TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11258, 3 May 1897, Page 5

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Meetings. —The following meetings will be held to-day : —Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Committee, City Council Chambers, 4.15 p.m.; Sydenham Borough Council, 7.30 p.m. ; St Michael’s parish meeting, 8 p.m. Customs Revenue. —The revenue of all kinds collected at the Timaru Customs office during April was .£1330. In April last year the amount was .£1597. . Musical Union.— The society will begin rehearsals this week in preparation for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert, when the Hymn of Praise will be given to subscribers, if possible, on the anniversary night. City Mission Home. —Mrs Herrick will be glad to receive gifts of wood suitable for fire-kindlers, and will accept offers of trees to be felled, case-wood or any timber suitable for this purpose. A ■Dry Month. —The rainfall recorded by Mr, Stericker’s gauge, near Timaru, last month, was only o'7l inch. In April last year 5'29 inches fell. This year when rain was so much needed there were only six slightly damp days in the month. The Chrysanthemum Show. —The committee of the Christchurch Chrysanthemum Society finds, with great regret, that owing to the large number of entries of decora tive plants, cut flowers and table decorations, no space will be available at the show for fruit or miscellaneous exhibits. Mutual Improvement Society. A preliminary meeting of the Christchurch Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society was held on Thursday evening, when arrangements were made for the forthcoming session, and it was decided to hold a “social” in the schoolroom, Durham Street, on Friday evening next. Sunday Lecture. —In the Lyceum last night Mr W. W. Collins gave a lecture on “ The Trail of the Serpent.” At the conclusion of the lecture Mr Collins iyas asked to repeat it on some other evening, and the meeting unanimously passed the following resolution: —“ That the publication by the newspaper press of the revolting details of murders and other crimes is a menace to social morality, degrading to national life and tends to foster crime ; and in the opinion of this meeting Parliament should at the earliest moment possible pass a law rendering such publications illegal and punishable.” Catholic Pastoral. — A pastoral letter issued by the Right Rev Bishop Grimes, was read in the Catholic churches yesterday It opened with a loyal reference which is published in full elsewhere, to the celebration of the sixtieth year of her Majesty’s reign. It stated that the Redemptorist Fathers have promised to give a series of missions throughout the diocese beginning next Advent. His Lordship states that he will be delighted to know that the Catholics of the diocese avail themselves of the advantages held out by the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society. In connection with his departure ad Limina Apostolorum, he proposes to leave Lyttelton by the Tarawcra on May 5, and Sydney by the Polynesien, on May 19. The administration of the diocese will, during his absence, be confided to the Vicar General, the Very Rev S. Cummings. He hopes that the faithful will be more than usually generous this year in contributing to the Peter Pence Collection, and thus enable him to present a goodly sum to the Sovereign Pontiff. Valedictory Conversazione. —A largely attended meeting of the general committee of the conversazione to be held in the Art Gallery this evening, to bid farewell to the Right Rev Bishop Grimes on his departure for Rome, took place in St Joseph’s schoolroom yesterday afternoon. The Very Rev Father Cummings, V.G., presided. Reports were received from the various sub-com-mittees, sho.ving that there would be a large attendance, and that the arrangements were being very satisfactorily carried out. It was announced that the members of the Hibernian Catholic Benefit Society would attend in regalia to form a guard of honour, and would present an address to his Lordship, who would be received at the entrance by the reception committee at a quarter to eight o’clock. A very good musical programme will be given, comprising items by Mesdames Robinson and Kelly and Misses Moir, Bryant, Hayward and Ryan, and Messrs A. Young, C. Read and G. Cronin, and an orchestra under Mr H, Rossiter. Miss Funston will act as accompanist. During an interval in the musical programme, addresses will bo presented to his Lordship, who will reply, and then refreshments will be served. There will be a special performance of the “ National Anthem,” with orchestral accompaniment at the close, on account of the Record Reign.

Coalgate. Messrs A. Beatty, J. Cookran, W. Baxter, J. Langdale, J. Beatty, J. Prestidge and W. Watson (chairman) have been elected a school committee at Coalgate. Olivette Quadrille Assembly. A social night in connection with the Olivette Quadrille Assembly will be held at Hobbs’s Buildings on Wednesday evening. May 5, at eight o’clock. Trinity College, London.— lntending candidates are reminded by advertisement that entries for the practical examinations must be received by the local secretary on or before June 5. Kaiapoi Volunteers. —At the ordinary parade of the Kaiapoi volunteers on Friday evening, there was an attendance of about thirty, and Colour-Sergeant Blackwell put the men through a' series of exercises. Captain Millar and Lieutenant Simpson were present. Rainfall. —The observations taken at the Drainage Board pumping station show that during the month of April rain fell on six days, the total fall being only '290 of an inch. The heaviest fall on one day was •110 inch, on April 9. The wind was southwest on fifteen days, south-east on five, north-east on eight, east on one, and northwest on one. Important Land Sale. —Mr Joseph Haydon, having bought a large block of the Virginia country at the back of Horsley Down, has decided to dispose of his Grange Farm at Prebbleton, which contains some of the best land in Canterbury. Messrs Dalgety and Co. will offer it by auction at an early date, and will also hold a clearing sale of the stock, &c. Personal. —The Hon J. Carroll (Native Minister), Sir Arthur Douglas, and Mr G. Fisher, M.H.R., were passengers by the Government steamer Tutanekai for Wellington on Saturday night.—Sir James Hector and the Rev Father Galerne were passengers from the north on Saturday.— The Hon W. D. Stewart arrived from the north by the s.s. Manapouri yesterday. Sweep’s May-Day Celebration. —On Saturday the sweeps of Christchurch paraded the town and ■ suburbs attired in fantastic costumes, with a “Jack in the Green,” made in the orthodox style of the London sweeps by Mr Mills, and with a fife and drum, some juvenile dancers, and a couple of collectors, who solicited contributions for Herrick’s Home. Their efforts were, on the whole, very successful. Theatre Royal. —Mr Carl Hertz will arrive from the south this morning, and will make his reappearance at the Theatre Royal this evening for one night only. Mr Hertz will doubtless meet with an enthusiastic reception from a crowded audience. In addition to a special programme by the clever conjurer, the cinematographs will produce a complete series of fresh pictures, including “The arrival of the Czar in Paris,” which is described as a magnificent spectacle. Mr Carl Hertz departs for the West Coast to-morrow morning. Chrysanthemum Show. Since the entries were received for cut blooms and pot plants the stewards have been busy allotting space for the different classes. Messrs Nairn and Son will take up the whole of one end of the large room, and the groups in the open class will be ranged along the eastern side. Most of the remainder will be devoted to cut blooms. In the new room Mr Jones, of Exeter Nurseries, will stage his usual group. The amateur groups will go in the remaining corners, while Mr Anstey will stage a circular group in the centre. Along the side will be staged the cut blooms in the inter-club competition and the President’s Cup. Entries for all exhibits must be lodged with the Secretary by two o’clock this afternoon. Road Board Elections. —The following ratepayers have been duly elected members of the Upper Waimakariri Road Board: — Messrs D. Manson, L. E. T. Dalgety and H. F. von .Haast. —For the Ellesmere Road Board Messrs J. R. Campbell, A. Chamberlain, D. Cant, J. Gilbert, R. Lochhead, W. Nixon and W. Watson have been duly nominated. The poll for the election of three of these candidates will be held on Friday, May 7.—For the Eyreton Road Board Mr R. W. Chapman, having withdrawn his nomination, Messrs L. Giles, F. Kelly and W. Smith have been duly elected ; and Mr Patrick Doyle has withdrawn his candidature for the South Malvern Road District.—The annual meetings of ratepayers of the Gust, Courtenay, Kowai, Avon, Lincoln, Templeton and Rakaia road districts will be held to-day. Lawn Tennis. — A match was played on Mr R. Kent’s Courts, Richmond, on Thursday afternoon, between teams from the Richmond and Canterbury College Clubs, the latter winning by fifty-four games to twenty-seven. Results: —Men’s singles— J. T. M’William (C. C.) beat T. W. Lewis (R.), 6-1; F. Bassett (R.) beat W. Izard (C. C.), 6-1; E. Moore (C. C.) beat F. Nicholson (R.), 6-1. Men’s Doubles— M’William and A. E. Flower (C. C.) beat Lewis and K. Bassett (R.) 6-2; Moore and Izard (C. C.) beat S. Morley and H. Roberts (R.), 6-2; Moore and J. K. Inglis (C. C) beat Nicholson and- A. W. Minson (R.), 6-5. Combined Doubles —J. T. M’William and Miss Low (C. C.) beat K. Bassett and Miss Watkins (R.), 6-1; A. E. Flower and Miss Hardcastle (C. C.) beat T. W. Lewis and Miss Bassett (R.), 6-2; J. K. Inglis and Miss Mills (C. C.) beat F. Bassett and Miss Kent (R.), 6-1. Ladies’ Singles—Miss Watkins (R.) beat Miss Mills (C. C.), 6-5. Afternoon tea was provided by the officers of the Richmond Club. Visit op Mrs Barney. —A meeting under the auspices of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, was held on Friday afternoon, to make arrangements for Mrs Barney’s mission. Mr G. J. Smith, M.H.R., occupied the chair. Mrs Sheppard produced credentials, consisting of a letter from Miss Willard to Mrs Schnackenberg, the New Zealand president of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, and also an extract from the London Temperance. Times, written by Lady Henry Somerset. It was mentioned that Mrs Barney, on her way from America, called at Honolulu, where she gave ten addresses in eight days. She has also just concluded a successful mission in Auckland, and will arrive in Christchurch on the morning of Thursday, May 5. It was decided to hold a reception on Thursday, evening next. A request was received from the Kaiapoi Union, asking for an afternoon visit from Mrs Barney, for the purpose of addressing a meeting. The time and place of meetings will be advertised. Apology. Messrs Kenneth Matheson and Co. apologise to all who did not receive proper attention during Saturday’s rush. We respectfully urge customers to shop early. 4880 Read Spencer Vincent’s advertisement offering a free photograph, on Page 2. L 2049 Quality Wins. —“Joey” Barker on a “New Haven” Bicycle holds the One, Three, Five and Ten-mile Cash Championships ; also, the Half and Mile records of New Zealand. 9213 Free Novelties for Boys and Girls.— The agents for Suratura tea, Hubbard, Hall and Co., are giving free to boys and girls puzzles and rulers for drawing,— [Advt.] Money, Money. —l lend money on pianos, bicycles, watches, jewellery, household goods, clothing, &c. ; reasonable interest. David Bowman, 186, Colombo Street; private entrance, right-of-way next City Hotel. — [Advt.l Outclasses Them All.— Every championship of Canterbury this season won by riders of Oates’s &2Q Zealandia bicycles. No agents. Orders direct to the works, Christchurch and Napier.— [Advt.] “ Home Comforts ” may be enjoyed by getting Health foods (malted) for infants, &c., Health magnesia (fluid). Rheumatic mixture. Dr Schussler’s cell salts. Have a large stock just opened—Hot water bags, fountain syringes, enemas, vapourisers, pocket inhalers, pocket stoves and other lamps, respirators, stomach tubes, catheters, pile pipes, abdominal bolts, muscle rollers, tic. The largest hygienic rooms in the colony. Open daily. Health Supplies Company, 245, Cashel. Street, Christchurch. 1683

Savage Club— The opening "torero”of the present season of the Savage Club will take place at the Hall of the Chamber of Commerce at 8 o’clock this evening. Our Father’s Chuech. The usual meetings of Our Father’s Church were held yesterday, in the Art Gallery. At the evening meeting Mr O’Bryen Hoare gave an address entitled " Blood Thirstiness. Theosophy. —The weekly public meeting of the Theosophical Society was held yesterday afternoon, in the lodge-room. Opera House. A reading, entitled " Power, Knowledge and Love ” was read by the vice-president. (This was followed by the usual discussion. Mutual Improvement Class. The Primitive Methodist Mutual Improvement Society met on Tuesday night, when a paper was read by Mr J. Lomas on “The Mental Character required by the Present Age.” An interesting discussion followed, and a vote of thanks was passed to Mr Lomas for his paper - . The Rev. T. H. Lyon occupied the chair. Cruelty to Animals. The annual meeting and social gathering in connection with the Society’ fox - the Pi'evention of Cruelty to Animals will be held in the City Council Chambers on Friday evening at 7.30. The chair will be taken by the Mayor of Christchurch; musical and vocal items will be rendered, and the Ladies’ Committees have undertaken to provide refreshments. Hockey. The Christchurch Hockey Club played a practice game on Saturday, which proved to be one of the most interesting games of the season. Sides were chosen by Hellyer and Ridley, and the match resulted in a win for the former by the narrow margin of one goal, the scores at the call of time being three to two, obtained by Stubberfield, Black and Manson for the winners, and Martin and Vincent for the losers. Morris-tube Shooting. On Friday evening the members of the Christchurch Working Men’s Club rifle class fired another competition at the 300yds range, for prizes presented by Messrs Mason, Struthers and Co., Ashby, Bergh and Co., Fletcher, Humphreys and Co., the Saxon Tea Company, the Crown Brewery Company and Mr W. W. Collins. The following were the highest scorers: —E. Barlow (3) 35, W. A. Caldwell ’(3) 35, D. Ashton (1) 34, G. Jones (2) 34, R. C. Wells (scr) 33, C. Lnmmis (3) 33. Woodend. —The Mutual Improvement Class re-opened its session on Tuesday evening in the Wesleyan schoolroom. _ The following officers wei-e elected: —President, Rev J. Bellow; vice-presidents. Miss G. Burne and Mr J. S. Daniell ; secretary. Miss M. Ross; treasurer, Mr E. Judson ; organist. Miss Skevmgton; committee, Mrs J. Skevington, Miss Burne, Messrs A. Judson and G. Little. It was resolved to send a letter of condolence to Mrs J. Blake, whose late husband had been an old and esteemed member of the society. Skating. —There was a fair attendance at the Oddfellows’ Hall at 2.30 on Saturday afternoon, and a good one at 7.30 p.m., when roller-skating was again started in Christchurch. During the evening several selections were played by the Rink Band. It is the intention of the promoters to open the rink two nights a week during the winter. —On Saturday evening the Drill-hall at Kaiapoi was opened to the public as a skating rink, under the management of Mr Alexander, jun. There was a good attendance, and the floor was in capital order for skating. Mr George Rignold.— The advent of Mr George Rignold, after an absence of over eleven years, is an event of considerable interest to the theatre-goers of Christchurch. Mr Rignold has decided to open his Christchurch season with one of the most celebrated of modern plays, the Lights o’ London, in which he originally appeared, at the Princess Theatre, London. The leading lady of Mr Eignold’s company is Miss Emilie Hughes, an English actress of high repute. The season begins on Monday next, and the box plan will be open at Messrs Milner and Thompson’s on Wednesday morning. Meetings'll RAti^ayE'rs.—- There was quite a large attendance at the annual meeting of the Wakanui ratepayers, held on Saturday. Tbe report and balancesheet were read and adopted. A number of local matters were discussed and decided. A spirit of animosity to the Board, was shown by some of the ratepayers present. Motions condemning the Board for its past actions were moved by Messrs Brown and Sedlsy, but were not carried. A motion thanking the Board for its services was proposed by Mr Choak and Carried. A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the meeting.—The annual meeting of the ratepayers of J,the Upper Ashburton road district was held on Saturday. There was only a small attendance. The annual report and balance-sheet were read, and after transacting some formal business the meeting closed. Prohibition League. —The usual weekly meeting of the Christchurch Prohibition League was held on Friday evening in the Congregat’onal schoolroom. Mr T. E. Taylor, vice-president, occupied the chair. There was a numerous attendance. The Chairman stated that Mrs J. K. Barney, from America, Superintendent of Prison Reform, Charitable Aid and Reformatory Departments of the World’s Women’s Christian Temperance Union, would arrive in Christchurch next Thursday, and it was resolved to co-operate with the local branch of. the Union in the meetings to be addressed by Mrs Barney. It was decided that in consequence of her mission no League meeting should be held next week. Attention was again drawn to the neglect of the Government to enforce the liquor laws among the Maoris in the King Country, and it was resolved to communicate with the Minister of Defence on the matter, and to hold an indignation meeting on Thursday, May 20. On the motion of the Rev T. H. Lyon, the following resolution was carried unanimously : —“ That this League heartily approves of the pending visit of the Rev L. M. Isitt to England ; regards the invitation of, the English Alliance as an honour to the Prohibition Party in New Zealand; believes that the very best interests of the movement here will ultimately be served by Mr Isitt’s short absence from the colony and work in England; and in wishing Mr Isitt Godspeed, resolves that it will use increased efforts to push on the work during his absence at every possible point.” GOVERNMENT STEAMERS. A regulation recently issued by the Marine Department provides that Civil servants, their wives and families, and members of Parliament may travel on Government steamers for 7s 6d per day each on short trips, and 10s ‘on longer ones. Contractors will be taken to the West Coast Sounds at 7s 6d. Other travellers will have to pay the same rates as on passenger steamers. A LONDON CRACKSMAN. The Wellington police have reason to believe that a well-known London cracksman, who is wanted on a charge of robbing a bank at Sunderland of .£6OOO two months ago, is now in New Zealand. A NEW LINE OP STEAMERS. A syndicate is in course of formation in Wellington to place two steamers of about 1000 tons each on the coastal trade of the colony. An offer from Australia of two vessels has been made to the leading spirits in the venture, and a representative has left for Melbourne to endeavour to arrange terms. Should the venture proceed satisfactorily it is intended to add to the number of steamers. The present

proposal is to run one steamer between Dunedin, Lyttelton and Wellington, while the other would be employed in the Wellington, Napier and Auckland trade. ANOTHER EIFFEL TOWER. Japanese newspapers announce that a group of patriots wish to commemorate the late war by rearing in Tokio a tower 1000 ft high. The basement is to contain an exhibition of national products, while the upper storeys will be a sort of walhalla, of busts and portraits of Japanese who have made themselves illustrious in the war. The cost is to be defrayed by national subscriptions, ROMNEY SHEEP. ‘ At a meeting of the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Mr Brady gave it as his opinion that the Romney sheep now being bred and shown in the colony were not true Romneys. He said that it would be difficult to find a true Romney sheep in the whole country now, and the name ought to be altered or a new class introduced known as “ Improved Romneys.” A member: “Why not New Zealand Romneys ?” Mr Brady would have no objection to that, but he pointed out that under the existing conditions judges were often puzzled, and obliged to pass over a sheep which did not show enough of the Romney, although it was the best sheep. Mr Magendie supported Mr Brady’s remarks. Acting on the suggestion of the chairman it was eventually decided to propose the matter as one suitable for discussion at the forthcoming Agricultural Conference. RATING ON GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS. Mr Eyre Kenny, S.M., has decided that Government Insurance buildings are not liable to rating by local bodies, as it is essentially one of the great departments of the Crown. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. Only nine Associations having agreed to send delegates, the Otago Agricultural Society’s Committee recommends that the conference proposed for June should be postponed indefinitely. 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.—[Adyt.]