TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 9909, 15 December 1892, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

The Band Contest. — The recent band contest at Wellington resulted ia a loss of JE6S. Rifle Association Meeting.—Tho New Zealand Rifle Association meeting at Trentham ia fixed to begin on Jan. 0, and to end on Jan. Id. Waisari Sale.—lt is announced in this issue that owing to the Christmas holidays there will not ba any sale at Waikari this month. Wills* SußPßies Party. Arrangements £or_ the Wilis Surprise Party’s return visit to Christchurch are now completed, the season opening on Dsc. 16. A. Narrow Escape.—Under this heading a correspondent supplies the Canterbury Times with an exciting account of a strange incident of the early days of settlement. Supreme Court. —His Honor Hr Justice Denniefcon will sib to-day in Chambers, Bankruptcy, Banco and Admiralty Jurisdiction, beginning at 11 a.m. The list of applications appears elsewhere. Presentation. The employees of Messrs Lawrence Brothers, Melbourne house, Colombo street, met yesterday evening and presented Mr W. Lawrence with & handsome gilt and an address upon the occasion of his approaching marriage. Poultry Society. At a Committee meeting of the Christchurch Poultry Society it was decided to hold the next exhibition of birds on August 11 and 12. Mr M. Murphy having resigned the position of President, Mr G. E. Rhodes was unanimously elected to fill the office.

Pioneer Bicycle Club. —Mr Marshall, Secretary of this Club, has received a telegram from Mr N. Hall ia Auckland, stating that Mr E. Reynolds intends to come down to compete on Boxing Day in all events. As some misapprehension seems to exist, attention may be drawn to the advertisement in another column which states that Mr W. L. Kerr does not compete before Boxing Day.

Sale of Woke.—A eala of work to raise funds for painting the Papanui church and parsonage was held yesterday in St Paul’s schoolroom. The stalls were more than usually well supplied, and were presided over by Mesdamea Snow, C. M. Taylor, Conway Matson, Jakins, Weston, Brown, Jackson, Newton and Baddon, Misses Stamper,Dunnage, Brown, Harris, Newton and others. In the evening there was a musical programme, and the attendance was good; Good Templauy. • An entertainment was held on Tuesday evening in the Druids’ hall under the auspices of the Dauntless Lodge of G-ood Templars. Several apologies were received from friends who had promised to mast, they being victims to the prevailing epidemic. Mr Anty, of Lyttelton, contributed several items, and Messrs Young, Murriot, Bailey and Mias O’Keeffe did all in their power to supply the places of absentees. The entertainment concluded with an amuaing farce, the characters being well filled by Mesdamea Mauhire ami Eastwood, and Messrs Jessup and fcStokes. Mias Nison was the pianist. Akniveosaky Day. —More than the usual Anniversary Day amusements will be provided at Eangiora to - morrow. First in importance is the North Canterbury Jockey Ciub’s Summer Meeting, for which there are good fields; and an excursion train from Christchurch being arranged for, a large attendance ia expected. There are also to be three or four picnics in the domain and other localities; and in the evening a dramatic entertainment is to bo given at the Institute Hail by well-known tumours, in aid of the Ashley County Cricket Club's funds, the Club having been to considerable expense lately in improving the cricket ground and purchasing a large mowing,machine.

Woman’s Institute.-—Two addresses, recently delivered at the Canterbury Woman’s Institute, are published in the Canterbury Times this week. Society ot Arts.—Members of the Canterbury Society of Arts are reminded that the adjourned general meeting will bo held this evening, iu the Art Gallery.

Masonic. —The annual installation ceremony in connection with the Conyers Masonic Lodge, No. 1916, E.C., will bo bold at 7.30 this evening. The Lodge celebrates its thirteenth anniversary. Aearoa Regatta. —H.M.S. Goldfinch arrived at Akaroa yesterday at 2.30 p.m. All the yachts are now in the harbour. The weather is perfect, and everything promises well for a successful regatta. There are already a large number of visitors.

Personal. —Mr W. Pattman, late of the Somerses Hotel, Ashburton, arrived by tho Doric. Ho has bought a property at Home, whore ha intends to settle down, and his visit to tho Colony is on business. He left Mrs Pattman at Homo in good health. Temperance. —The lecture, *'An Evening with Poets and Humorists,” announced to bo given by Mr Dawson King, temperance lecturer, in tho Oddfellows’ Hall last night, was not delivered. When the hour of eight o’clock arrived there were not a dozen people in the hall.

The Secretary fob Agriculture. —Mr J. D. Ritchie, Secretary for Agriculture, returned to Christchurch by last night’s express, having been recalled from the south on business connected with the department. He will return, to South Canterbury, to inspect the rabbit fences, about the first week in January. Unfounded. —Mr J. Shanaghan has received tho following telegram from Timaru; —“ In reference to local in paper, report unfounded. A number of men available here. No applications for men made to me.” This is, of course, in reference to a paragraph which appeared in yesterday morning's Lyttelton Times, and alleged that there was a scarcity of labour. Christchurch Sailing Club. —A handicap sweepstake was sailed last Saturday afternoon over a course from Sumner to the tripod, twice round. Tho winner was Gleam, oar.; Moana, lOmin, second; Petrel, scr, third. Tho other starters were Pakeha scr, Alcyone smin, Lome 7niiu, and Python 15miu. Lome went well, but got on to a spit. The race next Saturday will be sailed over tho Heathcote bridge course. The “Prohibitionist” Libel Action. —Tee action brought by H. S. Drummond against the editor and printer of the Prohibitionist, to recover £750 damages for an alleged libel, was opened before his Honor Mr Justice Deaaiston and a special j ury of twelve yesterday morning, and on account of the absence through illness of Sir Robert Stout, who has been retained for tho defence, was adjourned to 10.30 a.m. on Monday next. A considerable number of persons interested in the case were in the Court. Christ’s College, Yesterday being Commemoration Day at Christ’s College holy communion was held in the Cathedral at 8 a.m., and tho usual commemoration service was held at 11 s.m., at which the Rev C. J. Merton preached a sermon appropriate to the occasion. The lessons were read by tho Rev Walter Harper and the Very Rev tho Dean. In the afternoon tho annual distribution of prizes to the successful pupils took place in the Library at the College. The room was well filled with parents of the pupils, and hia Lordship tbo Bishop of Christchurch presented the prizes. A report appears elsewhere. Txmahu Dj strict Court.— At this Court yesterday, before bis Honor Judge Ward, the Tonmka case W. J. Gambling v. Job Brown, claim JGIOO damages for slander and malicious prosecution, was concluded. His Honor gave judgment for the defendant, holding that the plaintiff had been ill-adviaed and that though the defendant had given an exhibition of extreme folly, be (the Judge) had no choice but to give judgment in defendants favour. Costa were not allowed. His Honor next took a motion for an order declaring fraudulent or void a transfer of property belonging to Louis Grant, bankrupt, to Melville Gray. His Honor granted the order, with costs £3 3s, holding that the transaction was a purchase. Mount Somers Road Board. -—The monthly meeting of this Board was held on Dec. 5; present—Mr Pesche (Chairman) and Messrs Hood, M’Millan and J. Harrison. The Clerk was instructed to write to the Commissioner of Crown Lands with respect to tho land sold by tho Alford Estate Company, as several of the ratepayers had refused to pay rates, on the ground that tho valuation, was more than the land cost, and to ask what was the Board’s remedy in the matter. Tenders were opened for shingling the Mount Somera Tramway B-serve road; also for repairs to the Aah burton main road, and in each case it was left with the Overseer to arrange with tho contractor. Several other matters were attended to, and accounts to tbo amount of Xl2O 2a 5d were passed for payment. The Weather.— There was showery weather yesterday on the west coast of this island; fine elsewhere, with variable winds and a risiegfcarometer.—• Sunday’s thunderstorm was very severe in tho Eangitata district. An Ealing correspondent writes that on Mr Baxter’s propertythe gate at a water-race was struck by lightning and shivered into splinters, and the ground ploughed up in two directions from the gate. The gorge fences on the same property were sot on fire in three places by the lightning, which was the most vivid, and the rain the heaviest, that the residents have experienced,—Tho weather in the northern district was oppressively hot on Tuesday night. A heavy thunderstorm passed along the hills, and showers fell on the plains. Yesterday a gusty north-wester blow, putting a stop to haymaking. Mount Hutt Road Board. —>■ The monthly meeting of this Board was held on Dec. 8 ; present Messrs Browne, Murdoch and Drummond. Mr Browne was elected Chairman iu tho absence of Mr Cameron. Correspondence was read— From tho County Council, with reference to payment fof transfer of Reserve 1009. The matter was left in the hands of tho Chairman. From the same, covering a definition 62 the approaches to a bridge. With reference to the Rakaia Gorge bridge, from the Survey Department. Mr Chambers was granted permission to occupy the Board’s shingle-pit on tho Chertsey road. A rate of one-sixth of a penny in the pound was struck. Several other matters were attended to, and accounts to the amount of .£353 11s Id were passed for payment. Protestant Alliance Friendly Society.—The usual fortnightly and quarterly summoned meeting of the Royal Standard Lodge, No. 61, was held in tho United Free Methodist schoolroom, Selwyn street, Addington, ou Monday evening, with a good attendance of brethren. Tho W.M., Bro A. Bleach, presided. Correspondence was received from Bro J, Iredale, Grand Secretary, aa to the Guarantee Assurance Association; also, a circular as to the alteration of degrees. The Lodge approved of the Guarantee Association, and resolved to support it by taking shares; also, of the degrees being retained, but suggested certain alterations. The rules for the interchange of medical benefits, as approved by the Friendly Societies Conference, were received; also, the various proposals aa adopted at the conference. The Lodge decided to support the second part of Clause 1, as to dispensing, and was unanimous in adopting the second proposal, as to medical officers. The notices of motion for tho ensuing grand Council were deferred until next meeting. Tho nomination of officers for the ensuing term was then made—For Worshipful Master, Bro J. Inkster; Deputy Master, Bro H. Sweet; Secrotary, Bro T. W. Burley; Treasurer, Bro A. Bleach; Auditors, Bros •Earwakor and J. Irving. It was resolved to hold tho next meeting earlier on account of tho regular night falling on a holiday. The Lodge was then closed by the W.M. To Overcome Wearness. Pepper’s Quinine and Iron Tonic gives New Life, Appetite, Health, Strength, and Energy; • tores Indigestion, Nervous Debility ated Neuralgia. Half-crown bottles, everywhere. Insist on having Pepper's.— Adtt.j X 45 B t

Caledonian Sports.—Tho railway arrangements in connection with the Caledonian sports at Southbridge on Deo. 17 are advertised in this issue. Bowling.—A general meeting of members of the Christchurch Bowling Club in, convened for 8 p.m, on Saturday, to arrange for tournament rinks, Ac. Sumner.—Messrs William Hayward and Edward Spear have been nominated for the vacancy in the Sumner Borough Council. The election will take place on Dee. 23. Bible Christian Church.—The Sunday school picnic of the Bible Christian Church, Lower High street, will be held to-morrow in a paddock at the foot of the hills, kindly lent by Mrs Captain Fisher, situated between the Convalescent Home reserve and Lady Wilson’s residence. New Brighton.—The trams for Hew Brighton to-morrow will ran from the square every half-hour after nine o’clock, aa the traffic demands. This arrangement for tho frequent despatch, of trams will be a great convenience to tho travelling public. Making New Zealand.—The scholarly articles on the history of New Zealand—undoubtedly the most complete and best yet written—which John Poster Keys is supplying to the Canterbury Times, have now reached the time of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Labour Day Demonstration. The Labour Day Demonstration Committee has compiled a programme containing some thirty items, with prizes to the valneof. over £IOO. The races, Ac., are intended to be competed for by mechanics and others, and have been arranged to give the working men a thoroughly enjoyable day’s outing at a very small cost. To-morrow’a demonstration at the Riccarton racecourse will no doubt prove a great success. Cr!CKET. —All matches commenced at Lancaster Park last Saturday will be continued on tho Hagley Park ground next Saturday. Tho following team of tho Midland Club will play a match against Irwell at Hagley Park on Anniversary Day (Dec. 16), play to commence at 10 a.m. s Ashby, Wheatley, Richards, Spencer, W. Garrard, Frith, J. Woodward, Leach, Manford, Schmoll and another.—The following will represent St Albans against the Warehousemen at St Albans on Saturday: —Allsop, Butler, Bilton, Cornish, Hardy, Lafferty, Jackman, West, Harris and Smith (2); emergencies—Nott, Wallburton and Pegley. Oddfellows’ Excursion. Favoured by beautiful weather the Oddfellows’ ex-, cursion from Oxford and Cast yesterday was a great success. The suggestion to, hold tho excursion emanated from the Loyal Oust Lodge, and the matter was taken up warmly by the members and* the brethren of the Oxford and Nil Deaperaudum Lodges. Mr A. D. Hassell, was appointed Secretary of a Managing Committee, and not a little of the success of the excursion was due to the energy he threw into his duties. The railway authorities met the Committee in a liberal manner, 8s fid first-class and 2s fid second' from Oxford to Lyttelton being charged, the Committee adding Sd to each ticket to meet expenses. The excursionists were allowed to spend the day at Sumner,Lyttelton or Diamond Harbour, arrangements being made for a tram from Papanui to the first-mentioned place. The excursion party numbered fully a thousand, Oxford, Cast and the districts bordering on the railway line being almost deserted for the day. Aquatic.—A public meeting to consider the advisableneas of holding the Kaiapoi regatta was held in the Fire Brigade station on Tuesday night, Mr E. Moore, M.H.R., presiding, and about twenty being present. Mr P. Parnham read the balancesheet, which ehowed a credit balance of £l9. The balance-sheet was adopted. It was resolved that the annual regatta should be held in February, on a date to be fixed. The election of officers resulted as follows s -Mr R. Moore, M.H.E., Patron; Mr W. Doubleday, Mayor, Commodore; Mr W. Bckeraley. Judge; Captain Russell, Starter; Mr W. Hume, Treasurer; Mr F. Parnham, Secretary; Stewards, Messrs Blackwell, Feldwick, Fraser, Cavechill, Parnham, Johnston, Mid geley, Wilson, Meadowcroft, Marshall, Alexander, Leithead, Gander, J. L. Wilson and C. Fairweather, and Dra Murray and Parsons. All those present were elected on the Committee, and a subcommittee, consisting of Messrs Moore, Hume and the Secretary, was appointed to bring up a draft programme for the approval of the next meeting. The meeting then adjourned till Tuesday, Jan. 3. Juvenile Industrial Exhibition.—A very interesting and successful exhibition of articles, made by the scholars and teachers of the Sunday School connected with the Christchurch Baptist Tabernacle, was opened ou Tuesday in the schoolroom adjoining. In consequence of sudden indisposition in the family of Mr Prndhoe, Mayor of Christchurch, the pastor of the church, the Kav W. Birch, opened the exhibition, and cited the experiences of some celebrities who had risen from small beginnings. He trusted that at the next exhibition a greater number of scholars would compete, and that those who had not on this occasion won prizes would not he discouraged, bat continue to persevere. The exhibits sent in gave evidence o! much patient industry and artistic ability. Paintings, maps, models, needlework, penmanship, canaries, pigeons, guinea pigs, and last, but not least, cookery) were exhibited, and in every class, taking into consideration the ego of tho exhibitors, success was achieved. A large number of prizes had been presented for the exhibition, and acknowledgment was made of the generosity of the donors. An efficient string band provided instrumental music.

The Addington Market.— The following is a summary of the live stock market at Addington yesterday:— Only a few head of prime quality steers and heifers were offered, but they were well sold at from £7 16s for heifers and £8 10s to £9 5s for steers, and one prime beast fetched £ll. This class of cattle yielded 21s per 1001 b, but the general average of the sale did not exceed 20a per 1001 b, while a number of second-class steers sold at from 18s per 1001 b. A large number of cows were offered. Some of these were very fat and commanded 18a per 1001 b, but poorer quality did not realise this price. The store cattle pens were net well filled, only a few yearlings and calves being yarded, besides tho usual number of old and dry cows, which all met with a ready sale at satisfactory prices. Yearlings brought up to 60s, and calves sold at from 26s to 30s each, A good many . second - class dairy cows changed hands at satisfactory rates. The sale of fat lambs waa regulated by tbe number of persons buying for export, and jprices were fully maintained for best quality, fit for export, for which from 12a to 14s. fid was given, 8s 3d to Ha being tho range for the remainder. Tbe largest entry of fat sheep that has been made since shearing began protracted the sale greatly, and in consequence of the. larger portion of the sheep being dry ewes, the market generally waa irregular. Buyers for export were operating up to a certain price, but as they were not anxious to secure all lots on offer, the tone of the market generally was easier, though in some cases of well-finished sheep last week’s prices prevailed; bat in the ewe class there was a decline in values, and none but the primest secured 2£d per pound, all counted, while a good many lots wore withdrawn. There was only a small entry of merino wethers, for which a good demand existed at late rates, and shorn or unshorn sheep of this class were in great demand. A few typical cross-bred wethers were sold for ad-, vertisingpurposes at fancy pricesandwere bought for a Christmas display. There : weto very few bacou pig® offered# but the demand was good, and 3-fd per lb was given for all but choppers, while porkers were in good demand at Ad per lb. The cola of store sheep showed a weakening demand. The best sales were those of two and four-tooth cross and half-bred sheep, which commanded 12b to 14a fid, and cross-bred ewes with a fair percentage of lambs yielded from 13a fid to 19s 2d, according to age and percentage of lambs. A few sales of merino ewos and cross-bred lambs were effected at Ha to 11a 3d, and some dry, owesbroughtfisfid, end;wethera 9s-3d.

Excursion TO Sttmneb.—A team way excursion to Sumnfir has been arranged for this evening, leaving Cathedral equate at 7,16. The Garrison Band will be in attend--SQCO. A Beautiful Lake. A West Coast correspondent baa furnished the Canter - Jury Times with an admirable description of Labe lanthe, which is one of the Bights of the Middle Island. Lecture on Tennyson. —The Bev H. C. M. Watson’s lecture on Tennyson will be delivered in Sb John’s schoolroom this evening.. The chair will be taken by hia Honor Mr justice Danniston. The programme includes some of Tennyson’s songs, and a recitation by Mr Maroiel, who is a brother of Tennyson’s medical attendant. The church choir will sing Dr Bridge’s anthem, “ Crossing the Bar.” j?,- Rifle Shooting. —On Saturday next the members of the Christchurch MartiniHenry Eifle Club will lire the sixth competition of the series for the season’s championship, the ranges being 200yds, 600yds and 600, yds. A match has been arranged with the Port Chalmers MartiniHenry Eifle Club, and will bo fired at the same time. The team to represent the Christchurch Club will he chosen on the ground. Juvenile Industrial Exhibition.— i no exhibition was continued last night, and again attracted a large number of visitors. An interesting feature was a “ Spelling Bee” and “Recitation Competition, ’ the honours of the former being equally, divided amongst several, whilst in the latter Mias Violet Judd received the first prize and Mias Maggie M’Nsiah the second. The exhibition will be open this afternoon and evening, when there will be a limelight exhibition, entitled “The Life’s Work of Moses.” HoßTictrLTtn&Aii Society.—A meeting; of the Committee of the Horticultural Society ■was held last night, Mr James Donald in the chair. The Secretary reported that the takings at the rose show amounted to J 36 17s, and the prizes won to £3O 4s fid, including special prises; still, the Society ■was in a position to discharge all liabilities at once. It was resolved that an art union ha held in connection with the autumn show. Mr Thomas Allan offered to contribute .£1 towards the prize list, and several other members offered contributions of plants, bulbs, &c. Bboadfikld.—- A tea and entertainment to supplement the funds for the school children’s treat, and for the purchase of prizes, took place in. the schoolroom on Monday evening. The room was tastefully decorated by Mrs Dunnett, assisted by Miss Bennington and a staff of juvenile friends. There was a good attendance. The entertainment consisted of songs, dneta, dialogues and recitations by the school children, aud by a few friends. Dancing and various games were subsequently indulged in, and the success of the gathering was most gratifying. Geraldine. —A meeting of ratepayers in the Geraldine district was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall for the purpose of taking matters in connection with the_ cemetery into consideration. Mr A. White, Chairman of the Town Board, presided. Three members of the Cemetery Board, who were present, expressed their desire to retire. The general feeling of the meeting showed that instead of the Board being s nominated one it should be elective, and ultimately a resolution was adopted to the effect that a petition should be forwarded to the Government to have an elective Board created for the management of the Geraldine Cemetery. A Cyclist’s Funeral. —The body of the late Mr Q. M. Kingston, the wellknown cyclist, arrived at Dunedin from Melbourne by the Wairarapa on Tuesday morning, and was removed to the residence of his uncle (Mr Meloy), in Melville street. In the afternoon the funeral took place, and the remains were followed to their resting place in the Northern Cemetery by a large number, including representatives from the Dunedin and Otago Cycling Clubs, the Dunedin Amateur Athletic Club and the Dunedin Amateur Boating Club. Messrs J. M’Donald, C. Eagar and. J. F. Carr walked on one side of the hearse and Messrs J. Houston, S. Stedman and E. Howlison on the other. The coffin was covered with many beautiful wreaths and other floral tributes of respect and sympathy. Wreaths were sent by the above-mentioned Clubs, and also by the New Zealanders’ Association in Melbourne, the Melbourne Cyclists’ Club, and the Pacific Football Club. A number of business places wore closed as the cortege passed along the main streets. The Eav Rutherford Waddell officiated at the grave. Heathcote Valley Sunday School.— The anniversary services of this school were conducted in the Wesleyan Church on last Sunday by the Rave W. Baumber, J. Doll.ow and J. Saunders. The attendance was good, the addresses of the ministers interestingly appropriate, and the hymns (selected fron Santey’s latest edition) were sung by the scholars with such taste and correctness as to make each service particularly attractive. This was specially the case in the afternoon, when the scholars scattered flowers along the pathway to the residence of their conductor, Mr A. Quoree, in connection with bis marriage. Tbs church was prettily decorated under the supervision of Mrs Hewlett, assisted by Mrs Collins, Mrs Down, Mies Henzies and other willing hands. Miss Weir presided at the harmonium, aud was accompanied on the violin by Master A. Dale and Mias Ada Weir. The parting hymn, “ God be with you till we meet again,” concluded an anniversary which stands unsurpassed for success at Heathcote. In compliance with a general desire selections from the anniversary hymns, with one or two carols, will ba sung at the ordinary services in the church on Christmas Day.

Obanseism. The Star of Sydenham Dodge, No. 33, held its ordinary monthly meeting ou Tuesday, in St Saviour’s schoolroom j the W.M., Bro A. B'each, presiding. One candidate was proposed for initiation at next meeting. Correspondence was received from the District Secretary, informing the Lodge of the next meeting of the District, to be held in the Orange Hall. From Bro J. Venables, apologising for non-attendance on account of illness. From No. 51, Nelson True Blue, as to the Nelson orphanage. From the District Secretary, No. 5 Temperance District, enclosing the supplementary business-sheet for the Grand Lodge. The businessrsheeta were then read and discussed, and the delegates were instructed to, support one clause, the rest of the notices being left to the delegates’ discretion. The four officers of the Lodge ■were appointed to attend, and delegates were appointed in case of any brother basng tmabla to be present. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the visiting brethren. Bro H. Irwin, of No, 1 Lodge, Brisbane, gave the brethren, some very practical advice. Bro J. Beattie (No. 3) also responded. The Lodge was then closed in the usual form. Oratorio in ths Cathedral. Au assemblage which packed the Cathedral to the doors and left no available standing room, was present last night to bear Spohr'a oratorio. The Last Judgment. Before the commencement of the oratorio the Very Eev the Bishop delivered a short but eloquent exhortation, iu which ha impressed upon the congregation the importance of observing in a proper spirit the solemnities of the coming season. Mr G. F. Tendail presided at the orpaa, and, us usual, evidenced his thorough mastery over the instrument. Messrs Miilur and Weir, who took the principal eolou, were in nnlendid voice, and the former was highly Successful in th® ..liploa, “Fear Thou Not, O Man/’ and “Thus Baith the Lord,” and in the recitative, “ The Day d: Wrath ia Near”; while Mr Weir hardly ever appeared to better advantage thaaia the recitatives, “And Lo! A Torono Was Set in Heaven,” and “Lo! A Mighty Host,” in both of which he portrayed the full '’dramatic force and pathos of (.ho music. Masters Lake and Buns contributed no small share of vocal talent in the solos allotted to them, and the choruses were more than ordinarily well-timed. The blending of the voices was as perfect as conld fairly bo expected. At the clone of the oratorio the late Lord Tcrmysou’s “ Crossing the Bar ” was beautifully supg by the full choir, to the music by Dr Bridge. The offertory amounted to £ls ■BiM,

Holiday Excursions. The railway authorities advertise in this issue details of the arrangements made for the Christmas holidays. “ Tee Messiah.”— To-night the Sydenham Musical Society will perform Handel’s oratorio. The Messiah, at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Colombo road. The grand music should be well rendered, as the rehearsals have proved highly satisfactory. The solos have been entrusted to .M- 1 ®? 08 Bonnington and Spensley (soprani)* Mrs H. W. Jennings (contralto), Messrs H. Weir and B. Hollow (tenori) and Mr K. Halley (basso). The organ will be presided at by Miss Vincent, and Miss Packer will lead the orchestra, the whole being conducted by Mr H. Wells. Special trams will run before and after the performance, which begins at eight o’clock. Wool Sales.— The second sale ot tms season’s series will bo held in the hall ox the Chamber of Commerce to-day, beginning at II a.m., in the following ordsr:— Todhunter and Jennings, Pyae and Co., Tho New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, J. T. Ford and Co.. Miles and Co., F. C. Tabart, H. Matson and Co. (associated with the National M. and A. Company 0%. New Zealand, Limited), Acland, Dudley and Scarvoll, New Zealand Farmers’ Co-opera-tive Association, Limited. Tho sale will be continued during the day and evening to avoid having to run into the second day. Between 5000 and 6000 bales will he offered, including some of tho leading clips in tho South Island. The Minister for Education.— The Hon W. P, Beeves, Minister for Education and Labour, addressed a meeting of hia constituents in the Theatre Eoyal last night, when the building was crowded. The chair was occupied by hia Worship the Mayor of Christchurch. Mr Beeves spoke for nearly two hours on the political questions of the day, and at the dose answered a number of questions. A unanimous vote of thanks for hia address, and expression of continued confidence in him as a representative of Christchurch, was carried and acknowledged. The proceedinga are reported elsewhere.—The preparations for the banquet, which takes place in the Oddfellowa’Hall on Monday evening, are in a forward state, and the catering has been.placed in the hands of Mr C. Amyes. Particulars will he found in an advertisement in another part of this issue. Oddfellowship.— The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Benevolent Lodge was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Montreal street north, on Dec. 12, Bros E. S. Ward, N.G., presiding. There was a large attendance. The proposals of the Friendly Societies* Conference were received, and it was resolved:—“(l)- That the Lodge approve of the recommendation to separate the dispensing from _ medical attendance; and that all medicines be dispensed from one centre. (2). That tho nroposal to engage three doctors to attend members of Friendly Societies exclusively be rejected, the Lodge being of opinion that it would not work satisfactorily, and the amount of remuneration mentioned is not sufficient to induce suitable medical men to undertake the duties. (3). That the proposal to allow members to have the choice of the various medical men willing to attend members of Friendly Societies be approved. (4). That, while the Lodge is prepared to allow members of other Societies to receive medical benefits, it cannot agree to the rules respecting the interchange of medical benefits as adopted by the Conference,” The quinquennial valuation report by Bro Geo. Leslie was received, and showed the Lodge to be in a very satisfactory position, it being the proud possessor of a surplus of £7OO. It was resolved that the report should be printed, each member applying to receive a copy, and that the recommendations contained therein should be considered at a future meeting. Bros E. Billens, W. H. Browne, P.G.’s, and E. S. Ward, N.G., were elected delegates to represent the Lodge at tho special District Meeting. It was resolved that, owing to tho lateness of the hour, the meeting should adjourn until Wednesday, Dec. 28, for the election of officers and other business contained on the order paper. The receipts for the evening were £47. The Lodge was closed in due form. Xmas Presents, 1803. Guardians, fathers and others, “Keep pace with the times ” and obtain “ Star Cycles ” for the girls aud boys, the best of all Xmas presents. No. 8 Star at £l9, fitted with clinchers. Adams, Curtiea and Co., Manchester street, Christchurch.— [Ax>vt.] New Fruit.— Our readers will be pleased to hear that; this season's new fruits are better in quality and lower in price than usual, ana Messrs Kincaid’s G.I.C. are offering the best quality at lowest prices. See their prices in advertisement.— [Adyt.) Aexistio.—The studio of tho Eden Georgo Com. psny. Limned, is stiU dally crowded with sitters, owinsf to tho civ at beauty jsno craliaut flu'Bh of their work. Their now and g gantio workrooms in Worcester strooc have proved a great sucrose. rs 1500 print'* can be turned out m one fins day. Thus it wilt he (i°en that although the firm’s business has grown to such dimension', they will now be able to produce all their work without delay. staadish and Freeco have just completed extensive aite-atims to theT smdio, aod the new display of photographs is well wot tb a visit. Leoitxmact.— Genuine art in photography la to ho obtained item c. H. Marinin tr, ha having had many years of practical experience in India and tho Australian Co.omnß, the patronage bestowed upon him by tha many i lustriouo persona* e--, notifisd elsewhere, certifies to his capability cf producing the highest class of ph itcgraphio work obtainable. Our r«ceat Qovernoi, the Sari ol Onsiow, was pleased to appoint him only as epsoia photographer to himself, tho onatess aud family go also the Earl and (J auntast of Meaih, fctudi 160, Colombo street —[Advt.]