COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5280, 10 June 1895, Page 1

COUNTRY NEWS.

Stoats ob Weasels.-— After working considerable havoc amocgat the poultry in different parts of Eangiora, the stoats or weasels are now apparently turning their attention to cats, three or four having been found dead within the past few days with wounds in their throats.

Flemington. — There was a very large attendance on the occasion of the second of the season's temperance meetings at Fleming ton. The President, the Rev W. Skinner, occupied the chair, and delivered a short address. A mußical programme was successfully gone through, including songs by Messrs Wheeler, Hayman and Price and Misses Todd, Donaldson, Taylor and Dakers. The meeting was brought to a close in the usual way.

I Waistakaribi-Ashley Watbb-Sufplt. —The Hon the Premier has received a communication from Mr O'Halloran, Chairman of the Waimakariri-Ashley WaterSupply Board, announcing that the Board has made arrangements for obtaining, at a reasonable rate of interest, the money required for carrying out the work underdertaken by the Board ; that the plans and specifications . are all ready- and that the work, which will probably provide employment for several men, will be put in hand as soon as practicable.

Hunting. — The Christchurch hounds met at the Wheatsheaf on Saturday, when Mr Kimbell had the drag pack out. The first run was from the Wheataheaf to the George and Dragon-— a really good run, and much enjoyed by those who took part in it. The next run was from the George and Dragon to the Bacecourae Hotel, through the properties of Messrs Basßett and Sheenan, and the paddoefcs along the railway line to Sockburn— also very nice country. There were a large following, also numerous 6pectators.

Lincoln College. <— Mr Bayne, the director of this institution, has received from Professor M'Alpine, consulting botanist to the Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland, a letter regarding the fertilisation of rod clover. Professor M'Alpine states that Darwin's experiment has to be repeated, and bis results confirmed or proved erroneous. Professor M'Alpine is to repeat the experiments at Home, and similar experiments will be undertaken next season at Lincoln College.

Ktie. — A social and dance was held in Kyle schoolroom on Friday evening. The room, which was decorated in a moßt artistic manner by Mies Lamb and her assistant?, proved too small to accommodate the large gathering. Mr J. Lambie presided, and after a short address*, a varied programme was gone through, consisting of songs, duets, dialogues and recitations. A special feature of the evening's entertainment was the singing of Mrs T. M'Ewan, of Christchurch, whose vocal items were enthusiastically received by the large audience. ' Mr Stewart, of Doric, discharged the duties of M.C. in a highly satisfactory manner, and the gathering wan one of the most successful ever held in the district;.

Licensing.'— The second annual meeting of the Selwyn Licensing Committee was held at Sheffield on Friday; presentMessrs Wardell, S.M. (chairman), C. Gamble, T. W. Adams, H. Holland, C. Rudd, G. Sheate, B. Watson and Dr Meadows. A communication was received from the Colonial Secretary, intimating that Dr Meadows had been appointed on the committee in place of Mr G. Rutherford, whose place had been declared vacant by non-attendance. The police reports for the whole of the hotels in the district were highly satisfactory, excepting in the case of the Sheffield Hotel, the licensee of which had been fined JB2 in the Magistrate's Court for refusing to supply travellers with beds. As the license was endorsed no action was taken. Mr Talbofe, owner of the late Wbeatsheaf Hotel, appeared and presented a petition signed by 300 travellers and residents, asking that a license should be again given to the Wheateheaf Hotel. The Chairman said the committee had no power to grant the request. Mr Talbot stated his intention of t iking the case to the Supreme Conrfc. A reduction of JBS was- made in the Porter's Pass Accommodation House fee, as there were special circumstances requiring such a step. This concluded the business.

Concert at Pbebbleton. — A very successful concert was given by the Sir Henry Bishop Part Song Company in the Prebbleton Town Hall, on Friday evening. The audience was very enthusiastic and encored most of the items. The part songa were sung with very good effect, the voices in each part being well balanced. The nlto part was strengthened by the singing of Mies Ruth Smith, who has recently joined the company. Mr J. Rowley conducted very ably and played a flute solo, " Air Vario "in good style. In response to an encore he gave Clinton's " Cavatina." He was very successful with his humorous songs, each of which was encored. Mrs Rowley was prevented, by a cold, from einging her songs, but she took part with Mr Lovell in the duet " How Sad it is to Say Farewell." Miss Bruce sang " Tit for Tat," very pleasingly, and being recalled, [ gave "Love was Once a Little Boy." Shewas also encored for her singing of " The Lover and the Bird," and in reply sang "Loch Lomond." Mr Farrant'd rendering of " The Death of Nelson " gained an encore, in answer to which he sang "The Skipper's Flag." He was also heartily encored for Stephen Adams's " Holy City," and sang the same composer's " Mona " very well. Mr Boot was recalled for his singing of "The Skipper," and in iesponse gave "Across the Border." Mr Lovell Bang Denza's "May Morning" with spirit and abandon, and, on the audience recalling him, ha gave " Marguerite." He also sang, in good style, the well-known song " Queen of the Eartb," and in reply to a sscond encore he sang very feelingly " The Last Muster." Mr Alexander sang " Who Shall be King P" Miss Rowley played the accompaniments with care and judgment.