LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1354, 18 June 1885, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

G-eraldine Monthly Stock Sale.— Messrs J. MundciU and Co. are now receiving entries for this 6ale which will take place on July Ist. Geraldine Literary Institute.—The Geraldine Literary Institute Committee invite tenders for the office of Librarian to the Institute, Tenders close on Monday next. Mount Peej, Koad Board. The monthly meeting of this Board takes place to-morrow. Intending contractors for works, etc., are reminded that tenders close'at 11 a.m.

Auctions at Temuka.—Mr K. F. Gray holds a special uale of pigs at his rooms, Temuka, to-day. To-morrow, instructed by Messrs D. U. and E. S. Smith, he will hold a clearing sale of light and draught horses, implements, etc. On the same day, at the same place, he will hold his monthly stock siale.

A Tempebanob Standard Beabbb.—An exchange says Mr Edward Wakefield, M.H.R., has been takings, prominent part in the meetings held by Mr Booth, temperance lecturer, now in Wellington, and has been nominated as the "Standard Bearer of the Temperance Parl;y " in the House of Representatives.

Temdka Mechanics' Institute.—lntending applicunts for the position of Librarian of this Institute are reminded that applications must be lodged with the President of the Institute (Dr Hayes) before noon to-morrow. A meeting of the Institute Committee takes place the same evening to consider the applications.

A Novel Expobt.—A novel export is about to leave Christchurch for England. Mr W. McKeevsr, an old resident of Canterbury, who is leiving for England, is taking with h'ma Swede turnip weighing no less than 241bs. It'is of the variety known as Shirving's purple", topped, and was grown from seed supplied by Mr Win. Wilson of Cashel Street.' The export will be paoked in sawdust, and is for exhibition in England.— Press.

The Unemp CiOted.—According to the Waimate limes, a petition, signed by fully sixty married mon, residing in Waimate, now out of employment, has been sent to the member for thai; district, praying Parliament to take immedhte steps to relieve the acute distress at present existing amongst a large number of working men in that district. The petitioners ask Parliament to sanction the commencement of relief works at Waimate or elsewhere, so as to provide them with employment, and prevent men—able and willing to work—and their families, being compelled to become a burden on the Charitable Aid Department. Conservative Ministry. - Atlas, in The World of March 25th, gave the following list of the (probable) next Conservative Ministry :—Premier, Lord Salisbury ; Foreign Secretary, Lord Lytton ; Secretary of State for India, Sir S. Northcote '(with apserage); Home Secretary, Mr Gibson; Sscretary for War, Lord E. Churchill: Secretary for the Colonies, Earl of Carnarvon ; Lord Chancellor, Lord "Cairns (since dßad) : First Lord of the Admiralty, Mr Stanhope ; Chief Secretary for Ireland, Ms 1 Gorst; President of the Council, Mr W. H. Smith (with a peerage); Chancellor of the Exchequer and Leader of the House o E Commons, Sir M. HicksBeach ; Postmaster-General, Lord John Manners ; Chancellor of the Duchy, Mr Chaplin ; First Commissioner of Works, Lord George Hamilton.

Presentation.—We learn from the Waimate Times that Mr. Gt. B. Barclay, who has occupied the position of second master at the Waimate Publio School during the past five years, was the recipient, on Thursday, of a very valuable gold watch chain, as a mark of esteem in which he is held by the children attending the school. Miss Alice Clarke, in making the presentation on behalf of her fellow-pupils, aiisured Mr Barclay all the soholars regrettod that he had decided to leave them ; she begged to present him with a memento of their respect and affection, and wished him prosperity in his new station, and long life to wear the chain, which in future would help to remind, him of the Waimate Schooland his old pupils. Mr Barclay inreplying, said he nevor could forget the school, in which he had spont a very happy time, or the kindness of the ssholars in giving him such a handsome present. He felt the difficulty of parting from his old pupils more than he had expected, but, in looking back over the five years of his second mastership, he had the satisfaction of knowing that not a single complaint had ever been made against him by the parents, whom he also wished to thank for very many kindnesses. Mr Barclay concluded by urging the children to pay attention to his successor, Mr Burn, and to always obey thjir teacher, as the latter was frequently blamed, when the actual cause of their non-progression was the disobedience or inattention of the children. He hoped they would all persevere with their work and strive to get on under their new master. Three hearty oheers for Mr Barclay were th en given by tl.e children, at the call of the Head Master. Mr Barclay also received a further proof of the, attachment of his class, two of his pupiis, Miss Nellie and Miss Alice Manchester, having presented him with a pretty silver scarf ring, accompanied by a flatering little note. Mr Barclay takes charge of tie Eedcliff School in three weeks from date.

The Grain Season.—The number of sacks of grain received by rail at Tiuiaru up to the 13th inst. wa3 164,983; amount by road, 65,264, making a grand total of 230,247.

Timabu Haeboe Loan.—Mr Tumbull gave notice in the House on Tuesday of his intention to introduce the Timaru Harbor Board Loan Bill, giving the Board power to borrow a further sum of £IOO,OOO.

Cavalry Drill.—On Tuesday a number of the Geraldine Contingent of the C.Y.C. were put through an hour's drill by Sergeant Lindsay, from Timaru. Considering this was only their second drill, the men went through the various movements very creditably.

Shorthand Reporters in Court. appears that it is practiclly decided that two shorthand writers shall be appointed for each Supreme Court district, to take notes in lieu of the Judge, and so facilitate the latter's labors and expedite the despatch of public business. The neceisasy vote will be placed on the Supplementary Estimates. Mtsterious Fire.—A fire, which is shrouded in mystery, took place last Friday on Mr Gladstone's farm, at Orari. A man, whose name we have not ascertained, had a large quantity of grain on the farm, and, while he was away in Timaru on the day in question trying to sell it, it took fire and was burned. The fire took place about 4 p.m., and is not traceable to any known cause. It was, we believe, uninsured, so that the man loses all.

The Late Mb John Shbbhan.—The Hinemoa arrived at Auckland at 8 o'slock on Tuesday morning with the remains of the lute Mr John Sheehan, M.H.R. They were taken to St. Patrick's Cathedral and placed in a catafalque. The mortuary service was held in the Cathedral. At the funeral in the afternoon there was an assemblage of 4000. Among the mourners were Sir Fredk. Whitaker, Mr Mitchelson, and Major Harris, M.H.R.'s, and a number of leading oitizens. The police force, under Superintendant Thomson, headed the procession. The coffin was laden with wreathes and crosses of flowers. Masses were said for the repose of the soul of the deceased gentleman at the Cathedral, where also requiem maBS was celebrated. A Warning to Hotelkebpers.—At the R.M. Court, Christcbur'ch, on Monday, Wm. De Clair was charged with having obtained board and lodging by means of false representations. Mrs Rule, of the Cave Rock Hotel, Sumner, stated that the prisoner had been stopping at her house for a month and three days. He came as an ordinary boarder. He intimated that he was travelling about for pleasure, and that he was going back to England shortly. Aftor being in the house a week Mrs Rule presented his bill to him. He said that he would go to the bank at once, and get money to pay her. He did not pay, however, and on several subsequent oocasioDa put her off in the same way, and, finally, he left the hotol. Mr Beetham said, as there had been no promise made before the debt was incurred there could not be a conviction, and dismissed the case.

The Evening Pbess in Tbouble.—A week or two ago the Wellington Evening Press, of which Mr E. Wakefield is editor and part proprietor, contained a loathing article on the alleged treatment of a patient in the Christchurch Hospital, who, after, a certain operation, died. The members of the medical profession in Christchurch have taken it up, and on Monday evening last held a meeting, when the following resolutions were unanimously carried: —"That this meeting of the medical profession of Canterbury convened by circular, desires to express its sympathy with Dr. Stewart nnder the attack made upon him in the Evening Press of Wellington of May 21st last." " That this meeting, being of opinion that the said article is untruthful and malignant, considers it necessary for the safety and dignity of the profession that Dr. Stewart should at once commenoe legal proceedings against that paper." " That the Chairman be requested to forward the foregoing resolutions to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary for the information of the Government."

A Bogus Thbateioai. Agent. The Dunedin police are making enquiries concerning a man who succeeded in victimising several persons. He represented himself as a theatrical agent, and advertised that he was willing to receive applications from persons desirous of going on the stage. His lodgings appear to have been rushed by young ladies and men ambitious of a stage career. To these he represented that he was agent for Williamson, Garner and Musgrove, and from all whom he engaged he took a small sum as a guarantee that they would fill their engagements. Some twelve persons are known to have been thus victimised. They were all to go to Melbourne by the boat last Friday, and the agent whose name was given as R. H; Porter, was to meet them and supply their tickets. Those victimised proceeded to Port Chalmers, after several tearful partings from their friends, but the agent was nowhere to be found. Porter is supposed to have departed in the direction of Invercargill.

Geraldine Rifles.—On Tuesday evening the Geraldine Rifle Corps were inspected by Major Newall. He said he was fairly well satisfied with the appearance of the men, who would have looked much better had they been in uniform, He was pleased with the spirited way in which they went through their movements, and complimented the officers on the progreis made by the Corps. The inspection was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, the Company who had taken it not fulfilling their engagement. The Hall is too small to allow of the exercise of the whole of the company at one time, and a number of the members had to stand out. There was a good attendance, 52 of all ranks being present. The full strength of the Corps is 53—there was thus only one absentee, who was unable to attend through illness. Major Newall was well satisfied with the attendance, which spoke well for the interest the men are taking in the Corps. I.O.G.T.—The usual weekly meeting of the Welcome Retreat Lodge, No. 44, 1.0.G.T., Geraldine, was held on Mon day evening in the Temperance Hall. The Lodge was opened by the W.C.T., Bro. G. H. Patrick, and the minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. It was resolved that the Lodge meetings in future be held on Tuesday evenings. After the usual routine business had been transacted, the Lodge was closed in due form. The monthly open meeting was then held, when the following programme was gone through:—Reading, Bro. T. Sherratt; Solos, Sisters Maslin and Beckley, Bros. Thatcher, Freeman, Bowkett, Hay ward, and T. Sherratt; Recitations, Sißter Freeman and Bro. T. Sherratt. During an interval in the programme refreshments were handed round to those present. The attendance was good, and everyone enjoyed the evening's entertainment. At the close, Bro. Maslin proposed a vote of thanks to the audience, which was carried by acclamation. J

Clearing Sale.—Mr K. F. Gray yesterday sold Mr B. D. O'Halloran's furniture and effects. The sale was one of the best ever held in femuka. The auctiom mart was crowded ; the bidding <vas very spirited, and the prices realised were good. Again we may point out that it is not neceßsary to £0 out of the district for an auctioneer, because local auctioneers can sell just as well as outsiders if they are afforded the opportunity.

Thb Cost op Collecting the Customs.— | The usual anDual return of the cost of collection of Customs revenue at each New Zealand port was laid on the table of the House on Tuesday. It shows that the cost of collecting for the whole colony was at the rate of £2 lis 7d per cent, as against £1 123 4d fo? the previous financial year. The rate for the United Kingdom was £3 12s lid per cent, and the average of ten years was £3 8s 7d. The lowest New Zealind psrcentage tor last year was £1 Os 3d at Dunedin, ond £2 la 8d at Auokland. At Christchurch and Lyttel'on the rate was £2 17s id, at Wellington £2 ss7d, at Nelson £2 13s 6d, and the cost creeps up until it reaches £l2 129 9d at Picton ; next it jumps to £l9 12s 6d at Russell and £23 10s 8d at Mongonui, finally reaching the highest figure, £52 7s Id per £IOO, at Hokianga. Intention of a Flying Machine.—Mr John Crook, of Richmond road, Auckland, claims that he has invented a machine for travelling in the air : "In fact a navigable balloon, by which I claim to be able, under all ordinary circumstances or conditions of the atmosphere, to travel in any direction, to ascend and descend without loss of power. It has cost me years of thought and Btudy, but lam certain of its success. I am aware that all previous attempts to secure this object have, with one exception, proved failures, and it has been considered by most people as impracticable, and by many treated with ridicule. But inasmuch as all powers now in use are but the utilisation of natural forces, and the appliances to a certain extent but copies of nature, so as sure as a bird flies is this means of looomotion to be accomplished. The importance of such a machine cannot be underrated, and is destined to perform a prominent part in our future means of transit. With such a machine Gordon could have been communicated with, if not saved." Escape of a Prisoner at Timaru.—Yesterday morning about 9 o'clock Frederick Lucas (who our renders will recollect wa3 sentenced at the hist sitting of the Supreme Court to 5 year*'imprisonm.-nt for brutally assaulting bis wife) escaped. He was one of the hard labor gang employed near the Hospital and by some means got away, only being seen by the warder in charge wheo it was too late to do anything to intercept him. The gang were speedily taken to the gaol, and the police were soon scouring the country. Every precaution was taken to prevent his getting far, and a constable was sent to the residence of his wife with orders to stay there until the prisoner's recapture. The prisoner was run to earth shortly after 12 o'clock at Brown's Creek, behind Mr Cabot's residence, by Inspector Broham and Constable Satchwell, and was soon lodged safely in gaol. The only reason he gave for escaping was that he wanted to see hia wife. The incident caused a great deal of excitement.

A Terrible Engine of Destruction.— If certain experiments recently made at Washington may be accepted as final, it is clear that the art of war is once more to be completely revolutionised. Hitherto it has been supposed that dynamite projectiles are out of the question, because the sudden jar on the starting of the shell would explode its contents. This however, has been found not to be the case. Several 6in shells, each containing 111 b of nitro-glycerine, have been fired at Washington, and there was no trouble whatever from premature explosion, The destructive effect of the shells meanwhile was astonishing. One shell, fired at a perpendicular wall of rock from 1000yds distance, " shattered the face of the rock, for a radius of thirty yards ;" another " opened a cavity of about 25ft in diameter, and excavated a pit 6ft deep." In another experiment 8-in, shells, carrying 351 b of nitro-glycerine, are to be used, and if the results increase in proportion there need be no limit to the destructive poweis of the new projectiles. It is much to be hoped that the experiments will be successful, for then the millenium would be at hand, since war would be so destructive that it would bave to be abandoned.

Fortunate Villagers. Everyone knows something of the prosperity of Swiss townships, where so many things are in common, but a more remarkable instance still of a thriving commune is given by M. de Laveleye in this month's Contemporary Review. It is the township of Fraudenstadt, at the foot of the Kniebis, in Baden. There are 1420 inhabitants, each of whom has as much wood for building purposes and firing as he wißhes, while he can send his cattle out to pasture on the common land during the summer. Schools, churches, thoroughfares, and fountains are all maintained by the commune, and every year considerable improvements are made. Five thousand pounds were spent in 1883, for instance, on establishing a new water supply in iron pipes. A hospital, too, has been built, and a pavilion in the market place, where the communal band plays on fete days. The villagers have never paid a single farthing of rates, but, on the contrary, each year a distribution of the surplus revenue is made among them, and each family usually obtains from £2 10a to £3. All this is done with about 5000 acres of pine forest and meadow land belonging to the township ; a fact which seems to show that communism it not always unfavorable to the production of wealth Breach of Promise "Case.—The breach of promise case of Oostigan v. Douglas came to an untimely termination yesterday in the Supreme Court, Timaru. Mr Douglas is a middled-aged man, and a widower, and owns a run in the Waisrnte District, on which he lives. The plaintiff is a widow, also well-advanced in years, but still rather good looking. It is also said that this was the third breach of promise case in which she has cut a figure. She was employed as housekeeper by the defendant, and'it was alleged that whilst in that position the defendant won her affections and promised to marry her, for the breach ot which promise she now claimed £750. Mr Hamersley, who appeared for the lady, opened the case, but in the course of his address, it appeared that he had no witnesses to corroborate theplain T tiffs evidence The Judge held that the fair plaintiff's evidence without corroboration was not sufficient, and on this ground the case was nonsuited. No sooner did the Judge l

make known his decision than the lady rose in open Court, and commenced at once a most determined attack on the defendant. Without one word of warning she went towards him, and with her umbrella hit him several times on the head (which by-the-by is bald), till at last her umbrella broke up into bits. She was of course taken into, custody, and Douglas refusing to prosecute her, Hia Honor ordered the police to lay an information against her, with the result that she was brought before Mr Beswick, and, sentenced to 7 days' imprisonment, after which she must find sureties to keep the peace.

Messrs J. Mundell and Co. notify that the tender of Mr Alexander Neil has been accepted for the lease of the hte-Mr J. Kennedy's farm.