LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3951, 16 December 1880, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

♦i P ?» L r E £ OUET --Thcro was no sitting of tho Police Court this morning. g Eclipse of the Moojr.-There will be a total eclipse of the moon this ovening immediately after midnight. The Nbw MANAGEB.-It is stated that Mr Henry Law, at present manager of th-, •n v i. New Zeala nd, Newcastle, N.8.W., wW be tho new manager at Ohristchurch. rones Builoings ik Ltttelton.— A gang of prisoners are at work levelling tho site for the new police buildings in Port, and the stone for the foundation is being stacked on the ground. Thero seems to be a prospect of these long promieed buildings being: erected now. * Sunday School Fete.— This morning the children attending the Wesleyan Bunday school, Avonvillo, accompanied by theur teachera and friends, marched with bannersinto tho city, whence they proceeded by tramway to Papanui, and there spent tho day in mirth and recreation. "The Floral Beauty."— The engineer of one of tho locomotives running on tho Papanui Tramway has evidently a love for flowers, for gonerally his engine bears a floral decoration. Tlilb morning, however, he had a splendid display of floral ornamentation in honour of the day, and it is proposed, therefore, henceforth that his locomotive Bhall bo called " The Floral Beauty." Explanatory. — Councillor Taylor, on behalf of tho Sanitary Committee of the Oity Council, yesterday, at the reunion in honour of the installation of the new Mayor, took occasion to repudiate all responsibility as to* the existence of nuisances. He said that tho Board of Hoalth had not yet delegated its powers to the Oity Council, who consequently had no jurisdiction in the mattor. Dhbp Sea Fishing Company.— A project is on foot in Lyttelton to form a deep sea fishing company. A meeting of those interested was held on Tuesday evening, when the names of twelve intending shareholders wore obtained. It iB, we understand, intended to limit tho. number of shareholders to that number, and the nominal capital of the company will probably ba £1000. It is intended to purchase the cutter Dove, to commence operations. Timabu Harbour Wobks.— The Harbour Board having abandoned the idea of carrying out the extension of the harbour works by day labour, tenders are invited for the construction of Contract No. 3. Plans and specifications will be ready for inspection afc the Engineer's office, Timaru, after Dec. 23. Tendors are to bo sent in not later than noon on Jan. 5 next. «, To-day's Excursions. — Holiday-makers had a choioe of excursions to-day, no less than four places boing accessible by wator. The Union Company nn their steamer Wanaka to Akaroa, where a regatta was advertised to be hold, the steamer to roturn in time for the last train f -om Port to Ohristchurch. The p.s. Titan ran to Little Akaloa, tho s.s. Akaroa to Pigeon Bay, and, remaining closer home, the steam launch Lyttelton to Governor's Bay at intervals during the day. Thb Pobt. — The numerous arrivals during the last few days havo made the Port look quite busy again. Yeßtorday there were thirty-six vessels at tho wharves, exclusive of the Bay traders, all busy, either loading or discharging. The various sheds aud stores are all busy with wool and general cargo, and altogether work is more plentiful. The goods traffic on the Lyttelton and Ohristchurch lino has of course increased greatly, giving additional employment to woikmen. Accidents.— A little boy named Daniel Spencer, aged three years, was playing yesterday %t hia father's placo, Woolston, on a Btack of firewood, when he fell aud broke his thigh. Ho was at once removed to the Hospital, where he was duly attended to, and is progressing favourably.— Yesterday afternoon a man who is employed occasionally at the Government Buildings at the corner of Armagh and Durham streets, name unknown, was found lying on the floor of tho porter's room in a fit. Mr F. Adams, of the Survey Department, at onco tried all meana in his power to give relief, and went to the residences of several doctors, but found thorn aU out. The man, however, gradually recovered, and last evening was progressing favourably. Caswell Sound Mahblb.— Specimens of the whito-statuary aud dove-coloured marbles from tho Caswell Sound quarries, are to be seen nt the office of Messrs A. TMT'TRae and Co., Oathedral Square. They are all very good samples, though it is stated that they were obtainod merely from tho outorop of the seams. Tho white marble, which comes from the quarries on the south sido of the sound, is of pure colour, and fine grain, and appears free from liability to chip in workirag —a very valuable quality in marbles.. The* dove-coloured, which iB found on the north side of the Sound, appears to possess equally good qualities with tho white marble. Some of the veins in this sample present a very handsome appearance. It may be mentioned that these marbles took the first prize in the* lato Sydney Exhibition. Biflh Matoh.— Tho matoh between the Christchurch Engineer Volunteers and tho Kowai Rifle Olub takeß pluce on Saturday,, at the Cashmere range. The names of the Kowai representatives havo already been published. The Engineers will be represented by Captain Warner, Sergeant-Major Manning, Quarter-Master Sergeant Beattie, Sergeants Buckley and Jenkins, Lance-Corporals Jeffries, and Chapman, Sappers Coßtley, D, Marshall, Jenkins, Williams, Rowen, Gray and Gallau. Emergencies — Sappers Webber, Withers, and M'Ginity. The northerners* have been practising assiduously in tho hope of blotting out thoir provious defeat, and their chance is strengthened by the absence* of some good shots from the Engineers' team. All the membersofthoYolunteersai-c requested to be sure and attend at drill on Friday night for final instructions. Cole's Cibctjs.— The programme at the Circus continues to be slightly modified. Tho clown Pico appears to havo an inexhaustible number of costumes ; last nigbt he was dressed as a school boy. Mr Woo ia Cooke was thoroughly at homo in his great act» turning back Eomersuults through balloons, without a singlo mishap. In the horizontal bar act, the funny " business" was omitted, but in its placo wero substituted some extraordinary feats of strength. The corps of athletes havo reserrod thoir best performances till tbo close of tho season. In the stallion tableaux Borne littlo excitement was caused by the seventh horse refusing to mount to his post, and upon being urgod falling off the steps. He was eventually persuaded to go through his part of the performance. There was a large attendance, and the applauso was vory decided at; the ond of each item of tho programme. The mußoum was again very largely patronised. To-day is the last of tho season, and as it is a holiday, no doubt the attendance at each performance will be unprocedentedly large. LbbstonSchool. — A special meeting of thiß Committee was held on Monday ovoning last in tho schoolroom, Leeßton ; present — Messrs Barnett (Chairman), Luun, Spring, Barroll, and Pearce. The Chairman reported that, as requested, he had arranged with the Revs W. Worker and J. W. Oreo to oxamino tho side school and the infant class. Mr W. Lewis wrote, complaining that the children were continually trespassing in his gardon, and roqueßting tho Committeo to put a stop to the practice. The lottor was referred to tho head master to deal with. The Secretary reported that Mr Barker had succeodod in driving tho pipes for the artesian well to a depth of 12 lft 9in, and that he was unablo to drivo tho plug out, but was confident of a good supply or water if tho pipe woro burst, and suggested that Professor Bickerton should bo asked to drivo tho plujj out with a charge of dynnmitc, the cost r>{ wliich might be raised by subscription. After n littlo discussion, tho Chairman was requested to arrango with ProfCßFor Bickerton to send some one down to blow out tho plug. The Secretary reported thatthe not amount realised by tho concert for tho prizo fund was about £8 15s, and that with tho balanco from last yoar thore was about £1$ available for prizes. Tho Inspector's report was thon considered, and tho prizes allotted in tho various standards. Tho Chairman and Messrs Lunn and Ford wero deputed to purchaso the nocossary books for prizes, and tho Ohairmanwasrequcstodto distribute them on Friday, Doc. 24, The mooting then adjourned*

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LyttbltoK Rowing Clttb. — Several of the members of this Club aro in steady training for the regatta on New Year's Day. Crews are out morning and evening, and some vory good work has beon done. The Club havo lately got a splendid four-oared boat up from Dunedin, and there is no doubl but what they will give a good account of themselves on regatta day.

No Fundb. — An incident that should serve as a caution to intending •■ visitors " to the Resident Magistrates' Courts, occurred at a Northern township yesterday. The fine and costs amounted to 275, and the defendant pleaded inability to pay, and referred to a large family dependent, &0., and finally offered 20s on account. This tho Magistrate accepted, giving a week for the balance to be paid in. Defendant turned round, and was selecting one from a packet of notes, when ha was observed by the constable, who informed the Bench of the prisoner's financial position. Their decision was immediately altered to giving dofendant just one hour to pay the balance in. After about ten minutes, the defendant changed another note ■with tho clerk to the Benoh, and departed, muttering " that he had been stupid."

The Wbathbb and the Gbofb. — Oiir Northern correspondent writes : — Despite the recent heavy and refreshing rains that have been most beneficial to the crops generally, it is but too evident that iv a great many instances the yield of corn will not be so great as was anticipated a month ago. Many of the orops are much thinner than they should be, and in a number of cases, notably on the rich lands of the Mandeville district, there are instances of the effects of blight. The latter is caused probably by the drought which existed at seed time, and partly by the state in which the ground had been for some time past. The crops are all well out in ear, and in some instances the harvest is nearly fit to commence. At Swonnonoa, a crop of "barley belonging to Mr R. TDailey was to have been cut yesterday morning, and it is probable that the work would be expedited as much as possible, as tho wind waa threatening a gale from the north-west.

The following will play for tbe C.C.C. against Linooln, on Saturday next, on the C.C.C, ground, play to begin at 2 o'clock.-— Messrs Booth, Csygill, Davis, Forsyth, Hepburn, Lawrence, Marshall, Soott, Turner, and Wagstaff . The following will play for the Addington Club in their match with the Woolston Club, on Saturday next, on the ground of the latter, a conveyance will laave the Addiagton railway gates at 1.30 sharp : — Mesarj B. Beattie, G. Dixon, J. Hopper, B. Jackson, W. Lodgo, J. Mayne, A. M'Cormiofc, W. Osier, C. Strange, C. Taylor, H. Turner ; emergenoy— J. Nevni. The following is the team whioh will play for the AvonviUe against Papanui, on Saturday :— Mess's T. Fletcher. G. Fletchor, A. Hardio, W. Cavanagh, M*Leaiy, W. Thomson, D. Backet, J. Taylor, B. Eer, Baduliffe, Griffin ; emergencies— Glen and Bapbael. Tbe matoh will be played on the Papanui ground. Tbe tram leaves town at 2,5 p.m. The following will represent tha Bohemian C.C. in their match with the Sydenham CC , en the ground of the former, on Saturday ':— Messrs Free (captain), Jones, Frecce, Bitchie, Mountfort, Wbodham, Jackson, Sheird, Cresswell, Hay, Fisher, Kerr, aud Palmer. Flay to commence at 3.30 sharp. The following .will represent the Bohemian C.C. in their mitoh with the Boyal Oak C.C, on the ground of the latter, near the Gas Works, on Saturday :— Meisra Peacock, Newman, Swan, Gain, Harper, Wood, Chapman, Letchford, Balfour, Pugh, Hills, Graham, A. Newman. Flay to commence at 2.30 p.m. sharp. The following have been selected to play for the Midland Clnbv. Lincoln, on the. Midland ground, on Saturday:— Me »sr« Alpe, Wood, Watson, Powko, Fuller, Pavitt, Palairet, W. H. Ataok, W. Frith, White, M'DonneU j emergencies— Hunt, Dunbar, Bhireff, and Grossman. Play will commence punctually at ll a.m. The following will continus the matoh between the M.C.C.C. and Press Club on Saturday, on I ehalf of the former .* — Messrs Atack, Shand, Fairhurst, Buchanan, Grossman, Gretton, Bailey, Monck, Hill, Shireffaud Kitohin.

Thb Ixaman Fiag.— The Saturday Heview says : — The Italians seem to hare shrewdly taken the measure of their position and its possibilities. They aspire naturally to be a considarable Mediterranean Power, and they intend to show their flag in the Adriatic on at least equal terras with the Anstrians. They hare a long line of coast, . and valuable harbours to defend, are troubled with the care of no distant possessions, nor is their mereanti'e marine of the first importance, and whit money they spend on their navy must be well invested. This is how they stand. To meet their requirements they must have in their judgment a few powerful ships for the shock of battle — the best of their kind. These they are careful to construct, as we hare it on the authority cf their Minister of Marine, ' with a distinct tactical object.' It would be a great mistake to speak of the new Italian ships aa being experiments. We have already seen they were constructed in anticipation of inevitable development. The rest of their navy is principally composed of heavy monitors for coast and harbour defence, with gunboats, drawing little water, suitable for the shallows of tho Adriatic." A Zealous Servant.— According to the latest story from Monaco, the race of faithful, discreet, and at the same time masterful servant?, has not yet died out. A certain German Baron went to try his luck at roulette, and was fortunate enough to win in two sittings the trifling sum of three hundred thousand francs. Taking the money to his hotel he locked it carefully in a strong box in his bed-room. • Next morning the box had vanished, and with it the steady respectable old valet who had been in the family servico for many years. Left thus without cash, the Baron telegraphed to his father for a remittance, explaining the reason why he had so suddenly become penniless. Imagine his surprise, pleasure, aqd annoyance when an answer came back, "Do not be uneasy, Johann is here with all the money you fancy yon have lost. He feared that it would return to the roulette bank, and a3 that offended his notions of economy and prudence, he resolved to deposit the precious treasure in a safe place." This sort of thing is very becoming to the white-haired servitor from a traditional and poetical standpoint, but an overruling providence in a white cravat, who runs away with one's money as well as takes bis wages, is more charming in a novel or on the stage than in real life. The Mecklenburg Baron will not be welcomed at Monaco again unless he has left the particularly zealous attendant behind him. A Bbvolthto Incident. — Melbourne is excited over a revelation of the way in which things are managed in the Hospital there. A female patient was admitted on Nov. 15, suffering from severe accidental burns, and was presumably duly attended to by the surgical staff. Five days later (her injuries never having been looked at in the meantime) she complained in agonising accents that something was crawling under the bandages. ADr Newman, attached in Borne way to the institution, entered the ward, and, in response to the appeal of the unfortunate creature, said he could not attend to her then, but would do so next day. Her cries of distress at this Beemed to have irritated the doctor, who at once ordered her into the refractory ward, and left. The matron, knowing there were violent and refractory patients there, did not obey the order, and, like a feminine " good Samaritan" as she was, on her own responsibility unbound ani dressed the patient's wounds. In these, and eating into the live flesh, she found maggots, some of them an inch in length ! The matter was reported to the Managing Committee, whose first impulse was to mete out such punishment as lay in its power againet the medical man. But other counsels prevailed. Some members, slaves to routine and red tape, were Btruck by the enormity of the offence committed by the matron, who, in acting as she had done, had violated the rules of the institution, which required that she should have reported to somebody else, who would have reported to somebody else, &c. So, says the Southland Newt 1 correspondent, the case is to be enquired into, and, if that clique can have its own way, the matron will be summarily dismissed, and the doctor whitewashed. Thb Sobata Enqtjiby. — The Sorata enquiry was concluded on Dec. 1. Several witnesses were examined, including the lookout man. Mr Downer, the counsel for Captain Fowler, raised a number of technical objections, principally, one showing that the constitution of the Court under tho local act was ultra viret. The presiding Magistrate summed up ai follows .• — After carefully considering the arguments on both sidoß as to tho jurisdiction of the court, we havo coino to the conclusion that in order to give the Court jurisdiction there mu9t be a report, a copy of which must be furnished to tho captain. An assessor must concur in this report. Tho Imperial act recognises the necessity for nautical knowledge, one of its provisions being that on an inquiry before justices, the concurrence o£ one person at least is necesiary before a certificate can be cancelled or suspended. These conditions hayo not been complied with here. This investigation is founded on a complaint which we think bad, it being made by a person omplojod by the Marine Board, and not a third person. Looking at the intention of the Imperial Act so far as it is appli-

cable to this case, and the opinions of their Honors the Judges of the Supremo Court in the case of Madge v. Ferguson, and blbo in tho Lightning case, we consider that this is not such a fixed tribunal as is contemplated by the Imperial Act. On these grounds, wo decide that we have no jurisdiction. The decision of the Court was received with applause.

An Elephants Intblligbncb. — Somo difficulty was experienced on Saturday night in inducing one of the young elephants to go on board the steamer Wakatipu at Wellington. Tho efforts of the men were altogether fruitless, says a local paper, but suddenly the keeper, a slim Yankee, cried out to tho big elephant, " Tommy, come here and put him into the box !" Tho animal TheMtated not a moment, and, pacing quickly up, actually shoved the young one into hiß box. The incident caused some amusement.

OUTBAGHS IV ITALT.— A singularly coldblooded crime has been oommitted near tbe village of Monte Compatri, in Italy. Four I guardian campestri, in the service of some proprietors in that locality, and whose duties among the vineyards may be likened to those of gamekeepers in England, observed on going their rounds together, that some bunches of grapes had been broken off. Thoir suspicions falling on some peasants travelling to find work who had pitched a tent in the vicinity, thoy wont up to it, seized four of thorn, bound them to trees, and, after beating them brutally, constituted themselves into a kind of court-martial to consider what they should do to a fifth, whom they resorved for more exemplary treatment. They concluded to shoot him then and there. Lots were drawn to decide which Bhould do it. One shot was fired at the man and missed him, and then, despite hiß piteous cries for mercy, a revolver was placed at his breast and he was laid dead on the spot. The ruffian who played the part of executioner is already in the hands of the police. The others, who are all well known, will no doubt soon be taken. It is only a few months ago that a small landowner for a similar offence tied a woman to the tail of his horse, and, after dashing her along the road for some distanco, left her lying a pitiable object on the wayside.

A Naval Reminisobnob.— The old tar who steered the Shannon into the memorable action with the Chesapeake off Boston Harbour, on June 1, 1813, has just passed away, having attained tho good old age of 95 years. James Coull started life as a cabinbay in one of the Montrose vessels at the early age of six years. He was afterwards indentured as an apprentice in the brig Concord, of -Montrose, in the year 1801, and while lying at Copenhagen was pressed for the navy the same year. It was when he was twenty-seven years old that the tussle of the Shannon with the Chesapeake off Boston Harbour took place. Coull, who was then a petty officer and volunteer from the Act-son, had the honour ot steering the Shannon into action ; and while doing so he received a musket-ball in his left wrist, which traversed his arm and came out at tho elbow. Coull, however, stuck to his post, and after the vessels had got entangled, by the Shannon's anchor catching hold of the Chesapeake, he formed one of the boarding party led by Captain Broke, receiving a severe scalp wound while scrambling on board. The scalp wound was quickly patched up, but owing to the bullet wound Coull was invalided in 1814, and finally the arm was taken off at the elbow in 1816. Coull was then discharged on a pension of £16 per annum, which was augmented some 14y ears ago by £13 16s, so that he had been a pensioner for the unusually long period of 66 years. Although thus disabled he Bailed for 20 yeara as cook in the whalers belonging to the port of Montrose, besides aoting in the same capacity for aome 14 voyages across the Atlantio in sailing vessels. He was married in early life, but left no ohildren. His remains were interred at Montrose with full military honours by detachments from both branches of the service on October 4, the coffin being borne to the grave on the shoulders of the Coast Guard, and tho farewell volley fired by tho sergeants composing tho permanent staff of the Forfar and Kincardine Artillery Militia.