LOCAL AND DISTRICT.

Colonist, Volume XLI, Issue 9143, 12 April 1898, Page 1 (Supplement)

LOCAL AND DISTRICT.

New Zealand University Examinations. — The loss of the examination papers that were shipped to London by the ill-fated s.s. Mataura has occasioned very much hardship and discontent. With a view to reducing the inconvenience as far as could well be attempted, the Council resolved that the work of the candidates who went up for examination should be judged from the result of their terms' work, but this will involve many going up for examination again — at least, in certain subjects — and as candidates have mostly put aside their studies for the past three months, it stands to reason that they are placed at some disadvantage. We hear that Mr H. O. Stuckey has succeeded in passing the final stage of his B.A. degree, and that Messrs E. and P. Moore have each been successful in passing in the first section for the LL.B. degree. They have now taken up the practical part of their work in the offices of Messrs Pitt and Moore, and will have the final two sections to pass before securing the degree. Mr A. C. Maginnity and Mr Knapp, in order to avoid a twelve-months' delay, have accepted the alternative of undergoing a new examination in such subjects as the Professorial Board may require, and their examination will take place next week, but at present they are ignorant as to what subjects they will be examined in. Oddfellows' Band. — The Drum and Fife Band which is composed of Juvenile Oddfellows, who have been under the training of Bandmaster Robertson for some little time past, proceeded for a march out last night, and acquitted themselves very creditably.

c members of the Female Branch of the In- , s dependent Order of Rechabites gave a social _ to which members of the Bud of Promise s Tent, and of the Star of Nelson Juvenile j_ Branch, together with their friends, were g oordially invited, the invitation being t numerously responded to. The chair was g efficiently occupied by the CM., Sister Mrs J. Fathers, and the vice chair was taken by c Sister Mrs W. Mitchener. A very pleasing I programme was presented, it including j songs, recitations, piano solo, and a dialogue, and the following ladies and gentlemen jj contributed to the entertainment of those present :— Misses Fathers, D. Chittenden, B E. Weir, E. Day, E. Clark, and Master Calder, while Miss Greenem accompanied, 3 and the Misses Day, Clark, and Gibbs took part in the dialogue. There was a liberal i supply of refreshments, which were handed round, and after the arranged programme had been got through the floor was cleared, | and various games were entered upon with . evident enjoyment. An exceedingly pleasant evening was brought to a close at halfpast ten, and a wish was generally expressed I by those present that many more gatherings of a similarly pleasant nature might be I arranged for during the winter months. ( Valedictory.— Mr D. Corrigan, who for . some time past has been an officer of the ; Bank of New Zealand at Motueka, has been , transferred to Timaru, for which place he saps to-day. Last evening he was entertained by a number of his friends at the Commercial Hotel, when the best of wishes were expressed for his future welfare. Mr Corrigan will be much missed in musical and athletic circles. Me James Colvin.— On the 31st inst. Mr Colvin's term as a member of the Nelson Education Board expires, he having determined, iv consequence of his many public duties, not to seek re-election, consequently yesterday's meeting of the Board was the last at which Mr Colvin will appear, unless he seeks election at some future time. Mr Colvin proved a valuable member of the Board, his intimate acquaintance with West Coast matters having a peculiar value, but apart from this he brought to bear upon all matters before the Board for consideration a good stock of common-sense '< and a fair mind, and any suspicion that ' may have existed at the outset that Mr Colvin took his seat solely for the purpose J ' of aiding the West Coast must have died 1 early in view of the liberal spirit evinced by tbat gentleman in dealing with the needs of j other districts. If, in Mr Bailie, the Coast sends as good a man as Mr Colvin, that part of the district will be well and worthily represented. University Examination. — Christchurch 3 papers to hand contain the names of candi- ' ■ dates at the November examinations whom f the Professorial Board of Canterbury College [ have recommended the Senate to pass. Among them we notice those of E. Enright, ' M. Demment, tnd M. McEachen, of the > local Girls' College. These young ladies have now passed their final section for the • B.A. degree, and, together with their [ teachers, are to be congratulated on the success achieved. Wedding.— A wedding took place at the Presbyterian Church yesterday afternoon I when Mr George M. Simpson, fourth and youngest son of the late Mr Robert Simpson, was married to Miss Frances Annie Andrews, eldest daughter of Mr Charles Andrews, of Nile-st East. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. H. MacKenzie, and there was a large attendance of spectators, both bride and groom being well-known in the town. The bride wore a pretty cream colored dress with hat to match, and was attended by her sisters, Fanny and Elsie, as bridesmaids, and given away by her father. The groom was attended by Mr Horace McCabe as best ; man. As the bridal party left the Church ' there was the usubl Bhower of rice, and the ] happy couple were also tbe recipients of < more material tokens of good feeling in the < shape of a nice lot of useful and handsome ] presents. j Fm* at Stoke.— On Thursday night Mr ] W. Condell, of Stoke, suffered a severe less t in haviog his bara and implement sheds, 1 wth contents, bnrned down, the lobb being f estimated at £300 which ia not oovered, t there not being any insuranoe. The Rioh- v mond Fire Brigade went to assist in ex- c tingoishin<? the fire, bnt from the distance s to te traveled were not able to effeot their \ d.^re, 0

Harvest Festival.— The Salvation Annare at the present time holding a huge harvest festival and thanksgiving service, celebrating also the fourteenth anniversary of the establishment of this fine organisation in Nelson. The festival commenced on Friday evening, and will continue until to-morrow evening, when a coffee supper and sale of work will bring the services to a conclusion. Up to the present large atten 3 - ances have been drawn to the barracks, which have been suitably decorated to indicate this happy time of the year. Captain Goldfinch and Mrs Goldfinch, with their trustworthy contingent of soldiers, are putting forth especial efforts for the success of the festival, and hymns appropriate to the occasion are being sung. To-night, prior, to the meeting, a "harvest and reapers' march " will take place, the processionists wearing suitable uniform. There is as special reason why the Army should be largely supported on this occasion, as, besides doing a good work, the proceeds of the occasion will be devoted to the renewing and painting of the Barracks. No coin, however small, will be despised. Educational.— Miss Jessie Knapp, 8.A., has been appointed, from a number of # applicants, as an assistant mistress in "the Wanganui Girls' College. Miss Knapp was educated at the Nelson Girls' College, and afterwards proved herself a most successful teacher as head mistress of the Charleston Girls' School under the local Education Board. Old People's Home. — The Hospital and Charitable Aid Board have had the fiva principal rooms of the Home lately repapered and painted by Mr /. P. Cooke, who has oarried ont ths work in a most satisfactory minoer, a-d tbe inside of the building now presents quite a pleasing appearance. The Committee made a visit oHnspection yesterday and decided to effeot Btill fnrtber improvements by converting one of the ontbuildings into a Bick chamber for the old people, altering the present bathroom and erecting a small building of iron with oonorete floor to be mod asa morgue. When ihe3e improvements ars carried out tbe Home will be one of the most comfortable in New Zealand. Mishap in the Habbob. — Yesterday morning the ketch Pet in attempting ta enter the harbor at flood tide when there was no wind, was carried on to the point of Haulashore istand and struck the beacon which the vessel carried away. As a result a hole was knocked in the Pet which caused her to fill as she drifted up the harbor, indeed it was feared that she would founder; as she was deep laden with a cargo of timber from Takaka for Mr Baigent. A volunteer crew put out in a large whaleboat, and were successful in towing the damaged craft to Lukins' wharf, where she was berthed. The damage to the vessel is slight; and will soon be repaired, and Captain Cox and his men effected temporary repairs to the beacon. The crew of the Pet suffered the inconvenience of having their cabia filled with water and all their effects saturated. Deer-stalking.— We hear that Mr Percy Walker brought in on Tuesday night a splendid stag that he shot on Mr Martia Kerr's property, Motueka Valley. The stag weighed about three hundred pounds, and the head was an exceptionally fine one, foe though there were not more than six points, the size and symmetry of the antlers made the head one of the prettiest yet obtained ia the district. Damage by Stobm. — Monday night'a storm resulted in a good deal of damage being done to yachts and small boats in the harbor. Mr G. Mercer's cutter yacht, the Modest Boy, broke away from her mooringis and was blown ashore near the Gasworks wharf, and sustained a good deal of injury, in addition to having some of her copper stripped off. The yacht Secret also broke away early yesterday morning, and was drifting out of the harbor, when she waa fortunately observed in time and taken to a place of safety. Captain Cox was unfortunate in having two of his boats carried away from their moorings. One of these, the Floral, was nowhere to be seen yesterday morning, but the ss Lily, on returning from Motueka, reported seeing the boat's mast sticking out of the water as the steamer approached the entrance. The boat had drifted outside and then sunk. Several other boats were more or less knocked about. Fortunately the Rocks road sustained but little damage. Public Wobks. — It will be remembered that it had been arranged that the prisoners, after the. Rocks road was finished, were to fill in the town sections belonging to tha Railway Department. Now it appears it has been decided to put all the prisoners available upon the intended fortification work at Wellington. His Worship the Mayor, during his visit to Wellington last week, having in his mind the latter fact, •took steps to see if it was not possible to get the filling in of the sections undertaken. After some trouble and several interviews with the Ministers, the Hon Mr Cadman promised faithfully that the Railway Department would undertake the work, and that at the next session of Parliament he would see that a sum was placed upon tbe Estimates for the purpose. Accident to Mr. R. JMcßae.— A nasty accident occurred to Mr R. Mcßae the other night as he was proceeding to his run at Wangapeka. Mr Mcßae was thrown from his waggonette, and was a good deal cut about the head and severely shaken. Some Tadmor people saw the horses pas* in the dark without a driver, and they made a search, resulting in finding Mc Mcßae injured as stated. Mr S. Moffatt,

Mr Mcßae's stepson, drove him home to) Richmond, where he is now progressing favorably.

Baptist Mutual Impbovemet Society.— • Despite the boisterous weather last night this Sooiety held a very soooessfal meeting, tbe firet of tbis session, some twenty members attendiog, andtwentj-two names being enrolled. The Bey. B. 8. Gray presided, and the Seoretary, Mr L. E. Johnson, real the report ot laßt session, which waß adopted. It was resolved to meet eaoh Wednesday from 7.50 ta 9 p.m. The election of officers resulted as follows :— President, Bey. R. 8. Gray ; Vice-Presidents, Messrs B. Webley, J. Piper, T. Pettit, and T. ScoU, enr. (there vere six nominations); Hon. Seo. and Treasurer, Mr W. F. Thomson (six nomin* ationß) ; Committee, Messrs 11. Bdridge, B, Niool, J. H. Barker, and T. Ssott, junr., (six nominations). It was resolved that an opening social should be beld on April Otb, and the Comnittee wera instructed to oarry ont the neoessary arrangements. Next Wednesday a •• miscellaneous " evening will De held.

Nelson Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U. — A special summoned meeting of this Lodge was held on Wednesday evening, when there were 80 members present. Bro. S. J. Friend, N.G., presided. The meeting was for the purpose of considering the advisability of raising the medical fees to £1 per annum per J member, and also for the amendment of Ithe by-law dealing with the election of Lodge Surgeon, in order lo place the matter on a more satisfactory footing. Both resolutions were carried, [and the appointment of Dr. Boor, who was acting as Lodge Surgeon, was confirmed by a very large majority.

Nelson Rowing Club— Sclandebs' Challenge Cup. — The first heat for this Cup was rowed on Wednesday evening, between crews stroked by P. Giblin and R. Catley. Both crews got a gook start, and Catley had a slight lead at the Government Wharf. Giblin then spurted and passed him, winning by two lengths. Last night the second heat was rowed between Giblin _ crew and F. Hamilton's. Hamilton took the lead at the start, and when approaching ~ the Government Wharf Giblin spurted, but Hamilton's crew had a lot of go in them, and also spurted, and won a hard contested race by about a length, after one of the best races seen on the course.

Boys' Central School. —Mr John Tinline having given £1 to provide two prizes for the boys in the senior division of Mr Worley's Blowpipe Analysis Class, the boya belonging to that class were examined recently. Eleven boys were present at the examination, and each boy had given to him six powdered minerals to test, one hour being allowed for testing them. Harold Hounsell came first, having correctly named them all five minutes within the hour; Arthur Krahagen and Cecil Palmer named five of the test substances, both of these thus securing second place. A third prize will therefore be given by the director of the class. There are now thirty-seven boys studying blowpipe analysis under Mr Worley's direction, and the work is done out of schoolhours,

Sap Accident. — About half-past eight yesterday morning a very serious accident occurred to the young and motherless daughter of Mr Bobert Stiles, at the Motueka Hotel. It appears that the little one "was playing about in the yard, when she followed the boy who went to the stables to let the horses out, when she got in the way of one of the horses, and was either kicked or knocked down and trod upon. Her skull was badly fractured, a terrible Wound being inllicted on her head. Dr Bode was quickly in attendance, and although he cannot say how the case will turn out, we learn that there is little hope of saving the child's life. She has been unconscious since the "accident, and one side of her body is paralysed. Mr Holyoake at once telegraphed to Nelson, and the little one's grandmother went overland by special conveyance to Motueka shortly after the news arrived. Mr Stiles, who is a Lieutenant in the Nelson Ooast Guards, went with his corps to the Easter encampment at Westport on Thursday evening.

Sai _tx of Ship Margaret Galbraith.— Fears were entertained as to the safety of the ship Margaret Galbraith, which, after discharging her Nelson cargo, proceeded to Wellington, having on board some thousand tasks of cement, but no other ballast. Captain Earnshaw, of Nelson, accompanied the vessel from this port, and she reached the vicinity of the Wellington heads when a gale set in, and she was driven south Nothing more was seen of the vessel for so long a time that it was thought in Wellington Jhat she must have foundered. We learn from the officers of the s.s Haupiri, however, that the Margaret Galbraith, after reaching the Wellington heads on the Monday morning, was blown away south, but a couple of days later she encountered a strong southerly gale, and once more made the land in the vicinity of Wellington, but owing to the weather being thick and the night dark, her course was shaped through Cook Strait, and she passed by Blind Bay nnd stood to the northward. She thus had to work her way back to Wellington, where she arrived safely, we are glad to say, on Saturday morning. Volunteer News. — In connection with the Coast Guards disturbance, three of the non -commissioned officers forwarded a report to Colonel Pitt, explaining the part they took in the affair, and asking that the punishment on them should be lessened, as they were not active participators. We hear that Colonel Pitt still recommends tbe carrying out of the original punishment, viz., seven years' dismissal, sufficient reason not having been shown why the sentence should be reduced. — At the Government parade of the Coast Guards last evening, there were over 40 on parade, and some excellent work was gono through under Sergt.-Major Healey. At the conclusion of the drill, Captain Simpson announced that the following promotions had been made to fill some recent vacancies : — Corporal Stewart to be Sergeant; Privates A. Adams and A. Kitching to be Sergeants; Privates Lipscombe, Hill, T. Johnson and Brown to be Corporals.

Valedictory. — A number of members of the All Saints Church Choir, and many of the congregation, assembled at the Parsonage last evening for the purpose of bidding farewell to Miss Hobden, who for several years has held the position of organist at AU Saints. The Rev. F. W. Chatterton, on behalf of the congregation and choir, presented Miss Hobden with a purse of sovereigns, and took advantage of tho opportunity of expressing the gratitude they all felt to that young lady for her invaluable services. As organist her duties had been most efficiently performed, and throughout her term of office not a single hitch had occurred ; but outside those duties she had also rendered services that

they could not value, for she had taken an

energetic and kindly interest in many branches of work. All present joined in wishing Miss Hobden God-speed. We learn that Miss Hobden leaves at half-past eight to-morrow evening on her way to England. She will be much missed locally, and her departure will be much regretted, but very many of our readers will join us in wishing her a pleasant voyage, and a lengthy and happy career of usefulness.

Suggestion for the Next Cricket Season. — At the presentation meeting on Saturday evening, a few observations were thrown out for consideration before the next season, Mr W. S. Littlejohn spoke of the advisability of getting a first-class professional cricketer to instruct the local knights in the more scientific elements of tbe game. The bowling, he said, was far too good for the batting (and this was evidenced by the small scores made), which* must, indeed, be poor, when he headed the list. There was not a man who could make

a stand against such bowling as that of Wel-

lington or Canterbury. These districts had improved by the services of a professional man, and surely there were a sufficient number of cricketers in Nelson who would be willing to contribute their shilling a week towards getting proper training from a professional who could be profitably employed on the pitches at Trafalgar Park during the time he was disengaged with the clubs. Speaking for the College Club, they would enter heartily into any proposal in the direction indicated. (Applause.) — Mr W. N. Poole thought before next season two delegates from each club should meet to discuss the ways and means of reducing the travelling of teams, a matter which Mr Stiles had brought before the delegates for a couple of seasons. He regretted the Association did not keep faith with the Motueka Association in sending a team across, but hoped it would do so next year. With regard to Trafalgar Park, Mr Poole suggested that each team who used the Senior pitches should contribute sixpence per player per match, which could be used for the betterment of that wicket and help to put their Junior pitches in proper order. — Mr P. Topliss entered a strong protest against the manner in which the averages were sent in to him by some clubs, in many cases only bare averages having been supplied by secretaries, and in some cases none at all. Next year, proper forms would be supplied to clubs, who would be required to supply information according to these. With regard to the Rules of the Association, he suggested that clubs in the interim should meet to discuss any desirable additions or alterations for presentation to the delegates at the annua) meeting. — Mr John Graham, M.H-R., promised a trophy to be competed for next year.

I.O.R.— Bud op Promise Tent. — The quarterly meeting of the Bud of Promise Tent was held in the Rechabite Hall last night, Bro. Kissell, C.R., in the chair, and there was a good attendance of members. The report showed the membership to be 94 with four propositions for that night. The balance sheet, as duly audited, was adopted. It showed the total funds to be £1092 Is ld, after paying £11 13s 4d sick pay to members during the quarter. Bro. W. Mitchener was presented with a set of framed emblems as a memento of his connection with the Star of Nelson Juvenile Branch, of which he has been Assistant Superintendent for 15 years, a position from which he has now retired owing to ill health. Bro. Fathers, P.C.R., in making the presentation, spoke highly of the good work done by the brother in his quiet, unassuming way. Bro. Mitchener, in reply, thanked the members for their kind gift, and expressed the pleasure he had derived from being connected with the work. He hoped that he might recover health sufficiently to take up the work again at a future date. The ordinary quarterly accounts having been passed for payment, the Tent closed in due form.

Handicraft.— There has just been turned out at the establishment of Mr Henry Baigent, a very handsome mantelpiece, which stands about seven feet high, and was made of figured rimu. The design and workmanship reflect great credit on Mr Baigent's staff.

Mutual Improvement Society. — The 1898 winter session of the Nelson Baptist Mutual Improvement Society was opened last night by a social evening in the Baptist School, and there was a large attendance of members and friends. The President, the Rev R. S. Gray, occupied the chair. A most enjoyable evening was spent, and numerous songs, recitations, readings and instrumental solos were contributed by members and lady and gentlemen friends. One of the Vice-Presidents, Mr E. Webley, gave a short address on the uses and advantages of a Mutual Improvement Society, and extended a hearty invitation to young or old men to become members of tbis Society. A hearty vote of thanks to the friends who so kindly assisted to make the evening so enjoyable brought the proceedings to a close. i

i. Peath or an Old Settler.— Our Upper Moutere correspondent writes on April 6ih informing us of the death of Mr Johan Diedriob Bensemann at the ripe old age of nine(y-sevpn years end eight months Deceased ennis to this colony in ISSG aid has resided ever since in tho Moutere d strict, where he was greatly respected. Deoeosed leaves six ohi'dreo, Lrty-four grandchild: en, and firfcy-fivo great-grand-children to mourn his los».

SunnEN Death". — Yesterday Sergeant McArdlc received intelligence that Mr William Page, senior, had died suddenly at Mr Hamilton's accommodation house at the Hope Saddle. Deceased had been staying for some time with his daughter, Mrs Alexander Wilkie, at Murchison. He had for some time past been a sufferer from asthma. Mr Page was one of the earliest settlers in the Takaka Valley, and for years took a prominent part in the advancement of that district. He leaves a large family and a host of relatives in the Takaka district, where the news of his death will be received with deep regret. Constable Knapp has proceeded to the Hope Saddle to arrange for an inquest, being held.

The Massey Harris New Drill.— Our j country eeaders are reminded of the field trial of the Massey Harris Company's new combined drill, to be held in Mr Richard Palmer's paddock, opposite the Hope school, this afternoon. Messrs Levien Bros are the local agents, and they wish to draw attention to the special features of this new implement. One of the leading improvements is that the main axle is stationary, the driving wheels revolving on roller bearings, this permits of the axle being stayed to the boxes, and where the main axle revolves, this is entirely prevented. Driving powei-is obtained from a counter shaft connected with cogs from the hub of each wheel, and the power coming from both ends the machine is always at work, even when turning. By the movement of a lever, the hoes can be regulated to any required depth, and may be zig-zagged as quickly, while a spring action allows any obstruction, such as a stump, to be cleared without damage. Manure and grain may be fed at the same time, or either separately, the necessary alterations not occupying more than a few seconds to make. The manure-feeders revolve, enabling the manure to be fed as well when wet as when dry, and a uniform supply given. Any desired quantity -of seed or manure per acre can be used, and the quantities varied at will instantly. Any width of drill from five inches to seven inches may be set, and in addition to all this the machine may be turned into a cultivator, the alteration not taking more than a quarter of an hour to effect, or it may be used as a horse-hoe with a slight further alteration. No doubt that farmers will view the combined drill with considerable interest, and observe other features we have not the space to particularise here.