Local and General.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 75, 25 February 1884, Page 2

Local and General.

B, M. Court.—Thomas Boe was brought before our B. M. on Saturday morning, and fined ss. for being in possession of an unlicensed dog. Lmenssss CJosmwTEE.—The following is the result of the polling for members of the Licensing Committee: —Messrs. Lewis, Town, ley, E. K. Brown, Humphries, and Hall were returned. The defeated gentlemen are Messrs. Chrisp and Tutchen. Bad Statx of Boas.—lt strikes us forcibly that unless the County Council does some, thing to the road between the Gisborne town boundary and Makaraks before the winter sets in some accidents will happen on that highway, In several places there are large sand-pits on the road, which are dangerous now on a dark night, and will be more so after heavy rain. A few loads of gravel should be sufficient to effect repairs at the present time, and we would remind the Council of the good old saw, “ A stitch in time saves nine." Poverty Bat Jury Cnuß.—The Committee meeting to have been held at the Masonic Hotel on Saturday evening lapsed for want of a quorum. The following gentlemen were present: — Messrs. J. W. Johnson, A. Graham, F. Dufaur, C. IV. Ferris, T. J, Dixon, A. Pritchard, and C. D. Pitt (in the chair). After waiting some considerable time, the Chairman formally adjourned the n < until next Saturday. - vasm.— Persons interested in this industry, as well as admirers of park-like scenery, would be highly gratified on a visit to Mr. Knight’s bee-farm at Makaraka, for not only are a great number of bee-hives presented to view, but the surroundings are most picturesque, and many trees in the orchard adjoining are loaded with fruit. Mr. Knight, too, is very painstaking in describing the operations of his little charges, and the busy bees can be seen through the glass sides of the little movable boxes that constitute the departments of the hives, filling the honeycomb. Last year Mr. Knight had about 500 boxes, or hives; but the severity of the winter killed a great number of the bees, and his stock is now reduced to 250 hives. The operation of extracting the honey from the comb, forming the wax for market, &c., are clearly described by the proprietor of this pretty bee-farm, and we strongly advise ladies and gentlemen who wish to spend an hour or two in the country pleasantly to take a ride or drive out to Mr. Knight’s property, on the banks of the Taruheru river, about four miles from Gisborne, where they will meet with a kindly reception. Progression,—lf the work of the builder is any criterion of the progression of a town it may be said that Gisborne is advancing rapidly, for in all directions are the carpenters’ hammers to be heard, and some of the new habitations have a substantial and finished appearance.

Bankruptcy.—ln the Supreme Court on Saturday, before G. L. Greenwood, Registrar, application was made for discharge in the matter of F, J. Piesse, a debtor, Mr. Robinson (for H. J. Finn) supported the application, which was opposed by Mr. Whitcombe, on the grounds that the trustee had laid no information before the creditors ; that the charges (£7 18s. 3d.) were illegal ; that he was not entitled to his discharge ; and finally that his recommendation for discharge had not been carried by a proper majority in value and number. After arguments had been heard the Registrar granted the order sought for. An order was also granted for the discharge of the bankrupt H. Trimmer. Roseland Fete.—There was a very poor attendance at the Roseland Gardens on Saturday afternoon. The proceedings com* menced with a boys’ swimming-match, which was won by young Skipworth. This was followed by walking the greasy pole—a contest which caused much amusement arid laughter. This event was won by Peho; who after numerous failures at last succeeded in securing the flag at the end of the boon!. The men's swimmingematch Was won by Brimmer. There were seven entries for the duck-hunt) which was won by Jamieson, who after some amusing fun managed to capture the duck (Dunnit). The sports were followed by a concert, which was held in a spacious tent, the flooring of which had been smoothly boarded over for dancing. Miss McFarlane presided at the pianoforte, assisted by the Messrs. McFarlane, sen. (violin), and junior (violincella). Mr. Ratcliffe received great applause for his rendering of “ The Little Scrub,” and “ Babies on the Block,” and was followed by Master and Mrs. Vandy, and brother, who severally favored the spectators with songs in their usual masterly style, The concert was followed by a dance, kiss-in-the-ring, and several other amusements, which tended to make up a most enjoyable day. Mr. S. Stevenson presided at the dispensary for liquid refreshments, whilst Mr, Erskine attended to the more solid portion of their patrons’ wants. During the afternoon, a procession of the Gisborne Rowing Club boats, under the direction of their captain (Mr. Ratcliffe), arrived on the scene, and added not a little to the interest of the day's proceedings. Parnell and Boylan’s Hall,—The Haka Troupe gave a second performance in the above hall on Saturday evening, to a very fair attendance. They will give a performance at Makaraka to-night, and another at Ormond on Tuesday evening.

Tenders,—Tenders are called for gravelling 60 chains of the Gisborne-Opotiki Road (Scot’s Flat), and for repairing with gravel the road between the Waiparo and Arai bridges. All particulars can be obtained at the County Engineer’s office. Gisborne Institute.—A meeting of gentlemen interested in the formation of the above institution is convened for to-night at the Public Schoolhouse, when it is requested that all intending members will attend. J Battery.—The members of the above corps will parade for the usual monthly inspection on Thursday, the 28th inst., at 7 p.m. Carlaw Smith and Co. — The attendance at Messrs Carlaw Smith and Co.’s sale on Saturday was good, and very fair prices were realised. Rapid Advancement of Devonport, Auckland.—“ Some time since we referred to the rapid advancement of Devonport, Yesterday we had the pleasure of visiting the reclamation works now being carried out for the Harbor Board at the Calliope Doek, Mr, Jackson, the contractor, is taking every advantage of the fine weather, by having a large number of hands employed in pushing the work on with all possible dispatch. The reclamation is now carried nearly 300 feet towards Victoria Wharf, and will be a valuable addition to the foreshore, as the Harbor Board Engineer’s plan shows the road from the dock and half-way to the wharf 100 feet wide. There were many opponents to the proposed scheme for the new dock, but it is now generally admitted on all sides that since the direct fortnightly steam, service with the Mother Country has been decided upon, the sooner the dock is completed the better, and judging from the rapid increase of our shipping within the past two years, and with such large steamers as the Doric, Coptic, &c., visiting our ports fortnightly, in addition to our local requirements, we have no doubt that it will be in constant request, and what is now a quiet and retired portion of Devenport will become in a very short time a busy and popular district/’— N, Z, Herald,

Tarring and Feathering.—The Waipawa Mail of the 19th inst. is an authority for the following“ The quiet of Waipukurau was interrupted a few evenings ago. A very amorous gentleman has of late frequently annoyed ladies after nightfall by accosting them in the streets, and addressing very rude remarks to any that were without a male protection. One evening last week, he insulted a married lady resident who has some burly sons. One of these, on hearing of the circumstance, dressed himself in female clothes, and went out for a walk, contriving to meet the amorous gent before alluded to in a quiet spot. The usual salutation was received from him, but before he could realise what was the matter, a dozen confederates pounced on him, stripped him, and in a few minutes, as the saying goes, ‘his mother would not have known him.’ He was plastered with tar from head to foot, rolled in the dirt, and then told to clear out of the township within twelve hours, which he promised to do. His cries for mercy were to be heard all over the township. The verdict of the townspeople is ' served him right.’ ” Change of Mission, — The Wanganui Chronicle of the 16th inst. reports that the Rev. Father Grogan, who for some time past has been in charge of the Hawera mission, left by the Stormbird last night for Wellington, en route for Napier. Father Grogan has been appointed to the charge of the important mission at Napier, vice Father Forest, who is incapacitated by great age and infirmities, and, in addition to a large portion of Hawke’s Bay, he will have to attend to the spiritual wants of the Wairoa. Father Grogan will, however, have the advantage of an assistant priest in Father Cassidy, who has been stationed at Napier for some time past. His successor at Hawera is Father Mulvihill.” Presentation.—From the Grey River Argus we learn that “ the Rev. Father McGuinness, formerly of Waipawa, was the recipient of a purse of sovereigns and an address from the parishioners of Greymouth on the eve of his departure for Timaru, to which place he has been transferred on account of his failing health. Father McGuinness feelingly replied. After he had finished speaking, another address was presented to him, accompanied by a beautiful gold pencil-case, by the pupils of St. John’s Boys’ School. Mr. McGuinness left Greymouth for Timaru on the 24th January.

The Future of Kawhia.—“ Speaking of the New Government township Kawhia, an exchange says that it seems certain that a number of years will elapse before Kawhia will assert itself, and many people believe it will never be much of a place, at any rate for a life-time. There is no land worth mentioning in Kawhia itself, and it is shut in on all sides by hills and ranges from the good interior country. The railway is not likely to give access to it, and even if it did, trade with Auckland would necessitate a canal being made beween the Waitemata and Manukau. The Ngatimanipoto lands are almost wholly pastoral. Town sections have, however, been purchased by numbers of good business men at high prices, which shews that faith in its future is held.”

Electric LiGrfT;—The Z, Herald, of the 20th inst; says“ Amongst the most recent importations of Messrs, Porter and 0o; (Auckland), is a very handsome adaptation of the electric light, by which the advantage and safety of this light is made available for houses of all descriptions. The invention is D’Or’a light and powerful battery, a galvanic battery enclosed in a wooden case, about a foot in length and height, and some seven or eight inches in width, With each battery is an incandescant lamp, estimated to burn for 2,000 hours, which can be placed in any position with 100 feet of the battery, the current being conveyed through fine insulated wires, and can be adjusted to existing gas-fittings. The sample lamp which was lighted for us yesterday by Mr, Hardy, gave out a fine brilliant light, much superior to a gas jet, and well adapted for lighting a room. The patent is an adaptation of the galvanic battery) to produce the electric light instead of a large and expensive dynamo machine; For shop windows and purposes of display nothing could excel this useful contrivance. Another use to which it can be put is for night fishing. The lamp, the inventors state, can be weighted and submerged, and in clear water the light is brilliantly effective at a depth of many yards. The electric light seems to possess a singular fascination for the fish, for they quickly flock round its rays, and may be seen taking the baited hooks.” A Marriage of Giants.—“ Patrick Wm, O’Brien, the Irish giant, and Christina D. Dunz, the German giantess, were married at Pittsburg, Penn., on the 20th November. The ceremony was performed in the German Evangelical Church, and was witnessed by an immense crowd, including Mayor Lyon and Council, of Pittsburg; Mayor Peterson, of Alleghany ; Judge White, John McCullough, Margaret Mather, the Aztecs dwarfs, Indians and snake-charmer. Outside the church the crowd gathered in such numbers as to obstruct the traffic in spite of the efforts cf a large police force. Mr. O’Brien wore a full dress-suit, and a medal presented to him by the Land League ornamented his breast. The bride wore a wreath of orange blossoms, and a veil that covered a superb dress of white satin. After the services, the bridal party drove to the museum, where they are engaged, and gave a public reception. In the evening a special reception was given at the Hamilton Hotel, The wedding cake is believed to be the largest ever made, measuring 9ft. in circumference and 3ft. high. A giant loaf of bread sft. in length decorated the table. This was the first marriage of giants in America, and second in the world. The combined height of the bridal pair is 15ft. Bin.) and they tip the beam at 5471 b, The wedding ring weighed 17dwts,, and was Bin. in circumference.”

A Prima Donna’s Perils.—” Mdme. Adelaide Patti has been communicating a few personal reminiscences to the Figaro, from which it appears that the life of a prima donna is far from being the spoilt existence that one would take it to be. People may not believe it, but the position is one which for dangers surpasses that of the Czar of Russia. They are caused by her rivals, she thinks, but they go beyond the limits of permissible rivalry. ‘ Once, during a performance in Linda,’ she says, “ I ie* ceived a number of bouquets, the last of which was composed very Oddly. One of the flowers fell out of it on to the stage, making a regular thud. It consisted of an enormous ball of lead, which, if it had been more firmly tied to the bouquet, must have struck my head. As it was, the bouquet hit my shoulder.” On another occasion the curtain fell on Madame Patti’s head, and she was saved only by the fashion then prevail, ing of rolling up her hair high upon her head ; but it was not a mere accident. She has had matches put into the water she drinks, and has even received poisoned gloves with a request to let the maker call them by her name. After this revelation no one can wonder she gets £l,OOO a night occasionally.”