The Timaru Herald. SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1885.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3277, 28 March 1885, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1885.

New ZealjAndebb are usually proud o£ tbe colonial products m which they are able to rival the „Old Country. It is hardly matter for satisfaction, however, when we discover that m the matter of criminals we already possess specimens who m daring and ingenuity fall very little, if at all, below the Pentonville or Millbank standard. That such is the case the records of the prisons and courts of the colony have, unfortunately, furnished ample eridence from time to time. The latest instance is that of the prisoner Crabtree who made such a bold' attempt to escape from the Mount Cook Gaol, Wellington, a few days" ago.- 'Some time early.; in* the present year he was sentenced at Christchurchi to thirteen years' penal servitude for horse-stealing. Apparently; he did not take kindly to prison life, and yearned to rejoin the ; outer world. It was not long before he made . his first dash for freedom. On the 17th of February last 1 he was one of a gang of prisoners engaged at Lyttelton m " reclamation work ;" that is to say they were filling m a portion of the harbor, the reclaiming effect as regards their own moral characters being apparently .'■ of the f slightest. One of the prisoners hurt b his foot, and the attention of the f warders being thus temporarily dis- . tracted, Crabtree, with ready presence of mind, determined to make " a run for , it." He accordingly took ,his boots off, crept like a cat up the bank where the men were working, and then scudded away for dear life. He got a start of

two or three hundred yards before his absence was discovered, and then a hot chase for the fugitive ensued. Along the Sumner Boad ran the hunted prisoner, flinging off his clothes as he went ; and after him panted the perspiring warders, encumbered by their guns and deterred by their respect for the Queen's uniform from following Crabtree's example m regard to their garments. One of the warders fired at the escapee but missed him, and the party seemed to be m for a prolonged hue-and-cry. So they probably would have been, but Crabtree, m his confusion, left the main road, and presently found himself confronted with a sheer descent of about 20 feet. He leapt madly over the cliff and fell on the ground bruised and Bhaken, but with no bones broken. He was, however, completely exhausted, and became an easy prey to his pursuers. Although unsuccessful m his first attempt, Orabtree's aversion to serving out his thirteen years seems to have remained ■ quite unabated. He was removed to the Central Prison at Mount Cook, Wellington, and it was not long before he made an effort to escape, ten times more daring than his previous exploit. By some means, as yet unexplained, he managed to secure possession of a gimlet, a chisel and a two-bladed knife, which be artfully concealed between two of his blankets, the latter being sewn together. Further than this, he actually managed to partially cut through a division wall a hole large enough to admit a man's body, and had nearly got it completed before he was detected. As it was, his design seems to have been found out by the merest accident. For the purpose, no doubt, of being able the more effectually to conceal his implements and to get more time for using them, he shammed illness, and was m consequence allowed to remain m his hammock. This went on for some days, until at length the suspicions of the gaoler were aroused, Crabtree was removed to another cell, and to use what would probably be his own expressive language, " the game was up." There is reason to believe he experienced a very rapid recovery from his illness, and to assist his convalescence the Resident Magistrate has prescribed for him seven days' bread and water, and 30 days m irons, — a light enough sentence considering the impudence and audacity of the offence. Probably Mr Crabtree's movements will attract increased attention on the part of the gaol authorities m future, so as to render it extremely difficult for him to make further experiments with his chisels and gimlets and two-bladed knives. What the public will be anxious to know m the meantime, however, is, how did he manage to obtain possession of these articles at all ; and how did he manage to use them with such effect, and for such a length of time without being detected? If this colonial Jack Shephard had succeeded m imposing on his sympathetic guardians for a few hours longer, there is every reason to believe that he and ten other ruffians would have had a very good chance for escape. There* is also another aspect of the question. A sharp chisel would be an exceedingly dangerous weapon m the hands of an infuriated and reckless criminal, and it is appalling to think of the mischief that might be done if the occupants of our prisons are to be allowed to secrete such articles m their cellß. The Nelson gaol tragedy is still fresh m the minds of the public, and we are not anxious to see a repetition of such a horror. The present Inspector of Prisons, Captain Hume, is an exceedingly able administrator, who has admittedly brought his Department to a very high state of efficiency. The late occurrence at Mount Cook, however, shows that there is still a " rift within the lute,' r and the public will look to him to institute a rigid inquiry into the affair with the view of preventing the possibility of a recurrence m future. » Our able contemporary the Otago Daily Times, with the broad colonial view which it takes on so many questions, strongly supports the reasonableness of our claim that Timaru and Oamaru shall not be left unprotected while other ports are being fortified. Its reasons for doing so are set forth m the article which we reprint m another column. Our contemporary ' veiy forcibly points out that an enemy could levy considerable sums or inflict considerable damage upon Oamaru and Timaru, and adds that it can scarcely be pretended that such a disaster to these towns would not be a humiliation to the whole of the colony. That is the view which must be taken of the situation by all who are not inspired by the purest selfishness and narrow-mindedness. We m this district fully recognise the importance of defending the four most prominent ports of the colony, and are ready cheerfully to bear our share of taxation foi' that purpose, because we realise that if any part of the colony should suffer from a hostile attack, the whole colony would suffer with it. It would have to submit not only to loss of honor, but what some people seem to consider a more material point now-a-days, to loss of cash. There is no doubt that if any single town were successfully raided, there would have to be a grant to the victims from the Consolidated Fund, to which every taxpayer m the colony contributes. While, therefore, we are quite ready to bear our share of our neighbors' defence we say it is monstrously unjust that we should be left entirely unguarded, and coolly told to trust to the clemency of any .filibustering scoundrels who may gain access to! "these seas. We are afraid there is too much truth m. the view of pur contemporary that we shall have to take our chance as regards the present crisis. It would be a cruel wrong to this district, however, if the earliest possible steps are not taken to protect the port, without waiting for another panic, so that we may be freed from the constant anxieties which now arise whenever the diplomatic horizon of England becomes clouded. 8. C. Hunt Club. — The annual general meeting of the South Canterbury Hunt Club will be held this morning at the Ship Hotel at half -past eleven. Eesidbnt Magistrate's Copbt, Timabu. —The Besident Magistrate presided at this Court yesterday, -and fined a first offender 5s for drunkenness. That well-known and Popular Front Bar of the Ship Hotel is now Selling Marshall and Copeland's Ales at 3d per Glass and 9d per Quart.— [Advt.]

Eabtbb Holidays. — Tho special train arrangments for the Easter Holidays are advertised, this morning. T.A.P.A.-The annual meeting of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association will be held at their offices at 1.30 p.m. today. Faihlie Cbeek Races. — Nominations for the Maiden, and acceptances for the Cup, Hurdles, and Easter Handicap, must be sent m to the Hon. Sec., Mr T. Caskey, by next Monday. Paeish of Tengawai. — The Beturningofficcr (Colonel Eichbauin) for the above Parish announces that nominations for a Synodsman must be sent m to him by 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 9th. Sale of Bacb Privileges.— On Wednesday next Messrs Maclean and Stewart will submit to public auction the privileges at the forthcoming S.O.J.C.'s annual meeting. Full particulars appear m our advertising columns this morning. The Late Bet. Mb Cdmmings. — The body of the late Bey. Mr Cummings, Inspector of Schools m North Canterbury, and who died suddenly at Dunedin on Thursday, was conveyed to Christchurch by the Express train yesterday. Peoposed Bike Company. — A meeting of all interested m tho formation of a Volunteer Bide Company m Timaru is called for Tuesday evening next, m Messrs Jonas and Bourn's rooms, at eight o'clock. Wo have little doubt there will be a large attendance, and we trust the movement will soon assume a practical form. Aquatics. — To-day Hanlan and Beach meet on the Parramatta to contend for the championship of the world, and a stake of £500 a aide. From our Australian files, we notice both men have been doing splendid work, and since Beach so easily defeated Clifford, and m doing so showed a great improvement m the form displayed when he startled the rowing world by beating the Canadian, he is an immense favorite with the public. On the other hand, however, Hanlan should now be thoroughly acclimatised, and that he is pretty well so was very evident from the easy manner m which he left Clifford behind m the late contest. To Bum up the " struggle will be terrific and the result decisive." — Apropos of rowing, we may state that the Oxford and Cambridge University boat race has been fixed to take place to-day on the Thames. Sea Bathing. — A meeting of the pro moters of tho Timaru Sea-bathing Company was held on Wednesday last, when Mr J. Goodull submitted his plans, and an estimate of the cost of the proposed sea baths. He found it would be utterly impossible for the present to erect a pile structure, Bhark proof, that would stand the heavy seas that are experienced here. He recommended that a bath, 150 feet by 113 feet, partly excavated out of the beach, and partly retained by concrete walls be constructed. The side next the cliff would bo a sloping beach, and the sides extending to the sea partly made up by concrete walls, one foot above highwater spring tides. The outer wall next to the sea, and running along low-water mark, would be of concrete, one foot below ordinary high water, so that the sea could flow m at each tide and so keep the bath fresh. The bath could be emptied to low water at any low tide, if so desired. To get a maximum depth of eight feet at spring high tides and seven feet at ordinary nigh tides, Mr Goodall recommended that the bath be excavated at the outer sides to one foot below low water springs, which would give an abundanco of water for bathing at all times of the tides ; and ample provision could also be made for the erection of buildings suitable for dressing-rooms, etc., on the south side of the baths. It was unanimously decided to write to the Timaru Harbor Board for permission to erect the proposed baths. The site chosen for the erection of the baths is immediately to the north of tho Timaru Boating Club's shed. Assessment Coubt. — The sitting of the Assessment Court for the Borough of Timaru took place yesterday morning at the Courthouse, J. Bcswick, Esq, Judge of the Court, presiding. Mr E. H. Lough, Borough Valuer, was m attendance, and took part m the proceedings. Applications were received and dealt with as follows :— From Mr F. G. Stedman, Registrar of Canterbury College, stating that town section 351 did not belong to the College, and asking that the roll be altered accordingly, and further stating that Henry Barker was now leasing sections 445, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 450, 1, 2, 3, near the Domain, and was liable by an agreement with the College for all rates and taxes for the same. — 801 lto be altered and latter part of application attended to. From Mr H. Barker (m person) objecting to the valuation (£6O) of tho sections mentioned above and stating that he paid £6 a year rent to the College authorities ; also requesting a transfer of the sections. — Transfer granted, and annual valuation reduced to £20. From Mr J. T. Ford (represented by Mr H. Ford) asking that the valuation (£160) of lot 38, part of rural Bection No. 8, be reduced by £40. After hearing Mr Ford's reasons, the Judge reduced the valuation to £130. From Mr F. LeCren (m person) asking that the valuation of his offices m Main North Boad be reduced from £400 to £300, and his store Beach Boad from £350 to £300. After hearing Mr LeOren's reasons, the Judge reduced the valuation of the offices to £350 and the stores to £300. From Mr H. Bawstorn (m person) applying that soction No. 14, valued at £55, be reduced by £10. — Valuation reduced to £40. From Mr Thomas Williams (m person), manager of the Phoonix Brewery, asking that his name be inserted as occupier of that property m place of that of Mr J. W. S. Ziesler, and that tho valuation of £325 be reduced by £75. — Transfer granted as prayed, and valuation reduced by £26. From Mr Thos. Blatchford (represented by Mr Simmons) applying for the valuation (£37 10s) m respect to a house and lean-to m Grey Boad to be reduced by £10 4s. After asking Mr Simmons a few questions, the Judge ■ reduced tho valuation to £30. This was all the business, and after the Judge had complimented Mr Lough on the few objections to his valuations, the proceedings terminated. The "Silver King" Company.— Mr J. W. Dodge, the popular theatrical manager, arrived m Timaru yesterday and is making active preparations for the appearance of Messrs MocMahon and Leitch's " Silver King " Company at the Theatre Boyal on Saturday next, April 4th, by special arrangement with Messrs Williamson, Garner and Musgrove. The " Silver King " will be produced with all the scenery and stage appointments complete, and the company will include the celebrated London actor, Mr George Leitch, also Miss Maggie Knight, Mr F. C. Appleton and other talented artists from the Theatre Boyal, Melbourne. The "Silver King" met with most marked and unmistakeablo approval wherever it has been played, as is evidenced by the crowded houses which have everywhere greeted it. Its succbsb m Dunedin has been exceptional, and wo have no doubt that the Company will havo no reason to regret their visit to Timaru. As they only play but four nights here, people should lose no time m securing their Beats. Fuller particulars of the opening performance appear m another column, as docs also an advertisement stating that four little girls are required to sing a short school girls' chorus. It is satisfactory to see that fiwt-class Companies are once more visiting Timaru, and we trust they will be so well received as to encourage others to follow suit. FIBES AT Maeikihi. — An unoccupied tworoomed lean-to belonging to Mr Chas. Halliday, formerly of Makikihi, but ' now of the Hinds, was burnt down on the night of the 15th inst. The weather being calm and the building detached, there was no danger to life or property m the vioinity, and all present seemed to enjoy themselves. The origin of the fire is unknown, but it is supposed to have been caused by some swaggers who, m trying to gain admittance, carelessly dropped a lighted match. The building was insured, but the amount is unknown at present. — On Thursday night the shop belonging to Mr A. Maxwell was totally destroyed by fire. At about ten o'olock some men who were standing m front of. the hotel discovered flames issuing from the back of the building, and m a few minutes the whole of it was a mass of fire. Mr John Damant and Mr Wm. Creba burst m the back door and were met with a volume of smoke. However, they managed to rescue a man named Frew, whom they found insensible. The leg of his trousers had just caught fire, and if assistance had been one minute later Frew would have perished m the flwnee. The

origin of this fire is also unknown, but it is thought that Frew, who was m drink, had retired and loft his light burning and had probably upset it, thus igniting the building. The loss of the shop, which waa well stocked with harness, saddlery and ironmongery, will be greatly foil by farmers and others, as well as by the proprietor. The insurances on the building are unknown. The fire heated the telegraph wires m front of the building, and one of the telegraph posts broke with the •train. M. de Lessepb and the Suez Canal. — The Paris Voltaire givos as the result of an interview by one of its representatives with M. de Lessops the following remarks by the latter: — "We resolved long ago to widen that great waterway! the Suez Canal. It was thought at first that a second canal would be necessary ; but after maturely studying the plan we have simplified it. It struck the Board of Directors that by widening the canal the object might be attained. Tho widening of the canal would enable us to cut a sweet water canal to supply Fort Said. The international commission appointed to study the question on the spot was not long m adopting the views of the Board of Directors. The present width of the canal is twentytwo metres. We are about to treble that width at the bottom, making it sixtyfive metres. This may be effected within five years, and, strange to say, once done the change will be scarcely perceptible. We shall manage it by supressing the embankments. The passage through the canal is not now difficult, but it is long. I will mention a case m point. We passed the canal recently on board an English steamer of 4000 tons, and 120 metres m length, which carried 700 passengers for Australia. Five steamers had successively to take to the sidings m order to enable us to pass. No better example of the need of widening the canal could be found. We have a narrow channel ; we shall substitute a wide one ; and tho double traffic will go on with- ease. Ab to the situation m Egypt, I still think England has blundered ; but the widening of the canal is m no way connected with the Anglo-Egyptian policy. The safety and neutrality of the canal are guaranteed by the interests of all nations. It is neither English nor German; it is and must remain international. Let us never forget that the Suez Canal Company cherishes its title of a universal company. POVBBTT AND SUFFERING. — "I was dragged down with debt, 'poverty, and suffering for years, caused by a sick family and large bills for doctoring, which did them no good. I was completely discouraged, until one year ago, by the advice of my pastor, I procured Hop Bitters and commenced thoir use, and m one month we were all well, and none of us have seen a sick day since ; and I want to say to all poor men, you can keep your families well a year -with American Co.'s Hop Bitters for less than one doctor's visit will cost, I know it," — A Working Man. . Read. — [Advt.] How to gbt Sick.— Expose yourself day and night, sit too much without exercise, work too hard without rest, doctor all the time, take all the vile nostrums and imitations advertised, and then you will want to know ; How to Get WEia;-^Which. is answered m three words— Take ■ American Goi's Hop Bitten! Bead— [Advt.] :' SYNOPBIB OF NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. Maclean and Stewart— Sell rams, etc., on Tuesday ; S.C.J.C. race privileges on Wednesday ; freehold property next Saturday ;' horses, etc, on 11th prox. E. R. Guinness — Will sell rams,, etc., on Tuesday ; sheep and cattle on Wednesday and Thursday. Win. Collins and Co.— Hold a sale of produce, etc., to-day ; horses, harness, etc., on 7th prox. J. Mundell and Co.— Sell sheep and cattle on Wednesday. -...■•••< Deputy Returning : Officer, Parish of Tengawai— Notico ro election of Synodsman. New Zealand Hallways— Notico re excursion fares to Dunedin during Easter holidays. T. and J. Thomson— Are opening out new shipment of goods. W. Davidson— Business notice. "Silver King" — First production m Timaru at Theatre Royal next Saturday; children wanted on Monday for singing. Qeo. Pearson— Has go»d cooking apples: J. G. Cowan — Is opening out new goods. N.Z.G.A. and M. Company— Are cash buyers of wheat, etc. R. R. Taylor— Has the GrosTcnor Hotel to let. Volunteer Rifle . Company- Meeting of those interested m forming one on Tuesday. G. R. Peacocke— Notice re accounts. Secretary, Timaru Hospital— Acceptance of tenders for Hospital supplies. Theatre Royal— Miss Geneviove Ward m the "Queen's Favorite " to-night. J. W. Dodge-Notice re " Silver King."