LOCAL & GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2400, 17 September 1892, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Shearers and Laborers Union. —The annual meeting of the Geraldine branch of the Shearers and Laborers Union will take place this evening, at 8 o’clock in the Oddfellows’ Hall. Sudden Death. A young woman named Julia Sullivan died at Hokitika on Thursday morning. The medical evidence at the inquest showed that death resulted from the bursting of a blood vessel. She was strong and healthy, and apparently had nothing wrong with her. Woodbury Sports.—We would remind all interested in holding athletic sports at Woodbury that the annual public meeting to put things in motion therefor takes place in the local schoolroom this evening, at half past seven o’clock. It is to be hoped that there will be a large attendance. The Plummer Tragedy.—Mrs Plummer’s petition praying for an enquiry into th e shooting of her husband by Constable M’Knight was considered by the Public Petitions Committee on Thursday. It is understood that the Committee will report that the allegations contained in the petition are of so serious a nature that it is the imperative duty of the Government to hold an immediate enquiry into the death of Plummer. Gold.— For two weeks past two gold diggers have been prospecting on the Rangitata Beach, and have found gold of good quality, and in fair payable quantities. It is to be regretted, however, that on Wednesday, one digger took the mean advantage of the other, to make himseif scarce, taking with him all the gold they had found. It is the intention of the other digger to obtain aid, and proceed with the work.

Temujca Caledonian Society. —At the conclusion of the annual meeting of members of this society on Wednesday evening, the directors held a meeting, with the president in the chair. Messrs, D. Henry and J, Murray were elected vicepresidents. It was arranged to meet on the first Monday in October, to draw up the programme of the coming Caledonian Sports. A number of toasts were duly honored, and the meeting terminated. Geraldine Fike Brigade. —A meeting of the Geraldine Fire Brigade was held on Tuesday evening last, Captain Walton being in the chair. The matter of holding an annual social in connection with the Brigade was discussed, and it was decided “ That a social be held on the brigades annivertary this year, and every subsequent anniversary/’ A committee was appointed to carry out the arrangements, and there is every prospect of it being a success.

Sale oe SxviNS. —Attention is directed to the sale of valuable Australian and foreign rugs, foot warmers, ladies’ opossum capes, muffs, etc., advertised by Messrs Guinness k LeCren to take place in the Temuka Volunteer Hall next Tuesday afternoon. The goods are from the noted establishment of Mr S. R. Clark, “the premier furrier of Australia,” so their quality may be relied upon. They will be on view in the Hall on Tuesday morning.

Drainage Scheme eor Wellington. —A statutory meeting presided over by the mayor was held at Wellington on Thursday to consider and discuss the proposal of the Council to raise a special loan of £165,000 for drainage purposes. His Worship fully explained the proposals and urged the ratepayers to carry a vote empowering a loan, but strongly opposing the proposal to establish a drainage board to carry out the work, contending that it was one of the functions of the City Council. Ultimately the mayor’s motion in favour of the loan, and that the Council carry out the scheme, was carried. A poll of ratepayers will be taken. Football. —The match between North and South Canterbury took place on Thursday in Timaru, in the presence of between 600 and 400 spectators. The South Canterbury players were completely overmatched, several of the best seniors being unable to be present. The game resulted in the overwhelming defeat of South Canterburj', by 44 points to nil, Messrs Price (Christchurch), and Blake acted as touch line umpires, and Mr Young (Timaru) as referee. The Canterbury team were entertained at a dinner in the evening. During the game Helean (South Canterbury) had the misfortune to put his knee out.

The New Steam Service. —Mr Parker, of Huddart, Parker and Co., gives further particulars of the new service which commences with the Warimoo, leaving Sydney for Auckland on the 10th October, and going to Melbourne via the south aud Hobart, the trip being specially made in time for the Melbourne Cup. Arrangements have been made to board passengers on the ship at Melbourne for their convenience. Sydney will be the head depot, and Newcastle the coal port. The service will require one steamer leaving Melbourne and Sydney respectively, crossing New Zealand waters. Special arrangements are made for the trade between Western and South Australia and New Zealand, transhipping at Melbourne to the company’s other steamers.

To OUR Readers. —We very frequently receive communications unauthenticated by any name. We get items of news, letters to the Editor, and so on, unsigned by anyone, and people expect us to publish them. Now people ought to know better than to think we can take notice of anonymous communications. We have frequently stated, and so has every newspaper in the country, that annonymous communications cannot bo entertained. Supposing, for instance, we were to insert a communication of this nature, and that it turned out to be a mere hoax, what position would we be in then 1 We should not have any knowledge of the writer, and we shoul 1 have to take all the responsibility on our shoulders. For this reason every one who desires to obtain the insertion of anything in this papor must give his name, not necessarily for publication but as a guarantee of good faith. This a rule from which we cannot depart, as it is absolutely necessary to protect ourselves. Assembly Ball. — The ball organised by Mr T. Gunnion as a finale to his quadrille assembly dances was held on Thursday evening in the Drillshed, Temuka, and was a pronounced success. The building showed that infinite pains had been spent upon its decoration. The walls were covered for aboiit 12 feet up with yanvas (thus cxdu iing all draught).and upon this, ver .• ta.-tv i'll I designs in fern fronds were displayed, while the corners of the room were transformed into alcoves by means of huge tree ferns. A large tree fern was also placed jn the centre of the room with scats round it. A liberal display of flags served to brigten the whole, and the room was well lighted and the floor in good order. Mr W. McCallum acted as M.C., and under his able direction the grand march was gone through in very exact style at about half-past eight, some 80 couples taking part in it. From this out, dancing was kept up vigorously until an early hour yesterday. The brothers I', and H. Colville supplied good music, and Mr Gunnion, with a few friends to assist him, took care that nothing phould be wanting to add to the comfort of his guests. The refreshments, which were provided by ladies of the class, were, as may bo expected, very good,

Wesleyan Church, Temuka. — The services for to-morrow will be found in our advertising columns.

Demonstration Day. The Government have decided to proclaim October 28, “ Demonstration Day,” a public holiday.

Primitive Methodist Church. — The services for to-morrow in connection with this Church will be found in our advertising columns.

Bush Accident. A bushman named Schomerset Bond, single, aged 22, was killed by a falling tree at Te Horo, near Otaki. Wellington, on Wednesday. Illness of Mr Bracken. The Feildiug Star states that Mr Thomas Bracken, New Zealand’s “ only poet,.’ is an i invalid in the Melbourne Hospital. If this report is true, the fact will be widely and sincerely regretted. Netting Lakes. —At the last meeting of the Mackenzie County Council a resolution was passed supporting the efforts of the Geraldine County Acclimatisation Society in their efforts to obtain the consent of the Marine Department to the netting of the Mackenzie County lakes. The Band Contest. —The band attached to the 4th Volunteer Regiment, Newcastle, New South Wales, is making enquiries in New Zealand re the band contest, and state that if the rules are suitable they will come over and compete. The question has been referred to the executive in Christchurch. Arrivals and Departures. During August the arrivals in the colony were 1182 persons, and departures 659. The arrivals were from the United Kingdom, 179; New South Wales, 480; Victoria, 330; Tasmania, 133 ; other places 50. The departures were —United Kingdom, 66; New South Wales, 338 ; Victoria, 152 ; Tasmania, 23 ; other places, 80. Successful. —The directors of the InchClutha Dairy Factory Company report that the quantity of milk received during the year was 179,684ga1, being a substantial increase on last year, and at the advanced price of 3:]d per gallon has circulated the large sum of £2807 11s 3d amongst suppliers. The amount available for distribution is £195 17s 9d, out of which the directors recommend a dividend at the rate of 9 per cent, on the paid-up capital; the balance of £56 3s 9d to be carried forward.

Mackenzie County Council. A special meeting of the Council was held on Monday to amend by special order the bylaw relating to the width of tires. It was resolved that the width of tires on vehicles plying for hire be as follows : —For fourwheeled waggons drawn by four horses or bullocks, not less than 3.inches. For waggons drawn by more than four horses or bullocks, not less than 3£ inches. For drays drawn by three horses or more, not less than inches. For bullock drays, not less than 34 inches. License fees on vehicles plying for hire were fixed as follows: —Waggons drawn by traction engines, each £2. Horse or bullock waggons each £2. Drays £1 and spring waggons 10s.

Bad Character. Our member has been telling tales about us in Parliament. In discussing one of the clauses of the Electoral Bill, providing that public school buildings should be used by candidates at elections free of charge for their meetings, he said “ I have seen rooms at election meetings all plastered over with rotten eggs,” “At your own meetings 7 ” eagerly enquired several members, “ Well, both candidates got them,” was the reply. It is not pleasant to have such a character as this given, but we certainly believe Mr Rhodes is right. Will those people who indulge in this pastime think over this, and ask themselves, “ Is it nice to have snch a character given us 7” We advise them not to give room for any one to say such a thing of them again.

A Mile a Minute Bike. —An American inventor claims to have devised a bicycle that can be run at a speed of a mile a minute. Briefly described, the new machine is a regular safety bicycle half inside a big wheel. The large outer wheel is 9ft. in diameter, and the inner circumference connected by spokes to the outer wheel is Bft. in diameter. The driving wheel is 3ft. in diameter, and rides the big one a little beyond the centre or point of contact with the earth, so that it is constantly climbing on the big wheel. This friction revolves the big wheel at every revolution of the small one, and produces increased speed and power. One wheel surface is concave and the other convex, with one surface of rubber. A New Zealander Unbosoms Himself. —Mr Jacob H. Reynolds, of Havelock Mart, New Zealand, has (says the London correspondent of the Dunedin Star) astonished the readers of the Daily News by a letter, in which he states: —“ The greatest interest is felt in the general election at Home. We are all Liberals in New Zealand, differing only in degree from the rank Radicalism of Sir Robert Stout to the feeble Liberalism of Sir John Hall. I take it, that Home Rule for Ireland is to be the rallying cry of the Gladstonian party. I believe, with few exceptions, that party has the good wishes of the colonists generally. We have seen the benefits of self-government. Religious and political hatred is unknown, all working alike for the commonweal and mankind. New Zealand knows the loyalty of its Irish subjects, their patriotism, and their honor.” Love and Money. There is a romantic story told in connection with the marriage the other day of Miss Scott to Mr Hay, one of the heirs of the late Duke of Cleveland. Mr Hay, so it is said, was formerly an aspirant to the hand of the young lady, but his suit was frowned upon by some of the relations because of his lack of what was considered the necessary means. When the Duke died so little did Mr Hay think himself interested in the event that he did not attend the funeral. He was, however, telegraphed for afterwards, and proceeding south, found that he had been bequeathed a very large fortune and an estate worth £30,000 per annum. He wooed again, and this time won.

English Opinion. —Mr Cameron, a merchant of Wellington, has just returned from a visit to England, being interviewed said he found New Zealand well spoken of at Home. The general idea was that the determination of the Government to do without loans was highly commendable. Manufacturers in Sheffield and Birmingham told him they preferred New Zealand to Australian orders. The confidence in New Zealand is greater than in the other colonies. One effect of the McKinley tariff has been to kill interest in the Chicago Exhibition. Mr Cameron speaks highly of the way in which Mr Perceval conducts the Agent-Gennral’s office. He found New Zealand butter running other countries hard, and came to the conclusion that it ought to be graded in three classes. Also that there was a market fog butterine, a mixture of pure fat and butter, which is in great demand. Fatal Accident. —A sad accident, that resulted fatally, occurred near Winchester on Thursday evening last. Master John Aithen, 1! years of age, a son of Mr Joan Aifcken, of SiniCiiiel.i, was sept by his hither to Winchester on an errand. He was riding a pony, and after doing his business he started for home. Nothing more was seen of him, until about an hour afterwards, when two lads named Sharp and Cone who were going the same way found him lying insensible in the road, near the Woolshecl. He was taken to Mr Hoheit Smith’s, and Dr Cayley was seat for. When he arrived he found the lad -was suffering from facture of the base of the skr,U. The lad. lingered until about 11 o’clock on Friday morning, when he died. Nothing is known as to the cause of the accident, but it is supposed the horse \vas. startled by_ something, and lud was thrown, falling on his Ho was a very promising lau, uucl had a first-class school record. Ah inquest will be held to-day, at 10 O’clock.

Timaru Trotting Club.— ln our advertising columns will be found particulars of five of the events at the Timarn Trotting Club’s forthcoming meeting. Nominations close on September 30th. Big Trout.— A gigantic trout over a yard in length and half a yard in circumference, was recently captured in a river in Austria by a party of fishermen. It was presented to the Museum of Carinthia.

Complimentary Dinner. A complimentary dinner will be given to Mr J. Mundell at Geraldine on Thursday next to celebrate his entering upon his engagement with the South Canterbury Farmers’ Co-operative Association.

Sons and Daughters of Temperance, —Last night an address on the organisation of the Society of Sons and Daughters of Temperance was given in the Social Hall, Temuka, by Mr Cameron. There was only a small attendance, but sufficient to admit of a branch of the order being established. A report of the general proceedings will be given in a future issue. Accident. —On the way out from the Timaru Races yesterday Mr W. Binley and Mr J. Purchase had a narrow escape. The former was driving, and managed to run the wheel of his cart over a stump of fire wood dropped on the road from some dray. As a result there was a complete capsized, Mr Purchase escaped comparatively easily, but Mr Binley got a nasty cut over the eye. The horse luckily stood quietly, and some other travellers who came up shortly afterward were able to “right” the trap, to which the only damage was a broken splashboard.

South Oeari School Committee. The monthly meeting was held in the schoolroom last Saturday evening. Present—Messrs Ellis (chairman), Edwards, Bracefield, Cross, Bates, and Loach. The headmaster’s report was read, and showed the number of names on. the roll to be 116, and that the average attendance for the month was 81. The school had been open 118 times during the quarter ending at date, and two children had failed to attend half that time, although they had been served with notices to attend. It was moved and carried unanimously that the parents be summoned at once. Correspondence was read from Miss Balfour, asking for leave of absence to attend a college examination. Moved by Mr Bates, and seconded by Mr Loach, —“ That Miss Balfour’s request be granted.” It was decided to obtain a supply of pens, foolscap, etc,, also that a concert and dance be held, Mr Cross was appointed visitor. The meeting then adjourned to Saturday, 17th inst., a special meeting to be held to make the necessary arrangements for the concert and dance.

Credit to Colonial Industry.— “ My ‘ Star ’ as a light running machine I don’t think could be excelled; and the finish is a credit to Colonial industry.— F. W. Hunnibell, Spreydon.” Adams, Curties and Co., Manufacturers.

Evangelist and Faithful Words : A new illustrated monthly with story supplement ; a paper for old and young, as catholic as the gospel it proclaims, and from interesting matter and superior get up, it ought to be a welcome visitor to any home; specimen copy now ready, subscription 6s 6d per annum, post free. “ Truth ” bound volumes answering conditional immortality views and current questions and books on Adventism be ready about November. “ Health, the new Method,” by Dr Forest, finds fresh advocates every week. Advice fifty times over, as to self and home help in the recovery o l health in male or f emale. The tired muscles or sprains, etc,, of footballers as well as headaches, neuralgia, dyspepsia* constipation, are cured by the use of Dr Forest’s muscle-roller,. W. L, Duncan, Arowhenua, agent for W. Corrie Johnston, publisher.—( Ad vt. )

SYNOPSIS OP ADVERTISEMENTS

E. C. Dann—Wants a boy. Complimentary dinner to Mr J. Mundell. Mrs Hay, Epworth—House and land to let. Primitive Methodist Church—Services to-morrow. Wesleyan Church, Temuka—Services for to-morrow. Geraldine Road Board —Notice re exchanges on cheques. Guinness & LeCren —Sell sheep, etc., at Temuka stock sale. N.Z. L. & M.A. Co.—Sell sheep, etc., at Temuka stock sale. Timaru Trotting Club • Notice re closing of handicaps. T. Sugrue, Orari—Advertises lost mare, with saddle and bridle. D. Gregan, Pleasant Valley—Notice re mare strayed into his paddock. David Taylor, Temuka —Advertises grand display of fisSing tackle on Thursday next; every description of rods, reels, etc., at reasonable prices. J. Mundell & Co.—Unreserved sale of J. W. Hunter’s household furniture and effects at Geraldine ; also entries Temuka Live Stock Sale.