Untitled

Mataura Ensign, Volume 7, Issue 401, 17 October 1884, Page 2

Races will be held at Pine Bush on Boxing Day. The added money promised is about 30 sots., and as the management is in good hands, a good day's sport may be expected, Pukerau will suffer from a plethora of amusement this evening and to-morrow. The cnterlairneuit already alluded to by us takes place to-night, and to-morrow the opening cricket match o£ the season will be played from sides chosen on the groundVisiting cricketers are cordially invited. The Chatton bachelors' annual ball came off on Friday evening, 'October 10, in the Bcboolßhed at Chatton, but, on account of the watery aspect the evening assumed, only about forty couples turned out. The eatables were supplied by Mr M'Dougall, of Gore, and were of a varied and substantial character, and did both Mr M'Dougall and those of the Chatton bachelors connected with the affair credit. The music was supplied by Mr Thos. Hunter, which goes without saying that it was iirstclass. Mr Archibald acted as M.C. and Mesdames Donald and Caldor superintended the tables. The affair passed off very pleasantly, and was voted a success by those who were there until the finish, whic'i took place about 5 o'clock on Saturday morning. One noticeable feature this year was the presence of a large number of newly married couples. This would seem to indicate that the older bachelors and maids of Chatton are pairing off. This is as it should be, and we wish them joy. / The newly elected Gordon Town Board is a happy family. They j.re not quite Gladstones in debate, but they have an evident desire to do business. In this they are assisted by son c person who resides in a room close by. That person owns a fiddle, or rather it should be said that the fiddle has possession of him, for ho is not its master. During the last meeting he ran orer the whole gamut of his tunes. Much speculation arose as to what he was playing, and the betting was about equal between whether at one time it was — "The cc! pie shop" or "The Dead March." One mdinber was almost moved to tears by the sound of what he thought was "Annie Laurie," but his agitation was soothed when he found it was iriteAded for "The Old Hundred." All attempts to stop the unearthly music failed. Some knocked at the wall, some called out, but the industrious Pagauini kept pegging in a good one. He thought an Englishman's house was his castle, and when the meeting closed he was still at it. Our reporter does not know whether he has yet stopped, but he is going to borrow, our club for the nest meeting. He says profanely he will give that violinist the violenteat reasons for beiag silent. $The conditions for trout fishing in Southland are gazetted. Any holder of a license may fish with rod and line for trout in the Orawia, Oreti, Makarewa, Otamete, Eyre, and Mat aura Kivers and their tributaries, from loth day of October, 1884, to the 31st day of ■March, 1885, both inclusive, and fish under 3even inches in length must be returned to the stream under a penalty in both cases of £20 and forfeiture of license. Those who have fished before the specified time had better " keep it dark." The Inspector of Nuisances for Gordon evidently feels his duty paramount. Time or place is nothing to him. At the last [meeting of the Gordon Town Board the night was cold and the room uncomfortable, so that some members who use the weed pulled out their pipes and began to smoke. The room soon began to assume a misty appearance, and Middlemiss, who "doesn't touch it,' gravely got on his feet and begged if in order to call attention to the fact that several members were smoking- and that it was not proper. Members stared for a moment, and broke into a loud laugh at the absurdity of the position. He was instructed to proceed in the ordinary way against them by process of law. With regard to our local in Tuesday's issue about the New Zealand Agricultural Company making a trial of sugar beet at Longridge, we have since learned further particulars. The Company have sowed three trial patches of sugar beet — tw« on different parts of the Waimea Plains and one at Longridge. on different kinds of soil — in order to find out which soil is the beat adapted for thia crop. Altogether they have sowed about five acres. The land requires a special preparation, being worked very fine and four cwt. of superphosphate of lime and one cwt, nitrate of soda mixed with it. Very large returns are made from this crop on the Continent, and now that wheat growiug (once so 1 ucrative) has been extended to so many countries and the returns are by no means so certain as formerly, it behove* the farmers of New Zealand to try fresh crops with the view of keeping up the returns from their land. We shall be glad to hear that this experiment of the Company's has turned out a succass, and that others are following their example another season. The second meet at Tapanui of the Dunedin Hounds took place at Captain Mackenzie's estate on Tuesday afternoon. About 30 riders assembled, including a number of ladies. A run of about four miles was indulged in, and terminated near the Pomahaka railway station. About seven were in at tne death. The master got a severe spill, and did not see the finish. Several other hunters came to grief, but none were seriously injured. A second run took place over the same country, and it proved very enjoyable. Another meet was arranged for yesterday, and the hounds return to Dunedin to-day. Thn annual meeting of the Tapanui Farmers' club was held on Saturday last. It was intimated that the N.Z.L. and M.A. Company would offer a champion cup, value 15 guineas, " for the greatest number of points won in sheep competitions by any one owner" — sheep best suited for freezing purposes and fat sheep to rank equally with other classes. The offer was accepted with thanks. The balance sheet showed that while LB2 10s had been paid away in prizes at the last show there was a credit balance of L 5 17s 7d. The office bearers chosen for the current year were: — President, Mr Jas. Mair (re-elected) vice-president, Mr J. Y. M'lntyre (rc-elected)f secretary, Mr W. Quin (re-eleoted). It was resolved not to sell the publican's booth at next show unless it brought Ll2 at auction, and that the gates be held in the hands of the club. The annual show was fixed for Friday, December sth, and the programme for it wJU fe 9 arranged on Saturday, 2°th iasfy

The Mataura Musical Association a le busily engaged working up for their concert which takes place next month. According to report it promises to be a great success. Experienced settlors in Algeria have sue . cessf ully combated rabbit invasions by planting narrow, plantations of black cypress, Corsican walnut, juniper, and bay trea. These hare been found an effective protection against the vermin, and at the same time moderately inexpensive. At a meeting of the committee of the j Mataura Cricket Club held at Humphries' j Hotel last Wednesday night it was decided i to play the first match of the season to-day. It will be a scratch mateh — President v. Vice-President. Play will commence at 2.30 sharp. A. good muster of members is anticipated. Attention is directed to the sale of sections which will be held to-morrow by Messrs Green and Souness. That paddock known as Gobbie's fronting the end of Mersey street, and abutting on the town belt opposite the Town Hall, has been cut up into 20 sections, and should, from the situation, excite keen competition. Captain Mackenzie has set a laudable example to those members of Parliament who received the honorarium for last session. He has donated LlO 10s to the funds of the Pukerau library. The donation is all the more graceful when we remember that ' the gentlemen named unsuccessfully wooed the sweet voices of the electors at the last election. i Mr Thomas L. Shepherd, formerly M.H.R. for the Otago Goldfieids, was found lying in an insensible condition last Wednesday evening, at the corner of Manse and High slreels, Dunedin. Mr Shepherd was re- ; moved to the hospital, where it was found ! that he was suffering from a stroke of j paralysis. He was conscious, but his left ' side appears to be powerless, and doubts arc entertained as to his recovery. Mr Shcphard has been .in Dunedin in a desponj dent condition for several months, having no employment. The Loyal United Gore Lodge, M.U.I. O.O.F. celebrated their anniversary with a ball and supper on Wednesday evening in the Gore Town Hall. There was a very fair attendance, about 70 persons being present. Messrs Litbgow and Durie, from Invorcargill, played the violin and piano, and Mr H. Mansford the cornet. The music was firstclass, as was also the supper, which Mr D. Kingaland, of Invercargill, supplied. : At supper the N.G., Bro. Eldred, P.G.M., occupied the chair, supported on his right by Rev. Bro. Hobbs and on his left by P.G.M. Bro.. Canning. P.N.G. Bro.;-W..*Hay-and-PiV.G. Bro. Bowtell occupied vice chairs'. The tables were arranged on the stage, arid were nicely filled. After supper Bros. Efdrcd, Canning and Hobbs, in a few well chosen remarks, referred to the Order. Bro. Hobbs, ' remarked that he did not come for the purpose of being at the ball, but he put in an appearance about supper t time in order to associate himself with the Order, which he had recently joined. After a few jocular remarks Bro Hobbs resumed his seat amid applause. Dancing was then resumed and kept up with spirit until 4 a.m. Mr A. Johnston acted efficieixtly as M.C. Tea, coffee, sandwiches, and pastry of many kinds was supplied ad lib during the whole of the night. The inquiry into the latest fire atlnvercargili ended in a curious way. It appears that the inquiry was asked for by the* Association of Fire Insurance ( Companies, who have a private nightwatchman. He had given information that a man had told him on the 27th ult. that he knew of a rich old man who had offered another L6O to bum down his premises. On being called to give evidence, his informant informed the jury that the case referred to by the watchman occurred in another Colony several years ago. This explanation waa received with roars of laughter, and the enquiry at once collapsed. The Coroner said there waa nothing in the evidence from beginning to end to help them to come to a conclusion as to the origin of the fire. He did not see the use of holding these enquiries unless someone had pertinentevidence to goffer. He held that one at the request of the Association, understanding that some evidence was to be brought forward, The jury returned an open verdict. Members of Town Boards should be careful that they do not contravene the provisions of their Act, which imposes a fine of LSO and numerous other pains and penalties for voting on, or discussing matters in which they have a monetary interest. One of the Gordon Town Board got a start the other njght over this matter. Discussing a certain motion about a proposed road, he said that the matter meant LSO a year to him. He was then shown the clause referred to, and his jaw fett, but he saw a way out of the difficulty, for he said—" Oh I but I am not interested in the matter, the matter is interested in me." This happy distinction, while it mado everybody laugh, would not serve were the case serious. An interesting " sporting return" has just been laid before the Legislative Council, if it is not breach of privilege to use such a term in regard to a document presented to such an august body. It is a statement of the total number and amount of the money orders issued by the Post office during the months of June and July, 1884, in favor of various promoters of " consultations " in the Colony. It appears that altogether 343 orders, to the amount of L 392, were issued, distributed as follows: Adamastor,4 orders* L 3 ; Phoenix, 3 orders, L 2 ; Boaz, 166 orders, LlB9 ; Fortuna, 54 orders, L 62 ; A. Leo, 1 order, L 2; Robin Hood, 72 orders, 1.60; Jubal Fleming, 2 orders, LI ; Adam Bede, 40 orders, L? 3. No orders were issued in favor of James Jacobsen, 'John Smith, or Here's Luck. The return was moved for by the Hon. Mr Hart, and it is to be hoped that the sweep promoters will be duly grateful to him for this advertisement. We have gleaned some furfchei particulars regarding the body found on the terraces near Edendale on the 7th inst. Constable Leece has ascertained that "E. Fisher " was only a fieticious name assumed by deceased to pass him out here as steward on board the Victory in consequence of some trouble ho was involved in in the Old Country. His real name was Edward Murphy. It appears he and a man named George Reid, at present working at Mr Gait's farm, fell in with one another just as deceased left the Victory, and they travelled up country and found work at Mr Gait's in April last. The deceased evinced bigns of lunacy about the beginning of August, but t ©wards the end of the month he became belter. He then left Mr Gait's People on the farm are sure from descriptions given decaased is ths man who was working there, they having especially noted the want of a linger and the certificate.

In consequence of the Invorcargill race, coming off on the 18th December s the annua^ show of the Western "Districts A. and/'Pv, Society will take place on the 3rd December and not on the date first advertised, the '18th. The Southland Land Board metfyesterday, when the application of O. Fox, section 612, Hakonui, to capitalise was granted. As the conditions had not been.f ultilied, the transfer of section 685, Hokonui, from Mr Joseph Green to Mr Mackay was refused. Mr Henry Mandcrs', of Dunedin, being the only candidate for the representation of Gore and Mataura Mission District in the j Anglican Synod at Dunedin, has been de- ! clared duly elected. The Synod meets on I November 5. At the Gore Court on Tuesday last A. Aitken, of Gordon, was summoned by the Inspector of Nuisances for having a nuisance on his premises (a butcher's &hoD at Gord-jn. The case was adjourned for a week in order to give defendant an opportunity to abate the nuisance. The net profits of the concert lately held at Pinnaclo in aid of Mr and Mrs M'Kaskill senr., amounted to LI 4 12s Gd, which sum the committee have handed over to Mr A . Aitken, to be disposed ofi for the benefit of the agel. couple in such sums as they may require. Doubtless in Mr Aitken 's hands the amount will go as far as it is possible for money to extend. We must add our congratulations to the promoters of the charity upon the very respectable sum realised. The request, to which we pointedly referred in an article a week or two since that a post and telephone office should be established at Stoney Creek^ha^Jour readers will be pleased to hear, been acceded to. Mr 0. Cowan, M.H.E., sent us last night the following telegram :— "Tne Government has consented to establish a post-office, with telephone connection, at Stoney Creek." Magna cst vcritas et prcvaleMt. i Some Wyndham d.p. land is in the market. ;Gore School concert is further announced. jCullenand Stevenson have a paddosk t let. o I. S. Simson advertises a sheep sale for Oct. 25. Poison is laid on T. L. Pillar -s section, Gore. ... • .. • . Tenders are wanted by the Knapdale Road Board for various works. ; Green and Souness sell a stack of oats on. Saturday, on which day also I. S. Simson has a;fufniture sale. •I. W. Raymond is returning officer for Toi Toia Riding, Southland County. [ A medical announcement appears in our advertising columns. \ H. Vlanders has been elected Syriodioal representative for the district. I Two creditors' meetings will be held at Gore on Monday; '■-■■■■ ■'■'■■ : [ Defaulting ratepayers will be disqualified I a|t the forthcoming County elections, .; J ! F. S. Canning and Co. sell sundries tomorrow, audJ. S. Shanks & Co. stock at Mataura on Friday. - : ; The National Mortgage Co. hold stock sales at Mataura on Oct. 24 and at Eiversdale on Oct. 28. The movements of the entires Wanderin 1 Willie and Young Prince Chpjlie are advertised. ; Dr Sinclair, the celebrated American dentist will visit Gore from the 10th to 12th November next. The position of the Waimea Plains Railway Co. may be gathered from a docriment deposited at Riversaale. Prior to his opening at Gore, Macnabe. of whom report speaks highly, will give 'his unique and wonderful entertainment at Chafeton on Monday next. The management intend also giving everyone a handsome present from the bankrupt stock of goods they recently purchased at Invercargill. Professor Henderson is also on the bills, and will give his expose of legerdemain. After the performance there will be a general dance.