LOCAL AND GENERAL,

Temuka Leader, Issue 1256, 23 October 1884, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL,

Races at RANGITATA.—We learn that a meeting will be held at the Rangitata Hotel on Saturday evening next for the purpose of drawing up a programme of races and sport ß at Rangitata on Boxing Day.

Qebaldike Dairy Factoby. All the machinery connected with the working of the factory is now in its place, with the exception of the boiler, whiih is daily expected to arrive from Messrs Scott’s foundry, Christchurch. Everything appears to be most complete, and now that the manager has arrived from the Old Country wo may expect to hear that the factory will be opened for operations within a few days. The delay in regard to this was occasioned through the non delivery of the boiler. Cricket. —The following are the nomes of the team selected by the Geraldine Cricket Club to play against, the Temuka Cricket Club on Saturday next:—Messrs W. Moore (captain), W. H. Lodge, R. H. Pearpoint, Fred. Fish, E. H. Temple, W. H. Hargreaves, G. Slack, T. Hughes, Captain Temple, Francis Fish, and W. G. Polhill. Emergencies : Messrs A. Erskine, G. Ward, and C. J. Foster. The Geraldine team have had no practice this season and the visitors should secure a win. It is to be hoped that this is only the precursor of many matches bebetween the two Clubs this season.

Fusions Driving. —Two of the Singer Sewing Machine Company’s vans were driven at a furious rate up the main street of Geraldine last Tuesday afiernoon, and when a little above Mr Coltman’s shop, one of them came in contact wiih a buggy which was coming in the opposite direction. The shafts of the buggy were smashed and the axle bent, but the horse and the driver (Captain Temple’s son) escaped unhurt. As soon as Singer’s] van struck the buggy, the horse attached to it swerved round and the van capsized. The sha'ts and upper gear of it were broken, and some of the machines which it contained wore damaged. The driver escaped with slight inju-ie?. Mr Coltman and others burned to the spot and rendered assistance, and in a short time the broken vehicles were removed.

Pkbsbytkkian Chukch, Temuka, A recital of sacred music was given in the above church on Tuesday evening last by the members of the choir, assisted by friends. The pieces were nicely given, and those present—not a large number—enjoyed a treat.

Chxabini’s Circus. Cbiarini’a circus opened on Saturday at Napier before a crowded audience. A gale of wind was blowing all day, and ac night the large tent was ripped up, and the dressing tent also destroyed. The damage is estimated at £IOO.

New Zealand Toepedo Boats. —One of the torpedo boats was taken for a spin on Tuesday afternoon at Wellington under the charge of Captain Fairchild, with several Government officials on board. Everything worked smoothly, and a speed of about 17 knots was obtained. A Successful Showman. Kiwi, the Coromandel native who went to America with Cole’s circus, returned to New Zealand by the Zealandia. He was well treated, and saved 2500d015. While in Washington he had an interview with President Arthur, Herbert Slade, the half-caste pugilist, acting as interpreter. New Zealand Hops.— The trial shipment of hops grown by Mr J. Saxon, Motueka realised the top price, beating the English hops in the London market. They fetched, 150 s per owt. The report received by the Brindisi mail speaks highly of their quality and condition, and states they were admirably suited for the English market.

The Kaiapoi Woollen Faotobt.—The annual report of the Kaiapoi Woollen Company, shows a profit for the year, including last year’s balance, of £18,227. Out of this an interim dividend of 10 par cent has been paid. Another 10 per eent dividend will be declared, and £SOOO carried to the resarve fund. The Hon. J. T. Peacock and Mr E. Parnham were re-elected directors. A series of resolutions to increase the nominal capital and alter the value and increase the number of shares, proposed by Mr R. Moore, were warmly opposed, and met with no support.

The Proclamation kb the Codlin Moth.—Consul Griffin received the following reply from his Government to telegrams he sent to Washington on Friday and Saturday last: —"Reynolds doe* not consider Government under obligation to publish proclamation infected fruit in San Francisco. McKellar for Secretary.” On Monday afternoon L. D. [Nathan and Co. (Auskland), who are large importers of apples from San Francisco, telegraphed to that city to cease sending more apples till further advices. Most of the fruit of the Zealandia has been found free from codlin moth and been passed out, only ten per oent being condemned.

The Synod.—The second session of the thirteenth synod of the diocese of Christchurch opened on Tuesday with an exceptionally large attendance of clergy and laity. The Primate in his opening address referred to the good work done for the church by the late synodsmen Messrs J. W. Hamilton, H. J. Tancred, George Bishop, and Dr Donald. He said there were in the diocese sixty-eight clergy. This number might bo considered sufficient for the present population, but the extensive nature of iom« of the districts required further provision for the spiritual wants of tie inhabitants. Anent religious instruction in schools, he said that out of 23,526 children on the roll of 204State schools, 3038 children in 52 school* were receiving some instruction from the clergy or teachers appointed by them. He added : “ It is difficult to say what more can be done at this present time, but it is impossible to resist the conviction that besides those children in the State schools for whom the church is responsible there are many others in the diocese who receive from her no religious instruction.” Interesting Bankruptcy Case. —An interesting case was heard in the District Court, Timarn, on Monday last, the Official Assignee in the estate of J. Mcßeth moving to set aside the transfer of twe promissory notes from the bankrupt to R. R. Taylor. Early in the year Mcßeth relinquished the Old Bank Hotel to R. Cole, selling his stock and furniture for £B3O, the purchaser giving one-third cash, the balance in bills of four and five months respectively. Subsequently, Mcßeth wanting capital, Taylor discounted the bills, deducting the amount of certain then current bills, and an open account owing to him by Mcßeth. Mcßeth shortly after became bankrupt, and the creditors regarded the transaction as fraudulent preference, and now moved to set it aside. Judgment was given that the amount of two bills, given by Mcßeth to Taylor, and not due when Taylor became certainly aware of Moßeth’s insolvency, be paid to the Assignee under clause 79. The amount was £164 12s 9d, with costs £9 10s. It is said the decision is to be appealed against. South Orari School Committee.—This Committee met on October 20th last. Pregent—Messrs R. A. Barker (Chairman), Bissett, Bates, Gregg, and Stewart. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman stated that he had filled up a form sent by the Board requiring the value of all school property at the Orari ; he had also sanctioned the changing of date of holiday, owing to the races being put off. —The Chairman’s action was approved of. The head teacher reported that the average attendance was ; Boys, 21.7 ; girls, 22,9 ; total, 44.6. The Vistor reported that the school was working satisfactorily. Mr Stewart stated that he wished the amount of his collection (held by Mr Binskin) to bo added to the prize and treat fund. He thought the treat of more importance than the prizes. Some conversation took place on the advisability of not proceeding with the concert. As, however, two members were absent, no alteration was made, and it was agreed to call a special meeting to discuss the subject, if thought necessary before the next ordinary meeting. Mr Bates was appointed Visitor for the next momh. After passim; accounts for £l2 ss, the meeting adjourned to the third Saturday in November.

Return of Tswiuao. -The natives are mustering in Auckland to receive Tawhiao and party. The Blue Ribbon and Temperance Societies are to present him with an address. Paul of Orakei and the people give a feast in his honour. The natives from Thames, Tauranga, and the King Country are also gathering at Whatiwhatihoe to welcome him back.

Entertainment. —To-morrow evening Mr W. Davidson, of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, will deliver a lecture at Pleasant Point on “British and American Humor,” and give a few hints on life assurance. The entertainment will be repeated mlemuka on the following evening (Saturday), and at Geraldine on Monday. Mr Davidson gave a similar lecture in Timaru a short time ago, and, according to reports in the local papers, treated the subject very ably—keeping the audience deeply interested from beginning to end. The admission is free.

Geraldine Young Men’s Club. —The Committee of the Club held an adjourned meeting on Tuesday evening last, Mr Willoughby* Vice-President, in the chair. The sub-Oom-mittee reported re taking Mr C. Pye’s premises for use of the Club, which was approved of and ratified. The same subcommittee also reported re furniture required, aud power was given it to obtain the same. The tender of the Timaru Herald was accepted for printing rules and programmes, and a list given to Mr Willoughby of apparatus required for the commencement of the Club. The building and apparatus will, it is hoped, be ready for use of the Club in about a week. The Committee acknowledge with thanks the gift of a set of boxing-gloves from Mr W. Moore.

The Tbmdka Linseed Factosy. —The above factory appears to be making rapid progress. There are now sixteen hands, including seven boys, working there, and, besides, there are three men employed in supplying native flax. The amount paid weekly for wages is between £2O and £25 on an average. It may therefore be regarded as an important industry. Most of the European flax has been dressed, but some of it is still retting, and there is a stock of it to be scutched yet. The principal work of the factory at present is the dressing of the native flax, but the preliminary process through which that goes can be carried on at the same time as the European flax is being dressed. We have already described the process through which the European flax goes, and consequently to repeat that is unnecessary. The native flax is carted to the ground and put through strippers, which removes the gummy substance, leaving the fibre only behind. These strippers consist of rollers, through which only one blade can pass at a time, and are fed by boys. The fibre is then taken to the water scutcher, where it is cleaned, and then it is put out to dry in the paddock the same as the European flax. It is next brought in and put through the same process in the scutching mill as the European flax, after which it is tied up in bales and made fit for the market. So far as we can ascertain this will be very profitable, as it will fetch in the market about twice what it costs to prepare it. Wo were shown a sample of the flax, and must say it has been splendidly prepared, and we believe that samples of it will be shown both at the Christchurch and the Timaru Agricultural Shows. A magnificent sample of European flax, grown on the property of Mr Hayhurst, will also be shown. On the whole, the industry appears to be thriving under the management of Mr John Davis, who has piloted it so far successfully. A Lovely Chaplet. A late fashion report says : “ Nothing can be prettier than a chaplet of hop vines in blossom.” A recent medical review says: "Nothing can be a better renovator of the health than Hop Bitters. They aid in ell the operation* of nature; toning up the stomach, assisting the food to become properly assimilated, and promote healthy action in all the organs. The dictates of fashion, as well as the law* of health, alike favor a right application o ; hops.” Read Advt.

Mr Robt. Thew invites tenders for crossploughing 145 acres turnip land at Orari Gorge. Tenders close on the 30th October.

Mr K. F. Gray, instructed by tbo mortgagee will hold a sale of valuable freehold property in the township of Wallingford, on Monday next. Mr T. Smith, seedsman (whose place of business is next Messrs Jonas and Bourns, auction rooms, Timaru, advertises that he has seeds and fruit for sale. Messrs Jonas and Bourn, auctioneers, Timaru, announce an important sale of freehold property situated on the Geraldine Road, on the 15th November next. “ Buchtt-Paiba.’'—Quick, oemplet" cure, all annoying Kidney, Bladder and Urinary Diseases. At Druggists. Zempthorno, Pr'»ser & 00., Agents, Onristohuroh. 3