TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 9513, 8 September 1891, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Paeliamentaby. —ln the Legislative Council yesterday the Select Committee on the Mines Bill recommended that it be allowed to proceed with amendments. Several Bills were read a first time, and the amendments made by the House in the Council Reform Bill were presented. The Council then proceeded with the debate on the Land Bill, the criticism being for the most part of an adverse nature. Eventually the second reading was agreed to, and the Bill referred to the Waste Lands Committee. In the House of Representatives the following Bills were read a second time:—Municipal Corporations, Public Trust Office, Naval and Military Settlers, Crown Lands Light Restriction, Lyttelton Harbour Board Land Vesting. The debate on the Loans to Local Bodies Bill, as had been arranged, took place on the motion for the third reading, with the result that the Bill passed on the voices. After supper the PostmasterGeneral’s Bill for reducing inland postage to a penny, was debated, and the second reading was carried by a large majority. N Battery. —Dr Thomas W. Pairman is gazetted honorary surgeon to the N Battery Artillery Volunteers. Sailing Club. —The annual meeting of the Brighton Sailing Club will be held at the Wellington Hotel to-morrow evening.

Austbalian Mail. The Tarawera arrived at the Bluff early yesterday morning. Her mails should reach Christourch to-night. Billiards.— Last Thursday evening a match took place between East and West Oxford. Four games were played, ending in very close results. East won the match by ten points, and also won three games out of the four.

Dog Poisoning. —Mr D. Bellhouse, Secretary to the Christchurch Dog Society, has acceded to a request to convene a meeting of those persons who have lost dogs by poisoning within the city, with a view of taking active steps to have summary action taken and. to back up the efforts of the police. Another Haie Restorer. —A prescription left by an old Scotch lady has been utilised by Mrs M’lntosh for the production of a hair restorer, which is advertised in this issue. We have seen testimonials from well-known New Zealand residents, which speak in the highest terms of the virtues of the preparation. Ashburton Presbyterian Church.— The anniversary services of the Ashburton Presbyterian Church on Sunday were conducted by the Rev Dr Stuart, of Knox Church, Dunedin. In the afternoon he preached at Wakanui, and the church was crowded to its utmost. At the close of his sermon in the evening he recited Burns’ " The Cotter’s Saturday Night.” Interesting Sale. —Lovers of the fine arts and collectors of curios will have an opportunity of replenishing their collections next week, when Messrs Bowman and Son will sell Mr T: Green’s “ museum.” The collection includes rare china, books, furniture, pictures, &c M full particulars of which appear in another column. The articles will be on view at the auctioneers’ rooms a few days prior to the sale, and should command the attention of connoisseurs.

Trespassers.— A correspondent says On Saturday three young men took a walk through the grounds of Mr J. W. Prebble, of Prebbleton. They had not received any permission to do so, and their object in being there does not appear. They walked through the garden close to the kitchen, and deliberately entering an inner enclosed garden helped themselves to some camellias and marched off, no doubt feeling themselves monarchs of all they surveyed. Fortunately they were seen and followed by two of Mr Prebble’s servants, who made them give up the flowers. This is not the first time Mr Prebble has been annoyed, and he intends to put the matter in the hands of the police. Representative Band. A meeting called to consider the formation of an amateur representative Band, was held at Fuchs’ Hotel on Saturday evening. There was a good attendance and Mr John M'Cullough was voted to the chair. The Acting-Secretary, Mr W. Mansell read the rules as adopted at a former meeting. The object aimed at by the promoters was stated to be the formation of a purely amateur band, comprising only efficient instrumentalists, for the rehearsal of the best music obtainable. It was clearly stated that the band would on no account accept engagements of any kind, neither would it enter for contests in the Colony, and one of the rules made it a necessary qualification that each candidate for admission should be and remain an active member of a band affiliated to the New Zealand Brass Bands’ Association, failing which ho would cease to remain a member of the amateur band. Mr Chapman moved —“ That it is desirable in the interests of bandsmen and band music generally that a band bo formed on the lines proposed.” Mr Whiteman moved as an amendment —“ That the question of the formation of the band be deferred till after the Dunedin contest.” Mr Chapman’s motion was carried, the proposer and seconder only voting for the amendment. Messrs Mitchell, Smith, Scrimgeour, Dunn, Forest, Derry. Crammer and Daniels were added to the Committee. A vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the meeting to a close.

Apple Trees ! Apple Trees!—Apple and other Fruit Trees in great variety, two to four years old. T. Abbott, Exeter Nurseries, Papaaui road; Christchurch. 2389

Sumner Licensing Committee.— The follow-ng have been appointed the Licensing Committee for the district of Sumner : Messrs M. H. Berkeley, G. P. Kay, W. J. Mills, J. Coles and W. Hayward. Re-aerebted.— William Wilson, against whom a charge of stealing £3O was made and dismissed at the Police Court yesterday morning, was re-arrested in the afternoon on a charge of conspiring to defraud. Bandsmen’s Church Paeadb. ihe Christchurch and Lyttelton bandsmen will attend divine service at Fendalton church on .Sunday afternoon next. His lordship Bishop Julius has kindly consented to deliver a sermon to the bandsmen. Telephone Communication. The amount of £IOO having been subscribed by residents at Le Eon’s Bay, Chain's Bay and Little Akaloa towards the establishment of telephone communication between those places and Akaroa, the Department has agreed to put the work in hand at once. . ■ , Akaeoai —The weekly meeting or the Akaroa "At Homo ” Society was held on Friday evening. The evening was devoted to music. Piano solos were contributed by Miss Clayton and Mr Gillies, songs by Misses Hahn, Chappell, Munro and Jacobson, and readings by the Rev Mr Finlay and Mr Thos Finlay. A very pleasant evening was spent, although the weather was rather inclement. The Australian House Trade.—A telegram has been received _by Messrs Delamain and Co., of the Rink Stables, that Mr Gerald Coward, a member of the firm, who recently took a shipment of horses to Australia, is returning by the a.s. Tarawera, which arrived at the Bluff yesterday. It may, therefore be presumed that Mr Coward disposed of his lot of horses expeditiously; and at fairly remunerative rates.

Eangioba Wesleyan Sunday School. —The usual services in connection with the celebration of the anniversary of the Rangiora Wesleyan Sunday school were held on Sunday. Special addresses to children were delivered by the Rev C. H. Standage; and a number of hymns appropriate to the occasion were sung by the scholars, under the leadership of Mr F. J. Cumber worth, Miss Bridget acting as organist. The services were well attended, the church being crowded in the evening. Heathcotk Yalley.— A meeting of the residents in the Heathcote Valley, which was to have been held on Friday evening, has been postponed till to-night as proper notice had not been given of it. Mr Martindale, representative of the district on the Board, will be asked to attend, as the business is purely on Road Board matters. The residents allege that the Board has not been acting legally towards them in dividing the district into wards for the purpose of electing members, while not carrying out the ward system in the disbursement of the funds. Amateur Operatic Society. The rehearsals of Pinafore which have been held recently have proved that in the selection of the cast the Society has been very successful. The cast is as follows;—Sir Joseph Porter, Mr W. H. E. Wanklyn; Captain Corcoran, Mr Maitland Gard’ner; Ralph, Mr E. R. Anderson ; Dick Deadeye, Mr A. Millar; Little Buttercup, Miss E. Buchanan; Hebe, Miss Button; Josephine, Mrs C. Edgar. Mr Wanklyn will make his first appearance in this city in the character of the Admiral, but he is well known among the amateurs in the North Island, having played in prominent parts in Napier, Wellington and Wanganui with great success. The Society has received some valuable assistance as regards " business ” and costumes from Williamson’s Opera Company, and the scenery is all new and is being specially prepared for the occasion. Mr Wallace has the opera well forward, and the chorus is very full and well balanced. The first performance will be on Sept. 22.

The Friendly Societies Bill. —At a meeting of the Vigilance Committee representing the Societies in North Canterbury, held on Saturday, the following resolutions were unanimously agreed to, and copies were ordered to be forwarded to the Premier :—“ 1. That in. the opinion of this Committee the action taken by the Legislative Council, in refusing to pass Sir George Grey’s Bill to amend the Friendly Societies Act, is arbitrary in the extreme, and in direct opposition to the clearly-expressed wishes of the Friendly Societies throughout New Zealand; and that in view of the great importance to the Societies, the Government be respectfully urged to make every effort to obtain the consent of the Council to reconsider and agree to this or a similar measure, so that the same may become law during the present session of Parliament, as the matter is of vital importance to the welfare of Friendly Societies in New Zealand.” “2, That this Committee is of opinion that the Bail way Employees Insurance Bill now under consideration would be antagonistic to the interest of Friendly Benefit Societies, and strongly protests against the same being passed by Parliament.” Rifle Shooting. - The Little River Rifle Club’s annual handicap prize -firing competition took place at the Library Valley range on Wednesday. The conditions were seven shots at 200yds, 300yds and 500yds, Wimbledon scoring. Twentyfour members of the Club competed. The weather was fine, but the light was deceiving, and in consequence the scores made wore not very brilliant.. The following were the prize-winners:—G. Robinson (3) 66, E. Paton (3) 66, T. Maskery (7) 64, H. Thomas (3) 63, J. Ryan (3) 61, James Joblin (5) 61, T. Quealy (5) 58, H. Wheeler (sex) 57, Joseph Reynolds (5) 57, John Poop (5) 57. Four of the prizes were given by the ladies of the district, and comprised a very handsome teapot, an elegant tea service, a glass pickle jar on silver stand and an inkstand. The other prizes were presented by Messrs, Meyers, Nutt, Harris, Wheeler, Jacobson and Brooks, and consisted of silver tafyle and teaspoons, a ham, lamp, a bottle of whiskey and one year’s issue of the A haroa Mail. In the evening a dance took place in the schoolroom, about one hundred persons being present. After supper the toasts usual on such occasions were given and responded to, and the prizes were presented to the winners by the Sub-Captain, Mr T. Harris. Mrs Ryan kindly lent her piano for the occasion, and / the music was supplied by Miss A. Coop, Messrs Lilly, Reynolds and E. Coop assisting with violins. —On Saturday the second competition for Captain Vfilson’s prize was fired on the Kaiapoi range. The highest scorers were C. Eder 52, G. Wright 51 and P. Eobilliard 51. Wedding at Invercargill. The Southland Times reports that a marriage which created unusual interest was celebrated last week in St John’s Church. The bridegroom was Mr John Batger, of the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, and the bride Miss Eveline Alexa Thomson, sixth daughter of the late Mr J. T. Thomson, Surveyor-General of New Zealand. The Ven Archdeacon Stocker performed the ceremony, and the choral service was rendered by the choir of St John’s, under the leadership of Mr Gray. Sixty invited guests were in the church, and the seats otherwise at disposal were filled by a crowd of spectators, principally ladies, while numbers stood at the doors. The groomsman was Mr MacGowan, of Dunedin; and the bridesmaids were Misses Clara, Nonnie and Ina Thomson, sisters of the bride, and Miss A. Batger, sister of the bridegroom. The bride’s dress was a beautiful white brocaded satin, with a train of ample dimensions, and the usual veil and orange blossoms. Of the bridesmaids two wore cream and heliotrope dresses, and two, dressess of cream and yellow, with hats to match, the effect being striking from its novelty, and decidedly pretty. The bride was given away by her mother. After the ceremony the guests drove to Lennel, where they were hospitably entertained. The health of the bride and bridegroom was proposed, and other appropriate toasts followed. The company then adjourned to the diningroom, where the presents, which are elegant and valuable, and about one hundred in number, were laid out for inspection. 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 la per lb, less in large quantities. W. Gimblett, seedsman, Colombo street. -.Telephone 184. X 403

Kaiapoi R.M.—Mr R. Baetham u gazetted R.M. for the district of Kaiapoi; with extended jurisdiction to £IOO. Land Sale. —Mr Charles Clark will hole an absolutely unreserved sale to-day, aj noon, of some very valuable building sitei on the Papanui road. Full particulars will be found advertised in this issue. Lyttelton Sailors’ Home. The Superintendent of the Lyttelton Sailors* Homo acknowledges with thanks the receipt of a parcel containing three bags of books, &c., for the use of seamen leaving Fort, from a sailor’s friend, Christchurch. The Licensing Question. —■ At the meeting of the City Council held last night the question of the amalgamation of the present city licensing districts was discussed. It was decided to -withdraw the petition in favour of the movement, as it was stated that the question was becoming a party one. Mutual Improvement.— The East Belt Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society held its usual meeting last Thursday. According to the syllabus Mr G. Hart should have given a lecture on " Celebrities I Have Met.” As he was unable to attend, the meeting was thrown back npos "Portfolio.” The questions were good, v and evoked interesting discussions. New Library. — The Primitive Metho-

dist Sunday School, Linwood, has just commenced a new library. A special service was held on Sunday afternoon, in aid of the library fund, when Anne Lightfoot recited " The Changed Cross,’* and Kate Wood "How Eeadest Thou?’* The Rev W. S. Potter delivered an address on “The Art of Reading.” Under the leadership of Mr Knott (the newly appointed librarian) the children sang several hymns in a very creditable manner.

The Dairy Industry.— After the Leeston sale on Friday next, Mr Hamilton Wilson will deliver a lecture on the dairying industry. He will explain the chemical! action of the minute organisms, or bacteria, in milk, tbeir cause, and their effeoij on butter. He will also show the advantages of the separator, explaining it, and answering any questions regarding its construction, and showing how, by of co-operation in dairying, a uniform article may be manufactured. He will also give hints as regards packing and chilling the butter for export. Bankruptcy. —A statement filed in the bankruptcy of Joe Dicks, late proprietor of the Waltham Arms, shows chat there is a surplus of £Blll4a 7d. The assets are— Cash in the hands of the Official Assignee, £970; jewellery (estimated value), £SO ;■ total, £IO2O. The liabilities are—Unsecured creditors: Fletcher, Humphreys and Co., £75 ss; W. Hoban, £3O; Sclanders and Co., £6O; Wood, Sband and Co., £18 1 Gas Company, £3; Lyttelton Ti/nies Company, £6; Press Company, £6; Mating and Co., £3 ; Pay ling and Co., £3 10a 4d j A. E. Potts, £2 Is 6d j sundries, £1 10s ; total, £2OB 6s sd. Morris-tube Shooting. —On Saturday evening a friendly competition took place between the employees of Messrs Booth, Macdonald and Co. and the members of | the Rifle Class in connection with the Sydenham and Addington W.M.C., on the Club’s range, which resulted in a win for the visitors by ten points. The following, were the scores:—For the visitors—W. Sinclair 33, F. Robbins 32, G. Balfour 31,’ J. Prince 30, J. Browne SO, G. W. Jones 28, T. Waddle 28, W. Halliday 27, J. P. Eiesell 27, A. Forrester 24; total 290. For the Class—W. Hales 33, D. Round 32, J. Butler 31, W. Skelton 30, W. Sherlock 29, J. Watt 27, H. Wakefield 27, A. Sher--lock 25, S. Clarke 24, C; McCarthy 22; total 280.

Organ Recital.— Last evening an organ recital was given in the Holy Trinity church, Avonside, by Mr B. Trisfc Searell to a large audience of parishioners and visitors. The pieces selected were from the works of Wely, Matthais* Bach, Blakely, Handel and Lemmena. , These items were all given in a masterly manner, and special mention might be made of' Lemmons’ “ Storm,” a composition of a highly descriptive character, giving splendid opportunity for the display of the powers of both organ and organist, and Mr Searell must be congratulated on his fine rendering of this selection. Mr J. L. Scott sang Sullivan’s “Lost Chord ” with good effect, and the choir rendered the anthem “ Incline Thine Bar.” The offertory was in aid of the fund for the enlargement of the schoolroom, and realised £2 14s 3d. Christchurch Golf Club.— The first annual handicap match was played on the links, Hagley Park, on Saturday last. The ; prizes were presented by the captain, Mr. P. Cunningham. The first consisted of a' very handsome gold medal in the form of a St Andrew’s cross with the figure of a golf player neatly engraved in the centre. The medal was the work of Mr A. Gundersen, and was m&ch admired. The second prize was “The Art of Golf,” by Sir W. G. Simpson, Bart., very beautifully illustrated. The medal was won by Professor F. W. Haslam with a net score of 101, and the second by Dr F. G. Westenra with a net score of 103. Below will be found a list of the players engaged with the handicaps and scores made in each case:—B. H. Burns, sar, 104; W. T. Charlewood, tier, 104; Dr G. Gosset, scr, 104; R. Richard* son, scr, 122; L. B. Wood, tier, 107; J. W. Marshall, 5, 107; A. T. White, 6, retired ; A. Otterson, 7, 111; T. D.. Condell, 8, 104; W. M. Lamhie, 8, 105; George Lambie, 10,106; F. W. Haslam, 12,101 j H. N. Nalder, 15, 111; F. G. Westenra, 13, 103; J. Beaumont, 25, 135; J. B. Fisher, 25, 122. Darfield School Committee. The ordinary monthly meeting of this Committee was held on Friday evening; present— Mr Whall (in the chair), and Messrs Reid, Gillanders, M'Phedran and Mulholland. The monthly report of the temporary master, Mr H. Speight, was read, showing an average of 62-8, with a roll number of 82. It was decided to take no action with the defaulters at present, owing to the change of masters. Mr Withell, of Summerhill, who took charge of the school on Sept. 1, waited on the Committee in refcrence to the erection of a stable and outhouse. The Chairman was instructed to ask permission of the Board to enable the master to have the work done. The Chairman reported that the dividing fence had been put in thorough repair, and ireel planted where necessary. It was decided that the Chairman write to the Board in regard to chemical apparatus. Mr Moffat wrote resigning his seat on the Committee. The resignation was received with regret, and the appointment of another member was allowed to stand over until next meeting. A letter was ordered to be sent to the mistress, Miss Martin, expressing the Committee’s approval of the satisfactory way in which she carried on the work in her department. Some unimportant matters having received attention the meeting closed. _ A Canadian’s Impressions.— Mr G. M. Grant, a young Canadian who paid a visit to New Zealand recently, contributes a well-written, chatty article to Havper’t Magazine, in which he declares that none of the British Colonies ho has touched at have presented so many points of interest in small compass as New Zealand. It possesses, he says, the raw material out of which can be made something fairer and better than the Mother Country. The beauty of its scenery produced a great impression, but ho was not blind to the fact that the resources of the Colony are as varied as its scenery. When the native of another country, remarks Mr Grant, sees, its unequalled capabilities for tillage and pasture, his instinctive patriotism makes him almost thankful that it is not any bigger, like the Field-Marshal, whose comment on the British infantry, “ The beet in the world, sir, but, luckily, few in number,” is so often repeated in England. Mr Grant stated that the rabbit pest difficulty has been solved by a squatter friend of his, who discovered that the tape worm of the dog, fox, cat or other enemies of the rabbit was fatal to poor bunny. Finally, Mr Grant asserts that nowhere ie theca a fairer land than New Zealand; and he predicts that the New Zealander of to-day is laying the foundations of a mighty State, though he may not believe that one of hia descendants is likely to sit on a broken arch of London bridge and sketch the ruins of St Paul’s.

Pure, fragrant and exhilarating," Arab ” and “ Shah ” brand Tea, 2s and 2» 4d. par lb. -

Aisbubton Wool Sale.-H has been decided to hold the first wool sale of the aeMOB in Ashburton on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Confirmation Service.— The Bishop of Christchurch held a confirmation service »t St Mary’s Church, Timaru, on Sunday. Forty-eight candidates were confirmed. Wmckagb AT the Chathams.— A Wellington telegram eaya that more wreckage, including a pine spar with wire rigging attached, has been washed ashore lately at the Chathams. Bands’ Contest.— The bands’ contest to bo held at Dunedin, is fixed for Nov. 28 sqdSO. Mr Trimnell, of Wellington, is appointed sole judge, and Mr Wills of Dimedin, supervisor. The test piece ia now in the hands of the Mayor of Dunedin, and will be issued to the competing bands on Sept. 26. Fourteen bands will compete. Dunedin firms have given seventy pounds toward* the prizes. The Wist Coast Mails.— The overland mail from the West Coast arrived in town yeaterdsy morning. It was. detained by a phenomenal rise of the Wainui Greek on Friday, and the passengers remained at Fttegerald’a that, night, and reached Springfield on Sunday morning. The coach to the West Coast„conveying his Honor Mr Jwtioe Denniaton' and Secretary, reached Hokitika late on Saturday night. Thousands of ladies literally packed Eden OSMgS’S entrance throughout Saturday, viewing tb# pretty fancy costume pictures therein shown. On the eve o( her departure. Mra Humphreys, in a letter to Hr laden George, expressed her adraira. tion and surprise at the excellent result of every portrait and her pleasure in accepting the alnum, which will follow hor next mail.—[Anvi.J Btaedish and Prhece's photographs are oharaetarlaed by their truthfulness and originality. Studio, 318, High street. When in town it ia really a pleasure to look in a Hr C. H. Manning’s Studio ; there is such a beautiful variety ot Photographic work; The Heiiotfat and jOpal enlargements, in blaok and white and colours, are perfect gems of art, while the plain end coloured photos are unexcelled anywhere. C. H. Manning does bis own operating. UOb Colombostreet, [advt.l