LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1278, 16 December 1884, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Anniversary Day.— To-day, being the anniversary of the Province of Canterbury, will be observed as a public holiday. Geraldine Town Board. — A meeting of th e Board will be held to-morrow evening, when tenders for a number of works will be considered. S.C. Refrigerating Company,— lt was decided at a meeting of the directors of this Company on Saturday to instruct the agent, Mr Coxon, to cable Home to Messrs Haslam for the necessary freezing machinery.

The Masonic Hall, Temuka. iNo tender for the erection of the Masonic Hall in Temuka has been accepted, as those received were all considered to be too high. Timaru Races,— The annual meeting of the Timaru Racing Club takes place to-day. The acceptances are numerous and the sport should prove very good indeed. The Racing Commitee have done all in their power for the convenience and pleasure of the public.

Ebmoval. —Mr David Stuart, grain merchant and commission agent, Timaru, has found it necessary to meet the increasing requirements of his business, to remove to new premises. He now occupies premises adjoining the N.Z. Grain Agency Company, which are connected with the railway by a siding. This should be a great advantage.

Colville’s Seed Cleanehs.—Mr A. Colville announces that he is now prepared to let for hire his patent grain, grass, and linseed cleaning cleaning machines. Small parcels of seeds can be cleaned at bis place at Milford. This practically places the use of these really good machines at the service of all requiring them. Catholic School Concert. The first concert by the children under the tuition of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s School, Temuka, takes place this evening in the Volunteer Hall. A long and a very varied programme has, we believe, been prepared for the occasion, and as the children seem well up in their pieces, the entertainment should be very en joyable. Juvenile Forgee.—ln Palmerston North James Scott, aged 11. years, was sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment and six strokes with a birch for forgiug the name of A. Southey Baker to a cheque for JB3 6s. He had been employed by Mr Baker—who is a solicitor—only one week when he did this. He has begun young enough to perfect himself in the business.

A Desperate Leap. An Ashburton constable was taking two lads who had escaped from the Industrial School back to that institution by train last Friday, and when about three miles down the line one of them made a rush out of the carriage door and took a flying leap off the platform. He was afterwards found about 15 feet off the line, unconscious, and with a gash in his head from which his brains protruded. He was brought back to Ashburton, where he now lies in a precarious state.

Social Gathering.—The annual social gathering in connection with St. Saviour’s Church, Temuka, takes place to-day in a paddock at Green Hayes kindly lent by Mr J. Hayhurst. The Committee who have had the task .’of arranging for the gathering have spared no efforts to make it successful, and games of all sorts to suit all tastes will be provided. In a tent on the ground will be offered for sale a number of articles of work prepared bv the ladies of the Church and their friends, some of it we understand, being very nice indeed. Of course the inevitable refreshment stall will be there, and doubtless a flower stall, both of which, for sundry reasons, should be well patronised. It is to be hoped that that there will be fine weather for the occasion.

The Civil Service.— lt is understood the Government are actively considering the question relating to improving the efficiency cf the Civil Service and promoting its economy, A plan is under consideration for making each Department audit its own revenue, under the supervision of a Board of Audit, of which the Auditor-General is to ha Chairman. The audit of railway way bills is to be left to the Department, Several changes are also intended in the Treasury, in the way of dispensing with unnecessary accounts. A new series of Civil Service Regulations, intended to more strictly enforce regular attendance to official duties during office hours, is in course of preparation, and will be made known in a few days. Sir Julius Vogel’s Troubles. —The Wellington correspondent of the Otago Daily Times r.ays ; —“ It is stated that Sir Julius Vogel has instructed his lawyers to proceed against the New Zealand Times for libel, on account of articles commenting on his connection with the Consolidated Telephone Company. Damages are to be laid at ±,30,000. The matter seems to have culminated to-day, when the Times, which has become involved in ft wordy war with the Evening Dost, republished an article which it (the Times) printed in August last in reference to Sir Julius Vogel, the republication being for the purpose of showing that the article was not, as alleged by the Post, full of insinuation and inuendo.”

Masonic.— An emergency meeting of the members of Lodge Southern Star, No. 619, 5.0., Geraldine, will be held in the Masonic Hall on Thursday evening at 7.30 o’clock.

Queer Weather. A phenomenal hailshower occurred on Sunday forenoon at Dunedin about 11 o’clock (says the Otago Daily Times). It did not last long but was extremely heavy, many of the stones, which nude a clatter on roofs like pebbles, being as big as cherries. There was a good deal of thunder afterwards with some heavy rain both in the forenoon and afternoon.

Photography. Among the many pictures on view at the studio of Mr F. Smith, Geraldine, is a chromo photograph of the township. It was taken from the hill above Mundell’s stable and shows the town, river and surrounding country. The painting, which is done in oil, gives a charming effect to the whole. Mr Smith has devoted a deal of time and expense towards the perfecting of this beautiful process, and seems to have succeeded in bringing it as near perfection as possible.

Attempted Suicide.— J. McFarlane (whose arrest and subsequent remand to Timaru was notified in this paper a few issues ago) was brought up at the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Timaru, yesterday before Mr J. Beswick, 8.M., chaiged with having attempted to commit suicide in a dam at Mesopotamia. In the course of the evidence adduced it'was shown that some two years ago the unfortunate man was sunstruck, and since then he had been unable to do anything for himself. The medical evidence went to show that the man was slowly falling into a hopeless state of lunacy. The Resident Magia trate decided to remand the case for a week, in the meantime McFarlane to receive medical treatment.

Cost of Cable Messages.— The Post’s London correspondent writes as follows : “It should be good news that in the course of next year the cost of Press messages by the entire cable to Australia and Hew Zealand will almost certainly be reduced to a quarter of the present rates. The question is to be discussed at the International Telegraph conference, and 1 am confidently assured that the concession will at last be granted oyer the entire route. The Eastern Extension Company has, as you probably know already, commenced quarter rates for press messages in plain language, but till recently the Indian, the South Australian, and the Eastern companies held out against the reduction. The latter has now openly given in and the others are expected to follow suit at the conference, which will bo attended by Sir F. D. Bell and Sir Saul Samuel, and Mr Murray Smith.”

In the Lion’s Den.—There was an exciting scene at Chiarini’s Circus during its stay in Nelson. The local paper reports as follows: “After Mr Frame had gone through his performances in the tiger’s den, the attendants neglected to lower the top of the cage, when a male tiger, which has only been in training about a month, jumped over the partition towards the female tiger’s den. Alight* ing in the compartment occupied by another male, the beasts commenced fighting most furiously, and in a few seconds one animal had the other down, and in a very short time one of them would in all probability have been torn to pieces. It was at this stage that Mr Frame, with extraordinary pluck, jumped into the den again with the object of separating the infuriated beasts and to save the life of one. When his purpose was discovered the large audience appeared stricken dumb with apprehension for his safety* but the courageous trainer soon had the beasts onder control, and after compelling the trespassing animal to jump back into his own compartment he stepped out of the den, and while the attendants were then lowering the top of the cage Mr Frame received a perfect ovatioo, elicited by hia bravery.”

Supreme Cottml imaru.—At the Supreme Court, OH riday, the case of Maclean and S.ewarfc v. Well wood —Claim £lB5 was heard, and judgment was given for plaintiffs for £l5O and costs. On Saturday the case of Miles, Archer and Co. v, Denis Hoare and Mary Hoare, claim £935 7s 6d, was heard. The case was brought for the purpose of obtaining a declaration of the Court that the separate estate of Mary Hoare was liable for certain debts alleged to have been incurred by her. It appears that in November, 1882, Denis Hoare was indebted to Miles, Archer and Co. for a certain amount and Mary Hoare (his wife) then squared the account with a cheque given in her own name; and after that time the plaintiffs kept the account open in the name of Mary Hoare j from her they received orders and to her they sent the bills. In the course of the case his Honor ruled that as there was no written agreement the separate estate of the wife could not be made liable. The jury, alter an absence of half an hour, gave their deaision as follows “We find, firstly, that when the business transactions took place it was agreed that the personal property of Mary Hoare was to be responsible for the advances; and, secondly, t hat the advances were not made on the grain only.” This verdict means that the personal property of Mary Hoare is made responsible for the plaintiffs’ claim, subject to a reservation made that leave is granted for a . new trial on the ground that there was no evidence to prove that Mary Hoare’s estate was agreed to be made liable for the payment of the advances made by plaintiffs. The whole of yesterday was taken up in the hearing of the case of the National Bank of New Zealand (Limited) against John Mee, the claim being £2OOO, and interest from May 25,1878.

Distribution of Prizes.—The annual distribution of prizes to the children attending the Temuka Public School will take place next Thursday afternoon. A JuvENn.E Prosecutor. —ln the Thames Police Court, a chemist named Deoby was charged with assaulting the infant daughter of Thomas O’Brfen, her age being 19 months. The child was taken to Denby’s shop, and as he was opening her mouth to examine her tongue she bit his finger. Housed bad language, and gave her “ a hard smack.” He was fined Is, and costs £1 Bs. The Colonial Exhibition—The following circular cablegram has been received relative to the Colonial Exhibition, to be held in 1886. The Government are at once taking it into their consideration: “ His Eoyal Highness the Prince of Wales requests us to telegraph the substance of the following , points of the guarantee fund. India guarantees £20,000 out of £50,000, which it is estimated will bo sufficient, and hopes that the colonies will combine to guarantee £30,000 previous to the International Exhi- , bition, which involves no call on guarantee.” The cable then enters into details of the space allotted, which have already been I telegraphed. H.B.H. the Prince of Wales is President, and Sir Cunliffe Owen, Secre- ' tary. His Royal Highness hopes that each colony will be represented by a single Bxecu- ' live Commissioners, and it will give him 1 groat pleasure if the Agents-General of all 1 the Australian Colonies are nominated i and assisted by not more than two or three Commissioners. The opening has been fixed for the first fortnight in May. It is suggested that a restuaraut should be attached for colonial mea’s, fruits, and wines. A special price will be charged for living animals. Eull particulars are being for- , ward d by the outgoing mail. Horse Stealing.—lt will be remem- ( bored that in our last issue we gave an, account of a narrow escape from drowning in the Opihi River. It has since transpired that the horses the man was driving were stolen property, and they were the subject of some amusement in Timaru last Saturday. So far as we can ascertain the man Jones who was nearly drowned had nothing to do with stealing the horses having been only hired at the Hinds to drive them by a man named Crabtree, who it is alleged stole them from a Mr Moir, of Papanui, near Christchurch. Information of the theft reached the police in Timaru, and on last Saturday Detective Kirby “ spotted” the horses in Maclean and Stewart’s yard for sale. He at once set about finding out where Grabtree was and shortly afterwards met him in the middle of the street. After some conversation ho asked Crabtree to accompany him to Maclean and Stewart’s yard, and he agreed to do so. Whilst on the vray there Crabtree bounded away down Strathallan Street, rushed into the Royal Hotel, passed along one of the passages and jumped out of a window. Mr Spillano ran after the man bat as he was following him through the window Crabtree forced the window down on his legs. Mr Spillane, however, extricated himself and caught the runaway, whom he held until the Detective came. Crabtree was brought up yesterday at the B.M. Court, Timaru, before Mr J. Beswick, E.M, charged with stealing 10 horses of the value of £BO, and on the application of Inspector Broham be was remanded to Christchurch, He was taken thither by the express train yesterday afternoon. Improvements in Timaru. —The shop in Timaru known as “Gabites’ Corner” has been undergoing a regular metamorphosis since it was taken possession of a few months ago by Messrs Gabites and Plante. All the improvements have not been effected yet. but they are being pushed r forward speedily, and when finished will make it one of the handsomest —and at the same time the most commodious—shops, not only in Timaru, but also either in Christchurch or Dunedin. The front of it is to be all painted, and the windows are to be of plate glass. The present verandah is being removed, and in its place will be put a splendid one with wooden posts, iron freize, and top all glass. This will have the effect of lighting up the shop much better, but additional, light is to be provided, as the present back wall is to be removed and the shop extended about ten feet further to the rear, where it will be lighted from the ceiling. Improvements will also be made in the internal arrangements of the shop. At the back of this has already been erected a spacious showroom 40 feet long by 25 feet wide. This is a magnificent room, splendidly got up, and has panelled ceilings and a sky-light. It is also fitted up. with every convenience for ladies. Between this and George Street stands a two-storey building nearly finished. The front of the lower storey of this, will, with the exception of the pien necessary for supporting it, be all plate glass, and the upper part is of Oamaru stone with piers of blue stone. It has been built in the Italian style of architecture and presents a very handsome appearance. The lower storey, the dimensions of which is 40 x 27 feet, will be the

carpet department, and tbe upper storey, which is reached by a very large stair-case, will be tbe work-room, and ladies 1 waiting

and dressing-rooms. The whole place has been arranged with due care to convenience and will be most commodious as well as possessing a good appearance, and when finished it will without exaggeration be a credit to Timaru. We congratulate the proprietors on the enterprise and industry which they exhibit, and wish them prosperity beyond their hopes in it.

Presentation. —We are informed that in the Presbyterian Sabbath School, Temuka, last Sunday a very pleasing incident took place, when Mrs Wood, one of the teachers (who, in consequence of Mr Wood’s appointment to Southbridge School, will be shortly leaving the dis* rict), was presented by one of her pupils with a very handsome Bible on behalf of the girls of the first class. The young lady, in making the presentation, spoke to the following effect :—Dear Mrs Wood, —ln the anticipation of your early removal from our midst to another district, we, the pupils of your class in the Sabbath School in this district, desire to acknowledge with gratitude your valuable services as our teacher, combined with your cheerful and courteous manner. Not only do we love you as an amiable gentlewoman : our affections extend to you as a noble example of the Christian workwoman, and we feel that the separation now pending will be to us a double loss, as a valuable friend and a painstaking instructress. We are somewhat comforted by the fact that your loss to us will be a great gain to others, and that you are only removed from one portion of the vineyard to another, where you will undoubtedly labor as here in one of the nurseries of eur Church. We wish every good to attend you in that portion of North Canterbury to which Providence has called you, and may your services be appreciated there as here. We desire, prior to our separation, to give you a small mememto of our love to you. Commercially speaking, it is of no great value in itself ; but spiritually speaking it is a gem of infinite worth. It is the Word of God, and, as such, you will esteem it for the sake of its Divine Author; and accept it also as a small gift of love from your first class girls. Dear Mrs Wood, on behalf of our class, I am asked to present you with this Bible, and when you persue its sacred pages we trust you will think of the many happy hours you spent with us engaged in Sabbath duties, and that you may be spared to see its covers thinly worn is the earnest wish of your scholars. Mr Wbod then briefly responded in suitable terms on behalf of his wife.

Feels Young Again— “ My mother was afflicted a long time with neuralgia and a dull, heavy, inactive condition of the whole system, headache, nervous prostration, and was almost helpless. No physicians or medinines did her any good. Three months ago •he began to use Hop Bitters, with such good effect that she seems and feels young again, although over seventy years old.”— A Lady in E. I. Look up Advt,

Messrs Siegert and Fauvel invite tenders for cutting and stacking 30 acres grass. Mr W. S. Helena announces that all trespassers on the old Eaukapuka mills lands will be prosecuted. The finder of a tarpaulin lost on Friday on the Kakahu and Temuka road is requested to return the same to Messsrs Siegert and Fauvel, Temuka. A Beautiful Painting. —Mr G. < G Green, of Woodbury, New Jersey, U.S.A., is presenting to druggists and others in this country some very fine pictures in oil of his magnificent house and grounds and laboratory at that place. Mr Green is the proprietor of Bosohee’s German Syrup and Green’s August Flower, two very valuable medicines, which are meeting with great favor, the first as a remedy for pulmonary complaint?, and the latter for dyspepsia and disorders of the liver. These preparations have attained an immense sale solely on their superior merits, and are sold by all Druggists throughout the world. The price is the same for each, 3s 6d per bottle, or sample bottles for 6d. The sample bottles enable sufferers to prove their v.f ae at a trifling cost.