LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1156, 25 March 1884, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Rewaed. —£1 reward will be paid to anyone returning a black hack’ gelding to Mr J M. Twomey, Temuka. Description in advertisement.

Cleabisg Sale at Waitohi. Messrs Maclean and Stewart will hold a clearing sale of farm stock and plant on the farm of Mr S. Currie, Waitohi, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. Peering Twine Binders. Messrs Henry and Findlay, Temuka, notify that they are now booking orders for these favourite machines, at £55.

Timbbb Sale. —Messrs Maslin and Slierratt will hold an important sale of sawn timber (55,000 ft) of all sizes and descriptionSj at the Raukapuka steam saw mills, Geraldine, to-day. Full particulars will he found elsewhere.

Church Bazaar at Geraldine, —It is announced that owing to the inclemency of the weather the St. Alary’s C ich Bazaar, hitherto announced to take place on Thursday next, is postponed till Thursday, April 3rd, 1884.

To Correspondents. —We have received a letter on the subject of holidays, purporting to be written by a man in Tiraaru. The signature is evidently a forgery, and hence the reason we reject it. If the writer had given his real name in confidence to us his letter would have been inserted, and no one would have known who wrote it. As he has re sorted to the meanness of borrowing a name he deserves no consideration at our hands. Thb Meat Freezing Industry. A serious accident happened on Friday evening to the refrigerating machinery of the 8.3. Euapehu, at Dunedin, the engine breaking down. Mr Coxon, the resident agent for Haslam and Co., on inspection found that the bed-plate of the engine was broken. As to repair the damage in the colony would detain the ship too long, it has been resolved to postpone it till she gets home. The Euapehu left Port Chalmers, at 11 a.m. yesterday for Lyttelton, where she will tranship her meat to the S.S. lonic.

E.al. Court, Temuka, —At the above Court, yesterday, before D. luwood and John Talbot, Esqra., J.P.’s, James K. Franks sued Henry Hullen for the sum of £lss. It appeared that the plaintiff was in the employment of the defendant, and claimed payment at the rate of £1 per week, The defendant stated that lie agreed to give defendant at the rate of 10s per week and £1 per week during harvest time. Judgment was given for the plaintiff for 3s 6d and costa. The case of Job Brown v C. Flynn was adjourned till next Court day.

Death Whilb Under Chloroeobv:.—A man named Jas. Mulholland came by his death while under the influence of chloroform for an operation, in Auckland, on Friday last. The doctor examined Mulholland with a stethoscope previous to the operation. The dose was three drachms. The post mortem showed that the heart was healthy, but that the liver was enlarged. The deceased was occasionally intemperate. The Coroner, Dr Philson, stated he had performed hundreds of surgical operations on patients under chloroform without having a medical attendant. The jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure, absolved the doctor from blame, and added a rider recommending that in future in similar cases, two medical men should be present. It has transpired that deceased had » few months ago got a Government Insurance proposal filled up for £IOOO. He had been passed by the local medical officer, but the proposal was rejected in Wellington.

Tawhiao’s Visit to England. Tawhiao’s company is evidently not appreciated. His party have received notice from the agent of the Pacific Mail Company that next outward steamer is full up from Sydney no cabins will be available for them. The Accident at the Nelson Exflb Butts. —The lad, Fred, Kelly, who died in consequence of an accident at the Nelson rifle butts, was seventeen years of age. Ha had been a pupil of Nelson College, and had passed the Civil Service examination. At the time of the accident he was reading up for and the University examination.

Mesmebism Exteaobdinaby.—A new and dangerous development of mesmerism was displayed recently at Paris to an admiring and sympathising public by a well-known mesmerist, who at the same time is a lionkeeper in a certain menagerie. A beautiful young girl, on whom the spiritualist generally practises, was brought into a cage of lions, and after being thrown into a cataleptic sleep wa* submitted to the most frightful ordeals. In one of these the head and arm of the girl were put into the mouth of a lion, which had previously been infuriated by lashes from its master’s whip. But the apparently dead body did not excite the animal’s appetite. At the end of the scene the girl was released, and went smiling away, while the mesmerist earned rich laurels. But suppose the lion had eaten the maiden —what then ?

Life in Sibebia.—According to an authority, life in the Siberian mines is not such an altogether unmitigated curse as popular imagination pictures it. From some of the greatest evils which men elsewhere have to suffer, the convicts in Eastern Siberia are (it appears from a local newspaper quoted by the Tablet) happily delivered. There is indeed marriage and giving in marriage, but there is no courtship, nor need any man complain that he is “ mated to a savage” or a shrew. When a prisoner wishes to get married, all ho has to do is to send in an application to the overseer, who straightway allots him a wife. Three days’ probation is then allowed, and if any incompatibility of temper seems likely to arise the man receives 25 lashes and another wife, and so on until he is contented. The lashes seem perhaps an unnecessary severity, but, after all, would not many men gladly pay the price ? Tee Gbbat Bbbwees at Home.—A Home paper has the following about the Xmas cheer provided for their employees by some of the great brewing firms of England : —As usual) the brewers’ gifts to their workpeople were on a very extensive scale, beef, game, and poultry, forming the principal items in the gifts. Last year Messrs Bass and Go. alone gave away something like ten tons of beef, and this year we find it will exceed la»t year’s quantity by about 3001 b. The following arc the details of the gifts : —Messrs Allsopp and Sons —About 13,0001 b. of beef to 1400 men and boys, in the proportion 101 b. to each married man, 61b. to each unmarried man and 4lb. to each boy. Messrs Bass and Co. —About 10,5001 b. of beef to the men and boys, about 9001 b for heads of departments, clerks, etc., 265 geese, 180 turkeys, 30 brace of pheasants, 28 hares, and 4 couples of ducks. The beef is in proportion of 101 b. to each married man, 6lb. to each unmarried man, and 41b. to each boy.

An Ibishman in a New Guise. —A few ago, Punch, alluding to the cosmopolitan nature of the sons of the Emerald Isle, stated that an Irishman would be found sitting on the top of the South Pole enjoying himself in smoking out of his favourite dhudeen. The able correspondent of the London Standard with Baker Pasha’s army in Souakim, December 26th, writes thus : In Afghanistan, the Indian sowars could hardly contain their delight as our troops entered the town. The advent at Souakim of the numerous British men-of-war is producing on those here a similar effect. Amongst the crowd were not many soldiers, for these were all on parade, awaiting the inspection of Sartorious Pasha. Meeting, however, a somewhat fine-looking Turkish mounted officer, clad in fez, Stamboul tunic, and boots, I instructed my interpreter to ask him in Arabic some directions as to our road. The answer was given with a glorious smile in good Tipperary-Englisb, and we at once found that we had met one of the English non commissioned officers, whom Baker Pasha has enrolled in the gendarmerie in Oriental guise. This gallant Tipperary Irishman would not allow us to part without having a glass of real old Dublin whisky and drinking to the toast of “ God save Ireland.”

The Lath Mb 0. Wakefield. The inquest on Mr Oliver Wakefield was held on Saturday at Dunedin, before Mr Coroner Hocken. Mr Edward Wakefield, M.H.R., said deceased was his brother, and was forty years of age. He was going to Melbourne for his health. He bad been in weak nervous health for some time past, and when in that state he was very deaf and quite likely to lose his nerve. The evidence as to the accident showed that an express was on the line in front of the tram engine, which was going very slowly, and whistling loudly in consequence. The deceased passed in front of the express as it moved to one side to allow the engine to pass, and then apparently saw the engine for the first time. The engine driver (Jack) said deceased came across. He did not try to cross after he got to the middle of the rails, Mr Stout gave evidence, having known deceased for nine years. He was a very able man. He was of a nervous temperament and if a thing came on him by surprise would be taken aback and require a second or two to collect himself. He was a teetotaller. The jury returned a verdict that death was the result of a pure accident, resulting from deceased nervously losing his presence of mind. The jury added a rider expressing a hope that the Company would carry out their intention of removing the steam tram# as soon as possible, and the Secretary said they would probably be taken off in about ten days. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, among those who attended being Judge Ward, the Hon. G. McLean, the Hon. Captain Eraser, Mr Bracken, M.H.8., and Mr Stout.

Half Holiday in Tkmuka.—The bazaa? in aid of the Uniform Fund of the Temuka Brass Band comes off on Thursday next in the Volunteer Hall, and to enchance it* success, the storekeepers and others have generously resolved to close their respective places of business from noon on that day. Elsewhere will be found a notification to that effect.

Sad Accident. Geo. McCurdy, an apprentice blacksmith was severely kicked by a horse whilst engaged shoeing another in Invercargill on Friday last, the skull being driven in on the brain. He was taken to the Hospital, where he still lingers in an insensible and helpless condition. The lad lived at Avenel with his mother, who has to work hard to support herself and family, and she wac materially assisted by the son who has been so suddenly struck down.

The Dunedin Ghand Hotel.—A meeting of the creditors of Meiirs J. and J, WatsoD, of the Grand Hotel, Dunedin, was held on Friday afternoon, at which there was a large attendance. The report of the Committee appointed to investigate the affairs connected with the estate was considered highly satis* factory by the creditors, and it was resolved that the property be vested in three trustees, to be carried on for the benefit of the creditors. The Messrs Watson are to act as managers of the business. It was resolved that debentures, bearing 8 per cent, interest, bo issued for the purpose of carrying on the affair, such deben* tures to be paid off as the funds coma in. It was stated that after very careful examination of the book* it was gathered that the profits of the business amounted to £3OO per month, and there should therefore be no doubt of its being very shortly put on a satisfactory footing and paying 20s in the £.

Agricultural Statistics. —The agcicultual statistics for South Canterbury ar# now published. The number of freehold holdings in the County of Geraldine is 675; of rented, 220 ; and of part freehold and part rented, 147 ; total number of holdings, 1042, The land broken up, but not under crop, is 17,426 acres. In wheat, 34,614 acres ; gross estimated yield, 937,240 bushels. In oats, for grain, 21,709 acres; estimated gross yield, 737,728 bushels ; for green food or hay, 1342 acres. In barley, 1365 acres ; estimated gross yield, 43,292 bushels. In hay, 3190 acres; estimated yield, 3794 tons. In grasses, after having been broken »p, including such as in hay, 155,680 acres. Grass sown lands, not previously broken up, 18,894 acres. In potatoes, 564 acres ; estimated yield, 3339 tons. In rye, etc., 54 acres. In peas or beans, 266 acres. In turnips or rape, 29,243 acres. In mangolds, beet; carrots, parsnips, or onions, 272 acres. In garden or orchard, 837 acres. In any other crop 168 acres, Total under crop, 246,131 acres. In plantations of forest trees, 1035 acres. Quantify of last year’s crop on hand when form was filled up;— Wheat, 16,770 bushels; oats, 39,933 bushels; barley, 1060 bushels. Milner Stephen,— Milner Stephen, " the healer,” is again in New Zealand, and gave an exhibition of his skill in Invercargill on Thursday. He was interrupted by a man named Rodgers, who asserratad that he had paid Stephen £2 2a on bis last visit, for which he had received no benefit, and ended by calling the “ healer” an impostor. If Stephen, however, could produce a single case in Invercargill that he had cured, he would go down on his knees and beg his pardon. Stephen retorted by reading testimonials he had received in Melbourne and Sydney for cures he had effected there, and asked if it were likely that he who had stood unchal longed in those cities should be bowled out in an out of the way corner like Invercargill, Rodgers said it was all bunkum. Af*er a smart passage at arms Rodgers gave Stephen the lie direct, and in return was called a vulgar upstart. Dr WarJalc, of the local hospital, also tackled Stephen. The doctor stuck to the challenge to Stephen to produce anyone who had been bonefitted by his treatment locally, and offered him two patient* from the Hospital, with a 10 guinea fee if ho cured them. One was a man who threw away his crutches after Stephen’s treatment on a former visit, and was back in the Hospital the day after. Stephen contended that if people went back to the cause of their disease he could not be expected to guarantee that they should remain whole. Ho cited the case of a miner, who was cured of rheumatiim by him, and went to work in the mine with the result that the disease came back immediately. He declined to say he would cure the cases mentioned by the Doctor, who perhaps knew they were incurable. He did not profess to cure every case. Some of those who went up for treatment spoke of feeling relieved, but none were acute cases. Stephen combatted bis opponents chiefly by reading the testimony of cures he had performed elsewhere.

The Allegod Case ot Neglect at thb Timabu Hospital.—Acting under the in* structions of the Timaru Hospital Commissioners, Dr Drew, the Resident Surgeon, has written a reply to the letter sent to th# Commissioners by Daniel Horgon, and published by us last Saturday. In the course of his letter, Dr Drew states; prepared to state upon oath, that I saw him (the patient Patrick Kassan) at least five times between the time the operation took place (i. e., about 3 p.m.) and the time that I retired for the night, i.e., about 11 p.m. I remember his having said that he would like to lie upon his side, but this was not admissable ; for the hemorrhage, which, by-the-bye, was very difficult to stop during the operation owing to the condition of the patient, would have probably recommenced if I had done as he wished, and would have been very difficult to stop at night, and would, in all probability, have cost the patient his life, within a few hours. Full and explicit instructions were left with the night attendant, and I was on the premises, to be called if necessary. The patisnt had a fair

night’s rest, due to the effect of narcotics. J made enquiries daily as to the state of the patient’s back, and with my own hands (kindly assisted by Mr Jowsey) on more than one occasion placed an air pillow under him. In my opinion, had the patient consented to the amputation when X advised him, I have no hesitation in saying that his life would probably have been saved, though, of course, one cannot state this without some resarva* tion.” After referring to the care bestowed upon the patient by the nurses and the treatment adopted re the sores on the back, the doctor goes on to say : —“ Ido not know what more I can say, unless it he that I fee very deeply being compelled to defend myself from such a disgraceful charge, proffered by a man who seems to have as much sense and honesty as he has good feeling, seeing that he should hava been the first to speak well of this Institution, as be has derived nothing but benefit from it. In support of what I her* state, I can refer you to the patients at present in the Hospital, to the nurses, and to Mr Jowsey. I herewith enclose a list of simple instructions, written out by myself, and explained to the head nurse, in order that no accident could possibly occur, Nos. 4,5 and 6 bear upon the case in question.” Directions Nos. 4, 5 and 6 are as follows: — After operation.—“ Watch the patient constantly. Look occasionally to see that there is no bleeding going on ; if there is, report it at once.” “ Pay constant attention to any bad case in ward, and note anything unusual and report on it.” “In bedridden patients always be on the lookout for bod sores, and keep the under sheet smooth, free from bread crumbs, etc.” The Railway Takiff.—The President of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce on Friday received the following telegram from the Minister for Public Works : —“ In reply to your telegram, forwarding resolution as to the late increases made in the railway rates, I have to express the regret of the Government in finding that you think the increases unjust and inopportune. The increases were very carefully considered with the view of making fair and reasonable charges for all clases of goods, and from the information at the disposal of the Government they are of opinion that the present tariff does not unfairly press upon any class or locality. It is true that the increase upon Class Eis much more per cent than upon the other classes, but this arises from the fact that extraordinary large reductions of charges ib. that class were made last year and the year before; but experience has shown that no justification exists for the continuance of the low rates. The present present rate for Class E is at an average of about 25 per cent below rates current for some years before 1881 for that class, while the rates for other classes of goods are, upon the average, in the South Island slightly increased, and in the North Island largely so. I may point out that for the distance of 30 miles the charges under the new tariff are as follows for the several Classes : —A, 20s; 33, 17s; C, 14s 6d; D, 12s 5d ; H, 14s 7d ; while for E the charge is 7s Bd. With regard to postponing the coming into operation of the new tariff until the meeting of Parliament, the Government regret being unable to comply with your wishes, Parliament having by statute imposed this duty upon the Government. —(Signed) E. Mitchelson.” .

She Had a Horsewhip. —A stirring scene was nearly being witnessed within the precincts of the Legislative Assembly, Sydney, recently. A lady of high character, whose feelings had been deeply wounded by the treatment her husband had received at the hands of a certain member of the Assembly, armed herself with a horsewhip and waited an hour and ten minutes about the Chamber in expectation of coming across the member in question, in order to administer to him a good thrashing, finding that the ‘honorable’ gentleman she was in search of did not venture out of the Chamber, she made an effort to enter the sacred portals and carry out her intention in view of Mr Speaker and the assembled senators ; but in this she was prevented by the intervention of one of the members of the Government, finally, acting upon the earnest solicitations and advice of some of the members of the House (adds the Sydney News), the lady reluctantb'left the building and proceeded home without having administered the contemplated castigation. It is said that a member of the House was awaiting round the individual that was to be flogged, ready to knock him down if he ventured to use violence towards his fair assailant.

Enjoy Life. —What a truly beautiful world we live in ! We can desire no better when in good health ; but how often do the majority of people feel like giving it up disheartened, discouraged and worried out with disease, when there is no occasion for this feeling, Green’s August Flower will make them as free from disease as when born. Dyspepsia and Liver Complaint are the direct cause of seventy-five per cent, of such maladies as Biliousness. Indigestion, Sick Headache, |Costiveness, Nervous Prostration, Dizziness of the Head, Palpitation of the Heart, and other distressing symptoms. Three doses of August Flower will prove its wonderful effect. Sold by all Druggists at 3s 6d per bottle. Sample bottles, 6d. Try it. 4

Mr E. Burke, Geraldine, has 6 Berkshire Bows in yousg for sale. Men, in parties, are wanted at Trevenna, near Temuka, to tie beans. Messrs J. Mundell and Co. hold their monthly stock sale on Wednesday, 2nd April, and ara now receiving entries. Skinny Men. —‘Wells’ Health Renewer restores health and vigor, cures Dyspepsia, Impotence, Debility. New Zealand Drug Co., General Agents. 1 Two smart men, accustomed to sheep, are required for sheep rotting. Applications to be made to Box 16, Post Office, Geraldine. Mr E. H. Postlethwaite, Geraldine, requires a steady man, to drive a traction engine and combine. Skill in the Workshop. —To do good •work the mechanic must have good health. If long hours of confinement in close rooms have enfeebled his hand or dimmed bis sight, let him at once, and before some organic trouble appears, take plenty of Hop Bitters. His system will be rejuvenated, his nerves strengthened, his ..sight become clear, and the whole constitution be built up to a higher working condition. Read Advt.