TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10650, 10 May 1895, Page 5

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Contents.— A Bill to repeal tbe Irish Crimes Act has passed its second reading in the House of Commons by a majority of fourteen votes. The smallness of the majority is attributed to the fact that a number of Liberal members abstained from voting. Tbe discussion on the Bill gave rise to a scene which led to the expulsion of O’Donovan Rosaafrom one of tbe galleries. The amount of the indemnity demanded by England has been subscribed by the residents of the capital of Nicaragua. Mr G. H. Reid, Premier and Treasurer of Now South Wales, delivered his budget speech last night. Several important changes of policy were indicated. A postmortem examination yesterday revealed a case of pleuro-pnenmonia among the Australian cattle on board the steamer Perthshire, which sailed for London in the afternoon.

Meetings. The following meetings take place to-day :—Chamber of Commerce Committee, 2.30 p.m.; Athletic Association, City Hotel, 8 p.m.

Woodbnd.— The annual homo mission meeting waa held in the Woodend Wesleyan Church on Wednesday evening. The Rev J. Dellow occupied the chair, and the Rev P. W. Eairolongh (from Lyttelton) addressed the meeting. A collection was taken up in aid of tho Home Mission Fund.

Valedictory. Miss Searall, who is well known in Christchurch, will leave New Zealand shortly for a new sphere of work in China, in connection with the China Inland Mission, and this evening a farewell meeting will be held at the Young Men’s Christian Association rooms. The chair will be taken by the Rev B. Erwin.

Acclimatisation Society,— The annual meeting of the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, appointed for yesterday afternoon, lapsed. The rales provide for a quorum of ten, and the only members present were Messrs A. Garrick, S. C. Farr, P. Cunningham, A. Scott, the Hon J. T. Peacock and Mr Bruce, secretory.

Temperance Society.— The usual meeting of the juvenile branch of the St Michael’s Temperance Society waa held in the schoolroom on Wednesday evening, the Eav A. W. Averill occupying the chair. Recitations were given by Misses Lena Barry, Ethel Wills, Nellie Love/Eva Power and Nellie Hammond, and by Ernest Oztrane; pianoforte selections by Misses Nellie Hammond and Alice Andrews; songs by Misses Louie Hendy and Gorty Chianery, and an address by the chairman.

Amateur Theatricals.—A few members of the Tima.ru Cricket Club, assisted by some lady friends, on Wednesday evening gave a clever performance in the Theatre Eoyal of the farcical comedy Our liegimeni, on behalf of (the funds of tho club. Tho performers were Msudames Inman and Smithson, Misses M’Lareu and Raymond, Messrs Jefferson, A. Bourn, Foilder, E. and G. Jones and Zieslor. The mounting and dressing were more than usually elaborate, and the performance passed off vary encceagfully. There was a large attendance, tho dresa circle especially being crowded. Druids.—The fortnightly meeting of tho Anchor Lodge of Druids was held on Wednesday evening; A.D. Bro W. Spring in tho chair. One candidate was initiated. The delegates to the Conference respecting the establishment of a Widows and Orphans’ Insurance Fund, presented their report, and it was resolved that tho delegates of this Lodge should visit the Lodges in No. 2 District and explain the scheme ns submitted. The Lodge having adjourned for harmony, songs were given by Bros Spence, Hobson, Holmes, Sound, Hooker, Spring, Biol, Eastwick, and J. Moses. Bro Smith gave two humourous readings. Refreshments were served at intervals. Mutual Improvement.— I The Belfast Mutual Improvement Society opened its session with a “social” on Wednesday evening. There was a large attendance, over fifty members and friends being present. The Rev W. Grigg (president) occupied the chair, and the following ladies and gentlemen contributed to the evening’s entertainment Misses Cos and Lindsay, Mesdamaa 'Wren, Beech and Henderson, Messrs Ferguson, Beech and the Chairman. The accompaniments were played by the Misses Longman.—A meeting was held at North Loburn on Monday evening to form a Mutual Improvement Society. Thera was an attendance of twenty-five. Mr W. Brown was voted to the chair. A committee was appointed, of which Mr D. Martin was elected president, Mr W. Brown vice-president, Mr J. Ponsonhy treasurer, and Mr E. Criglingbon secretary. It was resolved that at tho next meeting a debate should be held on tho question, “Should the Chinese bo admitted into Now Zealand ?” Bazaar at bazaar ia connection with the Kaiapoi Wesleyan Church was opened in tho drill-hall by the Mayor of Kaiapoi at two o’clock yesterday afternoon, ia the presence of a large number of tho public. The Mayor, in his address, said that the bazaar was intended in tho first place to help to erase the debt of tho church, and ha believed that sorca £l7O wiis needed for this purpose. He hoped, that at tho conclusion of the bazaar this object would be accomplished. The stalls, which were eight in number, were presided over as follows: Refreshment stall —Mesdames C. Evans and Blackmore; china stall—Mrs Smalley and Miss Pear; assorted—Mesdames Croft, Ward, W. Weaton and Gaarder; flower stall—Mieses Brighting and GerlieKeotloy; produce —Messrs Burrows, Thorne, Paraham, Evans, Croft and Blackmore; assorted—Mesdames G. H. Blackwell, T. G. Blackwell and E. Evans; young ladies’ stall—Misses Wilson and Johnson, assisted by a number of other young ladies at the Christmas tree. There wore other features of interest, comprising anootimr, dissolving views, forfans-teliitvf, &j. During the ti- crm F.:] h. xair which increased as the day wore on, until ia the evening the ball waa quito.full, and

Pessonal.— -The Eight Eav Dr Julius, Bishop of Christchurch, left for Wellington by the Takapuna last evening. City of Christchurch. A special meeting of the Christchurch City Council will be held at noon on Wednesday next to determine all claims and objections in connection with the burgaso list. Musical Union. Subscribers to the Musics! Union concert, which takes place at the Opera House on Thursday next, can have dress circle seats marked off by applying to Messrs Milner and Thompson.

Exhibition of Pictures.— The very meritorious exhibition of pictures by Messrs Wadham and Sinclair in the hall of the Chamber of Commerce was visited by a number of persona yesterday. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily during the nest fortnight. . Ashburton Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Society. — A meeting of the committee of this society waa held on Wednesday evening, Mr G. J. Neill presiding. A large amount of correspondence was dealt with. Cheques for special prizes wore received from several gentlemen, and the schedule for 1894 was adopted, with a few additional classes, for the next show.

Christchurch Palette Club.— There waa a large attendance of members of the club yesterday evening, notwithstanding the inclemency of tbe weather. Tho elections resulted in Mr J. M. Madden being chosen, president, Mr W. M. Gibb, vicepresident of the club, and Mr Norman Macbeth auditor for tho ensuing year. The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to Mr R. A. Gill, the chairman. Lecture to Women.— Dr Lomax-Smifch delivered the first of a course of lectures to women yesterday afternoon, in the Art Gallery. Tho subject, “ Woman’s Pysiological Relation,” was treated by tho lecturer in an interesting and instructive manner, and was listened to with great attention by a crowded audience. At its close Dr Lomax-Smith announced that the subject of the next lecture iu _ the series would be " Woman’s Educational Relation.”

Masonic. —On Tuesday evening the officers of the District Grand Lodge of Canterbury, E.C., proceeded to Amberley for the purpose of installing W. Bro Charles Dillworfch Fox, D.G.S,D.,as Master of the Amberley Lodge, No. 2007, E.C., and investing his officers for the ensuing year. Bro Pox has held tho office on two former occasions, and special interest attached to bio installation for the third time. W. Bro R. D. Thomas, D.D.G.M., who was attended by twelve officers of the D.G.L., performed tho ceremony in a vary impressive manner. Tho officers were installed by W. Bro W. H. Guadry, D.G. Secretary. The officers for the year are: —W. Bro C. Dillworth Pox, W.M.j W. Bro W. S. Smith, J.P.M.; Bro J. T. White, S.W. ; Bro W. B. Elphinstone, J.W.; Bro C. B. Mason, P.M., Treasurer ; Bro Henry Gaia, Secretary; Bro T. M’Naught, D.G. _ At the conclusion of the ceremony the visitors were entertained by the W.M. and officers at Ero Laacalles’ Hotel, where an excellent banquet waa provided.

Fobestby at Eaiapoi.—-On Wednesday evening the district officers of the Foresters paid a visit to Kaiapoi in connection with the opening of _ a Female Lodge of Foresters. The district officers present were D. 0.8. Bro Simpson and D.B, Bro T. Gapes, who were assisted in the opening ceremonies by Sisters Courtney and Stevens, of the Court Queen of Canterbury. The number of female members elected was fifteen, and the following were appointed officers of the new Court:—O.E., Sister Stevenson ; 5.0. E., Sister Alice Coleman 5 Secretary, Sister Edith Coleman; S.W., Sister Hill; J.W., Sister Ching; 5.8., Sister Ellen ; LB,, Sister Hendy; medical officers, Drs Parsons and Murray. The newly-elected officers were then duly installed by Sister Courtney, of Queen of Canterbury Court. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the visitors, and ware suitably acknowledged. Tea, coffee and light refreshments were provided by Court Woodford officers, and several hours were spent in music, singing and dancing. Flower Show at Exccaeton.—A chrysanthemum show waa held yesterday at Eiccarton, in the Church of England schoolroom, and met with great success. It waa originally started by the incumbent (the Rev W. T. P. Winter) as a semiprivate show, in order to sea what interest would be taken. Thera was a large number of exhibits, and the room waa crowded with visitors both in the afternoon and evening. The judges, who were appointed by the Christchurch Chrysanthemum Club, were Messrs S. Anstey and G. I'd, Small. The amateur classes contained some vary fair specimens, and in one or two classes some very good blooma were shows. Several stands of chrysanthemums wore shown for exhibition oaly by Mr Anatoy, Mr Wilson and Mrs Pollard. A large number of bouquets, vases and baskets and table decorations were shown for competition. Several classes for children's exhibits wero a feature of the show, and created a largo amount of interest and keen competition. The grapes and apples exhibited by Mr P. Taylor were much admired. Mr Fletcher made a good display of vegetables. In view cf the success of this year’s experiment, it is probable that in future the show will be extended. Acknowledgment.—Mr Herrick desires to acknowledge with sincere thanks receipt of the following during the past fortnight : Clothing, Mrs G. Csllandar, Ministering Angels’ League per Mrs Bowan, Lady Friend, Mesdamea Styche, Craig, Palb, J. Barrett, Stephens, Colborae-Veol, Misses Shanks, Giessen and Cox, Mesdamea Buckley, Spiller, Goode, Loonies, Laurie, Yvilaon, M’Miiltin, Gaarder, Eaiapoi Friends and Armagh Street Friend; food remains, Phillipstowu harvest thanksgiving, Greondalo Primitive Methodist bazaar; pastry. Friends; honey and flour, Mrs Munday and Friends; milk and provisions, Caledonian Society, Mrs Packover and Mrs Julius; broad, Mr Crovfo; boots and socks, Mesdameo Spilier, Thomas and Friend; new garments and material. Lady Hail and Dorcas Friends; crockery and tinware, Mr Miason; soap, Mr Hancock;' bedding, &c., Miss Pavitt; iron bedstead and bedding, &c.. Friend; meat. New Zealand Produce Company; sheep, Belfast Frozen Meat Company; potatoes, Mr Bird; vegetables, Mr Qimbleto and Mr Simpson ; trees, Messrs Reece and Gc., Meedamou Searall and Green; soup, Armagh Street Friend; dripping, Meadamea Baxter, Heave and WiShey; fish. Friend; periodicals, Friends and Mr Shiad; cash, Friend 2s Gd, Help 10s, H. C. Box 2s.

The Economic.™ With this morning’s Times appears a circular drawing attention to the opening of a new drapery warehouse. The name will give a good idea of the linos on which the proprietors mean to run tha concern. Wonderful values sra offered, and the price list certainly looks vary tempting. Opening to-day, Manchester Street, Clarlison’s Warehouse. 8148 Another Btb-openss.—The long-dia tance road records of both North and South Islands have been won on Zoalandia cycles by Shorland, who will rido no others. Best machines S2O. Ask for new catalogue. N. Oates Christchurch and Napier.-— [Advt.] A Year Ahead of the Times. —Wo are now fitting to "Rapids" ail 1885 Stanley Show improvements,namely, large tubing and chain wheels, detachable gear, narrow tread, swing chain adjustment and patent head-lock; finished second to none. Write for catalogue. Waller, Myhre end Co„ 43, Manchester Street.—[Aevt.l Gracious! —Have you seen C. H. aiaaiiing’B pretty and now display of Photographic Work just added as Studio ? If not, lose no time in doing’ so. Ilia Indian and Australian experience in the Art shows to what perfection it can ho brought. Patronised by .Royalty and Vioe-Koyalty. Studio, ISO, Colombo Street. XI2X6 Stan Disit and Pkeece, photographers by special appointment to Ilia Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Glasgow. Studio, high Street. — [A DVT.: Time Payments—£s Gd per week, Sr. fid per week, nine times daily. ‘X'o be sold cheap, Small deposit, balanco 2bfid weakly; no interest charged. Plan to bo seen and all information at ’ IV, Thomson's, ■152, Colombo Street,—[Adyt.T

The Show Grounds.— At the meeting of the committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association yesterday, a Bub-committes brought up a report recommending the erection of a grand stand on the show ground. The report wsn adopted, and a general meeting of the Association will be held on May 28 at 2 p.m. to confirm it. Geraldine Farmers’ Club.— At the monthly meeting of tbe club, at which Mr Webster preaided, in the absence of Mr M. C. Orbell (the president), a long discussion ensued on tbe Homo moat trade, in which several of the members took part. Tho general opinion was that the exportation of live sheep and cattle for the Home markets would ultimately causa tho frozen meat trade to almost entirely cease. It was decided that a ploughing match should be held this year, and a sub-committee was formed to carry out the necessary arrangements. Crown Lands.— At the meeting of the Laud Board yesterday, it waa decided to cancol several leases and licenses to occupy in oases where tenants were very much iii arrears, end had taken no notice of the Board’s circulars asking for payment. In several cases extension of time has been given, but where there is a probability that this will be of no avail, leases and licenses will continuo to be cancelled. It may be mentioned that rents throughout Canterbury are coming in considerably better than in former years, and in only a small number of cases has there been any necessity to press for payment.

Entertainment at Opawa.— A very successful entertainment was given in St Mark’s Schoolroom, Opawa, last evening, when there wsb a fairly large audience. The first part was taken up with a fairy play. Spellbound, the performers being a number of children attending Miss Calvert’s school. The children acted and sang very creditably. Master It. D. Vincent’s songs, “The Fairies” and “Angels Ever Bright and Pair” being encored. The stage was tastefully decorated with white chrysanthemums and evergreens, and the pretty dresses worn by the young performers were much admired. In the second part songs were fiveu by Mrs Townend, Miss A. Hardy, [iss Bonniugton, Mr March, Mr C. S. Bell and Mr Broadhursb. The Misses Bonnington sang a duet, Mias Hirtzall played a pianoforte solo, and Mr B. F. Nicholl gave a recitation. Misses Hirtzeli, Vincent and Talbot played the accompaniments.

Abowhentta Town Boasd.— -The usual monthly masting of this Board was hold on Wednesday evening 5 present—Mesara Aahwill (chairman), Carr, Frew, Bussell and Brown. Correspondence was read and dealt with. Deputations were received from several of the residents of Arowhenua on different subjects, all of which were dealt with satisfactorily by the Board. The Overseer's report was read and adopted. It was decided to call tenders for the formation of footpaths in Studholme Street. Mr Twomey asked if any assistance would be given by the Board to have wells sunk for lire prevention. The Board suggested that Mr Twomey should see what support he could obtain outside. The Overseer was instructed to see that the grades leading to the fords were properly made, and to inspect the footpath complained of by one of the deputations. It was decided to summon several defaulting ratepayers. Accounts to the amount of J 827 15s were passed for payment and the Board rose. ESCAPE OP A PRISONER. Joseph M. Poggan, a prisoner under sentence of seven years for burglary and other offences, escaped from the h&rd labour gang at Mount Cook prison, Wellington, yesterday afternoon. As he left his prison clothes behind it is believed that he had an accomplice. The authorities are at fault as to how ha managed to evade the sentries. THE TARIFF COMMISSION. The Tariff Commissioners have returned to Wellington, and will probably remain there until their report is finished. No fresh evidence will be offered in Wellington. SWINE FEVER. A notice appe&ra in the Gazette issued last evening that the lands of Mr J. C. Anderson, of Stirling, in the Mclynaux district, have been declared infected places under the Stock Act, as it has been reported that swine fever exists there. It is understood that Mr .1. A. Gilruth, Government veterinary surgeon, who is now in Christchurch will visit the Molyneux district for the purpose of supervising the arrangements made for suppressing the disease. Some days ago portions of the intestines of pigs bred iu that district and supposed to have been suffering from swine fever, or pig cholera, ns the disease is sometimes termed, were, in the absence of Mr Gilruth, submitted to Mr J. E. Chariton, M.E.C.V.S. That gentleman, after a careful examination, reported Chat the lesions were those of swine fever. It may be stated that this disease is the causa of such serious loss that the Imperial Parliament recently voted a large sum of money to bo devoted towards its extinction in Great Britain. POPULATION OP THE COLONY. The estimated population of the colony at the end of March, exclusive of Maoris, was 865.365 males and 334,110 females, total 689,475. The Maori population is estimated at 41,993, the grand total for the colony being 731,468. ALLEGED INTIMIDATION. A telegram from Auckland states that an important case was heard at thePaeroa Police Court, before Mr Eyre Kenny, S.M. Charles Harley, at the instance of Constable Beattie, was charged with having, on Feb. 25, attempted by means of threats, to dissuade Augustus Breaeon Watson from giving evidence at the Paoroa Magistrate’s Court during the hearing of &n assault case. Mr M’Ysgh, instructed by the Crown solicitor, appeared for the Crown, and Mr Clendcn for the defendant. The charge was kid under Section 121, Subsection 1, of the Criminal Code Act, 1894. Augustus B. Watson deposed that defendant had threatened on previous occasions to dismiss Watson and thrao other persona who were employes of bis if they went into Paeroa as witnesses iu the assault case. Henry Lets gave similar evidence, and Edward Woodward, Charles Harrod and Constable Beattie were also sworn. Accused renerved his defence, and was committed to take his trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court ia Auckland. Bail was allowed, accused himself ia <£so, and two sureties cf .£35 each.

OTAGO HASBOUS BOAED BONDS. At a meeting of the Otago Harbour Board yesterday the acting-Chairman and the Chairman ot the Finance Committee reported as follows on the oalo of the .■£14,000 of the Board's 5 nor coat consolidated debentures We have pleasure in reporting to the Board that in accordance with the authority given them the sale of .£14,000 of the Board’s 5 par cent consolidated debentures has bean effected locally in two lines at a price which yields a. margin over tho London prices on the Sleek Exchange, and which must prove a profitable investment to the purchasers. The low plicae to which, these bonds have fallen in the London market is quite inexplicable, and it is gratifying to find that local capitalists are turning their attention to a class of securities which have been too long neglected. The price in the London market at present yields to the purchaser a rata of interest equal to 6 per cant, the bonds having thirty-four years to run, and the security being undoubted, as practically it is the security of tho whole property of the people themselves. It may be as well to note that the debentures sold are bonds that have bean released under the conversion scheme, which has been gradually progressing sines 188 G, and does, not increase tho annusl charge for interest, ns the amount represents wa&t has been paid off the (! : rr cent in hi eg fund bonds of the loan of 1814, Wu nave to acknowledge the able assistance given us by the .Manuger oS the Bank ofNew Zealand (Me

Miebio), in. bringing to a successful issue i the sale of the debentures.” It I was mentioned that the sale bad been s made without any charge for conymasion. | PAID FIRE BRIGADES. _ | Councillor Myers has given notice to | movo at the next meeting of the Wei-1 lington City Council—" That the Council take into consideration the advieablenssa | of a scheme for the inauguration of a paid permanent flro brigade, the cost of the same to be borne in equal proportions by the Government, the corporation and the insurance companies.” HALF-A-CEOWN. Just now in America the Yankee is i raging over the crime of 1873, when, j silver was deprived! of free coinage and j legal tender.* To-day wa are taking the ; silver half-crown as weakly payments for j strong second-hand ordinary Bicycles, rang- s ijjg in price from eight half-crown?. The t. line umot bo cleared,— Adams, Ourtieß and | Co., 78, Manchester St., Christchurch. SI