TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11225, 24 March 1897, Page 5

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Contents. —A Danish newspaper publishes a statement that the Czar and the Sultan have arrived at an agreement by which Russia will guarantee the integrity of the Turkish Empire in return for concessions of territory in the Mediterranean. Tue centenary of the birth of William the Great is being celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout Germany. The sitting of the Federation Convention was resumed at Adelaide yesterday, when Mr Barton, of New South Wales, was appointed leader of the Assembly, and was authorised to draft a series of resolutions providing the basis of federation. The Petone murder trial was concluded at Wellington yesterday, when Bosher was found guilty of the murder of Mr and Mrs Jones, and was sentenced to death.

Cycling— Cyclists through out the colony will be glad to learn that the proprietors of the Lyttelton Times have determined to issue, weekly, a thoroughly up-to-date cycling journal. The Netv Zealand Cyclist will be devoted entirely to the interests of the votaries of the “ wheel,” and will be published each week in time for the Saturday’s mails. It will deal with cycling in all its branches, giving special attention to the requirements of the amateur rider and tourist, and will contain an unequalled budget of interesting news and a large variety of appropriate illustrations. Some particulars of the scope of the paper and of the exceptional inducements offered to subscribers are given in a circular issued to-day. The first number of the Cyclist will be published on April 8. Meetings.— The following meetings will be held to-claySolwyn County Council, 10.30 a.m.; Hospital Board, 2 p.m.; Ambulance Association, annual meeting. City Council Chamber, 8 p.m;; Non-commis-sioned Officers’ Club, 8 p.m.; public meeting concerning school matters, Sumner, 8 p.m.

Wesleyan Concert. —A concert in aid of the Sunday School fund of the Wesleyan Church, Crescent Road, will be given by Mr Cprrick and friends, to-morrow night.

The Kinematograph. —Messrs Dray ton Bros.’ kinematograph wall be exhibited at the Oddfellows’ Chambers, Lichfield Street, at eight and nine o’clock to-night.

Destitute Patients’ Relief Fund.— A concert in aid of the Christchurch Hospital Destitute Patients’ Relief Fund will be hold in the social- hall of the Christchurch Working Men’s Club tomorrow night at eight o’clock.

Women’s Council. The National Council of Women of New Zealand will open its proceedings at - the Provincial Council Chambers to-day. On Thursday, March 25, a conversazione, varied by musical items and refreshments, will be held.

Bicycle Races. Judging from the number of entries obtained, the races promoted by the Pioneer Club to-morrow afternoon should be a great success. Mr J. W. Jones will attempt to break the three-mile record, and Mr Harry Thompson the one-mile record.

Tramway Excursion. —The City and Suburban Tramway Company will run an excursion to New Brighton to-night. The Engineers’ Band will accompany the tram, which leaves Hubbard, Hall and Co.’s corner at 7.15 p.m. There will also be dancing on the pier.

Art Exhibition. —Thera was a fair attendance last - night at the. annual exhibition of the Canterbury Society of Arts. The picture galleries are open from ten in the morning until five in the afternoon, and from seven till ten at night. This evening musical items will be given by Miss Graham, Miss Freda' Marsden and Mr H. M. Reeves.

Standing Orders. —For some months back the Timaru Borough Councillors have been disputing over their “ rules of debate.” Two questions were put to the Council’s solicitor to end the dispute, and his reply, received on Monday night, showed that the practice of all Mayors of Timaru in resrard to the reception of questions had been inconsistent with their own by-law on the subject.

Stock Sale. —The stock and implements on Mr M’Master’s Toko-Eahi Estate, near Oamaru, which has been disposed of to the Government, will be offered by public auction on Thursday and Friday, April 1 and 2, by the National Mortgage and Agency Company, in conjunction with Messrs Fleming and Hedley. The stock comprises about 15,000 sheep, including 460 pure-bred raeriuoes, 60 horses, the celebrated herd of Alderney cattle, and 40 pure-hrod Berkshire pigs.

Aeowhenua Estate.— lt appears that the statement made by a Temuka correspondent in yesterday’s issue with reference to the Arowhenua Estate, to the effect that only post office orders could be received as payment of deposits -was incorrect. Marked cheques, drafts, orders and cash were accepted to an amount of considerably over JJ3OOO. Applicants were informed that exchange would have to be added to all cheques not drawn on a bank in Christchurch, and that all cheques would have to be marked good for fourteen days, and this may have led to the misunderstanding.

Musical.— Mr Clarence Turner has been appointed organist at St Mark’s, Opawa, in the place of Mr A. Biinz. Australian Mail. The Tarawera arrived at the Bluff from Melbourne and Hobart early yesterday morning. Her mail should reach Christchurch by the express train to-nigbt. Fishmongers’ Picnic. —The fishmongers of Christchurch have arranged to hold a picnic on Monday, April 5, at Stewart’s Gully, on the Waimakariri River. They are inviting tenders for conveyances and music for the occasion. Presentation. —Mr Thomas Spillane, an active member of the Temuka Fire Brigade, who is shortly leaving to join the Permanent Artillery, was, on Monday evening, presented by Captain Henry, on behalf of his comrades, with a gold scarf-pin, as a souvenir of his association with the corps. Several of those present referred cordially to Mr Spillane’s "conduct as a fireman and in other capacities, and all wished him good luck in the future. Presbyterian Church, Temuka— The annual congregational meeting was held on Friday evening. The Rev J. Dickson presided. The Secretary read the report and balance-sheet, and Mr A. Russell the Sabbath School report. All were adopted. The election of committee resulted as follows :—Messrs J. Cain, R. M’Kinlay, D. Shaw, J. Davey, A. Shaw, J. Marshall and J. Borrie. The customary votes of thanks were passed, and the meeting terminated.

National Association. —At a meeting of the Oxford branch of the National Association on Monday night, it was unanimously resolved to carry on the work of the Association in the district. The question of the best means of making the meetings interesting and instructive was discussed, and it was decided to bring the matter up at the annual meeting, which was fixed for July 12. The Secretary was instructed to call meetings when necessary. Land for Settlement. —Two hundred and eighty-six separate applications have been received for the thirty-eight sections of the Waiapi and Rakitairi settlements, on the Arowhenua Estate, near Temuka. The area of the two settlements is 4647 acres, and the ballot will take place at Temuka on March 31. The Land Board will hold a meeting to-morrow to examine applicants. Applications for the VVharenui and Otarakaro village settlements, in the Christchurch district, will close to-day. North Canterbury Caledonian Gathering. —This 'annual popular event takes place at Amberley to-morrow, and the committee has, as usual, made most complete arrangements to insure its success. A special train at excursion rates is to leave Christchurch at 9.35 a.m., and return from Amberley at 6.50 p.m. With reference to the handicaps advertised on Saturday, two names were accidentally omitted from the list, viz., J. A. Scott, who receives 60yds in the Mile Race, and W. H. Wise 15yds in the 440yds Plat Race.

Rangioha Fire Brigade. —At a meeting of the Rangiora Fire Brigade - on Monday night the following long-service awards were made:—Silver bars for thirteen years’ service, Superintendent J. Smith, Engineer C. Tyler and Branchman H. Grimwood; nine years —Fireman A. Miller and Branchman C. du Moulin; medals for five years’ service to Firemen R. James and B. Strong; certificate for three years’ service to Assistant-Engineer Hadecke. The presentations were made by Foreman Buckley, in the absence of the Superintendent at the conference.

The Queensland Exhibition —Mr F. Notley Meadows, who has been commissioned by the Government to ascertain what manufacturers in the colony will undertake to send exhibits to the Queensland Exhibition, arrived from Wellington by the s.s. Penguin yesterday morning. During the day he interviewed a number of the local manufacturers, and received very satisfactory promises of support. He will leave for Dunedin this morning. He intends to go as far as Invercargill, and to return to Christchurch on Friday night. He will then spend a day or two here. Mr Meadows has to report? to the Government in three weeks’ time. Sports at Kibwee. —On Saturday evening a meeting of the Kirwee Athletic Sports Committee was held in the hall, Mr S. Barrett in the chair. The meeting was fairly well attended. A protest lodged by Mr Laughton in the Three-mile Bicycle Kaee, for being penalised, was not allowed. The Treasurer, Mr J. N. Lawrey, submitted a rough balance-sheet, showing a credit balance of about =£B, which was considered very satisfactory. The question of continuing the sports in their present form or of making it a monster gala day for children was deferred for future consideration. The officers were thanked for past services and the meeting adjourned. Union Rowing Club. —A meeting of the committee was held on Monday evening; present—Messrs F. B. Hyman (chairman), W. G. Atack, F. D. Kesteven, G. H. Mason, G. H. Cooper, D. Lee, A. Allan, P. A. Moore, A. E. Craddock and P. M. Collins. It was decided to order a shipment of oars and sculls from Norris, London, and also a best-and-best convertible pair-oar and double-sculler from Clasper. Prizes amounting in value to about =845 were allotted to the winners of the various races held during the past season. The meeting then closed. The fifth club race of the season took place on the Estuary on Saturday afternoon and Monday evening, the winners being H. Clarke (bow), fl. Berry (2), E. Cowan (3), H. Hobbs (stroke) and C. Seal (cox). Women’s Social and Political League. —The usual meeting of the Women’s Social and Political League took place on Monday. Letters were received from the Secretary of the Wellington Women’s Social and Political League, intimating that the Premier, the Hon R. J. Seddon, would be present at the “ social ” and dance to be held on Friday next at the Opera House, in honour of Mrs Seddon’s formal inauguration as President of the League. Arrangements in connection with the catering were made. It is expected that the Premier and Mrs Seddon will address those assembled, after which dancing will commence at nine o’clock. Tickets of admission may be obtained at Messrs Milner and Thompson’s music warehouse and the Christchurch and Sydenham Working Men’s Clubs. A gentleman also kindly offered to sell tickets of admission in Cathedral Square on Thursday afternoon and the whole of Friday, and his offer was accepted with thanks. The Misses Creagh and Messrs Gunner and Allen kindly offered their services in providing music for the evening. The offers were received, and a hearty vote of thanks was unanimously passed to all those' who volunteered to contribute to the success of the “ social.”

Ancient Order of Foresters.—Court Queen of Canterbury (ladies 5 branch), No. 7756 held its usual meeting at the Foresters 5 Hall, Oxford Terrace, on Monday evening, when there was a large number of members in attendance. The Woodwards reported one sick member on the funds. The C.E. read a letter announcing that the Canterbury United District meeting would be held at Sydenham on April 8, in Court Thistle of the Forest’s usual meeting place. A letter was also read from the officers of that Court inviting the members of the Ccurt to a “ social 55 which is to be held at the close of the District Court’s meeting. It was resolved to accept the invitation, and a number of the ladies signified their intention of being present. On of the Trustees (Sister Swindell) announced her resignation of the office of trustee. The resignation was accepted with regret, the Court expressing its best wishes for the future happiness°and prosperity of Sister Swindell. It was decided to appoint Bro J. W. Stevens P.C.E., to the office of trustee, in conjunction with Bro T. Gapes, D.S. One candidate was duly initiated. The Social Committee reported that the late “ social ” was a o-reat success. The receipts of the evening o amounted to <£7 4s lid.

Hampstead Town Board. —Messrs G. W. Andrews and James Elliott have been nominated to fill the vacancy on the Hampstead Town Board. Old Age Pension Claims. —The clerk of the Magistrate’s Court here has received about four hundred and fifty old age pension claims, and they are still coming in. Canterbury Prohibition Council. — The annual meeting of the Canterbury Prohibition Council will be opened in the Congregational Schoolroom, Manchester Street, on Thursday, at 10.30 a.m., and continued until Friday evening. Railway Waggons.— Complaints have been again made relative to the shortage of railway waggons on the ChristchurchLyttelton section of the railway. On several occasions of late delays have been caused, and it would appear that the number of waggons is insufficient to cope with any extra demands. The Gretmouth Flood. —This week’s Canterbury Times will contain an illustrated supplement with views and description of the “ Record Reign Flood ” at Greymouth, a fortnight ago. The flood was the highest yet known in Greymouth, and the views, which were specially taken for the Canterbury Times, show the condition of the principal streets and buildings and the river just after the waters were at their highest.

Agricultural and Pastoral Association. —Sub-committees have been nominated to take charge of the winter show, which will be held in Tattersall’s and the adjoining wool stores, Messrs Pyne and Co. and H. Matson and Co. having kindly placed their premises at the disposal of the Association, It has also been decided to hold a show of fat cattle, and arrangements have been made for the delivery of a series of lectures on agricultural and pastoral matters. A working model dairy will, if possible, be exhibited, and promises of support from the farming districts have been coming in well, probably owing to the great recent improvement in the root crops. The show will be held on Wednesday, May 26, and three following days.

Kibwee School Concert.— The annual school concert was held in the hall on Friday evening, for the purpose of raising funds for the children’s trip to Sumner, and was a great success. Mr James Gough occupied the chair. The first part of the programme was opened with an overture by Miss Paterson and Mr Belgrave, and the second part with a pianoforte duet by the Messrs Croskill, and was followed by songs, recitations, &0., by Miss Eoe, Messrs Anson, Belgrave, Drummond, Morland, Sims and Simpson. All these items were well rendered, and were in a great many cases re-demanded. The children contributed four items very nicely. Mrs Anson and the Misses Croskill, Meredith, Paterson, Eoe, Sims and Stewart acted as accompanists. The usual votes of thanks were heartily given, and the singing of “ God Save the Queen ” brought the evening to a close. Oddfbllowship. —The Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U., held its quarterly meeting on March 22. There was a large attendance of members and visitors, amongst whom were the D.G.M. Bro Paddy and Sister Cowper, of the Sister Pearce Lodge, the N.G., Bro. G. H. Woods, presiding. After the sick business and correspondence had been dealt with, two candidates were initiated, D.G.M. Bro Paddy and P.P.G.M. Bro T. Kent acting as conductors. The N.G. then called upon the delegates to the late district meeting foy their report of the proceedings, which was submitted by P.G. Bro E. Winter, It was resolved that the report be received and adopted, and that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to that brother for his able and lucid report. Two juvenile members were proposed as members of the Lodge. Prov D.G.M. Bro Paddy, on behalf of the district, and Sister Cowper, on behalf of the Sister Pearce Lodge, responded to the “ Third Sentiment.” The Lodge was closed in due form. The receipts for the evening were <£252 5s 2d. Kibwee Baptist Church. —On Sunday last the members of the Kirwee Baptist Church held their anniversary services and harvest thanksgiving. The Eev Mr Soper preached excellent sermons both morning and evening to large congregations. The church was prettily decorated by members of the choir, assisted by Messrs Morland and M’Beath. The choir, under the leadership of Mr C. Dixon, sang some excellent hymns, and Miss Croskill presided at the organ. The collections amounted to .£1 13s fid. On Monday evening the annual tea meeting in connection with the church was held in the hall. The tables were presided over by Mesdames Croskill, Sheate and Simpson, Misses Addington, Croskill, Kemp, Sheate and Simpson. The Eev D. Dolamore presided at the after meeting, and addresses were given by the Eev J. Maxwell, J. J. North (Spreydon), and Soper (the newly appointed Greendale minister), Mr Adams and the Chairman. Mr Croskill read the balance-sheet, showing receipts .£37 16s fid, expenditure .£3O Os sd, credit balance .£7 16s Id. Some excellent music was given by the choir during the evening. Miss Eoe and Mr G. Dixon singing some solos very nicely. Mr Croskill presided at the organ. The meeting was well attended, and a very enjoyable evening spent. It Sickens tbe modern man with an eye of action in his head to read about Milo, Demosthenes, Virgil, Julius Caesar, Roscius, Maud S. and other creatures of the past. Newhaven, Sterling, Joey Barker, Sandow, Seddon, Carbine, Gold Medallist, in order, outclass their ancient antagonists. If they didn’t life has been a long bluff, and there isn’t anything in human ingenuity. This world has not stood still, nor have the people upon it dwelt in idleness. The old timers were all right in their day, and we revere their memories, but the present day champions must be accorded their just dues. 2728

Follow the Crowd. —Great sale of Amberley stock to-day and following days. Drapery and clothing bought at 11s in the £; selling at half-price, by Kenneth Matheson and Co., The Hall, High Street. 2751

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

15s 6d, The Trump Watebbubt, 15s 6d. —The popular firm of S. Clarke and Co., 148, Colombo Street, now holds an agency for the sale of all Waterbury Watches, All duplicate parts in stock, and a 12 months,’ guarantee given with each watch. Special discount for parcels.of one gross or more. S. Clarke and Co. — [Advt.]

Miss L. M. Eobinspn, from London, a lady of exceptional experience, has full charge of our Dressmaking Department. Price 12s 6d for making. Shaw, Robinson and Co., 213, Cashel Street, opposite Press Office. —[Advt.] Sunlight Year Book, 1897.—Those who have not secured one of these “Treasures of Knowledge” and “Useful Information” should secure a copy at once from Hubbard, Hall and Co., sole agents for Sunlight Soap. Price sixpence each. Only a few left.—[Advt.] Again to the Front. —T. Clarkson, mounted on a “ Swift ” cycle, secured first place in the Half-mile Championship and second in the Ten Miles, recently, at Oamaru. Inspect our stock. Austral Cycle Agency, 48, Manchester Street. 1954 Particularly Good.—Field Glasses for sale. I have a really good pair of Field Glasses for sale at half-price. Field Glasses from 10s to <£6. Old Field Glasses taken in exchange. David Bowman, 186, Colombo Triangle.—[Advt.] Medical Electricity.—Massage, with galvanism and all kinds of medical baths; Mr Hammond, galvanist. Health Supplies Company, 245, Cashel Street. Inquire for our Health Food, Drink, Lemon Juice, Fruit Crystals, and do not forget our Universal Cleaner. 1863 The Result of Eiding the Best.— The One, Two and Five-mile Championships of Canterbury, at Christchurch, Eangiora and Timaru respectively, just been won by riders of Oates’s £2O Zealandia bicycles. Works, Christchurch and Napier. .—[AdvtJ

The Record Reign. —The Mayor has convened a meeting for 8 p.m. on Friday next in the City Council Chambers, to consider the question of celebrating her Majesty’s diamond jubilee. Leeston. —The Sydenham brass band, under Mr W. F. M’Lean, will play a programme of music at Leeston on Saturday night, starting at eight o’clock. A drag will leave the Sydenham Chambers at 3.30 p.m.

A Special Train.— -A number of large sheets of plate glass were yesterday forwarded from Lyttelton to Christchurch by special train. This course was considered advisable, owing to che dimensions of the glass, which had to be lashed on end in the waggon to obviate jolting.

ANNIVERSARY OP OTAGO. A telegram from Dunedin states that Anniversary Day was only partially observed as a holiday, only the wholesale houses and offices closing. Large numbers of people left town picnicking. STOLEN BICYCLES. So many thefts of bicycles have occurred at Wellington lately, not only from the streets but from the interior of buildings, that it is believed an organised gang is at work who systematically ship the stolen bicycles to other ports and to Australia. KICKING AT A SHADOW. A mare belonging to a Marlborough hotelkeeper, in piling a well, noticed the reflection of herself in the water, and, turning round, vigorously kicked out at the shadow. She fell into the well tail first, but saved herself from going to the bottom by hanging on to the brink with her forelegs, and was eventually rescued. RED DEER. The Government has decided to release a number of red deer in the Tongariro National Park. MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS. Dr Beattie, who has been assistant medical superintendent of the Lunatic Asylum at Seaoliff, has been appointed to the charge of the Auckland Asylum in succession to Dr Fooks, who has been obliged to resign on account of ill-health. Dr Greig, resident at Wellington for some months, is to fill the vacancy at Seaoliff. Dr Perry, of Timaru, is to assist Dr Hassell, medical superintendent in charge of the asylum in the Wellington district, and will also act as relieving officer for the colony. RABBIT-FREEZING. The Ensign says that at the Mataura freezing works upwards of 8000 rabbits are being put through per day, and that from March 23 onward that number is expected to be trebled. A STARTLING EXPERIENCE. An accident of a serious nature, followed by a remarkable escape from a still more serious calamity, is reported by the WakaUpu Mail. Robert Sainsbury, jun., and Archibald Ashworth, working at the approaches to the Skippers Bridge, had charged two holes with powder when Sainsbury, having lit one fuse, turned round to hand the match to Ashworth. The sparks from the fuse came into contact with the bag of powder in his hand, and an explosion followed, both men receiving severe burns. The men were at once removed to the Frankton Hospital, As soon as Mr David Miller (the contractor) and five other men heard the explosion they ran to the spot and extinguished the flames on the unfortunate men’s clothing, not being aware of what had really happened, and being ignorant of the fact that Sainsbury had lit his fuse. Presently the charge went off, but, wonderful to relate, not one of the eight men was touched, although the explosion took place within sft of where they were standing.

THE VITRIOL-THROWING CASE. Both Auckland papers refer in strong terms of condemnation to the demonstration in the Supreme Court when the jury acquitted Thomas Carroll of the charge of throwing vitriol on Jewell. The Herald declares that the scene was a disgrace to Auckland. “ The town,” it continues, “ was full of reports as to influences which had tended to produce the verdict. It is said that in the first case there was only one man for an acquittal. The jury on the second trial seem to have got quite dazed by their prolonged sitting, and the majority of them, at least, not to have known what they were doing. They found that the prisoner threw the sulphuric acid. Next they found that Jewell had been injured, but —and here comes in the remarkable feature —they found that ‘they were in doubt whether he threw the stuff intentionally/ As the Judge said, that was the very question which they had been empanelled to try, and if they had not come to - a conclusion on that they had better retire again. That, of course, would have necessitated their being locked up all night. The foreman then said that if the verdict as he at first gave it could not be accepted, then the verdict of the jury was ‘not guilty/ Was there ever such a muddle ?”

ADJUSTABLE HANDLE BARS, To save stooping, fitted to ladies’ and gentlemen’s new Stars. Manufactured by the Eadie Manufacturing Company, England. Adams Star Cycle Coy., 70, Manchester Street, Christchurch and Welington.—[Advt.l