The Telephone. Published every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Morning. GISBORNE, SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 1884. Local and General.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 94, 29 March 1884, Page 2

The Telephone. Published every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Morning. GISBORNE, SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 1884. Local and General.

Fire.—Yesterday afternoon the alarm of fire was given by ringing the bell. On proceeding to the scene it was found to have been occasioned by a large column of smoke having shot up from Mr. H. Lewis’ chimney. A bucket of water was poured down, and all danger was speedly at an end. Fruit Thieves.—The fruit thieves are again on the move, and have stripped a pear tree the other night in Grey street. Let us hope that the fable of the pitcher which went to the well once too often, will shortly be exemplified in their case. The Gisbornites.—Gisborne again distinguished itself at the Kennedy entertainment last night, in such a manner as to cause that gentleman to remark that he “ should remember this place all the remainder of his life. R.M. Court.—During the hearing of the case Finn v. Stickley, the Court was crowded by a large number of “sparks” who all seemed to strongly sympathise with, and be on the best possible terms with the defendant, who also appeared to thoroughly enjoy the situation, and indignantly repudiated the imputation, no less by word of mouth than by deportment, of having given way to hysterics. Mr. Kenny sagely remarked that his feelings towards the male defendant were “ more of pity than blame.” Boat Race.—We have been requested to state that the report of the start at Monday’s boat race was somewhat at variance with the facts of the case, as both boats, having headway upon them, got away together to a splendid start. We took the account of the start from a member of the losing crew, and relied entirely on his veracity. County Contracts. — A correspondent writes as follows : —“ Sir, —May I enquire if the contract on Scott’s Flat is knocked on the head, and are we to be another winter bogged up to the axles. Up to the present, about 10 chains only has been completed. The contractor has many other contracts which will expire on the 29th of this month, but I suppose hewill, asusual, get another two months’ extension of time as he is such a conscientious contractor. It is high time this sort of thing was put a stop to.—l am, &c., Ratepayer.”

“ Twa Hours at Hame.”—A tolerable house greeted the Kennedy family on Thursday night, and the whole of the programme met with the heartiest reception by a highly appreciative and somewhat demonstrative audience. The story of Bonnie Prince Charlie was told in Mr. Kennedys usual style, and his songs and recitals were received with vociferous applause and laughter. To praise the singing of the Miss Kennedys is quite superfluous, and we will content ourselves with remarking that they were exceptionally sweet, their fine flexible voices showing to the greatest advantage in the plaintive Jacobite laments for their worthless Darling. Mr. R. Kennedy fully asserted his right to the high eulogiums which have been so freely passed upon him throughout the Colony. A crowded house greeted the farewell performance, which was such as to leave a lasting rememberance of the most pleasant “ Twa hours ” ever spent in this town, although the feelinfle will nnf, hft an nnmixod pleasure when we remember that one jovial and pleasant old friend has departed “ for ever.”

Rather Startling. — During the inquest yesterday afternoon, a somewhat startling occurrence happened. One of the jury, who has of late increased in bulk at a most alarming rate, seemed much affected by the proceedings, and also the closeness of the room, and had to have frequent recourse to his pockethandkerchief in order to staunch the profuse perspiration which coursed down his features. One or two close observers thought it must bo the effect of his suppressed feelings which occasioned the constant application of the cloth, which supposition became more and more strengthened as time went on, and they saw that at each successive wipe his grief apparently increased to such an extent as to turn his whiskers whiter and whiter, till at last he sat a veritable greybeard. We have heard of a certain historical prisoner’s hair having turned white in a night, but never before have we witnessed such a phenomenon as that of grief turning a man’s whiskers grey in one hour—and the nearest approach to such a remarkable and unprecedented occurrence was at a trotting match the other day, where it was seen that during the race the horse had changed his colour. After an investigation it was discovered that the animal had been dyed. “ Servantgirlism.” — The two cases of servantgirlism which have been brought before the public this week, throws some light upon a most deplorable state of affairs. In the case of Mr. Joyce, because he dared to complain that his work had been neglected, and failed to make his objection known in a properly respectful and humble manner, and was moreover guilty of the inpardonable sin of omitting the prefix “ Miss,” his haughty “ help ” not alone discharged herself on the spot, but also sued him for rumpling her “ silks and linens.” But after all the the girl was only used as a tool by Mr. Joyce’s/rientfe. In the second case Mr. Finn’s long endurance broke down, and in sheer desperation he felt compelled to make some effort to stop a state of affairs which had become intolerable. Both the above gentlemen,—the former for resisting a preposterous and unfounded claim and the latter for making an example,— deserve the thanks of the community at large for having the moral courage and resolution to bring these matters forward. There can be little doubt but what this deplorable state of affairs is, to a very large extent, traceable to, and the outcome of, those connections and associations which invariably result from a too familiar acquaintance with those demoralising public gatherings which are so extensively patronised by a certain degraded class and their poor ignorant and deluded victims.

J Battery.—The ordinary monthly parade of the Battery took place in the drill-shed on Thursday evening. After the inspection by Lieutenant U’Ren, in command, the Company was handed over for practice to the several members who have been nominated for promotion to the rank of sergeant, the examination for which will take place on the 11th proximo. The following Battery Order, No. 160, was promulgated:—“ The usual weekly parades of the Battery will be resumed during the month of April, commencing on Thursday, April 3, at 7 p.m., and each succeeding Thursday, until further orders.” After the dismissal a meeting of the Easter Sports Committee was held, and very satisfactory progress reported. The proceedings were enlivened by some very good music by the band, under their master, Mr. Faram. The prize firing Officers’ Cup was also handed to Gunner Stark, its fortunate winner, and consists of a largo goblet beautifully embossed and engraved with garlands of leaflets and chaste designs. On either side is a circular shield, one representing a sportsman with gun, the other left blank for the inscription. The stem is composed of three guns arranged as a tripod, the muzzles supporting the goblet and the buts resting triangularly on the foot-plate. In the centre of these stands a faithful representation of a sporting dog. The whole makes a most handsome trophy, standing thirteen inches high—rich and massive.

Bacon and Cheese Factory. — A meeting of the directors of the Cook County Bacon and Cheese Factory was held at Makaraka last night, the report of which we are compelled to hold over.

Gas Works.—By the Manapouri, which arrived yesterday, Mr. Atkinson, Manager of the Auckland Gas Company, and Consulting Engineer of the Gisborne Company, was a passenger. The object of his visit is to at once start the works necessary for the reticulation of the town, so that ere long we may confidently look forward to having another boon conferred upon us in the shape of gaslight to our highways and byways. Mr. Hawley, who has been appointed working manager, was also a passenger and comes to take permanent charge of the works. At a Board meeting to be held this morning all the necessary details will be arranged, and work will be commenced without further delay. Some fifty tons of the plant have already reached here, and the balance of the mains are on their way out, while the gasometer and the remainder of the necessaries may be expected at an early date. Bakery.—Mr. P. Malone has again commenced business at Matawhero. Catholic Services. — The usual services will be held on Sunday next, in Gisborne, at 8 a.m., and in Oimond at 11 a.m.