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Southland Times, Issue 10201, 6 July 1889, Page 2

Cablegrams. — "All's fair in war." The British leader at Assouan has performed a grand coup in seizing all the water available to the defeated Dervishes, and the poor wretches, infuriated with thirst, are being cut down as they attempt to reach the coveted springs. It is not British like, but on the other hand the odds are overwhelming, and it is better that the deluded creatures should retire up the river than fall in thousands before the Martini-Henry and Maxim guns. The s.s. Afghan, which was somewhat famous last year as being the vessel stopped with Chinese on board in Melbourne has sunk in Newcastle through neglect to shut a small valve. Attempts to explore the .>lebe Pit have been abandoned. A pony has been found alive in the workings. The Maoris were deI feated at Maitland — Association game. Further trouble is brewing in France. A great trial is proceeding in Ireland. Mr 1 Davitt gave Borne startling evidence on Thursday. The colonies are not to benefit by the Trust Funds Bill. Mutton is easier and stocks are increasing. The House of Commons took common ground on the desirableness of an investigation of the question of these interminable grants to "royalties." A terrible mining calamity has occurred in France. "Pity us, poor colliez-s, working underground." To-morrow Nkjht's Sermon. — We have to remind our readers of the joint Presbyterian service to be held in the Theatre Royal to-morrow evening, when the Rev. Dr MacGregor, of Edinburgh, will preach. The Albion Hotel. — Six tenders were received for the erection of the new Albion Hotel and that of Mr J. Crowther accepted. The other tenderers were Messrs A. Menzies, Mair^Bros., W. Birss, J. Hewett, and W. Smith. In terms of the contract the building is to be completed early in February next. Debate. — The fortnightly meeting of St. Paul's Presbyterian Literary and Debating Society took place yesterday evening and was fairly attended. Mr Shaw read a paper on "Habits." The subject was well treated and gave great satisfaction to those present. The next meeting will take place on the 19th hist, when Mr Baxter will read au essay. Not Satisfied. — The South British Insurance Company intend to move to set aside the judgment in Bradbury's case, and obtain a non-suit or a new trial. Failing this they will appeal. The case is one in which the Official Assignee in Bankruptcy at Auckland recovered the insurance (L 563 2s lid) on the property of Bradbury, a draper, who disappeared the day after the fire. Forestry. — At the adjourned half-yearly meeting of Court Star of the South, A.0.F., on Thursday evening, the election and installation of officers for the ensuing halfyear took place as follows :— C.R., Bro. W. Petrie ; S.C.R., Bro. J. Murdoch ; Secretary, Bro. J. C. Howie (re-elected) ; Treasurer, Bro. F. Thorn (re-elected) ; M.S., Bro. J. Harper ; S.W., Bro. D. McFarlane;J.W., Bro. R. Folley, 5.8., Bro. R. Wotton ; J. 8., Bro. J. McDonald; Auditors, Bros. D. McFariane, A. H. Wright, and J. Harper. P.C.R.'s Bros. J. Harper, J. Troon,"and G. Couling acted as installing officers. The auditors' report and halfyearly ,balance-sheet showed the Court to be in a very satisfactory position.

After Treasure Trovk. — - The cutter Heather Bell left the Bluff yesterday morn* ing for the West Coast Sounds. She has been chartered by Messrs Statham, Manton, and Sutherland, of Sydney! and goes on a prospecting expedition, said to be in connection with the venerable wreck which lies at the entrance of Dusky Sound, and which is supposed to have treasure about her remains. Captain Malcolm, who was one of the paii- of prospectors about whom there was so much anxiety a few weeks ago, accompanied the party, and the Mr Sutherland mentioned, is brother to the recluse of Milforcl Sound, The Heather Bell took a considerable quantity of stores, dynamite, and general outfit, also a complete diving apparatus and an experienced diver from Sydney. The party expect to be away three or four weeks. Fire at North Invekcargill. — The schoolliouse at North Invercargili, which was built some nine years ago at a cost of about Lb'oo, was totally destroyed by fire yesterday evening. Shortly before eight o'clock Mr George Bull and Mr Stephen Keast, both of whom reside close to the school, noticed the fire, and rushing the building they broke open the door and entered. They found the lining close to the chimney in the infant room on fire some ten or twelve feet from the floor, and had any water been available could have easily extinguished the flames. They could do nothing, however, and the" fire soon obtained complete mastery, making a blaze that must have been noticeable from a considerable distance. The building consisted of three rooms and was, in common with the other schools in the colony, uninsured. Two forms and a small book-press were the only articles ' s saved, Tlje fire which had been in the room during the day was carefully put out after school hours. It is supposed the cause of the conflagration was a defect in the chimney, a supposition which is strengthened, py the foots that it fell to £iew? Ustoe the W99.iiw«yjs w dwfeojFdk

Football.— The Hokonui Rangers and I Pirates meet on the Union grounds this afternoon, play starting at 2 p.m. Pirates : Full back, Porter ; three-quarters, Harvey, Rodgers, McMaster ; halves, Galbraith and V. Ekensteen ; forwards, Mentiplay, Dalton, Borne, McGavock, Morrison, McGuire, Hawke, Isaacs, and Aiton. Rangers : Rollingshaw, Marris, Gerrard, Deegan, Payne, Jack, Cameron, Bennett, Devereux, Harris, Greenfield, Pettigrew, Rabbit, McLean, and Swale. Returning. — Messrs Arthur McDonald and Co., who had a business here in the fur . trade for a while last year, must have found the result of their experiment satisfactory. At all events the member of the firm who conducted this branch then, Mr H. E. McDonald, is now in town looking out for suitable premises in which to resume business — this time, we understand, as a permanent establishment. Since his former visit some changes have been made in the Dunedin firm, with the result that Mr H. E. and his brother, Mr Frank, will start here this time on their own separate account, under the style of H. and F. McDonald. The new firm will, of course, have the full advantages derived from their previous connection with the extensive Dunedin business, and of their knowledge thus gained of the best London connections. They intend including in their trade hides and sheepskins, wool, tallow, flax, and opossum skins. Concert in Campbelltown. — A concert under the auspices of the Primitive Methodist Church was held in the Drill Hall on Thursday evening. The audience was smaller than usual on such occasions, and several local vocalists were conspicuous by their absence — an absence which, however, was amply made up for by importations from Invercargill. Mrs McLean sang " Only a Pansy Blossom" and ' ' Home Memories" with good taste, and Miss McNatty earned golden opinions for singing "The Gipsy's Warning" and "Swinging in the Lane," the latter being encored. Mr Field and Mr

Service, both from Invercargill, each contributed two songs with excellent effect, and Mr Godfrey added pleasant variety to the entertainment by his readings of " Judge Pitman" and "The Ministers Wooing." Of the local performers Miss Laura Townshend contributed " The Green Hills of Tyrol' 1 and "Close to the Threshold"; Miss Bradshaw "I am waiting my love's Return," and Mr Gray, with much expression, "On the Rolling Wave" and "Father O'Flynn." The Misses Townshend opened each part with a pianoforte duet. The net proceeds are to be devoted to the funds of the church and should have the effect of placing these in easy circumstances for some time to come. The Rivertox Hospital Inquiry. — The Comn-ission appointed to consider the appeal of the Southland Hospitals and Charitable Aid Board against the demand made by the Riverton Hospital Trust for maintenance, &•., for the current year, gave the following decision in the luvercargill Courthouse, yesterday afternoon, the three Commissioners — Mr J. S. Hickson, R.M., Mr J. B. Hannah, and Dr Young — being present : — "The subject of our inquiry being confined to the question of the amount of maintenance required for the Riverton Hospital for the current year, there is no evidence to show that the sum requisitioned for is unreasonable or excessive. We therefore dismiss the appeal of the Southland Hospitals aud Charitable Aid Board with costs." The costs have not yet been computed. Whether the Board will accept the decision of the Court or take further proceedings to resist the claims of the Trustees remain to be seen. From the opening words of their finding it is evident the three gentlemen could find nothing within the four corners of their commission from the Government authorising them to adjudicate on the question of whether the Trustees had or had not legal existence, the negative view of which was the Board's strongest objection to paying the moneys. If the Trust were not legally elected it followed that they had no power to appoint a Commissioner. Induction Soiree at Woodlands. — The formal proceedings connected with the induction of the Rev. H. Kelly as pastor of the parish of Longbush and Oteramika are reported in the business of the Presbytery's meeting. In the evening a soiree was held to welcome the new minister, when the church was crowded by a decidedly enthusiastic audience. The Rev. J. Mackenzie of ,Wallacetown made a vigorous speech — highly eulogistic of Mr Kelly — on demitting his moderatorship of the congregation, and at its conclusion, on the motion of Mr Dennisl ton, received a hearty and well merited vote of thanks for his valuable services to the parish during the vacancy. Mr Kelly, on assuming his position in the chair, made an admirable speech, suitable to the occasion and circumstances, which was extremely well received. The Rev. T. Alexander also spoke iii befitting terms and with great energy, and was followed by the Rev. A. H. Stobo who, as usual on such occasions, was in grand form — if he will excuse the phrase — and introduced a great deal of characteristic humour into the proceedings while he held the floor. The Rev. Mr Guy followed with a few well-chosen remarks, and the Rev. J. M. Davidson, of Mataura, next contributed a short address full of practical advice and lmmorous reminiscences and anecdotes. To Mr Denniston was committed the somewhat delicate task of reminding the people of their duty with reference to the Sustentation Fund. Although a dry, and not over popular subject the speaker contrived to secure not only the attention but the sympathy of his hearers, whom he urged to increased and sustained liberality towards this important fund of the church, The Rev. G. Lindsay, of St. Paul's, Invercargill, gave some excellent practical advice to pastor and people, and was succeeded by the the Rev. A. Mackay, of Gore, whose remarks were forcible and appropriate, and at the same time were intermixed with a good deal of matrer affording at once instruction and amusement. Mr Geo. Dawson, in a few characteristic remarks, brought an excellent programme of addresses to a suitable close. The choir, under the able leadership of Mr Aitken, contributed a number of anthems and other selections during the evening in excellent style. The usual votes of thanks to the speakers, the chair and the. ladies — for the excellent and abundant provision they had made for the comfort and refreshment of their guests — having been enthusiastically passed, a most enjoyable and auspicious gathering was brought to a close with the Benediction.— Communicated. Seed time and harvest, summer and winter, are seasons promised us, and we look for them.

Winter is now upon us with coughs and colds. ROBERTSON'S PECTORALINK is a specific for coughs, colds, and all affections of the che*t. A trial iB all that is necsssary to convince the most sceptical that Robertson's Pectoraline is the Best ever brought before the N Z. public. Opbnhd.— A repeat order of Cheap Scotch Tweeds. Customers *ho have waited for them will oblige by calling early, as they will ga very quickly. Also for tailoring purposes, a choice assortment of better trouserings than are generally imported.— Thomson and Bhattih.