Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 166, 23 November 1868, Page 2

Local and General.

& Mbiting cf Creditors. — A meeting of creditors in the estate of Shaw Crossland, of Christchurch, hotel-keeper, was held at the Registrar's Chamber a* 11 o'clock ou Saturday forenoon. The liabilities are estimated at £426 13s 7d, and the assets at £529 16s 7d, showing a surplus of £ 1 03 3s. Creditors proved to the amount of £261 12s Id. Mr 3. E. Graham was chosen trustee ; and Messrs Henry Sawtell and Robert Sutherland supervisors. ydIATR Cutting by Machinery. — We have Inspected x new hair-cutting machine imported by Mr Brice of Colombo street, and in addition to being a very ingenious contrivance, it has the advantage of doing its work remarkably well. So much so, indeed, is this the case, that it is a matter of some doubt whether the owner or customer derives the greatest advantage from its use. The hair is cut with remarkable evenness and regularity, a considerable saving of time is effected, and the "operation is unattended by any danger of an accidental wound from the knives, or unpleasant sensation of any kind. The principle of the machine is somewhat similar to that in use for lawn cutting, but it is so reduced in size as to require no unusual exertion to work. There are four revolving knives in a circular box, on the outside of which are two combs, capable of being regulated to cut the hair as short as may be desired. It is easily held in the hands of the operator, and the motive power is obtained from a pulley fixed under the chair, and worked by a footboard on the crank principle. The machine is manufactured by a London company, and of but recent invention. It is a decided improvement on the old system, and will, no doubt, speedily attain considerable popularity. Provincial Council. — The Council will meet again at 5 p.m., to-morrow. We understand that the Estimates are already prepared, and that the House will be put in possession of the Governmental proposals on Wednesday. It is expected that the session irill terminate in about a fortnight. The Crops. — In no previous year have the crops in the vicinity of Kaiapoi and Raugiora looked more promising than at the present time, nor is this much to be wondered at when we consider the excellent weather they have experienced until now — fine sunshiny days, absence of high winds, and rain just when required. It may safely be said that farmers' prospects were never more hopeful than in the month of November, 1868. Gazettes. — Two numbers of the New Zealand Gazette, dated Nov 13 and 19, respectively, have been received. They contain the following notifications having special reference to this province. Letters of naturalization have been issued to John Frederick Ahlgrin, of Christchurch, jeweler; G. L. Mellish, Esq., has been appointed Returning and Registration ( )fficer for the Electoral district of Ashley, for the election of Members of the House of Representatives; applications for conversion of securities under the " Consolidated Loan Act 1867," will be received by Mr 3. W. Hamilton, Christchurch; notice is also given that the rules of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, and of the Ancient Order of Foresters, Christchurch, have been lodged with the Registrar, and duly registered under " TheFriendly Societies Act 1867."

Rowing.— The boat-house:belonging to the Trades' Club is now almost completed, and on Saturday the members mustered in large force, and several crews took a turn down the river. The other clubs are working steadily, and great care is being taken in getting the several crack oarsmen into form. From careful observation during the past month ,we venture to predict that more science will be exhibited at the coming regatta than at any previous one, and that the competition for the four-oared race wSJ^ be very close. Volunteers for tiie North. — In accord,<<nee with instructions from the Defence office, Col. Packe has for some days past been enrolling volunteers for the North Island. The corps in which they are to be embodied j has the title of " Armed Constabulary," and the men will proceed to the front immediately on having made sufficient progress in drill to permit of their being worked with some degree of unison with those already in the I field. The pay now offered being on a somewhat more liberal seale — 3s 6d per day, with j clothing and rations— than when volunteers were called for some weeks ago, the appeal has been more successful, and upwards of twenty have already been enrolled in Christchurch. They appear to be of a class very suitable to the hard fare and privations attendant upon field movements.}( They do not show that indifference to drill which has generally characterised such levies on former "occasions, but evince, as a whole, the liveliest desire to master its details. They are now drilled for about six hours every day, at the Drill Shed, by Sergt.-Major Morgan, and have already made good progress in the preliminary movements)? In addition to this squad, we are informed, also, that one, about the same strength, has been enrolled in Lyttelton, but, in the absence of Colonel Packe, we were unable, on Saturday, to obtain reliable particulars. Lyttelton Regatta. — A meeting of the inhabitants was held on Saturday evening in the Colonists' Hall. There was a good attendance, Captain Gibson occupying the chair. He stated the meeting was only a preliminary one, it having been called by the Secretary in consequence of there being no President. A balance sheet would not be produced at that meeting, and he might state that this was entirely owing to the fact that all the collecting subscription books had not been returned. He was glad to state that there was a balance in hand, and it rested with them to determine whether there should be a regatta on New Year's Day. On the motion of Mr Roper, seconded by Mr T. Wright, it was resolved " that this meeting deems it desirable that there should be a regatta held as usual on New Year's Day, 1869." On the motion of Mr D. Caro, seconded by Mr J. S. Legett, it was resolved " that the election of a committee for carrying out the regatta of 1869 be proceeded with." On the motion of Mr T. Wright, seconded by Mr Caro., it was resolved " that all captains of English and foreign ships in the harbour, and captains of coasting steamers be members of the committee ex-officio. The following gentlemen were elected members of committee: — Messrs G. Taylor, J. T. Peacock, F. D. Gibson, H. R. Webb, D. Caro, B. Buchanan, J. S. Legett, 11. P. M. Aynsley, E. W. Roper, T. Merson, E. A. Hargreaves, D. Davis, F. Talbot, J. L. Coster, E. Richardson, G. Messiter, W. Day, J. Plimmer, H. Hawkins, H. H. Knowles, T. Ockford, W. Davis, G. Holmes, W. Brownell, T. Wright, H. Allwright, J. Cameron, W. Mills, H. Hennah. Mr J. Carder was unanimously elected Secretary. The Chairman stated that a meeting would be held on Friday evening next, when the balance sheet would be read. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings. Town Hall. — An adjourned meeting of the shareholders was held in the side-room on Saturday afternoon. Present: — Messrs R. Packer (chairman), Heywood, Parr, Wood, Kiver, H. W. Packer, J. Hart, Hadfield, Tombs, Anderson, Boulton, Aikman, Lockhart, and Wilson. The Chairman explained that since last meeting plans had been prepared by Mr St. Quentin, which that gentleman would now lay before those present, and explain all niatters in. connection, with them. There were no funds in hand, but if the shareholders were willing to defer the payment of any dividend for six or nine months or so, there would be no further call on the shareholders, as a considerable sum would be forthcoming in the shape of rent. It was now for the meeting to decide whether the proposed enlargement should be carried out. At the request of the mooting, Mr St. Quentin explained the plans which he had prepared. One of these was for placing a room above the Old Town Hall, at a cost of £300, and the other for erecting a building at the rear at a cost of £200, as a supper-room, to be divided from the old hall by a moveable partition. In answer to a shareholder, Mr St. Quentin said the room would be capable of accommodating 300 persons at supper. Mr Wilson desired to correct a statement made by the chairman with reference to the funds. There were at least £50 in the bank, and £20 due on account of rent. A company had engaged the hall for 18 days, and the rental would be three guineas per diem. The bank would be willing to allow any overdraft that might be required for the erection of the new room. Mr Aikman moved—" That in the opinion of this meeting it would be desirable to increase the accommodation of the Town Hall, adding an additional room, at a cost not exceeding £200, in accordance with plans and specifications as now laid before the meeting by Mr St. Quentin." Mr. Fair moved as an amendment " That tenders be obtained for the work before the shareholders come to any opinion in the matter." Mr J. Hart seconded the amendment, which was put and lost, three hands only having been held up for it. The original motion was jmt and agreed to, and the meeting adjourned. '

Popular Entertainment.— r An entertainment in aid of the funds of St. Mary's, Heathcote, will take place in the Schoolroom on Thursday evening next. Wool Scouring. — On Friday last we had the pleasure of inspecting a quantity of wool icoured by Mr F. Thorne, of Rangiora, the wool in question being the first of a large quantity he is about to treat by the same process. The modus operandi, which is very simple, is as follows : — The wool is first hand-washed in hot water, with plenty of "soap, &c, after that rinsed in a large cage ma.de of perforated zinc, through which the Northbrook, a clear running stream, flows swiftly. It is then laid on a draining stage, and afterwards dried in the usual mann«r. The result is the removal of every particle of dirt and grease from the wool, rendering it snow white, and available for immediate manufacture. The difference of weight between the washed and unwashed wool is SO per cent. Mr Thorne is able, with present appliances, which are capable of great extension, to turn out three bales per diem.