TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 9511, 5 September 1891, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Pabliambntabt. --In the Legislative Council yesterday the Auckland Electric Lighting Bill and Palmerston North Hospital Bill were read a second time, and a number of private Bills were read a first time. The Customs and Excise Bill was read a third time and passed; the third reading of the Selectors Land Revaluation Bill being deferred. The debate on the second reading of the Land Bill was begun and adjourned till Monday, on which day the Council will sit for the remainder of the session. The Hon E. Pharazyn moved the desirability of establishing a wellequipped expert agricultural department,' consideration of the matter being held over. In the House of Representatives the report of the Committee on Dr Pollen’s claim was referred back to the Committee for further consideration. The amendments made by the Legislative Council in the Auctioneer;/ Bill were agreed to. Consideration of the Electoral Bill in Committee was resumed, and the Bill was read a third time and passed. In the evening the Legislative Council Bill, as passed by the Upper House, was taken in Committee. The mimimum age of admission to the Council was altered from thirty-five to twenty-one years, and the tenure of office from ten to seven years. The latter provision was also made retrospective so far as the appointments made by the late Government are concerned. The Bill was read a third time and passed. The Dentists Bill was considered in Committee, and then the Otago University Council Election Bill was taken, the House being still in session at 2 a.m. Bangxoba Cbicket Club.— -The firs annual meeting of the Rangiora Crick t Club is to be held at the Junction Hofei Rangiora, on Tuesday evening. The Ck 1 had a successful season, and although eja balance-sheet will show a deficit of afw shillings, there are assets to the vala«6f J3lO or £l2.

Sumneb. —The social gatherings & connection with the Sumner Institutes!* as popular as ever, judging from tb large attendance at the Town Hall on lursday evening. Dancing commenced shortly after eight o’clock, and was kept p till the early morning. All, present Tent an enjoyable evening. Hangjcoba Jubilee Well.— lie work of sinking the six-inch artesiai well at Bangiora has been brought to standstill through the shoe at the bo:Vm of the pipe having been damaged h _ such J an extent as to preclude the visibility of driving the pipe any furtheidown. The intention is now to continm.ihe well with a three-inch pipe. The d'th to which the present pipe has beerdriven is 24 S feet. ]

The Direct Mail*—The Euapehu arrived at Hobart at eight o'clock yesterday morning. Entertainment.— Professor M. B. Lye gave a musical and phrenological entertainment at the Colonists’ Hall, Lyttelton, on Thursday evening. Eelic op a Wreck.— A relic of

Vessel was picked up in Hokianga harbour recently by Captain Jones, of the schooner Queen, in the shape of an anchor belonging to the barque India, of Auckland, which was wrecked at Hokianga in 1883. Eev C. Dallaston. —The Eev C. Dallaston will preach in the Oxford terrace church to-morrow, and will deliver farewell sermons to-morrow week. As these will be Mr Dalloston’s last two Sundays in Christchurch there will no doubt be large congregations. Union Edwins Club.— The twenty-fifth annual meeting of the Union Sowing dub was held last night in the new shed, and was well attended. The annual report balance-sheet were adopted, officers were elected, and a nomberpf in the rules. ___ '' ~ ' ~ , Woman’s Eights.— He'’wai'' an' bid volunteer and militiaman, and hiswiewsof

things in general had a military tinge. Asked his opinion of the Female Erancmaa Bill, he replied, " Oh, I’ve no objection to. the women voting and being eligible (or Parliament, if they’re only made eligible for the militia!”

Property Sale. Yesterday Mamm George King and Co. effected the sal&«f an acre of freehold abutting on thui-ail-way on the South Town Belt, together with a railway siding, at a satisfactory price, to the vendor. The purchaser intends to erect on the premises a roller four mill.: It is pleasant to chronicle a little enter-; prise in these dull times. • Property. —Our advertising columns contain a notification of the sale by theNew Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency: Company, conjointly with Messrs Miles! and Co., of the well-known Greta Peaks estate, near Waikari, the property of Messrs Sanderson and Studholme. estate is offered in suitable blocks, and will doubtless attract the attention of persons having money to invest- in. pro-' perties. Marriage and Divorce.— Owing :jbo the inclement weather there was only a; moderate attendance at the Lichfield: street Oddfellows’ Hall last evening, to! hear Mr Worthington’s lectnre on "Marriage and Divorce." The lecturer expressed himself as strongly < opposed to divorce under any circumstances, bat advocated that as long as divorce existed the wife should be placed in exactly the same position as her husband in-the eyes of the law. Novelty in Banking. —A novel method of banking money (says the Bangitikei Advocate) is in operation, it seems, at the Maori pah at Porewa, which might not be! quite so successful if tried on a larger scale by Europeans. There is a Maori prophet there possessed of a considerable', amount of money, and, as it would encumber him to carry it about with him, he leaves it in charge of some of his followers. His mode of doing it is, however, to hang it to the end of a stick in a paddock and to place his men on watch around it. Becently he went to Wellington, and during the whole time of his absence he had his - unfortunate dupes with their eyes on his wealth. Garrison Library.— At the meeting of the members of the Garrison Library which took place in the Mounted Eifies* orderly-room last night. Major Slater read an able paper on the question, " Are field days of use P” He answered it by showing that field days, properly carried out, were of great use to Volunteers in giving officers and men a knowledge of the country in which they would have to fight in the event of hostilities, and of practising much important work which could not be learnt on the parade ground. Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon presided, and, after some discussion, a vote of thanks was passed to Major Slater for his paper. Land Board. —The usual fortnightly meeting of the Canterbury Land Board was held on Thursday at the Crown Lands Office, Christchurch j present—Mr J. W. Marchant (Chief Commissioner), Messrs D. M'Millan, and W. C. Walker. The tellowing sections were granted: —Under Village Homestead conditions—Lot 1, Eeserve 1216, near Southbridge, containing Ba, to Alexander Lennox. Lot 2, same reserve, containing 7a 8r 19p. to Eobert Eichards. Under ordinary Perpetual lease conditions—Section 36371, in the Geraldine district, containing 463 a, to Thomas Samuel Taylor. A pastoral lease of Eun 98, Otawaili Station, near Lake Wanaba, containing 30,000 a, was granted to W. G. Stewart. After transacting a quantity of routine business, the Board adjourned to Sept. 17. Band op Hope. —The usual monthly meeting of the Wesleyan Band of Hope was held in the schoolroom, Colombo xoad, Sydenham, on Monday evening last. There was a large attendance, and the Eev J. Newman Buttle was in the chair. The programme, which consisted of songs, recitations, and a dialogue, &c., was of an interesting nature, the following contributing in a very efficient manner:— Pianoforte solo, Lily Asquith; recitations, Emily Higgings, Alice Greenup, Lena Hobden, and Jane Howe; reading, Edward Hocking ; trio entitled “The Publican's Lament,” by Miss M. Watson and Messrs T. E. Taylor and W. Had; violin solo. Miss Eees; violin duet, Miss Eees and Mr Bell; duet, Messrs T. E. Taylor and W* Hall; dialogue, by the [Dialogue Society, entitled, "Life Below Stairs; or. Who Drank the Wine and Spirits P” Miss Williams presided at the piano. The Chairman brought a very * interesting meeting to a close at 915.

Sunday Seevicbs.— The preachers at the Cathedral to-morr*w will be the Dean in the morning ant the Eev. H. J. C. Gilbert in the evening. At the Durham street Wesleyan Church the Eev L. M. Isitt will preach in the morning, and the Eev C. H. Laws ir the evening. At the East belt Church be Eev C. H. Laws will preach in the mowing, and the Eev L. M. Isitt in the evffling. The service in Hayward's Hall,Samner. in the evening will be conducted by Mr Humes. At the St Albans Weshyan Church the Eev W. Baumber will peach in the morning, and in the evenin' will conduct a special service in nemiry of the lata Eev A. Eeid. Mr W. Co rie Johnston will lecture in the Theatre ioyal, at 3 p.m., on “Christian Science {hd Healing by Faith,” and at 7 p.m. on' The Palsied Man Healed.” At the Lycum Mr W. W. Collins will lecture, at 3 p.p, on “Are the Laws of Nature the Laws J God?” and at 7 p.m. on "The Church Bloody Tribunals—The Middle Ages.,' Mr Worthington will deliver lecture in the Oddfellows* Hal], at 11 a.m., on “-'he Church of Silent Demand,” and at GO p.m, on “ Heaven and Hell.” Bngioba Fbiendly Societies. Th® adorned meeting of the Eangiora Fondly Societies to discuss the proposal tcaold an excursion by rail was held at • te Good Templar Hall on Thursday night. r aere was again a large attendance. Mr J. eed presided. Quotations of fares revived from the Eailwsy Commissioners

were read; and it was resolved to arrange for a train to Little Eiver on Oot. 8, guaranteeing five hundred passengers. Twenty-one of the members made themselves responsible for the sum of £42. for addition to the balance in hand to meet the guarantee, if required. The guarantors were elected a General Committee of Management, and the meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman. The General Committee afterwards met and appointed Mr J. B. Wilson, Treasurer* Mr C. I. Jennings, Hon Secretary; and 1 Messrs H. Gillespie, J. Marshall, L. Lane, M. Meech, B. Morrall, G. Luxton and W, 0. Bridget, a Working Committee. The price of the tickets was fixed, incidental expenses to be met by the .£2O balance in hand from last year’s fdtc. It was decided to close the sale of tickets on the Tuesday previous to the date of the excursion, and to make arrangements for a postponement should the weather prove unpropitious j • also for the train to stop at Southbrook A and Kaiapoi. ' Onion seed—a largo quantity of local-grown seed from selected strains • Brown Spanish, Deptford, Brown Globe* &c.—reduced to 6s per lb. W. Gimbletb* seedsman, 140, Colombo .street. - Telephone 184. X4OB

' The Metropolitan Show.— His Excellency the Governor has signified his intention of giving a medal as a prize in the hone classes at the next Metropolitan Show. -Two years ago his Excellency gave modal* which, was awarded in the carriage stallion class. Opining op the Sailing Season.— The Christchurch Sailing Club, at a Committee meeting held on Thursday, decided to open the season at their headquarters, Sumner, on Saturday, Oct. 3, commencing with a procession, in which over twenty boats are expected to take part. The programme, which is an attractive one, includes a xescning competition and a singlehanded exiling match. A course will be laid out, giving a full view of the proceedings from Mr Monck’a. Eangioba Hoesb Faib.— At Mr W. Boss’monthly horse fair at Rangiora yesterday, the entry comprised seventy-eight head. There was a strong demand for good young broken-in draught stock, and a general clearance was effected at prices ranging from £ls to £23. Aged draughts realised from £9 to £l2 ; saddle and light harness horses .£9 to •£l4; weedy sorts <£s to £8; hacks £7 to £10; weeds £3 to £3; unbroken three and four-year-old draughts in low condition £lO to £l2. ; Webdons School Committee. The usual monthly meeting was held on Monday evening; present —Mr Lowe (Chairman), and Messrs Reynolds, Bell, Needham, Manion and Thompson. The teacher’s report showed the number of |children on the roll to be fifty-five, and ; the average attendance 47*6, It was decided to ask tho Board to supply a tank and spouting for the school. Mr Reynolds 'Was appointed visitor for the month. Several other small matters were attended to and the meeting closed. Hospital Ladx Visitors.—The members of the Hospital Lady Visitors’ Association ■are rapidly disposing of the tickets for tho ?erformance of London Assurance on hursday and Friday next. As the boxoffice opens on Monday morning at ten o’clock, those who have not already secured tickets are advised to lose no time in doing so. The performers are rehearsing most diligently, and the cast, even to the smallest part, is so good that the public may be sure of an evening’s enjoyment, added to the satisfaction of helping the sick and needy in our hospital. ■ Mobbib-tube Shooting. A return match was fired on the Lyttelton range on Tuesday evening between teams from the Heathcote Morris-tube Club and the Lyttelton Navals. The former won by 20 points, the totals being—Club, 295; Navals, • 278. The following aro the scoresClub—Askew 34, Hewlett S 3, George 33, Malthouse 32, Gilmore SI, M'Dowell 80, Sandford 30, Victory 26, Roberta 26, Brown 23. Navals—Joyce 31, Jory 31, Graham 29, Toomsy' 28, Field 23, Sinclair 27, Semmens 27, Davey 27, Scoular 25. Norris 25.

T Good Tem^lary. —The Hope of Christchurch Lodge held a very successful meeting on Thursday evening at the Druids* Hall. Bro Bastion, sen., C.T., filled the chair. A large number of members and ■visitors were present. The members were requested to attend the church parade on Sunday afternoon. A rdsumi was given of the proceedings at the meeting of the Sports Committee, and a determination was expressed to adhere to temperance principles in relation to the same. Harmony occupied the remainder of the evening. Bro E. Long, P.D.G.C.T., presided at the organ. ' A Reusing Constable,— Constable H. J. Stewart, who it will bo remembered sustained injuries to his shoulder while in the execution of his duty in Auckland, has •luce been unfit for duty, and has visited the Melbourne Hospitals in the attempt to have the necessary remedy effected. He has HOW returned to Christchurch, and having received no benefit, has been compelled to retire from the force. An application to the Government has been made on his behalf, and, after some delay, he has been granted a retiring pension of 15s a week for life. Stewart is leaving for England in the Bimntaka to-day. "SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY *0 Animals. —The monthly meeting of the Committee of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held at the ✓City Council Chambers at noon yeater- , jS»y; present—Mr G. T. Booth (in the chair), Messrs M. Murphy, C. Louisson, and A, W. Smith (Inspector).' The Inspector reported that during the month he had visited Linwood, Woolston, Sumner, Lyttelton, Eiccarton, and Geraldine 5 also, the various markets. In consequence of a letter received by the Secretary (Mr Murphy) from Geraldine, he had visited there, and made enquiries concerning the formation of a branch. Nothing definite had been done yet, but it was hoped that the branch would be formed. During the month fifty-four cautions had been given. The report was approved. Mr Murphy reported , that he bad written to Sir John Hall about getting a small subsidy for the Society, and had received a reply that Sir John thought there was not much chance of obtaining it during tho present session of Parliament. There being no further business, the meeting closed. Good Tkmplaby. —The regular weekly meeting of the Desire of Sydenham Lodge, No. 63, was held on Wednesday evening, in the Free Methodist Church, Colombo read, Bro, Robinson, C.T., presiding. Two candidates were proposed for membership and one sister was admitted as an associated member. Light .refreshments were handed round, after which the following contributed to the harmony of the evening Bros Shields L.D., Forest, Yolk, Seabourne, MadcTen, Robinson C.T., Allproas, E. Shields, and Sisters Munns and Harris.. Although this Lodge is not adding largely to its members* roll, officers 'and members appear to be working very harmoniously together.—The usual fortnightly meeting of the Advance Lodge, Amberley, was held in tho Oddfellows’ Hall, on Tuesday evening; Bro Crumpton, C.T., presiding. One .candidate was initiated and one proposed for, membership. The Lodge then Went into the usual business, after which harmony was indulged in. Several songs were conti ibuted during the evening, and recitations wore given by Various members. Altogether a very pleasant evening was enjoyed. The Lodge was closed at 9.30 in due form by tho C.T. Bro Crampton. ' Wedding at Wellington.— St Peter’s Church was crowded on Wednesday afternoon oa the occasion of the marriage of Miss Maude Blundell, eldest daughter of Mr John Blundell, one of the proprietors of the Evening Fast, to William Henry Fulton, -fifth son of the late .Mejor-Genoral John Jeffreys Fulton, Madras Army. Tho bride, who was given away by her father, wore a handsome dress of white Surah silk profusely trimmed with lata, girdle of orange blossoms, and also the orthodox veil embroidered with ivy waves, and carried a beautiful bouquet oi snowdrops and primroses entwined with Maidenhair ferns. The only article of jewedery worn by herwas a ring presented by \ho brideEoom. The bridesmaids were Miates Kathjnand Ida Blundell (sisters of t\e bride) and Misses Ethel Zohrab and May Blundell (cousins), each of whom wore a dress of white Liberty silk trimmed with lt.oo and ribbon, and hat to match, in addition to which each of them carried a white bouquet. Mrs Blundell, mother of- the bride, wore black Surah silk, with pale pink vest and Parisian bonnet, and carried a cream bouquet. The bridegroom was attended by Mr H. P. Smallbone. The ceremony was performed by the Rev W. 0. Waters. M.A., the incumbent, and the seivice was fully choral, a compliment paid to the bride by her numerous friends in the choir. The chancel was most beautifully decorated for the occasion. As the bridal party left the church tho Wedding March was played on the organ by Mr Mlis Trimnell. Mas. Bac., Oxon. The wedding breakfast was served at the residence of the bride’s father in Upper Willis street, and later on the newly-wedded pair leit on thiir honeymoon trip, which will bo spent in the country. The bridegroom’s presents to the bridesmaids consisted of gold bangles. The’ bride received a largo number of presents, including a very handsome one from the» employees of tho Evcnvng I Bridal Bouquets, Dress Bouquets, and MFloral Wreaths in any design, at T. ■Abbott's, B«iter Nursery, Papanux road, Khriatchurch. 389

Gipsy Concert.— A “ Gipsy concert ” will be held at St John’s schoolroom on Sept. 15 and 16. City Council Election. —A meeting of the supporters of the candidature of Mr W. Thomson will be held at the Occidental Hotel this evening.

! Pbesentation. —At the last meeting of the Springston School Committee, Mrs M'Cullough and Miss Henderson were the recipients of presents for the manner in which they had trained the children taking part in the recent concert. The Presbyterian Chuech. —The Eev Mr Stobo has given notice of an overture at the next meeting of the Southland Presbytery, to the effect that the present seems to be a time peculiarly opportune for effecting an incorporating nnion with the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, and that the Synod be overtured to take such steps as may seem to them most likely to accomplish that most desirable result at as early a period as possible, and without unnecessary delay.

Waimate Indhstbial Co-opeeative Association.— A meeting of shareholders in this Society was held in the Foresters’ Hall bn Thursday evening, the attendance being very large considering the heavy rain falling. Mr A. Bitchener, who occupied the chair, gave a very satisfactory report of the progress made, and Mr J. E. Clement, solicitor, gave a clear and detailed account of the advantages and disadvantages arising from registration under the Companies Act and Industrial Societies Act. Eventually it was decided to register under the former. Messrs H. Mann, A. Bitchener, S. Binney, W. London, G. Biemner, W. Wills, E. Bannerman, W. Allan and T. Brown were elected Directors. Mr J. O’Brien was appointed Secretary pro tern,, and it was decided to issue only one thousand shares during the first year.

Obithabt. —The numerous friends and acquaintances of Mr John Cowper, of Caledonian road, St Albans, will be grieved to hear that he was seized with an apoplectic fit on Thursday morning, which terminated fatally last evening. Though be had been suffering more or less during the past four or five years, he was about and working as usual until the time of the seizure, and the sudden stroke was keenly felt by his widow and family. The deceased, who was sixty-five years of age, was a native of Herefordshire, and arrived in the Colony with, his family in the Matoaka in 1860. Here, like many more, he has done very well, principally as a road contractor, and he was greatly respected as a plodding, unassuming and thoroughly honest man. Ho leaves a widow, two sons and a daughter (all married), and twentythree grandchildren, besides other relations, to mourn their loss.

Christchurch Amateur Minstrels.Owing to the wet weather of yesterday evening the performance given by the Christchurch Amateur Minstrels at the Theatre Eoyal, was not 00 well attended as the organisers wished or the merits of the performance really deserved. The songs and choruses were encored almost without exception, while the “business” was os prompt and funny as ever, and the farces and sketches showed a marked improvement on the work of the opening night. Owing to the bad weather, a number of persons who had purchased tickets for last night did not avail themselves of their privilege, and it has therefore been determined to play again to-night, so as to give the patrons of the minstrels an opportunity of having their money’s worth for their ticket. New jokes and new business will be introduced throughout the programme. SOUTHBRIDGE DISTRICT SCHOOL. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Southbridge School Committee was held on Friday evening; present—Mr Frame, in tho chair, and* Messrs Burns, Penfold, James Kilbride, C. Wills, and the Eev B. Whitehousc. The master’s report showed the number on the roll to bo 316 and the average attendance to bo 265. He recommended that the sowing should be judged by a Committee of ladies. It was agreed to adopt the suggestion. Some correspondence was dealt with. The Chairman was instructed to write to the Board of Education asking that increased accommodation be provided. Mr It. Webster wrote resigning his seat on the Committee. It was decided to hold over the resignation until next meeting, and that Mr Webster he asktd to reconsider his decision. The paysheet, amounting to £S 8s lid, was passed, and tho meeting closed. Presentation. —A very pleasant gathering was held last evening at the rooms of the Pioneer Bicycle Club, when Mr C, E. Wilson, who is to be married shortly, was presented by the members of the Club with a purse of sovereigns. Tho Captain (Mr P. G. Withers) made the presentation, and wished Mr and the future Mrs C. E. Wilson long life and happiness, and proposed their healths. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. After the recipient had responded in feeling terms, saying that he did nos intend to leave the racing track, opportunity was taken to bid farewell to Mr J. F. Best, who leaves to-day for Wellington. General regret was expressed at Mr Best’s departure, as since he had joined the Club he had been a most enthusiastic road rider, and had become deservedly popular. Before the meeting terminated, some excellent songs were rendered by Messrs Casain, Coe, Cooper, Alexander, Oates, Parker, Thompson and Withers. Druids’ Gala. A meeting of the Druids’ Gala Committee was held at the Druids’ Hall last evening, P.D.P. Bro Charles Tomson presiding. There was a good attendance of delegates. A large amount of correspondence was received, including a letter from His Excellency the Governor, granting his' patronage to tho gala. The report of the Finance Committee was read, and several suggestions from that Committee were adopted by the meeting. It was resolved to hold the gala of 1891 on tho old show grounds, Sydenham. It was decided that the Finance Committee and three delegates should form the Art Union Committee. A motion was carried that twenty thousand tickets should be printed for the annual art union, and it was resolved that one hundred and twentyfive prizes should be given. Bros Swinnerton, Walker and Busch were appointed r. Printing Committee, and the meeting adjourned until that day fortnight, at the usual hour. Stirling Dairy Factory. —The directors of the Stirling Dairy Factory Company are able to present a highly satisfactory report to shareholders. During the season 1890-91 the amount of milk received at the factory was 228,664ga1, for which ,£3055 lls 8d has been distributed amongst the farmers in the district—an average for the season of 3icl per gallon. The quantity of cheese made was 108 tons —an increase of 10 tons over that of last season. The coat of manufacturing and placing cheese f.o.b. at Dunedin has be«n fd per lb. There is a credit balance of £753 3s 3d. Of this £248 0s 5d has been added to the Company’s assets, that amount having been expended in the erection of anew cottage for the manager and for new plant, leaving the sum oc £505 2s lOd available for distribution; As considerable expense will have to bo incurred in laying a new pipe drain from the factory to the river to carry off the washings, and also for improvements at the piggeneSjtha directors recommend that a dividend of 6 per cent be paid to shareholders, and that 5 per cent be written off the value of buildings and plant, and tho balance carried forward. The directors have entered into an agreement for the sale of next sesson’u output of cheese at a figure which will warrant them in paying, all through next season, for milk 3Jd per gallon to shareholders and 3d I per gallon to non-shareholders. Terms of payment: Cash monthly, less 2-J per cent, 'i’ho test of tho Australian markets did not p.’ovo up to expectations. One email shipment, however, sent to the Mauritius realised the best price of the season; bub the market there is very limited, and the means of transit to it are very risky. The d irectora say that.thanks to the energy of the New Zealand Middle Island Dairy Association, the outlookia bright. AJargo quantity of daily produce is certain to be shipped to England, thus causing prices in Australia to ’rule higher, and keeping the market hurt steady. Tho directors place on record their satisfaction of Mr Savm* management, v.hoso services th/jy have again secured. \

A perfect beverage, “Arab” and Shah ” Bnad Tea, 2s and 2a 4d per lb.

Sale of Crown Lands. —Particulars regarding Crown lands for sale appear in an advertisement in this issue. Lancaster Park Cricket Club.— The annual general meeting of members of the Lancaster Park Cricket Club will be held at the Commercial Hotel this evening. Dunedin Hunt Clue.— The Railway Department announces that tickets to Dunedin on the occasion of the Hunt Club steeplechases will be issued afc.a reduced rate.

The M'Lsan Memorial. — At a meeting of subscribers to the Sir Donald M'Lean memorial fund, held at Napier yesterday, it was repotted that £606 was in hand. It was decided to erect a statue, at a cost of £IOOO, guarantees to that amount- being given.

The Weather. —A heavy easterly rain, calculated to do an immense amount of good to tho crops and grass, set in yesterday afternoon and lasted for several hours. A nice rain commenced to fall at Ashburton about ten o’clock yesterday morning. At Geraldine the rain set in on Thursday evening, and fell steadily during tho night. At last tho pretty group of the little bride and Irishman have been added to Kden George’s collection of fancy dress portraits. The exhibition of so many successful children’s photos in such graceful and artistically-arransred attitudes has proved beyond doubt that liden George’s photos aro far superior to all others.—LAdvt.] Standish and Pekece’s photographs:aro characterised by their truthfulness and originality. Studio, 218, High street. When in town it is really a pleasure to look in a Mr C. H, Manning’s Studio ; there is such a beautiful variety o! Photographic work; Tho Mezzotint and Opal enlargements, in black and white and colours, are perfect gems of act, while the plain and coloured photos are unexcelled anywhere, C. H, Manning does his own operating. 150, Colombo street, [advt.]