LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1540, 15 January 1887, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Tbmuka Public School.-— This school will be reopened on the 21th January. Thb Bubns Statue.—The bronse statue of Burns, to be erected at Dunedin, has arrived in the colony. It weighs about 2 tons, and it packed in a case about 10ft x Oft, St. Joseph's Ohubch, Tbmuea. -The Bev. Father Qoggan, Professor, of St. Patrick's College, Wellington, will preach in St. Jossph’a Church, Temuka, to-morrow, at 10.30 mass. Thb Customs.— The , Customs returns of the colony for the quarter ended 3lst December show the amounted collected to have been £313,334. For the corresponding quarter last year the amount was £324,447. Lunacy. —At theR.M. Coart, Timaru, on Thursday, Sarah Ramsay, on remand from Temuka, was committed to Sunny* aide Asylum on the certificates of Drs Hogg and Hayes. The Midland Railway.— The first sod of tbs Midland Railway will be turned at Brnnnerton on the 24th January by the Hon. E. Richardson, Minister for Public Works. A commencement will shortly be also made at Springfield. Thb Cain Poisoning Oasb.— The convict Hall left Lvttrlton on Thursday afternoon by the s.s. Penguin for Dunedin, where the trial commences on tbs 24th, A northern paper mentions it as a coincidence that the trial will commence on the prisoner’s birth - day. ■ ' •' Faith Healing.— The Rev. J. Dowie closed bis faith heeling mission atlnvsroargill on Wednesday night when ten persons testified to having received' physical benefit through his agency. Mr Dowie apologised to a gentleman whom he had at the meeting on Monday accused of taking too much whiskey, and also t a the young man whom be called a lying scoundrel on the same occasion. Baohelobb’ Social Tba. —On Wednesday next a social tea will take place in the Wesleyan Church, Temuka, when a number of bachelors will oooupy the places usually filled by ladies in presiding over the tables. It remains to be seen whether they will do so as gracefully. The tea will be on the tables at 6.30, and music and addresses will follow. We hope to see the gathering the success it deserves to be. Railway Rbtusns.— The New Zealand railway* returns for thirty-six weeks shew receipts, £647,876, expenses £485,272 ; against receipts £691,714, and expenses £473,314 last year. Thus there is a decrease of £44,000 in the receipts, and an increase of £12,000 in the expenditure. The let profit is £56,000 less than last year, although 160 miles more are open. The Hurunui-Bluff receipts show a. decrease of £40,000, and the expenses only £SO increase, though eighty-six miles more are open. |

Salk or Houses, Etc .—Meaere Mundoll and Go. announce that by special request they intend bolding a sale of draught and hackney horses nt their yards on Wednesday, January 26th. They also intimate that they will hold their second sale of wool for the season at an early date, entries for which ara now being received.

A Dummt Hand.— South Kensington ’’ writes to The Times:—“May T warn ladies using the Metropolitan Railway against a man in an Inverness capo and with an apparently invalided hand-in a sling 1 That hand is s dummy. With his real baud beneath bis voluminous cape, he this afternoon relieved my daughter of her purse. The dodga is, I believe, an old one ; but history, even in the science of pocket-picking, repeats itself.” Outbreak or A Gbxsbb. News has reached Rotorua of the outbreak of a powerful geyser in the vicinity.of the Poeakoa Range on the Rotoreka Plains, within a mile or is of tha Waiokakaki settlement. Volumes of boiling mud have been thrown up, and the plain for several acres around the gsyier was covered with ejected matter. Loud explosions and an earthquake accompanied the breaking out of the geyser. Some thirty years ago Dr. Hoohstetter predicted a volcanic outbreak at this point, which would cause the subsidence of the Rotoreka Plains. Air Ihdisobeit Sblbotob.— -One of the Tuapeka deferred-payment selectors,, who in 1885 was examined Defers the Land'Board in connection with the enquiry into the alleged dummyism, brought an action at Dunedin on Tuesday against J. M. Smith, for the recovery of certain money. The plaintiff on its being pointed out to him that his evidence was inconsistent with that given at the enquiry, said he had given evidence at the enquiry as he was told to give it before he went there. He did not know exactly what position be occupied regarding the land, bat he wished he had nothing to do with it. Hilton School Committeb.— A meeting of this Committee was held on January 19th, 1887. Present—Messrs 0. G. Bradley (Chairman), Beattie, Skinner, Hide, Jones, Leary, and Cochrane. The minutes! of the previous meeting wero read and confirmed. Mr Taylor’s (the Head Master) iuusl report was read and considered satisfactory. It was decided to hold the annual treat on Friday, January 21st, 1887, the school'to break up on Thursday, 20th January, for four weeks holidays. Messrs Skinner and Bradley' were requested to arrange with the baker to‘supply provisions, etc. Sundry accounts, for £3 9s 6d were passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned until the first Monday in February^

Dbsfioablb Poaoeino.— For some months there have been several fine trout located in a deep pool in tbe Waihi river, immediately opposite Messrs J. Mundell and Go.’s stables. To watch these trout, which had come to be comparatively tame, was a source of plesiure to many persons, who. often fed them with various scraps. The other evening, however,' some person, who has none of the instincts of the true sportsman in him, emptied a quantity of lime into the pool with the view of catching them, the consequence being that the trout were almost destroyed, and many persons who came to look at them were considerably enraged to' find their speckled beauties lying almost dead in a shallow portion of tbe pool. Luckily, howeyer, the current carried away the larger portion of the lime, and the trout recovered. The person who did this despicable trick may rest assured that if caught he will be severely dealt with. Tbe law is very strict upon offenders of this class, £IOO being the fine that esh be imposed. A good deal of poaching has been going on in the Waihi river of late, owing to many of its pools being so low. A strict watch is now being kept, however, and there is not mnch doubt but some offender will ere long be brought to justice, and will reap the reward he se justly deserves. Auckland Sufbbhb Ooubt, —At the Supreme- Court sessions on Wednesday Thomas Kelly was acquitted on a charge of aiding and abetting Henry Brady in tbe impersonation at tbe Waitemata election. Brady got three months. In the afternoon, when William Andersoi, a prisoner, was called before the Grand Jury to answer a charge of laroency as a bailee, it was found that the witnesses and the detective in: this case were away, being under the impression that the case would come on on Thursday. His Honor commented severely uponthe conduct of the police, and pointed out a gross miscarriage of justice would result, as there was no evidence before the jury. His Honor discharged the prisoner, after which be ordered Detective Hughes’ prosecuting bond of £2OO to be estreated. Mendelsohn, pawnbroker, and the girl Helen Flow, who were summoned as witnesses, would have to pay a fine of £IOO each for absenting ' themselves. The Court then adjourned. Detective Hughes’ states that be was under the impression the prisoner was in tha Gaol Hospital, and would not be able to appear on Wednesday. He accordingly told-witnesses to be in attendance on Thursday. The Grand Jury returned true, bills against Caffrey and Penn for murder, and Gibbons, for arsori. On Thursday morning tbe Crown Prosecutor explained that it was not Detective Hughe’s fault that he was not present on the previous day, and applied that the fines imposed might be remjtted. His Honor Mr Justice Ward said that while he woe glad to beer the explanation he bad no power to do anything in the matter.

Ihb Dxlkk Cask.—The Figaro publishes a very bright and amusing account of an interview with Sir Charles Dilke, who, with Lady Dilke, is passing a few days in Paris, shopping and visiting theatres. Figaro describes Sir Charles Dilke as the handsomest and most aristocratic-looking man that can be imagined, and who would have made. " physically a superb Emperor of Russia,” and speaks of Lady Dilke as one of the prettiest women' ih'England. The Figaro correspondent says that Sir Charles spoke at length about the late'trial, and with a dignity that won the deepest sympathy for the speaker. The interview ended as follows “ Sir Charles begged me not to give as coming from him information that 1 possess about the trial. I will conform to , his desire. 1 will only say what I know de source certaine, and what neither the press nor English society know, namely, that in a few months the grand Crawfbrd-Dilke case will re-open. This trial, the most scandalous of the century in England, is about to enter its third act. A number of Sir Charles’ friends,.without his knowledge or initiative, made a most thorough investigation, with a result which the public will soon learn with the greatest amazement, l oan affirm that these friends of Sir Charles, among whom are statesmen, lawyers, physicians, and Cabinet Ministers, are on the track of a conspiracy that will make the Press of the entire world re-echo with excitement. This third trial will also abound and overflow with the most revolting details, but it will give‘ah opportunity to one of (he able’et and most accomplished men of modern times' to emerge with a high head: and a bold front from the black pit of infamy into which he 1 has been cast by a conspiracy and accusations (hat he hitherto, has not been able to resept.” Mrs Virginia Crawford, who waa one of the defendants in the Crawfprd-Dilke case, proposes to make her debut in oomsdy shortly at a West End Theatre.

ukass OMUi—ri,ne uuer oi me authorities re grass seed along the railway was quickly taken advantage of, all having already been applied for. , Church Parade.—A church parade of y the Qeraldine Riflea will take place next Sunday. They will attend the Presbyterian Church j. where divine service will be conducted by the Rev. Q.Barolay. Gvualdikb Btrss.—Mors‘than one party of pleasure-seekers visited this bush on Thursday last, and as iris a favorite resort Of picnic parties no doubt many more will visit it during the next 'few weeks. It is to be sincerely hoped that snob.parties will be extremely careful of any firs they may light, as during tbe weather we "are experisnoing, and, in (act, all through tha summer months, everything in tbe bush is at inflsmable as tinder, and a match or spark maybe Sufficient to oonvart the now lbvely spot into a wilderness of smouldering embers and charred 'stumps. The Geraldine Tewn Board, in whom;the Raukapuka Bush is now vested, would do welt to take Some measures for cautioning parties Visiting it against any carelessness in the nee of fire.’ Industrial Association,— At a meeting of the Industrial Association at Obrietehureh last Wednesday* Mr Price Williams, tha eminent mechanical engineer, now on a visit to the colony, was present, and. expressed the opinion that the minerals of tha colony ware very valuable'and imperfectly known. On bi’s return to England he would endeavor to draw attention to their Value.'/ Mr J. B; Staniell,. who waa present byinvitation, gave the resultof a visit totheKakahu district, in Sonth Canterbury, end testified to its richness in pottery clay, slate, and limestone. Tbe drawback to the successful working of the resources of the district was the distance from the nearest railway station—about twelve miles. A vote of thinks was paated to Mr Staniell, who promised, at the request of the meeting, to-further report to the next general meeting. - ' Masonic. —The regu far' meeting of tha Masonic Lodge was - held in the lodgeroom on Thursday evening’last. Thera was a good attendance of metnbere, about thirty being present. There %aa also a large number of visiting brethren present, representing come seven or eight lodges,, including those of Lyttleton, church, Ashburton,' Otago,* • and othqpP places,—The District Orahd Lodge half - ' their quarterly communication. Present —Bro. the Rev. James Hill, R.W.D.G.M., Canterbury, S.O. $ Bro. LewiSOn, Acting D.Q.S. W.; Bro. j.Gunmegham, Acting D.G.S.W.; ]Brb. Frandie|' D.G.J.W,; Bro. Jackson, D.G.8.D.; Bro. N. Dunlop, Acting D.G.J.D.;Bro. J.;; Hill Carroll, D.G S. , After their commanication the Ledge transacted thoqaoal routine bus!pees, and it was tbep riised and reduced to the satisfaction bjf. the,.R*W.D.G.M., who also expressed himself as highly pleased with the. manner in which the Lodge waa progreasing. ; ; The Lodge was then opened for the purpose of conferring ' the Mark degree on all brethren present. % About thirty candidates forward, •* and the ceremony • waa in a most solemn and Impressive manner by Bro. Hill. At the conclusion of the ceremony the brethren partobk of light re* fresh monte, which had bebo prepared by Messrs J; Williams add'Son'in their usual excellent manner. 1 The meeting broke up’.amid the utmost 1 unanimity and fraternal goodfellowship.* ;' ! J GbbaLDINB FLORAL AND HOBTICULTUEA. L Sooibtt. —A meeting of the Managing Committee qt tbit Society wu( held on Wednesday evening ip the office of tlie Secretary* there being present Messrs J. Pye (Chair'man) S. Chapmsfa, M, Coombs, J. W. Pye, andJ. 8. Waits. The minutes'of the previoui meeting were read arid' confirmed. After transacting (omq routine .hosineH, it waa decided to advertise the forthcoming show in the Gibaldixi Gttai* dian on Saturday, and in the Timera Herald on Tuesday next, Meiara J. W. Pye and A.. Fisher were requested to see about haring a refreshment stall in the drill* shed on the day of the; exhibition. It was resolved that the minutes pissed at a previous meeting, asking the Chairman of the Town Board to grant a half .holiday on the day of the exhibition, bs rescinded. It|was derided that members who had not paid the amounts due by them by Wednesday night, and wishing to enter the show, should be charged full , entrance fees; Tbe meeting thee.adjourned till Wednesday night next at the drillshed a£Ak 7 p-tn. —As will.be seen by an advertisement T/ which appears in another oolumi the Society intend bolding, their third annuel exhibition ,in the drillshed, Geraldine, on , Thursday evening next.... The tfo/ previous shows held, under the auspices of this Society have proved .unqnaljfiad' .iucosssei. Considering the magnificent' ball they will this year have at their disposal, and the strenuous, efforts the. Committee have made to make the affair'go off well, (hie year’s show should totally eclipse those of the two previous years. The Geraldine Brass Band will discourse some of their 'best selections during the evening, and there .will also be an auction eale of exhibits at the close of the show, when doubtless some choice lots will be. obtainable. Exhibitors are. reminded that all articles for competition must be at the drillehed before 10 a.tn. Welcome Rain. -The rein which had been so long expected and wished. canes on Thursday. The sky, in the morning,- bore every appearance of rain, and about three o’clock in the afternoon, the rain began to' fall steadily, light at first, bat increasing till itlaet. there was a good quantity of water falliog. The effect of the downpour waa. like magic; G upon the trees and shrubs.;. .The dust * which had accumulated upon them during the dionght was soon waebedolf, and in about half-an*hour mosl of the larger plants that previously appeared drooping and scorched Were .etaiijiipg jerect and lookedgreener than' they have appeared for many a day. A great many of the smaller plpats, however, bsve suconmbed to the extreme heat aod drynese. In striking contrast to tho bright : green foliage was the scorched and brown ap* pearance of the peßture ’lapd.' ;, Tbia hah beep so burnt up that it wilt take a good deal of mOietare to make it look green again and -its appearance could not but -x strike the eye.. The rain cbojinued falling till ibout 6.30, whepit moderated to %JT heavy which pontinued well inti/ the night. Friday morning, however/ broke ae bright and hot as eyer. - Even the little misturethat fell will hate a most, beneficial effect upon crops of all dpscriptions, but af tints a Very, great deal more is to .be of \ ing beoefit.to the country., The tddtMb' crops and grass need a deaf of rain yet -W before they will maka much growth, while thnr oeroale would beiraetly < improved by or day two’e continued wot. L lt ie to be hoped that the weather having now jrokenweshall have a good downpour / before long. A light Bhowpf also fylj at Qeraldioe oh ThuisJay morniog. ; t "