LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1311, 5 March 1885, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Winchester Faib. Winchester Fair takes place to-day.

Customs Revenue.-- The Customs revenue collected in the colony last month amounted to £99,506, as against £124,495 for the corresponding month of last year.

The Timaru Public School.— For the mastership of the Timaru Public School there were sixteen applications, and the Committee decided to recommend to the Board for a Mr Murray, of Taranaki.

The English Mails.— The New Zealand Shipping Company’s s.s. Rimutaka with the English mails, arrived at Wellington on Tuesday last, her passage from Plymouth having occupied 45 days. The mails were at once sent on.

Primitive Methobist Church, Geraldine.—The congregation of this church held their quarterly tea meeting on Monday evening. The tea was kindly provided by Mrs Amos Shorratt. The meeting was well attended, and after the tea the audience were addressed by the Rev. Mr Clarke and Messrs A. Sherratt and King, and a very pleasant evening was spent. Fatal Accident. —An accident occurred at Wmtohi last Tuesday which has since resulted fatally. Mrs Gleeson —the mother of Mr Gleeson, licensee of the Spur Hutt Hotel —was coming down stairs on the day in question with a bucket of water, when somehow she missed her footing and fell forward. She was precipitated from the top of the staircase to the floor, falling on her head, and was rendered unconscious. Dr. Hayes was called in to attend her, but all ho could do proved of no avail, and the sufferer died yesterday morning. It is probable an inquest will be held, Mrs Gleeson was 75 years of age. Sudden Death, On last Tuesday evening the wife of Mr Charles Bishop, of Winchester, died very suddenly. She went to bed in apparently better health and spirits than she had been for years, and was playing with her child, when her husband heard her exclaim “Oh !” and noticed that she went off in what he thought was a fainting fit. The usual remedies were applied, but they proved useless; and she died in a few minutes. Dr Hayes made a post mortem examination of her body yesterday, and found that she had died of appoplexy. As he has given a certificate to that effect, no inquest will be held. The news of her death created a painful sensation in the town, as the deceased was highly esteemed for her many acts of kindness to persons in sickness or distress, and for her willingness to assist in any good cause. Woodbury Races. —The annual meetting of the Woodbury Jockey Club will be held on Easter Monday, the 6th April. An advertisement appears in another column notifying that nominations for the Wodbury Cup and Handicap Hurdles, must be sent in to Mr J. Harmer the Hon. Secretary, not later than March 21st, and the acceptances oh April 2nd. All horses running at the meeting must be the lona fid6 property of residents in the Temuka, Geraldine and Mount Peel Road Districts, for three months prior to the day of meeting ; the horses must also be resident in the said districts during that period. Horses that have never won 15 sovs. of public money in one hurdle race, and not more than 20 sovs on the flat, will be eligible to run for the Hurdles and Cup respectively. Full particulars may be obtained from the printed programme. Patrick Ryan Again. —At the R.M, Court, Timaru, yesterday, Patrick Ryan, of fraudulent bankruptcy notoriety, was committed for trial on three charges of burglary and larceny from the dwelling of Maurice McSheeby Oentlemun. The property stolen belonged to Mr Gentlamun and Mr Maurice Shea. All three offences were committed at the same house, the first two on March 15, 1884, and the last on January 21, 1885, and the victims of all three were the persons who had extended a hand to him when he came over from Melbourne nearly two years ago. Thay had been his bailsmen on that occasion, and on his subsequent release from gaol they allowed him to visit their house and were kind to him. In their absence at work he had forcibly entered the house and taken a quantity of their jewellery, clothing, money, etc. These were only discovered on February 18th of the present year stowed away in Ryan’s house, with a quantity of blankets cricketing and lawn tennis clothing, horse covers, knives, spoons, etc. A week ago, as will be remembered accused was con- 1 victed and summarily dealt with on charges of stealing lawn tennis clothing, and he is now under-going 18 months’ imprisonment for these offences, Temuka Young Men’s Club.— Last Monday evening a tea was held at the above] Club in honor of Mr Lucas, lata Secretary to the Club, who was leaving the district for Christchurch. A bountiful spread was got «p by Mrs Darrocb, who also presided over the tables, and gave great satisfaction. Ample justice was done to the tea and fruit. After the tables were cleared, Mr A. Russell, Vice-President, in the absence of Mr Hamilton, took the chair, and spoke in high terms of the energetic way in which Mr Lucas had carried out the duties of his office, referred to his genial disposition and unassuming manners ; and concluded with the old-fashioned wish: “Long life to him, and a gtod wife tol him,” (which elicited loud laughter and cheers.) Mr Mogridge also made a most eloquent speech, and bore testimony to Mr Russell’s assertions, and wished Mr Lucas every prosperity. Mr Hamilton then took the chair and addressed the members, and, having spoke in the highest terras of the late Secretary said : “Mr Lucas,—l have great pleasure in presenting you in the name of the Club with this gold key, and when you wind your watch at night you will think of your brother officers and members here.” Mr Lucas, who was much overcome by emotion, suitably replied, shook hands with all the members, and the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the President.

Tbmuia Mechanics’ Institute.— Tonight a special general meeting of the members of this Institute takes place to consider the advisability of closing the Institute on Sundays. It is hoped there will be a large attendance. The Scholarship Examinations in Timaeu. —Three pupils from the Geraldine school, Masters James and Horace Colbert and Richard Stonehouse, and Master Bennett from Pleasant Yalley, left Geraldine on Tuesday for Timaru to compete for the Board’s scholarships.

Temuxa Brass Band.—A meeting of the members of the Temuka Brass Band takes place to-night in the Volunteer Hall, at 8 o’clock sharp, to complete arrangements for amalgamating with the Temuka Rifle Volunteers, and it is requested that every member will attend. Any persona wishing to Join the Band are also requested to be present. Washdtkb Salbyaeds.— To-morrow the Washdyke Saleyards Company’s new yards will be opened. The amount of stock to be submitted will be large, and should the weather be at all favorable there will doubtless also be a large gathering of buyers. Messrs K. F, Gray and J. Mundell and Co. in our advertiiing columns publish a number of lines to be submitted by them. The Railway Excursion to Christchurch and Lyttelton.— ln our advertising columns will be found the arrangement* made for the proposed excursion to Christchurch on Thursday next, the 12th March. The train leaves Temuka at 9 a.m., Winchester at 9.15, and Orari at 9.25 ; and arrives at Christchurch at 12.50, and at Lyttelton at 1.25. The return tram loaves Christchurch at 5.35 and reaches Timaru at 10 o’clock. The fares are 7s 6d and ss, children half price.

Correction.— ln our report of the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Geraldine, in Tuesday’s issue, Mr R. Morrison’s name appears among those who were fined for a breach of the Weights and Measures Act. The charge against Mr Morrison was withdrawn. There were a large number of different charges, and the fines were not inflicted until all the cases had been heard, and it was almost a matter of impossibility to tell, from the way the business was gone through, what charges were withdrawn.

Blue Ribbon Army. The usual monthly meeting of the Blue Ribbon Array was held last Tuesday evening in the Volunteer Hall, Temuka. There was a large attendance, and the chair was occupied by the Rev. Mr Hamilton. The meeting was opened in the usual manner, by singing hymns and reading a chapter of the Bible, Very telling addresses were delivered by the Rev. Chairman and the Rev. Mr Rothwell. Some recitations were also given, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. At the close of the meeting five new recruits donned the blue.

Band of Hope.— The fortnightly meeting of the Juvenile Band of Hope was held in the Temperance Hall, Geraldine, on Tuesday evening. The Lodge was presided over by Bro. J. Brown, W.0.T., of the Welcome Retreat Lodge. The room was full of children and their friends, and the following programme was , gone through ; Recitations by Emily Freeman, Henry Pratt, A. McLean, J, 0. Fleming, Fanny Gibson, Jas. McLean, and Emily Baughn; duet by Fanny Gibson and Mina Dunlop; dialogue by Alice Gaigei, Mary Fleming, and Nellie Stonehouse ; songs by Sister Beckley and Bros, Bateman and Nicholls; readings by Bros. W. Sherratt and W. Fleming. An address to the Lodge was given by Bro. Thos. Sherratt, after which the meeting broke up, everyone being well pleased with the social manner in which the evening had been spent. Licensing Committee. The quarterly meeting of the Temuka Licensing Committee was hold last Tuesday in the R.M. Courthouse. Present—Messrs S. D. Barker (Chairman), Talbot, Paterson, Inwood and Mayer. The license of the Star Hotel, Temuka, was transferred from Mr M. Quinn to Mr John Angland, The police reported favorably of all the hotels, except the Spurr Hut Hotel. Mr Aspinall appeared in this case, and said that the owner of the house, Mr Gilmore, had to get a transfer of the license back to himself, and he hoped this would be satisfactory to the Committee. The Chairman said it was, not only expedient but, absolutely necessary that the transfer should take place, Mr Aspinall promised that it would, and no further action was taken. The Committee then adjourned.

New Threshing Plant. A new traction engine and combine, made specially to the order of Messrs A. G. Wright and Co., arrived by train in Temuka last Saturday, and was put together on Monday last. Yesterday it passed through the town'on its way to commence threshing operations. The engine has been made by Messrs Fowler and Co., Leeds. It is constructed on the compound principle and is ten-horse power. The combine is by Messrs Foster and Co., Lincoln, and has all the latest improvements. The riddles are extra large and it is claimed for them that they clean the grain better-than others ; its thrashingpowerisvary large,'and it has an improved humbler. Th# elevators were made by Messrs Andrews and Levan to Mr Wright’s design, and are very light and well adapted for the work, They have double belts that take the chaff and cavings as well as the straw up, and keeps the ground underneath clean. The plant has certainly all the appearance of being first.class. R.M. Court, Temuka.—At the above Court, yesterday, before D. In wood and F. H. Barker, Esqs., J.P.,’s, the following cases were heard :—Sweet v. A. Leonard —Claim £3 9s 6d, ; judgment by default for the amount claimed and costs. Kenneth Cameron v. J. Gregg—Claim £7. Mr Aspinall appeared for the plaintiff. The plaintiff stated the amount was due for rent of paddock. The lease was for throe years, at £l4 per annum. This was for the fourth instalment ; the others had been paid. To the defendant; I promised to keep the fences in order, and they are in order. The arrangement was that my cow was to run there. No horses have been running there, James Gregg, defendant, stated that the fences had not been kept in order, and were notcittle proof. Plaintiff kept his horse and cow there, and he had no permission to do that. To Mr Aspinall: Ido not dispute the lease if he keeps the fences in order. Mr Aspinall urged that the fact that fences were not in order was no defence to the action. The defendant I)ad his remedy at law, and if the plaintiff’s cattle were on the land he could claim gracing money for them. Judgment was given for the amount claimed and costs. The Court then adjourned,

The Weather.— The weather for the last ten days has been very unfavorable to farmers and little harvest work has been done. A large quantity of grain ia now in slook, but of course with such damp changeable weather nothing can bo done with it. Heavy showers fell yesterday from the south-east, but the broken appearance of the clouds in that direction gave promise of a clearing up.

Charge against a School Tbaohbb.— At Monday’s meeting of the Timaru School Committee a complaint was made against Andrew Cuthbert, late seventh teacher in the main school, of having punished a child of Mr P. Bell’s too severely. The complaint was forwarded by a Solicitor, and the Committee, after some discussion, resolved—- " That the Committee regret that Mr Bell did not at once report the matter to the Head Master, when it might have been investigated immediately on its occurrence, and appoint the Chairman and Visitor* to investigate the complaint.” It may be mentioned that Mr Cuthbert left for an appointment in the North Island last Saturday. Hospital Returns— The followingii a return of patients in the Timam Hospital for the month of February Patients under treatment at date of last return—males, 14 ; females, 8 j total 22. Admitted during the month —males, 11; females, 2; total, 13. Totals treated —males, 25 ; females, 10 ; total 35, Discharged during the month Cured —males, 6 ; female, 1; total 7. Relieved—males, 3. Died —males, 2 ; females, 2 (Joha Richards, Albert Nichole, Mary Fitzgerald and Fanny Grace Ross). Totals discharged —males, 11; females, 3; total, 14. Remaining ainder treatment—males, 14; females, 7; total, 21. Out-patient* treated daring the month—males, 11; females, 13 } total, 24. Geraldine Dairy Factory. The monthly meeting of the Directors of the Dairy Company was held in the Secretary’s office, on Monday afternoon, Present—Dr Pish (in the chair), Messrs R, H. Postlethwaite, W. M. Moore, W. U. Slack, R. Skinner, N. Dunlop and J. Mundell. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. It was arranged that eight tons of cheese should bo sent Home by the s.s. Rimutaka, which sails from Lyttelton on March 14th. Milk accounts to the amount of £2615s 4d were passed for payment, the total amount of milk received during the month being 15,689 gallons. Repairs to St. Mary’s Cphrch, Geraldine.— Two of Mr Craigie’s workmen are engaged in repairing the leakage in this Church : » work which was very much needed, as the wet was doing considerable damage to the end walls. Two more down pipes from the gutters—one on each side of the Church—will be put up. There is very little fall in the gutters, and the pipes now at one end of each of them are not sufficient to take in all the water. As the cost of these repairs devolves upon the members of the Church, the Vestry not having sufficient funds in hand, they are earnestly requested to subscribe to the fund now being raised for the purpose. South RANamTi School Committee.— The ordinary monthly meeting of this Committee was held in the schoolroom on Friday last. Members present Messrs Mason, McLeod, Robertson, Taylor, and Badbam (Chairman). The Committee having confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting and read the correspondence, it was resolved the Committee record their vote in favour of Messrs Gray, Postlethwaite, and Bruce as members for the Board of Education. Applications for the use of the schoolroom were received and granted from the Rev, T., A. Hamilton and the Rev. G. Barclay. It was resolved that an entertainment, consisting of a concert and dance, be held in the school- - room about the end of March, for the purpose of raising funds to give the scholars a picnic, and Messrs McLeod and Mason ware appointed a sub-committee to arrange it. The Chairman was then appointed visitor for the month, and the meeting terminated. Industrial Exhibition. —Mr E. _ H. Lough, Hon. Seo. to the Timaru Committee has received the following applications from intending exhibitors in the district for space at the coming New Zealand Exhibition : Prom Timaru— R. Allen and Co., flour ; David Shaw, haras and bacon; Jame* Watkins, " Wheatena William Webster, nautical instruments; John Goodall, plans of the breakwaters at Timaru and at Napier; G. W. Gardner, letterpress printing; Stansell Bros,, barbed wire, tricycle, etc., Jowsey and Jackson, hospital bedstead j William Evans, cereals; Josiab Ralph, leather and skins; A. Langbien, woodwork and pictures ; William Ferrier, photographic views; E. McGlashan, flour, bran, utc. From Winchester —Peter McCaskill, wool. From Temuka—Linseed Company, flax and linseed ; Butter Company, cheese, etc. From Geraldine—Captain Temple, pictures ; Mr J. Miller, minerals; Mr J. Fleming, improved milk cans ; Geraldine Dairy Company, cheese. The total amount of floor space applied for is about 300 ft. and of wall space, 30 feet.

The Armed Constabulary. —ln consequence of the Native affairs on the West Coast being very quiet, the Constabulary camp has been broken up, and the men stationed at various posts along the coast. The Hon. Mr Ballance has in hand a semimilitary settlement scheme in connection with the Armed Constabulary. For some time past the Government have been aware that when reductions are made in the force, those discharged generally make their way over to the neighbouring colonies, and to in- a measure check this movement, it is the intention of the Government to allow the men to take up small settlements, of say one hundred acres, on easy terms, under the deferred payment system. These settlements are to be on the West Coast, and along the route of the Northern Main Trunk Railway, and in each case ar» to be in close contiguity to public works. In taking up sections the men are to ha allowed a certain quantity of rations, for which soms slight duty will be expected in return. By this means the Government hope to prevent the men leaving the colony, and also to have in the native district settlers who have been thoroughly drilled, and able to protect themselves in case of any rising of the natives. They also consider the force under these conditions could be reduced without affecting its usefulness. Regulations for this scheme will be gazetted shortly. Mr Ballance hopes before long to extend the system to the Civil force.

Ur R. F, Gray sells cattle, sheep, pigs, etc,, at the Washdyke yards, to-morrow, Messrs J, Mundell and Co„ sell sheep, cattle, etc, at the Washdyke suleyards tomorrow. Henry Hodgson, of Temuka, tinsmith, notifies that he has filed a petition to be adjudged a bankrupt. Mr Aspinall is his solicitor. In our advertising columns Ada Melraora publishes her consultation on the Christchurch Great Autumn Handicap. Ada’s consultition on the Dunedin Cup closed with 9000 members, Mr Joseph Bgri, Temuka, offers 10s reward for the recovery of a black retriever dog, and notifies that any one detaining it will be prosecuted. When lost it had on Temuka Town Board collar No. 5.