TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCV, Issue 10921, 1 April 1896, Page 5

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Contents. —The whole of the bodies of the men who were killed in the Brunner mine have now been recovered. It is believed that the resignation of M. Berthelot, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, is an indication that France will be more strongly insistent upon the question of the evacuation of Egypt. During a discussion in the House .of Commons with respect to the situation in Armenia, Mr Curzon declared that the policy of the last fifty years, of resisting Russian invasion of Turkish territory, was a mistaken one, and that to allow Russia to fulfil her destiny would be preferable to the massacre every decade of twenty-five thousand people. The Soudan dervishes are preparing to resist the British expedition which has been despatched to Dpngola. According to the correspondent of the London Times, the Transvaal difficulty will he speedily arranged provided the Imperial Government is not confronted with the opposition of Germany. The West Coast.— The early days of settlement on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, with their stirring incidents of adventure and discovery and many interesting reminiscences . of. the early explorers and settlers,* are the subjects of a series of illustrations ■ and descriptive articles in the Canterbury Times, beginning in this week’s number, which also will contain views of the Brunner coal mine—the scene of the awful catastrophe of Thursday last, the most appalling mining accident that has happened in New Zealand. In this number also will he found the opening chapters of a new serial tale by the great realistic French novelist Zola, which is declared by the highest critical authority to he one of the most powerful, works that author has yet written. This week’s Canterbury Times will thus be even more attractive than usual.

Meetings.— The following meetings will be held to-dayßoard of Education, 11 a.m.; Brunner Belief Fund Executive Committee, City Council Chamber, 4.30 p.m.; Amateur Athletic Association, City Hotel, ,8 p.m.; Bqgby Union Beferees, Clarendon Hotel, 8‘ p.m.; meeting to take steps'to raise money for Brunner Belief Fund, Woolston Library, 8 p.m.; Canterbury Trotting Club, 8 p.m.; Philosophical Institute, 8 p.m. Kingsley Club.— The opening' social of the Kingsley Club will bo held in St John’s schoolroom to-morrow evening.

Stack Fiee at TiNwald. —Yesterday morning three wheat stacks, belonging to Mr L. Eattray, Tinwald, were destroyd by fire. They were insured for .£IOO in the North British Office. The Fiee Beigades Aet Union. —The winner of the first prize in the Fire Brigades’ Demonstration art union, a suite of furniture, is Mr John Hunter, stonemason. The second prize, a dogcart, has been won by Mrs Joughin, Linwood.

Ram and Ewe Fair. —The annual ram and ewe fair’was held at Mr W. Buss’s Central Yards, at Eangiora, yesterday. The efatry of stud sheep numbered about 600, of which 500 were rams, all the best-known flocks in North Canterbury being represented, ■

Lecture,— The Rev J. J. Doke delivered a lecture on “The Wonders of Egypt,” in the Oxford Terrace Baptist schoolroom yesterday evening. The room was well filled. The lecture was illustrated by limelight views from sketches taken by the lecturer while bn a tour through Egypt recently. The views were shown by Mr E. Beardsley.

The Weather.— The south-west wind which set in yesterday morning continued during the day, and in the evening was. accompanied by steady rain. There were severe thunderstorms in Wellington and Wanganui yesterday afternoon, and telegraphic communication with, the North Island was, in consequence, interrupted for several hours. The “ Crucifixion.” —Stainer’s beautiful music on the Meditation of the Crucifixion will be given by the cathedral choir on Thursday next. The soloists will be Mr A. Millar and Mr E. Lovell. The proceeds of the’ offertory will be devoted to the deficit which has arisen from the latelyeffected repairs to the ’ organ. Mr Wells will preside at the organ.

Supreme Court.— His Honor Mr Justice Benniston held a sitting in bankruptcy yesterday morning. On tbe application of Mr Widdowson, an order ,of discharge was granted to A, E. Nicholls. To-day the case of Raven v. Quill will be-resumed, and rebutting evidence for the plaintiff will be heard. The argument in the case of Aynsley and others v, the Union Bank will be taken afterwards.

The Bible in Schools. On Monday evening there was a numerous audience at .the Institute Hall, Oust, when Mr R. Meredith, M.H.R., gave an address on the proposal to introduce the Irish text-hook into the public schools. Mr A. Hunter presided. Mr Meredith contended that to introduce Bible teaching would mean that teachers would be appointed according to their creed, and committees would bo made up of whatever church was dominant in the district. 'He was opposed to any change in the present system. Mr Meredith, who met with a few interruptions during the course of his address, was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks on the motion of the Rev D. D. Rodger, seconded by Mr Brownlee.

Canterbury Rugby Union. —A meeting of the committee of the Canterbury Rugby Union was held at the Clarendon Hotel yesterday evening; present—Messrs W. J. Cotterill (vice-president, in the chair). Mason, Collins, Frost, Evans, Daniels, Buntin, Asquith and Garrard. An apology for absence was received from Mr A. E. Rhodes. A letter was read from the Sydenham Borough Council, granting the Union permission to play football on the east side of Sydenham Park. It was decided to vote the sum of £‘S 3s towards the testimonial to Mr E. D. Hoben. The Hon Secretary of the Otago Union wrote, stating that the committee of that body had agreed to recommend the Union, at its annual meeting, to authorise an alteration in the “Annual,” in the direction of striking out the match in 1877 from the list of interprovincial matches, and of regarding it as an inter-town .match. It was’decided to place on record the services rendered to Canterbury football by Dr E ( Jennings and Mr L. A. Cuff, vice-presi-dents. It was decided to vote an honorarium of £7 to the hon secretary, and <£3 to' the hon treasurer, for their services during the past year. Star Cycles.— Highest quality at lowest price. Call and see our <£2o Star, modern from stem to stern. Adams’s Star Cycle Company, 70, Manchester Street, Christchurch. X 245

Mademoiselle Tbebelli. —There is a probability of Mademoiselle Trebeli singino- in Christchurch, as Mr Woodhouse is making arrangements, which he hopes will prove successful for her to appear in this city. Valedictory.— The members of the committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association will meet at their rooms, at twelve o’clock, on Thursday, to bid farewell to Mr- D. Craig, who has acted for a quarter of a century as treasurer to the Association.

Smoke Concert.— A- smoke concert in connection with the Linwood Cricket Club took place at the Linwood Social Hall, on Thursday; Mr T. J. Smith in the chair. The trophies won during the past season were presented. Several toasts wore proposed and duly honoured.

North Canterbury Football Club At a meeting of the committee of this club, held on Monday evening, Mr A. S. Clarkson presiding, it was decided that the club not being strong enough to enter a team for the senior matches this season, teams should play in the Junior Flag and President’s Cup matches. Mr W. Moore was elected treasurer in place of Mr W. Efford, resigned. The Midwinter Show. —The midwinter show to be held about the end of May by the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association is meeting with a very gratifying amount of support. Already 600 ft of frontage space have been allotted to exhibits of produce and manufactures. Most of the leading fi-ms in the respective lines have intimated their intention of exhibiting, A number of private prizes have been offered, including six tons of artificial manures from the Islington works, offered by the Christchurch Meat Company for roots grown with the fertiliser in question. Championship Regatta. —The Dunedin sculler M’Grath, with his trainer, and a representative from the Dunedin Amateur Boating Club to the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association meeting, to he held in Picton, passed through Christchurch on the way thither yesterday. Chapman, of Little River, also went north with them. The remainder of the Canterbury Rowing Club’s team will go up in the Takapuna tomorrow. The crew representing this Club in the Junior and Maiden Four, consisting of L. W. Appleby (stroke), F. E. Wright (3), S. Hardy Johnston (2) and W. E. Styche (bow), will do their final training spin on the river to-night at six o’clock.

National Association. —The Council of the National Association met at Morten’s Buildings last evening, the President, Mr W. Jacques, in the chair. A large number of new members were elected, and ordinary business was transacted. Speakers were appointed to address meetings of the Association during the week at Rangiora and Amberley, and the Secretary was instructed to take the necessary steps to organise for the formation of several additional branches. Satisfaction was expressed at the work being done in the Oxford and Kaiapoi districts. The delegates to the conference held at Wellington last week were present, hut on account -of the quantity of business to he transacted, the formal report was held over till next Council meeting on April 8.

Kibwee Baptist Chubch. —The annual harvest thanksgiving and anniversary of this church were celebrated on Sunday. Mr C. North, of Dunedin, conducted the services, both being well attended. The choir, under the leadership of Mr C. Dixon, sang several anthems and hymns. Miss Crcskill presiding at the harmonium. The church was very nicely decorated with fruit, corn, flowers, &0., by the members of the choir. On Monday evening the anniversary tea ■ was held in the hall. The Treasurer’s report showed a credit balance of £5 10s lid. The Rev D. Dolamore presided, and addresses were given by Revs Maxwell, Lyon and Doke and Mr C. North. The choir gave some excellent music during the evening, and Miss Roe sang “ The King of Love.” Mr G. Dixon also sang “David Playing before Saul.” Miss Croskill presided at the organ.

The Dune Sin Obchestbal Society.— A meeting of the committee for arranging for the reception of the members of the Dunedin Orchestral Society on their visit to Christchurch at Easter, was held at the Cafe de Paris last night. There was a good attendance, and Mr G. Bonningtop presided. It was reported that the sale of tickets for the concerts on Friday and Saturday nights was progressing, very satisfactorily. It was decided to request ushers and ticket-takers to be at the Opera House at 6.50 p.m. each day. Mr Arenas invited the members of the Orchestral Society and the committee to luncheon at the Art Gallery from 1 to 2.30 p.m. on Saturday next. It was decided to request all members of the committee to meet the members of the Dunedin Orchestral Society on their arrival by the express on Thursday night.

Ashbukton Borough Council. —An ordinary meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council was held on Monday evening. The Mayor, who occupied the chair, stated that the bank overdraft was ,£I4OB 15s sd, and the income since last meeting had been <£s4 9s 2d. The Brunnerton disaster was discussed at length, and it was decided to hold a public meeting on Wednesday to consider the best means of raising funds. It was also decided to canvass at the saleyards on Tuesday for subscriptions. The annual estimates were passed, also the statutory resolution striking a rate of one shilling in the pound. An auctioneer’s license was granted to T. Bullock and a carrier’s to. J. Miles. At the Domain Board meeting, held immediately after, it was resolved to inform the Agricultural and Pastoral Association that the Board had no power to lease any portion of the domain as requested by that body. Waikari Presbyterian Church. —The annual meeting of the congregation of this church was held on Monday evening; the Rev P. E. Monro (Moderator) presided. There was a large attendance of members and friends. Very satisfactory reports of the church work for the past year were given. The Sunday-school was flourishing, and the Treasurer had a small balance in hand to the good. Refreshments were provided by the ladies, and music by the choir. Addresses were given by the Chairman and theEevW. E. Campbell., The following were elected managers for the current year:—Waikari, Messrs T. Armstrong, E. Chisholm, John M’Lean,. E. Butcher, J. Martin, W. Anderson, A. Cameron and D. M’Lean; for Greta, Messrs T. S. Manning and J. Gibb; for Hurunui, Mr Earshman; for The Peaks, Messrs Burke and Hewitt. A resolution—given in full elsewhere — protesting against Sunday trains on the north line was passed, and the meeting closed with votes of thanks.

Oddfbllowship.— There was a numerous attendance at the quarterly summoned meeting of the Loyal Eangiora Lodge, M. on Monday. Three candidates were initiated, and a letter of recommendation to the Oamaru Lodge was granted to Bro T. Miller. The business sheec for the district meeting was read, and P.P.G.M.’s Marshall, Nottingham, Wilson and P.G. Smith were appointed delegates. A proposal to appoint a finance committee to invest the funds was negatived. The third sentiment of the evening was responded to by the district officers, who were visitors to the Lodge. The receipts amounted to over .£IOO, and the expenditure to £133. The Loyal Waikari Lodge held its summoned meeting on Saturday night. Prov. G.M. Morris and Deputy Prov. G.M. Wornall paid the Lodge an official visit. A large amount of business was transacted, and P.P.G.M. Sellars was elected to represent the Lodge at the district meeting. The quarterly meeting of the Loyal Addington Lodge of Oddfellows was held on Monday night, Bro O’Callaghan, N. presiding. There was a good attendance of members and visitors, including the Pro. Grand Master, Bro Gough, President Pearce, and members of the Sister Pearce Lodge. Bro W. Thompson was elected V.G. in place of Bub Free, resigned, and was duly installed, the Pro. G.M. giving- the charge. One candidate was elected to membership. GILBEY'S DEY GIN certified valua.ablo for kidney ah'cctions.^L-ijm.j

Scarlet Fever. —Another case of scarlet fever was received into the hospital yesterday from Sydenham. Fire Insurance Company. —Mr A. Morton Ollivier has been appointed district agent for Canterbury for the Imperial Fire Insurance Company.

Maori Curios.— The collection of curios purchased from Mr Butterworth, of New Plymouth, by Mr D. Bowman, has arrived here and will bo placed on exhibition in the course of a few days.

The Queen Street Fire.— The building in Queen Street, destroyed by fire on Monday night, was insured in the South British Office for .£125. The merry-go-round destroyed, which belonged to Mr Laurie, was insured in the New Zealand Office for =£2oo.

“Gazette” Notices. —Letters of naturalisation have been issued to Emanuel Jonason, labourer, Christchurch, and •Roland Heimbiirger de Viale, clerk, Christchurch. A money-order office and post office savings bank has been opened at Sefton.

The Industrial Association. —At _ a meeting of the committee of the Industrial Association last night, it was decided to engage offices in Maling’s Buildings, Worcester Street. The new offices comprise a committee - room and a large room for general meetings.

Mission Services. The_ Rev George Soltau continues to hold his special services at Trinity Congregational Church. On Good Friday he will preach in this church at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7.30 p.m., and on Easter Monday an all-day convention will be held at the Young, Men’s Christian Association rooms from 10.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., at which he will speak three times;

Farm Notes. —The beneficial effects of the • late ‘ rains on the pastures in North Canterbury are everywhere apparent, the grass having made vigorous growth. Stubble land is also looking green, the grain shook out by the wind having germinated and sprung up rapidly. The land is drying after the rain, but it is feared that the potato crop has suffered damage from excess of moisture.

Cycling Carnival.— A very successful rehearsal of the tableaux, cycle march, and the cycling song to be given at the Christchurch Cycling Club’s Carnival, at the Opera House, on Easter Monday evening, took place last night. The programme, which is published elsewhere, is a very attractive one. The vocalists are Misses Rose Blaney and Addie Towers, and Messrs A. Millar, Lovell and G. Rosewarne. Mr Rossiter, frith his orchestra, will take part, and Mr D. Ryan will give recitations.

The Navy League— Messrs F. Waymouth 1 and J. H. Marciel went to Ashburton on Monday and addressed a wellattended meeting at the County Council Chambers. Mr E. G. Wright occupied the chair, and among those present were several ladies. Messrs Waymouth and Marciel explained the objects of the" League and its working. A motion was carried recognising the League’s potentialities for good, and pledging the support of those present. It was decided to form a branch at Ashburton, and eight persons handed in their names as members. Mr Mainwaring offered to act as honorary secretary, and many associates joined. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Messrs Waymouth and Marciel and the Chairman.

Lawn Tennis. —The following are the players who have been picked to represent Canterbury against Wellington at Easter: —J. U. Collins, B. D. Harman, P. Marshall, G. MarshajJ,. F. Wilding, E. J. Ross, C. Cox and W. A, Styche; emergencies—T. J. Ferguson,, A. H. Bristed, R. G. Barlow and Thomas Sutcliffe. The team to play against Otago will be chosen from the above-named players on Saturday. The following are the names of the Wellington players:—H. R. Parker, H. Gore, R. Gore, C. Gore, W. Holmes, F. Laishley and A. Young. The ladies picked to represent Canterbury against ■ Otago are: —Miss C. Lean, Miss .Mendelson, Miss Simpson ’and Miss M. Simpson; emergencies—Miss K. van Asch, Mrfe Way, Miss Harman and Miss L. Mendelson. Ashbubton Polo, Club. —The members of the Ashburton Polo Club met at Devane’s Hotel, Ashburton, on Monday night, for the purpose of presenting the prizes won at the late sports meeting, and spending a social evening. Dr Greenwood, vice-presi-dent, occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance of members. The honorary secretary, Mr P. H. Cox, presented a very satisfactory report and balance-sheet, showing that the club had some £ 25 in hand after defraying all liabilities. During the evening the captain of the club, Mr Edward Saunders, presented Mr G. A. M’Lean Buckley, on behalf of the. members, with a silver flask as a mark of their appreciation of Mr Buckley’s generosity to the club. A capital repast was provided by Mr Devane, and a very pleasant evening was spent.

Übtj Benefit Concert. —The secretaries of the concert that is being got up for Mr W. Uru (who lost all his effects and house recently by a fire), which is being tendered to him by the football clubs in Canterbury, under the auspices of their governing body and the Canterbury Cricket Association, have received word from Miss Bessie M. Eraser, a soprano singer of note from Melbourne that she will assist. Miss Eraser received a great ovation recently in Dunedin when singing at the Burns” Club concert, and her first appearance in Christchurch will no doubt be looked forward to. Messrs E. Lovell, C, Eeid, W. A. Hall, Eyan and Nottingham and Miss Vartha have all kindly offered their services, besides which a feature of the entertainment will be the dancing of Maori hakas, <fcc. The concert will he held in the Theatre Eoyal, on April 24.' : Industrial Association. —A meeting of the committee of the Canterbury Industrial Association was held last night at the rooms of the Industrial Building Society, Maling’s Buildings; present—Mr E. C. Bishop (president) and Messrs H. B. Kirk, W. W. Charters, T. N. Horsley, A- G. Howland, N. Oates, J. A. Frostick, J. E. Triggs and A. JI. Hancock. The President moved—“ That the committee devote the sum of .£SO, accruing interest on the Association’s deposits, as a subscription to the Brunner Relief Fund.” He explained that a member of the committee had offered to finance the amount in case, it could not be obtained as he proposed. Mr H. B. Kirk seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. It was decided to pay the money to the Citizens’ Committee, and to send a telegram to the Mayor of Brunnerton expressing the sympathy of the Association and informing him of the donation. On the motion of Mr Triggs a vote of thanks was passed to the gentleman who had offered to advance the money for the vote if necessary. A letter was received from the Colonial Secretary’s Office, drawing attention to the fact that prizes were offered for designs for a suitable medal as a decoration for bravery in saving life. It was decided to refer the matter to the Director of the School of Art. It was resolved to request the executive officers to arrange a programme for the opening of the new rooms of the Association. . This closed the business.

The Art op Cycle Eiding. —Ladies or gentlemen who are anxious to learn to ride the cycle will now have the opportunity of being taught privately by Mr F. W. Painter, the well-known expert. For terms, apply. Waller, Myhre and Co., Manchester Street. 9137

The Conquering Hero. —SHorland, the famous cyclist, easily lowered the late Christchurch-Dunedin record; but then he was mounted on the very best make of. bicycle, viz., an Oates’s £2O Zealandia, built in New Zealand for New Zealand requirements. Works, Christchurch and Napier.—[Advt.] Stab Cycles.—Highest quality, lowest price. Adams’ Star Cycle Company, 70, Manchester street, Christchurch. —[Advt.] Standish and Pkeeoe, photographers by special appointment to his Excellency the Governor and the Countess ot Glassor. - , Studio, High’ Street.— LABTlsi

Salvation Abmy.— I The Salvation Army will hold a, harvest festival in the Christchurch Barracks this evening, at eight o’clock.

Hunt Club.-Tlio annual meeting of the Christchurch Hunt Club will be hel in the Canterbury Jockey Club s Booms at 8 p.m. on April 13. Football.—A special meeting of the Pirates Football Club will be held m the Oddfellows’ Haß % Addington, to-morrow evening at eight o’clock. Lecture—The Eev P. W. Isitt will deliver a lecture at the Opera House this evening, at eight o’clock, m aid of the Brunner Belief Fund, taking for his subject “ The Black Hero of Hayti. Christian Endeavour Union.—A camp meeting in connection with the Canterbury Christian Endeavour Union will be held at Kaiapoi on Good Friday. A special tram will; leave the Christchurch Station at 9.20 a.m.

Students or Truth. —An adjourned meeting of Students of Truth attending the temple services, and those willing to work in harmony with them, win bo held in the Social. Hall at eight 0 clock this evening. Dissolution or Partnership.—By advertisements in this issue it will he seen that Messrs Ollivier and Grierson have dissolved partnership from this date, ana each member of the late firm announces that he will carry on business on his own account.

Easter Holidays. The stock auctioneers announce that their several places of business will be closed on Friday, Saturday and Monday, and for half the day on Tuesday for the Easter holidays. A number of merchants also announce that their places of business will be closed from Thursday evening till Monday evening, and from noon on Tuesday. •

Canterbury Law Society— The annual meeting' of the Canterbury Law Society was held in the Supreme Court Library yesterday afterijoon. Mr H. Slater, the President, occupied Ifhe chair. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, ,Mr H. Slater vice-president, Mr T. W. Stringer; honorary secretary, Mr Andrews - honorary treasurer, Mr Izard;, council, Messrs T. G. Russell, Kippenberger, H. J. Beswick and J. A. Caygill. Kibwee.— The monthly meeting of the Kirwee School Committee was held on< Saturday evening; present—Messrs Lawrey (chairman), Anderson, Croskill, Firth and MTntosh. The master’s report showed number on roll 50, average attendance 37 - 7, highest, attendance 48. The balancesheet of the concert account was' adopted, showing a credit-balance of .£1 9s 10d. The Chairman announced that a concert would shortly be held in aid of the bath fund.

Political. —Mr D. Buddo is arranging to address his constituents at Southbrook, Woodend and other centres within the next fortnight.—Mr G. TV. Russell, M.H.B. for Riccarton, addressed a meeting of electors in the Upper Riccarton school last night. There was an attendance of about one hundred, and Mr J. E. Hanson occupied the chair. A vote of thanks to and continued confidence in Mr Russell as the representative of the district was proposed by Mr G. Ross, seconded by Mr H. Hepburn and carried unanimously. This evening he will deliver an address at Taldhurst.

Royal Burlesque and Gaiety Company. —Mr Charles Lindsay, actingmanager for Mr Percy St John and the Royal Burlesque and Gaiety Company, arrived yesterday to make arrangements for the Company’s opening at the Theatre Royal on Easter Monday night. This Company numbering twenty-five—has just concluded a most successful season in Wellington, ’and will open here in a burlesque called Rumpty 'Dumpty, in which a number of new specialities will be introduced. The ' Company includes Misses Ponsonby, Lampriere, Busch, Howard, Finlay, Martin, Dent, Wilinott, Potter and Stevens, Messrs St John, Will Stevens, Oambourne, the Paragon Trio (Messrs Lelliott, Busch and Lelliott), little,. Addie Favart, Monsieur Prank Abosaleh; &c. The box plan is now open at Messrs Milner and Thompson’s. School Entertainments. —A successful entertainment luaid of the prize fund of the Mount Gres’>Dhjvns School, was held at the Sefton.Towfi;.Hall, on Friday evening, last. Mr J. Douds presided, and the attendance was a large one. The performers were Mrs Gulliver, Misses' Anderson, Duncan, Pe££h, Vallenee, Mrs Capill, Messrs Douds, W.'Moore and Master Morgan who gave songs; Messrs Whitesides, Banks and Miss M. Anderson recitations, and Misses Hassall and Gardner instrumental selections. The proceeds were .£lO 3s 6d.—On Monday an entertainment was given in aid of the piano fund of the Harewood Road School. The schoolroom was crowded] 1 and Mr W. Rae was in the chair. A concert party, arranged for by Mr J. Barnes, contributed the first part of the programme. Songs were given by Misses Hayden, Lloyd, Skelton, and Messrs Kosewame, Barnes, Irwin, Fawcett and Bilcliffe, and recitations and sketches by Messrs D. Ryan and Downe. The farce Poor Pillicoddy was also given. Mr Wilkinson announced that £42, the price of the piano, was now raised. ADVANCES TO SETTLERS. •A telegram from Wellington states that the Advances to Settlers Board yesterday approved of loans to the amount of £15,480. SIR J. HECTOR. Sir J. Hector has been elected a Fellow of Trinity College, London. VITAL STATISTICS. The following are the vital statistics for Christchurch and district for the month of March: —Births—City: Males 17, females 17; district": males 48, females 39; total 121. Marriages—City 21, district 21; total 42. . Deaths —City: Males 13, females 12; district: males 21, females 13; total 59. In March, 1895, the totals wereßirths 122, marriages 46, deaths 72.

A HUGE METEOR. • ' * Invercargill papers report that a huge mass of meteoric matter was hurled across Southland, about 4.45 p.m. on Friday, accompanied, or followed, by a noise, which many thought to be a sharp rattle of thunder out of a clear sky. It is described as possessing all the colours of the rainbow, and as the burning mass swept through the air, blue fire fell from it. Its passage is described as much faster than the flight of a bird, and it possessed a tail. It was followed by a loud rumbling noise like a peal of thunder, lasting fully four minutes. The aerolite travelled in an easterly direction. As it was seen so far west as Pahia, it is evident that the mass was at a considerable altitude. SUNDAY TRAINS ON THE NORTH LINE. At the annual meeting of the congregations 'in connection with the Waikari Presbyterian charge, held at Waikari on Monday, and at which there was a large and representative attendance of residents of the district, the following motion was carried unanimously That this meeting makes au emphatic protest against the Government running trains on the north line on Sundays, as has been done recently in this district. Knowing all the circumstances of the matter, we consider these trains unnecessary and entirely uncalled for. Further, that they deprive many workers of their day of rest, and that it is a had example to show to private employers of labour, and, in our opinion, is calculated to lower the tone of public morality/’ It was decided that a copy of the resolution should be sent to the Government through the member for the district.