NOTES.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3280, 1 April 1885, Page 2

NOTES.

It must be a novel sensation to the people of Wellington to find a genuine Opuncil of war being held at Government House. At the head, of course, was His Excellency the Governor, one of the greatest living authorities on fortifications and defences. Major Cautley, the talented officer who is carrying out the designs of the Governor for the defence of this colony, was also, of course, able to speak on the engineering view of the question. Lieut.-Oolonel Reader, the Under-Secretary for Defence, would, we have no doubt, be able to give valuable information not only as to the military resources of the colony, but also generally, as an old army officer of experience. Commander Edwin, R.N., who so ably presides over our Storm Warning Department, is a naval officer of great experience and general shrewdness, and we warrant would bring an immense amount of acuteness to bear on the question. Possibly if a Russian cruiser did appear off our coasts he might even get up a terrific gale for its especial benefit. As for fear, it is hardly necessary to say he doesn't know what it means. A mau who can walk unarmed about the streets of Wellington, perfectly well aware that he is held personally responsible by hundreds of infuriated citizens for the diabolical weather which occasionally visits our shores, is not the man to be frightened by a few trumpery Russian cruisers. Regarding the military experience of Major Eccles, Aide-de-Carap to the Governor, we know little, except that he served for some time m India. If he is as good a soldier as he is amateur flautist, the Muscovite cut-throats may well tremble ia their boots at the mere thought of visiting Wellington. At a crisis like the present we realise the value of the many old military and naval officers and men who have made New Zealand their homo. If anything like an invasion occurred, there is no doubt a very respeotable force could be formed of experienced well-drilled men, both for service afloat and on land, and officered m a way that would not do discredit to any force m the world. It is the more to be regretted that the present supply of materid m the colony is not so good as that of capable officers and men. At first sight it might seem as if the Government were putting themselves m grave danger by translating so many of their trusty adherents m the Lower House to a higher sphere. No fewer than five seats are rendered vacant — Ashburton, Oamaru, Waimea, Tauranga, and Southern Maori. All the European members had a pretty tough fight for their election, and if the coming contests turn out untowardly there is plenty of room to wreck even a strong Ministry aa Ministries go m New Zealand. Either the Government have very great confidence m themselves, or else they see that another general election is practically inevitable. On the whole the latter is the more feasible hypothesis of the two. On no other theory ia it easy to imagine the Government .throwing their best seats into jeopardy just on the eve of their second session. It is a curious coincidence that on the night the appointments were gazetted, Sir Julius should have disclosed the local government policy for the drst time, and it looks as if this were the question on which the constituencies were to be appealed to. Major Atkinson, judging from his recent speech at Hawera, evidently means "fight," and as far as one can see at present, there is a strong probability of extremely lively times politically being once more m store for New Zealand at no distant date. A correspondent of the Christchurch Press sends that journal a somewhat astounding statement. " During a severe frosty night last week at Loburn, he gravely asserts, " thousands of sparrows " were killed and lay dead under the treeß "m the morning. It was a work of some " hours to rake up the dead birds to pre- " vent a nuisance." Either the sparrows at Loburn must be of a peculiarly delicate constitution, or the frosta must be astonishingly severe. We thought the sparrows rather enjoyed a frost than otherwise, as it sharpened up their appetites for breakfast. Many of the farmers m this district would be thankful if the Loburn folks would send along one of those frosts. Labor for sweeping up the sparrows will be cheerfully supplied. From a paper kindly forwarded to us by a correspondent, we learn that on receipt of war news from the Soudan at Alderahot, there was a great discussion among staff and regimental officers aa to the wisdom of fighting against hordes of

savages m square formation. Opinion on the whole was inclined to condemn a mode of warfare which, when one. face, of the square is broken, renders the use; of; firearms by the other three a source of danger to their comrades, if not an absolute impossibility. On the other band it is argued that only the bayonet should be used, and that this can be and has been done with effect. It will be seen, therefore, that even military men, as well as doctors, agree to differ occasionally. We learn from a well-informed source that great activity is now being exhibited at Wellington m connection with the defences of the colony. We have already mentioned that an order has been sent Home for 100 Whitehead torpedoeß and the necessary appliances for projecting and working them. The guns which are m the colony are to be at once mounted on earthworks of the latest design, and affording the greatest possible protection. As the entrances to the principal harbors are narrow, the guns could be made to do capital service at such short ranges. Of j course there is the difficulty that these workß cannot bo erected m a few days or even weeks, and the Russians are not polite enough to delay any visit they might purpose paying. The Torpedo Inspector, Mr W. O. Smythe, who seems the right man m the right place, is energetically drilling the Naval Volunteers and others. In a fortnight, it is said, four crews could be completed m torpedo construction, and these men could be utilised m defending the harbors with submarine mines constructed of material already m the colony. They could also man the torpedo boats very fairly, but it of course takes time to become properly . acquainted with the manoeuvring of the craft. We hear very nattering accounts of the earnestness and zeal of the men under training, and there is every reason to believe they would fairly astonish the colony- should their services ever be called upon. Spouting.— ln our telegrams from Wellington this morning will be found particulars of several notices which have been gazetted m reference to the eliooting of gamo m South Canterbury. The Holidays.— ln our advertising columns this morning a number of our principal business people announce that their offices will be closed from the 3rd inßt. (Good Friday) to the 6th inst. (Easter Monday), inclusive. ; " Thb Silvbe King Company." — We notice by yesterday's Dunedin papers tlwt Messrs Mactnahoh and Leitch produced "Tho Librarian" on Monday evening to a crowded house. - This- will probablybe one of the attractions during their season here. The Post and Telegraph Offices. — Friday, the 3rd inst. (Good Friday), being a Post-office holiday, all mails usually closed on that day will close to-morrow, 2nd April, at 8 p.m. On Good Friday and Monday the. Telegraph Ofßco willjbo opeu between the hours of 9 and 10 a.m. andt^ and B:p.m. only. ■ ". >-- ...■• '■ ri-'i'-;'' --■■' AhwtjaiiJlam Faib. — At thff annual Fair which was held on the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association's Grounds yesterday there was a large number of entries, while the attendance of buyers was ion the whole satisfactory. In our commercial columns fuller particulars of the day's transactions are published. ■ -■. ..- ...-.-.■ Thb Weathbe at Waimatb. — The fine weather of the last few days has allowed the near completion of harvest work m the Waimate district. A few paddocks of oats are still unsecured. It has been a very late, and troublesome harvest, but the crops have been gathered m better condition than was deemed possible atone time. The crops of all kinds have been above the average both as . to quality and produce. Destbuction of Stacks. — Early yesterday morning Mr S. E. Graham, a farmer, living on tho Waitoht Downs, discovered that two hay stacks, situated a short distance from the homestead, had been burnt during the night. They were insured for £100 m the National Office. This sum, though probably the actual selling value of the hay, will not recoup Mr Graham, who had staoked it specially for 1 winter feed, and he will now have to purchase other food. There ia not the slightest clue as to the origin of the fire, but it is supposed some swaggers or " sundowners " accidentally caused it. Residbnt Magistrate's Coubt. Waimatb. — At this Court on Monday before W. J. Steward and J. Manchester, Esqs, J.P's., a young man named John Tookey Wardle was brought up as a lunatic not under proper care and control. The young man's father said his son had been for nearly eight years quite imbecile and helpless, requiring constant care. His mother was dead, and he (the father) found himself quite unablo to attend to him. He had done all he could to maintain him, but found it impossible to continue to do so. Drs Stacpoolo and Hossoll having certified to the boy's insanity, he was ordered to be conveyed to the Sunnyside Asylum. A man was fined 10a for being drunk at Waimate railway station on Saturday last. This was all the business, and the Court rose. " The Hbbmitage," Mouxt Cook. — From a gentleman who was at tho Hermitage, Mount Cook, a few days ago, we learn that Mr Huddleston's hotel is approaching completion, the building being now roofed m. Mr fluddleaton therefore hopes to be m a position to afford better accommodation to tourists m two or three weeks' time than he has hitherto beeu. At the time our informant was there, the Tasman river was easily forded, the ford being very sound, and the water not more than three feet m depth, and although for tho last few days that depth has most likely increased, m consequence of N.W. winds, it may be expected to fall again with the first cold wind. When the Tasman river is fordable the distance from Fairlie Creek to the Miller glacier, beside which Mr Huddleston's house is built, is not more than from 63 to 65 miles. Rifle Cobps fob Gebaldine. — A public meeting of persons interested m the formation of a Rule Corps m Geraldine was held m the room of the ' Young Men's Club on Monday evening. Between twenty and thirty persons who had signified their willingness to join such a corps if formed attended, and the greatest interest was manifested m the project. Dr Fish was voted to the chair. The Secretary read the minutes of o former meeting, which were confirmed, and also s letter from Mr Moore accepting the post of captain, but preferring to have his appointment confirmed by a public meeting. This was now done. Proposed — " That as soon as ft reply be obtained from the Waste Lands Board, the captain forward the application, stating that a corps is formed, to Lieut.-Colonel Lean ;" " That a deputation, consisting ' of Mossrs Moore, Pearpoint and Ward, be appointed to wait on Lieut.-Colonel Lean at Winchester for the purpose of gaining information as to the formation of cdrps, and that Mr Moore be requested to write to Lieut.-Colonel Lean, asking when it would be most convenient to him to meot the deputation." The usual votes of thanks concluded the meeting. Resident Magistbatb's Coubt, Gebaldine. — At this Court on Monday, before H. C. Baddeley, Esq., R.M., the following' cases were dealt with : -R. H. Pearpoint v. Charles Groves, claim £14 6s. Judgment for plaintiff by default. Robert Glass v. Charles Groves, claim £9 1« 6d. Judgment for plaintiff by default. Joseph Drury v. John ; Kennedy, claim £8 13s 6d. Judgment for plaintiff. R. H. Pearpoint v. J. H. Thomson, claim £3 17s 6d. A telegram was received from defendant asking for an adjournment on account of illness. This was refused by_ the R.M., and judgment was given for plaintiff. Same v. R. Williams, claim £5 9s sd. Defendant was ordered to pay the amount by two instalments monthly, to be imprisoned for three weeks on failing to do so. Same v. W. Weston. An order had been made by the Court previously that the amount should be paid by instalments. Only ono had beon paid. A fresh order was now made that £1 be paid within four days, and the balance at [the rate of £1 per month. R. H. Postlethwaite v. John Burke, claim £8 12s 3d. On the application of plaintiff the case was adjourned, as bis solicitor was unable to attend, plaintiff to bear tbe costs of the day. The Court tb.w» rose. •

Thai well-known and Popular Front Bar of the Ship Hotel is how Selling Marshall and Cppeland's Ales at 3d per Glass and 9d per Quart.— [Advt.] • Naval Bbigadb. — To further augment the fund i . for purchasing a boat the Timaru Naval Brigade purpose holding a ball on Wednesday next, Aprilßth. .Entertainment. — Mrs Baldwin's mind reading entertainment at Waimate on Monday evening was well attended. The answers to questions m many cases caused much astonishment to those present. Ode Contbmpoeabt.— The Waimate Times is about to change proprietorship, Messrs Wilson of Cambridge, North Island, liaving lately purchased the plant and good-will from Mr Steward. The purchasers will take over the paper m May next. Defence of Timaru. — The Committee appointed to report on the best means and tbe probable cost, of defending Timaru, will wait on Sir Julius Yogel when he arrives m Timaru to-morrow afternoon, and submit a report to him. • Fiee at Otaio.— A stack, the property of Mr Brown, was burned on Saturday evening. The fire was discovered by Mrs Browny who, with her daughter, vainly tried to put it out. They ran considerable risk while doing so. The stack was insured for £40 m the New Zealand office. . Proposed Rifle Compant. — A crowded meeting was held last night to consider the advisability of forming a rifle corps m Timaru. The meeting was very enthusiastic, the greatest interest being manifested m the proceedings. Visit op Sir Jttlhts Yogel to Timabtj. — Mr Turnbull, M.H.R., received a telegram from Sir Julius Yogel yesterday stating that he would arrive here on Thursday next about 4 p.m., and remain here" for an hour. Sir Julius further promised to telegraph from Oamaru the exact hour at which he might be expected. Political Changes. — Our Oamaru evening contemporary says: — Mr Shrimski has received tho following reply to a telegram which he forwarded to the Speaker of the House of Representatives m reference to his resignation :—" Your resignation by telegram is sufficient. I very, much regret your retiring.. . Hope ill-health is not the cause, rtnd that will again re-enter politics. , Shall always recollect your consistent politics as a member and your friendly feelings towards me both on the floor of the House and m the Choir." The question of a successor to Mr Shrimski — which is just now a topic of public discussion — has not yet been met by any definite elucidation ; but we are able to state that Mr T. W. Hislop will probably be a candidate for the position juat vacated by Mr Shrimski. Should Mr Hislop endeavor to re-enter the House of Representatives m the interests of this district, he would do so unopposed. His ability and experience could not fail to earn for him the almost unanimous approval of the electors. C Battbby, N.Z.A. — Things continue to go on briskly m the Artillery camp. Beueiile has sounded at half-past four the last two mornings, and detachments have been marched out for shot and shell practice at Fatiti Point, excellent scoring being made, especially with the long 24-pounder. The firing is expected to be finished this morning. The last two evenings have been principally devoted to gun drill and instruction m guard duty, and rolling coate and blankets. This evening the whole Battery is to parade at the camp at seven o'clock m ordinary marching order, and as this will probably count as a Government parade, every man, whether living m camp or not, will be expected to attend. Camp will be struck early on Thursday morning, a fatigue, party under Lieutenant Wardle proceeding to Winchester by the first train with the .tents, &c, The howit?er will be taken out by a detachment by road, leaving Timaru at two o'clock m the afternoon, the cavalry leaving at tho came time. The rest of the Battery will parade m complete marching order at half -past 6even m the evening and proceed by special train to Winchester, the Navnls proceeding with them. Both Artillery and If avals are displaying the greatest interest m the Easter encampment, and from all we can learn every man who is at liberty to do so will answer to his name at Winchester. ' In Consumption^, " Baxter's Lung Preerver " has been signally snocessfol. In Bronchitis and Asthma, " Baxter's Lung Preserver " affords immediate relief. How to Get Well.— Which is answered m three words — Take American Co.'s Hop Bitters! Bead— [Advt:] We bbuxve that if every one would use American Co.'s Hop Bitters freely there would be much less sickness and misery m the world, &nd people are fast finding this out, whole families keeping well at a trifling cost by its use. We advise you to try it. Read [Advt.] SYNOPSIS OF NEW ADVERTISEMENTS, . Maclean and Btewart— Sell sheep at Washdyke on the 6th inst. ; liave merino num lor sale privately. Jonas and Bourn —Sell horses ou Saturday. R. Turnbull and Son— Sell freehold property on Saturday. „ ' K. F. Gray and E. R. Guinness— Publish full particulars ol clearing sale at Kyiinersley, Teinuka. . The Public Trustee— lmportant notice to colonists. The Holidays— Notice re closing 'offices by several business people. James King, livery stable-keeper— Wants a good groom. Jiio. C. Thierens, junr., Otaio— Has found a horso ; notice to owner, T. Smith, seedsman, etc— Has just received a large supply of Herbert's ribston apples. A. SlAcphersori, Pareora Estate— Notice to persons trespassing. Jos. Campbell, Kingsdown — Notice to trespassers. Win. Balfour, washdyke— Warns persons not to trespass on N.Z.M.P ( Company's lands. Moody and Ziesler— Have a farm to let. A. St. G. Hamersley — Notices re Mattheur Wightman and Patrick McAteer, bankrupts. ' Naval Brigade— Hold a ball on April Bth. Bank Holidays— Friday, Saturday and Monday.