TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVIII, Issue 12999, 15 December 1902, Page 7

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Tho manager of tho Burnham Industrial School desires to acknowledge with thanks a contribution from Sumner, towards tho boys’ Christmas treat. It was stated after the recount of the votes cast in the Kaiapoi local option poll that certain irregularities had been discovered that would give, ground for a petition to upset the poll. It is understood, however, that the publicans’ party have no intention to proceed in the matter. The booking for the-benelit concert to he given to-morrow to Mr Charles Carter has been of a very satisfactory nature, and there is every prospect of the benefit being a financial as well as an artistic success. The programme which has been arranged is a most attractive one, and plenty- of variety has beer) provided. At five Jninutei to nine on Saturday- night, the Christchurch Fire Brigade received a call by telephone from Airs Ormandy, Eolleston Street, Linwood. A bed and bedding were on fire an her house, but with the help of the neighbours the fire was extinguished before the Arrival of the brigade. It is thought that'some children who were in tho bedroom Radi placed a candle too near the bedclothes, I thus igniting them. The damage done was very slight. Tho question of a water-supply and a sanitary drainage scheme for Hanmer has been under consideration, and 1 probably the matter will be furthered shortly. In the meanwhile, with a view of showing what can be done in the way of household sanitary- arrangements, where drainage cannot bo obtained. Air Duncan, Rutherford has provided for tho Hanmer Hall an up-to-date septic tank, connected with winch are the latest scientific sanitary appliances.

In connection with Air Duncan Rutherford’s schemes for improvements at Hanmer he has provided a four-horse, express waggon team to run between Culverden and the Springs to convey goods • and luggage. A larger matter he .lias in view is the establishment of motor-car passenger service to the ferry, with coaches to cover the intervening six miles to Hanmer over tho river-beds, which could not bo negotiated by the cars in flood-time. If the petition for tho extension of the railway proves fruitless, the cars will, probably, bo running for the next tourist season. .._A meeting of tho West Melton branch of the Farmers’ Union was held on Thursday last, Air 'Watson in the chair. A considerable amount pf correspondence was received, and the following resolutions were carried: —“That this branch of the Farmers’ ; Union strongly protests against the proposal to alter the weekly, half-holiday from Thursday to Saturday, as being against tlhe interests and convenience of the farmers." “ That this branch considers that the present system of paying threshing .-by the, thousand is more satisfactory than (he proposed system of paying by the hour.”

The “ Palmerston Times ” says ;—A three-year-old child named Stringer, whose parents reside near the Shag- Print railwaystation, narrowly escaped being killed on Saturday last. It seems that the youngster had strayed on to the railway line just ns the 11.20 a.m. train from Palmerston was approaching, and the driver being unable to pull up, the engine struck the child, which was carried thirty or forty yards on the cow-catcher and then thrown clear of the train. Alarvellous to relate, the youngster escaped with a few bruises, find has already almost recovered from the effects of the accident.

Samples of the dust which fell in Southland on Nov. 13, forwarded by the Hon H. Feldwick, have been reported on by Air M’Laurin, tho Government Analyst, who states that there is strong confirmation of the suggestion that the dust was wimjbornc from Australia. He found in fact that a sample of dust which fell as blood rain in Victoria on Dec. 27, 1896, and obtained from Sir J. Hector, was almost identical in appearance with that from Southland. A further microscopic examination of the samples shows that tire resemblance does not stop at the general appearance of the materials, but extends to- their structure. It is therefore probable that the dust which fell du Southland had its origin in Australia.

'At a meeting of the committee of the Timam Agricultural and Pastoral Association, on Saturday-, a provisional balance-sheet of the late show was presented. The total receipts were £733 14s 6d, and the expenditure £SOB 18s 6d, leaving- a profit of The entry fees totalled £220 7s Bd, ! and the prizes £407 10s 6d. A circular from the Minister of Railways regarding the size of grain sacks was discussed, and the following motion carried:—“That this Association, while seeing the difficulty- of handling the present sized sacks, does not, in consideration of the after use of them, see its way to recommend an alteration in the size.” The Secretary was instructed to write to the Christchurch Agricultural and Pastoral Association asking it to fix its show dates for the first week in November. Mrs Herrick desires to acknowledge, with sincere thanks, receipt of the following goods during November:—Clothing, boots, etc.—Alesdames Alyers, Irving, Prichard, Smitlmnc, T. Turner, Woolley, Erwin, Izard, Pemberton, F. D. Ncave, Vaije, Prjns, Clark and Fuller, Alessrs H. Carter and Barnett, H.A1.8. (Fernside), Coffee Palace, Kilmoro Street friend, and friends. Alilk, daily—Airs Julius. Alilk and scones—Airs Bowen. Sheep—Christchurch Meat Company-, Belfast Frozen Aleat Company. Meat—Alessrs Langdon and Steel and J. Forrester. Biscuits— Aulsehrook and Co. Vegetables —Air Archer-, of Burnham Industrial School. Butter—Airs F. D. Neave, Bread, bums, etc.— Misses W. and E. Broadway, Alessrs Phillips and Rattray, Aletaphy-sioal Club, Airs Brett, arid S.A. friend. Dripping—Mesdumes W. D. Andrews, Barry-, mid F. D. Ncave. Oatmeal—Dr Fox. Periodicals— Messrs R. D, Thomas, Staveley, T. Turner, and Kohn, Dr Irving, Papanui friend, and friends. Cash donations—H/C. Box 5s 6d, J.A.W. 15s.

A man wan arrested on Saturday on a charge of having stolen a bicycle.

The. East Christchurch Schools will break up for the .Christmas holidays on Friday.

The launches Canterbury, Lyttelton and Waiwera will run at short intervals to Governor’s Bay on Anniversary Day, and on Christinas and Boxing Days. Some splendidly coloured photographs of Maori faces have been received at the Christchurch branch of the Tourist Department. They represent Maori men, women and children, several of them being tattooed. In the collection there arc. some charming pictures, and as they are handsomely framed, they form a valuable addition to tho little art gallery in the office. Complaints have been made recently that tho life-saving apparatus on the New Brighton Pier is ,nofc in proper working order. There is a life-buoy in readiness, but no rope is attached to it, and in the event of an accident could only servo half its purpose. There is great need that tho apparatus should be perfected and available during tho holiday season.

The Commonwealth Electoral Department -says that it has discovered that there are 30,000 persons who will have to bo added to the Victorian roll in excess of those who have been included if the census returns were used as a basis'nf compilation. If this is so, it is extraordinary,' for the population of the State- has been almost stationary for years. Sir William Lyne proposes to have ai house-to-house visitation by the police.

A social will be tendered to Air W. W. Tanner, M.H.R., by his Election Committee, in tho Ferry- Road Social Hall, n(u Wednesday evening. Messrs T. E. Taylor, H. G. Ell, T. -H. Davey and G. Laurenson, members of tho House of Representatives, will be present, and an address will bo presented to Mr Tanner. The. Premier and the Ministers of Public, Works and Education have been invited.

There is an unusually-■ large charge sheet for the Lyttelton Police Court this morning. It contains thirteen charges against twelve prisoners, eight of whom were lodged in the lock-up on Saturday or yes- ( terday. Four rneij, on remand, are charged with assault. Fein- others are accused of stealing potatoes at Tapley’s hoardinghouse, Governor’s Bay. A man as charged with stealing a suit of clothes from: Mr Alahar’s shop in London Street. Another is accused of stealing various small articles from the Lyttelton Hotel. There arc two inebriates, a man and a woman, and the latter is also charged with tho use of obscene language, Owing to the steamer- Aloeraki leaving Wellington for Sydney on Fridayone day earlier than usual—New Zealand mails for London hfive a chance of reaching their destination a week earlier than would have been the ease under the’ old conditions. By tho Sydney boat leaving Wellington on Saturday, mails for Loudon always miss connection with the Federal Service by twenty-four hours, consequently- they have to wait a week in Australia for the next outward steamer, It does not follow, however, that by- despatch from Wellington on Friday the mails will escape a similar misfortune. The train from Sydney- to catch the ocean mail-carrier at Melbourne leaves on Tuesday- afternoon, and unless the Aloeraki arrives in time for that train no advantage will bo obtained by- the twentyfour hour’s’ earlier start from New Zealand.

The best day for holding the half-holiday-’ will be further discussed at tho meeting of toe, Uity- Council this evening. The Domicil briefly discussed the matter at its previous meeting on Dec. 1, but decided that a definite expression of opinion should not be given until this evening. In rile meantime, several public meetings have been held, and, as a result two deputations will wait on the Council this evening. One, appointed by the retailers of the city, will present a petition in favour of Thursday, and another, appointed by the shop assistants?, and introduced by IAIr T. E. Taylor, M.H.R., will ask that the day should be changed to Saturday. A motion in favour of Saturday, passed at an open-air meeting in Cathedral Square on Saturday evening, will also ha presented by Air Taylor. Although a conference of delegates from local bodies interested will be held shortly, the decision is really in tho bauds >of the City Council, as its" delegates will number one more thamthe number of all the other delegates put together. On this account, unusual interest is centred in tho Council’s meeting -to-night/when, it is thought, an attempt will be made to instruct the citydelegates to vote for the day favoured by tho majority- of Councillors. The “M’Gormick” for 1902 is in a class by itself. Stands alone in majestic superiority- and exclusive excellence. 4392 We are requested to announce that the D.I.C. will be closed on Tuesday (Anniversary Day), and remain open all day Thursday, 18th hist. ' » 4389

The photo screens which Alessrs W. A. Tribe and Co. are giving to purchasers to the extent of 20s are creating quits a flutter amongst those who arc fond of something really- ornamental and useful. No homo should bo without one of these beautifully painted art productions, and it is onlv necessary to see them to understand how delighted anyone in tho Old Country would ho to receive this characteristically New Zealand production. These screens are now on exhibition at Tribe and Co. s. No one is asked to buy, but who can resist the temptation to become possessed of. so delightful a souvenir of our beauteous Ataoriland? ZX 2989

We would gall attention to the display of ladies’ and gent’s gold watches, including split second chronograph, now on view at tho establishment of Al. Sandst-e-in and Son, Cashel Street (next Ba-Ilantyne’s). ' Every watch guaranteed. A speciality made of N.Z. greenstone goods, the largest stock to select from. Masonic requisites of every description kept in ' stock or’, made up at shortest notice. A largo variety of single stone, half-hoop and fancy Tings, bangles and brooches always on hand. Field glasses by Goerz, Ziess and other celebrated makers. All goods reduced. Liberal discount for cash. ’ X 2833

Why- buy worn-out, second-hand bicycles when you can get first-rate new ones built by Boyd and Son, Gloucester Street, for £ll. Come and sec samples, X 2538

Good work done at fair prices in Watch | Clock and Jewellery Repairs or new work. Clarke and Co., Jewellers. X 3054 Pianos and Organs, new instruments, 10a per month, no deposit; five years’ guarantee. Milner and Thompson. X 2961 How very thick and long your daughter’s hair seems to be growing, Mrs Smith. Yes, I was recommended by a friend, who has used it for some time, to try Hendy’s Egg Julep, for strengthening it, and really the result is wonderful. It has already grown several inches longer, and has cured the dandruff completely. You should certainly try it. W. Strange and 00. arc sole agents for Christchurch. Bottles Is. X 2836 Special value in 13ct. Wedding Kings, Ladies’ and Gents’ Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire and Engagement Rings, Electroplate, etc. S‘. Clarke and Co., opposite Reece’s. X 3054 The course of true love never did run smooth, but now' that Now Century Soft Rubber Hair Curlers are obtainable everywhere the course ought to be much easier. X 3145 Handsome Christmas amdi New Year Presents.—Fletcher Bros, have just received a special shipment of useful and ornamental goods. They are making a splendid show in windows; everything marked in plain figures ; competition defied. Flcftolner Bros., Direct Importers, Lower High Street, Christchurch. , X 2565 Motor Cam. —An illustrated circular, describing the latest and best motor car in New Zealand, will be posted free to anyone writing us. Oates, Lowry and Co., Zealandia Motor Car Works, Christchurch i ' X 1571

The Board of Governors of Canterbury College will meet this afternoon. A picnic of the members of the- N Battery' and of the competitors in the ladies’ matches fired on the corps’ range will be hold at Governor’s Bay- on Anniversary Daw.

As a result of an inquiry into the grounding of the Afchenic at Wellington, it is understood that no blame attaches to Captain Kempson, as the steamer was in the proper channel.

The 'Special Committee of tho Linwood Borough Council, which was entrusted with preparing a report on the Greater Christchurch question, has now completed its task, and a. special meeting of the. Council will be held on Thursday' evening to consider it.

The names of the successful candidates for the Girls’ High {School senior entrance scholarships are: —Etlmc Tosswill (West Christchurch School), Dorothy' Gillespie (Rnngiora High School), Amy- Alexander (Normal School), and Jessie Hay (Fcmlalton School). Altogether there were twen-ty-three competitors.

The Christchurch Garrison Band will hold a. military' display -and tattoo at the drill-shod to-morrow evening, in a.;d of the instrument fund of tho band. The programme will include bayonet exercises, rills and firing exercises, cycle drill, physical drill, barrel bridge building and gymnastic horse jumping. During tho evening the band will play- a number of selections. Tho Oamaru branch of the Farmers’ Union passed a resolution to request the Government to discontinue co-operative and unemployed works from now till the end of April, to enable farmers to gat men for turnip thinning and -harvest. It was also resolved to ask -other branches throughout tho colony to co-operate, -and a deputation was appointed to wait on the. Hon T. Y. Duncan in the matter. One farmer stated that h& had lost £2OO one year through his inability to procure hands to carry out work.

Air W. W. Collins, at the Lyceum, last night, referred to'"’the tactics of his political opponents before the election. He said that they had vilified and misrepresented him in a manner beneath contempt. Since the election ho had, in Canterbury Hall, been referred to, in a covert manner, as the one man in Christchurch to advocate the liquor sellers’ cause. Those who had followed him would know that lie had never done so. He had always said that if the teetotallers were put on one side, and the drunkards on the other, they' would bit two miserable minorities, with the great majority of sober, self-restraining citizens between. It was the rights and privileges of that vast majority- lie had advocated, and he would continue to do so in the future.

A meeting- of the committee of the Canteruury Rose Society was held on Fridaynight, Dr Russell presiding. A letter was received from tue Ross Society- inviting members of the Horticultural Society- to compete at the rose show to be held on Thursday-, without payment for entries, and it was resolved to accept tho offer, and to reply that the Horticultural Society wonld stage a. largo exhibit of flowers for exhibition only. In connection with the floral fete to bo held at .Elmwood on Jan. 9, the Secretary was instructed to- engage the services of a brass band for the- afternoon. Tho committee decided to provide afternoon tea free of cost for visitors. Alessrs C. A. O. -Hardy, A. E. Lowe and Alilier wore appointed judges, and Air J. Guntrip steward. Some splendid exhibits of flowers were staged by- -members.

A heavy south-past l rain set in shortly after noon yesterday- in the vicinity of Christchurch, and continued until a late hour la.st night. In the Loeston and Ellesmere districts the rain started much earlier. Tho crops between Lcestou and Christchurch arc all looking very- well, and do not require any more moisture. Two or three paddocks of wheat on the heavy lands •about Springston are already showing signs of being very- badly smutted. There is every , promise of heavy- yields of wheat, oats and barley- in tbs Ellesmere -district. The crops along the. railway; line between Christchurch and Ashburton are also looking very- well, and there is abundant pasture. Tho season is somewhat late, but the condition brought about by- recent- rains, followed by warm weather, makes ample amends for the backwardness. The abundance of feecj is already- having its effect upon the sheep, and very soon there will be plenty- of fat sheep available. The Alhristering Children’s League held its annual sale, on behalf of the Convalescent Cottage for Children, at New Brighton, in the Alontveal Hall Street Kail, on Saturday-- afternoon. The Bishop, who, with Airs Julius, was present to open it, congratulated the children on their success in keeping the cottage going, and in having purchased an additional half-acre of land. His Lordship reminded the friends that the Cottage- was nob kept v as fully occupied as it might be, and asked them, especially those in the medical profession, to bear this in mind. He said that- 'there must be a large number of children in and around Christchurch in a state to need tho benefits provided bV the Cottage, and suggested that the terms were not -onerous, as those who liked to pay- 7s a week could do so, while others who needed it could obtain free,admission. After a short musical programme, and a recitation by- Air Alpers, the bazaar was -declared open. Stalls for toys, sweets, flowers, needlework and fancyarticles were- presided over by a. number of young people, who disposed of their wares very- rapidly. Air Bishop, S.AL, gave a. judgment in the Magistrate’s Court on Saturday which should have an immediate effect in thinning out the ranks of the,undesirable characters who keep the city police constantly on the alert. A man was in the- dock charged with being an idle and -disorderly person and the consort of thieves. Counsel for tho defence applied that tho Alngistrnte should discharge him on condition that ho carried out bis previous intention of going to tho West Coast to seek work. Air Bishop ; “ And where do you think tho advantage would lie in turning this man of notoriously bad character loose in the country, to commit burglary, and I know nob what else? There is not the sumo police supervision there as hero in the town, and ! do not think it advisable to- compel him to remove beyond the roach of constant surveillance. The country 1 people would certainly not thank me in the least- for packing him off for them to look after. The Act is specifically worded to enable the police to deal with this class of man, who, while not- actually- criminal, -associte with thieves, and consort with and live- on the proceeds of prostitution. Tho accused will be sentenced to throe months’ imprisonment with hard labour.”

With regard to the clausa in the Shop and >Shop Assistants Act providing for a conference of local bodies to decide the day for a half-holiday and giving Cm balance of power to the City Council, it is interesting to note that when- the Hon W. P. Reeve? introduced the Bill in 1892, the choice of the -day was left to the city or borough council in each locality. The local authorities were even allowed to appoint -different days, the, clause stating that “a different day "may he appointed in "respect of any- one or more classes of qhops, as such Council or Board may think lit.” This w;is pub in tho Bill on strong representations that certain classes of shops did their best business on half-holidays. In 1894, when tho Bill was passed, the danse, as introduced, read as follows Provided that,"at any such conference, tho cities of Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin and- Christchurch °shall c-b entitled to be represented by one-half of tho number of delegates constituting such conference, and, when the number"of delegates is uneven, then by ono half of the number, pins ono.” In committee, however, on Air Reeves’s motion, the worits “ one'half of the number, plus ono,” wore struck out, and “ a bare majority of such delegates” were-substituted. In this form-the clause was passed.

A telegram from Auckland states tho Northern Roller Mills Company has afl* vanccd tho price -of flour by 15s a ton. The present quotation for flour in sacks is £l3 5s per ton.

During the four-weekly period cticrid Nov. 8 tho Government railway's produced a revenue of £138,490, against an expenditure of £98,682, as compared with £130,831, and £89,955 respectively last voar.

Tho annual iftcoring of the Scottish Society of New -Zealand will be held in the Lyttelton Foresters’ Hall at 7 p.m. today. After the meeting- a smoko concert will take place, and the chief and chieftains of tho Christchurch 'Society- will be present. The chairman of the Board of Governor?! will distribute the .prizes to the pupils of the Girls’ High School in the Canterbury College Hall at 7.30 p.m. this evening. Tho school is celebrating the completion of its twenty-fifth year, and original pupils and those of the-earlier years arc especially- invited to bo .present. Those who lihve not already received cards of admission msr obtain them at the school to-day. i

Tho Frank Thornton Co-mody Comp,'' 1- ” Which will open at tho Theatre EoyV Boxing Night, in the farcical "'Facing tho Music,” will incK° „ 4 *®’ original cant which marie such / c , e A when the piece, was produced at P e ‘. : Theatre, London, when -it ram. Id * ■of 300 nights. The\ present q" 11 ‘ , the piece for five weete in seven weeks in Sydney. The J ox P Lm , wIU open at Messrs Milner and /“W* 011 Wednesday-. The “ Gazette ” of Oct. Contains alterations and amendments of tl? regulation? in connection with the l J <* -leriimcal: Instruction Act, 1900. fc® changes made apply almost entirely to^ 0 ' 1 c!asses ’ ™ cl are mostly merely" Approvements, slight changes being t- a * evt! cases with regard to the W» to tion- grt’am. ,r™ subjects admitted order tho associated classes group arc iiyreased by tho.' addition of wool-sorting, a matter which h rofessor Scott pressed ujvn tho attention J>r tire delegate's to the .technical Conference.-

The snccial to™ conveying the Prenhor, the Minister of Public Works, the Minister’ of Education, snd excursionists, to- witness tiro opening of tire first section of, the TVai-para-Chcviot 'Railway, will leave Christchurch at 8.50 a.m. to-morrow. The train will" stop at- Addington, Papamui, Kaiapoi, Ranginra and Amberiey to pick up passengers, and will stop where required on tho return journey- to set down passengers. Those wishing to go from stations at which the special train does not stop must travel by- the ordinary- morning train to one of the other stations in order to join the special train. The Stanmore Band will accompany the- excursion. There- will be no formal luncheon, but excursionists will be (provided with hot- water and milk free of charge at Scargill. From to-morrow daily trains will run between Waipara and Scargill to connect with ail north trains. A slationmaster will be in residence -at Scargill. EDUCATION BOARD AND HEALTH OFFICER. The Otago Education Board is at loggerheads with the Dunedin City Health Officer’. It characterised as arbitrary his requeest that scholars absent should only return to school on the production of a cora tifleate that their absence was not due to infectious causes. The Board declined to be coerced into measures it considered beyond the power of the officer to enforce. As to his threat to apply to the Governor, the Board said that it would assist his request with interest. A NERVOUS SAILOR. As a general rule seamen do not take naturally to the role, of witnesses in judicial proceedings, arid this fact has been exemplified more than once during the progress of the inquiry- into the wreck of the Elingainite (say-s tho “Auckland Herald”). One of tho witnesses called did not give his evidence with that freedom from reserve and self-consciousness which the examining counsel (the Hon J. A. Tole) desired. The chairman, Mr Haselden, said he thought tho witness was rather nervous, and he remarked, “ Some of these sailors are more afi’aid of counsel than they are of rocks.” Mr Tole Reminded the witness that ,he was only required to speak the truth. “That’s what I’m trying to do,” was the reply-, “ but you won't believe me.” Air Tole: “I did not say that I did not believe, you.” “No, you did not say so,” rejoined tire witness, who gave the concluding’ portion of his evidence with more freedom than he had exhibited up to this time, THE VICEROY OF INDIA. There lias been persistent rumour attributing to' Lord Gurzon the intention of next y-ear returning home (writes Alv 11. WLucy). Tho impression is strengthened by the ’erroneous belief that five years is the limit of the Vico-royalty. It is true that some of Lord Curzon’s predecessors have gladly retired from the lofty- but onerous post on the termination of live years’ ser-i vice, and next autumn five years will have elapsed since Lord Curzou went opt to Cal-i cutta. Actually, bestowal of the office, unlike that of lesser Governorships, is una-c-' oompanied by lapse of time. Doubt on tho. subject is relieved by a private letter just received in London in winch Lord Curzon speaks of his return “ in a few years time.” At any of the works inaugurated under his personal supervision are still incomplete. Until they are "fully accomplished and fairly- set going, he would, he adds, regard it as an abnegation of duty- to quit India. “Earring contingencies” ire will hold on to tho end. Tho main contingency contemplated is tho state of his health. It is just now in a, condition that leaves no ground for anxiety. Hard work always agreed with Lord Curzon, and so does India. Ho has been literally slaving in personal supervision of the arrangements for the Durbar yet ho finds time to write with) his own hand-to an old friend a four-page quarto letter, brimming with high sprits, delight in his work, and hope for India.