Local and General Intelligence.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVI, Issue 979, 6 October 1883, Page 2

Local and General Intelligence.

These were 11 patients in the Hospital last night— B males and S females.

Vr J. O. Brown, M.H.R., arrived in Law* rfi ice nn Wednesday eveuing last.

Steps »<e in progress to establish a Lodge of the United Ancient Order of Druids in Lawrence.

The next annual meetin? of the New Zealand Rifta Association has been fixed to take place at Auckland.

Me Inspector Pbtrie examined the Wetheratones school on Thursday la«t, and, from what we can understand, the results are satisfactory, although no formal report has as yet been issued.

The tender of Mr Neil Bruce, at the rate of 5s per acre, under the perpetual leasing clauses of the Land Act, has been accepted by the Land Board for sections 81 and 82, block V., Waitahuna East.

The " Morning Herald " understands there is not much chance of Mr Caldwell obtaining a pension without & direct vote of Parliament. He was a provincial officer until 1876, and as such was not entitled to a pension.

Thk Wethersfcones Cement Goidmining Company, we understand, will be ready to resume operations on Monday next. A new turbine having arrived from Dunedin on Thursday even. ing, it was balanced and tried yesterday.

Thb honorarium of the Chairman of Vincent Couuty Council has been fixed at £150 for the current year. An effort was nude to reduce the amount to £100, but this was negatived on the ground that the work in connection with the office fully justified the larger sum by way of remuneration.

The Gabriels Gully Sluicing Company, as the result of the past five weeks' operations, including, off and on, several hours' broken time, obtained 64 >z. of the precious metal at the wash-up yesterday afternoon. This result may be regarded as very satisfactory, aud gives further proof of the more payable character of the stuff to be fouud near the foot of the Spur.

IN connection with the report, which appeared in our Wednesday's issue, of the halfyearly meeting of the Ooa°jo District, M.U.1. 0.0.F., held at Tapanui last week, the name of Bro. Jas. Hendersuu was published as the representative of Loyal Tuapeka Pioneer Lodge instead of that of Bro. W. G. Auderson — a gentleman long associated with the Order in this district

w At a meeting of the Evans Flat Sshool Com' tnittee, held on Thursday evening last, it was^fl resolved to celebrate the opening of the nevK schoolroom by a ball to be held on Friday,^^ the 26;h current ; the proceeds will be in aid <>f the school-funds. Several ladies belonging to the neighborhood have already promised a liberal supply of good things for the occasion, and it is expected that a capital night's amusement will be in store for patrons.

Mb Hugh Auld, of Waitahuna, the successful tenderer for the erection of the bridge over the Wetherstones Creek, and the arch over the drainage channel in Derwent-street, has made a start with the work. The bridge over the creek will be of 40ffc. span, and the arch over the drainage channel 15ft. The new bridge and culvert will be erected a little further up the stream than the site of the old bridge, and will span the stream a little further away from town than the old one,

ANOTHER of the old Tuapeka residents has departed from our midst very suddenly in Mis Cahill (wife of Mr Jam&s Cahill, settler, of Tuapeka Flat), who died on Tuesday evening last, after an illness of only a few hours, of paralysis of _ the brain. A large number of people were in attendance on Thursday last to consign the remains of deceased to their last resting-place, the funeral service being conducted by the Rev. Father O'Leary. Deceased was well-known aud respected in Lawrence aud neighborhood.

In our present issue, appears an advertisement calling a meeting of membeis of the Bowling Green and Lawn-tennis Club to consider a proposal to float a company in shares, and pui chase the ground, with a view of plac ing future^ operations on a more permanent basis. It is expected that this will prove a wise step and that the shares will be readily token up, no great amount being likely to be called up for some time. The Committee have shown an ardent desire to expedite matters and get the ground in^laying order as soon as possible, for which they are entitled to no small amount of credit.

Mb J. Caskie has finished his contract with the Lawrence Cricket Clvb — viz., the concreting of a pitch 3ft Gin wide and 60ffc long. It is a ti.ie piece of work, and will be a great improvement on the old pitch, which was rather bumpy, As soon as the cocoanut-matting (which, is to be placed over the concrete) is procured, and the concrete thoroughly set, the members will be able to play upou the new pitch. From all appearances, this seasou is likely to be a very successful one aa far as cricked is concerned — all the membeis of the Club going in for plenty of practice. Several of the members have started playing in the mornings, and it is to be hoped that those who canuot attend practice in the evening will throw in their lot with the 11 early birds."

The Blue Spur Quadrille Assembly was wound up for the season on Thursday evening by a grand ball held in Beaton's Assembly Rom.R >om. Over 40 couples were present ; Mr Jno. Spiers acting as M.C., and periorming the duties in an able manner. Songs and stepdanojng were also given at intervals during the evening. About midnight and again about ihree o'clock, refreshments were liberally dispensed by Mr Mills, who catered in a style giving universal satisfaction. A highly enjoyable evening- was speafc, and the amusement prolonged till about five o'clock next morning, when the merry-makers betook themselves to their respective homes. The season ib admitted by all to have been an unusually successful one.

The Waitaki County Council have lately passed a by-law with relation to the use of broad- tires on the County roads, and a good deal of feeling has been aroused thereby. One writer to the "North Otago Times" says that the new by-law will prove a great annoyance to farmers, while a writer who speaks from per. sonal observation says that a 4 inch tire will carry two tons over soft ground with greater ease to the team than a 2i-inch tire will carry one ton. The prevalent idea that the draught is increased by widening the tire is, ho considers, altogether baseless, a wide tire on the contrary reducing the draught. It will be remembered that some time ago Mr Smail), County Engineer, brought up a report recommending wide tires, but the idea was strongly ~ opposed by some members of the Council.

Notwithstanding the f.nt that the Hor, Mr Dick when on a visit here said that he would support the putting on the Estimates of a sum for the erection of an Hospital Surgeon's - residence, when an application from the Hospital Committee came before the House ; and notwithstanding that Dr Grabham, in his report, said " it is very desirable that a suitable residence should be provided in the grounds of the establishment for the use of this officer " (the Doctor). Mr John Thompson (hon. Secretary of the Hospital Committee) has received from Mr G. S. Cooper a reply to the application, stating that the Colonial Secretary expresses his regret that thwe is not sufficient - money at the disposal of the Government to enable them to give effect to the Committee's ' request-. We can not but express oor regret that the matter should have taken this tnrn.

The quarterly meeting in connection with the W.B!ey.m Church, Lawrence, was held on Tuesday evening, the Rev. J. Law presiding., Pie«nt — Messis flerron, D.vwson, Downie, Luke, Milburn, Tucker, Matthews, R. Pilling (senr.). Tieluar, Et<glestone, and F. Vivian. The minntes of the previous meeting were read and coufirmed, after which the Chairman submitted a statement re number of members, cointnunicauts and Sunday Schools, which was considered satisfactory. The balance-sheet as read by the Circuit Stewards (Messrs Herron - and Dawson) showed' the iucoina to be £3 & 8d in excess of the expenditure for the quarter, which amouut will go towards the reduction of previous debt. .The meeting heartily apnroved of the Conference scheme re Methodist Union, and passed a resolution to that effect. The Chairman stated that by the end of March next he would have served his term in the chunk— viz., three years— and according to Conference rule would have to leave then; whereupon the meeting resolved to ask the Conference to appoint a single man next year to take charge of the circuit. A very pleasantmeeting was then brought to a close by the, Chairmau pronouncing the benediction,

THE Rev. Mr Fraser has returned from the North. About 251 are attending the Bible-class at the Milton High School, which the Rector con. ducts in the morning before Bchool hours. At the meeting of the Land Board on-Wed-nesday, Mr Stout gave notice that at next meeting he would move that the Board proceed to inquire whether the holders of licenses uuder the pastoral deferred-payment jyatem in the Silver Peak district have fulfilled the conditions

of their licenses.

• Mb DaroaviMiß, member for Auckland City West, addressed his constituents on Wednesday evening last. Amongst other matters the speaker referred, to the charges of political corruption. He expressed himself as not being in favor of the abolition of the Legislative Council. He thought that each island Bhould provide for its own political autonomy. THE two lads Roy have been found guilty of manslaughter tf John Heudereon, locomotive fireman, at Clinton, on 23rd August last. The elder boy was sentenced to two months 1 imprisonment without hard labor; and the younger discharged on his father entering iuto recognisances that the lad would come up for judgment if called upon. Thx spring meeting of the Oamaru Jockey Club was commenced ou Thursday. The Maiden Plate, for which eight horses started, was won by Goodman's Molly Bawn ; the Oamaru Spring Handicap (lOOsovs.) by Goodmau's Violin, Adamaut being second : the Counties' Plate by Musician ; the Handicap Trot by Thomas's Bella ; and the Grand Stand Handicap by Cotton's Prospero. Messrs R. Clifford and Co. have now begun their photographing campaign in Lawrence, opposite Mr Storry'a Railway Hotel, where a marquee has been erected. A number of very neatly finished specimens of cartes are displayed in front of Mr Storry's; so that parties may come and judge for themselves of the ability of the artists. For further particulars we refer parties to an advertisement of Mcsara Clifford and Qq% ia another column. Indications are apparent in this district of very rapid vegetation within the last few days, and that the growth is much further advanced this season than during the same period last year. Tbe heat of the last few days has been forcing on the budding and blossoming of plants and flowers at a most amazing rate : As an instance of this it may be mentioned that several shoots of asparagus in a plot belonging to the Rev. Mr Jenner were showing about four inches above the ground yesterday morning, notwithstanding their being no appearance of them on Wednesday. The same gentlemaß has also got some tulips fully blown, and hw had the hyacinth in full bloom about a {{flPfeht ago. XKJRING the recent Native meeting at Kaiapoi, an Act was passed (says the " Press ") to provide for the raising of a sum of £2,500, to prosecute the claims to the £2,000,000 or the return, to the Natives, of the land between the seaboard of the east and west coasts, through the centre of the island. # The Act, which has been printed for circulation in the Maori language, renders it compulsory on every Native, male or female, to contribute £1, and not exceeding £10, as he or she may be assessed, towards the fund being established. Infants are to be excused from the tax. Collectors have been appointed in the various native villages, who will be supplied with proper receipt forme, to acknowledge the receipt of the subscriptions. Tare Wi Tehioka, Hone Uru. and Martinini Piki were appointed trustees of the moneys received. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Lawrence District High School Committee was held on Wednesday evening last. Present: Messrs G. F. C. Browne (President), Harrop, and M'Nickle (Secretary.)— The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. — A letter was received from the Rector, enclosing cheque for Bchool incidents for quarter, list of absentee children, and report of school attendance.—Two accounts— Mrs Fowler £2 10s, and T. Barnett 17s 6d -were passed for payment, subject to their being found correct. —The President stated that, in terms of motion at last meeting, Messrs Harrop, Downes, and he had visited the school during the examination, and found that the examination passed off most satisfactorily. The report had* been published in the newspaper, and it was unnecessary for him to say much. The Inspector had said the school was in a very efficient state. The holidays bad been granted to the children in conformity with motion passed at )«et meeting. Mr Harrop could quite endorse the statement of the President. The result of the examina>

tion was very creditable to Mr S ten house and the other teachers, who were deserving of the best thanks. — Mr Harrop was appointed to take the place of Mr Downes on the Visiting Committee during his absence.— The business beiug concluded, a vote of thanks was returned to the President. At a meeting of the Duuedin shareholders of the Lankey Creek Goldmining Company, held in Dunedin on Tuesday afternoon last, the Chairman stated that the services of Mr F. Trayes, of Blue Spur, had been obtained, and that he bad gone to Reef ton, examined the property and made his report, which was submitted to the meetiug. After the report bad been considered and some questions answered by Mr Trayes, -Mr H. Bastings, inter alia, said he had attended this meeting because -he tboogbfc it was incumbent on him to he present; to return thanks to the Committee for the in-

defatigable manner in which they had acted for the shareholders. He thought the report from Mr Trayes was a very intelligent one. The reason why he had not attended any of the other meetings was that he bad made up his mind, and had advised every oDe else with whom he was acquainted, to let the West Coast develop itself. As far as they had been bitten, let them pay their money, and look pleasantly and never shirk any fair responsibility ; but anything more monstrous than the Lankey Creek proceeding had never taken place on tbe face of the earth in connection with mining speculation. .To think of .any body of men calling themselves business men entering into the expenditure of £5000 to £6000 without first testing the ground to Bee if it were capable of repaying the outlay. Mr Spedding thought they should give an expression of opinion that the directors should expend another £C 0 in testing the cement ; but the meeting closed without coming to any decision. , - Bt a reference to our advertising columns, it will ,be Been that a nale of useful and fancy work; in aid of Trinity Church Sunday School will be held in the schoolroom on Wednesday ' next. The sale will be held under the auspices of the Trinity Church Ladies' Gnild, which has been ', ia existence for about two years and a half, and has done some and effectual work' in paying off debts in connection with the new Sunday School. The Guild consists of a society of ladies who rceet for fancy work in thfc schoolroom every Wednesday afternoon at three o'clock, having previous to the erection of the Sunday School met at the parsonage. The Guild was originated principally by contributions of a few wools, &c., given by Mesdamea Herbert, Beaumont, and one or two others, and at the first annnal meeting, when the new school building was opened, a profit of £89 had been realised. Out of that sum, £40 has been given to the building-fund, and the pendants and lamps in schoolroom, costing nefMy £20, have also been supplied. The indention of the Guild is now to start with annual sales, of which the one to be held on Wednesday next will be the first. We have hip the pleasure of an inspection of the work, JEich we consider really magnificent. It inarticles as" tea coseys, beaded in crewel, antimacassars, aPraltlipperß, children's dresses (crewel), ladies' peg woffingtons, large variety of children's pinafores (crewel and outline), large variety of ladies' aprons, framed pictures of different sorts, and a whole variety of articles, amounting in value to over £70. Two stalls will ,be open for the sale of goods, besides a refreibment-stall, where refections can be procured at a moderate figure. The room will be kept" open from the time of opening— two o'clodt—Tmtil the wind-up in the evenim?, and durifg.'the course of the evening's proceedings glees, soIob," and instrumental music will be given under the conductorship of Mr Towsey, there being no charge made for admission. As the ladies forming the Guild are anxious to clear :<£he. 'debt. off the school, which has been fouqcUnoh a, useful building for Sunday School and evening classes during the winter months, it is to beJbuped 'that the exertions made by them on'tbat", behalf will meet with the encouragement of the general public, and that they will be favored with a liberal patronage on the occasion. We would lake the present opportunity of giving publicity to onr knowledge of the very good work done to the young men of the district by the evening classes held last winter in the above-named building ; and we understand that it is intended to resume (hem in the coping winter,| . t^