LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1554, 17 February 1887, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A Maobi Prophecy.— The Petana (H. 8.) Maoris foretell a great flood ; they have been watching the rats lately, and are taking pre- ( cautions in consequence of the signs. Cricket. The cricket match at Newcastle between the English Eleven and ' Twenty-two of the Town and District was drawn in favor of the Englishmen, Haed Timm.—Owing to the depressed ■ state of the labor market the Western Australian Government has decided to spend £73,000 in public works to afford employment to those out of work. * Assault by a Dkukkabd.—A cowardly ( assault was committed at Onehunga (Auok- , land) on the local Captain and Lieutenant of the Salyalion Army (Miss Sneddon and Miss Serjeant) by a drunken man named Feather- j ston. He was fined for drunkenness with a J week’s imprisonment for the assault. * DuKBBIK Races. —To suit the convenience ] of persona wishing to visit the rsces at Dunedin on the 23rd, 24th, and 26th of this 8 month, the railway authorities announce ( that excursion tickets, available for return ■ up to the 7th March, will be issued at Te- * muka from the 21st to 25tb February, in- J elusive—the fares being 23* 6d first class and t 17s 6d second class. t Joubkambtio Amimitim. The two 1 Poverty Bay papers have proclaimed war to 1 the knife. The proprietors of one of these 8 journals have been committed for trial. This t was a rare chance for the other, which at ( once published the following local:—“ It is a worthy of note thst while our contemporary a takes every opportunity of vilifying everyone, J and of magnifying the slightest fault in fc others, it has been cowardly enough to totally j, suppress their own committal for trial for e criminal notion.” j, A Mihistbb ok Baohiioes. —At a con- b versasioae in Wellington the other night, the t Rev. Mr Paterson, of Napier, was veryssvere t on bachelors. He said that he favored union of all kinds, more especially that kind of 8 onion whore a young man with “ that sheepish look ” came to him and asked him • to tie the knot. Speaking of bachelors, for . whom he apparently frit much cotnpas-ion, 1 **’• ray. gentleman said they were of “ little n —/me leg of a pair of scissors.” s .' more use tint.. . I '**nosiei» order of This attack on the u.i, 1 —p bHchelors, says the Press, was received ... terrific applause, and it was noticeable that I v * for (be remainder of the evening Mr Paterson j ol was the lion among the ladies, I hi

Thb Gain Mubdbb Cash.— The AttorneyGeneral will nob be able to conduct the argument in the Cain murder case at the Appeal Court. Mr Haggilt will therefore conduct the Crown oaee. Sticking-up Cask.— According to yesterday’s Press Mr Beece, telegraphist at Culverden, North Canterbury, was on Monday night stuck up and robbed by two men who carried swags, on tho road between Hurunui and Oulverden. Gbbat Expectations.— -The Waimate correspondent of the Lyttelton Times says that Mr George Luck, of that place, has a paddock of wheat which is expected to yield the exceptionally large return of from 85 to 90 bushels per acre. Pabish Festival at Gitaldinb.— The annual Sunday School treat and Parish festival in connection with St. Mary’s Obnroh, Geraldine, takes place to-day in the Park. The arrangements are most complete, and should the weather prove fine the gathering will doubtless prove a great success. Teaspass Notice.— Messrs W. S. and G. Helem advertise in another column that in consequence of the carelessness in using fire shown by persons trespassing in the Old Raukapnka Bush mill land in future all pernios found trespassing in tbs Bush will be ; prosecuted. Distribution op Pbizbs.— The Hon. W. ’ Bolleston will distribute the prizes gained by pupils attending the Tomuka District High School this evening in the Volunteer Hall. The hon, gentleman will deliver an address and ,a number of vocal and instru.mentalSseleotions will bt given. Accident. —A nasty accident happened yesterday evening to a boy about nine years of age, the eon of Mr T. Burke, of Arowhenua, He was sitting on a rail playing, and was pushed off by a playfellow, the consequence being that his left arm was dislocated at the elbow. Dr Hayes was culled in and attended to the lad. Supplementary. - - In the list of nominations for the Sires’ Produce Stakes published in this paper on Thursday last, owing to a full pedigree of Mr D. Denoon’s colt not having been given to the Secretary of the Geraldine Racing Club, it was described simply as being a son of Trump Card. The colt is a bay one by Trump Card, dam Yinco. The Timaru Steam Colliery Company.—At a statutory meeting of the Timarn Steam Colliery Company held on Tuesday night, the net profit for the half-year ended January was shown to be £343 13s 4d, and a .15 per cant, interim dividend was declared. Mr Sutter gave notice that at the next meeting, to be held in a fortnight, he would more that the boat be sold. Fibb Brigades’ Dihonstbatiok. Arrangements hare been made for an efficient supply of water in connection with the Fire Brigade demonstration to be held at Dunedin next week. A new water pipe baa basn laid on the ground, which when tested gave pressure of 1851 b per square inch. Twenty-two teams have entered, and all are expected to pat in an appeal ancs. The Governor is expected to attend. The annual conference takes place on Monday, and the demonstration commences next day. Temuka Pass Board. — A special meeting of the above Board was held yesterday afternoon. Present —Messrs Gray, Moyer, and Quinn. The meeting was called for the purpose of electing % Chairman for the year, and on the motion of Mr Quinn, seconded by Mr Meyer, Mr Gray was elected. It was decided to bold the meetings on the second Tuesday m each month in the Town Board Office, Temuka. Tho Chairman was instructed to write to the Under-Secretary, requesting him to gazette Mr Aspinail ss a member of the Beard. The meeting then adjourned. Night Pbowlbbb. —In our advertising columns Mr Q-eo. Bolton expresses the hop* that the parsons who have been making free with his firewood, coal, ducks, and fowls, and have started on his geese, will leave him the balance of the latter, as he has a tender feeling for them. Should they not do so he intends to lay an information. Mr Bolton has been a heavy loser by night prowlers, and although he alludes to his loss ia a somewhat humorous way the thieves will find it is no joke should they be caught. Other thefts of a similar character are reported to have occurred. Licensing Elections. — ■ The following nominations were received at noon on Tuesday by the Returning Officer for the Baukapuka district, Mr 0. B. Sherratt Mr 0. G. Tripp, nominated by Messrs J. Cunningham and M. Connolly ; Mr W. U. Slack, nominated by Messrs J. Cunninghem and M. Connolly; Hon. L. Walker, nominated by Messrs h. H. Pearpoint and Thomas Farrell; Mr W. S. Maslin nominated by Messrs B. S. Co ok and E. H. Pearpoint; Mr A. H. Brisco* nominated by Messrs R. H. Pearpoint and J. Mundell. There being only five members required a poll will not be necessary.—Messrs R. A. Barker, Jas. Blyth, Andrew Grant, Jas. Guild, D. In wood, B. Lee, John Meyer, and John Talbot were nominated for the Temuka Committee, and a poll for the election of five will take place next Tuesdajr. Magisterial, —Before commencing the business of the R.M. Court at Geraldine on Tuesday last, Mr Baddeley, addressing Dr Foster, said in reference to his letter that be had intended, irrespective of that, to say something on tho subject »f receiving plaints. It was quite an error to suppose that the plaintiff was entitled to take out a summons up to 48 hours before the court sat. It was the defendant who was entitled to 43 hours’ service, and the summons must be taken out in time to admit of this being effected. As a matter of fact, plaintiffs rushed the clerk at the last moment, and it was impossible to get their summonses served in time. Every Court had a right to make regulations for its own practice, and he thought the rule he had laid down, fer five days, was convenient, more especially having regard to the fact that so many of the summonses had to be served at long distances from Geraldine. It also gave him (Mr Baddeley) an opportunity of considering what books might be necessary, and bringing them with him to the Court. As counsel were aware, time were no books belonging to the Court itself, and he made a practice, at considerable inconvenience to himself, of always bringing with him the books most likely to be wanted in dealing with cases before the Court. Dr Foster suggested that the difficulty arose from having a hatd-ahd-fas* rule that in no case could a summons be taken out under fire days, but the Magistrate said that was not so, in an urgent case a summons could bo taken out at any moment, but the urgency must be of a kind recognised by the Act, such as, for instance, if tho defendant was likely to go away. It .vould not do to put it upon the mere ground of conto the plaintiff, hut in (he cme veuiou. ~ " ‘ -"miaou* could be of real urgency ti»e „.. . bad at any moment' ,

New Caledonia.—ln 1878 there were •bout 8000 convicts in New Caledonia—* total which hai linoe been swelled by the arriral of reoidivistes to 20,000. The loti eat sentence for tramportation is for seven years. After that each man has to serve for seven ysars more as a “ libere ” under surveillance. R.M. Court, Timaru.— At the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Timaru, on Tuesday, before J. S. Beawlck, Esq., R.M., John Brien was fined 5s for drunkenness, and sent to prison for seven days for using obscene language. Robert Kent alias Silas Kent, charged with assaulting and robbing Thomas Mitchell of £4 on the 23rd January was remanded to Christchurch. I

Meeting or Paiibhionibs.—A meeting of the parishioners of St. Saviour’s Church, Temuks, was held on Monday evening last, there being only a small attendance. The Rev. T. A. Hamilton, Incumbent, presided. It was decided to hold the annual festival on the 14th of April. The festival will take the form of a bazaar, for which a large number of things have already been promised. In the evening the goods remaining unsold will be auctioned, together with any agricultural produce that may be contributed. The ueual adjuncts of basaars—post-office, shooting gallery, etc.—'Will be arranged for. The Firb at Ranoitata.— In our last issue we reported the destruction by fire of a five-roomed house, used as a but and storeroom, belonging to Mr Ruddeoklau, at Rangitata, Since then we have learned the following particulars : —The house was insured for £IOO. Among the stores destroyed were thirteen mats sugar, 6 or 7 sacks flour, and a large quantity of bacon. Besides their clothing the employees lost £3 15a in money, and one lost a silver watch. No clue as to the origin of the firs has been found.

Nativb Muhxmobnoi.—To Heuheu and the ohiefi of ihe Ngatutuwharetoa, bare expretied their deiire to make a free gift to Government of Tohgariro, Ruapehu, and Ngarushoe mountains, with the land around them at far at the level country, for the purpose of establishing a national park. The land has already been marked, and a bill is being prepared in order to give effect to the wishes of the chiefs. The land comprises a two miles radius round Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu* The land is about 9000 acres, and a further area will probably be acquired. Provision will be made *for improving the land out of moneys voted by Parliament for the purpose.

Dbsbobaxion or A Gbatb.—An extraordinary case of profanation of a grave has occurred at Howdan, Pas de Calais. On the 16th July the little daughter of a miner was buried in her best apparel, and with a pair of earrings worth rather lees than four shillings. The mother objected to these ornaments remaining in the ears of a corps#, bat was overruled by her husband. At the beginning of November last she seorstly repaired to the grave, and, with the assistance of another daughter, 13 years of age, emptied the grave, forced open the coffin, tore the earrings from the decomposing body, and then filled in the earth again. The woman has been taken into custody. Mobb Than He Expected.— The Ellesmere Guardian eays that the other day a party of girls were spending the dsy at New Brighton, and, having their bathing eostnmes with them, they indulged in a dip. While enjoying themselves one of the opposite eez appeared on the scene, and, apparently thinking it would be good fun to keep the girls out to sea, stood closa to the edge of the water. The fair ones did not mind this much at first, but at last thinking it was getting monotonous they put their heads together to devise some plan. They then rushed at the youth, dragging him right into the breakers. When released he bad learned a lesson, as bis hair, pockets, clothes, etc., were filled with sand and water, and he had the appearance more of a drowned rat than a Christchurch “ masher.”

Thb TowaAH Avfaie. The Tongan Government schooner Sandfly is (Tuesday) still detained at Russell, as it is blowing an easterly gale. The captain states that six men, charged with being concerned in shooting at the Premier, were condemned to death. King George, hearing that a petition was got up to stay execution, ordered the natives to be taken to an island at the mouth of the harbor and shot at onee, saying that he would have no interference by white men. The Sandfly when leaving passed a schooner with the condemned prisoners on board. The captain has no doubt the sentence was carried out. Several other natives were being tried when the Sandfly left. Mr and Mrs Baker, with their son and daughter, leave for Fiji, and come to Auckland by the Arawata when the invalids are sufficently recovered. It is surmised that Sandfly brought despatches from the Premier of Tonga to Rear-Admiral Tryon, which were sent ashore at Russell to be sent either by post or telegiaph to Auckland. The Auckland Herald’s correspondent telegraphs from Russell: —The natives tried and condemned to death by the Native Court belonged to the tribe of the rebel chiefs, Labal and Tareuka. The latter is the son of one of those condemned to be executed, and a principal mover in the couapiracy. He was some time ago in Auckland as servant to the Rev. Mr Baker. If Mr Baker had been killed his supporters intended to retaliate by murdering the Rev. Mr Moulton.

I.O.Q.T.—The Welcome Retreat No. 44, Geraldine, held an open Lodge meeting on Monday evening last. Bro. J. W. Fye, W.C.T., presided, and there was a very good attendance of the brethren and public. The programme, which was a long and varied one, consisting of songs, rsadiogs, and recitations, was well carried put, and afforded those present a very enjoyable evening’s recreation. The following is the programme Song, Mr Herdman, "Flowers of the Foresteong, a lady, " Dream Faces j” song, a gentleman; song, Miss Maslin, “Growing Old together, Dear,” encored but not responded to; reading, Mr T. Sberratt, “My Wife is a Woman of Mind;” song, a gentleman, “Nothing More.” The item of “ really first-class buns and coffee was the next on the programme,” and in this the whole meeting took part to their evident satisfaction. The second part of the programme wae opened by Miss Colbert with a song, “Little Sweetheart, Come and Kiss Me sons, Mr Logan, “Boses underneath the Snow,” encored, and “ ’Pis but a little Faded Flower ” given in response ; s mg, a lady, “ Come, Buy My Sweet Flowers j” Mr A. S. Brooker made bis first appearance before a Geraldine audience with the solo “ Pass under the Rod; ” song, Miss Maslin, “ The Old Kentucky! Home ;” recitation, Mr Mabm, “ The Charge of the Light Brigade song (comic), Mr Darlow, “ Ain’t it Peculiar,” encored ; duet. Miss Andrews and another lady, * ‘ O’er the Sill, O’er the; Dsle.” This concluded the musical portion of the programme. The W.C.T. thanked; those present for their attendance that evenin?. He eaid they could not expect to have quite such large meetings as in the winter months, harvest being now in full swing, but if they could keep the meetings going on till a little later no doubt they would again have their ball crowded. The singing of the national anthem by the audience terminated a Dismast eyening,

Geraldine Oountt Council. dates for the representation of the Geraldine Biding in (he Geraldine County Council must be nominated with the Returning Officer, Mr G. E. Sberratt, before noon tomorrow. The seat has been rendered yaoaufe •■W by the resignation of Mr B. H. Fostlethwaite.

Ranchtata Island School Committer. —A special meeting was held in the above School on Monday evening, 14th inst., to o miner the applications of teachers for the position of Master or Mistress of the Sobool. Eight applications were to hand. After a very lengthy discussion it was decided to recommend—First, Mr H. J. McClure, as Master Second, Miss Morton, of Temuka, as Mistress. The Committee expressed their desire to open the School on the 28ih inst. After other business had been disposed of the Committee adjourned at 11 p.m. till March 7.

Temuka Mechanics' Institute. A special mseting of the ; Committee of the above Institute was held leet Tuesday evening. The Vice-President, Mr H. M. Miles, occupied the chair, and there were present Messrs Lawson, Coira, Bryarr, Blytbi, and H’ines (secretary). The meeting wait called to consider the report of the canvassers, who were asked to canvass for subscribers at 10s saoh. Thera were givea in the namesof 15 pereoni, who were willing to join if the fee had been reduced, and 6 who would join at tke praient rate of £1 per annum. The natter was considered at some length, and it was decided not to call another special meeting at present, as the canvass.did not justify , the reduction of the subscription. The meeting then adjourned. ~ Geraldine Public Stobtb.— A mseting of the Committee appointed to carry oat these sports was held, at the Buah Inn, Geraldine, on Tuesday evening. Present— Messrs R. H. Feerpoint (Chairman), N. Dunlop, J. Turner, J. W. Pye, D. Mollraith, R. Dsrlow, and the Secretary, H.N, Sickens. The minutes of the previous meeting were reed and confirmed. The various collection books were handed in, when tit was shown that the sum of £34 9s 6d had been promised, which was considered very satisfactory. The Committee then proceeded to draw up • programme of sports, and an excellent one was prepared, prizes to the value of about £45 being allotted to the various events. The necessary officials and sub-Committees were then appointed, and it was" decided tWL prosecute the canvassing for vigorously. It is intended to try and make the affair an annual one.

Scab let Fivbk at Auckland.— The following letter has been written by 'Dr Stockwell to the Chairmen of the Board of Health, Auckland“ I have this (Tuesday) morning been called to visit at Mr Clark'* hou.v in Carlton road, and find two case* of scarlet fever,' and two other case* threatening to become *o. Three of these arrived at Auckland on Tuesday, last week, by the steamer from the South, having been transferred from one of the direct mail steamer*. 1 am informed that cases—two. at least—of scarlet fever had occurred on board that direct mail steamer within a fortnight the passengers being permitted to land, and one within three’’days.' -I would respectfully point out that much danger to the inhabitants must result from such a course being pursued by medical gentle* man of vessels and of the port." Fbbzs Yotoo Aoain.—“ My mother was afflicted a long time with neuralgia and a dull heavy, inactive condition of the whole system, headache, nervons prostration, and was almost helpless. No physicians or msdi. oinea did her any good. Three'months ago she began to nse Dr. Sonia's Hop Bitters, with snob good effect (hat she seams andfaala young again, although over seventy years old.”—A Lady U.F.Ai Look up Advt. "■ ;> *

RAXIiWAY RkEEBSHMENT ROOKS,TntABff, —D. McGuinness begs to Inform bit aumerous friends, and the travelling public in par* tioular, that having taken, the i above rooms for a fresh term heihas decided to reduce the chargee hitherto made,, and in future they will be as follow Breakfast in readiness for early trains, lie 6d; Hot Lunch or Dinner, served up in the hitherto well-known profuse style, on arrival of North and Seuth Express trains, is 6d. Tea and Coffee always in readiness, and choice confectionery, Ao; The lessee would especially draw attention to the Ladies’ Private Dining-room, which has been specially arranged and furnished for their convenience. A waitress is always in /. attendance. The usual Is Lunches are still •, continued at the Club Hotel.—Advt. ■ - F - ' "-'1 .■