TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXX, Issue 10105, 2 August 1893, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Contents.— The Directors of the Union Steamship Company have issued a circular announcing a reduction of wages and overtime pay. The Franco-Siamese dispute is now in the diplomatic stage, the French representative having returned to Bangkok. At a meeting of the Waimakariri-Ashley Water Supply Board yesterday, it was determined to proceed with active operations, Mr Dixon protesting at every stage.

Pabli ament art i — la the Legislative Council yesterday, the Magistrates’ Court Bill was considered in Committee, and the Institute of Journalists Bill was passed. In the House of '-Representatives, in the afternoon, questions were answered. Sir R. Stout and Captain Bussell were added to the Native Affairs Committee, and three Bills dealing with Native matters were read a second time. In the evening, the Cheviot County Bill was passed; the Bills dealing with the taxing of vehicles in counties north of Auckland, the protection of cables, and imprisonment for debt, passed their second reading; and the Electoral Bill was further considered in Committee.

Harbour BoAED.~The usual meeting of the Lyttelton Harbour Board will be held iu the Christchurch office this afternoon. Customs Revenue. —The Customs revenue collected at Timatu during July was M 192 3s Id. Spirits and wines eontribated .£437, tea and sugar £SO, classified goods J 8302. Caledonian Society.— On Monday evening the Directors of the South Canterbury Caledonian Society selected Mr Andrew Allan for the post of Secretary from among five applicants. Parish of St Luke. —A successful social gathering was held at the parish schoolroom of St Luke last evening, the attendance being very large. An excellent programme of vocal and instrumental music was gone through, and refreshments were handed round by the ladies. The Rev L. M. Isitt.— A telegram from New Plymouth says:—The Rev L. M. Isitb’s mission at New Plymouth has been a great success, many leading people being favourably influenced. A local option resolution, proposed by Mr C, P. Richmond and seconded by Mr J. B. Boy, was enthusiastically carried. Cycling.— A good deal of interest is bsing shown in Timaru ia the cy cling trials between Pither and Hall on Tnursday. The trials will ba run on the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club’s ground, and to fill up the afternoon for the spectators other races have been arranged, including a foot race for footballers, for which there ate over forty entries. Land fob Selection. —The Department of Lands and Survey announces by advertisement in this issue that six small allotments of land situated near Eakaia, Chertsey, Orari, Arundel, Timaru and Waimate, will be opened for selection on Wednesday, August 16, under the lease in perpetuity system. Plans and particulars may be obtained at the District Land Office, Christchurch. Arbor Day.— Friday next has been set apart by the Government to be observed aa Arbor Day. Many of the public schools, as well as several of the local bodies, have made arrangements for tree-planting on that day. It is intended to celebrate Arbor Day in Lyt.telton this year, and the usual weekly half-holiday will be observed on Friday this week instead of to-day. Those desirous of taking part in the proceedings will meet at the Council Chamber at 2 p.m., and proceed to the spot selected by the Council for planting a number of ornamental trees. Mb Tennyson Smith. —The well-known temperance lecturer, Mr E. Tennyson Smith, who has just completed hia lecturing tour in Now Zealand, which has extended over two years and a half, passed through Christchurch yesterday on his way to Australia. In connection with his work in this Colony, he claims to have been instrumental in getting some nineteen thousand persons to take the pledge. At a meeting held in Wellington on Sunday evening last, a resolution was carried, on the motion of Mr Copithorne, seconded by Mr M'Lean, M.H.R., iu which those present recorded their high appreciation of the services rendered to the temperance cause by Mr Smith, and their regret that his engagements required him to leave the Colony before the general election.

Vital Statistics.— The following are the vital statistics for the Ashburton district U>i the month ending July 81 s—■ Births 81, deaths 9, marriages 4. Women's Institute,— Dr Lomax-Smith will deliver a lecture thia evening, in the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association, on " The Rival Claims of Idealism and Materialism."

St John- Ambulance Association.— The nursing lectures at the hospital will be resumed by Dr Murray-Aynsley at the usual hours on Fridays and Wednesdays, commencing on Friday next at 3.30 p.m. The November Show. —ln response to a circular asking for special prizes in the light horse classes at the Agricultural and Pastoral Show, Mr G. King has received from Captain Popham a handsome silver punch bowl as a prize for the horse beat able to carry 18st. The bowl is an excellent specimen of the silversmith’s art, and stands on an ebonised pedestal. It is Sin high and lOin in diameter, and is richly embossed with Marguerite daisies and fancy work. It is richly burnished, is gilt inside, and has a couple of plain medallions for the inscription.

Team Street Theatre.— The Holloway Company was greeted with another good house lant evening, when Frank Hervey’s semi-sensational drama, A Ring of Iron, was produced. Miss Linda Raymond again appeared to advantage as an emotional actress, and Miss Alice Deorwyn was extremely good in the comedy scenes. Mr Holloway played the aristocratic villain with great care, and the other parts were well sustained. The audience showed its appreciation of the Company's efforts in a most unmistakable manner. The officers of the Spanish training ship wero present by invitation. Thia evening the season will be brought to a close with the domestic drama, The Workman. Haggis Supper. —Mr D. Christie, who has just taken possession of Tattersall’a Hotel, has renovated the place, and has considerably added to the accommodation by taking in the building formerly used as a grain store by Mr G. A. Maule. This portion of the hotel has been converted into a commodious commercial room and a private bar. The building has been repainted and papered throughout, and many conveniences have been added. Last evening Host Christie entertained a number of his friends at a haggis supper, when full justice was done to the good cheer. The indispensable bagpipes were present, and a very pleasant evening was passed with songs, recitations and Highland dances.

Sufbbmb Court. —His Honor Mr Justice Denniston eat yesterday in his civil juriediction, when the case of the Waimea Creek Goldtniniag Company v. the National Bank of New Zealand and the New Era Dredging and Mining Company, Limited, came on for hearing. Mr Stringer appeared for the plaintiff Company, which claimed £497 from defendants for the nondelivery of goods, and the loss and delay incurred thereby. The Hon Downie Stewart appeared for the defendants. A Special Jury of four had been granted to try the action, but was not empanelled, as Mr Stringer said that the case had been settled by a compromise and tbe payment of .£l5O. His Honor said he could not allow the coats of the Jury.

The Weather. —Our Ashburton correspondent writes During the past few days the heaviest fall of rain experienced for the last five years has been recorded in the Ashburton district. In the hills and upper parts of the plains snow fell, consequently there were no unusually high floods in the rivers, but a great deal of the low-lying land was under water, and it will be some time before it is fit for the sowing of grain. The hills are completely covered with snow, and there will no doubt be some loss amongst the flocks, as the snow was fully a foot deep on the flats. The weather cleared again on Tuesday, and farmers would now be glad to see a continuance of fine warm weather, so as to be able to finish their spring sowing and have a good lambing season. Ashburton Borough Council. — The fortnightly meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council was held on Monday evening; present—-the Mayor and Councillors Leahy, Paul, Orr, Cuthbertaon, Anderson, Duncan and Jones. The Mayor reported the debit balance at the bank to be £BBS 10s 6d. The receipts from all sources since last meeting had amounted to £l3 9a. It was decided to again write to the Railway Commissioners on the matter of clearing East street. It was resolved that the solicitor’s opinion should be obtained with regard to compelling the clearing of gorae from Government reserves. The Mayor stated that he had authorised the borough solicitor to act for the prosecution in a recent case of alleged breach of the Auctioneers Act. Councillor Jones moved—“ That the Town Clerk write to the Municipal Association, pointing out the circumstances of the case, and urging them to suggest an amendment in the Act.” The motion was carried. Some unimportant business having been transacted, the meeting terminated. Valedictory. —Mr George Jones, proprietor of the Oamaru Mail, who is about to pay a visit to the Old Country for tbe benefit of his health, was on Monday evening the recipient of a very gratifying presentation on board the s.s. Hauroto, in which he left Oamaru. The Oamaru Garrison Band, of which he had been conductor for about fourteen years, attended, and played airs appropriate to the occasion. Lieutenant - Colonel Sumpter, on behalf of the Garrison, expressed his thanks to Mr Jones for services to the cause o£ volunteering. Mr Avery, President of the Shearers’ and Labourers’ Union, presented Mr Jones with an address from the members of that body, conveying their heartfelt thanks for, in the words of the address, “ the great services you have rendered to the cause of labour, and for your earnest efforts to elevate mankind and promote the brotherhood of man.” After Mr Jones had responded, three hearty cheers were given him by a largo crowd of people. Another testimonial, from the citizens of Oamaru and the settlers of the surrounding district, is in course of preparation, and will, it is understood, be forwarded to the Agent-General for presentation in London, as the notice of Mr Jones’ departure was so short that there was not time to have it completed before he left Oamaru. Mr Jones left by the Hauroto for Sydney, where he will taka the Orient steamer for England. His friends in Christchurch, and the Liberals of New Zealand generally will doubtless join heartily with his Oamaru friends in wishing him a pleasant voyage and complete restoration to health.

Oddfeli.owbhip.— A summoned meeting of the Loyal Leitbfiald Lodge, 1.0.0. P., M. was held oa Saturday evening. There was a good attendance, and P.G.M. Bro Nottingham, and the N.G., and a large number of the members of the Eangiora Lodge, the D.P.G.M. Bro Sellars and a number of the members of the Walkari Lodge, the N.G. and a large number of the members of the Ohoka Lodge and P.P.G.M. Bro Crampton and several of the members of the Amberloy Lodge were present. One candidate was duly initiated, D.P.G.M. Bro Sellars reading the charge. Several matters of minor importance having been dealt with, the Lodge proceeded to discuss the subject of celebrating the anniversary. It was ultimately carried that the anniversary should be celebrated by a " social,” and a Committee of six, with the officers, was elected to make the necessary arrangements. The N. then called on I’.G. Bro Shaw for the third sentiment, which was responded to by the P.G.M., D.P.G.M., D.P.G.M. Bro Payne, P.P.G.M. Bro Crampton, and the N.G.’b of the Eangiora and Ohoka Lodges. The Lodge was then closed, and the brethren adjourned to the Town Hall, where refreshments were provided. The P.G.M. took the chair, and a social hour was spent, some good songs being rendered by the visitors, and also by some of tha members of the homo Lodge. A vote of thanks, with musical honours, was then given by the visitors to the members of the Leitbfiald Lodge, N.G. Bro M’Namara responded, and on his motion a , thanks was passed to the visitors. After sieging “ Auld Lang Syne,” the company dispersed. The refreshments were presided over by Mesdames James, Kiugham, M'Loan, the Misses Trail, Shaw and James.

Philosophical Institute. — A gane*6| meeting of the Philosophical Institute will' be held this evening. Lakh Ellesmere Lands. —ln. the report of the proceedings of the Canterbury Land, Board in connection with the ballot for the| Lake Ellesmere lands, W. Hamilton waa stated to have drawn Lot 2, Block Vl.' The name should have been W. A. Gray. 1

Industrial Building Societies.—At a meeting of the combined Directors! of the: four Building Societies, held on Monday evening, fifty applications were received for the position of Secretary. After balloting, Mr Thomas Strange waa appointed. Borough of Woolston.— An advertise-*, ment elsewhere calls for nominations for! the offices of Mayor and nine Councillors! for the newly-formed Borough of Woolston.' Nominations are due on August 14, and the election in each case, if necessary* 1 will take place on August 21. r Importation of Canaries.— Mr George Bertram, of Sydenham, has imported pep B.s. Pakeha two pairs of Norwich crested birds and two p a ira of Belgium birds, all being the best obtainable. The Belgians were specially obtained in Belgium'. They have arrived in excellent condition. ' Canterbury Rugby Union.— At thq meeting of the Canterbury Rugby Union, last evening* the resolutions passed at the! meeting of delegates from the Canterbury J Otago and Soathland Unions, held an Dunedin on Saturday evening, were agreed to, Messrs Forbes and Kesteven, the East; Christchurch Club’s delegates dissenting. , The Direct Veto. — A petition bearing nearly five thousand signatures against, the direct veto was sent up to the Hon W. P. Reeves yesterday, with a request that he would lay the same before Parliament. The petition was circulated by the Licensed Victuallers’ Association, and the whole of the signatures were obtained in less than a week.

Morris-Tube Shooting. Tho handsome] clock presented by the Mayor ofi Christchurch for competition among mem-, bers of Morris-tube Shooting Clubs and Volunteer Corps was on view at Messrs Jameson and Anderson’s shop in Colombo street yesterday. A good deal of interest is being taken in the contest, which will be held at the drillshed at an early date.

Waimakaribi Harbour Board. A special meeting of the Waimakariri Harbour Board was held on Monday evening j present—Mr Lissaman (Chairman), Messrs Parnham, Hiatt, Butt, Matthews, Hopkins, and Horrell. The Board went into Committee, and upon resuming the Chairman stared that it bad been left in bis bands to make the necessary arrangements concerning the issue of debentures, the result to be reported at the next ordinary meeting. Benefit Football Match.— A meeting of the Committee of the recent benefit football match was held last night, when after paying all expenses, which amounted to £5 14s 6d, the sum of .£3l 12s 6d was left to be divided between Herrick’s Home and the persona on whose behalf Dc Irving appealed. The Committee decided that the sum of £lO be given to Mr Herrick anc( the balance, .£2112a 6d, to the persons for whom Dr Irving had appealed. North Canterbury Football Club.—! At a meeting of this Club, held at Eangiora on Monday evening, it was decided to endeavour to arrange a match with the winners of the Junior Flag at Dunedin. Matches were also arranged with the Christchurch Club for August 12, and the Lin wood for August 19, providedthe dates would suit. The Kaiapoi Club wrote asking if a match could be arranged for August 12, but it was decided to reply that the team could not play till a later date. Plumbers’ “Social.” —Avery successful “social” was held at Inglis’ Buildings on Friday evening, under the auspices of the Plumbers* Union. There was a attendance of members and their friends. Songs were given by Miss Clegg, Miss Brooks, Messrs Dixey, Bilcliff, Eldridge, and Williams, and dancing was indulged in. During the evening tbe President, Mr W. 0. Large, presented the Union’d Secretary, Mr 0. A. Eldridge, with a handgome writing desk, suitably inscribed. Mr 0. Fox presided at the piano, and Mr Oi Colville was an efficient M.C. Deaconess’ Institution.— Letters have, been received by the last mail from the. Bishop of Christchurch, by which we' (Church News ) are informed that, through' the kindness of the Bishop of London, hia Lordship is bringing out with him in the Ruahine a Deaconess, who will be known; as Sister Edith, of the St Andrew’sDeaconess House, a branch of the London! Diocesan Deaconess Institution. This’ etep, it is hoped, will be the commencement of a permanent and valuable work.’ The Bishop hopes to plant a small com-| munity in Christchurch, to be a centre of; Christian influence and spiritual life. Its;' local habitation will be St Catherine’sLodge, Gloucester street west. Kaiapoi Borough.— A meeting of the Committee recently appointed to consider' the desirableness of extending the boundaries, &c., was held at Kaiapoi on; Monday evening, when there was a fair attendance. In the absence of the Mayor,! through ill-health, Mr G. H. Blackwell! was voted to the chair. A Secretary was elected and instructed to ascertain all particulars from the residents in the pro-i posed additional area. A report will them be laid before the Borough Council, which! will fix a data for a public meeting to’ consider the matter. A petition signed by’ nearly all the Sneyd street residents against the proposal was presented. A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the meeting. j Merit alb Entertainments.— The third of the series of winter entertainments at Merivale was held last evening, when; there was a large attendance. An excellent programme of vocal and instrumental items was given and thoroughly enjoyed by those present. Songs were contributed by Mrs Westland and Messrs N. W. Edwards, Hugh Reeves, Gibbs, Corbett and Bell, and a pianoforte duet by the Misses Vincent. The evening’s entertainment concluded with a laughable farce, entitled A Cure for the Fidgets, the characters being ably sustained by Misses Rose Seager, M. Miller and A. Hawkins, and Messrs H. B. Marsh, 0. W. and E. F. Nlcoll and 0. Deering. A vote of thanks was passed to the performers. Kaiapoi Lawn Tennis Club. The annual meeting of the Kaiapoi Lawn Tennis Club was held in the Coffee Palace on Monday evening. Mr F. Cone presided, and there was a good attendance, considering the unfavourable weather. The balance-sheet for the past year showed, the receipts to be £l4 IGs and the expenditure £l2 ss, leaving a credit balance of £2 11b. The following was the result of the election of officers for the coming season:—Patron, Mr E. Moore, M.H.8.; President, Hia Worship the Mayor, Mr Doubleday; Vice- 1 Presidents, Mesdamea E. Moore and Midgley; Committee, Mrs Clark, Mlstt M’Gregor and Miss E. Baker, Messrs Cone, N. Oram and T. Hanna. The Club is con-! eidered to be in a flourishing condition, as very little outlay will be required this, year. Tho fixing of a date for the opening! of tho season was left ia the hands of the Committee.

A Eecoveked Knife. "Truth is stranger than fiction,” and proof that it is; so comes from the Bluff. Some eighteen; months ago (says the Southland Times) August Andersen, a resident at Ocean; Beach, and a man named Eobert Petite,; who was afterwards killed by an accident; on one of the Tyser liners, were fishing in the straits about seven miles to windward of the hill. Pettitt, when hauling a groper aboard, dropped his knife into the' sea. A short time ago Andersen was again fishing in the straits, this time off Southwest Point, at the back of Flagstaff hill. He caught a number of blue cod, and four of these ho sold to a workman at Ocean Beach, who, on preparing the fish for cooking, discovered in one of them a knife in a perfect state of preservation. The “maripi” was shown to Andersen, and he at once recognised it as the one that Pettitt had dropped overboard. The knife is a large one, and must have been a dreadful encumbrance to the fish that had carried it so long in its internal economy.

Ah Important New Zealand Galvanizing Works and Christchurch Industry will be supported by you buying the Crown Iron Works Company’s buckets, tubs, slop pails, anitary pans, &c., &c. Sold by most ronmongers and storekeepers.—[Advt.]

' Sale. —Messrs J. Clarks and Sob. Will hold a sale of a quantity of almonds, raisins and butter to-day. Mahsht-Hakkis Cultivator. —A public trial of tha Maaaey-Harris cultivator will bb held at Kirwee on Friday. ■ Tkh Australian Mail.— The b.b. Taltme arrived at the Bluff yesterday morning with the Australian ihail, which should reach Christchurch by .to-night’s express, Pendaltgn.— -A meeting of householders in the Fendalton district will be held at the schoolroom this evening at 7.30, to consider the proposal to construct a swimming bath. Shop Hours. — A meeting will be held at the Corn Exchange on Friday evening, for the- purpose of protesting against tno compulsory clauses in the Shop Hours Bill now before Parliament. Football.—A meeting of butchers was held at the Oxford Hotel last evening to consider a ohftllflDJ?® received from the Grocers’ Football Club. It was unanimously decided to accept the challenge, and Mr J. Stapleton was elected captain of the team. Temperance.-— -At the temperance meeting on Saturday evening, it was announced that Sir Robert Stout had written and stated that he would endeavour to apsqd a Saturday evening in Christchurch for the express purpose of addressing a meeting in Cathedral Square. . . , Arrest.— Shortly after noon yesterday, a man was arrested by Detective Benjamin on the charge Of stealing an overcoat valued at £2 15s, the property of John Feely a labourer, residing at Coalgato. Accused will be brought up at tha Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning. Chamber Concert. —The second of Mr F. M. Wallace’s chamber concerts, to be given to-morrow, promises to be moat successful. The programme is excellent. Instrumental selections will be given by Mies Death, Mias Gordon Rich, Messrs Wallace, Loughnan and Lund, and Mr Hugh Reeves will sing compositions of Schubert and Wagner. The Nautilus. Last evening the officers of the Spanish training ship were present at the Tuam street theatre. This morning there will be a private reception on board the vessel. On Thursday evening the officers will be present at Mr Wallace’s chamber concert in the Provincial Council Chamber. On Friday evening Mr Seager will give a limelight entertainment on board. Included in the series of views will be specimens of the Alpine scenery of New Zealand and views on the road from Christchurch to the West Coast, as also scenes in the Lake districts. m . Sot John’s Schoolroom. —The third of the series of winter and spring entertainments in St John’s schoolroom took place last evening, when the Rev P. W. Isitt delivered a lecture entitled "The Black Hero of Hayti.” The lecture, which was listened to with great attention, described one of the most interesting pages of history, entering fully into the character and attributes of Toussaint L’Ouverture and the perfidy and treachery of NapoJieon in connection with the enslaved negroes of the West Indian Islands, and especially his actions towards the ablest leader of the Haytians. At the conclusion of the lecture a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Isitt. ' . Stop the Grinding of the chain by using »»Lucasino.” All accessories, lamps, bells, waterproof capes, &0., at Adams, Cutties, and Co., 70 Manchester street, Christchurch.— [Advt.j Striking Results in Otago by Forest Sohussler methods with measles; Circular and Remedies, 3s j Calcium Phoa. for Children Recovering, la 6d; Books commended by Dr Burton, just arrived, " Irrationalism,” ‘‘ Apologia,” 2s 6d 3 " Truth,” " Health.” *l6O, Tuam street.— [Advt • Attention is directed to the advertisement 0! Messrs Wrigglesworth and Binns, photographers, the present proprietors of the Eden George Co. studio, Colombo street, announcing that the Eden George Deposit Tickets will not he accepted hy them after the 30th September. Messrs W. & B are making preparations for introducing their artistic and beautiful Matt Opal-Type process to tha public of Christchurch.