THE Southland Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro FRIDAY, 30th AUGUST, 1901.

Southland Times, Issue 15033, 30 August 1901, Page 2

THE Southland Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro FRIDAY, 30th AUGUST, 1901.

Tiif. Sukkc Tw. — Sheepowners an- reminded that Saturday next is the last day for paying sheep rates if they would escape the infliction of penalties provided by law. Waitini. t<> Pa\ . -The officer command ing the Southland Sub-district has been notified that members of the Fourth N.Z. Contingent requiring advances on pa}' should apply by wire to the Under-Secretary for Defc-in-f, Wellington, giving regimental numbi'i and full name.

M.\Y Havk Hkk.n Throw n.— On Tuesday while a family wno live in Kilbirnie, a suburb of Wellington, were sitting at tea, a bullei came crashing through the window and foi i among the cups on the table. Ljckilv it in dieted no injury, and the fact that it had practically become spent when it reached the house sho\\-~ that it must have been tired from a considerable distance. It is conju.eetured that it came over tlie hill from somewhere in the neighbourhood of Newtown.

Kivkk Kei'okt. — Tiie postmaster atCarston telegraphed yesterday afternoon : " Mataura in flood : still raining." It is said that there is more snow on the high lands now than there has been for many years past and the warmth of the past few days has probably more to tio with the floods than the rainfall.

The Theatre. —Mr Northcote's Comedy Company appeared for the second time in " Fun on the Bristol" yesterday evening, wben there was a fairly large audience. Laughter was again hearty and the various characters were successfully rilled, particularly thai of " Bridget O'Brien," who was the principal source of amusement. In the concert scene the singing was encored in every instance and " ZenoV juggling was much appreciated. Next Wednesday the company will appear in another popular comedy.

TIIK Hliifll.AM) Sot iktv. — It is hardly necessary to draw attention to the annual gathering, concert and ball in connection with this society, to be held in Ashley's Hall this evening. The concert portion of the evening's entertainment is rilled by \ocalists and instrumentalists who can be depended upon to contribute pleasing items. The Pipe Band will also lie presont, and a couple of selections from them are bound to b-« popular. During the evening short addresses will be given by the Rev. J. A. Lux ford, Mr YV. G. Mohaftey, and the Very Rev. Dean Burke, and some interesting re marks oan be looked forward to. Representatives from kindred societies, ami his Worship the Mayor will also have a few words to say, and tlie first part of tingathering promises to be a complete success. A. ball will follow and, as usual, the dancing should form an enjoyable feature. The annual gathering is an important function and does much to foster the interests of the society and keep alive man)' of the traditions and customs of the Old Land. In tlie past the event has alwayH been satisfactory, and everything points to the success of the gathering this evening.

Lapsed. — A meeting of the Seaward Bush Railway Committee was convened for yes tei day afternoon, to consider a communication from the chairman of tlie TokonuiSeaward Bush Committee, but only one member m addili)n to the Mayor turned up and the meeting lapsed.

Farmers' Union. — At Wairio Mr Fisher held a meeting on Wednesday evening There were not many farmers present, probably osving to tho Hunt Club's races at Otautau. Those present, however, took up the projected Farmers' Union of N.Z. warmly and decided to establish a branch at Wairio. A committee was appointed to canvass the district and will report at a meeting to be held on 18lh September.

Tn. i ■■ekinii en Rorm. — Several persons witnessed the opening of a case of light drapery in canlboard boxes iv front ot Messrs W. LewisandCo's.Dee street, establish ment yesterday morning, when it was seen that tlie boxes had had nearly everything removed. On examining the case carefully it could bo seen that tho hoop iron had been lifted off the bottom side of tho case, the centre board removed and the little boxes abstracted ; then the articles had been removed and the boxes replaced in a damaged condition. The question, of course, arises : Who is to be the loser '.'

Bkiiinnini; T<> Tkli..-- According to statements made al the meeting of creditors in the estate of John Lay burn, tanner, Sawyers' Bay, held on Tuesday afternoon (says the O.i). Times), the bankruptcy was precipitated owing to the colony's labour legisla tion. The immediate cause ofthe bankrupt's failing was lack of capital. Mr T. K. Haity, <'iic of the largest unsecured creditors, stated that he could have secured apartuer for Layburn a recent arrival from Victoria. This man was perfectly satisfied with the prospects of the business, but was afraid to embark his capital in the venture on account of the existing labour laws. Mr Moore, solicitor for bankrupt, corroborated this statement, and said that ho had lost twttgood partners for Layburn owing tothe mime cause.

Hospital Entertainment. — A concert under the direction of Mr J. L. Mufr. Watson was given at the hospital yesterday evening, Mesdamea Andrew* and Scandrett, Nurse Lakeman, Messrs J. L. MeG. Watson, G. C. Branson, W. Hutchins, L. Broad, J. Gloimic, and d. C. Allan taking part therein. At the close, of tlie entertainment a toothsome supper was provided by the hospital staff, and was greatly enjoyed.

Winton Athen.t-.tm.— The annual meeting of subscribers to the Athenrvum was held on Tuesday evening, Mr John Cowio in the chair. The annual balance sheet, showing a very small credit balance, was approved. *A discussion took place relative to tho Inura during which the institution .should be open and the cost <>f working it, but nothing definite was arrived at. The following committee were appointed : — Messrs C. 1). Moore (president), d. F. White (secretary), ./. P. Mc-William (treasurer), -John Cowie, 1). King, H. Rasmussen, .1. (Jilmnur, A. M. Arthur, W. Keay, A H. Carey, W. Keith, A. Clark, and Dr Riley. —Own correspondent.

Siiirrisc Fai ii.itiks. -Shipping business at tlie Ulurr' has been exceedingly hi isk for some months past. The visits of so many vessels to load oats for South Africa for the Imperial Government, in addition to tho usual calls of steamers belonging to the various lines using the port, have made the traffic abnormally heavy at times. In spite of this, however, and of the fact that a very considerable alteration tothe wharf has been in progress, work has gone along very satisfactorily, and for this the Railway Depart ment and the Harbour Hoard are to be congratulated. The Hoard let a contract some time ago for the widening of a portion of the wharf by 10 feet for a length of 4.">0 feet, and strengthening the original structure toa depth of 12 feet, and this has given room for an extra line of rails. The contract was carried out by Messr* Barker and Jones, who are experienced in this class of work, ami they are deserving ol every credit for the manner in which it has been carried out, working, as they were at times, under great difficulties. The last of tlie piles in the extension have been driven, there now remaining only a small portion of decking to lie done. The work rcllects ci edit upon both Hoard and contractors, and ihe increased width will be greatly appreciated by shipping people. M \o|strati;'s CnrKT. -Yesterday before Mr S. E. McCarthy, S.M., judgment was given for the plaintiffs in the following undefended case- ; -Southland County Council v. Chas. Thomson (Winton) for £1 19s Id, with Ss costs ; same v. Edward Matthews i Dipton- tor i'l I* Ud, with 10- costs : same v. Nicholas Nichi'lis (Morton Mams) for CI Ss !»d. with 13s costs: same v. John Deegan (Limehills) for £7 Is yd, with I.h costi: : same v. Adam Macdonald ( Hedgehope i for It's coHlf of court : same v. Mrs M. Motlitt (Waikaia) for l.'is Sd with os costs ; James Mclntyre v Mary Carr (North InvercargiU) for I (is (id, with os costs, and Dairy Supply Co. v. F. Delaney (Colac! lor £'20, with £1 9s costs.

The Sri'.MAiuM-: Boat. -- in connection with the French naval niano -uvres, held last month, The Times' Paris correspondent reported an event of singular, ajid even of < r rave, .suggest heness. The submarine boat Custave Zede, left Toulon in company with a tin', anil may have utilised the assistance thus furnished in order to economise her store of electricity. At all events, the sub

marine suddenly turned up in Hit: port of Ajacci, with enough electricity at her disposal to torpedo one of the enemy's boats. She en tered the bay completely submerged, sighted by none of tlie signal stations and w.as thus able to traverse the entire line of war vessels in the bay. After her exploit she disappeared below the surface again and returned, without being detected, to port. The writer nays thai the feat is regarded as conclusive as to the practical utility of the French submarine. At all events it was enough to set one speculating on tbe revolution which the invention of these, < raft may, after all, make in naval warfare.

I'oi.M, Coi.'kt. — Yesterday, before Mr S. K. McCarthy. S.M., a small hoy named Michael Nolan \\ a.- charged with ste ding a cash lw>x valui'ii at C's and l'J penny stamps tht- property of William Martin, mi the <)th inst. It appeared that the hoy ent tired the office at the roalyard, and, in the abscme of the clerk, removed the fash box from tin- counter. He went to some, neighbouring trees, removed the •stamps and left tlie box there. He had been convicted the previous day of stealing a wad-h and hail lieen discharged ou the understanding that he was to be sent to the Industrial School. His Worship said that the boy would not go to si-liOiil nod appeared lo wp.jiid must of his timt- thieving. Iv order to prevent hllll from becoming a criminal h'- would !>e sent to ihe Industrial School. The boy's father wished )nm to be sent to a Cat holic school and the boy was accordingly ordered to Ih> sent to the Stoke Industrial School. J^hn Nicholas Hose was charged with attempting to commit suicide on the l!Kh inst. The facts were that the accused left the house wliere he waH living on the morning of the day iv cjuestion, saying good bye lv the woman lie was living with. In the afternoon lie returned with his mouth and nose bleeding, and said he liad put a dynamite cap in his mouth ami attempted to blow his head off. The accused admitted the charge and elected tv be dealt with summarily. He said he had been suffering from disease and he could not see how he was going to recover. He was unable to work ami thought he was in everybody's way. Accused was sentenced to two months imprisonment.

COMPLIMENTARY. — A graceful acknowledgement, of his many years' seivice to the club and to football generally was given by the Pirates Football Club when they tendered Mr Jules Tapper a welcome social on his return to Invercargill after an absence of over two years, during which time ho had visited more countries and had more experiences of life than befall the ordinary mortal. About 4') members and friends gathered in the Caledonian Restaurant on Wednesday evening, and spent a most pleasant evening. Mr J. England (vicepresident of the club) presided, and in proposing Mr Tapper's health referred to his past career for the club and tho province with much commendation, while he also felt sure that his return would lie to the benefit of football in no small degree, should he again decide to take an active part in its local government. Those present no doubt expected to hear a good deal, and were not disappointed, as Mr Tapper in the course of his reply, after sincerely thanking the club for the honour done him, summarised the whole of his wanderings in brief, detailing the most striking experiences he had mot with ami the impressions he had formed. Football in South America has, he said, "[uite a hold ofthe population, but was played, of course, chiefly by Britishers resi dent in the country. Mr Tapper was fortunate enough to be a member of the team selected to represent the Argentine against Uruguay being, he believed, the first Xew Zealander to attain that, distinct ion. The game in England was also touched on, "Jules" being of opinion that our own representative team was superior to\ery many oi the leading English teams he saw playing. Mi Tapper gave a most interesting speech in his usual lively style, and on concluding was accorded three hearty cheers. The customary toasts were duly honoured, chief being " Tlie S.R.F. I".," "TheP.F.C. and Kindred Clubs," which, iv the capable hands of Messrs J. Galbraith, T. Lennie, H. Murphy, — Smith, J. McEwan aud others, were got off with fitting honours. Messrs J. Gilchrist, H. Murphy, T. I^ennie, J. Galbraith, A. Guiin, W. 'Sloan, and Smith contributed songs, Mr W. Organ acting as accompanist. r-ecitations were given by Messrs I). Farnie and 11. Cook, and altogether a real good time was passed.

Wrkuits Brsii.— Tbe sawmillcis here held a ball in the Wrights Bush hall on Friday, 23rd inst. Tho night being line and moonlight, fully 30 couples took part in the Grand March, to music on the pipes by Messrs W. Young and W. Smith. The hall was beautifully decorated with evergreens all round, and above the stage was tho word "Welcome" in red, white and blue, and two of the bushmen'a axes with a circular saw between and v crosscut bo low. It looked first rate, ihe best decoration that ever was seen in Wright's Bush hall as yet. During the evening songs were sung by Mr W. Mullan, Mr Campbell and Mr Peart h ; a Highland fling was danced by Mr W. Smith, and Mr Evans danced a sailor's hornpipe. Excellent music was supplied by Messrs K. Moylan and T. Rodger. Mr \\' Young spoke well of the manner in which the sawmillers carried out their festivity aud gave them great praise for the way the hall was decorated. He wished their sawmill to be long continued, and proposed a hearty vote of thanks lo the W rights Bush sawmillers. Messrs W. Young and W. Smith then played a selection ol bagpipe music m first-class style. Dancing waa kept up till ."> o'clock iv the morning, when all departed and went home well pleased with their l i^ht's amusement.— Communicated.

All interested meaning -either ehipwork or relief should call and see Smith a su L.viM-'b large and carefully selected tools. Carpenters will a.l->u lind everything iv ibeii line by the bent maker?.

Met His Match That Time.— Few men have triumphed over obstacles with the case of Mr Rhodes. He haa his own way of turning enemies into friends. He arrived late oue night at a Boer camp in Bcchuanaland. The Boers were roused and there was talk of blood. " Don't talk nonsense." said Mr Rhodes to their leader, " I'm very hungry— ylve me some food." He stayed in tho camp a week, and just before he came away he became godfather to the commandant's grandchild, born while he was living amongst them. But even Mr Rhodes is outwitted sometimes. There is a story of a young man who owned a paper in which he persistently denounced the Colossus. Mr Rhodes sent for him, the story goes, and suggested a subsidy. The young man refused. " You arc besieged by a gang of blackmailers," he told Mr Rhodes, " but I iam not one of them You can't buy mc up." 1 The great man was angry. '' I can ruin yon i and your rag," he shouted. "Oh, im, ym; | can t,'' the young editor retorted: " It's my j rag, aud I shall write what I like in it. If you have nothing else to tell me, goodday ''

A Doritrii ]. An\ a^tai.k. — Before the Victorian Factories Act Coinnuss.on John Bedggood, hoot manufacturer and importer, said that he had been 41 years in lmsiness, aud no one was better acquainted wit li the work ings of the industry than he was. The Act generally liad been beneficial to both employe-' and employed, but tlie introduction of the wages board system had had ;v most disiistious eli'eet. He considered it impossible to fix a minimum wage, and, as men had to livt, collusion between employer and employe was inevitable. Hchadtowork his factory on business lines, and when the wages board came into operation he had been foiced to discharge a number of nlosv workers, who were desirable employes in their way, but who were not worth the minimum wage. Some of them were men, who were quite satisfied to work for from 2"»fs to 30s a week. Great hardship had been inflicted on some families, who, through the operations of tlie Act, had been compelled to seek work in the other States. A former employe of his liad been out of work four months. This young man, who would eludly have with him for 30s a week, bad boeu discharged because ho could not afford to pay him the minimum wage. Hd was now working at a factory where he had to give back to his employer 15s a week out of his wages. Honourable manufacturers were handicapped in having to compete with men who evaded ths Act in that way. The Chairman : Can you suggest a remedy '.' -Witness : No ; because I don't think any Act of Parliament can ever define what a man shall earn, As. to sweating he could j offer no suggestion. Sweating occurred in I all parts of the world. Even in America, with all her boasted liberty and extreme protective policy, lie knew of scores of factories where work was carried on during half the Sabbath.