The Timaru Herald. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1886.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3774, 5 November 1886, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1886.

Quite a batch of small wrecks or strandings or bumpings is being tnlked of m shipping circles just cow, and the interesting question is — whose turn will come nest ? The inngistorial inquiry into the circumstances under which the Jane Douglas struck on a rock at Knpiti on last Sunday week was held m "Wellington on Tuesday, and resulted m a decision of such appalling severity that, to use a nautical expression, the master must have been fairly taken aback at the awful doom meted out to him. Surely the court, m the exercise of a reasonable discretion, might have tempered justice with mercy and abated somewhat of the penalty. Here was a master mariner who m the course of the voyage had given his passengers and crew the pleasant excitement of being bumped on to a rock. He drowned no one, and it is said that even the cargo was none the worse through the mishap to the vessel. It may also be advanced m his favour that he I knew where he was when he struck. He had not lost his reckoning, indeed it would havo been almost impossible for him to have done so under the circumstances. Ho was endeavouring to round Long Point at Kapiti, and just shaved it " a leetle" too close. So the rocks went through the ship's bottom and the water naturally followed, and m a few minutes filled the engine-room. Now this was clearly a caee for mercy. Everybody had si fair chance of being drowned, but, as we before said, nobody actually was. Providence came to the rescue, and all were safely landed. Yet the court could not Fee its way to a lighter penalty than the suspension of the master's certificate for one week. Imagine the dreadful extent of tho punishment — a week's deprivation of the command of the Jane Douglas, a week's sojourn m Wellington with' no work to do, no stormy nights at sea to encounter, a. week of ample leisure to tell the story of the disaster to everyone anxious to hear the particulars. The telegraphic report did not Rtate that the deprivation was to date from the evening of (he bumping, but we should think it v£ry probable as that would round off the little history m quite a charming manner. So much for the Jane Douglas and tho escape of her phsnengers and crew from a watery grave. Tho next on tho list is the Mawhera, which went ashore at Greymouth on Friday last when being towed out of tho river. • About her misfortune we shall say nothing at present. An exhaustive preliminary inquiry, at which twelve or more witnesses were examined, has been held by the Collector of Customs, and a magisterial inquiry is to follow. The first-named kind of inquiry is a useless piece of red tape, for the Collector of Customs can come to no definite conclusion, but can only recommend another inquiry by a magistrate. On the stranding or wreck of a vessel why cannot the magistrate go to work at once, instead of waiting till the whole of the facts have been investigated by tho Collector o£ Customs? At nil events if it is

necessary for that officer to set tlie magistrate m motion, a very brief and superficial investigation should be sufficient for that purpose. The bare sight of the vessel stuck on the beach or tho rocks, as the case may be, should of itself be enough to warrant (he Collector of Customs m asking that the conduct of tho master aud officers may be looked into by a tribunal empowered to deal out | punishment to those who may bo to jlaiue. Tlie third wreck of the series is that of the little steamer Tui, which for years past has traded between Wellington and tho West Coast ports. She ia now at the bottom of the sea, and though it is said that there is a prospect of her being raised again, it will not bo out of place for the authorities to endeavour to ascertain how sho came to sink, and whether anyone is to blame for the mishap. Ou the face of the story aa told m the newspapers there are one or two important points upon which explanation is greatly needed. The Tui struck on a reef to tiie northward of Chaffers' Passage, wben on her voyage from Wellington, to Foxton. The Press Association's account of the mishap says that the wind was blowing strong from the N.W., and that, just before the steamer struck, a heavy squall of rain came on, and the master lost some of bis land lights. In the baze the vessel got out of her course and ran upon the reef. The public would like to know whether she really had what could be properly called a course, or whether she was being steered merely by the lights. Had the master taken any bearings, and if not, why not ? The story as it stands looks queer enough, because it seems to indicate that, a coasting steamer uuder such guidance as the Tui was under ia liable to go ashore at any time if a haze comes on and the master is so unfortunate as to " lose some of his land lights." Tho travelling public is very much interested m knowing whether that is the true state of the case. If a baze>comes on, is it a mere matter of guesswork how the vessel is to be headed until the weather clears again ? Is it a toss-up whether she steams along m water sufficiently deep to float her, or is piled up on the rocks ? It is Baid that the master bowled his vessel along merrily at the rate of ten knots an hour after he had lost the lights, a speed which, m the circumstances, may have been a sign . of his high spirits and o£ absolute faith j m. bis luck, but did not say much for his wisdom. The passengers bad very little time to look about them when the crash camo. Thoy saved their lives but not their belongings, and even the ladies hud to be hurried half-dressed into the boats. The master evidently thought the danger imminent for lie threw off his boots and coat, and " landed iv his shirt-uWves." We shall not bo m the lons' t surprised if we lu-ar of other steamboat wrecks before the conclusion of the Tui inquiry. If one or two master mariners were banged, passengers would lie m tin ir berths with v much greater sense of security. At present the arrainjonieiit.s for drowuiug them appear to be almost perfect. Our reports of the meeting of the Temuka Town Bo ml anil of the interview between the (Jomii)iss>iont>r of Crown Ltimls and tho Ar.dwhen.ua settlers aro unavoidably bcld over till next issue. '1 lie Tiuiai'U portion of the English mail" per R.M S. Tonaariro arrived by special train from I)uno;!in at a quarter to 11 o'clock lust night. Aft. r a quarter of &n hour's stoppage the train proceeded on to Christchurch. IH" mi advertisement m our columns this morning it will be seen that the business and stock of llr J. D. Slater has been purchased by the South Canterbury Drapery Importing Company, and will be conducted by them under tho management of Mr Slater. Yestordoy afternoon tho Timaru employees of Messrs J. BalUntyne ami Co. presented Mr D. B. Bowi. 1 , who has been managing partner of the Timaru branch siuco they commenced business hero, threo years ago, and who is m a few days leaving to agaiu join the Christchurch house, with a testimonial as a token of the esteem m which they regarded him and the regret thoy felt at parting with him. Tho souvenir consisted of a valuablo set of seven piecos, carvers, iish slice, etc., handsomely mounted m sterling silver. Wo have no doubt many of our readers will miss Mr Bowio and family from the circle of their acquaintances. The presentation was made by Mr Tymons on behalf of the employees. The next examination of teachers for this district will begin on Tuesday, the 14th December, 18S0, special notices of which aro directed to bo given to each candidate whom name has been entered for examination. Tha time-table is as follows : — Music, Tuesday, 11th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ; Drawing, Tuesday, 14th, 2.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. j school managcmont, Wednesday, 15th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ; elementary scieneo, Wednesday, 15th, 2.30 p.m, to 5.20 p.m. j arithmetic, Thursday, lGth, 10 a.m. to 1 p m. j geography, Thursday, 16th, 2.30 p.m. to 5.20 p.m. ; English history, Friday, 17th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ; English grammar, Friday, 17th, 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.; needlework, Saturday, 18th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tho optional subjects will be taken ou Monday and Tuesday, tho 20th and 21et December. Wo would remind our readers that tho coneort and ball m aid of the Waiiti School funds will be held m tho schoolroom this ovening. The affair is under tho conductorship of Mr Sidney Wolf, R.A.M., whoso able management of past concerts is, we venture to say, a sullieient guarantee that this ono will be both a successful and enjoyable one. Tlie prognimmo that has been arranged for the concert is « very high clnss one, and includes the names of most of our local vocalists and instrumentalists, who havo kindly volunteered their services for tho occasion. A quadrille band has also beon specially ongaged for the dance to bo held afterwards, and the ladies will havo n plentiful supply of refreshments for the dancers. Conveyances- .will leave King's stables during the evening. Altogether a jnost pleasant evening should bo spent by all who pay the Bchoolroom a visit. j\ tea meeting ivai held and leulurc given m the Wainmlo Town Hall on the 3rd inft., m aid of the circuit funds of tho Waiumto Wc?leyan Church: About 130 persons partook of an excellent tea, after which tho hall was well filled by an audience to hear a lecture by the Rev. tT. Berry, of Christchmvh. Tho Ecv. J. If. Gray presided, and the church choir gave eoveral anthems beforo and during the intervals of the lecturo ; Miss Gray, m her usual good stylo, accompanying on Iho organ. Tho subject of tho lecturo was "America .as I saw it m 1880." The reyerend lecturer commenced with his experiences m landing at San Francisco, and gave a graphic account of what he saw during a stay of a few months m the United States. The lecture was admirable both m sub3tance and delivery, and securod throughout tho earnest attention of the audience. The description of Bolt Lake City and its institutions, the trade and enterprise of Chicago, the fire brigado system, Chinese quarter, and hotel peculiarities of San Francisco and other cities, the, great railway from San Francisco to New York, were highly and deservedly appreciated by all present. After usual votes of thanks,' the business closed with the eipging of the National Anthem.

Through an inudveuturo an error crept into a local published by 113 m our last issue m regird to the price of land sold recently by Mr W. S. Maslin, at Geraldino. It should have read £1G 13s Gd per acre not £13 6s. At the recent examination for tbeß.A. degree at the University of New Zealand, tins only candidate sent up from this district was Master Albert Horatio Jones, son of Mr Edward Jones, accountant, of thistown, who was successful m passing the first year. Tho telegraphist m charge of the Timaru station informed us last night that the Australian overland Hue was interrupted between Charlotte Waters aud Alice Springs since early on Wednesday evening, but its restoration was hourly expected. The South Canterbury Board of Education notify this morning that the next annual examination for scholarships takes place about the end of December. Intending candidates must give notice by the 18th inst., and nifct state m what branch of science they intend to compete. The Timaru Rifles held a meeting on Wednesday night, m the drillshed, for the purpose of decline officers for tho corps. Captnin V hit*e having laken the chair Mr A. ]j. Withers was elected First Lieutenant and Mr T. Jowsey Second Lieutenant. LanceCorporals Christmas and Petrio were then promoted to tho rank of corporals, m whose place Privates McNab and Thomson were made lance-corporals. A few nights siuco a brutal outrago occurred on Mr Butld'e reserve, near tho stone bridgo on the Geraldino road. It appears that some one entered the reserve and cut tho throat of a ewe heavy m lamb, and cut the ears of an cwo hogget belovr tho earmarks, cut the wool off its back and broke its leg. Thcro wf re no dog marks about the abeepi but they had apparently been Caught m nooses of fencing wire placed at one of the fences. Mr Budd has also lost some other sheep from tho same reserve. It is to be hoped that tho offendor will be speedily brought to justice for his inhumanity. Yesterday Mr Sobereky, tho ngent for tho sale o* a new patent wiro door mat, which i« being largely manufactured m Toronto, called at this oflico with a samplo of the goods. It ia claimed for the new mat, and apparently with justice, that it is specially adapted for "churches, railways, tramcars, steamboats, banks, hotels, offices, shops, private residences, and m fact any place whero cleanliness U desircil." As far as wo can judgo, the mat is n-ally deserving of tho puff bestowed on it by tho manufacturers. Its durability can of course only bo tested by experience, but that point appears to havo been pretty well decided m eomo of tho New Zealand Government offices, whero it ha» been m uso for some months, and sliowb not the slightest fign of wear. Tho mat is of good serviceable size, and m construction reminds one very much of the patent spring wiro mattress. It is woven from extra strong galvanized wire s framed, strengthened, and braced by bands of coloured japanned steel, and is reversible, so that m fact • t <c purchaser gets two mats for liis money. The price is very moderate, and altogether we should think that tho new article, when iis merits become known, will run the ski dusty and dirt collecting contrivances out of the market. Wo ought not to omit to mention that running through the fubric are two stout copper wires. By connecting them with an ordinary electric belt pluced m any p:irt of tho houso tho impact of the foot of a visitor on tho mat gives notice of his presence to those within. Etua>'g>:h3 and Visitors from tho country me oftt'ii at a loss to know where to mako their purchases m limaru. J. Andebson it Co. havo a largo and varied Stock of Teas, Coffees, Groceries, Oilman's Stores, Crockery, Lampwiirc and olher Household Requisites, which they offer at prices that will compare favourably with any other house m the trade. Inspection invited. AH orders carefully packed and forwarded carriage paid to any railway station m South Canterbury. Noto the address — Corner Woollcombo Street and Mum South P.0:u1.-[Advt.] Scott's Emulsion of Pure Cod Liver Oil with Hypophosphites, is tho most valuable remedv'for Consumption, Scrofula, General Debility, Wasting Diseases of Children, Chronic Coughs, and Bronchitis, that has ever been produced. It is very palatable ; it is very fattening and strengthening. It will cast at once the most violent cough, and will give both comfort and strength to tho sufferer. It possessos the combined virtues of these popular remedies m their fullest form. Any chemist can supply it. 9 American Co.'s Hop Bitters aro tho purest and best Bitters evor made. They are compounded from hops, malt, buchu, mandrake, and dandelion, — tho oldest, best, and most valuable medicines m tho world, and contain all the best and most curative properties of all other remedies, being tho greatest blood purifier, liver regulator, and lifo and health restoring agent on earth. Thoy givo new life and vigour to tho aged and infirm. To all whoso employments cause irregularity of tho bowels or urinary organs, or who reciuiro an appetizer, tonic, and mild stimulant, American Co 's Hop Bitters are invaluable, being highly curativo, tonic, and stimulating, without intoxicating. No matter what your feelings or symptoms are, what tho disease or ailment is, use Hop Bitters. Don't wait until you are sick, but if you only feel bad or misorablo, use Hop Bitters at once. It may save your lifo. Hundreds have been saved by so doing. £500 will bo paid for a caso they will not cure or help. Prosecute the swindlors ! — lf when you call for American Hop Bitters (see green twig of hops on tho white label and Dr Soulo's name blown m tho bottle), the vendor hands out anything but American Hop Bitters, refuse it, and shun that vendor as you would ft viper j and if ho has taken your money for anything else indict him for the fraud and sue him for daniagcß for the swindle, and wo will pay you liberally for the contiction. (8) Several years ago Prince Bismarck is reported to have said to an American statesman :— " England is counted out of European politics while Ireland remains an enemy at her gates." Iho Peninsular nnd Orientil Steam Navigation Company his given Messrs Ciird and Co., shipbuilders, Grconock, an order to build n screiv stoainer of about 7000 tons, ond proportionate engiue power, being by far the , largest ever built and launched at Greenock. I A correspondent of an English paper suggests that a fifty-shilling gold coin should bo issued to commemorato tin Queen's (übilee. It would havo many advantages. 1. Tho number of shillings would mark tho fifty years or jubilee 2. Naming it " Victoria" would for ever mark tho great event. 3. It would (as tho half of a five pound note) be a very conveniont current coin of tho realm. •I. It would bo likely to be very popular as an ornament for ladies, who will certainly require :v something very marked to wear m honor of tho Queon, nnd a skilled pwellcr would havo n busy time of it m preparing brooches, &.u. Dr Olivor Wendel Holmes has put into the mouth of one of his characters a very amusing description of "music pounding." Ho say?, " I have been to hear somo music pounding. It wns a young woman with a3 many white muslin flounces round her as the planet Saturn has running round it. S!io gave tbo music stool a twirl or two and fluffed down on it like a whirl of soapsuds m a baud basin. Then sho pushed up her cuffs as if Bhe was going to fight for the champion's bolt. Then slio worked her wrists and hands, to limber 'em, I suppose, and spread out her fingers till they looked as though they would pretty much cover the keyboard, from the groaning ond to the little squeaky one. Then the two hands of hers made a jump at the keys as if they were a couple of tigers coming down on a flock of black and -white sheep, and the piano gave a great howl as if its tail had been trod on. Dead stop— so still that you could hear your hair growing. Then another jump and another howl, as if the piano had two tails and you bad trod on both 'em at once, and then a grand clatter and scramble and string of jumps, up and down, back and forward, ono hand over the other, like a etampedo of rats and mice more than liko anything I call mueio. I like to hear a woman sing, and I like to hear a fiddle, but these noises thoy hammer out of their wood and ivory anvilB — don't talk to mo, I know the difference between a bullfrog and a woodthrush, and " (Here he was interrupted and stopped.)

A Wise Deacon — " Deacon Wilder, I want you to tell mo how you kept yourself and family so well the past' season, when all the rest of us have been sick co much, and havo bad the doctors running to us so ofteu." " Brother Taylor, the answer is very easy. I used Hop Bitters m time, nnd kept ray fumily well, nnd saved largo doctor's bills Four shillings' worth of it kept us all well and üblc to work all the time, and I will warrant it has cost you and most of the neighbours £10 to £100 apieco to keep sick the sumo time. I fancy you'll tako my medieino hereafter." See [Advt.] We believe that if every one would use American Co's Hop Bitters freely there would bo much less sickness and misery m the world, and peoplo are fust finding this out, whole families keeping well at a triQing cost by its use. Wo advise all to try it. Read [Al>VT.] SYNOPSIS OF NEW ADVERTISEMENTS Graeio, Maclean and Adam— Want feed for sheep. Slosa Jonas — Will sell horso3, etc., on Saturday. Wnimnto County Council — Invito tenders for snpply of motal, earthwork, etc. lira Small, LeCron's Terrace — Has two bedrooms and a sitting-room to lot. P. W. Hutton and Co. — Is showing the latest novelties m Christmas and Now Year cards. P. and J. B. Wareing — Dissolution of partnership notico. Tho Weekly Press— ls now published with an illustrated supplement. Board of Education — Important notico to candidate!! re scholarship examinations ; notieo re proclamation of school districts. W. Evans— ls now landing a cargo of Nowoastloconl. J. D. Slater — Spcoial business notico. Drnmrnond and Glaseon — Aro opening ont a shipment of now goods. N.Z. Railways— Train arrangements, <to., for Chriatohurch races and show, next week.