TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCV, Issue 10924, 6 April 1896, Page 5

T OWN AND COUNTRY.

Contents. —A force of the Matabele rebels intercepted and killed a small relief party, but were subsequently defeated by a patrol party. The French Premier, in a speech to the Chamber of Deputies, said that the Powers had suggested the bolding of a conference to determine the conditions of the future control of Egypt. This statement, is however, discredited, by the British Press. 'The Hon W. P. Beeves is appealing in London for assistance for the Brunnerton Sufferers. An account of a visit to some of the bereaved families appears in another column. Eeports of a number of football Snatches on Saturday, the opening of the championship regattaat Picton, the second day of the inteiprovincial lawn, tennis tournament, and the operations at the volunteer encampment in South Canterbury are published in this issue.

Spbingston.— The annual meeting’ of subscribers to the Sprmgston Library will bo held on Thursday next, at 7.30 p.m.

Assessment Court. —Mr E. Beetham, S.M., will hold an Assessment Court for ithe borough of Sumner at the Borough Council Chamber at 3 p.m. on April 20. Ministerial. —The Hon J. G-. Ward, Colonial Treasurer, arrived in Christchurch By the southern express last evening, and went on to Wellington by the steamer Herald.

Personal.— The Hon J. E. Jenkinson will arrive from Wellington by the Waihora this morning.—Lieutenant Andrew, late of the Sydenham Eifies, will pay a visit to Christchurch next week.

School Committees.— The annual meetings of householders for the election of School Committees for the ensuing year will take place on April 27, at 7 p.m. Nominations must be made with the Chairmen of the various committees on April 20.

The Froxen Meat Teade.— The Christchurch Meat Company announces that it is receiving applications for freezing space at the lowest current rates.—The Canterbury Frozen Meat Company announces that it has reduced the charges for freezing, bagging and shipping frozen jnutton.

Theatre Royal. —The members of the Royal Burlesque and Gaiety Company arrived from Wellington yesterday morning, and will open for a short season at the Theatre Royal this evening. The Company is exceedingly well spoken of by the North Island press, and will introduce several novelties to a Christchurch audience.

Band oe Hope Demonstration. —The twelfth annual demonstration in connection with the Canterbury Band of Hope Union will be held in Hagley Park to-day. All Bands of Hope and temperance societies are requested to assemble in Latimer Square at 9.45 am. The procession will ptart for Hagley Park, at 10.15 am.

Christian Convention. —There will be an all day Christian convention in the rooms of the Young Men’s Christian Association to-day, beginning at 10.30 am. The various meetings arranged for will be addressed by ministers and laymen of different denominations, including the Rev Geo. Soltau, who is now conducting a mission in the city. Tea will be provided, but visitors are asked to bripg their own provisions.

Excursion to Little River. —The excursion arranged by the Christchurch ‘Working Men’s Co-operative Society, took place on Friday last, and, despite the slight inclemency of the weather, proved a most enjoyable one. There was a very good attendance, from 400 to 500 making the trip. A capital programme of sports and amusements was gone through, and music was provided by the Sydenham Brass Band, under Bandmaster M’Lean.

Dunedin Orchestral Society. The members of the Dunedin Orchestral Society and the members of the local committee to the number of over one hundred, were entertained at luncheon in the Art Gallery on Saturday afternoon, by Mr Francis. Arenas. Yesterday they were entertained by Mr G. Bennington, Chairman of the local committee. The members of the Society leave by the express train to-day, and will give a concert at Timam this evening.

Cycling Concert. —The programme for the cycling concert to be given at the Opera House this evening is an exceedingly good and varied one, including vocal and instrumental items, dances and tableaux. Amongst the vocal items will be three songs specially composed for this concert by Mr Henry Eossiter, including a tenor love ballad, " Love’s Thoughts,” which will be entrusted to Mr E. J. Lovell; “Our Cycling Song,” to be sung by Mr Eosewarne; and “ The Waves of the Eolling Deep,” by Mr A. Millar. Stock Sale. —ln the assigned estate of A. Cameron and Co., general storekeepers, Southbridgo, the stock-in-trade has been purchased by J. H. Parker and Co., their tender having been accepted by Cook and Gray, trade assignees. An announcement which concerns the settlers of Southbridge and district appears on front page. 4782 Stab 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 The Art op Cycle Eidinq.— Ladies or gentlemen who are anxious to learn to ride the cycle will . now have the opportunity of being taught privately by Mr I’. W. Painter, the well-known export. For terms, apply, Waller, Myhro and Co., Manchester Street. 9137 Tue Conquering Hero. —Shorland, the famous cyclist, easily lowered the late Christchurch-Diinedin 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 N apier.—[ An vt.] Star Cycles. —Highest quality, lowest price. Adams’ Star Cycle Company, 70, Manchester street, Christchurch. — [Advt.] Stas disk and PiujEOE.pliooograptters by special appointment to his Excellency the Governor and ike Countess of Glasgow, Studio,. High Street,— jADVJ-i

Postponement. —The Buffalo Lodge has postponed its picnic which was to have been held to-day.

Oddfellows’ Hall. —Tho ’Frisco Minstrels gave a variety entertainment in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Saturday evening. They will appear again this evening.

Durham: Street Church. —A sale of work will he hold in tho Durham Street Schoolroom at 2 p.m. to-morrow afternoon. In tho evening a concert will bo given in tho same place.

Sydenham Gospel Mission. —A lantern entertainment was given in the Mission Hall by Mr Crawley, tho Sunday school superintendent, on Thursday evening. The proceeds were for the Easter Monday demonstration.

Political. —Mr D. Bnddo will address the electors of Fernside on Wednesday evening next; at Southbrook on Friday; Carloton on Saturday; West Eyreton on Monday, and Wooden d on the following Wednesday, each evening at eight o’clock.

Art Union Pictures. —The first prize picture in Herr Van derVelden’s art union, “Tho Orphans,” will bo on view in Mr Fisher’s shop. High Street, to-morrow. The art union will be drawn by the Mayor of Christchurch in the Art Gallery on Wednesday at 8 p.m. Cycling Carnival. —The ladies’ cycling carnival, which has been postponed several times on account of the wet weather, will he hold at Lancaster Park at 2 p.m. to-day. In addition to the racing, there will be a Blondin act by Mr Driscoll and trick riding by Mr Allan Kerr. Thursday Half-holiday. A letter appears in another part of this issue stating that a number of retail traders have determined not to close their business premises on Thursday, and recommending that the Benefit Fete should be postponed until next week. Theosophical Society. —Tho regular Sunday afternoon public meeting in connection with this Ejociety was held yesterday at the lodge room. Opera House. The Secretary read a paper on “The Life, Death and Eesurrection of Jesus Christ.” A lively discussion followed.

The Lyceum. —Mr W. W. Collins last night gave a lecture, illustrated by limelight views, on “ The Astronomical Origin of Easter,” in which he traced the foundation of the festival back through thousands of years. To-night at the Lyceum an Easter Monday “ social ” will be hold. Presentation at Timabtt. —Mr P. W. Wake, late headmaster of the Timaru main school, who left for Christchurch on Thursday, was met by the teaching staff and committee and a number of scholars on Wednesday afternoon and presented with an illuminated address and a gold chain and gold and diamond locket, as souvenirs of his ten years’ connection with the school. Waimakaeiri - Ashley Water - supply Woeks.— lt is reported that the recent rains have caused serious damage to these works through the face of the terrace slipping on to the benching and into the finished water-channel. As the contract for this portion of the works is not yet out of the hands of Mr M’Grath, he is likely to sustain serious loss by the damage done. Fire at Ohoka. —At midnight on Friday Mr T. Pickard’s house at Ohoka narrowly escaped being destroyed by fire. By some means a sofa took fire after the family had retired to bed, and the flames reaching the wall, ran up and burnt a hole through the roof. Miss Pickard was aroused by the smoke, and immediately gave an alarm. Through assistance rendered by neighbours, the fire was mastered, but had. the roof not been wet with rain nothing would have saved the building. Quoit Match. —A match was played at Pigeon Bay on Good Friday between the local club and a team representing the Lyttelton Quoit Club, and resulted in a win for the visitors by sixteen points, the scores being—Lyttelton 125, Pigeon Bay 109. After the match an adjournment was made to a marquee providedfor the occasion, when appropriate toasts were honoured, and the time available devoted to harmony and conviviality. Miss Patton singing a song that ivas highly appreciated. Messrs Burnip, Stanley, M’Kay and others also contributed vocal items. A most enjoyable day was spent, and the visitors went home with lively feelings of gratitude for the hospitality extended to them.

Presentation. —A number of friends of Mr John Jackson, who is about to visit England, met at Timaru on Saturday to present him with a handsome collection of plate, in recognition of his long public services in Timaru. Mr Moss Jonas presided, and the chief speakers were Captain Sutter, Mr C. H. Lough, Mr J, W. White and Archdeacon Harper, Mr Jackson was a member of the Borough Council for about twenty years, mayor for four terms, and for many years chairman of the Charitable Aid Board. Mr Jackson and Mr John Holdgate, who are going Home together, will be accredited representatives to a Wesleyan Conference at Home.

Central Political Council. —The weekly meeting of this Council was held in Inglis’s Buildings on Tuesday night. The President (Mr Shaw Billcliff) occupied the chair. There were also present Mrs Wells (vice-president). Miss Ward (treasurer), Mr Baxter (secretary) and several delegates. The Amalgamated Society of Engineers wrote stating that they were precluded by their rules from being represented on the Council. At the invitation of the Trades Council, delegates were appointed to confer with delegates from the Federated Liberal Council with the object of smoothing the way to amalgamation. The Secretary was directed to communicate to the Minister of Justice and to the Premier evidence of intimidation at the recent by-election, and at the same time to urge the Minister to take some action in the matter. The platform was further considered.

National Association.— A meeting of tho Amberley branch of the National Association was held at Amberley on Wednesday. There was an attendance of about sixty, and Mr F. Courage occupied the chair. The Secretary and several members of the Central Council were , present from Christchurch and addressed the meeting, explaining the circumstances which had called the Association into existence. Some indication was given of the work to be attempted in tho future, and the ultimate object to be aimed at. The audience gave a most attentive hearing throughout, and at the close passed a unanimous vote of thanks to the visitors for their addresses. A general meeting of members of the Association will be held in the rooms, Morten’s buildings, on Thursday evening, at 8 p.m.

PANIC IN A SCHOOL. Just as the children reassembled at the Hastings school a few afternoons ago (says the Hawke’s Bay Herald), a vivid flash of lightning was observed, followed immediately afterwards by a deafening crash of thunder, apparently right over the building,’ which shook to its foundations, overturning a quantity of furniture and breaking a number of window panes. The children, panicstricken, rushed, tumbling over one another, towards the , doors, and in a few minutes not one remained inside. Some of the girls were very much affected, and were unable to do any work, each subsequent peal of thunder being followed by a copious downpour of tears. THE NEUTRALITY OP THE NETHERLANDS. Major Arthur Griffiths, writing in the Fortniijhtly Review on“ The Second Lino of Defence,” tolls tho following somewhat alarming anecdote :—That respect for the neutrality of Holland and Belgium is not to be counted among our bulwarks of defence may bo taken as certain. I have it on tho most undoubted authority

that the present Kaiser would not hesitate to violate it on a' great emergency. During one of his late visits to this country he discussed the chances of the next conflict with France, and met the objection that tho French frontier was practically impregnable by a cool statement that he should, of course, advance through Belgium. “You might expect to meet an English corps then, in support of the Belgian army,” said the distinguished English officer with whom tho conversation took place. “It would not matter,” replied tho Emperor; “you might send two army corps ; you would, nevertheless, be too late.” Such reckless defiance of treaties when England was friendly would, of course, be still more certainly shown if she were hostile. What tho seizure of Belgium would mean as regards tho invasion of England will best be realised by remembering that Ostend, the most suitable base, is a fine and capacious port, only four hours’ steam from Dover. A NEW ZEALANDER IN THE TRANSVAAL. The following extract from a private letter from Johannesburg has been placed at the disposal of the Otago Daily Times : “ The whole affair (Dr Jameson’s raid) has turned out a fearful fiasco, and thousands have been ruined. Every week a squad of Boers comes out and turns tho whole place upside down searching for arms and ammunition, which they swear we have concealed in the mine somewhere. I’ve seen several Boers cruising round on horses belonging to Jameson’s troops, and with top boots belonging to the dead troopers. Jameson’s force was only 480 men to 3000 Boers, but if his ammunition had held out he would have got to Johannesburg. As it was, he killed far more Boers than the Boers killed troopers. One shell alone killed 17 Boers, and Jameson only had 20 killed altogether. On top of all this we have had an awful affair in Johannesburg. Twenty tons of dynamite exploded at the railway goods station, and it is estimated that at least 300 people have been killed, and a great part of the poorer part of the town is blown down; while there is hardly a pane of glass left in the town. In twenty minutes ,£5300 was subscribed for the relief of tho destitute, and everyone in the place turned out to give assistance. A hole was blown in the ground that you could have put Knox Church and the First Church into. I heartily wish that affairs would settle down hero, for everyone feels uneasy, and billets aren’t worth a week’s purchase.”