TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CIX, Issue 13122, 9 May 1903, Page 7

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Tire Criminal Sessions of the Supreme Court will commence on Monday. There is a long list of charges. Next week there will be seven meetings of. committees of the City Council andi a special meeting of the Council itself. At a largo meeting of the Linwood Eifles last evening, Mr H. Meddings, late colour-sergeant of the Highland Rifles, was unanimously elected Leiutenant. The Christchurch Meat Company, in an' adevrtisement in this issue, announces liberal concessions to farmers and sheep raisers whose pastures are situated at a distance from the works. A telegram from Invercargell states that the weather, which has been very wintry for the last fortnight, is clearing, and harvesting has been resumed. A large area has yet to he cut. . James Winterbum, aged twenty-three, was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment yesterday, at Invercargell, for stealing a bicycle from a hotel. He had been previously convicted of theft. In the Apeal Court at Wellington, yesterday, a motion for leave to appeal to the Privy Council, in the Port Chalmers licensing case, was adjourned to the next sitting (June 5), by consent. The hearing of a charge of assault and attempted robbery at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon, lasted until nearly five o’clock, when the Court rose, adjourning a number of cases for a week. A Little River resident of thirty-five years’ standing named Batchelor left his house on Thursday morning, and was seen going in the direction of the Port Levy track. He has not been seen or heard of since. A search party is out scouring the hills. v Sheep returns, .made up to April 30, are being received at the 1 local office, of the Stock Department. All the returns should be in by May 14, otherwise summonses will be issued. The returns are being taken simultaneously throughout the colony. At a meeting of the congregation of the Eangiora Presbyterian Church last evening, it was decided to invite the Rev. D. J. Steele, now resident in Riccarton, to become the minister of the Church. Mr Steele was for nearly 18 years minister of the Otahuhu Church, Auckland, to which the Rev A. Doull was recently transferred from Eangiora. The value, of produce exported from Gisborne by direct steamers for the first four months of last year was £118,861, and for the first four months of this year it increased to £238,731, which is nearly double. During ai similar period last year seven ocean going steamers -left Gisborne, and during the corresponding period this year nineteen loaded there. Considerable interest is being manifested in tho proposal to establish creameries, or a dairy factory, in the Waikari-Hawarden districts. A meeting at the latter place, held on Thursday night, was attended by about forty settlers, some coming seven miles to be present. Mr A. Ireland presided. After Mr R. Evans and others had spoken, a resolution was carried in favour of starting either a creamery or factory, and a committee was appointed to canvass for support. The Waikari Committee reported that since a meeting held'on Tuesday night in that township, guarantees of over a hundred cows had been received. , Mr George Dunnet, the French Consul at Auckland, has acknowledged the resolution forwarded by the Scottish Society of New Zealand from Christchurch, through tho chief, Mr A Macpherson. The Consul writes:—“l have the. honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, expressing your Society's feelings of gratitude with reference to the manner in which tho French nation acted in regard to the demise of your countryman, General Sir Hector Macdonald. I thank you most sincerely for the sentiments shown towards the nation I have tho honour to represent in this colony, and which I will make known to the authorities at home, and beg to assure you of my deep sympathy in tho loss Scotland has suffered.” Mr John Holmes, who has been persistently interesting himself with the frozen meat trade, recently drew the attention of a visitor to the colony, who has a large manufacturing connection, to the value of introducing the meat among his employees. The visitor has written asking for some particulars as to the meat, the cost and the methods of transmission and other details. These Mr Holmes has supplied, and he has also arranged for a couple of carcases of New Zealand mutton to be forwarded to the enquirer, that lie may judge personally of*the quality of the meat. The visitor, if he finds the meat to be what it is represented to he, intends to introduce it to the notice of the working classes in his district.. The series of thefts from houses in the Auckland district has not yet come to an end. This week another robbery occurred. Mrs Cooper, an elderly lady, left her room in the morning for a few minutes, and was surprised to find the door looked from the inside when she returned. She could hear nobody inside the room, and she went around to the side of the houss to look through tho window. This she found open though it was closed and fastened when she left. It was discovered that a cash box containing £2O in gold and a ladies’ bag with £2 10s in it had disappeared. Both were subsequently found in the garden, the cash box broken open, and the money gone. The thief had so little time in which to effect tha raid that the satchel was unopened. The annual sale of work and produce in connection with the Methodists of the Kaiapoi district, was held in tho Drill Hall, Kaiapoi; last evening. The stall were allotted as follow Produce, Messrs Thorne, Clothier and Evans; Ladies’, Mosdames Dukes, Evans, Thorne, Keetloy, H. Blackwell and Bugg, and Miss Gough; Refreshment, Misses Moore, Evans, Watson and T. Mellor; Flower, blisses Ellen (2), Featherstone, Keetley, Evans and Blackmore (3); Toffey, Misses Carey, Bate, Baker, Hayman and Keetley; RumbleJumble, blisses Keetley, Bate and Ellen; Christmas tree, blisses Eden, Linklater, Evans and McMillan; Fishpond, blisses Croft and Bate. Various side-shows were carried on. The Wesleyan choir gave glees at intervals, and the Ellen family supplied some vocal and instrumental items. The attendance was good, and tho business brisk. The sale of work will continue today, when' tho Kaiapoi brass band .will play.

A special, meeting of the Cily__Council will bo lield on Wednesday, at 7.00 p.m., for the purpose of installing the Mayor. Mr T. E. Taylor, M.H.R., informed bis audience at tbe Alexandra Hall last night that the Burnham boys had now a library. Many of the books were rather religious, ho said, but “ some of them were fit for boys to read.”

It has beep pointed out that close to the railway lino between Woolston and Heathcote, there is a luxuriant crop of docks, which are likely to spread their seeds over the adjoining fields unless steps are taken to eradicate the weed.

In Colombo Street, Sydenham, the evangelist, Mr Ernest Tuck and his fellowworkers will commence a mission tomorrow. They have purchased the hall opposite Bowen Street, and purpose holding meetings there on Sundays and Thursdays. The new schoolroom in connection with the East Bolt Methodist Church, is to be opened to-morrow. Special services will be held in the morning, afternoon and evening. The building is of brick and stone. The old schoolroom, which was moved to the rear of the new building, has been sub-di-vided into classrooms, with, one main room for special meetings. Arrangements have,been made to frame the series of pictures, representing early colonial life in New Zealand, recently obtained in a shop in Christchurch, and it is probable that the pictures will be hung in the Public Library. They were issued as illustrations to Mr E. J. Wakefield’s “ Adventure in New Zealand.”

Mr S. H. Moreton has presented to the Public Library a picture by him representing a first glimpse of the Sutherland Falls and the northern extremity of Quill’s Lake from the head of Roaring Greek. As the authorities are anxious to obtain a number of pictures for hanging on the walls, the gift is very acceptable. A hope has been expressed that it will be followed by others.

Tiro competition for the Snow. Challenge Shield! will be carried out to-day, at the Cashmere, range. About eight teams of eight men from Hie first battalion will compete. The teams will he required to fire seven shots per man at each of throe unknown ranges, ten minutes being allowed in which to complete th© shooting. Drags will leave Cathedral Square for the range at one o’clock.

The Boys’ High School “ Magazine ” for the first term has an illustration of the memorial erected in honour of the Old Boys who. fought in South Africa, and an extended account is given of the unveiling ceremony, which was performed by Lord Ranfurly. The ordinary budget of school news is leavened with a dash of light reading, and news of old boys’ movements is liberally supplied. In reply to a telegram to the Premier relative to the reported coal deposits at Broken River, Mr H. G. Ell, M.H.R., has received the following message: —“ H. G. ' Ell, Christchurch.—l have referred your telegram re the coal mine deposits at Broken River, on the Midland Line, to the Minister for Mines. I feel sure that ho will give your recommendation consideration. Formerly there was a' lease belonging to the late M r Wilkinson and Mr Cioudesley, hut I do not know how tho matter now stands. Inquiries will be made. R. J. Beddon.”

The weekly meeting of the Christchurch Poultry Club was held at the rooms on Monday. There was a very large attendance of members, and Mr A. Smith, president, was in th© chair. Penning and protest committees were appointed. It was decided to hold the' annual supper on the second evening of the show, and a subcommittee was, appointed to make arrangements. The reports of the club’s repre- 1 se.ntatives throughout the colony were considered satisfactory, and everything pointed to a record show. Messrs G. Wells and T. Blood were elected members of the club.

On 1 Thursday afternoon the Rev W. Gillies, senior minister of the church, opened a new social hall and Sunday School room, which; has been erected at the rear of Trinity Church, Timaru. The building, 80ft by 40ft over all, is a substantial one of bride, and contains a hall 50ft long, several small class-rooms, library room and teamaking room, the latter fitted with gas heaters and other necessary appliances. A sale of work and social were also held, and the days’ takings reached £6O. Mr Gillies announced that he must sever his connection with Trinity Church, as he is accepting; a charge in the North Island. Many ladies who have lately been using Hendy s Frizzaire are astonished at the length of time it retains the hair in curl, even during uie dampest weather, and lady cyclists, golfers, etc., will find it an invaluable addition to their toilet; it is also splendid for use at dances, socials, etc. It is obtainable only at'W. Strange and: Co., Drapers, who aro also sole agents for Hcndy’s Celebrated Egg Julep, the well-known hair promoter and specific cure for dandruff. Bottles, 1. X 2896 H. J. Either, Standard Cycle Works, builds a wheel second to none in New Zealand ; best and cheapest shop for repairs; motor cycle and car replacements to order ;, trade work. X 3277 Do you travel? If so, a “Daisy ” cart is what you want, 54 inch wheels, axle and tyres, wide track. Morrow, Bassett and Co. X 3208 A.M.P. Society.—Mr George Maiden, of Goldsbrough, Mort, Sydney, whose name is a household word throughout New South Wales, is, wo observe, a candidate for directorship. A bluff, genial, hard-headed business man, exceptionally qualified to advise in all matters of investment. Mr Maiden would be a distinct acquisition on the Central Board ’as an infusion of new blood is most desirable. We wish him every success in his candidature. 6825 Black, Beattie and Co. are giving splendid value 'in White Colonial Blankets. Double-bed size at 17s lid, 20s 6d, 54s 6d,, 27s 6d, 30s 6d. Call and inspect their stock before purchasing elsewhere. One shilling in the pound discount for cash. X 3262 Motor bicycle bargains. Three latest motor bicycles, used for giving lessons to purchasers, guaranteed in first-class order, reduced from £SO to £3O for spot cash. A genuine offer. Oates, Lowry and C 0.,, Christchurch. X 1571 The latest creations in Ladies’ Jackets and Paletots manufactured by the Kaiapoi Woollen Co. for the autumn season are now on view in the leading showrooms. The universal opinion is that for elegance, style and beauty no imported garments can compare with these. The lovely cloths are soft and warm, while each garment has the stylish, tailor-made effect peculiar to all Kaiapoi goods. See that your new winter purchase bears the special Kaiapoi ticket, which is the. guarantee of reliability. X 3236 For repairs to all kinds of bicycles there is no place in Christchurch like Boyd’s Cycle Worka, 191, Gloucester Street. First-' class wort at moderate prices. X 3196 Handsome Wedding and Birthday 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. Fletcher Bros., Direct Importers, Lower High Street, Christchurch. X 2565 If you have the faintest suspicion that your eyes arp not just right, If they bother you in any way, it’s best to have them examined at once. Do not go to the average optician or spectacle seller, for he is unable to distinguish between optical defects and diseases, but consult John It. Proctor, 180, High Street, Christchurch, who will give you a thorough examination free of charge X 2681 The largest fortunes in the world are made by clever inventors. See handbook on “Patents,” free by post from Baldwin and Rayward, 172, Gloucester Street, Christchurch. A. H. Hart, representative.:

The Professorial Council of Canterbury College has elected Professor C. H. H. Cook as its representative! to the New Zealand University Senate.

On Thursday the Dunedin police arrested a man wanted in Ashburton on a charge of obtaining money under false pretences.

A first offender was brought before Captain Whitby, J.P., at the Lyttelton Police Court yesterday, convicted _of drunkenness and'discharged with a caution. At the Ashburton Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Moses Holt, an old offender, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for vagrancy. G. Paterson claimed £5 from T. Clark for a sheep dog; the Bench nonsuited the plaintiff with _ costs. Judgment was given by default in the cases. P. J. Bolger v. Fred Betts and Catherine Betts, claim £3 16s 6d. Robert Bell v. Jas. Burrows, claim £1 6s Bd, and H. G. Berryman v. Judge, claim £3. OLD AGE PENSIONS. The Premier has made the following announcement with regard to old a.ge pensions. Compared with what was paid to March 31, ISO2, there is, for the financial year just closed, an increase of only £3OOO. From this must be deducted £IOSO refunds by Courts paid to the public account, and £7OO due in 1902, but paid this year, which reduces the increase to £1250. In other words, the expenditure of 1902 Las been held in hand. This amounts to a saving on tire estimates of something like £IO,OOO. The number of pensioners on the rolls on March 31, 1902, was 12,776. The number on the rolls on March 31, 1903, was 12,557, a decrease of 219.

A NEEDED CANAL. An incident is recalled of the naval manoeuvres of 1888, which bears on the importance of a ship canal between the •Forth and the Clyde. Admiral Sir John Baird was blockading Admiral Sir George Tryon in Bantry Bay. One dark night Tryon, with three of the fastest cruisers in the Navy, escaped, and proceeded to “ ravage ” the west coast of Scotland. Baird followed ini hot haste, but he was several hours behind, and so, when ho arrived in the Clyde, he found that Glasgow had been put to ransom, and that Tryon ■was flying northward, with the evident intention of dealing with Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh. Pursuit was hopeless, hut there was just a chance that if torpedo boats could he sent through the Forth and Clyde Canal Edinburgh and Dundee might be saved. But the locks in the canal were too short to hold the torpedo boats, and Baird, turning southwards, raced for the Thames, which he eventually reached in time to save London. “DRINKING BETWEEN MEALS.” The adherents of the Semi-Teetotal League may (says a London paper) be interested to hear how their forefathers managed in a time when tea and coffee, were unknown, and beer was the common beverage of the the Englishman. In the “Northumberland Household Book,” commenced in 1512, there is an exhaustive account of the domestic economy of the great Percy family; and from it one learns that at breakfast, which was served at seven in tho morning, the earl and countess had a quart of beer and a quart of win© between them; two sons, “My Lorde Percy and Maister Percy,” a pottle (two quarts) of beer, and two children in tho “ Nurcy ” (nursery) a quart of beer. For dinner, at ten o’clock, my lord and lady had a gallon of beer and a pottle of wine ; tho two boys a quart of beer; and the younger children a pottle of beer. At supper, at four o’clock, the earl and countess shared a pottle of beer and a pottle of wine ; the children also had their allowance. For “ livery,” which was served in the bedroom between eight and nine in the evening, the parents were supplied with a gallon of beer and a quart of wine, and each pair of children with a pottle of beer. Surely there could in this case have been no “ drinking between meals.” EXPORT OF PRODUCE. The value of the chief items of produce exported from 'the colony for the month of April was:—Butter £36,741, cheese £21,804, frozen beef £12,801, frozen mutton £100,977, frozen lamb £113,923 ; ; total, £291,246. The figures for the corresponding’month of 1902 were:—Butter £98,810, cheese £25,965, frozen beef £35,542, frozen mutton £117,914, frozen lamb £160,117; total, £439,348, decrease £148,102. _ It is explained that tho large decrease in the shipment of butter is due to a glut in the market, and that butter is being stored in the hopes of better prices. With reference to the decrease in frozen meat the explanation is that some heavy shipments may have just been included in the lists for April, 1902, which has not been the case this year, but, in any case, there has not been an appreciable decrease in the export of meat so far as the Department knows. LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND. “T P.’s Weekly” of March 20, has a well-written page with the title, “What Luck in New Zealand? By One Who Sought it.” He went out for health’s sake, and evidently did his best on a farm for about six months, somewhere near Feilding. One bit of sound sense he preaches to possible emigrants from England is that, till he gets experience, a ncw-chum does not earn even his keep, and that apparently simple tasks such as ploughing, shearing, milking, carting, or tree-felling require more concrete knowledge than ho can ever before have conceived of. Tho hard lot of the married women is thus referred to:—“But now I come to a feature of the life in that colony which left a somewhat painful impression on my mind, and that is the hard lot of the wo-man-folk. Their day’s work is by .no means done at 'tea-time. They have probably begun the day after a bad night with a sleepless child, and, consequently, not feeling ‘ fresh.’ They must first dress the children, and what more tasking than to get the clothes on to three or four little lumps of life? She probably has no servant, and if her husband is unable, has now to get breakfast amidst the clamour of the aforesaid youngsters, by this time with ferocious appetites calling for it. Their wants satisfied, she gets what breakfast she can herself; but if she has to feed baby at tiie same time, does not get much. Breakfast done, she must wash up, and clean the bedrooms, and dinner has to be thought of. Her whole day is thus busily occupied till evening, when the men come horn© for tea, usually with a feeling of satisfaction at having done work for tne day. After tea the effects of a day’s work make themselves felt, and a good chair or sofa, and if one bo not too tired a book, are most acceptable. But these joys are not for mother, who must again wash up, this time with her man’s help, and put the children to bed.” No wonder this poor willing slave has no time to make bread and has to buy from the baker many a mile off.