The Temuka Leader THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1881. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 361, 10 March 1881, Page 2

The Temuka Leader THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1881. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Bandmaster. —Mr W. Stratton, the newly-appointed bandmaster to the Temuka Brass Band, and successor to Mr Hatfield, arrived here on Tuesday afternoon from Dunedin, We understand that he brings first-class credentials with him, and under the .vield of his baton the band should, as a body, soon become second to none other in New Zealand. A Dangek. —We would draw the attention of the powers that be to the danger of leaving a space in the concrete kerbing here and there in the main road, where the water-mains are placed for supplying the fire engine. A piece of wood fixed over the places where these dangers exist would, at the coat of a few shillings, no doubt remedy the evil. Street Lamps. —The urgency of having a few lamps posted in the main street of this township is nightly becoming more apparent. The inhabitants seriously request the favorable consideration of the Temuka Road Board to this matter ere the winter evenings set in. Obituary. —We regret to have to chronicle the death of Mrs Gumming, wife of Dr Stewart McDonald Gumming, at the early age of 30 years. The late Mrs Gumming came to Temuka only some six or seven years since, having be*-n engaged by the Canterbury Board of Education as one of a few thoroughly qualified lady teachers who were at that time brought to. New Zealand. An opening with a higher salary not then occurring Mrs Camming, then Miss Ferrier, was appointed head mistress of the Temuka school, where she remained till married, giving very great satisfaction to the Board, the local Committee, parents of children and others. In her married life she was ever ready to assist in many ways any public movement for the good of Temuka, or in any individual case where her- aid could he of service. Often has the Volunteer Hall rang with the vociferous applause of audiences who were charmed with her soul-stirring and truthful rendering of the various pieces allotted her, but particularly was she at home in her rendering of the world-famed old Scottish songs. Her “ Land o’ the Leal” on the occasion on which she sang it at the opening of the Timaru Public School was delivered with such feeling that it drew tears from many eyes. Little did those who sat and enjoyed tnat treat think that she would so soon be called to that land of the leal she so graphically pictured out but such is life. The deceased lady was also (we have much pleasure in recording it) a benefactor to many suffering, needy families in this district, who will doubtless mourn her loss, We can ill afford to part with such kind-hearted settlers in these pinching times. The funeral will take place on Friday (to-morrow) at 4 p.m., when her remains will leave the place of her late residence for tho Temuka Cemetery. The New Postmaster-General.— Mr Walter Johnston, M.H.R. for Manawatu, has been appointed to the vacant seat in the Ministry, and was to have been sworn in yesterday as Postmaster-General,

St. Patrick’s Day. —ln our advertising columns will be found an announcement to the effect that the first annual gathering in connection with the holding of sports on St, Patrick’s Day will be held this year on the Old Show Grounds, in Timaru, As a liberal and attractive programme has been issued there is a very great prospect of its being a success—weather permitting —especially as we notice that a brass band will be in attendance. For further particulars we direct our readers’ attention to the advertisement itself. Drum - and Fife Band.— On Tuesday evening last, after the usual instruction by Bandmaster Gapes, the Drum and Fife Band paraded the streets, enlivening the town by playing several selections in a most creditable manner. Great praise is due to their bandmaster for taking so much pains to teach the youth of Temuka instrumental music, and instilling into their minds a love for the muse. He has certainly found out a cure for larrikinism, and we are glad to observe that in Temuka the latter is more honored in the breach than in the observance, no doubt mainly through the efforts of Mr Gapes to teach his pupils something more useful and entertaining than roaming through the streets and taking a delight in annoying passers-by. The example thus shown by him might well be followed in larger towns. We listened with delight to their performance on Tuesday evening last, and hope the band will both increase in strength and efficiency. T.M.I.A.—The first debate held under the auspices of the Temuka Mutual Improvement Association took place in the Good Templar Hall on Monday evening last, there being a good attendance of members and their friends, several ladies being amongst the latter. The President of the Association (the Bev, Mr Gordon) occupied the chair. The subject chosen for discussion was “ Which is the best form of Government, a Limited Monarchy or a Republic 1 ” Mr Lawrence led the argument in favor of a Monarchical Government, taking the English Constitu tional form as his example, and was ably supported during the evening by Messrs Diddanm and Cooper. Mr Hayhurst followed Mr Lawrence, on the opposition side, in favor of a Republic, illustrating, in support of h : s arguments the American form of Government. Messrs Mackay, M'Cann, J. Hayhurst, sen., and J, Mendelsou spoke in favor of the Republican form of Government. At the conclusion of the debate a show of hands resulted in favor of a Republic. The Chairman, prior to the close of the meeting, congratulated the Association on the promising start they had made. A hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings. We understand that at the next meeting Dr Hayes will deliver an essay on “Evolution.” A New Loan. — Rumour hath it, according to the Southland News, that a new lei'll three million is to be raised as soon as time allows, and that the necessary papers left by the last mail. We give the rumour for what it is worth. Footpath Kerbing Mr Whitehead, the contractor for the concrete kerbing of the foothpaths in the main road, commenced work on Tuesday last. We do hope that whilst the Temuka Road Board is endeavoring to mend its ways, it will do so in an efficient manner, and not leave holes in the footpaths sufficient to render travelling along them a difficult matter in wet weather. Temuka Volunteer Fire Brigade.— The usual ordinary practice meeting of the Brigade was held on Monday evening last, sixteen members answering to the roll call. A dry practice was gone through in a most satisfactory manner, under the supervision of Captain J. M. Ollivier, assisted by Lieutenant McSheeby Gen tiein un. We were glad to be present, in order to testify to the efficiency of the members, who have voluntarily devoted a portion of their time to the service of the public in order to guard their lives and property in time of danger. Direct Ship from Timaru.— The first ship to load with grain under the auspices of the Canterbury Farmers’ Co-operative Association (Limited), will be placed on the berth at Timaru for London direct, in about a fortnight’s time. The manager of the Company (Mr James Watkins) notifies through the medium of our advertising columns that shareholders who intend shipping, and have grain ready, must apply early to him for room, etc. Utilisation of Prison Labor, —This is a question which we wonder has not , been before mooted in Temuka. We co not see why those persona who may be sentenced at our Resident Magistrate’s Court, to terms of imprisonment of over , forty-eight hours, should not be kept lere , for the purpose of utilising their labor on j works of necessity in the district. Of course, should such be determined apon, , a larger amount of accommodation would j be required at the lock-up, but this outlay ( would soon be recouped. We hope there- , fore to hear of a step being takei in this ( direction for its accomplishment. j Resident Magistrate’s Court, Temuka. t At this Court on Tuesday last, John Wil- j son, an old offender, arrested by Sergt. } Carlyon, was brought up before S. D. c Barker, Esq., J.P., charged vith having t been drunk and disorderly ia the town- , ship on the previous evening. From the l evidence adduced it appeared that on that c evening he was a perfect nuisance to the

hotelkeepers, all of whom wisely refused to serve him with liquor. This being his third offence within six months, the Magistrate sentenced him to fourteen days imprisonment with hard labor, in the gaol at Timaru, Mortgages with a Vengeance. During the past year, according to the Wanganui Herald, no less than a sum of £900,000 had been lent on mortgage, hut out of so large a sum only about £BO,OOO had been paid back. A poor look-out for Auckland certainly. Wool Exhibition. —We are glad to note that New Zealand will be largely represented at the International Wool Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in England. A Moncter Failure.—A recent cable-' gram intimates that Messrs James Lyall and Co., East Indian Merchants, of Leidenhall street, London, have failed for a quarter of. a million. Exporting Meat.— Oamaru is not going to he the only port in New Zealand from which meat, after undergoing the frozen process, is to be exported. Wellington is also going to be a large exporter, a Mr Gear, u well-known butcher and meat preserver, at the present time being in treaty with the agents of the N. Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency and Messrs Shaw, Savijle and Co with reference to exporting frozen meat to the Loudon market. There is every probability of an agreement being come to in the matter, and Mr Gear expects that the first shipment will be despatched inside of twelve months, and considers that'4£d per lb. in London will pay handsomely. Geraldine County County. —A special meeting of the Council is convened for Tuesday, 22nd inat,, in Timaru, for the transaction of important business, Temora Gold Field. —A telegram from Sydney, under date March 2, states that at Temora, on Mount Browne, the gold excitement has reached a great height, and the people appear to be going crazy. The Sydney Morning Herald office was besieged with miners awaiting latest news. Carts of every description and vehicles are loading for the Willcannia Banks. Another telegram from Temora says that hundreds of persons have left for Mount Browne by wagons, horses, and on foot. It will be a sorry look-out for those at the diggings should they l run short of water. Experienced diggers liken the country to the Palmer in Queensland, Shark Ho !—On Tuesday last a large shark was caught by two fishermen about two miles from the breakwater at Timaru. It was captured with an ordinary handline, and measured Bft 8 inches, and is supposed to be the largest of its kind captured in Timaru waters. Advance New Zealand ! —A Scotch paper-manufacturing firm are sending to Dunedin a complete plant for the manufacture of printing paper. Considering the enormous amount of the material consumed in New Zealand the speculation should turn out a most profitable one. Migrating. — A large number of men left Timaru by the steamship Taiaroa on Tuesday evening last en route for Sydney, for the purpose of obtaining work on Mr Proudfoot’s railway contract, or else trying their fortune on the new fioldfields. The Governor’s Visit. —His Excellency the Governor and suite will leave Wellington on Wa southern tour at five p.m. to-day. Manifesto from the Pope. —Pope Leo XIII has issued a manifesto intimating that the Roman Catholic Church is being attacked everywhere, and that the new perils which assail her are of a most serious character. Auction Sale. —At the homestead of the late W. K, Macdonald, Esq., Orari Station, to-morrow, Messrs J. T. Ford and Co. will hold a clearing sale of live and dead stock, by public auction, under instructions of the trustees of the estate. The sale will commence punctually at 12.30 p.m. Home Rule Leadership. —Mr Parnell has abdicated the leadership of the Homo Rule party, in favor of Mr Justin McCarthy. The ex-leader advises the Irish people to abandon holding the meet-, ings for the present. Good News for the Ladies. —The authorities of the University of Cambridge, England, have become more gallant than ever, and are now resolved to extend their privileges to the ladies. Hitherto they have been allowed to pass examinations in connection with the University and obtain certificates, but they were not allowed to graduate. Now, however, this restriction ia abandoned, and ladies can become graduates. Cetewayo. —A recent telegram announces that the ex-King of Zululand will shortly be released from his confine raent at Capetown under certain conditions, which are intended to prevent his interference with Zulu affairs any more. The New York Exhibition.— There is such a thing as even a plethora of Exhibitions. Ever since that of Albert the Good in 1851, the nations have vied with each other in gathering together the products of the world, but now they have become, apparently, stale and unprofitable. A late cablegram states that the proposal to hold an International Exhibition in 1883 hangs fire, but surely our Yankee cousins will not be the first to throw up thf sponge and cry “peccavi.” Industrial Exhibition. The Ashburton Industrial Exhibition will be opened on the 24th instant by his Exlency the Governor. We understand_that_

the total space applied for is 5500 feet, of which 1250 feet is wall space. Efforts are being made to obtain the use of the Courthouse, as the Town Hall is found to be far too small, and all the sections surrounding the latter will be covered in. There is promise of the Exhibition being a success in a financial sense. The Gladstone Electorate. The Wellington correspondent of the Lyttelton Times telegraphs “ A letter has been received in Wellington stating that the Gladstone constituency is to be contested at the next general election by Mr W. Moody, the County Chairman, who will be requested to come forward by those who supported Dr Dean at the last election. The latter goes on to state that Mr Studholme, believing he will have no chance of being returned, purposes giving place to Mr W. J. Steward, who will come forward as a Government supporter. Let ters have passed between Messrs Hall, Studholme, and Steward on the subject. The letter to which I alluded to in the first instance says—‘lf Moody comes forward he is certain to, win. Steward is not popular j besides, the last contest showed that the Hall party are not favoured by the majority of the Gladstone electorate. Grain Purchasers.— Mr J. H. Dickenson, of the Temuka Mills, Milford, has issued a notificn tion to the effect that he is a cash purchaser of wheat, and that he will give 3d per bushel extra for good samples of pearl or velvet chaff. Monthly Sale. —Mr K. F. Gray announces that his next monthly sale of live and dead stock will take place at his yards, Temuka, on Wednesday nexi, the 16th instant. He also announces that further entries can he received up to date of sale, and that no yard fees will be charged for stock placed in his hands for disposal. The Brogden Case. —The Wairarapa Standard informs its readers that the Government is busy getting up evidence in the Brogden case. The same authority states that the claims amount to a goodly sum—over £IOO,OOO. A Large Purchase. —It is stated that Messrs Shaw, Saville and Co. have bought the Albion Company’s interest in the line of sailing ships trading to Hew Zealand. Value of a Horse’s Ey®. —The value of a horse’s eye wan lately tested in a case heard in, an English Court. An action was brought to iccover £25, alleged damage to a Clydesdale colt, caused by his eye being knocked out. Defendant found some of plaintiff's horses in his field, and threw a stick at the colt, knocking its eye out. A judge of horseflesh stated that the animal was worth £4O before the injury, and it had been depreciated in value £25. A verdict was given for that amount. A Seasonable Hint. —The following little paragraph which we find in one of our exchanges is too good to be lost : “ Read this.—The latest amusement is termed the ‘ Printer’s delight,’ and is performed in the following manner : Take a sheet of r.otepaper, fold it up carefully, and enclose a bank-note sufficiently large to pay up arrears and a year in advance. And what adds immensely to the feat is to send along the name of a new subscriber with cash to balance. Keep your eye on the printer, and if you see him smile the trick is a success. Try it.” Exhibition Wheat. —The result of the International Exhibition wheat exhibits places Victoria at the head of the list, with 46 awards—B being first-class, 12 second, 17 third, and 19 fourth. South Australia received 19 awards—7 being first, 4 second, & third, and J fourth. Tasmania received 8 awards —3 being second, 4 third, and 1 fourth. New Zealand’s total awards amounted to 26, j 4 being second-class, 8 being third, and j 14 fourth. The first-class exhibits j weighed 671 b to the bushel; the second--class, from 661 b to fififlb ; the third-class, from 651 b to 65|lb ; and the fourth-class, from 641 b to 64|lb. An Unenviable Billet,, —Frank Fudge in the New Zealand Public Opinion re-* marks that the editorship of the Dublin Nation cannot be a very comfortable billet. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, John Mitchell, and A. M. Sullivan were conductors of that journal, and each of them was arrested on the charge of sedition. The present editor, Mr T. D. Sullivan, is a prominent member of the Land League, and was one of the traversers at the recent trials in the Irish metropolis. The Nation must be a hot property. Over-Insurance. —They are, I hear (says Angles in the Australasian) somewhat given to over-insurance in New Zealan i. An agent the other day was negotiating with a cottager for an insurance against fire on his household goods. The proponent wanted what the other considered too rnucli insurance on his belonging, considering the modest dimensions of the dwelling which contained them. Upon '.this being hinted to him ho explained that he had 11 a fine 1 natural history collection, accumulated ; during the past ten years, and for which 1 he wouldn’t take £100." Inquiries amongst the neighbors resulted in the agent ascertaining that it was teu years since the proposer married, and that the ( only natural history collection on the pre-r j mises was a wife with six fine children. j Rough on Cricketers. —Remarking on | the defeat of the Dunedin cricketers by i the Christchurch knights of the willow, ( Touchstone, in the Saturday Advertiser,, < flavs . ti Oiif

their diminished heads both in the cricket field and the stream. Their miserable performance with the willow should make them wear a green willow, and the way they feathered their oars in the Taieri river is not a feather in their caps.” A Singular Case.— A curious case of blood poisoning is reported from Echuca. Mr Saltrnarsh, book binder,r*6mplainecl of a small pimple on ias\Jfi|), which gradually disappeared, but reappeared a couple of days later, and increased rapidly in size and virulence. On January 30th he was confined to his bed, when the whole face and head assumed a purplish green hue. The lip split in various places* He was in intense agony next day, and was delirious till three o’clock in the afternoon, when he died. His medical attendants used every known antidote uravaiiingly. It is surmised that the deceased had been bitten on the lip by some insect and scratched the place with his finger nail, and that colouring matter used in paperruling was introduced into the wound. Burnt in Efifoy.— A few days ago, the Hon J. Hall was burnt in effigy at Waitahuna, Otago. English Gipseys.— There are between 20.000 and 30,000 gipsies in England. Of these, says a contemporary, 19,000 cannot read a sentence or write a letter.- The highest state of their education is to make crosses, signs, symbols, and to ask people to tell them the names of the streets, and read the mile posts for them. Road Board Contracts. —The Mount Peel Road Board invites tenders for severa 1 contracts, for particulars relating to which we refer our readers to our advertising columns. Export of American Meat. The statement that the Great Eastern has been chartered for 10 years to carry dead meat to Great Britain from the American seaboard on the River Plate is startling enough (remarks the Liverpool Mercury). The scheme is a bold one, as will be seen when we mention that its promoters calculate that beef of prime quality can be laid down in the United Kingdom from the Argentine Provinces at 3d per lb, and that they propose to slaughter the cattle on board from day to day as received, storing the dressed meat to the extent of 10.000 to 15,000 carcasses each voyage, all hung and equal to from 3000 to 4000 tons of meat. . The Great Eastern is 700 feet long, and 24,000 tons burthen.