TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCV, Issue 10919, 30 March 1896, Page 5

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Contents. —The latest news with respect to the Brunnerton disaster states that all the bodies except one have now been recovered. The funerals of the. victims were held on Saturday and yesterday, and were very largely attended. Private letters have been received in England containing warnings that grave events are pending at the Cape, and stating that it is possible that a Boer and Afrikander rising against the British will take place at no distant date. The Matabele rising is reported to have been instigated by the native police, who deserted with a large number of rifles. Prompt steps to quell the revolt are being taken. The majority of the Commissioners who have charge of the Egyptian reserve fund have voted a grant towards the expense of the Dongola expedition. The French and Kussian representatives protested against this action as illegal. Canada has offered to provide a cavalry regiment,for service with the expedition. The University boat yace was won by Oxford, Personal. —Colonel Pox was a passenger by the steamer Penguin, which left Lyttelton on Saturday night.

The Railways.—Particulars of a railway excursion to Otarama on Good Friday are announced in this issue. Lyttelton Amateur Athletic Association. —Tho annual general meeting of this Association will be held at the Colonists’ Hall to-morrow evening. Supreme Court. —Tho civil sittings Of the Supreme Court will be resumed before his Honor Mr Justice Denniston at 11 a.m. to-day. The case of Prins v, Ovenden is Set down for hearing before his Honor alone.

Theosophical Society. —A well attended meeting was held yesterday afternoon at the lodge-room of this society, the subject discussed being “ Science and Religion.” The discussion was opened by a very able paper read by one of the members.

Harvest Thanksgiving. —At St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church yesterday harvest thanksgiving services, conducted by the Eev Gordon Webster, were held. There were large congregations, and special music was admirably rendered by the choir, under Mr A. Corrick.

The Easter Camp. —The preliminary arrangements in connection with the Volunteer encampment at Easter have been completed. Staff-Sergeant Major Purvis, with a fatigue party, will begin the work of preparing the ground and pitching the tents- for the Orari camp tomorrow.

Mounted Rifles. —A mounted parade of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles was held at Templeton on Saturday evening. There was a good muster, and the men were put through field- drill by Captain Snow, and guard-mounting by Sergeant-Major Borland. There ’ will be a parade at the orderly-room at 7.15 p.m. to-day.

Easter Encampment. —To-morrow Staff Sergeant-major Jones, of the South Canterbury Battalion, with a party of labourers, will commence preparations for the camp at Temuka. A lot of scrub and gorse has to be cleared upon the range, several wells sunk, and sundry other matters attended to. The local corps are lending assistance.

Grbendale. —A special meeting of the Greendale Band of Hope was held in the schoolroom on Friday evening. Mr J. H. Wilson occupied the chair. Mr North, jun., of Dunedin, gave an address on “ The Effects of Alcohol on the System.” Messrs T. W. Adams and J. Thompson were elected delegates to the Temperance Convention to be held in Christchurch in April. Goon Tempi,art. —The weekly session of the Hope of Christchurch Lodge was held in the Druids’ Hall, on Tuesday night, Bro Fleming presiding. There was a good attendance, and three candidates were initiated. Bro F. W, Isitt'. attended and invited the members to the forthcomingconference, to be hold at the Trinity Congregational schoolroom in April. The Lodge then adjourned for harmony and a pleasant hour was passed. Political. —Mr W. H. Montgomery, M.H.E., addressed the Ellesmere electors at the Doyleston schoolroom, on Thursday evening. There was a large attendance. Mr Adam Werner was in the chair. A vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Montgomery was carried by acclamation.—Mr Montgomery addressed a meeting of the electors at the Tad Tapu schoolroom, on Friday evening. There was a good attendance. At the conclusion of his address Mr Leathern moved, '■ and Mr Forbes seconded, a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Montgomery as •' member for the Ellesmere district. Mr Sinclair moved as an amendment —“That this meeting thanks Mr Montgomery for his upright and straightforward speech, but has not confidence in the Government.” The amendment did not find a seconder, and the original motion was carried nem. con. This evening Mr Montgomery will address the electors at tie Oddfellows’ Hall, Akaroa. Mr G. W. Bussell will address his constituents at the Upper Eiccartoh Schoolroom, at eight o’clock to-morrow evening.

Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association. —The thirtieth annual meeting of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held at Timaru on Saturday, the president (Mr J. C. Thierens) in the chair. The annual report congratulated members on the fact that the Association was financially almost ,£IOO bettor off than it was last year. The balance-sheet showed total receipts £OO6 11s 3d, including members’ subscriptions £l5O, donations and private prizes £B2, entries £177, booths,.gates, &e, £268. The expenditure included prize moneys £340, printing and advertising £5?, salaries and wages £92, judges’ expenses £25, rent £4O, general expenses £47. Mr B. R. Guinness, late vice-president, was the only person nominated for the presidency,'and was unanimously elected. Mr George Lyall was unanimously elected vice-president. A committee of twenty-four was elected. Mr W. Priest was appointed honorary treasurer, and Mr M. Gray auditor. A longdiscussion was hold on the subject of acquiring a new show site, and eventually it was resolved to relegate the matter to a special meeting' of members to be called within thirty days. GILBEY’S DRY GIN. Vide Special Report of Sir Charles Cameron, M.D.

Art Union. —The drawing in connection with the Firo Brigade art union will take place at 7.30 this evening. Arrest.— -Detective Marsack yesterday arrested a man on a charge of stealing a swag from Bligh’s boarding house.

•Journalistic, —The first number of a now weekly newspaper. The Critic, professing Independent-Liberal politics, was issued in Christchurch on Saturday. Industrial Association.— A meeting of the committee of the Industrial Association will ho held at Maling’s Buildings, Worcester Street, at 7.30 to-morrow evening.

Scripture Text Book.— Mr E. Meredith will deliver an address at the Oust Institute Hall this evening, on the subject of the proposed Irish Text Book for public schools.

The Armenians. —In the churches of tho Anglican communion in this diocese yesterday special prayers wore offered up on behalf of tho persecuted Christians of Armenia.

Dunedin Orchestral Concert. —The programme of the Dunedin Orchestral Society’s concert, which takes place at tho Opera House, on Friday evening, is advertised in this issue.

The Hospital. —During Saturday and yesterday two more typhoid fever cases were admitted into the hospital from tho city, and two cases of scarletina wore sent in from Sydenham. Musical. —Mr Harry Eossiter has been appointed conductor of the choir at St Mary’s Catholic Church. It is intended to give Weber’s Mass in G, with orchestral accompaniment, in tho church ou Easter Sunday. North Loburn School. —At a special meeting of tho North Lobum School Committee, held on Friday evening, it was decided to recommend the appointment of Miss M. Callaghan as mistress of the school. The Passover. —The usual services in connection with the Passover were commenced in the Jewish Synagogue on Saturday evening and continued yesterday. Mr T. Falk, officiated, and there were good congregations. Women’s Convention. —On Saturday Mr G. W. Eussell, M.H.E., received a telegram from the Minister of Public Works, granting tho use of the Provincial Chamber for the use of the Women’s Convention, to be held in Christchurch during tho month of April. Meetings. —The following meetings will be. held to-day : —Subscribers to Rhodes’s Memorial Home, Mr C. Clark’s rooms, Hereford Street, 3 p.m.; Board of Governors, 3 p.m.; Linwood Borough Council, 7.30 p.m.; St Augustine Lodge, emergency meeting, 7.30 p.m. Cycling Concert. —The programme for the concert of the Christchurch Cycling Club, which takes place at the Opera House on Easter Monday, is a varied one, including bicycling songs, specially written for the occasion, tableaux, &o. Miss Eoso Blaney, who created such a favourable impression on her last visit to Christchurch, has been specially engaged to take part.

Kaiapoi Rifle Volunteers.—t- At tho prize firing of this Company, on March 21, the following were the principal results: — Corporal Oram, handicap (8),-score 52, total 60, first prize 15s; Pte. F. Robilliard (scr), 69, 59, 12s 6d; Pte. F. Mathews (8), 48, 56, l2s 6d ; Pte. T. Hanna (3), 51/54, 10s, At the competition held on Saturday, the principal results were as follows : —Pte. F. Day, handicap (5), points 49, total 54, prize 15s; Pte. G. Simpson (4), 49, 53, 12s 6d ; Pte. J. Hosfall (14), 36, 50, 10s 6d; Pte. E. Fisher (14), 33, 47, 10s. Salvation Army. —The Salvation Army held their annual harvest festival at the Christchurch Barracks' yesterday, when Brigadier Hoskin, who controls the Army’s operations in this colony, lead all the meetings, assisted by Major Bruntnell and personal staff. At night nearly 2000 people were present, while many were turned away. The offerings for the day amounted to <£2o 12s 6d. To-night the festival will be continued, when a very realistic harvest scene will be shown with limelight affects. A fruit soiree will be held afterwards. The Circus. —The announcement that the circus on Saturday evening would be preceded by a “ free show ” brought together a gathering of over one thousand persons in Gloucester Street to witness the slack wire performance of Mr T. Driscoll, but the circus itself was very poorly patronised. About 7.30 p.m. Mr Driscoll walked across Gloucester Street on a slack wire suspended from the Criterion Hotel to a pole in the section opposite, his performance being loudly applauded. A varied programme was afterwards gone through in the circus tent.

Prohibition Meeting. — A prohibition meeting was held in the Opera House last night, when there was a good attendance. Mr G. J. Smith, M.H.E., presided, and moved a resolution at the outset, which was carried, expressing sympathy with the bereaved at Brunner. The Eev P. W. Isitt seconded the resolution, and announced that it had been deranged that he should lecture on Wednesday night, probably in that hall, in aid of the Brunner Belief. Fund, when admission would be by silver coin. Miss M’Guinnes gave an address on the medical and moral aspects of the temperance question, and the other speakers were the Revs B. H. Ginger and J. Hosking and Mr T. E. Taylor. Spketdon School. On Friday the annual distribution of prizes took place in the schoolroom. Mr Walker, a member of committee, presented the hooks. The following are the- chief prize-takers :—Standard YIL, Annie M’Getrick, John Parish and Gertie Comer; Standard VI., Elsie Hawkey, Edward Brown and Arthur Morland; Standard V., Charles, Clark, Willie Jones and James Pearce; Standard IV., Mabel Comber, Elorrie Smith and' Annie Curtis; Standard HI,, Alfred Amyes, Leonard Humm and Theresa Noble; Standard 11., Ethel Comber, Arthur Amyes and Sidney Hancock; Standard 1., Theodore M’Farlano, Jeannie Brown and Mabel Parish. Sewing Standard 1., Mabel Parish; Standard 11., Edith Hancock; Standard 111., Bessie M’Getriok; Standard IV., Florrie Smith; Standard V., May Hancock; StandardVl.,Minnie Stephens.

Native Funeral. —i Tie funeral of the late Mrs Waaka, who died at the Kaik, Arowhenua, on Monday last, at the age of ninety-nine years and nine months, took place at the Native Cemetery on Friday afternoon. There was a very largo gathering of natives for the occasion as well as many European visitors, and the large rtinanga house was far too small to accommodate all. The coffin, which was of polished wood worked in panels, was placed at the south end of the meeting-house, and grouped around it were, the principal women of the pah and a choir of younger women and children. The service was conducted by the Rev T. Farley according to the ritual of the Church of England, and Mr Hoani Kawhu read in Maori the 15th chapter of Corinthians. The coffin was borne from the runanga house by six of the principal men of the deceased's hapu, each wearing- a handsome mat, and the procession to the grave was a lengthy one. As it wound along the death wail was raised by some of the elder woman. After the final service at the grave, the Eev T. Farley delivered a brief address.

The Art of Cycle Biding. —Ladies or gentlemen who are anxious to learn to ride the evolo will now have the opportunity of being taught privately by Mr P. W. Painter, the well-known expert. For terms, apply, Waller, Myhro and Co., Manchester Street. 9137 Tu k Conquering Hero. —-Shetland, the famous cyclist, ' easily lowered the late Christchurch-Dunedin record ; but then he was mounted on the very best make of bicyclo, viz,, an Oates’s £2O Zcalandia, built in Now Zealand for New Zealand requirements. Works, Christchurch and Napier.— [Advt.] Star Cycles. —Highest quality, lowest price. Adams’ Star Cycle Company, 70, Manchester street, Christchurch. —[Advt.] STAUmaii an[) I’ iikeck, piioi ograunors by special appointment to his Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Glasgow, Studio, High Street.— LAI>VT-'

Bank Holidays. —The banks throughout tho colony will bo closed on Good Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday next. Wesleyan Bazaar, Ashburton. —The bazaar and fancy fair held in the Orange Hall, Ashburton, on Saturday, drew a large attendance. At night tableaux vivants were shown, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. It is expected that tho financial success will bo considerable. The Midwinter. Show.— The general interest taken in the Midwinter Show, to bo held under tho auspices of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, is strikingly shown by tho fact that already nearly five hundred feet of frontage have been applied for by intending exhibitors.

Southern Maori Electorate. Mr Tamo Parata, M.H.E., Southern. Maori Division, took advantage of the large assembly of Natives at the funeral of Mrs Waaka at Arowhenua, and addressed his constituents on Friday night. The meeting was kept open until a late hour, and Mr Parata replied to a number of questions bearing upon Native legislation.

Presentation. Before the North Loburn school children were dismissed on Friday las|;, occasion was taken to present the mistress—Miss D. Eevell, who is leaving for Irwell—with a handsomely bound volume, the gift of a few friends, in recognition of her work at North Loburn. The presentation was made by tho chairman of the school committee, Mr T. White, and suitably acknowledged by the master, Mr J. S. Dalby, on Miss Eevell’s behalf.

Valedictory. —A movement for organising a testimonial to Mr L. A. Cuff, on his departure from Canterbury, has been inaugurated by the various athletic bodies. Subscriptions, not exceeding ss, may ,be sent in to Messrs C. E. Smith (Alliance Assurance C 0.,) J. C. Cusack (Cyclists’, Alliance), W. Garrard (Rugby Union), or other members of the committee. The testimonial will be a general one, and it is open to all friends and admirers of Mr Cuff who wish to contribute. Christchurch Central Mission. Yesterday being the annual harvest thanksgiving festival, the Oddfellows’ Hall was tastefully decorated with choice flowers, fruit, shrubs, &c. Mr Bell preached in the morning, and special harvest hymns were sung by tho choir under the leadership of Mr Jones. There was a large congregation at the evening service, when Mr Bell preached on the Brunnerton catastrophe. At the conclusion of the service “ The Dead March ” in Saul was played by Miss Stevens. Mesdames Bastion and Beardsley and Mr A. Suckling sang sacred selections. Next Sunday evening a collection will be made on behalf of the Brunnerton sufferers.

Morris Tube Shooting.— On Friday evening the members of the Christchurch Working Men’s Club rifle class fired, off another competition at the 500yds range for prizes presented by Messrs J. Gould, Ashby, Bergh and Co., E. Eeece and Sons, S. H. Vemazoni and Burrell Bros. The following were the highest scores: —A. Allan (1) 34, E. C. Wells (scr) 33, J. Hastie (scr) 33, J. A. Lummis (1) 30, W. A. Caldwell (2) 30, D. Ashton (3) 30. On Saturday evening a match was fired between the members of the rifle class and Messrs Wigram Bros.’ Morris tube class, and resulted in a win for the rifle class by fifteen points. The following were the highest scores for the winners: —T. Broome 34, W. A. Caldwell 33, A. Cowan 33, C. W. Sherwood 32, and for the losers C. H. Hewlett 33, W. M’Dowell 32, S. Vogan 31. Lawn Tennis. —A match was played at Lyttelton on Saturday afternoon between the Sumner and Lyttelton Clubs, the latter winning by twenty games. Tho following sets were played:—Mesdames Chambers and Fairclough (L.) beat Misses Van Asch (S.) 9-5; Mrs Bromley and Miss A. Galbraith (L.) beat Misses Wiggins (S.) 9-4; Misses B. Pitcaithly and Fairclough (L.) beat Misses Bridge and'Crawford (S.) 9-2 Miss Sanson and England (S.) beat Miss and Eev Fairclough (L.) 9-4; Miss A. Galbraith and Pavitt (L.) beat Miss M. Wiggins and Allan (S.) - 9-7 ; Mrs Pairdough and Pitcaithly (L.) beat Miss ' Asoh and England (S.) 9-5; Mrs Chambers and Canning (L.) beat Miss K. Van Asch and Kiver (S.) 9-6; Miss Wiggins and Stevens (S.) beat Miss B. Pitcaithly and Pavitt (L.) 6-5; M’Farlane and England (S.) beat Eev Fairclough and Pavitt (L.) 9-3; Pitcaithly and Pavitt (L.) beat Allan and Stevens (S.) 9-6; Kiver and M’Farlane (S.) beat Pitcaithly and Canning (L.) 9-8; Canning (L.) beat Kiver (S.) 9-4.

Supplement. — A circular setting forth details of a special sale of drapery, &c., by Messrs Shaw, Eobinson and Co., is enclosed as a supplement with this issue. Readers of this paper not receiving the circular are requested to communicate with Shaw, Eobinson and Co., when one will be immediately forwarded by post. 675 ADVANCES TO SETTLERS. A telegram from Wellington states that the Advances to Settlers Board has approved of loans amounting to .£20,000. A large number of applications have been received. WELLINGTON DEAINAGE. The Wellington City Council has accepted the tender of Mr M’Grath, of that city, for the construction of the outfall sewer in connection with the drainage works. The amount of the tender was =£14,345. CHAEGE OF ASSAULT. At Dunedin on Saturday, in the case of Pish v. Hardie, a fine of =£lo and costs was imposed. Notice of appeal was given. THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL. The Monowai, with the San Francisco mail, arrived at Auckland at 1 a.m. yesterday. The Mahinapna, with the southern portion of the mail, left Onohunga at 6 a.m., and should arrive at Wellington today in time to admit of the Lyttelton bags being taken on by the Penguin, leaving at three o’clock.

NETTING MACKENZIE COUNTEY . . LAKES. During last session a petition from the residents of Geraldine and Mackenzie counties was presented to the House of Ecpresentatives by Mr P. E. Platman, praying that netting trout on Lakes Ghau, Tekapo, Pukaki and Alexandrina might be carried on with the same or similar regulations as those prescribed for netting trout in the Otago lakes. The matter came before the A to L Committee, which recommended that the request should be granted under the supervision of the Geraldine Acclimatisation Society, and Mr Flatman has just received a telegram from the Government stating that the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee will be given effect to. THE HOROWHENUA COMMISSION. Sir Walter Bnller has applied to the Horowhenua Commission to subpeena the Minister of Lands with a view to obtaining from him full particulars of the nature of the charges advanced against him last session. Sir Walter has subpoenaed Mr Ward, Trust Commissioner, Native Judge Wilson and Mr Sheridan, Native Land Purchase Officer. • NATIONAL ASSOCIATION. A conference of delegates of the National Association has been sitting at Wellington to consider what steps should be taken towards consolidation and unity of action throughout the colony. Resolutions have been drawn up, and will be submitted to the district organisations for approval. SCHOOL TEACHERS’ HOLIDAYS. The following correspondence has been received for publication : —To the Editor. Sir, —Herewith I enclose copy of letter received from the Minister of Railways, which perhaps you will like to publish in

the interest of your numerous readers—l am &c.; P. R. Flatman. (Enclosure.) Wellington, March 20,189fi. F. E. Flatman, Esq., M.H.R. Sir, —With reference to your letter of Jan. 14, in regard to tho issue of holiday excursion tickets to teachers of schools which close in harvest time, instead of at Christmas, I have the honour to inform you that I have issued instructions that on production of a certificate from the Secretary of the Education Board that the school has not been closed during the usual Christmas vacation, tickets at holiday excursion fares are to be issued to the teachers and members of their families forase during the harvest holidays.—l am, &c„ Win. Hall-Jones, for Minister of Eailways.