TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVIII, Issue 11334, 30 July 1897, Page 5

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

The “New Zealand Cyclist.”—This week’s issue of the Ne w Zealand Cyclist contains an exceedingly interesting interterview with Mr E. Leitch, who has recently arrived in Australia to take charge of the Australian Cycle and Motor-Car Company. The "World of Wheels ” and "News and (Notes” contain up-to-date information on cycling in all parts of the world, while the latest phases of the proposed reorganisation of cycle-racing control are fully reported and dealt with editorially. The touring section is amply provided for'in the "Out and About” column, and there are several first-class articles from English and American exchanges. “Altiora” attends in her usual capable manner to the ladies’ pages, which will be found brimful of interest to cyclists. The illustrations of the paper are exceptionally good this week. The Cyclist is undoubtedly maintaining a high standard of all-round excellence, and the decision of the management, announced in the current issue, to reduce its price to subscribers from 10s to 6s 6d, should further stimulate its already large circulation, and place it in the hands of every rider of the bicycle.

Supreme Court.—Mr Justice Denniston will sit in Chambers at 11 a.m. to-day. Personal. —Mr Theo. Cooper and Professors Shand and Sale arrived from the south by the express train last night. Prohibition League.—At the weekly meeting of the Prohibition League this evening, in the Congregational Schoolroom, the Eev E. Walker will deliver an address. The public are invited to bo present.

Rangioea Rifle Company.—This company continues to flourish in a highly satisfactory manner. At the ordinary parade on Wednesday night there was a good muster and five recruits were sworn in.

Football Concert. —The Otago University football team arrived from Dunedin by last evening’s express train, and will be entertained at a concert in the ball of Canterbury College tills evening. An excellent programme has been arranged under the direction of Miss Jennie W est.

"Working- Men’s Club. There was a uoocl attendance at the entertainment rriven by the Variety and Dramatic Class at the Social Hall of the Christchurch. Working Men’s Club yesterday eveningMr S. Walker presided, and the entertainment was in the form of a christy minstrel concert. The “ corners ” were worthily filled by the Misses Dickey and Biltclifl'e and Messrs Ryan and Mitchell, and songs were sung by Miss Hay don and Messrs H. Harrison, S. Dickey, E, Maurice, G. Biltcliffo, D. Ryan, R. Lowe and Messrs Davie, Foley, Hollow and Clifford. Forestry. —The half-yearly summoned meeting of the Juvenile Court Star of Canterbury, Ho. 2309, was held on Wednesday evening. There was a moderate attendance of members. The election of officers for the ensuing term resulted as follows : C.E., Bro A. H. G. Brown; S.C.E., Bro J. Satford; S.W., Bro W. H. Howard; J.W., Bro A. Oppenheim; 5.8., Bro Mitcherson ; J. 8., Bro M. Lawlor ; minute secretary, Bro H. P. Whitley; treasurer, Bro D. Woods. After the newly-elected officers had been installed the C.K. closed the Court in the usual manner. The receipts for the evening amounted to £3 13s 9d.

Midwinter “ Social.” —The Eichmond Swimming Club held its annual midwinter “ social ” in the Foresters’ Hall, Eichmond, last evening. There was a very good attendance, the various other clubs being well represented. Mr T. Bassett, the president of the club, presided. Songs were sung by Messrs H. L. Armitage, A. L. Alexander, F. Ward, A. Bra brier, A. Eoberts, W. Snowball, E. Ward, G. J. C. Smart and Young; a picolo solo was given by Mr W. M’Clurg, for which he was encored, and Mr L. D. Armitage gave ■ humorous recitation, Mr Sydney Clifford, Mr Loader and Mr Boulton contributed interesting items. The entertainment closed with throe cheers for the President, and with the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne.”

Land Assessment. —Mr A. P. Tutton and Mr G. Wallace have been appointed the Government land tax assessors for the Rangiora borough and the Mandeville and Eangiora road districts respectively.

Mutual Improvement Society. The Primitive Methodist Mutual Improvement Society hold its usual weakly mooting on Tuesday evening, when Mr G. W. Eussell gave a lecture, the subject being “ Mahomet, the Prophet of Islam.” Misses E. Fuller and N. Field contributed solos. Votes of thanks terminated tho meeting. Mr J. Lomas presided. Gust. —After tho ordinary business had bean transacted on Tuesday evening, tho brethren of tho Oddfellows’ Lodge entertained Bro D.G. Webster, who is leaving for the North Island. Tho chair was occupied by Bro Coopor, and tho vice-chair by Bro Hassall. There was a good attendance of members. After supper a number of toasts were proposed and responded to, that of “ The Guest ” being accompanied with musical honours. Songs, &b., were contributed by Bros Webster, Tallatt, Saunders, Howat, O’Loghlen, Kennedy and Hassall. Tho gathering was a most enjoyable one. Hammer Plains. —About a month ago Mr Meredith, M.H.E. for Ashley, received a petition signed by the residents and several visitors to tho sanatorium, requesting tho Postmaster-General to make provision for more frequent mails to Hanmer Plains. Mr Meredith at once sent on the petition, with a recommendation that it should receive attention. A reply has been received from the Postmaster-General acceding to the request of the petitioners. The new arrangements will give a triweekly mail, commencing on August 1, during the winter months, and a daily mail commencing on October 1 and ending on April 30. November Show. —A copy of the catalogue of the November Show of 1897, to bo beld under the auspices of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, has reached this office. In addition to tho usual prize-list and many private prizes, gold and silver medals will be given for such machines of colonial construction as show improvements effected within the year previous to tho show. Similar medals will he open to competition by importers of implements and machinery on the same lines. One gold and one silver medal will also be awarded in the carriage building class, also on the ground of recent improvements. Oddfbllowship. —Tho Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge, M.U. 1.0.0. P., hold a summoned meeting on Monday. There was a good attendance of members and visitors from various lodges, and Prov. G.M. Smithson and D. Prov G.M. Paddy were present. The N.G., Bro T. Wood, presided. It was reported that twentytwo members were on tho sick funds. Four candidates were initiated and two were proposed for membership. P.G. C. F. King, as one of tho delegates to the Friendly Societies’ Benevolent Association, submitted a report of the proceedings at a recent meeting. P.G. E. Winter, as one of the auditors, submitted the half-yearly balance-sheet and report, which were received and adopted. V.G. C. Pearce, J. B. Chick and P.G. E. Winter contributed songs. Prov G.M. Smithson, on behalf of the district officers, V. G. Tredwell (Volunteer Lodge), and P.P.G.M. Gough (Perseverance Lodge) responded to the “ Third Sentiment.” The receipts for tho evening amounted to <£37 2s lOd, Bishop Lenihan. —Tho Eight Eev Dr Lenihau, Catholic Bishop of Auckland, will return this evening from the south, whither he went some days ago, accompanied by Very Eev Father Cummings, V.G. The Bishop will be met at the Christchurch station on tho arrival of tho southern express by the local clergy, and the members of the Eecord Eeign Historical Carnival Executive Committee, and driven to the Pro-Cathedral Presbytery, where tho members of the Hibernian, St Vincent do Paul and the other parochial societies will be in attendance to receive him. On Sunday there will be Pontifical High Mass, and a very strong choir is practising a new Mass, which is to be sung here for the first time. His Lordship will preach in' the evening after vespers, and will be presented with an exceedingly welldesigned address in book form. He will open the bazaar on Monday, and will be the guest of the Vicar-General, 'Father Cummings, -whilst in this city. He returns to Auckland towards the end of next week, having come down specially to open the Eecord Eeign Historical Carnival, which is to be held for the benefit of the Barbadoes Street convent schools. Acknowledgment. Mrs Herrick, of the City Mission Home, desires to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of the following goods, which have been distributed during the past fortnight:— Clothing,boots, hats,&c., Mesdames Parsons (Kaiapoi), Satchell, E. M. Macdonald, Walker, Hyndman, Moorhouso, Gammack, Heywood (Eangiora), Eedpath, Staveley, Wyatt (New Brighton), Cox, Wilkinson, “ Chorton,” Southbridgo, Waikari, Waipara, Eangiora, Lyndhnrst and Papanui friends, Mr Stevens and, friends ; garments and material from Dorcas Guild and friends, No 25, No 167, and Fernside and Eangiora children; flannel and flannelette, &c., Armagh Street friend, Mrs Henry Aitken, friends, “Lend a Hand Circle,” Little Eakaia; drapery, Toneycliffe and Carey; quilt, Mrs Haigh; blankets, member Gleaners’Union; pastry, Mrs Tipping and D. ; vegetables, Mrs Cowlishaw and friends; honey, friend; jam, Waipara friend; coffee, Trent Bros.; trees, Eev Sidney Baker; sheep, Christchurch Meat Company, Belfast Frozen Meat Company and friend; palliasses, Mrs H. E. Webb ; rice, Mr F. A. Cook; meat, Messrs Lane, Harris, Forrester and Henderson and Sons ; cash donations, Shirley Friend 2s 6d, E. £l, Friend (Brightwater) 6s, Snowflakes 12s, Friend N.G. 2s, N.M.H. £2, 11. £l, Mrs T. Maude .£l, B. Coe (Irwell) £2 2s. H. C. Cox Is.

Unavoidable Delay. —We learn the usual sale of T. Armstrong and Co. lias been delayed this season in consequence of building operations in their Market Square premises, but the first part of the building being now completed, the whole stock is being rapidly marked down for a great stock-taking sale, which will be announced in a few days. Genuine bargains will be offered in all departments. Ladies are invited to wait a few days for the issue of a list of goods at extraordinary prices. 9550 We hear that Beath and Co.’s Sale is proving a hig success, people from all parts visiting this establishment to secure the numerous bargains which are being offered day by day. Eeath and Co. have just secured another manufacturer’s stock of largo holland cooking aprons, blankets, dress goods, mantles, underclothing, men’s mercery, clothing, &c. Beath and Co.’s sale bargains are simply wonderful, and cannot be approached by any other house

in the colony. 9553 D.I.C. Extension Sale.— The best bargains of the whole season are now 'being fast quitted at this great clearance. Every buyer to whatever j extent will study their own interests by vffeitjng the “ Whiteley’s of Now Zealand” during the next few

days. 9574 Shaw, Robinson and Co., opposite Press office, Cashel Street, are offering- special inducements in their dressmaking department for the next four weeks. 1912 Visit Hubbard, Hall and Co.’s Warehouse, Manchester Street, next Milner and Thompson’s. Enamelled ware, brushwara, tinware, teas, sugars, butter, cheese, eggs, bacon, hams, Ac., in any quantities at lowest prices. 1912

Bicycles built to order is the coming boom. With our splendid facilities we can build to order at three days’ notice. No extra charge. Oates, Lowry and Co., largest manufacturers of cycles in New Zealand, Zealandia Works, Christchurch. —[Advt.] Watcb ;. —Wonderful value in Wiles’ and gentlemen’s gold and silver watches. See window for startling prices. David Bowman, 186, Colombo btreetv— [Advt.] 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.l

Ashburton Hospital. —The contributions to date for the fund to establish a convalescent ward at the Ashburton Hospital amount to .£179 Os lid. Lecture. —At St Peter s Church, Peiry Road this evening, Mr Kennedy will give a lecture, illustrated by limelight views shown by Mr A. A. Bickerton, on a cycling excursion to Mount Cook.

Police Changes. Detective Marsack, who has been transferred to Oamaru, and Constable M’Donald, who is to do duty in Dunedih, left by yesterday’s express. Constables Sinclair and Howell, who are removing to Wellington and Auckland respectively, left by last night’s steamer for the north.

Musical. —On Wednesday night, an invitation concert was given by Miss Freda Marsden’s pupils, who acquitted themselves admirably. Tho pupils had procured an exquisitely arranged bouquet, which was duly presented to Miss Marsden. The programme was excellently arranged, and included vocal as well as instrumental items.

Cribbage and Euchre.— On Tuesday a cribhage and euchre match was played at Lyttelton between teams from the Linwood Football Club and tho Lyttelton Young Men’s Club, which the former won by seven games. After the match the visitors were entertained by the club, Songs and recitations were contributed by Messrs Hobbs, Ryan, Pago, Edgar, Miller, Mitchell and Morris.

Volunteering. —The members of the C Battery, Now Zealand Artillery, Timaru, which is struck off the list of the defence forces, have accepted the offer to be received as a rifle corps, and put in their first infantry drill on Tuesday evening. They have applied to be called the “ A Company,” South Canterbury Battalion. The company will retain the seniority gained as a battery corps. Entertainment. —An entertainment was given last evening at the Oddfellows’ Hall, and was fairly well attended. The programme consisted of songs by Miss Watson, Mrs Rowe, Messrs H. M. Johnson and W. Sherris, a quartette by Misses Orchard and Howard and Messrs Orchard and Sherris, instrumental selections by Misses E. Corrick, Mann and Hall, and Messrs T. E. Taylor and C. E. Salter. The Bicycle Dress Shield! Company.— As will be seen by advertisement, a company has been formed with a capital of £2ooo, for acquiring Messrs Standfield and Fuchs’ interest in the bicycle dress shield. Fifteen hundred shares of £1 each- are offered to the public. Mr H. R. Homan, 170, Hereford Street, is broker to the company. Prospectuses may be obtained from him, and at his office a bicycle fitted with tho invention may fee seen.

Lecture by Miss Freeman— There was a large and appreciative audience at St John’s Schoolroom last evening when Miss Freeman, 8.A., delivered an interesting and instructive lecture on Barry Pain’s works. The Rev H. C. M, Watson occupied the chair, and at the conclusion of the lecture a collection was taken up for the benefit of the pianoforte fund of the St John’s Literary Society. On the motion of Mr T. Kincaid, seconded by Mr A. Wachsmann, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Miss Freeman.

Concert at Phillipstown, A very successful concert and waxworks display were given in the'Phillipstown schoolroom last evening in aid of the Sunday school. There was a very large attendance, and items were given by Misses Oldham, Bandall, Cuthbert, Fleming, Lye, Maeey, Holloway and Messrs Hockley, Eaphael, Young, Ballantyne, Bullock and Kinvig. Hui'ing the evening an exhibition of waxworks was given, each figure shown being furnished with a phonograph, so that when the figures were wound up they were able to sing “ God Save the Queen,” in which the audience joined. Inquest.—At the inquest held at the Eastern Hotel before Mr E. Beetham, Coroner, touching the death of William M’Aliece, it was stated in evidence that deceased, who was suffering from cancer, had been attended by Mr T. Hullett, who was not a legally qualified medical man. Dr Byrnes’ evidence was to the effect that the treatment adopted by Mr Hullett had hastened death, and the jury, after consultation, returned a verdict —“ That deceased died from the effects of a malignant growth in the neck, and the jury regret that medical advice was not sought sooner.”

SOUTHBBOOK SCHOOL COMMITTEE. —The usual monthly meeting of the Southbrook School Committee was held on Tuesday evening; present—Messrs Willis (chairman), Watson, Sutcliffe, Adamson and Seed. It was resolved to enforce the minute already on the books —“ That the school ground shall not be used as a playground in the evening.” The Chairman reported having received the sum of M as a grant from the Board of Education to pay for rent incurred during repairs to the school. It was reported that the school would be reopened on Monday. Accounts amounting to about A'6 were passed for payment. Acetxline Gas.— There was a large and representative gathering of business men at the Temperance Hall last evening to witness a demonstration by Mr J. Knott of the acetyline gas. Mr Knott, after plaining the component parts of the calcium carbide from which the gas is produced, by the aid of a small gasometer and a pound of the material had three burners giving a very brilliant light in a very few minutes. The burners were stated to be consuming only one foot of gas per hour each. The light produced is very much like that given by the incandescent burners at present in use for coal gas. There is no donbt that the new gas will be of groat use for lighting buildings in country districts where no gasworks exist.

Eanoioba School Committee. The monthly meeting of the Eangiora School Committee was held on Wednesday evening, when Mr E. Ball presided. The head-master ' reported that the attendance had been interfered with during the past six weeks by a considerable amount of sickness. The annual examination of the school would bo commenced by Dr Anderson on Friday, July 30. It had been suggested by the mistresses that the "sowing should be examined for certificates at the present time instead of at Christmas, He recommended that the regular term holidays should take place at the end of August. The Board having issued a fresh list of school books, he thought a change of reading books would be advisable. Itwas decided to ask Mrs Hayman and Misses Wycherley and Alexander to judge the sewing; also that if it could be arranged the holidays should take place immediately after the examination. Accounts amounting to £Q 2s 3d were passed for payment. Messrs Gillespie and Luxton were appointed Visiting Committee for the month. A SENSITIVE WAITEE. The visit of the New Zealand team of footballers to Orange, New _ South Wales, seems to have been responsible for something more than a severe drubbing for the local footballers, and, in fact, to have induced a case of attempted suicide. A man named William Collier was a waiter at the Koyal Hotel, and during the visit of the New Zealand footballers a complaint was made that something was not properly cooked. Collier reprimanded the Chinese cook, and an altercation took place. The proprietor sided with the cook.

and Collier took the matter so much to heart that he swallowed a quantity or chlorodyne. Remedies, however, were successfully applied.

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE REVENUE. A comparison of the Customs and Excise revenue for the three years 1894, 1895 and 1896, shows the following results

fcSSSPSJS)- >.>«* »ag (inoludinl Maoris).., Is !>-8d Is B'9l IslOSd Note.—ln 1895 a new tariff was passed.

DEPARTING- CHINAMEN. Thirteen Chinamen were passengers to Australia by the Mararoa, wliich left Wellington yesterday afternoon. They are on their way hack to their native land. Tho party have .£5782, the proceeds of their labours in New Zealand, Two of the Celestials are credited with owning <£llso each of this sum, and they talk _ about returning after twelve months’ visit to China.

VOLUNTEER CAMPS. Tho Commandant of the Forces, in his circular to the captains of volunteer corps in the colony with reference to the proposed camps, requires an immediate answer as to probable muster at that date, (3) probable number if held from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, (4) and probable number if held from Jan. 1 to, say, Jan. 6.

LABOUR IN JAPAN. A report recently circulated in South Africa and Australia that there was a demand for skilled labour in Japan has led a number of mechanics to make their way to the land of the Mikado, only to find on arrival there that they had been misled. This fact has moved the Yokohama agents of the P. and 0. Company to issue to other agencies of tho company a circular letter, which is meant to prevent a further influx of men who must in a short time become a burden upon the purse of the small British community in Japan. It is pointed out that Japan has a surplus labour population of her own, and is making'strenuous efforts to obtain colonies for them, of which her immigration troubles with Hawaii, Canada and Australia are cited as proofs. There is absolutely no opening in the empire for white labour. A MAORI MESSIAH. The Bangitikei Advocate in a recenfcissue saysA strange phenomenon is to take place to-morrow at the Oroua bridge, according to Maori prophecy, and the Natives are hastening there from all parts of the province to have the privilege of witnessing the promised signs and wonders. Eighteen months ago a child was born at the pah, who is called the “ Messiah,” who has been kept religiously secluded from the sight of men, and whose birth and the wonders of whose life have been the subjects of prophecy by aMaoriprophet. Accordingto this prophet, the “ Messiah,” who is said by those who have been privileged to see him to be a very intelligent child, is to address a meeting at the Pah to-morrow. The number of Maori believers promises to attain large proportions.

Revenue from 1894. WjK- 1|M Customs duties ... 1.572% 1.6:9 970 1.765.073 Excise duties ... 63,876 64,068 70,066 Customs per head £ s. d. £ s. a. *• • sasass- Hi* i“s