The Western Star. (PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY.) WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1885.

Western Star, Issue 949, 20 May 1885, Page 2

The Western Star. (PUBLISHED 81-WEEKLY.) WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1885.

A well known depraved character named Ann Norris was charged before Mr W. Todd, J.P., on Monday, with having been drunk and behaving in a disorderly manner in Palmerston street on Sunday. She was fined £2, with the alternative of seven days' imprisoriment. The fine was paid. In connection with this case,-the absence, of a J.P; in the township was demonstrated. When accused was arrested it was intended to have taken her to Invercargill to answer tho charge laid against her. Fortunately, however, Mr Todd, who holds the commission of the Peace arrived from Invercargill by the morning train en route for Otautau, and his services were imrnediafely laid under requisition for the occasion. But for the opportune arrival of Mr Todd, the prisoner must necessarily hive been taken to Invercargill. Similar cases may happen any day. .Apart from this inconvenience, resulting from the fact that there is not u single justice of the peace in Biverton, the absence of a magistrate is often greatly felt when attestations, &c., require to be made. Repeated applications have beon made to Government to have a supply of justices of the peace appointed, but without effect, although the urgency of such appointments was apparent; even the representations of the member for the district on the subjeet have been treated with silent contempt. It is the district's misfortune that it returred a member who is in opposition to the Government. Th« intense party spirit displayed by the so-called "Liberal" head of the present administration has been exhibited on many occasions, and is altogether at variance with the liberal sentiments of which he professes to bo the apostle. His contemptible action in the matter under notice will not raise him in the estimation of either his friends or opponents.

The May number of theSouthhnd Guide is to hand. In addition to the new time table of tho Western district line?, it co tains usual useful information in a handy form regarding railway time tables and fates, mail services, official directory, and general statistics of tbe district.

The Rev. Father Kehoe, who is leaving for Auckland, was presented with a gold albert on Saturday by a number of our follow townsmen, as a mark of respect entertained for him by those outside of his own congregation. We understand that an address and testimonial will be presented by the members of his congregation to tho Rev. Father on Friday next. Extended reference will be made to both presentations in our .'Saturday's issue.

The meeting of Boniface's supporters on Saturday evening resulted in the determination being adhered to that unless Hearn conceded one minute, the match would not come off. The opinion was unanimous that the concession of only half a minute was too much like a gift to the champion. A message was despatched to Hcarn to that effect on Monday, to which a reply has not yet been received. Those who were present at the meeting promised substantial support in event of Hearn agreeing to tho condition stipulated.

Mr Matthew Burnett commenced his seoond visit to this district ouSaturday last; after completing a tour of tho Otago goldiieldSj under exceptional difficulties, which persons imbued with less energy in the cause ho has so much at heart would have succumbed to. As a rosult of his tour several hundred persons donned the blue. On Saturday evening he addressed an open air meeting and shortly afterwards opened in the Odfellows' Hall to a well filled house. Tho Etv. J. Cameron presided, and at intervals a choir under the leadership of Mr Strack (Miss Kocko presiding at the organ) rendered selections from Sankey's hymns in a pleasing manner. Mr Burnett's selection from his " Pictures from real Life," was that of the late Dr Mitchell of Ballarat, an eminently gifted man, but who had become a slavo to drink and gambling. His conversion to blue ribbon principles through, Mr Burnett's

exertions, his steadfast adherence to, the pledge, and his after useful and honored life were racily depicted by the lecturer, who displayed a descriptive power of a high order. At the conclusion ,of the lecture, a large number took the pledge. On Sunday afternoon, Mr Burnett addressed a large open air meeting opposite the courthouse, ■ the subject being the "Prodigal Son;" and in the evening he conducted the services in the Presbyterian Church. On Monday evening he visited Orepuki, and Thornbury last evening, at both of whioh places he received a considerable number of reoruits for the Blue Ribbon Army. Continuing his tour of the AVestern District, he will appear successively at Limestone Plains, (to-night), Otautau (Thursday): and Nightcap (Friday). After finishing Southland he will, at the urgent request'pf the people, revisit Queenstown and Arrowtown. Mr Burnett has set himself the task of visiting every village, town and city in the oolbny, which he estimates will occupy a period of three years, provided his health keeps sound. 1

An Orepuki correspondent writes: —Kumlyn Brothers have commenced operations here with their sfeam threshing machine*' -They were notable to do much last week on account of the bad weather, but if the present state'of weather lasts, I think they will manage to thresh all the'ghun hare in about a month.— We h*d the great temperance lecturer, Mr, Burnett, with us on Monnay night. Consdering the shortjnolicj, there was. an excellent audience. Mr Burnest kept tbe ball rolling for about three hours, in spite of that disgraceful interference which was supposed to emanate from the " Barnacle clique." Mr Burnett represented the character of '.Yankee Bill," and I must say he seemed to be very happy in bringing out the character of the same "Yankee Bill"; in fact he seemed very much at home in the whole lecture.: At intervals the choir was of great assistance in singing selections from Sankey's hymns. Mr Burnett has a very happy knack of keeping his audience in trim—in fact he seems quite an enthusiast in the Temperance «ause. After tne address the audience was appealed to, to come, young and old, and don. the blue, when some 32 signed and 45 donned the "blue." The disgraceful interruption I alluled to above was caused bj some cayenne pepper and rjg being burnt in the venthators, put there by some unmanly cur (there is no other word expressive enough that I can use) ; the effect of this was such that the audience was obliged to leave the room. Meanwhile the burning rag was extracted from the'ventilatdrs,' the windows opened, and the place soon became clear, when the audience returned, and Mr Burnett proceeded with his lecturo as though nothing had happened, so John the Dog was di3appointed if he intended to stop Mr Burnett from lectui'ing. Thero is a very strong suspicion of the parties who perpetrated the dastardly act. It was suggested that a reward should be offered, but I don't know yet if thiit"will be carried out. :

The reduction of 61 per ounce oi gold latelv made by the banka N on account .of war risk has now been "removed, and previous, rata substituted.

A concert and dance in aid of Flint's Bush school will be held at Mr McKenzie's, Waimatuku, on;Friday." 7 "A\ J\ |4oTßfi i ■'■'.'

A Limestone Plains correspondent writes : As advertised, the Limestone Plains harvest home ball came of! on Fridny, the Bt.h inst. The weather was very inopportune f»r the occasion, as is generally the case at all meetings at Calcium Hall; rain commenced to fall at about 5 o'clock p.m., and poured dowu with little or no intermission for at least eighteen hours, But despite the weather, by 0 o'clock some 80 of the youtli (a few of theolder) and beauty of the surrounding district, incluling a few from a distance, had turned up, and who, although all dripping wet on arrival, seemed soon to forget all about the weither outside. As Burns sung : "The stor.n without might roar and rustle, They clid'na mind the storm a whistle" ; for to tho inspiring str.dns of the fiddle they took to the floor and tripped the light fantastic with true enthusiasm till a late hour in the morning. Excellent music was dispensed by Messrs Duke, Benzin, Henderson, Arthur, an I Lindsay on the voilin, Miss Boss accompanying on the piano. Mr Ross made an excellent M. C. Songs were contributed by Messrs KcKozie, Woodnorth, Lindsay, Henderson, Miliar, and McAlpine, each of whom hid to respond to an encore. Mr Templetou gave recitations, which were highly applau led. Refreshments of various kinds were liberally distributed throughout the night by a band of chearful waiters. The acting committee were indefatigable in their endeavors to promote the comfort and enjoyment of tho company; and not a hitch nor a flaw occurred to mar the proceedings from beginning to end. All seemed thoroughly to havo enjoyod themselves ; each vieing with their neighbor who would do best. Altogether it was a very sociablo and pleasant meeting and camo to a close by singing " Anld lang syne." I almost forgot to mention about the improvements in tho Calcium Hall. It is now all lined and varnished. Somo alterations havo been made in the vestibule aud six new lamps have been added; altogether a decided improvement both for comfort and appearance to what it was. ■— Tho Waimatuku was higher this last flood Hkw it h»g bgen

for the last 6 years; in fact the "oldest settler " here says he never saw it but once higher. There is no damage dono horeab >ut by tho flood, unless what the unsecuv , 'l crops have suffered, and that is very trifling here; but about.theHeddon Bush district there is a good deal in the stooks yet, which ' must be a losing spec to the owners, as tho grain must be all but useless now. The members of the Rivert, in Football .Olub are requested to muster at the ground at 3 p.m. to-day in full costume for renew ; after which a match- Riverton North v. South will be played.

'Thei 'Frisco raai! closes at Riverton at 7.30 a.m. on Fridaj. .. ...Another beautiful illustration of |tbe*ere»v interest taken in local'option polls is given"l>y the reßult of the polling for Wairio district—-a-district comprising the Wnirio, Mararoa, •and Waiau ridings of Wallace County. No votes were recorded either to* or against the increase; the chairman of the licensing district therefore declares " (hat there was no noil." Richard Stirling (who has for nearly six years been engaged on the staff of this journal, and who is on the eve of his departure for Wellington) was last evening presented by the Rirertori Football Club with a handsome gold medal, in. token of their esteem as a member of the Club, and of his proficiency as a player. The, presentation was made by the president (Mr (3-ailoway) who, in handing over the medal, referred to the.many estimable qualities of the recipient, and to the pride felt ,by ,th* whole of the members of the club that such a popular member should have attained the honor of being sheeted a» one <of ibo interprovincial team in the coming match between Southland and 3tago—Mr Stirling. in thanking the members for their kindness hoped they,would continue in steady practice ; if they did'so, they need .not, be af rail to try conclusions wjlh any club in the colony. The medal, is to be inscribed as follows: ".Preset te 1 toYice-Captain Stirling by the Riverton Football Club, May, 1885." )k

According to the Wellington correspondent of the " Otago Daily Times," rumors are current there that the Government will take immediate steps to increase the sugar duty, and that the property tax is to be raised to what it"was in 18834.. . ~. . , „ ■ The HbnS. Tole and Buckley, Commissioners , in the Bryce-ltusden case, returned to Wellington on Saturday, haying completed the taking of evidence 1 at Wancauui. About 50 witnesses:were examined. It is not impossible the Commission will be resumed in Wellington," and meilical evidence as to the ex'iumation and examination of the remains of those who.were alleged murrlere J ,iaken.. Mr Biyce has not decided whether he will go home, but, if not, lie will present himself for examination in Wellington. The evidence has tq reach London before November. ! A fire broke out at midnight on Friday at Mr. A. Hall's,, near Thornbury, which resulted in" the 'destruction 5 of a barn and stable, the. former containing between 70 and 80 bags of grain and a quantity of sundries. Fortunately it was discovered in time to enable six horses to be taken out of the stable, along with harness, &c. Mr Hall cannot account for the origin of the fire. The family retired to rest- as usual between eight and nine o'clock, when : all was safe, and were-awak-ened aboutll2 o'clock by the glaro of fire on the bedroom window. The buildings were insured for '£loo, in the Union office, but that sum will fall considerably, below the actual loss sustained.'

A rather ludicrous tut'peculiar and disagreeable experience (says the "Eangitikei Advocate "-) .fell to the lot of a Campbeltown settler's family. Getting very sleepy one night she decided, lo go to bed, and lighted, the candle for that purpose Just as she hid done so, she indulged in an extra big yawn, and to her horror she found that she could not shut her mouth again—her jaws were locked. In this unpleasant predicament she sought the assistance. of her friends, and being unable to speak had great .difficulty in letting them know how it happened. Every endeavor on their part to afford relief proved futile. The gaping jaws refused to plose. A horse and trap were speedily harhessedj and she was taken to Bulls. Fortunately Dr Frood was at home, and quickly restored the jaws to their normal condition.. A sixteen miles ride, with her mouth wide oponj could not have been a pleasant journey; let us hope she enjoyed the ride home in a happier frame of mind.

The despised, not to say detested, rabbit (says the Wellington Press) seoms likely to sive his good name after all. The Hon. 'Jtobort Campbell, by way of encouraging rabbit catching on hi 3 Otekeike estate on the Waitaki, recently sent 200 frozen rabbits to London. They' fetched a shilling aniece in Leadenhall Market, and yielded a net profit of 51 each. The rabbits T were cleaned, but not Bkinned, before being frozen. The skins are worth 2£d each, solhat the profit on rabbit catching was just doubled by the operation. Mr Campbell hopes by this experiment to induce his own men, and small settlers in the neighborhood, to catch rabbits as a means of increasing 1 heir earnings, and be has offered to undertake the trouble of having them frozen and despatched to Lond >n with his own ship*rbents of mutton.. IF this price of Is apiec ran he clepen led on for large numbers, it may actually that great 'trusts of poor country will prpvp to he,moro profitable under rabbits than uuder sheep. At all evonts, it will enable the settlers in rabbit-infested districts to .mako something out of the pest beyond tbo wretched pittance that is got for the skins.

Church of England—Services. T. A. Buckingham—-Application for a slaughtering license. "Waivio Licensing District —Result of local option poll. Thfi d'ltes of Mr Matihew Burnett'R meetings at Limes f one Plains, Otautau, and Nightcaps are announced. J. O. McArdoll—Stock sale Thornbury. County Council—Tenders. Land Board —Lease of sections at Flint's Bush. J. MeEwan, sailmakor, &c., inserts a notice t° parties indebted to him. J. B. Mills and Co.—Stock sale at Thornbuvy.