Skull,” and other wonders. The reputation of Mrs Edgar, Messrs H. Weir and A. Millar, the fact of Mr Wells being conductor, and the attractive features of the programme should warrant there being a full house on the occasion. Geraldine Literary and Debating Society. —At the annual meeting of members there was a good attendance, Mr H. W. Moore, President, occupying the chair. The balance-sheet showed receipts £3 16s 6d, and expenditure .£3 la 3d. The election of officers resulted as follows President, Rev A. B. Todd; Vice-Presi-dents, Dr Fish and Mr H. W. Moore; Treasurer, Mr R. Y. Ferguson; Secretary, F. Wilson Smith; Committee, Messrs J. Aitken, W. S. Hale and A. E. Hawkins, with the officers as ex ojjicio members. Its was decided that the next meeting be held on May 11, and the newly-elected President stated that he would deliver an address.

Glentunnbl. —The Loyal Coleridge Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U., celebrated its ninth anniversary with a concert and ball in the schoolroom. The attendance was exceedingly large, including several visiting brethren. The chair was occupied by Mr C. Poster, District Secretary. The following contributed songs:—Misses Maffey, Barlow, Grindrod and Percy; Messrs Fletcher, Tosswill, Wood and Livingstone, Mr T. Deeming gave two recitations, and the Misses Hitchell a duet. The accompaniments were played by Mieses Taylor and Fletcher. At the subsequent dance the music was supplied by Messrs Thorne and Maffey. The members of the Lodga are to be congratulated on the success of the gathering. Ministerial. A deputation from the New Zealand Trotting Association waited upon the Hon W. P. Reeves on Saturday morning, and directed his attention to a report appearing in the papers that the Colonial Secretary had, after appointing the Association the Metropolitan Club for the Colony, authorised another institution, the Auckland Trotting and Pony Club, to act as the Metropolitan Club for the Auckland district. The Secretary of the Association pointed out the facts of the case, and the Minister, after reminding the members of the deputation that the matter was outside his department, said he would bring their representations under the notice of the Colonial Secretary at the earliest possible moment. The deputation thanked Mr Reeves and withdrew. Later in the day the Minister saw several persons on publio matters, and in the evening left for Wellington in the Penguin. Geraldine St Patrick’s Day Sports Association. — A special meeting was held on Thursday evening, Mr R. H. Pearpoint, President, in the chair. There was a good attendance. The Chairman having explained the financial position of the Society, said he had called the meeting mainly to discuss the advisability of obtaining the three national flags. Three members, on behalf of the English, Irish and Scotch, guaranteed to raise the amount for their respective flags, and the Secretary was instructed to ascertain the cost. It was decided that in future the annual meetings of the Association should be held in the second week of January* The following recommendations to the Committee were adopted : “ That the Committee prepare rules and by-laws for the guidance of the Association, to be submitted to a special meeting of members to be called for that purpose; also that the Committee hold a series of ‘ socials * during the winter months.” After some routine business had been transacted the meeting closed. H.M.S. Curacoa v. Lyttelton Navals; —The ten-oared cutter race between representatives from the Lyttelton Navals and H.M.S. Curaqoa took place at 4 p.m. on Saturday. The boats used were the two heavy cutters belonging to the warship. The water was smooth inside the moles, while outside a light southerly breeze was blowing, which would be dead ahead in the three-quarter mile row to the reef buoy. The Curacoa men were quickest away, rowing a good, powerful stroke. The landsmen, when fairly under way, seemed to about hold their own for a while and then gradually dropped astern. On nearing the moles it was so§n that the Curacoa representatives were steering for the dolphin off the eastern breakwater. When approaching this, the Navals were “ bored ” into the kelp, in consequence of the CuraQoa’a boat being off her course. The Navals then attempted to pass on the outside, but again the helmsman of the Curacoa’s boat shifted his course, whereupon the Navals returned to the ship, while the Curaqoa’s men continued around the course alone. This result was most disappointing _to the large number of people, who, in spite of the bad weather, had turned out to see what they thought would bo a most interesting race. A good deal of feeling was excited over the matter, but the remedy appeared clearly to be in the hands of the Navals. If they were sufficiently close to the boat to be interfered with in their steering they had only to touch her and claim a foul, the latter being unmistakeably off her course.

A Cure for Indigestion.—Eat more of Aulsebrooke’s Biscuits - <A»vt.)

Magisterial.— Mary Moxbam, an old offender, was, on Safmrday, fined 10a, or in default forty-eight hours’ imprisonment. Mr H. J. Hall was the presiding Justice. Htpnoptism.— Madame Cora, hypnotist, was a passenger by the steamer Tekapo which arrived at Lyttelton yesterday from Sydney. She visits Dunedin be fora appearing in Christchurch. Football. —On Tuesday last a match was played between teams representing Dunstable House and the D.1.C., which resulted in a victory for Dunstable House by eight points to one. Thompson, Neilson, Price and Brown played a hard game for : the winners, and Godfrey and Robertson I played a good game for the losers.

Neglected Children. —An Auckland i telegram reports the following extraordinary case:—“Four children, who have I been running without control in the '.Mount Albert district, have been disicovered by the truant officer. They are unable to speak, and can utter only uninItelligible sounds. The children have been sent to a public school, and it is hoped they will recover the use of their voices.” i False Alarms op Fire.—Two false alarms were rung yesterday afternoon fromdaox No. 18, in Colombo street North, lit appears that the glass over the box had been removed, and it is supposed that a child had pulled the knob only partially the first time. This would account for ;the alarm Bounding when pulled a second time. The Brigade turned out on the first alarm, but were naturally suspicious of a second from the same quarter. PoLrsiOAL. —Mr A. Saunders, M.H.R. for Selwyn, addressed a meeting of his constituents at the Town Hall, Horcrata, on Friday evening. The chair was taken by Mr Thorne, Chairman of the School Committee. Mr Saunders, who met with a cordial reception, spoke for rather more than an hour on the principal political topics of the day, and at the conclusion of his address a vote of thanks was unanimously carried. A report appears in another part of this issue. Mosel op St Peter’s. —This specimen

of patient work, now on exhibition in Luck’s Buildings, Colombo street, attracted a considerable amount of attention during 1 Saturday afternoon and evening. The visitors were evidently pleased with the excellence of the workmanship and the apparent fidelity of the representation of a wonderful building. Advances have already been made to Mr Fetersen to allow the model to be exhibited in the large cities of Australia. Queensland Freezing Contract.— lt will be seen by reference to an interview with Mr Weddell, published elsewhere, that the Freezing Companies in Queensland have completed a contract with the Shipping Companies trading there to carry their beef and mutton to London at threefarthings a pound. This cost covers the insurance of the cargo, which is effected by the Shipping Companies, a principle which Mr Weddell strongly urges New Zealand exporters to adopt. Useless Advertising.— A correspondent complains to us that last year he paid a certain sum to an agent for an advertisement to be insetted in an Australian publioation, and for a copy of the book. He baa not received the publication, he does not know whether it ever saw the light of day, nor where he can obtain information respecting it. Unfortunately we cannot help him, but it may be pointed out that if advertisers choose the columns of the Lyttelton Times, they will secure substantial benefit for their outlay. Sons and Daughters os' Temperance. —An ordinary meeting of the Elim Division, St Albans, was held on April 23. After the correspondence had been dealt with, Bro A. 0. Birt, G.W.P., took the chair, and initiated one candidate. The members of the Excelsior Division and several of the Grand Lodge paid a fraternal visit, and the Lodge adjourned for harmony, to which members of both Divisions contributed. Refreshments were handed round. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Elim Division by the visitors for the pleasant manner in which they had entertained them. The Lodge was then closed in the usual manner. New BrightonMubical and Debating Society.— On Friday the first meeting of the session was held. The President (Mr Pttrohas, sent.) occupied the chair. The election of officers for the ensuing session took place, and resulted as follows President, Mr Purohas, senr.; VicePresidents, the Rev F. Inwood, Messrs Curtis, Bishop and Moor; Secretary, Mr A* G. Ashby; Treasurer, Mr E. Sefton ; General Committee, Messrs Robb, Bickerton and S. Hawker. Mr Biokerton, junr., was appointed editor of the journal. It was decided to hold the meetings weekly and in the old schoolroom as hitherto. The Committee were requested to submit the syllabus for the session at next meeting. It was decided that the business for next Friday evening should be “ The President’s Letter-box.” A vote of thanks to the Chairman ended the proceedings. Let Us Hope So, —ln the course of a brief reference to the approaching Parliamentary session, the Otago Daily Times says:—Not the least of the advantages to the Government “is the fact that they will be confronted with an Opposition which, however vigorous in criticism, can be relied on for propriety of conduct and the avoidance of objectionable methods of procedure." Let us hope so, for then there will be something vastly different to what was denounced by Mr Saunders on Friday evening, in his speech at Hororata. In that speech, repotted elsewhere in this issue, the member for Selwyn refers to the hid for cheap popularity made by the Opposition with regard to the honorarium. "Such catch-party manoeuvres,” he said, ** were had enough at any time; but they were particularly senseless, useless and extravagant after the electors had just decided, hy an overwhelming majority, that they would not again accept the Government of a party whose selfishness and extravagance had dragged both themselves and the country into a state of degraded dependence and indebtedness.” Journalistic. The Southland Neios reports:—Mr John Ward, who has been connected with the office for a period of sixteen years, a large part of the time as sub-editor, having resigned with a view of obtaining employment not necessitating so much confinement, his fellow-workers took advantage of the opportunity to show, in a suitable way, the kindly feelings they entertain towards him. Accordingly, after the paper had gone to press, Mr Ward was invited into the composing-room, where the employees had gathered in full force round the “stone," and Mr James Thomson, as the oldest member of the mechanical staff, addressing Mr Ward, said that, on behalf of all present, ha had to express sincere regret at the parting that had taken place. Kind and unassuming and always obliging, Mr Ward bad won their respect and esteem, and wherever he went would carry with him their heartfelt wishes for his fafcure success. As a tangible expression of their sentiments, he then handed Mr Ward a handsome writing desk. In acknowledging the gift, Mr Ward, who evidently felt the parting, referred to the exceedingly happy relations that had always existed between the various members of the staff and himself. Art Society.— There was a fair attendance at the Society’s Gallery on Saturday evening. MrsC. Edgar sang, “AtEventide” (Falka) excellently; other items were contributed by Mr F. W. Hobbs and Mr M. Gard’ner. An excellent musical programme has been arranged for this evening. The secretary of the Christchurch Hospital desires to acknowledge, with thank:*?, Jam from hire J. Bishop, Papanui, periodicals and fruit from Mrs Xnwood. i’onaalton, and periodicals from Mr E. H. Willis. . The quarterly moating of the Chrisrcnnron Working Men’s Co-operative Society will be held to-morrow evening in the Trades Hall, High ■treat. The annual meeting of the ratepayers of the Courtenay district will b-j held at 1.3 J p.m. on Friday at the Road Board OlHoo, Kit-wee, £dea George Company, Limited, the leading photographers of Christchurch, who are producing by far the best work in New Zealand, take one dozen beautifully enamelled cabinets iu any position or stylo for 15a. One price list adopted, and no extra charges are made to visitors from the country.—fAnvi.) E, TV. Aleors, Art Photographer. Popular prices, superior workmanship, satisfaotioa guaranteed, Ohlldrena specialty. Do not miss take the address—Moors, 212, Colombo streati fchowroom upstalrs.—l.ADvr.J atondliih and Preeoe’s success iu photography is due to producing only jroUaWo work. 5tudi0,,213,, High, street.