TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 9603, 22 December 1891, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Christmas Number. The Christmas number of the Canterbury Times is published this morning, and we are sure the thousands of readers of our popular contemporary will be delighted with the seasonable literature provided for their entertainment. The stories and sketches, of which there appears to be an endless variety, are chiefly the works of Colonial authors, but the contributions of George E. Sima and Miss Mary A. Dickens are representative of the productions of the most successful English writers, and a collection of original Christmas verses, children’s tales, and hundreds of articles appropriate to the season, make up a budget which has never been equalled in the Colonies. Orders for extra copies are already pouring in from all parts of the Colony, and people who are not subscribers should secure this delightful paper at once. Laud Board. —Mr David M'Millan has been re-appointed a member of the Land Board for the Land District of Canterbury. Supreme Court. —His Honor Mr Justice Denniston will eit in Chambers at 10.30 a.m. to-day, and in Bankruptcy afterwards. The list of applications appears elsewhere. Deputy-Eegibtkab op Marriages, &c.— Mr Frederick Philip Fendall has been appointed Deputy of the Registrar of Marriages, Births and Deaths for the district of, Oust. The Mayor. —His Worship the Mayor announces that he will attend at the City Council offices from 10 to II a.m. daily, to meet persons who may wish to see him on municipal business. Girls’ High School.— -The Board of Governors of Canterbury College has decided to increase the salaries of the third and fourth assistant teachers at the Girls’ High School, Misses Lorimer and Mills, from £l3O each per annum to £l5O

Veterans’ Cricket Club.—- Member* will practice in Hagley Park on Thursday next, at 1.80 p.m. sharp. The Christchurch Ejection Petition. —The hearing of the petition of M-* Eden George against the return of Mr Sandford as M.H.R. for Christchurch, has been set down for II a.m. on Monday, Feb. 1, Land Tax.—Mr John M'Gowan, Deputy Commissioner of Taxes, will beat Watnei’w Commercial Hotel to-day, when he will be happy to meet land owners and afford them every information as to the filling up of returns.

Parish Gathering.— On Friday a parish gathering iu connection with St James* Church and Sabbath school took place at Oust. The place selected was the cricket ground, and there was a large attendance* Every effort waa made by the promoters to attain success, and the results showed that they bad not laboured in vain. Lawn Tennis. —The return match between the Waddington and Kirwee Clubs was played at Waddington on Saturday, and* after an interesting game, resulted in a win for Waddington by two games, or, in sets, by four sets. The visitors wet® hospitably entertained by the Waddington Club, and as the ground of that club la well sheltered a very enjoyable day was spent. The Weather. Our Sheffield correspondent writes ;—“ The heat and nor*westers are beginning to tell on the growth of the crops in this locality, and alike for wheat, grass and oats, a good fall of rain would be very acceptable. Bain hao threatened a good deal during the last week, but none fell on the plains, though the heavy thunder clouds could bo seen breaking along the hill tops. Dp to the present, however, the crops here look uncommonly well, bub lower down on the plains they are falling off somewhat. Oni the Racecourse Hill estate a splendid crop of hay is being gathered in. Oddfellowship. —The quarterly summoned meeting of the Loyal Leithfleld v Lodge, 1.0.0. P., M.D., was held on Saturday evening. Owing to a number of members being away shearing, or Buffering from influenza, there was not a largo attendance. Deputy Prov G.M. Wilson and P.D.G.M. Kennealy were present, as also were visitors from the Amberley Lodge. The following officers were elected, and afterwards installed by the Deputy P.G. Master :-N.G. Bro E. Moore. V:G’.s Bro j. Fitzpatrick and G.M. Bro H, Bingham. P.G. Bro A. M'Lean was appointed Lecture Master. A vote of thanks was passed to the visitors. One new member was admitted. The receipt! of the evening were .£2l 13s 2d, and tho expenditure £l6 Ids. A Good Eecobd.— Tho arrival of the E.M.S. Kaikoura at Plymouth on Dec. 14 completed tho one hnndreth round voyage of the New Zealand Shipping Company’* steamers. That one hundred voyages round the world should have been made without the loss of a life and without any serious mishap to any of the steamers is a record of which the Company may be proud. During the past seven yeafS the New Zealand Shipping Company has carried tho mails under contract with the New Zealand Government, and during the whole of that period has never been fined for exceeding the contract time. The names of the steamers which have accomplished this wonderful performance are the Tongariro, Aorangi, Ruapehu, Kaikoura and Eimntaka. They have travelled 2.480.000 miles, and have consumed 574.000 tons of coal, of which 190,000 tori* were supplied in New Zealand. St Peter's Band of Hope.— The usual monthly meeting of the Ferry Boad Bond of Hope was held in St Peter’s Church oh Thursday evening. There was a fair attendance, and the Eev Hugh Irwin presided. The Eev D. D. Rodger, of Cost, gave a lecture on “Candles," which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Recitations were contributed by Misses F. Kerr, A. Shaw, E. Denman and Mr J. Marshall; Miss Shaw gave a violin Solo and a song. An anthem was well rendered by the choir, under the leadership of Mr Turvey, who acted as organist during the evening. A dialogue, entitled “ A Regular Tartar,’’ was given by members of the Band of Hope, and several Sankey’s hymns were sung during the evening. A vote of thanks to the Rev. D. D. Rodger, for his lecture, brought the last meeting of the season to a close; The proceeds, which were very satisfactory, wefe in aid of the church fund. Fohr new members Orem enrolled.

Charitable Aid. —We aro indebted to the Charitable Aid Board for the following statistics of relief granted in the North Canterbury and Ashburton District for the month of November-Orphanagfe, 40 inmates, including 38 boarded out, cost £6B 4s 7d; Ashburton Old Men's Home, 58 inmates, cost £B7 7a 9d; Jubilee Memorial Home, 36 inmates, cost £6l 10s 8d j Female Refuge, maintenance as per. contract, £2016s Bd. Total number of persons in institutions, 136; total coat, £232 19a Bd. Outdoor relief—Number of cases relieved, 425, including 1557 persons; cost, ,£534 9s Bd—including money allowances, .£266 7s 9d; rations, £228 4s 6d; fuel, .£ll 16s 9d; drugs and medical attendance, £26 12s Id, and casual relief to three persons at Armagh street depfit, £1 8s 7d. Destitute children and infirm and invalid persons boarded out, 57, cost £7O 9a ; children maintained at Industrial Schools, 66, cost £8810s; office expenses, £7B7s lid. Total number of persona relieved, 1808; total cost, £IOOS 6s 3d.

The Addington Market.— The following is a summary of the live stock market at Addington yesterday Store Sheep.—There was a fair demand for 1800 odd cross-bred ewes and hoggets offered, at from Is to 2s less than the prices which ruled a month ago. Cross-bred ewes with lambs sold at 5s Id to 7s, all counted, and some hoggets at 10s 6d and 9s 6d; while a nice line of two-tooths brought 11s 4d. The last line was the best sale of the day. Fat Lambs.—Christmas is always a good season ..for this class of meat, and prices showed an advance on late quotations, up to 12s 8d being given for some nice plump little lambs. The bulk of the entry, however, sold at from 8s to 10s 6d. Fat Sheep—The decline in the Home market made exporters indifferent bidders, and sheep had to be very prime and sold below 2d a lb to attract these operators. Catchers being well provided with beef and lamb, and having a large supply of mutton to choose from, were also shy. Hence the sale was. a dull and dragging one, and values fell considerably. The best crossbred wethers and maiden ewes, weighing from 601 b to 751 b, sold at from 12s 3d to 14s lOd, and a few 801 b sheep brought 15s fid, leaving their owners a net retard of about 2d per lb exclusive of pelts and fat. Second-rate sheep suffered a more proj nounced decline in value, and mixed sexes sold at from l£d to Ifd per lb net. Merino wethers, with the exception of a few very prime sheep, which brought nearly as much as the best crossbreds, were very dull of sale, and ewes were sold at from 8s fid to 8s according to quality. Fat Cattle.—An immense number (800) were yarded. Of these 70 came from Hawera. The result of the heavy entry was disastrous to the shippers and agents, wTell as to the local suppliers, as the supply Was in excess of the demand. The imported steers were nearly tha first sold, and bub for a speculative spirit lyould not have realised much, as their appearance was against them, the travel strains not having worn off. The lot averaged a trifle over 8001 b each, and they sold at from £S 10s to £6 15s, or about 15s per 1001 b. A few nice sorts of heifers and steers, locallybred and in prime condition, brought a trifle more than this, and were secured by leading tradesmen. Anything of a second-rate character, and cows, sold at from 12a to 15a per 1001 b. Score Cattle.— A few yearlings sold at 245, two-year-olda from £2 to £2 17s and £3, the bulk of the entry being "rejects" from the fat pens and dry cows. The sale of dairy cows afforded no criterion as to value. Pigs.-* Only a small number of porkers and baconers were on offer. Porkers sold at from 14s 6d to 20a, or at the rate of 8d per lb, and baconera at from 23a to 275, dr equal to 2s-d to 2|d per lb. Beau f ieul Flowers. For the beat floral worn in Bridal, Bridesmaids* and Hand Bouquets, Wreaths, Crosses,. Sprays and Button-holes at Nairn and Sons Florists, Lincoln road, Christchurch. XB3

i Fennel. —Dog fanciers throughout the Colony should read a letter addressed by Idr H. Millais, one of the proprietors of the London Fanciers’ • Gazette, to Mr Herbert ■Watson, which appears in the Canterbury Timm this week. Oaktebbuby College Exhibitions.The Board of Governors of Canterbury College MS decided to add ah exhibition of £2oa year for Preach or German to thoe* previously offered. There are now •even exhibitions altogether. ■ fiwaaw.—H. Hookham will leave on Mdhday by the Takapuna to take part in the Ohesß Congress at Auckland next week. Mf Siedeberg has been nominated by the Otago Club, and Mr Littlejohn by that at Wellington. Mr Hookham is nominated by the Canterbury Club. Oust Presbyterian Sunday School.—■ On Wednesday the annual picnic in connection with the Oust Presbyterian Sabbath school was held. The scholars marched from the church to the cricket ground, where the tirhei was Spent pleasantly in the pastimes incidental to each a gathering. Mr Meredith, M.H.K., gave an interesting address. . Hearty cheers to all Iwho had laboured to make the day a success terminated the proceedings. _ SpBiHOViHLD Sports. —A meeting of the Springfield Sports Committee was held on Bititedaiy. Mr Graenshields was appointed Starter and Handicapper. The Secretary informed the meeting that a number of CMrUfdhntch gentlemen had given valti•hte subscriptions towards the sports. Messrs Davey . and Greenshields were authorised to purchase prizes for the ukitAwimj and Mr Chesterfield was apSinted to undertake the distribution, t* meltidg waS highly pleased with the satisfactory amount of subscriptions, which already reach to about £2O. ■ A Sensation. Some sensation was caused in Lyttelton on Sunday evening Wta&t the steamer Omapere was seen coming np the harbour with the police flag flying. As the steaimor anchored inside the moles it was thought that something of a serious nature had taken place, and nan&fOUa rumours were afioat to the effect that a niurder had been committed during the passage. The steam launch with two or three members of the police on board went off, but upon boarding the vessel it was found that the cause of alarm was nothing more than the arrest of . two men asstow•**y«i ' ScAool or Agriculture- On the recommendation of the School of Agricultore Committee, the Board of Governors of Canterbury College has decided to inform the North Canterbury Board of Education. in Arm war to a letter on the subject, that, in view of the present financial position of the School of Agriculture, the Board regretted that it did not see its way to make any concession as to the amount of Minnal payment how required from students who might attend the school as holders of scholarships that ■ might hereafter he granted by the Education Board. Yesterday afternoon Ttfiaa E. J. Ritchie, who, as pupil and pupil teacher, has been connected with the district school at Opawa for nearly eleven yeitrli,- Was the recipient of a handsome present bn the occasion of her leaving to enter on Normal training. On behalf of the teaching staff and the senior girls, Mias 0. Pavitt, in a lew appropriate words, asked her to aobbpt a writing-desk as a memento of the pleasant relations that had existed' between them. Mias Eitchie, who Bid not Been aware of the plot, returned hearty thanks for the unexpected display of kindly feeling. City Guards. The challenge belt of the Christchurch City Guards, which for a considerable time baa not been competed for, has been brought forth from retirement, and exhibited at Messrs Petersen add Co/tf shop, in High street, as it is proposed to" revive the matches for it. It is one of the moat handsome trophies in possession pf the Volunteers, and Consists of embossed plates of silver. Every other plate is intended to receive the names of winners. Moat of these plates are filled np; but .there is' yet room for several names. The plates not intended for names are decorated with crossed rifles. TSS. Governor.— Hia Excellency the Governor returned from Hororata to Christchurch ’ yesterday evening. This afterfioon he will pay a visit to the Mount MSgdala Asylum. The following is the proposed programme of his Excellency's West Coast trip, in which he will be accompanied by the Hoot B. J. Seddon Dec. 31 --Arrive in Greymouth early, and attend racesf Jan. 1, Eeefton; 2nd, Westport; Brd, Westport to Kumara; 4th, Kumara, attend races; sth, Hokitika; 6th, Boss; 7th; Butler’s; Bth, to glacier and hack; 9th, Gillespia'k; 10th, Bruce Bay; llth, Haaat; 12th, Haa&t Pass; 13th, Lake Wauaka, Pembroke. Chertsey Scecool.— The children attnwdiag the CherMey district school had fkarlv annual treat and* prize distribution on Friday. Besides abundance of cakes, gingerbeer and other good things, a large number of toys and a splendid collection of books were distributed. Football, Cricket and Several other games were indulged in all day, and darkness only put an end to the amusements. Mesdames Parsons, Childs and Page, with Misses Patterson, Campbell, Scott, Doig, Todd, PBitpbtt and Horsudll were most assiduous In dispensing tea, while Mr M'Dowtll and Bis fellow Committee men worked untiringly to make the gathering a success. Heavy-weight Sheep.— At the Addington market yesterday, some exceptionally heavy Hampshire Down sheep, from Mr Max Friedlaader’a estate, Lyndhurst, near Ashburton, were specially admired, and deservedly so, The sheep were literally tolling in fat and had magnificent pelts, and the ten were estimated to scale on an average 1501 b net/ butcher's weight. One of those secured by Mr H. S. Harris for his Christ mas display is expected to turn the scale at 200Ib, and hia other four will all exceed 1501 b. . Mr Tabart succeeded in obtaining 20s, 21s and 23s 6d for these sheep. Some' very fine half-bred wethers were sold by Messrs Pyne and Co. on ac<S6tafit 6f Mr A. M. Clark, of Eivafsloa estate, near Tiinaru, at 15s 6d, and were estimated to weigh 751 b to 801 b net. . Go6h Tempi/Akt.—Tho Hope of Christchurch Lodge held its usual meeting on Thursday evening, at the Druids’ Hall, Worcester street. Bro Analey, C.T., prelided. Visitors of other Lodges were present, and a very agreeable evening was spent. It Was reported that the mission tax had b6en received by the Grand Lodge. —The usual weekly meeting of the Adi vaUoe Lodge, No. 72,1.0.G.T., was held in the Church of England schoolroom. Amberley, on Thursday evening. There was » good attendance of members, A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Committee, which had organised the recent pionid aid “social” in connection with the Lodge. Two candidates were initiated into the Order, making a total of sixtytwo members. The Lodge then went into harmony. .. The North Canterbury Fencing Case. —Yesterday morning Mr Beawick, on behalf of Mr E. M. Morten, applied to his Honor Mr Justice Dehniston in Banco, tor a mandamus ordering Captain Preece, 8.M., to hedf the action brought by Mr Morten against Me Walter C. Nioholls. to recover tbs sum of .£B4 Bs, interest on half the cost of d fence' between Mr Morten's property at White Bock and the land formerly occupied by Mr Nioholls as a Crown teiarat, but of Which he has now become the owner. The case dame on at Rangiora on Dec. 8, before Captain Preeco, who held that, pursuant to Sections 32 aad 33 of « The Fencing Act. 1881,” he had no jurisdiction, the proceedings not having been taken under “The Justices of the Peace Act. 1882,” He therefore nonsuited plaintiff with c6sta M 2s. Mr Beswick contended that Captain Preece had jurisdiction. He applied for costa of the previous proceedings against the defendant. Mr Spackmau appeared for Mr Nioholls, and after argument his Honor reserved his decision. Bridal Bouquets/ Dress Bouquets, and Fldral Wreaths in any design, at 1, Abbott’s, Exeter Nursery, Papanui road, Christchufch. Greenhouse and Beddingout Plants in great variety. j Influenza.—Stimulate yourself by drinking only “ Arab ” and- “ Shah ” Tea, 2s and *»4dib. . The choicest show and Cactus Dahlias, Japanese and Chinese Chrysanthemums, for present planting, at Nairn and Sons, PlorUt»,Lincoln road. Y 337

Harvesting Contracts.— An advertisement in this issue invites tenders for harvesting blocks of wheat in the Culverden district. Personal. Hia Excellency the Governor has granted Mr W, Sey, 99, Colombo street, special warrant of appointment as decoratir. Mr Sey was commanded by hia Excellency to execute recent decorations at Government House, Christchurch. Intebpbovincial Club Cricket.— The following members of the Midland Canterbury Cricket Club have been selected to go into active practice at once for the annual match against their Wellington namesakes:—Ash by, Barnes, Barry, Cohen, Forsyth, Garrard, Gordon, J. A. Horner, Lawrence, Macdonald, Pearce, Rayner, Reese, Bichards, Treweek, Wheatley and White. The match is to take place at Hagley Park on Thursday, Dec. 31, and on Friday, Jan, 1. Bbtaliation.— The Cromwell Jockey Club decided to make the public pay the totalisator tax at its annual meeting, and this decision has caused the Kawarau Licensing Committee to exercise its powers in a singular manner. The Committee having been applied to for a temporary transfer of a license by the purchaser of the right to the refreshment booth afe the race meeting, met on Friday and ic iolved to charge a fee of .£35 (the nsual charge being 30s) unless the Cromwell Jockey Club would guarantee that it would not impose upon the public the tax of 1$ per cent. Hororata.—A concert and ball in aid of the school prize fund took place at Hororata on Friday evening. The hall was well filled with an appreciative audience, arid the proceeds were very satisfactory. The chair was taken by Mr J, Thorne, Chairman of the School Committee. The first part of the programme was contributed by the children, who acquitted themselves very well indeed. Songs were then given by Messrs Fletcher and Bing, and Misses Hall, Phillips, Mafley, Percy and Nelson. _ Pianoforte selections were given by Miss Derrett, Miss Thorns and Miss B. Phillips. Tha Hororata Dramatic Society played the amusing farce That Boy Fete. ■ The ball was fairly well attended. Railway Benefit Society.— The railway employees at Hillside, Dunedin, held the annual general meeting of their sick benefit society in the workshops readingroom on Friday evening, a large number being present. The report showed that there had been on the whole a considerable amount of siekness, the greater part being in the last two months of the year, due to the prevailing epidemic. There had been a total of 869 days' sickness, distributed over 73 cases of an average of nearly 12 days each, or 6J days per member. The total amount paid for siekness was .£144 16a Bd, nearly £BO of which was paid during the two months already referred to. The total receipts were £195 19s, and the expenditure £163 ss, leaving a balance of £32 14s to be divided, or 4a 9£d per member. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year President, Mr D. Lowden; Vice-President, Me C. Burgh; Secretary, Mr W. E. Cole (reelected); Treasurer, Mr Applegarth (reelected) ; Trustees,. Messrs Berwick and Stothart (re-elected); Auditors, Messrs Farrant and Fenwick j Mr W. Eoutledge, Provisional Auditor. It was decided to start if possible a branch of the St John Ambulance Society. BARE Flowers. —Thera are now in bloom at the Victoria Nursery several plants which ate yet comparatively rare hero, and it may be interesting to note them. First musfcbe placed Odonioglossum citrasmum, a charming orchid, producing lohg pendulous spikes of fragrant lemonscented flowers. These are white, excepting the lip, which is of a delicate shade of lavender. The plant carries two spikes, nine blooms on each, and, as the flowers last as long as four weeks, it is one of the finest orchids for exhibition. The next plant of interest is Lilium Browni, a magnificent lily, whose native habitat has never been determined with certainty. By some it is considered to be the true Japonicwni, but M. Max Leiohtlin states that it is of Chinese origin. However that may be, the lily is very largo and beautiful; the massive petals looking as if carved out of marble. The flower is bellshaped, solitary, pure white in the interior, whilst the outside is dark purple, giving additional beauty by contract to the ivory whiteness of the inside. Of herbiceous plants, the Alpine scabious and linaria are in bloom, also the Gnaphalium arenarid, which is so much used in shaking bouquets of everlasting flowers. Central Prohibition League.— ln response to an advertisement, a number of delegates from various Temperance Societies met last night in the Blue Ribbon Temperance Hall to consider the desirableness of forming a Central Prohibition League in Christchurch. The Bev L. M. Isitt was voted to the chair, and stated that he had called the meeting in deference to a wish which had been expressed by several prominent temperance workers in the city. He suggested that the platform of the Prohibition League should be as broad as that of Sydenham. As a purely political organisation they hoped to have the co-operation of all who were convinced that the people should have the power of dealing with the liquor traffic as they thought best, and hence the questions of religious differences and even personal abstinence should be ignored. In America, he remarked, many of the most prominent prohibitionists were men who, though hot total abstainers, were convinced that the liquor traffic existed to the financial detriment of all other trades, and they were therefore prepared to aid in its suppression. He thought that, with an effort a Central League could be formed of so influential a character as to take the lead, so far as Christchurch was concerned, ih the struggle against the traffic. After a discussion, the meeting resolved that a Central Prohibition League Should be formed, and Messrs Clephane, Peckover, Knott and the Chairman , were empowered to enrol members, and the Chairman was requested to Convene a meeting for the election of office-bearers, &c., as soon as ho deemed it advisable. Swimming.— The final heat of the Christchurch Club’s 100yds race was swum last evening. The finish was a very exciting ohe. T, Cottrell (9aec) came with a fine rush in the last length, and won by a yard from Harker (20sec), who ]Unt beat A. Louisson (Bsee) on the tape for second place. Time— The scoring for the Motley Cup now stands Marsh 6, Bassett 4, T. Cottrell 4, T. Barker 2, M. Louisson 2, Barnie 1, Macbeth 1, A. Louisson 1. The usual Christmas handicap of fifty yards will be swum ou Thursday next at 5.15 p.m. There are seventy-three entries, and the following handicap has been declared: First heat—Brown scr, Macbeth scr, De Maus siec, Harkor 7sec, Hall 12sec. Second heat—H nderson scr, Denham laec, Reece s.)sec, E. W. Blanchard 7£sec, Lavender 13see. Third heat—England scr, J. M. Watson Isec, Bassett ssS;c, M. Louisson TJ-sec, H. Smith 13see. Fourth heat—W. F. Moos ecr, Marsh Isec, B. L. Raphael E. Sneddon Ssae. Wavk Msec. Fifth heat—Eyre scr, Haliiday 1-Jsec, W. P. Anderson 6aeo, B. E. M. Evans 8.590, A. 0. Cottrell 14sao. Sixth heat— Townsend scr, Duncan 3sec, Crummy Gseo, Joynt Bsec, Williams 16<ec. Seventh heat—Francis scr, T. Cottrell 3oec, Simes 6sec, Lillymau llaec. Wither ISseo. Eighth heat—Bernie 3.)sec. W. M. Cottrell Gsec, Burmeister Osec, Burrows 12oec, Briggs 16sec. Ninth heal:—Brabner 4sec, F. 0. R iphaelSi-ec, C. Smith 630 c, Wills 930 c, Bowden IGsee. Tenth heat— H. N. Anderson 4sec, Cuff 6sec, P. Watson lOsec, Craig 16aec. Eleventh heat—A. H. Jewisa 4-Jseo, Casbolt Giaoc.C. Mots lOsec. M’Clea 16 3 ec. Twelfth heat—A, Louisson 4,360, Eaves 7sec, 0. W. Anderson lOsec, A. M'Gregor 16sec. Thirteenth heat-Fox 4s ß oc, F. Evans 7sec, A. C. M'Gregor lOsec, Roberta 2lsec. Fourteenth heat—H. P. Jewins ssee, Greenup 7sec, Davis Hunt lOsec, Hayward 21sec. Fifteenth heat— Smart oseo, Kissell lOsec, W. Evans 7sec, W. J. W. Anderson 24sec. Sixteenth heat Wood SJaec, E. Evans 7sec, E. W. Jewiss 9sec, A, Blanchard 24sec. Pure Sweets.—Aulsebrook’s. —FAdvt Polly, put the kettle on and woTl have some “Arab” Tea; it’s so delicious and refreshing this hot weather.

Mayoral Installation.— Last evening Mr Andrew Sherratt was installed as Mayor of Timaru. Sr denham Borough Council. —An ordinary meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council was held last evening. A report appears elsewhere. Sydenham Baths. The Sydenham Borough Council, at its meeting last evening, resolved that the new swimming baths should bo opened on Saturday, Jan. 2. Wool Sales, The second series of Christchurch wool sales for the present season will begin in the hall of the Chamber of Commerce at 2 p.m. to-day. About 8000 bales will be offered for sale. School Prizes. —Reports of a number of prize distributions appear in this issue. In the Richmond prize list published on Saturday, the name of the winner of the first prize in Standard Y. should have been Nellie Armitage. Sporting. —ln the preparation of the Christmas number of the Canterbury Times the sporting readers of our contemporary have not been forgotten. There are stones specially associated with racing, hunting, angling, athletics, boxing and boaring, and a large number of sketches and articles which will charm the patrons of our national sports and pastimes. Arrests. —Two young boys of the name of Tibbs were arrested yesterday afternoon by Mounted-Constable Kelso on a charge of stealing eighty-two tickets for the Druids’ Gala from the store of the Working Men’s Co-operative Society in Colombo street. James Kedge, charged with stealing a Waterbury watch, value 21s, from Colin Mackay, was also arrested by Constable Drury last night. Both charges will be heard at the Police Court this morning. “The Messiah.” —ln accordance with its time-honoured custom, the Christchurch Musical Society give The Messiah at this season of the year, aad has selected to-night as the most convenient date. The final rehearsal, which took place last evening, was fully attended by orchestra, principals and chorus, and the oratorio was given in snch a manner as to promise a must successful performance to-night. The addition of tbe organ accompaniment may be said to double the strength of tbe orchestra, so that the vocalists have exceptional support. The result is that the choruses are given with a fulness that has seldom or nevsr been exceeded in Christchurch. Tickets may be obtained from Messrs Milner and Thompson, Mr Baxter, Victoria street, or the caretaker, next to the Durham street Wesleyan Church, where the oratorio will be produced.

Amateur Athletics.— At a meeting of the Committee of the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club, held in Tunaru yesterday, Mr Olulee in the chair, the question of giving the champion cup to special events instead of to the gainer of the largest number of points, was freely discussed. It was finally decided to allot a certain class of events, varying each year, for points in which alone the cup would be presented. For instance, one year it might be given to the greatest number of points in the long distances; another year in the short distances, and another in the hurdles and jumping. The arrangement of groups was, however, left to a Sub-Committee. The Committee decided that the office of paid Secretary should be discontinued, and an Honorary Secretary be appointed. Mr C. H. Tripp was elected Honorary Secretary. The Committee decided to hold the sports this year on Wednesday and Thursday, March 16 and 17. Thursday being St Patrick’s Day. This is some six weeks earlier than heretofore. Mr F. Jones was elected oil the Committee in, the place of Mr Matheaon, who has left for Queensland. School Committees, —The Greytown School Committee met on Dec. 17. The Inspector’s report on the examination was considered very satisfactory, there being only 7 per cent of failures. It was decided to congratulate the teachers upon the success of their work.—The Cust School Committee met on Dec. 13 ; present —Rev D. D. Rodger (in the chair) and Messrs Lee, Head, M‘Kie, Jones and Atkinson. It was resolved that the picnic fixed for Boxing Day should he abandoned, and that, the funds in band be divided between the local Sunday Schools. It was unanimously agreed to insert a minute expressive of the loss sustained by the school through the removal of M;ss Donds.—A special meeting of the Southbrook School Committee was held on Dec. 14, to consider the report of the inspection of the school by Dr Anderson ; present—Mr Ellis (Chairman) and Messrs Withers, Oed, Shepherd, Watson, Buckley and Sutcliffe. The report stated that the marks given for class and additional subjects (taken together) were the highest for any school in North Canterbury for some years. The school was stated to be in excellent condition, and the results of tha examination showed a large proportion of very fine qualities of work. The Secretary was instructed to write to the teachers, complimenting them on the results. —An adjourned meeting of the Eiocartoa School Committee was held on Thursday ; present Captain Garsia (Chairman), Messrs Burke, Brake, Clark, Hanson and Wilson. The master, Mr English, reported that he had received information that of the 128 children who were presented for examination in the Standards on Dec. 14 only thirteen had failed to pass. This the Committee considered to be a most satisfactory improvement on the preceding year, and greatly to the credit of the master and his assistants. It was resolved that the annual treat should bo held at New Brighton, and the offers of Mr J. Wood/ of the use of a coach and four for the day, and of Messrs Brake and Hanson to supply tea and sugar, were accepted with thanks. New Brighton Excursion, Wednesday, 7.15 p.m. Stanmore Band ; Sixpence Return.— [Advt.] The Champion of New Zealand sayai— The “ Star ” Racer, fitted -with pneumatic tyres, exceeds my most sanguine expectations ; very strong, light and easy runuing, —Yours truly, A. C. Wihnot. Adams, turtles and Company, Manufacturers of Star Cycles, Christchurch.— [Advt. 1 “Avoid the Police” by purchasing a lamp for your cycle. Head-lamps at 14s 6d. Adams, Curties and Co., 70, Manchester street. Telephone Ho. 473, Cycles from £5. Another (treat rush for deposit tickets took place at Eden George's studio yesterday, the public being simply dtlu-hted with the chance of procuring twelve beautifully enamelled cabinets and one 15 by 12 opal enlargement for 15s. Chriacm s eve l ist day for deposit tickets. The Secretary of the < haritabla id Board desires to ackn iwledge, with thanks, the receipt of the following contributions towards t e iyttelton Orpin, no go and other destitute children’s Chtist oas fund, and will be glsd to receive further donations tor the name purpose:—Measrk Aitken and Roberts £i Is; a lady, packige of child's books and 2s; Mrs Andrews, toys; Mrs Bowker’s children, toys and books; Mr- Bridge 10s; Mrs Charles Clark 10s; Miss Fruser, Kaiapoi, toys, &c.; Mrs Groeastieet 7s; Mr •• . Karris £l Is; J. H. if. Ss; Bidhop Julius £1 Is; Mr itouisson, Crown Brewery, £1 is; Mr -.Manning £1 Is; Mrs Koss 10s; Messrs Wtra* ge and Compiny 10s; Messrs Whitcombs and Tombs, children's books, &o. It is really a pleasure to look in at Mr C. H. ■o(inning's Studio;, thr.ro is sach a beautiful Variety of Photographic work. The Mezzotint and Opal enlargement; l , in black and white and colours, are perfect gems of art, while the plain and coloured photos are unexcelled anywhere. C, H. .V anning has been s-pe tally appointed Photographer to hia Excellency the Earl of Onslow, 350, Colombo street. Standish anii Phkece’s photographs are charoo toriaed by their truthfulness and originality Studio, 218, High street.

Mr Beyck. —The New Zealand correspondent of the Melbourne Argus writes: —“ Mr Bryce values Iris expulsion from the House as a martyrdom. He can pose as tha Parliamentary maityr of a tyrannical Ministry with an obedient majority. This is bis fourth martyrdom in public life. He was a martyr to public duty when he left the Hall Ministry, because bia colleagues would not agree to his demand for a premature advance on Pari, haka. He was a martyr to outraged personal feelings when he broke up the. Hall Ministry (after rejoining it), because Sir John Hall insisted on his “turning over a new leaf.” He was a martyr to the fair fame of the Colony when ha defended it, with his own, at his personal risk against the Rueden libels. And now he has once more been martyred at the Parliamentary stake. Yet I doubt if martyrdom “pays” in these degenerate days' Let me say this, however, before dismi as ! ing the subject—l hope finally—that I must not be understood as implying the

smallest doubt of Mr Bryce’s own perfect good faith and sincerity of feeling in the course he has taken. I regard him as entirely sincere but mistaken. His leadership is now a thing of the past, and is unlikely to become again a living reality. His future Premiership has also, I expect, passed into the realms of shadowlaud.”