Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 280, 7 April 1869, Page 2

Local and General.

+. Bankruptcy. — Adjourned meetings of creditors in re William Thomas Baugh and George and Henry Fisher were to have been held this morning, but no creditors attending, the estates were declared to be vested in the provisional trustee. The Ball. — We have been requested to state that'the sub-committee are still engaged in making arrangements, and that they will duly advertise the ball in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh when these are completed.

Flaxton. — On Monday last, several of the ladies of this district kindly provided a tea for the children attending the Sunday School at St. Paul's Church. The tea was served in the School-room, and was followed by music, singing, and other amusements.

Magisterial. — At the Christchurch Magistrate's Court this morning, James O'Brien was brought up before C. C. Bowen, Esq., R.M., charged with having been drunk and disorderly yesterday. Being his first offence, and having been locked up aU night, the nominal penalty of 5s only was imposed.

The Christchurch Butchers. — A meeting of persons engaged in this branch of business in Christchurch, was convened at the A 1 Hotel last evening; Mr W. Rossiter presiding. There was a large attendance. The following resolutions were unanimously agreed to : — l. Resolved, that the services of the butchers of Christchurch be tendered to form part of the procession in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh. 2. That the dress be the same as worn on a previous similar occasion, excepting that the rosettes be red, white, and blue. 3. That a committee be formed to inquire into matters of dress required, with power to call for tenders for the supply of the same, said committee to consist of Messrs McKeever, Hopkins, Gunnell, Withy, and Rossiter. 4. That th c butchers of the neighbouring towns be invited to attend, and that particulars be furnished to' them by the committee. 5. That Mr Culliford be requested to take command of the company. 6. That the committee be requested to apply to the Mayor of Christchurch to assign them a prominent position in the forthcoming procession. 7. That the master butchers of Christchurch be requested by the committee to advertise that their shops will be closed on the day of procession. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

Bazaar. — A bazaar in aid of the funds of St Andrew's Church was opened in the Town Hall this morning, and will be continued tomorrow. The great similarity which exists in all undertakings of this kind does not, as a rule, afford much scope for remark, and it is generally sufficient to state that the usual selection of knick-knacks, useful and ornamental, were temptingly displayed for sale by the respective proprietors of the stalls. On this occasion, however, we can find something more to comment upon in the shape of a large collection of Fijian curiosities, presided over by Mrs E. Recce. They occupy the stall facing the door, and immediately on entering strike the eye as the most valuable selection eeen for some time. Articles of native manufacture, in unusual variety and excellence, are suspended above and around the stall, on which are displayed a remarkably beautiful collection of marine and inland curiosities, all of which are the gift of Mr E. Recce, of Colombo street. The stall deservedly attracted a great deal of attention, aud the prices were of such a moderate nature as to justify large purchases. The bazaar opened at noon, and was very fairly patronised, but will no doubt be more largely attended to-night. A Megaldescopoio, and a new description of the wheel-of-life, should also be noticed as important additions to the fancy goods department ; and Aye may add that the various departments were presided over by Mesdames Deans, D Graham, E. Recce, R Black, Fleming (refreshment), Whithair, and Campbell ; the two latter ladies being in charge of the articles originally collected by the late Mrs Fraser.

Holt Trinity Church, Lyttelton.— The annual meeting of the parishioners, to elect churchwardens and vestrymen, and to receive the financial report for the past year, took place last night, in the church schoolrooms. The Rev. F. Knowles occupied the chair. The minutes of the former meeting having been read and confirmed, the chairman stated that Messrs Donald, H. R. Webb, and W. Graham had been elected synodsmen. Mr J. Ward read a statement of receipts and disbursements. He said he was sorry that he had not- prepared a balancesheet. This was owing to a mistake in calling the meeting. The audited statement showed an overdraft at the Bank of £63 1 3s 2d. Mr Donald said he wished to call their attention to the Curate's Stipend Fund. The offertories during the year had not fallen off, but every other means had failed ; only £8 had been received from subscriptions. The pew-rents and subscriptions had not reached £100. He was sorry there were so few present, and felt sure the members of the church did not know how small the amount subscribed was. Their overdraft at the present time was £75 16s. Mr Rouse asked how much the pew-rents had ffi'len off during the year. Mr Ward said the amount received was £75 against £95 12s 6d for last year. If all the rents were paid they would amount to £100. On the motion of Mr Rouse, seconded by Mr Perrin, it was resolved ' that the accounts be passed; Mr Donald and Mr Rouse were elected churchwardens for the ensuing year. The following gentlemen were elected vestrymen :r— Messrs Webb,- Joyce, Perrin, Ward, Graham, and Wilkin. The same gentlemen, with the exception of Mr Ward, were elected for the School Committee. The total liabilities were stated by the chairman to be £183. Some discussion ensued respecting these liabilities. Mr Rouse contended that the pew-rent system had not failed, but that the offertories and subscriptions had gone back. He would like the subscription system to be tried again, and would take the first three months for collecting. This was agreed to by the other vestrymen. y\ The Rev.. Chairman called attention to the way in which the curate's stipend was made up .to the requisite amount. He felt he could not receive the money in this way, as part of it belonged to another fund. He hoped the parishioners would see to this matter, and that they would use their utmost endeavours during the ensuing year to alter this state ©f things. The meeting then broke up. f

Mandeville and Rangiora Road Board. —A public meeting of the Ratepayers of the district was held on Monday the sth instant, to elect two members in place of Messrs Dixon and Pearce resigned. The hon. G. L. Lee in the chair. Mr H. Dudding was proposed by Mr Blackett, and seconded by Dr. Tripe. Mr W. Stonyer proposed by Mr J. Wilson, and seconded by Mr Ashworth. Mr Cooke Reynell was proposed by Mr Percival, and seconded by Mr S. Howard. Mr M. Dixon was proposed by Mr C. Dudding, and seconded by Mr G. diss. After each candidate had expressed his opinion, the election was proceeded with, when Messrs Reynell and DHdding were elected by a lar c majority.

Canterbury Jockey Club. — A meeting of the club was held at Tattersall's on Monday afternoon. The following members were present : — Lieut.-Colonel Packe, Messrs T. M. Hassal, L. G. Cole, F. W. Delamain, Wynn Williams, R. M. Morten, W. D Barnard, J. H. Bennett, J. C. Wilson, C.8., in the chair. The following resolutions were passed : — That an advertisement be published, warning all owners of horses that entries for the autumn meeting to be held during the visit of the Prince must be in the hands of the secretary, at Tattersall's, on or before Wednesday, April 14, at eight o'clock p.m. ; that Messrs Bennett and Delamain should provide gatekeepers and check-takers on the day of the meeting ; that Colonel Packe and Mr Delamain should arrange for the accommodation of the Prince, his Excellency the Governor and suite, in the grand stand ; that Mr Barnard lay out the course for the steeplechase, and superintend the erection of the jumps ; that tenders should be invited for the right to supply refreshments in the grand stand, and that two sites for publicans' and one for a confectionery stall, together with the right to sell the racecards, should be sold by . public auction, by Mr Barnard, on Saturday next. It was also resolved that a subscription-list should be opened, and placed in the hands of Mr L. G, Cole to collect contributions

I'he Gourlays. — A large audience assembled in the Town Hall last evening, to greet these artistes, on the occasion of their second appearance, in Christchurch. There was an entire change of programme, and .Miss Minnie made her debut. The entertainment was opened by a pianoforte solo by Mr Corbet, in which the performer, a youth, displayed very considerable ability. Mrs Gourlay's song, " Beautiful Isle of the Sea," was encored, and in response she sang " Bonnie Prince Charlie," imparting to it a feeling of national enthusiasm and sentiment which were highly appreciated. Master John, who delighted the audience on the previous evening, re-appeared as Alouzo the Brave, and gained fresh laurels. He possesses an extraordinary aptitude for mimicry, and a facility of expression truly surprising, more especially in one so young. In response to an encore, he sang " The Little Fat Man," which was equally well received. His " Bashful Young Gentleman " was a clever piece of acting, and more notably so his descriptive reproductions of the songs sung at an evening party, the personnel of wh eh he pourtrayed in a manner irresistible. Mrs Gourlay sang " Little Nell " with considerable pathos, and this was undoubtedly her best performance in the first part of the programme. Mr Gourlay's recital of the graveyard scene from " Hamlet" met with a fair share of approval, but it is more than one man can do, and we fancj*- Mr Gourlay is most at home as the gravedigger Miss Minnie sang the "Captain and his VVhiskers," and was encoivd, responding with " Wouldn't You Like to Know." Mrs Gourlay received an encore for " Terence's Farewell," and sang " Maggie's Secret," for which also she was loudly applauded. The duet " Huntingtower " was remarkably well sung by Miss Minnie and Master John, and they were called upon to repeat the last verse. After the customary interval Mr and Mrs Gourlay and Master John appeared in a sketch entitled " The Irish Widow," which kept the audience in an almost continuous roar of laughter. Sir Andrew Burley is a Scotch baronet, Mrs Blandish a young widow and landlady of the Shamrock hotel, and Master John the prototype of the intelligent Irish gossoon to be encountered at many of the Inns in the east, south, and west of Ire-

land. Sir Andrew is a woman-hater, and believes himself impregnable until he is ensnared by the bewitching charms of Mrs Blandish, and then the sketch ends ma scene of the most amusing character. The fact of such a contrast of nationalities is a sufficient guarantee to those who have not witnessed its representation, of the mirth, wit, and characteristic humour with which the sketch abounds. At the conclusion of the performance, Mr Gourlay announced that his family would re-appear at the Town Hall early next week ; they would have continued their performances during the present week, had the hall not been engaged for other purposes. The people of Lyttelton will have the pleasure of seeing them at the Colonists' Hall this evening and to-morrow.

Worth of Monet at Death. — The Mount A'exander Mail has the following : — " in old man named Joseph Piatt, who had lived 50 years in Australia, died at Mr Donald Swan's station, Spring Vale, on the 10th January. Piatt was taken ill at the station, and was kindly taken care of by the proprietor. Becoming worse he sent for Mr •-wan, and told him that he had £1400 or £1500 in the bank, which he was willing to 1 aye to any one who would take care of him during the short time he had to live. On Mr Swan asking him if there was no oue to whom he wished to leave the money, he replied that there was hot a living soul who had a claim on him and offered to give the money to Mr Swan if he would look after hia comfort, a« he did hot wish his wealth to go to enrich ' John Bull.' Mr Swan told the poor fellow to sleep over the matter, and if he was still in the same mind he would see what could be done for him. The sleep, however, was the sleep of death, for at about 3 a.m. on the

next morniug, the worn-out man died having made no will, and leaving no particulars as ■>to where the money waß lodged." /^Fbebmasonuy. — Information has been forwarded to the En glish era ft that his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, before leaving Stockholm, was entered an apprentice to Freemasonry, and, having speedily "passed" to the rank of a " fellow craft," was raised to the full degree of a Master Mason, as recognised by the Order all over the world. It is further stated that the newly made Royr' brother entered upon some of the fancy degrees, more practised on the Continent than in England, and was made a Knight of the., Masonic Order of Charles the Thirteenth*/ The present Grand Master of the English Order, Lord Zetland, has held his office for a quarter of a century, and the lodges are contributing to a fund for the presentation of a testimonial to him in celebration of his long service, and following the precedent set in lhe presentation of plate weighing 1800 ounces to the late Grand Master, the Duke of Cussex, who held the office for 25 years. It is thought probable that the Prince will become affiliated to the English Order, and will rise to the position held by several of his princely predecessors, it being understood that the present Grand Master desireß retirement. The position of Grand Master by the constitution of the craft, can only be held by a Prince of the blood Royal, a member of a noble house, or by a " man of letters." It may be interesting to state that William 111. was initiated in 1690; Frederick, Prince of Wales, was initiated in 1 737 ; Henry Frederick, the Duke of Cumberland, was elected Grand Master in 1781; the Prince of Wales (George IV.) was initiated in 1787, and was elected Grand Master in 1790; the Duke of York and the Duke of Clarence (late William IV.) were initiated with the ; r brother. The Duke of Kent (her Majesty's father) was initiated in 1790, and Prince William of Gloucester and the Duke of Cumberland (late King of Hanover) were initiated in 1795 and 1796. The Duke of Sussex was initiated in 1798, and was elected Grand Master in 1813, on the Prince Regent resigning office and becoming Grand Patron. The [ilate presented to the Duke of Susses on his retiring from the Grand Mastership was returned to the Grand Lodge as a gift by the Duchess of Inverness in 1838. The Queen haa given her active patronage to several of the. Masonic charities.