The Timaru Herald. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1885.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 3464, 4 November 1885, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1885.

The officers, passengers, aud crew of the 8.8. Wnirarapa have just emerged fvom one of the most terrible ordeals which can fall to the lot of those who "go down to the sea m ships." Of all human experiences there is probably none more trying or more exciting than that of a fiie at sen. It has been reserved by nautical writers as their culminating horror, on which all their resources of description and dramatic power have been lavished, and yet probably even the most powerful writing giveß but a faint idea of the grim terror of the actual experience. Thrilling as the cry of " fire !" is at any time, there is something paralysing about it when it is raised on board ship, and it speaks volumes for the coolness and bravery of those on board the Wairarapa that they maintained their presence of mind under such trying conditions, and fought so successfully against the terrible foe which went so perilously near to overmastering them altogether. What makes a fire at eea so particularly formidable, is of course the fact that here the element, which is so good a servant, but so bad a master, has you, as it were, by the throat. If you attempt to escape from him, you are only exposing yourself to fresh perils. Consequently, it only remains to " stand by " and do battle with him, and as it usually happens — as it did m this instance — that an outbreak at sea attains considerable hold before it is discovered, the struggle is always an arduous one, aud not unfrequently ends m death instead of victory. It must be, moreover, a peculiar aggravation of the horrors of the scene when the enemy is gaining ground, to be mocked, as it were, by the wide expanse of waters, bo near, so potent if only their aid could be rightly applied, and yet as it happens, of no other effect than merely to add to the gritn agony of the situation. * Such an agony m fact can hardly be one whit inferior to that described by Coleridge as having fallen on the thirstsmitten phantom-haunted mariners, when they saw — " Wator, wator everywhere, Nor any drop to drink." "When one reflects how many ships have been lost by fire at sea, one cannot help being impressed with the length of the ghastly record. There is no need to go back even to the early years of the present century. We need not recall the story of the famous Bast Indiaman, the Kent, which is told m onr children's school-books as an instance of English heroism of -which succeeding generations may well feel proud. We have only to look back on the last 25 or 30 years, a period within the recollection of middle-aged men. There was the case of the Sarah Sands, m 1857, one of tbe most romantic stories of successful wrestling with the perils of the sea of which our maritime annals tell. The Sarah Sands, an iron screwsteamer, left Portsmouth for Calcutta m August, 1857, with 300 soldiers on board. On the 11th November the cargo, which mainly consisted of Government etorea, took fire. There was a lot of ammunition on board, and the situation was one of the greatest peril. Both sailors and soldiers, however, grappled heroically with the sitnation, and hour after hour fought with the flames. The most perfect discipline was maintained. A barrel of gnnpowder blew up, but still the men worked, and actually got the fire completely under. Their dangers, however, were by no means done with. A strong gale came on. The vessel's port quarter bad been blown out, and she shipped water heavily. Still by tbe exercise of the most dogged British pluck, and endurance, she was kept afloat, and on the 21st November she reached Mauritius, and those on board were enabled to make the statement with pride and thankfulness that not a single life had been sacrificed. Leas than a year later the Eastern City, bound on her way to Melbourne was. burned m m the neighborhood of the Equator, though fortunately by dint of great exertions all on board wero saved. Only a month later another emigrant ship, tbe Austria, caught fire iv the middle of the Atlantic, the result of carelessness on the part of some of those on board, and an awful tragedy was the result. Out of 538 persons only 67 wero saved. On the 2nd of June, 1859, the Eastern Monarch, With a number of invalided soldiers on board just returned from India, caught fire while lying at anchor at Spithead. The horror of the situation, with the flames rapidly spreading and scores of unfortunate sick men lying helpless m their bunks may easily be imagined. Neither among the invalids nor among the crew, however, were there any signs of panic, and out of the 500 souls on board only eight lives wero lost. In 1860 we find the steamer Connaught was burned, her crew being saved by the gallantry of the seamen of an American brig. In 1866 H.M.B. Berenice was burned m tho Persian Gulf, but fortunately no lives were lost. In 1873 another tragedy of the grimmest kind took place. A vessel called tho Eden was bound for Valparaiso with 150 tons of gunpowder on board. During the voyage the oaptain went mad and set fire to the ship. Tbe crew just managed to scramble into a boat and got to a safe distance when i tho ill-fated ship was blown into atoms. After drifting about for some

time the men were picked up by the-.'Jnatuia. About the same time -ttia/Nagpore, from Calcutta, was discovered to be on fire, and like the Wairarapa the vessel made for the nearest port, which m her case happened to be Queenstown. Unlike Gisborne;;. Queenstown was full o& shipping; and the Nagpore, before she went to pieces, did more damage than most of tbe fireships used m Elizabeth's days were ever found capable of effecting. In 1874 occurred an event which will always be remembered with sadness m many a home both m New Zealand and the United Kingdom. We refer to tbe loss of the emigrant vessel Cospatrick (Captain Elmslie) on her way co Auckland. At midnight on November 17th the terrible cry was raised which strikes such consternation into tbe seafaring mind, and out of the 476 persons on board only five or six escaped, were picked up and arrived at St. Helena to tell a tale which was to spread sorrow and desolation far and wide. There have been other terrible disasters at sea Bince that time. There was, for example, the awful case of the Great Queensland, which sailed for Melbourne m 1876, with 569 persona on board, and a quantity of impure patent gunpowder and ordinary gunpowder among her cargo, and which never reached her destination. Only some pieces of wreck, which were found near Cape Finisterve, gave a hint as to the awful fate which had befallen her, but of her large company of crew and passengers, not one word has been beard from that day to the present time. This was a catastrophe impressive enough from the very mystery which surrounded it, but yet, m New Zealand, at all events, the burning of the Cospatrick will long hold a sad pre-eminence among the shipping disasters which we have had to mourn over m the past.

Reverting to the Wairarapa, while we sympathise with her owners on account of the damage sustained by their magnificent steamer, we congratulate them on the splendid discipline of the officers and men on board. We also think the passengers are entitled to credit for their coolness m such a trying ordeal. There appears to haie been one defect exposed m the fire-prevention system m vogue on board, and that is the delay between the outbreak of the fire and the time when the. crew began fairly to cope with it. The Company certainly ought to make an attempt to remedy this defect m the future. Seeing how crowded their steamers usually are with passengers, and the awful consequences which might follow an outbreak of fire, we think there ought to bef requent inspection of every pnrt of the steamers during the night, and some appliances should be ready for immediate use, while the hose, &c, ordinarily used for fire extinction ia being got ready. The Company very prudently put life-bnoya m every cabin ; why should they not have hand grenades or extincteurs equally accessible for immediate use m the event of fire breaking out m their vessels P Concert at Faiblie Cbeek.— A concert and ball will be held at Fairlie Creek on Friday evening, m aid of the Silverstream school funds. , Vital Statistics. — There were registered at the Registrar's office, Temuka, during tho month ended October 3lßt, 12 birtho, 6 deaths, and no marriages. Mackenzie Countt Council. — The ordinary monthly meeting for November was not he'd on Monday, as a sufficient number oE members to form a quorum did not put m an appearance. The meeting stands adjourned to Saturday tho 7th, at 11 a.m. The Weathhb.— A very steady but welcome rain fell ovor the greater part of South Canterbury during Monday night, and up to a late hour yesterday afternoon. There was' a considerable fall of enow on the ranges during the night, but from all we could learn the young lambs did not suffer. Waimaih. — On Monday afternoon, rain commonced to fall, and continued till noon yesterday. Although the rain fell continuously for nearly eighteen hours, the fall was light during the whole time. Up to 5 p.m. yesterday, there was every appearance of a continuanco of the wet weather. The rain has been of great service throughout the wholo district. Intbbcolonial Weather Exchange. — New Zealand : Tho depression has passed over tho South Island to tho S.K. ; weather gonorally showery, with strong winds on S.B. and West Coast, from S. and S.E. Australia : High pressure to the east and west, with a depression passing to the south ; winds variable, calm on east coast. Barometers— ln New Zealand, at Russell and Bluff, 30.0; Wellington, 29.8. Australia : Hobart and Portland, 29.7 ; Sydney, 80.3. PEEBOKAL. — Our correspondent writes: — By the removal of Mr Boyd Thomson from Temuka to Tinmru, where he has been appointed manager of the Bofrigerating Works, Temuka loses one of its moat respected citizens. During Mr Thomson's many years residence at Temuka he has alwaj s taken a prominont part m forwarding the interests of the district, and as a lover and supporter of recreations of all kinds it will bo hard to find his equal. Gonoral good wishes arc expressed for his success m his new sphere of labor. Waimatb Caledonian Society.— A meeting of the members of this Society was held on Saturday. The report and balance-sheet of tho last year wore read and adopted, and a balance of £3 to the credit of the Society was carried forward. Mr Hillary was proposed for election as President, but on his declining to be nominated, Mr Hayes was elected President. Mr B. Cameron was elected Vice-Prcaident. A Managing Committee was elected, and the annual sports appointed to bo held on Boxing Hay. Hugo's Buffalo Minstbbls. — Next Friday this talented Company of twenty star artists, including ten accomplished ladies, under tho direction of Mr Chir!c3 Hugo, America's great comedian, end miin, and song aud danco artist, will make their first appearance m Timarn. Mr Hugo, after careful consideration, has decided to play at his original London popular prices — dross circle 2s, stalls Is, pit 6d — which have proved so successful all through Now Zealand, and, taking into consideration the dull times, these should prove a boon to lovers of minstrelsy, who may depend on witnessing tho most refined Company that lias ever appeared m Now Zouland. According to reports m othor papers a pleasing feature which Mr Hugo claims for his performance is that it is entirely dovoid of any of the objectionable features winch sometimes mar Minstrel performances. The Rngos depart witli judiciousness from tlio old lines of the Minstrels, ami givo a varied entertninmont, m which thero is less of that rough foolishness that has become tedious and wearisome to many persons, and have introduced a higher form of amusement. Tho first part of the entertainment will consist of the usual circle, m which appear all tho Indies and gontlemen, and the two noted corner mon, Charles and William Hugo, will occupy tho position of "Tambo" and "Bones." Miss Priscilla Verno act* as interlocutress, and m this young lady the Company havo quite a tower of strength, as she not only porforms tho arduous task of conversationalist, but appears m sentimental, serio-comic, and masher songs, with a cloverness and intclligonre that mako her popularity at once nsxirod. Mr Charles Hugo, who 1 , directs the wholo Company, is said by critics to bo a thoroughly porfect artist m everything npporiaimng to Ethiopian comody, and is, to uso «n oft repeated phraso, " tho very soul of fun," and whilst on tho stage always contrives to keep tho audionco m roars of l»ught«r.

Daiet Factoby. — A mooting of tho Directors of the Qeraldine Dairy Factory wag held -on Monday. Present— Mr W. M. Moore (Chairman), Messrs D. Shaw, Jolin Mundell, R. H. Postlethwaito, N. Dunlop and Dr Fish. An offer was submitted for the purchase of the whole of the cheese to be made at the Factory during the season. Consideration of the offer was deferred until neit monthly meeting. The quantity of milk received ■- since re-oponing on the 14th October has been 4,370 gallons, the amount paid for it being £72 14s. Accounts were passed for payment amounting to £139 7s In. The meeting then adjourned. Resident Magistrate's Coubt, Tiuabu. —At thi B Court yesterday, before J. S. Beswick, Esq., R.M., H. J. LeCren, Esq., and E. Acton, Esq , J.P.' S| the following civil cases were heard :-J. E. BecVinghSm v. M. O Connor, claim £8 Bs. The Bench gave judgment for £6 5a by default, disallowing an I^ en ,V £2 J 33 for inte ™st- Biegert and others v. K. Mundy, claim £49 6s sd. Mr A. St. a. Hamersley, for defendant, applied that the caso should be adjourned for a week, as a cross action was about to be brought! Mr Raymond, counsel for plaintiffs, objected to an adjournment. After tone little argument, it was agreed that Mr Hamersley should pay the amount into Court, less £2 10s 3 id, part amount of a set-off, pending decision on the cross action which is to come on for hearing next Tuesday week. The ovidence of H. W. King, a witness m the case, was then taken and the Court rose. The Bench iutimuted during the sitting of the Court that on account of holidays next week the next civil sitting of the Court will not be held till Tuesday week. GeBALDINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE. The usual monthly meeting of this Committee was held m the schoolroom on Friday evening last. Present — Messrs N. Dunlop (Chairman), W. R. Laweon, W. H. Lodge, George Ward, A. Sherratt, and T. Farrell. Correspondence was red and considered — From the Board of Education re the Committee's application for a new bell stating that the Rev. L. Barclay had undertaken to make enquiries regarding the application. From the East Oxford School Committee asking the co-operation of this Committee to suppress the practice of teachers being allowed to put their scholars back to one below the standard last passed. The Committee, after Borne discussion, decided to co-operate, and signed the memorial to the Minister of Edueutioh asking to have the evil remedied. Mrs Holloway complained of the school children running over her garden and causing damage to the fruit trees. As the master had taken steps m this matter, Mrs Holloway is to be informed accordingly. From Mr Mcllraith, stating lub willingness to share cost of fence between his premises and the school grounds. The matter was left m abeyance. Mr Hughes, the Head Master, reported the average attendance as 163.4 for the last four weeks. Mr Ward, one of the Visitors for the past month, reported that even thing was going on satisfactorily. Messrs Farrell and Lodge were appointed Visitors for the ensuing month. Mr Farrell proposed, and Mr Ward seconded—" That the Chairman and Mr A. Sherratt obtain an estimate of cost, &c, of a new classroom, and forward same to the Board of Education." Accounts to the amount of £3 16s were passed for payment, after which the meeting adjourned. Waimatb Borough Council. — A meeting of this Council was held on Monday. Prosent—His Worship the Mayor, and Councillors Watts, Cameron, Sinclair, Collett, Harrison and Mitchell. The minutes of last meeting were confirmed. Letters were read as follows : — From Mr Steward expressing hiß approval of the proposal to establish the Waimate Hospital as a separate institution under the Hospitals and Charitable Aid Act, towards the requisite guarantee for which he will Bubsoribe £5. From Councillor Tennant tendering his resignation of his seat m the Council. From the Colonial Secretary's office with reference to issues of Orders-in-Council to rectify errors and omissions local bodies hare made m discharge of their legal functions. From Mr W. Badger, of Christchurch, asking for the Council's order for his " Local Government Guide and Ratepayer'B Manual," now m preparation for publication. The resignation of Councillor Tennant was accepted with regret, aud tbe Clerk was instructed to order a number of the proposed Ratepayer's Manual fer the use of the Council. Tenders for alterations m the Borough Chambers were received, and those of Mr A. Walker for carpenter work, £8 10s, and Mr E. Bishop for painting, £6 ss, were accepted. Councillors Collett, Sinclair and Cameron were appointed members of the Library Committee m place of Councillors Jones, O'Connor and Tennant, resigned. In reply to a councillor, the Clerk Baid the ratoß were coming m well; a few summonses had been issued, nearly all of which had been settled. The Mayor said he hoped the necessary action would be taken to secure the management of the Waimate Hospital by a local Board. The estimates for the year ending March 81st, 1886, were laid on the table, and adopted by the Council. The audited balance-sheet of the Council for the half year ended September 30th, 1885, was also adopted. It was resolved — " That the Council instruct the Clerk to advertise the intention to Btrike a rate of Is m the £, and that the rate-book be open for inspection." Accounts were passed for payment to tbe amount of £99 16s 3d. Hospital Boaed. — The last meeting of the old Hospital Board took place yesterday at the Town Hall. Members present — Mr T. W. Hall (Chairman), Captain Sutter and His Worship the Mayor, fir Drew and Mr T. Jows?y (Hospital Steward) were m attendance also. After ordinary business had been taken Captain Sutter moved — " That this being the last meeting of the Hospital Board members wish to place on record their high appreciation of the services of the Chairman, T. W. Hall, Esq., whose daily attention to tho affairs of the Hospital has m great measure Becured its present splendid condition." Captain Sutter spoke shortly to the resolution, which was seconded by His Worship and carried unanimously. After tho Chairman had thanked them, ho added that he had served on the Board now 21 years, and had always received the greatest courtesy from members. Ho was also glad to state that the Board had never once had occasion to find fault with the Hospital Btnff. Captain Sutter further moved, and His Worship seconded— "That this Board placo on record their high esteem of Dr Drew's conduct as a surgeon and a gentloman, whilst m charge of tho.Hospital, and that the Commissioners m parting with Mr and Mrs Jowsey, Steward and Matron, wish to convey to them the high opinion they hold of their services m cvory department of the Hospital." In the discussion which followed His Worship paid a well-merited compliment to the Doctor and his staff, and the Chairman gave the Doctor credit for paying every attention to his duties. Whenever an enquiry had been held tho Doctor had always come out of it with credit. Tho Chairman also paid a high compliment to Mr and Mrs Jowsoy. Dr Drew thanked members for their resolution and for tho way they had always supported them. He trusted that overyono saw that no effort was spared to conduct tho Hospital m a satisfactory manner, and was quite certain if it was compared with other hospitals it wouM more than hold its own. Mr Jowsey then thanked members on behalf of Mrs Jowsey and himself for tho compliment they had paid him. Ho could nssuro members that the many years spent at tho Hospital had been plcnsant ones. He and his wife had helped all m their power to make it a pleasant place for everybody, and ho felt proud to say they had succeeded m doing so. He sincerely hoped matters would work as smoothly under tho new Board as they had dono under the old one. Accounts amounting to £198 12s 6d wero then passed for payment, and the meeting terminated. It is said tho new Board meot-a for tho first time tomorrow. Sporting. — Ono of the great event* of the sporting world of Australasia— tlio Melbourno Cvp — was run for at Melbourne yesterday, and once again "the knowing ones" have beon sent to the wall, the winner turning up m Sheot Anchor, who started anything but a first, favorite. Tho win was not much of a Burpriso to many hero, however, as during.tho last few days telegrams have appeared inK>ur columns stating that this gamo old son of St. Albans — Queen Mnry h»d been doiug some grand trials, aud that he was -eery \ fit was quito evident, for he covered | the two miles m 3min. 29Jecc, " the fastest j time on record." The record bcate that made

by Martini-Henry m the Cup race of 1883 by one second, and that mado by Malua last year by two and a quarter seconds. Sheet Anchor is a Tasmnninn bred horse, and is undoubtedly the best of Mr Loughlin's string, his staying qualities being something very superior. The other placed horses were Grace Darling and " our " colt Trenton — one of the handsomest sons of Musket that ever trod Australian turf. Grace Darling has alwavß proved to be a first-class racehorse, her last great victory being m tho Caulfield Cup, when she passed the judge with nearly two lengths to the good. For this she incurred a penalty of 71b, which brought her weight for the Meloourno Cup up to 7st 12lb, or 21b more than she had on her back when running at Caulfield. Trenton carried top weight of the trio, but the difference m weight was very slight indeed. It speaks volumes for him, however, that as a threeyear old he ran such tried horses as those named, bo close. His performance on Saturday m the Melbourne Stakes was a good one, and as he had not been fully extended m that race, his friends thought him a " good thing " for the Cup ; but, it is with regret we write it, they met disappointment.

Geealdinb Road Boaed. — The usual monthly meeting of the Board was held yesterday.. Present— Mr Wm. Upton Slack (Chairman), and Messrs F. R. Flatman and R. H. IWlethwuite. The minutes of the last meeting wero read and confirmed. Tho tollowing corrospondonco was read and dealt with:— From Mr Arthur Foster for G Foster, calling the Board's attention to the' dangerous state of the road from Hilton to Mr R. Smith's, more particularly at the river. Tho Overseer stated that the work being urgent, had been attended to. From Mr A. E. G. Rhodes, with reference to.the application for rates upon his property, which until very recently belonged to Mr Charles Boutcher ; the rate seemed to him excessive considering the present value of the property. Resolved -"That the Clerk explain that the rate is struck upon the valuation for 1884." From Mr H. H. Pitman, Steward of the Education Board, Chrißtchureh, re the Road Board's offer of £7 per acre for two acres of land m reserve 1191 for a gravel pit, also, as to the title which tho Education Board can giro to the two acres already purchased From Mr C. R. Shaw, re his account for work done for the Board, and expressing his willingness to reduco his account by £: 2s. Rosolved — "That the account be paid less tho £2 25." From Mi- R. Dawe, offering no objection to take the water back where the Board intend to put it, providing it is not taken away from the hut. Resolved — " That tho Overseer arnrnge to meet him." From Mr J. Sullivan, stating that he is making progress with clearing the gorse off tho road m front of his property. Resolved — " That his name stand on the list." From Mr Hawke, drawing the Board's attention to the number of cattle straying on the road near his place, aUo requesting the Board to enforce the the grubbing up of gorse at present growing on the road. Resolved—" That an advertisement be inserted m the papers three times." From Mr W. Langdown, stating that he had given up his land, and that Messrs Mailer and Miller were liable to pay the rates levied upon tho same. The Overseer was instructed to see Mr Mailer. From the Property Tax Commissioner stating that Government will pay the rate due to the board m a few davß. From the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Christchurch, with reference to tho Board's letter of February last to have ccriain lands vested m it, and stating that reserves 1373 jb ono of the reserves mentioned also a certain part had been set apart for a drillshed, and asking what were the Board's groundß for having this Reserve vested m them, seeing that it was within the Town Board District. Resolved— " That the Overseer acknowledge the receipt of the same, and explain fully the Board's position with regard to this Reserve." From Mr Templar, asking for the owner's name of R.S. 20406, to which tho road leads that Mr O'Neill applied to have closed. Resolved — " That further application he made." A ballot was taken as to who would be the first to be summoned for rates, with the following result : — Kenith Cameron, W. U. Coles, Richard Dawe, George Foster, Wro. Lang* down, James Matthews, Thomas Mclntosn, George Meredith, jun., Mendelson's trustees and Wm. Young. The Overseer's report was read and considered. Accounts to tho amount of £301 15b 6d wero passed for payment, and the Board then adjourned until the 'Bth December. Tbeasube fob Ibeland. — The arrival m Dublin a few days ago (says an English paper) of half a million of gold has just been followed by a like occurrence, when another £500,000 reached tho city for the Bank of Ireland by one of tho London and HorthWestern boats. The object for which it has been got from the Bank of England is to send supplies to the managers of some of the southern branches, where " runs " have taken place, but which hare now considerably subsided, the previous half million having been devoted to thiß purpose. The half million of gold weighed five tons, and was conveyed m four floats to the Bank, accompanied by officials and others. The gold was brought from London to Liverpool m a special treasure carriage, and was insured m several English insurance offices. The £600,000 was divided into lots of £10,0Qf) each and placed m fifty strong boxes. Two officials of the Bank of Ireland proceeded to London to accompany tho treasure the entire route. It was safely landed at the Bank without attracting any attention. The Catxlfield Cop Fatality. — Writing on this matter m the Australasian on Oct. 24th, Augur, one of the " first flight " of sporting writers says: — "Diverse, indeed, are tho opinions respeoting the first horse to fall m tho Caulfield Cup. Even the jockeys who were m the front rank when the accident took placo disagree. T. Brown, who rode Too Too, declares that it not lorn Brown who brought him down, and others are just as certain that Sardius -was tho first to fall. There' is one thing which appears to have escaped general observation, and that was the change m the colors of Tom Brown's jockey. His owner mislaid his jacket, and obtained one very similar to the roso and primrose stripes worn by Colley on Coriolanus. At the time of tho accident Tom Brown was m a good po-ition, but suddenly disappeared with the others, and Coriolanus instantly taking the lead most of those who had noticed the alteration m colors imagined that it was Tom Brown m front. From what I can glean and what I saw, I believe that Sardius m trying to got through, cannoned against Too Too, and Tom Brown being interfered with at the same time, tho whole three fell almost simultaneously. Claptrap, who was also m a good position, stumbled over them, and Plausible, whose head was on Sardius' quarter, was turned half round towards tbe outer portion of the couree. This deprived Plausible of his chance of winning, but at the same time it may have been the menns of saving Power's lifo, for had ho been turned towards tho rai!s he would probably havo collided with something else, and been thrown amongst the others. Claptrap fell close to ono of the poets of the rail, and Prarah, who was killed on the spot, rolled up ngainst Mr Whittihgham's horse, and bofore tho latter could bo removed tho dead body of Urarah had to bo pulled out of the way. Sardiua was so badly injured that lie had to be left at Caulfield, and it is doubtful if he will raco again for some time. Prince Imperial had some of his toeth broken, and was injured m the stifle, but was able to walk to Flemington, and has sinco been exercising. Too Too was ono of the most seriously hurt, and as oho remained motionless for several minutes it was thought she was dead, but she gradually e»me to, and on being assisted to her feet was able to hobble to Mr.G. DaviB 1 stable, which is close by the course. Claptrap is another whose injuries ore of a serious nature, and he will not put m an appearance at tho V.R.O. meeting, but I am glad to hoar he is improving very fa»t. Kingfish did not escapo scathless, and he still shows the effect of the accident." Plain Talk.— Mr Richmond HurathouM hoa had it out with tho Nelson people, who, it appears, condemned him unheard on tho railway question, und at ono time woro disposed to subject him to the effigy-burning process. His offoneo consisted m having declared that unless the NeLson-Brtinner-|ton Railway went by way of Moutare, Motueka, Tadmor, and Hope, the NeUon , people might as well be without the line, and m moving for a commission to enquire into

tha most practicable route. He^ was particularly severe on tlie Nelson wife-pulierV headed by Messrs Pitt and Denckor, and did not fail to speak his mind m regard to Bishop Suter, whose vigorous talk on the 'railway question was specially annoying. The hon. member, m the course of his tpeech, said: "Even the Bishop of Nelson, ■who preached good will to men, had said hard things about him, and talked aboufc not allowing a red herring to be drawn across the ; scent. Now, he would like to tell the Bishop that ho had looked all through the consecration service and found nothing there about bishops busying themselves about railways, •nd he thought it a pity he should bring his office into contempt and ridicule by participating m such meetings, an,d he would recommend him m future to give his attention to making plain the railway to Heaven »nd to leave the West Coast Bailway to politicians ana the public. Another gentleman who spoke was Mr J. A. Hurley, a brother of Tom Harley— he was not a J.P. yet, but probably he would be one of these days. He had said that at the lust Moteuta election he had voted against Mr Hursthouse, and the Bishop had voted for him, and now they could see which had voted for the honest man and which for the traitor. When Mr J. A. Harley uttered those words ho. knew that he waa telling a falsehood, and he wo ild not hare dared to say them if. he (Mr Huisthouse) had been present, because, as everybody knew, the Barleys wouldn't fight. To be told that he wag a traitor and dishonest, epithets that were applied to vagabonds and thieves and liars, had made a deep impression on his mind that it would take years to eradicate. He had never posfd as a great man, but he hoped and believed that he was regarded by his constituents, among whom he had lived for so long and who had returned him as their representative three times, as an honest one, and he trusted that whenever they met Mr J. A. Harley m public they would take tho opportunity of letting him know what they thought of him for speaking of their member as a dishonest man. (Cheers.) Before leaving Wellington he was told by a Nelson man that he did not darato go home through Nelson. Now, just about that time he had heard something that had given hini more offence than anything that had ever occurred m hiß HMiice. He was told that, ou the arrival of his wife m Nelson her boxes had been tarred by somebody on the wharf. He thought if that was true he would buy a revolver, and if any man attempted to tar him or even to hoot him he would shoot him He looked upon it that a woman's luggage ought to be as sacred as the woman herself, and if such things were done he who did them ought to be punished. Fortunately, however, for himself and for the man he might have shot, the report turned out to be untrue, and when he reached Nelson he found the good people very civil." Fbbm Young Asaiu. — "My mother was afflicted a loog time -with neuralgia ettii a dull, heavy, inactive condition of the whole system headache, nervous prostration, and was almost helpless. No physicians or mcdi cinea did her any good. Three months ago «he began to use Dr Soule's Hop Bitters, with »uch good effect that she seems and feels young again, although over seventy years old".— A Lady m 8.1., U.S.A. Look up. — [Adtt.]

Doctobs Gays Him Up. — " Is it possible (hat Mr Godfrey is up and at work, and cured by co simple a remedy ? " "I assure you it ia true that he ia entirely cured, and with nothing but Am. Co.'s Hop Bitters, and only ten days ago his doctors gave him up and said he must die." " Well-a-day ! If that is so I will go this minute and get some for my poor George. I know hops are good." Bead.— [Advt-3

Bbmbmebb This.— lf you are sick Hop Bitten will surely aid Nature m making you ■well when all else fails. If you are costive or dyspeptic, or are suffering from any other of the numerous diseases of the stomach or bowels, it is your own fault if you remain ill, for Hop Bitters is a sovereign remedy m all such complaints. If you are wasting away with any form of kidney disease, stop tempting Death this moment, and turn for a cure to Hop Bitters. If you are nervous use Hop Bitten. If you are a frequenter, or a resident of a miasmatic district, barricade your system against the scourge of all countries — malarial, epidemic, bilious, and intermittent fevera — by the nse of American Co. 'a Hop Sitters. If you have rough, pimply, or Ballow skin, bad breath, pains and aches, and feel miserable generally, Hop Bitters will give your fair skin, rich blood, and sweetest breath, and health. That poor, bedridden, invalid wife, sister, mother or daughter, can be made the picture of health by American Co.'c Hop Bitters, costing but a trifle. Will you let them suffer ? In short they cure all diseases of the stomach, bowels, blood, liver, nerves, kidneys, Bright 'a disease. £500 will be paid for a case they will not cure or help. Druggists and Chemists keep. None genuine without a bunch of green Hops on white label BDd Dr Soule'a name blown m bottle. Shun all others as vile, poisonous stuff. — [Adtt.]

SYNOPSIS OP NEW ADVEBTISBUKNTB. Jonai and Bourn— Sell cheep, cattle and pigs, tomorrow.

Theatre Royal— Dion Boucicault m the Shaughrattn, at 8 p.m. Mile*, Archer and Co.— Havo just landed new Karon's goods. James Cralfie— Important business announcement. George Bentley— Has lost a horse ; offers a reward.

Fairlle Creelc— Concert and ball m »Id of school tunda od Friday. Tbe &.&. T«i»roa — Will niaku excursion to Akaroa aod Lyttelton od Saturday. T. and J. Thomson — Wants apprentices to the dressmaking.