Local and General Intelligence.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1108, 7 January 1885, Page 2

Local and Gen eral Intelligence.

The trial of White, Crowley and Fitzgerald for the Nenthorn murder, commences at the sitting of the Supreme Court, Duuedin, tomorrow.

It is now announced that Sir Julius Yogel intends to enter another action for libel against the "New Zealand Times," in which damages are laid at £10,000.

We were shown a sample of gooseberries grown by Mr Tyler, which for size quite exceeds what is generally attained in that kind of fruit. The variety is known as the " Snowflake," and some of them weigh more than an ounce each.

The champion sculling match between Hearn, of Wellington, and Harrington, of RivertoD, which took place on Friday last, resulted in a hollow victory for Hearn by the swamping of Harrington's boat. At the time of the accident, Hearn had a lead of 50 yards. J. N. Wood, Esq., E.M., officiated in the Lawrence circuit for the last time during his late term of office on Monday. W. H. Revell, Esq., succeeds him at the first sitting of the Court. Mr Wood takes a well-earned six months' holiday before entering upon his duties at G-reymouth. The following locally-known candidates were successful at the late pupil teachers' examination : — Fourth class : Isabella Smvthe, L. Richards, and William Phillips. Thfrd class : A, M'Leau, M. Wall, M. A. Morgan, Margaret Campbell, A. G. Thomson, and Alice Irwin. Second class : Lilian Fowler, Annie Bohning, and John M'Nickle. First class: Jane Robertson. John W. Whitehead, guard of the express train from the South, was accidentally killed on New Year's eve. It appears that as some of the carriages were excessively crowded, he attemnted to walk along the tops of the carriages. While doing so, he fell off and was killed. His funeral took place on Sunday, and as special trains were laid on to allow bis fellow employes to attend, it was a very large one. Boaz's seventh drawing on the Hamburg principle is advertised to close towards the end of February. The first prize (£300) in the sixth drawing, which took place recently in the presence of a number of subscribers, went to Wellington ; the 2nd (£200) to Christchurch ; the 3rd (£100) to Nelson ; the 4th (£SO) to Napier j the sth (£SO) to Dunedin. Several of the smaller prizes went to various parts of the Colony. The funeral of the late Rev, W. Jenner took place on Friday. The Rev. Mr Tonkinson, of Dunedin, held a short service in the Congregational Church, after which the remains were taken to the Cemetery, where the Rev. Dr Roaeby conducted the funeral service. By the death of Mr Jenner, the Congregational Church in Lawrence is deprived of its pantor ; but we understand that arrangements will be made to supply the pulpit from Dunedin for a time, until a permanent pastor can be secured. The Police Offences Act, which oame into force on the Ist January, among numerous other things, forbids the wheeling of perambulators on the footpaths. Section 3of the Act is as follows :— " Any person guilty of any of the following offences is liable for every such offence, omission, or neglect to a penalty not exceeding £s— that is to say: rides or drives or wheels any track, barrow, or carriage of any kind upon or along any public footpath, or carries any load upon his shoulders, or otherwise to the danger or obstruction of persons using such footpath." Quite a crowd of people assembled in the streets of Lawrence to see the old year out and the new year in. Various were the pranks played, and many nf the little escapades — such as carrying -off gates — bordered upon larrikinism. The music employed to make the proceedings lively was of a heterogeneous kind too, including violins, concertinas, accordions, tin whistles', and .kerosene tins, Messrs Paul and Co. .had a splendid illumination with Chinese lanterns in a square in front of their temporary studio, where a_crowd assembled and enjoyed themselves dancing on the 'green. Though a good deal of mischief was perpetrated', still nothing of a bad character, we are pleased to say, was done. The "Taieri Advocate" waxes filoqnent over the part played by Constable M'Kepzie, in the capture of Fitzgerald. Mr M'Kenzie is, no doubt, an indefatigable officer, but he is not the only one who has labored assiduously to capture Fitzgerald. Our bantering contemporary, in its zeal for the local constable, forgets that there are two sides to every question ; and that while it is viewing the scene through ' the spectacles of the policeman, others areable to look at it from another vantage point. We have inquired into the Darticularajfrow the prime movers in the affair, and, from the additional information we have gleaned, we see little cause to alter our report in any essential particular. If Mason is pushed oat into tfaa cold altogether, theu he will be unfairly dealt witb,

There was a d vice held in Beatou's At-setobly Rooms, Bine Spur, on New Year's nigh*. A good many couples put in an appeal aace, and a very enjoyable night's amusement was spent. The draughts match— Otago v. Canterbury — begins in Watson's hotel to-day at one o'clock. Great interest appears to be taken in the match, and we notice the name of David Watson, of Waitahuna, among the Otago players. Mr W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G., M.H.R. for Peninsula, was sworn in as a member of the Ministry on Monday. At present he takes charge of the Mines and Customs Departments, but in all probability there will be a redisf 1 . ihution of portfolios before long. Mr W - . EL Reynolds has resigned his seat in the Cabinet. Some little excitement was caused in Auckland on Monday evening, when a Negro named John Browii was seen chasing another Negro named Thomas Brown, and firing at him with a revolver. Two of the shots took effect, but neither of them are expected to be fatal. The wounded man was taken to the Hospital, and the other was taken into custody by the police. The Chairmin of the Tuapeka County Council has received a communication from the Secretary of the Education Board, requestiug the Council to remove the punt from its present position to a point near the Moa Flat school, and off ei ing £15 towards the expense of making the change. This, it is calculated, will meet the requirements of the Millers Flat people, who are asking for the erection of a school there. The Civil Service reform of the present Government i 3 not likely to remain an unfulfilled promise. At the end of the current financial year extensive retrenchment is to take place in the Survey Department;. The field staff will probably be dismissed, and Government surveys of land thereafter let by contract. This is a step in the light direction, as the expenses in connection with the department are far in excess of its usefuluess. During the oppressive thundery weather which prevailed of late, there appeals to have been an uuusual amount of electricity about. The local paper, describing the thunderstorms in the vicinity of Naseby, says that flashes of ball and sheet lightoing were followed by loud peals of thunder, and that almost immediately several large waterspouts were noticed to the west of Naseby. The heavy rains have done much damage to several mining claims in that neighborhood. Mr James Cutler, a resident of the Tuapeka district during the last 23 years, died at Waitahuna yesterday morning. He had been in indifferent health for some years back, and during the last three years he had been altogether confined to his house. Deceased, who leaves a widow and large family to mourn their loss, was much respected by those who knew him. As he was the owner of considerable property in land and cattle, he leaves his family fairly well provided for. There died in the Bendigo Benevolent Asylum recently a man named Benjamin Weedon, aged 100 years and five months. He was born in Connecticut. He left his home when a boy and went to sea, and sailed from London to Sydney in 1806. He put into Port Philip Bay for water in 1828, and was some years in Degrane's employ in the cattle trade between Melbourne and Hobart. When the old diggings broke out he left the Bea and went to Forest Creek. He went to Bendigo in 1852. The advertisement relating to " Ada Mantua's " consultation on the Dunedin Cuu appears in another column. Mr Abraham, who has for a long time conducted these drawings with such Buccess and credit to himself, announces that he has retired from the business, and takes the opportunity of thanking the public for its past patronage, and respectfully requests a continuance of the support accorded him to his successors (Lyons and Hart), who he assures us will do their utmost to furnish their patrons with all necessary information, A TATAL accident occurred at Naseby on Sunday, whereby Thomas Low, blacksmith, lost his life. He, in company with some others, went to bathe in a mining dam at noon, when his companions noticed him struggling as if in difficulties; but before they could go to his aid, he sank and never rose again. The waier was discolored, so that he could not be seen, and none of his companious were good enough swimmers to be able to dive for him. The body was not recovered for two hours afterwards. It is to be regretted in diggiug townships, where water _is plentiful, that suitable baths are not provided. A strange case of death from apparently trifling causes occurred at the Seacliff Asylum on Thursday last. One of the warders, William Matheson, was boasting of the size of his chest to another warder (Ingram), who, he said, could not hurt him by striking it. It appears that Ingiam struck him, when he immediately fell back and shortly afterwards expired. At the inquest held subsequently a verdict was returned to the effect that he died from syncope or failure of the heart's action. The medical evidence revealed no signs of injury either external or internal to account for the cause of death. Mr J. Q. Mitchell, while engaged in firing a blast in the Great Extended Oo.'s claim, Blue Spur, on Friday last, mcC with a nasty accident, which, but for his presence of mind, might have been of a more serious nature. He had charged a shot and lighted the fuse when he observed a cask with some powder in it, which he attempted to remove; but while he was carrying it the charge exploded, burning his right arm and side severely. However, he had the presence of mind to get out of the way of the coming explosion, aud thereby averted what might have been a serious accident. Under Dr Withers' care, he is progressing as favorably as can be expected. This significant paragraph is from the London " Echo ".-—Under the stimulus of the franchise agitation the dullest country towns felt the thrill of uew life. During the last two months, in scores of places where .Liberals have hitherto been hardly able to hold up their heads, large and successful meetiugs on the Franchise Bill have been held. The other night the Liberals of Iteigate, which is a hot-bed of Toryism, held a public meeting, fully expecting to encounter an outbreak of violence with which they were threatened, but the enemy failed to put in an appearance. At Basiugscroke was held the first public political meeting for the last twenty-five years. Although the town had only about 5,000 inhabitants, 1,000 were present, and hundreds failed to obtain admission to the hall, numbers having come in fiom the surrounding districts. In apite of the organised opposition of a small band of roughs, the resolutions were carried by great majorities. Chelmsford.anotherhol-bed of Toryism.recently distinguished itself in the same manner. The regular monthly meeting of the Lvans Flat School Committee was held on Monday evening, 5-h inst. The members present were —Messrs G. Brook (Chairman), P. Biook (Secretary), Richardson. Henry, Fdhey, and Hogg, —On the proposition being put by the Chairman "that the minutes of last meeting, as read, be confirmed," a considerable amount of discussion ensued. Eveutually, Mr P. Brook proposed, and Mr Fahey seconded : " That the last minutes be held an open question, and that the Ohairman and any two members may call a special meeting.' Carried. — Ci.culars from the retiring members of the Education Board were read. On the motion of Meatw Hemy and Hogg, it was decided that Mr M. Fraer and Mr James Green be nominated to fill the vacancies. -Miss Jane Brook's account for achool-cleaning for the last half-year (£3 10s) was passed for payment.— The Secretary submitted the bank-book, showing a balance to the Committee's credit of £1 4a 7d, but stated that payment of all outstanding liabilities would leave the Committee very much in debt at the end of the term. ODRr Waitahuna correspondent, referring to the concert held in aid of the funds of the local Fife and Drain B,and in the Good Templars' Hall," Havelock, on the evening of the 3Qth nit.,- says the house was literally packed, so much so that the performers could scarcely be heard. The Waitahuna Christy Minstrels made their first appearance, and would have made a decided hit but for the fact above mentioned. Messrs - M'Kenzie and Lake made good "corner men," aud the songs of the company were appreciated. Mr Smith gave a song which was very well received, after which Messrs M'Kenzie and Lake gave a character song in a very creditable style. The Nigger farce, " Wax-in-ation Gratis," concluded the performance. This pieca was very mirthprovokiog. The acting was all that could be desired, and the audience seemed to thoroughly enjoy the fun. The exact amount netted by the entertainment has not yet been nude' known, but it is understood that the funds of the Band will ba increased by at least £30. Dancing, as usual, engaged the attention of the younger part of the audieuue for the lest of the uight, '

Hessbs Matthews and Chalmebs, coachbuilders, &c, of this town, hive just completed a four-wheeled eo?ch for Messrs H. Craig and Co., which, for n aleiial and workmanship, cou'd not be surpassed in the Colonies. The whole of the work was executed at the firm's workshop in Boss Place. ElSEWhbbe it is announced that Clark, Ryman and Co.'s American Comrdy Company will appear in the Town Hall this and to morrow evenings. The show is "Said to be an exceedingly funny one, and those who are fond of a good hearty laugh should avail themselves of the opportunity of bearing the company. The Australian Colonies are justly indignant at the German annexation of a portion of New Guinea. Protests have been forwarded to Lord Derby from Victoria and Tasmania, and negotiations are going on between the other Colonies with the view of getting up a united protest on the part of Australia and New Zealand. Good cause though thete may be fur the protest, still it is possible for these Colonies to make their desire for annexation too prominent. By so doing thpy will rouse the jealousy of other nations, and Germany and Frauce will hasten to secure unallotted territory before it is all snatched up by Britain. It is well, therefore, for the Colonies to quietly urge the Imperial Government, without showing their hand too much ; but it is plain that there is no time to lose if British interests are not to be pushed into a secondary position in the South Pacific. Germany has displayed a sudden desire for the acquisition of territory in this direction ; and, not content with part of New Guinea, she is making a bid for the New Hebrides and Samoa. It is much to be regretted that a vacillating policy on the part of the Home Government leaves the course clear for foreign powers to supplant Britain where she should have ruled supreme. Hitherto the business men of Lawrence have had little to fear from burglars, as the light-fingered gentlemen of that profession have confined their attentions to other and more populous centre?. However, some one or more of that influential denomination visited this locality at the close of the year, apparently for the express purpose of making a New Year's "rise." It was evidently first attempted to enter the store of Messrs Herbert and Co. on the night of the 30th ult. The large skylight was forced open ; but after the way for an entrance was prepared the thieves must have taken fright and sneaked off. Their next attempt was made upon Mr Morrison's bootshop, and this time they were only too successful in their evil purpose. With a chisel they cut out the framtwork of a back window-sash, pulled out a couple of panes and effected an entrance, when boots to the value of something o\er £20 were stolen. The local police, assisted by a detective from Dunedin, have used every means to discover the thieves, but so far their efforts have been unavailing. We believe several houses have already been searched, and the owners < f some of these are justly indignant at the implications thus made. For the sake of those who may be unjustly suspected, we hope to see the offenders brought to book ; for if they get off with their successful venture, it will only induce them to make a bolder move next time. OUR Tuapeka Mouth correspondent writes : The young ladies of this district gave a Boiree and ball in the schoolhouse on New Year's eve. After partaking of refreshments, dancin" commenced at about ten o'clock, and was kept up, interrupted by an occasional song, till an early hour next morning. Messrs Drain and Bailey furnished the music. Miss Blank was M.C. till twelve o'clock. There was a little bit of amusement caused by the maids, as they chose to call themselves on the ticket, it being their privilege to ask the gentlemen to dance. But the best piece of fun during the evening was given in a Nigger dcene by Messrs Brown and Nehoff, assisted by Messrs Figet (as master) aud Breakall (as servant.) The piece of itself -is very simple, but it was acted in such a way as would have called forth applause in any theatre.— The School Committee gave a picnic to the children and their parents, and all who chose to come for a day's enjoyment, oil New Year's Day. The picnic was held in Mr Foster's paddock, about a mile f i om the Mouth, and began at two p.m. First on the board were the refreshments liberally dispensed by Mrs Porter, assisted by Mrs Grieve and Messrs Brown and Foster. Then followed the amusements, taken charge of by Messrs Tyson and Grieve.^ Mis Tyson led off the amusements for the maids and bachelors. Mr Taylor had two swings under his charge, which were well patronised by the young folks. The picnic finished up at about seven o'clock ; but as some had not then had enough of it they met at the school and finished up the day with a dance. A meeting of the Committee of the Lawrence Ithenaenm and Mining Institute was held on the 31st ultimo. Members presentMessrs J. C. Brown (President, in the chair), Allnutt, Tolcher, Finlayson, Johnston, and Harrop. — The minutes of the previous ordinary meeting were read and confirmed, and likewise of a special meeting held on the 12th ult. — The inward correspondence consisted of— (1) Letter from the Secretary of the Otago Education Board, stating that it had been decided by that body to grant the use of the Rector's late residence for testing classes on condition that the Athenaeum Committee gave the Board a guarantee that they would be responsible for any damage that might be done to it, and further that the building be insured for £300 during the time it is occupied by the classes under the Committee's auspices. (2) Letter from the Registrar of the Ballarat School of Mines and Industries, who alao forwarded copies of the annual reports of the institution for the yeais 1874 to 1883, inclusive.— The President reported that, in company with Messrs Herbert and Stenhouse, he had interviewed the Ongo University Council on the previous day (30ch) re the establishment , of a School of Miues at Lawrence. — Proposed by Mr Allnutt and seconded by Mr Harrop ; " That this .Committee record their approval of the satisfactory way in which the deputation had carried out their duties in connection with their interview with the University Council relative to the establishment of a "School of Mines at Lawrence." Carried.— On the motion of Mr Allnutt, it was resolved to obtain a copy of the work known as " Doomsday Book," and also of "Stone's Directory." — The following accounts were referred to the Finance Committee for payment if found to be correct — viz., Jonas Harrop, £5 3s; T. George, £5 53; Herbert and Co., £10 ; W. Eckhold, £4 Is 6d ; Pilling Bro?., £2 12s.— The monthly statement of receipts and expenditure, submitted- by the Secretary, was read and approved. —Messrs Abel and Stenhouse were appointed a budCommittee to prepare a report for submission fto the annual meeting of subscribers.— This was all the business transacted.