NOTES.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 2765, 3 August 1883, Page 2

NOTES.

Mr HuUon has kindly sent us a copy of tho new edition of the Canterbury lihymes, which hns just been published by the Lyttelton Times Company, and is edited by Mr W. P. Keoves. Tho book is so welcome that wo do not care to criticiso Mr Reeves' work too severely. At the same timo we inns'; say wu think it might have heen better done. In ' the course of a lengthy preface (which, by-the-hyo, is printed in such small typo that only young eyes can read it) tho editor tolls us that " the lthymts were written in Canterbury for Canterbury readers, aud their host claim to favor on their own soil will be found in tho old associations connected with them." That being so, it would have been well, wo should think, to reproduce tho contents of the first edition in their ontirety ; instead of which Mr Reeves has seen fit to omit nino of the Rhymes, for reasons known only to himself. This of course, greatly diminishes tho value of the present edition to tho vory people for whose delectation it is published. By way of compensation, we suppose, for the loss of tho missing Rhymes, we havo an appendix, consisting of a number of pieces of very unequal merit, from the Canterbury Punch and from the Christchurch papers of a much later period. Some of these are not connected with Canterbury at all, and aro quite out of place in an edition of tho Canterbury Ehyme.i. Mr Reeves should have done one of two things. He should either have faithfully reproduced tho Hhymes intact as to their substance, though improved in their external form ; for which all old Canterbury settlers would have beau truly thankful ; or else ho should havo given us a cotnploto aelection of humorous pieces on public subjects, which have appeared in Canterbury. As it is, he has done neither one thing nor the other, and the result is somewhat disappointing. At tho close of his preface he pays an uncommonly queer compliment to the present generation of sottlers in this part of tho colony. " Those who " take the trouble to read the Rhymes," ho says " will recognise that the " founders of Canterbury were Enj»- --" liali gentlemen and gentlewomen, in " the fullest sonso of those much " abused words ; and will not he " ungrateful to those who, though now " themselves fast disappearing, have left " enduring marks of good work behind " them." If this does not mean that the Canterbury settlers of to-day are not gentlemen and gentlewomen, Mr Reeves is decidedly unfortunate in his composition. The allusion to "English "gentlemen, too, is a little invidious, considoring that Mr Crosbie Ward and Mr FitzGerald — two typical Irishmen,— were among the most notable contributors to the Rhymes. With all its faults, however, we are glad to have this new edition of a work which embodies the ballad history of the early stage of ah unique effort of colonisation. A word of praiao is due

to Mr Reeves for tho accurato and lively notes which he has added to tho volume. Talking about new editions, wo see the Agent-General has been urging the Govnrninoiit very strongly to authorise the issue of a new edition of that lugubrious work tho Nciv Zealand Handbook. " If I could employ some one I was able " to trust " he s*ys "to bring out in a " bright and attractive form the latest " information about both Islands I know "it would do great good. For months " past I hive been trying to mako time " for doing this most necessary work " myself, but in vain ; ii can only be " dime properly by a special hand under " my immediate supervision, and if it is " not dono really well it is not worth " doing at all." We have no doubt Sir ■ Dillon 801l in perfectly right ; but if tho new edition is to bo "bright and attractive," it will need to be a new book altogether. The Handbook edited by Sir ' Julius Vogel aomo ten or twelve years ago, is one of tho dullest and most unattractive productions wo ovor met with. It was compiled in parts by half a dozen different writers, the selection being guided moro by political favor than literary capacity, and, though some parts are much better than others, the " sum tottlo" is fteblo in tlic extreme. The book was very cordially condemned by tho Press in the colony, and though it was vigorously, and, wo dare say, expensively, puffed at Homo, it is doubtful whether it was worth tho cost of printing. Tho illustrations aro so ludicrously bad that it has always been a puzzle to ua to know where Sir Julius Vogel got them from, or what ho was thinking of to allow auch things to appear in any book bearing his name. Tlio truth is, he gave no personal attention to tho preparation of the Handbook, and he must have been thoroughly ashamed of it when ho saw what a muddle had boon m.ido of it. Like many of his projocts, it waß a shrewd and far-soeing idea, spoilt in the execution. Sir Dillon 8011, who i3 the very opposito of Sir Julius Vogel, in his patient and laborious attention to tho details of everything he undertakes, specially insists on tho necessity for ;» now edition, if tliero is to bo ono, being properly done under his immediate supervision. No ono could do it ao well as ho could himself, if ho had the timo ; but it is out of the question for him to attempt it. Where he is going to find a competent substitute we do not know ; unless Sir John Hall feels disposed to solace his retirement by a tedious task of thankless drudgery. English premiers, when out of office, either translato Homer or clbo write B&tirical novels, according to their bringing up and natural temporamont. But we can scarcely expect our ex-premier to take to literature, even in tho congenial shape of a new edition of tho New Zealand Handbook.

Bazaab. — As tho bazaar in aid of the funds of the Wesloynn church is to bo held on the cattle show day, during tho month of October next, tho ladies of tbe Committee ■will be glad to receive at an early date the contributions promised by their numerous friends. Weatiikb Rkcoiid ion .TrtT. — A gentleman in Timaru has kindly furnished us with the following figures respecting the weather during tho month of July last : — Total rainfall, 1.54 inches: maximum temperature in shade, 57dog ; minimum do, 20deg ; mean maximum, 49dcg ; mean minimum, 30.4deg. Aurksts. — Five meu were taken into custody last evening and lodged in tho lock-up. Ono was nrrcstcd on a chargo of lunacy, and tho other four on charges of drunkenness. Two of the four aro well known characters, against whom there aro a number of previous conTietions of a more or less serious nature. Harbor Board. — A special and an ordinary meeting of the Tiniaru Harbor Board will be held at their offices, Maclean and Stewart's Buildings, on Thursday, the Oth inst. Business : To adopt By-law No. 1 ; to appoint a Harbor Master ; to receive Iho report of the Committee on wharf contract No. 5 ; and to consider plans of Breakwater extension. Spouting. — We publish in another column Hub morning the programme of the two days' meeting (Sept. 27th and 28th) of the Geraldinc Racing Club. The amount of money to bo piven away in prizes on the first day is £395, and on tho second day £115, or tho respect ablo sum of £810 in all. Nominations for tho handicap races must bo iu tho hands of the Hon. Secretary, Mr D. McKonzie, on or before 9 o'clock to-morrow oveuing. This JIcaEDV. — Wo hare received from Mr Edward Griffon a most interesting collection of objects for the Museum. They consist of soveral large moa bones ; three very curious pieces of petrified wood, the appearance of wood being perfectly preserved, while tho weight and sound aro those of the hardest stone j a number of fossils from tho limestone formation ; a well formed jado arrow head, and several partially worked implements of jade, from tho aneiont deposits at the Dashing Rocks ; specimons of lava from the neighborhood of Sydnoy ; a piece of stalagmito j and a number of Bmallcr articles. A Triangular Drßi. — Tho Waimataitai school buildings, now in courso of erection, fire tho subject of a curiously complicated dispute. The School Committee find the money on condition that it is to be refunded by-and-byo by tho Board of Education, and they Wore to havo tho building erected subject to tho approval of tho Board through their Architect. Tho plans were prepared by Mr Duvnl, who has been superseded as Architect to tho Board by Messrs West and Barber. But it is found thai in tho agrcoment entered into by tho contractor tho work is made subject to tho supervision of Mr Dural, who is not described in tho ngreoment as tho ArcJiitect to the Board, and tho contractor desires the strict letter of his agrcoment to bo adhered to, and ignores i tho Board's present Architects. Ho has obtained a certificate for a progress paymont from Mr Duval, and has presented it to his paymasters, tho Committee. Tho Board, however, havo informed tho Committeo that they will not roeoup thom any sums paid otherwise than on the certificate of their own Architects. The Committeo aro therefore placed in a dilemma. If they pay on Mr Dural's certificate, they must payout of their own pocket; if they do not, and the contractor maintains tho attitude ho h(i3 taken up, they lay themsolves open to a law suit. The Board havo given tho contractor an assurance that he shall in no way suffer through the change in their Architect, and a promise to mako his position perfectly secure if ho will recognise tlw change in their staff. We are informod, however, that tho contractor intends to porsist in his own courso, and that a writ is at onco to bo issuod against tho Committee for a progress payment of £200. WIKOIIESTEB GBAIN DRUBBING COMPANY. — A well attended meeting of the promoters of this Company was hold at Young's Wolseloy Hotel, Winchester, yestorday afternoon. Mr W. 11. Moore occupied tho chair, and thero were present among others, Messrs A. Kclman, John Aitkon, W. Doßcnzy, W. Realtie, P. McShane, A. Dunnott, J. Skinner, R. Skinner, W. Gill, J. Austin, J. Guild, and W. Smith. No routine business was transacted, the Secretary notbeing present, but considerable discussion ensued and tho objects of the proposed Company were well discussed. Mr J. Skinner reported what had been done rcspectinc a sito, and that tho Member for tho district, Mr Postlethwaito, had beon written to on tho subjoct, it being necessary that tho site should be in proximity to tho railway. Ho ftlao laid plans of the proposed building bofore the meeting, and road a statement of what might bo fairly expected to bo tho result of a year's work. The meeting appeared to bo unanimous on the point that something of tho kind proposed was necessary, and it was ultimately resolved that a sub-Committee, to consist of Messrs J. Skinner, W. Moore, W. Murray and D. Inwood, ho appointed to arrange matters of detail, to report at a meeting of tho Provisional Directors to be held on September 6th. Several of those present expressed their willingness to take shares in tho Company, and after a vote of thanka to the Chairman the meeting dispersed.

EwaLisn Cable Nkws.— The following special telegi'iuns appear in the Press: — " London, July 31st. The frozen meat by tho steamer John Elder is selling at 6d per lb. The carcases of mutton nrc small and inferior to previous shipments. — In a. letter to the Fortnightly Review, Sir Julius "Vogel advises Lord Derby to arrange for coloniul contributions before annexing New Guinea. — Forty applications hare been received for the position of Professor of Mathomaties at the Auckland University. The nppointment lias not yet been mode.- -The Earl and Countess Roscbcry will shortly visit Australia.— The £200,000 «orth of debontures offered by tho Australian and New Zealand Mortgage Company, Limited, have not been covered. — At Dublin, men anil women danced round bonfires in celebration of the informer Carey's death. The newspaper offices wero thronged with an excited crowd when the news was received,, and great enthusiasm was manifested. — At Ischia 1000 bodies have been taken from among the ruins." "London, August Ist. Furthci information from the Cape regarding the death of James Carer, states that O'Donncll and the deceased were drinking together ir the saloon of tho steamer, and that O'Donnell shot Carey in tho neck. There had been nc quarrel, but Carey's conduct throughout the voyage had been impudent. O'Donnell admit; that ho had been ordered to commit the mur der. — The Committee of tho Marylebonc Cricket. Club have requested tho opinion ol tho Victorian and New South Wales Club! upon a draft of the Amended rules for crickcl which the former have just published. — A dangerous Nihilist conspiracy is report et from St. Petersburg, and many arrests havi been made in connection therewith. — New; has been received from the Cape to the effec 1 that tho chief TJsibepu is willing that Johr Dunn shall take command of the rebel tribes.' Resident Magistrate's Court, Waikatk.—At this Court on Wednesday, before 11. W. Robinson, Esq., R.M., judgment by default was given in the eases McTaggurt v. Allan, claim £7 12s 9d (Mr Clement for plaintiff), and Manchester v. Everett, claim £10. In tho cases tho Town Clerk v. McCabe, judgment summonses for 17s and 19s respectively, Mr Clement on behalf of tho plaintiff said these summonses had been issued as defendant had not paid tho amounts for which judgment had been given. One of tho sums was the Dorough rate for I&S2, (ho other for 1883. Tho defendant on being examined said ho had suffered from illness sine? last harvest, and wa3 still very poorly ; he was quite willing to pay if able. With tho consent of plaintiff, tho cases were adjourned by the Court till September 26th. L. Towers was summoned by the Police for a brcachof theßoroughßy-laws, viz., by neglecting to have tho name of the owner painted on a dray he was driving iu the Borough of Waimate. Sergeant Kamsay said the constable who had brought on the case, aud who was the only witness, was unwell and unable to attend the Court ; as the offence was not important, however, and the defendant had never previously been charged with a breach of tho By-laws, he asked to be allowed to withdraw the charge. In accordance therewith the Bench allowed tho case to be withdrawn. — At tho Court yesterday, before J. Manchester, Esq., J.P., a man charged with drunkenness and disorderly conduct on the previous dny was fined sn. An Infernal Machine on an' Atlantic Steamer. — Particulars of au important discovery made on board a Transatlantic steamer during her last voyage to New York have just leaked out at Liverpool, the vessel having a few days since returned to the Mersey. When sho left Liverpool, having n large number of immigrant passengers on board, » box was given to one of the stewards by a man who asked as a personal fnvor that it might bo convoyoi to New York. The steward took charge of tho package, but lifter the vessel had been ut sea a day or two ho examined the box, and came to the conclusion that there whs something very suspicious about it. He spoke to one of the officers, who communicated with tho captain. The box was carefully opened and found to contain a machine of such a nature that the captain deemed it advisable to throw it overboard. Tho box in which the machine vf as found was preserved and the address carefully noted. The utmost secrecy was maintained on tho arrival of tho vessel at New York. The British Consul whs communicated with, and searching enquiries are being made respecting tho matter. A Cciie fou Hydrophobia. — When M. Bouley, member of the French Academy of Sciences, made some lime ago a communication 7'especting a discovery for curing hydrophobia by a treatment in -which garlic was tho only element, a good deal of incredulity manifested itself as to the virtue of this remedy. If what is stated, however, be correct, his system has just been tried repeatedly by an experienced doctor in Portugal, with the happiest results. Tho testimony of tho medical gentleman referred to is, that within the last few months ho has attended nino persons suffering from the bites of niiid dogs. None of those treated by the method prescribed by 11. Bouley fell victims to that torrible malady hydrophobia, whilst all who had their wounds cauterised in tho usual way died after a period of intense suffering. The patients to whom the garlic remedy was applied had tho bite first washed with fresh water, after which tho wound was woll rubbed with powdered garlic, this being allowed to remain on tho injured place fora considerable time. Tho rest of the treatment consisted simply in giving tho patient n strong decoction of garlic and water for eight or nino days, and in administering garlic freely, under one form or anothor, with his food, for a longer period. This antidote to the horrible effects so frequently resulting from the bite of a rabid dog is said to bo infallible. In any case it is one so easily tried that it is worth being borno in mind. Jubobs and the Oath. — In tha Queen's Bench Division recently, whilst a common jury was about to be sworn to try a case beforo Mr Justice Stephen, one of'the twelve demurred to tako the usual oath on tho ground of his being a materialist, and asked to bo allowed to affirm. Tho learned judge pointed out that the law does not make provision for affirmation in the case of jurors, applying only to witnesses, and requested tho man to leave tho box, so that another might tako his place, but to remain in attendance in court, as, if those who wero summoned to servo on juries could get off in that way, others might be encouraged to make like excuses. A similar instance of a common juror declining to take the oath occurred beforo Mr Justice Hawkins on tho previous day, and in that instance also the man was requested by tho learned judge to leave tho box but to remain in attendanco amongst tho jurors in waiting, "in case ho should bo wanted." American Consumption of Wood Fcel — Vast as aro the resources of the forests ii tho United States they uro year by yea; seriously diminished by the reckloss calls thai aro mado upon them, notwithstanding thi increasing area of workable coalfields. Tin number of persons using wood for doinesti< fuel is estimated at 32,500,000, added to whicl there is a vory large consumption of clmrcoa' for manufacturing purposes. Tho amount ol this used during tho census year (according to a recent documont) was 74,008,975 bushels, of which 4,819,174 wore debited fc the twenty largest cities, 69,592,091 to thi iron trade," and 97,687 to tho production ol precious metals. Estimating the consump tion bjr quantities, it would seem that foi domestic purposes there were 140,537,139 cords u«ed j 1,971,813 for railways ; 1,157,522 in the manufacture of bricks and salt j 787,865 for steamboats ; 540,488 in the salt trade ; 358,074 in metal mining and amalgamating ; 266,771 in other mining operations ; and 158,208 in tho -woollen trade. Thoro aro, of course, enormous areas throughout the American continent in "which the consumption of wood fuel will always bo predominant, the distance of tho nearest coalfield and the cost of transport precluding the profitable employment of coal. The Gulf and Southern States generally will como under thiß head. It is somewhat singular that Pennsylvania, with its yield of 20,000,000 tons of coal, yet consumed for domostic purposes 7,361,992 cords of wood, a quantity only exceeded by New York, Ohio, and Tennessee States. Tho groat development of coal which is taking place in tho Western State of Colorado and the adjoining territory of New Mexico will be of incalculable importance to that portion of America, as timber is not such a plentiful article as it is further north and east.

A SIrSTEBIOUS MIXTUHK.— From Lloyd's News of May 6th, wo take the following : - Thrco weeks ago wo gave publicity to t lie two following announcement", which hud been sent us from Wellington, New Zealand : — I " Fanny Double when a child, lived in one of j Hancock's houses, lira Law, in or about the yeai'lßs7, was seen in a back street neirSurrey Clmpcl." The references were so vague, and the information so meagre, Unit despite our knowledge of the power of Lloyd's in unravelling such mysteries, there seemed littlr hope of (racing the parties. We are pleased, however, to be able to send our distant correspondent nonl that his puzzle has been solved. Fanny Double now resides in a southern suburb of the metropolis, and she not only remembers living in '" one of Hancock's houses," but also mi offer of marriage that George Hancock made her befoiv he emigrated to Xcw Zealand. Whether any remembrance of this early attachment Ims prompted the. inquiry or not, we cannot say ; but it seems possible, on account of B postscript in which Mr Hancock eays, "When you give them the address, please to ask them to enclose photo." Naturally Hiss Double is very curious to know why she is sought after by one of whom pie iias' not heard for more than a quarter of a ?entury. Hancock's next letter, in reply to Hir intelligence of the two females (for we !iavc also a trace of llrs Law) will, there-' fore, be looked for with some amount of insict-T. Perhaps we ought to state that lie has* a " mate," and that the latter bade turn ask us to insert this third enquiry :— 'Wanted, the address of a dark-eyed liousckeepcr for New Zealand." Though we rield, it must bo looked upon only as an illustration of the regard which the distant colonists cherish for the daughters of England. With every disposition to oblige correspondents, we cannot accept the responsibility of deciding upon the merits of " dark-eyed housekeepers." In the issue of May 13th appeared the following : — Notwithstanding our intimation last week that wo could not undertake to select a " darkeyed housekeeper" for New Zealand, several volunteers have written to us. Some ask for the correspondent's address, emd others describe their qualifications. Lizzio says, " I am a cook and thoroughly domesticated, and quite capable o£ undertaking the situation so kindly offered. lam 25, tall, and have very dark eyes." If Lizzie's eyes are as bright as her letter is business-like, she ought to succeed, and her address shall go to New Zealand. A Big Feast. — The native hapus at Parihaka have (says the TaranaUi Herald) been vieing with each other in feasting Te Whiti and Toliu. Te Whitu's hapu, however, excelled anything that had previously been accomplished. The hapu provided a thousand loaves, which were baked at Pungarehu, four bullocks were killed, and a large number of pigs ; besides pastrj', puddings and jellies from Opunake, and wino, ale, etc., to wash it all down with. The officers and nieu of the A.C. Foreo were asked to attend the fenst, and during the repast Te Whiti in a speech said that they were invited to show the world that tho natives had no ill-feeling against the Europeans. SYNOPSIS OV NKW ADVERTISEMENTS. K. F. Gray— Will hold a clearing sale of paints, oils, and hardware this day. SI iles. Archer and Co.— Ha vo just received a shipment of new season's clover seed, grosses, &c. White and Smithson— Have money to lend. Dunedin Finance, Loan, and Agency CompanyMonthly payments due this day. W. Evnns-Has two Fairbanks scales for sale. Secretary to G.U. Club— Advertises programme of meeting to he held on 27th and 28th September. R. H. Pearpoint— Has tno thoroughbred entire horses for sale. Wesleyan Church Bazaar— Committee request contributore to kindly bond in articles promised. In Bankruptcy— Re J. Moloney ;K. Wortliington. Wanted-Threo notices.