Local Intelligence.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XI, Issue 750, 23 February 1878, Page 2

Local Intelligence.

The Assessment Court for the Waitahuna Road District will be held this morning at the Courthouse, Havelock, at a quarter-past eleven o'clock. * j In our Court report in last issue through a transposition of two paragraphs the cases, Connack and another v. Alexander Campbell and v. Geo. Young, were made to read, Nichols versus these parties. From advertisement it will be observed that the Rev. J. Menzies will resume his duties in the Congregational Church to-morrow morning and evening at the usual hours, and at Wetherstones in the afternoon! At the Warden's Court yesterday, David M'Kellar's application for a pre-emptive right on Run 179 was adjourned for survey.-^-Joseph Clark's application for an agricultural lease for section 39, block XVIII., Tuapeka East, was objected to by the miners of Munros Gully, as being auriferous. The Warden therefore refused the application. This was 'all the busi" ness. A SPECIAL meeting of the Tuapeka County Council was held yesterday to receive tenders for several contracts that had been advertised. The members in attendance were — Messrs Bastings (Chairman), Clayton, Oudaille, Morrison, and Bennet. It was resolved that j M'Ginty's tender for Contract No. 26 (con- | struction of eighty-eight chains of road between Tuapeka and Teviot, including erection of bridge) be accepted. The amount of the "tender was £1434. Mr M'Ginty was likewise the successful tenderer for Contract No. 27— gravelling eighty-one chains of road, Tuapeka to Teviot. In this instance the amount of the tender was £273 7S 6d. For Contract No. 29, Mr Barnes was the successful tenderer. This contract was for tarring the bridge (labor only) over the' Clutha, at Roxburgh. We direct attention to the number of sales which takes place at Mr Bastings' rooms today. Under power of bill of sale, he will submit a four-roomed cottage, presently occupied by Mr Mills, -and adjoining Mr Michael's property, at the Blue Spur. In addition, he will also offer a quantity of furniture, &c, besides a number of magazines and periodicals, the property of the Athenaeum Committee. It will be observed that the hour of commencing the sales has been altered to two instead of three o'clock. Mr Bastings was obliged to make the alteration in order that he might be able to proceed to Dunedin with the late train. The weights for the Wanganui races have been published. Danbury, with an impost of 9st 121 b, carries top-weight in the Wanganui Handicap, for which there are twenty-five nominations. In the Flying Handicap, for which twenty-six nominations have been received, the same horse again tops the list, this time carrying lOst 51b. ' Lara follows with 9st 51b, and Kingfisher, who occupies third place, has to carry 9st, Danebury thus conceding Ist 51bs to the latter. In the District Court held at Lawrence on Wednesday last, before his Honor Judge Harvey, Mr Gooday applied for Mr Harrop, a creditor, for an order under section 25/ of the Bankruptcy Act, to restrain execution in the cases in R.M.s Court— Jeffery v. Johnston, and Barnett v. Johnston— the bailiff being in possession. An order was granted restraining all action and Buits until the further order of the Court. No costs were allowed. At the Lawrence railway station we noticed yesterday one of Robey and Co.'s engines and threshers, imported, we are informed, by Mr John Herbert, of Ardmore Station. The thresher combines with it a self-f eeder/m the latest improved principles. The following are the results of the first day's racing at Blenheim : — Hurdle • Race, Lawn's Gray Momus, I ; Blowers' Septimus, 2. Maiden Plate, Redwood's Flirtation, 1. Marlborough Cup, of 100 soys— Redwood's Rata, l ; Stevenson's Marama, 2. Sapling- Stakes — Redwood's Animata. Shearers' Purse, Riley's Half caste: Work has been suspended at the Nelson Company's claim, Blue Spur. This has been caused by the company proceeding with the erection of additional machinery. In all likeli- | hood those who are off at present will resume work in the course of a fortnight or three weeks. Passing through Tokomairiro the other day, we observed one of Reid and Grey's reaping and binding machines at work in Mr JM'Gill'a paddock. . It appeared to be doing the work most admirably. It waa drawn by two horsea, but it was evidently too much for them. The addition of another horse seemed necessary. The clean manner in which the binder does its work was the subject of general remark. The saving of labor effected by these machines must be something immense. Mb Omveb, proprietor and land-lord of the Sussex Hotel, George-treet, Dunedin, is making extensive improvements upon' his house— improvements that will cost a large sum of money. Looking at the building from the street one would not dream that the house is possessed of such large accommodation. But it extends behind several of the shops (also Mr Oliver's property) which have a frontage to George-street, and the improvements that are now being effected upon the house will make it one of the most convenient in Dunedin. la addition to a large billiard room, Mr Oliver has in course of construction a splendid bowling alley, the floor of which alone will coat a large sum of money. Since Mr Oliver left the Manuherikia, he must have been coining money in his new sphere. He was very good at that in the olden times, and he has evidently not forgotten the method in the larger field for his enterprise— Dunedin. A LARGffi and influential public meeting was held on Wednesday evening hist, in the Temperance Hall, Dunedin, to take into consideration the Saturday early closing movement. The [chair was occupied by the Hon. H. S. Chapman, who delivered a lengthy and very interesting address in support of the movement, characterising it as a "great social boon." Judge Bathgate, in an admirable speech, proposed the following resolution, which was carried unanimously, viz. — " That ■it is the opinion of this meeting that the time has now arrived when the retail drapery and 'clothing establishments may be closed at 6 p.m. on Saturdays without inconvenience to tne-public, or detriment to the employers, > and with great social advantage to .-the employed." Mr Robert Stout proposed the next resolution, which was as follows :— " That this meeting, approving of the efforts of the Association, pledges itself not to shop after 6 o'clock on Saturdays." In seconding the foregoing, the Rev. Mr Byng delivered a most' humorous address, supporting, the resolution chiefly from a " humanitarian '* point of view. The third resolution was introduced by Mr Reeves, and was to the following effect :— " That this meeting, with a" view to remove all obstacles for the carrying out of this object, respectfully request that all employers of labor pay their hands early in the week." After appointing a deputation consisting of the Hon. JJ. S,. Chapman, Judge Bathgate, and Mr Richard Driver, to wait upon the employers to endeavor to arrange for the com: mencement of the movement, the proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the speakers.

Messrs Oa&gili.. and Ahdbksq^ have a telephone connecting their lower station with the Roxburgh telegraph office. -* Mb Cbawfobd is making good progrenu with the completion of his contract for pitching and gravelling the main road between Mr Docherty's residence and Evans Flat. / We are informed that an old Tuapeka mine named William Egan was killed by a fall of earth in his claim at Arrowtown on the 18th inst. Mr Egan was well-known at Tuapeka Flat. We understand he was a brother-in-law of Mr Jas. Cahill. Mb Stout mentioned at the meeting of the Waste Lands Board on Wednesday, with reference to the case of Darton and M'Comb, that the M'Combs had become the .purchasers at auction of the land, and the Dartons intended to object. The Chief Commissioner said that he would now ask the Warden to forward to the Board the particulars of the objections raised, It will be gratifying to Mr Heriot's friends in this neighborhood to hear that he has com. menced his scholastic duties at Tapanui under the most favorable circumstances. The attendance at the school numbers 90, and there is a likelihood of that number being augmented before the close of the month. The usual monthly meeting of the Tuapeka Hospital Committee was held last evening at 7 o'clock. The President occupied the chair. The minutes were read and confirmed, but no business was done. It was thought advisable, owing to the entertainment on behalf of the Cricket Club, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was accordingly adjourned to Tuesday, 26th inst. The programme of the Tuapeka Jockey Club annual races appears in our advertising columns. It will be seen that a very liberal amount has been aliottedas prize, money.. The chief event is the Jockey Club : Handicap, of 65sovb. ; distance, two miles. The Lawrence Handicap of 5530v5. comes next, followed by the Novel Eace of 40sovs. The other eventi are the Maiden Plate (2030v5.), District Handicap (20sovs.), Hack Race (lOsovs.), Hack Selling Race 20sovs.), Consolation Handicap (20sovs.), and Hospital Race. For the Jockey Club and Lawrence Handicaps nominations require to be made on or before 4 p.m. of March 6th ; Friday, 15th March, up to 8 p.m., has been fixed for receiving general entries. The Sunday School ITuion Pic-nic Committee met again at Mr Stenhouse's residence on Thursday evening last. A letter from the Railway Department was read, offering a train to Mount Stuart at Is per head for children, and 3s for adults. Mr Squires was authorised to accept the offer. After much discussion, it was arranged that each Sunday School should collect funds as usual, and provide free tickets for all scholars and teachers in attendance at the school. After paying for the tickets it re« quires, and its share of contingent expenses, each Bchoolwill also, as usual, retain all it ß surplus funds collected. Children not attending Sunday Schools can procure tickets from Superintendents, of Sunday Schools, or th© Secretary (Mr Squires). Messrs Stenhouse, Thompson, and Squires were appointed a SubCommittee to carry out details. Next meeting of Committee .is to be held at the same time and place on Monday, March 4th. '■ An adjourned meeting of the Brown Reception and Banquet Committee was held in the hall of the Athenaeum on Thursday .evening, when' their was a good attendance. Hib Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, and the gentlemen present showed the utmest enthusiasm in the matter before them. In order that the.caterer might be enabled to-place a more liberal spread on the table, it was deemed advisable to make the price of the ticket 12a 6d instead of 10s 6d. On the motion of Mr Ferguson, seconded by Mr Monaghan," Mrs Silk's tender was accepted. Messrs Tanton, Monaghan, and Storry were appointed a Wines Committee, and his Worship the Mayor, and Messrs Tolcher, Ferguson, and Harrop were appointed to draw up a programme, and arrange the preliminaries for the banquet. The Mayor was appointed Chairman, and Mr Ferguson Vice-Chairman of the banquet. A number of gentlemen, well known to be strong supporters of Mr Brown, were added to the Committee, and the Secretary instructed to apprise them of the same. Mr Ferguson referred to an attempt [made by a correspondent of the "Morning Herald" to throw cold water on the affair, but he (the speaker) could say from his experience of these public demonstrations in Tuapeka— and he had been closely associated with most of them during the past eleven years— he never knew the public to enter more thoroughly into anything than they were doing in the proposed banquet to the member for the district. The warm manner in which that meeting had taken up the matter was- the best proof of his statement. There was every indication that there would be a large gathering on the occasion. The Secretary stated that he had communicated with Mr Brown in order to ascertain when he would be likely to arrive, but he had not received a reply. It was stated that the banquet would in all probability be held a few days after the Dunedin races. A vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the meeting to a close. [Yesterday the Secretary of the Committe 0 received a telegram from Mr Brown stating that he expected to arrive in Lawrence oir Friday the Bth, or Monday, 11th March.] It is currently reported that an individual at the Blue Spur has been guilty of a little "sharp practice." From what we can learn, two miners employed in one of the claims there invested in a ticket for Mr Cameron's consultation on the Dunedin Cup, and the number of their ticket was 612, which turned up Hippo campus. The same parties were also interested in a local sweep of £7, in which they held Titania. So far, so good; but what follows does not reflect creditably on the party implicated. It is said that he had obtained a copy of one of the Dunedin papers from which he gleaned the fact that the number of th 3 •ticket held by the two miners in the consultation had secured Hippocampus. Instantly he repaired to the claim where the men were employed, and to them he represented that, .they had drawn Titania, whereupon he offered a small sum for their chance. The investors accepted the offer; but shortly afterwards they ' were acquainted with the fact that they had drawn Hippocampus instead. As matter of course,' they were both enraged at the trick that had been played' upon them,- never sus. pecting for a moment that they had parted with the Cup -favorite for .such a trivial amount. The' affair has caused a good deal of commotion at the Spur, and a great deal of sympathy has been expressed on behalf of those who have been duped. " ' WBHlNa Ltcthe, " Cromwell Argus " a corres pondent says :— The erection of new maohinerjr at the Macetown reefs is progressing rapidly, and in the coarse of a few months we may expect to have five ot six batteries in full ; work;. Litigation is dying out, having proved a convplete and thorough fallacy, but we still aep % few lingering sparks of the nearly extinguished fire popping about | but the> are quite. harmleps. and are qnly langhed $t by thpse who formerly fed the furnace ; and the ''lion and the lamb may now daily be seen nestling quite cosily together in the most unruffled friendship.

The Christy Minstrel entertainment given at the Town Hall last evening by the mem bers of the Tuapeka Cricket Club on behalf of the Recreation Ground Fund was well patronised, and in every respect was a most decided success. The programme presented was undoubtedly the best, that has ever been submitted by local talent to a Lawrence audience. On almost every occasion, the songs sung were rendered in a pleasing manner, and they were received by the audience with general satisfaction. The jokes and witticisms of the corner men (Messrs Bastings and Thompson) were of the most mirth-provoking character, and fairly brought down the house several times. In our next issue we shall give a detailed report of the entertainment. The cricket match between Otago and Canwhich has created so much talk of late, was commenced at the Dunedin Oval on Thursday afternoon. The weather was agreeable, although in the early part of the day there were strong indications of rain. The at- j tendance was very limited ; — in fact, at no time during the aftemon did it exceed 400. The Canterbury captain won.the toes and elected to send his men to the wickets. Before being disposed of they treated the Dunedin men to a good deal of leather hunting. They succeeded in putting together 214 runs, of which number 75 were contributed by Moore. It was late in the afternoon before the Dunedin captain sent $is men to the wickets j- and when the stumps were drawn the score stood at 63, with the loss of six- wickets. On resuming yesterday, the remainder of the Dunedin wickets fell for 29 Inns, giving a total of 82.— 1n their second Innings, which was commenced immediately after the close of the first, they managed to secure' 157 "runs, with tte loss of seven wic£ets, wfien the stumps"were drawn. Ap- . pended are the scores in the second innings :—: — Austin (not out), 10; Dixon, 80; Paramor 20;Craw8haw, 12; M'Neil, 6; Spring, 17: Clark, 30; Cargffi (not out), 20 ; Haskell, 5. It will be seen that CargiU and Austin are not out ; and Glen and Rose are still to bat. The usual meeting of the Tuapeka Road Board was held on Wednesday afternoon. There * were present, Messrs Robertson, .Docherty, Riddle, Gascoigne, and Morrison. The" minutes of the previous meeting were adopted, On the motion of Mr Gascoigne, .-seconded by Mr Morrison, the Clerk was requested' to acknowledge the receipt of voucher enclosing one half of the subsidy. A letter from several Blue Spur miners and others asking the Board to give some attention "to the road up Gabriels Gully beyond Mr Hales' house was considered. The Board decided to attend to the matter as Boon as .funds were forthcoming. The petition from a number of Wetherstones settlers asking for a small deviation in the district road leading from Gascoigne's to M'Donald's farms and 'Waitahuna was considered. The Board decided, on the motion of Mr Docherty, seconded by Mr Riddle, " That the subject matter of the petition be postponed for one month, and that the Clerk be instructed to inform the petitioners that if they apply to the Board to have the road closed under the clause of the Public Works Act providing for the same, they will do their best to carry out the wishes of the petitioners." The following accounts were then read : — J. E. Pope (valuator, £21 Is ; rent of office, £12 125 ; C. Bryant (painting), 7s 6d. It was resolved that Mr Pope be paid £10 on account, and that the other accounts be paid. On the motion of Mr Gascoigne, seconded by Mr Riddlo, the Clerk was instructed to attend the Assessment Court pn behalf of the Board. . SOMB verses of the American poet Whittier have lately appeared in our columns. We clip the following paragraph referring to this venerable poet from "The Scotsman" of December 29 h, showing the esteem in which he is held by bis brother poets V-" A very graceful compliment has just been paid to the poet Whittier on the occasion of his reaching his seventieth birthday, Longfellow,- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Barnard Taylor, and Garrison having written poems in honor of the event. The most interesting prose contribution is from the pen of the venerable Richard H. Dana, who apologises for the brevity of his remarks on the ground ' that in one's ninetieth year not much could be expected at a day's notice.' It is worthy of remark that although Whittier may now be said to enjoy a wide reputation on this side of the Atlantic, he has never yet visited England. THE "Bruce Herald," in its last issue, has a lengthy article on the advisability of combined action on the part of the Tokomairiro School Committee in order to secure the return of one or two local candidates as their representatives the Education Board. "Rest assured," says our contemporary, "that Dunedin 's policy in the past will continue to be the same policy in the future, unless the country Committees now prove themselves sufficiently alive to their own interests, to keep the Dunedin Octapus, with its many feelers, at a safe and respectful distance. Is any member of any country School Committee, who has been circularised by H. S. Fish, for instance, simple enough to believe that his vote could be relied upon in favor of the erection of a school building in any country district .whatever, as against one iv South Ward ? If nor, why then should we place our interests in the lands of those 1 who have so long served themselves at our expense with the cream of our educational funds, regardless of the consequences upon country settlers, who have had to content* themselves with the scimmings. Were there any lack of country talent in the list of nominees, we might then be led to think of a Fiih, or a Leary, a Beeves,, or a Mouat but if we mistake not, a Reid, or a Fulton ; a Clark, Adam, or a Wayne, a Bastings, Lautour, or Holland, a Steward, Thomson, or Bannerman, are names equally well known and respected with any that Dunedin can produce."