LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1465, 9 February 1886, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Geraldine Road Board.— The ordinary monthly meeting of this Board takes place this morning at 10 o’clock. Gbraldinb Town Board.— A ' special meeting of this Beard will be held tomorrow evening at 8 o’clock.

Dunedin Races. — The Autumn Race Meeting at Dunedin takes place on the 24th, 25th, and 27th insts., Wednesday, the 34tb, being the “ Cup ” day. Public Mbetiks.-—A public meeting will take place in the Volunteer Hall, Teniuka, next Friday evening, to discuss the recent actions of the police. ■

Trjiuxa Volunteers, The Temuka Rifles held an open-air parade last evening and marched through the town with the band playing appropriate music. Thsre was a good attendance.

Tan North Island Railway, The Taranaki News has it from a good authority that tbs Central route is going to cost the colony more than at first bargained for. Already ssrious difficulties havs been enoountered which wire not expected. In one case an expensive viaduct will have to be oonstrncted, and numerous extras will be the rule.

Woodbury. —At a meeting of the Cornmil tee of the Woodbury Racing Club held on Saturday evening the following were the officers elected Judge, Mr R.H. Pearpoint; Clerk of the Scales, Mr Flatman ; Starter, Mr Lawson; Clerk of the Course, Mr A, Scott • Handioapper, Mr T. W. Corbett; Secretaiy, Mr J. H. Dean. A programme was drafted to be submitted to another sleeting. Arrest at Orari. — A man named Wm. Allington, alias Jacob Wilson, was arrested at Orari on Saturday last charged with breaking into a house at Tinwald and stealing a silver watch valued at £6, a coin valued at 13s, a chain, and half a pound of tobacco. He was taken to Ashburton, where he was brought before the Court yesterday. He pleaded guilty to the charge of theft, but said ha was not guilty of breaking into the house, as he found the door open, and was remanded until to-day. Death of Db Carr.— Dr Carr, the phrenologist, well known throughout New Zealmd, died from the effects of morphia, on Jan. 17, at Glen Innes (N.8.W.). The •rid once showed that Dr Carr admitted having taken the drug, and express i an opinion that, he would bo dead in a few hours. Mr M'Kae, stated that the deceased purchased 10 grains of morphia at his shop. The jury decided that death resulted from the effects of morphia, but they were unable to say whether the deceased contemplated suicide, or merely took the drug to alleviate pain.

Another Railway Accident,— Another accident occurred on thoWelliugton-Mosterton Railway on 3aturday afternoon. A passenger train was being pushed up the steep incline on the Featherston side of Rimutako, and had just passed through a tunnel when th« gripping apparatus of the engine gave way and the train began to run down hill. The lady passengers became greatly, excited, several fainting and screaming, the darkness adding to their fright. Most of the passengers jumped out, lint sustaining slight injuries. If the train had moved after the passengers jumped out eome of them would have been crushed to death. Educational Institute. —At a meeting of the members of the S.C. Educational Institute last Saturday there wore present Mr Wood (Chairman), and Messrs Munro, McNaugbt, Cross, Wake, Sinclair, Greenfield, Cook, Bannerman, and the Misses Cabot. Mr Cross, 8.A., second master of the Temuka District High School, was elected a member of the Institute. Ths Chairman briefly recapitulated the business transacted at the Council in Dunedin in January. It was unanimously reeolved — « That a letter of condolence be forwarded to Dr Anderson, Inspector of Schools, sympathising with him in his recent bereavement,” A discussion took place on the copy-books and test books to be used in teaching Physical Geography but it was ultimately decided not to reeomrnend any particular book. A vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman and the meeting terminated. Thb Drought. The Ashburton Guardian states that the North branch of the Orari river, the Wakanui creek, and the Limestone creek (Hinds district) are dry. Twenty years have elapsed since tho north branch of the Ashburton river was without water. The plains race! are at present drawing their full supplies, but should the present drought continue msny days longer a water famine must follow. The Wellington Press states that one of the ill effects of th« drought was shown lately when a mob of several hundred sheep, belonging to the Gear Company, camped on the sea coast between Napier and Masterton in charge of Messrs Gundy and McKenzie, were overcome with thirst, and no fresh water being available they rushed to the sea and drank a quantity of salt water, the result being that 200 of them died.

Sktbekd Reins. —Another “severing” case ha# been reported to us, chi* time from Winchester. On Friday morning la»t, Mr C. Biehop, expressman of Winchester, on going to harness up his horses, found that his reins had been severed in three places. The reins were kept in a shed attached to his residence, a few feet off the road, and the miscreant who cut them must have passed around the house to get at them. Yesterday the discovery was made by another resident, Mr J. A. Young, of the Wolsaley Hotel, that a pair of his reins had also been mutilated. In this case the severance was not complete, and had not the reins been taken to a saddler’s for some other slight repairs needed, it is possible they might have been used, when the consequences would hare been very serious, as they would certainly have broken. Doubtlesss the reins at both places were tampered with on the Thursday night. Mr Young was the victim of a somewhat similar, though more cosUy, prank about ten years ago. There seems at present very little chance of the offender being found out, but should he be fo, he should be imdn an example of, and his ci'.nec'ion with Winohes'er and liberty pul an end to for many a clay.

Timaru Woollen Factory.— -Good progress is being made with the erection of the machinery in the Timaru Woollen Factory. A great part of it is already in working order, and the whole is expected to be completed in from throe to five week*. The whole of the employees, from the manager downwards, have shown great energy and knowledge of details in the putting together of the machinery, which must bo very gratifying to the shareholders and augurs well for the future success of the concern.

The Cobubo Murder. —A telegram from Melbourne states that the Coburg murdsr and attempted suicide cass in the Hampton family occupied the Court on the 26th ultimo. It appears from the confession of one of the daughters, that she conspired with three of her sisters and her mother to kill her younger sister, aged nine, preparatory to committing suicide, in order to escape temptation. The child’s throat was cut by Mrs Hampton, while the child was held by her sisters. Then the sisters inflicted severe cuts on each other’s onus, from which they nearly bled to death. A strong taint of insanity runs in the family, and it is said that lately the girls hare been reading the Pall Mall Gazette disclosures, which have affected their intellects, causing them to imagine they were all the victims of designing men. On Wednesday an inquest was held ou the body of the child, but it had to be postponed, ns the sisters were unable to attend. The eldest son of the family then showed signs of insanity, and the doctor recommenced his being locked up. Since then it has been with the greatest difficulty he has been persuaded to consume sufficient food to keep him alive, he being under the impression that there is a conspiracy to poison him. Loss of a Vessel and Four Lives.— The ketch Fanny Kelly, Captain Williams, trading between Auckland and Mongonui, encountered bad weather on Tuesday, and while trying to get into Whangaroi for shelter, struck on a rock off the Heads about 4 o’clock on Wednesday moning. In addition to the crew there were four passengers on board, a Mrs Turnbull, the wife of a Mongonui publican, and her three daughters, aged 8 months, 2 years, and 13 years. The seas made clean breaches over the vessel, and with the hope of saving the passengers, they were lashed to the mizzen mast; but seeing that they were in danger there, they were removed to the companion aft. There »U hands held on until daylight, when two of the children died, and soon after that the vessel split m two, and all hands were washed off. The crow managed to get on part of the companion, and the captain getting on to part of one of the masts, they were washed on to a rock, and there remained all day until 6 p.m., when for their safety the? all got on to a piece of wreck, and so drifted to the mainland, about three-quarters of a mile distant. They were out all that (Wednesday) night, and on Thursday morning they reached Whangarei Heads. Captain Williams is almost prostrated with grief, feeling very acutely the misfortune that has befallen him. Prior to leaving Auckland he endeavored to induce Mrs Turnbull to take passage by a steamer rather than go with the ketch.—A telegram to hand yesterday state! that the bodies of Mrs Turnbull and two of the children were fouud on Saturday Bear Whangurei Heads. Presentation.— On last Saturday evening a number of the residents of Rangitata assembled together, in the Star of ths South Hotel, for the purpose of presenting Mr H. E. Seager, who forth# last two and a-half years has held the position of Stalionmaster there, witli a token of their esteem and regard. A splendid dinner was served up by Mr Clayton, and there wore present people from Geraldine, Temuka, Orari, and even Timaru. Mr John Cunningham, of Geraldine, occupied the chair, and Mr Murray, of Orari, the vise-chair. After the good things had been disposed of, and theusuai loyal and patriotic toasts duly honored, the Chairman said he rose to propose the toast of the health of Mr Seager. Notwithstanding that he lived in a remote place like Rangitata he was well known In Geraldine, and it was with pleasure that he attended that evening to do him honor. Only that it happened to be a very busy season there would have been many Geraldine people present, and he was commissioned to apologise for some of those who were unable to attend. During Mr Seager’s residence in the district he made a friend of everyone with whom he came in contact, as was shown by the list of subscribers to the tetimonial, which be had the pleasure to present to him now. Mr Cunningham then handed Mr Seager a splendid gold watch and chain, of the value of 427 10s, which was inscribed as follows :—“ Presented to Mr H. E. Seager by the residents of South Rangitata on his leaving the district. January 2, 1886.” Mr Seager said that when two and a-half years ago he came to the district and saw a similar presentation made to his predecessor, he had very little hope that they would act towards himself in the same generous manner. He had never tried to earn it ; he had done nothing to deserve it, and it was certainly a suprise to him to get it. It was certainly owing to no exertion on his own part that he got it, and lie must feel deeply grateful to them for the kindness which they had shown. It was always hard to please and at the same time not break the rules of the railway. He considered he was very fortunate, for he was always able to do his duty without disagreeing with people, but no doubt it was more owing to the people themselves than to him. Ho begged to thank them very sincerely, and to assure them he would cherish the gift always as the dearest thing he possessed, as it would always remind him of his Rangitata friends. (Applause.) Mr Lewis proposed “The Agricultural interests,” coupled with the names of Messrs McClelland, Moffat, and Canavan, who duly responded. The toast of “Trade and Commerce, coupled with the names •f Messrs Eiby and Mason, was proposed by Mr Twomey, and responded to. Mr Twomey also proposed the toast of “ The Pastoral interests,’’and, in doing so, said Iho “bloated squatter” was a very important factor in producing wealth During the last ten years wool to the value of about £32,000,000 had been exported from this colony, and the industry which brought so much wealth into the country was certainly an important one. The toast was coupled with the name of Mr Murray, who responded, and said he considered the squatters were the pioneers of settlement. The toast of “The Press” was next proposed by Mr Murray, "The Ladies” by Mr Clayton and responied to by Mr Seager, “ The new Stalionmaster,” Mr Lewis, by the Chairman, “ The Host and Hostess” by Mr Seager ; also “ Absent Friends” and “ The Chairman ” by Mr Twomey, all of which were drank enthusiastically. During the evening several songs w°ro sung, and it was late before the paity Separated.

Licensing Committees.— Nominations of candidates for membership on the Temuka and Raukapufea Licensing Committees mu«t be made before noon on Monday next. The poll, if necessary, will take place on the following Monday.

Despairing Bankers.—The number of suicides among the brightest and most capable of business men, bankers and others, will be reduced to a minimum as soon as the specified virtues of American Hop Bitters are known. As all men who work with their brains and neglect to tako the needed exercise, the food taken does not nourish, and dangerous debility, physical and mortal, ensue. Road Advt.

SYNOPSIS OF ADVERTISE MENIS.

Funsral Notice—Re Mrs T. Toylor. Siegert and Fauvsl— Notice to Mr W. Tosswill,

Mrs Copestake, Registry Office, Temuka — Wants a general ssmnt. Public Meeting—ln Temuka Volunteer Hall next Friday evening. Robert Morrison, Beehive Stores, Geral-dine-Reserved space for advertisement. J. Mundcll and Co., Geraldine—Hays 176 2 and 3-year-old steers and heifers for sale privately, F. W. Stubbs, Returning Officer—Notice re election of Licensing Committees for the Temuka and Rnukapuka districts.