FATAL BOAT ACCIDENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3251, 26 February 1885, Page 6

FATAL BOAT ACCIDENTS.

(By Telegraph.) Wellington, Feb. 14. About half past three', this afternoon a fatal accident occurred m, tl)e harbor. Four men went out m the yacht Diamond, and whilst off Oriental Bay Bhe accidentally capsized, and Alfred TJrwin, ono of the occupants, was drowned. TJrwin wa» about eighteen years of age, and was assistant clerk m the New Zealand Times office. A passing boat went to the rescue, and succeeded m picking up thd other threa occupants. Urwin s body has not yet been recovered. Invbbcabgili,, Feb. 15. A distressing boat accident occurred yesterday, Feb. 14th, m Invercargill harbor,, by which three lives were lost. A pleasure boat was on its homeward run up harbor when it capsized, and Tom F. Rowlands, George Dunn and his sister Mary, a girl of 13, were drowned. Peter Gilkison, of Flemings and Gilkison, millers, the owners of the boat, was saTed by clinging to the mast, and Margaret Dunn' was picked up supported by an oar. Rowlands was a.young married man much respected, and leaves a young widow and- two children. Dunn was 20 years of age, and clerk m the Colonial Bank, to which he had lately been transferred from Goro. Hewas'aleo a youth of great promise and exemplary character. His father is at present on a, visit to Scotland. None of them were expert, in handling the boat, which turned over : within a few dozen yards of a' sand-bank, which the drowned failed to reach", although fair swimmers. Today a large fleet of 'boats was out from daybreak searching without! success for the bodies. The occurrence has created a painful sensation m town, and was referred to m church to-day. It is reported the Miss Dunn who j was saved is m a precarious state.

CoKCEBT.— On ' February. 16th a very pleasant and successful concert was given m ; the >Timaru Assembly Boomß to fair audience. ,The concert was given-.aa- a complimentary farewell ■ benefit i to .Mrs G. E. Ansley on the eve':of her: departure for Australia. The concert' commenced -with an overture played by the Artillery Band, and although the" instruments' ;-wer'e rather numerous, a good deal of expression was introduced. Mr W. Ziesler's song was received with loud applause, and. Miss Statham sang "Boquetiero Tory nicely, which was followed by 'a piano' 'sold by Mr H. Morris. This gentleman's thorough knowledge of the piece drew forth, loud applause, and his response to an encore was indeed more successful. Mr Bees sang "If" m good sty Id. Miss Innes followed with " O for the bloom of my own native heather" which she san£ with: taste, and for which she received an encore. Messrs Bowles, Foley and Warrington's trio "Peter Piper" was well given. MrsiAnsley's song' "The Wood-nymph's .Call" was enthusiastically received, and for an encore she sang the " Kerry Dancers," Later on sho sang ''Parting. most appropriately, and m response to ; an encore the old favorite "Tho BlindiGiri to her Harp." Mr Warrington's song, V The Wolf," was well sung. Through 'indisposition Miss Wilson unfortunately was prevented from taking her part m the programme. As a substitute Mrs Wilson kindly consented to aing m her stead, and her song .the "Captive Greek Girl" was very well rendered, and earned hearty applause. 1 Mrs Stubbs was very with "I Love my Love," for which she was accorded an enthusiastic encore. Mr Campbell's song, ''Will o' the Wisp," wbs given m capital style, and the rendering by Mr Bees of " My Ancestors were Englishmen " brought the programme to, a close.' Iv reference to the instrumental part of the concert, special praise is due to the Messrs Morris' playing. It was no doubt a leading feature of the entertainment. To Mr Bilton much praise is also due for his kind 'and over-willing readiness to help m accompanying the singers on these occasions, the accompaniments to the songs " If " and " My [ Ancestors were Englishmen" being very much admired. Fabbwbll. — Over one hundred residents of Waimate assembled at the Oddfellows' Hall On Feb. 16th", m response to an invitation from ; the Waimate ladies to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs F..Gaitt and family, who are about to remove from Waimate. Tho hall j was decorated with ferns and flowers for the occasion. Among those present were Mr Steward, M.H.8., and Mrs Steward, Mr Clarke (Mayor) and tho Misses Clarke, Mr and Mrs Evans, Mrs Goldsmith, Mrs and Mr A. Potter, Mrs Maryfield and Miss Boules, Mr Haig and family, Mr, Mrs, and Misses Grant, Mr and Mrs T. Hardy, Mr and Mrs D. Mitchell, Mr Miller of Hook and family, Mr Molloy and Master and Miss Fegan, Mr and Mrs Faulconer, Mr ft. and Miss Watt, Mr, Mrs, and the Misses Henry, Mr and Mrs J. Dooley, Mr and Mrs J. W. Ghiitt, Mrs Kett, Mr and Mrs St. George, Mr and Mrs McGimpsey, Mr and Mrs F. Jones and the Misses Jonea, Mr Baxter, Mr and Mrs Capstick, Mr and Mrs A. Watts, Mr O'Brien, Mr G. Barclay. Mr D. Mitchell acted as Master of the Ceremonies, and Mr Capstick on the piano and Mr. Jos. Haig on the violin did yeoman service by per-, forming dance and other music; . After a few. dances, and singing by Messrs Mitchell, and Joseph Haigj and Miss Henry, Mr Clarke (the Mayor) presented Mr Gaitt with a gold watch, and conveyed m a suitable address the expressions of esteem m which he was held by hiß neighbors, regret at tho removal of himself and : Mrs Gaitt from Wjiimate, and good wishes for the prosperity of themselves and family- Mr Steward endorsed tha .expressions of regret arid goodwill mentioned m the address, and referred to the aotive and zealous way m which Mr Gaittii'ad always supported every project put forward' for local and public progress. He felt sure that Mr and Mrs Gaitt would continue to gain respect wherever their lot might be cost. Mr Haig also spoke of his high esteem for, Mr and Mrs Gaitt. Mr Gaitt, on behalf of himself and Mrs Gaitt, thanked tho donors for their valuable testimonial, and for th.ej very kind_ feeling shown by the large and representative meeting gathered to express goodwill to Mrs Gaitt, himself, and family. The present occasion would always remain impressed on his memory as one of the few which might be looked back upon with unmixed pleasure. He would-always have -the kindest regards for WaiinaEe and the many friends he had there. Mr J. W. /Gaitt said ho could not let tho present occasion pnss ■without expressing his pleasure) and thanks for the honor now done to his son by neighbors amongst whom he had so long lived. He felt the honor and pleasure of the kind expression of goodwill to MtlF, Gaitt as much aa if. it had been conferred on himself. Dancing was then resumed and continued for .some hours, after which farewells were exchanged, and one of the ' most pleasant gatherings ever held at ■ Waimate ter» minated. ' . _... . ■ - ._. Si.' Maby's Chubch, Gebaldinb.— A general meeting of church members was held m the. Institute, Geraldine, on Monday February 16th. . The incumbent, the Roy. J. Preston, presided. After stating tho business of the meeting, he read a-letter from Mr W. fJhiers, resigning his position as churchwarden. It was proposed by Mr B. H. Pearpoint, and seconded by Mr B. J. 8. Eckford — "That the resignation of- Mr Shiers Lbe i accepted." — Carried. I)r Fiali proposed, and. Mr B. H. Pearpoint seconded— " That Mr Hughes be elected to tho post of churchwarden, rendered vacant by . the resignation !of Mr: Shiers." — Carried. The Cliairman ! said it would be necessary to elect a Vestryman m the place of Mr Haghes, and Mr B. H. Pearpoint proposed-r---"That Mr E. Hardcastle '' bo elected ti vestryman of St. Mary's Church."— Carried. The Chairman said the next business tho meeting hod to consider was the best means to raiso funds to ropair the; leakage iin tfcp pew qhuroh which required immediate attention. ' Mr R. Cook, at tho request of the last vestry meeting, had engaged a competent person to inspect the building and give an estimate of the cost of necessary repairs. On the motion of Mr Pearpoint, seconded by Mr Eckford, it was resolved to raise the sum-re-quired by subscriptions from church members. The Chairman called the" attention of the meeting to a minute deoiding to increaso the verger's salary. It waa - resolved to comply with tho resolution when the- funds m kand wero sufficient for the purpose. This closed the business of the general meeting. A meeting of the members. of tho Vestry, wap held immediately after the general meeting. Th.c Jiieuqjbeot occupied, the ctwir, and read

th£ minutes of tliolast Vestry meeting, \diich •were confirmed. The report of Mr Shiers on the state of repair of the parsonage was read. It stated that the. most urgent repairs needed were new spouting, repairs to roof, and painting outside of. the building. It was resolved — "That the thanks of the Vestry :bo given to Mr Shiers for kindly reporting on the repairs needed to the parsonage." Resolved— "That the Churchwardens be empowered to employ a competent person to repair the leakage m: the new church." The meeting terminated with the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman. Pbize Fieing. — The firing for tho district prizes by the Artillery Corps m the Canterbury District was concluded on F»b. 12th. The firing all through has been superintended by Captain and Adjutant Newall. The scoring made was, taken altogether, very low. The prize winners are : — Sergeant Costley, E Battery, 45 points; Sergeant-Major Sinclair, E Battery, 40 points ; Sergeant Dugald, E Battery, 40 ■ points ; Sergeant Elgin, C Battery, .39 points; Sergeant Jackson, E Battery,. 38 points; Bombardier Ford, E Battery, 38 points ; Gunner Jeffreys, E Battery, 35 points; Gunner Watts, 0 Battery, 35 points ; Quarter-Master-Sergeant J.King, C Battery, 34 points. It will be seen that tho E Battery, of Christchurch, has taken the most and the more Valuable of the prizes, only three being won by members of the Battery here. - PAraz Factory fob St. Andbews Distkict. — A. meeting of farmers- and other* interested m starting a dairy factory was held m the St. Andrews schoolhouee on Monday, Feb. 9th. Mr W. Moody occupied the chair. A Committee, consisting of the following, were appointed to act m their respective.districts m obtaining information as to the number of cows which tho settlers would guarantee to support a dairy factory with, and to make enquiries at. other factories as to their financial prospects and other matters connected with such an undertaking, to report at a meeting to bo held m the' beginning of March :— Mr J. Craigie and Mr D. Munro, Kingsdown ; •Mr J. Black more and Mr T. Jefcoato, Upper Pareora ; Mr George Lawrie, Mr Job. 1 Young and Mr A. Macpherson, St. Andrews'; Mr Jaa. Cochran, MiHampton and Mr A. Martin, Otaio. Obituary. — It is with great regret we hear of the death of Mr George Rutherford, of Loslio Hills, North Canterbury, several of whose sonß. have for years past lived m this district. The Press of February 18th contains the following m. regard to the deceased gentleman :— The Amuri has loßt an old and valued settler . m the person of Mr George Rutherford, of Leslie Hills, a gentleman whose genuine qualities and unassuming manners endeared him to all with whom he came' m contact. Although . incapacitated years ago from active employment by paralysis his intellect remained- unimpaired, and the great success which has attended his career m this district has no doubt been due to his shrewdness . and business qualities. .Mr Rutherford was. a native of Jedburgh, and arrived m Sydney m 1839, being then twenty-three years of age. Since, the time of bis arrival. there he was identified with the management of stock and station properties ; first m New South Wales,- from whence he removed to South Australia, where he engaged very successfully m pastoral pursuits, finding congenial employment for his energetic , nature m the hardy life of a pioneer squatter. Tho great impetus given to all colonial interests by the rush to the goldfields found him quite prepared to take advantage of that opportunity, and going into the business of stock and. station agent he very soon built up a large and influential connection. Mr . Rutherford first came over to New Zealand m 1858 for the purpose of buying land, and after purchasing the Leslie Hills Estate, returned to settle permanently here m January, 1860. Since that time till the day of bin death no work which had for its object the advancement of the district, either materially, morally or intellectually, has ever been without his valuable assistance. His motto, that " If a thing was worth having it was worth paying for," was well illustrated by his bridging the Waiau ,at his. own expense, a work which has been for many years a great boon to the public generally. The sorrow for his_ death is increased by the manner m which it took place; he haying accidentally fallen into the creek near his own house on Friday, February 13th, from which, m his enfeebled state, he was unable to extricate himself. His remains were interred m tho Cemetery at Waiau on Sunday, the 15th, and were follbvtfd to the grave by a very numerous gathering of all classes of the community. CRahwAY EscdbSlON;— The cheap excursion from,Chriatchurc,honFeb. 12th was quite as successful as the one last week, and proved that these excursions find much favor with the public, who are disposed to take full advantage of the liberal concessions granted them by the Railway Department. The first train, m charge of Mr Ashley, Inspector of Traffio, consisting of twenty-eight carriages and two vans, steamed out of the Chriatchurch station at 8.50 a.m., and had onboard over a thousand people. A second train, m charge of Mr Fred. Back, Traffic Manager, with twenty-nino carriages and two vans 'followed fifteen minutes later, and had about the same number of persons m the carriages as the first one. The 8.50 train rolled 'into the Timaru station about 1 o'clock and hfid just got clear when tho other came alongside the platform. The crush at the station was. tremendousj as nearly everyone m Timaru had friends among the visitors, and the whole made up a scene but seldom witnessed m Titnnru. Thanks to Inspector. Brohani and his staff, and Mr Jones, the station master, and his officers, all. were safely seen outside -the_atation,ihe.gxeatest good: humor and cheerfulness being exhibited by the vast assemblage. ' Near 'the railway was stationed the Artillery Band, who played some excellent pieces as the trains came m. Our Christchurch cousins, after leaving the station, soon spread over the town, some laying siege to our hastelries, at more than •one of which special preparations had been made for them, whilst others^ escorted by friends, went and enjoyed a good lunch. Among the visitors wore the Orphanage Band, all tiny fellows, who played some tuues very nicely m our Main street. The petite bandsmen caused no little wonder, especially among the precocious oi but youngsters. In the afternoon numbers found their way to Messrs Jonas and Bourn's large sole room, where they enjoyed a dance, and had some light refreshment. The music was supplied by the Artillery Band, under Deputy-Band-master J. Morris.; The ; affair proyed Very successful, . and' the committee, who arranged it ' deserve great credit. That it met with approval was evidenced by- those who took part m it cheering the promoters most heartily on their departure -in the evening.' By far the groater number of persons, however, patronised tho Harbor tug Titan, which made six. trips." "to the., outer "anchorage and round the harbor during the afternoon. Luokily the sea was smooth, and the ladies foe once did not appear at a disadvantage. As on the first excursion, a lot of people found especial delight m a stroll along the boaoh, picking up "fearfully and wonderfully" made bits of seaweed, shells, etc , all of which were packed into hand-bags and carefully takon homo. Borne people, we noticed, had determined to combine business with pleasure, and had brought their stock-in-trade with them. The most noticeable of these was a vendor of cockles and winkles, who created much merriment by " crying " through the streets. This poor fellow did not go home with an empty basket, as he was. heard to remark -to a well-known, member of the Force, as he was putting the basket into the carriage, that no had ..only made a. "bloomin - ' eighteen-pence. Three rival photographers were also conspicuous, ana the meeting of ; two ■of them ■ at the Post-oftioo buildings, from out of two different streets leading to them, will long be remembered by those rwho witnessed it; It is to be hoped, howevfer, that they ;. both secured : perfect pictures. Speaking of buildings, we may here remark that Mr Jonas allowed the visitors' a ppep ,at our Theatre; • and their expressions of admiration were slavish m the extreme. ... As isix o'clock drew; near the station was once more a busy scene, and all being i comfortably seated, -the trains were very soon speeding onth'eir way homewards. As they moved away the cheering' was vociferous. . There, was an. abundance of music also, the City Band -having turned out to keen their brothera-ia-mußio.company. The excursion, taken altogether,, was an immense success, and -will longbe remembered with pleaeiWe by victors and Tinted alike. We believe

there will be yet another excursion on Thursday next, which also promises to be very successful, as, m addition to Christchurch peoplri, the train will stop and take up paseenuers at certain stations. Our readers will be glad to lcafn that an excursion train is to be shortly run from here to Christchurch, arrangements for which have not yet becu definitely fixe d. It i 8 n i so on the tapis that excursion trains are to be run from Timaru and Oamaru and vice versa, and from here to Ashburton. With regard to the latter, wo wouli suggest tbattho excursion train from Christchurch to Ashbuiton and the one from here bo run on the same day, Bo aB to make the outing all the more successful. TniAEir Hospital.— The following is a return of the patients m the Tiniaru Hospital for the month of January, 1885 • — Patients under treatment at date of last return— males 11, females 8, total 19 . a( j. mitted during tho month— males 12, females 2, total 14 ; totals treated — males 23, females 10, total 33. Discharged during month — Cured, males 7 ; relieved, male 1 ; incurable, females 2 ; dead — male 1 (David Gray) ; totals discharged — males 9 , females 2, total 11 ; remaining under treatment — Males 14, females 8, total 22. Out-patients treated during month — Males 13, females 11, total 24. A New Zealand Flying Machine.— A Wairarapa gentleman named Hanbery recently exhibited, m Wellington a flying machine of his own invention. The model shown consists of a machine shaped like a flatrbottomed boat, with two sharp ends. A sort of balloon extends from stem to stern, and when charged with gas supports the boat m the air. The motive power is supplied by an engine, which has a double-action cylinder. ' Tho latter is placed across the boat, and works a crank on either side, imparting motion to four different sets of wings. These latter are driven at a great speed, and m this way the boat is propelled through the air. The engine is worked by a series of explosions m the cylinder, a certain quantity of prepared powder, consisting of .sulphur, saltpetre, and other . ingredientSj being allowed to enter the vessel m question by an automatic process. The powder is ignited by electricity. It is disappointing to learn from the Eoening Post, which publishes an account of the proceedings, that owing to * tho fear of fire Mr Hamburg was prevented from practically illustrating the working of the machinery. A Model pp the Breakwatee. — We were shown on Monday last a most complete model of' our Timaru breakwater and wharf. The design : was taken from plans belonging to the Harbor Board, and the work done reflects great credit on the artist, Mr Frederick Simmons, junr. The workmanship of the breakwater and wharf is very neat and exact. The foundation blocks forming the breakwatier are of stone, and the monoliths are 6f wood, aeatly coated with cement, sand and paint, &c, which gives it the appearance of concrete. The rails on the wharf show signs of great taste, careful and neat workmanship. Tho piles composing the wharf appear very distinct; everything being m its proper place. The model even shows the signboard at the commencement, and the protection board at the end of the wharf. The imitation pell inell blocks made of Oamaru stone, are thrown down m a . natural manner. The wholo is enclosed m a large , wooden case, filled with water, and bears a striking resemblance to our breakwater. It is Mr Simmons' intention to erect a lighthouse at the end, which will no doubt add considerably to the appearance of the'model. The scale is 500 feet to 6 inches. The breakwater is 3ft 6in long, and 2|in wide. The wharf, including the .approach, is 3 Jin wide, and 3ft long. It has taken Mr Simmons about two months to build. It will be exhibited at the United Bands of, Hopa Exhibition" to be held m Timaru, and afterwirds sent to Wellington. . N.Z. Indttstbial Exhibition. — OhSatiir- . day, Feb. 14th, the local Committee of the '. New Zealand Industrial Exhibition met m the Town Hall. There were . present-rHis Worship the Mayor, Messrs J. H. Slitter, M.H.R., K. F. Gray, A. R. Spalding, M. Jonas, E. Acton, W. Moody, M. de H. Duval, T. Begg, and W. Balfour and the Hon Sec, MrE. H. Lough. On the motion of Mr Acton, seconded by Mr Spalding, the Mayor was appointed Chairman of the Committee. The Secretary read a letter from. Mr Charles Callis, Secretary to the Exhibition, wherein he stated that he had forwarded a number of application" forms, conditions, etc., and also an advertisement for insertion m the local : papers. The Secretary explained that Government paid for advertising, etc.. After' members had had a look at the forms, ,it was considered advisable and best that. subTCommittee's for the different parts of the district should now be appointed, whose special duties it would be to' see that exhibits come forward m time, and that no. effort be spared to have everyone of our industries properly repre-. sented. The following Committees were then appointed : — For Timaru. — His ' Worship the Mayor, and Messrs Sutter s Jonas, Evans, Duval, Chisholin, IT. LeCren, Spalding and McGlashan ; for- Waiinate— His Worship the Mayor, and Messrs A.. Hayes, J. Manchester, W. J. Steward, N". Hillary and L. Price ; for Temuka — Messrs J. Talbot, J. T. M. Hayhiirst, R. A. Barker, K. F. Gray and W. de Renzy j for Pleasant Point— Messrs I. L. Morris, E, Acton, W. B. Howell, G. Lambert and A. Mcc ; for Geraldihe — Messrs R; H. Pearpointj W."s. Maslin, R. H. Pbstlethwaite, J. Mundell, W. Cunningham, W. Coltman and Dr ' Fish. Some discussion then took place on the time allowed m which' to make application for space.' It was finally agreed that up to the 28th inst. was too short altogether, and it was resolved — " That Mr Callis be informed that this Committee consider that the time for applying For space is too short, and that if possible an extension of time be granted." Mr , Jonas during the meeting complained of the time thit had been lost, remarking that it was overa fortnight Bince the local Committee had been appointed. The Chairman and Secretary' informed the meeting that the delay was no fault of theirs. They had immediately' 'after last meeting applied for forms, etc., but these had not come to hand until Friday last, and then without loss of time notices had been sent calling the Committee together. Mr Jonas' expressed himself as satisfied with the explanation; ■ The meeting then -adjourned. The ■ • {Kmaru sub-Committee meet this afternoon.— From the forms forwarded wo learn that the Bxhi« bition is to be divided into two sections— tue " General Branch " and the " Indusfrml Home Branch." The classification of the former is (1) Raw and manufactured products; (2) Machinery— apparatus and processes _used m ; mechanical industries j (3) Textile fabrics— ' --. clothing and acftessories ; and (4) Alimen-" tary pi-oduots. Exhibitors m this branch will generally bo permitted to group their exhibits as way be thought most advantageous to themselves, but will bo . subject to regula- , lions^ The Industrial Home Branch includes 1 all ' industries developed at small, cost . within' tho school? and homes of this Colony. The following constitutes tho classification of this branch: — (a) Works of not exceeding 13 years of, age ; (b) Works of children not" oxceeding 16 years of age; (o) Works of art, painting, drawing, sculp- ', ture, carving, wt. furniture ; (d) Works of usefulness, of science, and of amusement,, including philosophical apparatus and models j • (c) Plain and art needlework, dressmaking, millinery, upholstering, tapestry, embroidery, knitting, netting,: crotchet, lace, spinning, weaving, straw-plaiting and leather work. In addition to the two branches mentioned, ,-. ((here are to be the following special sections :4-(l) For Art, to be conducted by the Wellington Ar6 ' Society, associated, with the,- . other Art Societies of the Colony ; (£) . for Education, to be conducted Tjy the E<3uea« tional ! Institute" o£ New Zealand ; (3) for Agricultural Shows, to be conducted by the Agricultural anfl' Pastoral Societies of NewZealand; and (4) for Wool showing. Persons^ ; wishing! to exhibit can get every information, ' ; from Mt Lough. The charge for exhibits m " the.Geheral Branch is 6d per square foot, and all applications for space must be lodged -. ' ' by the 28th inst., and the goods may be sent' m any time after May Ist but not later than, Juno 30th. All expenses of transport after , tho exhibits aro m the hands "of the loeaT Comnnfteo tviU be undertaken by Govern* ■ mont. ' In tho Industrial Homo Branch appli* tion for space does not require to be made tni April let, and this branch will not bo openod '' till August 22nd. The Exhibition openß on August Ist, and will be accessible to tb,e Publw for three months, ■ ■•■•■*•