Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 150, 4 November 1868, Page 2

Local and Gener al.

Cbtuistchurch Rkform Association. — It appear? .that the promoters of this Association fe* taking steps towards its formation. Ajfipn of declaration, stating in broad terms {^objects sought to be obtained, is being fcanded round, aud has already received the signatures of about two hundred of the leadirtg'peopleof Christchurch. Steps are being takeu to canvass the whole of the province, in order to obtain the support of all those who are favourable to tbe views of the Associatftm. Lyttelton and Port Victoria HohtiemvruKAL Society. — The second mouthy meeting of this society will take place this •vcning, in the Colonists' Committee Room. A paper will be read by the President. W e aro glad to hear that most active steps are Being taken to make tho spring show a great ■access. It is intended also to exhibit in the fewer rooms various products of the colony ; aad also dairy produce, for which prizes and orders of merit will be given. j Meetings of Cheditors. — A meeting ofl creditors in the estate of J. C. Brooke, chemist and druggist, now out of business, was fteld at the Registrar's Chamber, at 1 1 o'clock j tenday. Creditors proved to the amount of £17 15s. Mr J. E. Graham was chosen trus- j fee: aud Messrs Henry J. Hall, and Robert Sutherland, supervisors. — A meeting of creditors in the estate of Alexander \ harles Mills, of ■ imaru, Boot and shoemaker, was held at I o'clock. The liabilities in this estate are estimated at _>350 lßs'Jd;and theassetsat £219; deficiency •Si 3 l ISs 9d. Creditors proved to the amount •f £132 I4s 3d. Mr Peter William Hutton, grocer, was chosen trustee; and Messrs James Mair and John Mair, of Timaru, bootmakers, ■upervisors. Mr Jno. W. White is solicitor for ihe bankrupt. Lincoln Road Board. — At the usual monthly meeting of the Board, he'd on the 3rd inst., eight tenders were opened for forming the Station Road by Templeton, which was let to R. Bennett, at 15s per chain; fcr. forming 25 chains of ' the Selwyn road, and metalling the same ; the former was let to. J. Foster, at i9s a chain, and the latter to C. Lewis, at Is 2d per cubic yard. Letters were read from the Previncial Secretary, atating that the Government did not intend to proceed further in the matter of the •ollectiou of the Education Rate ; from the Secretary for Public Works, asking for suggestions as to suitable sites for gravel -Baerves in the district; from the City Clerk af Christchurch, asking the opinion of the Board as to the proposed change iv the Market day; and from Mr Makeig, soliciting signatures aud subscriptions for the proposed ■ew Hagley Park Road; also, a circular from fl_e_ Secretary of the Acclimatization Society, Miking for a subscription towards bringing *ut small birds from England. Various accounts were ordered to be paid, and sundry works were ordered to be tendered for. Before the Board adjourned, the following resolutions were passed unanimously: — -*Mr Davis, of the Tai-tapu, having handed to the chairman a letter charging the ■urveyor with passing a contract which was ■ot completed according to the specification, ibis Board, after having inspected the work, I ia of opinion that there are ho just grounds of j complaiut." " That this Board has every season to be satisfied with its surveyor, and takes tins opportunity of recognising hi--; valuable services, and that copies of thescaesolutions be forwarded to the local papers."

Lecture. — A lecture on "the Workman and the Work," was delivered in the Baptist Tabernacle last night, by the Rev R. Powell. There was only a small attendance, and Mr Ritchie occupied the chair. The discourse dwelt principally upon scriptural history, bearing on the glorification of God. It was very attentively listened to throughout, and a vote of thanks was awarded to the Rev. lecturer on its termination. /^Jfo. 6 Company, C.R.V. — The annual dinner of this Company took place last night at Coker's hotel, and fifty members sat down. Capt. Hawkes presided, with Lieut. Wolfe and Colour-Sergt. Brass filling the vice chairs. An excellent repast was supplied in the new hall, and the catering was deservedly eulogised. After removal of the cloth the usual loyal and other toasts were drunk and followed by the presentation of an inkstand to Captain Hawl?^^ Lieut. Wolfe performed the ceremony in a few word 3 expressive of the feeling, prompting the company in making the presentation, and i 'apt&in Hawkes replied with appropriate reference to the pleasure he had always derived from his connection with the company. The City Council cups now iv possession of the company were also displayed during the evening, and some excellent .--ougsand recitations interspersed the speeches. The inkstand it may be mentioned was manufactured by Messrs Petersen and Co., High street, and is composed of Emus eggs, and frosted silver, presenting at once a handsome and unique appearance. TnKATKE R >tal. — Last night, Air Wilson's company appeared for the second time at this theatre. " David Garrick" was repeated, and the principal characters were as loudly applauded as on the evening of their dbut. There was a change in the after part of the performances. The very amusing two-act comedy by Charles Matthews, " Who killed Cock Robin ?" was performed in a most creditable manner. •• iss Dolly Green made a capital Satanella, and the counter part was equally well represented by Mr R. Roberts. The part of Abel Tinkle fell, of course, to Mr Joyce, and he was quite at home in it, as he invariably is in similar impersonations. Miss Polly Leake acted as Hannah. We can honestly say that the present company, so far as the performances have proceeded, have shewn themselves to be much superior to the personnel of many other companies that have preceded them. It is a pleasing feature to observe how smoothly the pieces pass before the audience ; great care is evidently bestowed on the arrangements behind the curtain, and another recommendation is, that extremely little prompting is required, the whole company, from the principal down to the subsidiary characters, being equally " well up" (to use a green-room expressi m) in the parts they respectively undertake. The orchestra, though composed for the most part of old members, is an improvement on former ones, and new music has taken the place of what has become hackneyed through constant repetition long ago. We hope that as the season progresses, Mr Wilson will receive that amount of support which his undertaking deserves. To-night, " David Garrick" will be repeated for the last time, and the performances will conclude with Samuel Lover's Hibernian drama, " Born to Good Luck, or An Irishman's Fortune." Mr Roberts is announced as Paudheen O'Rafferty.X v\ c perceive by advertisement that the management, in accordance with our suggestion in last night's issue, have announced their intention of ending the performances each evening at about a quarter past eleven o'clocE^ Lectube. — Last night Dr Haast delivered his second lecture on geology at the Literary Institute, and was again favoured by a large and appreciative audience. Mr W. Wilson, Mayor of Christchurch, occupied the chair, and briefly introduced the lecturer, who commenced by saying his remarks that evening would be chiefly confined to an explanation of the stratified or sedimentary rocks, which, unlike the primary or plutonic ones forming the inuer coating of the centre of the globe, had been deposited by water. He pointed out that their composition was not a sufficient index of age, bnt that fossils having had their age scientifically determined, this proved that of the rocks. He explained the meaning of fossils, and divided them into four classes, the first being actual substance; the second, replacement by another substance of part of an animal or plant; the third, of casts or moulds, left whilst the rock was in a soft state; and the fourth, of imprints of a foot or other portions of an animal. He then enlarged upon the earliest geological fossiliferous epochs, and the division of strata into periods, groups, and epochs He stated that sixty distinct elements were found in rocks. Rocks are either simple or mixed, limestone, quartz, &c, being examples of the former, and clay, slate, &c , of the latter. These are still further divided into crystalline and mechanically mixed rocks, and subdivided into such as are distinctly and indistinctly mixed. He went into further aud more elaborate details, and exhibited several specimens of the rocks described. He then dwelt upon the fossils found in rocks pointing out that they were chiefly of aquatic species, Borne of them of monstrous proportions, and most of them no*y extinct. He concluded by explaining the formation of conformable and unconformable rocks, by drawings, showing the latter to consist of strata lying parallel to each other, and the latter, as strata, one series of which have been disturbed from their original position. Dr Haast supplemented his remarks by illustratin-/ them with diagrams suspended above the platform, and altogether it was a comprehensive, and, for the subject, entertaining lecture. The chairman, in closing the proceedings, remarked upon the excellent discourse which they had heard, but 6aid the j succeeding ones were even more promising of interesting details. He trusted that the lectures would continue to be well attended, i

Kaiapoi Land Building and Investment Society. — The usual general monthly meeting of shareholders will be held this evening, for the transaction of ordinary business, and the election of a Treasurer, vice Mr John Matthews, resigned. The Races. — The following additional entries have been received : — -Canterbury Cvp — Mr J. Fowler's br c Little Briton, by Kingston. Jockey Olub Handicap — Mr G. F. Lovegrove's b f Moselle, 3 yrs ; Mr M Studholme's c h Kuottingly. Northern Agricultural and Pasioral Association. — Although the entries for this show closed on Monday, the Secretary informs us that entries will be received up till the day of the show, but they probably cannot appear iv the catalogue. The Bazaar. — The bazaar opened in the Town Hall yesterday has been quite a success. It was visited by about 500 persons, and the stalls were considerably thinned. The amount realised during the day was £70, and this sum was i-ven beyond the expectation of the Managing Committee. There still remains a large and varied assortment of children's clothing, which, we understand, will be disposed of at a " great sacrifice" this evening. No. 2 Company, C.R.V. — An adjourned general meeting was held at the Clarendon Hotel last night, at half-past seven o'clock Lieut. Blakiston presided, and there was a fair attendance of members. Sergt. Strange, on behalf of the deputation appointed to request vlr Bird to accept the captaincy of the company, handed in a letter from that gentleman declining the honour on the ground that the pressure of business would not permit of him doing otherwise; having been read to the meeting, a iengtheued discussion took pi cc upon what should next be done, -everal suggestions were made, but it was ultimately decided to continue "without a captain, and wait until such time as an eligible gentleman should be found. The desirability of attending the encampment on Saturday was next discussed. The insufficiency of uniforms was the great obstacle to a decision in the affirmative, and a resolution to that effect was ordered to be transmitted to the Lieut. Colonel commanding. J^The unsatisfactory position of the company iv respect to attendance at drill, was then mooted, and the opinion being unanimous that no improvement could be looked for under the present management, a resolution was carried requesting the officers and non-commissioned officers to resign with a view to starting the company on a new basijn^ -A- committee was appointed to collect details respecting the financial position of the company, and report at an adjourned meeting to be held on Thursday week. They were also desired to submit suggestions as to the future management of the company. Heathcote Road Board. — An ordinary meeting of members was held on Monday morning at the board office, Ferry Road Present : Messrs Kennaway (chairman), Garland and Kerr. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed, after which the following correspondence was submitted: — Letter fwwn the Secretary for Public Works, asking for returns of the receipts and expenditure of the Board during the present year, and intimating that nothing would be granted towards the metalling of the Hills road. Another letter from the same source, requesting to be furnished with a list of sites for gravel reserves, together with a description of their locality, and asking that the Board would recommend with a view to providing a suitable supply of road metal for future maintenance of roads in the district. The surveyor was instructed to comply with the first letter, and report generally upon the subject of road metal at the next me- ting of the Board. Letter from the Hon. John Hall assenting to the drainage near the Gas Works, in reliance that it would be carried out so as to prevent any serious damage. The surveyor was desired to apprise the Christchurch Borough Council of the receipt of the letter, and intimate that the Board were prepared to commence the work at once. Letter from the Christchurch Borough Council, in reference to the proposed alteration of the market day, and requesting the opinion thereon of farmers in the district. Letters from Messrs Wilson and Sand ford, respecting the condition of the valley sluice gate, near the Heathcote, and referring the Board to the surveyor for further information, he having prepared a plan for improving it, together with an estimate of the cost. The Board directed the Surveyor to ascertain the amount of subscriptions tlie lesidents in the vicinity would be willing to give and >eport at next meeting. Lcttd from. Mr J. *> Williams, offering to give a half-chain roadway through his property at Opawa, together with a sum of £30, towards the cost of making it, p; ovided the Board would consent to give up the road reserve through sections 96 and -*o,it not bciug possible to make it fit fortrartic. Considerable discussion ensued upon the matter, but the Board, while acknowledging that a through road from Opawa to the Ferry Road would be a great convenience to the whole district, considered that unless the other occupiers of land would give a road through their sections, no benefit would result. They therefore directed the surveyor to reply to Mr Williams, and state that the Board cannot agree to give up any portion of the river road unless the occupiers of the adjoining sections also give over for the public use such portions of their land as would complete a through road in the line suggested by him. Letter from Captain Charlesworth and Mr Powell relative to the condition of the road near their property, and requesting the Board to complete the same during the fine weather. The Surveyor was directed to report thereon. The Surveyor was also directed to prepare a list in accordance with clause 31 of the Road Board Ordinance, for -the purpose of levying a District lso;id Rate of sixpence in the pound. The Board, after passing accounts for work done, adjourned until Monday, the 16th inst.

Agricultural Show. — Theannual dinner, in connection with the above, will take place at the White Hart Hotel, on the evening of the show. We understand that the Provincial Government have agreed, to proclaim a halfholiday ou the day of the show. *}^)p_ning op the West Melton Chapel. —The Wesleyans have added another to their very creditable list of places of worship, _iy erecting a new chapel at West Melton, on the Bealey Track. The building is a very neat one, is substantially finished, and is no discredit to its builder, Mrg&seph Wood, or to its designer, Mr Trickef|f& It stands on a piece of land given fiy*llr Shepperd, at^a very convenient spot, where five roads meetj and very busy did the neighbourhood lodßTon Monday last, when people from all directions came pouring in to attend the inaugural tea meeting. The tea passed off very well, and the good cheer provided was speedily discussed. After tea, speeches were delivered by the Revds A. Reid, and R. Bavin, Messrs Keale, Laury, Grainger, Shepperd, and Cutler, and the financial report was read by Mr Sanderson, who, with Mr Coutts, has been . very active in all the preliminary work connected with the erection of the building. It appears that the place is not only free of debt, but that some considerable balance is available for the pur-po-e of painting and ornamenting. The chapel was filled, and many were unable to get k Jn. Upwards of £1 7 was raised, in addition to some £7 at the opening services on Sunday. Some very fair singing was introduced in the evening's programme, and formed a pleasing adjunct to the speeches. Akaroa and Wain-h Road Board. — A meeting ot the above Board was held at the Survey Office, Akaroa, on Monday, the 2nd inst., Mr «.'. J. Waeckerle presiding. The minutes of former meeting having been read and confirmed, the teuder of Robert Stewart and Co., for work to be done on the Head of Bay Road was opened and declined, the Board considering the same to be too high. In connection with the same work, the Chairman and Engineer were instructed to endeavour to enter into arrangements with \f r Hodgson for delivering logs on the ground, and then to invite tenders for the remainder of the work, such tenders to be sent in by the 9th inst. The attention of the Board having been called to the obptruction caused by trees overhanging the roads, the Engineer was instructed to give notice to all parties whose trees caused such obstructions, and request them to remove the overhanging parts at once, otherwise the Board would have to lay information s* as to have the roads kept clear. A letter was received from Mr John Woodill, calling the attention of the Board to the present impassable state of the Mill Road. It was resolved that the Engineer do invite tenders for the work required on the said road, lhe Engineer was authorised t« employ labour to clear the streets of the town from thistles and weeds. A circular letter was read from the Secretary of Public Works, asking information from the Board as to the proper places for making reserves to obtain metal from to use on the public roads. The Engineer was requested to reply to the letter, and give all necessary information. A letter was read from James Wilson offering to keep a part of the Little River road ia repair, on terms which the Board might appoint. 'Mie Engineer was instructed to inform Mr Wilson that the Board are willing to enter into an engagement for the work he refers to, but they wish him to make an offer for how much he would undertake the same for one year.