LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1561, 5 March 1887, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Salb at Gbbaldinb.—Oa Monday next Messrs J. Mundell and Go. will sell a laige quantity of sheepskins.

Timabtt Gahbibon Band.—The Timaru Garrison Band hare just been supplied with a new set of instruments, of superior manufacture, and a great improvement in their playing is looked for.

Post Chaimebs Sbat A movement to ask Mr James Mills, Manager of the Union Steamship Company, to stand for Port Chalmers in succession to Mr Maoandrew is meeting with support, and Mr Mills is likely to accede to the request.

Pbteolbum.—The Directors of the Southern Cross Petroleum Company are in receipt of advices from Rotokau'uku that the bore is now down to a depth of 1740 ft. The report further states that the indications are much more favorable.—Press. The Maolhtybb Testimonial Dr Maclntyre will be presented on Wednesday next with a testimonial expressive of the approval of the public with the aotion he took in the Hall wife poisoning case. The presentation will be made in the Town Hall, Timaru.

ClEOtrfl. —On Monday evening next Messr' Herbertand Fitzgerald's Great London Oirous will appear in Temuka. The performer* are first-class and perform some astonishing feats, while the doings of the trained horses are something surprising. The circus stays for oue night only. The Laxk Mb Maoaitdbbw.—-At s public meeting at Dunedin on Thursday night a resolution was paased deploring the loss sustained by the colony by the death of the late Mr Macandrew, and it was decided to found a Macandrew scholarship at the Otago University, and to erect a statue to his memory.

Saib op Furniture.—Mr W. S. Maslin held a very successful sale of furniture on account of the trustees in the estate of th*» late Mr G. B. Turnbull, at his auction room, Qeraldine, on Thursday last. The sale attracted a large number of buyers, and the whole of the furniture, as we'l as a large lot of other entries, changed hands at satisfactory prices. Erratum. —An error crept into our report of the sitting of the Raukapuka Licensing Bancb on Tuesday. It should have read that Mr Furrell'e application for a transfer of license was supported by an infiuencially signed petition, and also that the Act had been complied with, with the exception that 20days' notice h«d been given instead of 21.

The Late Fieb at Wellington.—The Wellington Post is informed that legal advice from reliable authority has been given that the Oity Corporation can be held responsible to the losers for the total amount of damage done by the late fire. The grounds upon which this opinion is based cannot be made public, but it is quite on the cards that the Insurance Companies will submit the question to a court of law.

Vest Fobgetfpl.—-Mr A. L. Levy was interviewed at Wellington on Thursdav, and invited to explain the reason of his mysterious disappearance. He had nothing to say except a general statement that sinoe he left Wellington a year ago until last Monday week be had no recollection of anything. He denied that he had gone off with a young woman, and said he did not remember ever going on board the steamer. He does not remember writing the letter reoeued at Wellington from him, though he believes it is his.

University Senate. The University Senate has decided to offer eight junior and six senior scholarships this year, and not to agee to the recommendation as to the abolition of the ceremonial of presenting diplomas. The value of the Tinline scholarship was fixed at £SO. The following were appointed a Committee to consider the question of the utilisation of the Junior Scholarship examination as leaving examination for secondary sohools —Professors Shand and J. C. Brown, Messrs Rolleston and Giles (Chairman). It was resolved that the next annual meeting should be held in Dunedin, and a proposition that it should be held in Auckland was lost. The Hukam Foot and Fobearh.—The foot should be ai long as the ohief bone of the forearm ; that it, from the small head of the bone to be seen at the wrist to the point of the elbow should be the length of the foot. Where the forearm is too short, the foot will be found to be also too short j where this is too long, the foot will be too long. Most people are surprised that the foot should be as long as the forsarm, and are inclined to dispute the fact till they prove it by experiment; but an experiment will easily show that a straight line drawn from one point to another will appear a great deal longer than the same space filled by a line divided into curves. Timabu High School.—-At a speoial meeting of the Timaru High School Board of Governors on Thursday, Mr Hewat was appointed to the mastership rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr Laing. It was decided to accept Mr A. M. Clarke's suggestion to meet the Board and discuss the subieofc of fencing one of the Board's reserves leased by him. The reply of the rector to Mr Goldstone's complaint re tie punishment of his son was received, and the matter was considered in Committee, wher. it was resolved —"That m the opinion of a majority of the Board the charges made by Mr Goldstone are not such as to induoe the Board to investigate the matter further." A special Committee was appointed to enquire into the financial position of the Board, its revenue present and prospective, teaching power, salaries, and other expenditure, and report next meeting. ,

ACubt Reply.—Messrs Blundell Bros., proprietors of the Wellington Evening Post, bare instructed their solicitors to state that they absolutely decline to make the apology demanded by Messrs McMahon and Leitch, or pay them one penny, preferring to rely on the evidence they can produce in support of the statement on which the alleged libel is based. B.C. Acclimatisation Society. -At a weeting of the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, in Timaru on Thursday, it was resolved —"That the season for shooting cock pheasants and Galifornian quail be from May Ist to July 31st, both days inclusive, and that the license fee for shooting the above birds be £l." After some discussion it was deoided not a offer a premium for the heads of shags and hawks, it being considered that these birds do more good than barm, A Larue Eel.—On Monday last, as Mr R. Scott the driver of Messrs Mundell and Co'a coach was proceeding to the Orari he saw an enormous eel trying to work its way down the Waihi river. On his next trip he took a spear with him, and succeeded, after considerable trouble, in securing it in a small pool. The eel measured 4ft 6in in length, Ift 3in round, and turned the scale at the unusual weight of 211bs.

Personal.—Mr and Mrs R. H, Postlethwaite left Geraldine by the three o'clock coach on Tuesday last in order to catch the north express on their way to join the a.s. Buapehu, by which boat Mr and Mrs Postlethwaite intend to proceed to the Old Country on a visit. For some considerable time Mr Postlethwaite has taken an nctive interest in public affairs, and he will be considerably missed during his absence from the colony.

A Landslip. A terrific thunderstorm buret on Bell Hill and Nelson Creek dristicfc, West Coast, on Monday evening last, and heavy' rain caused a landslip, trbioh buried a hut belonging to Jaoob Brabwell, killing his dog instantly, and pinning Brabwell in the fireplace, in which there was a big fire at the time. Fortunately he was discovered by a neighbour in time to resoue him from a frightful death, but not before he was badly burnt from his ankle to his thigh. Brabwell is a very aged man and an old resident in the district. Thb Sahdhuhst Explosios.—A terrible explosion occurred on the 23rd [February at Alabaster's Powder Fao'-ory, near Eaglehawke Bay, by which five lives were lost and a number injured. The most improved machinery was in use for manufacturing with safety. The faotory gave employment to about a dozen persons, a large (proportion of whom were boys. The force of the explosion was felt a long distance. One lad was picked up dead fifty or sixty yards away. It was stated the magazine contained five or six tons of powder, and as the flames burnt with fierceness the bodies of the unfortunate viotims were roasted. They were burnt and charred beyond recognition. Nothing has yet been ascertained as to the cause. The magazine resisted the fire and was not destroyed.

Abohbisiop Ceokb akd Irish Apvaiks. —A special telegram te the Melbourne Telegraph dated London, Feb 18, says:—Arohbishop Oroke, of Cashel, has written a letter in which he advises Irishmen to no longer pay any taxes to the English Government. He urges that Irishmen will be justified in refusing to any longer contribute taxes which •re applied to the feeing and feeding of a gang of needy and roraoious lawyers; to the purchase of bludgeons for polioemen. to be used in the smashing of the Irish people's own skulls; and for the support of a foreign (English) garrison. The publication of the letter has created an enormous agitation throughout the United Kingdom. If the advice of the Archbishop is adopted there is every appearanoe that the people of England will unanimously support of martial law in Ireland. Mr Farnell deprecates the advice of Archbishop Croke, knowing that if it is followed it will lead to oivil war.

Abominable Cet/eltt.—Last October a Shropshire doctor and his wife—by name Mr and Mrs Henry 0. Williams—moving in respectable society, well connected, and so forth, flogged their poor little daughter Gladys neraly to death. The child, who Pas only six years old, had been negligent with her lessons—she could not spell "fox"—whereupon, after a dry bread luncheon, she was taken into the nursery and flogged withariding-wbip by her unnatural father for h»lf-an*hr txt. Her screams were dreadful. After tWty minutes torture port wine was sent for, and then the flogging was resumed. The poor, girl, who was much bruised on the lower part of her body, fainted away at the close of her punishment. The prosecution whs conducted under many difficulties, but the case was at last sent to Quarter Sessions. The jury found the accused guilty, and the Chairman, instead of sending them to gaol, imposed the miserable fine of £25 eaub.

Pbotection Wanted. A deputation waited on the Commissioner of Trade and Customs at Wellington on Wednesday representing operative bootmakers in the four centres —J. Moran, Auckland ; W. Smith, Wellington ; J. Noon, Christoburoh ; and Alfred Loasby,. Dunedin. Mr Fisher introduced them, saying the deputation had come in support of a resolution pissed by the operative bootmakers in the four chief oities in regard to tbe tariff on boots and shoes, f.nd a petition which has been signed by 320 members of tbe trade throughout the colony, praying for an increased tariff to (30 per cent ad valorem) on all imported boots and shoes. Mr Fisher said the effect of the existing condition of things was that on an average the men employed in the boot trade were employed only nine moaths in the year, and the average rate of wages was 35s par week. Although the commoner sorts of imported boots had been beaten out of the market, the existing duty was too low to enable colonial bootmakers to oompete in the manufacture of a superior class of goods, and they therefore isked that some alteration in the tariff should be made. Tho members of the deputation eaoh spoke at length oa the necessity of increasing the duty. Sir J. Vogel said he need hardly assure them that the representations of a deputation of so extended a character would receive the careful consideration ot the Government. He was inclined to think the present system of ass°ssing the duty did set unfairly, and his opinion was I that on the whole the ad valorem system would probably be most satisfactory. It was a question, however, as to whether children's boots should be treated in the same manner as other boots, as he understood that they were not likely to be extensively manufactured in the colony. As regards 30 per cent., that was rather a " large order," and would create a great deal of opposition. It would be trebling the average of the present duty. He held strong opinions upon the whole question of protection, but most of the colony was rather against the views of the deputation, and a great many members of the House were against an increase last year. It might bo tbat some others had since altered their minds, and be could not help feeling that strong reactionary feeling had taken plaoe in 1 the country on the question* I

Ooncbht AT Temuka.—ln our columns will be found the programme of ooncert to be given in tbe Yolunteer Hall, Temuka, on Thursday evening next, in aid of the Cadets uniform fund. It is a very varied one, and should attract u good audience. r

Important to Athletes.—Owing to an oversight in making out the programme of the Geraldine Public Sports it was not specified tUt nominations must be accompanied with a record of performances tin- the previous two years.' An advertisement appearing in another column oils attention to this fact, and also tbut all nominations must be in the hands of the Secretary by Monday next.

Thbbb Seamen Poisoned.—The barque Thurso, Captain Scoular, from tbe Mauritius, left Jan. 21, arrived at Port Ohalmersyesterday. She brings 260 tons of sugar, 10 tons fibre, and 400 tons sugar for Lyttelton. On the passage three seamen died from supposed fish poisoning by eating shark. The steward was also attacked, but is now nonvalesaent. The second officer also partook of some of the fish without any serioas consequences. The Health Officer placed the ship in quarantine.

Boy Bub&laes. Ernest Lear, a boy about ten years, appeared at the Dunedin Police Court on Thursday, charged with housebreaking and stealing £5. The evidenoe showed that accused and a younger boy, son of tlio people from whom the money was taken, had gone into the bouse and abstracted the money. They had spent some, and then Lear had gone to the races, and when arrested he was standing by a gambling table, and had by this time only £2, on him. As the boy was too young to be sent to gaol, and had evidently been tempted by the other lad, he was sentenced to six strokes of a biroh rod.

Batouet Competition—Great interest is being taken amoDg the townspeople of Geraldine in the forthcoming sports. Among the volunteers the bayonet com* petition has mot with general approval, and a squud from the Geraldine Rifles ara in active training for the event. It is also probxble that one or more squads will enter from the Asbburton Rifles, and the affair altogether bids fair to be a most intfrestiug feature of the gathering. To a great many persons in Geraldine the competition will be a novelty, as such, an event has never before taken place iir the township, and it is to be hoped that 9t

good number of teams will take part in it. Thb Wjeatheb.—The beautifully mild weather we have been experiencing the last few days coming close after the wel* come rein of Sunday last has had the effect of completely changing the appear* •nee of the pastoral land in this district. Previous to the i:< : n the grass land was completely scorched up, and stock of all descriptions were put to very hard straits for jrant of feed, aod in many cases for water. Now, however, the country is looking as green and fresh as if it were early spring, and feed is becoming plentiful on all sides. Should tbe frosts keep off till late in the season there will yet bo a good sward of grass for the cattle by " the time tbe winter sets in.

A Nabeow Esoapb. —At Dunedin oa Thursday last Mr Williams, the City Engineer, Mr Cuthbert, C.E. of Christchuroh, Mr B. Hay, C.E., and a 'Corporation employee named Sandilands, went into the main sewer to inspect it in connection with a lnwsuit arising out of the late floods, and before the man on the look out could give them warning a tremendous downpour of rain commenced. In a few seconds an immense body of water was finding its way into the sewer from the hills, and this reaohed the party in the sewer whils they were 200 yards from the entrance. The water rose from a few inohes to about five feist. The party had a terrible time but managed to reaoh a man* hole and escape. All were badly bruised and thoroughly exhausted. Sandilands, who is a short man, fared the worst, and must have been drowned hut for his companions. Wbsiayan Church, Temuka.—At a meeting of the congregation held on Wednesday evening last arrangements were made for the approaching special mission. It was decided to obtain the Volunteer Hall for the 13th of March and the four following days, if practicable. One thousand handbills were ordered to be printed, and the affair to be duly advertised. It was ?.lso agreed to hold preparatory devotional meetings next week, and also during the, mission. The tone of the meeting was excellent, and showed a heartiness of feeling which' could not fail to secure the 30-operation of the people. A most successful mission is looked forward to, which is to be conducted by Rev. J. S. and Mrs Smalley, It was unanimously agreed to hold the Church anniversary on Easter Sunday, and the annual soiree on Good Friday in the Volunteer Hall. Several esteemed Ministers were invited.

JuTBKIm Runaway.—Mr James D»vii, of Temuka, was yesterday morning startled by hearing that one of his ohildren—a little girl about 6( years of age—had taken the train for Timaru, and cleared oat in it. It appears that the child on reaching the Te* muka station got into the train, and thought it great fun to get a ride in it, and of course did not calculate ai regarded consequences. Ai the „ train was moling away the tapped at the window, and laughed her oompaniom who were on the platform. On becoming aware of what had happened Mr and Mra Davis proceeded to Timaru by the expreis train, and instituted a search for the ohild, bnt all they could hear was that the stationmaster had seen her on the platform after the train had reached there in the morning. After having re* ported the matter to the police, and walked about all the afternoon in Ti« maru, Mr and Mrs Davie found the ohild juit before the express train wef leaving, It appears that the,ohild after having reaohed Timaiu undertook to walk home, and came aloLg the railway line for a ccuple of miles, where she was found by two ladies, who took - her back to the railway station. She was brought home in the afternoon by her parents. Wblls' Hair Balsam—lf gray, restores to original color. An elegant dressing, softens and beautifies. No oil nor grene. A Tonio Beitorative. Stops hair coming out, itregtheni, eleanies, heals eoalp. Kemp* thorne, Prosier and Co., Agents, Christ? ohureh. 2 yp Railway Rejbeshment Rooms, —D. McG-uinness begs to inform his numerous friends, and the travelling publio in partioular, that having taken the above rooms for a fresh term he has decided to reduce the charges hitherto made, and in future they will be as follow : —Breakfast in readiness for early trains, Is 6d j Hot Lunch or Dinner, served up in the hitherto well-knowoNrf profuse style, on arrival of North and Seuth J Express trains, Is 6d. Tea and Coffee always in readiness, and oboice confectionery, Ao. lhe 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 1 attendance. The usual is Lunches are still < continued at the Club Hotel.—Advt»

SYNOPSIS OF ADVERTISEMENTS. Qeraldine Sports—Entries close on Monday next. Caretaker Wanted For Presbyterian Church, Temuka. Programme—Of oonoert at Temuka on Thursday evening next. J. Lawson, Poundlieeper, Temuka—Notifies the impounding of several calve?. D. Findliy, Kakaha—lnvites tenders for ploughing 100 acres at Gapes' Valley. Warner's Safe Remedies—An important notice regarding these will be found in our advertising columns. A. B. Allan, Storekeeper, Temuka.—Publishes the priced of a few lines of his stock during the month of March, and draws special attention to his teas. He has oats, chaff, bran, sharps, and potatoes always in stock at lowest current prices. T. and J. Thomson, Drapers and Silk Mercers, Timaru—Notify that to-day and en Monday and Tuesday they will make th■ i■• first display of goods suitable for tli» Autumn- Winter season (having just opened shipments per the Taranaki, Buapedu, Wainui) Bid give a few quotations »f prices ; dressmaki ._« >nd millinery on the premise--.