South Canterbury Times, SATURDAY, JULY 21, 1880. NEWS OF THE DAY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2294, 24 July 1880, Page 2

South Canterbury Times, SATURDAY, JULY 21, 1880. NEWS OF THE DAY.

We have received the first copy of tire “ Ellesmere Advertiser,” which was issued on Wednesday last. It is well printed contains a fair display of ads, and is replete with well written editorials, original articles and local news. The first sheet was printed by a lady pressman in the presence of a number of residents and employees who drank “ success to the new journal.” Its enterprising proprietor, Mr Joseph Ivess, responded with an appropriate speech. We have no doubt that under Mr Ivess’ management the “ Ellesmere Advertiser ” will prove a useful, independent, and capable exponent of public opinion in the district where it circulates. We have also received a copy of the “ Ellesmere Guardian,” a new paper, produced by Mr George Tombs in Christchurch. It is circulated gratuitously.

A sympathiser with the poor ill-used Kellys was recently lined ten shillings hy the Hokitika Resident Magistrate. The local “Times” says the news of the collapse of this gang of scoundrels had so affected the individual referred to that he endeavored tojdrown his grief hy drinking beer. The result was that he; indulged in very offensive remarks to the constable on duty touching the shortcomings of the police generally throughout the colonies and the beautiful virtues which adorned the Kellys. These observations being uttered publicly in a very loud tone, and being further garnished with powerful epithets, the inebriated and grief stricken gentleman finished his evening in the lockup. Mr J. K. Stansell’s tender for the lease of the Queen’s Hall for the year 1880-81, was accepted last night.

The Levels Road Board intend to reduce the usual rate of Is in the pound to sixpence this year. This will afford, we believe, considerable satisfaction to the property-holders of the district, and especially the farmers, whose crops, though excellent, have in many instances been anything but remunerative. The death is announced at tire Timaru Hospital of Mr John Kelleher, a well known member of the Masonic body, in which he held the degree of Past Master. The deceased hailed from the West Coast where he resided for many years. He was a widower, and leaves a couple of children. At a meeting of Masons last evening it was decided to make provision for the education and maintenance of the children, the deceased having unfortunately allowed an insurance policy for £SOO to lapse in December last.

A breach of promise case, of an amusing nature, is on the tapis in Timaru. A vendor of small wares, who shall be nameless, has for some time been paying his addresses to the kitchen-maid of the establishment where he lives. The result has been a good deal of dialling on the part of the other boarders. To put an end to such “ impertincncies,” “ Jemima and Tom ” decided to enter into partnership and become one. They were poor, it was true, but they were not friendless. News of their intentions brought assistance in abundance. The butcher agreed to present their wedding feast with a glorious “round” the baker offered to throw a wedding cake in for luck, presents were promised in abundance, and finally a goodnatured clergyman undertook to tie the bonds gratuitously. The event was lived for next week, but, alas for their happy visions, “ Jemima ” was caught napping at ten in the morning, and Tom, who has a horror of unthrifty wives, declares that the match is off. Strange to say the fair one is neither indignant nor disappointed. Messrs Cowan and Foster again intimate

their intention of adhering to the early closing movement and their shop will be closed at 9 p.m. this evening. An accident occurred last evening opposite King's stable. A party of four gentlemen were returning from Tcmuka in a tandem, when the horses attempted to turn into the stables, and being pulled round the near wheel collided against the telegraph post, and the tandem capsized. Mr Hamerslcy, who was driving, escaped with a slight bruise on the forehead, and the rest of the party were not much hurt.

With reference to “ Cupid in a fix” whose adventures in Timaru have created much fun, some of our readers will be interested to learn that the jeweller who started yesterday for Oamaru in pursuit of the fugitive returned with his diamond ring, and that as hb has finally recovered everything but his railway fare, he has escaped tolerably well considering the circumstances. We may add that the diamond merchant’s faith in Cupid is by no means shaken ; and that ho still looks forward to a good customer when the remittance arrives, but he has acted on the principle that “ a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.’’

Mr Peacock’s resolution to the effect that the Legislative Council should request the Government to exclude from the estimates the honorarium to Councillors (says the “ Post ”) raised deal of indignation in that august assembly, subjected the mover to a good deal of abuse, and was crushed out in a most emphatic manner, only tire mover voting for it. The return of the amount of the customs revenue for the year ended March 31st shows a total of £975,92G. Out of this Auckland contributed £175,168, Wellington £142,090, Dunedin £285,018, Christchurch £lsl, 310. The cost of collection for the whole colony per cent, was £3 4s 3d, as again £2 17s Bdlast year. The average for ten years in "the United Kingdom was £3 8s lOd.

About forty bootmakers w r cro discharged on Wednesday from the factory of Mr Alex. Inglis, the magnificent Dunedin Johnhy-all-sorts, for indulging in fireworks. Mr Inglis, who turns everything to account, thus advertises the circumstances:—• “ Chinese crackers having been exploded in our workshop close to the Straw House, thus endangering the safety of our premises, and as none of the men employed in this shop will give up the name of the offender, we have been compelled to discharge all the hands employed in this brands”

Our contemporary, the Hawke’s Bay “ Herald,” is responsible for the following : —“ A rather curious incident occurred in Hastings street the other day. A gentleman was walking somewhat briskly, and in turning a corner he bumped up against a well-known draper. He was about to apologise for his clumsiness, wdien the draper interrupted him with the exclamation, 1 You have saved my life!’ and in explanation stated that he had suddenly become lock-jawed, and was on his way to the doctor, in great pain, when the collision effected a speedy and unexpected cure.”

Mr Charles Bourne, an old and favorably known settler of Ellesmere has disposed of his interest in the Homcbrook estate preparatory to settling in Timaru. At his clearing sale held last week, a few of his Christchurch friends, through Mr T. Bruce, presented him with a very handsome silver cup in recognition of their friendship and esteem. Mr Bourne in a few feeling words expressed his gratitude for the present, and hoped on many occasions to revisit -outhbridge. The people of Ellesmere intend giving him a dinner at Southbridgc on August 0.