TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11231, 31 March 1897, Page 5

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Contents. —Russia is massing 200,000 troops in Southern Russia. The French Embassy at Constantinople is in possession of evidence which shows that nine hundred Armenians were massacred

at Tokat. Hakki Pasha, military commander of the district, has been dismissed from his command and arrested. A confession by M. Arton, in reference to the Panama Canal frauds, affects thirteen of the present members of the Chamber of Deputies, besides other deputies since dead or unseated. Thirteen out of twenty-nine persons in a boat belonging to the wrecked steamer Nazaire died of starvation and thirst. What Greece requires in connection with Crete is to be allowed to administer the affairs of the island under a European mandate. The Greeks in Cyprus have boycotted German exports in revenge for the attitude of Germany towards Crete. There is serious disorder in Albania, where Moslems and Christians are fighting for their respective religions. Mr

Chamberlain says that there is no reason to suppose that the new rules for governing Norfolk Island will interfere with the old regulation prohibiting the importation of alcohol except for medicinal purposes. There is irregular bidding and less competition at the London wool sales. Mr Reid, the Premier of New South Wales, asserts that unless intercolonial freetrade is properly provided for in the Federal Constitution Bill, federation will prove a sham.

Meetings. The following meetings will be held to-day:—Record Reign Committee, City Council Chambers, 8 p.m. j Amateur Athletic Club Committee, City Hotel, 8 p.m. ; City Rifles, orderly-room, 8 p.m.; Richmond Lawn Tennis Club, Kent’s pavilion, 8 p.m. Akrests. Yesterday a woman was arrested on a charge ot vagrancy, and a man on a charge of being illegally on the premises of the Rev Gordon Webster. Lecture. —The Rev J. Reed Glasson, of Wellington, will lecture this evening at 8 o’clock, in Trinity Hall, Manchester Street, on the subject of Christian Sociology. Band Performance. —The Woolston Brass Band will play selections on the lawn of the Christchurch Working Men’s Club to-morrow evening, beginning at eight o’clock. The Volunteers. —lt has been decided not to hold a field day here on Easter Monday. Some of the corps are endeavouring to arrange for private camps or marches during the Easter holidays. Working Men’s Club. —Last night the tender of Mr W. Smith was accepted for the erection of the hilliard-room and social room to be built at the back of the Christchurch Working Men’s Club. The Maori Contingent. —The Maoris at Woodend pah have received a telegram asking them to nominate a representative for the Maori contingent. It is understood that Mr W. Uru has been appointed. The Late Mr J. D. Lance. —At a meeting of the North Canterbury Jockey Club Committee held on Monday night, Mr M, Scott in the chair, the Secretary was instructed to forward a letter of condolence to Mrs Lance and family on the death of Mr Lance.

Salvation Army. —The sale of goods in connection with the harvest festival of the local corps of the Salvation Army was brought to a successful issue last night. The sale was a complete success, realising nearly =£so, and almost every article was sold. To-night a special entertainment will bo held. A harvest field will be exhibited by limelight, and character and actions will be given, Mr Seager kindly supplying the coloured lights. Bazaar. —The members of the Wesleyan Methodist churches in the Christchurch South Circuit have been working for some time to assist the funds of the circuit. By an advertisement it will be seen that a bazaar is to be opened to-morrow afternoon at three o’clock, in the Sydenham Wesleyan Sunday School, by Mr G. J. Smith, M.H.E. There will he stalls of work, useful and fancy articles. In the evening there will be a specially attractive programme of music, songs and tableaux.

Public Service Association. The annual meeting of the Christchurch Branch of the Public Service Association was held in the Land Board room at the old Provincial Government Buildings last night. Mr E. Patten presided. The annual balance-sheet was presented. Tho following were elected a committee for the ensuing year : —Messrs E. Patten, G. L. Greenwood, Turnbull, S. Weetman, H. W. Bishop, C. B. Shanks, J. Ambrose, Denham, Bridges and Evans. Mr Greenwood, the retiring chairman, gave an address, urging the advantages of all public officers belonging to the Association, Presentation. —Mr C. D. Hardie, who has been head-master of the Papanui district school for the past five and a half years, is now leaving to take up a similar position at the Ashburton school. Yesterday afternoon, in the presence of a number of the residents and the elder scholars, Mr D. Bun tin, chairman of the School Committee, presented Mr Hardie, for Mrs Hardie and himself, with a handsome marble clock, which bore the inscription “ Presented to Mr and Mrs C. D. Hardie by the teachers, pupils and committee of the Papanui District School.” To Mr Hardie himself was given a richly-bound copy of Tennyson’s works. Mr Buntin, in making the presentation, referred to the highly satisfactory results which had attendedMr Hardie’s efforts, and expressedthe regret that his friends felt at his departure, with their hopes for his future welfare. Mr T. S. Weston, a member of the Board of Education, also spoke briefly. Concert at Opawa. —Last evening a most enjoyable concert was given in St Mark’s schoolroom, Opawa. There was a large attendance, and the programme was under the direction of Mr A. J. W. Btinz. Mrs Burns contributed, in her best style, Alfred Hill’s “Summer Day” and Chaminade’s “Spring,” and was encored for both songs. Mrs Townend sang d’Auvergne’s “I Trust You Still,” with violin obligato by Mr C. P. Btinz, and Pinsuti’s fine contralto song, “ The Raft.” This lady also received the compliment of encores. Mr Hollow sang Balfe’s “Come Into the Garden, Maud,” and Tito Mattei’s “ Never More and Mr A. Merton contributed Pinsuti’s “ The Bedouin Love Song ” and the same composer’s “ ’Tis I.” Mr C. F. Btinz played de Beriot’s “ Seventh Air Yario,” and Mr A.-„ J. W. Btinz Weber’s “II Moto Continue.” With Mrs Embling the latter gentleman took part in the pianoforte duet, Schubert’s “ Allegro Con Brio.” Two part songs, which were well rendered by the choir boys, brought the concert to a close.

In passing along Cashel Street the other day we were much struck with Beath and Co.’s new shop front; it certainly far exceeds anything in the city, and their show of new autumn dress materials, mantles, millinery, furs, &0., was simply grand, and everything marked so very cheap. 3120

Economic Independence op Women.— A meeting of ladies interested in this great question is held each day at Hubbard, Hall and Co.’s, where all groceries and provisions are purchased at lowest prices.— [Advt.j

Jockeys. —l have two pairs racing boots for sale, a bargain; also chronographs from 80s; David Bowman, 186, Colombo Street, Triangle.—[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 . galvanism and all kinds of medical baths ; Mr Hammond, galvanist. Health Supplies Company, 245, Cashel Street. Inquire for our _ Health Pood, Drink, Lemon Juice, Fruit Crystals, and do not forget our Uni- . versal Cleaner. 1863 ! The Result op Riding the Best.— The One, Two and Five-mile Championships of Canterbury, at Christchurch, Bangiora and Timaru respectively, just been won'by riders of Oates’s J 320 Zealandia bicycles. Works, Christchurch and Napier, j —[Advt.]

Theft of a Bicycle.—A new Kent safety bicycle was stolen from the front of the Lyttelton Times Office shortly before eleven o’clock last evening.

Building Society. —The annual meeting of the No. 5 Industrial Building Society of Canterbury will be held iu the offices, Worcester Street, at 8 p.m., on April 14. Lyttelton Recreation Ground. —The Lyttelton Borough Council, at its meeting on Monday night, decided to close the recreation ground, for improvements, about the middle of April. Technical Institute. —In connection with this Institute Messrs Bickerton Bros, will open classes in _ designing and mechanical and geometrical drawing in the Chancery Lane Hall this evening at seven o’clock.

Cold Storage. Those interested in cold storage are invited to inspect the Simplex Refrigerator, which is now working at Mr Quaife’s. A conveyance will leave the A 1 Hotel corner for the works at 2.30 p.m. to-morrow.

Bishop Harper Memorial. —The erection of the cenotaph to receive the recumbent effigy of the late Bishop Harper in the Cathedral will probably be begun on Monday next. The figure is expected to arrive from England in Juno.

Ellesmere Licensing Committee.— The following are the successful candidates at the poll for the election of the Ellesmere Licensing Committee: —Mr 0. Bradley 437, Mr R. Latter 387, Mr M. G. Daly 373, Mr F. Overton 360 and Mr A. C. Knight 348.

Band op Hope. —The Sydenham Presbyterian Church Band of Hope, commenced its winter session on Monday evening, when there was a very large attendance. Songs and recitations were given by Misses' Meiklebam (2), Haggle, Jewett (2), Forbes, Pickenaud Seabourne, a violin solo by Mr Arthur Wood, and addresses by the Rev R. S. Allan and Mr Smith.

Art Exhibition. The Art Society’s exhibition was fairly well attended yesterday. The musical programme for the evening consisted of a pianoforte solo by Mrs Phillips and songs by Miss Woodhouso and Mr F. W. Hobbs. This evening Professor Bickerton will lecture on “ Colour in Relation to Art,” and music will be provided by Miss Lilian Smith and Mr W. A. Bowring.

The Shooting Season.— The following telegram was sent yesterday to the Colonial Secretary by Mr A. Garrick, president of the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society: — “Large number of people have already gone to the shooting ground. It is impossible to communicate with them, and much illegal shooting will take place; Cannot Government re-consider its decision and open April 1, as usual? Reply urgent.”

Imported Stock. —On Monday Mr E. Holderness, inspector of stock, and Mr. J. J. Isbister, of the New Zealand Farmers’ Co-operative Association, went to Quail Island and took off three Shropshire Down rams, on account of Mr A. Macfarlane, Achray, which have duly served their time in quarantine. The sheep, which were selected at Home by Mr Geo. Jameson, were sent straight on to Culverden by rail.

Monro Memorial Fund. —ln connection with the Monro Memorial Fund a trust committee lias been formed, consisting of Messrs G. T. Booth, C. I. Jennings, T. E. Taylor, M.H.E., and the Revs GordonWebster, W. Scorgie and L. M. Isitt. Mr Archibald Scott has consented to act as secretary and treasurer, and all moneys may be sent to his address. Standard Insurance Office, Hereford Street, Christchurch,

The Queensland Exhibition. —Mr F. N. Meadows, who is acting as agent for the New Zealand Government for the Queensland Exhibition, has returned from the south, where he has met with great success. Several of the large manufacturers of Dunedin have decided to exhibit, and Invercargill, Oaxnaru and Timaru will also be represented. Mr Meadows interviewed a number of business people in Christchurch yesterday, and left for Wellington last evening; Personal. —Mr G. Jameson, manager of the New Zealand Farmers’ Co-operative Association, returned from England yesterday, and will meet the directors of the Association to-day. Sir John and Lady Hall left for Wellington by the Penguin last evening to join the Gothic, by which vessel they proceed to England. Mrs Richmond, president of the Christchurch branch of the Theosophical Society, has just returned from a lecturing tour through the North Island.

Oddfellowship. ~At the quarterly summoned meeting of the Loyal Eangiora Lodge of Oddfellowsjheld on Monday night, P.P.G.M.’s Marshall and Nottingham, and P.G.D.’s Bell and Calder were appointed delegates to the annual meeting of the Ashley district, to he held on April 10. It was decided to purchase the hall piano from the Sick and Funeral Fund by the Management Fund, and to place the income from the instrument to a fund for the relief of brothers under special circumstances of distress.

Children's Festival.—The Canterbury Band of Hope Union has made arrangements to hold a children’s musical festival at the Opera House on Wednesday, April 14. There will be upwards of six hundred performers from the various Bands of Hope affiliated to the Union. An attractive programme has been prepared, comprising choruses, action songs, solos, recitations, &c. The orchestra will be led by Mr A. Corrick and Mr J. A. Flesher will act as conductor. A united practice will be held to-night in the Wesleyan schoolroom, Durham Street. The Band Eotunda.—The Stanmore Band will perform the following programme of music on the Band Rotunda, under the baton of Mr D. M'Killop, on Friday night, starting at 8 o’clock, weather permitting: —Quickstep, “Washington Greys,” (Grafulla); solo polka, “The Fusillade,” (D. M’Killop); grand contest selection, “ Eeminiscences of Verdi,” (Verdi); overture, “ Crown of Victory,” (Ripley); contest selection, “ Souvenir de Bellini,” (Bound); overture, “Austral,” (T. E. Bulch); valse (en suite) “ Les Fleurs d’Australie,” (Laski); God Save the Queen. Canterbury Bowing Club.—The Scratch Fours of the Canterbury Rowing Club was rowed off on Saturday afternoon on the river from , Stanmore Bridge to The Willows, the course being very bad owing to the quantity of mud and the abundant growth of weed. Six crews entered, and the results were as follows: —First heat: E. F. Nicoll beat C. Hawkes by two feet, after a dead heat. Second heat: F. E. Wright beat W. G. Wray by half a length. Third heat: A. S. Hardy-Johnston beat F. W. Dunnage by a length. Second round: Hardy-Johnston beat Wright, and also won the final, beating Nicoll by three-quarters of a length.

Early Chrysanthemums. —Some very fine specimens of early chrysanthemum blooms are being shown by Mr J. Q-. Davis, florist, Colombo Street, the white-flowering varieties being conspicuous. These include Bose Wynne and Annie Hartshaw.. The first-named is of a particularly desirable type, of robust habit, full of substance, and the centre of the flower is tinged with pale sulphur. Viscountess Hambledon is a pale rose and white bloom, very beautiful, large and of good form. Another particularly desirable specimen, belonging to the Japanese section, is Mrs E. E. Trafford, the large blooms being gradated in pale terracotta tints. During yesterday afternoon the exhibits attracted a largo amount of attention.

Borough of Lyttelton. —Mr E. Beetham, S.M., will hold an Assessment Court for the Borough of Lyttelton on April 14, at noon. Canterbury College. The annual meeting of the Canterbury College Graduates’ Association will bo held in the mathematical lecture room to-morrow, at 7.30 p.m. The Sydenham Sewage Depot.—A memorial to the Drainage Board, praying for the removal of the Sydenham sewage dep6t, has received a large number of signatures. The Kinbmatogbaph. —Edison’s kinematogragh was exhibited to crowded houses at the Oddfellows’ Chambers last evening, and the reproduction of scenes from life called forth hearty applause. The kinematograph will be shown again this evening. Agricultural and Pastoral Association. —A special general meeting of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association will be held in the rooms at .2 p.m. on April 8, to ratify the resolution passed at the annual meeting giving the committee power to elect members of the Association.

Fire. —Shortly after eleven o’clock last night the fire-bells rang out an alarm. The Lichfield Street chemical engine at once turned out, but on reaching the corner of Worcester Street and the Canal Reserve, it was discovered that the fire was between Bromley and New Brighton, and the brigade therefore returned to the station.

Gazette Notices. —Mr John Jarman has been appointed Inspector of Slaughterhouses, &c., in the borough of New Brighton. The following postmasters have been appointed in the Christchurch district:—Mr T. Dyer, Lismore; Mr D. MTnnes, Ataahua; Mr J. Salkeld, Wheatstone; Mr J. J. Walker, Bromley; Mr E. Brake, Upper Eiccarton. Bast Belt Wesleyan Sunday School. —ln continuation of the anniversary of the East Belt Wesleyan Sunday School, which was celebrated by special services on Sunday, an entertainment was held last evening in the church. The report, which was read by the Secretary, showed the school to be "in a good condition. A series of limelight views illustrating a “Trip Bound the World,” was shown by Mr T. Crook, the descriptions being given by Mr C. S. Howard. Obituary.—A few minutes before two o’clock this morning, Mr Thomas Herrick, who has been identified for many years with the charitable work at the City Mission Home, succumbed to an attack of hemorrhage from the lungs. The deceased had been in feeble health for a long time and complained yesterday of feeling unwell, but went about his usual duties to the last. He woke his wife a few minutes before his death, and Mrs Herrick at once summoned Dr Mickle, but the sufferer, who will be mourned by a wide circle of friends and by a large number of people who have benefited from his unselfish labours, passed away before any remedial measures could be applied.—Mrs Dyer, who has been engaged in teaching the laundry work at the Christchurch School of Domestic Instruction, died suddenly on Monday. The funeral will take place at the Burwood Cemetery this afternoon.—Much regret was felt at Cust and the surrounding districts yesterday morning when news was received of the sudden death at Kaiapoi of Mr Thomas King. Claim for Privileges. —At the Eangiora Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Mr Bishop, S.M., gave judgment in the case of the Eangiora Athletic Association v. Eichard Hughes, claim for £7 Bs, heard on Feb. 2. The claim was in respect of privileges at the New Year’s Day sports. Mr Helmore appeared for plaintiffs and Mr Johnston for defendant. In giving his judgment the Magistrate said that, even if the Association had no power to let the ground for refreshment booths, &c., he could not see that such a contract would be so ultra vires that they (the management) could not sue a person who did contract, and who had accepted the benefit therefrom. Judgment for plaintiffs for 17 s 6d and costs. The Eecoed Eeign Celebration.—Yesterday afternoon a number of ladies met at the City Council Chamber, and appointed a committee to co-operate with the committee appointed at the public meeting on Friday last to consider the question of celebrating the Queen’s Eecord Eeign. A meeting of the two committees will be held at the City Council Office at 8 p.m. to-day. The Mayor intends to move that the Mayors of all the boroughs in the vicinity of Christchurch shall be added to the committee. It has been suggested that the mayors of country boroughs and the chairmen of Eoad Boards should also be added to the committee. The Christchurch Fire Brigade has offered its services for the demonstration, and it has been suggested that the most effective manner in which its services could be utilised would be by holding a water display, illuminated by coloured fires, in the evening. CIVIL SEEVICE REGULATIONS, It has been announced for the information of those Auckland (residents who signed a testimonial to Mr Northcroft, S.M., that the Government have found that it would/be contrary to the rules of the Service to allow it to be presented, and they cannot see their way to relax the regulations. LANDS FOE SETTLEMENT. The Albury Settlement, containing.l4,l4l acres of agricultural and 10,568 acres of pastoral land, will be open for selection under the lease in perpetuity and small grazing run systems on April 12. The agricultural land is cut up into seventyfour blocks of from 25 to 990 acres each, and the pastoral land into four small grazing runs ranging from 1955 acres to 3080 acres in extent. SAN FEANCISCO MAIL. The San Francisco mail, which left Auckland by the Zealandia on Feb. 20, arrived in London four days late. TBUANT AND BACKWARD CHILDREN. The inspectors of the Wellington Education Board think, in regard to truant and backward children, that the plan now in vogue in London, Auckland and elsewhere, of having separate schools for backward children, who to some extent need special treatment, has much to commend it. In such a school the work should not go beyond the Fourth Standard, and with very many children not beyond the Third, as other schools would always be open to them. WARD FARMERS’ ASSOCIATION. A call of £4/ per share is to be made on the shareholders of the Ward Farmers’ Association, and Tuesday, April 13, is fixed as the date for making obj eotions. In Chambers, at Dunedin, yesterday, an application was made to sanction an agreement with Mr John Batger for the purchase of the debts due to the Colonial Bank by the Hon J. G. Ward, and Monday, April 5, was fixed as the date for the examination of the Colonial Bank liquidators on their own offer in reference to the matter. HOSPITAL NURSES. At yesterday’s meeting of the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board some discussion took place on the question of the hours worked by the nurses in the Auckland Hospital. A motion that the Medical Superintendent should furnish a report on a scheme for shortening the hours of labour of the nurses in the hospital was carried unanimously. THE TIMARU NAVALS. The Timaru Naval Artillery Company

having been informed that they must be transformed into what they in reality are —a rifle corps—at first talked of disbanding, but at the annual general meeting on Monday night they resolved by a small majority to adopt the new rifle uniform, as soon as their term of grace expires in October next. The company will have to take a new title also, but this question was not settled, several names being suggested for consideration. THEATRICAL. A London cable states that MrMusgrove has engaged Alma Stanley to tour Australia with Harry Poulton. RAINFALL. At Gisborne the rainfall, from Saturday at 5 p.m. until Sunday at 9 a.m., was s’VSin. A MAN MISSING. The Gisborne police have receivßd information that a man named Alfred Wheeler has been missing since Thursday last. On that day Wheeler, who was employed at the Taruheru Freezing Works, went to town for the purpose of voting at the election of the Licensing Committee, and has not been seen since. He was about forty years of age. WATER CONSERVATION. It is stated that a Government official will be selected to prepare an exhaustive report in connection with the scheme of the Minister of Mines for conserving water on the various goldfields. VOLUNTEER ENCAMPMENTS. It is understood in Wellington that the reason for holding no volunteer encampments at Easter is the fear of unsettled weather, but the Defence Department intends to hold one close to each of the four centres before the end of the year. THE FLAX INDUSTRY. Mr Adolphus Bergin, of Auckland, is claiming the Government bonus for an improved method of dressing flax and utilising tow. He states that he has discovered a process for treating flax cheaply and expeditiously, and claims that if the process is generally adopted there will be a revolution in the flax industry of the colony. In this connection it may be stated that the time for receiving applications for the Government bonus expires to-day, but in deference to the wish of a number of applicants, who say that they have machines in course of preparation, , the Government has decided to extend the time until the end of the year. STARS ARE MADE IN ENGLAND. The " Star,” manufactured specially for New Zealand by the Eadie Manufacturing Coy., is the best and most popular wheel. Adams Star Cycle Coy., 70, Manchester Street, Christchurch and Wellington.— [Advt.] ________________