TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 9430, 3 June 1891, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

The Koch Lihph. —Two more consumptive patients have been treated with Dr Koch’s lymph in the Auckland hospital. Lady Footballers. — A telegram from Auckland says that thirty girls are training there in the game of football, and are shortly to travel the Colonies and play against each other as separate teams of fifteen each.

Addington Band.— Apromenadeconcert, to be followed by a dance, will be given at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Woolston, by the Addington Band this evening. Prior to the concert the band will parade through the streets.

Durham Street Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Abbociation. A meeting of this Association was held on Friday evening, Mr J. Munnings in the chair. There was a large attendance. The evening was devoted to “ Readings from Colonial Poets.” Selections were read by Mrs Coleman, Messrs F. Turner, F. Tregear, J. Munnings, A. K. England and H. England. A Message from the Sea. —A Wellington telegram says that a corked bottle was picked up on Shelly Bay beach on Monday, and on being opened was found to contain a piece of stained paper with the following writing on it: —“lt is a fact that we have just finished lunch from biscuits, cheese and beer, which we enjoyed, on the New Brighton beach, near Christchurch, this 25th day of May, 1891.—Thomas F. Morley, homceopathist 5 D. Savage, 71, Lichfield street.” The Census Takers. —A statement was made a few days ago that the census subenumerators are still unpaid ior tbeir services. It seems that the vouchers are dealt with at once after receipt in the Registrar-General's office, but the enumerators cannot certify to them until the work has been examined and proved to be correct. In some cases this takes time. The Census Act provides that certain defects or omissions in the schedules are to be rectified by sub-enumerators at their own cost, consequently a certain delay for the purpose of examination cannot be avoided. General Booth's Windfall. Some little doubt was felt in connection with a cable message announcing that a considerable sum of money had been bequeathed to General Booth; and, indeed, in one or two cable items referring thereto, the amount was stated at -£70,000 and .£IO,OOO. The following item of mail news sets the matter at rest:—Mrs Elizabeth Orr Bell, widow of the late Mr David Bell, Craigmore and Blackball, who died at Blythswood square, Glasgow, on April 13, has, by her deed of settlement, bequeathed the whole of the residue of her estate, after payment of certain legacies, to General Booth for tho Salvation Army. The residue, it is believed, will amount to between .£60,000 and Rifle Shooting.— On Saturday, the Woodend Rifle Club held a field-day at its range. About thirty men competed, including members of the Kaiapoi and Eangiora Rifles and tho C.Y.C; Prizes were offered for carbine and rifle matches at 200, 300 and 400yds, five shots at each range, and for Martini rifles at 300, 400 and 500yds. The first prize in the former match, a trophy presented by Mr Moore, M.H.R., was taken by Private Tr urn per of tho Kaiapoi Company, who made 66 (including five bull s’-eyes at the 400yds distance). Time did not allow of the Martini match being completed, and the firing will be continued on June 13. The highest scorer at present is Sergeant d’Auvergne of tho Raugiora Rifle*. A perfect beverage, ' • Arab ” and •* Sffand Tea, 2s and 2a-4d. psrlb.

Police Court. —At the Police Court; yesterday, Marie Laisetti was fined 5s on 4 charge of drunkenness. The Railways. —A Gazette published, last evening contains scales of fares, sates and charges on the Government railways, which will come into force on June 15. Street Improvements at Eanoiobx.— Eight new lamps have recently been' erected in the darker part of the streets at Eangiora. They were nsed for the first time last night. Kaiapoi Parish.— lt is understood that, on the recommendation of the Bishop of Cnristchurch, the Standing Committee of tl ? e 'Synod has decided to conjoin the cures of Kaianoi and Woodend.

Magisterial. —Mr H. S. Wardell, who has acted as Resident Magistrate in the northern district for some weeks, took his leave yesterday. Mr Preece, the new E.M. for the district, will arrive to take up his duties on June 9.

Eangiora Town Clock. —The Mayor of Eangiora has received instructions, from the Public Works Department that the clock tower at the Post Office was designed for two dials only. As there are four openings for dials, it is evident that there has been a mistake somewhere. Maori Enthusiasm. —The Awahuri correspondent of the Feilding Star writes Several loyal Maoris, having read the account as to the inability of the Queen to provide for the large retinue of the Emperor of Germany on his proposed visit to England, have started on ah expedition, both on sea and land, for the purpose of procuring shark and wild pork, which they intend sending as a present to Her Majesty In order that she may he able to entertain her guests as befits royalty. A Copyright Case. —At Wellington yesterday, in the Supremo Court in Banco , Frederick William Jones moved for an injunction to restrain M. J. Brookes, manager of the Dresden Piano Company, from publishing or selling any piece of music with the title of “A Barn Dance.” The applicant said that he was the publisher in this Colony and was the proprietor of the copyright in the title as well as in the piece of music. For the defence it was contended that the pieces were dissimilar, and Mr Justice Richmond dismissed the motion, holding that the title “ Barn Dance ” was a general description and was not copyright. Lincoln School Committee.- —A meeting of this Committee was held on Monday; present—Mr Doherty (Chairman), and Messrs Bartram, Westenra, M'Nae and M'Pherson. The master's monthly report showed the average attendance to be 106*9. The Committee decided to carry out some repairs, and agreed to a continuation of the picket fence and to replace the blanks in the maorocarpa fence. The Chairman and Messrs M'Nae and M'Pherson were appointed to inspect the range and grate in the master’s house and report at next meeting. The midwinter holidays, of a fortnight’s duration, it was arranged should commence on Jane 12. Eangiora Debating Society. The fortnightly meeting of this Society was held on Monday evening, Mr E. Ball in the chair. The subject for the evening was “ The Prohibition of the Liquor Traffic,” Mr H. Boyd affirmative, Mr E. Wright negative. Both papers were vigorous in character, and induced a spirited discussion, in which all the members and several of tbe visitors joined. The weight of opinion was heavily in favour of Prohibition, so much so that it was unnecessary to take a vote on the question. A vote of thanks was accorded to the openerd of the debate. At the next meeting the President, Mr E. Ball, will read a paper on “Australian Traits and Tendencies.” Tai Tapu School Committee. The monthly meeting was held on Monday evening; present —Mr J. J. Herrick (Chairman), and Messrs Leatham, Peryman and Heinzmann. A letter was read from the Board of Education in regard to the resignation of pupil teacher, and informing the Committee that the present average did not entitle the school to another. The Cricket Club was granted the use of the school for the purpose of holding a concert. The master’s report showed the average attendance to be 100'4, roll number 126. He informed the Committee that the school was to be examined on or about Sept. 14. The Chairman was empowered to have the maorocarpa fence trimmed and the gate repaired. Accounts amounting to M7s 7d were passed for payment. Y.M.O.A. Literary Society. This Society held its usual meeting on Monday evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr E. C. Brown occupied the chair. The business for the evening was the reading of the “Journal,” to which there were three contributions. After the papers had been read and criticised, Mr S. L. Twentyman said that this would be the last occasion on which he would be at a meeting of the Society, as he was leaving Christchurch. He expressed the pleasure he had always experienced in attending the meetings of the Society, and bade it a regretful farewell. Mr E. M. G. M'Dowall moved—- " That the Society expresses its regret at Mr Twentyman’s departure, and wishes him every success in his new field.” During the evening Miss Andrews gave some musical selections.

South Rakaia School Committee.— The usual monthly meeting was held in the schoolrom last evening ; present—Mr Hardy (Chairman) and Messrs Oxley, Dixon, Liddy, Clark, Turner and Barcoofc. The master’s report stated that the average attendance for the month had been 153; past week, 161*7; highest attendance, 172; and number on roll, 214. Certain requirements were asked for which were included in works recommended by a Sub-Committee, whose report was adopted, and the works ordered to be done, except the sinking of a sump near the well, A report as to the best method of allotting prizes was received from Messrs Hardy and Dixon, and the same gentlemen were asked to give further information at the next meeting. It was decided to forward a case of kerosene to the Library Committee as an acknowledgment of the use of a meeting-room for the past eight years. Oddfellowbhip. The regular fortnightly meeting of the Washington Lodge, No. 28, 1.0.0. F., A.C., was held in the lodge-room, Selwyn street, Addington, on Monday. N.Q. Bro J. Donaldson presiding. The N.G. and brethren of the Eidgley Lodge, No. 36, made an official visit, and were received with the usual honours. Amongst the visitors were N.G. Bro Scott, Y.G. Bro Hunter, P.G. Bro White, junr., P.G. Bro Turnbull, and Bros Hartle, Warmon, Hallaway, Midgley, Burson and Andrews. Consideration of matters m regard to medical attendance was held over for a special summoned meeting. A Committee was formed, to act in co-opera? tion with a Committee from the Eidgley Lodge, to arrange for a series of social gatherings during the winter months. A vote of thanks was then passed to the visiting brethren, and responded to by Bros Hunter, Scott and James White. After transacting a large amount of other routine business the Lodge was closed in the usual manner by the N.G. The Law of Libel. The Wellington Times writes: —The people who persecuted, poor Baldwin into his, grave are now declaring that the defalcations of Bourke whom he libelled had not begun when he was convicted. They only began immediately after the trial. The complete whitewashing of his character was too much for tho late Mr Bourke. Such an unexpected result assured him of complete impunity; he took to embezzlement at once. No doubt his friends regard him as tho victim of the unfortunate pressman who recklessly insisted on getting a jury to say that he was an honest man. We decline, of course, to accept any ex part* statement that whitewashes Bourke up to a certain date, in order to justify a punishment which ought never to be within the control of private individuals. But even if this suspicious newly-born acuteness of audit has discovered a fact, the other fact remains that criminal libel having killed one man, ought not to be allowed to minister to private vengeance. At the, best, a man with a very shady side to hire was libelled wrongly. It was not a matte? for imprisonment of a breadwinner among felons, and the ruin of bis family. Pure, fragrant and exhilarating, “ Arab J - t and “ Shah ” brand Tea, 2s and 2? 4d per 1 lb.

ONUD.—The date o! the sale of the Hursley estate has been altered from June 6 jtp Jufl.6 13. The auctioneer ja Mr F. C. T#ba»t- ---~ .Officer Transferred.—-Mr J. P. TfJTMtoi who has beep, in charge of the |jfeNsqn sub-branch of the Bank of New been transferred to Canter* baify, „ ~ . , pf Fiss.-r-At an early hour J9§ twday morning the fireball at Lyttelton r«Pf ont an alarm, and a number of the Brigade were smartly on the scene; but it turned out t» be only a resident burning rgbbdsb' , Tpa Jjats Me 0. J?. Oholmondsley.I 9 the obituary notice of the late Mr Charles Pitt Oholmoudeley it was stated in error that he was the donor of the site on which the Opawa church now stands. It wm the site lor the church at Port Levy which w/m given by him. TWH WEATHER AT jUhhnrtou correspondent says that, during the l|«t week, winter seems to have fairly aet In, the last few days having been particularly cold and raw. On Sunday Sight there was a squall, hrst from the not'ffweet, followed by a good downpour of lasting several hours. The ground is now in good working order, and farmers *|o making the most of their time, getting in'their wheat crops. Morris Tubs ’ Shooting.— -A Morris (tab# shooting match was held last Thurepoy sight at the Gladstone range between Kgnii representing the Stanmore Brass the Lyttelton Garrison Band. It a win for the Lyttelton team by points, the scores being*—SfcanKfff, 349 points: Lyttelton, 266 points. Kltor the match, the Lyttelton team was Mdwctaincd by the Stanmore Band, and a Krfjry enjoyable evening was spent in Dbormony. | Upper Bicoabton School. —As Mr fer M d. the head-maater of the Eiccarton

Johool, is leaving the district, the residents ig4 children of the school met on Monday iTMSiflg, to wish him good-bye, and took ihe opportunity of expressing their apWtoiation pf his abilities and services as a

Mr Joseph Jebson occupied the chair. and ashed Mr and Mrs Ward's acceptance of a handsome set of carvers apd afire o'clock tea set, as a small token of the esteem in 'which the; were held. Mr Wil4 responded, and after three hearty cheers from the young people, the meeting terminated. ffoAPS Accp>apT.«-The Napier Evening V»m reports ir-When leaving Kaiwaba ■tables on Friday, May 29, the leaders of tka Taupo coach suddenly swerved and took the coach over p bank. Mr M'Auley was thrown from the seat on which ha was driving, and Messrs M‘Donald, of Christ* 'church, and Joynt, of Nelson, were also thrown off, Mr McDonald falling under the wheels. On the coach turning over, Mr iagd Mrs Hutchinson, two daughters and two hoys, who were inside. Were thrown Underneath.' Fortunately the groom ran down the bank and succeeded in stopping ths hones instantly, or a much more Sf?iou|i catastrophe would have had to be raeofdad. As it was, the roof and seats cif tbs coach were smashed, hut the pas* pengsrs miraculously escaped with a few fllgbfc anti and a good shaking. CHBiaiOßtrpop Dbaughts Club. A general meeting of the Christchurch Draughts Club was held at thfi Caledonian Society's rooms yesterday evening, Mr 1). Beeu in the chair. A letter from the North Canterbury Draughts Club was con* sidered. It suggested that the match with < tl)is Shriatohuvch Club should be held at Ssipgiora about July 1. It was decided to agree to the date, nut suggest that the sboeld fep played at Kaiappi. Conmderahio interest is taken in this match, at* tbs Uit ops between the two Clubs was dtsWß« bud the one before that won by North Canterbury by one game. The Christcbnrcb Club will play a seoondrclasa ingtob witb the Tai Tapu Club in about thfg# fffleis’ time. The Tournament Com* has been unable to meet, and the business it was to have done has been adjourned fpr a week. It ia hoped that members will attend at the rooms, so as tq 'enable teams for the forthcoming matches to bo chosen, Sf4L»w*UL Boad BoABD.r-Tha ordinary safeting ol this Board was held on Tuesday, »U the members being present. Mr fi, (Sarmfth was elected Chairman for the wmmißg year. It was decided to inform the Selwyn County Council that the Board w#ql‘d ■ prefer to pay the amount of Charitable Aid contribution, £l3B 6s lid, bi)t Of ordinary funds at its disposal instead of levying a special rate. ▲ letter was read . from Mr H. Hudson, renewing his application to the Board to open UP the road running past his section, N@. 777. It was resolved by the Board to reply that the funds at its disposal would not allow of its undertaking the work at present. The Clerk was instructed to obtain two. sacks of poisoned wheat from Ml C, M- Brooke. The balance-sheet for thp year ending March 81, 1891, having been received from the Auditor-General, it w%s resolved that the adjourned annual meeting flf ratepayers be held on Monday, June 89. Accounts amounting to £lls 2s were passed for payment, and the pies ting closed. TsAjOßQWing is thm Noeth Island.—> The Manawatv, Times states that Mr A. Ferguson, formerly Mayor of Palmerston North, Und now resident at Birmingham, is making an experiment of tea-growing there, which promises to prove successful. The plants were raised from seed, 300 being sown, and from these about 150 are BOW growing from lin to sin in height. It ia-not generally known that tea can be grown in almost any climate, It is cultivated in India, Japan, Ceylon, to some extent ip America, and has also been ■neoessfully cultivated in Auckland. It Will stand any variation of climate, down to that which involves six inches of frost on the ground for a month in the year. The chief thing appears to be to guard the roots of the from the direct rays of the sun. Two oropa can be gathered in the year, and the variety which Mr Ferguson is cultivating ia the Assam tea. To thoroughly test the experiment. Mr Fergusaon is growing half >ia crop outside and half under cover. He has no doubt of the success of the experi-1 ment, hut whether tea-growing could be made* profitable industry in tbo Colony is another question, the low price of labour in tea*growing countries having to be oohaiderad. There ia nothing, however, to prevent farmers growing their own tea. Mr Ferguson also grows and manufactures his own tobacco. TypoGBAPHiGAL Absociation. —A special meeting of the'Wellington Branch, New Zealand Typographical Association, was held in the Exchange Buildings on Saturday evening. Before the regular ousiuess was taken up, a presentation was made to the President, Mr W. P. M‘Qicr, on the eve of his approaching marriage. The testimonial took the form '>£ a handsome marble clock and a beautifully-illuminated address, the wort of Mr Boob, both subBCfibed to by the members of the branch, on'whose behalf Mr H. C. Jones, VicePresident, read the address, which van as follows !—‘‘To W. P. M'Girr, S?q., President, Wellington Branch, N.Z.T.A.—Dear gi P) «_'VVe, members o? the Wellington Branch, N.Z.T.A., take advantage of the occasion of your marriage to express our hearty appreciation of the energetic and careful manner in which you have carried out your duties as President of our Branch for the last throe years, and also to thank yoq for the valuable work you have performed during that time in that honourable capacity, We bag you to accept the accompanying present with the assurance of our best wishes for your future happiness} and wo trust that you may he long ■pared to continue your efforts in the furtherance of the well-being of your fellow-workers. Oa behalf of the subscribers. H. 0. Jones, Vice-President.” Mr M’Gitr replied in a feeling manner, thanking members for the kind expressions In the address, and assuring them that it wotild always remind him that, having done his duty to the Craft in tbo past, there was that same duty to be carried out in the future. If he had done good work as President, he ascribed it to the fact that the members had always yielded a ready obedience to hia decisions and assisted him in every way. Before the meeting adjourned, three cheers were given for Mr M'Girr. - ~ Fate Sweeta.—Aulaeorook’n—[A»?*.J

Sals of Coal.—Messrs Matson and Co, will sell a large quantity of coal to-morrow. Particulars are given in an advertisement.

Horticultural Society. —The annual meeting of the Christchurch Horticultural Society will be held at the A. and P. Association’s rooms to-morrow evening.

New Zealand Kennel Club. —A meeting of the Committee of tbe New Zealand Kennel Club was held last evening. Arrangements were made in connection with the annual meeting, which will be held shortly. Kohinooe Goldmining Co.—This Company, which baa been formed to work, by dredging, the Kohinoor claim at Boss, held its first general meeting last night, when permanent Directors . were elected. A report appears elsewhere. The Babbit Nuisance. —A telegram from Dunedin says that it is understood that the Minister for Lands cannot see his way to prohibit the poisoning of rabbits in factory districts during the season set apart for that purpose. . Sydenham Poultry Society.— Entries for the Sydenham Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Society’s annual show, will bo received on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Messrs Milner and Thompson’s music warehouse, and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Sydenham Hotel. Long Service Medals.— Recently it was announced that long-service medals would be granted to officers of tbe New Zealand Volunteer Force, as well as to men, who have sixteen years’ continuous efficient service, or twenty years* efficient service, not continuous. It is now stated that these medals will not be granted to officers on the honorary unattached list. There are several officers in the Colony on this list who have fulfilled the conditions required to earn the medal, and there is a feeling abroad that it should be given them. The Zebhan Silver Fields. A Launceston news item says: A light tramway from Zeehan to Henty, to connect with the railway, will be commenced in a few days. This will afford means for the transit of ore and light machinery to the Zeehan field, which is ppw stopped owing to the impassable nature of the roads. A serious charge has been made against the surveyors on the silver-fields, to ♦’he effect that they have levied blackmail on those desirous of having leases surveyed quickly. The surveyors have demanded that an investigation he made by the department. The Census. —The Walmate Times says: —We have been informed that over twenty residents in the Waihao district have not been included in the recent census returns. In some cases the census papers were left, and have never been called for since they were filled up, and in others no census, enumerator has been near the place. This is attributed to the sub-enumerators who were appointed being unacquainted with thq district. If other districts show a similar state of affairs there will be no difficulty in accounting for the missing eight thousand of the population whioh the Registrar-General says be cannot account for. A Prolific Apple Tree. —At Mr Biggs’ chemist’s shop. High street, may be seen specimens three crops of apples borne in a single season by one tree. The tree in question is in tbe garden of Mr Boynton, baker, Opawa, and is four years .old- The present is the second year of bearing, Its first crop this season consisted of eighteen apples, fine, well developed fruit—the specimen in Mr Biggs’ possession weighs a trifle over half a pound. The second crop numbered twenty, and the fruit attained an average weight of slightly under a quarter of a pound apiece. There were about twentyfour apples in the third crop, little, immature things of about an ounce in Weight. It is supposed that the two later Crops were caused by the tree having been irrigated after the first one. Waimaeariri Harbour Board.— The usual monthly meeting of this body was held on Monday night; present—Messrs Moore (Chairman), Horrell, Blakeley, Mathews and Feldwick. The pilot reported that no alteration had taken place in the river. There was 10ft of water on the bar at high water. The work of filling up round the pilot’s house had been completed. The new signal staff would be erected by the end of the week. The tonnage of vessels for the month was—lnwards, 114 tons, outwards, 20S tons. Accounts amounting to .£lB 19s 7d were passed for payment. The Secretary reported the credit balance to be .£l3O 16s 3d. The Chairman reported that he hod made inquiries in Lyttelton in regard to procuring a Prieatmen dredge, but could find Bathing there to suit; he intended going to Wellington in a few days, and would try to find one there. The meeting then terminated. Mr Whitehead’s Lectures- Thera was a good audience at the Wesleyan Church, Durham street, last night, when Mr W. H. Whitehead lectured on “ Illustrious Abstainers.” His Worship the Mayor presided. Mr Whitehead spoke of several famous men who were total abstainers, concluding his list with President Garfield. He spoke also of the rising generation as the great hope of the Temperance cause, and advocated total abstinence for the individual and prohibition in the State. He sang several songs very effectively to illustrate various parts of his discourse. At the close a vote of thanks was accorded to his Worship for presiding. This evening Mr Whitehead will lecture on “ Music for the Church, the School and the Home.” The Rev L. M. leitt will preside, and illustrations, consisting of specimens of Handel’s early works and other compositions, will be given by several ladies and gentlemen who have kindly promised their assistance. Niceties op Conservative Journalism. —lb is just as well to note, occasionally, the manner iu which the Conservative journals assail the present Government, and tbe peculiar elegance of their expressions. Hero is a choice example from the Napier Daily Telegraph : —“ As for the present Government having the capacity to devise measures which shall have the effect of making residence in this Colony attractive is out of the question. With the exception of Messrs Ward and Beeves, who have had the good sense to hold their tongues, no Minister has spoken without creating tbe impression that the sooner wo leave the Colony the better. The Government of the country has fallen into the hands of the mob, and it cannot he expected that its experience will be different to that which has befallen other countries under similar circumstances. Tne mob is being humbugged by such men as Saddon and M'Kenzie in exactly the same way as the unionists were humbugged by their leaders. These two loud-voiced, ignorant bullies are tramping the country proclaiming the rise and intentions of the “ Liberal Government,” as though for the first time in the world’s History the gospel of mercy and truth, righteousness and liberty, had. been preached and put in

practice! ” Fowls lob England.—Mr D. J. Sproafc, of Earl’a Court, S.W., writes in the columns of a London contemporary : —“ It cannot be denied that the importation of lifew Zealand mutton and lamb to England h&s been a boon to this country generally, and a godsend to London in particular; and in recognising that fact, I venture to ask why poultry has not been added to the list of Now Zealand exports. It is well known that during the months of April and May, English poultry is not only inferior in quality but exorbitant in price. It is quite a difficulty to get a good-sized tender fowl; and if one by good fortune falls in with such a luxury the purchase money varies from 4s to 6s. What is the result F Only those who care not what they pay, and those who pay not at all, can “go in” for such a delicacy, whilst the middle-class must be content with “ old hens,” and the poorer class with “ tough Russian cocks,” Speaking of Russian fowls—large quantities of which are sent to the markets—we find them small, inferior in quality, and, as a rule, so hard aa to make only dentists and doctors rejoice at their consumption. Under these circumstances, what an advantage it would be to have poultry from New Zealand. I understand full-grown dhickens are retailed at the modest sum of Is and Is 3d per head, and, moreover, they are in their prime about January—the very time they could he despatched for arrival here in April and May? 1

m'AWwuc^i»anwfcA^A»v«usiin2a;

Drainage Board.— An ordinary meeting of the Christchurch District Drainage Board was held yesterday afternoon. The business is reported elsewhere.

The Kaiapoi Licensing Election.— The election of a Licensing Committee at Kaiapoi, yesterday, resulted in the return of four Moderates and one Prohibitionist. The voting was very close. Theatre Royal. Abdooi Ahumud, who is said to be a skilful conjurer, will appear at the Theatre Royal this evening. Among other Indian feats of legerdemain he will introduce the wonderful mangogrowing trick. Eangioea High School Board. —At a special meeting of this Board, held on Monday, Mr G. J. Leech in the chair, eight tenders for leasing the school reserve were received, and that of Mr A. Cookburn, at 16s per acre, was accepted. I.O.G.T.—An entertainment of a social character was given yesterday evening, in the Bine Ribbon Hall, Worcester street. There was a large attendance, and besides songs and recitations some comic sketches were given with very creditable effect. The Weather. —A stiff north-wester blew in the northern district for some hours during Sunday night, but before morning the wind veered to the south-west and cold squally weather sot in, continuing throughout Monday. Snow fell on the hills.

Accident. —News was received at the Police Office yesterday, that Mounted-Con-stable Wetherley, who is in charge of the Police Station at the Bealey, was on his way to Sheffield viA Annat on Monday, when he slipped on a bridge at the latter place and fractured one of hia legs. Supreme Court. —At the Banco sittings to be held at eleven o’clock to-day, Mr Justice Denniston will deliver judgment in the case, Waitaki District Hospital and Charitable Aid Board v. the South Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, a case of appeal. A few other Banco cases, notices of which appear in another column, will also be called.

A Horse Killed.— A horse belonging to Mr John Meikle, of the Grosvenor Hotel, Timaru, was killed on Monday night by falling about fifty feet down the railway cutting near Miles, Archer and Co.’a store. The horse must have been frightened when grazing close to the edge of the cutting, and in consequence fell over. He was quite dead when found, hia legs and neck having been broken.

A Losing Purchase. —A Herald reporter saw in the Auckland gum scores of Messrs E, Mitchelson and Co. what may happen to a gum buyer. Some sixty tons of gum, or what was supposed to be gum—not gum and dirt—was purchased in January and February in the Kaipara district, which cost, landed in Auckland, .£37 per ton. The gum merchants declined to purchase it in its then state, and on its being put through riddles and sieves, no less than three tons of earth, sand, &c., were extracted, so that the firm had paid JHII for dirt! Their feelings ou making this discovery cannot he analysed. As a result pf this test, the firm declined to buy any more gum, save such as had been riddled. The firm was ready to buy gum, hut was not strong on gum and dirt.

Sydenham Licensing Committee.— The following notice has been served upon each of the licensed victuallers in the Sydenham licensing district:—“ I beg to give your notice that at the annual meeting of the Licensing Committee for the district of Sydenham to be held on the third day of June, it is the intention of the Committee to consider whether it is desirable to issue a license to you, and whether there is necessity for a publichouse in the neighbourhood, and you are therefore required to attend tho ’ said meeting. Dated this 28th. day of May, 1891. Leonard M. Isitt, Chairman of Committee.” Some surprise has been expressed that this notice should have been issued while proceedings questioning the election and powers of tho Committee were before the Supreme Court. Poultry Society. —A Committee meeting of the Christchurch Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Society was held on Monday evening ; present—Mr F. J. HibelJ, in the chair, and Messrs A- Smith, M. Donohue, S. Brooking, L. Banks, E. S. Leversedgo, Thoa. Hoult, K. T. Cooke, S. C. Eesteven and J. C. Clarke. Tho Art Union Committee reported that the tickets were selling satisfactorily. The Secretary submitted a ground sketch of the Tuam street hall, and a plan was agreed to by which the pens will be arranged so as to admit better light than at the last show. Nominations for the pigeon flying race from Timaru, to be held ou Jane 24, tho first day of the show, were received. Eight additional special prizes were reported to have been offered. After transacting a large amount of routine business iu connection with the show, the meeting terminated.

Rugby Union. —A general meeting of the Rugby Union was held at 'Warner’s Hotel last evening; present—Mr Harris (Chairman), and Messrs Marshall, J. S. Hawkes, Garrard, Cooke, Johnson, Croxton, Kesteven, Styoho, Frost, Smith, E. G. Hawkes, Reese, Allardyce, Dr Moorhouse and Mr F. West (Hon Sec). Mr G. Harris was elected to fill the vacancy on the Selection Committee, caused by the resignation of the Rev J. Hoataon. On the motion of Dr Moorhouse, it was decided to recommend tho Clubs to adopt the “referee and touch-line judge system” fo? senior matches, for the remainder of the season. It was further resolved that the resolution apply to Junior Flag matches. Mr Garrard brought up the question of teams breaking their engagements with Clubs belonging to the Union to play outside Ciubs, and it was resolved that the Secretary write to the offending Clubs to ssoervain if such a breach of contract took place. It was decided that all matches arranged with the Addington Club First Fifteen, whether played or not played, be struck out of the season's lists. Messrs Garrard, Smith and West were appointed a Sub-Committee to arrange terms with the Lancaster Park Company for playing the remainder of the season’s senior matches on the Park; The Secretary of the Christchurch Hospital desires to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of illustrated papor-i from Mrs Bowers, and linen from the Kav W. liarpor, for the use of tho patients.

h den George Company, limited, tho leading photographers of Christchurch, who are producing by far the bast work in New Zealand, taka one dozen beautifully enamelled cabinets in any position or style for 15s. One price list adopted, and no extra charges are made to visitors from the country.—fA Dvr.)

Decline of the Agricultural Population in Great Britain.—A number of facts relating to the recent census are leaking out, and among them are many which show that the agricultural population in these islands has very seriously decreased during the pnsb decade, while that of the manufacturing districts has increased. Of course, it is too early to speak with either accuracy or authority; but (says the Times) such figures as have leaked out in districts so distinct as Aberdeenshire, Ayrshire, Banffshire, in Scotland, and in the West Riding of Yorkohire, South Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Northampton and Gloucester, in England, all point in this direction.

A Foreign Language. Commodore Elbridge T. Geary is authority for this story about Chr.uncey M. Depew, published by the Nashville American . The famous post-prandial orator entered a hotel in a small town in Georgia, and walking up to the desk, said to the young clerk behind it, " Where shall I autograph ?” “ Where shall you-—what ?” said the clerk. “ Where shall I autograph—sign my name ?” said Mr Depew. “ Oh, yes. Right here, sir,” said the clerk, with a broad smile, producing the register. Mr Dapew wrote his name in a bold hand, and then aab down in the hotel lobby. In a few minutes four gentlemen from the suburbs, known as Georgia “crackers,” came in. As soon as the leader reached the desk the clerk shook hands with him, and, reaching to the register, said :—“ Will you autograph ?” " Will I w-h-a-t ?” " Will you autograph ?” repeated the clerk, smiling, “Well, I don’t mind if I do. I'll take old rye. What’s yours, boys?” addressing his partners. “ We take the same, thanks,” said they. The clerk treated with aa good grace as possible, and, leaning against a pillar in the office, Ghauncsy Depo-.v said quietly to a friend—“ And that is the result 01 talkjog a foreign, language in a Georgia hotel.”

A Tragedy.— A shocking tragedy occurred in Lincoln late on March 31. Arthur Spencer, a pbrk-buteher, had been paying his addresses to Mary Ann Garner, a widow with four children. She refused to marry him, but he persisted in visiting her, and on Sunday, it is stated, he threatened to shoot her and himself if she did not relent. She took no notice of this threat, and on Tuesday night Spencer went to her house in Stanley Place, and, after an altercation, it is alleged shot the woman in the left breast. She staggered into a neighbour’s house and died within an hour. The police were summoned, and on entering Garner's house they fouud Spencer lying ou the floor shot in the mouth. Ho was taken to the hospital and is not expected to recover. Three of the children were in bed in an adjoining room when the tragedy was committed. The fourth, a boy of fourteen, helped hia mother into the neighbour’s house. General Booth and the Waldknses. —General Booth, the English Churchman relates, is greatly interested iu news which he has received touching a remarkable Salvationist revival among that ancient religious sect, the Waldenses. Some years ago a Waldensian who was staying in London, became an enthusiastic Salvationist. Before leaving London, and after he had returned to his own hills and valleys, the Waldensian pressed General Booth to drive the chariot of the Salvation Army into Italy. Being himself, and hia followers, much engaged elsewhere, General Booth has, so far, been unable to establish the Salvationists in Italy. A few months ago a French Salvationist left France and settled iu the heart of the Waldenses. By chance he and the Waldensian who had been a Salvationist in London met. They determined to found a branch of the Salvation Army, and now, as General Booth learns, the whole country is in a ferment of religious excitement. Salvationism has more or less taken possession of the people. General Booth has ordered a hatch of officers to proceed at once from London to Turin and thereabouts in Italy, Thackeray and the Poet Office. — Anthony Trollope, says the Pall Mall Gazette, as everybody is aware, was an indefatigable Post Office official as well as an indefatigable novelist. Is it generally known that Thackeray, too, once coveted a place in the Post Office ? He confides his desire to Lady Biessiagton iu one of the letters to her which are to be sold at Sotheby’s next week: —“ I send my lady a little sketch which I hope will be suitable for the pages of the ‘ Keepsake.’ If there is one phrase in it which may call a blush upon any cheek (and perhaps there is) I will be very happy to expunge the same and replace it or amend it. But now comes the real and important part of this letter. There tvill be a place vacant in the Post Office soon, that of AssistantSecretary, at present held by Mr James Cam Dell. What a place for a man of letters! I think if Lord Clanricarde would give it to me, I would satisfy my employers, and that my profession would be pleased by hearing of the appointment of one of us. I wonder might I write to him, or is there any kind person who will advocate my cause P ” Conjugal “Rights.” —The discussion on the famous Clitheroe case ia bringing out some curious information. “ S.” writes to tbe Times from the Probate Registry, Somerset House : —Previous to 1733 legal proceedings were recorded in Latin, and the word then used where we now speak of “rights” was obsequies. For some time after the substitution of English for Latin the term “ rites ” was usually, if not invariably, adopted; “rights” would appear to be a comparatively modern error.” Mr T. E. Paget writes from The Mount, Aigburth, Liverpool, April 19:—“‘S.’s’ information that the word used in the old Latin pleadings is * obsequies ’ led me to consult the Shakspere Concordance, and' I find in Borneo and Juliet, Act V., Scene 3

Wliat currel foot wanders this way t o-mght To cross my obsequies, and trui love’s rile ? Well may Lord Esher say he has never been able to make out what tho phrase ‘ conjugal rights ’ means. The origin of the term is now clear, and a blunder which was Arab-mo, da perhaps by a typesetter in the early part of last century, and never exposed until now, has led to a vast amount of misapprehension.” Wheat in the United Kingdom.—Replying to Mr H. Yiaeent in tho House of Commons on April 20, Mr Chaplin said : In 1890 tbe official estimate of wheat and flour produced in the United Kingdom was 9,500,000qra, or, roughly speaking, nearly 41,009,000cwfc. In the same year there was imported of wheat and flour from foreign countries, roughly speaking in round numbers, 65,000,0000 wt, and from British possessions 14,000,000 cwt. There are no official estimates of the production of wheat in Great Britain for the years 1880 and 1870, but calculations have been made by Sir John B. Lawes. and, taking these calculations as the basis for comparison, there was imported in 1880 of wheat and flour from foreign countries, in round numbers, 56.000. and from British possessions 12.000. In 1870, wheat and flour from foreign countries, 33,000,000 cwt; from British possessions, 3,000,000 cwt. There is no official record of the prices of bread in this country, but a return was ordered by the House of Commons in 1888 of the prices of bread in twelve different anions from the years 1867 to 1887, and it would appear from this return. that no effect can be observed in the price of bread from so small a change in the value of wheat as was caused by the removal of the duty of Is in 1869. The duty, which applied to all grain as well as flour and meal, it is estimated, would have yielded a revenue of J 52,047,000 if it had been still in force in 1890.

The Hairpin.— “ What a woman can do with a hairpin ” is thus amusingly set forth in a Scottish paper, probably from an American source:—A woman can do more with a hairpin than a man can do with any one instrument in existence. She takes it to button her shoes, to crimp her hair, to fasten her hat on, to button her gloves and the waist buttons of her dress, and to pin her veil. She can use it as a paper-knife, or a book-mark; to open a letter, or to draw a device upon a seal. If she twists the ends it becomes a tapeneedle, or a safety pin, or a key-ring. It is a very decent bodkin. In an emergency it is as good as an ordinary pin; better, in fact, for it can be made to do double duty. It supplies many of the missing intricacies of buckles, suspenders and supporters; and repairs any damaged domestic article requiring a few inches of wire and a little feminine ingenuity. A woman traces a pattern with a hairpin dipped in her shoe-black-ing ; and, smoked in the gas, she uses it to pencil her eyebrows. If her husband is not at home, she will take it to clean his pipe or cigarette holder. And after he has broken his pocket-knife and hunted helplessly all over the house for a “ piece of wire,” she will draw her hairpin with a pitying look, and clear cut the gas-burner, or re-open the waist-pipe of the stationary bowl. A woman can use a hairpin as a corkscrew for any kind of bottle she cares to open. Ever ready to her hand, whether she uses it to pick her trunk lock or to trim a lamp wick, to mend her bracelet or her bustle, she handles it with a dexterous grace and a confident skill that are born of inherited knowledge and educated by long-practised use.