Untitled

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1035, 30 August 1883, Page 2

The three Roys were formally brought up before the J.P. at Clinton yesterday. The police withdrew the charge, as the matter had been sufficiently investigated by the Coroner. James and Alexander therefore stand committed to the Supreme Court for manslaughter, and John goes free.

Returns collected by the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce show that between the 3Jth June, 1882, and 30th June, 1883, the various woollen factories in the colony purchased 5,705 bales of wool, valued at L 75.805. The value of the articles manufactured from the wool is estimated to exceed L 250,000.

A largely attended meeting was held at Oamaru yesterday of stock breeders, to consider the advisability of establishing freezing works. Two propositions were discussed—one to establish a local Company, and the other that a branch of the Dunedin Company should be invited. It was decided to establish a local Company.

In the schoolroom at Wakanui last evening, another Gospel Temperance meeting was held, Mr Leadley in the chair. Addresses were delivered by the Chairman, Messrs Kilworth, Gavin and Scott from Ashburton. A number of Sankey’s hymns were also sung. The room was crowded, and at the close of a very successful meeting 33 signed the pledge and 40 donned the blue ribbon. The army at Wakanui now numbers about 65, and a temperance society is likely to be formed in the district. Three Maoris from Kaiwhaiki, ten miles up the Wanganui, were yesterday committed for trial at the Supreme Court on a charge of unlawfully wounding John Piercy. The «ffair arose out of an attempt by Piercy to impound cattle belonging to one of the defendants which were trespassing on Piercy’s land at Kaiwhaiki. Piercy has had disputes with these natives for years past about the title to the land, they setting up a claim prior to the Crown grant to another hapu from whom Piercy leases It. All the defendants were liberated on bail.

The Ashburton Hunt Club wound up their season yesterday with a very pleasant run at Chertsey. Messrs Mangham in addition to arranging a capital line of country entertained all those present at luncheon, their hospitality being thoroughly appreciated. An inquest was held to-day on the body of a child two years of age, the daughter of Mr William Byrne, of the Alford Forest road. Mr A. Moore was chosen foreman of the jury. The evidence showed that the little girl fell into a barrel which had been sunk into the earth for the reception of slops, etc , and being unable to extricate herself before assistance came she was drowned. A verdict of accidental death was returned, and the Coroner drew attention to the danger of having these barrels near the house uncovered.

Yesterday afternoon Dr Trevor introduced his niece, Miss Pish, of Geraldine, to the Old Men’s Home, who very kindly played a selection of music to the inmates upon the new pianoforte. Those who have had the pleasure of listening to Miss Fish’s execution will appreciate the treat which was afforded to the old men. , The sum of L 26 6s 9d has up to this date been received or promised towards the Piano Fund, leaving a balance of L 7 10s 9d still to be provided. A performance of conjuring and sleight of hand has been promised by a new resident in the town, due notice of which will be given. Our Rakaia correspondent writes : Yesterday evening the Oddfellows’ Hall was engaged for an entertainment to commence at 7.30. A panorama of New Zealand with descriptive lecture by Mr Yillera Deßeere, and some 200 photographs from nature illuminated by the oxy-hydrogen light were to be displayed, and at the time of opening about 100 expectants wore waiting at the door. “ Waiting ” was all they got, for neither the lecturer nor any of his party put in an appearance. So much for placards in flaming letters posted round the township describing the grand entertainment to be given ! The following telegrams have passed between Bishop Moran and Mr Swanson, M. H.R., in reference to the report of the Parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday :—The Bishop to Mr Swanson — *•' Papers report you said one of the clerical witnesses before the Joint Committee stated that the Catholics if in a majority would make no concession to Protestants. Is this correct 1 If so please state his name, and oblige.” MrSwmson to the Bishop—“ lam not responsible for what is in the papers. The evidence will be printed sojn and made public. Will forward Hansard, so that you can see what was said in the House.”

The Wesleyan Church Temperance Society held their usual monthly meeting in the Church, Cameron street, last evening. There was a moderate attendance, and the Rev. C. H. Standage occupied the chair. After a few remarks from the Chairman a very interesting and instructive paper was read by Ur R. J. Murray on the life of J. B. Gough, the great temperance reformer. After passing a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr Mu ray for his paper, the Society proceeded to the election of the following officers for the ensuing year :—Rev. C. H. Standage, president; J. E. Buchanan, vice-presi-dent ; B. Alcorn, treasurer ; and F. H. Steel, secretary. The past year’s report showed 105 members on the roll, and the Society to be in a flourishing condition. The meeting closed in the usual manner. At the meeting of the Wellington Meat Export Company yesterday, it was unanimously resolved that the amount of L 331 13s lid, which the directors recommended should be carried forward, be distributed pro rata among the shippers by the Lady Jocelyn. One of the shareholders regretted nothing was mentioned in the report respecting the export of dairy produce. He thought this branch would not only benefit farmers, but make success more assured than at present. The chairman replied that the Company had been in communication with the New Zealand Shipping Company, who said it would not pay to ship dairy produce unless they had a guarantee of 100 tons, as it would require a separate chamber from that in which the meat was stored. The motion was adopted. To-night the Fancy Dress Rink Tournament takes placeatthe TownHall,andfrom the number of tickets sold, it promises to be a success. The president and vicepresident have each given a prize. The prize for the champion rinker is a very handsome silver mounted claret jug, and has been on view in Messrs Friedlander Bros’, window to-day. There will be also prizes for the second best rinker, the best lady rinker, and the most characteristic lady’s dress there. The following is the programme Polonaise, Rink Club handicap, race; Quadrille, Ladies’ Handicap Race and Sir Roger. After this the members will wind up with a dance, in which anyone on application to the Secretary m iy join in. The ordinary meeting of the Winslow School Committee was held in the schoolroom on Saturday last, the following members being present Messrs 0. Martin (chairman), W. Harris, E. Lovett, and P. Grace After the minutes of the previous meeting had been confirmed, a letter was read from the Board of Education, informing the Committee of the appointment of Mr F. Batson to the mastership of the school. The Board also stated that a grant of LlO would be allowed for planting trees around the school grounds. The Chairman was authorised to attend to the matter of tree planting. After accounts had been passed the Committee adjourned. No tidings have been received of the baroue Kilmeny, considerably overdue on her Voyage from Wellington to Newcastle. She is 118 days out to-day, having left Wellington on the sth May, and there is very little doubt that she has come to grief with all hands lost. The Kilmeny was a barque of 792 tons register, and the following are the names of the crew who left in her for Newcastle: —Captain Roger, W. McKenzie (mate), B. T. Shaw (second mate), G. Taylor, T. Roberts, J. Carson, K. Crawford, J. Meegan, J. Treemeroner, G. J. Sansen, P. Jacobsen, J. Tepple, L Holt, J. Gladstone, W. Hewit (A.B.’s), A. O. Osborne and G. G. Fisher (apprentices). It has been suggested that the captain may have changed his mind and proceeded to an American port, but as against this supposition it may be mentioned that he was known to have business in Newcastle, and held a draft on the Bank at that place. The Oddfellows’ Hall was well filled last evening when the promised performance of the Marionettes was given. Contrasted with other entertainments of a similar kind previously given in the colony, this company is far behind. The first part consisted of a representation of Christy Minstrels, but the dolls were not worked particularly well, and they certainly did not move like human beings. There was a decided limpness about their nether limbs, and their arms were very stiff and the actions throughout ungainly Byron’s burlesque of Aladdin followed, and although some of the dialogue was tolerably well given, neither the songs nor the dances were successful. Taken altogether the entertainment was disappointing, as the reports that reached us from the’ South led us to expect something above rather than below the average. The scenes were well painted and the transformation effective, but further praise than this cannot fairly be accorded.