LOCAL & GENERAL

Otago Witness, Issue 2007, 11 August 1892, Page 20

LOCAL & GENERAL

Mr W. Cuningham Smith, manager of the Burnside Refrigerating Works, who was fined Is and costs last week in connection with the non-registration of the works under the Factories Act, telegraphed to the Hon. Mr Ward on the matter, and has received a reply to the effect that it was never intended that freezing works should come under the Factories Act, and that it was the intention of the Government to consider the question.

Three brothers, named Matson, who are labourers by occupation, recently arrived in Melbourne with LlB6, their joint savings. On a recent Saturday they met a man who in a most plausible manner introduced the brothers to two other men, the result being that the Matsons were victimised of all their money under the representation of taking shares in a most profitable business enterprise.

Dr T. G. M'Kellar, formerly a student of Ofcago University, and who graduated at Edinburgh, is expected to arrive in Dunedin within the next fortnight. Dr M'Kellar has been engaged in the practice of his profession for 18 months in Cheshire, and latterly at Rotherham Hospital, in England.

The Tapanui Courier is assured by landowners in several portions of Otogo that they cannot get sufficient labourers to perform ordinary winter work of hedge cutting, ditching, fencing, &c. Really good labourers aro exceedingly scarco, aud wages rule high. Rabbiters aro also none too numerous for station work this season.

The planet Mars is now a beautiful object in the eastern sky every evening, and anyone in possession or within reach of a good telescope should not miss this opportunity of having a good look at it. The planet is now nearer to the earth than it has been for 15 years past, and than it will bo for the next 15 years. The distance is estimated at 35,000,000 miles from tho earth. The planet was in opposition on tho 4th, but its very nearest approach will be on the 7th. A good telescope readily shows just now the polar "snow " and the " oceans," and generally impresses an observer with the idea that he is looking at a real world not very unlike our own.

A four-roomed wooden building and contents, the property of Mr James Small, of Otautau, was destroyed by fire about 1 o'clock on the morning of August 1. Property to the value of Llls was lost by the fire, the origin of which is supposed to be accidental. The insurances are unknown.

Our Lawrence correspondent writes: — "Inspectors Petrie and Taylor have examined the District High School, and it is understood the results are fully equal to previous years, Mr Stenhouse maintaining his reputation for having one of the best schools in Otago. They have afeo examined the Waitahuna District School with satisfactory results, the percentage of passes being about 90."

Formerly there was a good deal of cattlestealing in certain northern districts of Auckland, but the police authorities succeeded in stamping this class of crime out after a good deal of trouble. It has been succeeded by sheep-stealing, and as offences of this character aro less easy of detection than the other some settlers are continually victimised. One of these was Colonel Noake, of Onoke, Hokianga, but he, by offering a standing reward and getting one conviction, has managed to save his mutton tolerably well. Mr Williams, of I'akaraka, has not been so fortunate, and ho mourns this season the loss of 100 sheep, which appear to have been taken in a systematic and organised fashion. The Government had decided on transferring, in the interests of retrenchment, the sergeant of police from Kawakawa to Hawera, but he has now received orders to remain with a view of securing the perpetrators of these outrages. Rightly or wrongly, the gumdiggers— the pariahs of the north — get such crimes laid on their broad backs, as from their Bohemian and gipsy life the temptations thereto are strong ; but on the other hand many of tho men so engaged are decent, honest fellows, who go to the gumfields in the winter as " the poor man's diggings." In the long run the police will be able to sheet home the offences to the real offenders. — Own correspondent.

A concert by the Sunday School children, assisted by the church choir, was given in the Highcliff school ou Friday evening, when the schoolroom was crowded. The Rev. Mr Greig occupied the chair, and in a short address congratulated the people of tho. Peninsula on their evident desire to have their children instructed in Biblical knowledge. lie referred to the large number of signatures to the petition for Bible-reading in schools got up in the district as compared with those in more populous districts. Mr Mathieson conducted very effectively, and in addition gave a recitation in good style, while Miss Riddell, assisted by Miss Graham, did good service at the organ. The first part of the programme consisted of selections, and tho second of pieces from the cantata " Under the palms." The entertainment proved most successful. l

No question that has come before the local branch of the Otago Education Institute for a considerable time has created &o much interest as that relating to the classification of teachers, which was discussed at Saturday's meeting of the branch. There was an unusually large attendance, a number of country teachers being present ; and, what is still more unusual, several ladies graced the meeting with their presence. A motion to consider the whole question in committee was lost, the majority evidently being of opinion that as much publicity as possible should be given to the proceedings, as the matter was one which affected tho whole of the teachers in the employ of the board. Mr Garrow opened the ball by adversely criticising Mr Davidson's scheme, which was recently discussed at the annual meeting of the institute ; and Mr White, of the Normal School, replied to this criticism,

pointing out that Me Garrow had no idea of what the institute had done about the matter, and stating that he (Mr Garrow) had not observed tho differences that existed between Mr Davidson's scheme and the proposals of the committee of the institute, as set forth in their report which was forwarded to the Education Board. Mr Garrow and Mr White together engaged the attention of the meeting for nearly three hours, and shortly before 2 o'clock it was agreed to adjourn the debate until Saturday next, the mover of the motion for adjournment expressing the opinion that the discussion should extend over some weeks.

It is becoming evident that there is a strong desire on the part of the women of Dunedin to acquire a practical knowledge of nursing, with all its accessories, in the direction of hygienic teaching. To a large extent provision is made by the St. John Ambulance Association in the interesting aud instructive lectures given by members of the medical profession under the auspices of the society. On Saturday afternoon Dr Closs inaugurated a series of lectures on nursing at tho Y.W.C. A. Rooms, when about 70 ladies were present. The lecturer dealt with and lucidly explained tho process of circulation, respiration, digestion, absorption, oxidation, and regulation of temperature, besides referring to the glossopharyngeal" and other nerves, as well as the functions of the salivary glands. The second lecture will be delivered next Saturday.

Mr H. P. Bastings having been urged to form a league for the purpose of promoting the objects set forth in his co-operative industrial scheme, has decided to do so provided a sufficient number of persons are prepared to take an interest in the matter. He will be glad to hear from auyone willing to assist, and if it is deemed desirable a public meeting will then be called to discuss the matter.

A very serious accident happened on Thursday last (says the Southern Standard> to three children belonging to Mr Orchard, of the Landslip Valley road, near Pukerau. It appears that Mr Orchard, who works a coalpit there, had, during tho afternoon, left to take a trolly load of coal some short distance away. He left his three girls, aged respectively 16, 7, and 5 years, playing in front of the coalpit. He had only been away a few minutes, but on his return fouud that tho face of earth had slipped, and only tho eldest girl was to be seen, lying on the ground with the bone of her leg protruding through her stocking, and partially,, covered with clay. Tho two others could not be seen, but Mr Orchard, with the help of his two boys, at once bogan digging for the buried children. In a few seconds tho youngest child was dug out, almost suffocated — in fact, she was quite black in tho face. Tho other girl was found lying almost alongside the youngest, but had secured more breathing space ; however, she had her collarbone broken and also three of her ribs, besides being very much bruised. After considerable effort the youngest sufferer was brought to consciousness, and, beyond a few bruises, is now nothing tho worse. Dr Copland was telegraphed for, and arrived shortly after. He set the bones of the two girls who had received fractures. By latest advices they were doing as well as could be expected.

In our obituary column this week appears a notice of the death of an old identity in the person of Mr R. Meredith, who has passed away at the advanced age of 74 years. The deceased, after having spent some years in Australia, came to Dunedin from Tasmania in 1862. He carried on a farm at Pine Hill for many years, but of late has resided on his property in town. He was of a retiring disposition, and never took any part in public affairs. He leaves a widow and one son and one daughter.

A cablegram was received in town on Saturday announcing the death in Scotland of Mr Alfred Boot, the well-known dentist, of this city. The deceased gentleman being in rather indifferent health, left on a trip to the Home country in February, and was accompanied by his eldest daughter. Mr Boot, who was 5'A years of age, was bora in Leicester, England. He has been in business in Dunedin for 31 years, and was well known throughout the country. He leaves a widow, two sons, and six daughters, who will have the sympathy of all who knew the deceased, who was esteemed by a large circle of friends.

The hospital returns for the past week are as follow: — Remaining in the institution from the previous week, 69 ; admitted, 20 ; discharged, 15; remaining at present time, 72. There were two deaths, the deceased being Samuel Hill and Yee Vim.

The Mataura Ensign reports that feonie months ago the postmaster at Gore, the mail matter proving too heavy for a lad, ventured to ask for a hand cart, and suggested that it could bebuilc locally. His application was forwarded from the Invercargill head to Wellington with a recommendation that it ba granted. Several months having elapsed, and no answer being forthcoming, another application was made. Still delay, and a further application was made, and a memo, was received from headquarters that a cart was being made in Wellington, and was being forwarded by the Government s.s. Hinemoa !

Among the peculiar occupations for American women (enumerated by the Anglo-American Times) are the following :— ln Buffalo a woman runs a street-cleaning bureau ; in Kansas city a woman is in the fire department ; at Vassar a woman combs hair at 25 cents a head ; a Louisville lady makes special shopping trips to Paris ; another in New York makes flat furnishing a business; slill another in New Hampshire is president of a street railway company ; while Chicago has a woman embalmer.

A Blenheim telegram states that Dr and Mrs Hodley have been committed for trial for illtreating a child five months old.

The intelligence of the death of Mr George H. Mackisack, who was for the last 16 years' head salesman for Neill and Co. (Limited), was received with general regret in commercial circles on the 4th inst. He was af aithf ul servant to his employers, over whose premises the flag was displayed half-mast high out of respect to his memory, and he was highly respected among business men and among his private acquaintances. He was born in Belfast about 42 years ago, and he leaves a widow and family of 6even young children to mourn their loss.

Two swaggers, named Jarvey and Wilkins, were arrested at Eketahuna, Wellington, on the 3rd inst. ou a charge of intimidation. They went to the residence of Mr J. F. Heckler, at Mangamahoe, to ask for refreshments, and on being refused they became abusive, threatening to burn down the house. One of them took a ticket from his pocket, and wrote on it: '•Look out for your life to-night; I am going to take it." The ticket was pinned on the gate post. Both men were respectably dressed.

The following appeared in Monday's Daily Times : — On Sunday morning Mrs Lyndhurst, residing at the corner of Cargill and Scotland streets, gave information to tho police that her niece— a girl named Jeannio Craig, who had re-

cently been discharged from a lunntic asylum — had been missing since the previous night. The girl had left a letter behind her, in which she said that she was on her way to Milton by the 10.30 p.m. train, where she hoped to die. She also stated that she had drunk the fluid of one dozen matches on Saturday morning, and had taken nine on the previous day, but they had no effect on her. The police instituted a search for the girl, but up to a late hour on Sunday night had received no information as to her whereabouts. — On Tuesday the Daily Times said :—: — The police have received information that the girl named Jeannie Craig — whose disappearance since Saturday had been reported by her aunt, Mrs Lyndhurst, who resides at tho corner of Cargill and Scotland streets— reached Milton, where her parents live, at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, having walked out from town.

The capping ceremony in connection with the New Zealand University takes place in the Garrison Hall on September 2. Mr W. D. Milne, M.A., who will represent the chancellor, will occupy the chair, and addresses will be given by Bishop Nevill, Rev. Dr Stuart (chancellor of the Otago University), and Mr D. R. Whijie, M.A. The Rev. J. J. Lewis spoke at pome length at Wellington on Sunday evening on the Wesleyan Trust Amendment Bill, which he said was of vital importance to the connexion in this colony. He also said it was only anticipating what had been proposed in former meetings of the conference. It was proposed 15 years ago, at a meeting in Wellington, to abolish the time limit. He combated the assertion that the laity had not been consulted on the matter. At the call of Mr Lewis 600 hands were held up in approval of the bill.

G. T. Joss, master of the wrecked barque Edith May, has been arrested at Wellington on a charge of forging the name of M. O'Hara, a publican at Wanganui, to a receipt for LI 14s. He was remanded to Wanganui, bail being allowed.

The Rev. Dr Brown, the general secretary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, delivered a lecture on " Picturesque New Guinea" in the Wesleyan Church, Mornington, on Monday night. Dr Brown is one of the oldest missionaries of the society, having been connected with mission work for more than 30 years. After giving a brief outline of the work done by the society which he represents in the various South Sea groups, he gave a very graphic and interesting account of two recent voyages to New Guinea. On his first voyage he was tho guest of his Excellency Sir William Macgregor (the Governor of British New Guinea), and accompanied that gentleman in the steam yacht Merrie England on a visit along tho south coast of the mainland, from Port Moresby to Chad's Bay on the north-east coast, and also among the little known but large island groups lying off tho east end of New Guinea. On his second voyage Dr Brown was in chargo.of a mission party, which he says was probably tho largest party which was ever sent out by any socieby in the world, to establish a now mission. He gave a graphic account of the establishment ef tho mission at Dobu, in tho De Entrecasteaux Group, and also of a subsequent visit to the islands of New Britain, to which group he weut as the pioneer missionary about 18 years ago. The lecture was illustrated by some fine lantern views from photographs, which were taken by the lecturer in New Guinea and New Britain, which gave an excellent representation of the people and places visited. The church was crowded, and additional seats had to be provided.

The Lovell's Flat correspondent of the Clutha Leader gays that there have been several changes in the occupancy of farms here lately. Indeed, throughout the Tokomairiro district there has been almost a boom in this direction. Leasing has been the invariable rule, the tenants being, almost invariably, our settlers' 6ons just leaving home to fight the battle of life for themselves.

Among the awards for gallantry in saving life this year the following come to New Zealand : — Silver medal : James White, of Opotiki, storekeeper, rescued Robert Rawson, of Opotiki, aged 18 years, from downing at Opotiki Bar, on the 15th August 1891. Five fishermen were capsized in the breakers outside the bar. White, in a dingey, went to the rescue. When about 50 yards from the upturned boat one of his oars broke. With one oar he reached the capsized boat, but of the five Robert Rawson alone remained, and he was insane. After getting him into his dingey he sculled back with him in safety. One of the others was saved by two Natives, but the other three were drowned. The Natives resuscitated one man by holding him over a smoky fire, which is their mode of resuscitating the drowned. Bronze medals ; William Nightingale, John Bates, and John F. Connelly. Certificates of merit : Thomas Bolton, George Grey Smith, William J. Murdock, John Dwyer, W. Molony, Henry Huckstep, Michael Brady, Edward Mackay, Percy T. Prichard, Bessie Howard, Andrew Miller, and William Grey.

At the Taranaki street Weslcyau Church, Wellington, on Sunday night, a petition was largely signed for presentation to the House praying that the totalisator be not licensed, as its use has led to the encouragement of gambling, and has helped to keep up racing studs at the expense of tradesmen and others.

Our Arrowtown correspondent telegraphed on Tuerday as follows :—": — " A fire broke out this afternoon in Mr S. K. Carswell's general store and the place is now (5 p.m.) full of flames, and there is no chance of saving anything. The adjoining buildings, however, may be considered safe, as the fire is exhausting itself."

The Christchurch Press states that on Sunday morning St. John's Church presented a striking appearance on the occasion of the ladies taking their place in the chancel of the church in their new vestments. Twelve or 14 Udies in cardinal-coloured robes with trencher caps, walking in procession, formed a picturesque group. But the advantage was not one merely of appearance. The volume of sound in the choir was increased and harmonised by the fact that the gentlemen and ladies were placed in contiguous positions — the organist having the whole choir under more perfect control than formerly. Several changes were made in the usual method of conducting the services in St. John's. The Confession and the Lord's Prayer were "said" instead of being intoned, while the Creed was sung to a simple setting, with increased effect. The incumbent, in the morning, preached from 1 Cor., xiv, 40 : — "Let all things be done decently and in order," — referring to the changes made in the service, and inviting all to endeavour to make the services simple, hearty, and spiritual, while preserving a good musical and rubrical character.

Mr Robert Stewart, of Garthmyle, was appointed to value the improvements on the Museum reserve, Sfcrath-Taieri, in terms of the lease, which expires in April next.

Mr B. M. Smith, M.H.R., has received the following report from Sir James Hector' upon two samples of pig and bar iron, made from iron sand at Onehunga Works :— " Pig: This

is superior isi quality to tho eainplo melted at Hiuui Taranaki, in 1889 ; more finely granulated, and is besides homogeneous. It is clearly a good pig iron. "Bar: The sample is very close in texture, very fine in the grain, homogeneous, and perfectly malleable."

At the Port Chalmers Police Court on Tuesday, before Messrs A. Thomson and W.Reid, J.P's., William Painter, George Docherty, George Ryall, and Ernest Honeybone, all boys, were charged with removing a number of trees from the Town Belt on Arbor Day. They pleaded not guilty, and stated that they were only looking at the names on some of. the trees that had been planted. After hearing the evidence of Frederick Smith and William Stevenson, who said they saw Docherty, Ryall, and Honeybone pull out some of the trees, the Bench said there was no evidence against Painter. Mr Thomson severely reprimanded the others, but it being the first case of the kind the bench discharged them, trusting that it would act as a caution to both them and others, as in the the event of them again appearing before the court they would be severely dealt with.

During the past year the numbers of the Dunedin School of Art Club have been making steady and satisfactory progress. The work sent in shows in almost every instance a decided improvement, while the membership has about doubled. The coming exhibition, which is confined to strictly original work, should therefore be an interesting one. On the various meeting nights good work has been done from living models. Some time ago a gold medal was offered for the best study from " Still Life," to be confined to an inkstand, candle, candlestick, and book. This competition resulted in a number of interesting studies being sent in, and these have been sent on to Mr H. Eliot, of the School of Design, Christchurch, to be judged. The time allowed was, however, rather limited, and several were unable to get their work finished in time. To remedy this, it is intended next year to give more time, and also to have a series of competitions, so that members can go in for landscape, still life, or figure study, as they please. The coming exhibition, which will be tield in the Choral Hall early in September, promises to be a great success, a large number of tickets having already been sold. It will be held on exactly the same lines as last year as regards the price of tho tickets and participation in the art union, but it is intended to make it more popular by tho addition of extra musical evenings. An illustrated catalogue will also be published.

At Wellington on Tufslny a man named G. Titmus was sentenced to six months' hard labour for obtaining monoy by false representations. His plan was to travel tho country as a doctor, offering a cure for diphtheria and cancer atL5.

A large audience assembled in Barr's Hal), Balclutha, on Monday evening, when Sir Robeit Stout lectured on " Liberalism and its Development in tho Present Century." Tho lecturer said that ho ought, perhaps, to have appeared before a Balclutha audience and tendered thorn his thanks beforo. Ho could not forgot that in 1887, when others opposed him, the Clutha constituency returned a member pledged to support him ; and if changes nad taken place since then, he was sure the constituency had remained as in 1887. At the close of tho lecture a strong branch of the Liberal Association was formed.

The Timaru Herald is informed that the attempt to float the steamer Elginshire will be made on Saturday next, on the morning tide. The united pumping power now in place on board is said to be enormous, so that no difficulty should be experienced under that head. It is understood that from a close inspection of the hull, made both from outside and inside under water, no rocks project through the plates. The water has got in through several plates buckling and starting the rivets. If the syndicate are successful, and all Timaru hope they will be, the steamer will come to an anchor in Caroline Bay, to undergo temporary repairs to rudder, &c.

The Auckland Agricultural Society has asked the Acclimatisation Society to take measures for the introduction of swallows, goat suckers, and^fly catchers. MriCheeseman has written to the Melbourne Zoological Society about the matter, but has not yet received an answer. The introduction of bats was also discussed.

A telegram from Tauranga gives particulars of an extraordinary accident to a Native named Pukepuke. He tried to draw the charge from a shot gun by the sucking out of the barrel, when it exploded, and his cheeks were blown away. His condition is precarious.

In our report of the meeting of the Land Board an error crept in with respect to the jetty site at Pembroke. Mr R. M'Dougall's application for a site opposite sections 23, 2*l, and 25 was grantt d for 24 and 25 only. Mr Pyke's application for site opposite sections 22 and 23 was therefore withdrawn.