TOWN-AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10653, 14 May 1895, Page 5

TOWN-AND COUNTRY.

Contents.— lt is reported that Russia is claiming Port Lazareff on the eastern coast ,of Corea, with the country included Within a radius of two hundred miles. China, it is. said, is willing to admit the claim, bat Japan proposes to limit the radius to ton miles. It Is probable that the Chinese loan of ,£180,000,000 will be raised in equal parts in Germany, Great Britain, Prance and Russia. It is stated by a London paper that the Pope has advised the French clergy} to .submit to the new taxation. Notice|of the Joint demand of Russia, * Great ißritain and Franco for the institution of reforms in Armenia has been handed to the Saltan. In consequence of the.'outbreak of pleuropneumonia among the Queensland cattle on the- etaameriPerfchahire, and its possible effect on the ' trade with London, the iMi.iiaf.Af of Agriculture in Victoria has determined that all cattle' leaving that colony shall'bo subjected . a thorough veterinary inspection. Mbstinqs.— The following meetings will take place to-day ; —Presbytery, St Paul’s schoolroom, 10.30 a.m.; Rugby Union, Clarendon Hotel, 5 p.m.; Papanui Farmers’ Club, Papanui Library, 7.30 p.m.j Linwood Borough Council, 7.30 p.m. CHRISTCHURCH MAGISTRATE'S CotTBT.— There wore no civil cases at the Christ*church Magistrate’s Courtyeaterday. 1 Borough ob Sydenham. —An Assessment Court fordhe Borough, of Sydenham will he held at the Council Chambers at 10 a.m. to-day. Plumpton Park.— The annual meeting of shareholders in the Canterbury Metropolitan Plumpton Park Company, Limited, will bo held at the Empire Motel at 3 p.m. en May 28. ■ St John Ambulance Association.— The usual monthly meeting of the committee was- held yesterday afternoon. Rules for the use of the horse ambulance and litters were adopted. 1 Canterbury Rowing Club, The annual smoke concert in connection with this club will be held in the boathouse to-night at 8 p.m. The prizes won during the ■season will be presenrad, and membsra ■will hava the opportunity of saying farewell to ,their captain, Mr H. P. Nicoll, who is leaving shortly for Ashburton. Political.— Mr D. Baddo, member for .Kaiapoi, addressed a meeting of the Carletoa electors at the Hall, on Saturday evening, and received a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence on the motion of Mr A. Bennett, seconded by Mr G. Cowan. The chair was taken by Mr H. Seed.—Mr W. H. Montgomery, M.H.R. for Ellesmere,, will address his constituents at the Pigeon Bay schoolroom at 7.30 this evening, j Domains. — The Governor’s Bay and Mayfield Recreation Grounds have been brought under the operation of the Public Domains Act, 1881. The following Boards have been appointed: Governor’s Bay— Messrs J. Alien, D. Bamford, T. Eadcliffe, G. T. Bloor, Q. C. Manson, G. Wallis and T. E. Harris s Mayfield— Messrs 0. Jaine, J. Jones, J. M’Lauchlan, J. Doyle, W. J. Allen, T. Bennett, F. S. Cordeaux, E. Taylor and B. J. Hall. St Albans Wesleyan Church.— A fSte in connection with the St Albans Wesleyan Church will bo held in the grounds of the Hon J. T. Peacock, which have been kindly lent for the purpose, on Thursday next. At 2 p.m. there will be a sale of work, produce, &c„ a doll competition and other attractive features. Afternoon tea will be provided. At 6 p.m. a tea meeting will be held in the old church, and at 7.35 a public meeting will take place. The fete ja being held with the object of extinguishing the existing debt on the new church.

Football,— -The first football match of the season between the Sontfabridge and Irwall Clubs was played at Southbridge on Saturday afternoon, and after a wellcontested game, ended in favour of the Itwell team, who scored one try and a goal to nil.—On Saturday a match was played on the Alraroa Recreation Ground between the local club and a team from Little Akaloa, the former winning by ten points (one penalty goal and two tries) to five (one goal). In the evening the visitors were entertained by the Akaroa Club. Musical Union Conceet.— The first, concert of the present season of the Christchurch Musical Union, which takes place in the Opera House, on Thursday evening, promisee to be a success. The programme will be mainly orchestral, the only vocalist being Mrs B. T. Robinson, who will sing, “Se Crudeieil cor Montrai.” and “The Bird that Came in the Spring,’ 5 and Mr E. Lovell, whose solos will be “My Life for Thee” and “A May Morning.” The orchestra will perform “ Hebiiden,” “The Jupiter 55 symphony, “ Beuedictus,” “ Souvenir do Vienne 55 and “ Salterello.” Oxvoed Working Men's Club.— On Thursday evening a successful smoke concert took place in the billiard room of the club, the occasion being the presentation of a gold albert with pendant attached, suitably inscribed, to Mr. Charles Gorton, lata president of the club, and ■wishing him 6on voyage upon his taking a trip to the Old Country. In spite of the bad weather there was a largo attendance. The chair wak taken by Mr Hawker, who, in happy terms, referred to the groat interest Mr Gorton had always exhibited in the club. Mr Gorton feelingly returned thanks. During the evening various members contributed songs and recitations.

Daibt Factobt at Akaeoa. — A wellattended meeting wan held on Tuesday evening in the Town Hall to consider the question of starting r. dairy factory in or near Akaroe. The Mayor presided, and called on Mr J. D. Bruce to address the meeting, that gentleman having taken a prominent part in establishing the other dairy factories on the 'Peninsula. It was reported that- a large amount of support was promised. After discussion it was resolved— “That this meeting take stops to erect a dairy factory in Akaroa." The following were elected a committee to make the necessary arrangements and report to a future meeting r-Messrc L. it. Lelievro, J. D. Bruce, G. Chockley. jam. D. Fyfe, W. Hedge, J. Hart ami J. Yacuoni. It was decided to aavertiee for suitable sites for the proposed factory. Mr Xjeete was appoint eecrstary pro Urn,'" ' ' —_——

. Lower Waiau Bridge. —Notice appears in the Gazette that the control of the Lower Waiau Bridge has been vested in the Amnri County Council. Little River Excursion.— An excursion train will leave Christchurch at 10 R.m. to-day. In connection with the annual sale of timber at the Torawera Sawmills. Ellesmere Licensing Committee.— Mr Thoa- Penn has boon appointed a member of the Licensing Committee of Ellesmere, vice Mr G, Armstrong, resigned. Lecture Entertainment.— The Rev A. W. Averill will give the first of a series of illustrated lectures on the “History of the Church of England,” at St Michael's schoolroom this evening.

The Volunteers.— lnstructions have been received from Wellington that the E Battery is to fire a royal salute on the Queen's Birthday, and that there is to be no parade of the other corps.

Supreme Court, —No intimation has yet been received os to when his Honor Mr Justice Denuiaton will return from the Court of Appeal sittings at Wellington, but it is expected that he will come back about the end of this week. . An Order Revoked, —The Ordor-in-Council licensing Mr Frederick ICillick, of Sydenham, to occupy a portion of the foreshore at New Brighton for the purpose of erecting and maintaining swing boats has, on the application of the licensee, been revoked. ’

Chamber Concerts. Many persona will be disappointed to learn that Mr P. M. Wallace will be unable to organise bis usual series of chamber concerts this winter, .owing to not having sufficiently recovered from hie late unfortunate accident.

Acknowledgment.— The hospital autho ■ ritiea desire to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of periodicals and clothes from Mrs Buckley and Mrs Wigram, flowers from Mrs J. Bishop, “Ladies’ Journals” from Mrs F. J. Smith and flowers from the Sydenham Wesleyan Church.

Land for Settlements. —Notices in tha Gazette declare the following lauds acquired under tho provisions of the Land for Settlements Act to be Crown Lands, subject to that Act:—Otaio settlement, 876 a2r 30p, Otaio survey district; Rosebrook settlement, 600 a Ir Bp, Pareora eurvey district. Church Anniversary. —The anniversary soiree of tho Primitive Methodist Church, Cambridge Terrace, will take place at six o’clock this evening. At 7.30 a public meeting will be held, when addressee will bo given by tha Revs E. Erwin and C. C. Penny, Brigadier Hosking and Mr Toneycliffe. / Oust.— On Sunday, the Eight Rev Bishop Julius held a Confirmation service at St James’s Church. A number of candidates were presented by the vicar, tha Rev M’Kenzie Gibson, and the Bishop gave a moat impressive address. There were very large congregations at both morning and evening services, and the discourses of Bishop Julius were much appreciated.

Primitive Methodist Church. —The twenty-third anniversary of the Primitive Methodist Church, Cambridge Terrace, was celebrated on Sunday, when there were large congregations at' all the services. Tha Rev W. Scorgie preached in the morning, the Rev J. J. Doke in the afternoon, and the Rev E. Erwin in- the evening. The annual soiree will be held this evening at six o’clock.

St James’s Church, Southbbidge. —On Friday evening the Eight Rev Bishop Julius visited Southbridge for the purpose of inducting the Rev J. P. Cocks to the charge of the parochial district of Ellesmere. Owing to the inclemency of the weather there was only a moderate congregation.' On Sunday morning the Rev J. P. Cocks preached to a large congregation, andihold services at Killinchy and Sedgemere during the day. Presentation at Southbbidge.— At the invitation of a large number of friends, Mr W. L. Butt, who was accountant in the Union Bank of Australia at Southbridge, was entertained at tbe Southbridge Hotel on Thursday evening, and presented with a handsome silver-mounted pipe. The presentation was made by Mr S. Moore. Mr Butt suitably responded. Daring tho evening several songs were sung, and a pleasant time was spent.

The Museum. —Tha moa skeletons at the museum are to be protected by being pub into a gigantic glass case. For this purpose the place in the New Zealand room devoted to them is being enclosed by means of frames fitted into the spaces between the posts supporting the gallery. About twenty feet by sixteen feet will be thus enclosed, and will, moreover, be covered with glass on the top. This protection for these valuable skeletons has long been much needed.

Mutual Improvement Society.— The usual weekly meeting of the Springfield Mutual Improvement Society was held on Saturday. There was a large attendance of members and visitors, and the President (Mr H. Barker) occupied the chair. It was decided to issue the “Journal” ■weakly, instead of monthly. Mr Robert Colthart, jun., read a paper on the Homebush (Daans's) Estate, for which ha was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. One new member was elected, and five others nominated for membership. Lyttelton Rowing Club. —At a meeting of the committee of this club, held on Friday evening, it was resolved to endeavour to organise a bazaar, to he held on Jan. 1, 1896. Daring the past season the Club has spent a very large sum of money in adding to its plant, and owing to ill success at regattas the committee finds itself on the wrong side of the ledger. Lady friends of the members are to be asked to assist at ibe bazaar, and a meeting is to be held on .Friday next for the purpose of ascertaining what support is likely to be forthcoming. Akaeoa.— The annual picnic in connection with the German Bay school was held in the school grounds on Tuesday, and proved a great success. About 600 people were present. Sports and games were held during the day, and the Akaroa Brass Band was in attendance. Refreshments on a liberal scale were provided. In the evening a concert and dance were held.— On Thursday the Onuku school children held their picnic. The usual ‘sports and games were indulged in, the Akaroa Band being present during the day. The schoolroom was very tastefully decorated by the Hafcives, and refreshments were provided by the ladies. The usual concert and dance terminated the proceedings. Anotheb Bte-omneb. —The loag-dis ‘ tanco road records of both North and South Islands have been won on Zealandia cycles by Shetland, who will ride no others. Best machines *£2o. Ask for now catalogue. N. Oates Christchurch and Napier.— [Advt.] A Year Ahead ot the Times,— We arc now fitting to “Rapids” all 1895 Stanley Show improvements, namely, large tubing and chain wheels, detachable gear, narrow tread, swing chain adjustment and patent head-look; finished second to none. Write for catalogue. Waller, Myhre and Co., 48, Manchester Street,— [Advt.] Gbaciovs!— Have you seen C. H. Manning’s pretty and new display of Photographic Work just added at Studio ? ■ 1£ not, lose no time in doing so. His Indian and Australian experience in the Art shows to what perfection it can be brought. Patronised by Royalty and Vicc-Koyalty. Studio, 150, Colombo Street. X 1216 Stakdisii Peskce, photographers by special appointment to his Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Glasgow. Studio, High Street,— [A Birr, i

Time Payments—2s Gd per week, 2a 6d per week, 167 Sections, quarter and kalf-acrss, the favourite nlacc for picnics at New Brighton North. Trams nine times daily. To he sold cheap. Small deposit, balance Cs (id weekly; no interest, charged. Plan to be seen and all information at W. Thomson's, 352, Colombo Street.—[AnvT.'j ‘'HEALTH IS THE GREATEST OP ALL POSSESSIONS, and '(.is a maxim with me Unit a H.iio Cobbler is better than a Sick King.”— BtCK'ii’.<JT4VF.—A natural way of restoring or preserving health. Use UNO'S "FRUIT SALT” (prenavod from sound, ripe fruit.) It is a pleasant bjveraao, both cooling, refreshing and mvigorntiu?’. Caution.—Examine each bottle, and see the rapine- is marked “ENO’S EXULT LA i/l\" Without it yon have been imposed on by a worthless imitation. Prepared hy J. C. KNO’fa Patent, atJEijO’S “IP.UIT BALT” WORKS, LOUftOW, S,E, pokl by all and Stores,

Women’s Institute, —Mr G. W. Russell, M.H.R,, will give an address to women at the Young Men's ’Christian Association rooms, on Friday evening, on “The Political Disabilities of Women.” Young Men’s Christian Association. — The weekly mooting of the Eiocutioa Club was held last evening, and was wall attended. At the meeting of the Literary Society Mr A. W. Beavon occupied the chair. Mr C. Burgess read a paper on " The Relationship Between Master and Mon in the World of Labour.” paper proved'vary interesting, and was criticised by several of those present. Sale op Japanese Goods. —To-morrow evening at 7.30, Mr G. J. Smith, will open a sale of Japanese goods in the Wesleyan schoolroom, Sydenham. Tho stalls will represent a street in Tokio (Japan), and the attendants will be in Japanese costumes, while each evening a number of Japanese tableaus will be shown. A special consignment of goods for the stalls has just been received from Japan, including a number of useful and ornamental articles. The Gourlay and Stokes Company.— Mies Amy Gourlay, who will arrive hero this weak with the Gourlay and Stokes Company, spent her childhood in Christchurch. At an early ago oho loft to travel with Messrs Williamson and Musgrove in the care of their then leading lady, Mias Agaea Thomas. Since then she has played in Sydney, Melbourne and _ Brisbane with the Brough and Boucicault, Stanfield and other companies with great aucoesß. EXPORT OF TIMBER, The Industries Department recently telegraphed to tho Agent-General for information as to the sizas to which timber should be cut tor furniture purposes, and has received a reply that furniture flitches should be three inches and a half thick and as wide and long ao possible. Width is very important. Figured honeysuckle is very much wanted. THE FROZEN MEAT INDUSTRY. The following letter appears in tho Otago Daily Times:—Tha low prices for New Zealand frozen mutton and lamb now ruling in London are causing considerable anxiety and comment amongst all interested throughout the colony. Many explanations are volunteered, and many remedies are suggested, but there is one explanation of, the position that has not bean set before the public. In all previous years, at any rate from 18S9 to 1894, there has always been an advance in the London market during the months of February to May. Knowing this, London agents this season made, during December and January last, very largo contracts for forward delivery extending as far forward as May shipment. These contracts were in turn disposed of to the meat distributors, who are now, and have bean for three months past, taking delivery of these shipments, costing fully 23 per cent more than the prices current in London. The only sufferers at presentare farmers who decline to sell in New Zealand and participate in the above contracts. These farmers have shipped to London for sale in tho open market, and as the distributors are fully supplied by these forward contracts there are no buyers for what few lines are for sale except at very low prices. From these facta it will be seen that present prices ruling in London are not a fair criterion of the value of mutton and lamb, and that the present position is attributable to forward contracts having been made sufficiently extensive to cover the demand. MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES. The Rev Frederick Langham, a veteran Wesleyan missionary from Fiji, is at present in Auckland. He was the chairman of the Wesleyan Mission at Fiji. He first went to Fiji in 1859, and is by far the oldest missionary in the group. Unlike most other missionaries of to-day, he has seen mission service as it is generally supposed to be by the uninitiated. Ee went up into the mountains of tha Fiji Group immediately after the Rev Mr Baker had been killed and eaten by some of the hill tribes, in 186 S, and brought back some of that unfortunate clergyman’s bone';. Ho had several narrow escapes in the old days* and can relate many interesting adventures. He was very much respected throughout tho group by natives and Europeans alike, and his departure, which is final, is generally regretted. The natives subscribed a purse of money as “loloma,” or gift, to present to him. Mr Langham is retiring in order that ho may have leisure to complete the translation of the revised version of the Bible, of which he has already done several books in the Old Testament.

SHIPPING FACILITIES AT WESTPORT. A deputation waited on the Minister of Mines at Wellington yesterday to urge the importance of something being done to improve the facilities for shipping coal at Westport. They pointed out that the present mode of shipment from the staitha was very destructive to the cosl, and if the trade was to be developed, the erection of a new wharf at Westport, and hydraulic cranes, were an absolute necessity. The Hon A. J, Cadman replied that a new wharf was too big an order altogether, but he would go into the question of cranes for lifting household coal, and see if anything could bo dona with regard to the proposed differential rate for the carriage of coal. If it meant reducing the revenue, he feared that it would not be entertained. Since he became Minister of Railways ha supposed ho had received requests for reductions in railway charges that in the aggregate would lower the railway revenue one-half if given effect to. ' CO-OPERATI VS~CO AL-M INI N G. The arrangements recently made by the Mokihinui Coal Company with the Knights of Labour for the working of the company's property under the royalty system, continue (says the Post) to work very satisfactorily to both parties. The manager of the mine and the representatives of the Knights of Labour report that several prospecting borea have been put down on the company's lease, which they advise as showing splendid hard coal, or, to quote the Knights of Labour—“The boring has proved to a certainty the existence of largo quantities of hard coal, equal to anything yet found on the West Coast.” Everything now points-to the successful issue of this experiment of the practical combination of capital and labour, which is being watefisd with interest throughout the colony* A PRECAUTION. At . an- inquest yesterday touching the death of a child which had died from the effects of scalds. Dr P. G. M. Brittin stated that a great many of these accidents occurred through people neglecting to put cold water into the bath before getting the hot water. Many accidents would be avoided if people took this precaution before bathing children. TEE PERTHSHIRE'S CATTLE. Referring to the shipment of live cattle on the steamship Perthshire, the Sydney Stock and Station Journal says:— “lf cattle are to bo a success on the long trip from here to England they must bo carefully handled during shipment. The Townsville people probably know this as well as we do, and they were going to dredge a place for the Perthshire alongside the wharf, hut the Perthshire wouldn'tgo.and very rightly too. But oven if she had gone the mob of cattle she took on board would still have been a disgrace to Queensland. As it is,the wretched animals, with broken horns and drooping bonds, were a biting satire on the civilisation of Townsville, and if they all lived to reach the Old Country they would do our Queensland neighbours no credit. But the worst of them will feed the hungry maw of the restless sea long before the Perthshire seas the white cliffs or Albion, and that may prove a comfort to some of those concerned in the shipment.” “CRITICAL DAYS” Professor Rudolf Palb, of Leipaic, the , aijegetl tho ** cgliiija^ftyp^

has now prepared a tabulated list of these 1 days, giving their number, order, and dates for the present year. He states that observations, commenced by him in 1863, convinced him iha,t the influence of the attraction ai tha moon and aan upon the waters of tbe sea had a similar effect upon the ocean of the earth’s atmosphere, as well as upon the liquid and volatile masses contained in the interior of our globe. Ho discovered, that groat atmospheric disturbance, shocks of earthquake and explosions in mines were surprisingly often coincident with the days upon which tho most extensive tides and other oceanic commotions were caused by tha influence cf either moon or sun, or both. These periods tha Professor denotes by tha names of “ critical days,” because they mark, oa the one side, periodical turning-points ia tho equilibrium of the atmospheric masses above-mentioned, and on tbe other side afford tho measure and means for computing tho degree and effect qf lunar and solar forces upon our planet. The following are some "of the critical days for this year :—Of tha first order : July 22, August 20, Sept. IS end Oct. IS. Of tho second order : May 9, Juno 22, Sept. 4, Oct. 14, Nov. 2, Nov. 16, Dec. 31. Of the third order : May 24, June 7, July 7, August 5, Dec. 2 and Dec. IG. A VOLUNTEER RIFLE ASSOCIATION. The committee appointed by the members of the Christchurch Garrison Library to draw up a scheme for a Volunteer Rifle Association in Canterbury has sent a circular to commanding e.Score of corps, suggesting :—(1) That a Canterbury Rifle Association for volunteers be formed. (2) That the council consist of officers only. (3) That trophies, ammunition and money ba the prizes. (4) That there be two matches, one at 200 and SCO yards, scratch, and one at SCO and 600 yards, handicap; cue sightor to count at option, seven shots at each range. (5) That volley firing be a feature of the meeting, in squads of not less than ten man under a non-commis-sioned officer. (6) That each corp pay i£2 2s to the funds to qualify their members for membership. (7) That only Martinis of Government issue bo uasd. (8) That individual mem’oars pay 2a 6d membership and 2a 6d entrance for each match, to include ammunition. The circular asks the question: Should the meeting take place on Anniversary or Boxing Day ? Replies are requested to bo sent In to Lieutenant Sandford on or before June 1. A POISONOUS SPIDER. It has been suggested that the largo spider which bit ilia man Donnelly at Port Robinson mey have been a tarantula, but inquiries on the matter tend to dispel that notion. Tho tarantula is not a native of New Zealand, and it is not easy to see how it could have been introduced here. Again, the man’s rough and unscientific de-: Bcription of his assailant, “ a large spider, with brown body and black, hairy lego,” hardly corresponds with that of the tarantula; indeed, it is eo obscuro that it is difficult to know what kind of arachnid is meant. Perhaps, however, it may be a species of mygsle. There are several large spiders in Now Zealand; and as many spiders are more or leas poisonous, it is not surprising that a bite from one of them should produce tha symptoms from which Donnelly is suffering, i.e., something similar to a carbuncle. There is therefore 'no reason for supposing that the terrible tarantula has been added to our list of acclimatised pests. A FANATIC AND HIS DUPES, Another letter has been received from one of the unfortunate Wellington residents who went away to South Africa under tho infiuence of Eugene some months ago. It states that the party went eight hundred miles up-country by train and then journeyed further inland on seven waggons, some of the younger men riding on horseback and driving cattle. After three or four weeks’ travelling the waggoners refused to go any further, and dumped the unlucky people down on tho banks of the Mashona River, some two hunirecj miles LvA: the nearest settlement. They had to depend for food almost entirely upon the game they could shoot. About the end of November Eugene told his followers that tho catastrophe they had loft Now Zealand to avoid had happened, viz., that this colony had disappeared ; but there were sceptics iu the party, and two men rode to tho nearest station in the hopes of obtaining news. After their return a dispute arose with Eugene as to tho ownership of a horse. Eugene left the camp with in for a time, but on being met egain was given into the custody of tha Bechuaualand police and charged with having stolen it. The case against him fell through, but tho other claimant gained possession of the horse and has kept it. Ultimately tho party broke up, Eugene with his wife and two others, B. Chamberlain and C. S. Thomas, being left on the banks of the Mashona River. The rest have returned to Capetown. EALF-A-CROWN, Just now in America tho Yankee is raging over tho crime of 1873, when silver was deprived of free coinage and legal tender. To-day we are taking tho silver half-crown as weekly payments for strong soeond-hasidordinary Bicycles, ranging in prices from eight half-crowns. Tho line must bo cleared.—Adams, Curties and Co., 78, Manchester St,, Christchurch, XI