Local and General Intelligence.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1083, 8 October 1884, Page 2

Local and General Intelligence.

Our leading article and a quantity of other reading matter have unavoidably been held over,

The ordinary meeting of the Tuapeka County Council will be held in the Conncil Chambers, Lawrence, on Friday next.

A start was made yesterday by Mr Hetherington (the contractor) with the erection of the Hospital Surgeon's residence.

At a meeting of the Waitahuna Farmers' Club last Saturday evening, it was decided that the Club's next show be held on Tuesday, 30th December.

The sum of £12 5s 6d was netted by the entertainment held at Wetherstones lately on behalf of the funds of the Tuapeka Goldfields Hospital.

Mr T. Andrew, who has filled the Roxburgh Mayoral chair very creditably during the past two years, has signified that it is not his intention to seek re-election.

In consequence of the Wetherstones Cement Company having determined to knock off night shifts in their mine for the present, a dozen hands were discharged on Saturday last.

FOUR splendid trout were on exhibition in Messrs Bloy and Tucker's shop-window last Saturday evening, the largest weighing over 31bs. The fish were caught by a Mr Hay in a tream not far from Balclutha.

The quarterly criminal sittings of the Supreme Court was commenced at Dunedin on Monday. The Grand Jury brought in true bills in all the cases brought before them, including amongst others that of Peter Dunbar (of Waipori), who is charged (1) with larceny and (2) as accessory before the fact of a larceny.

The quantity of dairy produce required to supply London, within a radius of fifteen miles from Charing Cross, is, the "City Press " says, accoiding to the estimates of Professor Sheldon, about 1,250,000 quarts of milk per day, which, at 6d pei quart, is worth £26,000. The value of the bu ter amounts to something like £45,000 per day, or £16,000,000 per annum.

The Evans Flat School Committee held its regular monthly meeting on Monday evening. Mr Richardson was the only member present besides the Chairman and Secretary (Messrs G. and P. Brook). It was, therefore, decided to call a special meeting for the transaction of the business next week. Mr Philip Brook's account was passed for payment.

A CORRESPONDENT has forwarded us the manuscript copy of a cleverly-written article (alleged to have been picked up near the 'Waitahuna Railway Station) faithfully chronicling the doings of certain prominent characters in Waitahuna Riding electiou matters, over which the ratepayers are greatly exercised at present. Space will be found in our next issue for the contribution.

We learn that Mr Geo. Redpath, of Mt. Stuart, has leased for a term of yeais, with right of purchase at expiiy of lease, the farm at TuaDeka West lately in the occupation of Mr D. M'lntosh. The farm is 324 acres in extent, part of it having been broken up and laid down in English grass. The stock, etc., on the property, were taken at valuation by Mr Red path.

We undoi stand that Mr E. Johns, on bohalf of a party of practical miners, has made overtures to the Great Extended Company, Blue Spur, to work their mine on the Munroa tide of the hill on tribute. It is to be hoped that the overtures will eventuate satisfactorily, as profitable employment would be ensured to a number of hands if the mine was again in full swing.

At the Wesleyan Church, Roxburgh, on Sunday last, the Rev. C. Griffin, in the course of his sermbn, referred in a few feeling sentences to the death of the Rev. P. Wills, who was for two years minister in that Church. It was evident from the effect the announcement had upon the congregation, many of whom could not restrain their tears, that the late rev. gentleman had gained the love and sympathy of his people while working in their midst.

The entertainment which takes place this evening at Tuapeka West on behalf of the funds of the Tuapeka Goldfields Hospital promises to be a great success. The Managing Committee have spared neither trouble nor expense in making the arrangements as complete as possible, so as to ensure an enjoyable evening to all patronising the affair. Granted fine weather, there cannot be the least doubt that the turn-out will be large, and that a handsome sum will be netted in aid of the Hospital funds.

The goldfinches in the vicinity' of Moa Flat (writes a correspondent) seem to have gone out of their usual way this year to spoil the prospect of the f»pple crop. The other day I was shown a garden, the apple-trees of which had been nearly stripped of their buds by these little songsters. No doubt the members of the Acclimatisation Society feel a thrill of pleasure passing through their spirits when they hear the warbling of their little pets ; but how about the poor miners who have very little prospect of apples this year? They must feel all tender sentiment crushed out of their souls.

The charge of peijury preferred against Mr S. Henry, of Bellamy Station, by Mrs Steward M'Comb, which was heard before two Justices of the Peace at the Police Court, Dunedjn, on Monday, was dismissed without any evidence for the defence being called. Mr Denniston (who appeared for Mr Henry) took occasion to remark that the case was brought into Court at the instance of a man who was in gaol, and of his wife, who had not a penny to come down on in the event of the case being dismissed. It was a serious matter that such a woman should have it in her power to annoy a man to the extent which she had done by .bringing forward such an absolutely trumped-up case.

Mb J. Mackay, of Tuapeka West, announces in our advertising columns, in response to a numerously-signed requisition which has been presented to him, that he intends to seek election for Browns Riding at the forthcoming »eneral election of County Councillors. It is Mr Mackay's intention to address his constituents in the chief centres of the Riding previous to the election-day. It is ti be hoped that other gentlemen seeking election for the several Ridings of the County will go and do likewise. It is a custom— that of addressing their constituents— that has fallen into disuse among the members of the Council. The ratepayers should apeak out boldly and request their representatives togive an account of their stewardship occasionally.

A meeting- of farmers and others, convened for the purpose of considering the advisability of establishing a cheese and butter factory in Tokomairiro, was held in the Council Chambers at Milton on Friday evening. Mr Allison, President of the Farmers' Club, occupied the chair. Messrs Jamfs Gray, J. C. Gordon, James Adam, and E. Stewart, having visited the Wafareka and Edendale factories during the past few days, gave information in regard to the working of these establishments, Messrs Driver and M'Donald, ex.-M.H R.s, and a number of other gentlemen, also addressed-the meeting. It was .resolved, that a company be ■ formed, with a nominal capifal of £5000,, far £1, shares ; and a large and influential Committee was elected for canvassing and other purposes. Judging from the number of farmers present, and the interest taken in the proceedings, there : is likely to be no difficulty experienced in floating the company,

We would draw attention to the announce" ment of the service to be held iv the Lawrence Wesleyan Church to-morrow (Thursday) evening. The Rev. J. S. Snialley, of Dunedin, has the name of being a very popular preacher. As this is his first visit to Lawrence, no doubt a great number will avail themselves of the opportunity of hearing a treat. The service begins at half-past seven. The collection is for the Home Mission Fund. Of late there has been an upward tendency in the prices ruling for oats and whea<\ A farmer residing in the Mt. Stuart district informed us that on Saturday last he obtained 2-3 6d ppr bushel for a consignment of oats delivered at Johnston railway station ; and 3< 7d for a consignment of wheat -delivered in Dmredin; with an extra allowance of 31 each for bags. A few weeks ago, the same faimer parted with a large quantity of oats at the rate of Is 9d per I bushel. He now, naturally enough, feels sorry f that he'did not " wait a little longer."

Our Evans Flat correspondent writes :— Matters of importance from a correspondent's point of view are very scarce here at pieseut. — Mr Claytou's new house stands iv a fine position on the hillside, and commands about as pleasaut a prospect as can be chosen. — The ford at Hopkins' crossing, which proved such a source of danger a short time ago, has been graded i ff and is now in passable order.— The Rev. Mr Fraser preached here and at the Beaumont on Sunday. A large congregation assembled in the local schoolhouse, and after the service the rite of baptism was administered.

The Lawrence Branch of the Educational Institute of Otago met on Saturday last. Members present — Messrs Macandrew (President), Biyant, Anderson, Adams, Stenhouse, Selby, Kerr, and Neill. The Secretary (Mr Ba"ret) tendered hia resignation, which was recetved. Mr Neill was elected Secretary for the r m under of the term.— The President opened a discussion on the relatiou of the Branch to the Institutes of Otago and New Zealand. The debate, which was entirely impromptu, evoked much interest, but was eventually adjourned for future consideration.— A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the proceedings.

Thk wind in the Teviot district was very heavy on Sunday morning. Our reporter writes :— ln travelling from Millers Flat to the Teviot, I witnessed the effects of the stoim, first in nearly carrying away a boat which was crossing the river, the outcome of which might have been anything but pleasant. Nearer to Roxburgh I noticed the Rev. C. Griffin struggling along in his buggy, and as the sudden gusts of every few minutes brought him to a standstill, I thought there rose, above the howl of the blast, something like a ringing laugh of defiance from the lev. gentleman. The wind has caused the river to rise so that many of the claims are at a standstill.

There is a very dangerous spot on the road leading from Gabriels to Wetherstones. It is situate about three hundred yards up the ascent of the first hill, and, if not promptly repaired, will veiy likely lead to serious accidents. A drive was put in underneath the road sometime ago by a party of miners, and the recent rains had the effect of loosening the ground above, causing it to collapse, and thus leaving a nasty hole of some Bft or 9ft in depth and sufficiently large for a horse and man to fall through. A person who came along the road on Saturday night nearly came to giief at the spot referred to ; he did not notice the hole, but the horse he was riding did, and, swerving to one side, nearly unseated its rider. Commenting on the retirement of the Rev. Mr Bannerman from active work, the " Clutha Leader" says :—": — " We are sure that he will long be missed in the Clutha; for not only was he the father of the Church here, watching, guiding, and fostering it as becomes a father to do, but also in matters social, moral and political, and, indeed, in every respect in which the interests of the people were concerned he felt interested, and was ever ready with his wise counsel and active aid. If ever anyone in this country by his arduous and disinterested services merited public recognition, that man is Mr Bannerman. We have only heard one opinion expressed upon the subject, and we have confidence that the opinion will be fully verified." Steps are being taken to recognise Mr Bannerman's long services in an appropriate way, A meeting of the Comrmtteo of Management of the Tuapeka Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club was held in the Council Chambers on Monday evening. Present — Messrs J. J. Woods (President), G. O. Taylor (Secretary). Jeffdiy, Stenhouse, M'Donafd, Capes and Dr Withers.— The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.— It was proposed by Mr Stenhouse, seconded by Mr M 'Donald, and carried : " That the areen be opened for play on Saturday next, at two o'clock ; and tfmfct.hc old green be not played upon at present."— Proposed by Mr Jeffery, seconded by Mr Stenhouse, and carried : "That the rules of the Club re admission of visitors be strictly adhered to." — Mr Taylor proposed : " That the President be empowered to arrange with Mr Watson to mark the tennis-court."— Seconded by Mr Capes and carried.— This concluded the proceedings. A CASE arisiusr out of a strike of shearers was lately heard at Narrandera (Victoria), the strike having occurred on the station of Messrs Delvin and Co. The informations were laid uuder the Masters and Servants Act, and the evidence disclosed that on the 26th ult. all the shearers

struck, after having been, at; work for two or three days, the alleged cause of dissatisfaction being that there was a clause in the agreement providing that the Bhearers should " tar" their sheep. Summonses were taken out against them by Mr W. Delvin, and upon his return to the station each man was separately asked whether he would complete his agreement. Forty-two of the men returned to their work, but the remaining six declined, and were duly served with summonses. The first case called was against William Bowen. The agreement under which the men were shearing was put in. For the defence it was contended that the provision for the men to "tar" their sheep themselves was quite unusal in shearing: agreements. The objection was overruled by the Bench, and defendant was fined £l, with costs of court, 4s lOd, and professional costs, £1 lls 6d. A similar decision was arrived at in the second case, and the other four defendants agreed to the same verdict, the flue in each instance being paid.

The Venerable Archdeacon Coleman made a collection last Sunday at the Roman Catholic Church, Lawrence, in aid of the funds of St. Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin, and iv his preliminary remarks gave Borne interesting par ticulars of the way in which the financial operations are carried out. Bishop Moran, it would appear, strongly disapproves of incurring debt, and has managed so far to pay his way in the erection of this expensive structure as the work proceeds. The estimated cost of the Cathedral, when all is complete, will be £60,000, the internal fittings, etc., of which will absorb about half that sum, Up to the present time, £12,000 has been expended, having been raised partly by donation and partly by weekly subscriptions of Is and 6d per week, which have yielded up to date about £6,000,0r half the total expenditure, The annual income from these weekly subscriptions amounts to over £1,000. To complete the portion of the building required to carry on Divine service, about £4,000 additional is required for roofing, etc., for which the contract has been let and carried well on to completion; and to raise this latter amount, the Venerable Archdeacon Coleman has generously devoted his services, so far with the most encouraging results, having, in spite of the hard times, collected over £1.250 ia Dunedin. and proportionate amounts' in the country districts. At Lawrence on Sunday he received in cash between £30 and £40, in addition to many promises, and there is no doubt he will be able to increase this to something over £100 before leaving the district. j

The adjourned meeting of the Committee of Management of the Lawrence Cricket Club was -held in the Town Hall on Monday evening last, when there were present — Messrs Harrop (President), 0. Potts, A. Rolfe, E. Rolfe, Richards, Roscow, Hunter, Arthur, and Hickson (Secretary), The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, and the correspondence was received. It was decided to let the challenge from the Milton Cricket Club stand over till next meeting. The Secretary was instructed to write to the Dnnedin High School, Albion Second, and Green Island Second Cricket Clubs to try and arrange a match for the 10th November ; alao, to the Southern (Dunedin) CO. to see if they could play on the Ist December, at Lawrence. It was decided to employ a man for a day to level ; the pitch and otherwise improve the cricket ground • also, to procure what material was wanted. Sides were then chosen for the match to be played next Saturday between the President and Vice-President .-—President's side : Messrs J, Harrop (President), Rolfe (2), Potts (2), Jao, Roscow, Crook©, Reidy, Wakefield,

Irvine, Matthews, Hindmarßu, J. Murray, and White. Vice-President's side : Messrs W. C. AUnutt (Vice-President), Geo. Murray, Mao gregor, Richards, Ferguson, Cutten, Hickson, Hunter, Donovan. Jos. Roscow, Porter, M'Lean, and W. Fiaer. The game will commence at 2 30 p.m., all players beiug requested to roll up sharp to time. Those players who are unable to get away of an evening or afternoon have an opportunity of having a little practice before the match by getting up iv the morning, as there were a laige number over on Monday morning.