The Timaru Herald. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1885.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3285, 8 April 1885, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1885.

Our citizen soldiers have just been tasting the delights of genuine camp life. After a few days spent in the midst of picturesque scenery, with a good diurnal allowance of drill, and sleeping at night under canvas, they have come back again sunburnt, fnll of spirits, reinvigorated • for their more peaceful avocations, and more enthusiastic than ever in regard to their military duties. In reference to the encampment in which we are more particularly interested, namely that at Winchester, it is satisfactory to be able to state that it waa in every way a great success. The behaviour of the men in camp seems in every respect to have been admirable, while no one who watched them throughout their stay under canvas could fail to be struck with the immense improvement which even a couple of days' steady work made in their drill. Col. Lean, the inspecting officer, expressed himself in emphatic terms, but svas no more than just, when he said that the field-day of Easter Monday was the moat successful the Volunteers of Canterbury had ever taken part in. Each movement, he told them, had been executed with alacrity and exactness, and the firing had been excellent. From a military point of view, therefore, the gathering seems to have been agreat success. It was also the ineaus of affording healthful and agreeable recreation to a large number of the public. Jaded townspeople found the review an excellent excuse for escaping into the country, and it is impossible to overestimate the beneficial ~ effects of a day thus . spent in the fresh air, amid the pleasant sights which Nature offers to those who worship at her shrine. Despite some comments to the contrary, we are strongly of opinion that an admirable site for the encampment was chosen when Winchester was selected. It is rapidly becoming famous on account of its sylvan beauties, and many people will be grateful to the Volunteers simply for having introduced them to such a charming spot for ; picnics. Again, it is far better for the Volunteers themselves, on these occasions, that they should be taken completely away from town life and its distractions. The change does them more good physically, if they go " right into the country," and it is obviously better for them from a military point of view to be in a spot where they can give their whole attention, for the time being, to camp life. Thus at Winchester martial discipline was strictly maintained, sentries were posted, picquets "patrolled the district, and everything was carried on aB if in actual warfare. That the men did not miss the fun of camp life as well as its discipline, is evident from what our Special Reporter had to tell us in regard to the festive doings round the roaring fire which lit up the surrounding country with a weird glare at night, and seems to have effectively kindled the flame of good fellowship in the breasts of the men who gathered round it. We can quite believe that the songs, the jokes, and the stories which circulated round that merry circle never sounded half so well as thej did during those pleasant evenings, and the memory will doubtless . linger lovingly in the minds of those who were present. Since this small gathering has passed off so well, one is tempted again to ask, why' it is not possible to have an encampment every year on a much larger scale ? It may not be practicable, perhaps, to collect the whole force of the colony in one spot, but at least there ought to be no difficulty in having one general review for the whole of the South Island, instead of each district having its own little camp as at present. The Volunteers could then go in for manoeuvres on an extensive scale, which cannot be thought of under the present system, and the educational value of the gathering would then be proportionately increased. With a trunk railway running right through the Island there ought to be no difficulty in concentrating the men at any spot which might be desired. A popular arrangement would be to have the review in some part of Canterbury one year, and in, Otago the next. The attendance of the public at such a gathering, if trains were run at excursion rates, would be yery. large, and it would be worth the while of the Government to foster the idea if only on account of the increased revenue which would accrue to the Bailway Department. We hope that during the year the officers of the various Volunteer corps in this Island will seriously consider the matter, with the view of seeing whether one general review and encampment cannot be arranged for next Easter. » It is satisfactory to see that the English Government does not intend to be bamboozled by Eussia. The latter Power tried a hold game of brag, but failed miserably. When General Lumsden threatened to march into Herat, when Sir Donald Stewart was ordered to take the field with 50,000 men, and the most influential Indian Princes came forward with loyal offers of assistance, Russia was as effectually checked as when, in 18?8, tt« BritiaK fleet was sent to Besika Bay by Lord Beaconfifield. She was promptly supplied with the only kind of

diplomatic arguments which she has ever been able to understand. Anything like danger of war passed away as soon as it was evident, as The Times put it, that England was not only | ready but willing. There are many people, we have no doubt, who are grievously disappointed that Russia " caved in," and eo escaped the drubbing which seems to be getting essential to bring her to her proper bearings. Foiled iu her . attempt at bounce, she is now evidently attempting to gain an advantage by shuffling diplomacy. If the English Ministry are true to the popular feeling, they will deal in the sternest manner with any attempt of the kind, and will refuse to give way one iota to Russian impudence and scheming. S.C.J.C. Races.— The weights for the handicaps are advertised to be out to-night. School Committbb. — The adjourned ordinary monthly meeting of the Timaru School Committee is to be held this evening at 8.30. Tklegrai>hic. — Wo aro advised that the Zunzibai'-Mozambiquo cable has been interrupted, and that the next mail leaves Znnzibnr on the 25th inst. The Wool Season. — The total quantity of wool received by rail at Timaru up to the 4th inst. was 19,183 b^les, mid by road, 3374 ; making a grand total of 22,457. The Gbain Season.— The number of sacks of grain received by mil up to the 4th inst was 25,356, and by road, 5800 ; making a grand total of 31,165. Stack Fire —Two stacks of wheat, containing about 600 bushels eiich, were burnt on Monday night near St. Andrews. They were the property of Mr Georgo Lawry, of St. Andrews, and wero insured. GbbaliDlNb County Council.— The ordinary monthly meeting of the Geraldine County Council is to be held this morning at the Council's rooms, Messrs Maclean and Btowart's buildings, at 11 o'clock. Ebbatum. — We are requested to state that in entering the awards in the prize book at tho Flower Show on Monday a mistake was made, as Mr Parr's name Bhould have appeared as first prize-taker, instead of Mr Gould's for the best fix apples. Defences or Oamahu.— Major Cautley has promised to visit Oamaru as well as Timaru on Friday next, in order to inspect tho harbor with a view to seeing if any local defences are required. Sale of Pbivilkoes. — Messrs Maclean and Stewart will sell at thoir rooms at noon to-day the following privileges of the South Canterbury Jockey Club's annual meeting : — Lot 1, grand stand and refreshment rooms j 2, booth No. 1 ; 3, booth No. 2 ; 4, gates ;5, refreshment booth j 6, cards ; and Lot 7, games. The Easteb Encampment.— ln our notice of this encampment in yesterday'* paper we forgot to mention that the Volunteers had a tug of war on Sunday evening. The teams consisted of ten men each, and the C.Y.C. carried off " the cake " in every case. They first met a team from the Timaru Navals, next the Lyttelton Navals, next the Temuka Rifles, and finally, a combined team. The Late Juvkmle Exhibition. —The name of Mias M. Dale was inadvertently missed as a prizetaker in the exhibition. She competed for the freehand drawing prize and proved successful. Tho work is a fine piece of art, done in crayons, and represents Cromwell having an interview with Milton. The picture was very much admired, and reflects great credit on tho artist. Mr Herbert Haggett took the second prize. St. Savioub's Cnußcn, Temuka. — The bazaar in aid of the funds of St. Saviour's Church, Temuka, was held in the Volunteer Hall,Tomuka, on Easter Monday, and was fairly well attended, considering the number of counter attractions. The Hall was nicely decorated with evergreens, etc. The stall running along the centre of the Hall, loaded with fancy and useful articlos, presented a gay appearance, and what was better still drew money from tlic pockets of the majority of t'ose present. Tho flower stall also netted a goodly sum, and so did tho refreshment stall During the evening, Mr K. F. Gray kindly officiated us auctioneer, and disposed of sheep, grain, etc., given towards the funds by friends, and afterwards sold a quantity of remaining goo'ls on the stalls. Theatre Rotal.— Another large audience greeted the performance of "Tho SiWer King " last night. As to-night will witness the l«st porformanco in Timaru of this great play, those who have not nlready been present should not lose this opportunity of enjoying (he finest I production wo have had here. Such a performance as that which has been presented during the last four nights at tho Thcntro Royal is something to be grateful f .>r, and it will bo long memorable in the annals of matters theatrical, and for which Messrs Macinahon and Leitch deserve the best thanks of the community. As many requests havo been made to tho management to prolong tho season we arc requested to state that this is impossible, iu consequence of an engagement to commence this week a teason in Christchurch, so thai this will be the very last night of the .stay of this fine company in Timaru. The occasion is a special one, in which the ollicers commanding the South Canterbury Volunteers will bo present, and there will no doubt be a crowded house. A Lost Snir.— Recently H.M.S. Miranda was cruising near Samoa. When slio passed Elizabeth Reef a three-masted vessel was sighted inside the lagoon, standing almost upright. She was apparently of iron, and about 300 tons register. The Miranda went very close to the reef, and blew a whistle with the objeot of attracting the attention of any one who might unfortunately be left on the wreck, but there was no response, and as there was a great number of sea birds in the rigging, and other evidences that the vessel had been a long time on the reef, Captain Acland did not deem it desirable to attempt a landing, especially as the breakers close to the reef were high and dangerous. It was confidently felt that no human being was on I the wreck. Some of the spars had disappeared, probably taken for tho purpose of forming a raft. This vessol has been reported as having been seen by several ships passing in the vicinity, and it would be as well, perhaps, if steps were taken to set at rest all doubts as to which particular vessel it is. Resident Maoistbatb's Coubt, Timabu. j — E. Acton and H. J. LeCren, Esqs., J.P's, presided at this Court yesterday. Francis McDavitt was charged with being drunk and ! disorderly in the streets of Temuka on the 4th inst., with resisting the police constable in the execution of his duty at the Temuka Police Station on the same date, and with unlawfully making use of obscene language within hearing of a public thoroughfare. Accused pleaded guilty to being drunk, but denied that lie had resisted the constable or made use of bad language Ho made a long rambling statement to the Bench, iu which he trjod to make out that these two charges had been brought against him for a purpose. Constable Burke, in answer to Inspector Broham, proved conclusively, however, that the charges were only too well founded, and tho Bench, expressing their opinion that it waa perfectly clear accused had committed the offencos no was charged with, fined him £5, in default 14 days' imprisonment. Accused, on loaving the Court, expressed his intention to go to gaol. The Court then adjourned. Fibb Brigade. — The annual meeting of the Timaru Volunteer Fire Brigade was held on Monday last. There was a good attendance of members, and Captain Amos presided. After the ordinary business had been disposed of, the Secretary read the balancesheet, from which it appeared that after paying all expenses there was a credit balance of £3 3s 4d. Captain Amos, in giving his report, stated that the Brigade hod been called out 10 times during the year, which was slightly above the average, though none of the fires had been of a serious nature. The election of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with, with the following result ; — Captain Amos re-elected Captain for the fifth time ; Fireman J. B. Jones, elected Foreman of tho Pioneer Company ; Fireman W. H. Tubb, Foreman of No. I Company; and Secretary R. Orwin, re-elected. Captain Amos then intimated that h» intended going on & visit to Melbourne, and applied for two months' leave of absence, which wa» granted. Votei of tbanke wera passed to the retiring officers, and tho meet* i ing then closed. '

BAN Fbanoibco Mail.— The inward mails arrived by the evening train from Christchurch yesterday, the southern portion being forwarded on from here by a special. Ebbidbhx Magibtbate's Coitbt. Waimate. — At this Court on Saturday, bofore G. G. Stacpoole, Eiq , J.P., a man was fined 5s for drunkenness, and on Monday, the 6th inat., before J. Manchester, Esq., another for a similar offence, committed on Sunday last, was fined 10s. Annivbrsaby Sbevices.— The anniversary services of the Wesleyan Methodist Church are to be held on Sunday next, and are to be conducted by the Rev. W. J. Williams, of Lyttolton. The collection will be in aid of the Trußt Fund. On the following Tuesday the anniversary tea meeting will be held, to be followed by a public meeting. S.C.A.A.C. — The- half-annual general meeting of the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club will be held at the Ship Hotel on Monday noxt, at 11 a.m. Business — Election of .members, consideration of Mr Gray's notice of motion, and routine matters. Mr Geo. F. Clulee, the Hon. Sec, has, we understand, received a large number of nominations for membership this year. Ball. — We remind those who delight in tripping the "light fantastic" that the Timaru Naval Artillery Volunteers hold their first ball at the Oddfellows' Hall to-night. The ball is under the direct patronage of the oflicers and men of the C Battery, who with their Band, and accompanied by the Navale, will leave the Drillshed at eight o'clock this evening for the Ball. Dancing will commence at nine o'clock. We may mention that the Artillery Band purpose holding a ball on the first race night, April 16th. Inquebt. — An inquest was held on Saturday at Murphy's Hotel, Pleasant Point, by B. Woollcombe, Esq., Coroner, touching the death of Jacob Robert Capps. Mr J. Mcßeth was chosen foreman. From the evidence given it appears that on Friday laßt at a quarter-past aix in the evening deceased went to the ploughman and took a fork to cover some grain with straw, and went up the hill to do so. At seven o'clock the brother of deceased, Thomas George Capps, a mariner, on a visit to his brother, aaked the ploughman where deceased was, and was answered that he had not come in. Tho ploughman then went to look for the deceased and found him hanging to a branch of a cabbage tree. There was a tarpaulin thero with two stops to it, one of which he appears (o have used for the purpose of committing the deed. Since the Monday previous when he found what the value of his crops were, he became very much depressed, and complained often to his brother that if ho thought much ho should go out of his miud. Deceased's wife died about twelve months ago, and he had no children alive. A verdict " That deceased had committed suicide whilst in a state of temporary insanity" was returned. Gbbali>inb. — Our correspondent writes : Good Friday and Easter Monday were strictly observed as holidays here. The encampment at Winchester attracted, a great number of townspeople, who, favored with fine weather, deserted the township in a body on Monday. A few patronised the Woodbury race meeting,. but by far the greater number went to witness the manoeuvres at Orari. — St. Mary's church was, as usual, very tastefully decorated for Easter Sunday, when large congregations assembled at both morning and ovening services. The iucumbent, the Rev. J. Preston, officiated at the morning service and preached a most ""impressive sermon. In the evening the service was taken by Dr Fish, lay-reador. — On Sunday afternoon a number of Volunteers visited the township. One party of six, animated by a martial or other spirit, made themselves very conspicuous in the main street in the afternoon. In their efforts to excite attention they held a mock Salvation Army meeting, thereby attracting a crowd. — The attempt to form a Local Rifle Corps is not likely to prove successful, unless the members are "willing to waive their claim to a capitation grant. The Afghan Fbontibb. — The point in dispute between the Russian and the English Governments (says the Pall Mall Gazette) is as follows : — The Russians say : "We take the Turkomans and you the Afghans. Let us instruct our Commissioners to draw a boundary line that will, as far as possible, be south of the last Turkoman and north of the first Afghan. In drawing this frontier, however, some regard must be had to economical conditions. The Salor Turkomans who belong to us have from all time grazed on the fertile pasture lying to tbe south of Sarakhs and to the north of the mountain range which forms the only defensible frontier of Herat. From this region also they draw the salt without which they cannot live. If there is to be any peace on the Afghau frontier, our Turcoman subjects must keep their grazing lands and salt beds. We leave Afghanistan all the strategical advantages, including both ends of all the passes. We only ask for the Turcomans tho land without which they cannot live." Such, we believe, is the substance of M. Lessar's proposal, and on the surface it appears reasonable enough. A frontier drawn on these lines would fall eighty miles north of Herat and fifty miles north of the first position where an army defending Herat would take its stand. Waitohi Flat Public Bchool. — The ordinary monthly meeting of the Committee was held at the schoolroom on. Wednesday, April lßt. Members present — Messrs Talbot, Fraser, Scott, Andrews aud Cunningham. Tho minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A letter from tho S.C.C. Society was read stating that a Scholarship of 12 guineas per annum lenablo for two years, would be offered by tho Society, the winner to attend the Timaru High School. It was resolved — ■"That the receipt of the letter be acknowledged, and the Society be informed that the Committee heartily appreciate their liberal and praiseworthy efforts in the cause of higher education." Mr Scott brought up the question of I he desirability of getting some gymnastic apparatus for the use of the scholars, and the Chairman was requested to make inquiries as to cost, etc., and report at next meeting. Mr Cunningham was authorised to get some necessary repairs effected to one of the entrance gates. It was brought under the notice of the Committee that one of the Temuka clergymen had on feveral occasions visited the school during schopl hours, and taken some of the children outside on to the verandah for the purpose of giving religious instruction. It was resolved — "That the teacher be requested not to allow_ anyone to interfere with him during working hours, nor yet to allow the room to be used at all, unless the sanction of the Committee has been first obtained." The meeting then terminated. Forbsibes' Fbtb at Waihate. — The annual fSte of the Waimate Court of Foresters was held on Easter Monday. About half -past ten a procession of the brethren of this Court, in full regalia, joined by several members of tho Rechabite Tent, started from the hall of the Society. Bros Powell senior and junior, of Timaru, headed the procession on horseback, in full costume representing "Robin Hood" and "Little John." The Band played the procession through the grincipal streets to the rendezvous in Messrs [ancheatcr's town paddock. Here a very enjoyable day was spent, the weather being all that could be desired. In the evening the Court members, their families and friends, and a large number of visitors partook of a social tea in the Oddfellows' Hall. A meeting was afterwards held, at which Mr AtwUl, Secretary to the Court, read the annual report showing the numerical and financial condition •f the Court, and the progress made during the paat year. The report was an encouraging one in every' sense. About twelve young persons recited well-selected pieces, prizes being offered for competition. We have not been furnished with the names of the prize-takers. Mr D. Hutton, Secretary of the Rechabite Tent, Mr; Powell, of the Timaru Foresters, Rev. J. McEee, and Messrs Steward aad J. Manchester addressed the meeting, congratulating the members of the Court on the success of their annual feto, and on the important work earned out by Benefit Societies in general, and the Foresters in particular. Votes of thanks to the speakers and others who contributed to the success of the fete closed the proceedings. A Oolwiai. Bbsidbnoe.— A lithographic illustration of the house whioh is being erected at Riseholme, near Christchuroh, Hew Zealand, for Sir John Hall, the late Premier of that colony (»»y» *k° -^y'«>--S ? ' e » Zealander of Feb. 13th) is given in the last number of the Building News. The house will be situated in well-wooded and pleuantly placid

grounds. It is designed by Mr R. A. Briggs, of Chelsea. By reason of the frequent occurrence of earthquakes, the house is built entirely of wood, with the exception of chimneys, &c., the roof being covered with slates. These, together with the grates, glass, furniture, and mosaics, are being sent from England. Gknrhal Gordon and tuk Mahdi.— A paper in Prague has been publishing curious stories about the interchange of courtesies between General Gordon and the Mahdi. The Mahdi is said to have sent the defender of Khartoum a sword of honor, the offer of a free pass, with an escort to Korti, and what is much more precious a bundle of newspapers. A pretty story, and not improbable, for the Mahdi, according to all accounts, is a man who would naturally revere Gordon ; but of course Gordon could not leave Khartoum, and said so. The Mahdi, be it noted, expressly stipulated that the Egyptian soldiers were not to escape, and Gordon was not the man to purchase his own safety by sacrificing the lives of the soldiers whom he was sent to save. Grass Widows. — A good story at the expense of a new chum comes from a country district, says the Hawke's Bay Herald. He went to work in the hayfie'ld, for the first time in his 1 fe, and asked many questions which betrayed an unusually limited stock of information. On the second day he got some little stinging insects on his perspiring face, und he asked what they were. " Good heavens !" exclaimed his then mentor, " have you got 'em?" New Chum asked for an explanation. " Why," was the reply, " have you never heard of grass widows?" On the answer being given in the negative, the information was gravely vouchsafed that " grass- widows were widows whose husbands had died from being bitten by grass insects." In visible alarm New Chum threw down his fork and ran from the field. He is now seeking some leas dangerous kind of work. Sword-Swallowing. — One of the most revolting of the performances by which street-jugglers seek to attract the attention and the coppers of the idle, is that known as sword-swallowing. This may bo an optical illusion, with a " trick " or telescopic sword, or the veritable passage into the gullet of a short blunt-edged weapon of solid iron. The latter, being the more realistic and disgusting method, is that generally practised, and is not more difficult of accomplishment than the introduction of the stomach-pump ; but, the instrument being rigid and its direction unskilled, it is an extromely dangerous performance. Since its introduction or rovival, about eight years ago, by a conjuror at the Westminster Aquarium, the trick has become a common one, and has been the cause of many accidents. Its most recent victim (says The Jiritisti), is a man named Henry Fry, aged thirty, who was admitted to the Newington Infirmary on Saturday, January 17th. He stated that on the previous Thursday he was attempting to swallow a aword, a feat ho had been in the habit of performing frequently, when he was seized with severe pain, and began to vomit blood. Difficulty of breathing and of swallowing followed, and ho applied for admission to the infirmary, where he died laat week. A very similar case is recorded in the eighth edition of Erichsen's Science and Art of Surgery, in which a juggler died, a few few days after admission to University College Hospital, from perforation of the oesophagus, and injury to the pericardium. Tricks and exhibition which entail abuse of the provisions of Nature, and danger to health and life, are as degrading to the spectator as to the performer, and cannot too strongly be deprecated. It is not, unfortunately, in the gutter only that they are to be found, but it is to be hoped that culture and education will ere long exercise more influence in the music hall and in the street, and will extinguish, amongst others, this objectionable class of so-called enter tainment. Food pob CoNSDMPXiVES.-^-Scott'u emul Bion of [pure Cod Liver Oil with Hypophosphites of lime and soda is a most wonderful food for the consumptive. It not only gives strength and increases the flesh, but heals the irritation of the throat and lungs. It is very palatable ; children take it like milk, and in all wasting diseases both for adults and children it is a marvellous food aud medicine."— [Advt.]] How to Get Well. — Which is answered in three words — Take American Co.'s Hop Bitters! Bead— [Advt.] How to get 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 We belikyb that if every one would use American Co.'s Hop Bitters freely there would be much less sickness and misery in the world, and people are fast finding this out, whole families keeping well at a trifling cost by its übo. We adviee you to try it. Read [Advt.] A Wi9E Dsacon. — "Deacon Wilder, I want you to tell me how you kept yourself and family so well the past season, when, all the rest of u» have been sick so much, and have had the doctors running to us so often." " Brother Taylor, the answer is very easy. I used Hop Bitters in time, and kept my family well, and saved large doctor's bills. Four shillings' worth of it; kept us all well and able to work all the time, and I will warrant it has cost you and most of the neighbors £10 to £100 apiece to keep sick the same time. I fancy you'll take my medicine hereaftor." See [Advt.] In Consumption, " Baxter's Lung Proerver " has been' signally successful. Sore Throat quickly yields to "Baxter's Lung Preserver." . la Croup, "Bxater's Lung Preserver " operates magioally, its expectorant and other properties affording speedy relief SYNOPSIS OF NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. Jonas and Bourn— Have freehold property for sale privately. J. Mundell and Co.— Sell rams at the Winchester Fair on Thursday. E.R. Guinness-Will sell rams at Winchester Fair on Thursday, and bullocks at Studhohne Junction on Friday. F. M. Rickn'.an— Holds a sale of sheep and cattle at Studholme Junction on Friday. K. F. Gray— Sells rams at Winchester Fair on Thursday. B.C. Amateur Athletic Club— Hold their balfnnual general meeting next Monday. Terauka Road Board— lnvite tenders for road and other works ; notifying that ratepayers' list is open for inspection. Timaru Borough Council — Invite tenders for scavenging. Wesloyan Methodist Church, Timaru— Hold anniversary services on Sunday, and anniversary tea meeting on following Tuesday. S. McCullough— Warns persons trespassing on his farm at Fairlie Creek. J. A t Young -Has lost a lady's gold bracelet ; offers a reward. Mackenzie County Council— lnvite applications for combined post of clerk and overseer. "The Silver King" Company— Appear for the lost time in the Theatre Royal to-night.