TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVI, Issue 11122, 23 November 1896, Page 5

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Contents. —There is a strong popular movement in France to compel the cessation of outrages inf Turkey. An English clergyman who was distributing relief to distressed Armenians was arrested, but subsequently was released. Major M’Kinley, the new President of the United States, is considering tariff proposals, but it is unlikely that they will he passed for some months to come. Sir Benjamin Ward Richardson, the eminent medical man, is dead. The Australian cricketers commenced a match against a fifteen of Otago on Saturday. The visitors in their first innings scored 130, and the Otago men have lost two wickets for 30 •runs. '

Meetings.—The following meetings will take place to-day:—Christchurch Cycling Club Committee, 8 p.m.; New Zealand Cricket Council, Clarendon Hotel, 8 p.m.; Licensed Victuallers’ Association, Hobbs’s Buildings, 8 p.m.

Magistrate’s Court—There were no cases at the Magistrate’s Court on Saturday morning. N Battery Artillery. The annual camp of instruction will commence on Wednesday, when the corps will go into barracks at Sumner Road forts. Prohibition. —On Friday evening a well-attended temperance meeting was held at Lobnrn, when addresses were given by the Revs P. R. Monro and J. Dellow. Mr J. Tuer occupied the chair.

End fob End. —A chestnut horse attached to a brewer’s cart in Gloucester Street on Saturday morning became restive and refused to proceed. On the whip being applied tbe horse reared up several times, finally throwing himself over backwards, in a remarkably neat somersault. With the exception of a broken backhand no damage was done.

Ladies’ Hockey Club. —On Saturday afternoon the members of the Kaiapoi Ladies’ Hockey Club held a very enjoyable picnic dotvn the river in boats. At the place of rendezvous refreshments were partaken of, and all returned home well pleased with this, their first annual •uting. Tax Tapxj— The Tai Tapu contingent of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles held their first parade in Mr M’Kenzie’s paddock on Thursday evening - , under Sergeant-Major Borland. The muster numbered sixteen, all well-horsed, and their first attempt at drill was a creditable pex-formanee. Much interest was evinced, by a large crowd of residents.

Lyttelton Mayoral Election. —On Friday night the candidates for the Lyttelton Mayoral chair explained their views at a meeting of ratepayers held in the Colonists’ Hall. There was a good attendance, and Councillor W. Cook occupied the chair. The three candidates, Messrs J. Stinson, A. Chalmers and W. Radcliffe addressed the meeting on matters of local interest. A few questions were asked each candidate, and the proceedings concluded wdth a vote of thanks to the Chairman. Keeping the Peace on Election Day.— On Friday night the Rangiora Borough Council decided to request the local police to prosecute any person caught throwing flour, eggs, or other olfonsive matter in the streets on election day. It was suggested that if the police considered they required assistance to detect offenders, special constables should be sworn in or the Fire Police be asked to act. The Council were agreed that the nuisance "was 50 intolerable last election day that it ■ aust

German Church. —The annual meeting of the members of the German Church, which was originally appointed for last Saturday afternoon, has been adjourned to 1.30 p.m. on Saturday. Kaiapoi Volunteers. —There was a fair muster at the ordinary parade on Friday night in the drillshed, when the officers put the men through a course of drill, which was performed in a very creditable manner. *■

Oub Fatheb’s Church.— The usual meetings of Our Father’s Church were held yesterday in the Art Gallery. The subject in the morning was “ What is Sin ?” At the evening meeting Mr O’Bryen Hoare gave an address, entitled “ The Open Door.”

Wellington Agbicultubal Show. — Mr Henry Overton, Highfield, entered some of his Lincoln sheep for the Wellington show, but did not send them forward. This explanation is necessary as the line in the report stating that they scored no prizes is apt to create a wrong impression.

Matoeal Elections. Addresses are advertised in this issue to be given by Mr J. T. Smith, a candidate for the Christchurch mayoralty, and Mr N. K. Bowden, a candidate for the Sydenham mayoral chair. Mr W H, Cooper’s general committee will meet at the rooms at eight o’clock this evening.

Personal. —The Hon Matthew Holmes and Drs Murray-Aynsley and Cook went north by the Penguin on Saturday evening. Mr P. C. Threlkeld, who is exhibiting sheep at the Nelson show, also went by the same steamer to be present at that fixture. Captain Allman, of the Marine Department, arrived from Wellington by the Te Anau yesterday. Rifle Shooting.— The City Guards fired their second competition in the A class on Saturday. The weather was favourable for good shooting, but no heavy scoring was done, owing to the unsatisfactory quality of the ammunition. The ranges were 300, 500, and 700yds, seven shots. The following were the highest scorers. Private Batchelor 72, Private Bradley, 67, SergeantMajor Poster 57.

Lecture.—The Rev Dr Zillman gave a lecture in the Opera House last night, on “Prohibition and Liberty,” in which he contended that prohibition was incompatible with the liberty of the subject. There was a good attendance.—The Rev James Gibb, of Dunedin, will lecture in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Lichfield Street, to-morrow evening, on “ Pompeii and Vesuvius: A Glimpse of a Dead World,” Mr Gibb will also speak on “ Some Interesting Personal Experiences in Italy, and Palestine.”

Mobbis-tube Shooting. On Friday evening the members of the Christchurch Working Men’s Club Rifle Class fired another competition at the 300yds range, for prizes presented by the Crown Brewery Company, Messrs Fletcher, Humphreys and Co., Messrs Ashby, Bergb and Co., the Saxon Tea Company, Messrs Bates and Co. and Mr W. W. Collins. The following were the highest scorers:—E. Barlow (2) 35, C. Lummis (3) 35, K. G. Forgie (4) 35, W. Garrard (1) 34, J. A. Lummis (1) 33, W. G. Munford (3) 32. Oddfkllowship.—On Thursday last the Loyal Riccarton Lodge—N.G. Bro C. H. Clarke presiding—received an official visit from the Loyal Sister Pearce Lodge, Phillipstown, Benevolent, City and Volunteer Lodges, between fifty and sixty visitors being present. Two members were on the sick-list, one declaring off. One member was initiated. District Officers Prov. G.M. Bro Gough and P.P.G.M.’s Bros T. Kent and J. Cleworth conducting the ceremony. After the Lodge was closed light refreshments were handed round and harmony was indulged in, the company separating after singing “ Auld Lang Syne.”

Pigeon Flying.—The Christchurch Pigeon Flying Club flew off a race from Culverden on Saturday. Twenty birds competed. The winner was Mr Thompson’s Wainui, with the good velocity of 1508yds per minute. The club desires to thank the station-master for liberating the birds. The following is the result: —Mr Thompson's Wainui, 1508yds per minute; Mr Phillips’s Taupe, 1489yds; Mr Kingsford’s Hazeldean, 1488yds; Mr Cliff’s Gleaenck, 1488yds; Mr Unwin’s Wakefield, 1483yds; Mr Buchanan’s St Ouida, 1476yds; Mr Falconer’s Lone Star, 1469yds; Mr Gerard’s Totara, 1468yds; Mr Green’s Invisible, 1466yds; Mr Ayling’s Taradale, 1462yds; Mr Butterfield’s Blue Light, 1462yds; Mr Pearce’s Fleetwood, 1458yds; Mr Cooper’s Silver Prince, 1450yds; Mr Hasell’s Weary, 1409yds. School Committee. The monthly meeting of the Riccarton School Committee was held on, Monday last; present— Messrs Brake (chairman), Rowland, Lowe, Jarman and Atkins. An apology was received for the absence of Mr Thomson. The master’s monthly report was read, showing the average attendance for the past month to be 176, with a roll number of 210. Messrs Jarman and Lowe were appointed a visiting committee for the ensuing month. A meeting of the Swimming Bath Committee was afterwards held. The Chairman (Mr Jarman) reported that he had received subscriptions to the amount of about =B3O. The question of getting free labour to do the excavating was discussed, and it was decided to ask several residents to give one or more days’ work with their teams. Proposed Farmers’ Exchange. On Saturday afternoon an informal meeting of farmers was held in the Queen’s Hotel for the purpose of considering what steps should be taken in the direction of forming a limited liability company, having as its object the establishment in Christchurch of a Farmers and Country Settlers’ Exchange. The chair was occupied by Mr J. Bowman, and a draft proposal and prospectus were read. After some discussion it was decided to convene at an early date a general meeting of farmers to discuss the proposals fully. In the meantime it was decided to issue circulars to those who had already expressed their willingness to become shareholders, and to invite others to attend another preliminary meeting for the purpose of completing the proposals. Those present agreed to become shareholders and to enlist the support of their friends.

J. T. Ford and Co. report having sold 280 acres of the Westwood Estate at the back of the homestead block, from which it is separated by a road, at a price alike satisfactory to vendors and purchaser. There now remains 780 acres on which the buildings are situated, and for this they are prepared to treat privately. The artetion sale of the live stock and implements will take place at the homestead on Thursday next, Nov. 26, when the whole will •be for absolute and peremptory sale. 6522

Holmwood Cycles are built of finest quality material procurable. A large stock of lamps, bells, &c., j ust to hand. Write for price list. R. Wilkin, 170, Lichfield Street. 1873

The public can now buy tea, sugar and all kinds of groceries in small or large quantities at Hubbard, Hall and Co.’s Wholesale Warehouse, Manchester Street, next Milner and Thompson’s. 6342 Sale op Pledges. —On Wednesday, Nov. 25, jewellery, watches, musical instruments, clothing, Ac. Particulars last page this paper. David Bowman.— [Advt.]

Another Zealandia Record,—J. 0. Shorland on a .£2O Zealandia Roadster bicycle, easily lowers the Napier to Wellington record. N. Oates, the largest Cycle Works in the colony. Christchurch and Napier. — ; Advt.]

Our customers are kindly asked to note our only address is 213, Cashel Street (opposite Press Office).— Shaw, Robinson and Co.— [Advt.] A Wonderful Ride. Recently Mr Wall rode from Wanganui to Palmerston (50 miles) in the grand time of two hours 38 minutes, beating previous best time by over 39 minutes. Wall rode an Atalanta, manufactured by T, Boyd and Son, Christ-

church. 1796 Stakdish and PbeSce, Photographers by special appointment to his Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Glasgow. Studio, Hlgh Street,—

Supreme Court. —The Civil sittings of the Supreme Court will open at 11 a.m. to-day before his Honor Mr Justice Denniston. The Railways. —Excursion fares are advertised by the Eailway Department in connection with the Australia v. New Zealand cricket match.

Libdebkbanchen. The Christchurch Liederkranchen will hold one of its musical “ at homes,” at the Art Gallery, at eight o’clock to-morrow evening.

Ellesmere Caledonian Sports. —The annual sports of the Ellesmere Caledonian Society will be held at Southbridge on Dec. 16, when .£BO will be offered in cash prizes.

Lyceum. —An interesting address was given last night in the Lyceum by Mr W. W. Collins on “ Pearls from the Ocean of Thought.” There was a good attendance.

Theosophy. —The usual public meeting of the Theosophical Society was held in the Lodge-room, Opera House, yesterday afternoon. The vice-president read a paper entitled “ Divine Man.” An animated discussion followed. Licensed Victuallers’ Association.— A meeting of the trade is called for this afternoon, at Hobbs’s Buildings, “for the purpose of appointing sub-committees in connection with the local option poll on the election day.” Sailing Eace. —The Brighton Sailing Club decided a handicap race on Saturday afternoon, when the following boats started: —Alcyone scr, Ariande 7min, Manu lOmin, Waiwera 14min, Truant 21min. Truant got away with a stiff nor’-east breeze, which turned to sou’-west before the scratch boat had started. This advantage she maintained to the finish, winning by 3min from Alcyone, with Ariadne third.

Diocesan Choral Festival. —The final practice of the combined choirs taking part in the festival to be held in the Cathedral on Nov. 26 took place in St John’s Schoolroom on Thursday last. The town and suburban choirs were well represented, and the practice showed they had been well trained by their respective choirmasters. The festival choir will be composed of fourteen choirs, and the services promise to be equal to, if not better, than any previous festival. There will be a final rehearsal in the Cathedral on Wednesday evening next.

Funeral. —The funeral of the late Mr Robert Allen took place at the Public Cemetery, Linwood, yesterday afternoon. About fifty vehicles followed the hearse, and there was a largo attendance of the general public, including representatives of the Masonic Order, the police, volunteers, the Working Men’s Club and the various athletic bodies in and around Christchurch. Handsome wreaths were contributed by the Canterbury Masonic Lodge, the Union Rowing Club, the police, the E Battery, the licensed victuallers, the Working Men’s Club and several athletic bodies. The Rev J. A. Lnxford conducted the funeral service.

St Paul’s Church. —The Rev J. Gibb, of Dunedin, conducted the anniversary services in St Paul’s Church yesterday. In the morning he preached from the text in Romans 8, 28: “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” In the afternoon a children’s service was held, when Mr Gibb gave an interesting discourse, taking his text from Philippians 4,4: “Rejoice in the Lord alway.” In the evening Mr Gibb preached a most eloquent sermon from Revelations 21, 10-13, to a crowded congregation. The choir rendered the anthems, “He Watching Over Israel” (Elijah) and “Lift Up Your Heads” (Messiah).

Lincoln Agricultural College.—lt is understood that the following gentlemen have been nominated for membership on the Board of Governors of the Agricultural College, Lincoln : —The Hons E. C. J. Stevens and W. Rolleston, Messrs R. H. Rhodes, H. Overton, J. Rennie, G. G. Stead and H. F. Gray. The poll is to take place on Dec. 7. Three members are to be elected by the Agricultural and Pastoral Associations in Canterbury, and three hy the Canterbury members of Parliament, who, on the present occasion, will be members of the Legislative Council, for as the nominations were made after Parliament was dissolved, there were no members of the Lower House to nominate. At a special meeting on Saturday the committee of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association decided to nominate for election to the Canterbury Agricultural College Board the three gentlemen named by the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, viz.;—Messrs H. Overton, D. M’Millan and R. H. Rhodes. Prohibition. —A largely-attended prohibition meeting was held in Cathedral Square on Saturday evening, when addresses were given by the Revs W. Tinsley, T. H. Lyon and J. Dawson. The Theatre Royal was crowded last evening, when addresses were given by the Rev C. Porter and Mr T. E. Taylor.—A prohibition meeting was held in the Baptist Church, Lincoln Road, Spreydon, on Thursday, when the Rev J. Dawson addressed the meeting.—> On Friday evening a well-attended prohibition meeting was held at Loburn, when addresses were given by the Revs P. R. Monro andJ. Dellow. Mr J. Tuer occupied the chair. —On Friday evening a largelyattended meeting was held in the Kaiapoi Oddfellows’ Hall, which was addressed by the Rev C. Porter and Miss Maginuiss. The speakers strongly urged the electors to vote straight for “no license” at the coming election. SAN FRANCISCO MAIL. The Monowai, with the English mails of Oct. 31, left San Francisco for Auckland on Nov. 12, the due date. The Alameda, with the colonial mails of Oct. 31, arrived at San Francisco on Nov. 19, the due date, POPULATION OP THE COLONY. According to the last census returns, of the total population of 703,360 persons in the colony, 441,661 were born in New Zealand. While the increase of the whole population since the census of 1891 is only 12 - 24 per cent, the increase of the nativeborn New Zealanders during the same period is 20'44 per cent. The nationalities of the colony may be put as follows : —For every 442 native-born inhabitants there are 115 born in England, 50 born in Scotland, 46 born in Ireland, 10 born in Victoria, 5 in Germany, 5 in New South Wales, 4 in China, 3 in Tasmania, 2 in Wales, 2 in Denmark, and 1 in Sweden, Canada, Norway, South Australia and India (European). Chinese in the colony have decreased in numbers since 1891 by 751, or 16‘S per cent. There are 195 Syrians in New Zealand, 4 Arabians, 4 Persians, 15 Japanese and 3684 Chinese. There are 659 natives of Jersey, 394 Manxmen, and 520 from the Shetland Islands.

A REGISTRAR’S OBJECTION.

An elector residing at Petone received, says the Post, from the Registrar of Electors the startling information that he, the said elector, was dead, and that on that ground the retention of his name on the roll had been objected to. “ You have been dead for six months,” ran the brutally frank statement. An official utterance has been operatically pronounced to bo unanswerable, but in this instance the elector distinctly does dispute its accuracy. The interesting question arises—lf he really had gone the way of all flesh, how did the Registrar expect the notice to reach him ?

POCKET-PICKING IN WELLINGTON,

The New Zealand Times says:—During the crush of the public after the opening ceremony to get to the exhibition cycling track a pickpocket was descried at work by the sharp eyes of three youngsters who wore dodging round selling programmes. The thief’s mode of working was curious

enough to be interesting to a public which at present is hungering after particulars of the dark ways and vain tricks of spielers. His get-up was of the most business-like nature, carrying in the one hand the some-thing-in-the-city-looMng bag and a small parcel, while over the other hand and arm lay a mackintosh —and it was under cover of this latter innocent and useful article he “ did the trick.” Sidling alongside a lady whose pocket lay open, the pickpocket slid his hand therein for all it could get. The youngsters saw this trick performed no less than three times, and then informed Detective Neill, who, with Constable Cox, soon located their man, brought him before the lads, who identified him without hesitation, whereupon he was arrested.

STAR CYCLES AEE GOOD WHEELS,

Highest quality, lowest price. Adams Star Cycle Coy., 70, Manchester Street. Christchurch. — [Advt.]

OBITUARY. SIE BENJAMIN EICHAEDSON. [Per Press Association.! LONDON, Nov. 21. Sir Benjamin Eichardson is dead. [Benjamin Ward Richardson, M.D., P.R.S., was born in 1828. He graduated in medicine at the University of St Andrews in 1854. In 1860 he conducted an experimental research on the nature of the poisons of the spreading of contagious diseases, which ended in the detection of a special poisonous product, common in these poisons, to which he gave the name of septine. In 1866 he discovered the application of ether spray for the local abolition of pain in surgical operations. He introduced methylene bichloride as a general anesthetic, and discovered the controlling influence of nitrate of amyl over tetanus and other spasmodic affections. He originated, and for some years edited, the Journal of Public Health, and afterwards the Social Science Bevieto. Dr Richardson’s principal contributions to medical and scientific literature have been directed to the advancement of medical practice by the expeidmental method; the study of disease by synthesis; the restoration of life after various forms of apparent death; the investigation of the theory of a nervous atmosphere or ether; the effects of electricity on animal life; methods of killing animals intended for food without the infliction of pain, which led to his invention of the “ lethal chamber,” now so largely used for subjecting domestic animals to painless death; numerous original papers on new medicines and new modes of treatment of diseases; and a series of researches on alcohol in relation to its action on man, the results of which were delivered before the Society of Arts in the Cantor Course of Lectures for 1874-5. At the Social Science Congress held at Brighton in October, 1875, he read a paper which excited interest and gave rise to much subsequent discussion. In it he gave a sketch of an imaginary “ model City of Health” to be called Hygeia. Dr Richardson’s most recent researches were directed to the study of the diseases incident to modern civilisation. He was knighted in 1893.] DR FOSTER. One of the oldest and best-known members of the legal profession in Christchurch, Dr C. J. Poster, died yesterday morning at his residence, Sumner, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. Dr Foster’s connection with Canterbury dates from 1864, in which year he arrived at Lyttelton in the ship Mystery. Previous to that he had lived an energetic and eventful life in England, where he took a very prominent part in the movement for the liberation of religion from State patronage and control. He was born, it should be stated, at Cambridge, and took his degree of D.C.L. at the University of London, the first of the great English seats of learning to open its doors to Nonconformists, of whom Dr Poster was one. He was the first Chairman of Convocation of his University, and it is an interesting circumstance that a few years ago the University authorities sent out to the colony a request for his portrait in order that it might be hung in the Hall of Convocation. He had experienced many of the inconveniences to which Nonconformists were subjected in years gone by, and he had the satisfaction of knowing that his efforts contributed in a large degree to their removal. He superintended what may be called the organising work in connection with the movement to which he devoted his efforts, and did so -with marked ability. After his arrival in Canterbury, he was for a brief period in partnership with Mr J. C. Helmore. He afterwards practised his profession on his own account in Christchurch for many years. He held for a considerable period the office of city solicitor for Christchurch, and also that of lecturer on jurisprudence at Canterbury College. In 1881 he went to South Canterbury. He returned to Christchurch six years afterwards, and for the last two years resided at Sumner. While in England Dr Poster wrote several works in connection with the movement in which he took such a prominent part. In New Zealand he wrote a handbook of the practice of the Supreme Court of the colony. He had been in feeble health for a considerable time, but the immediate cause of death was an attack of pneumonia. The funeral will take place at the public cemetery, Linwood, at 3 p.m. to-day.