TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 9483, 4 August 1891, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Parliamentary. the arrangement entered into last week, the House of Representatives met at 7.30 yesterday evening, to discuss the federation question. Sir George Grey moved his resolutions, supporting them with a speech that is described as being worthy alike of the subject and of Sir George’s great eput ation. Captain Russell followed, Lis efforts being mainly directed to a practical exposition of the scheme formulated by the Convention. Then tho Premier spoke in opposition to federation with Australia. When the House re-assembed after supper, the dehate had the ignoble ending of a count-out, a quorum not being present.

Geraldine Vital Statistics.— The following are the vital statistics for tho district of Geraldine for the month ended July 31. 1891 Births, 8; marriage, 1; deaths, 2. Deer Well at Kaiatoi.— The deep well, sunk by Messrs Taylor and Oakley on the police station premises, was successfully completed on Monday afternoon. The depth driven is 196ffc sin, and the overflow is estimated at twelve gallons par minute at fifteen inches above ground level. Buried by an Avalanche. —Under the heading "Accidents and Fatalities” in this issue will be found the particulars received from Dunedin of a most distressing occurrence on the Kyeburn Ranges. In searching for a lost boy, three young fellows were swept down by an avalanche and killed. The boy has nob been found. Bishop Julius. Bishop Julius conducted services in St Stephen’s Church, Ashburton, three limes on Sunday. In the morning the church was well filled, and at the afternoon service, which was for men only, the rite of confirmation was administered to fourteen young men. At the evening service the church was crowded, a good many not being able to obtain sitting room. At all the services the Bisnop preached eloquent sermons, and many people waited in town to hear his lecture last night on " Outcast London.” A largo supply of .Raspberry Canes, Strawberry Plants, Kliuoavo Roots, Asparagus Roots, Seaside Roots, Ac., at low urices. W. Gimblett, 140, Colombo street.

The lonic. —The lonic left Capetown on Friday last for Wellington via, Hobart. Australian Mail.— The Tarawera arrived at the Bluff early yesterday morning. Her mails should roach Christchurch by to-day's express. The Unemployed. —The Hinemoa left Wellington for the West Coast yesterday to convey about one hundred unemployed from Hokitika and Greymouth to Telega Bay, near Gisborne, where they are required for bush-felling. Gazstte Notices.— lt is notified in the Gazette that Mr A. J. Weekes has been appointed lieutenant of the Christchurch City Guards, and the Rev G. J. Merton honorary chaplain to the same corps. Mr E. R. Knight has been appointed sublieutenant of the Lyttelton Naval Artillery. Sr John’s Latimer Square. —What promises to bo a very successful concert will take place in St John’s Schoolroom on Thursday evening, in aid of the choir fund. The choir has been busy for some considerable time preparing for the concert, and assistance will be given by a number of able musicians.

Waddington. —Despite the fact that the ground was covered with snow, a goodly number turned out to the Waddingtou school concert on Friday night. Mr George Judd occupied the chair. The performers were the Mieses Smiley (two), Bart rum, White and Mrs Kemo, Dr Meadows, and Messrs M f Nae, Judd, Huturo (three) Gray, Granger and Pole. The thanks of the Committee are duo to those who assisted to make the meeting a success. Mercury. —A correspondent writes to the Wellington Post :—“ The closest planet to the sun. Mercury, not often visible from its nearness, is now plainly visible about half an hour after sunset. The planet's place is a little to the right of duo West. It shines with a bright yellow colour, and twinkles, but without any change of colour. Above Mercury, and a little more to the right, is Saturn. This planet does not twinkle. Mercury has the shape of the moon when near her first quarter,” Market Reports. —At Sefcon Saleyards yesterday there was a good all-round entry of stock for the monthly sale conducted by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. Competition was good, and another very satisfactory sale resulted. Amongst the sheep sales may bo mentioned a line of hoggets at 13s fid, 120 cross-bred ewes in lamb at 9s fid, 80 merino ewes in lamb at 6s, 70 hoggets at 12s, and a line of old cross-bred ewes at Bs. A 'good clearance was made in the cattle and pig pens. From the general support which is accorded the sale, it would seem that the Company’s enterprise in providing the settlers with a market is receiving due recognition. Papanui, —The Wesleyan Baud'of Hope held its usual monthly meeting in the Town Hall on Friday evening. Thera was a fair audience, and the Eov D. J. Murray occupied the chair. Recitations were given by Misses M. Miller, L. Coombos, E. Cooper, and Masters W. Eait, L. Cooper and A. Willeox; two glees by junior members. A dialogue, “ Almost Ruined,” was given bv the Misses Simpson and Cooper and Messrs Fletcher and Willeox, a trio by Mrs Pattrick and Misses Reese, a song by L. Willeox, and a reading by Miso Porter. The Band gave several selections, and the Chairman delivered an address. Four new members were enrolled, and the Benediction closed a very pleasant evening.

A Condemned Ship. —The Wellington Times says:—We hear more by cable of the lost barque Ellen, of whose crew but one was thrown ashore by the surf of the sea to tall that awful tale of wrack and suffering which the world has been pouring piiy over during the last fortnight. What we hear ia startling. This vessel, which, while encountering storms, opened her seams and foundered, had no right to go to sea at all. She waa passed “as a hulk ” by the surveyors; condemned, in fact, as a sea-going ship; relegated to the peaceful, uneventful, useful life of the harbour craft which sail no mere in unquiet waters. Yet her unprincipled owners sent her to sea with a heavy cargo! It is appalling to think that she could have gone away at all; How was it possible for a condemned ship to go to sea with human lives on board? That question will be asked presently. The answer ought to be spelt out by the men responsible for tho evasion of tbo lav/ by years of suffering in a prison cell. The punishment of greed like this ought to he a simple matter. If it is not, then the law which forbids a condemned ship to go to sea is a dead letter.

The Evidence of Boot Photectoks.— In connection with the Oroua Downs discovery, and Dr Eockstrow’s explanation that sixteen or seventeen years ago he held an inquest on the body of a man who died from exposure after a drinking bout, and in the absence of the proper means,the body was ordered to be buried in the locality, which was just about where the remains were found the other day, the Eangitilcei Advocate says:— u We do not, however, for very good reasons, accept the explanation. In the first place, the manner in which he was buried exhibited every sign of a hasty bestowal. The grave had been dug, apparently, the whole length, first to a depth of about eighteen inches, when it was found that, running across it at the middle, was a buried tree. This was an impediment which there were no tools handy to remove, and this accounts for the finding of the body now. Had the mates of the man been employed to dig a grave they would, undoubtedly, have given him a deeper burial than he had. Again, would it be likely that they would bury with him his pocket-book and other belongings ? Would the man’s knife not have rusted entirely away in sixteen or seventeen years, or would a trace of a pocket-book be found ? But the fact that boot-protectors were found in his pocket effectually disposes of Dr Rockstrow’s theory, for we are assured that these things have not been on the market more than eight or nine years, and that the patent is not more than ten years old at moat.. How can the latter fact especially be made to square with the burial of the body sixteen or seventeen years ago.” The Wellington Stag Hunt. —The Post was particularly severe in its comments on the recent stag hunt, writing on the subject of “unsportsmanlike sport” as follows .-—The stag hunts which periodically taka place in Bpping Forest for the delectation of Cockney “ sports ” have long been a subject of animadversion by the London press, and have been discouraged by all true sportsmen. It was an unhappy inspiration on the part of whoever conceived the idea of introducing a similar hunt here. In the Epping hunt the stag is usually an experienced veteran who quite undorstands what is expected of him, and has no real fear of the pack of curs at his heels, but entertains no objection to a good stretching run after his confinement in looae-box and cart emblazoned with the royal arms. Hero, however, instead of a full-grown animal, a wretched little calf, brought up by hand and utterly without fear of man or dog, was imported as the object of the chase. The scene when it was turned out would have been ludicrous if it had not been disgraceful. The dogs really showed more sense than the men, as they at first absolutely refused to recognise a quarry m the tame and helpless little animal before them. A lot of larrikins chevying a cat with a pack of mongrels would be a much nearer approximation to genuine sport than the exhibition at Miramar on Saturday ; but it could only be pursued at the risk of a prosecution for cruelty to animals. To term the affair a hunt would be a misnomer. Those who took part in it had not even the excuse of the anxious parent whoso exertions are recorded in the well-known nursery rhyme—- “ Baby, Baby Bunting, Father's gonu a-hunting. To got a rabbitskin To wrap tire Baby Bunting in.” They may, however, fairly accept Falconbridge’s advice, and “ hang a calfskin on their recreant limbs” as a fib badge of venery. .The prompt and decided action taken by His Excellency the Governor is to be commended. Being overstocked with choice Hybrid Ehocbdendronu of all tho beat kinds, I am selling at a cheap rate, from Is to 10a each. Special quotations for largo lots. W. Gimbletfc, Seedsman, Colombo street. 5403 Fare Sweets.—Aulßebroek’s—LADYT.j ~

Roman Catholic Church, Geraldine —lt is intended to enlarge the Homan. Catholic Church of St Mary, at the Bush, Geraldine.

The Taxation Proposals. —The Napier Chamber of Commerce yesterday passed resolutions, similar to those of the Chambers of Wellington and Christchurch, in reference to the taxation proposala, praying Government to reconsider them. The Avon. —The contractors for dredg. ' ing the Avon were yesterday engaged between tbo Saofc belt foot-bridge and Stanmore bridge. The mud-banks which have formed along the banka are easily disposed of by mooring the steamer close in and working the paddle wheel. The boat can now run up and down the whole way to New Brighton without inconvenience, the bad places having been cut away. The Hayhuest Case. —The adjourned inquest on the body of the late Mr J. Hayhurst will be held at Temuka, before Mr E. Beetham, at 9 a.m. to-day. Yesterday Mr Beetham, with Mr Inspector Fender, Mr Martin (Crown Solicitor) and Dr Guthrie went to Temuka by the express from Christchurch. Professor ; Black arrived there by the north express in the evening. It was stated in the township that Sir Robert Stout, who, it was reported, was to have appeared for Mr J. ' T. M. Hayhurst at the inquest was not expected to be there, but this statement was only t rumour. No authentic information as to the position of affairs could be got, as those few persons who really knew maintained silence on the subject. Fendalton.—A very enjoyable concert, in aid of the general church fond, took place on Friday evening last, in the Kindergarten schoolroom. The gem of the performance was contributed byMr Meeion and the Misses Meeson, being a selection from the 7th Symphony of Beethoven, set for piano, violin and 'cello. The vocal duet, “ Maying,” by Mr and Mrs Malcolm, was much appreciated, as well as Mr Malcolm's rendering of “ Father O’Flynn.’* Miss Gerrard for the “ Kerry Dance,” and Mrs Bowen for “ Love Not,” wore awarded encores. Mr Martin created much amusement during the evening by a well-selected reading. A vote of thanks to the per- • formers, proposed by the incumbent, was heartily responded to by the audience, and the proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem. > Entertainment at Eaiapoi.— The first of a scries of popular entertainments was given in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Kaiapoi, on Saturday night. Mr J. L. Wilson, who presided, addressed the audience, informing them that the object of the Committee was to provide a cheap entertainment on each Saturday night for the benefit Of tha residents in the town and visitors. It was expected thatthe receipts would cover the expense of hire of hall, and the refreshments, in the shape of tea and cake, which would ho given away each evening. Tha programme, which consisted of vocal and instrumental music, interspersed with recitations, was contributed by the Mieses M'Gregor, Wilson, Kendall, Ellon and Fox, and Messrs Stevenson, Eagle, Last and Clothier Bros. During the interval refreshments were handed round. At the termination' Mr G. H. Blackwell proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the promoters, and expressed a hope that the aewventu?e would prove a success. ‘ : The “ Escaped Nun.” —The Wairarapn Weekly has the following in regard to a lady who once created some sensation as a lecturess in New Zealand The “Escaped Non,” Edith O’Gorman, otherwise Mr* Auffray (who will be remembered in Masterton), is doing Father Chiaiquy’* old business in England. In a recent lecture she described a visit to Queensland, spoke of Townsville as an out-of-the-way place, and as inferior in all respects to Warwick, Mackay and Charter* Towers. Her allegation that Father Welsh’s buildings were a group of shanties, and that a majority of the people of Townsville were a low class of whites and halfcastes, Chinese and blacks, drew a spirited letter from Mr J. Trouhridge Cntoheil, who, in a letter to the Acton Gazette, gave a faithful description of what Townsville is, and who bowled out the “EscapedNun** most effectively by reproducing a photograph of Father Walsh’s church buildings, showing what tha “ Escaped Nun's ” ideas cf shanties were. Mr Critchell is a young gentleman who has been connected with Anglo-Australian journalism in London. Mining Reminiscences. —In reporting the death of an old Arrow pioneer, Mr James Ogilvie, who died from the effects at a fall from, the top of a load of straw, the Lake County Press mentions that he waa highly successful in one of his ventures by joining a party to open up tha now wellU, known New Chum Saddle, lying between Arrow River and New Chum Gully. Here rich gold was struck in the tunnel, and the party made as much as .£9O per week per share, the late Messrs J. Quin, W. Welsh, O. Mackin, and Edward Harrison being others of the party. An interesting incident may be mentioned in connection with the visit to the claim by the Hon Thomas Dick (Superintendent of the Province at the time). The miners carried the hon gentleman across the river, and when he reached the tunnel he found its floor carpeted with green baize, while plenty of candles on the walls lighted up the tunnel in grand stylo. They showed him their week’s washing nearly 2500 z. The Superintendent was highly delighted with his reception. After making a substantial sum in this claim, Mr Ogilvie took up land near Mr John Butel’s farm, and followed the vocation of a farmer until his death. Drunkenness in New South Walks.— During the year 1890 there were 18,654 persons arrested for drunkenness ia New South Wales. Of these, 11,598 males and 2167 females were charged with being drunk only, 3976 males and 820 females were arrested as drunk and disorderly, and 62 males and 31 females were described as habitual drunkards. In addition to the foregoing, 969 persons were proceeded against by summons—26B for drunkennes, 697 for drunkenness and disorderly conduct, and four for habitual drunkenness. The figures for the past ten years show that in the decade the total apprehensions for drunkenness reached the highest in tha . years 1885 and 1886, when the number* were 26,291 and 26,310 respectively. -In 1880 the apprehensions numbered 18,777, as against 18,654 in 1890, when the population was about 350,000 more than in the first-named year. Therefore the figure* point to an increased sobriety of the population. There has also been*a decrease in the number of habitual drunkards, and tha percentage of arrests for drunkenness to the total population has greatly declined. The educational status cf those apprehended is also shown to be improving, as of the 18,654 persons arrested last year, 1242 could neither read nor write, 216 could read only and 17,196 are described ** being able to read and write and of superior education.

The Gisborne District. —Business men in Gisborne are (says the Standard) look* ing forward to a very bright Christine* this year. The portion of the Tauwhareparae block which is being broken in haa now the appearance of a new goldfield, with the number of tenta pitched on the ground, and the largo number of sturdy men nobly toiling away. We are informed that enough men cannot he got, although besides the large number who have left Gisborne for the block, and those who have passed through on their way from the south, many men have landed along the coast from Auckland and other places. Thirty shillings a week and found, ■we are informed, is being given to men who know how to handle the aze properly, and the work in that locality has given a rise to the price of that class of labour all round the district, there being plenty of work to avoid cut-throat competition. Work ia likely, to extend until about Christmas, when burning begins. ■ This means that a large number of men ought to be bringing substantial cheques into town about that time, and this, with the harvesting work and shearing coming on, ought to make things rosy for Gisborne withiu the next few months. The most satisfactory part of it is that non© of this labour ie waste—-it is all for productive purposes. The road to the Tauwharcparae ‘ block is in an impassable condition. The Japan Plum, a new fruit of great excellence, quite hardy and very prolific bearer; trees at Naira and Sons, Lincoln read, Christchurch. 3387

Hugo Minstrels. — There was an e*cellent* house at tha Theatre Bayallasu evening to witness the performance of tneiiugo Minstrels, and the entertainment eimitea the plaudits of these present. An eatue change of programme' wih he submitted this evening. _ ~ Oxford terrace Baptist Chuech.—Mr George Hart will this evening deliver a lecture in the schoolroom upon tno early days of Canterbury. The lecture will be under the auspices of the Young People’s Mutual Improvement Society, and is open to the public, who are elsewhere invited to attend* St Michael’s Parish School. —An amateur dramatic performance is advertised to be given on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 'St Michael’s School, in aid of the parish school funds. The plays chosen are Morning Call and a new piece called Dream Faces* The Septette . Society’s band will give some instrumental selections. • ! Mb J. M. Verball at Papanui. —Last Bight Mr J. Miles Verrali, as had been snnounced, attended at the Town Hall, Papanui “to meet Sir Robert Stout,” who, hdwaver, did not respond to Mr Verrall’s challenge, and doubtless had not seen it. Mr Varrall, who dispensed with a chairmas, delivered an address to about forty residents of the neighbourhood on the principles of a State bank. After the address a somewhat lively discussion took place. ■WooisTON.— -The ordinary meeting of tha St John’s Temperance Guild was held at the usual time and place. The Eev Ci H. -Gossett, President of the Guild, occupied the chair, and there was a fair attendance of members. The President addressed the members upon the necessity for working the institute and for the augmentation of its membership. With this in view, a resolution was passed to have an open-meeting of parishioners at an early date.- '

•N*w Brighton Pier.— On Saturday tha ▲von Eoad Board accepted a tender to Ell iQ the approach to the pier, to be paid for by the Board and Pier Company. It was thought' that this would be the cheaper way for both, as the Eoad Board had to construct the esplanade in front of the pifelV which will have to be so much higher. The approach will be built up in the front with timber, filled in with sand, and clayed <m the top. It will spread out on either aide of the pier 80ft, with a nice slope from Seaview road. Pabn*ll Memorial. —The distribution of tha prizes won at the recent Electric Light carnival and concluding sports on Saturday took place last night. Several prices, remain yet to bo claimed, and the Committee will decide a protest in the lOOyda' Race before handing over the trophies allotted to the successful competitors in that event. The Finance Committee will meet to-day at three o’clock, and the final meeting of the General Committee to wind up all matters in connection with the carnival will be held tomorrow evening.

Jutxnile Housebreakers. — After the lad Dewer had been taken into custody on Sunday night for his connection with the burglary at Mr Thomson’s shop, the detectives followed up the clue as to who his mates were, and arrested three lads, who admitted having been with Dower. In their possession was found a number of keys, some of which corresponded with those taken from Mr Ayers’ auction rooms, also a screw-driver, dark lantern, sheath knife and other articles. The case was called on at the Police Court yesterday, and remanded till Thursday.

Mutual- Improvement Association.— The weekly meeting of the Durham street Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Aasociation wae held on Friday evening. Mrs Coleman occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance of members and friends. The evening was devoted to the reading of the third series of the journal. Tha papers were as follow:—“ Strangers,” “ Small Men,” “A Look at the Workroom of a Stylish Christchurch Dressmaker,” "The Stage as a Profession,” **lV>r Example's Sake,” “Physical Training for Girls ” and a poem entitled “ Last Saturday AJternoon.” A Beautiful ■ Bracelet. To-day an exquisitely designed bracelet will be on ▼iow at Mr Gundersen’s, jeweller, High •tifeet; 5 ' li/ is'orthbvaluo or 'sixty guineas, and has been specially designed and mrtnu- i faotnred for the Canterbury Jockey Club. Altogether apart from its intrinsic value, it it. a prize uncommonly well worth the winning. The, ornamental design is a scroll pattern, in which graduated lines of pearls and diamonds are used alternately; while the bracelet ring is of the knife-edge pattern in plain burnished gold. The effect of the stones has been judiciously heightened by using a setting of burnished silver. Altogether the bracelet is a most meritorious example of local art workmanship, and can scarcely fail to win universal admiration. • Twenty-six pearls and fifteen diamonds are included in tho design. Obituary.— Mr William Paddy, an old Colonist, who has resided in Christchurch for the past thirty years, died at his residence, Montreal street south, early on Sunday morning, aged sixty-two years. Mr Paddy has been, more or lees, an invalid for many years, but during his early career in the Colony ho was a hard-working, energetic man, and was always held in high respect by his fellow Colonists. Ha was one of tho earliest members of the Ancient Order cf Foresters in Christchurch, of which he remained a member till hia death. Ho leaves a widow and grown-up family. Mr Faddy’s funeral took place yesterday, when a number of friends and several members of the Foresters’ Society followed hia remains to the. Church of England cemetery, Barbadoes street. The'funeral service was conducted by the Bev Walter Harper. —The late Mrs' Eonaldson, who died at her residence, Hororaba, on Saturday, was one of the Canterbury pilgrims, haying come out to the Colony in the vessel which brought Messrs John Anderson, John Miln and other well known pioneers. She was a Bister of Mr Miln, and.after residing in New Zealand for over seven, years, she returned homo to marry the - Eev ■ Mr Bonaldeou, who was then minister of the United Presbyterian church at Longridgo, in Linlithgowshire, Scotland. Some years afterwards Mrs Eonaldson, with her husband and family, again came out to the Colony, where she has resided ever since. Gaebibl’b Gully.— -The Oamam Mail writes aa followsAn Opposition journal ridicules the idea that monopoly of laud is productive of national trouble. It says : " There is no specific for making a country go ahead ; even wholesale settlement will not do it. A hundred causes must oonupire to that end; nor id a nation ever made in a day. Steady, constant growth at a moderate rate is what is usual; and what would have happened in New Zealand but for Gabriel’s Gully and the march of intellect ? ” If this bo true, than it is itnpossible to retard the growth of a nation by means of a monopoly of its lands; and, if the territory of * country wero in tho hands of a single individual, we ought not to complain, if all the rest of its people were excluded from tho laud and reduced to servitude, because the administration of a country’s lauds has nothing whatever to s do with a nation’s progress. The argument is that of a newspaper supported by land monopolists whose object is not to promote the highest state of national prosperity, but tire well-being of a particular class, irrespective of results. One contemporary’s reference to the Gabriel’s Gully goldfields is unfortunate for its own case. What would have occurred if the whole of tho auriferous measures of Gabriel’s Gaily had been monopolised by a single individual? The probability is that the immense wealth of the locality would have been realised by such a tardy process that the bulk of it would have remained undeveloped to this day. If the Gabriel’s Gully discovery led to the promotion of tho Colony’s prosperity, it was because every man was free to go on to tbe field and do bis utmost to get the gold, so that tho riches of the field wore developed and tho wealth of the Colony rapidly augmented. If there is no specific for making a country go ahead. New Zealanders, at least, know that, thoro is a specific for holding a country back, and that that specific is kttd greed. Fur*,fragrant and exhilarating, “ Arab ” •MfSbah ” brand T«»> 2s and 2a 4d per lb, ,

Our Hire Purchase System offers inducements to buy cycles by easy payments—from 5a per week. Adams, Gurties and Co„ 70, Manchester street. X3S7

Kden George Company, Limited, the leading photographers o£ Christchurch, who are producing hy far the beat work in New Zealand, take one dozen beautifully our.moiled cabinet* in any position or style for 15a. One prico list adopted, and no extra charges aro made to visitors from the country.—f A dvt, I Staebish and Pekecs ndrifla sittaro to make appointments before three o’clock during the ■winter mouths. Studio, 218, Miirh street. New Utokffroandß, Accessories, end other modern Photographic Appliances haviuc beau just imported irom huropa by 0. H. IVlahkiko. be is canabla of now producing even superior work (if possible) than heretofore, at tha oamo moder.vo prices; any kind of weather suitable, to his using- tho Prize Plates of England, they being exquisitely sensitive.