Untitled

Southland Times, Issue 14816, 18 December 1900, Page 2

Tin-; Mimihau Bathing Fatamtv.— Our Wyndliam correspondent, writing of die drowning of William Craig, of Mokoreta, reported yesterday that the deceased, who was unable to swim, went bathing with two younger lads named Joseph Morlcy and William Todd and dived off the bank into a deep pool. He was immediately seized with cramp and cried for help. The two boys who, it is understood are able to swim well, went to Craig's assistance, but the drown ing lad clutched so frantically at them that it was with considerable dilliculty they were able to save themselves and reach the bank in a very exhausted condition. A messenger was despatched to Venlaw station, distant about a mile and a half, when Mr If. F. Munro hiuricd to th* spot and recovered the body in a hole about 12 feet deop. Sincere sympathy is felt for tho lad's relatives.

The BBLLRiN'fiERS.— Mr Tregaski, advance agent for tlio Steele-Paynoßellringers, was in town yesterday making arrangements for a two night's season at Christmas. Administration.- In the Supreme Court, Dnnedin, letters of administration in the estate of David Anderson, late of Hokonui, deceased intestate, liave hcen granted to .Jane Anderson, David Anderson and Thos. I'aterson, on the application of Mr J. L. McG. Watson. Tin: Mkssiaii (Jonckrt.— The production of tliis magnificent oratorio is always hailed with manifest delight by local lovers of good music, and there is every evidence that the performance this evening will he even more successful than in the past. The Messiah is a production that all can listen to with the deepest enjoyment, and the nature of the music is such that everyone can enter into the spirit that moved the genius of the composer. The chorns will be stronger numerically than heretofore, and Mr Gray haR spared no ell'ort in bringing them to a state of proficiency. Under these cir.uinatanoos the interpretation of the impressive and uplifting choruses should be a feature of the rendering, and the solos are also in capable hands. Tlio Musical Union is a society that deserves to lie encouraged and supported, and it is a malte- for regret that for a number of years they should have been labouring under financial difficulties. The public should therofiiru be present in hi.rg« numbers tonight, and from the booking and the low price of tho tickets, a full house is practically assured. The h'ual rehearsal wont off I smoothly last evening and everything points j to a very tine performance. SrECiAi, NiMiiEK. — The Christmas number of the Otago Daily Times and Witness, which has just come to hand, is a very meritorious one. The front cover is in khaki, and with red and white letters and facings has an attractive appearance. The special -supplement takes the form of a series of studies in child photography. The series is a dainty one, charmingly grouped. The rest of the annual is well got up, and the illustrations, which are profusely scattered through the number, are of more than ordinary merit, and some of tho photographic subjects are exceedingly beautiful. Th« stories and articles are well written, and the number should be prized as a souvenir of Maoriland. Comi'U.mkntaky CoNCEHT. — On Thursday evening the citizens will have an opportunity afforded them of hearing the test selections of the forthcoming band contest in Christchurch as played by the Oairiaou Band and, in addition, those taking part in the solo competitions will produce them on this occasion. They will also be assisted by leading vocalists, including Mrs Ross, Miss Murray and Messrs J. E. Taylor, \V. I). Smith and C. Booth. The object of the concert is to raise funds for the purpose of defraying the band's expenses to Christclmrch. It was at first thought, that free railway passes, as hitherto, would have been issued, but despite the energetic efforts of Mr Hanan, M.H.U., representations to that effect have been of no avail. This conies especially haid on the band as the expenses at the lowest estimate will not be under £100. They therefore make an earnest •appeal to Iho public to assist them, feeling sure of a liberal response. That tlic band is worthy of support is made clear from the following figures :— During the year they have attended b'7 practices, 28 volunteer parades ami 50 concerts and entertainments. Those figures do not include promenade concerts, etc. That the public appreciate these undenting efforts on the part of the " Garrison " goes without saying, and their attendance at the concert will give practical proof of it and at the same time assist a worthy object. Death <>k A Vktekan Soloikk. — Much indignation was expressed yesterday when it became known that ex-Corporal Peter Mackay, i)3rd Highlanders, had died in the Southland Hospital as far back as Wednesday last and had been buried on the following day without any intimation being given to the volunteers or to the i"\\terans' Association, who were thus deprived of the opportunity of paying the last honours to one who had fought not only for the Empire but for this colony. For I'eter stood in the " thin red line" that hurled the .Muscovite from the heights of Alma nearly 50 years ago, clambered up the ensanguined slopes ot the Redan to victory ; took }>art in the relief of Lucknow, famous in sung and story; afterwards look up arms in the Maori War of the sixties, and though but a humble member of the community there are many among us who would liave deemed it a duty and privilege to have laid his dust to rest with military honours. Cog). Mackay bore the Crimean, Turkish and Mutiny medals, with live clasps as proofs of his services, but an ungrateful country did nothing till some two years ago to recompense him for the use of his best yenrs. Then, lie as well as other veterans in this district got pensions or augmentations thereof. A fair-eomplexioned man he did not look his 70 years, while as to activity it was but the other day that he got his drummer's uniform for the Pipe Band and proud he was •of it. He was an expert bugler and side-drummer. It now appears that about throe weeks ago he was compelled to seek the shelter of the CA. Board Homo and was sent to Lome Farm. He had not been long there when bodily failure became more pronounced and he was brought in to the hospital on tho 7th inst. He was then unconscious and po remained till his death on the 12th. The Transvaal Polick. — This force has been repeatedly discussed in connection wiih theNewZealander!" and other colonial irregulars. Positions iv tho police, in whose hands the pacification of the new territories is to be left, were specially held out to the colonials, who had shown themselves specially fitted for the work, In view of that fact the following particulars will be of interest: — Pretoria will be the headquarters of the force and the term of engagement is two years. Candidates must benon-commissioncdoliicere and men who have completed a term of ser rice with the colours. Tiie pay is fixed as follows : — Colonel commanding the division, £1-200; lieutenant-colonel, £1000; major, £750 to £9W ; captain, £510 to £600 ; lieu tenant, 23s to 25s per diem ; second lieu tenant, 20s daily ; superintendent, 15s; rank and file - sergeant-major, 10s; sergeant, 9s: Becond-classsergeant, 8s; corporal, /srjd; first class trooper, 7s; second, 0s; third, ss; all found. Officers, however, mustfiod their arms, equipment, uniform, rations, and forage. Promotion in the case of officers will bo dj -election. An allowance of 2s per dien: extra within a radiua of 50 miles from Johannesburg will be granted on account ol the high market prices. This will be subject to half-yearly revision. Army Ke servists are allowed to engage, but preference will be given to skilled men. If the_y are placed on the married roll, wives and families will be transported free. At the end of the fir«t engagement they will he allowed to hv transferred to the reserve, when they will receive £1 monthly, and will be liable to be called out for training or active service on proclamation by the Administrator. Candidates must he good shots and ridurx. Men serving for five years continuously will be entitled to n gratuity of five months' pay. (Joke, — Mrs Geo. Shaw, an old and well known resident, was on Thursday afternoon entertained by a largo number of her lady friend, in tho Temperance Hall, when Mrs Velvin, on behalf of subscribers, presented her with 1111 address and a well filled purse of sovereigns.' The installation of Bro. A. A. MaeGiobon as W.M. of Lodge Harvey took place on Thursday evening, when n large number of brethren attended, visitors being present from all parts of the district. The ceremony was conducted by R.W. Bro. W. Smith, G.S.ofSouthland.ass'istcd by Bro. A. K. Nightingale, as director of ceremonies. Following are the omcers for the yfaU 1 : — W.M., Uvu. A. A. Mac(J»Wjonj 1. P.M., IJro. J. 11. Dolamore ;>>.\V., Bro. T. T. Gnu it ; J.W., Bro. 1). Kay : Secretary, Bro. J, Boyno ; Treasurer, Brp. T. (ircen : Chaplain, Bro. A. K. 1). Toswill'; S.D., Bro. T. Cunningham ; J.1)., Rro. I). Collins; 1.G., Bro. D. Mimro; Tyler, Bro. C. Ilagen ; Stewards, Bros. K. G. Campion and W. A. Fcndall. A banquet was held in the Southland Hotel, where a harmonious evening was spent. Whilst the Rev. J. M, Fraser and Mr A. J. Nichol of Waikaka Valley were driving home from Merino Downs late on Friday night their horse .slipped going down Shanks hill aud both men were thrown out. Mr Nichol fell clear, but Mr Franor received severe bruises on the face and injury to bis shouldur. The shafts of the buggy were broken, the horso was injured and the harness had to be cut. Tho turnout was only purchased a few days ago. —Own correspondent, SolTlll.AM> Kll'l.K AsSOriATIO.W— -The lJoxiiig Day meeting promises to be a record gathering, owing to Ihe number of new volunteer corps and consequent increase of marksmen. The trophy provided some years ago l>v the local (Jaledonian Society, and tin-. Asswda-tinn's champion cup are the principal trophies. The former is for competition by teams of live, and the latter falle to tho highest individual aggregate score. Kutries fur tho first-named close with tin: secretary, Mr T. Lennie, to-day : for the champ ion course entry may be made on the range.

Police Court.— Yesterday before Messrs R. Gilmour and W. H. Half, J.'sP., a first offender was convicted for drunkenness and discharged, and on his own application a prohibition order was issued against him to take effect in the Invercargill and Awarua licensing districts for VI months. BowuNCi.— A match will be played on the ' local green to-morrow forenoon between teams representing Gore and Riverton A ; match will l>c played between Gore and In- : vercargill — four rinks aside— commencing i at 1.45 p.m. A match also will be played j with Riverton if arrangements can be made. ; The following will represent Invercargill ; against Gore : — J. Thomson, .las. Taylor, | W Look, jimi 1 ., W . Wcsnev (s) ; I'ortor, McPherson, Jus. Leggatt, R. "Taylor (s) : J. H. Kingsland, A. Storie, R Erskine, R. Wesney (s) ; Rermie, K. Torrance, U r . Lock, senr. , T. Lock (a). ()i;k Footpath*,— A correspondent directs attention in our contemporary to the condition of the Crinan street footpath. This path was one of the best in town till the j sewerage works were undertaken : after that it simply fell to pieces as if it had been rent by an earthquake, and it is now most uncomfortable as well as unsafe to walk on. Indeed, it is doubtful if it could be satisfactory repaired for the subsiding process may go on for years. Tinio was when visitors said wo had tho he«t aphalted paths in the colonies. They arc nut very l>ail yeT, but culpable negligence lias been shown in repairing and top -drowsing them. A sample of this neglect — ami it lias existed for years —is the stretch between K.-^k and Tay street, west side, where rugged holes collect water aud arc a danger in the dark ness. Again, years ngo, asphalted crossings were broken up to lay sewers and never repaired or even levelled up with gravel and there they stand, with jagged edges, to trip up the passers. Much of our asphalting is down to the bare bones. That is false economy, besides ruaking the paths as hard upon the feet in summer as if they were merely gtavellcd. Crinau street, however, for extent uf damage far surpasses all the rest, and the Council shuulil sec to it that the path is thoroughly repaired (if that lie possible) before the South School re-opens. In these ragged longitudinal cracks children might easily be lamed for life. Irish Political Unrest. - Last week the Irish Nationalists' Convention resolved upon the .abolition of landlordism in Ireland and expressed themselves determined to enforce the rights of the Irish nation by means uf crimcless, legitimate combination if Parliament refuses to redress grievances. Mr William O'Brien declared that the land question must be settled within two years, even if Britain concentrated in Ireland an army equal to that of South Africa. In tho House of Commons Mr Wynrthain, Undersecretary for War, alluding to the Convention, said if the unity of the Empire or liberty of property were Attacked in Ireland the Government will occupy the old trenches. A DIYKRiIKNXK OK OPINION.— The Colcheater murder case was again before tho Magistrate's Court in Wellington last week, when evidence was given by J. H. Dyson, painter, who swore it was not Lilly-white, the .accused, who was at Mrs Bailey's house inOtakiwith the woman Atcher last Good Friday, as alleged by the prosecution, but another named MeMahon, who resembled him. In cross-examination it was suggested that tho witness referred to the house of another Mrs Bailey, who also lives at Otaki. Qleknhtown.- Mr Fraser, M.H.R., has been here for a few days endeavouring to arrange for the expenditure of money voted by Parliament. Altogether there is somewhere about £1000 passed for works here. Naturally Mr Fraser thinks that when he secures the money the local authorities should gladly avail themselves of it. We could well have done with the work for which it was granted as our population has lost considerably of late for want of work. Miss Dewar, teacher at Arthur's Point, is leaving for a school in the neighbourhood of Gore. Tho school which she is vacating should shortly improve in attendance as there is to be a revival of the dredging industry there. Miss Reid, pupil teacher at Queenstown, was the recipient of a handsome dressing case from the parents of tho pupils. The average attendance having fallen below the requirements, the Board terminated her engagement much to the regret of the school. The presentation was made by the Rev. R. Blair, chairman of committee, and Mr Mehafley responded for Miss Reid. The R.C. Convent School broke up earlier than usual — owing, I believe, to the illness of one of the nuns. The State school broke up early and the closing cere; monies were held ou Friday, advantage being taken of the visit ■of Mr Fraser, M.H.R., to got him to assist in the event. A flagpole 70 icet high was recently erected at the school, but no flag had ever floated from it, so tho school committee decided to have the flag unfurled at the break-up. Mrs Mehaffey performed the ceremony and Mr Fraser gave an excellent and instructive speech. The brass band played selections and the children sang songs. Afterwards Mr Fraser distributed prizes to the children, and gave a cheque for two guineas towards the school fund. The flag used was lent by Capt. Wing, managing director of the Shipping Co. The committee had made careful arrangements and a successful and enjoyable ceremony was the result. Afterwards a sale of work was held and f understand about £'!<> will be realised for the school funds. — Own correspondent. Tiik Park Drain. — The Commission of Inquiry to determine the position each corporate body benefiting from the Park drain should contribute towards the cost of its maintenance, also which should have the management and control, concluded taking evidence on Saturday. Mr S. E. McCarthy, N.M., presided, Mr T. M. Macdonald appeared for Invercargill, Mr Harvey for A venal, and Mr W. Y. H. Hall for the County. Evidence had been taken in regard to tho benefits the various bodies received from the water-course, aud the inquiry had special reference to tho area under the jurisdiction of the County Council in proximity to the drain. Evidence for the Couuty was given by Henry McLean, Town Clerk, Gladstouo, and C. H. Howorth, County Engineer, with the object of showing that the County derived no benefit at all from the construction of tho drain, and therefore should bear no portion of the expense of maintenance. The Town Clerk of A venal was also called in regard to the position of his borough. H. McLean stated that the original water-course across the North road was within the presout Avenal boundaries anil not within tho present County boundaries. Mr McCarthy will forward his report to the Government, when it will be decided which I tody will have charee of the drain "and the proportion each should pay towards its maintenance.