Local and General Intelligence.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1115, 31 January 1885, Page 2

Local and General Intelligence.

THERE were seventeen patients — twelve males and five females — in the Hospital last evening. Two patients were admitted during the week and five discharged.

A VIOLENT gale passed over some of the upcountry districts on Friday uight of last week, doing great damage to the orchards. Fruit is reported to be strewing the grouod, and in some cases the branches are stripped off the trees.

Professor Black, finished his course of lectures at Arrowiown on Saturday. At the close of the series of lectures, the students presented him with a gold uugget pin of Arrowtown Kold.

The Hon. the Premier and the Minister of Mines have set out on their goldfields 1 tour. From Nelson they go overland to Westport, and then to other places as circumstances advise. Altogether the tour of inspection is calculated to occupy a month's time.

The steamship Hauroto, which left Port Chalmers on Wednesday, touk 100 first-class dratight horses for the Sydney market. Years ago numbers of horses of all kinds were imported from Syduoy, and now we are able to send back splendid draughts, for which there is an excellent market in Sydney.

Our special correspondent, telegraphing from Teumka, bays :— The crops thioughout Canterbury are now dead npe,aod looking magnificent. Harvesting operatiuus are now in full swing, and if the present brilliant weather only holds up for a fortnight this will be the best grain season Canterbury has ever had. Labor, I may add, is very scarce.

The late wet weather, which has been a subject for complaint in this district, has been quite excelled at G-reymouth, where it rained in torrents, producing the highest flood on the river that has occurred for years. The temporary staging of the iron cylinder bridge across the Grey River at Cobden has been carried away, entailing considerable loss upon the couti actor.

A meeting of the Heriot School Committee was held on Monday evening. The members present were — Messrs Keise (Chairman), M'Kenzie, Marshall, Lomas, M'Kay, and Edie (Secretary). — The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. — Mr Edie's accouut for stamps and stationery during the year was passed for payment.— The Rev. Mr Bannerman and Mr J. F. M. Fraser were nominated for the vacancies on the Education Board.

Owing to the indisposition of the R.M., the Court at Roxburgh was held on Wednesday before J. Barton, Esq., J.P., who explained that only the Police cases would be proceeded with. The other cases would be heard before Mr Hickson on the 18ih February. The following cases were then disposed of :— Police v. Featherstnne : Permitting cattle to wander in a public place. Fined 53 and costs (7a). -Same v, Stadden ; Similar charges. Defendant, who did not appear, was fined 5s and costs (7s).Same v. Bates, Harris, and Burgess, respectively : Similar charge. Fined 5s each, without costs. — The Court was then adjourned till the 18th proximo.

The programme of the Tapanui Racing Club's annual meeting, which will be held on Thursday and Friday, sth and 6th March, haa been published. It comprises thirteen events, aa follow ; — First day: District Handicap Hurdle Race, of 20aors; Tapanui Handicap, of 3(fcovs ; Maiden Plate, of ISsovs ; Hack Race, of lOaovs; Commercial Travellers' Purse, of 15aovs ; and Benevolent Scurry, Second day : Handicap Hurdle Race, of 2030v5; Hack Selling Race, of lOaovs (winner to be sold for 15aov8); Jockey Club Handicap, of 30sovs; District Handicap Flat Race, of lssovs (open to horses owned within a radius of 25 miles, including Lawrence, Clinton, Gore, Mandeville and Ettrick); Welter Weight Handicap, of 15sov8 ; and Consolation Stakes, of lOaovs.

The Danedio correspondent of the " Croatwell Argus," writing of Mr BannermaD, says ; —He ia,a first-class debater, holds firmly and courageously to his opinions, and there is an open manliness about him which everyone mast admire. Some months ago be bad bis leg broken by a buggy accident ; and he has had to give up ministerial work, for he cannot get about without a stick. By-the-way, be is a candidate for the Education Board, and a thoronghly good member he would make, too. He is, of coarse, a Bible-in-Schools man, but on the Board he could not do much in that direction. The new candidates are Mr Bannerman, Dr Brown, Mr Dick, and young Mr Fraser the lawyer, The first and last, along with Mr Fraer, who is certain to go in, would introduce a capital mixture of the new blood so much requited.

The inquiry into alleged dummyism on Run 106, Waitahuna West, was practically concluded before the Land Buard on Thursday. There is some unimportant evidence yet to be taken, but that will not be likely to affect the result to any great extent.

We have received, through Mr Jeffery. the local agent, a copy of " St 'lie's Directory" for the year 1885. This is the second issue of the Directory, and in many respects it presents considerable improvement on the previous one. The fullest information on a variety of subjects uspful to businessmen, farmers, and others is given in the Directory. A large map of Dunedin city and suburbs is also given, besides a nice colored map of Otago. Altogether, lh« Directory should be of great value as a reliable guide to businessmen. THE Government have brought out a shipment of weasels and stoats, and a number of these will be liberated in the back country of Ofeasjo and Canterbuiy. Buuuy will then have si b:ird time of it, and even the seclusion of his deepest burrow will not protect him against this foreign enemy. Stoats and weasels belong to a dishonest tribe, and unless their education has been well attended to on the voyage, they will not deign to observe the difference between a plump young lamb and a half -starved rabbit. When both these sources of foodsupply fail, they will not be above making surreptitious visits to the hen-roost.

Those who make a habit of using unparliain'iitaiy language should take warning from a case which c-ime before the Court at Waimate the other day. James Bailey was charged with using obscene language in a public place. After hearing the evidence, the B9nch said that the case against Bailey, for using obscene language and threatening language was clearly proved. Under the Polioe Offences Act, obscene language was an offence punishable by imprisonment with hard labor for any term not exceeding twelve months. $lb this was accused's first appearance in Court they would not inflict the maximum term, but the sentence would be three months' imprisonment withhard labor.

The British forces for the relief of General Goidon are getting hot work with the followers of the Mahdi. While Colonel Stewart's column was approaching the Nila" by forced marches, they were stopped by the rebels near El Metemiieh, within four miles of the river. The enemy showed in strong force, and opened a heavy fire on the British. Colonel Stewart at once halted his men, but he was severely W'UDcled, and the command devolved upon Sir Charles Wilson. The special correspondent of the London "Standard " and the correspondent of the "Post" were killed. After four hours' heavy fighting, the rebels were repulsed, though tbey fought with their ÜBual characteristic bravery. After the engagement, Colonel Wilson left for Khartoam in a steamer, so that before this communication will have beeu opened up between the relieving forces and General Gordon.

A whole family living at a plane called Bowna, in New South Wales, were recently poisoned by eating tinned fish. A neighbor happening to call in found them all very seriously ill. He at once telegraphed for a doctor, who, upon arrival, administered suitable remedies, and they all recovered. The case is very briefly reported in our Australian exchanges, but considering the gravity of the question raised, we think that every particular should bare beea given ia deta.l). 'JThe poi6oxx~ ing might have been fatal, as it was it was very serious. An inquiry should have been instituted with the view of ascertaining whether the poisoning was paused by the fish not being in proper condition, or by the process of canning. It is well-known that fish taken under certain conditions are extremely unwholesome, and that occasionally the chemicals used in connection with soldering up the cans communicate poison to their contents. Cases such as that we have quoted are by no means unfrequent, but, fortunately, they are seldom so serious as to attract public attention.

A meeting of the Committee of Management of the Lawrence Cricket Club wa3 held in the Town Hall on Thursday evening. There were present — Messrs Allnutt (in the chair), E. Rolfe, Ferguson, A. Rolfe, and the Secretary. — The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed, and the inward correspondence received. — Mr W. Hunter's resignation as Committeeman and Auditor was accepted ; and Mr Geo. Murray was elected in Mr Hunter's place as Committeeman and Mr O. Potts as Auditor, — The Secretary was instructed to write to Mr Hunter expressing the Club's regret at his leaving the district, and wishing him every prosperity.— A vote of thanks to Mr D. R. Hunter for his donation to the Club was minuted, — A challenge from the Clinton Cricket Club was accepted for Wednesday next, if the match could be played in Lawrence. — The Secretary was instructed to challenge the Roxburgh Club to play a friendly game on the Lawrence ground, the former to fix the date. — Several accounts were passed for payment.— A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the business.

An occasional correspondent sends us the following jottings from Waitahuna:— A. number of the friends of Joe Gianini assembled at the railway station on Wednesday afternoon to witness his departure for Italy, bis native country. He is an old digger, having been in the Colony for thirty years, twenty of which were spent in this district. Be was much re--spected by everybody, as wa3 shown by the expression on the faces of his associates at his departure. The well-wishes of his old chums follow him to his native land. — There is a good deal of murmuring going on just now amongst owners of horses and cattle at the wholesale manner in which their stock is being impounded, I question if it is legal for a poandkeeper to go riding about in search of horses and cattle, but such is the case. — The volunteers have fairly startly now. At their drill on Wednesday evening, they went through a number of exercises as well as could be expected for raw recruits. — The Flufe and Fife Band meet once a week, and I hear thai the Choral Union is about to start, so that the township will be kept pretty lively.

The " Grey River Argus " indulges in a little fun at the expense of the Ministerial party now doing the tour of the Colony inspecting charitable institutions. It thus sums up one of the party :— But. Pat, avic, what has the Hon. John Martin, M.L.C., to do with the inspection of hospitals and charitable institutions ? He is not one of those Exeter Hall dispositioned persons who poke their nose into other people's business besides their own. He has no particular weakness as a social or moral reformer, and as for charitable aid or hospitals he probably neve ' dreamed of such things in his life, or if by any chance he did, they would have less concern for him than to see that his silk hat was properly brushed. The puzzle, then, is to find what part "Lord John" takes in this Ministerial progress. Glad to see him, of course we shall be, the off-hand vieux routier that ho is, with his never-failing amplitude of shirt front, and the inevitable floral favor in the button hole, at peace with all men, and perfectly at ease and supremely satisfied with himself. Some wise old fellow once said there was no new thing under the sun ; but to send rou d the 1 Hon. John Martin, M.L.C., as an inspector of hospitals and charitable institutions is just about the newest and most delicate piece of officialism ever heard of.

The monthly meeting of ih° Committee of Management of the Lawrence Athenaeum and Mining Institute was held on Thursday evening. Members present— Messrs J. C. Brown (President, in the chair), Allnutt, FinlaysoD, Harrop, Tolcher, Abel, Stenhouse, M'Coy, and Johnston. — The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. — A letter was received from the Under-Secret.ary for Mines, dated sth January, acknowledging receipt of a statement by the Committee ia support of the establishment of a School of Mines at Laws rence, and adding that the subject was under the consideration of the Government.— Mr C. C. Armstrong (Dunedin) wrote submitting oases of fernß for the approval of the Committee ; price. £7. It waa decided to inform Mr Armstrong that the Committee were not in a position to purchase the ferns.— The President was requested when in Duaedin to visit Messrs Wilkie and Co. re irregularities in the delivery of Home papers and periodicals.— On the motion of Mr Stenhouse, it was resolved : "That the Secretary write to Mr S. Henry, requesting him to submit the transfer of lease of the Pales Flat reaerye for perusal by the Committee."— The President read the annual report for 1884, prepared by the subcommittee, and submitted the same to the members for approval. The report, with one or two slight additions, was adopted.— The financial statement for the year ending 31st December, 1884, was also received and adopted. — It was decided that the annual meeting of subscribers to the Athenaeum beheld on Friday, 6th February,— Tho meeting then doted.

The "' Daily Times " says that the members ofthe Wesleyan Conference, with a number of Dunedin friends, held a picnic at St. Clair on Wednesday afternoon. The principal attraction was a cricket match between a Conference team and an eleven from various city clubs. The following are the names of the Conference team :— Revc Hudson (captain), Isitt, Buttle, Murray, Luxford, Williams, Bavin, Simmonda, Fairclough, Penfold, Slade, Buchanan, Marten, Griffin, and Fellow?. The clergy proved themselves the victors, principally through the deadly bowling of the Revs. L. M. Isitt aud Hudson. The first meeting of the newly-elected Committee of the Lawrence District High School was held last eveniug. Ail the tneui bers were in attendance — viz., Messrs Copland, Harrop, leffery, Mitchinson, M'Nicol, Smail), and Thompson. — On the motion of

Mr Harrop, seconded by Mr Jeffery, Mr

Smaill was appointei President for tbe current year; and, on tbe motion of Mr Harrop, seconded by Mr Copland, Mr Thompson was elected Secretary aid Treasurer.—There was no further busiuesss transacted. THERE was a fair attendance at the annua meeting of subscribers to the Tuapeka Goldfields Hospital, held in the Town Hall last evening. Mr J. Tanton occupied the chair. After the annual report, &c., had been read and adopted, the following appointrfTients were made for the current year :— "President, Mr P. Miller; Hon. Secretary, Mr J. Thompson ; Treasurer, Mr Copland j Auditors, Messrs Love and Barron ; Committee of Management, Messrs Miller, John Thompson, S. P. Craig, Jeffery, Browne, Chalmers, Copland, Dodds, Tantoo, Pilling, Webb, and Morrison. A meeting of the Committee of the Tuapeka County Jockey Club was held in the Council Chambers, Town Hall, on Thursday evening. There were present — Messrs J. C. Brown (President), M. Fraer (Vice-President), S. P. Craig:, J. Chalmers, G. Macdonnell, T. Dwyer, J. Mitchinson, G. H. Gordon, H. Crate, B. Webb, W. Tolcher, and J. Tucker. — The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.— A large number of accounts to the value of £362 12s were passed for payment.— The Secretary stated that, after payment of all the accounts, there was a balance in hand of about £180, exclusive of some £25 still due as subscriptions, &c. — It was resolved (on the motion of Mr Fraer, seconded by Mr GordoD) : " That the balance-in-hand be placed on depositreceipt for a period of twelve months." — Mr Fraer moved, and Mr H. Craig seconded: " That the sum of £15 be paid to the Secretary in recognition of his services during the past year." Several of the members spoke in high terms of praise of the satisfactory way in which Mr Thompson had discharged his multifarious duties. The motion was put and declared carried unanimously. —It was resolved to instruct the Secretary to write to Messrs Solomon and Murrell informing them that the Club was thoroughly pleased with the manner in which they bad worked their totalisator during the recent race-meeting.— ThePresident brought under notice the desirability of getting the racecourse fenced in. If the Club and the Societies who used the recreation ground for their gatherings would provide the material, the fence could be erected by prison-labor. — Mr H. Craig did not think the Club was called upon to consider the matter at the present time. There were several private individuals in Lawrence who would be quite willing to fence^ in the racecourse in consideration of the grazipg right. However, the matter could not be dis cussed that evening. — Messrs S. P. Craig and M. Fraer were appointed to audit the accounts of the Club. —Several suggestions anent the working of future meetings to be held under the Club's auspices were thrown out, and the Secretary was requested to take note of same. —The usual vote was accorded the President, and the proceedings terminated.