TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXI, Issue 15256, 17 March 1910, Page 6

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

All the Canterbury rivers were reported dirty yesterday morning. This afternoon and evening and tomorrow a bazaar will be held in the Wharenui School, Lower Riccarton. A number of musical items will bo given by tho pupils at the school, and a largo number of well-stocked stalls have been prepared by an energetic staff of ladies. The bazaar will be opened at 2 o'clock.

Harvest thanksgiving services were held at tho Southbrook Methodist Church on Sunday. Tho preachers were the Revs J. H. Hasla.ni and E. D. Patchott (Wangonui). A social gathering was held on Tuesday evening, when the harvest gifts were disposed of, a satisfactory sum being raised for the circuit funds. A meeting of the oxocutivo of tho Lecston Beautifying Association was held on Monday evening, the president (Mr J. Barnott) in the chair. It was decided that, subject to the approval of the Ellesniore Road Board, tho ceremony of turning tho first sod of tho proposed grounds in Market Square should take place on Wednesday, April 6. The ladies of the Association undertook to provide refreshments. Messrs Ponlingtott, Oppenheim and Hicks were appointed a committee to confor with a Doyloston committee in regard to tho amalgamation of recreation grounds.

Mr R. W. Bond, New Plymouth, is tho successful tenderer for tho erection of the Hawera winter show buildings, at £3530.

Messrs J. D. Orobbo and F. Fcrriman have been nominated for a vacant seat on the Ashburton Borough Council. A poll will be taken on Wednesday. The Waipawa Municipal Theatre, which has seating aoL-ommodation for a thousand people, was formally opened by the Mayor of the borough on Tuesday.

At yesterday's mooting of tho Education Board it was resolved to allow the Women's Christian Temperance Union to supply temperance wall-sheets for display in the public schools.

The attendance at the quarterly meeting of the Loyal Rangiora Lodge of Oddfellows, held on Monday evening, was smaller than usual. A report of the business done at tho Ashley District meeting was presentod by V.G. Brother R. J. Thompson, and the delegates were thanked for their services. One candidate was initiated and six were proposed for admission. The Christchuroh Tramway Board will meet on Monday, ' when the report of tho special committeo regarding the Burwood line will be presented. A commencement will bo made within tho next few days with the construction of one of tho extensions of the system, for which a loan was authorised some time ago. The Granford Street extension will probably bo put in hand first.

Sir Isaac Pitman and .Sons' secondclass (theory) certificates have been received for tho following students of Gilby's College, as tho result of an examination held in Deceniber, when all tho candidates pasted. The three firsfcnamod are in order of merit:—Misses Dorothy E. Wilson, Anna E. Christensen. Violet Garland, Ivy Robson, May Lockwood and Hazel Mnrtell, and Mr Frank D. Cronin. Tho.lndustrial Schools Amendment Act was brought into force in Wellington for the first time yesterday. The Act empowers tho polise to bring any uncontrollable child beforo tho Magistrate, to bo committed to an industrial school. The present case was a girl of 14j years, who had run away from home thrice. Her mother stated that the girl wns beyond her control. Tho girl was committed to St Joseph's Orphanage. Derry's Private Band will play the following programme on Victoria Square rotunda tuis evening:—March, "Tho Irish King" ( Fryor); ovesture. " Mnsaniello " (Auber); clarionet solo. Mr F. Woledge " Desolation " (Boccalara); humoresque on "Tho Merry Widow" (Bellsted); overture, "Light Cavalry " (Snppe); flowor song, "Hearts and Flowers" (Tobani);_ cornet polka, soloist Mr E. Sullivan. " Ethelinda " (Cross); overture, "Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna " (Suppo). The experiment in connection with the special train on Show day. says the "Cheviot News," was net the success it was anticipated. Word has been received from the Railway Department to the effect that there is a deficit on tho transaction of £lB, which will have to be made up by the Association. No doubt the weather was partly responsible for the failure, but nevertheless it will be hard on tho Association. A few sympathisers have signified their intention of handing back their prizemoney.

The representations made to the Education Department by a member of a Christchuroh business firm that cases had occurred in which parents or householders had been asked to subscribe to the cost of painting and repairing the Board's schools was replied to at yesterday's meeting of tho Education Board, when tho Buildings Committee reported' that it had been unable to find any case of the kind. From information that had como to hand, however, the committeo wns inclined to think that such canvassing had been mado with respect to a private school. The granting of free school books was roundly condemned by Mr John Jamieson at yesterday's meeting of the Education Board, and he declared outright tiiat the scheme was a failure and was not wanted. It would be far more satisfactory discontinue the free books and reinstate the amount of 9d per head for incidental purposes. The cost of free books for the whole dominion had been £2162 9s Bd, and the incidental allowance £1894 IDs 3d, so that all the money needed for free books was the balanco of £207 10s sd. Uniformity of .school books for children moving from place to place was required, nbt free books, for they caused a curtailment of self-reliance amongst the children, and unnecessarily increased the work of tho teacher in an already wide syllabus.

A special meeting of the Kaiapoi Borough Council was hold pn Tuesday evening; present—Tho Mayor (Mr J. H. Blackwell), and Councillors Brunsden, Eagle, M'Dougall, Etherington. Revell and Wylie. Tho Mayor said that the meeting had been called to deal .with reports from tho Firo Prevention Committee and the superintendent of the Firo Brigade relating to tho recent firo which had destroyed buildings owned by Mr E. Parnham, in Charles Street. Tho superintendent's report stated that at tho time of the firo the engineer had been absent without leave, and if ho had been present much damage would have been presented. The Plro Prevention Committee recommended the dismissal of the engineer, as he had been absent from the borough without leave, and had not provided a substitute, as required by his schedule of duties. On the motion of Councillors Wylie and Brunsdeu it was resolved that tho services of tho engineer should bo dispensed with, and applications should be invited for tho position. Councillor Revell moved an amendment that the question of dismissal should be held over for a lull attendance of the Council, saying that so serious a stop should bo very carefully considered. Tho amendment was seconded by Councillor Eagle, but only the mover and tho seconder voted for it. They recorded their votes against the motion. The Fire Prevention Committee presented a report recommending tho Council to provido new quarters for tho Fire Brigade, a number of new sumps, stands on which to place the engines, and some now hose, and to undertake repairs of various kinds. After some discussion it was decided that tho report should be dealt with at the next meeting of tho Council.

Easter's almost here, and those who have not had timo to think about their holiday clothes till now will find some useful stiggestions in Graham, Wilson and Smellie's announcement in this issue. The newest and best for ladies and gentlemen's autumn wear is offered by this firm at their well-known moderate prices, and shoppers are advised to call in and see the splendid selection shown at " The People's Placo for Value." X 3610

The public are notified that all day to-day tho premises of D. Stock, Limited, "will be closed in preparation for the groat Re-organisation Boot Sale, and will re-open at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, when the sale starts. An agreement has boon entered into whereby the business will bo sold to what wo believe will be the strongest boot organisation in tho country. In tho meantime, however, £IOOO worth of stock must immediately be sold to carry out the. conditions of tho agreement, and big bargains in boots and shoes for everybody will prevail. Tho price list issued with this morning's paper should bo carefully scrutinised by every render who want's reliable, comfortable and stylish footwear, but at 0 lot less than the usual prices. 1898 Many peoplo are taking advantage of the remarkable bargains now obtainable at Chapman and Woolley's Furniture Warehouse. Chcsterl'i-H. Utrecht velvet, £6 10s. Thirty days only. 17, .Victoria Street. X 4355

At Hastings the Leather-rubber Company has accepted a tender of £989 for tho erection* of a factory to be completed at the end of May. Tho Kaiapoi Brass Band gave an. open-air concert on the rotunda at Kaiapoi last evening. There was a very large audience, and the items were received with liberal applause. " My lamp docs not give the best of light at tho best of times," 6aid an erring cyclist at tho Magistrate's Court yesterday, "and," ho added with injured irrelevance, " the constable had tho ' audisacity ' to stop me." As a result of Sunday's boating fatality at Greymouth a representative meeting wns held there on. Tuosday night, at which it wns decided to form a Lifeboat Association, and to"convene a public meeting of citizens for Friday. The proposal was most cordially taken up.

A young woman named Sutton, daughter of a Hawera settler, disappeared on Tuesday evening from a> house in Wanganui, whore she was under medical treatment. 'She had previously talked abor.t committing suicide, and an she was clad only in a dressing gown over her night dress, anxiety is felt for her safety.

The Buildings Committee of the Education Board reported yesterday that it considered tho matter of the formation of school brass bands to bo one for the School Committees. The Board decided to reply to a suggestion on tho subject that it had no objection to representations being mado to tho committees.

At the Broadrields Methodist Church on Sunday a harvest festival was held. The preacher was the Rev J. T. Pinfold. A praise mooting was held on Tuesday evening-. The church was. tastefully decorated. There was a good attendance. An anthem was sung by the choir, Miss Campion being tho organist.

The report of tho truant officer for last year was referred to at yesterday's meeting of the Education Board, the Appointments Committeo stating that the officer had drawn attention to the ease with which parents secured medical certificates, and urged that some special provision should be made for dealing with supposed cases of sickness.

About fifty men from the steamer Papanui, which struck a rock on her last voyage and is now lying in Hobsen's Bay, have arrived at Lyttelton. The men are, it js understood, anxious to return to England, and many of them intend to go back as passengers, while tho rest will take the first billet that offers on a Homegoing ship.

The small steamer John Anderson, which had to bo towed into Lyttelton on Tuesday evening from off Long Lookout. wns found on examination yesterday to have had a blade of her propeller badly bent. That was apparently the only injury, for as far as could be discovered she was otherwise unmarked except for a scratch on her paint. The injury is attributed to her having struck with the propeller some submerged solid object, very likely a piece of water-logged timber. The accident has been reported to the Collector of Customs.

The forty-sixth anniversary of Trinity Congregational Church was celebrated on Sunday. The Rev C. H. Garland preached in the morning, his subject being "The Example of Christ." In the afternoon the Rev W. J. L. Closs conducted a flower service, and in the evening he preached on " A Man's Religion." Mr H. A. Adley was at tho organ. This evening tho tea and public meeting will be held. There will be a musical programme, and short speeches will be given by the Revs Dr Erwin, I. Sarginson and W. J. L. Gloss. The choir will sing -special numbers.

The first detachment of thqjjjt Johu Ambulance Division will go into- camp at Farulcy -on the Cashmere Hills today at 3 p.m. The sections will ho those of the New Zealand Railway Corps, Christchuroh Division. During the afternoon ordinary camp routine will be carried on, and in the evening a lecture will be given by District Chief Superintendent Lindsay on "Tho Duties of Ward Orderlies in Field Hospitals." On Saturday evening the remainder of the corps will go into camp, and they will be followed by the Kaiapoi Division and tho Ashburton and Timaru Sections, which, will be in camp during the Easter holidays. A meeting of residents of North Liuwood was held at tho North Linwood School last evening, for the purpose of considering a proposal that the North Lin wood district, bounded on the northeast by Woodham Road, on the southeast by Buckley's Road aud on tho south-west by Linwood Avenue, should b-; included in the Greater Christchureh area. Mr George Moon was in the chair, arid thero was an attendance of about forty persons. After considerable discussion, a motion that those present should take steps to organise another petition to have the district amalgamated with Greater Christchurch was carried unanimously. Mr T. S. Dacre was appointed secretary, and a committee of fifteen was appointed to co-operate with him in securing signatures to- the petition. A draft; petition, which had been prepared, was signed by about thirty of those present.

In the Supreme Court at Wellington yesterday judgment \va6 delivered by the Chief Justice in tho case of F. J. M'Donald v. Mutual Life Association of Australasia. Plaintiff claimed £SO under an accident policy. The facts wore that in September, 1908, while opening a tin of choose, somo liquid matter spurted into one of his eyes, with tho ultimate resufrt that he lost tho sight of it aftor being eleven weeks in a private hospital. The company offered a sum of £5 10s in settlement, claiming that M'Donald had not been "permanently partially" disabled, and was, therefore, not entitled to full compensation, inasmuch as Dr Hislop had certified that claimant had still " perception of light" and tho "ability to perceive in a very blurred manner the outline of prominent objects." The question involved was as to whether, if a man " loses" the sight of one oye to the extent that ho has only a blurred perception of objects, his disablement is a "permanent partial" one within tho meaning of an accident insurance policy. In this case, his Honor said, the question turned wholly on tho words "complete loss of the sight of one eye." Tho doctor did not say that there was complete loss. Judgment was entered for tho defendant company. Costs, £o os, with disbursements, were allowed. With this morning's paper we issue a circular for D. Stock, Limited, announcing a Great Rc-organisiug Boot Sale, which starts to-morrow at 10 a.m. The premises of the firm will be closed all day to-day to mark down tho stcck 'to sensational bargain prices for the opening of tho sale. 8627

The future prosperity as well as the safety of New Zealand does not depend upon improved military arrangements which may result from the visit of Lord Kitchener, but will bo peacefully accomplished through the medium of the increasing sale of Butcher's 18ct gold wedding rings, still obtainable only at 210, High Street X 3157

In few subjects aro there sc many popular delusions as in regard to tho eyesight, and tho results aro often serious. The defect which is by far most general comes with advancing years. Although the sight may remain perfectly good for distance, yet tho eye cannot accommodate itself to near objects, consequently glasses aro needed. Consult John R. Proctor, Oculists' Optician, 180, HigLi Street, Christchurch 1756

Harvest thanksgiving services were conducted at St James s Church, -Cust, on Sunday by tho vicar, the Rev A. B. Fox. Tho church was tastefully decorated with flowers and fruit and harvest hymns wore sung. A novel sight for Dunedin residents is furnished at the Winter Gardens, whore bananas are fruiting. The plants have been locally raised, and the fruit, which is of a good size and colour, is described as excellent in flavour.

Tho miniature riflo range building offered by tho Canterbury Rifle Association for the uso of several schools has been recommended to the Education Board as suitable for tho purpose, and tho matter has been referred to tho Defence Department.

The subdivisions of tho Ernsdalc Settlement, near Fairfax, Southland, will be thrown open for application on tho renewable lease tenure on Tuesday, March 29. The areas of the sections vary from 130 acres to 397 acres, and the half-yearly rentals from £l3 to £45. | The Kaiapoi technical classes commenced the year's work on Tuesday, jieedlowork and cookery being tho subjects taught. Tho classes were well ■attended, and it is expected that there will be largo attendances at classes that [are being formed to take up other subjects.

I At a meeting of the Timaru Borough Council on Monday evening, tho abattoirs manager reported that as it was commonly believed by people, not only in Timaru, but throughout the dominion, that the best of New Zealand's mutton and lamb was exported, and only the _ worst left for Now Zealand consumption, he wished to state, in jusjticeto the meat purveyors of Timaru, (that the mutton and lamb sold by them .was quite as good, in every respect, as that which was exported, while tjioir heef was of a very superior quality. i At a recent meeting of householders in the Woolston school district a resolution was passed protesting against a .regulation prohibiting Junior Cadets under twelve years of age from talcling part in the rifle practice of companies to which they he-longed, and a copy of the resolution was sent to the Defence Department. The School Comgnittee has now received from Major [fcl'Donald, commandant of the Cadet (forces, a letter which fully satisfies the desire expressed by tho householders. fie states that under the new regulations for target practice, which are to be issued soon, 'all Junior Cadets will have to undergo target practice." "If iyou will permit me to say so," adds Major M'Donald, "it gives me great pleasure to see such interest being taken in tho Cadet movement as is evinced by your commitee."

1 A special meeting of tho Rangiora hranch of the Women's Christian Temperance Union was held yesterday afternoon in the Institute Hall, Rangiora; There was a large attendance of members and visitors, the Kaiapoi branch being well represented. Mrs R. Darling presided. The object of tho meeting was to receive Mrs Cole, the dominion president of the Union, who gave a very interesting address, sketching the history of the Union. She fclso gave an account of the twentyfifth annual convention, held at Invercargill recently, and spoke of the effect of no-license in that town, declaring lit to be beneficial. On tho motion of' the Rev C. Abernethy, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Cole for her visit and address. The Rev D. J. Steele also addressed the meeting. Musical items were given by Mrs [Walker, Mrs T. R. Creswell and Mrs J. B. Creswell, and refreshments were served.

A meeting of' ex-pupils of the Ashburton High School Was held at the school on Tuesday evening to discuss a, proposal to form an ex-pupils' association. There wore about sixty present and Mr H. H. Fooks presided. On the motion of Mr E. E. Curtis, seconded by Mr P. L. Orr, it was decided that an association should bo formed, to be called " The Ashburton High School Old Pupils' Association." A number of rules wero adopted, and a committee was asked to draft others. It was decided that ex-pupils and members of the teaching staff should bo eligible for membership and the subscriptions should be 6s for men and 2s 6d for ladies and youths under twenty-one years. Tho following officers were elected:—President, Mr H. H. Fooks; vice-president, Messrs C. Campbell and J. T. Thomas; honorary secretary, Mr W. B. Morrison; honorary treasurer, Mr P. L. Orr; committee, Misses M. J. Turner, E. M. Branigan and S. Shearer, and Messrs E. H. Orr, H. H. Curtis and R. B. (Bell.

The local sea fishermen wonder why Oamaru should be the only rjlace along the sea coast infested with hordes of eharks, and sharks, too, of phenomenal gize (says the "North Ota go Times"). One of the fishermen on Monday morning armed himself with a specially made lance, with which to try conclusions with the enemy that was stripping his lines of the hooked groper. A shark that had. bitten off the body of a groper followed tho head up to the eide of the boat, and received a prodigious jab with tho lance. It made off like a flash. Another one, about 17ft long, repeated the performance, and when it came up alongside the launch it recoived a thrust from tho lance that was well driven home. The •hark made for the boat, and evidently bit it, for when tho launch was hauled np on the beach for painting a large tooth of a shark was found embedded in the wood, and there were evidences of teeth marks along tho planks. The shark was evidently unable to grip the boat, for the bite had glanced off. The fisherman recovered his lance, badly bent. Nothing daunted, ho is going to try more lancing. Mr James Jamieson, of Messrs J. and W. Jameson, who has returned to XJhristchurch from a visit to Auckland, confirms the reports of tho prosperity which exists in that city. He went to the north to inspect his firm's big undertaking in connection with the erection of Auckland's new post and telegraph office buildings*. Speaking to a representative of the " Lyttoltou ilimes," he stated that ccnliderable delay had been caused in connection with tho fcrro-concreto piles ■for the foundations. They have to be cmst, and then they have to stand for three months heforo they are ready for driving. The building will be erocted on reclaimed land, and some idea is given of the magnitude of tho work when it is stated that there will bo 2SO piles, of an average longth of 42ft and an average weight of about five tons. ,The general foundations are well advanced, and will soon, be ready to receive trie granite superstructure, about one-third of which is ready to be placed in position. In regard to building in Auckland generally, Mr Jamieson says that there is a notable advance in both commercial and domestic buildings, and the trade, consequently, is very brisk. He says that Naturo has done a great deal to assist tho Aucklanders in tho way of sites, and they, for their part, are working up to Nature by erecting many fine and beautiful residences. Ho notes a marvellous difference in tho conditions in the country now compared with the conditions that prevailed thirty years ago. This is notably the case in the "Waikato. The people, he Bays, evidently know better how to deal with the land, and how to gob more satisfactory results from it. Ho was greatly surprised at some of tho prices of country land. In some places, for instance, land which sold for 10s •n acre thirty years ago is now worth £lO an acre. Everybody seemed to him to bo prosperous and happy. Tho climato and tho fact that grass feed is plentiful all through the winter, ho believes, may account. for this to somo extent, but ho says that there is no doubt that prosperity is present nearly everywhere. It is to tho ndvantago of Importers to allow J. M. Hey wood and Co., Ltd., to clear their goods through Customs. They have a large staff constantly engaged at that work, and have overy facility for giving quick delivery from j-ailwaps--. %

There will be no ambulance instruction classes for Boy Scouts to-day or to-morrow, as the Ambulance Brigade is going into camp.

Sinco Saturday tho Fire Brigade bus received four falso alarms of lire, two from Church Square, Addington, and two from Windmill Road. The fourth false alarm was received Inst nisht ;it about eleven o'clock from No. 'J box, Windmill Road, and the central brigade turned out. There was a largo congregation at St John's Church, Rangiora, last evening, when Sir John Staincr's oratorio "The Crucifixion" was given for tho first time in Rangiora by the church. choir, under the oonductorship of Mr G. Gibbs-Jordan. Mr D. Mehrtens, who was to have taken the bass solos, mot with an accident which prevented his attendance, «nd his place was filled by Mr G. March, of Christchurch. Tho tenor solos were sung by Mr V. Brown. Both soloists rendered their numbers effectively, and the chorus was successful. The oratorio will bo repeated on Good Friday evening. Sprinkle Insectibano on tho window ledges. The flies go there. Insectibane kills flie3. 4 TIMBER. FOR BUTTER BOXES. Mr George Lush, chairman of directors of the Kauri Timber Company, who pays an annual visit to New Zealand to confer with the directors in the dominion, arrived at Auckland by tho Mongolia yesterday, and in tho courso of an interview had something to say about the reported proposal to import Japanese and Polish timber to Australia for butter box purposes. Up to tho present the manufacture of butter boxes in" Australasia has been practically monopolised by Xew Zealand kahikatca, which is eminently suited for tho purpose, owing to its odourless quality and its lightness, but, according to Sydney experts, a bid is about to bo made against this supremacy. Mr Lush, however, is of opinion that tho report has very little ground for foundation. Some buyer, ho said, whoso contract has "squeezed" him, may feel annoyed with the position, and has begun to talk of opposition sources, ox it may be that some speculative people have thought of entering into tho butter box business, but at present he fails to see how tho New Zealand timber is likely to be supplanted, as it 60 thoroughly fills requirements. Mr; Lush, in fact, considers that the whole rumour may be discounted very considerably. SALE. Wanted known, that wo have decided to run a sale, for one month, of cycles and accessories, and will advertise special lines offered in this space from day to day. Wo are opening the salo with a. line of 2u 1910. model freewheeling Eadio Star Bicycles of the very highest quality. These machines are fittted with back-pedalling brakes, front rim brakes, free-wheels, steel mudguards, and are guaranteed for two years. Usual prico £2O, now reduced to £ls. We are also offering a line of 25 Standard Star Cycles manufactured by the Triumph Cycle Co., Coventry, makers of the famous Triumph motorcycle. These machines are fully guaranteed for one year. Usual prico £ls, now reduced to £lO. These bicycles will be found'to be excellent quality and value, and practically everlasting. Although we have a large stock of Star cycles, we are only prepared to sell 50 at the reduced price; therefore, come aud select a machine at once. Our workshop has just turned out 20 secondband cycles, all nicely enamelled and plated and ip perfect order. Prices from £2. We are prepared to arrange easy terms for tho purchase of any bicycle. Adams Limited, 138-140, High Streot, Christchurch. Talbot motorcars for hire at the Garage, Tuam Street. 1898