LOCAL & GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2251, 8 September 1891, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Temuka Stock Sale. —The fortnightly sale of stock at Temuka takes place to-day. Tns Mails.—-The Alameda, with the English mails of Bth August, left 'Frisco for Auckland on the 21st August, one day late. The Mariposa, with the Colonial mails of the 17th August, arrived at 'Frisco from Auckland on the sth inst., contract date.

Suicide.—Richard Walsh, sub-bailiff of the Auckland R.M. Court, who shot himself on Friday, was greatly worried by domestic troubles. His wife died lately, leaving six young children, one an infant a month old. Deceased was born in Auckland, and his mother still survives, and added to his domestic troubles poor Walsh had received a summons to show cause why he should not support his mother..

Brass Bakd Contest. —The bands contest at Dunedin is fixed for November 28th and 30th. Mr Trimmel, of Wellington, is appointed sole judge, and Mr Wills, of Dunedin, supervisor. The test piece is now in the hands of the mayor of Dunedin, and is to be issued to competj ng bands on September 26th. Fourteen bands will compete. £7O will be given towards prizes by Dunedin firms.

f A Flour Mill Burnt.—A large flour mill at Sanson, near Marton, belonging to Mr Clover,was burned down at midnight on Saturday. The cause of the fire is unknown. Nothing was saved, but the loss is covered by the insurance.

The Salvation Army, Geraldine.— On Saturday evening at Geraldine the Salvation Army, under Major Vince, went through what they call an "Indian March," after which a special meeting was held in the Good Templar Hall, at which Major Vince and others gave addresses. Sunday was a special day with the Army, and at the evening meeting one person went forward to the penitent form.

Fatal Bush Accident.—A shocking fatal accident occurred on Saturday at Ofcamakapu block, 25 miles north of Huntervflle. Two men named Kevern and Ash were felling a tree and had cut the front scarf with the axe and were sawing the back. They were standing behind as it fell, when it slipped back over the stump. Kevern was struck and was insensible for two hours. When he recovered consciousness he«found that the tree had cut the body of Ash in halves, The remains had to be carried 15 miles through the bush before they could be put on a conveyance.

South Orari School Committee.— The monthly meeting of the South Orari School Committee was held in the schoolroom, on Saturday, sth September, 1891. There were present Messrs Wakely, O'Neil, Bates, Bracefield, and McLeod (chairman). Correspondence was read as follows—From the teacher, enclosing his monthly report, which showed that the average attendance since date of last meeting had been 75, and that the roll number is 102; from the Board of Education, enclosing Mr Gow's inspection report on the school, which was considered highly satisfactory; from Miss Balfour, applying for leave of absence to attend a University Examination, to be held in October, and stating that she would arrange for a suitable substitute during her absence.—lt was unanimously decided to grant Miss Balfour's application. The concert which was held on August 21st turned out a financial success, and a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Temuka Minstrels, and to the other ladies and gentlemen who had given their assistance.

The Late Mr Tttrnbuxl.—A brass tablet to the memory of the late Mr Turnbull, M.H.R., subscribed for by members of the Legislature, and to be placed in St. Mary's Anglican Church, Timaru, -was brought from London by the lonic, and was on view in the main lobby of Parliament Buildings last Friday. The tablet is suitably inscribed. The Wellington correspondent of the Lyttelton Times gives the following additional particulars in reference to the tablet:—The mural tablet in memory of the late Mr Turnbull, of Timaru, to which I referred yesterday, is a very handsome one, and was paid for out of the balance of funds collected after his death by the members of both Houses of Legislature. The inscription is as follows:—"l.H.S. In memory of Richard Turnbull, born Jan. 17,1826, at Oxford, England, represented the electoral district of Timaru in the House of Representatives from July, 1878, to July, 1890, died at Wellington during his attendance on the session of Parliament, 1890. This tablet has been placed here by his fellow-members of the Legislature m token of their esteem. ' The memory of the just is blessed.'"

Criminal Libel.—At the crimimal sittings of the Supreme Court, Auckland, last Friday, before Mr Justice Conolly, Hugh Shortland, a solicitor, was called on by his Honor to put in his plea to the charge of criminal libel brought against him by a yonng lady. There was no appearance of Shortland in or about the Court when his name was called? Mr Campbell appeared for the informant, who applied for a warrant for the apprehension of Shortland. His Honor said he would be quite justified in granting the request. Shortland at this stage put in an appearance, and the indictment against him was read. The plea was handed to his Honor, and after reading it he said the greater portion was totally irrelevant, and he would not allow it to be put in. He should direct the jury that it was no justification because the informant libelled him that he should libel her by stating she was of immoral character. It could be a plea in mitigation. Mr Shortfand stated that the plea was copied from Saunders. His Honor—- " Tell me where, and give me your authority." Shortland quoted from Hodges, p. 332. He said he was at a disadvantage through leaving some of his papers at Home. His Honor said he had been ordered to have his plea ready that morning. The argument read by Shortland did not support his plea in the slightest degree. Shortland again read from Hodges, p. 229, in support of his plea. His Honor ordered* that the plea be amended.

Home Rule. —The Auckland Liberal Association welcomed Mr J. P Cox, M.P. for Clare, as a representative of Liberalism in the United Kingdom. Mr Cox in returning thanks, explained that it was hardly correct to class him as belonging f to the Liberal party, as the policy of the Irish members was to identify themselves with no English party. They were, how- ; ever, honorable allies of the Liberal party j since it has declared itself in favour of extending justice to Ireland. He did not believe in coming to New Zealand to wash the dirty political linen of the Irish Party. He and others with him had given up a leader whom they adored, not that they loved Parnell "less, but that they loved Ireland more. He would have great pleasure in conveying to Mr Gladstone the expressions of high esteem towards him used by the deputation. He regretted the absence of his friend Sir George Grey, whom he had met at Adelaide and Sydney a few Aveeks ago, and whom he hoped to meet again in Wellington. In conclusion, he expressed his highest confidence that Mr Gladstone would live to finish the great work upon which he had set his heart—the granting of Home Eule for Ireland. Mr A. E. Kemsly, a member of the National Liberal Club, was introduced to the deputation. Mr Kemsly arrived by the Wairarapa from Sydney. He said he had recently left England. He had known Mr Cox in the Old Country as a very able advocate of the Home Rule cause, one who had suffered imprisonment for his opinions. A meeting is to be held to arrange for Mr Cox addressing a public meeting,

St. Mary's Church, Geraldine. — The Bishop of is announced to preach in • this church this evening at 7 o'clock. Forgery.—Margaret Dowie, a domestic servant at Maungatua, Otago, has been committed for trial for forging a signature to a cheque for £6. The Volunteer Hall, Geraldine. —The carpenters have finished with the lining of the Volunteer Hall, Geraldine, and in the course of a fortnight the scenery will be erected and everything completed. A Narrow Escape.—A colored man named John Bennett was out fishing at Westport when his boat capsized. A boat which put out from Cape Foulwind with three men to rescue Bennett also capsized, and the crew saved themselves with difficulty. Bennett, who is a powerful man, was rescued after being two hours in the water. He is in a prostrate condition.

The New Taxation.—The tax of 1J per cent, on all money passed through the totalisator is imposed by the Stamp Duties Amendment Act, and the tax is to be paid into the Bank of New Zealand. Failure to comply with the Act is to be met by penalty of £2O. Steamboat passenger tickets of over £2 are made liable to Stamp duty as receipts, viz., one penny. Deeds of gift are to be charged duty the same as settlements. Football Accident. —At Auckland on Saturday in the football match Rovers v. Gordon, Thomas Sibbin, a printer and well-known footballer, playing for the Rovers, got a fracture of the spine. He accidentally tripped over a player who was dribbling the ball and doubled his head under his breast. He was admitted to the hospital in an unconscious state and died shortly afterwards. He leaves a wife and several children, and was the son of George Sibbin, the auctioneer. The game played was Association. / The Penny Post.—The establishment of the penny post is the purpose of the Post Office Act Amendment Bill, which is one of the measures which the Government will endeavor to pass this session. The fate of the penny post appears problematical. Some members have made up their minds to oppose it, because they think it will leave a deficit in the revenue which cannot be lightly looked at in the present position of the colony. However, if the Bill is carried it is the intention of the Government to postpone the inauguration of the penny post until the 31st March next, the end of the financial year.

Geraldine Floral and Horticultural Association.—This Association met on Friday evening last, Mr J. Williams occupying the chair. Mr C. G. Tripp wrote suggesting that the Association hold a chrysanthemum and fruit show in May next. After favorable discussion it was unanimously decided that such a show be held in the month mentioned. The secretary was instructed to write to new residents in the district, asking if they would subscribe to the funds of the Association or give special prizes. Mr White suggested that 5s family tickets be issued for each show, and tabled a notice of motion thereon. It was decided to consider Mr White's motion at a special meeting on September 18th. The meeting then closed. "" Presentation at Hilton.—A pleasing ceremony took place at Hilton school on Friday afternoon, when the teachers and scholars of the school met to present Miss Beattie with a token of respect and good will. During the last four yeara Miss Beattie has acted as pupil teacher in the school, but on account of the average attendance not keeping up to the regulation number her salary has not always been forthcoming. Mr Steven referred to Miss Beattie's long connection with the school, and expressed very great satisfaction with her work as a pupil teacher. He called on Mr R. Skinner, chairman of the school committee, to make the presentation. Mr Skinner heartily endorsed all that Mr Steven had said, and concluded by handing Miss Beattie a handsome gold watch. The Hilton people have always been very liberal in connection with the school, and on this occasion kept up their character for liberality.

Indignation Meeting.—A mass meet 1 ing was held last Friday on the reclaimed land, Wellington, for the purpose of protesting against the rejection of the Labor Bills by the Legislative Council. Messrs Kelly and Hogg, M. H. R.'s, addressed the meeting, at which about 1000 were present. Messrs Fisher and Fish wrote, explaining that they thought while Parliament was in session it was not judicious that the members of one Chamber should condemn the actions of the members of the other - . They therefore did not attend. The following resolution was carried :—" That in the opinion of this meeting the prejudiced action of the Legislative Council in dealing with the Bills that have passed through the House of Representatives this session (especially Sir George Grey's Friendly Societies Act Amendment Bill) is unjust, and deserving censure, and that in protesting against such action this meeting also requests the Government to take such steps as will give them fair representation in the Legislative Council next session to ensure the safe passage of their Bills." Female Suffrage.—The Wellington correspondent of the Press says:— Speculation is rife as to the probable fate of the Female Suffrage Bill in the Legislative Council. The Bill was intro- ! duced into that Chamber on Friday, and i was read a first time, the second reading being set down for Wednesday next. A careful canvass has been made of the Council with the object of ascertaining how the voting is likely to go. The result has been to give an apparent majority of one against the Bill, but there are three Legislative Councillors, Messrs Holmes, Hart, and Mantell, whose votes are regarded as doubtful, and manifestly, therefore, if one of these three vote against the Bill and two for it there will be a tie, while if two of the three vote for the Bill it is safe for its second reading at all events. At present the thing seems to be adverse, but on the other hand some Legislative Councillors feel very strongly that this House ought not to be made use of as a sort of " destructor " for Bills to be cast into that have been reluctantly passed by a majority in the Lower House. These Councillors say, "The Bill merely affects the Lower House, and if they really want it let them have it." The prevalent impression is, howerer, that the Bill will be thrown out by a narrow majority, ( •

Death oe an. Early Settler.—Mrs . Raddif ord, aged 78, died at Wellington on Sunday. She came out in 1840 with her husband, ond was one of the founders of the settlement. The Weather.—The thermometer on last Sunday at 3 p.m. rose to 'over 70 in the shade. This was unseasonably warm, and we should not be surprised to find it followed by some wet weather. Indecent Assault.—At Auckland the jury were unable lo agree in the case against W. V. Bindon, charged "with indecent assault and the Judge ordered a new bill to be presented next session. Free Trade.—At the first annual meeting of the Free Labour Association, of Napier, it was reported that the total membership was over 2000, of whom 1956 are working members. The prejudice at first existing on the part of working men was now dissipated. Situations were found for 157 men, relief was granted, to 37 members who met with accidents, the guaranteeing members numbered 202 ; the receipts for the year were £1706, and expenditure £346 less. Painful Accident. —On Saturday afternoon, Beatrice, a ten-yearrold daughter of Mr James Blyth, of Temuka, met with a nasty accident. She was playing at see-saw and her companion thoughtlessly jumped off the plank, letting Miss Blyth fall very suddenly and heavily. The .plank rebounded and struck her on the right shoulder, fracturing the bone near the joint. The injury necessitated very careful attention, which it received at the hands of Dr Hayes. The little sufferer was doing fairly well yesterday. The (Jhathams.—The Hinemona returned to Wellington from the Chathams on Sunday, having landed the new R.M., Major Gascoyne, on the islands. She experienced a heavy gale on Tuesday, during which a wave broke on board and did some damage, and she hove to for eleven hours. The sealing ketch Anna, owned by Captain Bradshaw, of the Bluff, called at the Chathams ten days ago with 130 seals caught at the Bounty and the Chatham Islands. More wreckage has been washed ashore lately, including a pine spar with wire rigging attached. The Native Land Bill. —The meeting of Natives in Parliamentary Buildings for the consideration of the Native Land Bill is likely to have important results. They have been discussing the Bill for the past three days and have drawn up resolutions. They demand in these resolutions that this Native Land Bill shall not be passed in its present form, but that in its place a law shall be'passed comprising the following provisions : ,(1) That the power to manage their own land be returned to the Maori people; (2) that the Maori District Committees be empowered to adjudicate upon Native lands and lands which have not been adjudicated upon by the Native Land Court, and also with subdivisions and successions having similar powers to the Native Land Court; (3) That the co-owners of any block of land should have power to appoint a Committee to manage their land; (4) That a Com-" mittee be appointed to decide any land disputes in which Natives and Europeans or the Gevernment are involved, and also to consider all oppressive laws and all purchases, leases, and judgments and all other grievances since the signing of the treaty of Waitangi; (5) That any sale of individual interests, whether to Government or other persons, be void - j and of no effect unless and until the land / had been individualised. The Natives appeal to the Maori members that if the principles here mentioned are not agreed to, they will oppose the measures now before the House. There is a material departure "I in these resolutions from the lines laid down in the Native Land Bill, and they contain an important policy. It now seems certain that the Bill will not be carried this session, at all events in its prseent form. . SYNOPSIS OP ADVERTISEMENTS. Geraldine Road Board—Tenders invited for shingling and formation of roads. Rangitata Station —Concert and ball on Friday evening. Fntertainment—At Temuka on Tuesday evening next, in aid of St. Joseph's Church organ fund. J. Mundell and Co.—Special entry of draught horses, etc., for horse sale at Geraldine on Friday. Davies and Murphy, Timaru—Call attention to magnificent display of summer goods they are now making. Professor Mason—Will continue his family entertainments at Temuka throughout the week excepting on Thursday evening.