Local & General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4097, 8 June 1881, Page 3

Local & General.

I TT.A.O. DBT7TD3. — The usual fortnightly meeting of the Perseverance Lodge waa held last night in the lodge-room, Addington, P.A. Bro Skinner presiding. There waa a_ good attendance of members, also several visiting brothers. The Lodge being opened, correspondence waa read from the Grand Lodge, appointing PA. Bro Willsteed, D.P. for No. 20 District. There were three candidates initiated and two proposed for membership. After some further buaineaa had been transacted, the Lodge waa closed in due form. — 'An adjourned meeting, for the purpoae of taking steps f o open a new lodge of the above Order, was bald at the Grosvenor Hotel laßt evening, and tc receive nomination money and other buaineaa. D.P. Bro Samuels occupied the chair. Propoaitiona were taken for the name of the Lodge, when two were taken, viz. : "The Star of the South" and "The Campbells." It waa decided that D.P. Bro Samuels and the Secretary wait on Dra Moore, Anderson, and Irving with reapect to their appointment of Lodge Surgeons, and that the propositions remain open until next Tuesday, when it is hoped that all those whoae names are on the list and those interested in the movement will attend. A vote of thanks to the Chairman emcluded the meeting. IJiocesas Association. — At the meeting of the Diocesan Sunday School Association, to be held in St John's School-room to-mor-row evening at half -past seven o'clock, the Bev. H. W. Handa is to give a lecture on '" The '.tabernacle in the Wilderneas." Our leaders may be reminded that these meetings are open both to members and the public without charge. Ebtision Cotxbt.— The Court for the revision of the county electoral rolls for the Ridings of Avon, Heathcote and Lincoln waa held before Nugent Wood, Esq., Judge, at the Besident Magistrate's Court. Mr Jameson was in attendance with the rolls, to which there were no objections, and they were duly signed as correct by the Judge. Committal fob, Incendiarism.— At the Police Court this morning John Duncan alias Henry Brown was committed for trial on two charges of incendiarism for maliciously setting fire to a houae on the East belt, owned by Mr W. Stoddart, on May 23 last, and for being the author of the recent fire in Mr W. Brice's buildings, Oxford terrace. The prisoner waa undefended, and made no statement at the conclusion of the cases. Bible Chbistian Chttech.— A tea-meet-fig to celebrate the opening of the Bible Christian Ohurch. in Lower High street, was held last evening. A large number of persons sat down to an excellent tea provided by the members of the congregation and a few friends. At the close of the tea a public meeting was held in the church, which was largely attended. The chair was occupied by Mr C. B. Taylor. The Rev J. Crewea gave a statement of the financial position of the Church, and addresses were delivered by the Bevs Baumber, Perry, Taylor and Wilson, and Messrs Beid and Knipe. Nobth C'antbbbtjbt Bacbs. — A meeting of the Stevards of these races was held in the Junction Hotel, Rangiora, when the question of the financial position of the Olub was considered, and it was found that nearly sufficient subscriptions were paid and promised to meet the preaent liability. Mr M'Grath said that he was willing to make some arrangements with the Committee respecting the enlargement of the course, hut as there waa hut a small attendance, the matter was deferred. The meeting then went into Committee to make up the balance of the funds, the membera subscribing the balance amongst themselves. - - -.-:_- -—■- rSutHS-^rawo * -'% Nelson Eivbotion.— The election for Nelson City has resulted, as was expected, in the return of Mr Levestam, and the defeat of Mr Richmond. Mr Levestam's majority was 31. Judicial. — Ohief - Justice Sir James Prendergasl and secretary were passengers from Wellington by the s.a. Te Anau, yesterday. Mr Justice Johnston also returned from Wellington by the same steamer. Nbw Wobks at Ashbitbton.— The tender of Jenkins and Sande (labour only) for the erection of Mecsrs P. and D. Duncan's new wCx'ks at Ashburton, has been accepted. Ajshbttbton Chess Club. — At a recent meeting of the Ashburton Chess Club, it was arranged that the annual subscription should he 5e per member; and that Mr Toosey ahould be Secretary and Treasurer. CotrasiNG. — The Canterbury Conning Club's Puppy Stakes and Publicans' Purse will be commenced to-day in the vicinity of Bangiora. Provided the weather keeps fine, s pleasant day's sport should be afforded. Suddbh Dbath. — An elderly man named George Cooper Pawaey, who has resided at Ohoka for some years, died suddenly on Monday morning. He had been ailing for some considerable time, and yesterday an riquest was held on hia body, when a verdict of "Died from natural causes " was returned in accordance with the medical evidence. Ltttblton Bbabs Band.— The first practice of this 1 and was held last evening, about twelve instrumentalists attending. Subscriptions in aid of the Band Fund are being solicited, and yesterday those who had lists met with very encouraging succeas. There iB no doubt the required funds will Boon be raised, aa a good band in the Port would be very enlivening. The Band is in good hands, and will be well managed. Wksleyan Muttjal iMraoTHMBNT Association. — The usual weekly meeting was well attended, about 50 members and visitors being present. Tho Bev W. Baumber occupied the chair, and, after confirmation of minutes, introduction of several new memfcjrs, kc, the work of the evening was proceeded with. A number of essays by junior members were than read. Criticisms followed, some kindly counsels being tendered, and satisfaction expressed at the evident progress made. Thb Dbaixagb Boabd and thb Batbpaybbs. — A. crowded meeting of the rateSyere was held last night at the Oddfellows' ill, where Mr John Ollivier gave a long address upon the drainage question. The meeting unanimou?ly agreed to a resolution pledging them to oppos.- the proposed Drainage Bill, and requesting the members for the District to nppo^ it in Parliament ; also Jecomro*ndir:,T the s ; gning of petitions to Parliament nravine for the rejection of tho BO]. * Accidbst. — A young man named Eldred Beeve, a carpenter, employed in Messrs Boyd *nd Eeir's workshops at Bangiora, met with a savere accident jeeterday morning. He was engaged in cutting a piece of wood with one of the circular sawa in the aawing and planing shop, wnen gome moanß n i 8 right hand camo in contact with tho saw, which completely severed the thumb, and so severely lacerated the rest of the hand that it ia feared amputation wiU have to be resorted to. Dr aiacuarthy dressed the limb, and recommended P"r«movai to the Hospital for further treat-

mi iMim in ■■!■!' ,mMinhwmaatmaKßmmymmmrM,mttntttma*a Intsbbuptioh ov Cablb Communication. —The overland line between Adelaide and Port Darwin ia interrupted; hence wehave no telegrams from beyond Auatralia to publish to-day. Cement Patent.— A patent haß been issued to Mr W. A. Ewing, of Dunedin, " for the manufacture of a certain cement to be called ' The New Zealand Cement,' and to be made fiom a calcareous sandstone of the Oamaru, Waipara, and Pareora formations, found in various parts of the Colony. Houbb Accommodation at Eaiapoi— lf the scarcity of home accommodation ia a sign of prosperity, Kaiapoi ia to be congratulated on being in the ascendant, as auch a thing as an empty house is not to be found in it. There ia a good field open for speculation, as. there are several applicants for houses at the present time. Good Templab Funbbal at Ashbwbton. —Mr William Hawkins, saddler, Tinwald, a young man who died very suddenly on Sunday last from the bursting of » blood-vessel, was yesterday afternoon buried in the Ashburton Cemetery. He was a leading member of the Tinwald Lodge of Good Templars, and the members of the order in the town and suburbs resolved to bury him with Templar honours. The eortige. was composed of a large number of brothers and sisters in regalia, who preceded the corpse. Six degree members walked by the aide of the bier, and the rear was brought up by many friends of the deceased. The Templars, of couwe, went on foot, as usual, the others being on horseback. The funeral service of the Order was read at the grave. Annual Licensing Coubt.— The annual meeting of the Licensing Court was held yesterday at the Resident Magistrate's Court. All the applications for new licenses were refused, excspt one, that of Mr F. Day, of Sumner, which was adjourned for a fortnight. The Bench expressed very strong opinions as to the manner in which the Riccarton Hotel waß conducted, especially with reference to the recent case of gambling, whereby a man (G. F. Hulston) lost a horse and dray— which wa3 not his property — to a son of the licensee ; and they adjourned the application for a renewal of the license for a fortnight. Several persons holding wine and beer licenses were complained against on account of insufficient accommodation in their homes, and the licenses were withheld for a fortnight. Presentation. — Mr J. T. Hart, who haß filled the position of Ohief Clerk and Cashier in the Customs' Department of this city for many years past, has recently been promoted to the position of Landing Surveyor at Wellington, lhe officers of the department wishing that he should not depart without some memento of his long association with them, assembled at the Christehurch office yesterday evening, when Mr Rose, on behalf of his brother officers, congratulated Mr Hart on his promotion, and assured him that they all experienced regret at parting with one whom they had known and esteemed for the past eight years, and hoped he would be prosperous and happy in his now home. Mr Rose then begged Mr Hart to accept a very handsome silver plated inkstand, bearing a suitable inscription, and a silver-plated cake basket of elegant design. Mr Hart, in aecepting the souvenir, expressed hia thanks to his brother officers for their present to hiir, and for their kind wishes for hia future welfare. Timabu Bbbaiwatbb.— An idea of the • seas -which the Timaru. Breakwater has to withstand may be gathered from the fact that one of the two lamps on the eeaward end of the work waa smashed off the iron standard on which it was fixed, at a height of twenty feet above high-water mark. Thiß took place during the heavy easterly weather experienced this week. The Timaru Herald says :— The reaction caused by the Breakwater on each succeeding wave is very marked, and the back-wash may be clearly traced, in such a sea as was running yesterday, right across the George street channel on to the reefs beyond. This upholds the theory, held by a few, that a shingle spit would form to the southward of the mole, at a point where the cross action of the waves iB least felt, leaving a lagoon of comparatively still water between it and the Breakwater. The action of the seas yesterday was decidedly to scour away the shingle deposited against the work, and to shift it lower down the beach, near the spot where the railway authorities once built groins of pipes and planking. It is an actxal fact that tho shingle does not extend bo far out as it did at the time the temporary work was undertaken for the purpose of overtaking and passing it. The Medical Superintendent of the Asylum wishes to acknowledge, with thanks, a present of 12 horea for the use of the patients from Messrs Walker and Clogstoun, Four Peaks station. An adrertisement elsewhere states that the Malvern Licensing Court is adjourned until further notice. A meeting of dairymen will be held thia evening athalf-past seven at the Botherfield Hotel to protest asrainst the licensing of da'riea. The following will represent the Bavenß Football Clnb in their match against the Lincoln College Football Club, to be played at Lincoln on Saturday next :— Messrs Perker, Kinvig, Farr, Joynt, Buchanan, Hawkea.Farr, Stringer, Hyman, Shackleton, Smith, Blanchard, A. G. Ataok, Buok, and Evans. A drag will leave Leach and Lewis* stables at 12.15 p.m. Colours, blue and white. Any of the above who ara unable to play are requested to let tha Secretary know as soon as possible. A Tough Old Ohihp.— A Northern paper says (but we do not believe it) that a singular accident happened to Rewi on hig way to the Hikurangi meeting. He fell down a preoipice 70 feet deep, from which he waa taken up insensible by Messrs Ross, Thompson, and " Mokau Jones." Rewi, when he recovered consciousness, asked to be dipped in the Punui river, and afterwards found that he had recovered the üb« of his left arm, whioh had been for some time previously paralysed. Rewi was carried back to his residence at Punui, where he remains for the present. A Saltbd Claim.— The aphorism that ''AU that glitters ia not gold" was fully realised the other day by an over-sanguine shareholder in a quartz claim, not far from Wellington, in the course of a trial crushing in thiß city, whose "glorious summer" of anticipated dividends was at one fell swoop converted into a very " winter of discontent." A parcel of stone was brought into town as a trial crushing, and during the opera* tion some of the shareholders were busily engaged, glassed in hand, inspecting the quartz. One of the number, while turning over the heap, came across a lump of shining metal, which he fondly believed was a piece of the " right stuff." Hia fond anticipations, for a time at least, were, however, doomed to be blighted. The " patoh " was eagerly scanned by those preaent, one of whom applied aquafortis, which at once proved that the metal was nothing more than a piece of fused brais, which had been placed there by some wags, who, of course, were not far off when the " find " was made. So Gently Tapping on the Chambbb Floob. — The chief of one of our principal telegraph offices possesses a fair voice and some knowledge of musio, and he is accordingly in request at concerts for benevolent objects. He is also popular with his subordinates, who can venture on a little joke with him. Their latest idea is to attend the concerts in full force. When their chief comes on, a tapping ia heard at various points in the Hall. The public cannot understand the tapping, but the singer can. He knows that the telegraphists are signalling to each other, and that auch meßßagea as " What a mouth he's got ! " "Do you see hiß tooth in the upper starboard tier ? " are flying about in the air, and he finds it difficult to keep hia countenance. — Wanganui Herald. Ambbioan " Univebsitibs."— From the annual report of Dr Eliot, President of Harvard University, it appears that acattered over the United Statea there are 360 colleges or institutions called universities— only 28 of which were in existenoe sixty years ago j and of these all but two were at that period distributed over twelve of the thirteen original States. More than one-third of these 360 institutions charge no tuition fee, or only a nominal one — under thirty dollars a year. Amongst the latter are forty-three agricultural and mechanical colleges, endowed by the Government. It is worth noting, in connection with the notoriously rapid progress, both in agricultural and mechanical inventions, in recent years, that these classes of colleges seem virtually to have sprung into existence since tho great civil war, only fivo of their number being of older date, anc these having been re-organised and amplified. A Central Railway Station pob Lon DON. — Tho Morning Post gives an account ol a plan proposed by Mr Charles Waring foi the construction of a central railway terminui at Northumberland Avenue, to which arc tc bo brought the trains of tho North Western the Great Western and tho South Westeri railways. Mr Waring proposes to build hi new station on tbat piece of at present vacan ground belonging to tho Metropolitan Boan of Works whu-h abuts on the Northumbor lar.d Avenue and the Whitehall Place. It wi] be more than double the size of the oxistin Charing Cross station. Mr Charles Barry i associated with the work as architect, an

Mr J. Wolfe Barry and Mr Aitken as engineers. A conference on tho subject of the proposed station haa, it ia stated, already been held at the Metropolitan Board of Works, when Mr Waring stated that he was prepared to purchase the necessary land and privileges from the Board, and to lodgo a Bill in tho next session of Parliament asking for authority to carry through tho enterprise. A Female Refobiibb. — Miss Charlotte G. O'Brien, writing in tho Nineteenth Century, proposes to settle the Irish difficulty on new and original lines. She would aboliah Parliamentary government, and place Ireland under Lord Dufferin or Sir C. G. Duffy aa a Governor-General, in whose hands would liethe whole power of the Executive and the army. She would entrust local affairs to a local assembly of each province, composed of 100 members elected by universal suffrage. These provincial assemblies should elect a National Council composed of 25 representatives for each province, which would manage all publio affaira. "I would govern tho peoplo," sho wntes, "by elected magiatrateß 1 and Crown resident magistrates, elected grand {'uries and Crown Judges ; a police governed iy the local assemblies ; an army governed by the Crown.. Plundering tiib Exhibition. — A Melbourne correspondent sayß : — Talking of haymaking, tho thioves at the Exhibition are having their good time now. Up to tho end of April the detectives were stationed at the doors to keep out the thieves ; and so well did they keep out the regular th'evc- Cat, there was not much thieving done, and what was done was the work of the attendants and of visitors not in the profession of thieving ; but the Exhibition being closed, albeit ita doors are still open to anybody who can raise a shilling, it ia not considered necessary to interpose the detective filter — consequently the good time of those who live by that sort oE industry, whose practitionera have been playfully termed "knights," haß now come. As things have turned out, they may not have occasion to regret having been kept out of the exercise of their vocation until now, for, in the procesß J "*moval of the exhibits, things are a good eal at sixes and sevens. At tables where afc. first the public were requested "not to touoh" now they are invited to inspect, with the object of being induced to purchase ; and, in this way, a good many artioleß pass by the process of legerdemain which would not pass if the prestidigitators had not first been pasßed at tbe doors. Wellington Lunatic Asylum. — Acorrespondent sends the Otago Daily Times the following information regarding the Wellington Lunatic Asylum : — " The shower-bath of infamous notoriety in Mount View Lunatio Asylum has been entirely removed; like other relics of barbarism, when brou^t under the light of a healthy public criticism it will no longer Berve as a terror to evildoers among the insane of that establishment. HaU, the patient kept eight months in a straightjacket, now goes about like any other inmate. Hia form of insanity is dementia, with occasional periods of temporary excitement. Whitelaw was the round j.cg in the Bquare hole. He had the merit of being an excellent gardener, and laid out t ! >e Asylum grounds and planted them with ; rnamental trees. Had Lord Kinnaird limited the eulogies he bestowed on the son of hie housekeeper to his talents as a landscape gardener, the peg might have been made to fit elsewhere. To make a gardener or railway porter into a manager of mentally-diseased persona was ludicrous, had the consequences not been so disastrous. Liquor ia no longer given in Mount View Asylum. There used to be a liberal distribution either to patients or officers, most probably to the latter, so there was no great harm done excepting to the Treasury and to the tempera of attendants. There is a quieter tone existing, and no appearance of restraint, despite its previous alleged necessity."