TOTO AND COUNTRY

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVI, Issue 11139, 12 December 1896, Page 5

TOTO AND COUNTRY

Contents. —News has been received in Constantinople that in September last fifteen hundred Armenians were massacred by Kurds, aided by troops, in Asiatic Turkey. Great Britain has refused a request, by Turkey for the negotiation of a new commercial treaty. Trouble is threatened at Delagoa Bay, a Portuguese possession in South Africa, owing to an attack made by members of a religious procession on the German Consulate. A Zulu tribe has raided the mission stations on Lake Nyassa, killing the missionaries and the inhabitants of a number of native villages. A German steamship bound for the Argentine with over two hundred emigrants has been wrecked on the Spanish coast, and it is feared that all on board have lost their lives. A quarterly meeting of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce and the second of the series of local wool sales were held yesterday. ■

Horsley Down Estate. —Tenders for the right of grazing over 4005 acres of the Horsley Down Estate for four months will be received at the Land Office up to noon on Dec. 22. . St Joseph’s Catholic School. A Christy minstrel entertainment, in aid of the prize fund of the above school, was held at the Eangiora Institute Hall on Thursday night. There was a good attendance.

Sale op "Work. —In connection with the Christmas tree and cake fair at the Lower High Street Church, the ladies will continue the sale this evening at half-past seven, and advertise good bargains at greatly reduced prices. The Viceroy op India.—The cablegram forwarded to the Christchurch papers on Monday night, announcing the death of Lord Elgin, Governor-General of India, was evidently mutilated in transmission from Wellington. The message as it appears in the northern papers refers to a report by Lord Elgin on the Indian harvest prospects. Kaiapoi Oddfellows’ Hall. —On Thursday evening, a successful carnival was held in the above hall in aid of the funds of the Wesleyan Church. The attendance was good, and a monster Christinas tree was well patronised, those in attendance being attired, in fancy dress, representing various flowers. Songs, Ac., were contributed iu the intervals. Confirmation Service at Kaiapoi.— Yesterday evening, his Lordship .Bishop Julius held a continuation service at St Bartholomew’s Church, when thirteen female and eight male candidates were confirmed. There was a large congregation, and his Lordship gave a very impressive address. The altar was beautifully decorated by the ladies of the congregation.

St Saviour’s, Temuka.—A social gathering of parishioners of this church was held in the parish-room, Tomuka, on Thursday evening. A capital tea was provided by lady members of the congregation. After tea a very enjoyable concert was given by Mcsdames T. H. Barker, J. T. M. Hayhurst and Bambridge, Miss S. Brown and Messrs Cookson, Izett and Feilden. Mr C. Brown contributed * a violin solo, and ' Misses Wotloy and Mcndelson artistic pianoforte selections.-

College Rifles.—A church parade of the Christ’s College Rifles and Cadets will take place at 6.30 p.m. to-morrow. The Minister op Lands. —The Hon J. M’Kenzie is expected to arrive from the south by the express to-night. Farmers’ League. —A meeting of farmers will be held in tho Halkett schoolroom at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday, .to consider a proposal to form a Farmers’ League. Bank Holiday— The managers of all the Christchurch banks, following the usual custom, will observe Wednesday, .Dec. 16, as a hank holiday. ,

Oratorio. — Tho Christchurch Musical Union will give for their fifth subscription concert, Haydn’s oratorio, “The Creation,” at the Temple of Truth, on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 8 p.m.

Canterbury Frozen Meat Company.— The annual meeting of the Canterbury Frozen Meat and Dairy Produce Export Company, Limited, will be held in the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 2.30 p.m;

Teddington. —The annual parish gathering in connection with St Peter’s Church will bo held on Anniversary Day. The ground is situated at a nice walking distance from Governor’s Bay. Luncheon and tea will bo provided free for all. Working Men’s Co-operative Association. —The adjourned special meeting of shareholders of the Christchurch Working Men’s Co-operative Society Limited will be be held at the offices of the society, 82 and 84, Colombo Street, on Monday, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m, Girion College. —ln connection with the opening of Girton College for young ladies. Miss Caroline Freeman, 8.A., will give a short talk at 8 p.m. on Monday next, descriptive and illustrative of the method of teaching in the college. Parents, and all interested in educational matters, are invited to attend. The first term of the college will open on February next.

Anniversary Services. To-morrow anniversary services in connection with the North Belt Presbyterian Sabbath school will be held. The organist, Mr H. M. Johnson, has spared no pains in the preparation of the hymns. The preachers will be the Rev D. M’Nicoll in the morning, the Rev C. Porter in the afternoon at three o’clock and the pastor the Rev R. Erwin in the evening. Electoral. —ln an advertisement elsewhere, Mr R. Meredith thanks the electors of Ashley for returning him for the third time to Parliament. —Mr W. W. Collins, in an advertisement elsewhere, thanks the members of his committees and the electors who voted for him, and expresses the hope that his friends will continue to organise on sound political lines in order to be prepared at the earliest opportunity to turn the momentai’y reverse into victory Veterinary School. —It is announced by ah advertisement in this issue that classes for instruction in the theory an‘d practice of veterinary science are being formed in Christchurch. Tho classes will be under the charge of Mr J. R. Charlton, M.R.C.V.S., whose high qualifications and great experience are a guarantee of the soundness of the instruction which will be imparted. Students will have the advantage of observing actual practice, both at Mr Charlton’s veterinary hospital and out-doors.

The Weather and the Crops. —ln the Temuka district, our correspondent writes', the crops are suffering from the, want of rain. Latterly evenings and mornings have been dull and cloudy, but rain keeps off, and the pastures are failing fast. Late sown crops are quite at a standstill, and into some cattle have been turned. Root crops jvre doing poorly, and late turnips ]*a-V<T’fiSteckvaftwice sowing. On tho land towards the beach wheat looks fairly : well, hut on lighter soils and in the heavier clays Avhich were worked on the wet side crops must be under any circumstances a failure. 1 Swimming. —The Christchurch Club will ■ hold its annual sports at the bath - this afternoon, commencing at 2.30. Admission is free by tickets which can be obtained from any of the members. An exhibition of life-saving and resuscitation of the apparently drowned as taught by the world-famed. London Society will be given by two teams from the club. As this is the first exhibition of its kind given 1 by a local club, it is hoped a large number of people will avail themselves of the opportunity of witnessing it. The following are the teams :—Seniors —Stratton, Smart, Harker and Mannings; boys— Rodger, Le Gros, M’Clea and Kemp.

Sunday Services. At the Durham Street Methodist Church, to-morrow,, the Rev J. Orchard will preach in the morning and the Rev D. M’Nicoll in the evening. At the East Bolt Church the Rev R. Erwin will preach in the morning and the Rev J. A. Luxford in the evening. At the St Asaph Street Mission the Rev W. J; Elliott will preach in the morning, and the Rev C. Porter in the evening. At the Trinity Congregational Church the Rev Sidney J. Baker will conduct both the morning and evening service, the subject in the evening being “ Habits and Grooves.” At the Art Gallery the subject in the morning will be “ Health is Holiness,” and ip the evening “ A Wandering Child ”; in the afternoon there will be a “ Children’s Hour.” At the Temple Mr W. Corrie Johnston will conduct services at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 6.45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Cycling. —A considerable number of people attend every evening at Lancaster Park to watch the cyclists undergoing their training operations, some thirty to forty riders putting in an appearance daily. It is probable that E. Reynolds, the Auckland champion, will be a competitor at the Pioneer Bicycle Club’s annual race meeting on Boxing Day.—A meeting of the Committee of the Christchurch Cycling Club was held last night at the Club’s rooms; present —Messrs W. E. Thompson, F. T. Panuell, J. P. Kelly, H. A. Cooper, W.' Wade, J. H. Tompkins, J. Henderson and G. H. Lethaby. The tender of the Stanmoro Band was accepted to play on the Park on Anniversary Day, to leave the Cathedral Square at 12.46 p.m. Very large entries have been received, and the first race will start at one o’clock punctually. It was decided to add an officials’ fancy costume obstacle race to the programme. An amusing metrical .advertisement referring to the New Zealand wheel race appears elsewhere.

Presentations. —At the annual meeting of the Young Men’s Christian Association last evening, Mr P. Kerens, the president, on behalf of the Association, presented Mr G. Stening with an illuminated address, expressing appreciation of his four years service as secretary. Mr Stening, in returning thanks, said lie would still do what ho "could for the Association. What he had done in the past had been for the work’s sake. —A presentation was made to Miss Hicks by the St Bartholomew’s Church choir, Kaiapoi, on Thursday evening, at the house of Mr Wilson Blakely, choirmaster, on the eve of her marriage. Mr Blakely, on behalf of the choir, said the presentation was in token of the services rendered to the church by the recipient. Miss Hicks suitably replied.—The officers of the Carriers’ and Cabmen’s Society met yesterday evening for the purpose of makiu" .a present to Mr and Mrs Carroll, on their leaving the Terminus Hotel. Mr Syme presented a silver-mounted pipe to Mr Carroll, and a hand-bag to Mrs Carroll. Mr Carroll having replied, Mr Haggle eulogised the manner in which he had conducted his house. Mr H. Harris, late of the Cameron Highlanders, proposed the toast of “ The Queen,” and the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne ” brought a very pleasant evening to a close.

The Lyceum.— Mr W. W. Coffins will lecture to-morrow in the Lyceum on The Saving Power of Truth.” Supreme Court.— His Honor Mr Justice Denniston held a sitting in Chambers yesterday morning, and disposed of a number of applications. , Admitted as Solicitor. Yesterday morning his Honor Mr Justice Denniston admitted Mr H. Francis as a solicitor of the Supreme Court. Rangiora New Year’s Day Sports.— The programme for these sports appears in another part of this issue. Entries for the handicap events close on Dec. 26. Chamber of Commerce. —The quarterly meeting of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday afternoon, when the- president, Mr F. Waymouth, gave an address, which is published elsewhere.

Richmond Swimming Club. —A, meeting of tho lady members of the Richmond Amateur Swimming Club was held on Thursday, at the bath, for the purpose of electing officers for the season. Miss Pheney was elected captain, Miss Edie Shand and Miss Given Bassett deputycaptains.

Railway Work at Lyttelton. —The Minister of Railways has just recognised the Lyttelton Casual Wharf Labourers’ Union, and has given instructions that the members of this society are to be given first opportunity for casual work on the railway. The union, which has been in existence for about’two years, is registered under the Conciliation and Arbitration Act.

Bowling. —The following members of the Christchurch .Bowling- Club have been selected to play against the Canterbury Club (on the latter’s green), at 2.30 p.m., to-day: —C. Cuff, R. D. Thomas, S. Manning and C. Jackson (skip). C, F. Mohey, Dr Thomas, R. Struthers and J. C. Maddison (skip), H. J. Raphael, V. Parsons, H. W. Nalder and G. Lambic (skip). Major Taylor, Dr Brittin, L. B. ■Wood..And H. Thomson (skip).

Forestry. —Court Star - of Canterbury held a summoned meeting on Monday evening, the C.R., Bro H. J; Ranger, in tho chair. There was a good attendance of members. The Woodwards ’ reported thirteen members on the sick fund. The report in reference to the Old Age Pensions Bill was considered. After a long discussion, P.C.R., Bro Hunter, was authorised to attend the meetings from time to'time and report to the Court. The C.R. read a circular from the Foresters’ Orphanage Committee, Yorkshire, England, asking the Court to Support an art union in aid of the Orphanage fund, Bro Bush was admitted as a clearance member. The nomination of officers resulted as follows: —C.R., Bro H. J. Ranger ; S.C.R., Bro W. Main ; S.W., Bro T. Cooper * J.W.’s, Bro J. Gent and Bro T. Stapleton; 5.8., Bro Ballinger; J. 8., Bro Savage ; A.S., Bro Jewiss ; M.S., Bro Watts and Bro Bence ; Management Committee, Bros Buckley, Bruce, Machin, Hunter, Rice, F. T. Eldridge, Mummery, C. A; Eldridge ; auditors, Bros Watbjpw and Stevens • district delegates, Bros C. Samuels, Rice, Hunter, Wathew, T- Stapleton, Kent, Mummery and Beattie. Receipts of the evening AlB6 8s lid.

Sydenham Wesleyan Sunday School. —The annual teachers’ meeting in connection with this school took place yesterday, when there was a record attendance. The business included the balance-sheet of the past anniversary, which was very satisfactory.' After the children’s picnic had been settled the annual election of officers took place, with the following result:—■ Superintendent, Mr A. Hulbert; assistantsuperintendent, Mr W. West; secretary, Mr T. Kershaw ; assistant secretary, Mr T. Adnams; treasurer, Mr E. Baker; librarian. Hr J. Peck; assistant librarian, Mr A. Berry,; tablet examiner, Mr F. Hanham; pianist. Miss A. Smart; representatives to Sunday School Union, Miss Adnams and Mr F. West; library committee, Misses Cook, Bonnington and Adnams, Messrs Hanham, Simpson and Wright. Band of Hope Officers Vicepresidents, Messrs Hulbert and Hocking; secretary, Miss Maud Adnams; treasurer, Mr William Hulbert; registrar. Miss E. Cook; programme committee, Misses' F. Billens and Pliipps, Messrs T. Adams and W. * West; • general committee. Misses Maginness, Bonnington and Mrs Hunter, Messrs Baker, Wright and F. West; pianist. Miss A. Williams.

Good News. —The season for Anniversary, Christmas and New Year gifts and holiday-making has come round once more, with all its pleasant memories and joyful anticipations; and Messrs Strange and Co. have made unusually large preparations to cater for those who wish to make presents to their families and friends, and those who want to buy new dresses, millinery and all the etceteras of a pretty toilet, in which to challenge the admiration of all they will meet in the various holiday scenes during the next week or two. This enterprising firm Jias been fortunate enough to lie able to purchase, for cash, an immense quantity of the newest and most seasonable goods at a large discount oh usual prices, and are determined to give their customers all the advantage gained thereby, selling these goods at a trifle over cost. It is, in fact, W. Strange and Co.’s way of giving those who visit their establishment a substantial Christmas-box or valuable New Year’s present. In the dress department, just now, ladies will see the finest, newest and best materials in all the most fashionable colours, at a cost far below usual wholesale rates. Bargains in prints and blouse materials are such as are seldom to be obtained. In straw hats of the newest shapes and of the requisite flowers and other millinery furnishings the same may be said. Children’s washing costumes, pelisses, overalls, pinafores and sun-bonnets, which at this season of the year are always so acceptable in all families, are shown in endless variety, and at the most tempting prices. Many of them are marked at less than half the original cost ,• ..while in sunshades, gloves, corsets and a host of other similar articles, there is everything choice at the lowest figures. The bazaar department is also well worth a visit by everyone who wishes to make a really beautiful and useful Christmas or New Year’s present. The collection of Chinese, Japanese and Indian articles is very large, and the Christmas cards, from a few pence a box upwards, are really works of art. 7617

Another drop in sugar, 2|d per lb. Tea reduced another 2d per lb; all 2s brands Is 6d and Is Bd. Good candles, 5d ; wax, 6d; fluted, 61 d; no higher prices. Hams, 6ki. Bacon/ from 4ld per lb; gas stove always ready to fry, so taste and try before you buy at the Smithfield Market, High Street. ' 1912

Cyclists who want Dunlop tyres (which are the best tyres) should always see that the Dunlop brand is on the tyres, and insist upon having it. 1914

Hanmer Plains.— Visitors to the Hammer Springs will find the best accommodation at ° Mrs Lahmert’s, Jack’s Pass Temperance Hotel, for 37s and 25s week. —[Advt. 1 X 1693 Always Bide the Best. —Archer, the winner of the Pioneer Bicycle Club’s 20-mile Road Race, rode an Oates’s =£2o Zealandia roadster bicycle, beating the second man by more than a mile. Works, Christchurch and Napier.— [Advt.] In the Pioneer Bicycle Club Twentymiles’ Road Race, held on Dee. 4, the two fastest time men both rode Atalanta Bicycles. Manufactured by T. Boyd and Son, Christchurch. 1796 The Baby’s Food. More than the Photo. Try new Health Food: watch Baby outgrow the Photo. Call or post for fx-ee Sample, and you’ll want more. Health Supplies Coy., 245, Cashel Street. 1823 Lovely Brooches. —It is a shame to sell them at the price. Beautiful now brooches •just landed. Half-price. See window. David Bowman, 186, Colombo.— [Advt.] Our customers are kindly asked to note our only address is 213, Cashel Street (opposite Press Office).—Shaw, Robinson and Co.— [Advt.] Stas dish ASB Preem, Photographers by spocrrJ appointment to his lixoeUeney the Governor and the Countess o£ Glasgow. Studio, High Street, — [Aim.]

The Weather. Rain began to fall Yesterday afternoon, and there-were several light showers during the evening. Scholarship Examinations. The dates of the North Canterbury scholarship examinations are advertised elsewhere. Complimentary Concert. The complimentary concert tendered to Mr H. Rossiter will take place at the Opera House on Monday, Deo. 21. LadV V isitoes’ Association . —In another column the Hospital Lady Visitors’ Assoelation invites contributions in aid of the Christmas treat for the patients. “Heads and Faces.”— Professor Dunkerley will deliver a lecture on this'-subject, with limelight illustrations, at the Methodist Church, Addington, on Monday next at 8 p.m. Bkoadfield Sports. -‘“Entries for the horse and open athletic events at the Broadfield sports, to he held ort Dec. 26, will close at the old Wheatsheaf Hotel at 10 p.m. on Dec. 16. Otaeama Excursion, —A special train will leave Christchurch tor Otarama at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, leaving the latter place for return at 6 p.m. Return fares 7s 6d and 4s 2d.

Prohibition League. — A congratulatory meeting td commemorate the result of the elections, and also to welcome home the Rev. F. W. Isitt, will he held in the Oddfellows Hall on Monday evening at eight o’clock.

' ATTENDANCE AT SUNDAY SCHOOLS. The following information, compiled by the Registrar-General from the census returns, has been supplied by him:—Number of children attending Sunday school, April, 1896, 104,934; April, 1891, 92,184; numerical increase, 12,750; increase per cent, 13'83. Sunday school teachers, 1896, 11,111; 1891, 9791; numerical increase, 1320; increase per cent, 13'48. The attendance at Sunday school has increased by 12,750, or 13'83 per cent in the five years, which is greater than the increase per cent on the total population (12'24). The attendance at public worship, as previously published, showed an increase from 177,055 to 209,731, or at the rate of IS‘46 per cent, while in other' tables it was shown that the number of freethinkers and agnostics had decreased from 4797 to 4545, or at rate of 5'54 per cent.

SLY GROG-SELLINGL At Balclutha, on Thursday, John Anderson was fined =£7o and costs for sly grogselling. Commenting on the position of affairs regarding the licensing question in the Clutha district, Mr Hawkins, S.M., said that although the poll recently taken had reversed the prohibition vote previously carried, he was of opinion that until the Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act is amended, no additional licenses can be granted. He therefore warned persons against selling without a license, and intimated that he intended to inflict, severe penalties as before. THE LABOUR JOURNAL. It is intended to make considerable alterations in the subject matter of the Journal of Labour after the next issue, the idea being to confine its columns principally to matters affecting labour in this colony.

' PASTEURISED MILK. _ A company with a capital of .£SOOO has been formed in Napier to supply Pasteurised milk, butter and ice in the town. ,In this connection a definition of the difference between sterilisation and Pasteurisation, lately issued by the Agricultural Department, will be of interest: —“ Sterilisation, as distinguished from Pasteurisation, consists of heating the milk to a temperature of 212 deg F. or over, for a period of not less than forty minutes, thereafter cooling rapidly to a low temperature. This operation must be performed in stoppered bottles, in order to protect the milk from contact with-the air and the germs floating about in _ it. Pasteurisation consists in gradually raising the temperature to 150 deg F., stirring carefully the whole time, as otherwise the milk will acquire a ‘ cooked ’ flavour. This temperature has been found sufficient to destroy the lactic-acid bacteria, and if the milk is rapidly cooled will suffice to ensure its keeping sweet for a considerable time, even in hotter weather.”

AN UNPLEASANT COMPANION. The Akaroa Mail saysA few days ago, as Messrs B. Mitchell and F. Haylock were returning from crayfishing at the lower harbour, they were being followed by a shark of very large dimensions, probably, as they estimate, over twenty feet; at least, as they say, longer than their boat. The occupants of the boat felt anything but cojnfortable, and as they rowed homewards gave the monster occasional taps on the head, of which he . took no notice. After following the boat as far as Redhouse Buoy he disappeared, much to the relief of the bold fishermen. The moral of the adventure is that bathers should be careful as to the distance they venture into the open water. THE WELLINGTON ELECTION. The Post states that in consequence of the possibility of dual voting being likely to affect the result of the election as between Mr G. Fisher and Mr Atkinson, the latter of whom is only twenty-eight votes behind, a petition will probably be lodged in the Supreme Court for a full investigation. ADJUSTMENT OF COMPASSES. A telegram from,, Wellington says:— Captain Burton, of the Rangitira, demurred to the demand of the Customs authorities for a fresh adjustment of the steamer’s compasses, pointing out that the vessel had been lying in harbour two and a half months and notice had only been given when she was ready to g - o to sea. He threatened to hold the authorities responsible for loss by detention. The difficulty was got over by Captain Burton paying the necessary fees and obtaining appointment as an adjuster, for which he has the necessary qualifications. A similar difficulty has occurred with the Star of England, which was to have sailed for London yesterday. The authorities insist on her being swung. One of the objections taken by shipowners is that the new regulations are only enforced in Wellington, and vessels at other ports are allowed to go free.

THE DELMIRA. The New Zealand Times says that since she was built in 1864, the Delmira, which was wrecked near Wellington a few days ago, has had some thrilling experiences, sufficient to fill a three volume novel. Originally she was ‘ engaged in the slave trade, running under the Spanish flag as the Guaranz, which name still remains on portions of the vessel’s fittings. Subsequently she was sold to Liverpool owners, and at the time of her wreck was run by the Melbourne firm of Grice, Sumner and Co. On a recent voyage the Delmira left the Bluff last Christmas, and had a long and eventful trip of five mouths and a week. Soon after leaving, the wife of the captain (who was accompanyinghim) was seized with typhoid fever. She, however, recovered, and the second mate took her place on the sick list, suffering from the same illness. but fortunately he, also, regained his health. Further trouble, however, was in store for the barquentine, for several of the crew were attacked with scurvy, and, to finish up, it was discovered that they had run short of provisions. Eventually the ship reached her destination. Several

of the crew of the vessel have been previously shipwrecked, and one'of the most interesting stories told is . that by Mr White, the ship’s steward. _ He was on the steamer Bempton about eight years ago, bound from Calcutta to Antwerp, .and the vessel was lost on a reef near Lisbon, sinking in less than five minutes. All on board had to swim for their lives, but not all reached the shore, which was only about 220 yards away from where the Bempton went down. STAR CYCLES ARE GOOD WHEELS. Highest quality, lowest price. Adams Star Cycle Coy., 70, Manchester Street. Christchurch.— [Advt.J