TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVIII, Issue 13001, 17 December 1902, Page 6

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

i — : —— News from Samoa states that the volcano in Savon is gradually dying out. The Manager of the Burnham Industrial School desires to acknowledge with thanks a donation of 10s, from Mr J. T.'Bell, towards the. hoys’ Christmas treat. , Arthur Toy, Thomas Kelly and Richard Wickham (an old 'offender) were committed for trial at Eeliding yesterday on a charge of robbery with violence. Wickham wan sentenced to two months’ imprisonment for stealing a bit, and committed for trial on a charge of breaking away while in custody. The Canterbury Athletic and Cycling Club, winch is promoting the Christmas Day Wheel Race, has been successful in obtaining a large number of entries. Messrs Randrup, Burton, Connell aiid Paljner.from Australia will compete, as well as riders fr.om all over New Zealand. The first race will start at 2.30 p.m., and the Woolston Band will be in attendance. The club is giving £145 in prize money, and, given fine weather, the meeting should be a success. _Lieutenant Curtis, of the,, Lyttelton Navals, stated at the smoke concert of the corps on Monday night that it was -a coincidence that all of the Tour, ordnance corps in the North Canterbury district had lost their commanding officers within ; the last few months, Captain Donald, of the E Battery,' Captain Dougall, of the Engineers, Captain M’lntyre of tho N Battery,, and Lieutenant-Commander Hewlett, of the Lyttelton Na,val Artillery, having all resigned. Captain MTntyre died shortly after his resignation. ■ . . ■:

Mr Frank Thornton’s Company, which will open a Christchurch season oh Boxing Night in “Facing the 'Music,’l is liostly composed of English artists, who are new to the colonies. The company is described as an especially strong one in comedy work, whilst the piece lias been characterised a* “a two hours’ screech," The second bill, which will be staged on New, Year’s Night, is the pretty modem comedy, “ A Little Bay of Sunshine,” a piece which had an almost sensational run in London. . ;

At the Magistrate’s Court at yesterday, Michael Sullivan, a) dairyman carrying on business in the city, was She'd 40s with 28s costs for a breach of the Public Health Act. It transpired that defendants’ daughter wan found in November Buffering from scarlet fever on premises used as ,a dairy. Warnings were' given that milk should not be sold from the house while the period of infection lasted. Later on the patient was found working about the premises while skin wa,a peeling from her body. Further investigation .shows that a neighbouring family, amongst whom fever developed, had been supplied l with milk from this dairy. Another case in a second family was also suspected to have the same origin-. • : .

! The Invercargill publicans have given notice that they will serve no threepenny ( beers after this week. ■ A Christmas treat for children will be given ip. the Op aw a Schoolroom to-morrow evening, when a number of attractions will be provided. ( A telegram from Masterton states that a. movement is on foot there to adopt Saturday as the day for the weekly half-holiday. It is hoped that other towns in the Wairarapa will follow suit, i The Ventura, which arrived at Auckland early yesterday morning, occupied 17 days ; Thr.amd 55min, or 16 days 7hr 45min actual steaming time, on the voyage from San ■ Francisco. It is expected that her mails will reach Christchurch on Thursday moming.

i The Premier stated to a representative of this journal yesterday that tho matter of inviting a Swiss and an American expert to visit New Zealand 1 to advise as to the • utilisation of the powers of the rivers of the colony, was now under consideration, and an announcement would probably be saade after the next full Cabinet meeting. 1 The Timaru High School Board has ordered a circular to be sent to headmasters of'primary schools, inquiring, how many pupils from each school are likely to avail themselves of free education in the Timaru High School if, the Board adopts the new “free place” regulations. A special meeting of the Board will ‘bo convened as soon inofficial information is received regarding the .proposals. The anniversary services in connection with the Woolston 'Methodist Church Sunday school were held on Sunday last. The morning-service was conducted by the Rev A- Bellbouse, who also gave an address to the scholars in the afternoon at o p.m. The evening service w r as conducted by the Rev J. J. North. Special hymns were rendered by the scholars, assisted by tip members ©f the , choir, under the leadership of Mr Firth. The collections for the day were devoted to the new Sunday school building fund.

The following programme will be played by the Elite Brass Band on ■ the Sydenham Band Rotunda this 7 evening, commencing at eight o’clock March, “ Independentia,” J. Ord Hufne; waltz “Fairyland,” H. Round; selection, “ Songs of Other Days, H. Round; quartette, “Town and Country, H. Round; anarch. “Invader,” G. Southwell ; quadrille, “ Hilarious,” J. Raymond; tong, “Happy be Thy Dreams,” J. R-. Thomas; march, ‘Toreador,” Herr von der Mehden ; “ God Save the King.’ Tire Timaru Girls’ High School annual garden party was to have been held on Monday afternoon, but, as the day nas showery and the lawns wet, the outdoor Dart of the programme had to be set aside, and, for the same reason, there was bub a moderate attendance of parents and friends. A display of various kinds of school n ork was made in the class-rooms. The girls also gave in the gymnasium some examples of the gymnastic exercises they are taught At school. Afternoon tea was provided, »nd the proceedings closed early, with Jrany expressions of regret that Miss M att, the Lady Principal, her staff and scholars, had been disappointed of the full measure of the holiday arrangements. On'Monday afternoon, a number of workers'in’the “No-license” cause met at Mr Rr. Evans’s farm, Kaiapoi, for a picnic, which proved most enjoyable. Friends from Christchurch went out by the midday train, and bowls, ping-pong, and croquetproved very attractive. The only items of a heavier nature on the programme were a few words spoken by the President of the Council, Mr R. Evans, and a very short address by Mr Devereux, of Christchurch, at -the,,close of which the Doxology was heartily sung, in memory of the election. At five' o’clock, refreshments were served on the'lawn, to which full justice was done, and hearty cheers for Mir Evans, Mrs Evans, and “ No-license ” followed. In the evening, the Kaiapoi Young People’s No-license League, furnished ah entertainment. ... A Hororata correspondent writes: During the last month very little summer weather has been experienced here. Shearing is in full swing when it is fine enough, but has been very much delayed of late by tbs bad weather. The crops and the turnips have benefited to a great extent, and Stock is looking in fine order. Quite a number of sheep died through the, cold weather experienced in the back country. Shearers are very scarce, but as the weat-'her is quite unfit for shearing, owners are only working with a limited number on the board. The rain in the back country had the effect of raising the Hororata River, making it unfit for fishing, although a few good baskets have been -obtained with the fly. No swaggers are to he seen on the roads, and all men available have been readily taken on during the shearing season. Since , lambing, keas have disappeared, bub are reported to be numerous in the back blocks. Recently large numbers of shags'were to bo seen watching the river’;, but the price paid' for their heads should induce anglers to keep a look out for them..

Those who hare friends in the Old Country could not do better than send them one of Messrs Tribe and Co.’s photo screens, depictive of New Zealand flora and rare, Maori carvings.' Wo understand these are given away free to every purchaser to the value of 20s and upwards. 5X2989 1902 witnesses no greater success than the great success that has always attended " McCormick ” machines. 4512 No matter what you want an the shape of a present, or whether it is intended for a child or a “ grown-np,” “ you arc sure to get it at Strange's.” Such another collection of toys arid gift-goods of all sorts (and ■ at all prices) you will not find in New Zealand. Father Christmas himself will be in attendance at Strange’s on and after Saturday, 20th inst. 4578 lb is a singular coincidence that the most graceful lady cyclists are invariably mounted on Zealandia bicycles, manufactured byOates, (Lowry and Co. This is not a mere assertion of "the makers, hut a recognised fact. ■ X 1571

I 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 see samples. X 2588 Pianos and Organs, new instruments, 10s 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 dandruS completely. You should certainly try it. W. Strange and Co. are sole agents for Christchurch. Bottles Is. X 2896 We would call attention to the display of ladies’ and gent’s gold watches, including "split second chronograph, now on view at the establishment of M. Sandstein and Son, Cashel Street (next Ballantyne’s), Every watch guaranteed. A speciality made of . N.Z. greenstone goods, the largest stock to •elect from. Masonic requisites of every description kept in stock or made up at shortest notice. A large variety of single stone, half-hoop and fancy rings, bangles and brooches always on hand. Field glasses by iGoerz, Ziess and other celebrated makers.', All goods reduced. Liberal discount for cash. , X 2333 The course of true love never did ruii smooth, but now that New Century Soft Rubber Hair Curlers are obtainable everywhere the course ought to be much easier. , X 5145 Handsome Christmas and) New Yctur Presents.—Fletcher Eros, have) just received a special shipment of useful and ornamental goods. They are making a splendid show in windows; everything marked) in plam figures ; competition defied. Fletcher Bros., Direct Importers, Lower High Street, Christchurch. X 2565

A Christchurch engineering firm has received an order from a client in Gloucester, England, for a double-furrow plough. The consignee is a New Zealander. Harold H. Ward, who pleaded guilty, at Wanganui, to six charges of theft, was sentenced by the Chief Justice, yesterday morning, to twelve months’ imprisonment with hard labour.

The Mayor of Lyttelton, Mr J. Grubb,, presided at a sitting of tho Lyttelton Police Court yesterday morning, and sentenced a man named John Mat sen to a month’s imprisonment for indecency. The Taranaki Education Board yesterday considered twenty-four applications for the appointment of assistant inspector. Mr J. Porteous, M.A., of Invercargill South School, was selected for tho position. Dr M’Lean, vice-president of the Canterbury Society in Wellington, telegraphed to this journal last night:—“ Canterbury residents of Wellington, at a meeting tonight, wish continued prosperity to the old province.” This journal is indebted to the courtesy of the Editor of The Press ” for a summary of tho speeches delivered at the opening of the first section of v the Cheviot Railway yesterday, its own report of the proceedings having miscarried. Major-General Robley lias written to the authorities of the Colonial Museum, Wellington, offering to dispose of his unique collection of preserved Maori heads, preserved in the manner familiar to old New Zealanders, for £IBSO. Tho General obtained the collection during his residence in the colony. A “tolux holm” fete will he held hr the Addington School to-morrow and on Friday, for the purpose of providing funds to purchase ai piano and equip the school cadets. A great deal of work has been done by the- energetic committee, and the fete promises to meet with the success that its objects merit. The Christchurch Musical Union will give its final concert for the season tonight, in the Canterbury Hall, when Coleridge Taylor’s “Hiawatha’s ‘Wedding Feast” and “Death of Minnehaha” will be performed, the latter for the first time in Christchurch. The soloists will be Miss Reese, and Messrs Hopkins and Hockley. The Timaru correspondent of the “Lyttelton Times ” telegraphs that the Harbour Board’s quarrymen on strike and dismissed,, held a meeting last evening, at which fifty were present. It was resolved to send a deputation to the Board meeting on Saturday. and, failing a satisfactory reply, a deputation is to, suggest arbitration,on the question of the dismissal of the spokesman on a former occasion.

Mr Richards’s No. 3 Variety Company, of which “ Strong Man Sa.ndow ” is’ the principal attraction, will arrive from Wellington to-morrow, and open the Christchurch season in the Canterbury Hall at night. The company has scored a pronounced success in the North Island, and, judging by the eager anticipation which is being expressed locally, this record will be equalled, it nob eclipsed, in the South Island.

The annual meeting of the Peninsula Horse Show Committee was held in the Council'' Chambers, at Duvauchelle’s Bay, on Saturday. The president, Mr H. W. Piper, was in the chair. The balance-sheet, showing a credit balance of £4-2 Is 9d, was read and -adopted. An honorarium of £5 5s was voted to the Secretary. Mr H. C. L. Robinson was elected president, and Mr R, S. Hay vice-president for the ensuing year. A handsome case of carvers was presented to Mr E. Scott for his valuable services as gate-keeper.

A telegram from Wellington, states that the Land and Income-tax Department has made a demand on Sandow, the “ strong man,” for income-tax, the amount to be assessed, on his completion; of his tour in New Zealand, and has requested payment of a deposit- of £25. This action- is taken under the “Gazette” order of July, 1902, which (authorises the Commissioner of Taxes, when he believes any taxpayer carries -on- business in New Zealand for a short time- only, to require such taxpayer to give security by way of bond. At the 'Magistrate’s Court, yesterday, before Mr Bishop, S.M., Peter Thomson, an old offender, was fined 40s and costs, in default seven (jays' imprisonment, for drunkenness. On a similar charge, Louisa Finnerty, -also an old offender, was convicted, and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, the warrant to be suspended conditionally upon her going to the Salvation Army Home for three months. Alf. Richards, -on remand on a charge of vagrancy, failed to appear, and it having been represented that he had obtained work, the charge against him was dismissed. A large portion of the “ Christ’s College Register,” just issued, is devoted to chronicling the doings of the seven cricketing elevens of the school, and its athletic sports also claim a share- of the space. In an editorial note, regretful mention is made of the departure of Dr Evans, for many years mathematics and science master, and now a Professor of Canterbury College. The original matter in the “ Register ” includes some excellent verses, telling of the prowess of one Horatius on the cricketfield. The usual notes on the school and on old boys and masters make up a very readable number.

A “No-license” meeting was held on Monday evening in the Colonists’ Hall,, Lyttelton. There was an attendance df between thirty and forty persons. The Rev J. A. Luxford presided, and addresses were given by various speakers. The chairman and other speakers said that the object of the "meeting was not to jubilate over those opposed to them, but to express thankfulness forjdie progress made by the “Nolicense ” cause. One of the speakers said that the result of the licensing poll in the Lyttelton district might very well be regarded as three years’ notice to tho liquor traffic to quit.

A meeting of the Malvern Branch of the Fanners’ Union was held in the 'Bussell’s Flat schoolroom on Thursday evening. It was decided to petition the Government to increase the speed of the trains on the Malvern branch railway, and in other ways to expedite the service. Messrs Benham and Panhctt were appointed to confer with representatives of other districts served by tfce railway, in order that a suitable petition might be prepared and circulated for signature throughout the districts interested. The question of the weekly half-holi-day in town, as affecting country residents, came up for discussion. On the motion of Messrs Rutledge and D. Craighead, a resolution affirming the -great desirableness of one afternoon in the week being observed as i.-8 general half-holiday was unanimously agreed to., A few other matters (having been attended to, the meeting closed. Yesterday afternoon, the people in Ferry Road were considerably alarmed by the vagaries of two young men in a chaise, who, evidently under the influence of liquor, drove at a furious rate from Sumner to Christchurch. On the way, an icecream cart and a bicyclist Were alleged to have- suffered considerably in differences regarding the rule of the road. On arriving in Christchurch, about 7 p.m., the men, by some fatal chance, drove past tire police station, and, not satisfied with that, turned their horse around and drove 'back. They were observed from the windows, and a detective was despatched on a. bicycle to effect their arrest. 'They had a good start, however, arid although quite unconscious ' of the design of their pursuer, they succeeded in eludin' 1, him by going round the river and on to° Antigua Street. From there they apparently again made for town, as the next that was heard, of them was their arrest at the Bank of New Zealand corner by Sergeants Berner. A large crowd accompanied them to the lock-up. Finest Red Alaska Salmon, only 7d per tin. Wardell’s. 4

MR CHAMBERLAIN’S BEAUTIFUL ROOM.

It was stated at the time of Mr Chamberlain’s recent cab accident that lie was given a beautiful room at the Charing Cross Hospital. According to the “Referee,” there was great consternation at that hospital when it was known that tho Minister was being brought there. No private wards were available, and it. was thought undesirable to put him in the .general accident ward. Suddenly someone had a brilliant inspiration. There is a ward specially reserved for “D.T.” and insane ca-scs. The only case had been sent away to an asylum that morning. Preparations were hastily made, and when Mr Chamberlain arrived at tho hospital he was with the greatest courtesy placed in the lunatic ward, LITERATURE AND ART. It ban been the practice of the proprietors of the “ Canterbury Times ” to issue a specially full and readable number on the approach of Christmas. This year a notable advance has been made in all respects, and it is safe to say that no such combination of literary work and artistic illustration hais been published south of the line at so modest a price. This week s “ Canterbury Times ” is a bulky volume of 88 pages. The ordinary features of the paper have been preserved, the of tho week’s doings, the sporting, athletic, dramatic and social nexvs and so forth, but in addition to this the purchaser is supplied with a collection of seasonable and enjoyable short stories by writers whose names are a guarantee of high-class work. There are, for instance, stories by I. Zangwill, Fergus Hume, Constance Clyde, Lilian Quiller-Coach, Hannah Mackenzie, Morice Gerard, William Le Queux and Adeline Sergeant, and these are only some among many. There is reading for all classes of the community and for all tastes, and in each case the matter is the very best of its class. A special feature of this paper is the pictorial supplement,' entitled “ A Ramble Around Christchurch and its Suburbs." Christchurch is depicted from every point of view, some exceedingly bcautilul views being given of picturesque- private residence in the suburbs. A more suitable publication for sending to friends abroad could not be desired. The price is sixpence.

A NEW STEAMSHIP LINE. The Melbourne “Shipping News” says: —Commencing this month, a new steamship line will be in operation from iacoma to Melbourne and Sydney (according to a Tacoma despatch). It will be the first direct steam service between Puget Sound and Australian ports. The line will comprise four British steamers, placet! on the route jointly by two British shipping companies. The Nautilus Steamship Company will operate the steamships Poplar Branch and Lime Branch, each having a capacity of 8600. G. Howard and Sons, of London, will add to the line the steamships Imogen and Titania, each of 5000 tons dead- - u eight capacity. The Imogen is <mi route to Australia, and will ha ordered thence to Tacoma. The establishment of the line has been brought about by Mr R-. A- Alley,, president of the Australian Woollen Company which has secured a site at Stellacoom, near Tacoma, for the erection of a mammoth woollen mill, to employ 800 to 1000 hands. Mr Alley is backed by woolgrowers' of New Zealand and Australia, who will ship their wool to Tacoma to bo manufactured for distribution over the Pacific Coast. Lumber will chiefly comprise the cargoes from Tacoma to Australia.

RECRUITS FROM INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS. v The reformatory and industrial schools continue to supply many recruits to the British Navy and Army. Last year the number of sons of the State who began to serve bis Majesty was the highest _ yet recorded. Of the 13,299 boys who left school in the years 1898,1899, 1900, no fewer than 1965 wore at the end of 1901 in the Army, and 469 were in the .Navy. -Mr James G. Leg"c, his Majesty’s inspector, m ins report just issued, says that it is pronable that the number of recruits has reached as high a proportion of the total number as can reasonably be expected, but the benefit both to the Army and the lads themsehos, of whose welfare all interested in them must be jealous, will be .enhanced by the success of the attempt winch is being made to fit pegs in their proper holes. Of the 1965 who joined the Army m the three years under review 630 young musicians entered Army bands.

A FAMOUS PAINTER. Mr W. H. -Lucy, an his letter to the “ Sydney Morning Herald,” writes : —Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, whose contributions to the annual show of the Royal .academy have of lata years been few in, number,'" is about to seek fresh woods and pastures new. He has accepted a commission from Sir John Aird, for whom his fine picture “The Roses of Heliogabalus was painted, to find a subject for another work somewhere on the banks of the Nile. Ho will bo included in Sir John Aird s party at tho opening of tho great waterworks at Assouan. But that is not a. subject which suggests itself tq the work of his brush, nor W asTdt in Sir John’s mind when giving him the commission, the artist being left fettered in his choice of a subject. Tho picture, of course, will not be completed in time for next year’s exhibition at Burlington House.

NEW ZEALAND BUTTER IN SOUTH

.. AFRICA.. A testimonial to tho excellence of Now Zealand butter is contained in a recent communication from the Manager of tho Transvaal Fresli Pood and Dairy Supply Company to the Department of Industries. The writer is one of the highest authorities on butter production, and his remarks are, therefore, to be appreciated by colonials. Ho states that the first direct shipment of butter from New Zealand to South Africa, which was carried in the cool chamber of the steamer Sussex, put all the best Australian brands completely in tho shade, possessing as it did higher aroma and superior texture. The writer, who had experience of New Zealand butter in London markets ten years ago, was struck with the fact that the colonial product still retained its characteristic virtues, though in a higher degree. Inferior brands were now rung on the South African market, which tended to make Now Zealand butter a formidable competitor in the eyes of dealers and consumers. An ex- New Zealander now residing in the Transvaal, writing to a friend in Pahiatua, predicts a great demand for New Zealand butter, tho Australian article having deteriorated in quality, probably caused by. the severe drought. THE LABOUR MARKET. The following reports with reference to the labour market in Canterbury appear in the “ Journal of the Department of Labour,” published on Dec. 10:—RangLora— Building trades: Fairly brisk. Engineerinn' trades: Good, Boot trade: ‘Rather dull. Clothing trade: Very brisk. Retail trade (general); Fairly good. Miscellaneous : Flax. and l twine mills busy. Unskilled labour: No applications for work during month. Shearing just starting. Christchurch— Building trades: Remarkably busy. All competent carpenters fully employed; all plasterers are in regular work; plumbers and gas-fitters have, as much as they can. do. Engineering trades: All branches in these trades are pretty fully employed ; there is a distinct improvement during the last two . months. Boot trade: Unusually quiet for this season of the year; quite, a number of tradesmen out of work. Clothing trade; All these trades have been exceedingly busy owing to preparations for the Carnival week. An unprecedented amount of overtime has been worked during the month. Retail trade (general) ; Very good; more than an average business has been done. Miscellane-

ons: Tanners and fellmongers, tanning rather slack, many of the hands working short time; wool,scouring rather busier, mid expect to be fairly busy next month; pelts departmeht just starting the busy season, which will gradually increase until after Christmas. Saddlery and harness trades: These trades are depressing!} - quiet; quite a number of good tradesmen out of work. Unskilled labour: Tho state of tho unskilled'’ labour market has very much improved' since last month ; quite a falling-off in applications for employment. The principal applicants at present are single men. Thirty-eight men have been sent to Government and private employment during the month. Ashburton—Builing trades: Brisk. Engineering trades; Rather quiet. Boot and clothing trades: Tairly good. Retail trade {general) : During tho past month a good trade has been, done. This is duo to Carnival week and annual shows. Miscellaneous : All local industries have, been working full time. The freezing-works will open an a few flays, and' there is every prospect of a. record season. Unskilled labour; No applications for work have been received during tho past month, and there appear -to be very few idle men in the district. Shearing has commenced in several parts of the district, and has employed all surplus unskilled labour. Timaru —Building trades: Busy; carpenters and bricklayers fully employed. Euginneering trades: Rather'dull. Boot trade: Factories rather slack; shop sales dull. Clothing trade: Busy; shop sales quiet. Retail trade (general): Good. 'Plumbing and gas-fitting: Brisk. Coachsmithing, carriage-building and saddlery trade: Very busy. Unskilled labour: There have been a good few applicants for work, principally single men from other towns. Shearing has started during tho last fortnight, and lias employed a good deal of the surplus labour. There is still a. keen demand for hoys to milk on farms and stations.