TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11227, 26 March 1897, Page 5

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Contents. —In consequence of an interruption in the cable lines, no news from Europe was received in time for publication in this morning’s ; issue. The two cables between Malta and Alexandria, which are interrupted, are two;, of the fastest lines belonging to the Eastern Telegraph Company, and carry the great bulk of the work to and from the East and Australia. There are still five routes open to Europe, but the most serviceable of these, that by the Persian Gulf, advised Wakapuaka last night that it is still blocked with Wednesday’s work. The Federal Convention continued its sittings at Adelaide yesterday, when Mr Barton’s resolutions were further discussed. The San Francisco mail steamer arrived at Auckland yesterday, and a summary of European and American news brought by her appears in this issue. The Women’s Convention continued its sittings yesterday, and the autumn race meeting of the Pioneer Bicycle Club was held yesterday afternoon. San Francisco Mail. —The Alameda, with the San Francisco mail, arrived at Auckland yesterday. The Mahinapua, with the southern portion of the mail, is expected to reach Wellington this evening, and the Penguin will leave at 11 o’clock for Lyttelton with the South Island hags. Meetings. —The following meetings will take place to-day: —Christchurch Cycling Club Committee, at Eooms, Cashel Street,? p.m.; meeting to arrange ior forming a Richmond Lawn Tennis Club, Kent’s Pavilion, 7.30 p.m.; meeting to consider the best means of celebrating the Record Reign, City Council Chambers, 8 p.m. ; Football Referees’ Association, Clarendon Hotel, 8 p.m. Personal. —The Hon J. G. Ward arrived from Wellington by the Penguin yesterday and went south by the express. The Hon W. Hall-Jones and Mrs Seddon and Professor Gilroy are passengers for Lyttelton by the Talune, which left Wellington at 4.30 p.m. yesterday.

Lyceum Social. —A “social” was held in the Lyceum last night, when the music fer the dancing was supplied by the Lyceum orchestra. The catering was in the hands of Mr Freeman. To-night a Juvenile “social” and entertainment will be given to the children attending the Lyceum Sunday school. An Escaped Lunatic. A patient escaped from the Sunnyside Asylum at a quarter-past eleven yesterday morning. He is sft Din in height, with dark brown hair and full whiskers. He wore vest and trousers of white moleskin, marked “ L.A.C.” on band, a coloured shirt, laceup boots and a tweed hat, marked C. Protestant Alliance. —The quarterly summoned meeting of the Queen’s Own Lodge was held on Monday, W.M. : Bro W. Bultitude presiding. The Secretary reported a low sick rate. The D.D.i Master and the Secretary were elected to represent the Lodge at the meeting oh Friday to discuss the record reign celebration. A vote of thanks was accorded;.to the visiting officers and brethren from the Eoyal Standard Lodge. W.M. Bro: W. J. Sloan responded. The receipts bf the evening amounted to ,£3S.

Good Templary. —The Reviving Stream Lodge, No. 75, Addington, held a most successful session on Monday evening, a fraternal visit from the Good ; Intent Lodge, Rangiora, being the chief attraction. Bro Rogers, C.T. of the Good Intent Lodge, presided. There was a good attendance of visitors from the j district and the city lodges. Refreshments were supplied on a liberal scale and a capital programme was gone through. The lodge was then closed, all present • having spent a most pleasant and a profitable time. !

Concert at Ash-lex. —A concert in aid of the Ashley school piano fund was held on Friday evening, Mr W. G. Whiteside in the chair. The attendance was only moderate, but the programme submitted was an excellent one. The items consisted of songs by Mesdames Chapman, Hackman and" Traill, the Misses Duncan and Sutherland, and Messrs Cooper, Glanvillo and Thompson ; and recitations by Messrs J. Banks and D. Ryan (of Christchurch). The items given by Mr Ryan \ were the special attraction of the evening's entertainment. Miss Flynn played a pianoforte - ; olo. A dance was afterwards held, Mr C. Leach acting as M.C., and Miss Gardiner supplying the music.

The Fire Brigade.— lt is understood that some friction has occurred between the Chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee and the Superintendent of the Brigade. A meeting of the committee wilf be held to consider the matter. The Weather.— There was a vivid display of lightning in tho south-west last night, between eight and nine o’clock. For some ten minutes the flashes came at the rate of two or three a minute, but they gradually became less frequent. Rain set in early this morning. Mission Service. The Rev D. O’Donnell’s mission in the Durham Street Wesleyan Church continues to draw large crowds and tho interest is increasing. He is announced to speak this evening oh “ Your Sins Blotted Out, or Found Out: Which?” The Incidence of Taxation. —An able contribution to the discussion on this subject, which was initiated by Mr Cox’s paper read before the National Association, appears in the current number of the Canterbury Times, from the pen of Mr P. J. O’Eegan, M.H.R.

Fox Terrier Breeding. —lt is not too much to say that the great progress made by the canine fancy in New Zealand is almost wholly due to the advocacy and assistance it received in its early days from the Canterbury Times. That journal still stands alone in New Zealand in affording fanciers and other lovers of the dog with authentic information upon all kennel subjects. This week the question of quality in fox terriers, with some points in breeding these favourite dogs, is given prominence.

Land Board. —The Canterbury Land Board has been meeting during the past day or two in Christchurch, overtaking arrears of business. Yesterday the Board was engaged in examining applicants for sections m the Otarakaro and Wharenui workmen’s settlements. On Monday and Tuesday sittings will he held at Timaru to examine applicants for the Arowhenua Settlement, the ballot for which will take place at Temuka on Wednesday. On Saturday the ballot for the Otarakaro and Wharenui sections will take place at the Land Office, Christchurch.

Land Settlement. —A ballot was taken at the Land Office, Christchurch, yesterday for seven village homestead allotments in the Waimate County. Three of the sections were in the Wainono Village Settlement and four in the Nukaroa Settlement. Five sections were disposed of as follows: —Section 9, block XI., reserve 1126, 10 acres (two applicants), W. Kent; section 9, block IV., reserve 1178, 10 acres (one applicant), J. Flynn; section 14, block IV., reserve 1178,10 acres (four applicants), Elizabeth Pascoe; section 6, blocks XI. and XV., reserve 1126, 40 acres (three applicants), Gertrude M. Hardy; section 13, block XVI., reserve 1128, 20 acres (three applicants), Annie J. Cochrane. Entertainment at Cheviot. —On Saturday evening a service of song, entitled “The Oiled Feather,” was given in the Town Hall, M’Kenzie, by the Presbyterian choir and friends. Solos were given by Mesdames Brassington and Chinnery, a duet was sung by Mrs Sturroek and Miss Hore, and a quartette by Mrs Chinnery, Miss Sturroek, Messrs J. Thompson and J. C. Burns. Mr W. Batch did full justice to the reading part of the service. Miss J. Sturroek acted as accompanist, and Mr J. Thompson as conductor. There was a fairly good attendance, and the proceeds were in aid of the organ fund. The same service of song was repeated at Spotswood on Monday evening to a fair audience.

Temuica Mechanics’ Institute. —The annual meeting of members of the Temuka Mechanics’ Institute was held on Tuesday evening, when Mr D. Ferguson, the president, occupied the chair. The report showed that with tho assistance of a grant of o£lo from the Town Board the committee had managed to keep the Institute open, -but could not -purchase any fresh books. The balance-sheet showed a credit of £2 13s 4d. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Mr D. Ferguson was reelected president; Mr E. Lea, vice-presi-dent ; Mr R. M’Kinlay, secretary and treasurer; and Messrs Harrison, Sim, T. Bourke, D. Kennedy and H. Lee, members of committee. A proposal to establish a debating society in connection with the institute as a means of increasing public interest in it, was discussed and warmly taken up. Several recommendations to the committee were made as to the date of meetings, procedure, &c. The retiring officers were thanked for their services, and a similar compliment was paid to donors of papers.

Oddfellowship. —The fortnightly and quarterly meeting of the Loyal Volunteer Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U., was held on Wednesday evening at the Mission Hall, Sydenham, when there was a good attendance of members and visitors from the Perseverance, Leeston, Phillipstown and Sister Pearce Lodges, and also of the newlyelected district officers. Sick pay was passed to three members. N.G-. Bro Cole, on behalf of the Lodge, congratulated Bro A. H. Paddy on his election as Prov D.G.M. of the North Canterbury district; also, Prov G.M. Bro Smithson, both of whom' returned thanks. P.D.G.M. Bro Paddy gave the delegates’ report of the late district meeting. It was received, and a hearty vote of thanks passed, after which harmony was indulged in. P.G.M. Bro Smithson presented P.G. Bro A. Saunders on behalf of the Lodge with a handsomely framed certificate. Bro Saunders suitably responded. Two candidates were proposed for membership. P.G.M. Bro Smithson, P.P.G.M. Bro Gough, G.M. Sister Pearce, P.G. Sanford, and Bro Pearce responded for the visitors. The receipts of the evening amounted to .£6O 10s. Orange Society. —The monthly meeting of No. 2 Purple Star Lodge was held in the Orange Hall on Tuesday evening, the W.M. Bro W. Bultitude presiding, supported by G.T. Bro Diflin, P.D.M.’s Bros Taylor and Hanna, D.M. Bro M’Causland, P.M.’s Bros Skinner and Cooper (No. 2), W.M. Bro Bettie (No. 3), P.M.’s Bros Morrow and M’Kolvey (No. 4). There was a large attendance. The Secretary read correspondence: From the Nelson Orphanage Committee, forwarding balance-sheet for the past year. From the District Secretary, stating that the next meeting would be held on Friday. From the Ashburton Lodge, forwarding tickets for an art union in aid of the buildingfunds. From Miss I. Cunningham, thanking the Lodge for its kindness in assisting to make the benefit concert on her behalf such a success. Several accounts were passed for payment. Letters of condolence and sympathy were ordered to be sent to P.M.’s Bros Dougall and D. M’Call in their bereavement. One candidate received the Orange degree and one was proposed for membership. The sum of ,-61 10s was voted to the St Andrew’s Protestant Orphanage, Nelson. P.M.’s Bros Cooper and Stapleton were elected to represent the Lodge at the meeting relative to the Queen’s Record Reign. Votes of thanks were passed to the visitors, and the Lodge adjourned to the refreshment room, where a pleasant hour was spent.—The monthly meeting of No. 7 Princess of Orange L.O.L. was held in the Orange Hall, Worcester Street, on Thursday evening, Sister E. White in the chair, and Sister E. Allen in the deputychair. All the other officers were present. The President read the qualifications, and the Chaplain read a portion of Scripture. Several sisters from No. 1 were present. A large amount of important correspondence was dealt with. One sister applied for her clearance, which was granted. The Lodge was closed with prayer.

Art Union. —The art union in connection with the Sydenham Brass Band will be drawn on Easter Monday (April 19). Prohibition League. —A “ fruit social ” will be held by the Prohibition League, in the Congregational Schoolroom, to-night,, at eight o’clock. National Association. —The adjourned meeting of members will be held this evening, at 7.30, when the old age pension scheme will be discussed.

Assessment Court. — Mr K. Beetham, S.M., will hold an Assessment Court for the City of Christchurch at the City Council Chambers on April 7 at 11 a.m. The Kinematograph.— There were very good houses at the kinematograph in the Oddfellows’ Chambers last evening, and the various moving pictures were much appreciated. The kinematograph will be shown again this evening. ,

Art Exhibition. Tho Art Society’s exhibition was fairly well attended yesterday. In the evening songs were given by Mr A. Appleby and recitations by Mr G. P. Williams. This evening’s programme will bo provided by Miss Black and Messrs Brice and Eyan. The Samaritan Home. —The committee of the Samaritan Home, which now has fifty-one inmates, is anxious to obtain donations of hoots for the inmates. As there aie persons at the Home capable of mending boots and shoes, left-off articles will be accepted.

Fire. —A fire occurred at Mr James Wilson’s farm, near Dromore, on Monday evening, destroying a large stack of oats, tho crop of a forty-acre paddock. It is supposed that a child that had been playing near the stack during the day accidentally caused the fire. There was no insurance.

Baptist Church. —The anniversary tea meeting of the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church last evening was largely attended. The church was well filled, and the Rev J. J. Doko delivered a most interesting lecture on “How England Freed Her Slaves.” The lecture was interspersed with Jubilee songs, rendered by a strong choir.

Kangiora Presbyterian Sunday School. —On Wednesday evening the children attending this school were given their annual treat. The gathering was at the church, where tea was served by the teachers at half-past five, and afterwards Mr C. I. Jennings gave a lantern entertainment, the church being crowded for the latter.

The Post Office. —An improvement has been effected at the Christchurch Post Office by the substitution of a convenient notice-board for the device which was formerly used near the private letter boxes to announce when mails were sorted. The new board consists of a frame opening on hinges like a door; with places to receive slips bearing the names of the vai’ious mails. Ministerial. —The Hon E. J. Seddon has been prevented by pressure of public business from coming to Christchurch today, but Mrs Seddon and sis officers of the Women’s Social and Political League, accompanied by the Hon W. Hall-Jones, Minister of Public Works, left Wellington yesterday afternoon for Lyttelton. They will attend the “ social ” of the Women’s Social and Political League in the Opera House this evening. Swimming. —The 60yds Maiden Handicap in connection with the Sydenham Swimming Club was swum on Thursday evening, when some splendid racing was witnessed. First heat: 0. Chambers 1, F. Howarth 2. Time, 44|sec. Second heat: P. W. Oliver 1, A. E." Mapplebeck 2. Time, 43fsec. Third heat: G. N. Hall 1, W. Newburgh 2. Time, 45|sec. Final heat: Oliver 1, Newburgh 2. Won on the touch. Time, 44sec. Mr Kent acted as handicapper and starter.

Maori Pa, Woodend. —On Tuesday, a meeting of women was held at the Pa, to hohffider'what''-ut'spk'slibdld''be taken to pay off any liabilities against the meeting hall, and to further improve the building, as the place is in very bad repair. Those present expressed their disapproval of the present committee in not taking action. Mrs W. TTru presided, and before the close about thirty women were elected to devise some means to have the repairs attended to. A suggestion to hold a ball, at a date to be named, seemed to meet with much approval. Druidism. —The Pioneer Lodge held its quarterly summoned meeting on Monday, March 22. An appeal from the Anchor Lodge was not entertained. An invitation was received from the Mistletoe Lodge to be present on the occasion of the presentation of a collar to Bro K. Dyer. The Bards reported only one member on the sick fund, being the lowest record for the past ten years. One candidate was initiated into the rites and ceremonies of Druidism. The receipts for the evening amounted to .£137 Is 3d.

A Matter of Principle. At: the Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon a witness in a civil case, before giving evidence, asked if it was necessary for him to kiss the Book, saying that he had been brought up to speak the truth without that. The Magistrate told the witness that'he might do as he pleased, and directed the orderly to get him to make an affirmation instead. The young man, however, loftily declined to repeat the formula. The solicitor who had called the witness declined to examine him, and the Magistrate refused to take his evidence, so he had to retire. Lost on the Ashley Eiveb-bed. —On Wednesday a young man named Turpin went out from Rangiora to have a day’s shooting on the Ashley river-bed. As he did not return at night apprehension for his safety was aroused, and his brother, Mr S. W. Turpin, went with a friend to search for him. Their efforts were without result, and at one o’clock yesterday morning the police were informed of the circumstance. Arrangements were made for a search party to go out at daylight, but before a start was made Turpin turned up, and explained that he lost his way on the river-bed after nightfall, and after wandering about for some hours without striking a track for home, he, being wearied out, lay down and slept till morning. Rose Society. —A meeting of the committee of the Canterbury Rose Society was held last night at the office of Messrs Harman and Stevens. All the members were nresent, and the Hon E. C. J. Stevens presided. The Secretary, Mr W. Jones, presented the reply from the Chrysanthemum Society in reference to a conference, with the view to forming a horticultural society, and it was resolved—“ That the Secretary be instructed to invite the members of the Chrysanthemum Society to a conference with the members of the Rose Society, and also to write to those gentlemen who have taken an interest in horticulture in the past, and also to those who are likely to assist in the future.” The official list of exhibition roses was prepared. Jockeys. —l have two pairs racing boots for sale, a bargain; also chronographs from 30s. David Bowman, 186, Colombo Street, Triangle.— [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 Medical Electricity.— Massage, with o-alvanism 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 op Riding the Best.— The One, Two and Five-mile Championships of Canterbury, at Christchurch, Rangiora and Timani respectively, just beeinvou by riders of Oates’s .£2O 2ealandia bicycles. Works, Christchurch and Napier. —[Advt.]

Election Expenses.— The total of the Hon W. Eolleston’s expenses at the Riccarton election was .£Bl 12s.

Indian Famine Fund.— The Mayor intends to. close the subscription-list for the Indian (Famine Relief Fund on Monday next.

The Record Reign Celebration. —A meeting, convened by his Worship the Mayor, will be held at the City Council Chambers at 8 p.m. to-day, to consider the best means of celebrating tho Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Old-age Pension Claims. —ln order to avoid misapprehension, it should be stated that old-age pension claimants may leave their papers any day at the Magistrate’s Court, but Wednesday has been arranged as the day for them to attend after having received notice to have their claims investigated. Fire Brigade Conference. —Superintendent Smith, of the Christchurch Fire Brigade, returned from the Fire Brigade Conference at Port Chalmers on Wednesday night. Several other delegates came to Christchurch on their way to the North Island last night. The conference was the largest which has yet been held in the colony, sixty-five delegates having been present. The United Fire Brigades’ Association now includes seventy-one brigades, all in the colony save one. Presentations. —On Wednesday the employes at A. J. White’s had a social gathering to make presentations to Mr C. Burmeister on the occasion of his approaching marriage. Mr Cocks presented him with a handsome marble clock, suitably inscribed, from the factory men, and Mr Manders presented a silver cruet on behalf of the front-shop employes. Amongst other valuable presents were a tea and breakfast service, silver butter dish and a teapot. Mr Burmeister suitably responded.

Grbbndalb. —The Selwyn Prohibition Council held a meeting in the Baptist Church, Greendale, on Friday afternoon; Mr T. W. fAdams occupied the chair. It was decided to get 3000 leaflets printed and distributed throughout the electorate, and also ’to advertise urging electors to support the temperance candidates, Messrs Boag, Gamble, Sheat, Holland and Wallace. The Secretary was requested to send a ’letter of sympathy and condolence to Mrs P. R. Monro,* several speakers testifying to the sterling qualities of her latelydeceased husband.

Sydenham Band. —The Sydenham Brass Band will play the following programme of music at Leeston, under the baton of Mr W. F. M’Lean, commencing at 8 p.m., to-morrow (leaving their practice room at 3.30 p.m.) : Quickstep, “Battle of Eureka” (Kound) ; selection, “Irish” (Hartman); valse, “ Light and Shade ” (Round); grand contest selection, “Verdi” (Round) ; selection, “ English ” (Hartman) ; quintet, “ Pandora” (Round) ; selection, “Scottish” (Hartman); quickstep, “ Rebecca Commadera ” (Round) ; “ God Save the Queen.” Eangiora Rifle Company.— A meeting of the firing committee of this company was held on Wednesday evening, Lieutenant C. d’Auvergne in the chair. A challenge to fire a match with the Woodend Rifle Club on Saturday next was accepted. It was decided that in the event of there being no camp or field day on Easter Monday an effort should be made to send a team to Oamaru and Dunedin to fire matches with the rifle companies there. It was left with Lieutenant d’Auvergne to arrange details. It was also resolved to arrange Thursday afternoon competitions for second-class shots. “Social” to Mrs Seddon. Mrs Seddon, President of the Women’s Social and Political League, accompanied by six officers of the Wellington Branch, will arrive in Lyttelton by the Talune this morning. They will be met at the Railway Station at ten o’clock by the Mayor and Mayoress of Christchurch and the officers of the Christchurch Branch of the League. In the evening a “social” MU'be held in the Opera House to formally welcome Mrs Seddon. The Premier is unavoidably detained in Wellington, but the Hon W. Hall-Jones, who accompanies the party, will be present at the “ social.”

Working Men’s Club. —A very good concert was held in the social hall of the Christchurch Working Men’s Club last evening for the benefit of tbe Destitute Patients’ Fund in connection with the Christchurch Hospital. The attendance was good, but not so large as the objectwarranted. The programme was well received, nearly every item being encored. Amongst the most enjoyable numbers were songs by Miss D. B. Samuels, who possesses a voice of considerable power and great range; tbe “Alabama Coon,” in costume, by Misses May Broekett, H. Batchelor, Ethel Langford and Lily Kissel, and a skirt dance by young ladies trained by Mrs J. Kermode. Amongst the other items were songs by Messrs J. Glanville, C. Read, H. Harrison, Peterson Bros. (2), H. Price, H. Hodges, S. Dickey, recitations by Mr D. Ryan, dances by Mr S. and Master Dickey, an Estudiantina quintette by Messrs Adams (2), Smith, Kermode and Post, and selections by Mr J. Brackett’s band. Before tbe farce with which the proceedings concluded, the Mayor of Christchurch thanked those who had assisted to raise funds for so deserving an object. MEETING OF PARLIAMENT. A telegram from Wellington says:—lt is understood that it has practically been decided, though it has not been officially announced, to hold a short session on Monday week. ADVENTURE WITH AN OCTOPUS. A bather had a sensational experience on Sunday morning at the Marine Baths, Nelson (says the Mail), recalling Victor Hugo’s story in “ The Toilers of the Sea.” The bather had just taken a dive when he came up pale and in a hurry. He said something soft and clammy had tried to grab bold of him, and that it bad glided over his skin. This caused considerable excitement among tbe intending swimmers, who were in all stages of undress preparatory to jumping in, but they concluded to stay on dry land for the rest of the morning. A search was. made for the mysterious thing that was cold and clammy, and at last an octopus of some size was fished out, clinging with a sucker to an iron bar that had been put into the water. A CYCLONE. A cyclone visited Kaikora (Hawke’s Bay) on Saturday afternoon, and did a considei’able amount of damage. According to the Hawke’s Bay Herald telegraphic communication was unobtainable on Sunday, and only brief particulars could be ascertained. The Kaikora library was partly unroofed, and a house belonging to Mr Pettit in that vicinity shared a similar fate. Mr Pederson had his verandah blown down, some of the iron and scantling being found about one hundred yards away. A shed, tbe property of Mr Mansfield, was carried some forty yards from its original position. Willow trees wore blown bodily away.-. A correspondent, writing just as the train was leaving, says: It is said that the whirlwind blew a horse over a wire fence. What I saw myself was a prominent settler tangled up in a similar fence, having in each arm a child. OPALS. As two shearers were tramping from one shed to another in the Rangitata district they came on an outcrop of stone, and one of the shearers, who had just arrived from Queensland, and who had been working on the opal fields there, immediately pronounced the stone to be what they called “young opal,” found on the surface of a reef. So much was lie impressed with it that lie brought samples to Ashburton, and some stone was firwarded to Christchurch .for analysis.. Professor Bickerton considered that it was opal, and although not of the precious variety, yet

indicating that in all probability the precious stone would be found in tho vicinity. A small syndicate was then formed, and the two men have been prospecting for some two or three weeks; but owing to the bad weather and the very inaccessible nature of the country have not made very much headway, although they have now located the head of the reef, and intend driving into the hill, OIL RETAINING BRACKETS. The latest Stars manufactured by the Eadie Manufacturing Company are built with brackets which hold the oil. Adams Star Cycle Coy., 70, Manchester Street, Christchurch and Wellington.— [Advt.]