LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1143, 1 September 1883, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Vital Statistics. -The following have been registered in tha RegNtar’s office,Geraldine. for the month ended August 31st, 1883 : —Births, 8 ; death, 1. Defamation of Character. —It is stated Lottie Wilmot has instructed a solicitor to issue a writ in the Supreme Court against a well-known citizen in Wellington for the recovery of damages for alleged defamation of character. The damages will be fixed at £2OOO.

The Tichboene- Claimant.— The partisans of the Tichborne Claimant lave subscribed a sum of money for the purpose of paying his possage to England. Thi:i is the man Cresswell, who is at present confined in a lunatio asylum at Paramatta, New South Wales, and who is alleged to be idnelical with Arthur Orton. The Clinton Shooting Case.— The three Roys were formally brought up before if Justice of the Peace at Clinton on Wednes* day. The police withdrew the charge against John, as the matter had been sufficiently investigated by the Coroner. James an 1 Alexander stand committed to the Supreme Court for manslaughter, and John goes free. Ploughing Match. —Ploughing matches are very popular in New Zealand, and Geral dine farmers are not going to be behind hand in having one of their own during tho season. A meeting of farmers and others interested is called for Wednesday next at the Geraldine Hotel, at 4 p.m , and we hope to see a largo attendance, resulting in a good programme being drawn up. Suicide. —William Clarke, hotelkeeper, late of Wellington, and formerly of Blenheim and Picton, shot himself through the heart last Thursday at Opunake. He had agreed last night with Middleton Bros, from whom he had purchased the hotel five months ago, to give back possession. An agreement was drawn up to that effect. Clarke appeared in good spirits in the morning, and was working in the afternoon. Whilst one of the men helping him went to fetch a tomahawk, ho shot himself through tho heart. Intemperance.— ln point of intemperance Belgium excels all other countries in Europe. Since 1830 the consumption of spirituous liquors has quintupled,and the annual average per capital of the adult male population is computed at ten and one-half gallons. There are 102,000 drinking-shops, er one to every 12 persons. The physicians m the Brussels Hospital state that, of 100 cases of mortality among their patients, 80 were from the effects of liquor. The number of suicides in Belgium in 1875, was 352 ; in 1880 it had risen to 581. There are now thrice as many lunatics in Belgium as there were 30 years ago—a fact which the increase of population will not account for.

Infanticide.— Josephine Green was last Thursday, at Hawera, brought up on remand charged with child murder. The Rev. Mr Williams, Wesleyan minister, to whom the girl said she had given the child, deposed that he had only spoken to her once, ond knew nothing of the child. The baby’s dress and flannels were much soiled. They were found in a hedge down in a gully near this place. Mrs Hughes, midwife, said she made the flannels, and the child was wearing them when the mother took her away* The theory of the defence u that the child was given to George Williams, a married man, tha father of the chil I, who is supposed >o be living in the Forty Mile Bush, and every effort is to be made to discover him A man ii to be specially sent to trace him. New Industry.— Mr J. 0. Crawford, formerly R.M. in Wellington, writes from London to the Colonial Secretary respecting the establishment of what promises to be an important colonial industry. Ha states he saw a merchant in London who was connected with the construction of granite rocks in Bombay, who said that for making cement for works, they had to import largo quantities of pumice from Aden, and pumice cement was the strongest made for works under water. Mr Crawford continued to say that pumice should prove to be a valuable element in making cement, and the North Island of New Zealand has an inexhaustible quantity. Ho referred the matter to Dr Faya, C .E., an authority on the matter of cement, and the latter suggests that samples of pumice as usually obtained (limestone samples), and samples of estuary mud, be sent to him for . experiment; {

Scene in Court.—A scene occurred in the Auckland Police Court last Thursday. A rather notorious woman named Anne Yesey was charged with usiog abusive language. While the principal witness, a woman, was

giving evidence, the prisoner drew a saucer from the folds of her dress and struck t.hsV" witness twice violently on the head, covering

ter with blood. The Court sentenced the prisoner to two months’ imprisonment.

Accident at a Sawmill.—A man named John Johnson, employed at McCall urn and Co.'s sawmill, Invercargill, fell in front of a law, and came in contact with it several times. On being extricated he was conveyed to the Hospital, where he was found to have sustained a fracture of the skull, a cut acroig the back, exposing the spine, and a deep gash across the thigh. The sufferer lies in a precarious condition. Work bad not fairly begun at the mill, and the saw was not revolving at its usual speed, otherwise fatal injuries must have been inflicted. Accidentally Shot.—Two boys, Bydder, aged 15 years, and Hughes 13, were out seagull shooting at Auckland the other day, when the former’s gun went off accidentally. A marble with which it was loaded struck Hughes in the neck, travelling down bis back and lodging in the lower part. The wound has been probed without discovering the ball, but the boy seems to bear up well. Bydder is the boy who swam ashore from the boat out of which Professor Walker was drowned, and Hughes is a grandson of MiTf Hughes, solicitor.

Tidal Wave.— On Wednesday a tidal ware was experienced at various places along the East Coast with more or less force. It was felt at limaru, Auckland, Wellington! Lyttelton and other places. At a meeting of the Philosophical Seciety on Thursday, Dr Hector gave it as his opinion that the tid > 1 wave which visited the New Zealand coast on-Wednesday was caused by the volcanic eruption which hud been expeiienced in the neighborhood of the Straits of Sunda. He said the Island of Sunda was renowned for the severity of its eruptions. In 1772 a tract of country fifteen miles Ion" and six broad was swallowed up, 300 J persons losing their lives. This was followed in 1815 by another severe shock, when 70J0 lives were lost. The noise of the eruption was heard thousands of mile* away. The Mouepoek.— Tho Strigdm— better known as the ‘ Morepork’—lives on rats, mice, and small birds, but wa scarcely imagined it would be so venturesome as-'w attack a cage of can ries. Wo learn that last week Captain Davidson, who lives on the Carrington Road, towards dusk, hearing a noise, went out to ascertain the causa, and there be found a * Morepork ’ picking out the breast of the list of a lot cf very valuable birds which were m a cage hanging in the verandah of his house. The manner the ‘ Morepork ’ secured its prey was ingenious. It first hung on tho cage with its beak putting its feet between tho bars and wi h its claws seizing its victim. In this position it was able to release its hold of tha wire by its beak an! peck at the breast of the canary until it was killed. On Captain Davidson appearing, the ‘ Morepork’ dropped its prey and flow away ; but this shows what a destructive bird it is ; although useful no doubt for killing such vermin as rats and mice.—Taranaki Herald.

Meat Expoet.— The second annual meeting of the Wellington Meat Export Company was held on W.Jii.sfiay. The accounts for the year showed a net profi. of £930 13s lid, derived from interest on deposits and profits on shipments, which it is recommended should be applied in reducing the preliminary expenses by a sum of £IOO, and by the appro* priation of £399 to the purpose of a dividend at the rate of 3s 3d per share, or equal to 10 per cent per annum, leaving a sum of £331 13s lid to be carried forward. The Directors report favourab'y on the Company’s prospects. Considerable discussion took place on the high charges made for shipment of meat per ship Lady Jocelyn. On the motion of Mr Krull, it was unanimously resolved that the amount of £33113s lid, which the Directors recommended should be carried forward should be distributed pro rata among the shippers by that vessel. One of the share* holders regretted nothing was mentioned in the report respecting the export of dairy produce. He thought this branch would not only benefit farmers, but make success more assured than at present. The Chairman rep'ied that the company had been in communication with the New Zealand Shipping Company, who said it would not. pay to ship dairy produce unless they had a guarantee of 100 tons, as it would require a separate chamber from tha' in which meat was stored.

A Fatal Sleep —The danger that may arise from sleeping in an atmosphere laden with the perfume of flowers ha-, we ar- told in the Standard, just received a fresh illus* tration of a very painful nature. Two young people residing in s Parisian suberb, who had been married but a few weeks, went to pay a visit le their grandparen's on their return from their honeymoon trip. After dinner the elder folks retired to rest, leaving the young couple in the garden. The following morning their non-appearance at the breakfast table excited some surprise, which was increased when on the room they were supposed to have occupied being visited it was found empty. A search in the grounds was instantly made without leading to any result; but ultimately an under-gardener opened the door of the conservatory, and drew back in consternation. The bodies of the two young people were found there, reclining in a couple of garden chairs, in a perfectly natural posture as though asleep. On a doctor being fetched, however, he stated that life had been extinct for some hours, death having eridenily been occasioned by the poisonous odors which the flowers gave out during the night. It is surmised that tha deceased had entered the conservatory to obtain shelter from a passing shower, that they had unintentionally dropasleep there, and thus painlessly passed from life to death.

Mining Accident. -At River View, Greymoutli, near Ahaura, J Thomas and W Reece, were standing at the head of their claim, the bank gave way, and both were precipitated 60 feet almost perpendicular. Reece, who escaped unin jured, obtained assistance. Thouus, when extricated, was found to be seriously crushed on the head and back,

The Native Question.— Mr Rochfort, tha Government surveyor engaged in the survey of the central route of railway near Murimotu Plains, has been stopped by the natives near Mangatnuroa and turned back. His party were taken prisoners by the natives, and kept under arrest several days, at the end of which Mr Rochfort and an assistant were brought down the Wanganui river some distance and warned not to return, and threatened that if they did so they would be shot.

Accident at Geraldine,— On Thursday morning last an accident occurred to Mr E. Millard, in the employ of Mr Georgeson, baker. Millard had loaded up the cart with bread in the yard and was about to proceed to Woodbury, when on reaching the road in front of the shop from the back premises, a box on which be was seated in the cart tipped on one side through a jerk, causing him to be thrown out of the cart on a hard metalled road. Assistance was instantly at hand, and as it was thought his right leg whs broken, a wide board whs procured and he was carried to his father’s residence pending the arrival of Dr Fish, who had been sent for. On examination the doctor found that no bones were broken, but the young man had received a severe shaking and his right leg was much hurt. .On our making further enquiries, he was do-

ing well

Geraldine School Committee. A meeting of the above Committee was held on Wednesduy evening last. Piesent— Messrs A, Sherratt (Chairman), W. 0. Andrews, S'.iers, 6. Ward and Dunlop, 'i'ho minutes of the provions meeting having been read and confirmed, a bill of particulars was received from the Board of Education re books to Mr Cook, Resolved -‘That Mr Cook be asked to furnish his account to the School Committee.’ Accounts amounting to £l4 5s 4d weie passed for payment. Mr G. Waid and the Chairman were appointed Visiting Committee for the present month. The Headmaster’s report on the attendance at the school showed that the average attendance for the past four weeks had been 169, and for the last fortnight, with the exception of Thursday, 16th August, it bad amounted to 189. Application was made by the Presbyterians for the use of the infant room for choir practice, on Friday nights. The request was granted, and the meeting then terminated.

Nationalisation of the Land.— The Committee of the Association formed for promoting the above object in Christchurch has recommended the following principles : 1 That every person, irrespective of wealth or position, is entitled to an equal and inalienable share in the lane} of the country. 2 That this •hare can only be obtained by State ownership, the payment of a fair rent or tax by the occupier or cultivator, and the application of such revenue to the set vice of the whole community. In order to recuse the application of these principles the Committee advise the adoption of the following as the objects of the Association 1* To prevent the further alienation of the Crown Lands of the colony.’ 2 ‘ To advocate the ultimate re-purchase by the State of the existing freehold interests, commencing with the large estates, and the substitution of a system of leasehold tenure, under which all buildings and improvements shall be the property of the tenant, who shall also, on the expiration of a lease, have priority of claim over any other app’icnnt for a now lease. To assist the above object the Association urges the necessity of a progressive land tax.’

A Bia Lawsuit. The following telegram appeared in Thursday’s Ljttelton Times: —At the Supreme Court, Auckland, on August 19, before Mr Justice Gillies, the case of Gamack v. New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, demurrer, was head. Mr Cooper appeared for defendants in support of demuirer, to the third replication of plaintiff, in answer to defendants’ fifth plea. The action is for trespass and conversion, the total damages claimed on the three accounts amounting to £6OOO. Plaintiff is a sheep farmer, residing at Temuka, in Canterbury, and in 1880 mortgaged his run and sheep to the Hon J. Williamson. The plaintiff in his declaration alleged that the defendants wrongfully broke into and entered the run and removed the sheep. A number of pleas were pleaded but were not called into question in the present proceedings, except the fifth plea and third replication thereto. The fifth plea alleged plaintiff wrote a letter to Mr Williamson, elating he was unable to carry out his arrangements, and that Mr Williamson authorised defendants to act as they had done, and that plaintiff voluntarily and knowingly permitted defendants to enter and take the sheep upon that understanding. Against this it is alleged that the letter was revoked by telegram before it was acted oc, but did not deny that plaintiff permitted defendants to act on the faith and understanding expressed by the letter. Counsel were heard at great length, after which the judge reserved bia decision.

The Irish Question. —An Irish-Aus-tralian convention will meet in Melbourne in November next, to organise an Irish National League on a permanent basis. All the colonies, including New Zealand, will send delegates. Sporting.—Dr Hayes’ horse, Silenus, won the Welter Steeplechase Cup of 15 sovs last Thursday, at the Combined Hunt Club’s Meeting at Waimate. His success was due in a measure to the splendid horsemanship of Mr Gordon Wood, who also rode Mr Hamersley’s Hard Times and won the Maiden Plate with him. Annexation. A Homo telegram say that Mr Gladstone, recently referred to the proposal made by the Australian colonies to annex New Guinea and the New Hebrides. He stated that bis opinion on the subject bad undergone no change, in spite of the representations made on behalf of the colonies, and that he strongly condemned the proposal, but later news states that Mr Gladstone complains that his statements with regard to the annexation of New Guinea and New Hebrides by the Australian colonies have been incorrectly reparted. It is now probable that the Imperial Cabinet will reconsider their decision, and allow the islands to be annexed subject to certain conditions.

An Amusing Incident.—An amusing incident occurred at a wedding at a village church near Stafford. The officiating clergyman was about to perform the ceremony when, chancing to glance upward, he observed in the gallery several wearing billycoek shaped hats. Addressing them, he said, ‘Gentleman, remove your hats.’ There was no response. The request was repeated, and again not being complied with, the clergyman in a great heat directed the clerk of the church to go and ascertain the names of the offenders. Before he could so a lady m the congregation rose and, amidst laugh.er, informed tha minister that the persons alluded to were ladies wearing gentlemen’s hats. The ceremony was then proceeded with. The Late Archbishop Vaughan.—A most solemn and impressive requiem mass was held at St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, on the morning of the 23rd, in the presence of an immense crowd. The interior of the building was draped in black, relic ved with festoons of white flowers. In front of the altar was placed a catafalque, which was covered with beautiful flowers. Among those present were His Excellency the Governor, Captain Henderson, of H.M.S. Nelson, Captain Watson, of H.M.S. Miranda, the Attorney-General and Mr Justice Fawcett. Hundreds were unable to obtain admission. The Bishops of Maitland, Armidale and Gould officiated, together with about sixty priests. Mozart’s Twelfth Mass was given. A meeting has been held, and a memorial t 0 the late Archbishop initiated. During the vacancy in the See, the Very Rev. Dean Sheridan has charge of the Arch-diooese,

The Temuka Road Board invite tenders for several works.

Tenders are invited for grubbing,gorsecutting and burning, at Arowhenua homestead.

Tenders for additions to house, at Orari, for Mr James Stewart, close with Mr Jas. Blyth, Temuka, to-day. Messrs R. Wilkin and Co., auctioneers, Timaru, will hold a sale of horses, buggies, etc., at their yards to-day. Mr K F Gray, auctioneer, Temuka, will hold a large sale of sheep and cattle at his yards, Temuka, on the 14th instant. Mr W S Maslin, auctioneer, Geraldine, will sell a quantity of household furniture and effects on the premises of Mr Jas Reid, Geraldine, to day. Messrs J Mundell and 00., .will hold their usual monthly sale of stock on Wednesday next, commencing at noon. There are already a large number of entries. Welis’ ‘ Rough on Corns.’—Ask for Wells’ Rough on Corns 7jtd. Quick relief, complete permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. Moses, Moss and Co, Sydney, General Agents The Hon, Secretary to the Lodge Southern Star No. 619, S.C., notifies that an emei’gency meeting of the brethren will be held in the Masonic Hall, Geraldine, on Thursday next, at 7.30 p.m. sharp. Messrs J Mundell and Co., auctioneers, Geraldine, will sell 100 acres bush land at Waihi Bush (near Woodbury) the property of Messrs Whitaker and Wilmot, to day. Also, 27 acres bush land bordering on the Geraldine township, with 5-roemed house and other improvements hereon, the property of MrJ C Whitaker,