TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15901, 12 April 1912, Page 6

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Mr James Gray, who is leaving Ashburton for Napier, was presented, yesterday by his friends with a travellingbag. Three youths who had failed to take the oath under the Defence Act after a week’s opportunity had been given, were fined 40s each at Timaru yesterday. The annual picnic of the Cust Presbyterian Sunday School scholars was hold in the Cust Domain on _ Easter Monday. The day was spent in playing games and running races, and proved very enjoyable. The clock in the Linwood post office hn£ already developed erratic tendencies. Last night the clock was twenty minutes in front of city time, to the great perturbation of the tram passengers travelling to the city. , A young lady made an undignified exit from a motor-cycle side-car on the Lincoln P..oad yesterday, owing to the lower portion of the car becoming detached from the cycle. Repairs were promptly effected, however, and the, young lady proceeded on her journey none the worse for her fall.

During the next few weeks the annual meetings of parishioners of the various Anglican churches in the Christchurch diocese will be held. It is stated that in several churches the question of ritualism will be fully discussed, and in view of the recent occurrence in the St Albans parish, it is thought probable that definite action with regard to the question will be taken.

A party from H.M.S. Pioneer, with some friends, gave an enjoyable concert in the Oddfellows’ Hall at Lyttelton on Wednesday evening. The programme was very much the same as that submitted successfully at the King’s Theatro a fortnight ago. In addition to the items supplied by members of the warship’s company a banjo solo was contributed by Mr AY. Cooksley and a song by Miss Olyve Thorpe.

Large numbers of people have visited St Luke’s Anglican Church during tho week to see the altar picture unveiled by Bishop Julius on Sunday last. All who have seen the picture are loud in their expressions of approval. It is stated that the painting is the best of its kind in Australasia. The picture, which is 14ft Bin in height by Bft in width, depicts Christ’s ascension. Tho work is by Mr William Hole, a Scotch academician, who is famous in the Old Country for his mural decorations .of churches.

A resolution urging upon members of the Church of England Men’s Society to use their influence to do away with tho evils of intemperance was unanimously carried bv the conference at Auckland yesterday. The mover (Mr Pailot, of Napier) also embodied a provision urging tho amendment of tho licensing Taw in tho direction of securing the opening of bars only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and providing that customers should he exposed to public view. Tlie conference decided to refer the proposed amendments for consideration of all branches to report at next conference. The Wellington correspondent of the "Lyttelton Times” writes: Tnero is everv indication that the Hon H. G. Ell, though he has joined the Ministry in an honorary capacity, is not going to be an idle ornament. Ho has set up an office in Parliament Building with a secretary (Mr Crow, who was formerly private secretary to the Hon G. Fowlds), and has charge of the Post and Telegraphs, Old Age Pensions and the Friendly Societies Department. It has been stated that the Minister intends removing to Wellington, but he informs me that although his duties will necessitate liis residence here his home in Christchurch will be continued, for that is where his family will live.

The go-as-you-pleaso concern by which people are transported xo and from tha AYairarapa, remarks the “ Ago,” is becoming more irritating to the public every day. 'Die journey between Masterton and AVellington now occupies anything between from four hours and a day. The trains (if such they can ho termed) appear to have been overcome with a permanent fit of tlie “ slows.” For three successive nights they have been more than an hour late in their arrival in Masterton. There is no excuse, no apology, no refund cf fares to the exasperated travellers. Tho public, which is waiting for its mails, is allowed to stand on the doorstep and breathe silent anathemas. Tlie country is prospering. Tho finances are buoyant. AA : c have a new Minister of Railways. Everything is going along splendidly—excepting the AA’airarapa trains. And these—well, these beggar description.

The following is the return of the business transacted at tho Ashburton Court during tho quarter ended March 31, 1912 Cases heard by the Stipendiary Magistrate, 58; aggregate amount sued for, £893 12s sd, of which £517 0s od was recovered; summonses'issued for debt, 88; distress warrants, 3 ; judgment summonses, 14; orders made on judgment summonses, 2; debt summonses and other processes served by the bailiff and assistants within two miles, 74; debt summonses and other processes over two miles, 25; distress warrants executed within two miles, 3 ; over two miles, 4. The amount of civil fees paid in stamps totalled £52 12s. Under tlie heading of criminal cases 91 persons (87 males and 4 females) were taken into custody,_ summoned, or apprehended. Criminal fees paid in stamps amounted to £l7 7s, and fines totalled £llß 13s. Tho fines payable to local bodies for breaches of the bylaws amounted to £l9.

Tho Christchurch Kindergarten Association held its usual fortnightly meeting last evening. There was a good attendance, and several now members wore elected. The president. Mr Caugliley, gave an address on “Tho Relation of tho Kindergarten to tho Primary School.” The. speaker emphasised that there was much in common between the kindergarten and the primary school. In many respects the purpose, methods and curriculum were very similar. The founder of the kindergarten had in mind a complete scheme of education based on natural principles. Ho also endeavoured to embody the schemo and principles in a certain type of school. Many schools and many teachers had adopted and developed many of Froobol’s princinles xVitlionfc adopting the type of .school Froebel founded. Some" schools adopted tho form without the spirit, others the spirit without the form, while many blended liot.lt form and spirit. The sneaker urged that in order to make the kindergarten effective the schools should be in definite and official relation to the primary schools. Both grades of school work would he modified for the better by such co-ordination. The address was followed bv a discussion, and a hearty yoto of thanks was accorded to Mr Caugliley for his address.

Eleven conferences within a week is Wellington’s record for tlio Easter period. Tlie need for an up-to-date ambulance kit in all sawmills, timber yards, and bushes, in view of the frequency of accidents to mill employees, was referred to at the Timber Workers’ Conference when a motion requesting an amendment of the Factories Act, so as to require employers to provide such kits, wus carried.

In the course of conversation with tv? ‘‘ A . uckla «* Herald.” representative Mr Baird, District. Telegraph Engineer, stated that two slot telephones installed in Auckland were proving a great convenience to the public, who by putting two pennies in the slot were enabled to communicate with subscribers on the telephone list. These two telephones have given 'satisfaction in every way, and have shown no tendency to get out of order ; in spite of very frequent use. In view of the satisfactory working of the slot machines, the Department has decided to instal three more in the course of tho next few days.

A meeting of the Christchurch Pigeon Club was held in the Poultry Chib’s. Rooms on Wednesday evening, Mr R. Ashworth presiding over a large attendance. Accounts in connection with the recent show were passed for payment. The drawing of the art union in connection with the show took place. It was decided that at the olub’s next meeting a show of longfaced black tumblers and workinghomers would take place, to he followed bj' a discussion on these breeds. Votes of thanks were accorded Messrs R. Bg.Aleshaw and D. Dore, judges at the show, and also the Penning Committee and those who helped to obtain entries.

Tlie architects of Wellington are said to be not too happy a body at present, and it is hinted that the decision of the judge in connection with the recent competition in connection with the planfning of the proposed new House of Par* liarjient is not unconnected with “ the rift within the lute.” There has been in existence for some time an Institute of Architects, who were wont to hold an annual conference. An endeavour is now being made to form a Society of Architects on similar lines to the British Society of Architects, designed to consider matters of business interest to the profession. A meeting will he held shorilv to formulate rules and elect offioers. It is intended that branches of the Society will be established later on in other centres throughout the dominion.

Mr H. Spargo, captain of the Wellington drivers’ team, has issued a, tug-of-war challenge, covering all Australasia, and is ready with £2OO to show that his team can beat any other team, two pulls out of three, writes the Sydney correspondent of the " Post.”_ The Sydney, veteran, M„ Fitzpatrick, who captains the champion New South Wales team, and who, as a captain, has not known defeat since 1899, is taking steps to accommodate Mr Spargo, and we shall soon, it would appear, have a revival of tug-c of-war competitions worthy of the name. Tho present champion team in New South Wales is the Waverley team. Fitzpatrick is a great all-round atlilote—a boxer and sculler, among, other tilings. He will seek to have the competition held under the auspices of the New South Wales Rugby League. He proposes ten men a-side, with captain as coach.

The annual meeting. of St Peter’s branch of the Church of England Men’s Society was held at the Vicarage, Temuka, on Wednesday evening. The president, the Rev A. H. Norris, presided. The annual report stated that tho 3 T ear had not been one of marked success. .The branch had endeavoured to form a church senior cadet half-company, hut had failed owing to an insufficient membership. During the year four new. members were admitted and' two members resigned. The financial _ position was good, and with enthusiastic members the branch should have a successful year. Two members of the branch ■ rendered valuable service at the recent camps at Orari, where the Society’s military institute proved a boon to those in camp. The annual bal-ance-sheet showed a small credit balance. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Rev A. H. Norris, vice-president, Dr Curtis; secretary and treasurer. Mr L. V. Talbot; committee, Rev A. H. Norris, Dr Curtis, Messrs AY. P. Scowen, F. W. Salmon, AY. P. Routledge and AA r . Pearse. Unusual circumstances in connection with a charge of desertion from the steamer Tongariro, which occurred in. AVellington about a year ago, were mentioned in the police court at Auckland yesterday, states a Press Association telegram. A middle-aged man named Charles Hearn admitted tlie offence, but said that lie had deserted without intention. He had spent an evening with several friends, and did; not recover in time to rejoin his ship before she sailed, at a time when a sum of £7 was owing to him in wages. Since then he had worked hard, in the country and gained several certificates, which Tie produced. “He has not been a nuisance by any means,” said SubInspector Hendry, " and if ho had nob been straightforward with us he would not be before the Court now.” Mr F. V. Frazer, S.M., said that he would certainly not send the man to goal, and he was loth to make him pay expenses for a mistake made over a year ago, and as £7 was still due to him. tills sum was now held by the Board of Trade, and it would ho ridiculous if the Board kept it when tlie steamer’s owners had been put to expense in tha matter. Hearn would have to pay tha cost of issue of the warrant, and an. effort would ho made to have this refunded out of'his wagges, which should go to the company. Acoused would ba discharged. Tho American system of supplying travelling libraries to State schools from the chief public library of the city is to be tried in AVellington within a week or two. Mr AY. T. Grundy, headmaster of the Clyde Quay School, was struck with the idea as explained to him by Mr Herbert Baillio (Public Librarian) on his return from America, and asked through his committee that the new idea should be tried in connection with his school. The proposal was agreed to, and a good many suitable books have been secured for the initiation of the scheme in AVellington. A little longer time has been taken over the matter owing to its being an unfavourable time of the year for buying books locally, most of tho places having pretty well exhausted their stocks of the right kind of "books for boys and girls at Christmas. A number of bookcases have been provided at the Clyde Quay School for the third, fourth, fifth and sixth class scholars, and these are to be filled for a stated period in a day or two, and when tho supply is exhausted they will probably be sent on to another school, and Clyde Quay will get a fresh supply. By this method one lot of books will last a school a considerable time. If there aro sixty soTto.'ars in a class and sixty books are provided, they would last a school sixty weeks, or well over a year. Last few weeks of Fletcher Bros.’ Great Clearing Out Sale, 128, Hijß* Street. These premise? has;::" bsc-a leased from May 1, everything will have to bo sold, regardless of cost, 60 this is the opportunity of these about to ha married to procure Dinnerware, Teawear, Cutlery, etc., at practically their own nrices. 1756

Is everything a bother to you? That’s sluggish liver, and it leads to Melancholia and hinders progress. Try a bottle of Berry’s famous Liver and Kidney Tonic. Certain cure. 2s 6d, post free os. Juo. Berry, Colombo Street. 1988

Willi ■wriimgroagrogKiyt / The Hon G. Laurenson, Minister of Marine, ■will open the Coronation Baths At Sumner to-morrow afternoon. With the exception.of the Rangitata, Which was dirty, all the Canterbury trout streams were reported clear yesday morning.

A cable message from Suva reports An epidemic of dysentery. There are eighty cases in the hospital and forty in private homes. Forty prisoners in the gaol have been attacked. A largely-attended meeting was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Lyttelton, last evening for the purpose of making arrangements for a banquet to bo tendered to the Hon G. Laurenson. A committee was set up to deal with the matter and it was decided to hold tho banquet early in July.

. On Wednesday evening the annual meeting of the St Albans Wesley Guild was held. There was a representative attendance. The report and balancesheet were adopted and officers elected for the session. A committee was appointed to prepare a syllabus, and the opening social was fixed for May 2.

A meeting of the various committees formed to promote Mr H. Holland’s candidature for tho mayoralty was hold last evening in the Manchester Chambers. There was a large attendance, ind encouraging reports wore received from all parts of Greater Christchurch. Arrangements were made for a number of puWic meetings to be held in the various wards. ,

At the fortnightly_ meeting of the Young Women’s National Prohibition Guild it was decided, as the recent concert was so successful, to give a second concert, and repeat the three main items of the first concert. Miss Musgrove, who occupied the chair, expressed appreciation of the work done by the members of the concert committee, and proposed that the same committee should remain in office. It was decided that letters of thanks should be sent to all who had assisted and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Miss Musgrove for her services as convener of the conoert committee.

Appreciative reference was made by Chaplain-Major Shirer at the meeting of the Wellington Presbytery on Tuesday to the conduct of the men at the Territorial camps. He reported that In the discharge of his duties he had conducted service in the Trentham camp on Sunday. It was a pleasure to notice that under the new regulations the various churches had opportunity to provide for the spiritual Heeds of tneir people, and this had . been done. He considered the conduct of the men both at church parade and during the day worthy of praise, and every co-operation was given by officers to the chaplains in the discharge of their duty.

The final meeting of the present West Christchurch High School Committee was held on Wednesday evening; present—Messrs J. H. Jones (chairman). T. Murray, J- M’Cullough, G., Barrell, H. Holland, and W. Sheldon. It was decided to enter an emphatio protest against the action of the Board of Education in delaying the permanent appointment of a junior teaoher to the staff, seeing that the school had more than qualified for the teacher during six- consecutive quarters. It was also decided to apply for an additional permanent teacher for the secondary department. It was agreed to congratulate the Hon H. G. S2l, a former pupil of this school, on his having been appointed a Minister of the Crown.

Messrs Norton and Jackson, the wellfcnown whalers, recently left their summer - hunting-ground at Long Channel ind went south, with a party of five others, to Campbell Island, where a large whaling station has been established. In tho course of a conversation on board the Mararoa, the whalers ...stated that, they were on their way. to 1 join forces with two Norwegian whaling ships., They were taking with them two oil launches and a big whaleboat. In accordance with an annual custom they are following the whales, which migrate south each autumn after the calving season. The Norwegians take the oil and the New Zealand whalers the whalebone. During last season the party secured thirteen whales in Tory Channel. Whalebone brings up to £2OOO a ton for six-foot lengths, and lesser sums, down to £BOO a ton, for smaller stuff, so that the profits of the venture are considerable. The oil is boiled out at Campbell Island, and on the island 6000 sheep are grazed. The New Zealanders will return to Tory Channel about September next. A meeting of the Ellesmere Lands Drainage Board was held at Mr R. H. Rhodes’s office on Saturday last; present—Messrs R. H. Rhodes, M.P. {chairman), R. M. Morten. H. E. Peryman, J. Osborne, W. Thompson and F. Millar. The action taken by Messrs Rhodes and Morten with regard to the -cleaning of the river was approved. The Panama County Council wrote regarding the pontoon and dredge and concerning, papers from the Selwyn County Council. The Department of Agriculture wrote stating that the inspector had given notice to owners of property to remove gorse growing on the Halswell River frontage. Mr Hawkes attended the meeting and explained to the Board that the Springs Road Board had paid heavily for its weedcutter. but he was sure a large saving could be made if it were propefly handled. He suggested a scheme by which this could be effected, and on the motion of Mr Peryman, Messrs Rhodes and Osborne were appointed a committee to arrange matters in connection with the work. Accounts amounting to £95 11s lid wore passed for payment. A meeting of the congregation of the Temuka Presbyterian Church was • held on Wednesday evening. There was a good attendance, and. the Rev . C. Macdonald occupied the chair. The chairman said that the meeting was called to welcomo Mr Fraser Barton, who h&d recently taken over the duties of travelling secretary to the Bible \ Class movement formerly carried on '.by the Rev G. H. Jupp. Mr Macdonald •trusted that the future of the movement would be one of great success. Mr Barton suitably acknowledged tho welcome extended to him. In reference to tho Bible Class summer camp which is to be held at Temuka. Mr Barton said he had every reason to believe that the camp would be a record one. The Rev G. H. Jupp. formerly travelling secretary of tlie Bible Class movement, also addressed the meeting. The election of officers to carry out necessary arrangements in connection with the camp resulted as follows chairman,' the Rev C. Macdonald, vice-chairmen. Messrs H. M’Cully and M. M’Leod; secretary, Mr A. H. Ekins; registrar, Mr L. G. Scrimshaw. A committee of sixteen members was also appointed. Tho ladies of the congregation provided refreshments. 1 -A'FRENCHMAN’S PAPERS An awkward situation in whicli a French visiter to Auckland recently found himself had an amusing denouement, states the “ New Zealand Herald.” The. gentleman, an official from Tahiti, arrived in Auckland lost week by the Talune. on his way to Prance on a six months’’furlough. He hroughb with him a passport, a birth certificate, and certain other official documents of considerable importance to himself, hut of no value to anyone else. Theso papers he cn fried with him in a small parcel, and last Thursday he happened to leave the package on a seat in Albert Park Qoming back a few moments later, he found that a light-fingered member of the community had lifted his property in the meantime, and in some perturbation ho endeavoured to explain his loss to one of the gardeners. As the Frenchman speaks no English he found it difficult to make •ay headway until an official of the

Auckland detectivo department, who speaks French fluently, came to the rescue. Fie was advised to report his loss to the police, which lie did. The papers were recovered shortly afterwards by a constable, who found them in Queen Street, abandoned by the thief as soon as he discovered their valueless nature. When tho owner called to claim his property, trouble again arose through the absence of an interpreter. . The official he interviewed set out to tell his visitor, by signs, to return again at eight o’clock, when he knew their French scholar would be at the station. The gentleman, having apparently grasped the purport of tho signs, went off, but failed to return at tho timo indicated. When ho did return, on Saturday morning, ho was so lucky as to find the official who could speak French, and was rejoiced to have his property restored to him. "While a receipt was being made out for him to sign, the visitor produced some money front his pocket and proceeded to count out eight shillings. ’ When asked what that was for, he replied: “Why, the gentleman in there told me there would bo eight shillings to pay.” Tho language of signs is now at a discount at tho police station.

DAIMLERS FOR THE EMPEROR OF JAPAN.

There are aristocrats amongst motorcars an well as in human society, and the rulers of countries set tho fashion. The aristocrat amongst cars in Britain and Europo is the Silent Knight Daimler. The King of England owns eight Daimlers, and Daimlers are used by the Emperor of Germany, the Czar of Russia, and a host of lesser European royalties. On tho seventeenth of last month tho Emperor of Japan placed an order for three Silent Knight Daimler cars. Monarchs can command the best of expert advice on all matters, and the advisers of the thrones of Europo and of the new great Western Empire give their votes in favour of the Daimler car and the Silent Knight engine. Why? In the first place, the finish of Daimlers is incomparable. No more handsome or dignified cars ha.vo ever been designed. And then there is the beautiful, suave, impressive silence of the Knight engine. No fussing and rattling and tap-tap-tapping of obsolete tappet valves. The cars are finished in perfect taste, equipped with perfect luxury, and they run absolutely silently. We have just sold to Mr H. Isaacs, of Dunedin, a. beautiful 15-25 h.p. Daimler, finished in apple-green, with black lines, and upholstered in a harmonising shade of green. This car, and a similar one finished in dark blue with white lines, will be on view at our garage to-day. Mr Isaacs’ car leaves Christchurch at the end of the week, and motorists interested should see it at once. Tho 15-25 h.p. Daimler sells at the English price, £SOO, plus importing charges, hood l , shield, lamps, etc., being charged extra. Adams, Ltd., agents for Silent Knight Daimler cars. Garage, T'uam Street, Christchurch. 1988