Keeping the Works Going.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7267, 21 July 1893, Page 3

Keeping the Works Going.

The Wanganui Chromcie b FeuponsiDle for the following : “ For ways that are dark and tricks that are vain ” it is not always necessary to seek out the heathen Chinee. As is well-known it has been a practice in the colony for some time past that in some cases prison labour might be given for public works. In connection with this we heard a good story, the facts for which are reported to have occurred somewhere in this district and not a hundred years ago. It appears that work of a public nature was in progress, and the services of a hard-labour gang had been secured conditionally that the number of men did not fall below half-a-dozsn. Wow it came to the ears of one of the principals concerned in the work that the time of one of the men would expire in a day or two, and that, consequently, the number employed then being only six, the others would be withdrawn, ponding another arreot and conviction, To an ordinary mortal there was no way out of such a dilemma, but this particular man was a little more than ordinary, and realising that someone would have to be found to fill he vacancy, he cast his eyes about him. Now it so happened that an old drunk, wellknown to’ the " perlice," was in the street at the time, but unfortunately in a wretched state of sobriety. “My man," said the smart one, “ how much would it take you to get drunk on ? Could you manage on half a* crown ?” Surprised, but not disconcerted, the veteran toper humbly replied " Dunno sir ; wouldn’t mind trying, but I’d swear to do it on four bob!” “Well, here you are, just break the record,” and four “ Colonel .Roberta ” were quickly handed over. Just about an hour afterwards a man horribly intoxicated staggered up the street, and the worthy citizen whose charity we have chronicled, was not far away. Presently a constable sauntered up, and , was accosted with, “ Well, this is a pretty state of things. A specimen of drunken depravity walking the streets, and you doing nothing. I’ll make it my business to report you.” The sequel is quickly told. The drunk was run in, charged convicted, and accomodated for three months. The work went on uninterrupted.

There was a good attendance at the grain Bale at Tattersall’s, which was proceeding as we go to press. There was a particularly good competition for oats. The sale seems to be a success —buyers being present from Ashburton, Christchurch, and other centres besides the principal local grain merchants and dealers. The Auckland Herald of a few days ago stated that Sir George Grey’s health still remains very frail* He was confined to his bed and owing to his general weakness his medical attendant has prohibited any visitors seeing him. The doctor has strongly urged Sir George to abandon his intention of going to Wellington, and it is probable that he will yield to the representations made to him as to the state of his health.

j The Temuks. Caledonian Society s lost I 1 Ingleside ” for the season was held on Thursday eaening in the Volunteer Hall, Teranka, and proved fully as enjoyable as its predecessors, although the attendance was not so large owing to counter attractions, and to the prevailing eiakness. The hall was as usual roost tastefully decorated, and made as comfortable as possible. In the course of the evening Miss Bonn, of Timaru, and Miss Connolly, Temuka, sang two songs each, Mr J. McCaskill also contributed one. Their accompaniments were played by Miss Jessie Bonn and Miss Mary McCaskill. Capital music for dancing was played by Messrs Levans and Colville, and Mr A. Jenkins proved an efficient M.O. Mr Mabin contributed pipe music, and Mr Jenkins also played a reel in good style. The fancy dress ball with which the winter evening’s amusements will conclude, will take place about tbe middle of August.

The Geraldine School Committee held their monthly meeting on Thnrsday evening, there being present Messrs Walton (chairman), Pye, Bean, Gore, and Bowkett. Tbe headmaster’s report was read, showing the attendance for tbe quarter to have been> boys, 86’9 5 girls, 100.-6 ; total, 187-6} average attendance, 201 ; weekly roll 235. It was resolved to call the attention of parents who had nob paid the stationery etc., fees, that unless they were paid up, the school would have to do with less firing. Tbe visiting committee reported that the janitor was not carrying out his agreement in regard to cleaning of the school and closets. The janitor’s attention to be drawn to the same. Messrs Gore and T. Bherratt were appointed a visiting committee for the ensuing month. It was resolved that the attention of tho Town Board be drawn to tho necessity of forming the road ia front of tbe school. Tho passing of a small account closed the mooting. Ladies. —For Afternoon Tea use Atrißßbbook’s Eoyal Desert and Onslow Biscuits —[Advt]