TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 9493, 15 August 1891, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Parliamentary. —Petitions Were pre* seated in the Legislative Council yesterday in connection with the Shop Hours Bill and the employment of girls as type* Betters. The Committee on the Christchurch Electric Lighting Bill recommended that it be allowed to proceed; and it was further recommended that the electric light be used in the Houses of Parliament, Reports on petitions were presented, and an Imprest Supply Bill was passed through all its stages. The Factory Bill was read a first time, the Truck Bill was finally considered in Committee, and the Libel Bill was passed. In the House of Representatives in the course of the afternoon the following Bills were read a second time-Rabbit Nuisance Amendment (Hon J. M'Kenzie) j Workmen’s Lien (Hon W. P. Reeves); Consolidated Stock (Hon J. Ballanco). The following Bills were passed:—Marriage Act Amendment, Customs and Excise, and Post and Telegraph Regulations. The Distillation Act Amendment and River Board Bills were passed through Committee, and verbal amendments were made in the Trustees, Public Bodies and Public Revenues Bills.- In the evening, the Selectors’ Land Revaluation Bill was considered in Committee; Then came the great question of woman franohise-aa ppppoaecT to-be *m»

fcodied in the Electoral Bill by Sir John Hall's amendment. Vigorous opposition to the proposal was set up, and tho House was left sitting at 2 a.m., no progress having been made. Lecture.— The Rev J. Hoatson will give a lecture on Monday evening in the rooms of the Young Men’s Christian Association k tinder the auspices of the Christian Ethical V Society. The subject will be “ Simplicity of Life.” Christchurch Doa Society.— A wellattended meeting of the Committee of the Christchurch Dog Society was held last evening. Dr J. H. Deamer was in the chair, and several new members were elected. Tho Committee went through tho schedule and rules. The Committee is in hopes of obtaining Mr J. C. Coupe, of Melbourne, to judge at the show. Concert. —Arrangements for the concert •which is to precede tho dramatic representation in St John’s schoolroom ■on Thursday next, are nearly completed. The first ;part. will include instrumental and vocal items by Messrs Blakesloy, Raphael, _T. Acland, Hobbs senior and junior, Mies "Watson and others. The entertainment bids fair to be a success, and the tickets Lave gone off freely. ,Thz Treatment of Consumption.—A ‘telegram from Nelson says:—From a letter read at the City Council, it appears thv, a new treatment for consumption has been introduced by Mr H. Clapham, who wrote offering to treat a patient, to be nominated , by the Council, free of cost to prove its efficacy. Some of the Councillors testified to!Mr Clapham’s success, and his offer was favourably received. Otago Rugby Union.—A Dunedin telegram says that the Rugby Union last night declined to give its consent to the Alhambra Club accepting the medals which were offered to it as the premier Chib. It was decided to inform the CanterburyUmon that, other arrangements having been made, the Union regretted its inability to play the interprovincial match on August 29. Football.— A match was played on Thursday afternoon between, teams representing Messrs Mason, Struthers and Co. and E. Recce and Sons, resulting in an easy victory for the former by one goal and eight tries (11 points) to nil. The following secured tries: —Austin and 1 Thompson, three each; Craddock, Wallace, and . Tucker one each, from one of which Oft placed a goal. The match was a very enjoyable one, and was played in the most friendly spirit throughout. “Mt Sweetheart.” —There was only a moderate audience at the Tnam street hall last night to witness the second performance of “ My Sweetheart,” aa produced by Mb Charles J. S. Palmer and his company. Theplay affords Mr Palmer ample scope to display his talents, both as an actor and vocalist, and the other members of the company performed their parts well. Miss Lillie Clitheroe’a songs and dances were much admired, and in the duet with Mr Palmer she was heard to advantage. The piece will be repeated this evening. CAkistian Ethical Society.— There was a very good attendance at the weekly meeting of the Christian Ethical Society in the Caledonian Society’s rooms last sight. Mr H. Allison presided. Mr G. T. Booth, by request, read again his paper on the distribution of wealth, treating the subject, to a certain extent, from an individualistic point of view. The Kev J. O'Bryen Hoare replied in a paper dealing with the matter from a socialistic point of? view. Aa interesting discussion followed, and, after Mr Booth had replied, the meeting dosed. Woolston Licensing Committee. —The nomination of candidates for the Woolston Licensing Committee closed at noon yesterday, when the following were nominated, viz.:—Messrs K. Brown, G. H. Bonniagton, G. Bowron, W. B. Cooksley, E. W. Glover, M. L. Qimblett, W. Hawker, J. Phillips, J. Richardson and J. L. Wilson. Messrs Brown, Bonniagton and Richardson were members of the former Committee, and with Messrs Cooksley and Glover are standing as the representatives of the moderate party. Messrs J. L. Wilson, G. Bowron, M. L. Gimblett, W. Hawker and J. Phillips are nominated in tho ’interests ■of the prohibition party. The election takes place on Sept. 1, when it is expected

; that there will he a very teen con teat, as parties have been canvassing very freely. Walker’s Purple Heroes, No. 24, L.O.L.—Tho annual meeting of Walker'c Purple Heroes, No. 24,L.0,L., was hold on Thursday evening, in the Orange Hall, Worcester street. Bro J. T. Smith, "V.M., presided, and there was a largo attendance <o£ members and visitors. Several items of general business having been transacted, the officers of No. 5 Temperance District took possession of the Lodge and com! acted the election of officers, which resulted as follows:—W.M., Bro P. Coles ; D.M., Bro A. P. Carey; Secretary, Bro T. G. Dyson ; Treasurer, Bro J. Glanville; Chaplains, Bros J. Hoole and Hot J. Hosting; Tyler, Bro A. E. B rocket t; Committee, Bros. ,J. Middleton, ’ r . E. Tocey(cliffe, J, Venables, J. E. Brunt and J. Baton; Librarian, Bro .7. E. Carey; Auditors, Bros H. Curlett and T. W. Plaisted. It was resolved to hold a special meeting on Thursday evening, August 27, to confer the Arch-Purple Degree upon several brethren. The Secretary was instructed to write to Wellington for tho certificate of a brother. It was resolved to petition Parliament against the passing of the Divorce Bill. The meeting was then clored. New Zealand Medical Association.— The’ ordinary meeting of the Canterbury ■branch was held at the Public Library on Thursday, the President (Dr Thomas) in the chair. .Letters from Mr Westenra and Dr Bolger on tho suitableness of Akaroa as a health resort were read, the latter giving information as to drainage and zymotic diseases. An answer was directed to be sent, pointing out that before a town could rank as a health resort, it must possess a regular drainage system, and full meteorological reports ought to be issued from time to time. Dr Bolger was thanked for his information. The reports of tho municipal conference and of the conference of local bodies, the consideration of which had been postponed from the last meeting of the Society through press of other matter, were read and considered. A motion was passed, expressing the Society’s satisfaction with the efforts of those bodies for the preservation of the public health. The question of forming a nurses' directory ■was discussed, and it was pointed out that Christchurch was the first town in New Zealand that had endeavoured to register nurses, the Ambulance Association having instituted a register which is still in existence. Other matters of purely medical interest were discussed. Dunedin Harbour Board,— Tho Harbour Board had the question of the proposed dredging at Port Chalmers, to deepen the berthage for tho Homo steamers, before it at Thursday's meeting. The Kail way Commissioners, replying to a communication from the Board, wrote stating that the George street pier would not permit of any deeper dredging, and that it would require to bo reconstructed, at a considerable coat, to admit of a depth of 26ft alongside being obtained, while the Bowen pier, if strengthened at a cost ot several hundred pounds, would admit of dreeging alongside to a depth of 26f0 at low water. In a memorandum furnished to tne Board referring to tho Commissioners' letter,.tho harbourmaster took a different view. Ho stated that the George street pier was’tne most suitable for large vessels, and the required depth could bo obtained alongside it, if it were widened on the south, side and lengthened for 200 ft, by which means, of course, extra accommodation would also be provided. As to the Bowen pier, the harbourmaster said it was .unsuitable for tho larger class of steamers, and ha expressed the opinion that tho harbour alongside it could nob be dredged to 26ft without coming into contact with the rocky bottom. In this opinion Mr G. M. Barr backed up the harbourmaster, and said that the rock was aa near as 16it to low water. The Board agreed, in compliance with, the Commissioners’ request, to forward a detailed statement oi proposed works in the har- , hour to bo submitted to the Government, I with a request for tho funds necessary to 1 deepen the berthage for large vessels. Choicest Eoskb in cultivation and in great variety at T. Abbott’s, Exeter Nurseries, Papanui road, Christchurch

Supreme Court. —The civil sittings of the Supreme Court will begin before bis Honor Mr Justice Denniston at 11 a.m. on Wednesday next. The list of cases appears elsewhere.

City Guards. —The Rev C. J. Merton has been gazetted Chapla.n of the Christchurch City Guards. It is probable that a church parade of the Company will take place at Merivalo Church shortly, when Mr Merton will enter upon his duties by conducting service. Journalistic.— The Dunedin Globe says: -At a meeting of the Directors of tho Globe Newspaper Company, held last (Wednesday) evening, MrWilliam Freeman Kitchen’s resignation of hio position as editor and managing director was accepted. Mr Kitchen therefore ceases to hold any position on the staff of this paper. Mr George Barnes was elected a member of the Board.

Ancient Order op Druids. The members of the Kaiapoi Lodge held a social on Thursday night, in the Orange Hall, Kaiapoi. There was a very large attendance, and a very pleasant time was spent in songs, recitations and dancing. A capital supper, provided by the Lodge, was one of tho items much appreciatedand both young and old thoroughly enjoyed the fun till “ The wee sma’ oors ayant the twal.”

Drought.— Dry weather still continues at Waimate, and is seriously damaging tho farmers’ prospects for next season. Although there have been one or two spring daye lately nothing seoms to grow, and the frosts are still very severe. The Oamaru Mail states that water is now being carted by moat of the townspeople, and those having horses and cattle have to drive them about a mile and a half from town to get them watered. Akaeoa. —Our correspondent writes: — A dance was given by tho local footballers in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Wednesday night. It was a great success.—Mr T. B. Taylor has been elected a Borough Councillor in place of Mr L. E. H. Corbett, resigned.—The weather here has lately been exceptionally fine, and tho spring is advancing rapidly. There has been no rain to speak of this winter, and farmers are anxious, fearing a dry summer. Oddfellows’ Society, Kaiapoi. —At the fortnightly meeting of this Lodge, on Tuesday, six new candidates were admitted into the Order. Tho following resolution was carried unanimously “That the Secretary write to the member for tho district requesting him to give his support to Sir George Grey’s Friendly Societies Acts Amendment Bill.” This Lodge is now over one hundred strong, and the resolution represents the wishes of the sister Lodges in the Borough. Dunsandel. —Our correspondent writes: Tho weather in the Dunsandel district has been very fine during the past week. The early sown wheat is making very good progress, much better than last year’s, where the grnb and wire worm are not noticeable. In some fields there are indications of these peats being at work, but they are not so prevalent as last winter. Lambing is not yet general, but some may be seen in tho district, which look strong and healthy. Pastures are very bare, but turnips are holding out wonderfully. Dunsandel Presbyterian Church. — The annual general meeting of the Presbyterian congregation was hold recently in the Town Hall. The new pastor of the Leeston, Brookside and Dunsandel charge presided. The Treasurer (Mr John M'Millan) read tho balance-sheet, which showed a credit balance of £ls 13s 2d, a result which was considered very satisfactory. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr M'Millan for past services as Treasurer and choirmaster, and regret was expressed that he was resigning his positions. The following were elected a Committee for the ensuing year:—Messrs H. Brown (Treasurer), J. Lochhead, J. A. Cunningham, T. Lochhead, S. M'Kenzie, D. Craig, D. M'llraith and S. Sherrard. The Universal Co-Operative Boot and Shoe Company. —The first general meeting of shareholders was held at tho Company’s premises. High street, on Wednesday, a large number being present. Mr C. M. Gray presided. Tho Chairman stated that there was no formal balance-sheet to present, tho Company having only been in operation a little over three months, but it was highly satisfactory to note that, in that time, the sales alone had'amounted to over £2BOO, and tho receipts on capital account had been over £ISOO. The number of shares allotted was 461 G, spread over a largo number of shareholders, and it was evident that the public appreciated the cooperative system, aa applications for shares wore still coming in freely. The shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the results as disclosed by the statement. Messrs C. M. Gray,H. B. Kirk,C. Louisson and F. E. Hyman were elected Directors for tho ensuing year. The Magnetic Detective. —Rather a good story is told of tho manner in which a farmer in Natal caused a thief to confess to stealing his tobacco leaf. Suspecting a certain native, ho requested tho headman of tho kraal to muster his men; This was done, and on being placed in line the suspected man was placed due north. He then handed tho headman a small pocket compass, and explained that the needle (or finger as the native called it) would always point towards the thief. He placed the compass upon the palm of the headman’s hand, and told him to turn it which way ho thought fit. After repeated twistings and turnings the headman went up to the suspected man and told him that ho must ha the thief, aa no matter which way the box was turned the finger always pointed at him, and so he had better own up. This the native did, and pointed out where he had hid tho lobacco leaves. The ’cute farmer’s sable neighbours now give him a wide berth. New Zealand, — Tho European Mail says :—The determined abstinence of Now Zealand from borrowing any more money, and the damping process which the Home investor has lately worked upon several Australian loans, has brought about a decided revulsion of feeling in financial circles in favour of that much-maligned Colony. Seeing that the Antipodean Colonies have now reached the end of their tether in the matter of borrowing, the policy adopted and fearlessly followed both by the late and the present Government at Wellington is in the highest degree commendable. This steady policy is restoring confidence rapidly, and people interested in it are no longer doubtful of tho bright prospects before the Colony, Fifty years ago, after the treaty of Waitangi had been signed. New Zealand only possessed a small handful of European settlers, scattered about promiscuously among a native population of over 80,000. Timber, oil and flax comprised the exports, the amount of which was exceedingly small for many years after tho Waitangi settlement. Now tho exports of tho Colony amount roughly to eight millions sterling, and at tho present time there ia every sign of a large increase in tho near future. Mutual Improvement Societies. —The Papaaui Mutual Improvement and Recreation Club held its usual weekly meeting on Monday evening. There was a very good attendance of members and friends. Mr W. J. Creaswell, Vice-President, occupied the chair. After the usual routine business, the Rev D. J. Murray (President) gave a paper entitled, “ Hints on Study.” A. hearty vote of thunks to Mr Murray for his admirable paper closed a very enjoyable and instructive meeting.—The weekly meeting of tho Lyttelton Literary Association was held on Thursday evening, Mr Shanaghan, President, in tho chair. Mr R. Eyre read an essay on “ Our Educational System” to a fair attendance. A good discussion ensued, the following members taking part:—Mrs H. Green and Miss Oliver, Messrs George Laurensou, W. Shanaghan, H. Green and James Webb.—At the weekly meeting of the Kaiapoi Mutual Improvement Class on Friday, the Rev G. Bond occupied tho chair. There was a very good attendance. The subject for the evening wan a paper by tho Rev B. Murray, on “Robert Elsinore“ John Ward Preacher and “The Story of an African Farm.” Several ladies and gentlemen took part in the an mission which followed the reading of the paper, and at the close a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Murray. “ Arab” and “ Shah” brand Teas, from allgrocers-and storekeepers.

Football. —There is now on view in Messrs Standiah and Preece’s studio a large photograph of the champion team of Canterbury—the Merivale. The picture is finished in first-class style. Probates, &c. —Yesterday morning Mr Justice Denniston granted probate of tho wills of Mark Thomas, on the application of Mr Bruges, and of Edward Winter, on the application of Mr Loughnan. Letters of administration were granted in the estate of Lydia Button, on the application of Mr Beattie.

The Cathedral. —It is expected that the cross which is to surmount the Cathedral spire will be ready to he placed in position by Wednesday next. At present it is receiving a double coat of gilding. As soon as the cross is fixed the work of cleaning the spire and removing the scaffolding will be proceeded with.

Victorian Dog Show.— A private cablegram states that Mr C. Lynott, of Melbourne, took first prize in the open class for collies with his late importation, the Laird of Shernhourne. This dog has been very successful on the English show bench, and has been imported, together with the slut Wcllesbourne Royalty, at the cost of £240. Such competition makes the position of the Christchurch dog Britannic, who was placed second, all the more creditable. Lyttelton Borough School. Tho annual examination of the two State schools in the Lyttelton district was completed yesterday, with most satisfactory results. There are over seven hundred pupils, and the percentage of passes is about ninety-six, while several of the classes succeeded in getting through without a single failure. This satisfactory result is gratifying alike to the teachers, scholars and the Committee; and a suggestion has been made to give tho children a monster treat in the warm weather. St Patrick’s Day Sports, Geraldine. —A special meeting of members of the Geraldine St Patrick’s Day Sports Association was held on Wednesday evening. Mr R. H. Pearpoiat presided. After some discussion it was decided that the offer of Mr Keith, of Timaru, for the supply of three national flags, 15ft by 7ft Gin, at £4 15s each, be accepted. It was resolved that “socials” be held during.the year, under the auspices of the Association, and a strong Committee was appointed to carry out the necessary arrangements. Dairy Expert. —Mr W. R. Yorke, the representative of Messrs Boyd and Co., of London and Liverpool, one of the largest firms of dairy produce merchants in the British dominions, returned _to Christchurch on Thursday, ’having arrived at Wellington from England in the Rimataka. Mr Yorke will make Christchurch his head-quarters during his stay of some months in the Colony, but will be engaged in developing the export trade in other parts of- the Australian Colonies. He has brought with him some photographs of the cheese which arrived home ia the Rimutaka. They will serve as a very practical lesson to shippers to see that their produce ia properly made and packed. Speingston Library.— Tho Springston Public Library has lately been enlarged, and a new brick chimney with open fireplace built, at a cost of £32. Mr Gammack gave a cheque for £ls towards the cost, and the remainder has been paid out of the legacy of £2OO that was left to the Library Committee by tho late Mr Duke. Thirty-five new books have been added to the library, which now contains about one thousand volumes. The room is now lit with two now Rochester lamps, and presents a warm and comfortable appearance. At the last meeting of the Committee it was resolved to exchange one hundred volumes with the Lincoln Public Library for twelve months. Telephone Bureau Stations. A bureau station in connection with the Christchurch Telephone Exchange is now open at Riccarton (No. 460). A charge of sixpence will be made for the use of the lino for any period not exceeding six minutes, and a further charge of sixpence for every additional six minutes or portion of six minutes. Subscribers to the Exchange will be charged half the above rates. A bureau station is also open at Tai Tapu, (No 441). A charge of one shilling will be made for tho use of the line for any period not exceeding six minutes, and a further charge of one shilling for every additional six minutes or portion of six minutes. A charge of threepence will be made when the person at Riccarton or Tai Tapu, with whom the conversation is desired, has to be sent for to the telephone. Maori Relic. —On Thursday last, a relic ■ of the past was discovered at Hals well in the form of a Maori oven. The Rev H. East, incumbent of the parish, while inspecting tho sandhill which runs through the*churchyard, noticed a peculiar heap of stones, which, on closer examination, nroved to be a veritable Maori oven. The oven was formed of boulder stones, many of them broken—probably by the heat of the fires, and blackened by the cooking purposes which they had served. Its diameter was about three feet, by two feet deep, and it resembles a large basin. A careful search was made for other relics, but nothing else was found. At the bottom of the oven, under a layer of about a foot of discoloured sand, a quantity of wood charcoal was exposed, indicating plainly the use to which the stone structure had been put. The sandhill in question ia an isolated mound, which was surrounded in early times by a large swamp and forest. It was, therefore, most probably, a camping ground for Maoris ia days long prior to the advent of the white man in Canterbury. No trace of bones could bo found to indicate whether or not the oven had once been the scene of cannibal feasts, but its probable age betokens that it was used at a time when cannibalism was practised. Colonel M‘Kxe. —This successful and popular Salvation Army evangelist will arrive in Christchurch this morning from the south, where, in company with StaffCaptain Plant, commonly known as the “ Musical Mystery,” ho has been conducting successful campaigns at Invercargill, Balclutha, Dunedin, Oamaru, Timaru and Ashburton, ia which towns close upon 250 persons have been forward to the penitent form during the meetings. On his way out from England to New Zealand, Colonel M'lvia spentsomo weeks in South Africa, and witnessed some 000 conversions. Following on this the Colonel spent five months in° Australia, where, as a result of his meetings, considerably over 3000 people were converted. During the Colonel’s eight years’ Army career he has been instrumental in the conversion of over 25,000 men and women. A welcome meeting to tho visitors, presided over by Colonel Bailey, will bo held to-night in the Salvation Army Barracks, Victoria street. An “All-day Soul Storm” is billed for to-morrow, when Colonel M'Kie, assisted by a largo number of other officers, will conduct meetings, morning, afternoon and night. On Monday a welcome tea takes place, followed by a groat salvation demonstration. Meetings will also be held in the afternoon and night during the remainder of the week.

A Useful Discovery. —One of the most uncomfortable and sometimes most difficult things to cure is a corn. Medical men are seldom consulted in regard to them, and yet other ailments nob half so painful and "irritating receive the best medical skill. Corns have consequently always had tho chemist’s attention, and poisonous compounds are sold under various names as remedies. It is nothing more than might be expected, therefore, to hear that a Dunedin chemist has discovered a most extraordinary non-poisonous remedy called doxiae. Corns have a great affinity for it, and readily absorb doxine. The natural consequence is that a few hours after application the com can be removed with the finger nail. It is put up in packets at la 6d each. One special feature is that doxine does not evaporate or spoil by keeping. It is now in the hands of wholesale drug houses, who are supplying it to chemists as required, and, like “ Red Cross Ointment,” is sura to take the place of all other remedies of a like nature. Should your chemist not supply it send postal note for Is (id, or stamps Is Bd,to the inventor, Peter Dutton, chemist, Dunedin.— [Advt.] Fruit Trees in. great variety, Roses and Macrocarpa at Naira and Sons, Lincoln road, Christchurch. X 337

Sydenham Football Club,— A special general meeting of the Sydenham Football Club will be held on Monday evening. Yachts for Sale.— Elsewhere in this issue Mr C. A. Rich, of Lyttelton, gives particulars of several yachts placed in hia hands for disposalZebhan. —Mr W. H. Sundry, the legal manager of the Zealsndia Silvermining Company, sends very favourable accounts of the prospects of the Company. The Owakb Belle.— This vessel, which was recently stranded on the Kaiapoi bar, was got off safely yesterday, and brought up the river to Stewart’s Gully. The Lyceum.— Mr W. TV. Collins will lecture at the Lyceum Hall, Manchester street to-morrow afternoon and evening. To-night he will address an open-air meeting in Cathedral square. Woolston Recreation Club. The pronoaal to form a Recreation Club for Woolston will be discussed at a meeting to be held in the Lower Hoathcoto Library at eight o’clock on Monday evening. Export of Stock. —Mr Delamain shipped by tho Hauroto for Sydney yesterday fifteen head of fine, strapping carriage horses. The draught entire British Lion was also sent by the same steamer aa far as Wellington. Poultry Snow.—The Otago Poultry, Pigeon and Dog Club’s second show promises to be highly successful. There are eleven hundred entries. In poultry, J. C. Auckland takes 17 firsts, Myers and Townsend 12, W. Aiken 14, R. Watson 8, W. M’Ewen and J. and E. each 6. Chamber of Commerce. —Tho monthly meeting of the Committee of the Canterbury Chamber •of Commerce was held yesterday afternoon, Mr W. Reece, President, in the chair. The annual report and balance-sheet to he presented to the annual general meeting on August 28 were adopted, and nominations received for the Committee for next year. Wellington Education Board. —The ceremony of opening the new offices of tho Board o? Education .took place yesterday, there being a very large assemblage to witness tho proceedings. In the course of a speech, the Hon W, Eollesfcou, M.H.R., pointed out that Wellington was behind other centres in respect to a university, and he promised to support any steps taken to secure one.

Cake and Apron Fair. —The ladies of St Luke’s parish are providing a highlyattractive display for Wednesday afternoon and evening next, in the parish schoolroom. Cakes, aprons and pinafores are to be supplemented with forns, flowers and seeds, "fancy goods and refreshments; whilst there will’be music at intervals. The energy that is being displayed certainly deserves success. Fire at Sydenham. —An alarm of fire was given last night at the box opposite Coker’s Hotel, and in consequence all the town engines turned out, only to find that the fire was in Hawdon street, Sydenham. The two chemical engines proceeded to the spot, and it was found that a small unoccupied four-roomed cottage, the property of Mr P. Fox, had been nearly destroyed. Tho Brigade therefore turned its attention to saving the two cottages immediately adjacent, the one to the north of the burning building, which is owned and occupied by Mr W. Haig, being within one yard of it. By dint of very hard work both cottages were saved, though considerable damage was done to that belonging to Mr Haig. The origin of tho fire remains a mystery, as no one had been seen about the premises recently. There was a mortgage over the land and building held by the Druids’ Lodge, in whose favour the house was insured for £SO, but in what office could not be ascertained. " *v

Feknsidk.— Miss Annie Harrison, eldest daughter of Mr W. Harrison, of Fernside, being about to leave for China, to take up missionary work in connection with the Hudson Taylor Mission in that country, the residents of the Fernside district organised and carried out a farewell feathering at the school on Friday evening/ There was a crowded attendance, and after tea had been served Mr T. S. Mannering took the chair, and addresses were delivered by the Ven Archdeacon Dudley, the Revs A, Peters and W. B. Marten and Mr W. E. Poster, each of whom expressed warm sympathy with Miss Harrison in the work she had (Jecided to take up. A collection made at tho close of the meeting amounted to within a shilling or two of £6. A purse of sovereigns has since been handed to Miss Harrisou, and she will leave taking with her the good wishes of every person in Fernside, besides those of a large circle of friends made elsewhere during the time that she was carrying out scholastic. duties under the Board of Education. West Christchurch School Committee. —Tho usual monthly meeting was hold on Wednesday evening: present—Mr J. Munniaga (Chairman) and Messrs C. H. Winny, R. Hill Fisher, W. Johnson, N. K. Bowden, E. Rundle and G. T. Chisnall. A report by the Secretary as to the duties and emoluments of the caretaker was brought up, and after some discussion, it was decided not to disturb the present arrangements. The Visiting Committee was requested to ascertain the cost of supplying and making blinds for tho main school; also cost of extending the staging of the bath. Messrs Eundie and Chisnall were appointed the Visiting Committee for the main school, and Messrs Bowden and Johnson for the side school. A SubCommittee was appointed to arrange details in connection with the concert in aid of tho prize fund. Accounts amounting to £23 19s 9d were passed for payment, and it was reported that the balance to the credit of tba Committee was. £4l 19s 3d. Throe tenders for stationery were, received, but it was decided to submit samples to the tenderers, and ask them to tender to supply according to quality selected, the difficulty with the tenderers being tho diversity of quality and price. Cambrian Society.— A social gathering of the Cambrian Society was held in the Art Gallery yesterday evening, when there was a very "large attendance of members and their friends. Mr E. W. Humphreys presided, and in a pithy a'ddress told the meeting that during the visit to Wales which he proposed making, he would endeavour to obtain some Welsh literature and music for the Society, and to otherwise further its interests. Miss Rees, Miss Watson and Messrs Alfred Evans, Price, Postgat'e, Fraser and Dailey gave some highly appreciated songs. Miss B. H. Rees placed a fair selection of Welsh airs for tho violin. Especial mention is due to Mrs Squires, who was heartily encored for her singing in character of the “ Nurse’s Song ” from tho Princo of Wales’ cantata, and a Welsh hymn, both_ of which were very cleverly given. During the interval light refreshments were provided for the members and their guests. The room was nicely decorated, and at its north end the Welsh motto, “Fra Mor, Fra Brython,” ;which freely translated means “While there is. a sea there will he Britons,” was suspended from the wall. The Society is to be congratulated upon the success of the gathering, Sunday Services. —The preachers at the Cathedral to-morrow will be the Dean in the morning and the Rev W. E. Qillam in the evening. At the Durham street Wesley An Church the preachers will bo the Rev C. H. Laws in the morning and tho Eov W. Baumber ia the evening. At the East Belt Church tho Rev L. M. Isitt will preach in the morning and the Rev E. J. Murray in the evening. Mr W. Craddock will conduct the service at Sumner in the evening. Mr W, Corrie Johnston will the Theatre in the afternoon on “Christian Science and First and Last Adam” and at 7 p.m. on “ A Real Fresh Start.” At the Linwood Congregational Church ia the evening the Rev O. 11. Bradbury will preach on “Creeds and the Working Forces of Christianity.” At the Oxford Terraco Baptist Church tno Kev C. Dallaston will be the preacher,_and in the evening a memorial service will he held. The preachers at the Sfc Albans Wesleyan Church will bo the Rev D. J. Murray in the morning and the Rev L. M. Isifch in tho evening. Mr Worthington will lecture in the ORFsbows’ Hall in the morning on “Satan Bound” aw*. in , waiug on “Personality and Individuality. Bridal Bouquets, Dress Bouquets, and Floral Wreaths in any design, at T. Abbott’s, Exeter Nursery, Papaum road, Christchurch.

Cargo on Fire. —The ship Ben Nevis has arrived at London from Timaru, which port she left on April 23. During the voyage a fire broke out in the cargo, and a portion had to be jettisoned. Buffalo Minstrels. The Buffalo Minstrels gave auother successful performance last evening. A new programme is advertised for this evening, and Miss Verne will introduce several topical songs. Enterprising Journalism. —We learn from a letter received from Mr W. T. Stead by yesterday’s mail, that the enterprising proprietor of the Review of Reviews contemplates publishing an Australian edition of his successful journal. Pigeons v. Telegraphy. —A pigeon despatched from the Riccarton Racecourse to this office, on Thursday, with the result of the Grand National Steeplechase, reached its destination nearly seven minutes in advance of a similar message sent by telegraph, Eden George Company, Limited, the leading photographers of Christchurch, whose- photography is by far and away tho beat in New Zealand, take one dozen beautifully enamelled cabinets, taken and finished in any frtyle and position for 15b, Studio, 214, Colombo street only.

Stahdish and Pbbece advise sitters to make appointments before three o’clock during the winter mouths. Studio. 218, High street. ,

Fancy Dkegs Costomes. —Special arrangements have been made by C. U. Manning for photograph, ing all who may dosiro to bo taken in this attire during the present month. .New baok-grounds, accessories, &c., for the occasion. Prize plates of England and best photo material used only; honco ho exquisite results produced at this studio. Appointments advisable.