TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 9428, 1 June 1891, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Criminal Sittings. The criminal sittings of the Supreme Court will open at 11 a.m. to-day, before his Honor Mr Justice Denniston. There are sis prisoners for trial.

Seals. —The Government has decided to allow seals to be. killed during July and August of this year, subject, however, to the restriction that female or cow seals, and seals under thirty-six inches in length, are not to be killed.

• Madame Coba,— There was a good house at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night, when Madame Cora gave her illustrations of hypnotism for the last time in Christchurch. She is to leave for Wellington today;

Rangioba Political Association.— -The Committee of the Rangiora Political Association held a meeting on Friday evening to do some financial business. It was' agreed to hold a general meeting in a fortnight’s time to decided whether the Association should be carried on or not. Juvenile Oddfellows. A church parade of the Juvenile Oddfellows took place at the Sydenham Wesleyan Church yesterday afternoon, and was well attended; About one hundred and twenty young members of the order marched to the church from town, headed by the Lyttelton Oddfellows’ brass band.

Hunting. - The Christchurch drag hounds met at New Brighton on Saturday,' when there was a numerous following. 1 The line over which the drag was taken was stiff and close, and there were several empty paddles before the end of the second ran. Among those in the first flight were Mrs Alan Scott and Miss Gerrard, the latter on a particularly big jumper.

A Practical Postmaster-General.— The Glutha Leader states that, owing to the slight accident to the express train at Waipahi on Wednesday, the sfcationmaater, who is also telegraphist, was kept busy in the station yard and could not attend to the wires 5 whereupon the Hon J. G. Ward, who was a passenger by the train, at once took his place in the office, receiving and despatching the messages with the utmost promptitude. We question if many : Postmaster-Generals have ever been; able to stop a gap in this practical manner.

Licensed Houses at Auckland.—, According to the Herald the labour: difficulty party has taken a new departure, in Auckland. “We no longer hear the; cry of the unemployed, but it appears that they are as fully alive as ever to keeping' work in motion. A petition was in course of signature on Tuesday, near the Savings Bank; It purports to be a petition from 1 the mechanics and labourers of Auckland to the City Licensing Committees asking, them to consider the unfit state of eleven licensed houses in the city (which are; named). They ask the Commissioners tat inspect these, and insist on their reinstate* ment, pointing out the manifest injustice the existence of those houses is to those who have been compelled to erect costly structures.” A Vert Old Pest. Mahaffy’s latest work, “ The Greeks Under Boman Sway,” it is rather curious to find that some 2000 years ago the rabbit pest was the bane of the agricultural and pastoral industry, as it is now in Australia and in some parts of Hew Zealand. Accord* ing to Strabo, it infested all the south* west of Europe as far as Miasillia, including Corsica and the Balearic Islands; The' Spaniards, it seems, had devised various remedies for the evil, including the: domestication of the “ African weasel” (the mongoose?) Mr Mahaffy remarks that there seems to be no mention of. these rabbits in later authorities, from which he infers that they were disappear* iug even in Strabo's time. He thinks that similarly in Australia the day will come when natural causes will accomplish what human ingenuity is now unable to effect. In the meantime, while the rabbit eats the grass the sheep is starving. Canada’s Project. —An Ottawa despatch, dated April 24, says;—Parliament will be asked during the coming session to adoptapolicypromotingtradeandcommeroe with foreign countries by means of fast steamship lines. This step has been de-. cided upon, as the Government does not regard the prospect of negotiating trade arrangements with the United States as encouraging. The proposed arrangements include an Atlantic service, to be subsidised to the extent of 5,000,000d01s per annum, for a weekly service for ten years; a projected fortnightly service to Australia and New Zealand from a British Columbia port, with a subsidy of 75,000de15, in addition to what may be offered in the other colonies; a monthly service to China and Japan, for which 80,000dols per annum has been promised by Canada, and 225,000d01s by Great Britain. Should the Imperial Parliament prefer to raise its grant to 375,000d015, in order to provide for a fortnightly service, Canada’s contribution will be increased to 125,000d015. Temperance at Oust.— On Thursday evening the Institute Hall, Oust, was well filled with persons desirous of forming a Temperance Society. Mr B. L. Higgins was voted to the chair, and expressed hlg thorough sympathy with the movement! The Bev P. B. Monro urged total abstinence for the individual and prohibition for the State. It was proposed by the Bev D. D. Bodger, seconded by Mr Withell, and carried—“ That a Oust Total Abstinence Society be formed.” It was resolved unanimously, on the motion of the Bev H. H. Mathias—“ That in the opinion of the meeting a second hotel at Oust is unnecessary, and that those present objeot to a license being given.” Mr Higgins waff elected President, the Bevs Mathias and Bodger Vice-Presidents; and the following gentlemen were chosen a General Committee ;—Messrs W. Conway, T. Conway, S. Smith, Withell, Hassall, Buddenklan, Sheat, Waiting, Frizzell, and Webster. A large number of those present enrolled themselves as members. During the evening it was announced'that the petition against an increase of licenses was being numerously signed. It was agreed that Mr Hassall should act as Secretary, and that the Committee should be called together at an early date to make arrangements for the prosecution of temperance work. A veto of thanks to the Chairman concluded a successful meeting. A Chinese Mission. —The Church, of England Assembly and the Bishop ot Melbourne in Council, the Argus have appointed a mission Sunday in May throughout the diocese. The mission operations of the church are divided under three heads, namely, the general mission, whose field of work lies mainly in Melanesia and the islands of the South Sea; the aboriginal mission, which ministers to> the spiritual wants of the aborigines j and the mission to the Chinese resident in Victoria. It has been considered desirable to erect a place of worship for the use of the Chinese residents in and around Melbourne, whose number is estimated: at about seven or eight thousand. In order to encourage this undertaking a dignitary of the church in New Zealand offered a gift of .£IOOO on condition that within one year .£4OOO was raised hf subscription. The offer has lapsed with the expiration of the stipulated period. Two sums of £SOO each are, however, by a new stipulation to be at the offer of th* society, provided the ground be purchased and £ISOO raised. Five hundred poundff will be still given towards the purchase of the site, and another similar sum for the completion of the building. Hitherto the response has been weak to the demands of Chinese missionary work in the Colony, but it is probable that many are unaware of the work done and undertaken. _ Mr Cheong, who is the inspector of catechists,: has already raised, partly from Chinese residents, a sum of several hundred pounds towards a building fund. Cuddoa’s bottled ales and stouts are brewed from the finest malt and hops, and .are specially recommended foe invalids, AsviJ

Judge Eiohmond. Hia Honor Mr Jttotica Eiohmond resnmea duty to-day, hie year's leave of abaence having expired. ▲ Whale at New Brighton. —During the last few days a whale has been disporting itself off New Brighton. It has been 'frequently seen by residents and visitors. Dunedin Hotels- —It is understood in that the police objected to only two licensed houses in the city. The Bench h«id a meeting on Friday night, but the proceedings were kept private. ■. Mmnn Patbt.— A Napier telegram says Hint the box plan for Madame Patey’s conoevt there opened at nine o’clock on Saturday morning. In half an hour every seat in the theatre was hooked. Maobi Census. —The census returns of the Maori population are all in. The figure*, subject to revision, are:—North Island, 89,452; South Island, I 860; total, 41,212. The census returns Of 1886 were 41*482, so that the quinquennial census just taken showsa decrease of 120. Board of Governors.— At a meeting of the graduates of Canterbury College, held at lt.Bo p.m. on Saturday, Mr T. S. Foster 111 the chair. His Lordship Bishop Julius, of Otriatohnroh, was formally elected to a Seat on the ‘ Board of Governors of the College, in .place of the late Hon William Beeves. The Midgets.— General and Mrs Mite, the : midgeta, with Miss Clara Spenser and' Ifir All Lawton, had a capital attendance at their matinee in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Saturday afternoon. In the evening the midgets held a “reception” in High street, and were well patronised. They announce that. they will hold afternoon H|d evening “receptions”‘in High .street for a few days this week. .Lyttelton , Bowing Club.— -A meeting of the Committee of this Club was held on Friday evening.. It was decided to hold a smoke concert on Jana 19, at which prizes .will bo presented to those who have won saoes <at regattas. A Sub-Committee was to report regarding, the cost of providing .a new shed. After disposing of several minor matters, the meeting termi.Woolbton. —The opening session or the Wools ton - Mutual Improvement Society was held on Friday evening. The Eev Murray occupied the-chair. After thA Adoption of tales, the following officers w«re elected for the ensuing yearPresident,'' Eev E. J. Murray; Vice-Presidents, Mown- W. t ßowron, M'Diarmid, and J. Eichardsonj Secretary, Mr J. Firth; Journal Secretary. Mr A. Wilson; Treasurer, Mias A. Ticknor; Committee— Mia, Cordery, -Misd Bcnndy, Messrs Eeeve, Thomas and J. W. Hillary. A syllabus for sis months was drawn up and adopted, alter which twenty-five enrolled themselves as members. The meeting closed with the Benediction.

Counterfeit Coins.— Opportunity was taken of the-crowd and the uncertain light obtaining at> >the recent Electric Light Carnival at-Wellington to try the passing of counterfeit coinage. Par example, a sixpence, bearing a Georgian presentment and date, gilded over, was made successfully to do duty for a half-sovereign, as also was a brass token, similarly gilded over, which bore on its reverse side the sarcastic legend Keep your Temper.” We (Post) are informed on the heat authority that the energetic Secretary of the Parnell Memorial Fund did not strictly obey the Christian injunction thus skilfully and dsliberately conveyed when he realised the receipts were minus 17a 6d by the two experiments. Odufellowship. — A special meeting of the Ashley District, 1.0.0. F., M.IJ., was held at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Rangiora, at 7.80 p.m. on Thursday, to appoint a District Treasurer in place of the late P,P.Q,M. Stephens. There were present— Prov. G.M, Payne (presiding), D.P.G.M. Wilson, Prov. C.S. Jenniegg, P.P.G.M.’s Barrell, Marshall, and P.G. Nottingham. On the motion of P.P.G.M. Barrell, Prov. O.M. Payne was elected Treasurer of the District. P.P.Q.M. Marshall was appointed to have the custody of the diagram and password of the P. Prov. Grand Master’s degree. The Secretary was instructed to fwward a letter of condolence to the widow of the late Pro Stephens. The minutes were then confirmed, and the meeting was declared closed. TJfper Ashburton Road Board.— The usual meeting of this Board was held on Monday; present—Mr M*Lean (Chairman), and Messrs Harper and Campbell. Correspondence was read from the General Survey Office, stating that the Minister for lands would consent to the expenditure of “thirds" on water-races, instead of on road, for lands within the County of Ashburton, when such expenditure was applied for by the Road Board of the district in which the land is situated, and from which the moneys ( had accrued. From the Ashburton County Council, asking what amount of poisoned grain the Board would require this year. The Clerk was instructed to reply that the Board wonld like one hundred 101 b bags. Several letters of minor importance were also read. It was resolved to take steps to compel occupiers to clear gorse growing on roads within the district. Accounts amounting to £llß lOajwere passed for payment. Cremation. —The Wellington Post reports:—The terms upon which the proposed crematorium is to be erected in the Karori Cemetery have been finally agreed upon between the promoters of the movement and the City Council as follows: la lien of the rent of £lO per annum which was proposed to be charged for the site, a fee of 7s 6d is to be charged for each body cremated; (2) a clause is to be inserted in the agreement, providing that the Council may at any time take over the crematorium ou payment to the promoters of the net amount expended for all necessary requirements in connection with the building and apparatus. When a tecommendation that this arrangement be adopted came before the Council, Councillor Anderson took exception to the charge of 7s 6d, which ho considered to be too high. He feared it would tend to kill the cremation scheme, and as the question was a sanitary one the Council ought to subsidise it rather than make ouch charges. The Committee’s proposal was, however, adopted. Baron de Hiesch. The Auckland Harold writes:—A good deal of talk is sometimes indulged in respecting Baron de Hirsch, who is now taking such a practical interest in the welfare of the Jews expelled from Russia, as being the Baron de Hirsch who at one time resided in Auckland, and who spent a very largo sum of money at the Thames in the early days of that goldfield. Thames people are fond of identifying the two men as the same individual. Bat it is not so. We are informed by one well acquainted with the family that they are both of the same family —indeed, Baron Lucian de Hirsch, the Jewish philanthropist, being own brother to Baron de Hirsch, formerly of Auckland and the Thames. Baron Lucian is the elder brother, and Baron James, who was in Auckland, is the younger brother of a family of ten. Both are sons of Baron Joseph da Hirsch, banker, of Munich, Bavaria. They are members of a wellknown and wealthy European family. How Baron James, the younger brother, came to be in New Zealand was in the early stages of the Maofi war. He was id Melbourne at the time Colonel Pitt collected his contingent there to coma to the aid of New Zealand during the Waikato war. After the war was over Baron James cle Hirsch formed a partnership with Mr Burra, under the name of Burra and do Hirsch, and carried on the business of merchants and comjQieeion agents in Auckland. On the opening of the Thames goldfields the firm transferred their energies there, and business was carried on there for Baron de Hirsch by Dr Groote and Mr Wilson. It ia said that from first to last Baron James spent little short of £20,000 upon various enterprises he engaged in in the Thames goldfield. He married an Auckland lady (since deoaeed), and one child lies buried at the North Shore. The other child born of the marriage is now about twenty-three years of age, and ia living with one of hia uncles, and ia known as Baron Theodore, though the full name is Joseph Theodore, being named after his grandfather, Baron Joseph de Hirsch, of Munich. Baron James and his wife are both dead, the lady;having died about nineteen years ago, and ho a few years after, leaving the-one son.who was born-nfeAnokland.

The Austbalian Mail. —The Eotomahana, from Melbourne, arrived at the Bluff yesterday. Her mail should reach Christchurch to-morrow.

• Musical. —Mr H. Fleming has made arrangements for carrying on the work conducted by his father, the late Mr T. Fleming, in all its branches, and will make quadrille music and teaching specialties. The Ministeb fob Lands. —This evening the Hon John M'Kenzie, Minister for Lands, will address the Waitaki electors in Clarke’s Hall, Palmerston, on political matters, and will deal with Spence’s Invercargill and the Otago Daily Times' charges. Wesleyan Ministees. —A Wellington telegram states that at a meeting of the Committee of Privilege of the New Zealand Wesleyan Church, it was unanimously decided that steps should be taken to secure an amending Act to the Model Deed of the church so as to enable ministers to remain for five years in a circuit, instead of three, as is the law at present. Tai Tapu, The Library Committee held a meeting on May 27; present— Messrs H. W. Peryman (Chairman), Murray, Forbes, Spencer, M'Kenzie and Carleton. It was resolved that the Illustrated London News be discontinued and that the American Agriculturist be taken instead. The librarian reported that all subscriptions were paid up to date. The Treasurer stated that the balance in hand was £lO 8s 7d, liabilities nil. It was decided to spend £5 in new books, and Messrs Peryman, Spencer, Forbes, M'Kenzie and Carleton were appointed a Selection Committee. The Chairman was authorised to obtain some new games for use in the library. Band op Hope.— The Papanui Wesleyan Band of Hope held its usual monthly meeting in the Town Hall on Friday evening ; there was a good attendance; Mr A. H. King occupied the chair. The Chairman introduced the new President, the Eev D. J. Murray. The programme comprised recitations by the Misses L. Coombes, M. Millar and Masters L. and A. Wilcox, J. Kemp and Mr and Mrs Thwaites; songs by Miss Cooper and Mr W. Philpott, a glee by junior members, a dialogue “ Over particular ” by the Misses F. Lawrence, S. Monoriefl and M. Cooper, and Masters H. and C. Free and L. Willcox. The Eev D. J. Murray delivered an address, one new member was enrolled, and the Benediction closed a very pleasant meeting. An Old Aucklander's Letter. — An, old Aucklander, now residing in California, in a letter to Mr E. W. Barton, writes as follows —“ The federation of the Australasian Colonies is an event which is being watched with keen interest here, as well as in England. One subject which should be the first to engage the attention of the new Commonwealth is the exclusion of undesirable foreign immigrants. The United States ate beginning to see that it is time they put a stop to the ever-increasing tide of low, pauper, and diseased foreigners, who tush to this country. The recent Italian incident in New Orleans has brought this vividly before the public. The watchword in Australasia should he Australasia for the British, and no other.” Laecent.— Quite a batch of arrests for larceny was made on Saturday. Detective O’Connor was instrumental in securing James Smith, charged with stealing, at Springston, a coat value .£3 10s, the property of Thomas Griffiths; the same officer arrested a boy named John Harley, thirteen years old, on suspicion of having stolen £1 5s 4d from the till of Mrs Salkeld’s shop in Armagh street. This youth, in company with two others, who are also in custody, is farther charged with stealing grapes and crawfish. The three boys hail from Sydenham. Detective Neil arrested a man, Charles H. Baker, charged with taking from the Eoyal Hotel, on May 14, an overcoat, value £4, the property of Alexander Worden. George Fuller, on a charge of robbing John F. Comyns of £5 in Gloucester street, was taken in charge by Constable Dillon.

Land Settlement. —There is little doubt, the Auckland Herald says, that many of those who have left New Zealand might have been retained in the country if the Government had taken steps to open np good land within easy access of a market. This ia readily seen from the fact that the South Island, where land monopoly prevails most extensively, has made very much less progress than the North. The centesimal increase in the North Island was 9 - 33, and in the South Island only 4'98. The disparity between the population of the South Island and that of the North is thus steadily lessening, and in all probability the scales will be turned within the next twenty years, and the North Island will have the greater population of the two. The capacity of its land for sustaining a prosperous agricultural and manufacturing population assures to it this destiny. Stanmobe Band.— The annual meeting of the Stanmore Band was held in the band-room, Barbadoes street, oh Friday evening. About thirty members were present, and Bandmaster M'Killop occupied the chair. Mr J. M'lntosh read a statement of the Band’s accounts for the past year, and the balance-sheet was adopted. It appeared from the report that the members bad been able to materially lessen the debt on the set of instruments purchased from Messrs Boosey and Co., of London, and they hoped during the coming season to liquidate the debt and purchase a new uniform. The following officers were elected:—President. Mr W. P. Cowlishaw 5 Vice-Presidents, Messrs J. T. Matson, E. W. Humphreys, R. Thompson, A. K. Knight, T. Stapleton, A. Loughrey and F. Trent; Committee, Messrs Stokes and Bailey; Hon Treasurer and Assistant Secretary, Mr J. M’lntosh 5 Hon Secretary, Mr M. Mansell; Sergeant, Mr John Clark. Votes of thanks brought the meeting to a close.

The Plowing Fortunes op Maoeiland. —Under this heading the Melbourne Daily Telegraph has the followinglt is very interesting, and not a little amusing, to note the curious impartiality with which all the colonies of our group get their turns of fortune’s clouds and sunshine, A few years ago, while Victoria was revelling through what seemed an endless time of high days and holidays, New Zealand was ploughing her way through dolorous deficits. She went extravagantly mad with her Vogel, and she had to pay for the luxury in hard coin, just as Victoria, having romped through some twelve millions a year at the bidding of Mr Gillies, has now to sit for a time on the stool of financial repentance. It is pleasant, however, to note that New Zealand has beaten her way pluckily out into fair weather again, and that the evils of Vogelism have been cast off as easily as the trained athlete regains his feet after a bout with the boxing-gloves. There is no doubt that the recklessness with which Vogelism heaped up the national debt was a blow which sent the Colony reeling for a time; but the native vigour of the young State, and the inherent wealth of its resources, needed but a very little nursing, and the Colony is as prosperous as ever.” Presentations.—!, pleasing little ceremony was performed at Addington railway station on Saturday afternoon. Mr A. W: Morgan, who has been a clerk in the Addington office for about five years, is being promoted to the position of stationmaster at Templeton, and the opportunity was taken by the staff to make him a present, which took the - form of a gold Albert. Mr Bowles, relieving officer, in making the presentation on behalf of the staff, spoke in high terms of Mr Morgan’s courteous manner in the discharge of his duties, and wished him every success in his new position.—The teachers of the Sunday-school attached to the Primitive Methodist Church, Geraldine, assembled in the church on Thursday evening last for the purpose of spending a social evening with, and bidding farewell to, Mr and Mrs H. N. Hiskens. After tea had been partaken of, the chair was taken by the Rev W. C. Wood, pastor of the congregation, who, in a a brief speech, deeply regretted the departure of Mr and Mrs Hiskens. Mr W. S. Maslin, on behalf of the lady teachers, presented Mrs Hiskens with a very handsome hand-bag. Both Mr and Mrs Hiskens thanked the donors for the kindness they had received from them. Mrs Hiskens, Miss E. Sherratt and the reverend Chairman contributed several selections of vocal music during tha evening.

Vital Statistics. —The following are the vital statistics for the Geraldine District for the month of May :—Birchs 10, marriages 2, deaths 3. H.M.S. Cueacoa. —Yesterday a large number of people visited H.M.S. Curatjoa, and were entertained by their friends on board. Canterbury Feuitgeowees’ Association.—The monthly meeting of the Association will be held on Wednesday evening next at 8, at which all persons interested in the export of fruit are invited to attend. Sale op Books. —The sale of the late Mr J. B. Qreason’s valuable law and general library will take place at noon to-day at Mr Charles Clark’s auction rooms. Particulars appear in another column. Eangiora Borough Council. —The result of the election of a Councillor at Eangiora on Friday, in place of the late Mr Stephens, was as follows ;—F. Stevens, 78; J. Eoberts, 71; D. Graham, 64, The first-named was declared elected.

Abbest at Poet. —Five seamen belonging to the ship Brambletye, at Lyttelton, were arrested on Saturday, charged with refusing duty. They will be brought up at the Lyttelton Eesident Magistrate’s Court this morning. The Sydenham Licensing Election.— The argument on the motion for an order declaring the Sydenham Licensing Committee election void was concluded on Saturday, before his Honor Mr Justice Denniston, who reserved his decision, on the understanding that the meeting of the Committee, appointed for Wednesday next, be adjourned for a week. The Tbmuka Licensing Election.— lt is reported, on good authority, that an effort will be made to upset, on technical grounds, the election of the Temuka Licensing Committee. One or two of the other South Canterbury Licensing Committees may also be attacked. Property Sales. —Messrs Tonks, Norton and Co. announce a sale of freehold property. The sale is to take place at the rooms of the auctioneers on Tuesday, June 30, at two o’clock. Messrs Todhunter and Jennings report that on Saturday they sold privately a farm of sixty acres, at the Styx, to Mr B. Wroot, at the price of <£3s per acre. Their total land sales for the week amount to <£13,100. A Theft.— While the match between the Sydenham and Christchurch Fourth football teams was being played on the old Agricultural Show Grounds on Saturday, some person investigated the pockets of the players’ coats, which were left in the building used a pavilion. One player parted with 11s to the thief, and another, it is stated, was even more unlucky, as he lost £3.

Kirwee.— A meeting of a few of the inhabitants interested in the temperance cause was held in the Kirwee Hall on Friday evening. Mr T. A. W. Griffith, who was voted to the chair, opened the meeting with an address, in which he drew attention to the necessity of union among temperance supporters. Messrs J. N. Lawrey, P. J. P. Porthery and W. E. Bamsay endorsed the,Chairman’s remarks. Promises of assistance from several temperance workers towards establishing a Temperance Society were received, and after a general discussion the meeting terminated. The Weather at Timabtt.— Our correspondent says:—For some time past we have had most unusual weather for this time of the year. On Friday, in the morning, it blew a nor’-wester. About four o’clock it commenced to blow c pretty strongly from the sou’-west, and c hopes were entertained that a downpour of rain was close at hand, but only a slight shower fell during the night, and on Saturday it again cleared up bright and fine. This dry weather is seriously incommoding the farmers, and they cannot get on with their ploughing, except in swampy land. Even if the long expected wet weather sets in shortly, the crops will be later this year than usual. Christchurch Horticultural Society. —The annual meeting will be beld on Thursday next, at 8 p.m., at the rooms of the A. and P. Association, for the purpose of transacting the general business of the Society, receiving from the Committee a report and abstract of accounts of the past year, and considering the following notice of motion :—“ That Rule XV. be altered to read as follows: ‘There shall be two classes at the Society’s exhibitions, the open class and the amateur class, and no competitor will be allowed to enter in more than one class at any Show.’ ” The prizes won at the various shows during the year will be paid by the Treasurer the same evening, from 7 to 8 o’clock.

The Late Me Cholmondelet’s Funeral. —The body of the late Mr Charles Pitt Cholmondeley was buried in the Heathoote cemetery on Saturday afternoon. The large attendance at the funeral bore testimony to the respect in which the deceased gentleman was held by all classes of the community. A specially interesting feature was the presence of a large number of Maoris from Port Levy, some of whom bore the coffin from the hearse.to the mortuary chapel. They wore sprays of green foliage in token of mourning, and seemed deeply grieved at the death of their old neighbour. A considerable number of the clergy of the diocese attended, and the burial service was read by the Eevs F. Knowles and C. H. Gosset.

The Cathedral. —The Very Reverend the Dean preached his first sermon since his return from England at the mid-day service in the Cathedral yesterday. He expressed his thankfulness to God for having been permitted to return to his work with renewed health and strength, and stated that he proposed to make a new departure in his Cathedral teaching. It had at all times appeared to him that there was something unsatisfactory, a desnltoriness, in a succession of detached sermons on unconnected texts, and he, therefore, proposed that his sermons at the midday services should convey a series of connected teachings on special subjects, each occupying a definite and not too prolonged period. Accordingly, he would begin from that day a series of sermons on the Creed. The Dean then preached from Hebrews xi., 1," Faith is the substance of things hoped for.” Wholesale Larceny. —During the last two years the residents of the Makikihi district have suffered considerably by thefts of all kinds of household goods, Mr Morgan, of the Makikihi Hotel, having lost about fifteen pounds’ worth. Last Wednesday, a quantity of wheat belonging to Mr Thomas was found in a hut occupied by Edward Pratley, and other goods were afterwards found in the same place. Information was sent to the Waimate Police, but before their arrival Pratley cleared out. On Friday morning Constable Field and Detective Livingstone arrested him at Mr S. Green’s farm. Deep Creek. A large and miscellaneous lob of articles was found at Pratley’a—sheets, shirts, collars, ladies’ clothing, watch, bridle, and many other things. Pratley, who is thirty-seven years of age and has three children, has resided in the Makikihi district for the last nine years. He was brought up before the Waimate Court on Saturday, and remanded at the request of the police.

New Brighton Tram Company.— An extraordinary general meeting of the New Brighton Tramway Company was held in the reading-room, Hobbs' Buildings, on Saturday, to confirm the resolutions passed at a general meeting held on May 15, altering the Articles of Association. There were twenty-six shareholders present, and Mr George MTntyre was in the chair. All the amendments were confirmed with the exception of the one regarding the voting power of the shareholders. The proposition “That every shareholder have one vote for every five shares ” was struck out, and the original article, which reads—- “ Every shareholder having five, or any less number of shares, shall have one vote, and he shall have an additional vote for every five shares beyond the first five shares, bat in no case shall a shareholder have power to exercise more than twenty votes,” was retained, on the motion of Mr A. W. Money, seconded by Mr Husband. The mover contended that, were the articles altered, the small shareholders would have no say in the affairs of the Company. The shareholders present were unanimous in disagreeing with the proposed amondment.

Irrigation. —At a public meeting held at Ashburton. '>u Saturday afternoon the desirableness of instituting a scheme of irrigation was affirmed. A report appears in another uart of this issue.

Poisoned Rabbits. —On the question—- “ Are poisoned rabbits good for food ?” a correspondent of the Otago Daily Times says:— 1 " Correspondents on above subject to your paper will bo surprised to learn that rabbits poisoned, or rather destroyed with phosphorated grain, are not considered unfit for food. When I was cadet on stations of the Hon Donald Cameron, Tasmania, it was my duty to superintend the rabbit poisoning, and I assure you the thousands, aye, tens of thousands, of rabbits poisoned with phosphorated grain were all sold to the rabbit preserving worka to be tinned. It was a common thing to eat them ourselves, and our dogs were fed on little else. The liver we always threw to the dogs when rabbit was for the table, as it was generally discoloured.”

A Useful Flood. The Auckland Herald’s Tairua correspondent, writing on May 26, says:—We have just been visited by one of the severest storms, accompanied by the heaviest rain that has ever fallen here within the ken of onr oldest inhabitant. All the impromptu bridges, &0., have been carried away, and the fields at the landing are strewed with the debris of heads of trees, logs, &c., to a distance inland of fully two hundred yards. The stage at the landing was bodily carried away, and deposited a quarter of a mile down the river, in the centra of one of Mr Laycock’s paddocks. The fresh in the river was exceedingly large, considering that out of about 8000 logs, scattered along a distance of over forty miles, fully 6000 either reached the booms, or far enough to be get-at-able at any moment. We may safely congratulate ourselves that we have sufficient fogs to carry us through next summer without counting on receiving any more from existing contracts. Obituary. —A private cablegram received on Saturday announced the death of Captain Francis Hayter, of Rollsbury Station, Burke’s Pass, who left New Zealand in the R.M.S.S. Aorangi on March 19 last, in order to go to England for the purpose of undergoing a hazardous surgical operation. In his younger days Captain Bayter served in the Royal Navy. He was on hoard the last sailing frigate which was commissioned, and was Lieutenant on H.M.S. Basilisk during her exploring trip to New Guinea. He attained the rank of Commander before leaving the navy. After quitting the sea he came to Nelson, where fie married Miss Huddleatone, and with Mr Wharton took up the Highfield run, in the Amuri. He afterwards sold out of this station and went to Rollsbury. Captain Hayter was a man of high principle, and much energy and ingenuity. He was a successful sheep-farmer, his ingenious and practical turn of mind enabling him to manage his property to advantage. He was deservedly respected in his district, and the news of his death will cause regret to many. Public Vi obks.-— The Otago Daily Times, referring to a speech by Mr Seddon at Dunedin, says:—“We can most heartily endorse and approve of the Minister’s announcement that 'their public works in the future should be constructed on the co-operative principle/ There is no reason why many of the smaller sections of any great public work should not be undertaken by bodies of men under the guidance and direction of gangers appointed by themselves. There is no imperative necessity for middlemen where earthworks and cuttings in especial have to be made. It is probable that some of the larger works, where the outlay of considerable capital is necessary, will stUl have to pass into the hands of responsible contractors; bdtif the work is carefully chosen, the co-operative principle should prove successful, and it is in any case well worthy of a prolonged and careful trial. The sub-letting of contracts was a grievance difficult to deal with under the old system, and it was an evil pressing very heavily on wage-earners which should bo impossible under co-operation. In this way a grievance will have been disposed of which could only with great difficulty be dealt with in a direct way.”

Durham Street Wesleyan Church.— The services at this church were conducted yesterday by Mr W. H. Whitehead, of Manchester, England, who is at present visiting the Colony on a lecturing tour. In the morning Mr Whitehead took for his subject “The Five Coigns of the Gospels/’ and preached a very interesting and instructive sermon. In the afternoon a children’s service was held, when the large gallery and part of the body of the church were packed with children, and what room was left was fully occupied by the parents, teachers and friends. Mr Whitehead’s subject was “ The Child: What will ho Become ?” and the attention he received from all present was proof of his power to interest both old and young. In the evening the church was crowded, every seat being occupied, and Mr Whitehead again succeeded, by song and speech, in gaining and keeping the attention of all present. Daring each of these services the preacher introduced several wellknown hymns, which the congregation were invited to join in singing to old tunes, and this was evidently greatly enjoyed. This evening Mr Whitehead will lecture in the church on “ Mother, Home and Heaven.” Tho lecture will be interspersed with songs and solos. Good Tbmplaet.— The Hope of Christchurch Lodge held its weekly session on Thursday evening at the Druids’ Hall, Worcester street. A large number of members and visitors were present. Bro Bastion, senr., 0.T., presided. Sister Harris was installed into the office of Chaplain by Bro Ffrost, junr., D.G.C.T. After routine business had been concluded a recess was declared for members to interchange friendly discourse. At the resumption of tho meeting BroE. Long, P.P.G.C.T., read a paper entitled “Will the Pledge Alone Secure one from Becoming a Drunkard?” which was listened to with marked attention, and for which he received a vote of thanks and approval. Bro E. Long also presided at the organ, assisted by Bro Cooper with the violin. The Lodge was then closed iu due form. The weekly session of the Desire of Sydenham Lodge, No. 63, was held in the Free Methodist Church, Colombo road, on Wednesday, Bro Maddren, C.T., presiding. Four candidates were proposed and one initiated. Bro Long, of the Hope Lodge, presided at the harmonium. It being “ pound-night,” some amusement was caused by Bro Waite submitting tho contributions to auction. An acceptable contribution in the shape of coffee and biscuits was received, and it was announced that similar refreshments would be provided every Lodge night during the winter. An enjoyable meeting was brought to a close at 9.45 p.m. by the C.T. The Late Sir John Eobertsow. A writer in the Melbourne Argus tells tho following anecdote o? the late Sir John Robertson;—The old man was merry as wise. He loved a good dinner, and drank champagne like water. And boasted, reasonably enough, that, he could always carry hia liquor like a gentleman. An officious friend took him in charge one day, thinking that the effect of wine was becoming too apparent. “Let’s have a cup of tea, Sir John, and I’ll see you down to tho boat.” “I’ll drink a pot o? tea if it will please you, and you can come down to the boat if you like.” They drank the tea and walked down to the boat, and it was one of Sydney’s hot and drowsy summer afternoons, and there was a quarter of an hour to wait till the boat should arrive. Sir John sat down, and meditated and dozed, and in the course of ten minutes a ferryboat came in a trifle late. “Ashore now,quick! ashore!” bawled the captain. “ Aye, aye; I'll be there.” The old man imagined he had made the passage and was at home. He got up end walked deliberately over the end of the pier. Tho cold sea-water awakened him effectually, and, striking out quietly, he swam to the steps. There was his friend stretching eager hands, and wagging a too fluent tongue. " Ah, Sir John, Sir John, I knew there was too much wine.” What a terrible light kindled in the wide blue eyes, as with beard and long gray locks all dripping, the old man turned. “ Wine! Wine ... It wan your accursed tea.”

If you •want the best value for your money buy Ninian : Hyelop and Co/s ,f Imperial ” Teas. XBS6

Entertainment at Opawa. —At Opawa to-morrow evening will be presented a series of unique tableaux. Musical selections will be contributed by several favourite amateurs. Eangiora Sports Committee. —A wellattended meeting of this Committee was held at the Junction Hotel, Eangiora, on Friday night, Mr G. Cone in the chair. After some financial business had received attention, the question of forming an Athletic Association to carry on the sports in future was discussed, and it was ultimately decided to establish such Association about three months hence.

Funeral op Mb W. Wheeleb.— The attendance at the funeral of the late Mr William Wheeler, on Saturday afternoon, proved how highly he was esteemed by his employers, his fellow employees, and all who have worked with him during the thirty-three years he was in the Lyttelton Times office.' The hearse was followed from his house in Linwood to the Public Cemetery, by a train of mourners, mostly afoot, thoroughly representative of the office which the old Printer served. From the Managing Director downwards, men of all ranks and departments took the opportunity of showing their respect. There were also several old friends who, though not now in the Times office, had worked side by side with Mr Wheeler in bygone years. A group of these, with some of the senior employees of the Times, walked alongside the hearse as pall bearers. The coffin, bearing many floral wreaths (among them one from the Press companionship), was carried from the hearse to the mortuary chapel, and thence to the grave, by fellow craftsmen. The funeral was emphatically a printer’s funeral, but there were several persons there who were not printers, but who had known and respected Mr Wheeler in private life. The burial service of the Church of England was conducted by the Eev W. A. > aecoe. The Otago Central. — The Temuha Leader writes as follows on the interview between Mr Seddon and the deputation urging the claims of the Otago Central railway : —“ Terribly astounding facts were burled at the Ministerial head of the Hon Mr Seddon, while he sat placidly listening. At last he spoke, and to the confusion of all he had prepared himself for the occasion with official statistics that proved how wild and illusive were the speculations of the local friends of the proposed line. He showed, from official documents, that instead of £60,000 being to the credit of the line, as Mr Mackenzie stated, only the small sum of £36 had been left. Then he proceeded to show that the cause of the railway being neglected was the fact that Otago members had never agreed among themselves about it, and now not anyone of those present had any new scheme to show how it could be constructed. He reminded them of the many Otago Ministers they had in previous Cabinets, and what had they done ? Nothing, and now they wanted the present Government to do the work. They told the Government they must not borrow, they must not use the windfall derived from the loan conversions, and they must not fritter away the surplus of revenue. Where did they expect the money to come from P He read an article from the Otago Daily Times, in which the Government were warned that to use the windfall from loan would be further borrowing, and he asked them, if the Government could not borrow nor use the surplus, how the line could be made! The hon gentleman struck the nail on the head there.” Eden 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 in any nosition or style for 15s. One price list adopted, and no extra charges are made to visitors front the country.—[Advt. j E. W. Aleers, Art Photographer. Popular prices, superior workmanship, satisfaction guaranteed. Children a specialty. Do not miss take the address—Meers, 213, Colombo street. Showroom upstairs.—LAdvt,]

Death of a Tichbornb Witness.— —Mr Vincent Gosforth has died at Liverpool. He was a witness in the Tiohborne trial, being agent for the estate at the time the real Eoger Tiohborne left this country. He was given possession of the famous sealed packet by Eoger Tiohborne previously to his departure from England, but which was, unfortunately, destroyed by Gosforth. Lady Eatcliffe, it will be remembered, confirmed, by producing a similar document, Mr Gosforth’s evidence, her ladyship’s copy being actually signed by the missing heir to the estates. Mr Gosforth’s examination at tho hands of Serjeant Ballantine extended over three weeks, and the contents of this sealed packet were differently described by the claimant and his advocate. Deceased was seventy-four years of age. Struggle with a Burglar. —Shortly after midnight on April 2, two daughters of Captain Hunt, who has quarters at the Lincoln barracks, were awakened by a rustling noise in their bedroom. They called their father, who immediately went to the room and. saw a man getting out of the window. Captain Hunt seized him, and in the struggle both fell downstairs. The man, a powerfullybuilt recruit, had a sword-bayonet in his hand and tried to stab the captain. One of the daughters got hold of the man’s arm and twisted it until he dropped the bayonet. She then fetched a pair of tongs from an adjoining room and belaboured the man, who was still struggling with the captain. Captain Hunt then managed to get free ; and in the meantime the other sister had shouted from the window for help. The soldier on guard gave the alarm, other soldiers came up, and the man was taken to the guard-room. The pay-office had been broken into, but nothing was missing. Captain. Hunt was seriously bruised.