LOCAL & GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2454, 21 January 1893, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Temuka Public School. —The Temuka District High School will re-open on Monday next. Coming Back. The Miowera and Rotomahana brought 114 passengers from Sydney to New Zealand. Wesleyan Church, Temuka. The services for to-morrow will be found, in our advertising columns. Found.—The men who Were supposed to be lost in the bush at Catlins turned up on Wednesday after two days in the bush. Samoa.—The German warship Buzzard, from Apia, reports that all is quiet in Samoa. The H.M.S. Ringarooma has left Samoa for Fiji and Sydney. Mothers’ Union.—Lady Glasgow succeeded in forming a branch of the Mothers’ Union at Lyttelton on Thursday night. Eighteen ladies joined. Sudden Death.—ln a cricket match at Woodville on Wednesday, John Read, aged 21, son of a Maharahara settler, dropped dead after making a run. Heart disease was supposed to be the cause. Off for a Holiday.—-Mr J. P. Maxwell, one of the Railway Commissioners, has received leave of absence for a few weeks in order to visit one of the other colonies on private business.

The Search for McKinnon. The Dunedin Star was advised on Thursday that McKinnon’s boat had been found by the search party, sunk near Long Island, but there was no trace of his body. Supposed Suicide.—A supposed case of suicide took place at Nelson on Wednesday. William Treges, once licensee of the Commercial Hotel, was found dead in the stables atjthe back of the Nelson Hotel.

The Late Sir H. Atkinson. The meeting to be held at Wellington on the 24th inst., in favour of erecting a national memorial to the late Sir H. Atkinson, is to be addressed by the Premier, the Hon. Mr Rolleston, and Mr R. C. Bruce, M.H.R. Father Aubrey. The Rev, Father Aubrey, who for the last few years has been diocesan inspector of Catholic schools in Canterbury and Westland, has been appointed Yicar-General of the missions of the Marist Fathers in Australia and the South Sea Islands. Free from Scab. The Premier has received the following telegram from the Colonial Secretary of New South Wales “ Sheep from New Zealand are now admitted under the regulations issued on the 10th instant, if accompanied. by the prescribed certificate and declaration.” Drapery Sale. —Mr John Mundell held a large sale of drapery in the Volunteer Hall, Temuka, yesterday. There was was a large attendance, and an immense quantity of drapery was sold. The sale will be continued to-day, when the balance of the goods will be offered without the slightest reserve. On Thursday next a sale of the same class of drapery, and for the same firm, will be held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Geraldine.

Geraldine Floral Society. —An adjourned meeting of the committee of this society was held on Wednesday evening last, Mr Winstone in the chair. A large amount of routine business, in connection with the show to be held on Friday next, 27th inst., was transacted. We would remind our readers that entries for the cottage garden competition close on Monday next, at the secretary’s o ffice. All general entries must be forwarded not later than Wednesday night, and all exhibits, except cut flowers, to be delivered not later than 10 p.m. on night previous to show, but exhibitors living outside a radius of two miles may bring their exhibits before 9 a.m. on dayof show. All cutflowers must in before the same hour. N.Z. Rifle Association Meeting.— On Wednesday, after lunch, the Teams Match was fired for with the following result; —Dunedin City Guards, 427, £ls ; C Battery (Auckland), 417, £l2 ; Wanganui Rifles, 416, £8 ; Petone Rifle Club, 398, £5. The Championship then came up for decision, there being a lovely afternoon with a puffy wind. The following is the result: —A. Ballinger (Wellington), 522, champion belt, gold medal given by Defence Minister, and £25 ; McCarthy (Dunedin Rifle Club), 506, silver star and £25 ; Humphries (Napier), 502, silver star and £2O; Howe (Wellington), 500, £10; Henderson (Auckland), 494. £10; Kruse, (Wanganui), 492, £5 ; Thorpe (Wairoa), 492, £5 In firing off the tie for the Carbine Championship between Howe (Wellington), and McCarthy (Auckland), for the Carbine Cup, 5 shots at 300 yards, Howe won with 22, McCarthy 18. For the Volley Firing, 20 volunteers from each provincial district, 500 yards, 7 volleys, any position, prizes £2O, £lO, £5, given by the Defence Minister, the result was as follows: Auckland, 388; Otago, 343; Wellington, 339; Wanganui, etc., 304. A meeting of Auckland representatives was held on Wednesday, when the decision of the annual meeting, not to prevent the use of private rifles was discussed. A resolution was carried that none of those competing at the present meeting attend any further meetings of the Association, Doughty, the late champion, to be excepted. The meeting has closed. Primitive Methodist Conference.— At the Conference on Wednesday, the present debit on church properties was shown to be £6103, not £10,276 as reported previously. The revised regulations for probationers’ examinations were adopted. The proposal to divide the district was lost. The connexional fire insurance fund income for the year was stated to be £43 15s 2d. The Sunday School committee reported that the schools numbered 60, being an increase of 8; teachers 511, an increase of 56 ; scholars 4401, an increase of 549. The Band of Hope numbered 1615, an increase of 27; libraries 32, an increase of 10; (teacherp who are members of the church), 316, an increase of 19 ; scholars do 125, an increas of 25 ; scholars who have become teachers this year 21. The income was £B2B 18s 9d. The report was adopted. It was resolved that a recommendation be sent to the Sunday schools to induce scholars to join the Band of Hope: also to form Christian Endeavour Societies. On Wednesday afternoon the report of the book steward was adopted. The receipts were £59 I ;js 114. Thursday morning was occupied in stationing ministers; The Rev. W. C. Woodward and a minister from England were finally appointed to Geraldine, the Rev. W. Woollass to South Invercargill the Rev. F. W. Boys to Timaru, Rev. W. Harris to IVaimate, and Oamaru, Rev. J. Cocker, Ashburton, and Rev. G. Clements tri Manawatu, Mr M- -Tones, of Chester, was appointed. •«*(*■«< » of Birmingham, the delegate to the English Conference. It was beaded to hold the Conference of 1894 at New Plymouth, Westport waiving its claim.— On Friday the general committee and district treasurer were appointed, and other office-bearers elected. A letter from the President of the Wesleyan Conference was read and discussed, and the following resolution was passed:—“ That the letter of the Rev. Bond, President of the Wesleyan Conference, relative to the appointment of a committee to meet a similar committee of that Church _to discuss the question of Methodist Union be received, and that he be informed that when the Church referred to is prepared to admit and give effect to the principle of equal rights to Ministers and laymen in every Church Court, and upon every question coming before such court, we shall with very great pleasure authorise our committee to confer with them a view of the formation of one Methodist Church for New Zealand.” The District Sunday School Committee drew up a plan of formation for a Sunday School Union. A resolution was passed regretting the prevalence of intemperance, gambling, and other social evils,, It was resolved to send a telegram to Rady Glasgow expressing the high appreciation of her work in connection with the formation of home associations, A number of votes of thanks were passed ; the minutes were read and the conference terminated,

To Correspondents. Cosmopolitan’s etter will appear in our next issue.

Primitive Methodist Church. — The services for to-morrow in connection with this Church will be found in our advertising columns. Attempted Suicide.— George Kilminster, aged 21, a labourer, employed by Perry Bros., at Taratahia, near Masterton, attempted to commit suicide on Wednesday by poisoning himself with the heads of matches.

The Brewers. —The Colonial Secretary finds it would be impossible to remedy the grievances laid before him by the brewers' deputation until the law is amended. The question will consequently have to be considered by the Cabinet. The ’Frisco Mail. — The Alameda, with the English mail of 24th December, left ’Frisco for Auckland on the 9th January, three days late. The Mariposa, with the Colonial mails of 31st December, arrived at ’Frisco from Auckland on the 19th January, contract date. Church op England Services at Waitohi. —The Ministers of the English Church are about to commence regular monthly services at Waitohi, Milford, Rangitira, Washdyke, and Rangitata South. The first service at Waitohi will be held to-morrow afternoon at 2.30, in the Lower Waitohi Schoolroom. Notice to Farmers. —ln our advertising columns the South Canterbury Refrigerating Co., Limited, have a notice which will be interesting to farmers and stockdealers. It sets forth the freezing and shipping charges, which are the same as those adopted by the northern company at Belfast.

Orari Gorge. A new departure at Orari Gorge in the way of raising funds for the Geraldine Church of England will take place on Thursday next, when a “ garden party and bazaar ” will be held in Mr C. G. Tripp’s grounds. A nominal charge will be made for admission and refreshments, and no doubt there will be a large attendance on the occasion. Zealandia Geography.— The following regulations under the Education Act, 1877, are published:—“ The Zealandia Geography parts 2 and 3 (Horsburgh, Dunedin), may be used in any public school as if it had been described and included in the list of works set forth in the Order-in-Council prescribing the class books for the public schools, dated 26th May, 1892.

Binder Trial. One of Walter A. Wood’s steel-frame open rear chain drive six-feet cut reapers and binders was started to work yesterday, on Mr Buckley’s farm at Orari. The crop operated on was heavy green wheat, which varied in height from 18 inches to six feet, and would average a yield of about 40 bushels per acre. The machine opened up a track round the paddock cutting and elevating the long and short grain with the greatest ease, and delivering well-formed and tightly bound sheaves. Those present were highly pleased with the machine, and remarked that it was a very light draft machine. Mr James Austin, of Orari, purchased the machine. Arrivals and Departures.—A return is published which shows that during the year ending 31st December 18,122 persons arrived in the colony, and 13.164 left, leaving a balance of 4958 in favour of the colony. During 1892 the excess of emigration over immigration was 3198. Of the arrivals during the year 1892, 2555 were from the U.K., 7884 from New South Wales, 5390 from Victoria, and 1358 from Tasmania. Of the departures during the year 1612 were for the United Kingdom, 6397 for New South Wales, 3515 for Victoria, and 711 for Tasmania. Taking the principal ports, the Bluff tops the list of arrivals, and Auckland the list of departures. During 1892 58 Chinese arrived and 197 left the colony. State Farms.—At Thursday’s meeting of the Charitable Aid Board, Dunedin, the following letter, dated January 4th, was read from the Premier, in reply to a letter sent to him by the secretary embodying copies of the resolutions passed at the last meeting of the board: — “ I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ult. The Government, following out toe proposals made in the Financial Statement of last session, have been taking steps to procure suitable State farms in various parts of the colony. The land for one has been obtained in Wellington provincial district, and Mr McKenzie, the Minister for Lands, is now making inquiry for suitable land in Otago. The information had been obtained from various sources with regard to the management of such institutions, and the Government hope, in the course of a few weeks, to be able to initiate the scheme on the first State farm. The Government have not overlooked the details of Mr Bastings’s acheme, and think many of them are of a practical character.—l have, etc., J. Ballance.” The letter was received with expressions of gratification by the board. Social.—A very enjoyable and successful social was held on Thursday evening in the Social Hall, Temuka, in connection with the Wesleyan Sunday School Anniversary. The hall was filled, the Rev. J. Dellow occupying the chair. After singing and prayer, the rev. chairman undressed those present. Mr W. S. Beaumont then gave the superintendent’s and secretary’s report, Mr H. M. Miles giving the report of the treasurer. These sowed the school to be in a fairly satisfactory state. After a song from Mr Dellow, little folks’ refreshments were served. These were provided by Mesdames J. Brown and H. M. Miles, and were all that could be be wished. The distribution of the school prizes was the next business. This was performed by the chairman. Capital books were procured in Timaru, and gave every satisfaction to the recipients. Miss Duncan and Miss Lynch gave recitations. Mrs Dellow reached many hearts in the audience by singing “ The Old Arm Chair.” Miss Storey, the school organiste, accompanied the children in their hymns. Mr T. Buxton very ably moved a hearty vote of thanks to all who brought the social so successfully through, especially the two ladies above named for providing the refreshments. Singing and prayer brought the meeting to a close.

Accidents. —A very providential escape from a serious, if not fatal, accident took place opposite Mr Alien Macdonald’s residence at Woodbury, op Thursday afternoon last. Mr Norman Campbell, it appears, was driving with his sister (Mrs James Shaw, of Eangitata), a baby one mouth old, and a boy and a little girl. The horse stumbled and fell on its nose and then bucked and reared, the baby was shot from its mother’s arms opt ope side of the trap, and Mrs Shaw was precipitated out of the other side, while Mr Campbell and tbe boy and girl were thrown headlong out of the back." The horse then got one of its hind legs caught between the axle, and, in trying to free itself, cut its legs badly, broke tbe shafts and did other serious damage to the trap. With regard to the occupants of the trap, Mr Campbell received no injury whatever, and neither did the girl. The boy fell on his head and was dazed for a few minutes, but soon found his legs again. Mrs Shaw also was stunned for a few minutes, but beyond this and a slight shaking and fright received no injury. The baby fared worse than any, and it is a great wonder it was taken up alive. A nasty bruise on the fight cheek showed that if must have fallen on its face, but from all appearances at that time it was not seriously hurt.—Mr Robert Hammond met with a nasty accident on his farm at Rhubarb Flat on Thursday while paring a sheep’s foot wnich was affected with footrot. The sheep struggled, and the knife slipped and inflicted a gash on his right leg near the knee. Hr Fish was called in and dressed the wound,

Suicide. —A man named John Bussell, who has been several times before the Police Court, was found dead in the Corporation Reserve, Invercargill, yesterday, morning-, with a botrle of laudanum by his side, and his pipe in his mouth. It is supposed to be a case of suicide.

The Weather and Crops. The fine weather on Wednesday and Thursday was very welcome to farmers, and their greatest hope was that it would continue so for at least two or three weeks. Late on Thursday night, however, rain came on in a steady downpour, which lasted till about eight o’clock yesterday morning when it ceased, with threatening clouds still hanging about. The crops are rapidly ripening, and in a good many instances crops of oats, as well as wheat, have been cut. On Thursday the machines were kept going all day in some paddocks. Mr W. Palmer had his crop of oats in stook before last week’s rain came on. Crops this year do not appear to be so heavy as last year’s, but with good weather and fair prices farmers may yet have a very fair season.

Hessian Fly. —The Stock Inspector of the Wairarapa, has reported to the head office as follows : —“ The approximate quantity of wheat in crop in the Masterton district is 1300 acres, and the Hessian fly is more or less through the whole of it.” Mr Kirk is satisfied from inspection of the specimens of wheat sent up from the Balclutha that it is the true Hessian fly which is ravaging the crops in that district. The first of a series of leaflets for farmers which are to be published by the Department of Agriculture, was issued on Wednesday, the subject being “ The Hessian Fly,” The preface to the leaflet says.-—“ With the view of disseminating as widely as possible information useful to farmers and others, it has been decided to issue, from time to time, illustrated leaflets, giving in as brief form as possible, information availon the subject treated of. It is almost impossible to exaggerate the damage likely to result should the Hessian Fly get established here. In all countries it is dreaded, and justly so, for in bad seasons it causes almost the total destruction of the wheat crops. Further inquiry is being made with regard to the artificial breeding of destructive parasites of the fly, and the result will be published later.” The Wellington correspondent of the Otago Daily Times wires-Information is given me by the Agricultural Department that the whole of the Tokomairiro Plain is infected with the Hessian fly. It is stated that one field of wheat, of more than 25 acres in extent, has been wholly destroyed. The following are the principal paragraphs of the leaflet just issued by the Government upon the report of Mr R. W. Kirk:— “ There are usually two broods in the year —in the* autumn and spring. The eggs, which measure about l-50th of an inch, are laid in the creases of the leaves, each female depositing about SO. In four or five days small yellowish maggots appear and work their way between the leaf and the stem till they reach a joint—usually the first or second, near which they settle and suck the juice from the stem. The plant being deprived of a great portion of its nourishment, succumbs according to the severity of the attack. The grain is badly developed; the stem becomes too week to sustain the weight of the head and bends down to the ground. In a few weeks the maggot, having embedded itself in the stem, changes to the pupa stage, from which the perfect fly issues. There are several natural enemies—lo or 11 species of Hymenoptera (four-wigned flies), besides thrips. The. cultivation of Hymenopteras parasites is being exclusively carried on in Europe and America, Affected crops should be cut high, so as to leave the stubble long. All stubble screenings, &c., should be burned, and the land then ploughed, if possible, with a digging plough. If the larva) are discovered in the early stages, dressings of soot, lime or guano are beneficial. It is also a good practice where a crop is badly aflected to feed down closely with sheep in the early spring. It has been proved that the fly will, if grain is scarce, breed on certain grasses, so that care should be taken to clean up the rank growths on the margins and corners of fields. If possible, root or other crops not liable to be attacked by the fly should be grown instead of grain on affected ground for a season, so as to starve the pest. Some years ago this fly attacked the wheat crop at Marton, but the prompt use of similar measures to those advocated, resulted in its completed suppression.” SYNOPSIS OF ADVERTISEMENTS. Church of England—Services to-morrow Geo. Clarke, Kakahu Bush—Reward for lost dog. Guinness & LeCren—Notice re Temuka stock sale. Temuka District High School—Re-opens on Monday, Primitive Methodist Church—Services for to-morrow.

Wesleyan Church, Temuka—Services for to-morrow.

N.Z.L. and M.A. Co,—Entries for Temuka Stock Sale.

Garden Fete and Bazaar:—ln Mr C. G. Tripp’s grounds on Thursday next. South Canterbury Refrigerating Com-pany-Particulars of freezing and shipping charges.

H. B. Webster & Go. —Sell farm of 148 acres, the property of the late Jas, Quaide, on February 1. C.F.C. Association—Entries for Temuka Stock Sale; sell drapery at Temuka to-day, and at Geraldine on Thursday 26th. -

Geraldine Floral and Horticultural Society—Annual Show on January 27th ; entries for cottage garden close on Monday next.