Local and General.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 70, 19 February 1884, Page 2

Local and General.

B.M. Coral. — Thera was no business whatever transacted at the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning. Makaraka Fire. —The inquest on the late fire will be held at Makaraka to-day, at the Roseland Hotel, at 8 p.m., by Jas. Booth, Esq. The Fire. —The following are a few additional particulars to those which appeared in our last re the fire in Lowe Street yesterday morning. The night-watchman informs us that he passed the dwelling about 3.40, when nothing whatever attracted his attention, and no sign of fire was observable. On making a tour and coming back about five minutes to four, with the object of awakening a Lian at Page’s Hotel, he first noticed the glare of fire and immediately gave the alarm and ran to the bell, on trying to ring which he found the tongue would not work, and kept catching in such manner as to prevent his making other than the most feeble strokes. When the first spectators arrived on the scene the fire had such a firm hold on the front part of the building that it was clearly apparent the whole must speedily ba destroyed. The alarm was given at four o’clock, and by twenty minutes to five the whole building was consumed. At the time stated, 4.40, the first jet of water was thrown on the glowing embers. We hear various reasons assigned for the delay in procuring water, the most feasible of which is that several members, and amongst them the engineer, never heard the alarm. There can be little doubt but what, had there been any wind, the houses on -the- opposite side of the way must have gone. As it was, several of the roofs took fire, and were only saved by the help, of many spectators. The house destroyed was the property of Mr. liras. Ward, and is insured for £5OO in the Standard. At present the cause of the fire is unknown.

The Gisborne Institute.—The committee elected for the purpose of organising the proposed Young Men’s Institute met at Dr, Pollen’s residence last night at 7.30. Present —Ven. Archdeacon Williams (in the chair), Dr. Pollen, and Messrs. Chrisp, Jamieson, DeLautour, Morgan, Ingle, O’Meara, and Tucker. It was resolved, “ That the subscription for actual membership be 7s. 6d. per quarter, payable in advance, and hon, members £1 Is. per annum, with right to all privileges with the exception of voting on management; the conduct of the Institute to be under the management of a committee of seven, four to form a quorum; the committee to be elected annually, and to appoint their own Secretary, Chairman, and Treasurer.” Messrs. DeLautour, Morgan, and Archdeacon Williams were appointed a deputation to interview the Library Committee on Wednesday next, with a view of making arrangements for working in unison with them, the deputation to report to the next meeting, to be held at Dr. Pollen’s residence on Thursday next, at seven o’clock, It was finally resolved that the organisation should be called “ The Gisborne Institute,” A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings. Tologa Riding. — Contrary to certain prognostications as to a “ walk-over” for one gentleman as representatives for the above riding, there are three nominated as candidates for that honor—viz., Captain T. W. Porter, W. Common, and S. R. Stewart. The election will take place on Saturday next. Native Lands Court, Tologa Bay, —The hearing of Kaiawa Block was completed on Thursday last. Judgment reserved. —On Friday, the hearing of Pukeamuri Block was commenced, and it is expected to last until the end of this week. It seems most probable that cases of sub-division will not be taken for a month at least.

Trust Commisioner’s Court.—There were two cases heard at this Court yesterday, before Jas. Booth, Esq., T.C., as follows :— Kopuni Block—from Karariria Pahure and another to A. Reeves, deed of lease, adjourned. Parikiriki (N.W. portion) from Kate Gannon to Mcßretney, deed of conveyance, adjourned till next Monday. Gallant Rescue.—A young lady named Ballantine took several children up the river on Saturday afternoon, and, arriving at a favorable spot, they landed, and the little ones proceeded to bathe, when one of them a daughter of Mr. T. Adams, got out of her depth, and began to sink. Miss Ballantine, seeing the imminent peril of the child, immediately sprang into the water, but, being unable to swim, was not able to aid the object of her solicitude, and found herself in great jeopardy. Fortunately, at this opportune moment, a skiff, manned by Messrs. Allom and Huskin, came around the bend of the river, when the former gentleman leaped into the river, and, diving, caught hold of the little one’s hair, and succeeded in taking her ashore. In the meantime, Mr. J. Berry, who was on the opposite side of the river, sprang in and rescued Miss Ballantyne. Both the gallant rescuers deserve the highest praise, as there can be little doubt but what, had they not acted with promptitude, the two lives must inevitably have been lost.

Rowing Club.—lt has been decided to have another contest before the season ends, which will take place about a month hence. From what we can see of the crews they are very evenly picked, and, if good practice is indulged in, as should be, good races may be expected. The crews are—No. 1: W, Ratcliffe (stroke), Allom 3, Chrisp 2, A. Webb bow. No. 2: Barnes (stroke), Gibbons 3, Grossman 2, A. Vennel bow. No. 3: E. H. Pavitt (stroke), Bourne 3, Bullen 2, A. O’Meara bow. We believe there will be prizes given.

Cause List.—The following is the list of civil cases set down for hearing in the R. M. Court to-day : — Fraser v. Huddlestone, Westrup and Thelwall v. John Allanach, Downe v. R. Wilson, Thelwall and Co. v. A. Martin, Dufaur v. Smith, Watts v, E. Rangiwhattire, Hall v. Te Kani, Jacobs v. C. D. Berry, Hall v. Doleman, Lucas v. Keating, Wallace v. C. D. Berry, Teat and Friar v. James, Dufaur and Co. v. Harries and Lincoln, Winter v. Batopu.

Thanksgiving Services.—On Sunday, at Holy Trinity Church, the services were of a particularly joyful character. Although nothing approaching the decorations that are customary in country places in England on a harvest thanksgiving, still someone took the trouble to go into the country and get small sheaves of wheat, barley, and oats, which were put up around the lectern. On the altar was placed a basket of fruit and ear of corn. We have heard it remarked that had more publicity been given to the matter, and the young folks of the congregation asked to cooperate, there would have been much more in the way of decorations. Morning prayers and Litany were said by the Bishop ; also special prayets for the occasion. The lessons were specially chosen, both being read by his Lordship, who conducted the whole service alone. The sermon was very appropriate

and an elegant discourse, the text being from Leviticus (23rd chapter, 39 to 43 v.). In the evening there was a larger attendance than in the morning, the Ven. Archdeacon Williams and Rev. A. Williams taking part. The Bishop preached from 6th chapter St. Mark and 52nd verse, which was even a more eloquent discourse than that delivered in the morning. Mr. Flood presided at the organ, his rendering of the voluntary at the offertory being particularly good. Strict Church people took exception to certain persons having to move about the chancel and within the altar rails after the Bishop took his seat. Evidently someone had forgotten to make arrangements for the solemn part of the service, by which the day’s rejoicings were brought to a conclusion.

Humane Action.—When Mr. Beatlie, the Gaoler, was first awakened from his slumbers yesterday morning by the cries of “fire,” he mistook them for “murder,” and sprang from his couch with the intent of calling the police; but on opening the door the lurid glare of the fire quickly undeceived him. His first thought was for the hapless prisoners under his charge, and seeing the fire close aboard, he without delay immediately unlocked the cells and removed his charges to a convenient spot, where they would be safe in the event of the five spreading to the cells. The action, though simple in itself, proves of what material our Gaolor is composed.

Harbor Board. —The usual fortnightly meeting of the Harbor Board will be held in the Borough Chambers, Lowe Street, tonight, at seven o’clock, for the transaction of ordinary business. Correction.—ln our telegram of the match Otago v. Tasmania, a mistake occurred. In the second innings of the latter, it should have read, “ Butler, b Cook, 1,” instead of “ Butler, 38; Cook, 1.” Sale at Makaraka.—Messrs. Cawlaw Smith and Co.’s sale will take place to-day at twelve o’clock. Erection oe House. — Tenders for the erection of a house in Whataupoko are invited.—See advertisement, Bad Position of Education Boards.—” A deputation from the Education Board of Wellington waited upon the Premier and the Colonial Secretary the other day with regard to the Board’s present financial position. The deputation pointed out that several new buildings were needed without delay, and their estimated cost was about £14,000, whilst the Board had only about £2,800 for the purpose. The Chairman of the Board stated that this Provincial District had not been treated as well as those in the South Island. The Premier dissented, and expressed the opinion that in proportion to population Wellington had fared better than any other of the districts except Otago, and it had not been much worse off than Otago. All the Boards wanted more money, and he doubted whether a grant of half-a-million would satisfy them. It would be for Parliament to decide whether any more money should be taken out of the loan, He urged the Board to prepare a statement showing what Government money Wellington had received for education purposes as compared with other districts.”

A Lively Affair.—“A correspondent of the Tuapeka Times gives a lively account of the meeting for the election of a School Committee at Beaumont. It was fully expected that there would be some amusement, consequently there was a large attendance. The first symptom of disagreement arose over the election of a chairman. It was moved and seconded that Mr. Orr take the chair, which he very hurriedly did. This was objected to, and it was asserted that Mr. Orr took possession before there was time to move an amendment; but Mr. Orr, having possession, expressed his intention of retaining it unless he was forcibly dispossessed. After much ‘ bitter feeling’ and ‘ strong language,’ he was allowed to occupy the position. Speaking of the audience, the correspondent says:—‘ One of the parties evidently came prepared for a row, for he was armed with a thick, heavy stick, which he flourished continually when speaking. The other gentleman seemed determined to create as much noise as possible, in addition to making a buffoon of himself. He would stand bolt upright, then, jumping upwards, would come down heavily with both feet on the floor, accompanying each jump with a terrific shout, thus creating considerable uproar.’ Under these circumstances it is not surprising to read that upon the chairman making some personal reference to one of those present (possibly the ‘ gentleman ’ who indulged in the high leaping and terrific shouting), the row began in earnest. The person referred to tackled the chairman, who, eager for the fray, rushed at his opponent. Much excitement ensued, fifty or sixty persons trying to accompany the combatants ‘ outside’ to ‘ fight it out.’ After ten minutes’ struggling to get through the door, ‘ outside’ was reached; but the correspondent seems to have missed his opportunity for some excellent descriptive writing by remaining inside. He merely reports that on the outside being reached peace was restored. The chairman returned, and eventually a committee was duly elected.”

Meeting of Natives.—From the Napier Telegraph of the 7th instant:—“A large meeting of Natives is now being held at Marton in the hope that an amicable settlement may be arrived at with regard to the division of the £48,000, the balance of the purchase-money of the Otamakapua Block. The majority of the Natives interested are agreed as to the division, but a few of those most chiefly concerned are holding out, in the belief that they were deceived into giving their consent to the sale.”