LOCAL AND GENERAL

Temuka Leader, Issue 1076, 27 February 1883, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The Tnterfrovincial Boat Race.— Canterbury beat Otago easily in the interprovincial boat race on the Taieri river on Friday. Mai/tese Immigrants.—Mr Cajsare has made an arrangement for introducing thirty Maltese whose passages are partly to be paid by the Maltese Government.

Immigration and Emigration.—Last month's returns of New Zealand immigration and emigration shows a balance of 779 in favor of the colony, the total number of arrivals having been 1470 and the departures 641.

Large Mpshroom.—A subscriber with an eye for the uncommon has forwarded us a large mushroom, with the following particulars as to its dimensions : —Circumference of cap, 26 inches ; ditto of stsm, 9 inches ; weight li lbs: The 'Peisco Mail Skrvige.—The New Zealand Government are still without any definite information from the New South Wales Government as to the intentions of the latter touching a renewal of the contract for the San Francisco mail service. Milner Stephen.—Mr Milner Stephen gave a public exhibition of his healing powers at the Gaiety Theatre, Christchurch, last Saturday afternoon. There was a large attendance, and several patients were operated upon, with good results in some cases.

i Fiek in Timaru.—On Saturday morning last, about 75.30 o'clock, a 6table and cottage belonging to Mr R. B. Sibley, were burned to the ground. The buildings were insured for £SOO, and the owner estimates his loss at £2OO over this amount. No clue as to the cause of the fire has been found. The Lyem. Murder.—J. Davidson and Mary Gramatica were on Friday committed for trial at the sitting of the Supreme Court to be held in JS T elson in June next for the wilful murder of Denis Quinlivan at Lyell on 29th January last. The only fresh disclosure is that Mary Gramatica says Davidson told her he had stabbed Quinlivan to the heart. The prosecution was conducted by Inspector Emerson. .;

Dunedin Backs.—The Dunedin Autumn Meeting concluded last Saturday. About 2500 persons were present. Carrigeen won the Handicap Steeplechase, Minerva the Hopeful Stakes Handicap, Lady Emma the Forbury Handicap and Queen's Stake, Tasman the Flying • Haadicap, and Gitana the Consolation Handicap.

Dominated Immigration.—The nominations for the whole colony sent by the 'Frisco mail amounts to 404, representing 349£ statute adults, the amount received being £1046 Os sd. Since the resumption of the immigration system 5119 nominations, representing 4515 - statute adults, have been despatched for the entire colony, the amount received being £13,687 15s 9d.

The N.Z.S. Co's Line of Steamers.™ Tho N.Z.S. Co. announce their list of steamers for a regular monthly line to be the British King, British Queen, Fenstanton, lonic, and Doric, all being new steel boats. The last two are recent additions to the White Star Atlantic steamers. Besides these Elder and Co., of G-lasgow, are building three for the Company, each of 4000 tons, to be completed this year. Presbtterian. —At the Presbyterian Assembly, Auckland, the following resolution was carried on the motion of the Rev. Mr Gillies :—' That it be remitted to the Church Property Committee to take such legal opinion as they may deem to be desirable on the question whether the General Assembly can be legally incorporated or not, and whether such incorporation would involve the church in any difficulty or complications, and if so what would they be; and in accordance with advice given, that a bill be prepared to be submitted for consideration at the next General Assembly.'

The Effects of the Timaru Wrecks.— In the course of a letter to the Oamavu ti arbor Board, Mr Thos, C. Guthrie, the representative of large shipowners at Homo says:—' I may say, although at present I have five of my vessels bound to New Zealand ports, by the conditions of our Glasgow Underwriters' Association, I cannot accept a charter to re-load at yours, as, since the losses at Timaru, we agree in all our policies to Timaru and Oamaru being excluded. I may be wrong, but judging from the report of the captain of the Altair, who loaded at your port some two years ag«, I do not think your port should be treated as Timaru. is; bub until your Harbor Board take some steps to remove the prejudice, I fear you must suffer. If I might so suggest, why do you not circulate views of your breakwater and descriptions of your port amongst owners and underwriters at Home, as has been done by Lyttelton ?' Professor Eraser.—The above gentleman lectured in the Volunteer Hall on Saturday night to a fair house, on ' Love, courtship, and marriage.' The lecture was very instructive and entertaining, and several practical hints were thrown out, which could not fail to have a beneficial offect on the minds of the audience. During the time he has been staying here he has examined the heads of a great many, and everyone seems highly pleased with the exact manner in which he delineates character. He does more than the general run of phrenologists: besides reading the headß, he gives descriptions of the body, tells people Avhat they should eat, and what they should avoid, and, in fact, gives a great many useful hints, which, if attended to, might result in the saving a good deal of money in doctor's bills, and tend to prolong life. The Professor proceeded yesterday to Geraldine, where he will lecture this evening. We strongly recommend him to our Geraldine readers.

Address to Bishop Moean. The Catholics of Wellington have decided to present the following address to Bishop Moran :—' We tke Catholic laity of the city of Wellington and surrounding district, hare watched with pleasure the untiring effort you hare made in the interest of Christian education. We also view with satisfaction the college and numerous convents and schools which you have established since your arrival in the country. We admire the candor, the courage and the ability which you have always displayed in the pulpit, in the Press, and above all, in your recent action in advocating our claims before the South Dunedin electors. We thank G-od, who takes an account of small as. well as great things, that he has raised you ,up to defend and preside over a portion of his Church in this land. We therefore one and all, rich and poox*, have unanimously resolved to sivpyort you morally and constitutionally in your endeavour to urge an equitable adjustment of our claims on the Government of this colony in regard to the education system.'

In Bankruptcy.—ln the District Court last Friday, after the transaction of the civil business, Mr 0. Perry applied, on behalf of Michael Quinn, for an order that a process be made available against the person of the debtor, the grounds being that he had given a bill of sale with intent to defraud Quinn. Mr Tosswill appeared for the debtor. W. Wills, cbrk of the Eesident Magistrate's Court, Temuka, stated that on the 6th February, 1882, an action was commenced by Quinn against Boddick for £65, for which he subsequently obtained judgment with costs. A judgment summons was afterwards obtained, but before it could be executed Roddick filed. James Roddick, the bankrupt, examined by Mr Perry, said he had given the bill of sale because a number of his creditors were pressing hira, and he wanted to get his crop harvested, but he had no money to do so. He had paid all his creditors some money. He acknowledged, however, having made over a house and section to a brother-in-law for a nominal consideration. Mr Tosswill submitted the application must be refused,as if the bankrupt bad committed any offence, Qiunn bad his remedy under the Fraudulent Debtors ActHe recalled Roddick, who stated that he never had means to satisfy Quiun's debt, and that all the money he had received under the bill of sale had been paid to other creditors. ! Hia Honor granted the order.

The Troubles of a Photographer.— Tawbiao appears to have an objection to being photographed. We learn from tha - Manawatu Times that Mr G. W. Shailer, a local photographer, went to Awapuni for the purpose of taking a photograph of the scene, but was ordered away. He subsequently went down in a cart, and was about to take M a photograph from the platform, when was rushed by a number of Maoris, and badly\ beaten and knocked about. There is likely to be a police case or two over it. Tawhuo'3 Harem.—' King' Tawhiao, ifc appears, is desirous during his' tour of replenishing his harem. He, has already obtained one maiden belonging to Eangitikei, who will go back to Waikato with him. Ho has also, according to the Manawatu Times, been casting longing eyes on Agnes, an Awapuni girl, a neice of Peeti Te Aweawe's, but Peeti declines the honor of a marital connection with royalty. Peeti remarked tho other day to a well-known townsman,' I like the king, but I no see that ?'

An Amorous Bushman.—An amorous pakeha has been causing trouble in the domestic relations of some natives .of tho Arawa tribe who are settled at Tairua, en« gaged in gum digging. Several Maoris from the settlement rode to the Thames recently, and laid their grievances before the authorities • JBrom their statements it appears that a bushman named Charles Callan became smitten with the charms of one of the wahines, and in her husband's absence invaded her wharo and abducted her, threatening her with a 'f pistol if she screamed or gave any alarm. She was kept by him in the bush for four days, when he allowed her to return to her 'iege lord.

A Thorough Scotwdxel,—A Victorian schoolmaster named Harris, stationed at Beechworbh, against whom an enquiry was pending, lately drowned himself in the Yarra. Tjsn charges pending against him are almost of an incredibly thorrible nature, and include the following: aiding iu procuring abortion, and behaviour generally causing scandal in the neighbor* hood. Harris led a most immoral life, and is said to hare a seduced many pupils. Ouo of his victims died from the effects of attempted abortion, but death was attributed to another cause. Mr Bolarn, lately acting InspectorGeneral of Schools, who worked up the case against Harris, has obtained leave of absence. It is rumoured that he has been suubbed for the pains he took in the matter. A Fatal Blunder.—A singular medical

icandal has been brought to light in Victoria. man named Patrick Devine was committed by the Police Bench at Eunsworth, on a certificate given by two medical men, to the Kew Lunatic Asylum, on a charge of being of unsound mind. On the following day he was brought to Melbourne by train, but before he arrived he was evidently seriously ill. The constable on arrival at their destination, proceeded with his charge to the hospital; bub the man died before reaching the institution. It has now transpired that Devine, who waa 23 years of age, had been employed with a survey party, and was sufferiug from typhoid fever, which induced temporary delirium. At the enquiry the coroner remarked upon the egregious blunder of the local medical men, butsaid they could not be held blameable. A verdict was returned of death from typhoid fever.

An Unpleasant Position. Cardinal Donnet, Archbishop of Bordeaux, who has recently expired in Fi anse at the great age of 87, had a singular adventure when a young man. During an illness, his body suddenly assumed all the aspects of death. He was rigid, did not breathe, and his heart ceased to beat. The medical men aflirined that the youth was dead, and, according to French law, he was speedily placed in his coffin, and every preparation was made for his funeral. But all the time he was alive, heard what was said, knew the lay and clerical folk around him; but it was not until the very last moment, just as the lid was about to be screwed down on his narrow bed, that by a desperate effort he broke the spell and sat up, to the horror of all who were near. Thus was he saved from living entombment. It; was in the Senate, when arguing against such rapid burial, that Cardinal Donuet related his own experience to astonished listners. Few men have had a similar escape. How many have been literally buried alive ?

Modern MruACLES.—-Two Mormon elders, missionaries from Utah, says the Southland Times, have been quietly and unostentatiously preachiug the Gospel in the neighborhood of .-- Invercargill . for some months, and not without success, as the "conversion and baptism of soyeral proselytes sufficiently testifies. The truth of their doctrine is attested by the miraculous display of healing power dispensed to the members of their church. The story as, told by our informant, is that a person living on the North road, a few miles from town, took very ill and was in great pain. He consulted two doctors in Invercargill, who, after careful examination and consultation, told him his case was a very serious one; and that, unless he submitted to an operation, lie must infallibly die of his present painful illness. Giviog his consent, he was put under the influence of ohlorororaa, [ and an operation performed, giving 1 immediate, but only temporary, relief. In this miserable condition he was when he met the Mormon missionaries, who explained to him the tenets of their church, and showed how their doctriues and practices had been shamefully misrepresented by the Gentiles, from the basest motives. He was told that if he had faith to believe and be baptised he would be cured of his infirmity. He joyfully accepted the terms, was initiated, baptised, and cured! He tells the story of his cure wich the utmost circumstantiality. He felb lighter than he had done for many weeks, and he felt as if he could leap and dance from lightness of heart at the acquisition of his newly formed strength. He was curod, and has remained cured; a fact well known >

to his neighbors, many of whom nere present at his baptism in the Makarewa.

Thb Hon. the Premier.—The Hon. Mr

F. Whitaker, the Premier of New Zealand, arrived in Timavu last Friday evening, and was present at the reception of the Governor on Saturday. He inspected the break water and felt satisfied with the work done. A number of deputations with regard to local matters waited on him, and on Saturday afternoon he proceeded to Christ church by express train.

Cross-Breeding, of Sheep.—Some important and noteworthy results to persons interested in the eross-breeding of sheep have been obtained from Mr C. Haitt's flock st Seffcon this season. 160 long-woolled ewes were put with three merino rams of Mr C. Ensor's breeding, and in this flock 190 lambs were obtained. Thirty five of the lambs died at lambing, but the result otherwise obtained is equal to 150 per cent.—Press:

Anthony Trollope.—Anthony Trollope has left three unfinished novels, two of which are running in periodicals. His total work has been fifty novels, besides other books in thirtv years. He always made it a rule the ' very day he finished one novel to begin another, and worked with great method. Indeed, he even left a record of the number of words contained in his works, the grand total being something tremendous. When he was in Auckland (says the New Zealand Herald) he was engaged on a novel, and wrote a certain amount every forenoon, never breaking through his habit. He never took a spell of work, compensated for by a spell of idleness. He wrote a certain amount every day, and no more. He wrote by the folio, just like a copying clerk, and to be the more exact, liis wife counted the words. This accounts for the record spoken of, which surely is unparalleled in the history or any literary man. One of the most singular things about Mr Trollope was his entire want of appreciation of the beautiful in scenery, There are many beautifu' views around Auckland, of varied character, but Mr Trollope nevei turned his head to look at them, or spoke a word about them.

Abbival of the Govebn'ob.—-His Excellency Sir W. F. Drummond Jervois arrived in Timaru at 1 o'clock last Saturday by special train from Ohristohnrch. The day was wet, and consequently the number of persons present was not so large. He was raceived by the Mayor and Borough Council and presented with an addresß, tendering him a most loyal and hearty welcome as the representative of the Queen. His Excellency replied as follows : Gentlemen, I think you most sincerely for the loyal and hearty manner iu which you have greeted me on my arrival at the flourishing and proiperou3 Borough of Timaru. I look forward with great phusure to seeing as much as time will permit of th n various objects of interest in this neighborhood, and I can only regret that my visit here will necessarily be short. On the part of Lady Jervois and myself, I beg to thank you for the kind wishes contained in your address, and I unite with you in the earnest hope that New Zealand may increase in prosperity in the future as steadily as she has done in the past. An aldress was also presented to him by the loral Lodge of OJdfellows, M.U, His Excelloacy thanked them most cordially, and said he would take care to visit the harbor works. On Sunday His Excellency walked about the Domain, and visited the Breakwater. Yesterday morning he again visited the Breakwater, accompanied by Mr John Goodall, 0.E., Engineer to the Harbor Board, who also showed him the plans for the future works. At 10.15 o'c'ock His Exoellency left for Oamaru, three cheers being given by those on the platform.

Messrs R. Wilkin and Co., have a large number of sheep of various ages and breeds, for sale privately.

Messrs Maclean and Stewart will hold a sale of cattle and sheep, etc., at Winchester Fair on Thursday next. On Monday next they will hold a sale of stock at Studholme Junction ; and on Wednesday, the sth March they will hold a clearing sale on the farm of Mr John Kelland, junior, at Kakahu.