LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1186, 15 December 1883, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Bank Holiday.—Monday next being » Bank Holiday, the banks in this district will be closed. The West Coast.—Farmer,! on the West Coatt are complaining of the boisterous neither experienced, and say if it continues much longer it will be useless to cut a large portion of the crops. SOIOIDE.—Hugh Flanaghan, a patient in the;Christenurch Hospital, cut his throat with a penknife during the absence of iA nurse last Wednesday night and Thursday morning. > United Sunday School Demonstration. —The grand demonstration of the Umted Sunday Schools in the Temuka District takes place iii the Temuka park on Monday next. All are invited and admission is free. The Solomon Islands.—A telegram received ia Brisbane from Cooktown states that news has been received from Thursday Island thak a British naval depot has been established in Treasury Island, in the Solomon Group, which means, virtually, the annexation of Ihe Solomon Islands. The ShattSaville Line. Messrs Nathan and Co. have received a cable message from the Shaw Saville and Albion Co. stating " We have chartered the Coptic, lonic and Doric for three years or five years, Inclndijg our new steamers, this forms a. monthly service. The Bombay sailed from St. Vincent on the 7th." Tho advices state that instructions have been issued to to Denny Bros., who are now building tho Company's new steamers, to increase their engine power. Uncommo? Casks.—At tha City Police Court, Dunedin, on Thursday, Jan Simson, auctioneer at Gore, was charged with stealing the infant child of Dr MacCaffer. As the child had be?n restored to its father, the information was dismissed. Robt. McPherson was charged with larceny of the property of his wife, who has a prot ction order. Mr Carew, the Resident Magistrate, held that the wife could not give ovidenc; in a case of felony against her husband, and dismissed tha case. Canteebcky Diamonds. - On Wednesday, (says the Press) a test was made of some Canterbury diamonds in comparison with others, the genuineness of which hud been aseertjioed. Mr T. B. Craig placed some of the Canterbury stones in an ordinary copying prca?, and on screwing the lever down the (tones . were reduced by the pressure to powdsr. This was repeated four or five times with the same result. On placing the S. genuine diamonds in the press, however, tha utmost efforts wero unavailing to break them, nay, more, so hard were the stones that they actually indented tho iron surface top and '• bottom.

An Aekolite,—The Auckland Herald of Dec. 3rd, says:—On Tuesd&v an unusual occurrence is said to have taken place at Whangnroa— an aerolite fell into the harbor. Mr Chatfield, of Messrs Sargood, Ewen and Co., was crossing the bay in an open boat when a meteoric stone dropped into the water only a short distance from' hirn. Mr Chatfield was much dismayed at the time, and felt very thankful that he was no closer to the aeriul projectile when it plunged in f o the harbor. During last week several very heavy thunderstorms have been experienced, in the district, and in fact it would seem as if the unsettled weather of the present spring was being felt all over the colony. Direct Steam.—The p.?. Tongariro has arrived at Dunedin. She brings a large number of passengerc, and 4000 tons of cargo, half of which is for Duned : n. She steamed an average of 13 knots during the voyage. She left Plymouth at midnight on October the 29th, arrived at the Cape of Good Hope ut 5.30 a.m. on the 20th November left at 2.30 p.m. the same day and sighted the Snares at 2.30 a.m. on thjs lith inst. Her consumption of coal was fifty five tons per day. The several compartments were m -«- fuir order, but, us is. usual umongtt a large, number of passengers, there was some disfati*faciion among>t a few, who complained of the food; supi lied to them. Hie is de» seiibed as tlie duett sleumer in fillings and build which ever entered Fort CLalmer*.

The TIMAETT KaoeS.—The racea under tho auspices of the Timaru Tradesmen's Racing Club take place on the Timaru Eaceoourso next Monday. Thk Propbhty Tax.—The amount of property tax collected up to Wednesday has increased to £IOO,OOO. All payments should be made to-day to avoid penallir. Cricket.—The return match between the Temuka High School Club, and the Ger/ald'ne Junior Cricket Club will take place at Geraldine to-day, weather permitting. Mr R. Coltman will captain the latter team. Thk Gbbaldine Bbass Band.—This band has been most assiduously practicing for some little while past, and a vast improvement in their playing has been noticeable of late. They will make their debut on Monday next in the Geraldine Park, whan they will materially enliven the proceedings of the, day. COUNTEBtfEIT HALF SOVEREIGNS.—In our issue of Thursday last, we inserted a paragraph taken from the Christchurch Press, giving v description of counterfeit half lovereignsin circulation in that city. It has came under our immediate notice that bad half sovereigns are being circulated in Geraldine, bufthey are of the reign of our present Queen, and somewhat, smaller in size than the genuine article. The ringing ,of them would instantly detect them, being of a dull sound. We would warn our readers to be on their guard against them. Attempted Mitbdee. —An attempted murder took place at Carterton (Auckland), last Ihursday night. A man named Alexander Anderson, formerly cook for Mr Carr, road contractor, had been drinking all day with his wife. While going along Morton road about 7.15 p.m. he struck her and stabbed her in the neck in two places. Dr Smith attended the woman. The wound is not fatal, but is of a serious character. A man named Edwards, a farmer, saw the deed, but was too frightened to interfere. The woman has been removed to the Greytown hospital. Anderson went home and sold everything ; then took his son and cleared, but wa s cleverly arrested by Constable Darby at 2 a.m. The man is very impudent and denies all knowledge of the deed.

Pbesbxteeian Picnic—The united Sabbath Schools in connection with the Presbyterian Church at Geraldine, and also that at Geraldine Flat, will hold their annual picnic in the Geraldine Park on Monday next; The children will assemble in the schoolroom at 11 a.m. and march to tho trysting ground where a number of sports will be provided for their amusement, and prize* will be awarded at the close of the day. A refreshment booth will be erected on the ground, wherein 1 tempting viands will be displayed, the Bale of which will appease the appetite of the hungry and thirsty. We may also mention that, as usual, all children are cordially invited to be present and enjoy themselves.

Laege Imjobtatiou.—The OhristchuTch Telegraph of a recent date says—" One of the* largest importations of Indian teas to New Zealand was made last month by Messrs Nelson, Moate and Co. It consisted of over, 1200 packages (chests and half chests) of Pekoes and Pekoe, souchong, from the wellknown district.} of Cachar Assam, Soviet, Dargoeling, Chittagong, etc. We are informed this is one of many shipments during the year, intended for use in blending with numerous varieties of new season China teas." This firm's advertisement will be found in another column, and from it the list of agents in the district will be learned. There is no more enterprising firm in New Zealand, and none which advertises so largely. The resulfc is success. They are spreading their businessinto every district, and their teas are getting in f o great favor. If they hid their light under a bushsl they would never be heard of.

The Anniversary of the Province. —Monday next has been proclaimed a public holiday in Canterbury, in commemoration of tbe landing of the Pilgrim. Fathersj pioneers of the Canterbury settlement, on December 16th, 1850. Many of them have now rested from their labours, and but few remain to tell of the hardships they endured in the early days—such that those arriving in the colony at the present time can hardly dream of. Bishopdesignate Jackson'B text when he preached his farewell sermon in 3t Paul's Cathedral a few days before he set sail with his fellow passengers for the (to them) unknown region, "Despise not the day of small things"—cannot fail to be o£ interest to those who saw the young settlement, and took part in its gradual, advancement until now. Its progress has been wonderful. What it will be in the future, who can tell 1 On Monday next, at Geraldine, there will be a picnic in the Park, under the auspices of the Presbyterian portion of the" community, during which there will be a gift auction, on the ground opposite the Park, held by Messrs J. Muodeil and Co. of goods, the proceeds of which will be devoted to the funds of the Church. On tins occasion the Geraldine Brass Band will make their first appearance in public, and from the resuli of their rehearsals, will be sure to acquit themselves creditably. In Temuka a great demonstration of the children atding all the Sunday Schools in the district •will be held in the park. The children assemble at their Churches at half pafet ten a.m , and form a procession at the rear of the Band on the Market reserve at eleven. In the evening u concert and dunce, the proceeds of which are to be devoted to the p:n chase of uniforms for the Temuka Brass B md, comet off in the Volunteer H;ill. The Timaru Tradesmen's races come off on the Timaru Racecourse, the first race starting at noon. Should the proverbial clerk of the weather deign to let us have a fine day, it ought to bo a truly enjoyable one,

■ptTßiio Meeting at Geraldine. A public meeting to consider the advisability cr otherwise of extending the Orari ■Traffic Bridge takes plac> this evening in the Geraldine Oddfellows' Hall, commencing at hul."» past 7 o'clock. The matter it of gieat importance to the district and a large attendance is to be hoped for.

Pbesbyxeeian Gift Attctiox. —ln another column it is announced tbiifc a gift auction will be held by Messrs J. Mundell and Co., opposite the Park, Geraldine, on Monday afternoon next, of sundry articles, the proceeds of which will be handed over to the fund of the Presbyterian Church in the township, and no doubt, under the skilful wielding of the hammer in the hands of the auctioneer, a very handsome sum will be realised.

Gazette Notices— The following regulations under the Inspection of Machinery Act 1882 are gazetted :—That from and after the first day of January, 1884, all portable boilers used solely in connection with threshing machinery, and all boilers used sole'y for boiling down purposes, shall only be inspected once in every two years, provided that to entitle such boilers to exemption from annual inspection they shall not be used for any purpose for any period exceeding six calendar months in any one year, and nothing herein shall restrict the inspection of any such boiler at any time if the Inspector shall see fie to do so for any alleged sufficient cause; provided further that this provision shall not restrict or prohibit inspection if the certificate granted in respect of any boiler of such class shall be for a less period than two years. —The regulations respecting the sale of strychnine and arsenic, which were gazetted on November 2nd are now revoked.

Something. Like a Wobm.—The Ovens and Murray Advertiser says, that a Wangaratta lady recently on a visit to Gippsland, in the neighborhood of the Lakes, brought back the information-that there were earthworms in that region which attained the marvellous length of a yard or more. Mr Norton politely challenged the statement, as a mistake of some kind; upon which the lady wrote to her friends in Gippsland to procure one of these monsters and send it up to Wangaratta alive, if possible. Sure enough, a tin soldered ' down, with air holes perforated in the top, arrived by rail, and was opened at the Albion Hotel amidst'doubt and curiosity. It con-

tained a little wet clay and an undoubted earthworm, about as thick as a man's thumb, rather the worse for its passage, which on being held up by the head was nearly four feet long. On being sluiced with water to revive it, it was again held up, and im-

mediately commenced stretching itself out towards the ground until it had gained several inches more. lb was then taken home, put in fresh earth, and the next morning showed a length of nearly five feet. It is said that the lake fishermen employ them most successfully in their occupation as bait —of course, cutting them in pieces. Kefeigebating Company.—A meeting of the Directors of the South Canterbury Ee frigerating Company was held on Thursday, at which the following directors were present: Messrs Elwovthy (Chairman), E. 11. Ehodes, W. Grant, J. Guild, W. Moody, VI.

Jonas, J. Page, H. Ford, and E. Acton. The Chairman explained that in accordance with the resolution passed at the last meeting of directors he in conjunction with Mr Moody, had completed the purchase of Mr Ehodes' section by paying a deposit of £IOO. A petition signed by 36 shareholders was

received, requesting the Directors to call a meeting of shareholders to reconsider the question of site. By the rules of the Association, it is necessary that one-fifth of the shares should be represented in any requisition for a special general meeting. The Chairman

explained that the number of sbarc3 repro" Bented in the requisition now handed in fell far short oE that number. After some some discussion, the following resolution was passed :--"That Messrs Mitchell and Barker be advised that the Driectors are willing to call a special general maetin» upon receipt

of the necessary number of sharedolders' signatures, to discuis any matter requirting attention; at the same time'they be informed that in reference to the question of the site' the Directors had completed the purchate of Mr Rhodes' section prior to receipt of the requisition. Pkofessob Sample ErvALiED.—During the past three weeks (says an exchange) some novel sights have been witnessed in the streets in Ashburton, and occasionally a c6.lt fresh from' the paddocks has been ridden bare-back through the business centres of the

town, with kerosene tins or an old sack trailing along the ground, a circumstance which has attracted a considerable amount of attention. On Saturday last, Mr D. Hayland, formerly in the employ of Mr John Grigg, Longboach, accomplished an unusual feat in horse taming. A three-year-old high-mettled filly that bad never been roped or handled in any way, was driven into a yard about noon, and in the course of an hour Mr Hayland had the animal sufficiently under control to be able to stand or sib on any part of her back from the wither to the tail. At three o'clock in the afternoon Mr Hayland, with no other curb than a common leather halter, rode the filly bareback through the principal streets of the town, with a cornsack. trailing to her heels the animal appearing perfectly quiet, and

totally indifferent to passing vehicles or ether attractions. Mr Hayland appears to possess great influence over tbe young animals, and during the past week he has backed and ridden some half-dozen colts within an hour after their being driven; into the yard. Be never throws his hoiscis or resorts to any violence whatever, and as there are no secrets about the means employed to thoroughly tame the anima's under hiis charge, his training establishment is becoming quite an attraction. Afier the animals h.ave left Mr Hayland's charge they appear nqually quiet; and can be handled with as uiue'h ease and safety by a total strang«r as b/ line trainor.

Proposed Horse FAiK.-The first of a series of hone fairs proposed to be Held in Geraldine, will be held on Wediurfay next, the 19th instant. We learn that there are already 75 entries, which augurs well for its success. Voltotkbb Naws.-The firing for the Government prizes, took place last |Thu»day in Temuka, but the Volunteer authorities would not allow the result to be published. They who wish to know why the Volunteers do not wish the scores published must go to them for the information. 1.0.0. F Sport*, Tbmuka.— afternoon Mr K. S\ Gray disposed of the j privileges in connectioa with these sports. ( The attendance was good. Mr A. R. Kirk secured the licensed booth at £7 10a ; and Mr J. Marshall the refreshment booth at £4 2s 6d, the cards at 16s 6d, and the games at 8s 6d. Conceht and Dance. A concert and dance, the proceeds of which are to be devoted to the fund for the purchase of uniforms for the Temuka Brass Band, takes place in the Volunteer Hall, Temuka, next Monday evening. The names of those taking part in the entertainment are given elsewhere and sufficient to guaranteee a pleasant evening. The Steamer Triumph.—About 1000 persons assembled at the Exchange Hall ? Auckland, on Thursday, to witness the sale of the sale of the wreck of the steamer Triumph. The first lot offered was the cargo remaining on the vessel, consisting.of twocises (estimated value £SGO), coal and 300 tons railway iron. The whole was sold for £l3O, Mr Oxenham being the purchaser. The Huslam refrigerator was then offered and realised £320, Mr W. Aitkin being the purchaser. The hull, machinery, anchors, etc., were then offered. The bidding started at £SOO, and the lot was knocked down at £2IOO to Mr W. Aitkin. The official onquiry, at the instance of the Collector of Customs, was called on at the Police Court yesterday, but was adjourned. The Blue Ribbon Army.—A meeting of the Temuka contingent of the Blue Ribbon Army was held in Volunteer Hall, Temuka, last Thursday evening. The Rev P. Wills took the chair. The meeting commenced by singing hymn 24, Sankey's collection. The Rev P. Wills then read the first chapter of I. Thessalonians, and afterwards expressed his regret at the absence of the other clergymen of the district. Mr Stewart engaged in prayer, after which the meeting; sang hymn 385. Mr Anderson, of Pleasant Point, then addressed the meeting, and said that he had been a Good Templar for jnine years. When

they first started a Good Templar Lodge in Pleasant Point he got his goat, and two pigs poisoned, and his "turkey's neck screwed." He said lie had not received word that his services were required till four o'clock that afternoon, and ho gave up what he was doing, and eat down for half-au-hour to look up something to say. Tne more he studied the more muddle he got into, but if he thought he was the means of saving one soul from the curse of drink he would be a happy man. Another hymn followed. Mr Stewirtiiddressed the meeting at considerable length on the evils of drink. Recitations were given by Masters Storey and Cooper, who were loudly applauded. The Hev Mr Wills then said that the programme had come to a close, and that 18 had joined the Army. Mr Russell proposed a vote of thanks to the speakers, and the meeting terminated after a very enjoyable evening. __

A first-class buggy mare and set of secondhand harness are advertised for sale. Mr D. Leary offers £1 reward to anyone who may deliver certain articles belonging to mm lost on the roid between G-eraldine and Hilton on 27th Nov. last. Messrs Amos, Sherratt and Co., of the Baukapuka Sawmills' announces that they are now cutting into Maiden Bush,and selling timber at very low prices, both wholesale and retail.

Mr Francis Franks, of the Eclipse Brewery, Temuka, stales that his brewery has been thoroughly renovated and the beer is belter than ever. He invites his friends to make him a call.

Flies and bugs, beetles, insects, roaches, ants, bed-bugs, rats, mice, gophers, jackrabbits, cleared out by 'llough on B,ats.' Moses, Moss and Co, Sydney, General Agents. 3

Messrs B. Wilkin and Co., auctioneers, Timaru, will sell 478 acres land situated at Albury, at their rooms today. They hold their monthly stock sale at Washdyke yards next Tuesday. They advertise a list of properties for private sale, to day, and have a sausage machine fitted for hand or power, for sale cheap. Wicked for Clergymen.—l believe it to be all wrong and even wicked for clergymen or other public men to be led into giving testimonials to quack doctors or vile stuffs called medicines, but when a really meritorious article is made up of common valuable remedies known to all, and that all physicians use and trust in daily, we should freely commend it. I therefore cheerfully and heartily commend Hop Bitters for the good they have done me and my friends, firmly believing they have no equal for famliy use. I will not be without them."—Rev. , Washington. D. C. Bead- (Advt).

Hoixoway's Ointment ane Pills.— Sure Relief.—The weak and enervated suffer severely from nervous affections when storms or electric disturbances agitate the atmosphere. Neuralgia, gouty pangs, and flying pains, very distressing to a delicate system, may be readily removed by rubbing this Ointment upon the affected part after it has besn fomented with warm water. The Pilip, taken occasionally in the doses prescribed by the instruction?, keep the digestion in order, excite a free flow of healthy bile, and regenerate the im poverished blood with richer materials resulting; from thoroughly assimilated food- wanting which, the strongest must inevitably soon sink into feebleness, '.mil ilio delicate ■ find if difficult to maintain existence. Ho'.loway'a aud Pills are infallible remedies.