LYTTELTON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6788, 27 February 1890, Page 2

LYTTELTON.

Tins Day. (Before T. M'Clatchie, Esq.) Dhunkenness. — A flvet offender v, r as fined 103, or, in defaulfc/twenfcy-four hours' imprisonment for this offence. Brkacii of the Peace. — Thomas Bourdon, Andrew Dwyer, and Walter Finch were charged with behaviour, in a public place, by which a breach of the peace was occasioned. They pleaded " Not guilty." The evidence of W. Hildyard and his son was to the effect that they went on board the s.s. Duke of "Westminster, which vessel was moored off from the wharf. While the former was on board, tho accused Finch got into the boat, and his two mates, who were on the wharf, commenced throwing pieces of coal at him, sonic of which struck young Hildyard. When Hildyard, senr., returned to the boat Reardon and Dwyer made a target of him, and one of the pieces of coal inflicted a nasty cut over his lei'b eye. Finch continued to assault him, beiniy urged on. to do so by Reardon and Dwyer. Finch was fined £2, and the two other accused jSI each.

Bicycle Eoad Eace. — A race took place on. Monday evening at Temuka, between F. Story and J. M'Lean, for a trophy valued at JEI. The distance (eighteen miles) was from the Post Office to the Washdyke Hotel and back. At the end of six mile 3 Story was leading, when he unfortunately fell, which also led to the downfall of M'Lean. The former had rather a bad cut on hio right arm, and one handle of his machine broken. The latter was uninjured, and rode out the full distance, which he finished in lh 25min. The race being the first of. its kind that has taken place in the town,, created a great amount of interest. A large crowd assembled at the Post Office to see the finish, and general regret was expressed at Story's inißhap. A Suicide's Message. — Mr J. M. Cambridge, chemist, of Ashburton, made a rather singular find on Monday last. When fishing in the river come five or six miles below the town he picked up a bottle, inside of which was a paper, much faded* but which bore evident traces of having been written on. With some difficulty Mr Cambridge deciphered the following words, " If anyone should find this I have dround myself. — Josp ." The remainder of the name, owing to the fading of the writing, which was in lead pencil, could not be made out. The bottle had apparently been exposed to the action of the elements for years as the cork was bleached white, and much decayed. At first Mr Cambridge was inclined to look upon the affair as a Hoax, but he now thinks the paper was genuine. A few years ago a man whose Christian name corresponded with that on the paper committed suicide by drowninghimself in the river not very far from the spot where the bottle was found. A Chinese bank note, 3000 jeawold, iepreserved at St Petersburg.