TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6494, 20 December 1881, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Tub Govwmoß's Viaix.— The Hinenum, with hia Excellency on ba&id, which left Wellington yeiterday at 7.80 p.m., 1# expected in Lyttelton to-day nt 11 or IS.

Citv Cctosoif..—An ordinary meeting of tho city Council was held last night. A report of the proceedings will bo found on another'pap, Acausmy or Miiflio.—Tills place of amuse* went will be opened for the Onrjettnss holidays on Saitmmy neat by Lyon®’ Tourists in a Christmas pantomime. KABTiiQt.'AitK.—A slight shock of earth* quake was felt in Christchurch at sbouf ten minute# before 10 o’clock on Saturday night. In tho northern part of tho city it was disagreeably perceptible. Tub Rrcbmt EABvnqcAKß.—tost night at tho City Council meeting, a report was read from the City Surveyor 00 Ihe damage caused to buildings by * tho recent earthquake, The report will be found to be of a reassuring character. RAiHrAM*.—-A refreshing rein began to fall about midnight, with every appearance of tasting for some time. This, with Saturday’s fall, ought to do immense good to the crops, which just now are badly in want of moisture. SdtrtrnmiDon Licai»«nm Court.—-At too usual quarterly sitting of this Cotart, which was held on Thursday last, the report by the police on tho licensed houses in tho district woe road, and proved most satisfactory. As there was no other business, the Court adjourned. IBTKHCOtOHXAI Wbatjibb Bxoiiaros.— Tho following message has been received 1— " Sydney, Saturday 1 A moderate depression exists oil Gabo, with north-easterly winds in Tasmania, and light south-west winds in Victoria. Barometer: Portland, 296) Hobart and Sydney, 29 - 7." RonniKo A Hkjmioost. —On Monday morning a thief attacked the fowl house of tho R' v A. W. Hands, Ashburton, and succeeded in making off with a good number of fowls. One of the servants fried to close with the thief, but woe knocked over {a the struggle, and the robber escaped. TaiAi/ op Abapbb and Bikdsb.—A Wood string-binder wan tried at Ashburton yesterday. The machine, being now, did not work well at first, but after it was got into order it ran very smoothly and gave great satisfaction. There wore some 20 or 80 persons present at tho trial, which took place in a field of oats. St Apiians Bobouoh.—A meeting of burgesses of the new Borough of St Albans, was held last evening in the Library, for the purpose of discussing the merits of tho various candidates, as Councillore and Auditors, The matter was well ventilated by those present, but no definite course of notion was decided upon.

Gas v. Ebbosbhb. Tho Ashburton Borough Council arc just about to nao a little mild coercion towards tho local Gas Company. The latter's rate per lamp lit with gss is too "salt" to suit the Borough stomach, and to eweeten it a little tenders are invited for supplying kerosene light to the streets. The Avon Dmtbict.—Since the formation of the new Borough of St Albans consider* able difficulty has arisen as to the exact legal position of the remaining portions of the three wards of the Avon Bond Board district, from which the ‘Borough has been formed. A meeting was held in the Fapanui Town Hall last evening to discuss the goes* lion, a report of which will be found in another column.

Tns Tblsgbaph Office.—Monday, Deo. 25, and Jan, 2 will be observed at holidays at all telegraph stations within the Colony. The hours of attendance are to be as follows : From 9to 10 a.in., and from 7.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. instead of the usual Sunday hours.— Kahotu telegraph station Is now closed. A post and telegraph office hoi been opened at Paribaka—hours of attendance 9 a,m. to 5 p.m. on week days ; Sundays and holidays 5 to 5.80 p.m. Pigeon Flying.—Tho Derby, flown under the auspices of the East Christchurch Pigeon Flying Club on Deo. 16, resulted os follows: Mr W. Williams' Lilipio, 82min Sfiseo; Mr Bryentoo’e Swallow, 88min 85soo; Messrs Walker and M'Grath’s Doncaster,B9min3Stse. Doncaster arrived homo In 87 minutes, but as the time is taken when the bird is trapped, ho lost second honours. The 8t Lege? will be flown on Boxing Day, when about ten birds will compete, including tho winners of tho three prizes in the Derby.* Duukah Sxbbbt Whslbyan Sunday School.—On Friday last the annual treat to the children attending the Durham street Wesleyan Sunday School took place at Fapanui in two large paddocks at the back of the Episcopalian Church. Tho children and their teachers and friends to the number of over 450, proceeded to Fapanut in two special tram trains. The day was spent most plea* santly in tho customary games and amuse* moots, and at the close hearty cheers were S'ven by the children for the Bev F. G. rittan for hie kindness in allowing the use of the paddocks. Cheers were also given for tho Bev* 17. Baumber and Gillam. Mohtaoub’b Fancy Bazaab.—Mr I. Montague’s fancy bazaar was opened yesterday in Messrs Ford and Newton's large saleroom. There is a good show of useful and fancy articles, displayed on nicely decorated stalls arranged round the room. A prominent feature of tho bazaar is a number of valuable art publications, consisting of handsomely bound collections of engravings of tho works of the most eminent British and foreign artists, and of tho old masters. Tho engravings are beautifully executed, and are accompanied by descriptive letter-press. A number of excellent engravings are also hung on the walls of the room and at tho bead of tho staircase. In the centre of the room is a table, particularly attractive to tho juveniles, loaded os it is with a capital assortment of toys. BIDLB OHBieXUN OABIIATH SCHOOL.— The scholars of the Christchurch school of the above denomination, with their teachers and several other friends, met at the Church, Lower High street, oo Friday, whence they proceeded in several express vans and a few private conveyances to tho residence of Mr and Mrs Nioolls and family, at Maryfield Faro, where a delightful picnic was thoroughly enjoyed. Mr and Mrs Nioolls did all in their power to promote the happiness of their visitors. A number of games were heartily entered into by most of tho company, and a cricket match between the seniors and the juniors was played, iu which tho juniors beat their opponents by a great many runs. About 7 p.m. the company prepared to leave for home. The Bev J. Crowes moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Nioolls, who had not only Kted the use of their paddocks and worked in ministering to the enjoyment of the party, but had alto gratuitously supplied all the milk, butter, cream, and hams for luncheon and tea. The resolution was unanimously carried, and the company returned to the city, bating enjoyed one of the best picnic# yet provided in connection with the school. Bubniko os tub Bing Xhsatbb.—Tho following is the version of the burning of this theatre given in the Aye telegrams « Vienna, Deo. 9,1.30 a.m.-A terrible catastrophe occurred here last night, which has resulted in a fearful loss of life. The Bing Theatre, situated in the Kingitrasie in this city, was crowded with ft large audience to witness the usual performances. Every thing passed oil satisfactorily until towards the close of the entertainment, when a lamp feu upon the stage and Immediately ignited tho scenery. The flames spread with great rapidity, and a panic soon sat in amongst the audience, who immediately rushed to the doors. The result was that the various exits were blocked, and tho people, In their frantic efforts to escape, fell in heaps, and wore trampled under foot and killed- P* r ‘ sous leaped from the windows, and the clothe# of many of tho women, becoming extended in falling, were the mean# of saying them, but others were picked up mutilated and a. Over 15D corpses have Mre»dy been otod from thfebuildings. The scene is described as of thp mid heartrending idescription, 1 " A later Aelegram, dated Deo. 13, coys!—"Tho terrible catastrophe Vienna, caused by tho burning of tho Bing Thwtre. is absorbing public attention. It » •rerred that investigation into tho dleaeter has ehoam that tho police, through some bungling, looked tho doom of the burning building before .it was more than half empty, and that the extraordinary number of deaths is attnbut able to the mcaueof egress being thwciA off. There is great excitement over the matter, and a full enquiry is promised.

Bvdbsmam Boboooh Coujcoil,—-An ordinary mealing of the Sydenham Borough Council wae held last evening. The bosin*** transacted «u not of any great importance. A report appear* elsewhere. Nobiii Bakaia Boa am or Com»bvato*a. —Mr J. B. Campbell ha* been elected Chair* mao of thie Board. Yesterday the member* of the Board made an Inspection of the banka of the river, and of the reeervee. Kbcap* most Buajmaw.—A led named Alfred Burmeister, 10 year* of age, abeeonded from the Burnham Industrial School yeeterday morning. He wa* dratted in a corduroy emit. This it the second time ho hae effected hie escape from the institution. Ami use.—Same very good takes have been made in various river* during the paet week. On Saturday Mr Wo«d caught six floe trout, of a total weight of 201 b, in the Sal win. On Thursday last a nice flth, weighing about Alb, wae taken out of the tamo river by Mr M'Millno. Both gentlemen Ashed with the artificial fly. Another angler got three very good fish, averaging a pound end a half In weight, out of the Avon on Saturday. Several other fine fish were caught in the same river during the week. Dint Fieu at Timabo.—A large devil fish woe washed up on the beach at Timaru, near I’atiti Point, on Saturday. It wft# firet observed (say* the Htrald) by some boy* who were bathing inside the reef, and who, to amuse themselves, began poking it with •tioks, thinking life wa* extinct. That such was not the case, however, wae eoon proved, for one of them happening to place his foot on one of its arms, found himself caught, and had It not been for hie companions, who by stoning the brute made it release its hold, he would probably have suffered severely. A man living near Peeress Town heard the screams of the boy and hastened to hie assistance, bat only arrived in time to eee the devil fish being washed out by the tide. Thie mao, who is oar informant, says the arms of the flih mast have been fully Aft long. Holiday Exotmaiona.—ln view of the approaching holiday season, the railway officials offer to the public the opportunity of a remarkably cheap excursion, which should be largely embraced by the resident* of this Island. They propose to run an excursion train from Christchurch to Kingston starting on Deo. 24, tickets being available for return up to Jan. 0 1 and a special feature in connection with it is, that provided the journey be commenced in the excursion train it may bo broken at any station south of Dunedin, and afterwards continued by ordinary train. The fares, it may be staled, will be witfain the reach of almost everyone, being £3 return first and £2 second class. Arrangements have also been made by the Hallway Department for a steamer to convey tourists from Kingston to Queenstown at 7s fid and 6s respectively, saloon and steerage. This is an opportunity that should be largely availed of by persons who ore at a lots where to spend their holidays, or need a change of air. Full Information will bo found in an advertisement elsewhere. Bailway Tix»-Tabl».*—A letter wa* published on Saturday last over the signature “West Coast,” requesting that arrangements should be made in order that the Malvern train should connect with the south train on Wednesdays and Saturdays. We have ascertained on enquiry that, in the time-table la force last year, the train from Springfield left at 8 p.m., and connected with the south train at Bolleston at 5.20 p.m. A largo number of travellers and residents having interest* in the local industries were not satufled with tiiis arrangement, as it did not give them sufficient time for transacting their business, and the outcome was that a deputation waited on the railway authorities and requested that the time should bo altered to that at present in force. The deputation were informed that the connection with the south train would be lost, but against this it was pointed out that as persons could only get as nr as Ashburton by the south train, and as travellers from the WestjCoast to the sonth district were few, the interests of the public generally would be better served by leaving Springfield as at present, although the south connection was mined. It may be stated that if the traffic warrants such alteration being made the proper authorities are open to favourably eoneider the earlier departure of trains on coach days. Kowai Pass,—Our correspondent writes: —Friday last was a gala day with the scholars of the Eowai Pais school. Mr Peter Hurray, the present master, ie shortly leaving, to take charge of the Kirwee schools, and the scholars took advantage of the opportunity to give some token of their esteem for him. A ffito was held in the afternoon, during which out-door sports were indulged in to a large extent, and in the evening a tea and concert, followed by a ball, were hold, all of which were largely patronised. Ibe concert commenced at 8 o’clock, the chair being taken by Mr Henry Davies. Most of the leading amateurs of the district lent their services, and a very attractive programme was presented, but the leading feature of the evening was the singing of the children, which was loudly and frequently applauded, and it was the unanimous opinion of all present that it reflected the greatest credit on Mrs Byan, the school-mistress, who had been unremitting in her endeavour* to bring them to a high standard of excellence in this respect. During srformunco, Mr Murray was presented St scholars with a very handsome silver t dish, suitably inscribed, “as a mark of esteem from the scholars of the Kowai Pass school." Mr Murray, in a few well chosen remarks thanked the scholars for the kind present they had made him. A ball followed the concert, which was largely attended, and dancing wae kept up to a late hour.

Bazaab.—A bazaar la aid of the building fund of the Baptist Church, Sydenham, was opened yesterday in the Oddfellows' Hall, Lichfield street. The stalls were presided over by Mesdames Cato, doom, Forrest, E. Edmonds, T. J. Edmonds, Irving, 0. Faroahereon, J. Ferquberson, Qreenslede, and Pillow, Blisses Lowe, Jamieson, Hancock, Forrest, Parkes, Stevens, Pugh, and Bsillie, and Messrs T. J. Edmonds and Pillow. A great variety of goods were displayed on Um stalls, which presented a very effective appearance. A considerable proportion of the articles offered were of the useful order, though a number of very pretty specimens of faney work were to be seen at some of the stalls. A novelty was pressnt in the shape of a grocery stall. In addition to the attractions usually found at buaan, there was a collection of working models of steam engines and other machinery, which excited a good deal of interest, and there was also a weighing machine. Mr Page showed a galvanic battery and a number of scientific instruments. A microscope, with a variety of objects for inspection, lent by Mr Harrison, afforded considerable amusement during the day, and Mr Graham, with his lathe, was at work turning out specimens of his skill for sale to those wishing to preserve an appropriate memento of the occasion. A large number of pot plants were displayed on a stall presided over by Mrs Pillow, and a room at the back of the stage was devoted to the “ Museum of Art," now a customary feature of basaaps. There was also a refreshment stall, presided over by Mrs Barton. A number of pianoforte selections were given daring the day by MrT. Beared and outer friends. The baeaar was fairly patronised by the public, and the financial results are expected to be satisfactory. It will bo re-openeot at noon to-day. The Iter A, Bold. who bus Just returned to the Colony from hl» visit to the Methodist JScmneuleal Council lu London, and who visited the Holy Laud and other countries during his trip, will deliver a free lecture on his experiences (u Palestine, in the Wesleyan Church, Durham street, on Wednesday nest A genera! meeting of the Industrial Association will ho bold this evening at their cnees, for the election of a President, Vice-President, nod other business. The annual meeting of ratepayers In the Scringe district wiu bo held at the Bond Board Office, Springston, on Tuesday, Jan. 8, to receive annual report and nominations for the return of two candidates. The annual meeting of the Malvern Bead Board will be hold on Srlday, Jen. 0, for the election of two mention. The handicaps lor the open races st the Templeton 'sports, «m Deo, 87, will be found la an advoi moment. The master of the Burnham Industrial School wlebca to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of two Rahims from Messrs Hobday and Co. towards the children's Christmas treat. A tea meeting will be bold at the BapuU pah on Thursday nest, the proceeds for which will be

AetoU&to iti« ptif fewlM tto »s«vs wboot HutwMWlptlon*. »r« •oHolWd, »ad Airtworlbwr* fevltsd to to pHMtt.

A B*tt op Ft**.—An extrsurdinHy phenomenon »»* imb »nr Bsndhunt. Victoria, on |)ee. 7. A ball of fire, described in various w»Ti>i vu Men to ruth parallel with the earth round the corner of a hoot# Inhabited by • family named Donnelly and direct lie courts to the back of the creak, rising and felling from eight feet to one foot from the ground. Fire minute* before the inhabitant* were startled by a terrible emell of sulphur, and It wee thoiieht that the powder magaiine ws* afoot to explode. Donnelly lifted up a bit or wood from the ground at the back of the hon««, but had to drop it immediately, at the wood tinged hie Soger. Hie daughter wee *|»o at the bank, and ae the ball of ore roehed pact, it nearly blinded her. Another person employed at the place wae nearly knocked down. A terrific clap of thunder took place' at the «amo moment. The weather wae extremely opprewive in the morning. About 4 o’clock a heavy tbunderetom paeved over the town towards the eonth-wesl. A Maohi Oiia»b»u-«ociib.—SxTMoatd' baby Dibcoyxby.—A mo«. remarkable dieeorery has been made through the fall of an old tree. The correspondent of the Pay of Plenty Times states that some distance up Otago Gorge, near Opotiki. on a portion of the estate of Mr Thomas Black, an enormous pukatea tree, probably many hundred years old. hae been blown down, disclosing the astounding fact that the whole of the hollow interior, extending from the roots to the first fork, about 46ft. bad been filled with human bodies. Since it fell these have bunt out at the butt of the tree in the form of a confused heap of skeleton*. A more extraordinary sight than (his monarch of the forset lying prone and discharging a perfect hecatomb of human skeletons can scarcely be conceited. Some are nearly perfect, while others are mixed up in a chaotic XBase of heads, hands, foot, arms, and legs indiscriminately. All the Maoriet here seem to have been quite unaware of this natural charnel-house, and declare that it must hate happened long before their or their fathers' time. Indeed, the appearance of the tree folly justified the •apposition that it most bate bees some hundreds of years since this note! family fault wae filled with ita ghastly occupants. Tfl» Brscnoxs.—Speaking of the election at Beeftoo, the Inanya&ua Timet cooojplaia* of the “immense amount of lying, slandering, and misrepresentation" which hae taken place. It says “ the vilest falsehoods and the most infamous slander* have been uttered and bandied about with a license and recklessness never before equalled at an election on the West Great excitement reigned at Riverton over the declaration of the poll. The numbers finally given were— Ur Daniel. 263; Mr Hirst,2s4. The Southland Time/ oofitipoodtst writes .-—"The two men who were supposed to have -voted twice for Mr Daniel were examined before Mr Grant, two deputy Betoralug-OiScere, and a scrutineer from earn aide. At the close of the examination Mr Grant declared the result of the poll, and in doing ao said he wae quite convinced that the two men had not voted twice. Had he not beau of opinion that everything had hem does in a atnugblforward manner be woold not declare the •tale of tbs poll—no, not if he had to wait until the Day of Judgment, He had endeavoured to give both sides fair play during tbs scrutiny, and he hoped they were satisfied. He would now declare Mr Daniel elected”

Ah litroaxAHT Bm Casa.—A telegram in the Melbourae Age, dated Sydney, Dec. 8, Is ae follows:—An Important bank ease, causing great interest la commercial circles, was beard Unlay al lbs Water Folios Court. It was a suit instituted by John Alexander JLaroaeb, late accountant of the Sydney and Country Bank, against Montague Levy, Chairman of the Directors, to recover peases* •ion of an important letter lodged with the latter by Larnaeh before his dismissal, lbs evidence offered proved that W. J. M. Larnaeh, of Dunedin, on Sept. 17, wrote to J. A. Larnaeh, of Sydney, makmf serious charges against Cook, manager of the Sydney and Country Bank. A ropy of this letter was sent to every one o! tbe Directors. A special meeting was rolled to consider the charge*. Cook, who denied their truthfulness, was given three mouths’ leave of absence, in order to enable Mm, if he thought proper, to proceed to New Zealand to bring an action lor criminal libel against the writer of the letter to vindicate his character. J. A Larnaeh was rolled before the Board and asked to give up the original letter, which he ultimately did. Four Dtroetors of tbe Bank were examined respecting the proceedings at tbe meeting of the Board. The Chairman deposed that Larnaeh was dis> missed for misconduct, and paid three months* salary In lieu of notice. The rouse of his dismissal was unconnected with the subject of the letter, which the Director* considered highly serious. He also stated that Cook, whose leave of absence was regarded as a temporary suspension, bad not gone to New Zealand, as was expected, and another acting manager had been appointed in his place. The Bench, after a long consultation, ordered the letter claimed by Larnaeh to be delivered up within 14 days. Thb Wobktkq or thb Laud Act.— The Land Commissioners continue to receive a vast number of applications to hare judicial rents fixed. About 1500 new claim* were entered on Nov. 1, some of them being from Cork and T!ppera*y Counties, which hare not yet contributed their proportion of rosea The demand for origination notice forms baa been so unexpectedly great that the Queen's printer has failed to supply a sufficient number, and them ore none of the forme to be had even at the offices of the Commission. Tho supply of copies of the rules has alio beet exhausted, and the Queen's printer has a second edition in the press. The only apparent oase of rack-renting which has yet been before the Commisiloner* was mentioned on Nov. 1, in which Mr Hussey de Burgh is landlord, and Jeremiah Sullivan tenant. Mr Wright, solicitor for the tenant, sought to rroord an application to fix a fair real of the lands at Bally gut-teen, CloaakUty, County of Cork, containing Sla fir 6p, rent BID*, Poor Law valuation £l7. Judge O'Hagan s Are you sure these figure# are correct? They ace certainly startling —Mr Wright said they were. He had an affidavit verifying the averments in the originating notice.—Judge O'Hagan j We shall certainly record this application. Applications were made by tenants of Mr J. D, Parnell, brother of the President of the Land League, and on an estate of which Mr Biggar, M.P., is agentThe first case under the Land Act in Castle* blayney has resulted in a very substantial reduction cl rent, Tbe decision was given on Nov. 1, with the result that the root of Patriek M'Atavey's holding of tea acre* has been reduced from £Bl6# fid to £6 o#, the landlord to pay half the county cess, the tenant having paid the whole of the ee#s heretofore. This main an additional reduction of 5s a year. As soon as the decision was known, and, in fact, while it was yet tomg dehrersd, tho local band passed the Court-house playing jubilantly.