Local and General.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 275, 1 November 1884, Page 2

Local and General.

Ormond.—Wesleyan Service will beheld on Sunday in the Schoolroom, at 3 p.m. Makaraka.—We hear that the water supply at Makaraka has again stopped. Fruit.—Gooseberries and other like commodities were on sale in town to-day. Whales.—Local whaling parties at Russell are doing well. A whale picked up by the Agnes Martin was sold for twenty-six pounds.

Art.—An oil painting representing the woolship Lochnagar, the work of a local amateur, is on view at the Settler’s Hotel. R. P. Watson.—This barque will begin loading wool on Monday, and will leave for England about the end of the present month.

Another Loan.—The Melbourne Tramway Company’s half million 4 per cent, loan is announced. The minimum has been fixed at par. Tenders will be opened on November 6.

Angling.—The first angling competition of the season was held on Friday week. The winner was Mr. S. Thomson, with 36 fish, weighing 321bs. 2ozs., caught in the Shag River.

Tontine.—A few amendments have been made in the advertisement over Mr. Colman’s signature having reference to tontine policies. Insurance of this description is becoming very popular. Mrs Taylor.—The programme for the benefit entertainment on behalf of Mrs Taylor, appears in this issue and contains the names of performers who always draw a good house.

Cremation.—The idea of cremation is growing in favor in England. The knowledge that 2,000,000 bodies have been buried within the past 25 years within the limits of London has done much to 'change opinion. “Ada Mantua’s” Sweep.—The following winning tickets are held in Gisborne: —No. 2175, Maid; 11,855, Stockwell; 1800, £l5, cash award, The number of tickets taken in this consultation was 18,200. Roseland Hotel.—We would remind all intending competitors that the nominations for the sports to be held on the Prince of W’ales Birthday at Roseland will close this evening at the Roseland Hotel. Customs Returns.—The returns of Cus. tom’s Revenue collected at the port of Poverty Bay from Ist to 31st of October 1884, both days inclusive, amount to £914 4s. 9d. Beer duty £4O 7s. 6d. and Pilotage £lO 7s. lOd. Total £965 os. Id. Police Offences Bill.—lt will be seen by our telegrams to-day that this Bill has passed. A few amendments have taken place in Committee, although its main provisions are those set out in another column.

Gas Lamp.—Those persons having occasion to cross the Whataupoko Bridge after dark will be glad to learn that the Borough authorities have placed a lamp close by. This, in the language of journalism, will supply a long felt want. Music.—Those. who are fond of listening to the beautiful strains of music can avail themselves of the opportunity to-night, as the J Battery Band will perform on the balcony of Mr. W. Adair’s store, where everything has been prepared for their convenience. Commence 7.30.

Lady Loch.—Lady Loch, it was remarked at the impromptu levee on board the Nelson, shakes hands heartily. She does not touch your hand with a sort of wish-I-hadn’t-to-do-it air, but gives a warm cordial clasp that is expressive of kind and friendly feelings. Tramway.—The Mornington Cable Tramway Company, Dunedin, are completing an extension of their line, half a mile in length, at a cost of about £4,500. The grade in part of it is 1 in 3|, which is the steepest in the world. It will be open in three weeks. Wool.—The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency at Sydney held their second wool sale of the season on Tuesday last. The catalogue comprised 1300 bales, of which 1077 bales were sold. Medium greasy wool realised to 10s., and medium scoured to 18|d. A spirited competition was experienced. Hops.—A trial shipment of hops grown by Mr. J. Saxon, of Motueka, realised top prices in the London market, beating the English hops, They fetched 150 shillings per cwt. The report received respecting the hops by the Brindisi mail speaks highly of their quality and condition, and as being admirably suited for the English market.

Protection Order.—At the R.M. Court this morning, an application for a protection order and the custody of five female children was made by Sarah Dawson against Frank S. Dawson, whom complainant alleged was an habitual drunkard, and did not in any way contribute to the maintenance of herself or her family, or even himsolf. The application was granted. Mr. McDougall appeared for the complainant.

Tea Drinking.—The Australians are amongst the largest consumers of tea, proved by the Customs statistics of New South Wales, which show that the annual imports into that colony rose from 5,098,9531 b. in 1871 to 8,276,9301 b. in 1881, being at the rate of more BAlb per head of the population. In 1882 the imports sunk to 7,588,7091 b ; last year exhibiting a yet further decline, but there are not wanting indications that the figures of 1881 will .again be speedily reached.

Sale of Privileges.—Messrs C. Smith A' Co., at their mart this morning, offered for sale the privileges of the Prince of Wales Birthday sports to be held at Roseland. The prices realised are as under Gates, £2O 10s, Mr. F. Parker; right of sports, 7s, Mr. E. Burch ; right of selling cards, at fid each, ss, Mr. O. B. Hubble; refreshment booth, 10s, Mr. C. Peterson.

Helmets.—At the meeting of the J Battery on Thursday night last, it was decided if possible to obtain fifty helmets for the members to to be worn by them on “ state ” occasions, when being compelled to do duty in the broiling sun. Telegrams have consequently been forwarded away ascertaining the different prices at which they can be procured. Professor, Hugo.—Professor Hugo will lecture on Monday evening on “ Foreheads.” We have already reminded our readers that the Professor has very generously volunteered to give a lecture in aid of some local institution. Up to the present no application has been made. Professor Hugo can hardly be expected to go round to seek out persons willing to accept his offer. Too Sharp.—A Quaker was negotiating with an insurance company as to effecting a policy on a vessel overdue. At this juncture he heard of the vessel’s loss, and wrote at once to the company. “ Friend, if thee hasn’t filled up the policy, thee needn’t, for I have hpard of the ship.’’ “ Oh,” said the officer, “ cunning fellow, he wants to do us out of the premium.” So they wrote to the Quaker : “ Thou art too late by half-an-hour—thy policy is filled up.” Preserved Quinces. —Take five ripe quinces prick with a fork, stew in a pan of cold water. When tender take out, peel, cut in quarters, and take out the core. Boil them in a syrup and turn out with an earthen pan. Next day, drain off the syrup and boil; put in the quinces and give them a good boil up. Skim well and put in jars for use. The syrup must be boiled until on putting your finger and thumb into a little when cooling, there is a thread of sugar when you pull them asunder.

“ Musket’s ” Sweep.—This sweep will be drawn to-night in the presence of the subscribers themselves, so that the most sceptical ticket-holder will be able to see for himself. A special feature in connection with this sweep is that it is entirely a local concern, and that whoever wins or loses, the money subscribed remains in the place. This in itself is a special advantage as compared with other sweeps. We understand that a large number of tickets have been taken, and the result to-night is anxiously looked forward to.

The People’s League.—As an outcome of the great Reform demonstration in Hyde Park it is proposed to form a Representation of the People League. Its objects are (1) a full and complete expression of the national will by an equal franchise in boroughs and counties, and the abolition of impediments to the free exercise of that franchise. (2) The equitable redistribution of seats on the basis of population. (3) Legislation in accordance with the national will unfettered by the interference of any non-reproaentalive or irresponsible body. (4) The return to Parliament of candidates pledged to support the realisation of the foregoing programme.

Newspapers.—ln New South Wales, newspapers are allowed to pass free through the post office. In the debate on the “ Newspaper Postage Abolition Bill ” introduced by Sir George Grey, Mr. Stout opposed the measure, and said the loss to the Government if the Bill became law would be £B,OOO a year. Sir George Grey, in a subsequent period of the debate said, if the loss to the revenue would be £B,OOO, then something like eight millions of newspapers were sent through the post every year. An honorable member interjected “Thirteen millions.” Evidently things were getting mixed. The Bill was thrown out.

Blue Ribbon Army.—The monthly meeting of the above organisation was held in St. Andrews Presbyterian Church last evening. There was a very large attendance, the church being quite full. Rev. J. McAra presided, and opened the proceedings with the usual exercises. Afterwards an interesting programme was given. Songs were rendered very nicely by the following young ladies : Miss M. Young, “ The Vacant Chair ;” Miss L. Rosie, “ List to the Convent Bells;” Miss A. Stee'.e, “ Pa stay at Home, I’m Motherless.” Readings were given by Miss Somerville and Rev. J. McAra, both pointing out the evils of drunkenness and inculcating temperance habits. Addresses of an interesting and instructive kind were made by Mr. Somerville and Mr. W. Teat. An invitation to join the organisation was then given and in response thirteen additional names were put on the Register. The meeting concluded with the hymn “ Rescue the Perishing ” and the Benediction.