Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 502, 28 December 1869, Page 2

Local and General.

pGooD News ! — The English telegram announces that s<)o bales New Zealand flax fetched from £45 to £51 10s per ton. This is indeed good news for New ZeahuuiA The Glassblowkrs. — Boot's Assembly Rooms were crowded last night, and the entertainment passed off with its usual success. Bill.— The Royal Irish ball was but thinly attended last evening. Mr Gee was the caterer; and the tnmic was provided by Herr Zincgraf. Tub Circus.— This place of amusement was crowded to inconvenience last evening, the boxes even being well filled. The performances gave general satisfaction, to judge from the applause thufc was accorded them by the audience. Coker's Gardens. — These pleasure grounds were opened at noon yesterday with games of various descriptions, which were spiritedly taken part iv by the many visitors until .evening, when a ball took place in the large room. This was also largely attended, and proved a very agreeable termination to the day's amusement. Accident os the Dkaijt Road. — Last Sunday evening, an accident of a somewha' serious character happened to Mr Geo B. Johnson, of Kaiapoi. In returning home, from near Rangiora, hia horse threw him, fracturing one of his rib 9, aud otherwise injuring him. He was conveyed to Kaiapoi ou Monday, where he now lies in a precarious condition. ■ The Lite Fatal Accident at IvAiAroi. — An inquest as touching the death of E. P. Morton, a boy about fourteen years old, who was drowned whilst bathing on Christmas day, was held yesterday, before Dr Dudley. A verdict of '"' Accidentally Drowned" was returned. The jury added a rider to the verdict that it would be a great advantage if some prop.r and safe place for the encouragement of bathing could be provided, as it is highly conducive to health and an advantage to learn the art of swimming. The CiißfSTCiiuncii Artillery. — A delachment of this battery, numbering nine members, proceeded to the Heathcote estuary yesterday morning for shot and shell practice, under command of Capt Bird. The range previously used by the battery, a little distance beyond the bridge, was again selected, but, unfortunately, the target had not been placed far enough across the estuary, and the result was a much shorter firing distance — about 500 yards— than was desired. Some very good practice was made, and the average attained was decidedly creditable to the detachment. Next time care will be taken to have the range at least 1000 yards in length. The Timaru Harbour Works. — The local journal of Dec. 24 states that the contractors have now got fairly to work, and the betou breakwater is beginning to make a show on the reef. On Thursday the second block of concrete was uncovered, when it was found in a very satisfactory condition, only a few inches on the top having washed away through the upper covering not being properly secured. The same day a third block was put down on the outer end of the work, and to-day the fourth block was successfully laid. The tideß have been very favourable for the last few days, and the contractors have not failed to seize the opportunity for pushing on the work. Oddfkllowjship.— The half-yearly meeting of the Loyal Benevolent Lodge 1.0.0. F., M.U., No. 6, North Canterbury District, was held in the Lodge-room, Criterion Hotel, at half-past seven o'clock last evening. There was a large attendance of brethren. The following officers were appointed for the ensuing six months: — Brothers John Hicks, N.G. ; T. B. Thompkins, V.G.; John Bay lee (P.G.), P.S.; Ludvig Bergh, KS ; C. Cuthbert,W. ; -— Inglesby, 1.G.; M. Hart, Treasurer. After the transaction of business, a very pleasant evening was spent by the brethren, some very good songs, recitations, &c, having been given by various members. We understand that this lodge is fast increasing alike in funds and in its personnel. Acoidksts.— Mr Quine, baker, met with an accident last evening. He was driving his dog-cart round a sharp turning, when it upset, throwing Mr Quiuc and two other occupants of the vehicle violeetly on the ground. Mr Quine fared worst, having sustained some severe injuries internally, and for some time his life was considered in danger. lie is being attended by Mr Prins, surgeon, and is progressing favourably.— A man, named John Smith, was conveyed to the hospital last evening, suffering from a fracture of the \cz, which lie sustained in a fight at Barnard's, and while inebriated. The broken limb has been set, and .-mith will be all right again in the course of two or three weeks.— A man, whose name was not given, was taken to the Hospital yestctday, with hid arm broken. The arm w:is set, and the sufferer immediately conveyed to his home.

Madame Bishof. — Madame Anna Bishop, says Watson's Art Journal of September 4 Arrived on Sunday last in this city f New York) from her protracted and. extended tour round the world, looking younger and handsomer than ever. She has given concerts in every town and city in China, Japan, British India, Oregon, California. Sandwich Islands, Society Islands, Asia Minor, Africa, to say nothing of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and every other part of the habitable globe, and returns to New York to settle down and be a permanent resident, and will shortly open a vocal academy for the instruction of young ladies in musical matters. Mosquitoes. — At this season of the year any informafon with respect to the expulsion of mosquitoes from a room is sure to ba acceptable. A writer in a South Carolina paper says : — I have tried the following, and find it to work like a charm. Take of gum camphor a piece about one-third the size of an egg, aud evaporate it by placing it in a tin vessel, and holding it over a lamp or candle, taking- care that it does not ignite. The smoke will soon fill the room and expel the mosquitoes. One night I was terribly annoyed by them, when I thought of and tried the above, after which I never saw or heard of them that night, and the next morning there was not one to be found in the room, though the window had been left open all that night. Wkslkyan Chubcii. — A public tea meeting in connection with the Durham street Wesleyan Church, was held last evening There was a very large attendance, not only of residents, but of others from the surrounding districts and Lyttelton, who were enabled to attend in consequence of the late train being put on. Tea was served both in the schoolroom and in a large tent erected in the plaj-ground and artistically decorated by Mr Ilislop. The tables were profuse with cake, &c, and the arrangements for seating visitors were capitally carried out, and gave general satisfaction. After tea, a public meeting was held under the presidency of Mr John Anderson. Several addresses were delivered, and some excellent selections of Sacred music were given by the Church choir. The proceeds of the entertainment (which, considering the number that attended it, must be considerable), will be devoted to the fund for the erection of the new galleries. Heathcotb Road Board. — The Board held its usual meeting yesterday at the Board Office, Ferry Road, when there were present Messrs Kennaway (chairman), Fisher, Ensor, and Kerr. _ The chairman occupied the chair, and the minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed. The chairman informed the Board that he had, as requested, waited upon the Government for the purpose of obtaining a portion of the grant voted by the Council, but the Government declined to pay any more of the grant over to the Board during the present year. A letter was read from his Honor the Superintendent declining on the part of the Government to appoint a Thistle Inspector for this district, but advised the Board that it could authorise its surveyor to give the necessary notice. The Board thereupon resolved " That the surveyor be authorised to attend to any complaints from ratepayers with respect to thistles, and to give the requisite notice when required." The Board decided to have the annual meeting on Friday the seventh of January. After passing accounts the Board adjourned. Masonic— The anniversary of Sfc. John the Evangelist was celebrated by the brethren of the St. Augustine Lodge, 609, in the Canterbury Masonic Hall last evening. Prior to the supper a meeting of the Lodge was held, at which it was intimated that Brother G. H. Wilson had been re-elected W.M. for the ensuing year. The ceremony of investiture of the following officers was conducted by the R.W. District G.M. Brother W. Donald:— Brothers Smith, S.W.; E. S. Willcocks, J.W.; W. R Mitchell (P.M.), Treasurer: F. C. Tribe, Secretary; Sawtell, S.D.; Fletcher, J.D.; J. E. Graham, D.C.; Smith, 1.G.; Savage and Johnson, Stewards; Dorset, Tyler. 'J he supper was presided over by the W.M., supported on his right by the K.W. District G.M. and Brother W. Rolleston, and on his left by Brothers F. W. I hid, P.M. and H. E. Alport, P.M. The vice-chair was filled by Brother Smith, S.W. Justice being done to a capital supper, the usual toasts were proposed, and the company did not break up until a late hour. We understand that the members of the St. Augustine Lodge intend erecting a hall in Manchester street, at a cost of £750. The W.M. and Brothers Alport, P.M., and W. R. Mitchell, Treasurer, have been appointed as a building committee. Avonsidb School. — The annual examination of the scholars took place last week. The examination was conducted by the Rev. M. H. Martin and Mr W. Kennaway, who expressed themselves much pleased with the progress made during the post year. At the schopl treat given on Wednesday, in a paddock kindly placed at the disposal of the committee by Mr Cowlishaw, the Rev. M. H. Martin distributed prizes to the successful candidates, and a book was given to each of the children attending the Sunday school. During the afternoon the scholars and their teocherß employed themselves in a variety of games and athletic exercises, and at five o'clock all sat down to a bountiful supply of tea, cakes, buns, &c. A very pleasing feature in theday's proceedings was thesinging, which did much credit to the exertions of Mr Thompson and Mrs Beavan, the master and mistress. After the usual scramble for nuts and lollies, the children went to their homes all apparently much pleased with the day's enjoyment. Prize list: — First class : Ist, Win. Bowley; 2nd, Edmund Buxton, 11. Buxton. Second class: Ist, Wai. Henderson ; 2nd, Mary Ann Urimmicombe. Third class: Ist, Richard Snedden; 2nd, M. Ann Barker. Fourth class: Ist, J. Brimmicombo; 2nd, Emily Yogel. Fifth class: Ist, John Le Compte; 2nd, Fred. Kerridge. Writing: — Fir t class: Ist Win. Bowley; 2nd, Belinda

Kerridge. Second class: lst,W. Henderson; 2nd, Alice Moss. Third class: Ist, Richard Snedden; 2nd, M. A. Barker. Fourth class: Emily Yogel. Fifth class: Fred. Kerri 'ge. Extra prizes for general attention: Arthur J. Moule, Emily Fuller, James Fuller, Horace Baxter, Mary T. Henderson, Mary A. Smith. Sewing prize: Belinda Kerridge. Scripture* prize: Belinda Kerridge. Regular attendance: Fred. Moule, Elizabeth Bryden. Yeomanry Concert. — A promenade concert, in aid of the funds of the Yeomanry Cavalry, was given in the Drill Shed last night, but was scarcely so successful, financially speaking, as anticipated. A platform was raised at the northern end of the building, and by the judicious arrangement of flags, drapery, and pot plants, was made to present a very attractive appearance. The body of the building was also tastefully draped with flags and other decorations, apropos to the occasion, the whole tending to give an air of comfort to the otherwise bleak interior of the building. Ample sitting accommodation was provided for visitors, and the greensward outside was a very agreeable promenade during the intervals. Unfortunately, however, alt these attractions did uot prove sufficient to secure the patronage which the corps itself deserves, but which was doubly due from the public by reason of the many services of the band. Strange to say too, volunteer uniforms were very scarce, forming, in fact, the exception, instead of the rule, amongst the audience. Quite four times the number of persons wh> assembled could have been comfortably seated, and, although, the expense attached to the undertaking caunot have been great, we fear that but little will accrue to the financial credit of the corps from the appeal. We are inclined to think that placing the orchestra at the end of the building was a mistake, and that it would have been better if it had been fixed at the side of the building opposite the large doors. This would probably hare enabled all to hear, as the building is far from being perfect in regard to acoustic arrangements. Another improvement we would recommend, a3 adopted in England, that is to have seats placed around the building, so that promenaders can sit down. Of course there could be reserved seats for those who do not wish to promenade. We merely throw out these hints for the committee's consideration. The concert, regarded in a musical sense, was a success. The programme commenced with the grand march from " J'annhauser," by the full orchestra. This was admirably played. Mr Allen's song "Madeline," was heartily applauded. The quartette from "La Gazza Ladra," by Messrs Wilson, Biinz, Lean, and Spensley, was well played. Mr Zeesler's song " Hail to God Bacchus," was capitally sung, and narrowly escaped an encore. Mr Coombes, owing to an accident at the late fire, was unable to play his cornet solo. An overture, "Le Caid," by the band followed. Mr Woledge met with a most flattering reception. His song " Jones' Musical Party," was tumultuously encored. The second part commenced with Auber's overture, " Lc Dieu et la Bayadere," played with full orchestra. Mr Rowley followed with a song. Carl Biinz' violin solo was admirably played, and deserved the applause it received. The double quartette, with band accompaniment, was well performed, although taken too slow. Mr Allen's second song was well sung, and as well received. A selection "II Staniera" was excellently played by the Cavalry Band, and the concert .was concluded by a well selected galop. Major Wilson, C.B , on behalf of the company, returned thanks for the patronage, and stated that a series of promenade concerts would bo given in aid of the band funds.