LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4001, 15 February 1881, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Hanlan Victorious.— lt will be seen from a cablegram published elsewhere that Hanlan has proved victorious over Laycook, having won the race easily. Mabonio Bboaxia.— We hare had the pleasure of examining, at the establishment of Mr 0. P. Hulbert, a magnificent set of Masonio robes and regalia, manufactured by him to the order of the Ashburton Kilwinning Boyal Arch Chapter. We have never seen a more, thoroughly creditable specimen of Colonial manufacture ; and we are assured that the magnificent suite has been produced at as low » price as would be charged in London. The materials used for the robes are blue, cardinal red and purple merino, with heavy trimmings of ermine, and gold braid of rioh design ; and the linings, where any are used, are of white satin. The head dresses are of similarly rioh material ; and the soeptre-like insignia are of native wood, elaborately decorated. The workman* ship throughout is admirable, and is decidedly superior to what v commonly found in articles of a similar nature obtained from England. Few people, we imagine, would have the least conception that an outfit of suoh a character could possibly have been locally produced. An Ingenious Borax.— Messrs W. 8. King & Co. have received samples of a new bottle, produced by an English firm, and intended to be used for holding soda water, lemonade, and aerated drinks generally. The new idea is in the arrangement of the stopper. This consists of a flattened cap, lying over the mouth, with a pad of vulcanised rubber to secure an air-tight joint. A very neat frame* work of white metal holds the cap, and two straps therefrom are hinged to a band passing round the neck. Two small bosses are moulded on the neck of the bottle. To 11 uncork" one of these bottles, the operator presses the cap, and at the same times gives it a half turn. This releases the cap from the pull exercised by the straps, and leaves it free to fall over, just as a trap door would do. The bottle can be just as readily re-corked, and forms a simple and most effective recep» taole for the beverages indicated. Wbsttobt Coai.— The coal export trade of theßuller has gradually improved since its inauguration, from 800 tons in the month of September to 2000 tons for January. This increase is likely to continue, the Westport Colliery Company having secured extensive railway coal supply contracts, which they enter upon at once. The consumption on these railways is something considerable, and will cause the employment of an in* creased number of collier craft. The local coal is about to be introduced to several parts of the Colony where it has not hitherto been used. The schooner Wild Wave takes a cargo to Patea, the brigantine George Thorn* ton to Onehunga, and the steamer Beautiful Star to the Bluff, at each of which places it will doubtless become as popular as elsewhere. The coal ib improving wonderfully in qualify as it is being driven upon, and the incline railway, about the success of which there was so much doubting, is working splendidly. Thbbshino Maohihh TsiAiu— The trial of Bobey'e threshing machine, which was to have taken place on Thursday, at Mr King's farm, Biccarton, is postponed until Friday. The Bobey machine ia comparatively a new importation in Canterbury, and is, consequently, not bo well known as those of other makers. The special advantage claimed for it is that the frame of the combine, being made entirely of angle iron, the machine is lees liable to shake and wear out, and thus furnishes satisfactory results as to the quality of the work done, for a longer time *h»n the ordinary machines. How far this claim can be substantiated is a matter of great interest to both maohine owners and farmers, who will be able to judge for themselves by attend* ing the trial on Friday next. 8x Vaxjwtinb's Day.— The time-honoured custom ia connection with 8t Valentine's Day does not Beem to have been observed yesterday to the same extent as in former yean, the Poßt-ofllce, though in excess of the ordinary amount, was not so great as to deserve any special mention. The •• hard times " are »o doubt to blame to a considerable extent for this, but still it may be that the custom is falling somewhat into decay, like many others ot greater importance and wider observance* Ths Bivjjb BAKKB.-The plantations On the bank of the river between Victoria and Armagh street bridges, whioh have for some time past presented a rather unkempt and neglected appearance, have received a few much-needed attentions in the way of weed* ing and clearing the footpath, considerably to the improvement of the appearance of the plantations. Bbsidbkt Maoktbatb'b Copbt.— There was no business transacted on the criminal side of this Court this morning, there being a clean oharge sheet. A number of civil cases for various amounts were adjudicated upon, but nothing of publio interest transpired in the hearing of them. Counoillob &IABTBBB.— It is stated that Councillor Charters, in deference to the wishes of some of the Councillors of the Borough of Bydenhain, and also of ratepayers of that Borough, has withdrawn his resign-.- 1 tion and consented to serve until his term of oillce expires. Colonial Tvnbb.— We are glad to learn that there it every prospect of some exceptionally large orders for string binder twine being given to one of our local manufacturers. To illustrate the extension which may possibly be given to this industry, we may mention that one Ghriatchuroh firm alene, during the past season, has sold no fewer than 2,000 boxes of binding wire, eaoh box containing 200 pounds weight. In the opinion of some of those who are best qualified to form an opinion, tho wire-binding attachments will continue to be yety largely used for some years t« come./^ja '££~ti&2£Z?u;: Thbßoyb* High Sohooi.— Messrs Oreig and Hunter, the contractors for the Boys' High Bohool, have just commenced the construction of a commodious swimming bath at the back of the building. The walls of the bath will be of Btone, lined with a foot thickness of concrete, while the fioor will be of concrete. Tho water supply will be obtained from artesian wells. Tub Tbmpbbakob Hoim — This fine building is vow rapidly approaohing completion j the contractors aro engaged in fitting up the interior, and in putting the finishing touches to the front, whioh already presents a somewhat imposing appearance. ok Commbhcb.— The quarterly general meeting of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday afternoon, when thero was a numerous attendance of members. Tho President, Mr A. 0. Wilson, delivered an interesting statement, whioh will bo found in the report of the proceeding* published elsewhere. After elooting Mr C. W. Tumor aud the Hon. J. T. Peacock to represent them on tho Harbour Board, the members jMutpoued tho election of a Vice- , President in lieu of Mr Connal, resigned.

Encoubaoiko. -_ The Pr_«vw~_7"_v eight hundred and fifty copilot t£k£ annual report of the Otaffl OoKiJ telton harbour have been eolJaud dirtribuSi thus in all probability having _Sg tfS leading ship owner, of the United Kingdom/ Mbbchanxs' Emplombs* Picmc—A meeting of the merchants' employees 'wa* held laet night at the Bcotch Btor«J, to take initiatory eteps for holding a picnic. It tu deemed advisable to bold a picnic on oneof the Easter holidays, and it was decided to request the grocers' employees to join witb them on the occasion. A general meeting to further consider the matter, will be held at tb* tame hotel on Monday next. St Johh* 8 Tbmpbbakcb Socißrr.-A well attended meeting of this Society waa held last night in the schoolroom. Addressee were delivered by the Ber H. 0. M. Watson, Dr RuMeU,and Mr Jerri*; also a readS from Wilham Carleton'e « Farm BaUadsVA very enjoyable evening was spent, and at the ESfiSa ~ l'* ,*»*••*. WestSn wm Nabbow E«oAPB.-Abouta quarter after eight o'clock last evening, Mr T. HuSonTS Papanuu accompanied by a friend, w dmmg two horses tandem'in a gig throo* Market place, when a dog flew at the Aa£ horse, which, after plungin* and kicking violently for a few second*? slipped eodfX on its side, fortunately without wertumba the gi& the occupants of which manatedto «t out unhurt. On extricating theWlen horse, he was found to be uninjured, aod beyond some damage to the spla»h board of' tbe trap, no harm was done. SrpBNHAK BOBOBGH COTOCO. — The fortnightly meeting of the Sydenham Boron A Council was held at 7 p.m. yesterday ; preset -Ctouncillon Oharters (in the chair), Whit* I Andrew, Kichol, Hall, Joyce, Pavitt, and g»y- THe following letters were read:— From His Worship the Mayor, requeetLtnr the Counoil to excuse bis attendance oe account of domestio bereavement. Councillor Jovce thought that under the circumstances, unless there were some very important business, the Council should adjourn to teetifr their sense of the less His Worship had sustained. Ihe Chairman thought that after the accounts had been passed, the Counol eertainly should adjourn. After the account* had been paxed, Councillor Hall moved, and Councillor Joyce seconded — M That the Mayor's absence be excused, tbis Council deeply regretting the cause that con pels him to be away from tbis meeting.** The motion was carried unanimously, and it win decided « " end » °°PI ©* it to HU Worship tha Mayor. The Council then adjourned. Cbiomt.— A match between Chris?* Ooilege 0.0. and Sunnyside 0.0., wbioh was com. menced on Feb. 5, was concluded on B*turdey last, and resulted in a victory for the former by 10 wickete. The scores were-Bunnyeid». 16 and 50; College, 108 and 20. For the former, C. Seager 22, Moore 16, and Marshall 11 were the highest scorers, and E B. Mathias 21 and 16 not out, H. H. Matbias 15 and 3 not out, and H. Lee 27 lor the latter were the chief contributors. A one innings match between the Christchurch CO. and tha College took place on Saturday, resulting in a win for Christ's College CO. by 12 runs. Tha scores were— College, 77 ; Christohurcb, 68.— A matoh was played on Saturday between the Harewood road 0.0. and the Bohemian 00,. which resulted in a win for the former by 21 runs; the score* were— Harewood road, first innings 75, second 45, total 120; Bohemias* 43 and 56, total 99. For the former, B. Be'l 35 and 2 (not out), Philpott 9 and 10, J). Beese 7 and 11, and Wilson 12, were the chief scorers; and for the Bohemian*, Grossman 5 and 34, and Whiting (a substitute) 20, were the chief contributors. Ihe bowling of Philpott, E. Bell, and Beeee for the Harewood road, and that of Pretoe and Grossman for the Bohemians, was very fair.— A match was played on Saturday by the Standard and Eastern Cricket Globe, which resulted in a victory for the former by 8 wickets and 4 runs. ChbiBtcuubch Cbmbtbby.— The annual meeting of the members of the Christchurch Cemetery Board was held yesterday after* noon in the Provincial Council Chamber* j present— Tne Chairman (Mr J. P. Jameson), the Bev H. 0. M. Watson, and Messrs B_ A» Loughnan, and J. Anderson. The Chairman briefly reported the steps taken during the year to conserve the cemetery grounds, and stated that the fences were in good order. During the year efforts had been made to procure the assistance of the City Council, the Heathcote and the Avon Boad Boards, towards the formation of a road in proximity to tbe cemetery, but he regretted to state that the efforts made in this direction had not been successful. The funds in their hands were not sufficient at present to open up a new cemetery in another part of Chnstohurch. Mr Anderson, the Treasurer, stated that the expenditure had amounted during the year to £159 Is 9d, leaving a sum of £44 to the credit of the Board. On the motion of Mr Loughnan, seconded by the Bev XL OL M. Watson, the financial statement wa* aocopted. The Chairman was reelected, amiMi* Anderson re-appointed Treasurer. The Ber H. 0. M. Watson suggested that the Chairman be empowered to write to the Avon Boad Board urging their claim* to assistance, and that authority be given to him. to procure trees from the Domain Board, and to nave them planted at his discretion. A motion to that effect having been adopted, the proceeding, terminated. TinpjißAi-CB Hotbl Comp abt. — The Directors of tbis Company at their meeting yesterday appointed a Committee to repot ob the furnishing of the hotel, and also to order a billiard table and fittings. Tha Directors also decided to keep the management of the hotel in their own hands, with the assistance of a manager and hi* wife. Paiktbbs' and Pi/umbers' Fiona— A general meeting of the Painters* and Plambera' Picnic Committee was held last evening in the Wellington Hotel, when all business in connection with the picnic was fully gone into and a very liberal programme of sport* was arranged. It was decided to hold a picnio in Governor** Bay, and that the steamer Akaroa be chartered for the occasion. A* no tiokets will be sold after Friday, those who intend to take part in the gathering would do well to lose no time in securing them. A complimentary benefit will be given to Mr J. _L Edmonds by the Sydenham Amateur Master! Society, in the Sydenham schoolroom, 10-mo-row evening. A public meeting ot the ratepayers in the Mandevilla and Bangiora Hoad Board District will fc» held at the Boad Board Office this afternoon, as 2 b'elock ra stoppage of a road. The annual t.a meeting in connection with the anniversary ot Trinity Congregational Church take* place this evening. Tbe inspection parade ot the head-quarter Volunteer Corpe will be held this evening, at half-past seven. A general meeting of members ot the Ch-ist-church Working Men's Club is advertised to be held this evening. The following will represent the JBakers against the Butoher.. on the Association Ground, tomorrow, at 11 a.m. .harp .—Messrs Taylor, Wilt, Llovd, Hiron, Alexander. Bitchio Brunsden, Wells, Donohue, Hopper, Flanigan. Emergencies — Sunderl___d. Drew. Ebert. and Lains. Th following will ploy for the Midland Club oa Friday, against Fifteen of the Agricultural School, at Llneoln :— M> sera At iok, Fairhurat, Edser, White, Cohen, Duubar, Kitchiu, Moncfc. P-Jairet, Pavitt and Hunt. A drag will leave Leich and Lewis' stables, Worcester street, at 8 a.m. punctually.