LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1484, 25 March 1886, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Assessment Court.— -The Assessment Court, to hear objections to the valuation list of the Geraldine Town Board, will sit on Monday, the sth of April, at half-pait 12 o’clock.

Oamaeu Races.—The Oamaru Races took place yesterday. The Hurdles was won by Traoper. For the Derby four started, the result being Cicero, 1; Percy, 2; Siren, 3, The Maiden was won by the General, Jester, 2; Matipo, 3.

Benefit Concert at Hilton. The entertainment for the benefit of Mr Jamee Walker, of Kakahu, will take place in the Hilton schoolroom to-morrow erening. A very good programme h»s been prepared, the Geraldine Christy Minstrels taking the concluding part. We hope to see a fall house.

A Decision Bbtbksed.—At the banco sitting of the Supreme Court, Wellington, yesterday morning, judgment was given on the applied ion for a mandamus by Mr Liddle, licensso of the Army and Navy Hotel, to compel the Cook Ward Licensing Committee to grant a transfer of license to him, and also to make null and void the order cancelling the license of th« hotel. Ths Judge ruled against the Committee, aid said although their reasons for objecting to Liddle might be on good grounds that was aot sufficient to cancel tbs license of the bouse itself. The Committee meet again to consider the question of transfer.

Thb Dhainaob of Timartt. —At tbs last meeting of the Timaru Borough Council the subject of complete system of drainage for the town was discussed. A Committee appointed to consider and report on the matter advised that a complete system should be at once carried out. They had arrived at this conclusion after consulting Mr Marobant, Engineer. Ultimately the Council resolved ; “ That as the Committee has consulted Mr Marobant re his drawing plans to bs lent to the Council, His Worship request him before doing any work to state his charge, first for the whole drainage scheme if carried out, and second In's charge for a largo plan showing the whole of the streets and the pipe courses with outlets, and report to next meeting.”

New Courthouse tor Gebaidini.— Plana and specifications for the new Courthouse, Geraldine, have at last arrived, and tenders are called for its erection. The building, which is of a very plain design, is to bo erected in Talbot Street, on the section between the police station and the post office. Its dinrmions are :-Length, 30 feet j width, 20 feet; heighth of stud, 12 feet j height from floor to ridge, 20 feet. Entrance will bo gained from the front by two folding doors, and two doors at the back—-one door being used by the R.M. and J.P.’a, the other for prisoners, etc. It will bo lighted by three windows in tbe north side of the building, and two in the front—one being situated at each side of the entrance door. Although it Will not add to the architectural beauty of the town it will be a great improvement on the building which is dignified by the title of Courthouse at present.

Food and Lonobvitt nr New Zealand— A comparison between the mortality of the population in England and New Zealand is full of instruction with regard to ths conditions of life at tbs Antipodes. Statistics published by a noted physician go ts prove that the average death-rate per 1000 in tbs latter country is only eleven, while in England it is twenty-two. This is attributed to the fact that the bulk of the population in the southern colony is well fed, while in England it is the reverse. Something also must be put down to the healthiness of the climate ; but it still remains a remarkable fact that the chances of prolonging life in New Z-aland are double those at home. Assuming (says the Home News) that the reported rate of mortality in that colony is correct, the chances of longevity appear to be immensely increased by the free use of animal food. It is well known that a colonial laborer eats meat twice or three times a day, and children are accustomed to that diet in a proportionate scale. The results are to ba seen in thses comparative statistics. New Zealand is esrtainly an attractive place of residence. Blub Bimow Abmt. —On Monday evenings Blue Bibbon meeting was held at Orari, at which there was a very large attendance. The Rev. Mr Cecil occupied tke chair, and the proceedings were opened by the singing of Hymn 409 by a very efficient ehoir, under the leadership of Mr Harrison, with Miss Blytb at the harmonium. Prayers haring besn offered up, and a portion of the Scriptures read, the chairman addressed the meeting. He explained the objects of the Blue Ribbon movement, and dwelt very forcibly on the evils of intemperance. Hymn 312 was next sung, and a recitation was very nicely rendered by Master Cook. Mr Stewart delivered a very telling address, and Hymn 386 having been sung Miss M. MoCaskill gave a very good recitation, which elicited applause. The Rev. Mr White, of Pleasant Point, next addressed tbs meeting, and in the course of his address gave some forcible instances of the evils of drink. After the singing of hymn 210, those present wore invited to take the pledge, to which 30 responded by donning the blue. The singing of hymn 24, and the pronouncing of the Benediction, brought a very enjoyable meeting to a close.

Grain and Wool,—During the las tweet 15,240 sacks of grain wore received by rail and 13,568 by road, in Tiraarn, making a total uj) to Saturday of 69,715 sacks. During the same period 220 bales wool were received by rail and 47 by road. The total receipts have been by rail 18,065, by road 6398, making a grand total of 23,463 bales. Salmon and Trout Ota,—By the lonic, which arriyed at Wellington from London on Sunday, a shipment of 200,000 salmon ova came to hand for distribution in various parts of the eolony. The shipment was collected and packed under the direction of Sir James R. Gibson Maitland, Bart., at Howistown Fishery, Stirling, and was shipped in nins cases, each containing five trays of ova. As the cool chamber was only constructed for eight oasi-s one of the cases had to be stored elsewhere, and the contents ars m a very bad condition. The other casts appesred to be in fair condition. In addition to the salmon there are two oases of brown trout eggs and one small box of salmon ova eggs, which were brought out in the ship’s refrigerator hard frozen. This was merely an experiment to ascertain whether it was possible to successfully introduce ova by this means. On examination at Christchurch of the four cases of salmon ova, Canterbury’s consignment of the lonic’s shipment, it was found that a large number were dead, but about half the ova were good, and this was considered a very satisfactory result. In lbs case of the trout ova all the eggs were dead, it is supposed from being frozen during the passage out. The N.Z. Chous.—Lieutenant-Colonel McDonnell, who has had the New Zealand cross bestowed upon him, was recommended both by General Cameron and by General Chute. The former mentioned him in connection with reconnoitring cervices in the Waikato, and the latter for conducting dangerous negotiations with the Maoris at Wereroa pah, near Wangarei. In addition to this, he was recommended for gallant services in the Patea district, but all their notices failed to gain him the consideration of the Commission who distributed the crosses. Lieutenant-Colonel McDonnell was originally sub-inspector in the Colonial Defence Force. Captain Mair gets his decoration for gallantry in action with To Kooti. He engaged a force of 250 Maoris in the Hot Lakes district, with a company of 40 friendly natives, most of whom fled at the first fire. He kept up with a running fight with Hau Hans forW miles, killing many with his own<^7 an( * accounting for nearly 40 men, some of them Te Koot’s best warriors,

Gbbaidinb BifXjKS.— The annual general meeting of the Geraldine Rifles was held in the Oddfellow** Hall last Tuesday evening, There were present 41 rank and file. Captain Moors occupied the Chair and read tbs balancesheet for the year. The receipts were £454 10* Id, including £2OO grant for drillshed, Expenditure £154 17s, leaving a balance to credit of £9913s Id together with the Government grant in hands of District Adjutant, £2OO. Captain Moore moved, and Lieutenant Ward seconded, the adoption of the balance - sheet which was carried unanimously. Captain Moore informed the men that it was their intention as toon as the new drill-shed was completed to establish an Ambulance Corps, and that Dr Fish had kindly consented to take charge of the same. Dr Fish, who was preaant, explained to the men that he would be most happy to give them all the instructions necessary, so that in cases of emergency, they would be able ta reduce a fracture, or stop hemorrhage, also how to put on bandages. Captain Moors said that the Ambulance Corps must be under the control of the surgeon. Corporal Bethune proposed, and Private Patrick seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to those ladies and gentlemen who kindly assisted at the last concert.—Carried. Private Patrick asked Captain Moore if he would be in favor of the Company having an annual ball, Captain Moore expressed himself in faver of it, and the following were appointed a Committee to carry out the arrangements for the ball, viz., Lieut. Pearpoint, Privates Patrick and Jas. Pye, Private Patrick proposed, and Sergeant Stonehouse seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to Captain Moore for his services during the year.—Carried. It is proposed by the members of the Corps to entertain Captain Moore with a supper on Tuesday night, prior to his departure for England.— ’i ha following is the team selected to fire Ihe return match on the 27th between the Temaka and Geraldine Rifles; —Lieut. Ward, Color-Sergeant Hughes, Corporals Millard and Bethune, Privates Gould, Ferguson, Shaw, Flemming, Erskine, and Bandsman Ward.

SYNOPSIS OF ADVERTISEMENTS.

Tenders—-For Courthouse, Geraldine. Concert—At Hilton School, to-morrow night. Assessment Court—At Geraldine on Monday the 6th April. White, Smithson and Raymond, Solicitors -Hare opened a branch office in Geraldine.

K. F. Gray, Temuka —Announces that h» is prepared to sell ammunition at lowest current rates.

B. Morrison, Geraldine Monster Cash Clearing Sale will commence on Saturday next, and continue till further notice. Immense reductions will be made in every branch of his large and well assorted stock of drapery, clothing, groceries, produce, etc,, etc. He has on hand guns and ammunition for the approaching season. A few quotations are given.