TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 9427, 30 May 1891, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Thk Midland KailiWay.— Mr W. B. Perceval, informs us that he has been in communication with the Minister for Public Worts about the Midland Railway deviation, and that he regards the matter as practically settled. The negotiations! being of a confidential nature,. Mr Per cevaj

'cannot publish the telegrams that have passed; but he assures us that a com* promise has been come to acceptable to the Government and to the Company. The iahna will doubtless be published in due course.

fi W AwnEß 0 3, Commerce.—The quarterly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday. A report appears elsewhere.

Cantkbbubt Bowing Club.— The Canterbury Bowing Club has fixed the date of its bread-and-butter dance for Wednesday, Jane 8, instead of Friday* June 5, as previously arranged. •Abbxst at Timaru. —A man named Edward Prattley was arrested at Timaru yesterday morning by Constable Field, on a charge of breaking into Meehan’s store at Makildhi, on July 4.1890. Funeral of Mb Wheeler. — The funeral of; the late Mr William Wheeler is appointed .to leave his late residence, Worcester street, Linwood, this afternoon at half-past two o’clock. The burial will take place in the public cemetery. Accident at Lyttelton. —Teaterday forenoon a boy named James Gower met with an accident at Lyttelton, by which his ana was broken. He was. playing in the grounds of the borough school, when he Fell. :; The lad was taken to Dr Pairman, who set the limb. Banoioba Bobough Council. The of a Councillor to fill the vacancy in: this ! body, caused by the death of Mr S. Stephens,. took place yesterday. There were three candidates, viz., Messrs Di Graham, J, Eoberta and F. Stevens, but th« interest taken in the proceedings was not very. keen. When our despatch left the result had not been declared. Tan Babbit Act.— At the E.M. Court, Timaiu, yesterday, James Bobertson Soott, commission agent, Dunedin, was final JBIS for neglecting to comply with a notice to destroy rabbits on run 93a in the Mackenzie Country. Defendant took the run in March and paid .£l9O, six months’ not, and now says he must abandon it. The prosecuting counsel eaid that if the defendant had been present it would have been proved oat of his own mouth that he waa only a dummy. Bale or a Coalmine.— At Auckland on Monday, June 15, Messrs Digby, Tonka and Go. will submit to auction the property ofr the Miranda Goal and Iron Company. The mine is situated near Auckland, and the seam at present being worked is said to be fully COtt in thickness. 1c is also stated that’borings which have been made show the coal .to 'extend over the whole of the Company’s land. The - beat of appliances for taking the cool to market are provided. Full particulars appear in an advertisement in another part of this issue. Probates, Etc,— At a sitting in Chambers yesterday morning His Honor Mr Justice Dennis ton granted probate of the estates of the following : deceased persons : Eupbemia Urquhart (Mr Martin, for Mr NaMer), Ellen Franklin (Mr Stringer), Ann Woodford (Mr Martin, for Mr Haider), Solomon Stephens (Mr Spaokman), Sarah Ann Pya (Mr Eippenberger), Emma Martin . (Mr Eippenberger), Edward Thomas (Mr Hunt), Edward Anderson (Mr Izard), Mary Ann Harrington (Mr Salter). . Letters of administration were granted in the estates of Bridget Fonsonby (deceased), on the application of Mr Hill, and of Maria Ann Davenport (deceased), on the. application of Mr D, WynnWilUams. .

DabiteldPbesbttbeian Chubch.I—The 1 — The anniversary of the Darfleld Presbyterian Church was celebrated on Sunday last. The services were conducted by the Eev J. M'Kenzie, from Lyttelton, and each was very well attended. In connection with the anniversary a tea meeting was held in the district schoolroom, on Monday evening, and there was a very large attendance. At the after meeting the Eev J. Maxwell, pastor of the congregation, presided. Mr Beid presented a very satisfactory report, and addresses were given by the Seva Griffiths (Greendale), Hodgson (Hororata), M'Callum (Kirwee) and M'Kenzie (Lyttelton). Daring the evening a combined choir contributed a number of pieces from JL 1 Church Praise.” Mr Whitelaw conducted. Bad' Mias Gill&ndera presided at the hartaeninm.

The Sydenham Licensing Election.— Thera was an imposing array of wigs, gowns and law books at the Supreme Court yesterday, when the motion for an order declaring the election of the Sydenham Licensing Committee void came before his Honor Mr Justice Denniston in Banco. Three counsel appeared ou each side, Messrs Fisher, Harper and Stringer being for the plaintiffs, and Sir E. Stout, Messrs Csygill and Widdowaon for the defendants —tiie Committee. The sympathisers with both sides mastered in force, and the body of the Court and the gallery held a considerable number of prohibitionists, publicans, members of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, and the Licensed Victuallers’ Association. The argument, which was not concluded yesterday, will be resumed this morning. A report of yesterday’s proceedings appears elsewhere. Christchurch Presbytery. —A meeting of the Christchurch Presbytery was held in St Paul’s schoolroom at 3 p.m. yesterday } present—The Moderator (Eev H. Adamson), and the Eevs Gordon Webster, H. Irwin (Clerk) and Dr Elmslie, and Messrs D. Duncan, A. Eitchie and J. Boag, elders. The Clerk laid on the table an extract from the minutes of the Presbybery of Wanganui, intimating that the Eev W. Grant had accepted the call to Leeston; hia Presbytery having agreed to the translation, and dissolved the connection between him and the charge of New Plymouth. It was then arranged by the meeting, that the induction of the Eev W. Grant should take place at Leeston Church on Thursday, June 11, the Eev J. B. Finlay to preach, the Eev Gordon W ebster to induct, the Eev E. Erwin to address the minister, and the Eev P. J. Eiddle to address the people. The Clerk was instructed to give the usual notice to those interested. This concluded the business. Hunting. —A meet of the Braokenfield hounds took place on Wednesday at Mr J. Couneell's farm, on the Native Eeserve, near Woodend. The field numbered about seventy, and, although the sport was not all that could be wished, an enjoyable day was spent. During tbe first two hours a number of paddocks were drawn blank, but afterwards the hares were found rather too numerous for good sport. A few short runs and one long one, which resulted in a kill, were obtained, and at four o’clock the hounds were called off. The fences as a rule were pretty stiff ones, and there were several spills, none of which, however, resulted iu any serious injury. Mr Counsell provided an excellent luncheon, and Mrs O. Dampier-Crossley also treated the company to her hospitality. To-day the hounds meet at Italoairn, and next week they will he taken to the Amuri County. The Secretary, by advertisement, requests gentlemen on whose estates the hounds meet not to prepare luncheon for the hunters, the management being convinced that such exhibitions of hospitality are not in the interests c£ true sport. Commercial Union Assurance Company.—The balance-sheet of the Commercial Union Assurance Company Limited, of London (the Company that purchased the business of the Colonial Insurance Company of New Zealand), for the year ending Dec. 81,1890, has just been received by the General Manager for New Zealand, Mr Prank Allen, Wellington. _ A few figures are quoted which may be interesting as showing the strength of the Company. The net fire premiums received during the year amounted to .£939,298 0a Bd, fire losses paid .£580,860 2s 4d, balance standing to credit of fire fund .£826,692 3a. The net marine premiums received during the year amounted to .£224,529 16a 6d, the marine losses paid were .£181,849 12s 2d, and the balance standing to the credit of the marine fund is 22250,601 4s lOd. The report also states that the dividend declared for the year was 23 per cent. Frpm the foregoing it will be seen that tho net income from fire and marina for the year was .£1,163,827, and

W it it paid in leases .£762,709, or over three quarters of a million. It also has a Are and marine fund, out of which to meet emergencies, of .£1,077,293. Cuddoa’s patent groats are the bast in the market j specially prepared for invalids and highly recommended by medical men. Bold everywhere. [Aavx.]|

Union Insueanqe Company. —lt is notified in an advertisement that the fourteenth annual meeting of this Company will be held at noon on Wednesday, July 8. Evangelistic Sebvicks.— During next week evangelistic services will be conducted each evening, at 7.30, in the North Belt Presbyterian Church, by tee Kev J. M. Simpson. Baptist Church.— Mr Joseph Hanmngton, who is stated to be a brother of Bishop Hannington, recently murdered in Africa, will preach at the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church to-morrow. The Timaru Tug.— The Timaru Harbour Board’s tug, the p.s. Titan, will be offered for sale by auction at Timaru, on Saturday, June 20. The auctioneers are Messrs Grade, Maclean and Co.

Sydenham Co-opeeative Building Society. The usual allotment of the Sydenham Co-operative Building Society was balloted for at the Sydenham Working Men’s Club yesterday evening. The allotment of J 2150 waa drawn by Mr James Broooie. •

Ejrwbs.— -The Committee of the Kirwee Lawn Tennis Club met on Tuesday evening, Mr J. E. Paterson being voted to the chair. Promises of assistance towards the concert, to be held on June 5, were received from several places j also, offers to provide refreshments.

A Scholastic Career.— A southern contemporary says:—Mr Hans Miller, who was brought up at the High School in Christchurch, of which his father Dr Miller, waa for some time head master, has been appointed English tutor to the sons of Prince Albrecht, the Prince Begent of Brunswick. Mr Miller had a successful career at Cambridge. Volunteer'* Social.”— The members of the Geraldine Eifle Volunteers held the first of a series of winter '* socials ” in the dxillabed on Thursday evening. Dancing was kept up by the large number present with considerable spirit till the small hours, when the company broke up,' looking forward to another " social ” of a like character at no distant date.

Ethical Society. —The members of the Christian Ethical Society held a very pleasant social meeting in the Caledonian Society’s rooms last night. There was a good attendance. Tea and other refreshments were provided by the lady members of the Committee. Some musical selections were rendered, and a discussion took place on Education, the subject being introduced by Professor Biokerton. At the meeting next Friday night the question for discussion will be “ The Moral Aspect of Economic Problems.” Stating the Exodus. —■ Speaking at Dunedin, the Hon B. J. Seddon expressed the opinion that the only way in which the exodns of people from the Colony could be stayed was by the prosecution of “ public works that were absolutely necessary and that would be reproductive. If that were done and followed up by land settlement, he thought it would go a great way towards meeting the difficulty in which they found the Colony placed at the present time.” The Dunedin Star , a journal that is scarcely to bo regarded as a supporter of the present Ministry, expresses its entire agreement with Mr Seddon. St Mart's Chubch, Tiuabu. —At a meeting of the vestry on "W ednesday, the Ten Archdeacon Harper handed in a cheque for A2OO which he had received from hia friends at Home. He said it was the express desire of the donors that this money should be placed to the curacy fund, and was not to be used for any other purpose. He had had some conversation with the Bishop on the subject, but at present there was no curate whose services were available. If any came out from Home or were to be obtained elsewhere he would he immediately informed. The vestry decided to place the money at interest and use it only for the purpose for which it was given. They desired the Archdeacon to return their Most sincere thanks to his friends for the very handsome gift. The Pooh Bah System. —The Wellington Times suggests that “it may, in legal circles, be considered whether the combination of the two offices of Eegistrar of the Supreme Court and Sheriff of a district is'altogether a judicious, not to say a properly judicial arrangement. The Eegistrar, as we understand, has certain functions to perform, under which, either directly or indirectly, he may have to instruct the Sheriff, that is himself. He may issue the warrant which directs the Sheriff to instruct his bailiff to enter into possession of a recalcitrant debtor’s goods and chattels; and worse still, be may have as Eegistrar to record sentence of death on a convicted criminal, and as Sheriff officiate at hia execution, and on an emergency may be actually the hangman. Are not these duties somewhat incompatible, and is not the amalgamation rather parsimonious than really economical ? The * Pooh Bah ’ system is very well for The Mikado. By the way, if we are to have the * Pooh Bah ’ system in real life, let us have justice with it. The Sheriff has fees as well as responsibilities. If the Government takes the fees, it should also take the responsibilities.”

The Oamabu Licensing Election. —lt is now certain, the Mail says, that the Oamaru licensing election must be fought over again. “ Considerable interest is felt in regard to the event, which will probably be marked by more activity than even the last. It is to be hoped that it will also be marked by a scrupulous care to avoid legal pitfalls. The appointment of the Returning Officer, in what is believed to be proper form, is now progressing, and will, we understand, be completed to-mor-row (Friday). On the next day, if convenient, notice may be given that the election will take place, but the date fixed for it must nob be less than fourteen days from the date on which notice is given. The new roll now in course of preparation must be duly signed on Saturday next, and it must be used for the purposes of the election. There seems to be some question as to the time, under the circumstances, up to which names may be taken off or added to the roll. The Regulation of Elections Act is silent on this point, but Clause 71 of the Municipal Corporations Act, which seems to us to apply, specially forbids any amendment of the roll after the creation of a vacancy which shall make an extraordinary election necessary. This is exactly our position, and, as the Resident Magistrate on Friday, May 22, declared the last election void, no alterations in the roll on and after that date would be legal.” Golden Weddings.— -The Hon Mathew Holmes and Mrs Holmes celebrated their golden wedding at Wellington on Monday. Several members of their family arrived in Wellington to bo present on the auspicious occasion, and congratulations were tendered by numbers of friends and relations.—The Wellington Post reports:— The golden wedding of Mr - and Mrs George Bennett, of Woolcombe street, was celebrated by their family on Tuesday, at the house of Mr G. Denton, Woolcombe street. The elderly couple, who were married on May 26, 1841, arrived in Wellington in the Bernicia in 1848, and have lived here aver since, are among the “oldest identities ” of the place. _ The two little daughters who cams out with them are now MkTj. Dixon, of Bunnythorpe, and Mrs G. Donton, of Wellington. There was a large gathering, including th e three sons and three daughters, who are all married, and their married partners, with the single exception of Mr Dixon, who was unable to attend. There was a great assemblage of the third generation, and the fourth was represented by the two children of Mrs W. Adkin, of this city, eldest daughter of Mr Denton. There were numerous presents from friends, including a handsome wedding cake. The family had for some time past been making preparations for this gathering, but its pleasure was somewhat alloyed by the state of health of the parties chiefly interested. Mrs Bennett has for some months been almost entirely confined to her house on account of failing health, and Mr Bennett, who until a few weeks ago enjoyed excellent health, lately had a sudden stroke of some obscure malady, which has completely prostrated him, and baa for some days confined him to his room. Cuddon’s bottled ales and stouts arc brewed from the finest malt and hope, and are specially recommended for invalids. [Advt.]

Couetenay Road Board. —The election of a member to fill’ the vacancy on this Board will take place on Friday next. There are three candidates. The Minister bob Lands.— The Hon J. M/Kenzie, Minister for Lands, was a passenger by the steamer Talune, which arrived at Lyttelton yesterday. Mr M'Kenzie went south by the express yesterday morning. Special Jury Case. — In Chambers yesterday, his Honor Mr Justice Denniston an application made on behalf of the plaintiff by Mr Wilding for a special jury in the case of the Bank of Australasia v. Eeyneli, and fixed the hearing for June 15.

Waimakabibi Gorge Bbidgb. —Several visitors to the Waimakariri Gorge bridge yesterday expressed the opinion that the handrails on this famous bridge are not of sufficient height to prevent danger to persona crossing in windy weather. They are only about three feet and a half high, and seem slight in proportion. Admitted to the Bab.—Yesterday Mr James Andrew Cassidy was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Hew Zealand by his Honor Mr Justice Denniston, on the application of Mr Stringer. Mr Cassidy served hia articles with Mr Stringer, and has gained considerable respect and popularity in Christchurch.

Druids.— The fortnightly meeting of the Anchor Lodge took place in the rooms of the Bible Christian Church, Woolston, on Wednesday May 27. A.D., Bro. H. Simpson was in the chair. It waa decided to invite the Ivy of Linwood Lodge to make a visit to Woolston. After the business was transacted the Lodge adjourned for harmony. Bros. Simpson and Bottomly gave several humorous readings, and songs were given .by Bros. Biel, Pappa and Fish. The Lodge was then closed by the A.D.

Lyttelton Post Office. —A lady correspondent, writing from Lyttelton, complains bitterly about the large number of persons who are allowed to loiter about in front of the Lyttelton Post Office. At times, the correspondent says, it is almost impossible to get near the letter-boxes to post letters or to enter the door leading to the private boxes. She asks why the police do not make some effort to keep the street clear, and points out that the authorities have recently erected a very comfortable shelter shed for the men on the wharf.

A Sad Case. —An Oamaru paper has the following paragraph:—On Saturday morning the police received information that a young girl waa being confined on the doorstep of Miss M'Loughlin’a house, Thames street. The police procured an express, and, on the way to the hospital, the girl gave birth to a male child. We understand that the girl is from the Industrial School, and, after having been placed with several people, she got into trouble with a young man at Kurow, whereupon, learning her condition, Mr Tiohener, the keeper of the Industrial Home, declined to have her back. She then came to Camara and stayed with Miss M'Loughlin, intending to proceed to the Hospital when her confinement came due. On Saturday morning, about two o’clock, her condition became such that Miss M'Loughlin refused to keep her any longer in the house, with the result as above stated.

The Oust Fire.— Our Oust correspondent writes-Adverting to the disastrous fire which; occurred here on Monday, it is a matter of regret that it is to be recorded that some person was mean enough, on Monday evening, to wrench off. the padlock which fastened the door of the van, and pilfer a quantity of goods. With very great difficulty was the van saved from the fire, and one would have thought that the owner had lost enough already. The storeman, Mr M. Hollier, who was absent in Eangiora, lost over ,£2O worth of clothes, besides a valuable watch. The fire is the general topic of conversation, many thinking that, as the front of the store was a rendezvous for a number of people to assemble and indulge in smoking, probably an ignited match might have fallen under the verandah, causing the fire. The Otago Central Bailwat. —The Dunedin Star writes:—“The Minister for Public Works is evidently a tough subject for deputations to deal with, and it is altogether a mistake to approach him without being fully posted in every phase of the question to be discussed. We would not say that this was actually the case with regard to the gentlemen who interviewed the Minister on Tuesday relative to the Otago Central Eailway, but we hardly think that the most was made of the opportunity; there was too much harping on what Sir Edward Stafford termed “ the wretched past,” whilst no formulated proposal of any kind was submitted. „ The members of the Legislature who were present may no doubt be at one as to the urgent desirability of continuing the line to completion, but there was no evidence that they were agreed as to the means to be adopted, taking it for granted, as we must do, that it is hopeless to expect the money to be appropriated, within at least a reasonable time, either from the Public Works Fund or the ordinary revenue.” Salmon. —ln the report of the Otago Acclimatisation Society, presented at the annual meeting of members yesterday, the following reference is made to the English salmon :—“ Nothing has yet been seen of these fish after their return from the sea. The estuary of the Aparima has been netted several times within the last month with the object of ascertaining if any grilse or smolts are there, but up to the present without success. Netting will be continued at intervals there, as well as in the pools of the river, and it is to ba hoped some good results will be forthcoming. The present stock of salmon in the ponds is doing well. They produced over 20,000 ova this season, 1000 of which went to Wellington, 7000 fry were liberated in the Waiwera, 7000 in the Owake, 8000 were sent to Lake Ada, at the head of the Arthur river, Milford Sound, and 800 were retained as stock fish. Mr G. P. Clifford again kindly volunteered to take the fry round to the sounds, which he accomplished with very little loss. The fry put into the Waiwera have done very well, and have been seen in large numbers up to lOia long. They disappeared during a fresh in the beginning of November, and it is hoped the most of them reached the salt water in safety, and will return again. The Ehine salmon, although four years old, and thriving well, have not, as yet, produced any ova, but it is very probable some may be obtained from them nest season.” Sundat Services. —At the Cathedral to-morrow the Very Eev the Dean will preach in the morning, and the Eev F. E. Inwood in the evening. At. the Durham street Wesleyan Church Mr W. H. Whitehead, of Manchester, who comes highly commended as a song evangelist, will conduct special evangelistic services, morning, afternoon and evening. Mr Whitehead, who sings as well as preaches the Gospel, will render several sacred oolos during the services. At the East Belt Church the Eev W, Motley will preach in the morning, and the Eev L. M. Isitt in the evening. Mr E, Dawson will conduct the service in Hayward’s Hall, Sumner, in the evening; At the North Belt Presbyterian Church the Eev E. Erwin will preach both morning and evening. The subject of the discourse at the latter services will be, “ The Infinite and Absolute, a Personal Gcd .- in Eeply to Mr Worthington’s Teaching that God is an Impersonal Principle of Life or Good.” At the Baptist Church, Oxford terrace, Mr Joseph Hannington (brother of the martyred Bishop) will preach, morning and evening. At the Linwood Congregational Church an adjourned conference will be held after the evening service. This meeting is being held for the purpose of devising some method whereby the forms and forces of true Christian philanthropy may ba more clearly understood and more perfectly applied. At the first meeting the discussion was frank and hearty, and it is hoped that something may be originated that shall be deeply and widely beneficent. The conference will be preceded by an address on "The Power and Wisdom of God,” indicating certain principles to be considered at the meeting which will follow. Mr Eichard Graham will preach in the Chancery lane hall in the evening.

Irrigation. —The first public meeting called by the Ashburton County Council, to consider the question of irrigation, will he held at the Orange Hall, Ashburton, at two o’clock to-day. Sale op Station Property. —An important. property sale is notified in this issue by Messrs Eeid, Maclean and Co., of Dunedin. The property in question is the Glenary Station, situate in the Wakaia district, Otago. Model of St Peter’s. —Mr G. Peterson advertises that his cleverly - constructed model of St Peter’s at Borne will be on view for the last time in Christchurch today in Luck’s Buildings, Colombo street. He intends to take the model to Wellington. Property Sale. —Messrs Todhunter and Jennings report the sale of- Messrs Burke Bros.’ freehold property of five hundred acres, at Halswell, to Mr George Gould for ,£II,OOO cash. New Brighton Tramway Company.— An extraordinary meeting of the shareholders of the New Brighton Tramway Company will be held at Hobbs’ Assembly Booms at 11 a.m. to-day. Madame Cora. —Madame Cora had another good house at the Theatre Eoyal last evening. She appears to-night for the last time in Christchurch. Prior engagements prevent her giving a performance in Lyttelton. Tax on Stallions. —The North Auckland Cattle Board has resolved to recommend that a tax of five guineas be levied on every stallion, subject to its having been certified to by a veterinary surgeon as sound. The Midgets. —General and Mrs Mite were well patronised yesterday evening, when the lively manners of the little people, and the clever performances of Miss Clara Spencer and Mr Alf. Lawton caused much amusement. The Midgets will give a farewell matinee this afternoon.

Pat Cattle. The steamer Penguin, which arrivedat Lytteltonyesfcerday,landed twenty-nine prime fat bullocks, forwarded from the Wanganui district. They go to Addington, and .will, in due course, be offered in the market. Thirty were put on board at Wellington, but one died on the voyage. Fbeethought Association. —The building in Manchester street near Coker’s Hotel which was formerly used as a Masonic Hall, is to be opened on June 14 as a Lyoeum, by the Canterbury Freethought Association. In the morning there will be a vocal and instrumental concert, in the afternoon a children’s concert, and in the evening addresses will be delivered. Malvern Water-Races. —The opening of the new auxiliary water-race, having its head works at the Waimakariri Gorge bridge, took place yesterday. A report appears elsewhere. The race is seven miles and a half in length, and is calculated to discharge twenty-three million gallons of water every twenty-four hours into the Kimberley race, near the West Coast road. The Eibbon Fish. —Mr W. G. Warnea announces that the remarkably fine specimen of the rare and curious ribbon fish, which was found at Okain’s Bay, is to be on view for the last time in this city at the shop next door to Mr Strata’s jeweller’s shop. High street, to-day. It is stated that the fish is to be sent to England to be placed in the British Museum. Cathedral Choristers. Twenty-six boys presented themselves at the Cathedral on Tuesday last to compete for the vacant scholarships and probationerships in the Cathedral Choir, The sucossful boys were Hobbs, Strong, Daitanall and Webb. There will be another vacancy at the half term. Boys with promising voices, andunder ten years of age, may see Mr Tendall at his residence on any Saturday evening. Weather and Crops.— During the last week, our Ashburton correspondent informs ns, the weather in that district has been very pleasant, and more like spring than winter. Indeed, soma days recently have been unpleasantly hot. Farmers are pushing on with their work, and a great many acres have been ploughed and sown since the heavy rain on May 20, which gave the land a good wetting and put it in working order. Ashburton- Church.— The Musical and Literary Association held its opening meeting ia the church on Thursday evening. The Rev A. M. Beattie presided and gave an interesting address on self-improvement. The musical programme given was as follows: —Pianoforte solo. Miss Grubb ; song, Mr Lane; violin solo. Miss Simmonds; piano solo. Miss Grubb; song. Miss Steel; duet, tbs Misses Alcorn ; song, Mr Black ; duet, piano and violin. Misses Grubb and Simmonds. Refreshments were provided by the ladies of the Committee, and there was a good attendance of members and friends. Hampstead Town Board. —The ordinary monthly meeting of this Board was held on Wednesday evening, when all the members were present. The Works Committee’s report was read and adopted. The Chairman and two other members were instructed to interview the applicants for the post of day-man and Inspector of Nuisances, and appoint the most suitable. Mr Bennett’s tender for shingle was accepted. Mr W. de B. Compton was appointed Eanger. A resolution was passed that the Board take steps to procure a water supply for Netherby on being satisfied that sueba supply ia desired by the ratepayers, and that they consent to be specially rated for the scheme. An account of £2 8a for labour was passed and the Board adjourned. Eabbits. —Returns given to the Gromwell Argits, by tbs manager of the Kawarau and Northburn stations as to the rabbits destroyed last year, show that in round figures half a million rabbits have been destroyed and accounted for on 232,000 acres; an'd even this large number does not represent the grand total, as about 10 per cent of the rabbits poisoned are never found, and a goodly number also fall a prey to the hawks, which are very numerous in the vicinity of the stations. On the Kawarau station, of 200,000 acres, the average number of men employed • .was 55"50, the amount they earned being £3534 18s, for which 427,500 skins were received by the station. The approximate amount received for the 455 cwt of skins sent away was .£2931, showing a loss to the station of ,£B3O. On the Northburn station eleven men were employed, ou an average their earnings being £s73los,representing 67,300 skins paid for. The amount received for the 80owb 2qra of skins seat away was £560, ehowing a loss to the station of £7O, The loss to the station ia therefore an average of Id per acre for Kawarua, and id pav acre for Northburn, independent of the loss of feed. New Zealand Produce in London.— Mr Reynolds, who has established a store or dep6b 'in the Borough for New Zealand produce, has discovered (v, rites the London correspondent of the Auckland, Herald) what all other close observers of the sale of Colonial produce have seen, viz., a cutting of prices by little brokers. He proposes to attempt a remedy by a coalition of five or six brokers specially interested in New Zealand butter, who shall on the arrival of each cargo determine the prices of fine, medium and poor butter, and by standing together endeavour to secure full value for the butter, instead of as at present, where cutting too often is resorted to, to secure a rapid sale, regardless of the consignor’s interest. Of course the scheme Mr Reynolds ia urging upon the brokers cannot take effect until nest season; but it is meeting with favour, and will doubtless, if carried out, bo of great benefit to the Colony. A point about New Zealand butter that presses very urgently for improvement is the cureless way that butter is handled before it arrives at the cool chamber of the vessels bringing it over. There appears to be neglect in transit from the dairy to the ship, as much of it is more or less heated. The cases or kegs should never be exposed to the sun, save where absolutely necessary, and then only for the shortest possible time. When the butter is on the quays it should be well protected by tarpaulins or other shelter, so that it is kept cool. Butter often loses from 10s to £1 by being boated. Mr Reynolds says be will have much information to lay before the Colony on his return in reference to the matters here mentioned.

Customers after using Niaiau Hyslop and Co.’s “ Imperial ” Teas will have no other. „ 30856-

The Volunteers.— A meeting of officers will be held at eight o’clock on Thursday morning next, to meet the Minister for Defence. Bankruptcy. —The charge of alleged breach of the Bankruptcy Act, to answer which Daniel M‘Par lane, grocer, of Ashburton, was committed for trial at the Supreme Court, has been withdrawn, on the advice of the Crown Solicitor.

Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Association.—The Kaiapoi branch of this Society met at the Wesleyan Sunday School on Thursday evening, the Eev G. Bond, the President, in the chair. Mr E. Evans read an interesting paper on Sunday School Management. V;de:i George Comply. Limited, the leading photographers of Christchurch, who are producing by far the best work in New Zealand, take one dozen beautifully enamelled cabinets in any position or style for 15a, One price list adopted, and no extra charges are made to visitors from the country.—fADvr.l _ yv. Meets, Art Photographer, Popular prices, superior workmanship, satisfaction guaranteed, Children a speuialty. Do not miss take the address —Meers, 312, Colombo street. Showroom upstairs.—-( Advt.j Siahdibh: ahd Pbebce ad visa sitter a to make appointments before three o’clock during the winter months. Studio, 2iß, High street. _ C. H. JtfAKNiso has made no advance in the price of his greatly-admired and superiorly E xecuted photographic work, Tho same moderate charges are made for his excellent, appreciated pictures this teas as in the past. _ (sittings he appointment advisable to avoid detention owing to pressure of business.

A Irish Cae-dbxvbb’b Stobt. The following “good thing” ia related in the Spectator As we passed an old ruined castle, the latter inquired if we “ had iver heerd tell av how the crows * failed ’ the rest av it.” As we had not, he proceeded with the narrative as follows:—“Well, there was wonst a grand young lady who lived near Ballywire, an’ she was very rich intirely, an’ she had a grate rookery near her place. Well, be the same token, she was iver an’ always goin’ to balls an* parties an’ operas an’ thsyaters, and would only be rowlin’ home in her carriage at four o’clock in the mornin’. An’ whin she’d want to go to sleep, the crows wouldn’t let her close an eye at all, at all. ’ So she gothered a party of her gintleman frinds, and they were shootin’ at thim same crows, mornin*, noon and night; but they might as aisy have baled the Shannon wid a tay-apoon for all the good they did. Well, at longan’ at last there was an ould pinshioner came the way, and he med an offer to the lady to do away wid the crows for fifty pound. ‘Done/ says she; * for all that I'm afther losin’ a dale av money over thim 'same crows,’ says she, ‘ fifty pound doaeu t matter a traneen to me, wau way or another,’ says she. Well, me bould pinshioner, what did he do but off wid him into Limerick, and spint twinty pound av the fifty on bird-lime. An’ whin he came back, he plasthered all the trees with the birdlime, whin the crows was aff on their divarsiona in the day-time. Well, home they came agin, sure enough, whin the night was falling, an’ wint to roost. And whin they were sound asleep, an’ well clung to the trees wid the bird-lime, what does the pinshioner do but walk into the rookery wid a double barrelled gun. An* when he fired off a couple av shots, the crows all flapped their wings to fly; but they were so clung to the branches by the bird-lime, they couldn’t stir at all, at all. Well, they pulled an* they dragged all as wan, till they pulled all the trees in the rookery out by the roots, and flew off wid thim. An’ the first thing they came aginat was this ould castle; and they failed it ivery bit to pieces but the wan wall that is left. An’ it’s not very long since I tonld this story to two English gintlemen, an’ they were so plased wid it they made me tell it over agin.” Fibre Plants in Jamaica. —According to the British official report, Kingston, Jamaica, for July 1890, active steps were taken during the year to introduce and promote the cultivation of fibre plants: There is a considerable demand in the island for plants of sisal hemp, and one dozen plants of Agave rigida , var., elongata, were obtained from Yutacan through the aid of the British Consul at Progress©. Of another variety, sisilana, of the Agave igida, which is devoid of spikes on the edges of the . leaves, and is therefore cheaper to work up into fibre, 20,000 ! plants were obtained from Turks Islands. These plants are being propagated at the Hope Garden, and several applications for supplies of suckers have been received. Looking to the considerable fall that has taken place in the price of sisal hemp, the director advises that caution should be exercised in taking up the industry here. Barm Feasts. —“ Rambler,” in the Sheffield Telegraph, has been making inquiries as to the origin of “ barm feasts,” and prints the following communication from a correspondent who signs himself “ Sinruff ” “ Barm Feasts ’’ are one of the remaining links which hind us, or rather our country cousins, to the past, and to a very different condition of affairs. They carry us back to that remote period when each licensed house brewed its own “good ale,” and when it was famed, or otherwise, according to mine host’s success in producing an excellent beverage. Then all the villagers bought their “bam” from the village alehouse; and it became a verv general custom for the landlord to made a yearly feast or “tea-party” for his regular barm customers. The feast was, of course, a more or less pretentious affair. When the guests were numerous and the host given to hospitality it was a grand festivity, followed by dancing and the other usual accompaniments of a village festival. If it was only a small “ house,” it would be merely a “tea;” but, large or small, each house had its yearly barm feast. When the good old custom of “ home brewing ” died out, and the enormous brewing monopolies began to grow, there were no barm customers to entertain ; but the old “ feast ” is la many places still kept up under the old name, though now the “ guests” generally pay for their feast; but in some cases the landlord still gives the treat yearly to his regular “ale” customers. The Late Mb Bbadlaugh. —An appeal for subscriptions has just been issued by Mr G. W. Foote, President of the National Secular Society, and Mr J. M. Robertson, editor of the National Reformer, pointing out that Mr Charles Bradlaugh’s somewhat sudden death has left his affairs in a state of embarrassment. The liabilities exceed the assets, and no kind of provision ia made for his only surviving daughter, Mrs Bonner, who some time ago, in a moment of emergency, surrendered on his behalf the life policy he had assigned to her. None of the debts are personal, the bulk being due to investors holding debentures on his publishing business, some of whom are willing to forego their claims, Mr Bradlaugh was practically solvent, but his death has greatly altered the financial position of his affairs, the assets being chiefly of a character which, under a forced sale, would realise far less than their legitimate value. What is proposed is that the first £6OO of the fund should be devoted to purchasing the printing plant for Mrs Bonner, which would afford her a modest income. Then it is intended to devote something to the redemption of copyrights, and after that to deal with the creditors as the amount in hand permits. Mr W. H. Reynolds, Camplin House, New Cross, S.E., is acting as Treasurer. Tin from Silk.—An ingenious Frenchman has discovered a process of recovering the tin contained in the wash waters of silk which have been weighted, and has accordingly received from the French Society for the Encouragement of National Industry the prize allotted for the utilisation of residual substances. As it is estimated that Lyons alone will effect an annual economy of £12,000 by this means, the gentleman deserves his reward. But the history of the reclamation of waste products, although it has been full of surprises, and may be considered an amazing testimony to the genius and patience of man, contains ( Iron says) nothing more remarkable than this profit derived from the retuso of 'this excessive adulterant. The question has been more than once asked why silk rags had no value, but they may yet be sought after by dust contractors and marine store dealers, not for the sake of silk, but of tin, and if we had an industrial mint, we might contemplate the contingency of an old silk gown, split and torn because it was as much metal as textile, being converted into a dripping-pan or some other kitchen, utensil.