TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIV, Issue 10786, 25 October 1895, Page 4

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Contents.— lt is reported that the Governor of Guiana has been instructed to forcibly repel further aggression by the Venezuelans. Count Tolstoi, in a letter,to the Times, charges the Russian Government with shocking persecution of certain religious sects. There, is a probability of a strike by the Newcastle miners, among whom there is reported to be considerable distress.. The New South Wales Government has received .an official intimation from France that the restriction on the importation of frozen meat into that country cannot be relaxed. The annual show of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held yesterday. .

P ektart. —In the Legislative Council yesterday the report of the-Con-ference ha the Liquor Bill was adopted. A number'of Bills received from the Home were read a fleet time and- the Reserves Vesting and Sales, Land. Act Amendment, and Reserves Disposaland Exchange Bills passed their second readings. The Mining Act .Amendment Bill was considered; in committee, the Government Advances to Settlers’Act Amendment Bill passed its. final stages, the Public Works and Government Railways Acts Amendment Bill was, read a second time and the Unclaimed Moneys Bill was thrown out. In the House of Representatives the Asiatic and other Immigration Restriction Bill was thrown ic committee on a motion that the Chairman should leave the chair, but subsequent!# the Hon W. P. Reeves gave notice to move for its reinstatement on the order paper. The Native Reserves Act Amendment Bill passed through committee. In committee on the Public Securities Bill Mr Montgomery having carried an amendment with regard to the control of securities, progress was reported. The Shipping and Seamen Act Amendment Bill wae read a third time.

Telegraph Interruption.— The Tele-. graph officials state that at 1.50 this morning they lost Wellington on both cables, all communication with that office thus being cut off. The Blenheim office reported that, heavy lightning had been experienced there. This doubtless caused the interruption to the wires. ’ , Meetings.—The following meetings take place to-day Kaiapoi Woollen Company, Chamber of Cammerce Hall, 2.30 p.m,; Cyclists’ Alliance, Linwood Football Club Rooms, 8 p.m. The Weather.—Heavy rain began to fall about half-past nine o’clock last night. It moderated in half an hour, but several showers fell afterwards. Christchurch Bowling Club.—The members of this club held a rink tournament on the green yesterday afternoon for prizes presented by the president, Mr G, Bonnington. The weather was perfect, and the green being in capital order some very good play was shown. Waimate Band. The committee appointed to collect subscriptions for a presentation to the Wairnate Band met. on Tuesday night. The amount collected was £9. This sum was handed to the band's Secretary by Mr W. Coltman (Mayor), who, in doing so, said that the presentation was made to show the public appreciation of the band’s success in the late contest. The* baud will also receive . a donation of £5 from the Contest Com*, mittee. Druidibm.—The Juvenile Oak of Sydenham Lodge met on Wednesday night in. the Army Hall, Colombo Road, Bro W. Stevens presiding. One candidate was initiated. Grand President Bro Bailey then presented Bros A. Betts and Eturnerson with the prizes won by them for sifiginr. The President announced that Bro Wilstead, of the Pioneer Lodge, would next lodge night give a magic lantern entertainment on the “Eastern Question also, that the competitions for comic and sentimental singing would tuke plwa in a month’s time. Foresters.—Court Star of Canterbury held a special summoned meeting on Monday evening. There was a moderate attendance, C.R, Bro J. W. Hunter, in the chair. The Woodwards reported thirteen members on the sick fund. The C.R. reported the death, of Bro John Mon is. The C.R. read the report of the last district meeting. The notice of motion relative to using the fete fund for the purchase cf a piano for the, hall was then taken, and after some discussion the resolution was carried with a few dissentients. Two new members were initiated. The Chief Ranger read a letter from the Railway Department in reference to reduced fates for friendly societies’excursions. Correspondence was read and sick jiay passed. Receipts for the, evening, .£96,

PldNic.—The annual picnic of tha Women's Prayer Union will take place at New Brighton to-day, leaving Christchurch by the 10.10 a.m. tram. Oddfellows’ Hall.— -Last evening the Hugo Bros.’ Company, assisted by several local amateurs, gave a benefit performance it the Oddfellows’ Hall to Mr Fred Lawrence. There was only a moderate house. Ashburton Show. —Entries for the annual show under the auspices of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, which takes place on Nov. 1, close to-day. * National Association. A general meeting - of members of the Canterbury Branch of the National Association of New Zealand will be held at the rooms, Morten’s Buildings, on Thursday evening nest, at eight o’clock.

KaiApoi Fibs Brigade.— At the meeting of this Brigade on Monday evening, the .'superintendent in the chair, the following ‘ members were presented with two years’ jservice bars Foreman T. ©.Blackwell, ißranchman 0. Hen wood. Engineer J. [Bailey, Assistant-Engineer W. Baker, and ‘Fireman J. Haymsn. ■ Morbis-tube Shooting,— The Rangiora Morris-tube Club continued the competition for Mr J. Sansom’s trophy on Wednesday. The highest scorers were —W. Blackett (3) 34; W. Moore (1), H. Holcroft (2) and ©. Saaaom (7) each 33; H. Gulliver, W. Bfford, sen., B. Walker (4) and G. Jordan (3) each 32.

Ashley.—A picnic in connection with the Ashley Mutual Improvement Society was held on Saturday last, at the Stony Creek bush, by kind permission of Mr J. G. Simpkinson. The weather in the morning was not very favourable, but the afternoon turned out fine, and a pleasant time was spent by the members, and their friends.

Lyttelton Land Sports. The committee of the Lyttelton Land Sports to be held on New Year’s Day, met on Wednesday, when arrangements were made _ for carrying on the sports on the same lines as formerly. Messrs Gordon and Hickson were appointed collectors, and Messrs S. W. Mitchell' and A. B. M’Cready were appointed treasurer and secretary respectively. 1 1 The Mayoralty.— Several influential citizens waited upon Mr'W, H. Cooper, the present Mayor of Christchurch, and urged him to allow himself to be nominated for a further term of office, and there is every probability that Mr Cooper will accede to the request. Mr Widdowson has announced himself as a candidate, but Mr a. T. Smith has not yet definitely decided whether he will come forward ox not. Band Music. —The Sfcanmore Brass Band will play tha following programme of music at Barnes’s Corner, Richmond, to-night, starting at 7.45, weather permitting; bandmaster, Mr D. M’EillOp: —Quickstep, “Little Brunswick,” H. Bound; selection (contest), “ Dec Freischtitz,” Weber ; valse, (en suite), “Loving and Hoping," Linter; selection (contest), “Halevy,” H. Bound; valse, “The Farewell,” CPCeydal; polka, “Fairy Palace,” Harris; march, “Stanmore,” Trussell; " God Save the Queen.” St Matthew’s, St Albans.— The Minstrel Troupe of the Avonside Boys’ Club gave an entertainment in St Matthew’s schoolroom, Sb Albans, last evening, in aid of the funds of the St Matthewls Boys’ Guild. The room was well filled, and the entertainment proved very enjoyable. The various songs and choruses were very well given and heartily applauded by the audience. Miss Young played the accompaniments. At the close of the entertainment the Rev H. Williams returned thanks to the performers. Confirmation Service.— The Bishop of Christchurch held a confirmation service at tha Parish Church, Amberley, last Thursday, at which eighteen candidates were confirmed. In the evening a “social” was held by tha parishioners at the Oddfallows’ HaU,at which the Bishop gave a short but very interesting account of his late visit to the West Coast.. Refreshments were handed round, and a short programme of music was gone through. Notwithstanding the heavy north-west gale blowing, the hall was well filled!

Entertainment at Avonside.—A musical and dramatic entertainment will be given in the Avonside schoolroom this evening. The first part of the programme will include a piano solo by Misa C. E. Lingard, ’cello solo by Mr H, H. Loughnan, flugel horn solo by Mr F. C. Eaphael, songs by Mrs Eevell, Miss Marriott-Wataon, Moasra G. E. March, P. W. Hobbs, E. A. Ballantyne, C. S. Bell, and F. S. Ealfe, reoitations by Mr D. Eyan, and. a ventriloquial sketch by Mr H. H. Bay ward. A farce entitled Bone on Both Sides will be performed by Misses Seymour, Marriott-Watson, and Messrs L. A. Nicoll, E. F. EicoU, and A. S. Styche. Benefit Concert.— A concert in aid of Herrick’s Home was given in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Woodend, on Wednesday evening. Mr H. Tipping occupied the chair. The following programme was gone through: Pianoforte solo. Miss Archer; solos, Mesdames Chapman and Stock, Misses Buss, Tipping and Mr Mosaman; duets, Mrs Pear and Miss Tipping and Miss Bowie and Mr Horrell; recitation, Mr Tomlinson; violin solo. Miss N. Fear. The “Three Old Maids” in character was well rendered by the Misses Pear. The accompaniments were played by Mrs Armitage, Misses Adams, Fear, Horrell and Tipping. A dance was held afterwards.

Ltttelton Ekgatta. — A meeting of the committee was held on Wednesday. Mr F. Way mouth, vice-commodore, occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance. Correspondence was read from Mr J. Joyce, commodore, enclosing a letter from the Minister of Defence, stating that instruction shad been given for the nsnal submarine explosion on regatta day; and also from his Excellency the Governor, accepting the position of patron. A discussion took place on the question of voting a sum of money for land sports, and it was decided not to devote any of the funds for that purpose. The matter of arranging the prizes for the yacht races was left over till the next meeting, to be held on Wednesday next. A few minor matters having been dealt with, the meeting terminated.

Lie* Assurance. —The Colonial Mutual completed its fourth quinquennial period oa Dec. 30,1894, and a short summary of ita business, extending over the twentyone years of its existence, will be found in another column. At the special meeting held in Melbourne on Oct. 2, the Chairman reported that the total number of policies issued was 69,447, assuring .£21,743,351, thus representing an average annual business of one million. This is a remarkable achievement, and one which is belieyed to bo unparalleled in the annals of life assurance. The funds amount to £1,793,628, and the amount paid over to policy-holders during the period under review is £1,405,951. The mortality experience has been extremely favourable, and policy-holders will reap the advantage of careful selection of lives by means of substantial bonuses. The surplus for the last quinquennial period is .£226,198, which is equivalent to a reversion of £450,000, out of which it was decided to divide £105,896. The membership roll is almost 33,000, representing policies in force amounting to £10,500,000. These are figures of which any office might well feel proud, and the Colonial Mutual is to be heartily, congratulated, on its success. Mr E. C. Young is the representative of the Society in Christchurch.

A Wokoerpuii Factory,— Oates's Zealahdia Cycle Works going day and night to supply the demand, solely the result of building the best; highest quality, £2O. IT. Oates, Christchurch and Napier.— [Advt.], At the Top op the Tree. —No purchase requites more careful selection than the choice of a cycle, for it has to carry you well, wear well and look well' The “Rapid” will do all this. Price from £2O, Waller, Myhre and Co., Manchester Street. «—[Advt.T

Standish anb PitEECß,pliatogta.piu2rs by. apocinl appointment to his Excellency the Governor and tie. Countess oi Glassow, (Studio, High Street,—

Masonic.— The first regular monthly meeting of the newly-inaugurated Bt Alban’s Masonic Lodge, E. 0., will be held in the St Augustine Hall, at 7.30 this evening.

The Metropolitan Show.— Entries for the Metropolitan Show will close with Mr Murphy, she secretary of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, to-morrow.

Citt and Suburban Tramway.—Tenders are invited for the purchase of the line and rolling stock of the City and Suburban Tramway Company, which is now in liquidation. Musical Festival.— The committee of the Musical Union will meet this evening to receive the replies to the circulars which have been sent out asking for guarantees for the, musical festival which it is proposed to hold in Christchurch next year. Kaiafoi,—A public meeting of the burgesses of the borough of Kaiapoi will bo held in the local Oddfellows’ Hall on Monday evening at eight o’clock, to discuss the question of the Council purchasing Horse’s Park as a public recreation ground for the borough.

Personal.— The Hons Major Steward and S. E. Shrimski arrived from Wellington by the Takapuna yesterday. The Hon E. Mitchelson left for Wellington by the Takapuna last evening. His Honor Mr Justice Denniston, who has been attending the Appeal Court at Wellington, will return to Christchurch by the Corinna to-day.

Good Templaey.— The usual session of the Star of the East Lodge, 1.0.G.T. was held in the Templar Hall, Ashburton, on Wednesday evening. Bro Hunter, C.T., presided. There was a very good attendance of members, and two candidates were initiated into the order. After the usual routine business the Lodge went into harmony, and an interesting programme was gone through. Cathedral Organ.— At the organ recital to be given in the Cathedral this evening Mr Millar will sing the following solos—“ Bolling and Foaming Billows,” by Haydn, Gounod’s "Nazareth” and Mendelssohn’s “Lord God of Abraham.” Mr Tendall will play selections from the works of Handel, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Guilmant, &c., some of the items for the first time; and by special request he will play for the third time Dudley Buck s lovely idyll, “At Eventide.” At the recital to be given on Wednesday evening, Nov. 6, Miss Ettie Davie will be the vocalist.

“The Haymakers.” Last evening Boot’s operatic cantata was produced at the Opera House, under the direction of Mr G. Paltry. There was a very good audience, and the piece went with much brightness and spirit. The performers, numbering fifty, were in appropriate costume, and the scenic effects were not omitted. The principals were Misses Billens; Scott and Watson, and Messrs W. A. Hall, T. Joll, J. H. Peek and A. Joll, who both sang and acted well. Miss .Watson and Mr Hall were particularly good. Miss Daltry was at the piano, and Mr J. W. Collier ably led the orchestra. Mr G. Daltry conducted, and a great deal of praise is due to him for the success of the performance. The Palette Club.— The attendance at the Palette Club’s exhibition last night was one of. the largest since the opening; and the musical programme was one of the best yet given. Miss Hewson sang “When the Flowing Tide Comes In,” and “ The Kingdom of the Blest.” Miss Hardey sang Mascheroni's “Woodland Serenade,” and “ Sing Sweet Bird.” Miss Wynn-Williams played two violin solos, Gounod’s “ Serenade,” and selections from Cavalleria Busticana. Mr Woodhouse sang "Mary of Argyle,” and “Sing to Me.”_ Mr Hollow sang “ Nevermore.” Mias Vartha acted as accompanist. All the numbers were exceedingly well rendered. The art union in connection with the exhibition will be drawn this evening, under the supervision of hie Worship the Mayor. The exhibition will close to-morrow evening. A PEODUCE MARKET. The Wellington City Council has decided to erect a market for produce both wholesale and retail. At present the building will he of a temporary character. RAINFALL. The rainfall for September at the chief centres was Auckland, 19 days, 6*2lin; Wellington, 14 days, 2*97in; Christchurch, 6 days, OSlin; Dunedin, 13 days, l’s6in. At Puysegur Point rain fell on 20 days, the total fall being 25‘65ia. A DEADLOCK. At the Ellesmere show yesterday there was a good exhibition of home-made wines, which were set down to be adjudicated upon by the judges for the other housewife’s products. However, when these gentlemen arrived at the wines a , deadlock occurred. They were prohibitionists, and nothing could induce them to taste what they regarded as pernicious stuff. The officers of the Association were hastily consulted, and soon found two first-rate authorities, who tried the wine and pronounced it very good. THE VOLUNTEERS. The following volunteer officers have been gazetted: Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry Volunteers, Hugh Duncanson Buchanan to be lieutenant; Canterbury Engineer Volunteers, W. Frederick Bridgman to be lieutenant. The Governor has appointed the undermentioned volunteer corps in the Canterbury district to be an infantry battalion under the designation of " Canterbury Battalion of Infantry Volunteers,” with effect from Oot, 8, 1895 : Timaru Naval Artillery Volunteers (acting as infantry for the time being), Canterbury Engineer Volunteers (acting as infantry for the time being), Christchurch City Guard Rifle Volunteers, Tomuka Rifle Volunteers, Ashburton Rifle Volunteers, Christ’s College Rifle Volunteers, Christchurch City Rifle Volunteers, Timaru Rifle Volunteers, Kaiapoi Rifle Volunteers, Waimate Rifle Volunteers, Eangiora Rifle Volunteers. Major Frederick Wyatt Francis, New Zealand Volunteers, has been appointed to the command of the battalion with the rank of LieutenantColonel, and with the following staff: — Adjutant, Lieutenant Frederick William Sandfotd, Surgeon Captain Edward Jennings. . THE RECENT EXHIBITION. By way of showing how our recent industrial exhibition was viewed by an outside critic, the following remarks are quoted from an article in she Auckland Star of recent date; —The Christchurch exhibition was a very modest thing compared with the ambitious Wellingtonian scheme. The Christchurch people took up the question in a far more practical way than their friends in the north, and the consequence is that while their exhibition is an accomplished fact, to which they can point with pride, the Wellington scheme is still in the clouds. Christchurch entertained a much less heroic ideal. The moat she desired was to gather under one roof the evidences of the skill and industry of the Christchurch and Canterbury people. If outsiders were anxious to be represented, we understand that she made no objection; but the exhibition was particularly a Christchurch and a Canterbury affair. Visitors to the show tell us that it reflected the highest credit on the province and the City of the Plains. There was a surprising display of all sorts of things that nature gives or man contrives ; and people left with a much clearer and, more exalted sense of the actualities and possibilities of the particular part of

the colony which was chiefly represented. The whole thing, modest in the extent of its aim, has accomplished, and much more than accomplished, that aim. An incentive has been given to industry that seems likely to have a much more beneficial effect on the city and province than was anticipated; and the excellent financial results obtained will very probably encourage other cities to follow in the wake of Christchurch, which has now at its disposal no less a sum than .£2OOO to go towards the erection of a permanent Industrial Hall or to be expended in some other way that may best promote industrial enterprise.”