The Timaru Herald. MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 1885.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 3385, 3 August 1885, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 1885.

The death of a centenarian is m itself an event sufficiently remarkable to interest the public. It will be remembered how somo few years ago a very wortby gentleman at Home used publicly to express his emphatic belief that a centenarian was a mere figment — the product of failing memories, and imperfectly kept parish registers. No man, he insisted, had ever lived to a hundred years — at any rate since the

time of the patriarchs — or ever would v attain this age. Even this incredulous man, however, appears at present to be silenced, if not convinced, as we never see any of his lucubrations on the subject m the present day. Certainly he would find the greatest possible difficulty m reconciling his theory with the case of Sir Moses Montefiore, wbosa death we recently recorded, and whose remarkable career, apart from the fact of his attaining such a great age, is certainly worthy of a little more extended notice. That Sir Moses Montefiore, had he lived till next October, would have completed his 101 st year is, we believe, a historical fact whose accuracy iB capable of being demonstrated beyond the shadow of a doubt. To have lived such a long life is m itself an honor, as showing the habitual exercise of strict temperance, and the possession of a quiet and untroubled mind. In Sir Moses Montefiore's case, however, that phenomenal " length of days " was also an unbroken record of acts of the truest charity and most active benevolence, of a gradual growth m the affections, not only of his own kinsmen, of his own people — of his own country even — but, it may be said without exaggeration of the whole civilised world. Certainly such a life is too rare m these pushing, striving, struggling days of competition and money-making to be allowed to fade away from remembrance without a passing word on the many noteworthy features which it presents. j The great philanthropist was, as is well-known, a wealthy man, but his charitable exertions were by no means limited to the simple operation of writing cheques. " Pecuniary aid by those that have means," as Dr Abercrombie remarked long ago, "is the most easy form m which benevolence can be gratified." The great Jewish benefactor, while always lavish of his riches m a good cause, realised that there were far higher efforts of goodness and self-sacrifice, and to these he steadfastly devoted himself. The record of his personal exertions m behalf of his suffering and oppressed countrymen, ground down by intolerance and despotism, is as exciting a narrative of hardship and hair-breadth escapes as is to be found recorded of any of the world's heroes. When the deceased baronet and his wife first visited JJerusalemm — m 1827— they performed a journey as full of discomfort and peril as an expedition to Central Africa would be m the present day. Not the least unpleasant of the dangers run waß that of being seivsed and sold as slaves, of which they were seriously warned by the British Consul at Alexandria, but from which they providentially escaped. As for the lady, she was told on arriving at Jerusalem that only six European ladies had visited the city m the past century. They found Jerusalem, as Lady Montefiore says m her diary, " a fallen, desolate and abject city." The Jews were treated with intolerable oppression, as an instance of which may be mentioned the fact that they had to pay £300 a year to the owner of the house adjoining " the Wailing-place of Jerusalem " for the one privilege of weeping at the city wall. At that time Sir Moses wat 15 years of age. He visited Palestine seven times m all, doing good to his distressed eountryroen, by whom he was loved with a love bordering on idolatry. His last pilgrimage was paid m 1875, when he was 91 years of age. Among the memorials of his visits may be mentioned hospitals, almsuouses, agricultural enterprises, gardens, wells, aqueducts, synagogues, and numerous other objects of his well-directed beneficence, and, above all, a people raised from the depths of oppression, poverty, and despair, to something like freedom, and a condition of comfort and hopef ulneßs which at one time seemed for ever beyond their reach. Sir Moses did not confine his efforts on behalf of his oppressed brethren to those living m the Holy Land. Whereerer they were found to be suffering he was speedily discovered making the most indefatigable exertions to ameliorate their lot. In 1840 he secured from the Sultan at Constantinople an order releasing a number of Jews m Damascus, arrested on the absurd, yet infamous, outcry of a superstitious mob that they had used human blood m their sacrifices. In 1845 Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore braved the rigor of the Russian winter, m order to plead with the Czar for a mitigation of the yet more rigorous severity with which the unfortunate Hebrews were persecuted m his dominions. On the road they heard the howling of hungry packs of wolves, and had to keep a gong sounding to frighten them away. The Emperor Nicholas seemß to have been deeply impressed by the bearing of his visitor. " Sire," said Sir Moses, on leaving, " I commend my Jewish coreligionists to your protection," to which His Majesty replied, " They shall hare it if they resemble you." In 1863, Sir Moses, at the age of 79, set out for Morocco, to interview the Sultan on behalf of his brethren. He was too feeble to ride, and was carried across the desert, travelling for eight days over its burning sands. He obtained the coveted edict of protection, which, as one writer remarks, though often violated " has remained a pledge and a point d 'appui for remonstrance." In 1867, inspired by the same philanthropic motives, he went to Roumania, though threatened with assassination, and m 1872 again went to St. Petersburg to present his congratulations to Alexander 11., the Czar coming especially from the military manoeuvres to the "Winter Palace to avoid causing unnecessary fatigue to his distinguished visitor. While thus active on behalf of his countrymen, it must not be imagined that the benevolence of Sir Moses was inactive where people of other races were concerned. On the contrary his charity was m truth unwearying and world-wide. Every charitable institution, every benevolent movement seemed to hare Sir Moses as one of its most liberal supporters. When he was 76 years of age he appeared at The Times office, at one o'clock one morning, with a letter urging the immediate despatch of relief to the Christians of Syria, who had been attacked by the Druses of Mount Lebanon and were m great distress. Accompanying the letter was ] his own cheque for £200. Iv a comparatively Bhorfc time the sum of £22,000 was raised and despatched to the unfortunate sufferers. At .Ranißgate, where he lived, his benefactions to the poor, as The Times eaid on one occasion,

won him unbounded popularity. The clergymen of the various churches were his almoners. He gave subscriptions to churches and chapels, and procured benefices for deserving clergymen. His kindness of heart and grace of manner also showed itself most strongly m " the little things of life." Coming up m his reserved saloon m the Ramsgate train he would offer a seat to strangers, whom he saw m danger of being crowded ont of the train, and sometimes m London he would send them home m his own carriage, walking or taking a cab himself. One naturally feels curious to know something about the habits and personal appearance of this great man, truly a hero among men. A writer who saw him when he had just entered on his hundredth year, declared that " nothing can be imagined more benign and dignified than the expression of his face when, with eyes beaming under bis black skull-cap, and a light glow on his cheeks, which are fringed with gray whiskers, he welcomes his visitor with a warm grasp o £ the hand, and opens the treasure-house of his memory." His powers of conversation and reminiscence remained unimpaired even at that late date. He recognised his nephews, his grand-nephews and great-grand-nephews, " but confessed himseli puzzled by the intricate genealogies o£ the descendants of old associates who sometimes called to offer him their good wishes." He entered upon his hundredth year " m full possession of sight hearing and speech, neither somnolent nor inactive m mind, little bowed m frame, although his height was 6ft 3in." He sustained nature, it iB interesting to learn, almost entirely upon milk and port wine, sometimes varied by a little soup or bread and butter. Teetotallers will be shocked to hear that " m favor of port wine he had the old English prejudice," and drank two or three glasses daily. In middle life he smoked, but gave up that indulgence m later years. As for bis daily life, be rose at 11, had his letters read to him m bed, drove out daily m fine weather, and retired- at about 9. To those who consulted him as to the secret of his great age, he could give no other advice than to " be temperate m all things." May we not, however, believe that the benign influences with which his life was salted and savored, and the happiness which came of constant efforts to do good, also did much to prolong his dayß ? His was indeed a most remarkable career, and now that he has "come to his grave m a full age, like as a Bhock of corn cometh m his season," there are few who can afford to look upon such a life without envy, and certainly none without the highest admiration. T Vital Statibtics. — For the month ended July 31st there were registered at Temuka 13 births, 3 deaths and 3 marriages. Scnooi, Committee. — An ordinary meeting of the Timaru school Committee will be held m the Board Room, Main School, at eight o'clock this evening. The Club Hotel. — To suit the convenience of the public, from to-day the la luncheons at the above Hotel will be from 12 noon sharp to 2.30 p.m. — [Advt.] S.C. Hukt Club.— A meeting of the South Canterbury Hunt Club will be held at the Ship Hotel at eleven o'clock this morning to consider the question of holding a Hunt Steeplechase Meeting and Hound Show. Pbbbentation. — The presentation to Mr P. W. Merchant will take place at the Gladstone Hotel, Fairlie Creek, at eight o'clock tbis evening. Subscribers are invited to attend. Colonial and Indian Exhibition. — A meeting of the local Committee of the N.Z. Industrial Exhibition and gentlemen interested m the Colonial and Indian Exhibition will be held at the Town Hall, at seven o'clock this evening to meet Dr. Von Haast. From this date a 6d counter lunch will be served nt the Railway Refreshment Booms bar from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. Breakfast ready m time for the early trains, at Is 6d. Is hot lunch, as usual, from 12 till 3. Is 6d tea dinner from 6 till 8 o'clock. — [Advt.] Cheese and Bcttbb Factoey. — A meeting of persona interested m the establishment of a cheese and butter factory for the Levels district was called for Saturday afternoon last, but owing to only five persons attending no business resulted, and the meeting was adjourned sine die. The few who attended expressed regret at the matter being taken up bo lukewarmly, as it was their firm opinion that a factory such as proposed would pay handsomely m the Levels district. We may mention that Mr F. W. Stubbs went to a good deal of trouble to collate information specially bearing on cheese nnd butter factories. " The Last Chance." — This famous drama bids fair to outrun m popularity its predecessor "In the Ranks ; '* like Davies and Murphy's Great Removal Sale, it appeals to the masses. In fourteen days D. and M. hope to be m their new premises, but before leaving their old ones, thoy ore makinc; a bid for public favor by selling their proscnt immense stock of Drapery, Millinery, Clothing, and Boots, at a very great sacrifice. Timaru has seen ninny sales m its day, but nothing that can bo compared with this m regard to giving value for money. The public should bear m mind that the Great Clearing and Removal Salo cannot possibly extend over fourteen days, so if they are really desirous of purchasing bargains, this is " The Last Chance."— [Advt.] The Weather. — The weather during th« greater part of Saturday night and yesterday was boisterous and wintry m the extremes. Tho wind came fresh and cold from . the couth-west, bringing with it rain near tho sea coast and snow on tho uplands. Yesterday one of our staff made a short tour of inspection of the plains to the immediate north and the downs at tho back of Timaru. He neither s»w nor heard of any damage dono, though m not » few places largo pools of water were visiblo, the ground presenting o very sodden appoarance. Tho creeks and rivers wore not flooded, but as the snow melts the latter are certain to rise. It i» pos.ible wo may jet hear of the loss of some early lambs, especially if tho weathor does not soon moderate. Of course the roads are m anything but a pleasant state, either for driving or riding on, but they will doubtless bo seen to as soon as possible About a quarter to eleven o'clock last evening a slight fall of snow took place m Timaru. It was reported that there was on Saturday morning botween three and four feet of snow iv certain parts of Burko's Pass. Educational Institute. — Tho first quarterly meeting of tho South Canterbury Educational Institute was hold on Saturday, Ist August, at the Timars Public School. Mr I Wood occupied the Cliair. About twenty | teachers wore presont, all parts of the district being represented. Tho first business was discussion of the rules of the Institute. These, as drafted by the Committee, were, with some few amendments, adopted. Mr John Wood was elected President of tho Institute, Mr James Grant, M.A., Vice-President, and Mr K. W. Wake, Secretary and Treasurer. A permanent. Committee -was appointed, consisting of Messrs Brycrs, Macintosh, Walker, Hughes, Cooke and Thompson. The subject of scholarships was then brought up and considerable discussion took place on tho late scholarship regulations nutda by the Board. Tho general opinion of the meeting wai that tho inducements offered by tho Board wore too small to onsurc many candidates competing at the examinations. It was also thought that too little timo was being given to prepare candidates for tho next examination m October, and that it would bo more desirable to have tho scholarship examinations after the standard examinations. The meeting then terminated.

8. C. Habbisbs.— The meet of these Harriers arranged for Wednesday at Mr HowelTs, has been altered to Ploasant Point. ABBBUBTOxSvBECiiBca&SBa. — Tlioßailway Department advertise Saturday return tickets for the Hunt Club Steeplechases at Afihburton on Friday. Cantata. — It is with pleasure we announce thnttheWesleyan Choir intend to repeat m improved form m the Assembly Rooms next Monday evening Bradbury's sacred cantata, " Esther, the Beautiful Queen." In riuBANCE VllE.— Two persons were m tho custody of the Police at the colls last ovening, one for drunkenness, and the other for a more serious offence. They will be brought up this morning. ASMrPIKoPLACB. — It might be owing to the rain, or to the bad state of the footpaths, or, possibly to something else, but it is a fact that while generallj walking up or down a certain Terrace m Timaru, which shall be nameless, more than one person has, of late, found his bead where his heels should have been. Waimatb Biflb Voluiitbebs. — The members of this corps mustered m tho Temperance Hall, on Friday evening, for regular drill, only three names being unanswered when tho roll was called. Sergeant-Major Jones, of Timaru, attended for drill and general instruction. He expressed himself as pleased with the progress and attention shown by the members. The election of officers, viz. :Mr E. Studholme, as captain ; Mr J. Neilson, first, and Mr Capstick, as second lieutenants, were confirmed. Tho next drill parade will be held on Monday, 10th instant. Mess Dinneb. — The inauguration of tho new "Volunteer district of Canterbury South was celebrated by the officers by a mess dinner at the Ship Hotel on Friday evening, when they took leave of their old commander, Lieut. -Colonel Lean, and welcomed their new one, Lieut.-Colonel Bailey. Major Hamersley occupied the chair and Captain Sfeason tho vice-chair. As the proceedings were of a private nature, we can only say that some twenty-two officers were present, and that a most "enjoyable evening was spent. The Garrison Band played several selections during the evening m their usual excellent style. St. Mart's, Tiiiarp.— At St. Mary's Episeopa'ian Church yesterday, it was announced that the new church was now sufficiently advanced to enable the Churchwarden* and Vestry to arrange for the opening of the building for Divine service about the first week m March next ; that the flooring and doors were not yet completed, and the seats could not be finished until the end of the year. The windows, and an organ, which have been sent for from England, are not expected to arrive before January. Tho connection of the new building with the old, bo as to provide a temporary chancel, organ chamber and vestry, also remains to be done. Tho building, inclusive of all that is mentioned above (except the organ), together with the architect's fees for the church when completed, has cost £8500. Of this sum £2000 was still required, and to meet this liability the Churchwardens and Testry earnestly request parishioners either to make, donations, or to take up debentures which hare been prepared for the purpose. The debentures are of £5 each, and interest will be paid on them at the rate of 7 per cent half-yearly. The sums thus lent to the Church are to be repaid m 1892 ; provided that at any time, with six months' notice, the Vestry rosy pay off any such sums. Early subscriptions will save much expense and interest connected with debentures. Wise Follt. — "For tea years my wife was confined to her bed with such a complication of ailments that no doctor could tell what was the matter, or enre her, and I used up a small fortune m humbug stuff. Six months ago I saw an American flag with American Co.'s Hop Bitters on it, ond I thought I would be a fool once more. I tried it, but my folly proved to be wisdom. Two bottles cured her, she is now as well and strong as any man's wife, and it cost me only two dollars."— H.W., Detroit, Mich. Head — [Advt.] Cast Pbsacb Good. — No man can do a good, job of work, preach a good sermon, try s lawsuit well, doctor a patient, or write a good article, when he feels miserable and dull, with sluggish brain and unstrung nerves, and cone should make the attempt m such a condition when it can be so easily and cheaply removed by a little American Co. 'a Hop Bitters. Look for— [Advt.] BYKOF3ISOFJJBW ADVERTISE* KHT». Jonas and Boom— Sell woo), sheepskins, etc., on Wednesday. E. R. Guinness— Holds a sale ot skins, etc., on the sth inrt. S.C. Harriers— Meet on Wednesday at Pleasant I-oint. O. ShlrtdUfe— Notice re overcoat. G. F. Clulce— Notice ot acceptance of tender. Geo. Dyson— lnvites tenders lor road works. X.Z. Railways— Notice re Ashburton Steeplechases. R. A. Barker— Notice to owners of (Imp. J. E. Beckingtam— Has jnat received a choice and handsome consignment of household furniture, euu " Esther, tho Beautiful Queen" - Witt he repeated m the Assembly Rooms on the 10th inst. O. Anderson — Notice to customers. In Bankruptcy— Re Charles Bourn, John Woodman.