Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 491, 24 December 1869, Page 2

Local and General.

«. Harvest. — Mr William Patterson, of Prebbleton, cut a paddock of oats on Monday and Tuesday last. The crop is estimated to yield fully sixty bushels an acre. We learn that 23 6d per bushel has been offered for new oats. Scientific. — We understand that the Bee, schooner, -which arrived in Lyttelton yesterday from Atnuri Bluff, brought three large cases containing the remains of an extinct species of animal. These were collected by Dr Haasfc, and are, we believe, of great scientific interest. Lyttelton Gold Prospecting Company. — The directors have decided to have a ton of quartz taken from the reef thoroughly tested at Melbourne; on Thursday the workmen humped down 10 bags; this was placed in casks,, sealed up, and sent to Melbourne to be assayed ; the result will be made public. Qf the 1000 shares offered by the company flearly 600 have been applied for. Excursion. — The s.s. Halcyon is advertised for an excusion to Pigeon Bay on Monday, Boxing Day. The fare is very moderate. The steamer leaves on the arrival of the first train from Christchurch. We have no doubt many will avail themselves of this opportunity to enjoy a trip on the water, and also see the Maori pah, which is well worth a, visit. Christmas Cheek in Lyttelton. — There was an excellent show of meat in the various butchers' shops in this town. Mr Carroll exhibited some excellent lambs, bred by Mr Stoddart ; also, some fine fat beef. One lamb especially was worth seeing, weighing over 601b3. The dressing was first-rate. Mr Pitcaithley had some splendid beef, lambs, and pork on show. The exhibition this year was far superior to that of last year. Canterbury Bells. — Mr Robert Parker, assisted by several ladies and gentlemen, will give a concert in the Town Hall on Wednes-< jlfly, Jan 5, in aid of. the fund now being raised for the purchase of a peal of bells. T,he concert will be under the patronage of his Honor the Superintendent and Mrs Kolleston, and his Honor Mr Justice Gresson. We are glad to hear that the public . take great interest in the movement for obtaining a peal of bells, and we sincerely hope that all will enjoy the pleasure of hearing them n»xt Christmas. TREBLE VAN CHDRCH ANNIVERSARY SeRTrcEa. — The anniversary services to commemorate the opening of the Durham street Church, will be held on Sunday next, Dec, 26. The Rev A. Reid will preach in the morning, and the Key T. Buddie in the evening. On Monday, a public tea meeting will be held in the schoolroom, at six o'clock, and at half-past seven the same evening a public •meeting will be held in the church, at which addresses will be delivered by several ministers'and other gentlemen. Mr J. Anderson, ex-Mayor, will occupy the chair, and suitable selections of sacred music will be given by the choir at intervals. The proceeds of the two meetings will be devoted to the fund for defraying tho coat of erecting the new galleries in the church. Visitors from Lyttelton will be able to return by a special train at 1 1 p.m. on Montli^f B.\NKnurTCY.-2We take the following from the West Briton : — One of the most satisfactory measures of the present session .My the Bankruptcy Bill. And in this new r Afct it will be impossible for a fraudulent debtor to escnpe punishment. He will have to give up everything to his trustees, and he will not receive his discharge until the creditors are fully- satisfied that he is not keeping any tiling back. And in the event of jfl)ankrupt failing to obtain his discharge, Lawill still remain' liable to his creditors for thermoney lie -owes them.: Thus " wlute■'.washing". is rendered impossible until the - creditor be; either paid . or satisfied. There ia a very necessary clause in the bill, to prevent swindling by means of marriage settlements Ira man makes a settlement before marriage, it will protect only such property aa he h;is actually paid over to his wife's trustees before bankruptcy. If he makes the settlement after marriage, it will be void as again3t his-creditors, if he becomes bankrupt •within two years nftcr making it ; and it will also be void if he become bankrupt within ten years after the date of the deed, unie3s it be proved that at the time of making it, the settler was able to pay all his debts without the aid of the property comprised under the settlement. Thu3 the Bankruptcy law passes from a very loose concern to a very tight concern, leaving mi loophole of escape for the fraudulent debtor. .In, future he' will be imprisoned not for indebtedness, hut for swindling his creditors. .

The Cihcos.— .There was a very numerous attendance last night, and there were several changes in the programme. Mr Bird will take his benefit this evening:'. Cokee's Gardens.— These pretty and well kept gardens will be open on Monday next, Boxing Day, when a great variety of games and sports will be provided. Mr Coker has also secured the services of a full brass band. The ball-room will be open during the evening. The Cavalry Band. — A grand promenade concert will be given at the Drill Shed on Monday, in aid of the funds of the cavalry band. The published programme is an excellent one, and as the band is always ready to give its services, we have no doubt the concert will be very largely attended. The Glassblowers. — Mr Woodroffe had a good share of patronage yesterday evening, the usual prizes being distributed at the close of the exhibition. This afternoon, the rooms were opened, and all children attending received prizes, in addition to the usual number distributed to adults. Amongst these latter given at the evening entertainment, will also be given a chain pipe, valued at £5. Acclimatization. — The last batch of young trout continue to thrive and grow rapidly in the admirably adapted fish-house in the society's garden, the improvements effected last season now enabling a large quantity of young fish to be reared in security to a more advanced size. The trout left at Timaru for Messrs Meek, Howell, and Lord, and turned out by them in the Te Ngawai river, have been frequently seen since, and appear to be doing well. Lyttelton Hegatta, 1870. — We are glad to hear that this annual event promises to be a most successful one. Since the committee issued their first advertisement of prizes, the subscriptions have been coming in liberally, and we understand that there will be a capital programme advertised on Monday next. Messrs Peterson and Co. have most handsomely given a cup to be rowed for, and the challenge cup of Messrs Shaw, Savilie and Co. will also be pulled for. The committee have voted a sum for shore sports. These will include races, jumping, horizontal bar, &c, &c. The Elting Squadron. — We are informed that his Honor the Superintendent has received from His Excellency the Governor a private letter in which His Excellency states that he has both officially and privately urged upon Admiral Hornby the disappointment which will be felt in Canterbury if the Squadron should not visit Lyttelton. It appears that orders were received from the Admiralty to substitute Hobart Town and Auckland for Lyttelton in his programme, and that Auckland was named partly on account of the good effect which the presence of the Squadron would have on the minds of the natives. The leading Wellington journal has the following on the same subject :— We are informed, on good authority, that his Excellency the Governor has strongly recommended that the proposed visit of the Flung Squadron to Lyttelton shall not be abandoned, and it is, we believe, the. intention that the three ports, Wellington, Auckland and Lyttelton, shall all have the honour of a visit. J Native News. — A telegram was received pivDec. 16 by the hon. the Native and Defence Minister, informing him that intelligence was received from Tahua, Upper Wanganui, to the effect that Te Kooti and Kereopa had effected a junction of their forces. It is further stated that they had sent a joint message to the King, informing him of their intention to come to the King's place and make laws for the Maoris. The news appears to have caused quite a sensation amongst the King natives. The King was on his way to Kawhia when the intelligence was received by him. He immediately returned to Tokangamutu, and collected his followers, to. whom he communicated the news he had ; received. The. name of Te Kooti's and Kereopa's messenger is a native named Aporo. There was a fixed, determination come to to meet Kerebpa and Te Kooti if they should appear in the neighbourhood. A messenger -was at once sent back to Tahua announcing this decision to the rebel chiefs. It is a favourable sign that the Waikatos express their determination to . repel these cannibal rebels A despatch to the Premier from Mr Boofflf who is accompanying the expedition of the Wanganui natives in quest of Te Kooti, gives a very favourable account of it so far. The combined forces of Kemp and Topia — numbering 500 men — were at Ohinemuti, and intended proceeding into the country, where Te Kooti is supposed to be, a week ago. Topini does not object to the expedition passing through his territory, and Mr Booth says : — "Nothing could possibly be more satisfactory than the present state of feeling on the part of Topia and his people; and it is to be attributed entirely, in my opinion, to the bold, but wise, policy of putting arms into Topia's hands, when he once applied for them; by this means the Government has not . only secured his willing assistance in the matter of Te Kooti, but it has gone forth to other tribes, with his knowledge and consent, that he has joined the Government, and received Government assistance, and Topia on his part says he is acting entirely by j directions of Tawhiao. lam very sanguine that the present expedition will be a mean* of effectually breaking down the barrier which has so long unhappily existed between the two parties in this island." New Zbaland Flax. — The following letter appears in the Wairarapa paper of Dec. 18:—" The suspicion that a ship which is missing has been burnt through having flax on board, and another having been burnt which had flax on board, has led to an advance in freight and insurance, which, if maintained, will be quite destructive to the most rising and promising of New Zealand industries; whilst, in the meant me, it is suffering a severe discouragement, at a period wben hope was decidedly on the revival, in

an early better future than we are passing from now. Some learned body many years ago had a proposition submitted to them, to the effect, « Why a fish weighed heavier in water than it did when out?" After the subject" had' experienced a somewhat lengthy consideration, ah old Scotchman is reported to have said somewhat suddenly. "I doot the fact." 'J bis led to enquiry, and there was no fact upon which to base the assertion. Have we any evidence of any ship ever having'been set on fire by New Zealand flax ? I have not, but should like to have the evidence furnished, if there be such. Now have we not abundant proof of ships having been burnt by wool cargo, md was not the last, 1868 69, a very wet shearing season? la it not, therefore, probable that a considera- ; ble quantity of wet wool was shipped ? Is there not suspicion, if not proof, that wool in the grease has fired ships ? Is not the present a very wet shearing season ? Can anyone doubt that a good deal of wet wool will be shipped — is shipping now ? Had one or more .-hips, laden solely with flax, been burned, or had flax on board ships, having also wool, been seen on fire, undoubted proof would exist that flax had taken fire on board ship ; but even not then that it was a more dangerous cargo to carry than wool. To me nothing can be more illogical than this assumption, so mischievous to the colonies' prospects, for it is only an assumption of the danger of flax in a cargo. State the case : Thus, wool is known to have burnt ships — flax is not known to have burnt ships — flax and wool have been shipped in the same vessel, therefore flax was the cause of the burning. When flax is seen burning on board a vessel, or one or more ships, flaxladen, have been burnt, then there may arise justification for flax being charged a h'gher insurance than wool. To me it appears that poor flax got into bad company, in travelling with the shoddy aristocracy, and is a sufferer in consequence, but he is young and I am satisfied will yet, and soon take a high — his proper position— in the manufacturing interest of the world. Christsias Cheer. — The return of the " festive season" was attended last night by the usual display of good cheer, and evoked quite as much interest as of yore, both from caterers and the general public. With the former we may even say there was an improvement, for although perhaps the show of edibles did not exhibit that degree of improvement which might fairly have been expected, the decorative display was much more tasteful and general than we have had to record for some time back. All the purveyors of meat showed considerable rivalry in this respect, none being without pretensions to floral ornamentation, whilst some, including Messrs McKeever, Lane Bros, Mein, Culliford, and others, were particularly noticeable. Not satisfied with evergreens and large bouquets, Mr McKeever, even went so far as to enlist pot plants in full bloom into the service. Altogether, therefore, this portion of the display was particularly good, the taste of arrangement in every instance being remarkable. Taking the quality of the meat, as a whole, into consideration, it was very creditable, and not unworthy of the attention bestowed upon it by the large number of persons who promenaded the streets on a tour of inspection until a late hour. The confectioners and grocers, unlike their brethren of the old country, were again very quiet and unassuming in the outward appearance of their establishments. In fact, there was comparatively nothing out of the ordinary, and no comment whatever is necessary on individual displays. jLTaking the butchers, we remark upon them* as they came under our notice, and not in any order of merit. The display at Mr M'Keever's was indeed excellent, and the decorations were admirably carried out. The shop was beautifully lighted up by means of chandeliers from the establishment of Weir Bros. ; a number of pot plants in flower were kindly lent by Mr H Crooks, and the evergreens were obtained from the grounds of Mr Geo. Gould. Three heifers were shown, one weighing 10361b5, another 98"lbs, and a third 702153 The two former were fattened by Mr MTBuchanan, and latter by Mr Bowie, of Woodend. The top weight heifer produced 15Olbs of fat. The Cotswold fat wethers (bred by Mr J. H. Boys), ranged from: 120 to 130. The lambs (bred by Mr Rogers,; Lincoln), ranged from .40 to t>3. There was also an excellent show at Mr Clarksori's establishment. One. 4 year old heifer (purchased from Mr H. L. Grey) weighed 7 J; and a steer (3 years old), bought from Mr Loe, of Leeston, weighed B£. A calf bred by Mr H. L. Grey weighed 250 lbs; its age was eight weeks and six days. The lambs, 8 half Southdowns and 8 half Leicesters (bred by Mr Andrew Dawson), averaged 44 lbs. The merino wethers from the flock of Mr H. L. Grey averaged 72 lbs. From 80 to 100 lbs was the weight of some half-bred ewes (bred by Mr Grey). A couple of 2-tooth half-bred Leicesters (bred by Mr Dalton) weighed about 78 lbs each. Mr Withey showed a large number of sucking pigs, and a number of lambs (four months old) ranging in weight from 50 to 55 lbs. All were very nicely dressed. The exhibition of Lane, Brothers, was a most attractive one, alike in beef and mutton. The former consisted of a four year old Devon heifer (fattened-by Mr Murison, Leeston), a five year old Durham shorthorn heifer (fattened by Mr John Campion, Lincoln), &c, &c. 'I wo pail-fed calves, one bought from Mr John Staee, and the other from Mr. • t'Callaghan, Fendalton, were remarkably fine. The sheep (Southdowns), bought from Mr A. C. Knight, averaged 8olbs; the Merino wethers (bought from Mr Todd, Lincoln) averaged 70lbs. ; The lambs (2 and 3 months old) bought from Mr A. C. Knight, Messrs Wright and Murray, and Mr Davis, Lincoln, were in fine condition. Mr Mem's show was good, as it always has been. > calf (eight weeks old, and bred by Mr Kinlay, of Rangiora) was one of the best in town, and the manner in which it was dressed.

reflects great credit on Mr Thomas Gunnell.] The lambs, three-quarter bred Leicesters from the flock, of Mr Grey, Racecourse, averaged 43 lbs ; age, 92 days.- The beef was really splendid; it was bred and fed by Mr Grey, of the Racecourse. Two gteers purchased from Mr Grey, weighed 8£ each ; one from Mr Moffat, Halswell, weighed 900 lbs. In sheep, Mr Mein had perhaps the best show in town, especially as regards the 2 tooth Leicester wethers bred by Mr John Grigg, and the three half-breds (Leicester and tiouthdown) fed by Mr Mein. There was a fair display in Mr Tetley's and Mr Smithson's establishments in High street. Mr Dearing's display of sucking pigs, hams, bacon, pork, &c, was extremely good, and attracted a good share of attention. MrMein's shop, in Colombo street, was much the same in exhibits as the one in Cashel street described above. Mr W. Rossiter, "Whately Road, fully maintained the position he earned last year, having one of the best all round displays in the city. Amongst his sheep were some Leicesters, one of which weighed 165 lbs, aud his beef was furnished by the second prize heifer from the last agricultural exhibition. His veal was exceptionally good, as also his lambs, for both of^which he held a prominent position, fter Rossiter had also an excellent arrangement for keeping his meat cool. The water from an artesian well was made to flow round the shop, thereby keeping the temperature at such a point as would certainly aid materially in keeping the meat in good ordjij Mr. Cresswell, in the same street, had "some fine fat sheep, of the Leicester and Cotswold breed, being from the first prize pen at the last agricultural show. One weighed 154 lbs, and looked exceptionally good. Some Southdown lambs were also worthy of notice, as also the veal and beef. Mr Bull, Cashel street, had some fine sheep bred by Mr J. Grigg, and a superior calf, 6 weeks old, weighing 160 lbs. The show of lambs was also very fair. There was also an excellent display of beef, mutton, &c, at Mr Judge's establishment, and the manner in which the exhibits were dressed deserves * especial commendation. The same remark applies to Mr Culliford's shop, next door. Messrs Cresswell and Chisnall, in Cashel street, were as usual profuse in their display, and the quality and the quantity were both excellent and abundant. Mr Clarkson's shop, at the corner of Oxford Terrace and Durham street, was also well stocked. With regard to poultry, &c, the exhibits were very numerous, especially at Mr S. Dennis's shop, corner of Durham and Chester streets.