TOWN & COUNTRY.

Timaru Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4959, 4 October 1890, Page 2

TOWN & COUNTRY.

So far 159 applications for registration on thß supplementary electoral roll have been received. A couple of children wore brought down from Goraldino yesterday morning by their patents to be examined as to their aanity. Tho parcol of now books received by the Mechanics' Institute on Thursday were, with only two or throe exceptions, all taken out by evening. Further particulars are adverlieed to-fiay by Meßßrs Webster and Co., of the sale of the Kaukupuku Estate, to bo hold by them on the 24th inst. The people of Goraldino are looking forward to this sale with a good deal of intorest, not to say anxiety, for a successful sale must mean a grant deal to the township. Mr PoatletUwaito has by no means been a moro land " holdor." He has worked the estate pretty fully, and employed a great deal of labour upon it. Still the Gemldine people cun boo that with twenty families settled upon the land, tho trado requirements of the increasod population will certainly be an important addition to thoir business, and that tho cloßor BeLtlement must create a demand for el ill moro outside labour. As for purchasers, it is to be hoped they will appear in i numbers sufficient to ensure the ocoupation of every lot. Tho land is good, and probably the beßt watered in South Canterbury. The tcrm« of payment are unusually easy, and a 8 the chances of purchasing handy farms in good situations havo been rare in this district for a long time, thero is a prospect of this important Bale going off to everybody's satisfaction. It appears from tho results of the Burveyß made by the cable repairing steamer flherrard Osborne, that tho breakago of the tbreo Bubmarine oables near Java a few months ago, was caused by some stupendous alterations in the sea bottom. In ono place where the bottom used to be fairly lovel or undulating, with a depth gradually increasing from 400 to 800 and 1100 fathoms, a sudden drop was found from 4SOO to G6OO feet, the ground boing vory broken and irregular along the lino of the fall. Tbo first cable worked on waa found to ba broken 30 miles from BanjoewQDgi, and thence for 19 miles the cable was found broken into abort piece?. On tho Una oC the oldest cable a sheer dip — a Bubmarine cliff— 2ooo to 2400 feot was discovered! and on the line of the third cable, the one to Roebuck Bay, 47 miles from Java a cliff of 1452 feet was found. Tho line of rift appoarcd to be nearly tho same as the line of this cable, for la miles further from the coaot, on this line, a " hu[»e chnßm " 2700 feet deop, below the old bottom of 700 fathoms, wa3 found. If such shifts of rock occurred unywhero on land thoy would create a senßation omong the inhabitants in tho neighbourhood ! In a paper contributed by Mr Vincent Pyko on the extinction of tho moa, he states as his opinion that it had disappeared bofore the advent of the Maori. Many years ago, when goiug from Lake Wanaka to the West Coaßt lie killed a number of kiwis, aud being desirous of knowing upon what thoy existo:l, he opened the cropa of several. In every case ho found that they livod eatirob? upon a moßs or lichen which was bo full of mucilage as to load him to conclude that a min might subsist on it for months. Tho inference' he drew from this fact, and others which point to a similiar conclusion was that the old lake-beds and swampa contained largo stovoa of gigantic' mossoa of the samo character, and that these constituted tho chief food of tbo moa ; and that, as tho lakes gradually receded and finally dried up, in consequence of tho drawing off of tlioir wators by tho over deepening channols, caused by the action of the glaciers, and through which the rivers now pour, this epecios of moa food died out and gradually hecamo extinct, and that the moss suffered a corresponding declension in numbere for want of their customary food, and eo eventually died in oonaequonce. Hence the great abundance of moa bones around the old lake margins. Obristchuroh has narrowly escaped being tho scene of a big fire for some time past. The fact was discovered on Thursday (saye tbo Tress) in a curious way, and was found to bo due to a still moro curious defect in building construction. The promiseß in dangor were tbo fino pile of building occupied by Ballantyne and Co., Gould and Co., and Sandstein. Mr Wright, of Gould and Co., in goincr through his storeroom, which adjoins Mesa re Ballantyno and Co. 'a premisos, mentioned to hin assistant that ho thought there were Bomo rats in tho room. !Fhp assistant replied that ho did not think so ; that thoro were, ho thought eorao mice, and that thoy camo through a hole in tho boarded ceiling, which ho pointed out. Mr Wright was astonished to sea a hole in the ceiling, and got tho Bteps to look at it. On impootion he found that the supposed mouse-hole had been burnt through tho board oE the coiling. Mr Maddison, Fire Inspector, waa oommuni- ! pated with and he removed two pieoes of the board forming tho ceiling of Mr Wright's storeroom. These were found to be oharrod and burnt through. The removal of these boards revealod the fact llmtjthoro was a kind of a tunnol extending from the oeiling upwards to whore tha flue of the stove used by the hatters of Messrs Ballantyne oamo into the tunnol. The stove used by tho hatters stands on a conoreto slab, the flue going into tho tunnel spokon of. It is difficult to say positively how tho fire reaohed the boards of tho ceiliug of Mr Wright's storeroom. One theory is that tho hot nohos from ; the hatters' etovo woroj carried; .through the flue down the tunnel on to the boards of the ooiling; whloh wore oharrod, and amouldorcd away. This theory is supportod by tho fact that when, the boards wero romovod, a considerable, quantity of atboß and oharrod fragmonls of wood wore found in the tunnol,

Major Steward notifies the electors of | Waimate, in another column, of the days on which he is prepared to address them. We remind tko shareholders, of town and country, that tho annual general meeting of the Timaru Tannery and Boot Factory Company (Limited), u to be held at the Assembly Eoomß at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Tho officer in charge of tolegrophs advises us that " Bolinas reports that the overland line to Manilla is interrupted, and that it will he several days before communication can be restored. Daring the interruption telegrams will be posted from Bolinas.". Many horaenwners and others have no doubt heard and read a- good deal about Mr F. Simmons' coaching stallion Orpheus. At Maclean's yards to-day they will have an opportunity, if fliey care to avail themselves of it, of seeing a mare with foal at foot by Orpheus. The " little stranger " Bhould certainly be a subject of groat interest. Among the attractions of Bhow week will be a sale of work and promenade concert on behalf of the Congregational Ohurch debt extinction fund, to be held in the Timaru Assembly Booms on Wednesday, the 29th instant. There will be musical and other attractions besides a largo assortment of goods on sala ; and further particulars will be advertised before tho dato named. At the Baptist Ohurch to-morrow evening the Her. 0. 0. Brown will take as his subject — "Tho sayings and doings of our lord during those wonderful forty dayß after His resurrection, during as it were, His second life upon earth as an immortal and incorruptiblo man. Having been born again, he was still flesh and bonoa, yet possessed of anew life, not the old animal life (in the blood), but spiritual, mysterious, divino, never ending. Eventually, as an immortal man— a epiritual body — Ho ascended to tho heavens." Mr J. L. Toolo and his English Company are having the most successful Beaton ever known in Dunodin. They have now been playing throe nightß, and on each occasion the house has been packed to tho doors. To mako room for the audience the orchestra have been turned out of their well, and placed on the etago. The reputation which preceded him has been fully endorsed as is shown by the bookings. Toole is the greatest comedian over seen in Now Zealand, and ho is to bo banqueted by all the clubs in Sunedin. A meeting of the Waimate High Bchoo Board was held on Wednesday last. There wero present— Bev. J. MeKee (chairman), the Rev. Q. Barclay, and Meßsrs J. and Q-. Manohester. Mr Goldsmith eont an apology for his absence. The headmaster of the Waimate District High School aunt in a list ot names of twenty pupils taking secondary education at that school during last quarter. It was resolved that the chairman ha asked to visit Albury at his earliest convenience, with a view of seeing what can be done in the way of letting or leasing tho board's reserve in that township. Mr Goldsmith, Mr Barclay, and Mr Barclay, and Mr McKee, wero appointed a Boholarehip oommitteo for next examination, and it was resolved that candidates for the Waimate High Sob'ool Board's scholarship in 1891, have their travelling expenees to Timaru for examination paid by the board. Tho meeting closed after authorising tho payment of a few liabilities of the board. At a meeting of the Waimate Cemetery Board on Thursday last, there wero present, — Messrs B. Cameron, Watt, Forsbrook, and Graham. In the absence of Mr J. Manchester, Mr Graham was moved to the chair. A letter was road frjro Mr D. Cunningham, asking the board to accept his resignation of tho appointment to clean cemetery walks, trim hedges, &c , and to canool his contract for this work with tho board, be being obliged to remove to a distance from Waimate, and therofore being unable to do tho work. Mr Cunningham's resignation was accepted, and his contract allowed to be cancelled. The secretary was directed to offar tho work oE clearing the cemetery to Mr Thoma9 Knight for twelve months at the rate tendered by him on the laat occasion when tenders were called for this work, Knight's being then the lowest tender. It was rosolvod that in oaae of Mr Knight not entoriog into a contract to do tho work, tenders should be called for by next meeting, Accounts amounting to £11 10s were passed for payment. It has been pointed out to us by many people that it would be a most desirable thing if there ' wero come place within the borough where young people could amuae themselves, by athlotic and kindred games > and ao help work off the .superabundant vitality that is a distinguishing mark of healthy young colonials. It has repeatedly been auggestod that Russell Square io tbe ono and only suitable spot fur what is required, and as bo much has already been done in the shape of filling up the gully in the oentre of the ground, very little now remains to make it a perfect recreation ground. If the borough council would only take such work vigorously in hand, make tho square worthy of the name and a credit to the borough, there is no doubt but that those who take a doop interest in such games as cricket, bowls, tonnis, croquet, baseball, would bo prepared to follow the example of patrons of auoh oport in other cities and tawm, and contribute handsomely to tho cost of keeping the ground in tho boßt of ordor. It ia to bo earnestly hoped that Councillors will do something to improve the square— whioh at prosent is tho resting place for various common articles in tinwaro and glassware, and of cats, ratj, and many othor specimens of tho animal kingdom, which have gonorally mot a violent death. A largo meeting of tho Waimnto Gospel Temperance Bocioty was hold in tho Temperance Hall, Waimato, on Thursday laat. Tho hall was quite iillod, and tho platform was rather crowded with a numerous olioir led by Mr D. Hore, accompanied hy Miss Opio on tho organ and Moasrs Atwill and Hore on tho flute. Tho singing waß very good. Bosides tho choral singing, readings wore given by Mrs H. Batomau, Mossrs Bannerman, Hurst, Ellis and Dash. A very good address was given by the Kov. J. Smalley on " Total abstinence from intoxicants," the truth of the principle and the utility of the practice. Ho urgod with impreßsivo oloquonoe tho necessity for prohibition of the general trafllo in and manufacture of intoxicants. Solos were givon by Mrs Cotter and Mr C. Btrachan, and a recitation by M> Benjamin Fow. After the publio meeting about fifty members attended to consider tlio question of a railway exoursion on the Prince of Wales' Birthday in connection with the society*. It was unanimously, resolved that arrangements bo made for an oxoursion on the day named, and that Messrs A. Brookor, J. Williams, and G. H. Graham be appointed a committee to engage a special train, etc. Mr Douglas, of Waihao Downs, has kindly promised to allow the oxcursionißts to oumo on his ground near Waihao Forks railway station on tho lOlh Nov.

| A slight shock of earthquake was felt hero yesterday spout 12.20 p.m. A good number of entries have been received for the horae parade to-day, and given fine weather it should paas off most successfully. To-morrow evening the Bev. W. J. Williams is announced to preach on " The last night of Belshazzar." During the evening selections will be given by the choir from the cantata " Belehazzar's Feast," which Wflß given with Buch excellent effect to a crowded andience on Tuesday evening last. Yesterday, at the Resident Magistrates Court, Waimaie, before His Worship the Mayor and Mr J. Manoheator, J.Pd., a little boy aged ten years was brought before the Bench, charged with stealing a watch on the previous day, belonging to Mr A. I/illy. Tbo boy ploaaed guilty. Sergeant Gilbert, Baid that the facts of the case were that Mr Lilly, while working, had his vest hanging on a fence by Queen street. Ho was away a while, and on coining to his vest found the watch gone On the polios boing informed, enquiry was inada, anil it wag found that tbo accused boy had offered tbo watch for sale to another boy, but being unablo to get anything for the natch, ho gave it to a schoolmate who Bhowed it to his fathor, Mr Richard Laoe. Mr Lane informed the boy's mother and gavo hor the watch. On the police making enquiry the watch was handed over, and identified by Mr Lilly. The Bonoh, after cautioning the boy, ordered him to be kept in custody by the police until 6 p.m. of the came day. The annual meeting of the Timaru Wos> leyan Mutual Improvement Socioty was held on Thursday evening. There was a very large attendance of members and friends ; tho president, Bev. W. J. Williamß, in the chair. Throe new members were elected and five persons nominated. The report and balance sheet were read and adopted. These showed the society to be in a moat encouraging position, financially and numerically, there buing a slight balance to the good, and 79 members on tho roll, which as the society is purely Weeleyun was considered very satisfactory and proof that great interest was taken in its work by members. There is every probability of a large acquisition of members during the coming year. The election of officers for tho ensuing year resulted in the Rev. W. J. Williams bßing reelected president, Messrs W. H. Jones and 0. Vogeler, eleoted vice-presidents j Mr E. Orwin ro-eleoted secretary and treasurer ; Mr Vbgelcr re-elected editor of Journal; Mies Dale elected assistant secretary; and the Mis9es Dale and Holdgate, Messrs JSllie, Evans, and Mozloy elected on the general committee ; and Me.'srs Ot. W. and Job. Ellie, J. Kvanß, J. W. Holdgato, Cameron, and R. Orwin elected tennis grounds committee. Tho elections and other business having been disposed of, tho Journal was then read by the editor. Tlhb consisted of pieces in verse and prose, letters to the editor, " Tit Bits," and a well written paper upon " The Strike." :7otne of tho contributions showed depth of thought, and literary merit. Voteß of thankß to the contributors aud the editor were unanimously passed. Next week there will be a paper upon " Athletics" by a woll known athletio tnomber of the society. The meeting opened and closed with praise and prayer. D. McOuinness begs to announce that as the additions to the Criterion Hotel are now complete bis popular one shilling luncheons will be resumed there in suporior stylo. The luncheon at the Railway Rofreahment Booms is now discontinued. —[ADvr.J Ask your grocsr for Warburton's "Can't he beat Baking Powder." It makes delicious scones, bread, cakes and pastry. Guaranteed absolutely puro, and proved to be the most wholeaome powder in the market. Ask for Warburton's, and tako no other. From all grocers in 6d, Is and 2s tins. N.B. Does not colour ; everything made with it remains perfectly white. —lAdvtJ SYNOPSIS OP NEW ADVERTISEMENT!*. Grade, Maclean and Co—Sell stock at Winchester on 14th inst; stock ot Pleasant Point on 6th inst. : ; Moss Jonas—Sheop and cattle at'Point, on 6th inst. Mundell and Co —Sheap, cattle, and pigs on Gth ; ditto on 7th ; horse Bale on 10th inst. Webster and Co —Sale o£ farming laud on 24th inst; stock ealo on 7th inst. Geraldine —Annual parade of entire horses on 10th inst, Major Steward—List of dates for dolivering addresses to electors of Woimato. Miles, Aroher and Co—Have farm to lot by tender. Wosleyan Church —Mr E. Holdgato preaches to-morrow morning ; Rev. W. J. Williams in tho ovoning. S.S. and A. Co—Have Matatua soiling for London on 20th inst. ■ Geraldine Connty Council—Call for tenders for raco in Soadown water district. Congregational Chnroh—Sale of work and concert, on show day, 29th inst. Timarn Tannery Company —Hold annual meeting this afternoon. W. J. Hnghoa and H. A. Tomporlon—Hive dissolvod partnership. • : George Pearson—Hag oboico lines in fancy goods on salo. Stud Notices—Of Raveqseraig, Lord John, and Yonng Lanoer. W. M. Howe — Watchmaker's busineßS notioe. ' Rutland and Co—Sale of sundries, this dav. Collins and Co —Prodnoo and poultry sale this day j want to buy traction engines. "Womo" —lmportant news lor sporting rnon. Baptist Church —Special sormons to-morrow. G. and T. Young —Have receivod now in watches, jewellery, &o. A. E. Cox—Cattle and"sh6ep solo at Temuka on 7th inst. ...... •. . .... N.Z. Loan—Silo of stock at' Point on 6th inst. T. Smith—Has new.gardon'seeds to hand. W&ntads—Four notioes. 'v ,-