Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 666, 12 July 1870, Page 2

Local and General.

Orangemen. — The Orangemen of Lyttelton will celebrate their anniversary by a dinner at the Queen's Hotel, Lyttelton, this evening. The brethren from Christchurch will pay them a visit this year. Bamlrufi-cv.— The Registrar satin Chambers ut eleven o'clock this morning. Orders of adjudication were made in re Stephen Lawrence (Mr Joynt) and John Mcllroy (Mr Slater); creditors to meet on Wednesday, tkt 20th July, at one and two p.m. respectively. Orders of adjudication were also made in re Augustus Reid Pavitt, Spencer Pavitt, and Fred. Bull (Mr Joynt), Elijah Smith (Mr Slater), and Henry Smith (self), and the meetings of creditors fixed for Thursday, the 21st July, at eleven, twelve, and one o'clock respectively. Lyttelton Borough Council. — The Council met at the usual hour on Monday. Present — His Worship the Mayor, Councillors Allwright, Buuker, Stout, and Chalmers. Tho minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The clerk stated that he had received the sum of £6 8s 9d since the last meeting. The outward correspondence having been read, a letter from Mr T. Street (contractor for lighting the town) was discussed. It stated that he was losing by his contract, owing to the present high price of kciosine, and wished to know if the Council would give him an extra allowance on the contract. It was resolved that Mr Street be allowed to use kerosine from the stores of the Council at the rate of 3s per gallon, provided that the lamps in the town gave a good light while this kerosine was in use. A letter from Mr William HickinbotLam, town scavenger, stating that persons at the Orphanage were infringing his contract, was read. After come discussion, it

wag resolved that Mr Giraud, the superintendent of the asylum, be written to on the subject. The report of the Inspector of Nuisances was read and passed. He was directed to see that bushes and trees overhanging the footpaths were trimmed. The clerk was requested to call the. attention of of the police to the fact of the' numbers of stray cattle that are constantly wandering about the town. Accounts, amounting to £3 9s 3d, and the weekly pay-sheet, £9 4s, •were passed for payment. The Council then adjourned. The Financial Statement.— 7 Mr Stafford will resume the debate this evening. Horse-stealing. — On Saturday night last, a horse, a saddle and bridle, were stolen from Mr King's Stable, Addington. wCoal. — We are informed that a seam of Taluable coal, apparently of the same character as the Newcastle (.N.S.W.) coal, has been discovered in the Clent Hills, Ashburton district. The Domain. — The third dog which assisted in worrying the kangaroo in the Domain last week was captured yesterday. One of the dogs was poisoned on returning to the Domain on the day after the occurrence; and the other two are now at the Police Depot, and will be shot as soon as the names of their owners are ascertained. The owner of one of the dogs is already known. Oddfellowship. — A summoned meeting of the Loyal3enevolentLodge,M.U.l.o.o.F., was held at the Lodgeroom, Criterion Hotel, last evening, for the purpose of receiving the Auditors' report, and the balance-sheet. There was a large attendance of brethren. From the statement submitted, it appeared that the capital of the Lodge was over £300, and that the profit of the last half-year amounted to £36 4s 3d. Nine gentlemen were proposed as candidates for membership. Chbistchdbch Total Abstinence So ciety. — An entertainment in connection with this society was given in the Temperance HaU last evening, Mr Joseph Allen in the chair. Messrs Bennetts, W, H. De La Mare, Barnett, and others gave Readings in a very creditable manner. During the evening, Messrs Butterfield, Allen, Bennetts, andMerriman sung several songs, which were encored. There was a good attendance, and the singing of the National Anthem terminated a very pleasant evening. Sericulture.— ln the House of Representatives, on June 29, Mr Stafford asked the Premier when the Government intended to move for the appointment of a select committee to consider . the subject of sericulture—a subject to which considerable attention was directed at the present time. The papers laid on the table of the House indicated that it was the intention of the Government to move for such a committee. Mr Fox, in reply, said the Colonial Treasurer had just informed him that he had a resolution on the subject, which he intended to bring forward. Ellesmkee. — In the House of Representatives, on June 29, Mr Potts moved that there be laid on the table of the House copies of any correspondence that may have passed through the Attorney-General's office relating to the opening of the outlet of Lake Ellesmere. Within the last few years, Mr Potts observed, local industries had been established at Little River, and several mills erected, the proprietors of which were anxious that the lake should not be let out, as it would interfere with the conveyance of timber to supply the southern districts. Exactly, but what about the farmers all round the lake, who have pasturage rights over the ground submerged? Mr Potts' motion was agreed to. Little Rivee Road Board. — A meeting of ratepayers was held at the new office of the Board in Bevin's Bay on Friday, July 1, Mr John Gebbie in the chair. ■ It was proposed by Mr T. H. Parkinson, and seconded by Mr David Gebbie, that Mr George Hamilton; of McQueen's Bay, is a fit and proper person to serve on the Board, in place of Mr William Birdling resigned. The proposition, being put to the meeting by the chairman, was carried without disßent. The Board then held the usual monthly meeting, at which the following accounts were passed, and ordered for payment:— -John Suart, £20 10s, for contract for building new Board office; Radford, £8 6s 3d, for repairs to roads ; Messrs Ward and Reeves, £3 9s Bd, for advertisements, &c. It was resolved that the following resolution be placed upon the minutes:— " That the thanks of the Board be tendered to Mr William Birdling for the use of a Board room, which he has kindly placed at the Bervice of the Board for several years past." It was resolved that, for the future, the monthly, meetings of the Board take place at 1 o'clock p.m., on the first Friday in each month, instead of 12 at noon, as heretofore. Savings Banks.— Mr Stevens has obtained the appointment by the House of Representatives of a select committee, consisting of Messrß Howorth, Reader Wood, Dignan, Waring Taylor, Yogel, and himself, to consider and report upon the expediency of legislating on the subject of the Savings Banks still in existence under the Savings Banks Act, 1858. In moving for the appointment of the committee, Mr Stevens stated that in his opinion the subject was one of great importance to the fostering of the interests_ of these institutions. There was no provision by which any deficiency in the principal by loss on securities could be made up. He was informed that Savings Banks in the colony were receiving deposits at the rate of £20,000 per annum, and he did not know whether the depositors were sum* ciently secured. It became a question whether, seeing that Post-Office Savings Banks had been established, it was necessary to keep the Savings Banks open. He did not find that any provision had been made for the absorption of the funds accumulated, amounting, he believed, to a considerable sum, and he might state that he had been aske 1 by several trustees to whom the funds belon god.

Theatee Royal. — " Leap Year," and " Lend me Five Shillings," were repeated at the Theatre last evening to a fair house. Railway Gauge. — Mr Macandrew, in the House of Representatives, moved the following resolution, which was agreed to :— K That a select committee be appointed to consider and report as to whether or not it is expedient to provide by law that there shall be one uniform railway gauge throughout the colony, and to the most suitable dimension of such gauge. Committee to consist of Mr Curtis, Mr Fox, Mr Hall, Mr Gillies, Mr Main, Mr Richmond, Mr O'Neill, Mr Stafford, Mr Rolleston, Mr Taylor, and the mover. Three to be a quorum. With power to call for persons and papers. Report to be brought up in a month." In moving the resolution, Mr Macandrew said it would-be recollected that about three years ago a similar committee had reported upon this question, but since that time there had been effected very great improvements in regard to the construction of railways, and what might be deemed best for the country then might not be best for the country now. He was himself a believer in the narrow gauge— the three feet six inch gauge, but he did not know what opinion the committee might hold upon that point. He had selected gentlemen who he understood took a great interest in the matter, and who, he felt sure, would enter upon the consideration of the subject with impartiality and earnestness. Heathcote Road Board. — The Board held a meeting yesterday at the Board Office, Perry Road, when there were present, Messrs Kennaway (chairman), Fisher, Ensor, and Garland. The minutes of th« previous meeting were read and confirmed, and the following correspondence was read and considered : — Letter from the Spreydon Road Board, requesting this Board to pay half the cost of metalling the footpath on the west side of Colombo street south, from the belt to the pound. The Surveyor was instructed to have the work done, provided the Spreydon Board will pay the half-cost. A memorial from residents on the east side of the east belt, requesting the Board to have the road and footpath on the belt made fit for traffic. ' The Surveyor was instructed to take steps to get a footpath made and metalled from Hereford street to opposite Lichfield street. A letter from Mr G. Scrutton was read relative to the saltwater flowing over his land in the Heathcote Valley, and requesting the Board to have a flood gate fixed and other improvements made, so as to prevent the water damaging his property. After considerable discussion, it was decided that as the work, did not come within the province of the Board, it could not therefore entertain the application. A letter from the chairman of the Board of Conservators, intimating that a general rate of one penny in the £ had been levied upon the rateable property within the district, and that the said rate would be considered at the Resident Magistrate's Court on the 25th inst., at 11 a.m. A letter from Mr Packe was read requesting that gravel be placed on the Lower Avon Road, near the Slaughter-house Road. The Surveyor was instructed to reply, and state that the Board would take the application ,into consideration when the weather will admit of the work being done efficiently. Letters from Messrs Hebden and Snedden relative to the condition of the old Stanmore Road, . when the Surveyor reported that he had caused the footpath to be metalled a part of the way on this road, and the Board instructed him to complete the metalling of the footpath. A letter from Mr Wheeler was read, asking to have a footpath made and metalled near his property by Wilson's Bridge; but the Board decided that as the road was a private one, it could not spend money on it. A letter from Mr Piper was received, requesting that the accommodation road leading past their brick-yard should be repaired, and agreeing to assist in the work. The surveyor was directed to arrange with Mr Piper respecting the repair of the road. A memorial from residents in Matheson street was read, asking to have the footpath shingled on the east side of the street; the surveyor was instructed to place metal on the same when the horse and cart belonging to the Board is at liberty. The consideration of metalling the Cemetery Road was deferred until some arrangement can be made about obtaining the necessary metal. After passing accounts for work done, the Board adjourned. Thomson's Road Steamers. — The following particulars as to the price of these steamers will be interesting : — For £500 an engine can be purchased which will draw 8 tons at the rate of 2J to 6 miles an hour ; while, for double that sum, a 25-horse power engine may be obtained, capable of drawing a weight of 25 tons up the same gradient and at the same speed. It is calculated that when running on an average road the consumption will be under two pounds of coal per mile for each ton of gross load, and the consumption of water is about seven pounds to each pound of coal. An eight-ton road steamer carries 250 gallons of water and six cwt of coal, the water lasting half a day, and the coals a whole day. Trains of waggons to carry from four to five tons each are supplied at from £55 to £70, and the axles, wheels, springs, and necessary iron works may be supplied to the colonies without the bodies. These would cobl from £35 to £65. One man and a youth are required to work a road steamer and train. An 8-horse power roadsteamer suitable for ploughing and agricultural purposes costs £520, and patent ploughs adapted to the engine cost from £56 to £100. A road engine of 3 -horse power, having a comfortable covered carriage mounted on the wheels, with seats for four passengers inside, and with seats for servants, costs £500. It will run at a speed of eight to ten miles an hour. It is mounted on springs, and one man can steer and attend to the fire. A road steamer capable of drawing a patent omnibus, with 65 passengers, cos s £550 j and a road steamer capable of carrying 105 passengers, or two omnibuses carrj-ing 50 each over h'My roads at tLe rntc

; of seven miles an hour, costs £650. The road steamer can be turned with the utmost facility on the most crooked roads of ordinary width, and the goods, waggons, and omnibuses, when in tow, follow the track round corners, and through gateways with the utmost precision. Mr Thomson's paten omnibuses, on indiarubber wheel tires, to carry 40 passengers, cost £320 ; an omnibus to carry 65 passengers, £375 ; to carry 105 passengers, £450. The road steamers art manufactured by T. M. Tennant and Co., Leith ; and Mr R. W. Thomson, C.E., Edinburgh, is the patentee. Saint Bartholomew's Day. — The Patrie of March 20 has the following item amongst its / aits divers : — An autograph worthy of the attention of savants was discovered in Paris last week in the shop of an antiquary situated near the Temple. This autograph is written on the cover of a manuscript Lime d'heures (scrap-book), which belonged to Catherine de Medicis. There is a legend connected with this book. It has been for a long time in the possession of a shoemaker's family, the chief of which, aged 65 years, tells us that he received it from his father, and that he believes ir's father received it at the sacking of the hotel de Se vigne in '93.Thebook is very coarsely bound. It carries on the cover the crown and insignia of the queens of France, half effaced, and the letters M. and C, interlarded in the same manner as people observe them on the columns of the Louvre and the Halle aux bles. This book belonged, without any doubt, to Queen Catherine de Medicis. The autograph, however, is the most curious part of it. It is believed to be the handwriting of Henry, Duke of Guise, and .it contains simply these words : — " Tout est prest pour le 24 " (all is ready for the 24th.) It is signed "Le B." This signature has puzzled the amateurs very much. It is easy to explain it, however. It signifies, we believe, le Balafre, the name under which Henry of Lorraine was particularly known. These words referred, without any doubt, to the terrible 24th August, 1572, the eve of the Massacre of Saint Bartholomew. This precious book has been sold to a Russian amateur at the price of 3500 francs. It is cheap. The Fijis. — The following interesting letter appears in the Oamaru Times of July 5, as from its own correspondent. It is dated Vanua Levu, May 7 :— On the 14th April a great public meeting of the white inhabitants took place at Levaka (our principal town), to consider and discuss the most advisable course to adopt for the protection of life and property in Fiji. Two or three schemes were brought before the meeting. No serious disturbance on any large scale has taken place between the white inhabitants and the natives, but the former have been subjected to many petty annoyances at the hands of the latter, indeed, worse than annoyances, several cases of assault upon settlers having occurred. Recently several natives maltreated a settler and his wife, but they were severely punished by their chief, indeed, it is fair to say that in most instances of the kind the chiefs visit such offences with condign punishment. Bat .what is wanted is a state of things wbich would prevent the commission of such offence 3, and accordingly the meeting appointed representatives to draw up reports of the condition and requirements of the several districts, and a committee to receive . and . consider the different reports, with . a view to making arrangements to protect ourselves till some power will consent to take care of us. This would be a great object attained,, as in the present state of affairs capitalists are afraid to invest in Fiji, and settlers are deterred from embracing the advantages of its fertile soil and temperate climate. I do not mean to imply by this statement that Fiji is at a standstill ; on the oontrary, though not progressing so fast as it would do were all fears as to the safety of life and property removed, there are yet considerable numbers of Europeans continually coming here from Sydney, Melbourne, (via Sydney), and New Zealand. These buy their land from the whites and natives, and are settling down in all directions. There are large tracts of available hind in different parts of the larger islands. The crops of cotton this season look remarkably well, and I think most of our planters will gather rich harvests. Labour is continually pouring in from different quarters —great numbers of Tanna, Sandwich, and other islanders being employed in different parts. As to the living here, we have not much to complain of, except a want of freih meat. A regular supply of good fresh mutton or beef would be a great boon. Smoked mutton is in great favour here— the salt beef we get from Sydney being very indifferent. Fresh fat, fit for culinary purposes, is also a great requisite. Vegetables are plentiful, but some of us would like much to get a good potato occasionally. Imports of all kinds are continually coming from Sydney, to which port our cotton is all sent, though I have heard some of the planters express an intention of endeavouring to ship it to Lyttelton or Auckland, and bring supplies from New Zealand— it being so much nearer Fiji than Sydney. Postal communication between New Zealand and here is very irregular and unsatisfactory. I got your letter, but the papers you sent me have not come to hand. Indeed, nearly all the letters and papers go astray, and turn up— if at all — at long intervals.. I get a letter once in six months. I send you some Fiji papers, which I hope may reach you all right. I cannot as yet tell you the result of the deliberations of the Self -Protection Committee. The Committee is averse to the sale of fire-arms and munitions of war, being anxious to prevont the possibility of bloodshed. I hope, by next opportunity, to hear the Committee's report, of the nature of which I will acquaint you. I feel sure, however., j that the different districts will agree, and' combine to form a powerful resistance tt native intiigue ; though for myself I do not think it probable that the natives will make nny In.ntile advances.