TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15704, 25 August 1911, Page 6

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

A false alarm of fire was received from the corner of Antigua and Brougham Streets yesterday afternoon. There are at present at the police station three largo acetylerio lamps and a number of painter’s brushes awaiting owners.

A false alarm of fire was given shortly after midnight from the box at tlie corner of Armagh and Montreal Streets.

Regulations and schedules under the New Zealand State Guaranteed Advances Act are published at length in the “ Gazette.”

The radio station at Wellington reported yesterday afternoon that the Ruapehu and Ruahine would be within wireless rango last night. At a sitting of the Lyttelton Magistrate’s Court yesterday, a first offender for drunkenness was fined os and costs. Captain R. Hatckwell, J.P., was on the Bench. The steamer Surrey, which arrived at Auckland yesterday, from Liverpool, brought 150 passengers. Mrs Atkins died just before the vessel arrived at Auckland. From August Ito August 16 the Surrey encountered a heavy gale, and somo damage was done to the ship. The officers’ cabins were flooded.

Since the. inception of no-license in Invercargill, keg parties in the numerous reserves about the town have been a trial to the police and an annoyance to a certain section of the public. Several prosecutions have failed, and it has been rather difficult to discover how to deal with the matter. Last night the Borough Council passed a by-law prohibiting the bringing into or consumption of liquor in anv municipal reserve without the authority of tho Council. A petition is being circulated throughout Marlborough urging the Government to acquire the Hillersdcn Estate for closer settlement. It _is pointed out that this estate, which comprises 176,000 acres, is bequeathed to forty-seven beneficiaries, most of whom reside out of the dominion, that the profit from this huge area is thus spent outside of New Zealand, and that if the land were subdivided it would provide comfortable homesteads for hundreds of landless people.

A series of lectures will shortly bo given at Canterbury College by Dr H. G. Denham, on some of the recent developments of modem chemistry. The lectures, which will begin on Friday, September 1, will treat of catalysis, or the accelerating influence exerted by many substances on various chemical processes—a branch of chemistry that has recently become of great technical importance. Amongst the subjects treated during the course will be the action of ferments in the body, and the preparation and properties of colloids. The Cciston Society held a very successful social gathering last evening, when there was a good attendance. The president, Mr H. F. Andrews, read letters from the editor of the “Bristol Times” and “Mirror,” the Dolphin Society iyid others in the Old Land, and gave a short sketch of Colston’s life. Musical items were given by Miss Mary and Muriel Hanham. Miss Chaplin and Mr Cragg, and readings were given by Messrs Chaplin and Barrel!. Card games and social intercourse followed and refreshments wero provided by the ladies. A meeting of the Competitions Committee of the and Labour Council’s Industrial Exhibition was held recently. Amongst other business transacted., the committee instructed the secretaries to have a three-colour poster printed, to be circulated throughout the city, drawing attention to the various competitions to be held in connection with the exhibition. It was reported that additional prizes for tho competitions had been received from the Kaiapoi Woollen Company (rugs), Messrs Scott Bros (kitchen range), Messrs Beath and Co. (sewing machine and trophy valued at £2 2s), and Messrs Bunting and Co. (full painter’s outfit).

Straying cattle have been for years, says the “ Post,” and will probably continue to be for many more years, a source of trouble to local bodies, who have been sorely puzzled as to the best means to take to abate the nuisance. Karori Borough Council has tried its best, and, according to the town clerk (Mr W. E. England), its efforts have been practically in vain. The clerk brought ono case before the court, “but,” ho sadly remarked, “the defendant engaged a lawyer, and we lost.” He had recently brought two further cases, with the same result. “Itwould appear,” said the clerk, “that the court is more lenient to owners of cattle than to local bodies.” Mr England further said that he had consulted the borough solicitor on the matter of cattle straying on to vacant unfenced sections, and was advised to give a boy a few pence to throw stones at them and drive them offl

An interesting suggestion has been made by a correspondent of the “Evening Pest ” in regard to afforesting waste and barren lands. The Agricultural Department, he says, should procure from the Federal Agricultural Experiment Station at Hawaii a number of algaroba trees for planting on waste lands by prisoners. This tree is the most valuable in the world, so it is stated. It will grow on volcanio soil, near craters, as well as elsewhere. The tree bears a bean which falls, and' is eaten by cattle, hogs and horses; tlio wood is good for fuel, and the flowers furnish a source of pure honey, recognised by apiarists. In Hawaii this tree is turning formerly barren waterless wastes into good land. The tree also grows to a good height on coral beds. Mr W. A. Boucher, assistant director of orchards, states that lie doubts if native tropical trees would flourish here, however. Some three or four years ago Mr Boucher brought back with him to the dominion from Hawaii several native trees which wore replanted at the Waerenga Experimental Station in tho north. The strangers proved too delicate, and Mr Boucher inclines to tho opinion that the algaroba, too, would prove too delicate. If the trees would not take hold in the more humid (jlimate that prevails at Waerenga, it is very unlikely that the pumice lands of Taupo would do any better.

Doos your horse suffer with Worms? Give him Berry’s Worm Powder. Safe and certain m operation, yet so mild it does not interfere with horses working. 2s 6d box, or post free 2s 9d. Advice given freo on any veterinary trouble. Jno. Berry, Veterinary Chemist, Colombo Street, Christchurch. 4

When the mental attitudo is right misfortunes, losses, griefs all lose their power to disturb. But before your attitude is right your nerves must be right, and if they’re impaired by worry or° overstrain Marshall’ Fospherine, the great nerve food, is what you want to build up the whole nervous system. All chemists and stores sell Marshall’s Fospherine at Is. Is 6d and 2s 6d per bottle. The 2s (id bottle is four times the sizo of tho Is - one. 1988

j The annual meeting of the Canter- ' bury Chamber of Commeroe will be held on Monday evening.

Tho Lyttelton Marine Band will play a programme of music in tho band rotunda at Lyttoltcu this evening. A meeting of Tho Peaks’ Literary and Debating Society was held on Tuesday. The subject for the evening was a debate entitled “ Are Polar Expeditions Beneficial P” Mr W. Hewett took tho affirmative and Miss Jones the negative. A discussion ensued which resulted in an even vote.

Tho bands of the Christchurch United Bands’ Committee will give a united concert on Sunday afternoon in ' the Domain gardens in aid of tho fund for the Memorial Home for Incurables. The concert was to have been given on July 30, but wa6 postponed on account of tho death of Mr T. E. Taylor.

11.M.5. Challenger arrived at Lyttelton shortly after noon yesterday and anchored off Camp Bay. * About thirty of her crew, who had been on leave in the south, were taken out to the warship by the Lyttelton Harbour Board’s tug Canterbury. The Challenger loft her anchorage at 5 p.in. foi Sydney.

“ Is Universal International Arbitration an Unroalisable Dream,” was the subject of a debate on Wednesday night between the Y.M.C.A. Society (represented by Messrs Callaway, Hunter and Brown), and the Lyttelton Literary Society (Messrs Stewart, Lindsay and Cook). The verdict was given in favour of the Lyttelton Society, who took the affirmative, by 291 points to 275.

The goneral committee of the Young Men’s National Prohibition Guild met on Wednesday evening at the Boys’ Gordon Hall, Mr Goodman presiding over a large attendance of delegates. Good reports were received, showing the progress of the Guild’s work, and a committee was appointed to make a house-to-house canvass in the city. It was decided to commence open-air work at once, the first meeting to be held on Sunday evening, September 3. Arrangements were made and speakers appointed for further meetings to be held in and about the city during tho next three months.

A meeting of the Oxford Debating and Mutual Improvement Society was held on Monday evening. There was a fair attendance, and Mr F. Baxter was in' the chair. It was reported that in connection with the St John Ambulance, the women’s class had commenced with a membership of fortyfour, and steps wero being taken to form a men’s class. In view of tho fact that on September 11, Mrs Barton, of Glasgow, will address a public meeting in the Town Hall, notice was given that there would bo no.meeting of the Society on that evening. The evening was taken up with a debate on the question, “By what means may universal peace be established? ” The Canterbury head centre _ of the Royal Life Saving Society anticipates having a very successful year. Circular letters have been sent out to the citizens soliciting their patronage and assistance. The officials are greatly pleased with the reception of their appeal and state that funds are readily coming to hand, and a number are applying for membership. Among the amounts a donation of £lO 10s has been received from one lady, which entitles her to a life governorship of the Society. The work of the Society is not limited to the advance of sport, but stands for any humanitarian work that is within its power to assist, and it is therefore hoped that a large number of the citizens of Christchurch will become associated with this body in some way".

As is usual, that portion of the Potone Courtroom set aside for the public was crowded on Monday on the occasion of the monthly sitting of the Court, says tho “Post.” Interruptions in the business wero frequent, and finally they drew from Dr Si’ Arthur, who presided, some very pointed remarks. “ I have noticed,” ho said, addressing those assembled, “ that this Court is always crowded, and it looks to mo as if you have not got much to do. Surely there is some other kind of entertainment to be found in Petone, or a library where you might go to fill in your time. There appears to be a number of youths hero to-day. We don’t allow them inside tho Court in Wellington, and we are not going to allow it here. One of these days I will have a lock at ali of you, and order outside all who seem to me to be under twenty-one. I am surprised that you should want to come and hear these trivial cases. It is only idle curiosity,” he concluded, “that is all.”

For some time past a party of four gentlemen, residents of Lyttelton, have interested themselves in a scheme for Hie beautifying of a number of small bays in Lyttelton Harbour. Up t-o the present their efforts have proved futile, for the large number of shrubs planted have been destroyed by cattle just at the time when they showed considerable promise. So as to obviate this destructive element, the Beautify-, mg Association has, with the assistance of Mr F. Gardner, of Purau, arranged to fenco off about a quarter of an acre of land on the property known as Compass Bay, and a short distance from Fort Jervois. Mr Gardner has presented a large number of native shrubs for the enclosure, and with the other gentlemen concerned will share the cost of constructing the fence* _ It is anticipated that, with the assist* ance of a number of enthusiasts and property-owners along tlie port entrance, the jiresent bleak appearance of the hillsides could be made much more picturesque.

The Wanganui Borough Council is endeavouring to solve the problem of booking theatre seats. It has instructed the Opera House Committee to inquire into and report on the most satisfactory method of doing this. Councillor Burgess suggested that the committee should make arrangements to have twenty seats reserved for councillors. Ho said that in privately-owned theatres this was done. Councillor Spriggins said the committee should bring up a roport on building a new Opera House. The town clerk had furnished a report and estimates, but the matter had gone no further. Councillor Calver said they were awaiting information from Invercargill and Napier. ■ Councillor Muir said there was a great deal of nonsense being talked about the smallness of tho Opera House. It was too small on only six nights in a year, because visiting companies made such ridiculously short seasons. The place might he improved, hut to rebuild would only be building for one management. The Council had to consider the little shows that came around. If the theatre were improved it might do for five or six years yet. Don’t miss this morning’s circular. It contains particulars of a Bargain Fair at- M’Clea’s Corner. Drapery at 25 to 50 per cent cheaper than usual. The reductions apply to everything and tho prices in circular will surprise you. 18&8

Hannah’s Gigantic Sal£, commencing Saturday morning at 9 a.m. This is the first Sale of Footwear we have held since the opening of our handsome Shoe Store, 117, Cashel Street, opposite Ballant.vne’s, and our Sale Prices will show that wo mean to gather in all the business we can before tlio arival of our new spring goods. Great reductions on all lines at Hannah’s Gigantic Sale. 7916

Perhaps it has been your experience in tho past that it is difficult to gat rid of a ooun;h. You will be surprif®d how promptly and effectually Neil’g Chest Balm cures all coughs and colds. Is 6d and 2s Sd, at all chemists and Btores. 1988

At a meeting at Wanganui last nignt ]t was decided to establish a Philosop.iipal Society, which it is intended to affiliate with the Now Zealand Institute. The Society will start with a uiember>hip of about eighty. The Wellington Kennel Club’s annual fhow concluded yesterday. It was a great success. ' Over 340 dogs were benched, which is % record for New Zealand. Prizetakers from outside districts included Mr G. Lewis. Christchurch, cup for non-sporting dog. A Press Association telegram from [lnvercargill states that the desire to go on the land and the avidity wdth which available land is Bought were evidenced by the demand for several ivorked-.out sawmill areas pubmitted to ballot at the Lands Office yesterday. For fifteen, sections nearly ,800 applications were received, the majority being those of Southland people pot possessing land. Much excitement prevailed during the course of the ballot. 1 ' A very large audience congregated in St Luke’s Church last evening, when Mr Arthur Lilly gave the fqurth series of popular organ recitals. The recital proved very enjoyable. The best piece of the evening was the finale from Tsohaikowski’s “ Svmphonie Pathetique,” of which Mr Lilly.gave a very fine performance. Mozart’s “ Fantasia in F Minor” and Lemmens’s “The Storm,” were also finely played, while the well-known “Wedding March ” by Mendelssohn found much favour. During the evening the choristers sang “Let the Bright Seraphim.” from Handel’s oratorio “SamBon. In a conversation with, a reporter yesterday, Mr Christie, assistant-en-gineer to the Sydney Harbour Board, stated that extensive improvements were still being made in Sydney harbour. New wharves were being erected in all directions, and dredging operations were in full swing. Men had been working on the improvements since 1901, and Mr Christie thought there was work enough to be done yet to last over fifteen years. Over 850 men were now employed in the work, and. the cost of the improvements was in the vicinity of £240,000. A New Zealander, he said, who had not seen Sydney, could have no conception of the magnitude of the work being done. Vessels drawing 38ft of water were admitted to the harbour every day. Sydney was a very busy city at the present time, and everything was booming The port was supposed to bo sixth on the list of the world’s great ports. Asked what his opinions of Lyttelton were, Mr Christie said that he could speak with no great experience, as he had been here onlv two or three days, but from what he could see Lyttelton bad a “ very nioe harbour,’.’ and was cabablo of great possibilities. Mr Christie is negotiating for the purchase of a dredge for Sydney harbour, and is at present considering an offer from the Lyttelton Harbour Board, with regard to the dredge Manchester. EFFECT’S OF TAR. The “Autocar,” writing about a {Complaint that the trout in some streams are being poisoned by the tar [washed off certain roads, says: —“ Whether this mortality among the fish is ’serious or not we do not know, but, so far as we can gather, it is not, as only S few fish have died. It is doubtful whether the mortality is really caused by the drainage from the tarred roads or not. However, on the assumption that it is, it is well to remember that the road tar used is a powerful antisep,tio, and, although it may not agree with the, fish and" some of the lower organisms, it is an admitted fact that since the extensive tarring of the roads in Battersea, certain diseases, particularly soreness of the eyes, which were observed in children who played in the streets, have almost entirely disappeared in districts where the streets are tarred, and there is very little doubt that similarly beneficial results will be jioted in all towns and villages where the roads are treated with tar compounds.” ' VALUABLE LETTERS. in a collection of autograph letters offered for sale at Sotheby’s, ill London, recently, there was a note addressed by the Prince Consort to the late King Edward that throws a flood of pleasant light upon homely family life in early days at Windsor Castle:— “My dear Edward, I wish you to copy this and write it nicely: It will give pleasure to your dear mamma.” There follow four lines in German. Another interesting letter was one from Meredith. Writing to Eyre Crowe from 7, Hohury Street, Chelsea, January 4, 1858, with a book entitled “ German Love,” Meredith says:—“lt is a book women must like, a book to find them out. For women feel deeper than we do, though they don’t think so deep. Hence their craving for "a preacher, a poet, anything that will beget a thought upon their emotions, as this •book will.” To Mrs Gaskell, Charles Dickens } under date February 21, 1853, opens his heart about troubles that environ him in his editorial capacity at the office of “Household Words.” Declining with thanks a manuscript Mrs Gaskell has submitted to him, he continues :—“ How anybody can contentedly sit down to it is inscrutable. Don’t you feel the same astonishment? People don’t plunge into churches and play the organs without knowing the notes, or having the ghost of an ear. Yet fifty people a day rush into manuscript for these leaves only who have no earthly qualification but the actual physical art of writing. .Wills is ill, and I am at this moment sitting (up to the neck) in a quagmire of these pro:ductions.” A TALBOT TRIPLET. No motor-car ever imported to New Zealand is so widely or so favourably known both to motorists arid the general public as the Talbot. The Talbot has set the standard for reliability, efficiency and economy, of running, and has proved its superiority in competition in this country so often and KO recently that it is unnecessary to •catalogue it 3 victories. The Talbot is pre-eminently the car for hard, rough usage. The strength of its chassis is enormous, and its engine has an enviable reputation for Tunning sweetly under almost any conditions. And the Talbot is neither a heavy nor an ugly ‘car. Tlirao of the latest models have iust arrived and are ready for inspeclon at our garage. One is a 15-40 h.-p. five-seater Clement Talbot, with a shapely torpedo body, flush sides and nigh doors. The body is beautifully enamelled and upholstered, in green, and the chassis is finished in carmine. The car is completely equipped with tape hood, wind-shield, and five lamps. The next is a 12-25 h.-p. Clomsnt-Tal-bot, with a smartly-designed side-en-trance body, finished in standard Talbot green, with vermilion chassis. Thirdly comes a doctor’s two-seater, 12-25 h.-p. Clement Talbot, also finished in green and vermilion. Three more stylish or more intrinsically honest cars have neveT been seen in Christchurch. The English prices are For the 15-40 h.-p. Car, £495: for the five-scater 1225 h.-p. car, £385, and for the twoseater doctor’s car £3BO. These prices, plus importing charges, rule in New Zealand. Call and see the new Talbots. Adams, Ltd., Sole New Zealand Agents for Talbot Cars; garage, Tuam Street, opposite A. J. White’s. 1838