Local & General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4241, 24 November 1881, Page 3

Local & General.

Southbbidgb Bbabs Band Spoets.— A Oommittee meeting of the above Band was held at the Southbridge Hotel on Tuesday evening. It was resolved to hold sports on Boxing Day, and give a ball in the evening in the Town Hall. Tho following officers were eleoted : —President. Mr W. Graham ; Vice-President, MrT. Wauchop; Treasurer, Mr H. Harman; Secretary, Mr W. Little; Assiatant-Seoretary, Mr J. Gow; Judge, Mr P. Ball. It was decided to get out subscription lists for the purpoae of canvassing for subscriptions. It was resolved that the next meeting be held at Mitchell's Royal Hotel on Tuesday next to arrange programme of sports. Obohebtbal Society's Conobbt. — The attention of our readers is drawn to the programme to be performed by the above Society at tho Academy of Musio this ovening. A capital orohe? tra, consisting of 24 members, and inoluding the valuable assistance of Mr R. W. Kohler's services, will render the accompaniments ; while the imposing array of well-known names among the vocalists, coupled with the excellent selections made, 'should in itself bo sufficient to ensure the patronage of the music-loving portion of the publio. As this musical Association haa always displayed a oheerful readiness in assisting any movement in aid of any worthy public purpoae, under any oircumstances a hearty acknowledgement from the public might be expeoted, but when it is stated that owing to the departure from Dunedin of Mr Coombs— the leader, and for many years Ghrißtchuroh's moat accomplished amateur musician, the concert to-night will in all probability be the laat, as it certainly will prove the he3t given by the Bociety, a crowded and edthusiastic audience is a matter of course. A.0.F., Coubt Pbidb op Richmond. — An entertainment consisting of a leoture and conoert, was given in the jachoolroom, Bingsland, last evening, in aid of the funda of the branch Oourt of the Foresters' Society, which has lately been established in that district. There was a very good attendance j Mr George Bwann took -the Ohair. The lecture, which j was delivered by Dr Rußsell, waß entitled " Friendly Societies," and the doctor very ably pointed out to those present the many advantages to be derived by persons becoming members of Bueh Societies. He further advocated the establishment of Savings' Banks in connection therewith. Tbe lecture, although the title waß a dry ono, proved to be very interesting, as Bhown by the frequent applause accorded to the lecturer. The concert consisted of several songs, both sentimental and comic, which were rendered in a very creditable manner, and altogether the entertainment proved a Buccess. Lbotubb. — "Phrenology: is it True or False?" formed the subject of a leoture by the Rev James Hill on Wednesday evening last at St John's Preabyterian Church, Lyttelton, under the auspices of the Lyttelton Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. The chair was taken by Mr S. R. Webb, as President of the Association. Mr Hill's remarks were almost entirely opposed to phrenology, and after receiving tho strict attention of his audience for nearly two hours he wsb accorded a very enthusiastic vote of thanks for his able diaoourae. Ihtebcokhtcaij Wbathbb Exchange.— Ihe following teleg am has been received :— " Sydney, Wednesday : A moderate depression is passing ovor the South Australian coast from the westward. Cloudy weathe" still continues, with north-east winds in Victoria and Tasmania, and south-west winds in West Australia and New South Wales. The barometer registers— Albany 30.1, Portland 29.7, Hobart 29.8, Sydney 30.0. Accident.— This morning a boy, named Harry Juries,' was playing about an unfinished building, near Manchester atreet bridge, when he fell on a large nail sticking up out of a plank, and received a nasty fleßh wound in the left thigh. He was taken to the Hoßpital, where tho wound waß attended to. Abbbst. — This morning, a woman named Sarah Jane M'Halenny, wa3 arreßted by Detective John Neill, on a oharge of stealing a shawl, a pair of ear-rings and 14s, the property oE William Stevenson, St. Albany She will be brought up at the Police Oourt, to-morrow. Legal — Mr Robert Watson, who was admitted as a solicitor in Fngland in 1860, was on Monday last admitted a barrister and solioitor of tho Supreme Court by his Honor Mr Justice Johnston, at Wellington. Mr Watson intends to practise in Ohristchurch. Conpibmation. — A Confirmation Service will be held by tho Moafc Rev tho Primate on Sunday morning next, at Holy Trinity Church, Avonside, when the morning Eeryice will be full choral - Akaboa County Council. — A meeting of the Akaroa County Council was held yesterday. Mr T. 8. Baker was elected Ohairman. Akaboa Mayoralty.— Messrs Adams and I Meech were the only burgesses nominated on j Saturday as candidates for the office of Mayor for the ensuing year. Rangioba Fibb Bbigadb,— This Brigade met for practice on Monday evening, at the conclusion of whioh the team to compete for tho prize on Boxing Day was eelectod. Judging by the smart manner in which tbe praotice was conducted, this team will be hard to beat. Rubbbb Stamps at thb Metropolitan Show.— Mr J. W. Ffrost, of Wellington, requests us to stato that tho rubber stamps, which were highly commended at the lato Agricultural and Pastoral Association's show, should have been credited to him, not Mr J, Edwards. The latter is only Mr Ffrost's representative. Amatbub Opera.— Taking advantage of the holidays, tho mombors of tho Ohristchurch Operatic Society have finally deoided to pay a visit to Timaru in order to perform " The Chimes of Normandy " in that town for two nighfc?, about Christmas. The cast will be the samo as that with which the piece was first produced in Ohristchurch, with the oxcoption of the part of Gaspard, wbich was then filled hy Mr Portor, who is at present absent from Ohristchurch. Impbovbhbnts in High Stbbbt. — Very considerable improvements' aro now being effected in the buildings in High itreet. Mr Nashelski's old shop is being removed to make room for a handsome brick and stone edifice Tho foundations aro already laid for extensive additions in brick to the Borough Hotel, and a block of three brick shops, oach with a frontago of somo 20ft, is in course of orection, to the ordor of Messrs Garriok and Cowlishaw, on a Bection betwoen Liohfield and Tuam Btreets. The Penguin Knquiby. — The enquiry into the accident to tho Penguin came to a conclusion yesterday, and wo publish elsewhere a full report of tho ovidenco by tolograph. Captain Malcolm admitted that tho accident was caused by an error of judgment on his part, and tho Bonoh, while returning his certificate, administered a severe rebuke to him. The chief officer waa relievod of all blamo ; in fact it was mado clear that had ho not disoboyed a hasty order of the captain's tho vessel would have run a good chanco of being lost. Nobth Oantebbuby Races. — A moeting of tho Committee of theße races was held at tho Hod Lion Hotel, Rangiora, on Monday evoning, at whioh thero woro present Captain Parsons and several members of the Committee. The businoss done was chiefly relative to finance. Tho question of the disqualification of Pippin was brought beforo tho Committee by the Ohoka and JSjreton Committeo, and it was determined to ask the opinion of tho Ellcsmero Ciub on Ihe mattor, they being the originators of tho disqualification. Papanui Pbbsbytebian Chubch.— The annual meeting of tho congregation was held in the church on Thursday ovening loat. Satisfactory reports having been mado by tho Secretary of tho Committeo and of tho Sunday school, the roports woro adopted, and the Committeo for tho ensuing year was olectod. Afterwards, the Moderator having pointed out tho desirability ot securing a aettlod clergyman in tho district, it was roaolvod unanimously to invito tho Hoy F. M. Huuxwoll to become their Ministor. Tho usual Btops will bo takon by tho Presbytery to givo effect to tho withoa of tho congregation. Electoral. — Mr Whilo, junr., one of tho candidates fur Sydenham electorate, addressed tho olectors at the Colombo road schoolroom last ovening. Atthe close cf hia speech, which will bo found reported in another column, tho meoting pledged itsolf to ondeavour to roturn him. Mr J. T. Fisher will address tho electors of tho Hoathcoto district, this evoning, at tho Oddfellows' Hull, Woolston ; to- morrow ovening Mr Montgomery will speak at Pigeon Bay ; and on Saturday ovoning, the Hon W. Rolleston will address tho eleotors of Avon, at the Papanui Town HalL

Thb COBONBBBHIP. — Dr J. W. S. Coward, who has recently returned from his visit to England, has resumed his duties as Coroner. Yaldhubbt Spohts.— A public meeting was held at the Talbot Hotel on Tuesday last in connection with the annual sport?. There was a fair attendance, and having elected a Committee, it was decided to Lold the sports on Thursday, Dec. 29. A subscription list was then openod, and owing to the liberality evinced, the sports promise to be a great success. Ohoka Chubch.— A meeting of tho Committee elected to collect subscriptions to build a church at Ohoka, was held in the Parsonage on Monday evening, at which all the members wero preaent, tho Rev P. R. Inwood in tbe chair. The subscriptions collected up to the present amounted to £250, which wus considered highly satisfactory ; and it was agreed to ask the Standing Committoe of the diocese for a grant, or in the ovent of that not proving available, to borrow an amount under the new regulations. Leoxubb at Abhbubton. — Madame Lotti Wilmot has taken the Ashburton Town Hall for a course of four lectures, the fir3t of which i 9 to be delivered on Bunday next. An effort is to be made by a section of the inhabitants to prevent the lecture being delivered in the Hall on Sunday evening. • Telephone Communication.— Arrangements are being made by Dr Ovenden, of Kaiapoi, and Dr J. M'Kenzie Gordon, of Rangiora, to have their respective establishments connected by telephone. There can be no doubt that in their extended practice this will be found of great advantage both to themselves- and their patients. Meohanios' Institute, Kaiapoi. — A petition is now being circulated in Kaiapoi in favour of a reduction of the annual subscription to this institute, which is being numerously signed. The question will be fully dißouEsed at tho half-yearly meeting of the subscribers in December, and it seems probable will be carried, as thore h a strong feeling in favour of the roduction. Pbesentation. — Mr W. Stirling, a pupil teacher of the Brookside school, was presented by the scholars with a very handsomo writing desk as a mark of respect, and they aleo congratulated him on his passing successfully his entrance examination to the Normal School. Mr Stirling having replied in suitable terms, wished them all farewell, and hoped they wonld be as kind and attentive to his suo cessor. Tbmplbton Spobts. — A meeting of the Sports Committee was held in tbe Library on Monday, when there waa a moderato number present. The Ohairman reported that Mr Rodgers had no objection to horses being allowed on the ground for the purposo of racing, provided no damage was done. A District Farmers' Hack race and a District Farmers' Trotting m atoh was added to tho programme. It was resolved — "That the term district mean within a radius of four miles of the Templeton station ; that all entries for the handicap races close on Saturday, Dec. 3 j that enquiries be mado respecting a band, to report to next meeting ; and that £5 be set aside for the children's sports." The meeting then adjourned. Inquest. — An inquest was held at the Hurunui Hotel on Monday morning on' the body of George Drysdale, before Mr Caleb Whitefoord, Coroner, and a jury, of whom Mr W. Norrie was foreman. The evidence of W. Smith, Frank Holder, Sergeant Scott, E. Powys, and Dr Morris was taken, from which it appeared tbat on Friday laat, deceased, who was 68 years of age, was travelling in the coach from Waiau to the Hurunui, and when near the hotel at the Hurunui, the coach was drawing to one side to avoid a passing trap, and, giving a jolt, throw the deceased, who waß not sober at the time, out on to his head. Messrs Brandt and Smith, the occupants of the trap, picked deceased up and conveyed him to tho hotel, where he received every attention, and Dr Morris was sent for. The medical evidence showed that no bones were broken, but that he died from the sovere shock to the nervous system, being of such an age. The jury brought in a verdiot in accordance with the medical evidence. Cust Litbbiby Institute.— A meeting of the Oommittee of the above Institute was held on Tuesday evening. The objeot of the meeting was tv tako into consideration the present financial condition of tho Institute, and to devise some means whereby the mortgage could be liquidated. The question of ways and means having been discussed at length, it was eventually agreed that the Hon Secretary prepare liets, and that the district be canvassed for subscription?. As an inducement to the residents of the district to subscribe, the present bondsmen have generously decided to contribute £50, providing that tho remaining £100 is raised in the district within six months. It is to bo hoped that tho present effort will prove sucoessf al, m, on account of tho large amount of interest to be paid annually, the Committee aro not in a position to replenish the Library with a supply of new books, and to carry out some much needed improvements in connection with tho building. L.O.L.— A general meeting of the Order waß held at the Orange Hall laßt eveniog, lo receive the balance-sheet and Committee's report in reference to the demonstration at Southbridge on Nov. 5. There was a very Urge attendance of members. Bro D. H. Christie, G.M., occupied the chair. Bro F. W. Parker road the balance-sheet, which showed a very good balanco in hand, and was adopted. A very hearty voto of thanks was passed to tho Committee for the way in which they had carried out their work. The erection of a new hall was then takon into consideration. Mr Lambert produced a plan for tho building, and it was unanimously resolved that a hall be built, and a subcommittee of five members was appointed to roport at a futuro meeting. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings. Aquatic — Tho first heat of the Union Olub'fl senior four - oared race, for the Commodore's prizes, camo off last evening over the usual two • milo course from Wright's to tho Willows. The crews wore : — Electric : Johnson, stroko ; Johnston, 3 ; Duncan, 2 s Read, bow ; v. Thetis : Clark, stroke ; Ward, 3 ; Piper, 2', Black, bow. Johneon went off with tho lead, and after going a couple of hundred yards, took his opponent's water. The latter strained every nerve in the endeavour to rogain his lost position, but without avail. At the Tannery, Johnson had tho race well in hand, and although this was the eaeo he had to row hard several times to stall off the plucky spurts of Clark, who, over-matched os he was, never lost heart during tho wholo race. The Electric ultimately won by two longths. Tho conduct of No. 3 in the winning boat did not refloot vory much credit upon him. Whon a beaten crew is vainly endeavouring to overhaul tho front boat, it does not becomo one of their opponents to place ono hand on tho gunwale and continuo pulling with the othor, besides indulging in severul other little antics. To tho credit o? tho club, bo it said, tho membors spoko of the incident with feelings of disgust. Coopkbative Land Association. — Laat evening tho Genoral Committee of tho Cooperative Land Association Btarted from the Coffee Palace, in ono of M'Alpine's drags, to view tho block of land which hns recently been purchased by tho Association. A number of offers of land had beon received by tho Association, and a sub-Committee, consisting of Messrs Parry, Wugitaff, Bell, and Rhodes, had been appointed to determine on the moet Buitablo block. The ono selected waß a portion of the Lockßley estate, situato in Avonside, on tho New Brighton road, hardly three miles from tho Market place. The Committee, aftor viewing the land, which was obtainod from Messra Garrick and Walton on advantogeous terms, returned to tho Coffee Palace, where a mooting was held, Mr Foster in the chair. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Cooper, that the mombors of the General Committee, having inspected tho block of land recently purchased, approve of the selection of tho sub-Committee, and., tender tbem their thanks for their services. Tho Secretary was authorised to write to tbe Chairman of tho Avon Road Board to enquiro as to tho requisite width of roads to bo laid out en tho block, and other matters. It was mentioned I that the Association had increased considerably in membership, especially during tho past week, and, as far aB can bo judged, this now venture promises to bo a success, having obtained such a desirablo block of land for thoir purposes after an existence of Ices thnn two months. Tlie following will represent tlie Sundridire C.C. in thoir mutch with tho Standard C.C, on Saturday noxt, in Latimer Bquare. Play to commence at a.:JO:-T. licaro, 11. Uoaro, AY. Allardyp,-, W. acorgo, W. Mnson, 11. Haydon, E. Marsden, J. Keast, T. Walls, lt. 1.00. nnd 11. Louroy. Kraerconcics: T. Mortlock, W. Gee, S. Pages uud T. Cottrell,

Eikctkic Lighting bt Watbb Poweb. — A portion of the ancient town of Godalming waa recently lit up by electricity for a few hours as an experiment, the motive power to generate the current being an auxiliary force wator wheel at tho Westbrook Mills, belonging to Mesßrs Pulman Brothers, akindresaera. The firm haa made arrangements for lighting these and their adjoining mills with fcho Swan lights, and tbe larger open spaces with fciencena' differential lamps, of 300 candle power each. Threo of tho latter have been erected on iron polee, 22ffc high, in Godalming, by desiro of the Town Couucil. The lighting was declared most satisfactory, and was highly praised by the hundreds of persons who crowded the main street. A party of gentlemen, including the gas manager of the town and that of the adjoining borough of Guildford, visited Messrs Pulman's works to see the machinery at work. A fow of the Swan lights had just been introduced, and the pleasing effect of tho latter particularly struck the visitors. Two of these in tho dining room, within ground globos, on moveable pedestals, had a moafc elegant appearance, entirely eclipsing the three gas jots. The novelty in the exhibition waa the fact of water being the motor, inatead of tho more expensive method of steam power, and it is intended thus to compete favourably with the preaent coat of gaa. It is proposed to fix turbines, which the little river, the Wey, wiil drive with considerable velocity, giving power for almost any number of lights, with a view to supply lights to the Oharterhome Schools, Godalming, and probably Guildford. Is thero not sufficient enterprise in Chriatchurch to try a similar experiment wifch the water power at Lane'a mill ? Death of De Bobeows.— lt is with great regret (aays yesterday's Otago Daily Times) we have to announce the death of Dr Borrows, which took place yesterday afternoon. It will be remembered that last week he received severe injuries through the bolting of his horse, with buggy attached, from Upper Battray street, the vehicle in which the doctor was sitting coming into collision with a butcher's waggon, which was drawn up in York place. The doctor waß thrown out with great force, and landed on the iron step of the waggon, which penetrated his Bide, causing a very ugly wound and completely pulverising part of the. thigh-bone. From the first his medical attendants, Drs Hocken and Maunsell, regarded hiß case as a serious one, and yesterday morning the late Dr Borrows had no hopos of his own recovery. The immediate cause of death was peritonitis. Dr Bobert Borrowß was born in Glasgow, and spent tho early years of his life in that oity. At the age of 19 he left Scotland for England, and after having acted as assistant to a medical gentleman there he entered the navy. He was for seven years on the Bermudas station, and had charge of the hospital there. He returned to Scotland on leave of absence, and took kis M.D. degree at St Andrew's. After that he was for aome time in one of Her Majesty'a ships on the Cape station. Dr Borrows subsequently retired from the navy on half-pay, and decided to sail for New Zealand, arriving here about 14 yeara ago. The first two years in this district were devoted to tho practice of his profession in Tokomairiro and vicinity. He then moved to Dunedin, and soon gained warm friends and admirers in the city. Dr Borrows waß well known and highly esteemed by all who were brought into contact with him, and his kindliness of disposition and his generosity will be cherished in grateful remembrance by many in our midst. He leaves a widow and young child to mourn their loss, and we feel sure they have tho heartfelt sympathy of the community in their sad bereavement. A Warning to Dooxoes. — A case of more than ordinary interest waa concluded in Melbourne on Nov. 8. The plaintiff, William Smith, a storekeeper at Emerald Hill, sought to recover from Dr Iffla, the defendant, who practices in the same neighbourhood as a surgeon, damages for carelessly and negligently signing a certificate, by means of which the plaintiff was confined in the Yarra Bend Lunatio Asylum. There were originally two counts in the declaration, one of which also charged the defendant with having improperly and negligently signed the certificate, knowing at tbe same time that the. plaintiff was not insane. At the suggestion, however, of the judge, this stronger allegation waß withdrawn, and the trial proceeded alone on the count of carelessness and negligence. The partioulars of the caae have been pretty well made known. In May last the plaintiff, who, ifc wa9 reported, laboured under delusions regarding hia wife's propriety of conduot, was Been by Dr Iffla, who, beyond consulting ono or two people referred to by Mrs Smith, made no more complete inquiry into her husband's state of mind, bufc at once signed a certificate which secured hia confinement in the asylum as a dangerous lunatic. The plaintiff was detained there for oight weeks, being eventually released on a judge's order issued on the report of several medical gentlemen who pronouncod him perfectly sane. Dr Iffla stated in evidence that he believed the plaintiff insane at the timo he gave the certificate from the absurd statements made by the latter with regard to hia wife and the general restlessness of liis demeanour. Drs Foater, Youi, Footo and Paloy wero called for tho defence, and each expressed an opinion that if the statements made by the plaintiff about his wife were cauaolcßs, then he was mad. Neither of them, howover, would undertake to Bign a certificate to the effect that he was a dangerous lunatic. In fact Dr Foster, who, it is understood, has been Berved with a writ by the same plaintiff, went so far as to state that he would never again, under any circumstances, sign a certificate, an announcement which his Honor in his charge took occasion to remark did him very little credit. The jury were directed to find whether afc the time tho certificate was signed the plaintiff was insane ; 'and whether, providing he waa not insane, the defendant exercised sufficient care and caution in his investigation. To both of theao questions an answer in tho negative was returned, and the verdict recorded by tho jury was thereforo in favour of plaintiff, damages being aasessod at £520. "