TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10651, 11 May 1895, Page 5

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

j Contents.— Russia, Great Britain and land Prance ate apparently taking concerted action in regard to the recent atrocities in Armenia, and a Russian note to the Porte requests that reforms should be immediately carried out. It appears that Japan abandoned part of bar claim against China only when it was manifest by the extensive warlike preparations made that Russia was determined to enforce her demands. The Shaw, Savill and Albion Company has replied to the request of Mr Reynolds that it is impossible to reduce the freight charges on dairy produce carried from •New Zealand to London. The New Zealand Shipping Company has referred the request to the Colonial Board. Pears are expressed in soma quarters in Victoria jtbat, should the freotrade policy outlined in the Financial Statement delivered by the Premier and Treasurer of New South Wales 'on Thursday be carried into effect, the fact Id Sydney being made a freotrade port ■will divert trade thence from Melbourne. .The Government has acceded to the requests that an inquiry into the management of the Christchurch Hospital should be |held,.and Dr Giles, formerly magistrate at Auckland, has been appointed a Royal Commissioner to take evidence.

! Insurance.— la an advertisement on the front page of this issue Messrs F. I Archer and Co. announce that they hold tthe agencies of the Royal Eire Insurance Company and the British and Foreign Marine Insurance Company.

j Cbxcebt. The Canterbury Cricket Association’s annual presentation of cups and other trophies, won during the past 'season, will take place at the hall of the Chamber of Commerce next Saturday 'evening. Light refreshment's will be provided.

| Chrysanthemum-growing. A large ■number of people availed themselves yesterday of Dr Irving’s invitation to the ■public to inspect the chrysanthemums growing in his garden. Market Square. The exceedingly due blooms, still of great jbeauty, though it is rather lata in the season, excited general admiration. They ,'wili again be open for public inspection 'from 2 to 4 :> p.m- to-morrow.

I Mutual Improvement, The Ashley Mutual Improvement Society held a very ißncceasanl “social” in the schoolroom on jMay 3. At a meeting held on Thursday evening papers "were read by the editor, !Mp J. Voss, on “ How to Read a Book,” .“Gloves,” “Old-age Pensions” “Early ’Rising,” “ Visit to the Kaiapoi Clothing Factory,” “Donkeys,” “Ashley Market iEoport ” and “ The Last Social.” Mr W. G. Whiteside, the president, occupied the chair.

| Temusa Pbesbxtbeiak Ceuhoh. A bazaar in connection with this church took place on Thursday. In spite of the rain, the attendance in the evening was very good. The stalls looked very well, and were ably managed. The evening was 'taken up with a promenade conceit, which 'consisted of songs and glees by the members of the choir. The Eev Mr Dickson jthanked those present for their attendance. The bazaar was very successful, a net profit of £SO being the result.

! Chambeb of Commep.ce. —The monthly meeting of the committee of the Chamber |o£ Commerce was held yesterday afterjnoon; present—Messrs G. Humphreys, [president, in the chair, Eoper. Stxuthera, lEeecs, Waymouth, Mearea, Gibbs, Booth [and Chrystail. Apologies were received if or the absence of Messrs Kaye and [Tyree. A sub-committee was appointed to deal with the question of letting the 'Chamber for meetings. The question of ‘the importation of explosives was brought up, and it was pointed out that, as iLytteltoa was very seldom .the first port [of call, powder was generally unloaded at Dunedin, stored in the magazine there, [and sent by rail to Christchurch, thus adding consderably to the charges. The form of income tax return was discussed at great length, but no definite decision was ■arrived at. The quarterly general meeting was fixed for May 31.

Habwaeden. —A deputation from the .Eomaa Catholic congregation waited upon the Eev Father Traacy at the Presbytery, Harwarden, on Tuesday .last, to present him with an address and a puras of sovereigns on the occasion of his leaving for a tour of Australia and New Zialand. The address, which was signed by Marian E. Lance, Eichard Wright, James Butler, John Hayes, Joseph Hobau, Cyril T. White, and about Sixty others, expressed heartfelt sorrow at the reverend gentleman’s departure, which was necessitated by the partial breakdown of his health after years of arduous labour in attending to a very large and scattered parish. The signatories further expressed their gratitude to Father Treacy for his care for their ■ spiritural welfare and his zeal and success in imparting religious instruction to the young; and, in conclusion, they bagged his acceptance of a purse of sovereigns as . tangible evidence cf their feelings. Father * Treacy suitably acknowledged the presentations, On leaving Harwarden on Thursday, he was ,tbe object of a popular ovation, a large number of people being at the railway station to see him off.

i Conceet at Little Eivee. —'A concert 'was held in the Maori Hall, Little Elver, oa Tuesday evening, foe the benefit of Mr 'James Chapman, who recently lost his right hand through an accident at the Terawera Sawmills. The hall was crowded, and a largo number were un&blo to 'gain admission. Mr W. H. Montgomery presided, and referred to the sympathy felt throughout the district for the unfortunate young man. A capital programme was provided, and most of the items wore redemsnded. Songs were given by Mrs Wright, Mias Buchanan, and .Messrs Belrcer, Hutchinson, Hilbert, Myers and Sands; glees by Mrs Wright, Miss Morrow, and Messrs E. Coop and S. Harris; and a duet by Miss Buchanan and Hr Hutchinson. The accompaniments were played by Misses A. Coop and H. Buchanan and .Mr Warren. The Tornwera Minstrels contributed two amusing items, :ha principal parts in which were 'taken >y leaara Sands, Balmer, W. Chapman, W. Davis,, Moyers, E, and H. .Smith, and G. Sr :tmere. The musical parts were eupilied by Meoars E. Coop, Humphreys and i. Smith. Tho cenory provided for the iccaaion was the work of Mr/Sands. Tho Eoceeda from the concert, and dauce-which

Bazaar.— The bazaar at Kaiapoi drew a crowded attendance on Thursday evening, when the attractions included the electric light and band music.

Workers’ Union. A special general meeting of the New Zealand Workers’ Union ""will be he'd at the offices, Manchester Street, at 7.30 this evening. Little River.— l Oa Tuesday a special excursion train will leave the Christchurch Station at 10 a.m. for Little River in connection with the annual sale of timber at the Terawera sawmills.

Chrysanthemum Club.— The annual meeting of the Christchurch Chrysanthemum Club will take place at the Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s rooms on Thursday nest, at 8 p.m. A Storm.— About 6 p.m. yesterday a strong south-west gale sprang up, accompanied by heavy rain and a few vivid flashes of lightning and peals of thunder. The wind moderated withia an hour, but the rain continued during the night.

Gold Specimens. —Thera are now on exhibition at the shop of Messrs Coates and Co. a sample of quartz from the famous Londonderry mine at Coolgardis, showing gold in what may be almost termed masses, and a cake of retorted gold, 15oz in weight, from the Zealandia mine at Kew, West Australia.

The Volunteers.— lt is rumoured that there will bo no field day on the Queen’s Birthday this year, as orders have been received from Wellington not to call a parade on that day. The annual dinner of the volunteer officers o£ the Canterbury district will be held at Warner’s Hotel at 8 p.m. on May 24. The Opera House.— The Tivoli Company, which is at present playing ia Dunedin, will open at the Opera House for a short season on Friday next.—Mr M. Marcus, who took the Belle Colo Concert Company through the colony, has engaged the Opera House for the Gwen Davis Musical Drawing-room Sketch and Concert Party, who will arrive here about the middle of nest month.

Chess.— A pleasant evening was spent at Sydenham on Thursday evening, when the Linwood and Sydenham Chess Clubs met in friendly contest, which resulted in a decisive victory for the visitors by seven games to two. On the Linwood side, Messrs Cooke, W. Fraser, Marriott, Perry, T. E. Fraser, Loagaet and Handisidea scored wins, while Messrs Spiller and M’Laaaon registered the points for Sydenham.

Personal.— The Rev J. Thorne, who is announced to preach at the Bible Christian Church to-morrow, is the son of the Rev James Thorne, one of the founders of the Bible Christian denomination. Mr Thorne’s ministerial career, both in the Old Country and South Australis, has been attended with great success. He is en route for England, with his sister. Miss Thorne, in order to be present at the celebration of his late father’s centenary.

Mobeis-tube Shooting.— The Eaagiora Morris-tube Club commenced a aeries of competitions for Mrs A. T. Hay’s trophy on Thursday evening. Thera were a largo number of competitors, and the highest scorers were:—R. Walker (2) 33, J, Garty (3) S 3, A. Payne (4) S 3, J. W. Weara (2) 33, R. Cook (6) 33, H. Holcroffc (3) 33, H. Gulliver (scr) 31, C. d’Auvergne (scr) 81, G. Jordon (1) 31, J. Saasom (2) 31, J. Fraser (6) 31, J. M’Kechnie (8) 31, A, Tyler (4) 30, W. Efforcl (scr) 30, M. Scott eea. (1) 30, B. d’Auvergne (scr) 30. The Cunaed Family.-— This company finished their Dunedin season last evening, and will open on Monday at the Opara House. Their entertainment consists of song and dance, instrumentation, vocalisation and conjuring. It ia said to be unique of its kind, and seems to have been appreciated in Dunedin,'where the company played both in the Theatre and at the City Hall. Misa Helen Gordon is the principal singer, whilst Mr Cunard produces the newest London -sensation in the ” cabinet trank trick.”

—A very large gathering assembled in the Kimberley schoolroom, on Wednesday evening to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs Hugh M’Clslland and family, who are leaving the district. ’ Mr O. M’Caualand was voted to the chair. Mr Hcymaa, after referring to the esteem in which Mr and Mrs M’Clolland were held in the district, presented them with a handsome dinner service and valuable Egyptian water jug and tea-tray. On behalf of the Bible Christian Church, the Eev J. G. W. Ellis then presented them with an illuminated address. Mr M’Clelland suitably replied. Theatbe Eoxal. —Notwithstanding the heavy rain, there was a very fair audience at the Theatre Soyal last night, when Pollard’s Opera Company repeated Oliveite. The opera went with great spirit and brightness, and what the audience lacked, in numbers it made up in enthusiasm, encores being tho order of the evening. This evanOffeabach's work, Madame Favart, will be played. On Monday La Fille du Tamhour Major will be played; on Tuesday Les Cloche s de Corncville-, and on Wednesday and Thursday The Merry War, an opera composed by Johann Strauss, will be etaged.

Templeton. —A very enjoyable entertainment was provided in the Bible Christian Churchj Templeton, on Thursday evening. Addresses were delivered by tho Eeva Orchard, Ginger and Ellis ; songs wore contributed by Misses Watson, Eyan and Orchard, and Messrs S. and M. Orchard. The Misses Wallace and Reynolds and Master Faulkner gave several recitations. At the conclusion of a capital programme, tea and coffee, with the usual edibles, ware served to tho audience by Meadames John Voice, Overead, Watson. Marigold and Ellis. The social was a .-great success in every way.

A Populab Pp.3Achee.— -Those who last year heard the eloquent, addresses delivered in Christchurch by the Eev J. Anderson Gardiner, of the Bluff, will bo pleased to learn that he is about to revisit this city. He will taka part in the anniversary services and “ social" in connection wifca St Andrew’s Church next weak, and will also deliver a popular lecture on “ Robert Burns” on Monday, May 20. The Eev Anderson Gardiner has been chosen as minister of Port Chalmers Presbyterian Church, and to-morrow he is to take a leading part at Knox Church, Dunedin, in a memorial service to the late Eav Dr Stuart.

League of the Ceoss.— The usual weakly meeting of tho League of the Cross was held on Thursday, in the ProCathedral library. The Eev Father Galerae presided. After the usual routine business the programme of the evening was submitted, comprising a pianoforte solo by Master John Shaaey, violin solo by Mr J. Farley, concertina solo by Mr H. Donnelly, tin-whistle solo by Mr J. Foley, violin duet by Messrs J. Farley and J, Griffin, and cornet solo by Mr J. Foley. The Eev Father Galerno contributed a French song, being accompanied by Mr J. Farley on the violin, and received an encore. A vote of thauka was passed to the members who had helped to make fcho meeting a success.

Farewell “ Social.” —On Wednesday evening tho residents of Brosdfielda gave a farewell “social” to Mr and Mra Dunnett, who have had charge of the achooi for over ton years. Mr Dunuot has recently been appointed to the charge of the, Hornby school. The “ social ” took the form-of -a 3qppap and dance. Upwards of one hundred guests, including many friends from a distance, sat down to supper,'which was liberally provided by the ladies of the disciicc. Supper concluded, Mrs Uanaett was presented with a handsome silver teapot and silver crust as a alight token of the esteem in. which she ws» held in the Mr Leslie, chairman of the School Committee, made the presentation. Mr M. E. Eycu then presented Mr Dunnett with a handsome silver-mounted pipe as a mark of respect and eateom from the residents. During the intervals between the speeches songs were given by Mra Leslie, Messrs Freeman, English, W. Gooktoa and J. Eyan. Mr Daanett mutably returned thanks on behalf of Mrs Dunnett and himself. \

I Forestry. —On Monday evening b. { special general meeting of Court Star of ! Canterbury, A.0.F., will be held at 7.30, to t consider the revision of by-laws.

Aquatic.— The annual social gathering of the Y.M.C.A. Sowing Club will take place on Thursday evening nest, when a programme including electrical experiments will be provided. School Committees, An advertisement in another column gives particular!! of School Committee elections in districts where the householders neglected to elect committees at the general meetings of householders. Exhibition of Pictures. Messrs Wadham and Sinclair's exhibition of paintings from Hew Zealand, New South Wales, South Australia and England, at the hall of the Chamber of Commerce, continues to be well patronised by the public. Yesterday a large number of people visited the exhibition. Masonic.— At the monthly meeting of the Ashley Masonic Lodge, Rangiosa, held on Thursday evening, Bro G. F. Smith, S.W., was elected W.M. for the coming year, and Bro A, B. Blackett was reelected treasurer. The Finance Committee was appointed, and arrangements wore made for the installation of officers.

Rolleston School Committee. —The usual monthly meeting of the Rolleston School Committee was held on Thureday evening; present—Messrs Needham (chairman), Newton, Harris, Bennie and Farrell. The master’s report for the month showed the number on the roll to b 9 54, the average attendance being 845, The report was considered very satisfactory. The sum of 4a was passed for payment and the meeting closed.

Burglary in Colombo Street.—Yesterday morning it was discovered that the shop of Mr G. Piercy, grocer, Colombo Street, had been entered by burglars, and 1161 bof tobacco, valued at ,£32, stolen. The thieves had cut out a pane of glass from a window of the office at the back of the shop, undone the fastening of the window and taken the tobacco from a shelf in the shop. The front window of the latter was not covered by a blind, and the night was bright moonlight. Good Templaey.— At the weekly meeting of the Desire of Sydenham lodge, held on May 2, Bro Forest, L.D., installed the following officers for the ensuing quarter; C.T., Bro Kennealy; V.T., Sinter Reynolds • S.J.T., Sister Kennealy; C., Sister Cummins ; financial secretary. Sister Forest; secretary, Bro Chapman ; treasurer, Bro Tomson ; marshal. Sister Sullivan; guard, Bro Wilson, jua.; P.C.T., Bro Wilson, sen. j assistant secretary, Sister Ferrans; Den. M„ Sister Clark. Ashburton Rifle Club.— The match for the championship of this Club was fired on Thursday afternoon. The conditions were seven shots each at 200, 300 and 500yds, the highest scorer to hold the champion onp for the year and receive All cash, the second highest scorer to receive 12s 63 and the third highest scorer 7s 6d, The following are the scores of the three prize-winners:—S. Salek 200yds 30, 300yds 19; 500yds, 20, total 69; E. Donn 22, 21, 18, total 63; J, Wilson 28, 10, 28, total 61. Marram Grass. —Yesterday afternoon* bis Worship the Mayor, the Chairman of the Reserves Committee and Councillor Prudhoe, with the City Surveyor, visited the Shirley Reserve, in order to inspect the work which has been done there in clearing and levelling. It was found that the marram grass which was planted there was growing exceedingly well. A ton of plants of this grass has been ordered, and it is intended to ret part of them in a bolt of the Shirley Reserve about twelve chains long and two chaiha wide, and to plant the remainder oa the reserve at New Brighton.

Proposed New Volunteer Corps. —For some time past efforts have been made to form another company of infantry in Christchurch, eo as to bring the number up to four, that required to constitute a battalion. Up to the present, however, no practical result has been arrived at. The chief obstacle is in connection with finance. It is estimated that the cost of uniforming a company of sixty men would be JS3OO, and it appears that there is very little prospect oil raising that sum. A gentleman who wag, in years gone by, a very efficient and successful officer, has been approached on the subject of raising and commanding the corps.

Industrial Association. A meeting of the committee of the Industrial Association wf.b held on Thursday evening; present—Messrs H. B. Kirk (president, in the chair), E. C. Bishop. J. Dunaa, A. H. Hancock, B. 3D. M’Dougali, N. Oates, J. L. Scott and J. E. Triggu. Tho sub-committee reported' that satisfactory arrangements had been made to obtain the use of the drillshed, and also suggested extending the Exhibition Committee, issuing circulars to probable exhibitors, and fixing the data of opening the exhibition. Wednesday, August 28, was selected ss the opening day of she exhibition, a draft circular was accepted, and an extended Committee was selected with power to add to its number, and ,to meet on Monday, May 27, to form sub-committees for the various branches in connection with tho forthcoming exhibition. Messrs W. Edwards and E. Priest ware elected members.

j Wodlstoh. —The Wesleyan Church at Woolstoa was crowded on Sunday, when the newly-appointed minister, the Eav Elliott, preached for the first time. lu the evening many wars unable to gain 1 admission. On Tuesday a “ social ” was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, and was very well attended. Hr Matthew Gimblotb presided, and on behalf of the congregation welcomed the Eev Mr Elliott to Woolston. Speeches wore given by Messrs G. J. Smith, M.H.E., England and she Sevs H. E. Dewsbury and F. W. Isitt. Vocal and instrumental items ware given by the following ladies and gentlemen Misses Moody, Ellison (2), Milne, Reave, Williams and Spsnsley, Messrs Hensley, JarI fens (2), 'Firth and Sponisloy. Mieses i Ellison, Faulkner, Moody and Spcnslsy ; played the accompaniments. Eafreshmefe s ; were handed round, and a most enjoyable s evening was brought to a close by tho | Benediction. I Haedwabe Sale. —A hardware sale in | this-city must be somewhat of a rarity, as Messrs Ashby, Berghand Co., the successful tenderers in the estate of Fiaiated and Co., in liquidation, announce in their circular supplement enclosed with this issue, that “ only two sales similar to the one they are | now holding have occurred in Christchurch during the past 189-1 years.” The public will, therefore, most propably regard this occasion, as something of a novelty, and consequently, study the various bargains offered with considerable interest. A point the successful tenderers wish, however, to particularly impress upon the public is this ; —The premises must be vacated at a ; very early data, and that in order to affect an entire clearance of tho still heavy stocks, phenomvnal reductions will be i made. Those who wish to taka advantage | o£ this opportunity should, therefore, attend early. The sale is being held in the premises formerly occupied by Fleered and Co., Limited, in Colombo Street. 8236

A Year Ahead ov the Times.—We nre now fitting to “Eapids” 3.11 189 d 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 and Co., 48, Manchester Street.— [Asvt.] Ghaciovs ! —Have you soon C. H. Manning's pretty and new display of Photographic Wort just added at Studio ? If not, lose no time in doing so. His Indian and Australian experience in the Art shows to what x>erfcctiou it can ho brought. Patronised by Eoyalty and Vice-Eoyalfcy. Studio, 150, Colombo Street. IQ2IG Standish Aim PfiEECs, photographers by special appointment to his Excellency tho Governor and the Countess ol Glasgow. Studio, High Street.— [AovT. i Time Payments—2s 6d per week, 2s Sd per week, 167 Sections, quarter and half-acres, tho favourite place for piemen at Kew Brighton North. Trams iiine times daily. To he sold cheap. Small deposit, balance 2a (id weekly; no,interest charged. Plan to be seen and all information, at Wi.Xh.OWOa’P,

Town Board.— Messrs J. G. Harris and J. Wilson have been elected to fill extraordinary vacancies on the Atsberlcy Town Board.

Heathcote Road Board. —Mr Henry Mace has been elected, without opposition, to represent the Bromley ward on the Heathcote Road Board.

The Lyceum. —Mr W. W, Collins will give the second of the aeries of biological lectures in the Lyceum to-morrow, the subject being, “ Micro-orgauisma, or Revelations of the Microscope/’ Political.— Mr Meredith, M.H.E. for Ashley, will address his constituents at Amberley on Monday evening. Oa Tuesday evening, Mr W. H. Montgomery, M.H.R. for Ellesmere, will address the electors at the schoolroom, Pigeon Bay, at 7.20.

Breach op the Licensing Act.—At the Christchurch Magistrate’s Court yesterday, John Nixon, against whom a prohibition order had been made under section 167 of the Licensing Act, 1881, was fined £lO and costs for purchasing a glass of beer at Coker’s hotel.

St Albans Wesleyan Church. —The Rev William Baumbar, of Wellington, has arrived to conduct the dedicatory services in the, new St Albans Wesleyan Church. He will preach morning and evening^in the now church, and address the Sunday school scholars in the afternoon iu the old building.

The Savage Club.—Oh Monday evening next the Savage Club vrill hold the opening “ korero ” of the present season iu the hail of the Chamber of Commerce, which has been engaged for the season. The inaugural ceremony of installing the newly-elected Chief Savage (Dr Jennings) will ba performed, and a very good programme hsi been provided. Band op Hope. —The monthly meeting of St George’s Band of Hope was held in the Temperance Hall, Eirwee, on Monday evening. Mr J. W. Belgrave presided, and uowarda of 140 members and visitors were ‘present. A very attractive programma was successfully carried out by Mrs Groakill, Misses Cowan, Croskili, Drummond (3), Pairbairn and Lilley, Messrs Cowan, Dixon, Belgrave, Finlay, Goodwin, Hitchens, M’Lelland, Oaklsy ana Simpson. Misses Croskill and Meredith acted aa accompanists. Seats in Cathedral Square. —A very acceptable gift has been made to the city by Mr Alfred Cox, oa behalf of himself and a few friends. It consists of a couple of octagonal seats to be placed around the two birch trees which flank the Godley status. The construction of the seats is to be put in hand at once. It would be well if other persons would follow Mr Cox’s example by providing seats for other parts of the city, notably those places on the East and North Belts where intending passengers by the trams have to wait for the cars.

Lantern Entertainment.— On Thursday night Mr Walter Burke gave an excellent lantern entertainment at the Institute Hall, Esngiora, in aid of the library funds. Owing to two counter attractions and the wet night, the attendance was but moderate. The elides, 198 ia number, were, with one exception, the work of Mr Burke, and included his amusing aeries of typical swaggers and sundowners and a large number of scenes on the West Coast Road, the whole being dascribad by Mr Burke in a happy manner. The frequent applause proven that the entertainment was appreciated as its merits deserved. Mr Beardriy worked the limelight apparatus, which showed tho pictures to tba best advantage.

EVENING- CLASSES IN GERALDINE. As as outcome of a lattes sent by Ms T. G. Ramie, bead-master of the Geraldine Public School, to tbs Board of Education and the local committee, in regard to establishing evening classes in that township, a messing wots held a few evenings a-jo, at -whiok forty young persons enrolled themselves for instruction, and several gentlemen formed c.n Evening Class Association. The Association met on. Thursday last, and it was decided that the first night for the classes to commence should be on Tuesday nest, whan tho formal opening would be celebrated with addresses by the Rev A. Bruce Todd and Mr W. S. Maslin, M.H.R. Mr Robertson, second master of the Public School, will assist Mr Parma in the work.

EXPLORATION IN OTAGO. The Otago Daily Times’ special corrasnoadent eta-tea that the Melbourne Leader expedition has returned to Mossburn from Milford Sound. New country was explored and some new discoveries wore made. An attempt to climb Mount Balloon was frustrated by the weather. _ A now glacier and a small lake at a high altitude were discovered. One glacier extended to the bush line only a thousand feet above sea level. SUNDAY SERVICES. At the Cathedral to-morrow the Eev Canon Harper will preach in the morning and the Eev W. A. Pascoe in the evening. At the Durham Street Wesleyan Church the Eav F. W. Isitt will preach in the morning and the Bev H. B. Dewsbury in the evening. At the East Belt the Eev H. E. Dewsbury will preach in the morning and the Eev W. J. Elliott in the evening. Mr J. T. Smith will conduct the service at Sumner Public Schoolroom. The Eev T. A. Meyer will preach at the Gorman Church at 11 a.m. Dedication services will be continued at the St Albans Wesleyan Church, when the offertories will bo in aid of the Building Fund. A gospel temperance meeting will be held at the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church at 8 p.m., when addresses will he given by the Seva W. Scorgie and E. Erwin and Mr G. J, Smith, M.H.B. Services in connection with Our Father’s Church will bo held at 10 and 11 a,m. and at 7 p.m. la the afternoon the second of a series of lectures on the Chicago Parliament of Religions will be given. At the Lower High Street Bible Christian Church the Eev B. H. Ginger will preach in the morning and the'Esv J. Thorne ia the evening. In the afternoon a united service will bo conducted by the Eav J. Thorn-?. At the Addington Bible Christian Church the Esv J. Thorne will preach ia the morning and the Eev A. Mitchell in the evening. At the Primitive Methodist Church, Cam- | bridge Terrace, anniversary services will | ba held. The Eev W. Sccrgio will prsaoh j in the morning, the Eev J. J. Dote in the ; afternoon and the Eav E, Erwia in the | evening. j THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES BY I CHILDREN. j A telegram from Auckland sajs;— People are not generally aware that shore ia a law ia force respecting the employment of children ia licensed but a case heard at Whangavei Defers Mr A. S. Bush, S.M., of Auckland, has brought this fact into prominence. The defendant in the case was Donald Disnie, the well- j known athlete, who is at present touring j the north with a Variety Company. Ha j was charged by the police under section 5, j sub-section 6, cf the Children's Protection | Act, 1890, with allowing ha daughter, tan years of age, to take part ia a performance | at which prices of admission were charged, i Defendant did not appear, but sent a | letter from Eikerangu, dated one week back, stating that ho could not attend | the Court until the end or the month,! as his advance agent bad made \ engagements. Constable Skeabau, in his | evidence, stated that on April 27 ho j visited the Theatre Eoyal at Whnngarei | and saw the defendant there. Witness I asked defendant irhohad n permit for his I daughter to appear. Defendant then j turned to hia wife, who waa present, and j asked her if she had it. She replied to her j husband, “ No, you have got it.” Vitnesa then informed defendant and bis wih that j If the performance took place, snl hia j daughter, under ten years, took past, !4 j prosecution would follow. Witness j visited the theatre at 8 p.m. on Apifl I 27, and he witnessed the girl perform j from 8 p.ui. till 9 p.m. She than remained! ia the ticket office till 10.30 p.m. ; The child was advertised ou tho posters n? being

«bought that she was between seven and

nine veavsef ago. Corroborative evidence wsq given. Mr Bush, S.M., imposed a tine of'£s with costs, in default fourteen days’ imprisonment.

TARIFF COMMISSION. The time for completing the | Commission’s report has boas, extended till 1 the end of She month.

SHEFFIELD POLICE STATION. The Government has decided to proceed with the erection of a police station at Sheffield, Canterbury, at a cost of £2OO, THE WAITAKI ISLANDS. The Lands Department recently proposed to let tho islands in the Waitaki for the purpose of down the j rabbits wh. which, they are inieafcea. Ihe | email settlers along tba course of the river have been iu the habit of running cattle I on these isb-nda, and would rather pay a 1 moderate rental than lose their pasturage. I Representations have been made oa their behalf by Messrs Steward and Duncan, M.H.R.’e, and meanwhile the islands have j been withdrawn to enable some arrangeS meat to be made.

TARANAKI PETROLEUM SPRINGS. A New Plymouth journal says-An there ia great iafccrast taken in fcae boring operations at Mofcuroa, wa have applied to Ms Samuel for information ao to the progress bciag made. We learn that Mr Fair, after eucosediagin clearing the bore, renamed drilling 1 , and founts, as ha anticipated, at the depth of 873 feet previously reached, soft oily matter, from which good indications of oil wars obtained. But, after a few feet, hard papa rock was again reached, and thus the hopes that_ were entertained, that a largo deposit of oil was reached, wore dispelled. Mr Fair has now bored down to about 900 feet, and ia at present on hard papa rack, but be still hopes to reach payable oil before bus, contract depth of 1000 feet is attained. A CORRECTION. Sir K, Stout has written to Professor Morris, of Melbourne, correcting Sir G. Grey’s reference to the late Chief Justice Siginbotli&m, of Victoria, quoted ia Professor’s, memoir. Sir E. Stout thinks that Sir G. Grey must have forgotten the actual facta when he said that if Chief Justice Higiubotham had b«ea able to come to New Zealand as arbitrator in. the difficulty with the Maoris much bloodshed would have been spared. Sir Robert says that ia 1878, when the Native Lawsuits Act was brought ia. Chief Justiee Higicbotham agreed to act as commissioner under it, but that Bill was dropped before the end of the session, and no anpointmenfc consequently was made. No difficulty had arisen with the Natives, and of course there had been no bloodshed since 1875. At that time Sir G. Grey did ; not know Chief Justice idiginbotham, and it was at Sir E. Stout’s suggestion that ha was selected. THE-SAN FRANCISCO MAIL, The Alameda, with the English mails of April 20, loft San Francisco for Auckland on May 2, time-table data. The Mariposa, with the colonial mails of-April 20, arrived at San Francisco on May 9, time-table date. THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE. The Due d’Orleans, who is a Chartered Life Fellow of the Imperial Institute, has placed his collection of sporting trophies, costumes, arms, fabrics, and curiosities—collected ,by him mainly in British dependencies, and now at Stowe Houoo, Bucks—at the disposal of the Prince of Wales. The President has accordingly given directions for the collection to be placed in one of the galleries of the Imperial Institute. The fauna from India, British Central and South Africa, and Somaliland are admittedly superior to those contained in any other _ public or private collection. The life-size objects have, in many instances, been moat artistically preserved, mounted and grouped. The Berios of heads and horns, which represent the Duke’s hunting prowess in Centra! and South Africa, comprise nearly every kaovrn variety of African large game. Altogether there are between 2000 and 3000 birds, beasts and reptiles included in tha collection, Tha dresses and ait fabrics, especially those from India, are rare and costly. Tha collection will,'says a London paper, be ready for public exhibition at to.a commencement of the summer season at the imperial Institute in May.

NEW SOUTH WALES PRODUCE, The New South Yfales Agricultural Department ia rapidly turning the AgeatGeaeral’a office into a great produce emporium. By the Guif of Genoa the Department baa forwarded a lot of poultry from theHawkeabury Agricultural College. The special feature of the shipment is that it will be an experiment in space saving. Economy is being practised in packing eo as to reduce the charges for freight aa much as possible. Mr Sydney Smith ia also despatching fifty bago of Eivarina barley for Sir Saul Samuel to test the market with, as there is said to be a good demand in England for malt. The AgentGeneral has been requested to watch both malt and chickens, and rouse up London to purchase. It ia intended nhorfcly to try the Agency-General with some beeswax. The manager of the Grocers’ Association in I London haa communicated with Sir Saul ! Samuel, asking whau chances there ara for a regular supply of pura wax, as the Aosoci--1 atiou will pay a minimum of £7 10s per j cwt., cash on delivery. It ako wants a j shipment of virgin whits war, and for this |it will give a higher figure. The depart- | mesfc has sent the order on to the firm which recently, under its auspices, sent to London a quantity of honey. THE CHINESE OATH. A good deal of amusement was (eaya a Dunedin paper) created in Court at Waiksis on Tuesday by the informant in a cose in which four Chinamen were charged with assault. The complainant exhibited great dissatisfaction when the accused were s worn on the Bible, and ha appeared in Court with three fowls under his arm, and, pointing to the man, kept on repeating, <( Kill ’im cock.” The Chinaman who commits par jury after solemnly decapitating a rooster is supposed to ba destined after death to for evermore assume the shape of a feathered biped without a head, aad euch an awful punishment was alone sufficient in the complainant’s opinion to deter the accused from giving a i wrong version cf the affair, and frequent and loud were his protestations when it waa elected they should be sworn in a Christian fashion. It was alleged against ■ them that they had ruthlessly bastinadoed tho accusing John on the suspicion that he had informed fcha polieo against one of them in a recant sly grog-selling case, and after a good deal of evidence tho Magistrate (Mr Hawkins) held the charge of assault proven. They wore each fined A 3, and costa £2 4s, and ordered to eater into their own recognisances ia the sum of .€25 and ono surety of a like amount that thoy would keep the peace for eix months. HALF-A-GEO WN. Just now in America the Yankee ia raging over crime of 1673, when silver was deprived cf free coinage and legal tender. ' , To-day we are taking the silver half-crown as weekly payments for strong second-hand or iinary Bicycles, ranging ia price from eight half-crowns. The lino must be cleared.—Adams, Ourties and Go., 78, Manchester St,, Christchurch, XI