TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVII, Issue 6506, 3 January 1882, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

The Qovbbnob. —Hie Excellency the Governor left for Wellington last evening. Supeeme Cottet. —The January sittings of the Supreme Court begin to-day at 11 a.m., before His Honor Mr Justice Johnston. The criminal calendar was published last week. IndttstbiaXi and Pbovidbnt Societies Act. —A schedule of fees to be paid to Registrars of Industrial and Provident Societies and Revising Barristers under the above Act, is gazetted. Lyttelton Regatta.— This annual event came off yesterday; full particulars are published elsewhere. Crews for the inrigger and outrigger races are requested to meet at Messrs Royse, Stead and Co.’s office, Lyttelton, at 8.30 a.m. to-day. Pbsbbytbbian Picnic, Kaiapoi. The children attending the Sunday School in connection with this church held their picnic at Mrj‘|W. M. Boss’ farm, Kaiapoi Island, yesterday, where they spent a pleasant day. There were fourteen carriages full of them. Lyons’ Toubists.— There was a capital house last evening at the Academy of Music, where Lyons’ Tourists Company gave another of their very popular performances. The pantomime was repeated, and was preceded by an amusing sketch entitled “ Irish Justice.” The whole of the performance went well, several of the songs being awarded encores. The “Special Correspondent” song of Miss Amy Horton seems to be. as much in favour as ever, as it was encored no less than three times. The Tourists will appear again tonight, and to-morrow Miss Amy Horton takes a benefit.

Ohoka and Bybston Races. —The settling for these races took place on Thursday evening, at Mr C. A. Fountaine’s Junction Hotel. The following amounts were then paid over, viz. Mason and Yallance, £37 10s; E. Murfitt, £33; E. Buaoh, £l9 10s; J. Hiller, £l4 10s; H. M'Lean, £l4 5s j D. HayBarclay, £9 10s; W. Roberts, £5; W. Stark, £2 17s; T. Denton, £1 10s; P. Marsh, £1 10s; total, £139 2s. The protest in the Hack Race was considered, and it was allowed, the stakes being paid to Mr Barclay. Votes of thanks were passed to the Judge, starters, handioappers, officers, and those gentlemen who had been instrumental by their labours in stopping the fire. After a hearty vote of thanks to the Hon Secretary, Mr Taylor, and the President, the meeting adjourned.

Bangioea Sunday School Union.— The annual gathering of the children attending the Church of England, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, and Free Methodist Sunday Schools at Bangiora, was held in the Literary Institute hall on Sunday afternoon, when about 400 children assembled. The meeting was opened with prayer and singing the hymn, “ Welcome to Our Union Mooting.” An address was then delivered to the children and their teachers by the Yen Archdeacon Dudley, after which the hymn, “ Come Ye Children,” was sung. Addresses were afterwards delivered by the Revs S. Macfarlane, and Q-. Dawson, and a prayer was offered up by the Bev 8. J. Oarlick (of Woodend). Several other hymns were sung, and the harmonium (kindly lent for the occasion by Mr Jennings) was played by Master Withers, Mr T. Smith leading the singing. New Ybab’s Kvb ax Sumnbb.— The residents and visitors again celebrated New Year’s Bve, the Cave Bock being the scene of the fireworks. At about nine o’clock the first rocket was dismissed, and a steady fire of rockets was kept going until about 10.80. Smaller fireworks, consisting of wheels, Bo man candles, &0., wore sent off at the mouth of the cave, and coloured fires, which had a wonderfully pretty effect, were burned during the evening. At the conclusion of the fireworks about seven tar barrels were set fire to at different positions on the rooks, which lasted until the first of the New Year had well commenced. About 400 people assembled around the cave, and several aes and carriages brought visitors from tohuroh. It is to bo hoped that the Gave Rook may be (he scene of fireworks for years to come, and that persons staying at Sumner will come forward again next year, and assist in having a much larger display, as there, is no doubt with a little trouble the cave could be made to look exceedingly pretty, and it is just the place required for a pyrotechnic display.

Til* Tbakwav Traffic.— Xh* numberof persons carried on the various «nw the Canterbury Tramway Company yesterday was a* nearly a* pouible the *ame as on Boxing Day, fit., 12,000. ... . it Inqobbt.—An inqueet wa* held at the Hospital yesterday, before Dr Coward, Coroner, on view of the body of Annie Taylor, the little girl who had recently died from the effect* of »evere burn* *ho had received at Bprlng»ton. After hearing the evidence, the jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death. m _ * iAltbbation xk Bailway Tariff.—The following substitution of rate* for wheat, barley, and oats ii gazetted, in liou of tho present classified rate* for the same: Wheat, barley, and oate will be charged classified rate* Clan K up to 18 mile*, and 2d per mile for each additional mile up to 89 miles, and Id per mile for each additional mile, instead of the present classified rate* for Claes B, but aubjoct to the general regulations for tho *amo.” Sunday School Thhat.—Yesterday the children attending the Rangiora United Free Methodist Sunday School had their annual treat in the shape of an excursion to Amber* ley. Including the number that were picked up at Aihley there were about 160 present with their teachers and the BevS. Moofarlane. The site of their treat wai in one of Mr J. Oreig’s paddocks, whore tho children thoroughly enjoyed themselves,_ and afterwards returned home by the evening train. Bbsidint Magistrate's Court.—There was no sitting of this Court yesterday, on account of the New Year's holiday. The charge-sheet for to-day contains the names of five offenders for drunkenness; and in addition to these, James and Zilphio Cross, who wore arrested by Detective Neill about noon yesterday, will bo charged with stealing £5 from tho person of Henry Hayes. J. W., 0. B. and W. J. Cross, of whom last-men-tioned offenders are the parents, will be brought up as neglected children. \ Obituary.—lt is with much regret we once more place tho ominous word “ obituary” at the head of a paragraph. This time we have to announce the death of Captain Ologstoun, a gentleman whose name has for many years been connected with sporting matters in Canterbury. He came to New Zealand in 1862, and w&s formerly in the Funjaub Irregular Cavalry. Captain Clogstoun was only 49 years of age at the time of his death, the news of whioh will be heard with regret by all who were acquainted with him. 1.0.0. F., M.U.—The quarterly meeting of the South Bakaia Lodge tfas held at Compton’s Hotel on Friday evening, Deo. 80, There was a large attendance of the brethren. The following officers wore elected for the ensuing term: —Bro Dunn, N.G.; Bro Bouse, V.G.; Bro Black, Secretary. The installation was conducted by Fast-Grands Bros Dolan and Scott, from Ashburton. The newly-elected officers returned thanks, and a vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring officers. The receipts for the evening amounted to £25 18s 2d. The Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 1016.

Bithdat SohooXi Tebats.— Advantage vu taken of yesterday's holiday to hold the an* nual treat in connection with the Baptist Sunday schools. Upwards of 500 children attending the Cambridge terrace and Sydenham schools were conveyed by an early tram to Struan, the estate of Mr T. S. Duncan, on the Papanui ros'd, where the children passed an enjoyable day in sports and other pastimes. At the close of their holiday, the young visitors gathered in front of Mr Duncan’s residence, and gave three cheers for him and Mrs Duncan for their kindness in permitting them to make use of their ground.—Upwards of 400 of the children attending the United Methodist Free Church Sunday school passed a pleasant holiday in Mr Hudson’s paddock at Papanui, which had kindly been placed at their disposal, and whither they were conveyed by the trams, A number of parents and friends were present in addition to the teachers t and there was no lack of amusements and good things provided for the little ones. Thbatbb Bor ai.— The re-appearance of Him .Louise Pomeroy, after her recent indisposition, was welcomed last night at the Theatre Boyal by an audience crowding to excess every part of the building. <( Twelfth Night” was played by this company, it will be remembered, at the close of their former season, and the cast last night was for the most part the same as we previously noticed. The two most noticeable changes were that Malvolio was represented by Mr Leake, and Olivia by Miss Lizzie Laurence. Mr Leake gave an excellent reading of his part, carefully avoiding burlesque, while bringing out the grotesque humour of the author. Miss Lizzie Laurence, though somewhat over-taxed by her rSle, gave a conscientious rendering of it. The performance of the comedy, as a whole, must be said to have rather dragged, in spite of the evident, good temper of the audience, who called before the curtain Miss Pomeroy at the end of the first act, Mr Flemming and Miss Lizzie Laurence at the end of the fourth act, and Miss Pomeroy and Mr Flemming at the end of the piece. To-night “ Twelfth Night ” is to be repeated. The first meeting of the St Albans Borough Council will be held to-day at noon, in the Avon Road Board Office.

The monthly Exhibition of the Chrlstohnroh Horticultural Society will take place this afternoon at half-past fire o'clock, in the rooms o! the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The House. Steward of the Chrlstohnroh Hospital begs to acknowledge the receipt, with thanks, of a quantity of strawberries and other fruits for the patients, from Mrs Justice Johnston and other ladies in Christchurch; also Ills towards the destitute patients’ relief fond, from Mr Joseph Slater.

Thi FiatrsE op otjb Stellas System.— The Milky Way has recently been made an object of careful study by M. Houzeau, of Brussels Observatory. He has indicated it* composition by means of curves of equal luminous intensity. Looking casually at the Milky Way, one might be disposed to think its luminosity nearly the same throughout. But M. Houzeau finds in it a series of luminous plates or masses, to the number of 83, eaoh diminishing in brightness outwards from the centre. These are arranged almost exactly along a great circle of the celestial sphere. The solar system is nearly in the plane of this “ equator," and probably near its centre.

Tan Hkobnt Bailway Accident.—A correspondent writes in yesterday’s 0, D. Times :—l have just passed the scene of last night’s accident, where a number of men are busily at work trying to raise the engine, whion is lying on the right hand side of the line, a few paces on the Clinton side of the bridge. The engine and tender appear to be a complete wreck, but matters may not be so bad as they look. The tender is lying on its aide on the bank, and just clear of the line. The express to-day in passing the place went along at less than a walking pace. With regard to the cause of the accident, I learn that the horse was noticed on the line just previous to the train approaching the bridge, but as the animal was in charge of a little boy, who was driving him away, there was thought to be no danger. The horse, however, turned suddenly and was caught by the cowcatcher and dragged along about 10 yards, after which the engine went over it, cutting it clean in two. The rails were torn up for some distance, some of them being twisted like a piece of hoop-iron. The body of the stoker, John Woodcock, which was found lying under the tender, was badly mutilated, and death must have been instantaneous. His back and ribs wore broken. Be was only 21 years of age, and resided at the Ciutha. A sad incident in connection with his death is that his mother, who is a widow, intended to go and livo with him at the beginning of the year.

A Mabtyb to Fhozrn Mbat.—Francis Bacon, Lord Verulam, and St Alban* vaa, probably, one of the first Englishmen who experimented upon the preservation of meal by cold. The immediate cause of his death deserves to be stated. In the spring of 1626, says Aubrey, his strength and spirits revived, and be returned to Gray’s Inn, from whence, on April 2, going into the cemetery with Dr Witherborne, the King's physician, it occurred to him as ho approached Highgate, the snow lying on the ground, that ho would ascertain whether ilesh might not be preserved in snow as well as in salt, and he resolved immediately to try the experiment. They alighted out of the coach, and went into a poor woman's house at the bottom of

Highgate-hill, bought a hen and stuffed the body with snow, my lord helping to do it himself. The snow chilled him and he immediately became so extremely ill that he could not return to Gray’s Inn, but wae taken to the Bari of Arundel’s house at Highgate, when he was put into a warm bed, but It was damp, and had not been slept in for a year before. Ho died on April 9,1626, In the 69th year of hi# age. He wm buried by hi# own desire in St Michael« Church, near St Albans, in the same grave with hie mother. Saturday Magazine, June 27, 1836. SUNDAY OausADß in Cobnwam.—There have been some strange outbreaks of Puritanism in Cornwall lately. At St Ives a boatload of pilchards, whioh had been taken on Sunday, could not command any bids, except one of £lO, whioh wae one-fifth of the value, because the fishermen had " broken the Sabbath ” in shooting the seine on ” the Lord’s Day.'* The austere people of the place were confirmed in their resolution to boycott Sunday traffic by the sinking of the boat and the loss of her cargo during the night—a mishap which was looked upon as a direst “and special manifestation” of divine displeasure. The owner of a cellar refused to let it for the purpose of curing some fish caught on Sunday. Truth. An Original Woman’s Bights Woman, —The wife of President John Adams, writing to her husband in 1774, said : “In the now code of laws * • I desire that you would remember the ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power in the hands of the husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrante if they could. If particular care and attention are not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in wbioh we bavo no voice or representation. While you are proclaiming pence and goodwill to all men, emancipating all nations, you insist upon retaining absolute power over wives. But you must remember that absolute power, like most other things whioh arc very bad, is most likely to be broken.”

IQ tQO uIDQi 01 tDO DQIDADQIi JWlliWnDWi all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention are not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in wbioh we have no voice or representation. While you are proclaiming peace and goodwill to all men, emancipating all nations, you insist upon retaining absolute power over wives. But you must remember that absolute power, like most other things whioh arc very bad, is most likely to be broken.” Fbauddlbnt Sbbtantb.—Some years ago, when an enormous defalcation took place in London on the part of the Treasurer of a public company, it came to light that he had for years avoided taking a holiday of more than a day or two, the object evidently being that no thorough examination of bis accounts should be made. Thenceforward, that company and many other companies insisted bn all their subordinates taking holidays, and their books are then thoroughly overhauled by competent accountants. The cote alluded to, and also that of a man who for years carried on gigantio frauds on the Crystal Palace Company, had the salutary effect of causing firms to rigidly investigate the accounts of their cashiers, &0,, irrespective of long service and cordial relations. Judging from recent exposures in Australia, it would be as well if the custom were more commonly observed.