NOTES.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3253, 28 February 1885, Page 2

NOTES.

1 What can be the meaning of the mysterious telegrams from Wellington lately, hinting darkly at certain irregularities said to have been going on in or near the Parliamentary Buildings 1 The : Recess Committee, it appears, have been specially summoned to consider the affair, and. after investigating the circumstances, - they have " decided to take no action." The mystery, whatever it may be, there- - fore, seemß likely to remain a mystery i still. What irregularities could have - occurred there during the recess is 3 indeed puzzling. It ia impossible to . imagine anything more solemnly re- ' spectable than the air which pervades the buildings when Parliament iB not e sitting. If it had been during the 8 session one could have understood it. fc Then ultra-sedatenesß is not always the f prevailing characteristic of the place. s For example last session, it was currently e reported that a gentleman, then tempoj rarily on a visit to Wellington, was dist covered in the grounds one night, so airily clothed that he was taken for a ghost, and some people to this hour e firmly believe the place to be haunted, t However, it was an exciting and bewilderV ing session, and every allowance, of :- course, has to be made for the exhilaratft ing offect of the breezy atmosphere of g the capital. I Our innocent remarks in reference to the ravages being wrought on Taranaki ft fruit trees by a little pest resembling a e small leech, and our speculations whether e they had extended to fruit trees in d Timaru, have led us into much personal e embarrassment. Good - natured people with gardens — and, as it turns out, with "leeches "in them— overwhelm us with !j specimens of exceedingly sickly-looking ft branches from their fruit trees, in which e the little demons are perfectly swarming, s We beg, therefore, to intimate at once r that we are perfectly satisfied they do • t exist in Timaru, and in unpleasantly a large numbers. We have ample evidence of the fact seeing that, at this moment, some scores of them are e exploring the editorial table, and not * finding any peaches there, are extending e their investigations disagreeably near the l- editorial presence. They are not more ,t than a third of an inch long, but horribly e like the blood-sucking reptiles to which i they are compared in the Taranaki papers. ' On the same leaves are to be found green a caterpillars and chrysalidß, and one of our r naturalistic friends wondered if they were 0 different developments of the same a creature. We strongly advised him to e take them away and watch their growth fc at his leisure. Unfortunately, however, £ his curiosity on the point at that moment immediately deserted him. . Ugh ! We take great interest in the natural history e of the district, but in future shall confine e our speculations to wondering whether e the strawberries and peaches of Timarn y are as good as those which can be protl duced in Taranaki and elsewhere. |_ The Hon. John Colton, Premier of South Australia, who is now visiting this colony, is in many respects a very re- ° markable example of colonial energy. l " Owe a Month, an exceedingly well-con-i- ducted magazine published in Melbourne, d gives an interesting sketch of his life, >- and says that "he has been styled, and e truly so ' The Grand Old Man of South Australia.'" The portrait by which . the article is accompanied looks \j like that of a man vigorous in * thought and determined in action. Mr 8 Colton, it appears, was born in Devont Bhire in 1823, and emigrated to South ;, Australia when he was ouly 1G years of I, age. He there entered into a mercantile e life, and founded a large and successful business — that of Colton and Co., — which ii iB known throughout the length and breadth of South Australia, and retired a from the firm two or three years ago. Mr Colton first took office in 1868, when he e was Minister for Public Works in the ', Strangways Ministry. In March 1876 t he was Treasurer in the Boucaut Adj ministration, but had to resign in conse--1 quence of ill-health. Three months later, however, he had recovered sufficiently to form a Ministry of his P own, which remained in office 19 1 months. In August 1878 he had to * resign his seat in Parliament owing 3 to ill-health. Two years later, having -to a great extent recovered, he j had the honor of being re-elected by his F old constituents without having visited the district or addressed the electors. | On the resignation of the Morgan 1 Ministry in 1881 Sir William Jervoia sent » for Mr Colton. The latter declined, on i the score of ill-health, and recommended I that Mr Bray be sent for, which was l done. The Bray Ministry was kept in I power to a large extent by Mr Colton s i influence, but at length a rupture took " place between the two, and Mr Colton, ' in June last year, killed the Ministry to 1 which he had virtually given life, and 1 once again he holds the reins as Premier, i He is now in New Zealand for the sake of recruiting his health, and it is to be hoped the change may have the desired effect. Ah the Education question is being brought prominently to the front in this colony ifc may be interesting to note a new method of imparting knowledge, ■ which, it appears, ie in vogue in Western

Australia, and known there as " skulldragging." This, at least, is what we gather from the following'.letter, which appears in the Perth Enquirer : — " Sir, — A few days ago, on going to town, I observed a big larrikin knick-a-bockercd boy Bkull-dragginir a poor littlo lad by tho leg on the hard road— tho said little (bad) boy hemp covered with boils. On remonstrating with the larrikin as to his being awaro that he was committing an assault, he stated that tho schoolmaster instructed him to drag the boys to school. Explanation required as to facts. — Yours, etc., V. We should think so indeed ! Perhaps Mr Stout, who is reported to have studied everything that ever appeared in connection with education, can enlighten us on the subject in his next speech, in default of having anything to say on practical politica. People in Western Australia are evidently burdened with an exceedingly high-flown sense of politeness towards each other. Such, at least, appears to be the case with the newspapers, as witness the dignified and kindly manner in which the journal from which we have just quoted takes an erring rival by the hand, and gently leads him into the right path: — " It is not very often " (says the Enquirer) " that we notice the blundering eccentricities which so frequently make their appearance in the columns of the West Australian, but we have been requested to state that the Bull's Creek estate on Wednesday realised £500, and not £400, as stated by that sheet of daily nonsensical twaddle."

The Wool Season. — The number of balc3 of wool received by rail at Timaru up to the 21st inst., was 17,94-3, and by road 3341, making a grand total of 21,284. Stock Sale. — Messrs Jonas and Bourn desire us to call attention to their very large sale of stock of all kinds at Pleasant Point on Monday. Details of the sale appear in another column. Roman Catholic Mission. — A special penitential mission service was held at the Church of the Sacred Heart last evening. There was a very large attendance. The altar was magnificently decorated, and the music was very nicely rendered. A Treat to Excursionists. — A hot lunch will be in readiness at tho Railway Refreshment Rooms on the departure of the 1 p.m. Express for the South, all for one shilling. Still continuing the original liberal menu. — [Advt.] Cricket. — A match •will bo plnyed to-day between the Timaru Cricket Club and the Temuka Cricket Club, on the S.C.A.A. Club's ground. Luncheon will be provided at the ] Grosvenor Hotel at noon, and an express will leare the hotel at 12.45, and the match will be commenced at one o'clock sharp. Phoijpic. — A hare which was recently killed on a farm not twenty miles from Timaru was, on being opened, found to contain no less than seven young ones. We have heard of as many as four and five being found in " puss," but never before of seven. Possibly some of our readers may be able to inform ua whether this is an exceptional case. Bathing. — We aro glad to see the beach near the remains of the ill-fated ship Bonvenue is quite a favorite resort for bathers. The bottom hero is very smooth, being made up of fine silt, similar to the spoil brought up by the dredge, and as bathers can wade out some fifty or sixty yards easily, before deep water is met with, the danger of landing in the surf is reduced to a minimum. The " surf hole " is, however, rather a stumblingblock, especially to non-experienced swimmers. Apropos of bathing, a Tery convenient sito for baths [could be at this part of the beach. Oamaru as a Pout. —We yesterday mentioned that the s.s. Hauroto was shipping horses and cargo direct from Oaniaru for Sydney. We now find that our neighbors have actually gone further than this, the steamer Indus, 2486 tons, being engaged to sail from the same port for Calcutta via Madras and Sydney. Now that the Burnsido Refrigerating Works have ceased operations it is probable that there will also be a larger export of frozen meat to England from Oamaru, so that altogether that port is certainly going ahead. Resident Magistrate's Court. Timabu. — At this Court yesterday, before F. LeCren, Egq , J.P., and' His Worship the Mayor, Charles O'Connell was charged with larceny as a bailee. Accused was remanded to Oamaru, where the information had been laid. Victor Olson, charged with using threatening language to Charles Crane on the 15th February, at Fairlie Creek, was fined 40s and ordered to pay costs, 275, and witnesses' expenses, 2^s lOd. Mr W. Reid appeared for accused. This being all the business the Court rose. Resident Magistrate's Court, Geraedinb. — Two youths, aged sixteen and seventeen, named George Carroll and George Wilson, were- yesterday morning brought before the Rev. G. Barclay, J.P., charged with stealing £7 17s 6d, and 10 railway tickets from the. Orari railway station. At the request of the police accused were remanded till Monday, the regular Court day. On that day, in addition to a large number of breaches of tho Weights and Measures Act, there will be about a dozen cases of breaches of the Dog Registration Act. C Battbrt, N.Z.A. — There was a good muster at the Government parade on Wednesday evening, forty-three of all ranks being present. Captain Hamersley was in command, and after inspection of arms, exercised the Battery on the Market Square and the vacant ground adjoining, in company drill in close and extended order. Four detachments have been told off for the competition to be held about the end of next month in drill and shot and shell practice, and are in active preparation for it, tho drill being carried on every evening, and the men are taking great interest in their work. It is intended to hold a battery camp for a few days shortly. The site selected is within the town boundary, and members will attend to their ordinary avocations during the day — drill, etc., being carried on morning and evening. The second competition for the Battery carbine prize is to be held iii all next week, and tho final one about the end of March. Upper Pabeora School. — The monthly roeoting of this Committee was held on Monday last. Present — Messrs Burnett, Hendry, John Campboll, and Revill. The minutes wore read and confirmed. Correspondence was read from tho Board, and from the Geraldine Flat and Gemldino School Committees, relative to the coming election to vacancies on the Board. The Committee, after a short discussion, decided on the names of those gentlemen whom they wished to see returned as members of the Board. It was resolved, on the inotionof Mr Revill—" That the Chairman and Mr Hendry sign all cheques for tho Committee, and that the Secretary write to the Bank to that effect." Proposed by Mr John Campbell, seconded by Mr Hendry, and carried—" That Messrs Robert Campbell and Burnett be visitors for the ensuing month." Proposed by Mr John Campbell, seconded by Mr Hendry, and carried—" That the Secretary write to the Board respecting tho master's house." It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Burnett, that Mr Wagstaffi's account be paid. Resident Magistrates' Court, Waimate. At this Court on Thursday (before his Worship the Mayor and J. Manchester, Esq., J.P.) a man charged with drunkenness in a public place on the previous day pleaded guilty, and was fined 5s or 24 hours' imprisonment. — At the Court yesterday (before his Worship the Mayor, J. Manchester, and W. J. Steward, Esqs., J.P.'s) W. Tomlin and G. Johnston appeared to answer charges of using insulting language to Sarah Ager in a public place on tho 19th instant, and provoking a breach of the peace. The complainant in evidence said the defendants, with other youths, hod called her had names on the 19th instant, and stones were thrown by some of the boys at the same time. On being cross-examined witness was not clear as to the date of tho alleged offence. Defendants denied the charge, and in evidence said they had not used tho language complained of. The evidence being so contradictory both tho cases were dismissed. — Wm. McDonald was summoned by the saino complainant for a similar offence on the 20th instant. Tho evidence being insufficient for a conviction the Bench dismined tho case.

Spying Out the Country. — Several gentlemen from various parts of Australiii, who aro possessed of ample means, have lately been visiting South Canterbury, with the object of ascertaining its suitability for settling down in. So far as we can learn, they invariably expressed themselves as being highly pleased with the district, and it is not improbable that ere long there will be an influx of new men and fresh capital from the " other side." Matbiculation and Junior Scholarship Examination.— ln the list of successful candidates which to published yesterday in our Auckland telegrams, we observe as first in the list of senior scholars William F. Ward, who matriculated from the Timaruli igh School last year, and has been at the High School for four years, where he distinguished himself and raised the scholarship of the school. He is a son of Mr Ward, who till recently was head master at the public school in Waitnate. In the list wo notice the name of Curtis C. Plante, who we understand is under 14 years of age. We shall hope to see this young scholar in the course of another two years also heading tho list of Junior scholars. The minimum age for entry at the University is 16, and of course a junior scholarship, which means a prize of £45 a year for three years, and is awarded to the best eight inarfcriculants, cannot be held till that age. W. F. Ward is, we understand, only of age now. Another successful candidate slightly under age is Miss Constance Hart. Among the successful candidates we see the Rev. Mr Fairclough's name. In the telegram published yesterday giving the result of the matriculation examinations several errors crept in. The following is a correct b'st of the Timaru students who passed : — J. Fairclough, F. Bone, B. Cotter, C. Hart, H. McLean, C. Plante, J. Cook, E. Cooper, and J. Cvainond. Waimate County Council. — The following is the report of the Finance Committee which was considered at the Council meeting on the 25th instant, and adopted: — "Your Committee have the honor to report that they have interviewed the Manager of the Bank of New Zealand in reference to the advances required by the Council, and the result and terms arrived at by the interview, your Committee consider satisfactory. In reference to the future expenditure by the Council which tho Committee were desired to investigate, we have the honor to report that we have given the matter our most careful consideration, and arrived at the recommendation hereinafter stated, the adoption of which willrequiretheconsiderationandsanctionofthe Council. -The financial position of the Council as stated in the Treasurer's report of last meeting, clearly indicates that cither tho expenditure must be curtailed, or the revenue of the Council augmented through an increase in the rates, by an additional amount to that levied last year on the rateable property within the County. Under the present depressed state of the times, and tho continuation of unremunerative returns from tho farming industry, your Committee consider that it would be manifestly unjust to increase the burden of taxation if it could be possibly avoided, therefore, the only practicable alternative which presents itself to the Committee is to commend a material curtailment and reduction in the yearly expenditure. About 700 miles of road fines are now formed within the County, which open up the land in almost every direction required, and although for the'last few years three fourths of the expenditure on many of the main lines of road have been borne by the Government, yet it is very questionable whether it is judicious to continue this system of expenditure under the present Roods and Bridges Construction Act, for inasmuch as the Act compels the Council to expend . the revenue received under this source on certain road lines, it is also quite obvious that in allocating these funds among tho various ridings, many natural roadways which have answered the purpose and lasted for years in many of the ridings have come under this schedule of works, which has resulted in these roadways going through a process of formation, the maintenance of whioh cannot fail to be a continual and expensive burden upon the Council's funds. Whilst on this question your Committee would recommendlthat tbis Council, in conjunction with other Councils, bring pressure to bear in Parliament when next in session, to so alter this extraordinary weak point in the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, as to enable public bodies receiving aid under this Act to expend the sums so received on works of necessity, and direct benefit to the ratepayers ; for whilo this system of road making is carried on as at present under the Act now in force, there will still exist tliat absurdity of large sums of money being unnecessarily expended in the formation and maintenance of various road lines, to the detriment of more important and extensively used roads in their immediate vicinity. Therefore, reverting to the matter under more immediate consideration, your Committee would recommend a discontinuance of expenditure in the formation of any more of the road lines within the County unless under exceptional circumstances. It will therefore be seen that if this system bo adopted the annual expenditure of the Council will be reduced by 50 per cent, leaving available funds to be almost entirely expended on. the maintenance of roads in the various ridings which from time to time require the attention of the Council. Having therefore concluded to reduce or abolish the most expensive portion of the annual outlay, as also that portion of our yearly expenditure which necessitates the employment of professional or engineering services, it is therefore with regret, owing to the able and efficient manner in which the Engineer to the Council has performed the duties devolving upon him in the past, that your Committee have to advise that tho services of himself and staff (County Clerk excepted) be dispensed with under four months' notice from the Ist proximo, and that applications be invited for an Overseer at a salary not exceeding £150 per annum. (Sigoed) J. Manchester, M. Studholme, Jno. Douglas, A. Hayes." A Sign of the Times.— A publican near the Strand, London, announces that, "to meet the requirements of the times," he is ready to supply various non-alcoholic liquors to such of his customers as may want them. More Thought-heading Extraordinary. — Mr Stuart Cumberland, according to a Berlin correspondent, performed an extraordinary thought-reading experiment with Mr H. M. Stanley, at his hotel in that city. The task appointed was to mark out on a map of Africa, and under the usual thought-reading conditions, the route which Mr Stanley had determined in lu's own mind to follow on his next visit to the Dark Continent. Mr Stuart Cumberland was entirely successful — firstly, in fixing on Mr Stanley's intended point of departure, and in following stago by stage the route to be followed. A Wife-beaters' CiUB. — At Bolton the wife of a collier named Bloom, vrho resides at tho colliery village of Aspull, summoned her husband for arrears due under separation order. She stated that when the order was granted he jumped upon her, and obtained the money to pay the fine of £2 and costs from a club which had been formed by men who subscribed to defray the costs when one of their number was fined for thrashing his wife. Mixing His Garments.— A droll incident (says the Referee) occurred during the ourney to Scotland of the Marquis of Salisbury. In the train he changed his costume for a full Highland rig out, intending it as a delicate compliment to the Land of tho Kilt. But when he looked at himself in the glass panel fitted into the carriage he found that the tailor had cut his petticoats, or whateror they are called, too short. So he made up his mind to put on evening dress. He changed his upper garments and then sat down for a few moments to read up a speech. This sent him asleep. He only woke with a start to find himself running into the station. Forgetting what had happened, he thrust oh his hat and appeared at the window bowings and this was how lie looked : He had a full Highland costume as far as his waist ; above was a- white shirt and swallow-tailed coat, and the entire edifice was crowned with a chimney-pot hat, upon which he hud sat down without noticing it. His Lordship's horror, when, he stepped upon the platform and felt the keen wind cutting his bare legs, changed to absolute agony when his valet appeared scrambling out of the carriugo with. a pair of trousers in his hand, waving them wildly, nnd exclaiming, " My Lord, my Lord, youS-e forgotten these J"

•>YN<irslh of-" NSW ADVKRTISKMENTJ-'. M;iclean and Stewart -Will sell sheep, cattlo aud pigs on Thursday. „ . . Jonas ami Bourn- Sell sheep, cattle, etc., at Point on .Monday. R. Turnbull and Son— Sell freehold property, produce and Mindries to-day. ... William Collins and Co.— Hold a sale of produce and sundries to-ilav. K. B. Guinness— Sells skins, etc., ou Wednesday ; sheep and cattle on Friday. F. M. Kiekman— Will sell sheep and cattle on llond:tv. k V. Gray— Will sell sheep nnd cattle on Friday. Tiniaru Gas Company— Hold an extraordinary general meeting on the 9th prox. J. S. Rutherford— Has merino ewes for sale. Robin Hood— Consultation on Christchuroh Autumn Meeting. In bankruptcy— Ro P. McAteer. Lost — One notice. Wanted— One notice.