TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10652, 13 May 1895, Page 5

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Contents.— lt is stated that the Great Powers will not reduce their squadrons in Chinese waters until the terms of peace between China and Japan have been finally settled. The Hon J. G. Ward has been invited by the Canadian Government to visit the Dominion to discuss makers affecting Canada and New Zealand. Mr Ward will accept the invitation should his engagements permit. Negotiations are in progress for the establishment of a lino of steamers trading direct between Australia and Manchester. Newfoundland has agreed to union with the Dominion of Canada. The Anti-Socialistic Bill, the provisions of which were stringent, and which was introduced in the Reichstag a few days ago by Prince Hohenlohe, the Chancellor of the German Empire, has been rejected. There is said to be great rejoicing tbrongboub Germany at this result.

Meetings.— The following meetings will take olace to-doy:—South Waimakariri River'Board, 2 p.m.; St John Ambulance Association, 5.15 p.m.; St Albans Borough Council, 7.30 p.m.

Free Beading Booms.—Mr Herrick announces that for the benefit of the unemployed free reading rooms hare been opened in the premises formerly known aa the Junction Hotel. Savage Club.—The Christchurch Savage Club will open the present season at eight o’clock this evening, in the hall of the Chamber of Commerce. A now ceremony has been arranged and rehearsed for the installation of the newly-eleoted Chief Savage, Dr Jennings, and on excellent programme has been prepared for the evening. Exhibition or Picteeeb. —The increasing public interest in the exhibition of Messrs Wadham and Sinclair’s landscapes in water-colours was indicated by a large attendance of the public at the hall of the Chamber of Commerce on Saturday. The exhibition, which is to be closed on May 22, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until that date. Attempted Beechaet. On Friday evening last an unsuccessful attempt was made to enter the premises of Messrs H. J. Hopkins and H, Boberts, at Papanui. The would-be thieves triad to force open the side-door of the store with a cold-chisel, and, failing in their efforts, tried to break into the barber’s shop next door, where they broke a pane of glass in one of the doors. They also attempted to open the side-door by means of a key of their own. Their efforts were, however, futile. E Battbbt Mobbis-tebb Claes. —The annual meeting of this class was held in the orderly-room on Thursday evening, when the following officers wore elected for the ensuing year Captain, Sergeant Louiaton; sub-captain. Sergeant Taylor; secretary and treasurer. Sergeant Harrap.. Corporal Gropp, and Bombardiers Lester and Main wore elected committemen. Sergeant-Major . Lowry was appointed handicapper for the year, and after some minor basilicas had been transacted the meeting terminated. Obangbism.—The monthly meeting of No 24, L.0.L., was held in the Orange Hall, Worcester Street, on Thursday evening last, the W.M. in the chair. The G.M. (Bro Toller ton) was present, A debate took place regarding the work of tha Order in breaking down error and superstition. It was decided that tha District Executive should meet to formulate plans for the Twelfth o! July celebration. Several matters were discussed, after which tha Lodge was closed in due form by the W.M. Pigeon Fltino, The Christchurch Pigeon Flying Club flew off a race from Hinds on Saturday! The weather being favourable, a good velocity was made. Mr Thompson's Euchre was the winner. The club desires to thank the station-master at Hinds for liberating the birds. The following were among the competitors:—Mr Thompson's Euchre, 1368yda per minute; Mr Gerard’s Blue Marina, 1314yds; Mr Philnpa’s Tempest, 1812yds; Mr CliS’s Bacall, 1309yds; Mr Eowe’s Eatipo, 1307yds 5 Mr Buchanan’s Snowdrop, 1284yds.

Eheavood Library.—A meeting of those interested in the public library was held in the schoolroom on Thursday evening for the purpose of appointing a Committee of Management. Mr Richardson occupied the chair, and explained the reasons that had led to the closing of the library. The following gentlemen were elected a committee for the ensuing year:—Messrs J. F. Roberts, E. H. Banks, Corset, Richardson, Maddisoa, Grant and Davidson. The committee subsequently appointed Mr Banka chairman and Mr Davidson secretary and treasurer, and fixed the subscription at one shilling par quarter. The hours during ■which the library will be open for the issue of books were arranged.

Tiuaett Agricultural and Paetoeal Association.— -The monthly meeting of the committee of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held on Saturday; present—Mr D. McLaren, (President), and twelve other members. Mr H. <3. Smith, Rockwood, was elected a member of tho committee ia place or Mr J. Goldie, resigned. A discussion took place on the question of obtaining a new showground. The subject was eventually cropped, pending tho receipt of replies from the owners of tho Maori Hill Native Reserve, and of a proposed eita adjoining the freezing works. A special meeting was ordered to be hold on Juno 6, for the revision of the catalogue. Mr Perry stated that he had a letter from the Shropshire Sheep Breeders’ Association, offering a prize for tho nest show, provided the show was large enough. Tho Secretary was instructed to write, giving particulars of the show, and of the Shropshire flocks in the district. A question of discipline was brought up by Mr Rhodes, who wished to have expunged a resolution Remanding an apology from an attendant at the late show. After soma discussion he gave notice of motion for next meeting.

Hunting. On Saturday tho Christchurch hounds mat at Mr Overton’s. The weather was delightful from a hunting ns well as from a spectator’s point of view. It ia not surprising, therefore, that the attendance was extremely large. Shortly after 2.30 p.m. the hounds were thrown off in a stubble paddock at the back of the house. A hare was immediately found, and after a run over some grand country towards Islington, was killed just beyond tbe old Waimakariri river-bed. Tho hounds wera then taken back to Mr Overton’s, whore, after a short rest, they again found. A particularly fast run ensued, and only because evening was approaching were the hounds whipped off.—Tho meet of tho Braekanfield hounds on Saturday was at Mr E. Mulcock’s farm, Flaxton. The field numbered about forty, and tho day’s sport ■was one of the. best the pack has afforded this season. Thera were four runs, each lasting about half an hour, and kills resulted in three of them. Many of tho fences were stiff ones, with a good deal of wire, and a few saddles were emptied, but no injuries wero sustained. Mr Starky, the Master, was cut, and there wore several ladies in the field. Mr Mulcock treated hunting party moat hospitably, lunch

Abeest.—Oh Saturday, a man was arrested by Constable Roach, at Ambarley, on a charge of forgery and uttering at Geraldine.

Assessment Couet.— The Assessment Court for the City of Christchurch will sit at the City Council Chambers at 10 a.m. to-day. St Savioub’s Chuech, Tbhuka.—At a parishioners* meeting of this cnurch, held on Friday evening, Mr E. Whitehead was elected parishioners’ churchwarden, in the place of Mr Inwood, resigned. The attendance was only moderate. The incumbent (Mr Farley) was in the chair.

St Albans Wesleyan Chuech. The dedicatory services in connection with the new Wesleyan Church in St Albans were continued yesterday. The services were conducted by the Rev W. Baumber, late pastor of the church. In the morning the preacher took his text from Psalm 100, 4 and 5, and in the evening from Colossiasa 1., 28. Nelson College.— ln another column will he found particulars of this well-known scholastic institution. A special feature is made of the boarding department, which is under the management of Miss A. M. Ollivicr, a lady well known in Christchurch. Particulars as to fees, &c., will bo found on reference to the advertisement.

Eitchee.—A match was played on Thursday evening between teams from the Christchurch Cycling Club and the Pioneer Bicycle Club, in the rooms of the latter, and resulted in a win for the homo team by twonty-nino games to sixteen. Arrangements ware made for the return match, to be played this month at the Christchurch Cycling Club Rooms. The Opeea House,— The Opera House will be reopened to-night by the Cunard Family for a season of three nights. Their performance will include song and dance, vocal and instrumental items and feats of conjuring, culminating in the cabinet trunk trick, which Mr Canard will perform here for the first time. Miss Helen Gordon will sing operatic morceanx, and also play concerted pieces on the guitar and mandolin, whilst song and dance will be performed by tho Cicero sisters, Nollie and Alice.

Tai Tape.—Tha weekly meeting of the Mutual Improvement class was held on Wednesday evening. There was a good attendance of members and visitors, the vice-president (Mr S. Carleton) in the chair. The programme for the evening was a debate, “ Should Women receive the game Pay for their Labour as Men;” Mr E, M’Cartney in the affirmative, and Mr E. A. Forbes in the negative. Both made capital speeches, and after the matter had been freely discussed, the jury gave its verdict for the affirmative. A well-merited vote of thanks was accorded to the debaters, and the meeting closed. Bible Shooting.— The match Kaiapoi v, Eangiora—conditions, seven shots at 200, 800 and 500yds—resulted in a win for Kaiapoi by forty-seven points. The following are tha scores:—Kaiapoi—Lieutenant Simpson 89, Private Hayman 87, Private Wright 87, Private N. G. Eobilliard 84, Private Bate 81, Private Simpson 79, Private Condon 76, Private Templeton 69, Sergeant Pearce 66, Corporal M’Grsgor 57; total 775. Eangiora—Private Geddis 86, Corporal Jones 82, Sergeant D’Auvergne 82, Corporal Whittsm 80, Corporal Gulliver 79, Lieutenant D’Auvergne 75, Private Hayman 75, Sergeant Gulliver 71, Colour-Sergeant 1 1 58, Private Whatman 40; total 728.

Moent Peel Eoad Boabd, The annual meeting of this Board was held on May 7, there being only a bare quorum present. The Hon J. B. A. Acland read the annual report. The credit balance on March 31 was .£6833 9a 6d, of which sum £6OOO was at fixed deposit. The total expenditure for the year had been .£1023 15a 4d. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Mr Tripp brought up the question of local government, but after discussion no result was arrived at. Mr Tripp moved that that for the coming year no rate should be struck. The motion was carried. Votes of thanks were passed to the attending ratepayers, to tha Chairman and to the Clerk and Overseer.

Southbridge Town Board.— A special meeting of this Board wss held on Thursday evening, for the purpose of confirming tho rate for the ensuing year; present— Messrs "Webster (chairman), Burns, Kilbride, Hill, Paddy and Slater. It wae resolved that a general rato of three farthings in the jS should bo struck on the rateable value of properties ia the district. The ordinary meeting of the Board was then held, Mr J. E. Boyce wrote asking for a reduction in the rant of the hall for the recent “ social ” held in aid of the Brigade. A reduction was granted. Mrs Park and Messrs White and Co. wrote asking to have their names taken off tho rato roll. The Secretary of the St John Ambulance Association, Christchurch, wrote asking for tho use of the Board’s room for the purpose of explaining the objects of the Association, with a view to forming a branch in Southbridge. The Chairman stated that ha had made arrangements with the Bank of New Zealand to taka over the Board’s account. Accounts amounting to .£l4 7s were passed for payment. Gospel Temperance Meeting. The first of a series of Gospel temperance meetings proposed to be held on Sunday evenings under the auspices of the Christchurch Ministers’ Association, was held in the Baptist Church last evening. There was a large attendance. The Rev J. J. Doko occupied the chair, and the Reva R; Erwin, W. Scorgie, J. Dawson aid F. W. Isitt, and Mr G. J. Smith, H.H.R., occupied seats on the platform.- Mr Smith said ha understood that at these meetings the speakers wera to avoid politics altogether and confine themselves to Gospel temperance mission work. He congratulated tho ministers of Christchurch upon taking up officially the Gospel mission work, and hoped that the meetings would be the means of inducing more people to taka an interest in the temperance movement. The Rev W. Scorgie spoke, urging the importance of the temperance movement. The Rev E. Erwin said that ha hoped these meetings would holp to forward Christian sentiment on the temperance question. In referring to the licensing law, he admitted that after the last licensing election there had been an improvement in the administering of the law, but that law was now being openly violated every day, and the authorities took no steps to enforce it. The Eav F. W. luitr, also spoke. To show that tho liquor traffic was decreasing ia Now Zealand, ho stated that tho drink bill for 1894 was 5s par head lass than ia any previous year in the history of the colony. As showing the enormous public appreciation, W. Strange and Co. estimate that upwards of 40,000 customers visited their warehouse and showrooms during last month, 23,327 sales dockets having bean passed into their counting-house during that peiiod, or an average of over 1000 per day. 8297 Another Eye-opener. —The long-dis tanco road records of both North and South Islands have been won on Zsalandia cycles by Shorlacd, who will ride no others. Best machines £2O, Ask for new catalogue. N. Oates Christchurch and Napier.— [Advt.] A Tear Ahead of the Times.—Ws are now fitting to “Rapids” all 1895 Stanley Show improvements, namely, large tubing and chain wheels, detachable gear, narrow tread, awing chain adjustment and patent head-lock; finished second to none. Write for catalogue. Waller, Myhro and Co,, 48, Manchester Street.— [Advt.] Gracious!— Have you seen C. H. iWauniug’s pretty and now display of Photographic “Work just added at Studio ? If not, lose no time iu doing so. Kis Indian and Australian experience in tho Art shows to what perfection it can ho brought. Patronised hy Royalty and Vicc-Koyalty. Studio, 150, Colombo Street. X.X216 Stanbish akd Pbbxcb,photographers by special appointment to his Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Glasgow, Studio, High Street.— lAbvt. i Time Payments—2s 6d per week, 2a Gd per week, 167 Sections, quarter and half-acres, the favourite piaco for picnics at Now Brighton North. Trains nine times daily. To be sold cheap. Small deposit, balance 2s 6d weekly: no interest charged. Plan to bo seen and all information at >Y,-Thomson’s,

Benefit Enteetainment. A benefit entertainment to nn old resident who has had a long illness will take place to-night at the Harewood Road School.

Papanui Fabmees’ Club.—A general me'-ting of the Papanui Farmers’ Club will bo held to-morrow evening, to confirm the minutes of tho last meeting as to winding up the club. Theosophical Society. —Tho regular Sunday afternoon meeting c£ this Society was held yesterday at tho Lodge-room, Opera House, at 3 p.m. The paper read on “Universal Brotherhood” created an animated discussion between members and soma of tho public. Sunday Lectuees.— Mr W. W, Collins gave in the Lyceum lest night tho second of a series of biological lectures " Prom Monad to Man,” dealing with the various forms of micro-organisms. Tho limelight lantern was used to show the different forms of microscopic life, including a number of disease germs. Several selections were given by the orchestra, Mr J. Stokes occupied the chair.

Rangioea Pbsb Methodist Sunday School. —Yesterday special services were bold at the Eangiora Free Methodist Church in celebration of tho Sunday School anniversary, the Rev J. Edward* occupying the pulpit. In the afternoon the choir and scholars gave a pretty service of song, entitled “The Voice of the Flowers,” the prose portion being rend by Mr Edwards. All tho services attracted largo congregations. • Political.— Mr D. Buddo, member for Kaiapoi, addressed a meeting of his constituents at Pornside on Thursday evening. Tho unfavourable nature of the weather affected tho attendance to soma extent. Mr T. E. Heathy was voted to the chair. At tho conclusion of the address Mr Buddo was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence, proposed by Mr Arnot and seconded by Mr Gray. Mr Buddo addressed the Carleton electors at the hall on Saturday evening and received a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence on tho motion of Mr A. Bennett, seconded by Mr G. Cowan. The chair was taken by Mr H. Seed.

Kaiapoi Wesleyan Cheech Bazaab.— This bazaar was continued on Saturday evening, when the drill-hall was crowded. The brass band played selections during the evening, and the electric light was used. The total receipts up to Saturday evening wore close upon £2OO, and oa there is still a large quantity of goods the sale will be continued at 3 p.m. to-morrow. On Friday evening Mr D. Buddo, M.H.E., gave a congratulatory address, but owing to the heavy storm there was only a moderate attendance. All the side shows did a good business, especially the phonograph, which was very interesting, particularly to the young.

The Goeblay and Stokes Company.— This company will open at the Theatre Eoyal for one week on Monday next. The principal artists. Miss Amy Gourlay and Mr William Gourlay, are the youngest children of the late Mr William Gourlay, the celebrated Scotch actor, who played in this town some twenty years ago, while their brother, Mr John Gourlay, was here eighteen months ago with Skipped by the Light of the Moon. Mr Leonard Preston, an actor from London, is included in the company. Revels, That Awful Girl and Turn Him Out are the pieces to be played hero, all of which are described as comedy - burlesques of tha light and sparkling order, introducing several specialities in the way of skirt dancing, coster songs, &c. During their stay in Wellington the company played at Government House before his Excellency the Governor and a large party.

Presentation.—The members of the Christchurch Amateur Swimming Club, to the number of about twenty, assembled at the Clarendon Hotel on Saturday evening for the purpose of presenting the honorary treasurer and haudioapper of tha club (Mr S. A. England) with a memento of their appreciation of hia past services. D? B. M. Moorhouae occupied the chair, and Messrs G. Harris, A. Francis and J. labiate? (vice-prsßidouta) and three officers of the Eichmond Club were also present. Mr Francis, the founder of the club, in a few well-chosen words referred to the services Mr England had rendered to the club during the past thirteen years, and, on behalf of the members, presented him with a gold ring, which bore the following inscription:—“ E. A. England, fro m Christchurch A.S.C., 1895.” Mr England’s health waa drunk with musical honours. Mr England suitably returned thanks. The other toasts wore :‘ f The President,” proposed by the Captain (Mr J. M. Watson) and acknowledged by Dr Moorhouse, and “ The Captain.” The proceedings were enlivened by songs by Dr Moorhouee, Messrs G. J. C. Smart, A. Brabrter, G. Alien and G. Milne, and recitations by Mr H. L, Armitsge. Mr E. A. England played the accompaniments.

Rifle Class.— -The annua! meeting of the Christchurch Working Men’s Club Rifle Class was held on Saturday evening, Mr W. Garrard iu the chair. The balancesheet was road, showing a small balance in hand. The captain presented the prizes iron during tho season, which had bean gjven by the following gentlemen.Messrs Manning and Co.. J. Gould, W. H. Wynn-Williams, 25. Ssaco and Son-?, Mason, Struthera and Co., Aahby, Bsrph and Go,, O. Frost, J. Proece, J. F. Stratz, C. Smith, R. Kent, G. Bennington, W- W. Collins, Laea and Evans, S. H. Yarnazoni, Burrell Eros, H. Thomas and the Crown Brewery Company. The following ero the principal prize-winners:—Mr J. Hue tie, champion gold modal for thirty highest scores during the year; Mr W. A. Caldwell, silver medal for thirty highest scores, including handicana; Messrs H. C. Wells, J. Eastie, W, A. Caldwell, W. Garrard, W. Munford, J. Gian villa, H. Spicer, W. B. Scott, J. Russell, J. Eodaeli, 6. W, Turpin, H. Thomas, D. Aahton, S. Dalton, G. Alisa and J. F. Scratz. The following officers ware elected for the ensuing year: -—Captain and treasurer, Mr V/. Garrard; sub-captain, Mr W, A. Caldwell; userotary, Mr J. Kasiie; handicappars, Messrs E. C. Wells, W. Sherwood and J. Hsatxe; committee, Messrs W. Sherwood, W. Munford, G. Allpa, A. Cowan, J. Rodmell and J. A. Lummis. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the donors of pikes, also to Mr J. Goat and tho rearing officers.

SWINE FEVER. Mr Gilruth, Government veterinary surgeon, visited the property of Mr J. C. Anderson, at Stirling, on' Saturday, and E&tisSsd himself of the presence of swms fever among the pigs. He will go to Stirling again to-day to arrange for the disposal of the pigs. TEE NATIVE TROUBLE. A correspondent telegraphing from Eotorua says : Sergeant Lyons and nix men are kesping everything quiet lit Wharinaki, whero the co-operative men are forming roads rapidly through Urewara at the rats of two miles a day. Inspector Emerson is forming a mail service by two mounted constables from To Whniti to Rotorua. Mr Phillips, surveyor, has gone to the native meeting at Te "Whaiti. OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. Parliament will bo opened at about the same time as usual—-the third week in June. The New Zealand Times says that the Government's policy meacures are in a forward Mate. A POISONOUS SPIDER. Recently a man named Donnelly was admitted to the Christchurch Hospital suffering from a bad carbuncle, which be stated had been caused by bin having been bitten by a spider while lying in bis bed in a hut at Port Robinson. He said that the spider ia question wan nob n katipo, but had a bright brown body about as large as the first joint of a maa'a thumb and long hairy black logs. Ho also stated that the "old hsnda ” about tho place knew the dangerous nature of these creaturea, and warned the other men to look out for them and kill them. There is.

ho asserts, another large spider there somewhat similar ia appearance, but with a black body, and harmlsaa. POOR RELIEF, The Cornish Telegraph records that at a meeting of the Penzance Town Council a letter was received tromthoEcvW.GoleEßO, F.R.S., a former resident of Penzance, convoying the intimation that tho writer had decided to remit to the Mayor iUOOO, to bo invested by the Council in Government securities, the interest to be divided annually among the poor of Penzance, The Council decided to forward a latter of thanks to Mr Colonao, and to draw up a scheme for the distribution of. the money, to bo submitted to him for his approval. The Post presumes that this refers to the Rev W, Colenao, of Napier. AN INTER-TRIBAL SQUABBLE. The Rangitikei Advocate states that during tho last few days there has been soma rather s?rioua quarrelling amongst tho tribes atParewanui, which, on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, resulted ia free fights. The quarrel is over the right of certain parties to train their horses on the Pare wan ui racecourse, and an attempt to elect the supposed offoadars. On Friday, the quarrel "reached its climax, when the <f big talk ” culminated ia a free fight. The belligerents, headed by Wicihana Huaia sad Mohi Ropiha, fought on horseback with sticks. The fight was started at tho back of tho Parewanui bush, and during the struggle tho parties traversed the sandhills to the back of the Parewanui school. Some very severs cuts and bruises were received ia the encounter, Wilson Hunia especially being badly cut about the head. The racehorse M.iraraa and two young bloods were injured in the fight. Constable Gleeson war- sent for, and on arriving, found nearly all the native?! on the disputed ground, and a lively discussion. going on. Ho crdsrsd them to disperse at once, or ha would send for assistance and have them all arrested. They dispersed, but on Sunday and Monday wore out again with, firearms and ammunition. On Tuesday, however, one of the parties came to Marion to take out summonses, so very likely the affair is about over. AN AFRICAN EXPLORER’S STORY. There was a charming simplicity and directness about t.he atory Mr S. L. Hindo told the Royal Geographical Society last night (says the Pall Mall Gazette of March 12). He spoke of a war in which Arab forces numbering a hundred thousand men were destroyed or dispersed, great towns of 30,000 and 60,000 inhabitants stormed and razed, soma measure fit least of vengeance taken for the murder of Emin. Pasha, and the Arab clave-raiders driven beyond Lake Tanganyika. In all this, and much more, Mr Hinde took » considerable share, and his account of it boro a close resemblance in its businesslike succinctness to an official despatch. On the natural wonders of the Congo Free State Mr Hindo spoke more at large. The inhabitants of the region in which he was at work ara almost all cannibals, it appears!,but they have the saving virtue of cooking all they eat. Some of them are pigmies, and use poisoned arrows, but the poison is not invariably fatal. There are huge and odoriferous marshes, but though the expedition was involved in them for days together there was no care of fever. The exoedition entered a village oa a gorgeous pavement composed of human skulls; it passed by a tomb where a chief had boon buried in the company of one hundred slaughtered men and one hundred living women; it captured soma oil tho murderers of Emin Pasha and hanged them, and, not content with that, photographed them beforehand. • HALF-A-CEOWN. Just now in America tha Yankee is raging over the crime of 1853, when silver was deprived of free coin a.;-e and legal tender. To-day we -area taking the silver half-crown as weekly payments for strong second-Land ordinary Bicycles, ranging in price from eight half-crowns. The line must be cleared. —Adams, Carries and Co„ 78, Manchester St., Christchurch, XI