TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 9446, 22 June 1891, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Poverty in Christchurch. —We are informed that an effort is about to be made to aid in the relief of known cases of poverty, which deserves the warmest encouragement. It unfortunately happens that tangible assistance has recently been, diverted from an exceedingly wellmanaged institution—Herrick’s Home. All sorts and conditions oc men have testified to tbo great value of the ameliorative work done by Mr Herrick's agency, and to the fidelity and scrupulous economy with which the slender funds are administered. To aid in this philanthropic work, the Missei Bell are arranging a vocal and instrumental concert, to bo given in the Art Gallery on .Saturday evening, July 4. From the musical standpoint the success of the concert is already assured, the Mieses Bell having secured the willing co-operation of a number of ouc leading vocalists and instrumentalists. Details will ba announced at an early date. Mr D. BaiUiousa is to act as Honorary Secretary.

Still Increasing.— The recorded circulation of the Lyttelton Times for the week ended Jane 20 gives the highly satisfactory total of 50,220 copies,- equal to 8370 daily. When it is remembered that this is the mid-winter season, when comparatively few people are travelling, and tour lists are almost an unknown quantity, the results secured show a gratifying increase in the circulation of this journal. St Paul’s Papanui. —The first of a series of entertainments, in connection with the opening of. the Sunday school, will bo held this evening. Tint Bishop.— This evening the Bishop of Christchurch 'will give his lecture “Three Years in a Country Village," in St Mark’s schoolroom, Opawa. Sale.— Mr Charles Clark will offer at noon to-day, at his rooms, Hereford street, the valuable library of the late Hon William Reeves ; also, the whole of the superior hed and table linen, blankets, &c. Full particulars appear in the advertisement column?. Spouting. —The entries for tue New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase and Grand National Hurdle Race closed on Saturday. No fewer than thirty-three horses have been nominated for the Steeplechase and forty-one for the Hurdle Race. Last year the nominations numbered twenty and twenty-four respectively. Sumner Borough Council. —The election of six members to constitute thene wlyformed Borough Council of Summer took uisco on Saturday. The voting was as follow?:—W. A. Cavnenfcer SI, J. S. Monck 68, P. Pratt 63, J. T iit 60, W, Hayward 56, J. H. Gilchrist 51, J. C. Hughes 47, W. J. Mills 41. The Returning Officer declared the first six duly elected. The Mayor, op Christchurch, His Wo re bio the Mayor (Mr C. M. Gray) returned to Cbriitchurch in the Penguin on Saturday night, the business of the Municipal Conference at Wellington having ended on Friday. Many of the southern delegates to the Conference have availed themselves of the privileges accorded by the Government' and tbs Marawatn Khi way Company of free uaiioss on the lines in the North Island, and will therefore not return lor some days.

San Francisco Mail.—The steamer! Penguin reached Lyttelton at 4 p.m. on; Saturday, with the San Francisco maily and the Dunedin portion was at once shipped to the Waihora, which left Port at 5 p.m. Professor Mason.— Professor Mason's course of physiological lectures begins to-night at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Lichfield street, when he will give an amusing and instructive address on the science, which' will be illustrated by drawings and living subjects. The Poor of Christchurch.—The col* lection at the gates of the North Park on Saturday—authorised by the Canterbury Rugby Union—realised the sum o£ £l2 4s Id, which will be handedover to those interested in the fund which is being raised for the relief of the poor of Christchurch. Temperance Meeting,— A meeting of those interested in forming a Good Templars' Lodge in Amberley was held on Wednesday evening, and it was unanimously decided to open a Lodge. Seven* 1 teen persons signed the petition, to be for* warded to the Master of the Lodge in Dunedin. A. Committee was formed to carry out details in connection with the opening night. Concert at South Malvern.— A coa» cert, under the auspices of the Library Committee, was given at the library on Friday evening. The performers were Mesdames Hughes, M. Grindrod, Luke, Brown, Barlow, Latham, Roberts and Messrs A. Leeming, Roberts, R. Pole, Hutcheson‘and Latham. The concert was followed by a ball, for which Mr Barlow supplied music and Mr A. Nichol acted as M.C. North Belt Literary Association.—; At the weekly meeting of this Association 1 Mr J. B. Campbell read an essay on elocution. There was a good attendance of members and visitors, the chair being occupied by Mr W. R, M c Kenzie. Recitations, illustrative of the essay, were given by the members of the Society from Shnkspere, Tennyson, Scott and other authors. Pianoforte solos were also given by Mies L. Strange and Miss Webster. Church Parade. —Yesterday afternoon the members of the Loyal City of Norwich Lodge of Oddfellows, Lyttelton, held their annual church parade at St Saviour’s Church, West Lyttelton. Visitors from sister lodges were also present, the following places being represented:—Christchurch, Kaiapoi, Kangiora, and Okain’s Bay. A number of members of the local Juvenile Lodge also attended, the total muster being about three hundred. The procession to and from the church was headed by the Oddfellows’ Band, under Bandmaster M'Killop. The Rev B. B. Chambers, who conducted the service, preached an appropriate sermon. Special hymns were sung. The' State of Parties.— The Oamaru Mail says:—"The Government's enemies who went to Wellington *to scoff, remain to pray.’ Such a spectacle has never before been presented in this Colony of political turmoil; and it is evidence that a set of men who know what is right and have the courage to insist on doing it are capable of carrying on the affairs of the Colony even under the present faulty system of Party Government. It is clear that we are for the first time learning what can be done by a Ministry with the masses at its back, and with a dissolution in its pocket that would, in case of defeat in the House, or in the Council, send it back to office with a still more emphatic instruction to carry out its policy, and to pack the Council, if need be, in order to attain its object.” Immigration. —Mk W. Courtney, writing from London, and enclosing reports of lectures be has recently delivered on the advantages of New Zealand as a field for immigration, says:—You little know how much my lecturing here has helped to develop your meat trade. I tell anecdotes of butchers who sell your mutton as English grown, and direct buyers to the men who honestly advertise New Zealand meat The Earl of Porfcarlington has borne ungrudging testimony to the high quality of our products, and this has broken down a lot of local prejudice. Six weeks after you receive this I hope to land in New Zealand with a small party of the best settlers who have ever left this country. They will all travel third class, but will each havea small suib of money with which to assist in the work of colonisation, Timaru A. and P. Association. A meeting of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held on Saturday. Mr E. T. Rhodes presided, and there was a good attendance, of members. A resolution was passed recommending the imposition of a tax on stallions. A circular from Mr Ritchie was read asking for suggestions that would guide the Department in dealing with the agricultural and pastoral industries. Another circular was read from the Department, forwarding a communication from the Oceanic Steamship Company relative to the importation of New Zealand stock into America. It was resolved — <c That copies of these circulars be sent to each member of the Committee, who will meet in about three weeks to consider what is best to be done in these matters.” It was resolved to form a Protection Association on the same lines aa the North Canterbury Association, to protect farmers from sheep-stealing. A Prize List Revising Committee was appointed, and accounts to the amount of £l6 12s 6cl were passed for payment. _ The Puhipuhi Skeleton.— The following is from a northern contemporary:— That unfortunate Puhipuhi skeleton has cropped up again. The Northern Advocate says :—“ A short time ago a skeleton was found on the prospectors’ claim, Puhipuhi, and Constable Moore, of Kamo, considered that an inquest was necessary, and got Mr J ames Whitslnw, J.P. (as Coroner) and Dr. Hall to proceed to the Puhipuhi to hold a coronial inquiry. On arrival at the field the inquest was held,' and the doctor gave it as bis opinion that the deceased had been dead probably twenty years, and, for all he‘could say to the _ contrary, perhaps fifty years. A verdict in aoaccordance with the finding was returned, and Mr Whitolaw, as Coroner, forwarded the report of the inquest to Government in the usual manner, but on Wednesday the papers were returned from Wellington, aa ‘no death certificate had been furnished! * Here’s a uretty how-ti’you-do, as they say in the Mikado. A death certificate is a very precise document; it requires to know whore the deceased was boru, what he died of and his age. This would afford to a wag a splendid opportunity of having a quiet; five minutes with-the Circumlocution Office.”

1.0.0 J‘V, M.U. —The Loyal Perseverance Lodge, Woolstou, held its half-yearly meeting on Wednesday evening', wheU there was a large attendance of members. The District Officers, and visitors from the Addington, City of Christchurch, Benevolent and Papanui Lodges were also present, After some discussion, it was unanimously resolved to hold a concert. and dance in. celebration of the anniversary of the Lodge. The ejection of officers resulted as follows: —G.M. Bro C. Day, N.G. Bro .T. R. Bennett, V.G. Bro A. Day, B.S. Bro .1. Gatehouse, L.M. P.G.Bro J. Harper, R.S. to N.G. P.G. Bro Allen, L.S. Bro P. B. E«iger, R.S. to V.G. Bro Beattie, L.S. Bro J. Turner, Tyler BrO Orange, Warden Bro He.rtpborn, Treasurer P.G. Bro T. Hayward, P.S. P.G. Bro W. E. Nonius. One new member was proposed and one initiated. Rseeipte for the evening j£9B 4s 10d, Tho half-yearly meeting of the Loyal Amherley Lodge was held on June 19. There was a large attendance of brethren. It was resolved-—“ That a fence be erected^ on the ouen part of the section.” The election of officers for the ensuing term resulted as follows N.G. Bro G. A. Warnell P.G., V.G. Bro Thomas Meikle, E.S. Bro G. E. Holton P.G., R.S. to N.G. Bro A, Wood, P.G., E.S.toY.G. Bro J. Cramptoa, L.S. to N.G. Bro George Forbes, L.S. to Y.G. Bro Robert Blanchard, Guardian Bro J. Brownlee, P.G., Warden Bro P. Adams, P.G,, Sick Visitors Bro Richard Warnell and Charles Hill. It was resolved that P.G. Bro J. Brownlee receive a certificate of merit, that his name be placed on the merit board and that ho should get the purple degree. P.G. Bro A, Wood was ,-vp jointed lecture master for tho ensuing i firm. Thoreceipts for theevoning amounted to i!2t His 7d. _ Fruit Trees in great variety, Naira, and Sons’, Lincoln road. (8397

Prime CATTLE.-The steamer Pengum landed twenty-eight head of fat cattle at Lyttelton, on Saturday evening. They were t£n on board at Nelson, and are intended for the Addington market, being consigned to Messrs Matson and Co. The Kindergarten.— An Auckland teleyg that the annual report of the fabilee Kindergarten stated ihat 120 'i.i. Mll we re on the roll, and that the income amounted to £193. Owing to the shrinkage in the receipts one teacher has been dispensed with. Sydenham Licensing Committee. The adjourned meeting of the Sydenham Licensing Committee will, he held at 10 a.m. amount of evidence as to whether the various hotels are “ required in the neighborhood ” will be presented. A House Given Awat. Professor

Anderson advertises that this evening, at the Theatre Boyal, he will give away a freehold residence, as also a large number of presents. The Professor’s entertainment should by itself attract a large attendance, but with the additional inducements offered the theatre [should be crowded. Cathedral School.— On Friday _Mr E. W. Seager gave an entertainment in the Cathedral School to the schoolboys and a number of their friends. A series of pictures, illustrating a trip through England, Ireland, and Scotland, were shows by a lime-light lantern. The pictures, and Mr Seager’s racy remarks thereon, were much enjoyed by the audience. The Codlin Moth.— A petition to both Houses of Parliament was numerously signed in the city on Saturday by persona interested in the growth of fruit in Canterbury. It praja the Parliament to take steps which will prevent the spread of the Codlin moth. This petition is in the hands of Messrs P. Wilding, J. Sisson, and other members of the Committee of the Fruitgrowers’ Association. The Much-travelled Manager. A London contemporary saysMr R. S Smythe, the popular Antipodean entrepreneur, will return to Australia shortly, having completed his arrangements for bringing out Mr H. M. Stanley and M. Paul Blouet ("MaxO’Kell”). These will lecture throughout Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand, and it is even possible that Fiji and New Caledonia may also be visited.

Caledonian Society's Scholarships.— The Canterbury Caledonian Society having revived the practice of giving scholarships, the examination for'them will take place in conjunctiou with the Board of Education scholarship examination in December. There are to be two Caledonian scholarships, each of .£ls, tenable for two years. They are offered in Class B of the Board’s classification, and competitors for them ■will have to pass in Scottish history and literature in addition to the ordinary subjects. Canterbury College. —A general meeting of the Canterbury College Science Society was held in the Chemical Lecture Theatre on Saturday evening, when there were over a hundred persons present. Mr E. M. Laing read a paper on "Evolution in Biology,” and Mr Page exhibited some lantern slides, prepared by himself, which illustrated the subject very effectively. Mr E. Speight also read an able paper on " Paloßolibhic Man.” Microscopes, a working model of a steam engine, and the process of glass-blowing, were exhibited in an adjoining room, and light refreshments were handed round at the closeof the business. Concert at Tai Tapu.— On Friday a

very successful concert was given in the Tax Tapu schoolroom, in aid of the funds of the Tax Tapu Cricket Club. The President (Mr J. M'Yeigh) occupied the chair. The room was filled to excess. Songs and instrumental selections were given by Misses Ball, Leathern (2), Messrs Hancock, Byde and Wheeler, and a laughable farce “ The Terrible Tinker,” was performed by the members of the Gebbie’s Valley Dramatic Club. The principal role was filled by Mr Millar, who was ably supported by Messrs Gebbie (2), Dinford, Braven, Misses Braven and Monson. The staging was efficiently managed by Mr P. H. Eouaham. The National Anthem brought a most enjoyable entertainment to a close. Lyttelton Band op Hope. —The usual monthly meeting of the Lyttelton Band of Hope was held in the Wesleyan Schoolroom on Friday evening, and an interesting programme was discussed. The Kev W. Tinsley occupied the chair, and Mr T. Dailey presided at the orgqn. The programme consisted of dialogues by the Misses Howe, Carson, Early (2). Palmer and M'Dougall, and Messrs F. Early and E.’ Clarke; recitations by Miss Early and Mr Carter, and singing by Miss Dailey and Miss Seymour. Another dialogue, entitled “Sign the Pledge,” was well rendered by thirteen Band of Hope boys. The attendance was very good, and at the close of the meeting seven new members were enrolled, and fifteen persons signed the pledge; Salmon. —Daring the meeting ,of the Wellington Philosophical Society on Wednesday evening. Sir James Hector exhibited a grilse or young salmon, which had been caught in the Aparima river and forwarded to him by the Marine Department. Sir James said there could not possibly be any mistake with regard to the specimen being a true salmon. The fact that salmon, after years of apparently fruitless experimentalising, had now been acclimatised was highly satisfactory, though he feared that the . formation of our coast-line was such as forbade the return of salmon to their own rivers. Should, however, tho salmon prove its attachment to the streams in which they were hatched, the Scats would have gained a most valuable asset, and one which it • would bo tho duty of the Government to jealously conserve. New Zealand Dairy Produce. —The following is from a London contemporary: —Turning into the Royal Colonial Institute on May 14, I had an opportunity of tasting so mo of the fine New Zealand cheese from the Cranley Dairy, near Dunedin, which has been on view for sampling about ten days. It is of good colour, and is sure to go off well here. It is the half of a fifty-two pound cheese, or, rather, was, seeing that it is now rapidly diminishing, and it has most assuredly carried tho name and fame of this New Zealand dairy farm

far and wide iu this country. Indeed, nowhere could there be eo good a centre of ' distribution for such a purpose. Besides the cheese, some fine butter was sent to the Institute from tho 'Waikato, Auckland, and arrived after about nine weeks’ voyage, all in all, in such first-rate condition that it;sold wholesale for over a shilling a pound! These are facts which speak, I think, very eloquently for the future of New Zealand dairy produce here. Technical Education. Tho Otago Daily Times, reports : The woodwork classes at the George street school, Dunedin, are still doing good work in the way of teaching those boys who avail themselves of tho instruction given by Mr Fraser (tho instructor in this particular branch of the school) how to handle carpenters’ tools. No attempt is made to do fancy cabinet work, but a practical attempt is being made to grapple with-the elements of woodwork generally, and. it is pleasing to note, with a fair measure of success. Of tho boys who take part in this branch' of instruction, some twenty in number, many are able to do such work as making*a gate, or box, or similar article in a very creditable manner. Mr D. M'Nichol, the head master, states that the most gratifying thing in connection with these classes is that tho boys in their homes put to practical use the lessons learned at school. When it is considered how few men can do little carpentry jobs in their homes, the value of this kind of teaching becomes all the more apparent. The boys are also encouraged to keep in repair any of the school fixings that may require such attention, and on one occasion the boys relaid a portion of the school floor vvhiclihad become badly worn. Some of tho boys are* tolerably proficient with the turning lathe, and some of them can do work requiring fine joints. The boys are taught Co make many different kinds of joints, including tho dovetail, so that on leaving school any of them should bo iml open <leu: as far a* pcriuiming odd jobs about the household is concerned. Pure Sweets*—Aulaebrook’a—[Advt.J

Commercial Treaties.— Mr D. Bellhouse has received from the Hon the Premier an acknowledgment of his letter on the subject of England’s commercial treaties, which are now engaging the consideration of the Government.

Christchurch Poultry Show. The allotment of special prizes for the Show of the Christchurch Poultry Society, which opens on Wednesday next, at the Tuam street hall, has been made. The special prize-list is a very long one, and many of the awards are very valuable. Cathedral Organ Recitals. —Mr G. F. Tendall will give an organ recital in the Cathedral on Monday evening, June 29. Mr Weir will be the vocalist on this occasion. This recital will be the first of a series which Mr Tendall intends to continue at intervals of three or four weeks.

A Correction. —In a recent case brought before the Magisterial Bench, it was reported that two men named John Boon and John Toon were engaged in a fight at St Albans. The name of Toon was printed in error. The persons charged were John Boon and John Tombs, the latter of whom, and not Toon, was fined. Band of Hope. —A meeting of the Woolston Wesleyan Band of Hope was held on Friday, when there was a large attendance. The President, the Eav E. J. Murray, occupied the chair. A good programme, including songs, recitations and readings, was given; At the close of the meeting about twenty signed the pledge. , Mortality in Sheep.—A contemporary publishes a report from Mansfield, Victoria, that sheep are dying by the hundred. The cause is unknown, but it is suspected to be a kind of worm. Mr Hutchinson, a large squatter at Maindample, lost 3000 in about three weeks. A large fire is continually kept going to destroy the carcases of dead sheep. Other losses are also reported. Sermon on Poverty.— During a sermon on poverty, preached by the Eev W. Harper, Incumbent of St Michael’s, the reverend gentleman made reference to the various causes of poverty, wz., drink, vice, waste, living beyond people’s means, &c., and he pointed out the duties of Society in the matter. Clergymen, he said, saw better than other people where assistance was required and how it should be administered, as they knew the failings of the victims, and could give relief where it was most needed and in the best methods. There were descriptions of poverty, however, which needed Government institutions to deal with, as, in addition to temporary relief, a permanent reform should be aimed at.

Eden Georgs Company, Limited, the leading photographers ot Christchurch, who are producing hy far the best work in New Zealand, take one dozen beautifully enamelled oAbineta in any position or style for 15s. One pries list adopted, and no extra charges are made to visitors from th» country.—TAdti. I

Darkest England. —The latest echo of General Booth’s Booth’s book Darkest Egg-land and the Way Out.” The book of which this is the title is a treatise on the hatching of chickens. A Frightful Disaster.— A New York telegram gives particulars of a frightful disaster in Potter’s County, Pennsylvania, to a train which, having gone off the rails in the midst of a blazing forest, was caught by the fire. The train, in which were seventy-five men, was making a dash through a mass of fire when it ran off the line and fell over. In an instant the flames caught the cars, and the passengers, some injured and all dazed by the overturning of the train, had a fearful struggle for life. All behaved with unexampled gallantry, each helping the other as far as he could. About thirty escaped unhurt. Thirty sustained horrible burns, seven are missing, and have probably perished, and six are known to have been burned to death. Among these last is Mr Badger, superintendent of the line, who perished in his efforts to assist others. The Wizard of Menloe Park.—A Dalziel telegram from Chicago, dated May 13, says;—“ Mr Edison arrived here yesterday, and was entertained by some members of the World’s Fair Commission. In course of conversation the inventor was asked if he had not got an electrical novelty in store for the Exhibition. Mr Edison replied—‘lt is my intention to have ready for the World’s Pair such a happy combination, of and electricity as will enable ” a man to sit in his own parlour and behold depicted upon a curtain before him the forms of the players in an opera upon a distant stage, and to hear the voices of the singers. When the system is perfected, which I hope will be in time for the Pair, the muscles of the singer’s face, every glance of the eye, and each expression will be seen. Every colour in the performer’s attire, too, will ho exactly reproduced. Moreover, the spectator, seated by bis own fireside, will see each person in the play move to his or her position in a natural way, just as though they were the very persons themselves.”’ The Suez Canal. —The report of th British Directors of the Suez Canal wae issued on April 22 as a Parliamentary paper. The Directors observe that the net tonnage for the past year shows an advance of 106,907 tons over that of 1889, and of 249,260 tons over that of 1888, although the number of vessels is actually less by 36 than in 1889, and less by 51 than the number in 1888, thus showing the great increase that has taken place in the average tonnage of vessels using the Canal. There° is a corresponding increase in the transit receipts, which amounted to 66,984,000 f, sa against 66,167.579£ for 1889. The tonnage shows a slight reduction in the percentage of Great Britain for 1800, as compared with the two previous years, its net tonnage being 77'37 per cent of the total. Germany now takes second ■place, with a remarkable addition to its figures, namely, 7‘12 per cent for 1890, as against 3'58 per cent for 1888 and 4 - 27 for 1889. France has fallen back to the third place, with a percentage of 5*31. Holland is fourth, with 3-61 per cent. Italy, Aus-tria-Hungary, Spain and Norway follow in succession, and of other nationalities engaged the percentage is too small to merit special attention. The night passage is steadily on the increase ; 83-6 per cent of the total navigation made use of the electric light for night passage in 1890. In 1889 this percentage was 7TOO, and in 1888 76'7. The mean duration of passage for the combined day and night transit was 21 hours 50 minutes ; for the transit by day, 35 hours 29 minutes.’