LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXIV, Issue 9662, 10 October 1882, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Gravel Supply. — Tenders- close at noon to-day for the supply for two years of gravel for the borough. Gas Discount. — The usual discount is allowed by the Gas Company on all accounts for September paid during to-day. Stock Sales. — Messrs Barns and Higgio will hold their usual fortnightly sale of stock at the Campbelltown yards at 12.30 o'clock to-morrow. Sir John Hall. — We have it on excellent authority that it is the intention of Sir John and Jjady Hall to start very shortly on a visit to the Home country. Their stay is expected to extend over two years. West Coast Commissioner. — Sir W. Fox (with his secretary and native interpreter, Messrs Bell and Hadfield) is at present in New Plymouth, prosecuting his work. He expects to return homeward in about a month. Wanganui Jockey Club. — A general meeting of this club will be held at Mr J. W. Jackson's Pier Hotel at 8 o'clock on Wednesday evening next. The business will bo the re-election of members, and confirmation of the resolutions re foreign horses. The Detective Force . — We learn that the vacancy in tho detective service of this district caused by tho resignation of Detective Jeffery has been filled up by the appointment of Detective Twohey, of Timaru, who is expected in Wanganui in tho conrse of a few days. Egypt. — By request Sir William Fox has consented to deliver his interesting lecture on this subject in Wanganui in a few weeks' time. The ability of the lecturer and the attractiveness of the subject should ensure a large attendance. The proceeds arc to bo devoted to Sunday school purposes. The Sheep Act. — In another column is published, in accordance with the provisions of tho Sheep Act, the list of infected sheep for the quarter ending 30th Sc2stember lnst. It will be seen that there is a considerable diminution in the number as recorded in the last return, tho total now returned for being 10,3C0. New Zealand Rifle Association. — It has been arranged that the Volunteers visiting the Dunedin prize inceting from this coast (with the exception of tho Alexandra Cavalry) are to proceed direct to Lyttollon by tho s.s. Go-Ahead, which will leave here about half-past 10 o'clock on the night of the 28th instant. According to the present arrangements she will leave Lyttelton for the return trip on the 11th of next month. Tho return fare has been fixed at £3. A Horse's Freak. —A horse with a small boy on its back took a strango freak into its head on Saturday morning last. Passing down Ridgway-street it suddenly bolted, and, instead of passing the Institute, turned in at tho gate, and actually entered tho open portal of that studious rcsori the lad tenaciously sticking to his seat. The astonishment of tho habitues of tho reading room may be imagined when they saw the noble steed apparently about to join them. New Plymouth Theatre. — A new theatre, to seat 900 people, and to cost .65000, is in course of erection at New Plymouth. It is on tho main street, about opposite Cottier's Hotel. A considerable revenue is expected to be derived from the letting of three shops, which occupy the front part of the buildiug, and also from tho let ling of a commodious cottage, which, from the conformation of the ground, lias been provided underneath. The theatre is a compnny concrn. Blue Beard. — The entertainment for the benefit of the 1.0. G.T., Juvenile Temple, will take place on Thursday evening next at the l'riucess Theatre. The fairy extravaganza, " Blue Beard," will be produced by GO juveniles, tho full particulars of the affair having been given by us some days ftyo. Mr Harry- Power and Miss de Glorian hare kindly offered their services gratuitously on this occaMon, and will appear in the amusing sketch known as "The Rose and Thorn." There should bo a very large attendance to witness what promises to be one of the best and most novel entertainments f the season,

Trotting Races. — Acceptances for handicaps and entries for Trial Stakes and Maiden Race close to-morrow evening 11th instant, at the Rutland Hotel, at 9 o'clock.. Wanuanui Jockey Oittb Races. — X3-eneral entries and acceptances for Wanganui Stakes and Hurdle Race are duo with the hon. sec. at tho Pior Hotel at 9 o'clock to-morrow evening. Fiiiu BitiaADE ■■'tation. — -We learn that, the necessary timber and labour being all in rcudiucsd, Sir If. 11. Spurdle, the contractor, will to-day make a start with the new Fire Brigade stution in St Hill-street. Grand Annual Snow. — Intending exhibitors aro reminded that until 4 p.m. today the secretary of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association will attend at the association's office to receive entries, this being the latest timo during which entrios can be received. The Po3t Office. — Mr W. M. Smith, late of tho Post Office, has accepted a position in the Bank of Australasia; Mr Ritchie, late letter-carrier, has been appointed to a clerkship at tho Post Office ; nnd tho messenger becomes letter-carrier in room of Mr Ritchie. MJts Hampson. — The xisual Tuesday night prayer-meeting in connection with the approaching mission of Mrs Hampson will he held at Trinity Wesleyan schoolroom this evening. At tho close of the prayer-meeting a meeting of the Evangelistic Committee will be held, when a full attendance of memhers is requested. Boating Season. — The annual general meeting of the Union Boat Club will be held at Mr T. W. Ferry's Occidental Hotel at 8 p.m. to-morrow ; and the annual meeting of tho Wanganui Rowing Club will he held at Mr McLevic's Commercial Hotel at 8 p.m. of the same day. In each instance persons desirous of becoming members are invited to attend the meetings. Severe Weather. — The winter just past is said to have been the severest experienced in. Taranaki since the time of the war in 1860. Last week tho ship Port Glasgow, which is lying in the roadstead unloading pipes for tho New Plymouth waterworks, had three times to weigh anchor and run to sea for safety. The little steamer Irishman, formerly of Wanganui, is employed in towing the surf boats to and from the ship. Pknty oe Work. — Few men capable of handling an axe or doing an ordinary day's hard work should be without employment just now on this coast. A correspondent who has returned from a trip as far as Normauby tells us that in almost every hotel or public place, from Waverley upwards, aro to he seen notices of contracts to be let and men wanted for various kinds of work; chiefly fencing and bush felling. Tho cry of scarcity of labour is already beginning to be raised. Powce. — For a quiet, peaceful, and wellconducted little town, New Plymouth is well manned in the matter of police force. It has for its sergeant-major an officer who, prior to the reductions, was recognised as one of tho most efficient, active, and zealous sub-inspectors in the service, and one whose removal from Wanganui was much regretted by the public here. In addition to the sergeant-major, New Plymouth has an experienced sergeant and four constables. It would equalize things a little if tho force hero were strengthened a bit. The Totamsatob. — We observe that at the recent Hawke's Bay Race Meeting considerable dissatisfaction and disputes arose over the working of the totalisator. As many persons over this side of the island will imagine that tho instrument thus called in question was Messrs Hill and Poole's, it is as well to say that the totalisator used was a new invention, and the property of the Hawke's Bay Club, Messrs Hill and Poolc having nothing whatever to do with it. That firm has always given such complete satisfaction with the totalisator in this district that it would be a pity if there were any misconception. Mb F. R. Jackson's Wool Store. — The now wool store erected by Mr Spurdle for Mr Freeman R. Jackson on Taupo Quay is upon the ovo of completion. Tho iron roof is nearly finished, and very little carpenter's work in tho flooring and doors remains to bo done. The shed' will be a commodious and useful building, and wo observed yesterday that Mr Jackson had ali'eady commenced to use it, by storing some twenty bales of wool packs, which hitherto had been placed in tho Customs shed. It is to be hoped that the coining wool season will see Mr Jackson's store well filled. A New Arrival. — Mr B. Gosling, for a number of years favourably known in business in the Eangitikei District, announces in another column that he has opened premises in Ridgway-street (adjoining Mr J. Of. Sharpe's store) , where he will be prepared to execute commissions as a decorator, engraver, writer on wood or glass, and designer of memorial tablets. Excellent specimens of Mr Gosling's skilful handicraft are to be seen at his new premises, which well repay a visit. His memorial tablets are really works of art, and it is difficult to imagine more pleasing mementoes of the dead. We hope that Mr Gosling's venture in Wanganui will he attended with success. Jury Panel — Mr G. W. Woon, the sheriff, has appointed this afternoon, at 2 o'clock, to draw the grand and common ' jurors required to serve nt the sittings of tho Supreme Court to be held on Monday, the 23rd instant. The Juries Act requires that the j>recept f ol . summoning a jury shall be in the hands of tho sheriff 14 days'before tho sittings of the Court, aud as tho precept only reached Mr Woon yesterday morning it is evident that tho Registrar of the Supreme Court at Wellington has calcualated things to a nicety. In a scattered district such ns this, it is certainly desirable that jurors should have as long notice as possible. Extended Benetolence. — Judging from the fact that no meeting of the Benevolent Society passes over without applications for relief from indigent persons who have arrived hero from other towns, there certainly seems much force in a remark made yesterday by one of the committee, that the fame of Wanganui for benevolence lias gone abroad. It seems rather hard that the society should have to support the poor of other places, but the same diffieidty presents itself to benevolent institutions everywhere else. In Wellington so forcibly wore the committee impressed with tho nndesirability of supporting an immigrant poor, that it was deemed cheaper and wiser to pay their expenses back to tho place they came from, and in several instances this was actually done. As, however, was remarked yesterday at the meeting, New Zealand is a free country, and the most destitute person has a right to locate himself in any town he pleases, and then humanity does not allow that town to escape the burden of relieving him. Alexandra Cavalry. — Previous to the sham fight on Saturday afternoon last the Alexandra Cavalry, who numbered sixty -six officers and men, were put through a variety of military movements, and were subsequently addressed by Captain STeill, as officer comminuting the district, in a speccli highly laudatory of tho appearance and efficiency of the corps, the wonderful improvement it bad made under Captain Sommcrville, and the distinguished services rendered by that officer. That these remavks by Captain Neill were thoroughly deserved, none who saw tho cavalry on parade and in action on Saturday last can possibly doubt. Their muster of sixty-six was one of the largest ever hold by the troop, and one which in all probability will never again be equalled, inasmuch as the new Volunteerregulations reduce the strength of a cavalry corps to sixty-three. The number on the roll at present is no less than ninety-four, and wo understand that at least twenty moro men are anxious to join. It is evident, therefore, that tho officers and ■ council of the Alexandra Cavalry have a , difficult task before them in selecting tho 'j sixty-three who, after tho end of this year, ] will- alone be allowed to remain in (lie , corps. Selection by ballot will be open to ! the objection that the very best men might be excluded ; and selection by the council ' will impose on it a delicate and not parti- 1 cularly pleasant duty. The numbers we ' have quoted speak volumes for the present ] popularity and efficiency of our local, cavalry. '

Spokting. — Hippodamia was seratelied for the Wanganui Stakes Handicap at 10.30 a.m. on Saturday last, Dan was also scratched for both Hurdle Race and Stakes on the same day. Cbickbt. — The grocers will encounter the drapers in a friendly match at cricket on the afternoon of Thursday, the 19th instnut. Tho charms of the A. and P. show uu that day appear to bare no attraci iom for I'ieje lv'doulitufilo wicliloi's of tlie willow. More Newbpapees. — Lt is r.rnoured that the West Coast of this islsi id is to witness the bh'fch of two more n<- .•. jpapcrs, ono at Ojjunake, and the other at Manaia. The former is said to be a venture of Mr P. Gralvin, formerly of the Hawera Star. Sale 01? PaiviLEaES.— Mr Freeman R. Jackson will sell, at his St. Hill-street ' yards, on Thursday next, the booths, stalls, cards, &c., for the Wanganui Jockey Club's spring meeting, and for the annual show of the Wanganui Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Natai Bbigade. — The usual parade of the Wanganui Naval Brigade will be held at the Drill Hall at 7.30 p.m. to-morrow. A full attendance of members is looked for, and members are expected to bring with them all arms and other Government property in their possession. Cattee Sam. — Mr F. R. Jackson will hold an extensive sale of stock at his Waverley sale yards on Thursday next, under instructions from Messrs C. and E. Symes, on reasonable terms. The entries include nearly 300 head bullocks, 160 cows in calf or with calves, over 100 heifers, &c. Building Society. — Mr C. H. Ashforth, the manager, notifies that the seventh annual general meeting of the Mutual Benefit Building Society of Wanganui will be held at tho Rutland Chambers at 4 o'clock this afternoon, when the directors' report and balance-sheet will be submitted, accompanied by the inspector's and auditors' reports. Bakgains.— ln another column Mr H. I. Jones announces that stock taking is now in operation, and that as a consequence he offers to the public unheard-of bargains in stationery, books, and other branches, of his large stock. The public will no doubt respond to the invitation to pay his establishment a visit, and study his inducements for themselves. Police Changes. — With reference to our Auckland telegram of Saturday last, intimating the intended removal of SergeantMajor Pardy to New Plymouth, and Ser-geant-Major G-oodall to Auckland, we have since learned that tho latter officer will not be changed as originally intended, owing to Dr O'Carroll, the surgeon to the Constabulary' Force, having given it as his opinion that the Auckland climate is altogether unsuited to Mr Q-oodall's present unsatisfactory state of health. It is xmderstood, therefore, that he will be transferred to Hawera temporarily, and have control over the Borough and County of Uawcra. Mr Pardy will go as at first intimated to New Plymouth, having under his supervision the town of New Plymouth and County of Taranaki. These officers being of oven rank, will have independent charges, but subject to the orders of Inspector James, the whole of tho Provincial District of Taranaki being included in the Wanganui Police District. Many other police changes are about taking place, notably tho exehango of stations between Inspectors Broham and Fender, of Christchurch and Timaru respectively. Ser-geant-Major Kiely, an officer well known on the Nelson south-west goldfields, and latterly stationed at Greymouth, exchanges stations with Sergeant O'Grady, of the Thames. I Singotab Case. — A remarkable instance lof destructive propensities came before the i notice' of the Benevolent Society yesterday ' afternoon. Upon the -society's books there has for some time past been a widow woman, with three children, tho eldest of whom, a bright looking girl of 11 or 12, has developed a mania alike strange and dangerous. Everything, whether clothes, sheets or which is left in her way she destroys, using her teeth when she gets the opportunity to tear anything to pieces. All inducements, from severity and personal chastisement to coaxing and endearment, have been used to break the girl of this frightful habit, but so abnormal is her bump of destruetiveness, that all plans have been tried in vain. She was even taken to the hospital for medical examination, but without avail, her case being deemed one which alone can be cured (if cured at all), by increasing years. The unfortunate effect of the girl's malady is that she cannot bo left alone, and the mother, though perfectly able to earn a living by work in private families, is unable to leave the house, no stranger being philanthropic enough, under such singular circumstances, to relieve tho woman of tho care of the girl. The Benevolent Society appeared to be somewhat puzzled at so strange a ease, but in deciding to continue relict' to the family they took the only course open to them at present. Time is, after all, tho one grand test by which every thing is tried. It is at once both creative and destructive, affirmative and negative. It either confirms or refutes, accepts or rejects, strengthens or weakens. That which passes unscathad through its ordeal validates its claims to consideration. For years the world has accepted Udolpho Woira's Schiedam Abomatio Schnapps as the best cordial, tonic, and invigorant in its market, and its merits thus established, nothing can affect it in the way of deterioration or detraction. — Adtt. ,