TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVI, Issue 12621, 2 October 1901, Page 4

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

The colonial mails, which left 'Melbourne on August 28, arrived in London on Sept. 29, one day early. At the Chamber of Commerce Hall yesterday, 556 old age pensioners %vere paid their monthly, pensions amounting 'to £763 6a Bd. The Lyttelton Borough Council has given instructions to the Town Clerk to prepare a by-law prohibiting expectoration on the footpaths of the borough. Miss Janet Waldorf, the American Shaksperean actress will open a season ni Ghrisfcchurch on Oct. 12. "Romeo and Juliet" will be the Srstf production. The Customs revenue for the port of NeTf Plymouth during the September quarter totalled £6313, compared with £4624 during the corresponding period last year. The proprietor of a Christchurch laundry, who has been inspecting laundries in New York and London, has secured a plaicfc which is modern in all particulars, and which he will bring out to this city. The Corporation hearse has found * temporary resting place on the roadside hist on the other side of the Heathcoto Bridge, where it bears the legends " Dynamite," "Explosives." On. Monday night the Ashburtonße-rough Council voted £I.OO towards the cost of a new town clock. The amount subscribed for this object is now nearly £2OO. TLe sum to be raised in the district is £550, and the Government will provide a similar amount.

The columns supporting the arch at ihe new morning, chapel at Sfc Michael's Church, presented by Mr Jacques, : are made of black pine, taken from the timber used in the construction of the old church. They have taken the polish, very well, and are very handsome. The following is the meteorological return for September from Rhodes Con>akscent Home:—Total rainfall, .57in, and rain fell on six days; highest reading of maximum thermometer 75, maximum mean 59.83; lowest - reading of minimum, 34 j (minimum mean, 42.5. The following are the vital statistics for Christchurch City and District for September :JJirths.—City 24, District 101; Marriages.—City 25, District 32 ; Deaths.— City 28, District 73. In September last year the figures were—Births 32 and 105 ; . marriages 32 and 21; deaths 25 and 29. The recent rain has mads a wonderful difference already in the general aspect of the paddocks in South Canterbury, both feed amd young crops showing more gresn ub a rapid rate. Gardeners a:s rejoicingalmost as much a s farmers, but sharp frosts still occur, damaging the "young potato plant. The North Canterbury Co-cperativ« Stores Company sold.the Rangiora -i-ace privileges yesterday. The ptiblican's booth went to Mr A. Birss, of the Plough Hotel, for £18; the luncheon and confeefciocer's booth to Mr T. Pyle for £5; the horse yards to Mr T. White, for £1; and fruitand oysters to Mr Pyla, for 10s. The Mayor of Lyttelton (Mr T, C. Field), with the Foreman of Works (Mr Sowden), is going to Wellington, en- - deavour to arrange with the Chief Engineer of Railways for the eight-inch water main which is to' be put down in the tun-, nel to be laid with pipes half an inch in thickness, in accordance with the permission originally given. The "Bruce Herald" reports that- quite a transformation has been worked at the Government poultry farm, at Milton during the past six months. New buildings and fowl rurs have sprung up on all sides, and it is not saving too much to assert that ■ when the work in hand at present- is completed, the farm will be the most up-to-date poultry station in New Zealand.

Messrs Abrahams and Williams's stock station business, of Palmerston North, was yesterday incorporated as a limited liability company, with .a capital of £60,000. Messrs Johnston and Sim, brokers, report that two-thirds of the shares have already been allotted. The new company will be run on co-operative lines. A large number of small farmers are contributing capital. A letter was received at the .meeting of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals So cietv last evening, describing what seems to bs a' peculiarly a f rccicus ca se of cruelty. It is staled that a. pointed stake, four feet long, was tied to a horse's tail. The horse -a-as then turned out. It galloped until it fell, and the ftake was driven into its body, with the result that it was killed. It was stated that eviderce was not forthcoming to prove the assertions, and, though investigations had been made, nothing had yec been done to bring the case before the Court:

Some very smart work was done by the Railway Department yeste:day morning in get til:./ the pa-iCDgei.-' and mails by tihe TaraweKT. away by lite j-outhtrn expresn train. Ths steamer was delayed in entering Lytitlton Harbour bv a. dense- fog, and did not get alongside the whari until 10.50. At eleven o'clock « special train was despatched with the passengers and mails, and _they ran up to Christehurch i:i thirteen minutes, and the express got away at 11.16 a.m. There-' ■ fore the time from the steamer reaching tha wharf to the departure of the express with her mails and passengers was only t-w«ity» four minute*. ' *

The steamer Ventura, with the San Francisco mail, arrived at Auckland at six o'clock last evening. At a meeting of tho parishioners of St Peter'?, Wellington, last night, it was resolved to erect a memorial to the late Archdeacon Stock. It will take the form of a •tairaed glass window in tho church.' . The sahmon continue to> do well at the Hakateraniea. hatchery. The-"o.amaru Mail" 'hears that s»ome 50,000 or*6o,Coo of . these nVni are thriving to such an extent that it is possible that within a short period they widl be liberated in the tributaries of tihe Waitaki. At a meeting of the Sydenham Gospel Mission -it was decided l to invite Mr and Mrs Nich'olas Turner to undertake the work of the mission, and the invitation has been accepted. Mr and Mrs Turner will commence their work on Sunday next, in 'the Mission Hall. Some people in the Fendalton district have been cutting down trees on their properties, and have been considerably, annoyed by 'the timber being carried away by persons who could have no- possible right to it. They have now informed the police, Who will take-action against anybody found taking the wood away. 1 ' Messrs Tyser and (Jo.- hard' withdrawn the Indraidevi from the South African service, there being very little cargo offering for shipment to South Africa, notwithstanding that the rate of freight on oats by the Indradevi is fifty shillings per ton, while the rate on similar cargo from Melbourne is sixty shillings per ton. . The new Zealand Shipping Company's steamer otaram a. is tho next vessel'to be despatched via South Africa, and it is to'be- hoped that; shippers, will do all in their power to provide, cargo, otherwise there is danger of l.he service being discontinued. There is no surer way for a man to burg his own worth into question than, by endeavouring to detract from the worth of others. So when you read of a person offering a wedding or engagement ihig worth £2 for 255, be very cautieira; don't bo tempted by the statements of unscrupulous traders. For real honest, sterling, value buy one of Butcher's Lucky 18etGold .Wedding Rings. The sales this year have established a record, a pleasing expression of public confidence. Butcher, Jeweller and Manufacturer, High Street, Christchurch.. X 2909 For really stylish up-to-date novelties hi Housings, dress materia!?, mantles, blouses, model hats, toques and bonnets, ladies' and •gents' neckwear, etc., visit Beath and Co.'s, popular drapery warehouse. Sunshades, whits' and colours, 3s lid to 1% lid, coque ' feaiiiber necklets 3s lid, 4-s 6d, 'ss lid, real ■ostrich necklets 14s 6d to 425, lace and muslin fichus 2s lid to 6s lid. New ribbons, hosieiy, aprons and handkerchiefs, choice range of newest blousings ll£d to Is 9d per yard,, new summer serges, lustres, .costume cloths and silks, in all the latest ■hades. Beath and Co. ' X 2867 " Hiimberi" cycles embrace many special'ities expressly designed and patented for use on. them alone, and -which cannot be obtained on any other ranke. You should see the latest Humbers before purchasing, elsewhere. Sole agents, the Anglo-New Zealand Cycle Company," D.I.C, and 226, High Street. X 1196

During tho reconstruction of Dunstable House all arrangements possible will be made by J. Ballantyne and Co. to prevent eerious interference with business, but, in view of the increased accommodation and greater convenience that will result, they trust customers will overlook any difficulties that may be caused. 3612 Perhaps you want a Wedding or Engagement Ring. Be cautious, don't be tempted by a so-called present worth Is 6d to pay £2 for an inferior ring. At Clarke and Co.'s 18cfc ring at 255. For eighteen years Clarke and Co.'s rings have been made on honour, and sold on merit, Clarke and Co. are also best for watches, jewellery, silver .plate, etc. Clarke and Co., JeVellers, 148, Colombo Street. " X 1275 Townend's Bilious and Liver PillsKeep in Health the Liver, Stomach, Heart and Kidneys, free the skin of blotches, and purify the blood. Sold everywhere. Price Is. W. P. Townend, 183 Colombo. Street, Christchurcb. X 2521 Sun Brand Chutney.—Piquant, Peppery, *nd Pleasant. From all grocers. X 2775 Tlie -market is flooded ab the present time with worthless preparations for the hair, many of them being injurious as well as worthless/ but Hendy's egg-julep maybe honestly recommended as a most reliable hair tonic for beautifying and cleansing the hair. Price, Is per bottle. This elegant preparation may be procured from Strange and Co.'s, drapers, Chris'tchurch, who a re also sole agents for Hendy's Frizzairs, or curling fluid. X 2533 For bicycle repairs we specially recommend cyclists to Boyd and Son, who are combining first : class work with moderate charges. 191, Gloucester Street, Christchurch. Telephone 437. X 2588 Hanmer Springs. —Visitors to the Hanmer Springs can obtain excellent accommodation at the Jollie's Pass Hotel, or the Hanmer Lodge. 4214 Lodestar Carbide, potrol, arsenic, mineral naphtha, benzine. Henry Markwald, BowXon's Buildings. Telephone 1044. X 2775 M. Sandstein and Son, Cashel Street, beg to intimate- that, owing to the great success of their recent sale, they have decided to permanently reduce their prices, and all goods will be sold at the lowest rate consistent with best workmanship and quality. A grand selection of greenstone goods. New shipment of watches, jewellery and silver ware. Inspection invited. X 2833 Bicycles ,on the easy payment system. Ladies' old bicycles taken as deposit for new " Zealandia" and " Atalanias," balance on easy monthly payments. ■ Oates, Lowry and Co., Zealandia Cycle Works, Christchurch. X 1571 Seeds, season 1901, Vegetable Seeds 3d per pkt., Flower Seeds Id-per pkt., seed Sotatoes. Best kinds in stock. Agents >r Nimmo and Biair, Dunedin, standard seeds. -'Fletcher Bros.: High- Street. X 2565.

A FLAG WITH A HISTORY. The moth-eaten old Union Jack that was flying from the flagstaff of the Wellington Navnls' shed on Saturday afternoon, is.(says tie "Post") a flag with ai history. It appears 'to have been taken by the Boers from some British force in the former Boer War, and to have been kept by the enemy as a trophy. Af. any rate, it'w,as recovered by our forces when they reached Klerks dorp last year, and Commander Dav.y, of the Wellington" Navals, who ~w an officer "With the Fourth New Zealand Contingent, ■eciired it and brought it back as a memento of t'lio war. EXPORT OF POULTRY. At the instance of the Hawera Chamber of Commerce a meeting was held last week to discuss the advisableness of forming a poultry expert company for Hawera. It virus pointed out that there was an unlimited demand in England for poultry, and the district should be able to produce -an acceptable article. New Zealand is, no doubt, handicapped in the matter of freights by comparison with Canada. The Government' was determined to foster this industry, and-if they saw the settlers were anxious to take the matter up they would make the concessions. There was no doubt also that the shipping companies would come down in their freight rates, as had been the case with other branches of pro-

duce. Ultimately a committee was organised to make inquiries,, and a subcommittee will probably visit Patea, where active steps have already been taken towards opening up ,an export trade in poultry.

MAORI SCHOOLS. There are about one hundred Native schools in the colony ninety of them in the North Island (says tiie Wellington ''Post"). The annual inspection of most of the schools in 'the north: has now been completed. One of the inspectors states that the attendance at many of the schools was seriously interfered with in consequence of the Duke of York's visit to ihe colony. The parents were rehearsing dances for the Rotorua function for weeks before his Royal Highness made his visit, and the children were naturally not so attentive to their duties during that period as they otherwise would have been. The children in a number of the settlements are showing a lively interest) in technical education, and some of them have noteworthy aptitude for the work. Some bridles and pieces of light harness which the elder boys ait Kawihia have manufactured reflect great credit upon the youthful makers. As the result of steps taken by the Health Department, the sanitation.' of a number of the Maori villages has been improved within the past few months, but a good deal more requires to be done in that direction.

IMPENDING FAMINE IN RUSSIA. Despatches from Moscow state that_ Russia is on the eve of another famine. Nearly one-third) of the provinces of' European Russia have been declared officially to have produced an insufficient crop of cereals, while others are put down as sufficient, and some as "under the average." Only two provinces; out of more than seventy tave realty good harvests, and am'ong the "insufficient?' are the best 'corn-growing 'districts of the Empire in Europe. Experience has taught that what official figures estimate as-sufficient}-is. a great dearth. Small as are the wants of Russian peasants, ''insufficient" means utter This famine-stricken area exceeds half a million ,square miles, and is about the earns as that which suffered in the great famine of 1891. Thte ■population,' is over forty-three millions. The causes are intense heat, absence of rain when most needed and; 'torrents- and hail, which destroyed! the crops, as well ws pests engendered by the heat-. The reports have not been so black since the days of the great famine. .Russia will mot bs able to make things right fey drawing upon the resources of Central Siberia, because the crops are, not good there, and the absence of roads, other than rail roadls, will make distribution to the stricken districts impossible. Lack ©f roads is said to be the secret of Russian.starvation ."i within » short distance, comparatively, of Europe's had supplies. ;■,.'.,. . , ■

AN EXPEDITION OF ADVENTURE. Cusali Ond'are,' an Italian student who, with companions,'is touring round the world studying-■tie. manners and customs of the peoples, stopped in Compton Street, Soiho, the other day to study " an English quarrel between a man and a woman " (says tho London correspondent of this journal). A policeman misunderstood; his motives, and told!, him to " Move faon!" Ondare misunderstood the policeman, and thinking the man in blue wished to discuss the ethics of the row irt progress, commenced a voluble disquisition in very bad English, which only ended wlhen he found himself locked up for the night on a charge of obstruction. On the morrow he was fined 15s, and his experience must he deemed cheap at the price. Ondaro and his chums began their tour under the auspices of a committee constituted! at Livorno under the name of the " Globe Trotters." They were to make a tour of the world ,on foot, travelling 170,000 miles in all before August 26, 1906. If succession a prize 'of £7OOO will be given them. Every third' day they send a leport to the committee of their experiences, and ab longer intervals a scientific account of the manners and customs, -as well as the trade and resources, of 'each country through which they pass. Vudave Casali is the leader of the expedition; of his companions, E. Pica the Marohe.se di Roecalagliata is an astronomer, Franciolini Gino is an engineer, while Oonsomni Celso is a botanist. They were seven when they left Italy, but when walking through Albania they were attacked by brigands and one of them was killed. During the ascent of a mounta : n in Croatia another fell down a precipice and died of his injuries, and in Varna a third' died' of consumption. The travellers were arrested in Turkey as anarchists, and before they were released were bastinadoed. While in Servia and Russia they were frequently attacked by wolves. One night t'hey killed seven, sending their skins home to Italy as trophies. What :s left of the little band after traversing Europe will make its way to Africa, travelling through Morocco, Algeria and Tunis to Egypt. Thence they go up the Nile, and on camels, accompanied by Arabs, strike across the Dcrert of Sahara to Sierra Leone. If that voyage is successfully accomplished, they intend visiting Australasia and America, after which they will traverse Japan, China and Siberia on their way home.