LOCAL NEWS OF THE MONTH.

Timaru Herald, Volume V, Issue 110, 16 June 1866, Page 5

LOCAL NEWS OF THE MONTH.

Seadown.— We are glad to observe that E. G. Stericker,Eaq, has issued an address to the electors of Seadown offering himself as a candidate m the representation of that district m the Provincial Council.

Gold Bobbery. — A few days ago a quantity of gold, worth £2500, was stolen from the Bank of New Zealand at Okarita. The mode of robbery is unexplained. Nfw Postal Route. — For this month only the Panama boat leaves Wellington on the 24th inst, the mails closing here on the 18th ; but m future the homeward mail will leave Wellington on the Bth of each month. We observe that by this new route, newspapers will be charged Id for transmission to England, The old route via Melbourne will be continued only we imagine for the period of the existing contract, but we have no certain information on this point. Landing Charges. — The tariff of charges which we publish elsewhere is by no means satisfactory. We understand that when the Government undertook the service, the charges, though not officially notified, were to have been considerably lower ; as it is, there is but little difference between them and the charges made under the old system.

Fishery Business.— "We are glad to note that this business has again taken a start, after lying m disuetude for more than four years. On Thursday, 7th inst., three enterprizing individuals put to sea m a small boat, fully equipped with all appliances for fishing, and taking with them provisions for three days. From this it would appear that they are determined to give the venture a fair trial, and they fully deserve to meet with success.

Customs. — In another part of our columns will be found a return of the Customs duties, taken m this port, for the months of March, April, and May, m the years 1864, 1865, and this present year. The increase of the duties for thejthree months last past, over the corresponding mouths of 1864 is £1,575 ; of 1865, £885. Mechanics' Institute.— On Friday evening June Ist, a lecture was delivered m the Institute, upon John Knox, the great reformer of Scotland m the 16th century, and his Life and Times. Mr. J. luglis was elected Chairman, and after the Rev. J . B. Richardson had introduced the subject by prayer, the Rev. Mr. Connor proceeded with his lecture, which he rendered m language poetically and beautifully descriptive ; showing by illustrations the dark superstitions that existed m those times, and the rapid progress the Reformation made m that country, by the energetic agency of the humble yet fearless John Knox. The lecture also elicited casual bright sparks across this dark page of Scottish history, from Calvin, Cranmer, and others of the great reformers, m following the life of Knox. In conclusion, he offered up an appropriate prayer. The Chairman returned thanks for the audience, which he did with suitable comments. There were not as many persons present as might have been expected, owing to the coldness of the evening. Masonic— On the 14th instant tenders were invited for building a Masonic lodge. This speaks well as to the flourishing condition of that body m this town. We understand that a magnificent building site has been secured, somewhere near the Government flagstaff, overlooking the roadstead, and to the north, taking m a large sweep of country. Water Supply— On reference to our report of the meeting of the Municipal Council, on the 14th ult. it will be seen that a resolution was passed authorising an expenditure of £20 for tak ing levels between thePareora,aud Tengawai rivers, and the town ; and that Mr. James Frazer had made an otter to the Council for laying pegs from the Pareora to Timaru. This is a step m the right direction, and we trust that if Mr. Frazer undertakes the work, his report will be so favourable as to induce the Council to take further and immediate action m the matter.

Presbyterian Church.— On Wednesday evening May 10, accordingto previous intimation a meeting was held m he Mechanics Institute, of the Presbyterians m this locality. The object of the meeting was to take into consideration the material, size, expense, etc., of a Church m contemplation of erection by the members of this body m Timaru. Mr. Munro was voted to the chair. After some discussion it was unanimously resolved that the building should be of stone ; and the committee of the congregation — the whole subject being referred back to it tor decision and management — was empowered to call for plans and estimates of a Church m stone ; the cost not to exceed £750. This is a step at which we think the Presbyterians of the district should very much rejoice. It can hardly be said to be a step prematurely oi precipitately taken, and we trust that what now has been so deliberately begun, will ere long be executed with success and satisfaction. The subscription list is not entirely up to the mark yet, but it is hoped that many who have not been hitherto solicited, and whose names do not now appear on the list, will yet come forward and render to the committee what additional aid they may need. Cobb's Coach Lost. — On Tuesday May 15, "King Cobb" was lost m a fog. The coach which runs between the Itangitata and Timaru, when within about three miles of town got of the track aud did not arrive until eleven o'clock at night. The fog was more dense than we have seen before m any jiart of .New Zealand ; and it was quite impossible for any person either riding or driving to see the track.

Canterbury Volunteers. — Major White has been gazetted Lieut-Colonel of the Volunteer force .of this Province.

Fire. — It is with regret we have to record a fire which took place at the Messrs. Parr's farm on the Opihi on May 10. It appears that after threshing out a quantity of corn, a large mass of surplus straw was being burnt, when suddeuly the wind shifted and blew a volume of flame on to a standing rick of wheat. The heat was so intense from the burning straw that nothing could be done to save the stack which was estimated to contain 250 bushels of wheat ; this, together with a threshing machine valued at about £50, and some tarpaulins were sacrihed. We understand the property was uninsured. Sudden Death. — A somewhat sudden death occurred at the Waimate on the 29th May. A bullock driver named Kobert Smith, a lad of sixteen, came home to the Waimate with his dray on Sunday, and complained to his parents of having caught a severe cold. At one o'clock on Tnesuay morning he died, [n the absence of the Coroner the case was reported to Mr. Belli eld, J.P., who decided, from evidence hi his possession, that there was no occasion for an inquest to he held.

Missing Fishing Boat. -It was reported m the town on Tuesday, June 12, that the fishing boat which left on last Thursday morning had returned: On enquiring, we found it to be incorrect, and that nothing has as yet been heard of it or its adventurous crew. The mistake evidently arose from there being a small boat off shore; this Jiowever, had been lauucbed iv the morning by some of the boatmen who had gone to try their luck at fishing. It is now. nearly a week since the boat left, and it is to be hoped that before long some tidings will be heard of it. Piscatorial— On Tuesday, June 12, we were shown s fish that had just been netted off the shore. It measured 14 inches m length, and its greatest breadth was 6 inches. It was evidently a table fish, of a hard, firm substance. Theboatmen seem to think it can only be caught by . netting, as it does not take kindly to any sort of bait. If it is once established that good iish can be oaught within a short distance of the roadstead, there is no doubt that a small but profitable business would soon spring up. "-'Provincial Executivk — The following gentlemen have taken office m the newly formed Executive Council, namely, H. J. Tancred, Esq. as President; F. E. Stewart, Esq., as Provincial Secretary and Secretary for Public Works; F. J. Garrick, Esq., as Provincial Solicitor; and Thomas Casa, Esq.

Gazette.— We observe m the Givernment GrzeMe of the 7th instant, the appointment of Constable Allen Hutcheson as Inspector of slaughterhouses for the Timaru district A notification is also given of certain reserves having been made m this district for a stone quarry. Christchurch Election.— The following is the result of the election of members of the Provincial Council, for the city of Christchurch :— Garrick, 506; Hawkes, 484; Williams. 440; Wilson, 375 ; Luck, 357 ; Andrews, 335 ; Wakefield, 39. The first four gentlemen were therefore elected.

Eacing Match.— A match between Mr W. Moorhouse's Larrie, and Mr John Thompson's Baroomga, for £20a-side came off fat the Timaru racecourse on June 12th, at one o'clock. The distance was two miles, over twelve nights of hurdles. Mr Moorhouse rode Larrie, and Mr Morphy, Baroomga. At the start Baroomga took the lead, but refused the first fence, which, however, was broken down by Lame. But at the second fence Baroomga again refused, and was then quite out of the race. Larrie cantered round the course and received the stakes. A second match between the same horses was arranged to come off the following day near the racecourse, for £50 a-side ; but the owner of Lame paid half forfeit. The distance arranged was one mile only. Fenians m Australia. — The following curious notice is taken from the Ballarat Star ; — " Ouradvertisingcolumns to-day announce that 'We, the Irish ladies of Ballarat, 'm the name of Christianity, wish to aid m relieving the wives and families of the Irish Fenians, the innocent victims of the folly of others,' albeit the appellants ' strongly disapprove of the (Fenian) movement"'