TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIX, Issue 9992, 22 March 1893, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Contents. —Under the heading Accidents and Fatalities a White Star Liner ia reported missing; and in another cable message it ia suggested that this may be the result o£ a diabolical conspiracy amongst seamen, explosives having been found in the holds of several vessels that have arrived at New York. Soma further details of the New HebrideaCaledonia hurricane have come to hand, and an awful story of the sufferings of Siberian exilea ia reported from Russia. Mr Milner Stephen's healing demonstration at the Oddfello vs’ Hall last evening is described, and the annual report of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company makes its appearance, Wellington Items, the Postal Conference at Brisbane, Imperial Politics, a meeting of the Amateur Athletic Association and Current Topics are included in this issue.

San Francisco Mail. —The mail edition of the Canterbury Times, containing all the political, social and general news of the month, and a large variety of matter of special interest to English readers, is published this morning. Copies may be obtained ready for mailing at the post office book-stall, at the various news agencies or at the office of this paper. The mail for newspapers will close at 7.30 p.m., and will be due in London on April 26. Auction Notices. The following auctioncerfi’ advertisements appear ia page seven of this issue :—Messrs F. Jameson, J. Mundell and T. K. Macdonald. Theatbical. T-ko Collet Dobson Dramatic Company, which, for come considerable time, baa been playing to crowded houses in the North Island, will open at the Theatre Eoyal on Easter Monday, April 3, for a short season. The Comu-.oy on extensive repertoire, cod' wiil/no doubt, be well patronised during the holidayseaflon.

Union Bowing Onus. - The annual smoke concert and presentation of prizes will Jbe field at the boathouse to-morrow evening at eight o’clock. The gathering promises to be a large and representative one.

The Queensland Belief Fund.—-The sum of £7O was received by the Mayor of: Christchurch yesterday towards theQueens-’ \ land Belief fund, with the proviso that the money is t» be spent in goods to be forwarded.

Team Delated.—As the 12.5 p.m. tram was proceeding to Papanui yesterday, one of* the boiler tubes burst when the tram had' reached Cook an 3 Bass’ corner, completely disabling tbe engine, which had to remain until the tram from Papanui arrived and 1 shunted it back to the equate St Albans Amateur Swimming Cl —The following are the handicaps for the, four iengths race (88 yaida) to be ewuml in, the St Albans bath this e-ening at 6.16 i i —First heat: W. H. Oheesmux ,or Mil L Bout ssec, J. B. Norris B>en, Second heats O. Allen 4seo, 0. Williams 7seo ' Harris Baec, W. Dixey 9seo. *

The Dai ax Expert. —Mr Orawtjrd the Government dairy expert, is meetings of farmers on the Peninsula, jjgj was to be at the Wainui schoolroom evening, and his other fixtures for thj* week are —Barry’s Bay, Wednesday. German Bay, Thursday; Okain’a Bay. Friday, and the Temperance Hall, Akaroa, on Saturday, At the last-mentioned* meeting it is anticipated that definite steps will be taken to establish a batter factory.

Oantekburt Women’s Institute.—A meeting of the Economic Department of the Canterbury Woman’s Institute was held at the Young Men’s Christian Association’s rooms yesterday afternoon, The proposed circular to School Committee*' concerning married women teachers waa drawn up, and will be finally considered at a special meeting, to be held on Thursday, March 30, at 4 o’clock. Teachers and others interested in the furtherance of woman’s work are invited to attend.

Eakgioea Geain Market. —At ihq Eangiora market yesterday, the farmer* were showing a stronger disposition to quit their grain, and, in consequence, a good many lines changed hands. As proving the disappointing nature of the yields this season, one of tbe principal grain buyers states that never before, in his experience, have the lines on offer been so small. The prices yesterday were*.— Wheat, Tuscan and Pearl 2s 5d pec. bushel. Hunter’s 2s 4d; oats. Is 7d to lar Bd, all at country stations.

The Weather. —Yesterday morning there was an overcast or gloomy eky to the southward, with drizzling rain in places; ehowery on the West Coast of this island; fine to the northward. Thera was a low barometer to the southward, indicating north-west to south-west weather. The weather at Ashburton daring the past week has been fine. There was a little rain on Friday, but, on the whole, fine, warm, settled weather has been experienced. Threshing and grain carting are being pushed on with, and, i£ the fine weather continues, will be finished earlier . than usual.

The Museum,—Great alterations ace being made iu the fossil room at the Christchurch Museum. The collection of fossils is a very extensive and very valuable one, but, till now, it has been very loosely arranged, having been laid in cardboard boxes and the labels placed in the boxes. Professor Hutton is having the whole of the specimens properly arranged according to the ages to which they belong; each one is now mounted on wood, and a neatly-written label is affixed in explanation. These are then laid on sloping shelves within the glass oases. The rearrangement can scarcely fail to be appreciated by visitors.

Swimming.— -Two events held over from the West Christchurch School swimming! races last week were decided on Monday. The following are results: Consolationl Eace, under thirteen—First heat < H,; Hamlin 1, C. Simes 2. Second heat: A,. Jack 1, H. Eoil 2. Third beat: F. Suck-' ling 1, W. Craddock 2. Finals F. Suckling 1, A. Jack 2, H. Eoil 3. Consolation Eace, over thirteen—First heat: 0. Fowrie' 1, J. Goodchilcl 2, Second heat: W.' Anderson 1, H. Sherwood 2. Third heat t - D. Eeeae 1, A. Schwartz 2. Final sW. Anderson 1, 0. Powrie 2, D. Eeeae 8. In' the life-saving competition held under the auspices of the Eoyal Humane Society of Australasia, Frank Paterson was adjudged the winner, after due allowance had been made for the age of the competitors, in accordance with the regulations of the .Society,

An Important Asset.—A gentleman who recently visited the Cheviot Estate found some metal ore, samples of which, on his return, he submitted to Professor Hatton, wbo at once declared it to be iron pyrites. This, the Professor says, is a most valuable asset provided it can be obtained in large enough quantities to warrant the manufacture of sulphuric acid. As it is stated that there is practically no limit to the quantity of the pyrites on various portions of the estate, and so much depends on the employment of the acid for the manufacture of superphosphates and other artificial manures, it is to be hoped that a great industry may be developed. A gentleman engaged in the manufacture of superphosphates in England recently called on Professor Hatton to ascertain if he coaid tell him of any place in the Colony where iron pyrites could be obtained io such quantity as would warrant a factory being established. Till the Cheviot discovery was made known to him, the Professor was unable to recommend any locality.

1.0.0.F.,M.U.—The quarterly summoned meeting of the Loyal Benevolent Lodge was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Montreal street north, on Monday. All the officers and a large number of members and visiting brethren were present, including the Prov. G.M., Deputy and Prov. O.S. The delegates to the half-yearly meeting reported the business done, for which they received a hearty vote of thanks, 4t the conclusion of the business, Ero C. Cooper, P.G., returned thanks on behalf of the Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge for the third sentiment, and congratulated the Lodge on the fact that the three principal District officers were chosen from its members at the recent election. Bro W. Hayward, Prov G.M., returned thanks on behalf of the District Officers, and urged the members to devote themselves to the business of Oddfellowship, so that they might attain the honourable position be had gained, for in doing so they would find there was a great deal moro in Oddfellowship than appeared on the surface. The receipts of the evening were .£49 7a 3d. Farewell to Mb Plunket. —Yesterday afternoon, at tho invitation of Mr W« P» Warner, a number of gentlemen assembled at Warnet’a Hotel to bid farewell to Mr James Plunket, who leaves for Wellington on Saturday evening. Mr Warner presided, and expressed the regret he felt at Mr Plunket’a impending departure from Christchurch. He also desired to convey to Mr Plunket an acknowledgment of hia high appreciation of his courteous manner to all with whom ha hod coma In contact. Mr 0. P. Hulbert echoed tho sentiments expressed by Mr Warner respecting their guest's excellent qualities. Mr J. T. Matson followed in a few characteristically kind remarks, and tho health and future prosperity of Mr Plunket was duly honoured, Mr Plunket suitably responded, and, after three hearty cheers had been given for him, the proceedings terminated. —At the Canterbury Chess Club rooms last night Mr Hookham took occasion to refer to the departure of Mr Plunket, and proposed—■“ That the Canterbury Chess Club desires to express its sincere regret at the departure from amongst its members of one who has always been held in the very highest esteem.” Mr Hookham, Mr A, M. Ollivier, and others spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr Plunket, who feelingly replied. There was a large attendance of members.

To Overcome Weakness. Pepper’s Quinine and Iron Tonic gives New Life, Appetite, Health, Strength and Energy; Cures Indigestion, Nervous Debility and Neuralgia. - Halt-crown botlles, everywhere. Insist on having Parpsa’a.— J X 864

Akatbub Athletics. — A meeting of the Committee of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association was held last night. A large amount of important business was transacted. A report appears elsewhere. Pastoral Leases. —The leases of blocks of pastoral land in the Ashley County—the View Hill and Bromfield stations—will he offered at auction, at the Land Office, Christchurch, on Thursday, March 30. Particulars are given in an advertisement. Cambrian Society. The Cambrian Society intends to celebrate the anniversary pf its Patron Saint on Friday afternoon by a garden party in the grounds of Mr H. Wynn-Williams, which have kindly been placed at its disposal. In the evening a concert will he held in the Provincial Council Chamber. Hvbvbst.—At the inquest at Timaru yesterday on the body found drowned in the Opihi, and which was tethered to the bridge, the only evidence to identify it was a letter from someone, supposed to be deceased's father in Westmoreland, addzeased "George Spence." , Mental denagement is inferred from an old wound on the aide of the head. T . ‘ Swimming.— The tie between J. 1. Daly bnd 8 CWathew, of the East Christchurch ■Club, for second place in the two-lengths V46iyda) Inter-Club Esoe, held on the occasion of the 220yds championship at the West Christchurch school bath, was swum off last night at the East Christchurch Club’s bath. Daly conceded Wathew 6sec Mart, - and after a close race the former iwon by about, two feet. Time—33gaec. Orange Society. —The monthly meeting of No 7, Princess of Orange, Ladies’ L.0.L., iwas held in the Orange Hall last Thursday ■evening. In the absence of the President, Sister . White occupied the chair; Sister Hanna in the Deputy's chair. There was !• fair attendance of members. A small sum was voted towards a ■ testimonial for » deserving brother, and the new riiual %aa received and adopted. At the harinosy meeting songs and recitations were given by the Bisters. 1 Lecture.—There-was a good attendance dn the Tusm street hall last night, when •the Bav H., C. M. Watson continued hia lectures on “ God and Man.” Tho immediate subject • for last night was “God; Atheism. Agnosticism, Pantheism.” The lEev H.-T. Farchas was in tha chair, and the Jeoture proved most interesting, dealing as it - did with mind and matter and their relationship. The various forms of Tellgious thought were admirably f explained, and at the conclusion of the . lecture Mr Pukchas made a .few .remarks, in which he said that the reign of, materialism at,Oxford was at an £nd. Tcs-night. Mr Watson lectures on '“lmmortality 1 : Philosophic and Scientific proofs,” .ahd the Eev Hr Elmslie will chair., East. Belt Wesley Church, The anniversary services in connection with •the East Belt "Wesley • Church Sunday School were held last Sunday, when there ware large congregations. Tho Kav F. W. Isitt preached both morning and evening. Last night the annual tea-meeting took place in'the schoolroom, which was filled to overflowing; Tea having been partaken of, a public meeting was held in the church, which was nicely decorated. ■ Mr John Smith occupied the. chair, and congratulated the -miembera on the state of -the finanoOT/which wcre in a flourishing condition^ He also stated that there were 880 children oil .the roll. Addresses i were given by the Eeva W. Birch, E. J. Murray arid L. M.- laitfc. During the evening the choir and iSnaday sehcel Sihildreu, under the * leadership of Mr’ Fred, Dewsbury, Tendered musical selections.

PornLAB , Concerts.— The , full programme of. the third People’s Concert, “which takes place in the Tuam street; theatre to-morrow evening, appears is our advertising columns; and it will be seen that it is of undeniable excellence. Prominent' amongst the vocalists are Miss Spwsley, Mrs Edgar, Mr Hugh Beeves, Mr W. A. Day and Mr H. Weir. Miss Baby Clifford, ; the accomplished elocu- „ tioniat, will recite a new piece entitled "Death Doomed,” whilst the comic clement will be in the capable hands of Mr C. Edgar, who will' appear in some of Cheveliet’s latest songs. The instrumental Jjortion will also be unusually strong, nclndiag, as it does,- an organ and piano duet by Miss M. B. Yariha - and Mr. "Watkins, and a cornet solo, “My Pretty Jane,” by Mr Derry, whilst a septette orchestra, under the direction of Mr C. G, Dhnz, will play several selections. •Munioipali Cohfekbnce.—At the annual Municipal . Conference, to be held in "Wellington on March 28, the Mayor of Christchurch, in addition to several amendments which he considers necessary in the Municipal Corporations Act, has given notice that he will move— 11 That a clause be inserted in the Municipal Corporations Act providing for the imposition of a discount rate of, say, 2d in the £ upon all rateable property iu cities and boroughs: such rate to be in addition to tha usual rates struck by any City or Borough Council, and to bo allowed as a discount to all ratepayers who shall discharge their liabilities in the matter of rates on or before Sept. SO in each year.” The Mayor intends to urge the necessity of this amendment with a view of encouraging the more prompt payment of tha rates. TTia Worship is of the opinion that a discount rate of the kind indicated in his motion would prevent tha unnecessary delay in tha collection of rates that now exists, while the Council always has the power to remit or defer tbo payment in cases of poverty. The Mayor will leave Christchurch by Saturday’s steamer, to give him a few days in Wellington before the Conference op-w. Fabbthbs v. Mili-bbs.—The North Otayo Times says -.—There' has been disputation going on between the southern farmers and millers, and it has reached ttars point where the gage of battle is thrown down, or rather where one party pulls his coat off and invites the . other to tread on the tail of the garment. The Taiari farmers think the Dunedin millets ara not offering a fair price for wheat, and threaten reprisals. Several of the wealthier of the Talari settlers have threatened to'starve the millers out, and themcclus operand* is this: They will advance at 6 per cent on the security of the grain to these farmers who have engagements to meet, tho grain toJbe stored in the farmer./ barns, &u. The wheat will be then held back till the price demanded— Bs to 3s 8i —is obtained, »nd if either of those prices ia not offered millers will have to import or eloaa their mills. Of course this ia completely ignoring the influence of the Horae market on priess, but that is a question outside the Grange of the present dispute’. ■ No doubt if the southern farmers ato bent on carrying oqt their determination they can do something, for notwithstanding the floods to ■which the Taieri has lately been subjected, there is still a good deal of wealth on tho Plain. Developments will be noxiously ’Watched for. Knights oy Laboub.— The. Parliamentary Committee of the united Assemblies held its usual weekly meeting recently for the discusioa of tho various Labour Bills of last session, Tha Secretary was instructed to draw up a report on tha Industrial Conciliation Bill, and submit it to the various Assemblies in tho district. The platform adopted by tho Couuuicteo and submitted to tho different Assemblies, wag ordered to be made public Tho following are tho planks as agreed to (1) Nationalisation of Lancia and Mines; (2t The establishment of a State Back j (8) The granting of the franchise to women; (4) The direct veto by adult suffrage; (5) The referendum on State questions; (6) Municipal reform in towns and counties on the one-man ono-vole basis; (7) The maintenance of fcue education system intact (compulsory and free), secondary and University (optional but free); (8) A statutory eight hours system; (9) A public holiday at a general election, with compulsory closing of public houses ; (10) The abolition of all conspiracy laws relating to industrial disputes; (11) The unseating of a member of the House of Representatives on a two-thirda majority adverse vote of his constituents ; (12) A second ballot to be taken where three or more candidates are nominated for a ono-member constituency. To Dab ken Gray Haib.— Lockyers’ Sulphur Hair Restorer hi the quickest beat, safest and cheapest. Largest bottle ls-64«v«Ky whoze.-y-i] Anvi.]

Canterbury Frozen Meat Company.— The directors of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company, in their annual report, recommend payment of a dividend for last year at tha rate of 8 per cent per annum. J Wellington A. and P. Association.— The report of the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association shows that the receipts for tho November show were ,£1144 and the expenditure £733, leaving a balance of £4ll. From the Earn and Ewe Fair the Association derived a profit of £32.

Waimakaeirx-Ashley Water Supply Board.— This Board held a meeting at Eangiora yesterday morning, Mr J. Dobson in the chair. The business done was of a financial character, the Secretary being instructed to advertise for tenders for the loan of £31,000 required for the irrigation works. United Methodist Free Church, St Asaph Street. —Last evening a soiree and a concert in connection with the anniversary of the United Methodist Free Church Sunday School were held in the schoolroom, and were well attended. Tha Eev John Hosking presided, and during the evening the annual report of the Sunday School was read, which showed that, after providing for the working of the year, there was a balance in hand of £ll 15s lOd. Personal. —The friends of tho Eev C. H. Bradbury have decided to present that gentleman, before his departure for Wellington, with some memento of their appreciation of hia work in East Christchurch. His efforts ia tho direction of political and social reform, and especially his self-denying labours in .striving to raise the educational and moral status of the young people of the district, have won him many warm admirers, outside as well as within the pale of his church, and it is felt that tho opportunity will bo a fitting one to mark the esteem of the general public. Contributions for the purpose will bo received and acknowledged by Mr W. Smith, Haast street, and Mr Tanner, M.H.R.

Gust Literary Institute.—A meeting of the Committee was held on Monday evening; present—Eev D. D. Eodgor (in the chair)., Messrs E. W. Cooper, M. J. Dixon, Wayland, F. Euddenklau, G. Euddenklau, and A. D. Hassall.Hon. Secretary. Tho statement of accounts submitted showed a small credit balance. It .was resolved to purchase a table for the ante-room, and the Secretary was instructed to procure estimates of the cost of -a number of seats for the hall. It waa further resolved that Messrs Dixon, 6. Euddenklau, Wayland, and Hassall be appointed a Committee to report upon the advisableness cf getting up au entertainment .on behalf of the Institute. The Committee decided to meet on the second Monday of each month in lieu of tho third. A number of accounts v/ere passed for payment, and routine business was transacted.

Waihakaribi - Ashley Water Supply Board. —A special meeting of the abeve Board waa held at Eangiora yesterday; present—Mr J. Dobson (Chairman) and all the members. Mr M. Dixon wrote, stating that the water supply scheme would not benefit him, and asking the Board to exempt him under Section 30, Sub-soctioa 2, *of tha Water Supply Act. Tha Totter was- ordered to bo acknowledged. The Chairman reported that’ ha had interviewed Mr Gortos, of View Hill, in reference to the main race through hia property. The Board decided to take tho land required under tho Public Works Act. Instructions were given to advertise for a loan of £31,000 in one sum, or sums of £IO,OOO, tenders to state rate of interest required; the amounts to be advanced in six months after acceptance of tender. This concluded the business. British and Foreign Bible Society. —The annual meeting of the British and Foreign Bibla Society waa hold on Monday evening in the Primitive Methodist Church, Ashburton, when there was a fair attendance, tha ’Eev James Cocker in the chair. Mr J. W. Twcutyman, Hon Treasurer, read the balance-sheet, which proved very satisfactory. He regretted the illness of the Eev W. Bltika, which had compelled him to resign the Secretaryship. Mr J. H. Tweafcvman waa elected President of the local branch, sad the following gentlemen were elected on the Committee for the ensuing year:—Ministers of all denominations in tho town and district, ex ojjlcio ; Messrs E. Alcorn, J. H. Twentyman and A. Orr; Hon Secretary, Mr H. Barrett; Hon Treasurer, Mr J. W. Tweutyman. After the usual votes cf thanks had been passed, the meeting closed.

Peninsula Saletaeds Company. —The Aharoa Mail reports :—A meshing of tbis Company was held on Friday; present—• Mr B. Ehadbolt (Chairman), and Messrs Robinson, G. Mason and E. E. Leliavre. Ifc was resolved, on the motion of Mr Leliovre, that all outstanding calls should be immediately applied for. The consideration of the matter of charging Mr O’Callaghan for the use of the yards for drafting cattle was left over for a full meeting. Ifc wag resolved that the fee per head for pigs placed in the yards, day or night travelling, to and fro, be one penny, half the usual entry on day o! sale. The Secretary was ordered to write to the Farmers’ Association relative to the proposal for holding a surplus stock sale, stating that it wse considered that this season ifc was rather too late to hold such a sale, but that the member.'! would do their heat to meek the wishes of the Association in a future year. Accounts amounting to .£ls 8j od passed for payment, and the rr.eetingWdjcuraed after passing a vote of thauksTfo the Chairman.

Richmond Free Methodist Church Guild.— -The fortnightly meering of the Guild connected with the Richmond Free Methodist Church was held ia the schoolroom on Monday evening. There was a very good attendance of members and visitors, and Mr H. Smith occupied the chair. The programme was provided by the gentlemen members, and was thoroughly appreciated by all present. Songs were sung by Messrs H. Pearce and H, Bell, a reading by Mr W. Morton and a stump speech by Mr S. Green. Two nigger farces, entitled “Tho Doctor" and “The Smart Boy,” caused much laughter, the characters being eustained by Messrs W. Simpson and H. Smith. Two tableaux, “The Br,ldiot’s Farewell," by Messrs J. Harper fine! W. Poison, and “ Representatives of All Trades” were very well executed, the song in the latter,/* Work, Boys, Work," being sung by Master T. Hughes. During an interval refreshments were handed round." At tho' close of the programme, Mrs Harper proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the gentleman for tho excellent program me 1 hey bad-provided. This was seconded by Miaa Grand, and carried. The Chairman, oa behalf of the gentlemen, returned t-hacke. Loyal Addington Lodge. —The quarterly smumoqocl meeting of this Lodge was held oa Monday evening, ,N.G. Bro Carey presiding. Thera was an attendance of seventy-nine members, and several visitors from the Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge. The sick visitors reported favourably, with one exception, on those receiving sick pay, and £5 was parsed for payment. P.G. Beo Johnson road the delegates’ report of the annual district meeting, which was received and adopted. The notice of motion—“ That the Lodge reverb to the old system o? payment to tho Lodge doctors, and that three mouths’ notice be given of the same to the doctors," was carried. P.G. Bro Kinsman reported having been in attendances at tho Juvenile Lodge, and stated that owing to the Secretary being out of the district it was necessary to elect su Acting-Secretary timing hia absence. P.G. Bro Kinsman was unanimously elected to Jill the vacancy. ¥.Q, Bm Gourlay reported relative to the Morris-tube Class, aud stated that tho competition for Mr White's cruet was proceeding satisfactorily. Ifc was decided that Thursday, Maron 30, be the next night of mooting, owing to Lodge night falling on Easter Monday. Sentiments were given by V.G. Bro Archbold, City Lodge; P.G. Bro Doig and V.G. Bro Gourlay, Addington Lodge. Accounts (£22 18s Od) were passed for payment; receipts .£7O. The Lodge was closed jn due form by the N.G. Don't get Imv.snirifccd because grey bans are coming oa.' Renew the atiracsivo colour aud gloßEinesa of ’youth by using Mra S. A. Alien’s World’s Hair Restorer.

Canterbury Tramway Company.— The adjourned annual meeting of the Canterbury Tramway Company will be held at the Company's office on Friday, at 7.30 p.m. Healing.— Mr Milner Stephen gave a public exhibition of his healing power in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Lichfield street, last night before a crowded audience. A report appears elsewhere. Midland Cricket Club.—A general meeting of the members of the Midland Cricket Club will bo held at the Clarendon Hotel on Friday evening at eight o’clock. The Committee will meet at Mr E. D. Harman’s office this evening.

Oddpellowship. —At the quarterly meeting of the Loyal Pioneer Juvenile Lodge, M.U., held at Eangiora on Monday evening, Bro S. Webber waa presented with a handsome medal in recognition of his having obtained sixteen new members for the Lodge during the past year. Heavy Lambs.— The heaviest pen of lambs that has been in the Addington market this season was sold last Wednesday to Mr James Knight, who has killed three of them. When dressed, three of the carcases weighed, respectively, 591 b, 691 b and 771 b. The last was the subject of much discussion last week, the weight being put by different judges at from 601 b to 721 b.

Music in the Cathedral. The performance of Stainer’s cantata " The Crucifixion,” takes place in the Cathedral this evening at eight o’clock. Seats will he reserved for members of the mission choir until a quarter to eight. Following the plan of lest year the congregation will be asked to join in the singing of the hymns that are “interaperaad at intervals in the cantata. Children under twelve will not be admitted.

“Old Canterbury Illustrated.” To-night Messrs E. W. Seager and G. E. Hart will give their excellent lectureentertainment, with limelight views of persons and subjects connected with the early settlement of this Province. The Oddfellows’ Hall should be crowded, as, apart from the interest of the subject, the object for which it is given—the purchase of an ambulance carriage—should attract a large attendance. Mr C. Louiaaon has provided all the members of the Fire Brigade with tickets at his own expense. Professional. —Mr George Harris announces by an advertisement in this issue that he intends to commence practice as a solicitor in the offices recently occupied by Messrs Harper and Co. Mr Harris, who ia a son of the late Yen. Archdeacon Harris, well-known as one of the most successful head masters of Christ’s College, has held a responsible position in Messrs Harper and Co.'s office for some years, and will bo associated in hia new undertaking with Mr ! Thomas Papprill, who has been connected with the office for a period of thirty-six years. Band Picnic. —A meeting was held in the practice room of the Engineers’ Band on Monday evening to form a Committee for a united picnic to be held on Good Friday 5 present Messrs A. and S. Williamson, J. Kainbow, Heslop, and Fox (Engineers’ Band) and Messrs Petrie, Mitchell, Burgess, Horton, and Fellingham (Sydenham Eapd). Mr A. H. Fellingham was elected Chairman aad Mr J. Rainbow Eon Secretary. After a considerable amount of business bad been transacted, the meeting adjourned till Thursday evening. Linwood Literary Guild. —Tha members of this Guild signalised the approach of their winter session on Thursday evening by giving a literary entertainment in the Linwood Social Hall. Tho programme consisted of three scenes from the “Honeymoon,” one scene from the “ Man of the World,” the graveyard scene from “Hamlet;” a reciticion, “Dream of Eugene Aram,” by H. Gaze; a song, “ A Soldier and a Man,” by Mr H. C. Eay j and two humorous items by Mr Morrison. Miss C. Alexander acted as accompanist, and the President, Eev C. H. Bradbury, as Chairman. The progress of the Guild has been marked, and much regret is expressed at the approaching loss of its esteemed President. Oddfbllowship. There was a good attendance at the quarterly summoned meeting of tho Loyal Eangiora Lodge, M.U., held on Monday evening. P.G. Ivory resigned his office J t>2 Lvdgs trustee.' and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to him for his services. Bro C. I. Jennings was elected to the vacant office. Notice of the annual meeting of the Ashley district was received, and Past Grands Miles, Marshall, M’Cracten, and Smith were appointed delegates. It was decided to hold* a church parade at an early date, and a Committee waa appointed to make the arrangements. Two candidates were initiated and one proposed. At 11.30 p.m. the business was not completed, and the meeting was adjourned until Wednesday weak.

Disputation op Working Men. — ■ A deputation representing fifty-sis man, who presented their names and occupations, waited on the Mayor of Chrisfcohurch yesterday to csk him to communicate with the Government respecting work for them. They pointed out that there was no private work in hand now for them to avail themselves of, and that the local bodies were giving out no work. They therefore asked the Mayor to communicate with the Minister for Labour asking him to provide work in or near Christchurch. His Worship telegraphed to the Hoa the Minister, who replied aa follows : —“ With regard to unemployed. Labour Department will do all that is possible to find work for them, aa formerly, but there is no Government work within or close to Christchurch.” Lease op the Cheviot Estate. —The Commissioner of Crown Lauds is inviting tenders for the grazing rights over the Cheviot estate, for which purpose it has been subdivided into nine blocks, in accordance with tho existing fences : The following is the subdivision : For eleven months, from April 18, 1898: The Wart block, of 11,300 acres; Tormore block, of 12,800 acres; Benmore block, of 9600 acres; Seaward Range block, of 12,000 acres. For six months only, from April 18: Waiau east block, of 8000 acres; Waiau west block, of 8000 acres; homestead block (without the use of any of the buildings), 5300 acres; Hurunui block, of 8200 acres; Port Hills block (exclusive of buildings), 0? 7100 acres, and part of the Tormore block, 500 acres. Tenders are to be sent in to the Land Oliico, Christchurch, before April 5, accompanied by one month’s rent as a deposit, Rangiosa Wesleyan Church. —At the harvest thanksgiving service, held at the above church on Sunday evening, when the Eav J. H. Gray preached, there was a crowded as tendance. The church was most tastefully decorated, the singing good, and the service throughout was a most hearty one. Oa Monday evening a social meeting was held ia connection with the harvest thanksgiving. The Eav S. J. Garlick occupied the chair. The Eav J. H. Gray gave an address, and the Chairman aud Mr S. Ayers, the Church delegates to the Dunedin conference, gave a report of the business done. During the evening Mr Harlow Thompson received two wedding presents, one being a Family Bible from the Sunday school teachers, and the other a. cruet, from the choir. At intervals fjonga were given by Misses Bartnun and M. Thompson, and Mr A. Gray, and an instrumental selection was played by Mrs Foster (piano) and Messrs W. Johnson aud C. Hunnibell (violins). Refreshments were served, and altogether the evening passed very pleasantly. Guaranteed Tuition in These Lkbsons.-— Ladies or gentlemen taught to ride free of charge at any address in Christchurch or tuburbs. Easy payments for Star Cycles. Adams, Carries aud Co., 71, Manchester street, Christchurch. “ Health,” the new method, 14s , enemas from 4s 6d, fountain syringes, j muscle rollers, &c.. Dr Hall’s pamphlet ss, IDr ffchusslei’s and Marshall’s medicines. Arrived, ex Coptic, “ Story of Jesus” and “Moses Bible.” 177, Colombo street.— I [A DVT ] The Eden George Company, Limited, arc now producing far superior Opals than hitherto. Hr Linus, who has just arrived from Wellington, will take direct charge of the Studio aud Workrooms, so that the delay which has occurred in the complotion of orders will shortly disappear, and only ! Cahiii''’;" and Opals showing most superior work- | iii.n. lop dl lv.> allowed (■> leave the ‘illicit', j ’Pio ; Inc 'JuTi.-ichurch Hospital dei sires to acknowledge, with thank;;, the receipt of periodicals from Mrs May and the Christchurch Club.