TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVII, Issue 6511, 9 January 1882, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Bbbaoh of teh Mabbiaoe Aot.—The amount of the fine inflicted on F. E. J. Hunter, of Eaiapoi, for false declaration in applying for a marriage certificate, has been raised in Eaiapoi during last week in small sums.

Babthqdakh.— A rather heavy shook of earthquake was felt at Oxford on Friday morning about half-past! six, the duration being about two aeoondi, Another (light vibration was alio experienced about an hour and a half after. Late Tbain on Noetk Link.— The rosidente of Kaiapoi and Balgiora are about to •agitate for a late train oatne North lino on Saturday evening!. Theijs is no doubt it would be largely patronued, and would be very remunerative to the department. OiroßD Bush Fibb.— This fire it dtill spreading to the eastward and destroying a large quantity of valuable limber. Every precaution, is being taken to jkeep it away from buildings. On Saturday t.bn nor’-west wind still continued, but it was not so strong as on Thursday. Woollen Faotoby nob Abhbtjbton.— At a meeting held in the Ashburton Town Hall on Friday, a suggestion was made that, in the event of the project for the formation of a company being carried out, the nominal capital should be not less than £60,000, in shares of £5 each, 20s paid up.' Several gentlemen of influence promised support. Ftotra bob Nbw Caledonia.— Mr L. Bamberger, of the firm of Bamberger and Franz, of the steam flour mills, Bangiors, recently went to Noumea to endeavour to make arrangements for supplying flour to New .Caledonia. A report was circulated on Saturday that the firm*! tender for a supply of 3750 tons of flour had been accepted. Ohabob on Libel.— Mr J. W. Treadwell has laid a criminal information against the proprietors of the Telegraph newspaper for publishing in their journal on Deo. 1 last a letter headed " The Mathematical Carpenter," and signed “ Threadbare Velveteen," which it is alleged "contains divfirs false, scandalous, malicious and defamatorymatters and things of and concerning the said J. W. Treadwell.” The ease will come on for hearing at the Resident Magistrate’s Court to-day. The Linseed Industry.— A public meeting was held at the Road Board office, Ohoka, on Friday evening, to discuss matters in connection with this industry. Mr I. Wilson S resided, and a paper wafe read on the subject y Mr E. Aherne, interim secretary to the promoters of the Company, after which Mr J. 0. Andrews addressed the meeting on the manufacture of the fibre. At the conclusion, votes of thanks were passed to the speakers, and several gentlemen present subscribed for shares in the Company. Piohbeb Biotolb Olitb. The usual monthly meeting of this Club was held last Thursday, with a large attendance of members. The annual race-day was definitely fixed for March 25, and a large programme was arranged. The secretary was instructed to write to the Lancaster Park Company, to the effect that unless their track was considerably hardened, and the corners formed off to a larger radius, the annual interprovincial races of the Pioneer Bicycle Club would have to be held at Hagley Park. Sdnnybidb Asylum Statistics.— The resident physician at this institution informs us that during the year 1881 only eight deaths have occurred. The average daily number resident was 265, so that the number of deaths is scarcely 3 per cent. One patient was admitted in a dying state, and died 86 hpurs after admission. For the previous year, with an average daily number resident of 241, the deaths were 1(, or 6£ per cent. For the ten years ending with 1878, in the County and Borough Asylums of England, the deaths averaged lO'da. B.M. Ooubt. —The list for this morning contains the names of eight persons charged with drunkenness. Of tliese, five were in the look-up last night, and three were out on bail. There are 41 information cases, chiefly of the ordinary character, set down for hearing at this Court to-day. These include a charge of libel preferred against the proprietors of the Telegraph by Mr J. W. Treadwell. The unusually large number of informations is accounted for by the fact that there has been no hearing of such oases during the holidays. Thb Wobk ob thb Fibe Beioadb.— The following gratifying letter was received on Saturday by Superintendent Harris:—“ Union Bank of Australia, Christchurch, Jan. 7, 1882. W. Harris, Esq., Superintendent Christchurch Fire Brigade. Dear Sir,—l hasten to tender my grateful thanks to you and your very efficient Brigade for your valuable services in so promptly extinguishing the fire in our premises in Hereford street. X beg to hand you herewith a cheque for fifty guineas’ as a contribution towards the funds of the Brigade. Tours faithfully, Jos. Palmer, Chief Officer for New Zealand.

Tbout Fishing. Messrs M'William, Wood, and Searell had a very successful fishing exoanion up the Selwyn last week. The party followed the river to High Peaks Station, where they found an abundance of fish in the small streams there, but of such diminutive size as not to be worth taking. Beturning to Whiteoliils they met with better luok, hooking 18 fish on Thursday and Friday out of the Selwyn. Some of these wore about 61b in weight, while the whole taking amounted to over 501 b weight of fish, all of which were caught with the artificial fly. Thhatbh Boyai.—On Saturday the in* foresting play “ Led Astray " was performed at the Theatre Royal before a largo audience, who evidently appreciated the excellence of the presentation. Since it was last given by the company some changes have been made in the cast, Count Rudolph being taken by Mr W. H. Leake, Baron Mount Gosline by Mr Mowry, Mathilde by Miss Lizzie Laurence, the Dowager Countess Ohandooe by Miss Bessie Vivian, and Susanne O'Hara by Miss Hettie Lambretto. Mr Leake was as easy and natural as he always is. Mr Mowry {ovo a very good character portrait. Miss tizzie Laurence was as pleasing as ever. Miss Bessie Vivian was appropriately dignified. Miss Hettie Lambrotte gave further evidence of progress in her profession. Miss Louise Pomerov, and the other artists who previously filled rolet in the play, were even better than formerly, and the piece wont with commendable smoothness. The six acts wore got through in reasonable time, notwithstanding mony calls before the curtain, of which Miss Pomeroy received five, Mr Hoskins two, Mr Flemming two, and Mr Leake two. “Led Astray ” Is to be repeated this evening, and to-morrow night the company give the “ Hunchback. It will be seen from the advertisements that this is the last week of the season, and that Miss Pomeroy, whose versatility and great genius are acknowledged by all Who have seen her, makes her last appearance on Saturday next.

Trh Pbimibb.—The Non John HsII wsa in town on Saturday, and left for Wellington by tho Bawea in the evening. CoNrißHAXioir Sxuvioa.—The Bight Bev Bishop .Redwood administered confirmation yesterday morning at the Church of the Slewed Sacrament, Barbados* street. His Lordship also preached at Vespers to a crowded congregation. Tint Fbibkdlt Booibtdm* Frth, - Tho honorary Secretary to the Friendly Societies’ F6to Committee states that Uie total receipts were £420 2s 4d, including £18716s sale of art union tickets, and £13411s lid cash taken at the gates. The balance of profit realised wat £lB9 4i Bd, and was divided, pro rata -after leaving a small balance in tho bands of the Treasurer—amongst the Lodges inking part in t)|e gathering. Hearty votes of thanks were unanimously passed to all who had assisted in carrying out tho ffile to such a successful issue ; also, to the Press generally. A Long Swim.—On Saturday evening Mr J. B. Milsom of Lyttelton swam across the harbour, starting from the end of the eastern breakwater and landing at the point off Charteris Bay. A strong ebb tide was running at the time, with the wind from tho south-west, which raised a considerable sea. Undaunted by (hose adverse circumstances, Mr Milsom hold on, though forced out of the straight line across very considerably. After an hour and a half’s hafd swimming be made the opposite shore, and but little exhausted after the severe task Lo had performed. The undertaking was no easy one, and proves that Mr Milsom is a swimmer of more than ordinary strength and endurance. A friend started with Mr Milsom, but very soon took to the boat which wat in attendance. Bhxhbtaimmbnt at A selby.—The scholars of (he Ashley District School, under the direction of the matter, gave a very enjoyable entertainment on Friday evening, in aid of the prise fund. Unfortunately, owing to harvest having commenced, the attendance was not at all commensurate with (he merits of the entertainment. The partsinging the scholars wat very good; and (he other items, comprising pianoforte solos, songs, and recitations, reflected great credit on the individual performers. At the conclusion of the programme, Mr J. Ellwood proposed a hearty vote of (hanks to the juvenile performers, which was carried by acclamation, after which the scholars partook of refreshments, kindly provided by Messrs Croft and Ellwood.

School Tbbat.— The children attending the South Bakaia and Barr Bill schools were entertained at Oorwar by Mr J. 0. Wason, on Friday last, when considerably over 100 of tho former school and 60 of the latter were present. Amusements of every kind were provided, and no expense or trouble was spared on the part of the kind host and hostess to render the day a happy one to all present. Lunch was also provided for (be adults, as well as pigeon shooting matches for those who were so inclined. Before leaving the grounds in the evening, (he children gave three hearty cheers for Mr and Mrs Wascti, the former of whom returned thanks, and assured all present that it gave, not merely himself, but also Mrs Wason much pleasure to think that everyone bad enjoyed themselves. EAIAPOI Spobts. —The fin al meeting of the Committee for the New Tear’s Day sports was held on Friday evening, in the Council Chamber ; present—Mr B. Moore, President; and twelve members. The prize-list as paid over by Mr Dudley, was read, and it was found that when all the subscriptions were paid that were promised there would be a small balance in hand. The two protests in the walking race were considered, and without much discussion, the three first competitors were disqualified, and the only prize given was awarded to B. J. Wilson, (he fourth and last man, who walked in good style throughout. The protest in the mue race was also considered, and the stewards decided (hat the winner’had taken his right number of laps, consequently (he protest was not allowed. Mr Dudley was asked to convene a public meeting for Monday, Jan 16, to take into consideration the question of holding the annual regatta, and it was decided to have the accounts of the sports closed by that time.

Thb Zaiapox Domain.— Mr a. H. Wearing, a member of the Domain Board of Zaiapoi, has recently been engaged in trimming the trees in the Domain, with a view principally of protecting them against fire. The Domain Board is a body without any funds at present, yet they hare a very nice park, well laid out, which is a boon to the inhabitants of the town and district, still such is the state of affairs that Mr Wearing who has been entrusted by the Board with the charge of the Domain, has to either do the work required or pay for it out of his own pocket. The manoeuvres that he is compelled to resort to, to induce the carters to find sale for the cuttings are amusing, and his consternation at not being able to dispose of them all during the recent holidays was considerable. Something ought to be at once done by the local bodies to assist the Domain Board, which is doing really good work, and making a nice people's park. It should be sufficient for the members to give their time and experience without bearing the whole cost.

U. A.O.D.—Theannualmeeting of the Anchor Lodge, Woolston, was held on Wednesday last, when there was a fair attendance of members. The auditor reported that the Lodge was in a good state, and getting on highly satisfactorily. The following brethren were duly installed into the various offices, viz.: A.D, Bro Engleman; Y.A.D., Bro Wakely; F. Sec., Bro Dean ; M. Sec, Bro Turner; 0.G., Bro Stedman; 1.G., Bro Gimblet; D.F., Bro Wilsteed, acting as Installing Officer. A very handsome collar and framed diploma were presented by D.P. Bro Willsteed, with his usual suitable remarks, to P.A. Bro Nathan, on behalf of the Anchor Lodge, for his untiring seal in promoting its welfare and success, to which he suitably responded. Onemember was initiated and one proposed, and the lodge closed in due form. —The half-yearly summoned meeting of the Bangiora Bud of Hope Lodge of Druids was held in the Good Templar Hall on Thursday evening. The following were the officers elected to serve for the ensuing term, viz.:—Bros M. H. Browne, a.D. ; K.G, Bobilliard, Y.A.; W. Bridget, Treasurer; A. Bards, J. Wilson and J. Sutcliffe,; Y.A, Bards, 0. Lnxton and W. Bridget; 1.G., A. Hill; 0.G., H. Jones ;. Minute Secretary, B. Gibson. The retiring A.D. Bro Bllia takes the Junior Fast Arch chair. The election of Secretary was postponed till next Lodge night, when the installation will take place. F.A. Bro Nathan was nominated for D.r.

Thb Bbobhx Fibbs.—The following are the insurances on the Union Bonk premises;— Union office, £2OOO j Northern, £I6OO ; Imperial, £ISOO j Royal, £ISOO ; Liverpool, London, and Globe, £I3OO j total, £7BOO. The officers of the Bank proved to be fully equal to the emergencies of the occasion. No sooner had it been demonstrated that business could not be carried on in the old premises for some little time, than steps were being taken for securing temporary premises and rendering them habitable, Messrs Lewis and Gould were speedily communicated with, and their new buildings in Worcester street, Cathedral square, were taken possession of. Workmen were hunted up and set to work j andatteno’olookonßaturdaymomingthedooni were opened, and all the ordinary operations of the Bank were being conducted as if nothing unusual had occurred. No accurate idea can be formed of the loss sm taiued by the Bank. It has been estimated us high as £2OOO. Considerable expense will probably have to bo incurred in replacing the ceiling, fittings, Ac., which were of an expensive and elaborate character. During the day the gutted premises were an object of considerable attraction to a large number of persons who assembled in the street. With regard to the fire at Beese’s timber yard, nothing seems to bo known as to its origin. It is stated, however, that the hands were working rather late, and it is conjectured that perhaps some Eortion of the machinery may have become eated. Several of the firemen had their uniforms entirely spoiled by the intense heat in which they bad to work. A good deal of the hose was also injured. The total insurance on Mr Reese's property, including that on the dwelling-house, which was not burned, amounts to £1750 in the New Zealand office. The loss is estimated at about £BOOO over and above the insurance.

BxrPßixi Coubt. —The NUi Prim sitting* of the Snprnaa Court for January will open at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. The only oaeee Mt down are the following s—On Wednesday, Bailey r. Wilkin (epeoiaT jury) j on Friday, Barilla t, Willie (special Jury). There will be a Banco sitting on Thursday, Jan. 19. By a notice from the Sheriff, which appears in another column, it will be seen that jurors summoned for this morning need not attend.

Tub Mastodon Minstksm,— This troupe, comprising some forty performers, announce in an advertisement elsewhere that they will open for a ceason of six nighte at the Academy of Uuslo, on Thursday evening next. At Invercargill the company have had very good business, and as this class of entertainment generally secures a fair amount of support in Christchurch, it may be conjeotured that they will meet with quite as good a return here. A novelty in connection with the company ie that, instead of two corner men, they play eight. There is also a strong band.

A public meeting will be held at the Kaiapoi Institute Hall on Wednesday evening, to heartfan views of the candidates for the office of Connoil lor.

Tbo half-yearly meeting of the Friends of labour Loan and Investment Hoolety will bo hold at the Market Hotel this srsnirg. A meeting of Timber and Coal Merchants etnnloyees will be held at Btoadway Market this evenIng, to consider matters In connection with the annual pienio. A meeting of the Fora side Farmers' Clnb will be held this evening’, in tbs District Schoolroom, Fernslde, to consider the growth and manatactnre of linseed. The promoters of tbo Bangisra Linseed Company will be present, and a paper will be road on the subject. A public meeting to disouss the advisability of holding the annual regatta at Kaiapot is announced to bo held next Monday evening, in the Borough Connell Chamber. Tne settling for the North Canterbury Baoes will take place at the Junction Hotel, Baoglora, tomorrow evening. Madame Lotti Wllmot announces that she will give her farewell lecture and spiritualistic seance on Wednesday evening next, at the Oddtellowa' Hall, Lichfield street.

Thi Wahsakui Eliction.— With regard to the action taken by Mr Baliance against the election of Mr Watt ae member lor Wanganui, the New Zealand Timet is given 'to understand that he will proceed on the basis of seven charges of intimidation said to have been exercised by one John Anderson. Thb English Obiokitbbs nr Victobu. —lntense interest was taken in the finish of the match between the Englishmen and Yiotorians, and the excitement is said to have been unprecedented, even for such a cricket-loving place as Melbourne. In Collins street when the stumps were drawn there must have been upwards of 7000 people. The White Hart Hotel, where the latest results arc generally posted, was fairly besieged. Sbtbbb Eabthquikb nr thb South Sbas. —The mission brig John Wesley, which recently arrived at Sydney from the New Hebrides, reports that on the night of Nor. 24 a very severe shock of earthquake was felt at Tongataboo. It was by far the heaviest shook experienced there during the past 20 years, The John Wesley was the only vessel anchored in the harbour at the time. The shock was felt in an alarming manner by those on board, but on shore the whole island undulated, the ground rising and falling with a progressive motion like the waves of the sea, making it impossible to stand. About four miles from the town of Nenkalofa a large valley was formed, where before it was a level plain. The weather two days before the occurrence was extremely hot and sultry. An Inmotbd School.— The Nelson Colonist makes reference to what it terms a horrible disease common among the children attending the Biwaka school;—“From enquiries we have made we gather that the disease referred to is of a scorbutic nature in a most serious form; indeed, it is stated on the authority of a medical gentleman, that it is not only contagions, but that it is also next to impossible to eradicate it, at all events, for many years. If this be true, and we have no reason for doubting in any way that it is so, instant action is imperative. The Education Board sits on Thursday, and we trust the matter will be there considered, and steps taken to prevent the spread of such a horrible disease to other school children, for to omit taking every precaution in a matter of such vital importance is in itself criminal.”

The Psodisal’s Bbtvbn. —A gentleman at Qreytown gives the Wairarapa Daily the following description of a reception there to an aged individual who eloped some time ago with a widow, and returned recently without her. On the arrival of the train from Wellarge number of people who had collected for the purpose, struck up “ The Dead March.” A procession was then formed, and headed by two leaders on grey horses, marched behind the prodigal, playing " The Girl I left behind me,” “ Brigham Young,” and other appropriate songs. The crowd increased considerably by the time they reached his residence. After singing “ Safe in the arms of a policeman,” they left him to enjoy his welcome in the bosom of his family circle. A Poliobmak ikTboublb.— Aman named John Dupr&e, a tinsmith by trade, bat latterly a policeman, got into serious trouble at Dunedin. A man having missed a number of fowls from his yard requested to have a constable sent to watch ms premises, and Duprda was told off for the duty. So far from guarding the property entrusted to his care, he coolly helped himself to half-a-dozen fowls, and was detected in the act by the naturally enraged victim, who banded him over (hen and there to his brother constables. Duprfee was convicted at the Supreme Court, and despite testimonials to character and a piteous appeal to the Judge, he was sentenced to two years' hard labour. His Honor told him that had the crime been committed by ah ordinary person it would have entailed a month or two's imprisonment only, but the circumstances so aggravated it that he would not be doing his duty did he inflict a lighter penalty. Tawhiao's Sbobbxabt at Auckland.— Native affairs, writes a correspondent from Auckland to a Dunedin paper, still continue to wear the same favourable complexion as of late. Te Ngakau, the King’s private secretary, who had not visited Auckland for a quarter of a century, was down the other day, and with Mr John Sheehan as his chaperon, visited the various sights and scenes of interest in Auckland and its neighbourhood. The contrast between the Auckland of his youth and that which pesented itself to his gaze on his late visit has strongly impressed the Native chief. It was popularly believed that his visit was made on behalf of Tawhiao, in order to give him an idea of Auckland as it now exists, the feeling of the citizens to the Natives generally, and some account of the state of affairs here j but snob is not the ease, the King having no inclination to visit Auckland unless he ean be in a position to see the Governor in person and pat before him the views of the Maori people, as well as his own. The real object of Te Ngakau's visit was to arrange about some land claims which will come for investigation before the Native Lands Court, which, it is stated, will shortly be held in Kawhia, and in which (he Kingites are greatly interested. These claims are to be strongly contested, and will afford ample employment for the legal fraternity. Tua Invikcakoill Fibs.—Concerning (he great fire at Invercargill the Southland Times, after stating it was found necessary to pull down part of the "Temple of Science" to K rerent it falling,says:—"Mr Boohe's loss as been aggravated by the destruction of several of his business books, contained in what was understood to be a fire-proof safe. All that remained of them was a heap of charred papers, with nothing to indicate that they had ever been bound together. Mr Boohe has forgotten the name of the maker, otherwise we would have published it for the Cnee of users of sates . ed and out hands were more numerous than was at first supposed. Their owners were chiefly (hose who had been engaged in passing water to the roofs of Paisley and Co.’s premises j the buckets in the excitement being thrown down from the roof. . . . The walls and chimneys of Mr Hahan’s hall sway about in the wind in a most extraordinary way, and the fact that they stand bears strong testimony to the faithful m>nner in which (hey were built.” The Timet in a leader on (he fire says“ Of the whole estimated value of the property destroyed, £26,000, only £7200, or considerably less

than one-third, was insured, (he lot* 0 f nearly £IB,OOO among a small number 0 { men, all of whom it will affect seriously, and some perhaps ruinously, is a thing greatly t 0 be deplored.” Warns Watb in Axbbioa. "Lake* Erie and Ontario,” say* an English paper, “are now connected by a good navigable waterway, which opens up an immense range of corn country, and is so far beneficial to Transatlantic farmer* a/uJ to consumers on this side. Recently a steamer of considerable lice, baring 26ft of b«»m and 15ft draught, passed through the Welland tonal carrying 400 tons of grain. It is pointed out that when the canals between Kingstown and Montreal have been deepened to allow vessels of similar dimensions to go through Canadian shippers might send com from theKorth-sestand from Manitoba by upwards of 2000 miles of inland navigation. It would not be difficult to give to the steamships making this passage a construction enabling them to traverse the Atlantic in safety. When, therefore, the railway from lake Superior to v inoipeg is completed, the line of communication would be so perfect that the harvest fields of the Forth-west territory will be practically almost as near London or Liverpool as the market-gardens of Jersey. Montreal, too, will come closer to Chicago by water by one hundred and fifty miles than Few York. This means cheap bread, and the continuance of it j but it also implies new difficulties for the British farmer, whoso solo reliance hae been upon the advantages of proximity.” Px/DMXia’g Can*.—Concerning the depredations of the burglar Plummer, whose case was mentioned by ns the other day, the Auckland correspondent of the Otago Daily Times writes: The action of the local police authorities in arresting Plummer under the circumstances surrounding bis case wae greatly deprecated by the Press, as being undertaken without sufficient evidence, and rather a case of persecution than otherwise. That the ez-craokeman has been committed for trial on two charges of (ending threatening letters and three of housebreaking shows, however, that the police were a little wiser and better than their critics. Had they waited mail he was caught in the act, aa was suggested, or indeod adopted any other coarse than that punned, their bird would have flown, and the evidence* of guilt been destroyed. As It is, Plummer, by a strange fatality- like Haley—has himself woven the chain of evidence on the strength of which he has been committed; but to Sergeant Fardy, who cleverly traced up the suspect, most be awarded the credit of welding it together lick by link till the victim wae completely hemmed in. Plnmmer bore himfell through the ordeal at the Police Court with remarkable imoutiamce, and his defence of himself and adroit cross-examination of witnesses would have done credit to the ablest lawyer in the city. He put through one of the detectives in the most effective style, and the police officer will not soon forget the humiliating exhibition be involuntarily made of himself beforea crowded court. It is lamentable that a man possessing such mental ability and educational gifts as Plummer should prefer the strange fascinations of a life ef crime to the more prosaic routine of honest daily toil. During his criminal career he seems to have acted without comrades, and consequently, there not being even a woman in the case, he managed successfully to elude detection. Just before bis arrest, however, he fell a victim to the little god, the object of hie passion being a respectable Catholic girl; and Plummer, who never did anything by halves, in order to advance his suit, embraced that faith, and passed master with s Benedictine father, a copy of a well-thumbed prajerbook and catechism being found in Ms house on Ms arrest. Among the lower classes considerable sympathy is manifested for Plummer, and his exploits are regarded as savouring of the heroic, while many of the more educated look leniently on Ms offences from a belief that he is subject to that popular complaint,, kleptomania.