TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 9510, 4 September 1891, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Parliamentary. —The Shop Hours Bill was killed in the Legislative Council yesterday, by 21 to 8; and the Workmen’s Lien Bill, although the second reading was agreed to, was strongly opposed. The Factories Bill was passed, and the Select Committee on the Customs and Excise Bill recommended that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. The Selectors’ Land Revaluation Bill was considered in Committee, and reported with amendments. In the House of Representatives a petition was presented from Judge Edwards, asking the House to take his case into consideration. The report of the Conference on the Auctioneers Bill was presented. A number of local Bills were read a second and third time p,nd passed. One, however, was opposed. This was the Greymouth Harbour Loan Bill, which gives authority to borrow £50,000 for harbour works. In the evening consideration of the Woman Franchise Bill was proceeded with. Mr Blake’s amendment to postpone the operation of the Act till 1894 was lost by 27 to 22, and an amendment by Sir G. Grey, substituting 1892, was lost on the voices; the date ultimately agreed upon being June I, 1893. Then came a proposal by Mr Carncross to make women eligible as members of the House. Sir vTohn Hall protested that this would kill the Bill, but the proposal was nevertheless adopted by 30 to 24, Finally the third reading was carried on the voices. Woodend. —The weekly meeting of the Bible and Mutual Improvement Society was held on Tuesday evening. The subject for the evening was a very able paper on “ Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh,” by the Rev G. Bond, of Kaiapoi. Lincoln. —Mr J. Marriner, of Spreydon, gave a very interesting account of a recent trip to Australia, in the Baptist church, Lincoln, on Monday evening. A cordial vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Marriner at the close of the lecture. Lobsters and Prawns. —The Auckland Acclimatisation Society has communicated with the Sydney Acclimatisation Society, asking it to forward a consignment of prawns, and has also written to Mr Hugh Craig, of San Francisco, asking him to forward some Californian lobsters, with a view to introducing them in New Zealand waters.

Cantekbuey Teamway Company.— There was not a quorum of shareholders present at tho half-yearly meeting of the Canterbury Tramway Company convened for last night. Those present, therefore, elected to hear the Chairman’s statement, which, with the report and balance-sheet, is published elsewhere, and the meeting was then adjourned. Doylbston School. —The usual monthly meeting of the Doyleston School Committee was held on Tuesday evening; present—Mr Rennie (Chairman), and Messrs Rigby, Poster, Werner, Mouldey and Robb. The master’s report showed an average attendance of 105 for last month. The roll number was 121. The Board wrote stating that it had deferred the application for an additional room till after the visit of the Inspector. Five tenders were received for cutting the gorse fence, and that of Mr Coe, being the lowest, was accepted. Several accounts were passed for payment, and the meeting closed. Sydenham School Committee. A meeting of the Sydenham School Committee was held on Tuesday evening; present—Mr J. L. Scott (Chairman) and Messrs P. C. Hall, J. Anthony, J. Forrester, W. H. Meikleham, B. Jones and W. Jacques. A letter was received from the Board of Education, advising that the distempering and painting required would be done during the holidays. An application was received frdm the Sydenham Musical Society, for permission to use one of the rooms for practising. It was resolved that tho matter be left in the hands of the Chairman. Mr Jones reported that the asphalt in the playground required repairing and floating. The matter was referred to the Visiting Committee, with power to act. Meteorological. —The rainfall at the Eangiora High School for the month of August was *7Blin. Rain fell on ejght days, but on one of those the amount was insignificant, being less than tho hundredth of an inch. The heaviest fall occurred on the day ending at 9.30 a.m. on August 22, viz., , 454 in. The direction of the wind was as follows; —S.W. four days, W.S.W. one day, N.W. and W.S.W. one day, W.S.W. and N.E, one day, E. one day. Tho rainfall for August in 1889 and 1890 was l*lo2in and respectively, the average for the three years thus being •726 in. The rainfall for the first eight months of 1891 has reached a total of 10'863in. The rainfall during the corresponding months of 1889 and 1890 was 14'SIOm and lO'Ootfia respectively, the average for tho three years thus being 12'210iu. With the exception of July, 1890, aud February, 1891, the rainfall for each month during the last two years has been below the average;

Labour Day.— The Government office* will be closed on Oct. 28, but no steps will be taken to proclaim a public holiday. East Christchurch Swimming Club.— The annual general meeting'pf members of the East Christchurch Swimming Club will be held on Wednesday evening. - Auckland Art Auckland City Council has resolved to build an addition to the Art Gallery at a cost of ,£2600. The money is ear-marked from the last municipal loan. „ Chabge of False Pretences.—Yesterday evening a man named Thomas Hassali was arrested at by Constable Breen on a charge of obtaining the sum of £6 16s by false pretences at Dunedin. Arrival of a Prisoner. Joseph Dicks, who was arrested at Oamaru on » charge of endeavouring to abscond from his creditors, arrived by the express last mg t in charge of Detective O’Brien. Me was sent to Lyttelton gaol. Proposed Representative Band, ine proposal to form a band which will be representative of the local bands has so far been favourably received. A meeting will be held on Saturday evening, wlmn a strong muster of bandsmen is expected. Christchurch Likdhrtafel.-— The first "Herren Abend,” or smoke concert, of the Christchurch Liedertafel is announced to take place in Hobbs' Assembly Rooms on Friday, Sept. 18. It will no doubt bo as popular a musical fixture as any of its predecessors. , Smoke .Concert. One of the Christchurch Amateur Athletic Club's monthly smoke concerts was given in the Association’s rooms last night. _ Some exceedingly creditable music was given by the members and their guests, and a pleasant evening was spent. The Russian Jews. —The Wellington Hebrew congregation has unanimously passed a resolution of thanks to Sir George Grey for the kind and sympathetic remarks made in his speech in proposing that a memorial he sent to the Czar in regard.to the treatment of the Jews in Russia.

Sydenham Rifles.— The opening of the Sydenham Rifle Corps’ new rifle range at Bromley will take place on Saturday, when the non-commissioned officers will select teams to fire the opening match. It is hoped that as many members as can attend will do so, to make a good start for the season’s firing. ' . • • Alleged Forgery.™-Yesterday ChiefDetective O’Connor went to Oxford and arrested a man named Davis, formerly Secretary to the district School Committee, on four charges of forgery. It is understood that the offences are alleged to have been committed in connection with the school accounts. Woman Franchise.—At Dunedin on Wednesday night a large representa-tive, meeting of those interested in the Female Franchise carried a resolution, which was forwarded to the Premier and Sir John Hall, expressing indignation at the proposal to suspend granting the franchise till after the general election. The Dunedin Executive of the Liberal Association takes the same view. What is it Worth ?—When making up their cash at the New races yesterday, Messrs Hobbs and Goodwin discovered that a Bank of Van Diemen’s Land note was amongst the takings. The person who tendered the note is not known, neither is it known i£ the note purchased a winning ticket or a piece of pasteboard of even loss value than the promissory note. The number on the interesting document is 32,834 j Dog Poisoning in the City. —Of late a number of valuable dogs_ have fallen victims to someone’s malice in laying . poison within the city boundary on the western side of the river, Messrs J. N. Hamer, Harrington, and others having suffered the loss of some favourites. The latest victim is Sergeant Briggs, who yesterday morning found his faithful collie dog Laddie dead in front of Mr Pender’s residence, at the comer of Montreal and Hereford streets. Ohoka Mutual Improvement Abbociation. This Association has set aside every Tuesday for the discussion of questions of social and political importance. On Tuesday last, there was an attendance of forty j members, the attraction being a discussion / on the State Bank question, Mr the well-known advocate, being opposed by Mr Bussell. The two speeches occupied about an hour and a half. Some questions having been answered, a vote was taken, resulting in an overwhelming majority for the State Bank. Social Gathering.— The employees of Messrs Ballantyne and Co., of, Dunstable House, had a very pleasant social gathering in the Oddfellows* Hall last night. There was a large attendance. The first part of the programme consisted of a short concert, in which songs were sung by Miss Spiers and Messrs Johnson and Shelton, and a flute solo was given by Mr Bowie; Some good part-songs were also sung. A farce, entitled The Photographer's Shop, followed, and amused the audience very much. Refreshments were then served, and the rest of the night was occupied with dancing. Mr H. Fleming accompanied the singers and provided the music for the dances.

Hew Zealand Cheese. —A telegram from Invercargill says ;—Messrs John M'Nairn and Co., Glasgow, writing in July, state that they are selling New Zealand cheese at 52s to 54s per cwfc, as against 43s and 44s for new Canadian and United States. They say: “This must prove to you and your friends in the Colony in the trade that New Zealand cheese has established itself in the Scotch markets, and has taken a very prominent position here. It seems to us a feather in our cap to make a penny per lb more for cheese that comes 15,000 miles than for cheese that comes 3000 miles. New Zealand cheese is now really being preferred to Home cheese.” The Waikato Seat.— At a meeting of the Auckland Liberal Association relative to the vacancy in the Waikato electorate, the following resolution was carried• “That the Waikato Liberal Association be informed that the Auckland Association has not, nor ever had, any intention of dictating to tho Liberal party'in Waikato as to the choice of a candidate for the constituency, but will, be glad to cooperate with the Waikato Liberal Association in the matter.” Tho following resolution was also carried" The Auckland Liberal Association places ca record its protest against the action of the Legislative Council in throwing out Liberal measures sent up by the House of Representatives.”

Bands op Hops.— The monthly entertainment in connection with the Primitive Methodist Band of Hope was held on Wednesday evening. There was a large, attendance, and the Rev W. S. Potter occupied the chair. Recitations were (liven by Newman Hull, Ernest Hawkins, Edward Hull, Kate Wood, Ethel Bunt, Charles Pratt, a dialogue was given by Martin and Bertie Bunt, and solos were sung by Ada Grose, Maud Puller, and Sarah Jowett. Mr J. T. Smith gave an address upon the evils of drinking intoxicating liquors, and the President suggested that it would be a good plan to have beside the Temperance pledge an anti-smoking pledge. Miss Rider presided at the organ, and a pleasant evening was spent.—An entertainment of more than usual interest was given in the Richmond schoolroom oSi Wednesday night to a large and appreciw* tive audience. Three dialogues, entitled respectively “A Penitent Wife,” "A Stingy Teetotaller,” and " Shall I Marry a Moderate Drinker?’’ were given in a manner which elicited loud applause. Recitations were given by Messrs P. Gorton, W. Simpson, and P. Miles, and Misses Ruth Plesber, L. Grand, and E. Grand. The Band of Hope choir gave as part songs ” The Bubbling Spring,” " Sing we Merrily,” and "Shoulder to Shoulder.” Two little girls, E. Brooking and I. Whale, repeated, by special request, the songs they gave last week; and the Misses Shaw and Hadfield gave very nicely "No One Cares for Me.” A collection was made towards defraying the cost of the new platform. Lawn grass imported direct from London, a special mixture adapted to stand the drought and grub, suitable for laying down tennis lawns, cricket grounds, & c ., at Is per lb, less in large quantities. 'W. Gimblett, seedsman, Colombo street* Telephone 184. X 403

Earthquake. —A slight shook of earthquake was felt at Timaru yesterday at Catholic Church atGeraldine. -Hr Thomas Scott is the successful tenderer for aiccratxons and. additions to the Church of St Mary-at-the-Buah, Geraldine. These will cosu about .£4OO. „ Mbbxvalb Winter Entertainments.— Attention is drawn to an advertisement announcing the repetition of the dramatic nieces recently given with such success at St Michael's schoolroom. The musical portion of the entertainment will be under the direction of Mr G. E. Nomington. Football. —A match was played at Lancaster Park yesterday between teams representing Messrs Mason* Struthera and Co.’a employees and those of tho New Zealand Farmers’ Co-operative Association. The Rev J. Hoatson officiated as referee, and the match was won by Mason, Strothers and Co.'s team by nine points (two goals and three tries), to three points (one goal and ono try). Geraldine Domain Board.— The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held on Tuesday evening; present—Mr A. White (Chairman), and Messrs K. Hammond, J. Williams, J. Mundell, W. S. Maslin, A. Sherratt and N. Dunlop. Messrs Webster and Co. were instructed to sell the firewood near Me Williams’ bakery by public auction. It was decided that all rents duo sot paid before Sept. 14 be sued for; also that tenders be called for renting the large domain for grazing sheep for twelve months. It was resolved that notice be sent to all persons leasing the Board's reserves to have the gorse trimmed and grubbed. Accounts amounting to ill 3s 2d were passed for payment, and the meeting closed. Ancient Order of Foresters. —The bimonthly meeting of Court Thistle of the Forest, Sydenham, was held on Tuesday evening, the C.E. of the s Court being supported ,by P.C.R.’s Bros Mathews and i Weakley, of Court Star of Canterbury. The Woodwards gave in a satisfactory report, stating that no members were on the , sick fund. Copies of the proposed Government Railway Employees Insurance Bill were passed round to the members, the provisions giving general dissatisfaction. Ultimately it was resolved to write to the representatives for Christchurch, Heathoote and Hals well electorates, asking them, in the. event of tho Bill being brought forward, to use their utmost endeavours to get it thrown out. The Secretary reported what steps had been taken with regard to the anniversary supper, and it was,decided to leave further consideration of the matter over till next Court night. During the evening some capital songs were given by various members, and hearty votes, of thanks having been passed, the meeting was closed with the usual ceremony. ■; . National Concert. A very large gathering assisted towards the general ■access of the national concert held in the Art Gallery last night. The entertainment was promoted for the purpose of assisting the funds of the North belt Presbyterian Church, and the object in view must have been attained in no slight measure. The well-selected programme was divided into three parts, an extra item being allowed in the portion devoted to Scottish music. It is only necessary to oay that the various items, both vocal and - instrumental, were rendered to the evident appreciation of the audience, and no better compliment can be accorded the ladies and gentlemen who contributed to the evening’s enjoyment. Several items were - encored, amongst which may be mentioned Mrs Wilson’s song, “ Timothy’s Welcome,” Mr J. H. Johnson’s rendering of “ Father O’Flynn,” Mr Appleby’s two songs and Mr Fendarves Cliff's violin solo, in which the execution of the musician was wall worthy of the recall accorded him. Mr H. M. Johnson conducted, and Mr Davis Hunt, as accompanist, gave every attention to perormera. East Christchurch School Committee. —The East Christchurch District School Committee held its usual monthly meeting last evening; present—Mr M. Sandstein (Chairman), and Messrs J. T. -Smith, M. Murphy, J. S. Williams, J. Brunt and H. Allison. Au apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Mr Tillman. The Inspectors’ reports on the main and side schools were submitted. The main school, with the ’ exception of the lower divisions of some two or three of the standards, was reported to be doing very creditable work, with a very low percentage of failures. Very satisfactory results also had been achieved at the two ■ide schools, the failures in both cases being under 4 per cent. The Secretary was directed to call the head master’s attention to the criticisms of the Inspectors, and to compliment tho teachers generally on the excellent character of the report. ‘The head master’s monthly report Was read. Mr Scott stated that the attendance at the South Town Belt side school had fallen off very considerably owing to the opening of tho Waltham school; also, that the attendance at the main school had been much leas during the past month from various causes. The Secretary was directed to apply to the Board of Education for some new furniture for the main school. After passing some accounts the meeting terminated. Akaboa Borough Council.— A meeting of this Council was held on Wednesday evening; present—the Mayor and Councillors Armstrong, Chappell, Checklcy, Munro and Taylor. The County Council wrote, refusing the Borough permission to cart soil from the roadsides for the recreation ground. . Messrs Hahn and Son wrote, stating that two hundred yards of earth were needed for the Muter streefccontract, and asking what the Council would allow them for the extra earth. The- matter was referred to the Works Committee and Engineer. A letter was received from tho Farmers’ Association, stating that weights were not available for weighing cheese, and that cheese suffered from rats and mice getting into tho shed. The matter was referred to the Wharves Committee. The •receipts since last meeting were reported as being j£ll 14s Id. The credit balance amounted to £B4 3s Sd. Accounts were passed for payment amounting to £33 7a 7d. It was resolved—“ That tenders be called for carting and lighting, to be in by. next meeting.” Councillor Armstrong moved, and Councillor Chappell seconded —"That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded the retiring Councillors.” The ■motion was carried, and Councillor Munro returned thanks. Tho Council then resolved itself into a Domain Board. An account of £3 15a was passed for payment. It was resolved to repair the Domain pump, and that tho periodical thinning of trees be gone on with. Obituary. —Mr James Hack worth, for many years Collector of Customs at Dunedin, died at his temporary lodgings in Melville street, on ’i uesday evening, after a fortnight’s illness. The Gtayo Daily Times says Tho deceased gentleman, who was esteemed and respected by a widecircle of friends, came to this Colony from England, reachiag Nelson with his wife and two children in 1856. Ho invested a considerable amount of capital he brought with him in pastoral property, but the Venture not turning out successful, ha accepted a position in the Customs department. He soon rose to tho position of Collector, and took charge of tho Dunedin office—the most important in tho Colony—towards the end of the sixties. He retired on a pension, after over thirty years’ service, on Sept. 1, 1887, taking with him the good wishes of all hia officer;} and those with whom ho had been brought into contact in his official capacity. A fortnight ago Mr Hackworth was seized with a paralytic attack, and removed from tho Club where he was living into quiet lodgings. Notwithstanding the attention of Dr Hocken, supplemented ’ by careful nursing, he never thoroughly rallied, passing away on Tuesday evening in hia sixtyfourth year. Mr Hackworth, who was a widower, his wife having died some years ago, leaves a family of three sons aud two married daughters, one being the wife of Mr E. T. Rhodes, of Timaru. The nows of Mr Hackworth’s death will bo received With regret by his numerous friends. Tho choicest Rosen, Camellias, Magnolias, Heaths, Boioainu, Rhododendrons, Pseonies and Lilium Auratum (the Japan Lily), at Nairn and Sons, Lincoln ’ wad. K 337

The Manapoubi’s Accident.— Captain Logan, of the steamer Manspouri, has tendered his resignation, but the Directors of the Union Company have deferred dealing with the matter until the report of the Melbourne Marine Board has been received. Taxation. —A contemporary says;—A peculiar thing happened in the heart of Mr Bryce’s electorate the other day that the impartial Press Association has not seen fib to transmit. Thero was a meeting of farmers held to condemn the financial policy of tho Ministry, and a regular cut-and-dried resolution was proposed, but one member, more far-seeing than the rest, pointed out that they were the very people who were being relieved by tho taxation they were going to condemn, and ho proposed an amendment, which was carried, approving of tho policy of tho Ballance Government. An Ornate Document. —lt does not frequently happen that official letters are embellished wish quotations from Shakspere, but a communication from the Comptroller and Auditor-General, which was read at the meeting of the Dunedin City Council on Wednesday night, after acknowledging the receipt from the Council of an authority for charging for the storage of kerosene, concluded with the following, which is recognisable as an attempt to reproduce a sentence from the dying words of Mercutio in Romeo _ ctmJ Juliet “ It is not as deep as a well ‘or as wide as a church door. But it is enough.”

An Assault Case.— Yesterday evening a man named Parks, a carpenter, called at the Police Station and stated that he had been assaulted by a woman named Susannah Malcolm, who had given him some bad cuts on the head with a stone. His head was bound up, and he said hia wounds had been dressed by Dr Ovonden. Constable M‘Qill went to make inquiries, aud arrested the woman. He ascertained that the parties are neighbours, living in Gordon street, Linwood. Parks bad accused the woman of having stolen some money, and this, it appears, gave rise to a quarrel. Ho was sent by the police to the Hospital. A further lot of Fancy-dress Portraits is now added to Edou George's collection. The crowds that have visited them during the Inst few days have been thoroughly delighted with the portraits. Tho album will he finished next weefe.— (Advt.| Mr Harriot desires to acknowledge, with sincere thanks, the following;—Clothing. Leeston Friend, Friead; new flannels, &o„ Friend; dripping, Mrs Archdeacon Harris; bread, Mr Faville, JB.P.; meat, Messrs Clarkson and Son; turnips, Mr Goodwin; periodicals, Mr Baxter; remains of tea, St Paul’s annual teachers’ tea mooting; sack of potatoes, Mr Gumming; four sheep, four Christchurch gentlemen; two sheep, Belfast Freezing Company. Don't be Deceived,—lf you want the best medicine the world has ever produced, try Colemane and Son’s Eucalypte Extract; for colds, coughs, and all affections of the chest, gravel and kidney complaints, and fevers of all kinds it has no equal. Under the distinguished patronage of iCarl Jersey. Awarded medals and diplomas, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, beating all competitors. Only sold in loz and soz vials, price Is 6d and 3s 6d. Sold everywhere. New Zealand Branch, Lichfield street, Christchurch. X4lB Standish and Peeece’s photographs are characterised by their truthfulness and originality. Studio, 218, High street.