LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1563, 10 March 1887, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Parliament.—The Cabinet have postponed |the fixing of the date of the assembling of Parliament to next week. It is uuderstood that some Southern members have been urging Government to postpone it till M&y in order to allow harvest operations to be completed first.

Parcels Post.—Financial reasons have prevented the Parcels Post being established during the current year, but arrangements are now forward for bringing it into operation in the ensuing financial year. Before its benefits can be extended over sea, the sanotion of Parliament will be necessary. Loans to Local Bodies.—A number of local bodies which applied for loans under the Act of last session could not obtain them, the reason being that, while little or no opposition was shown, the provision requiring the consent of a majority, of voters actually on the roll, was too formidable an obstacle.

Then and Now. —In one of his addresses Mr Glover, the temperance advocate, expressed his astonishment that Greymouth should support twenty-three public houses; but an old inhabitant tells the Argue that less than twenty years ago there were ninetyfix public houses in Greymouth a id vicinity, and no fewer than 156 in Hokitika. The temperance party and the depression have done something between them to limit the traffic in drink.

Baukapuka Licensing Committee.— The adjouroed meeting of this Committee took place at the Courthouse, Geraldine, on Tuesday. Present—Messrs W. U. Slack (Chairman), W. S. Maslio, and A. H. Brisco. The only business was the granting of a transfer of license for the Crown Hotel, Geraldine, from Thos. Farrell to R. Johnston, which was done, and (he Committee adjourned.

Concbbt at Temdka. —To-night a eoncert will be Held in the Temuka Volunteer Hull for the purpose of raising money to settle the amount still due on account of the uniforms of the cadeta, and it is to be hoped it will be well attended. The programme is a very good one, several talented ladies and gentlemen from Timaru, in addition to local favorites, having promia°d to take part in it. We hope to see a full house;' and the efforts of the School Committee crowned with success.

Mission Services.—To-morrow, the Rev. Mr Smalley (Connexional Evangelist), and Mrs Srualley (lady Evnogelist), commence a week's mission in Temuka. Tomorrow and Saturday the mission will be conducted in the Wesleyan Church, but for the following days the Volunteer Hall has been secured. The missions conducted by these evangelists have been well attended and most successful in other places, and no doubt the one in Temuka will be equally ao.

Killed by a Pall.—The body of * man named William Sullivan (says the Pres*) was found on Tuesday at the bottom of a cliff at Kaikoura. From the position in which the body was discovered, Sullivan probably met his death by falling over the precipice.

R.M. Covrt, Timaro-.-*.At the Resident Magistrate's Court, Timaru, on Tuesday last, J. Heelan and R. Riddle were fined 5s each for drunkenness. J. Jill, for drunkenness, was fined 10s, for a breach of the peace 10s, and was seat to gaol for a week for using obscene language. W. Ogilvie for illegally receiving twelve head of cattle seized by W. Gosling f<->r the purpose of impounding was fined £5 and ordered to pay costs, £ll3s. W. Ogilvie waß also fined 5s for assaulting W. Gosling.

The Late William Hoskins.—A. telegram was received at Melbourne on the 26th inst., by Dr Neill from Mr Henry Irving, of the Lyceum Theatre, London, saying that he would be kappy to contribute £IOO as his subscription to the fund now being raised for the widow and child of his old friend William Hosking. Those who have taken up the project of practioally keeping in memory the excellent Shakesperian student, who through bis long life did such credit to tbe art he cultivated, have good reasons to believe that their efforts will be rewarded by satisfactory results. The schema of their operations will shortly be made public, but in the meantime they have met with many assuranoes and ex* pressions of goodwill and sympathy. Geraldine Rifles.—A Government inspection parade of this corps took place on Tuesday evening, $7 being present. Captain Pearpoint, in the absence of Major NewaN, acted as inspecting officer. Staff Sergeant-Major Jones was present. After the inspection the company was taken in hand by Sergeant-Major Jones, who put it through an hour's Bmart battalion drill. Tbe different movements were creditably performed. Bafore dismissing the parade Captain Pearpoint presented to Sergt. E. Bethuae and to Private G; Bethune the Marksmen's ; badges won by them at the recent classi firing. The following changes have been made in the corps consequent upon the I promotion of Sergt. K. McKenzie to the Lieutenancy and the resignation of Sergt. A Penney—Corporals E. Millard and A. Erskine to be Sergeants, and Lance-Corporal Foster and Private G. Bethune to be Corporals. Extraordinary Hail Storm.—A correspondent of the Opotiki Herald, at Whakatane, writes :—"Some natives, who arrived here tbe other day from Ruatabuna, a. settlement distant some 40 odd miles from here, report a very peouliar meteorological phenomenon as having occurred there on the 17th of last month, in the shape of a terrific hailstorm, the natives asserting that the stones were fully as large as a man'a fist, varied by large sheets of ice. So violent was the downpour, though lasting but one hour and a-half, that whole branches of trees were bioken off, and the potato plants were buried in the hail, while the whares were invaded by water to the depth of ten inches, where water had never been seen before. So impressed were the natives with the awfulness of tbe occurrence that they were fully persuaded the 'Last Day' had come, and with some difficulty they congregated en masse, resolved to die together. They soon, however, found that the stoim finiehed, and settled down into oalm once more. The storm was purely local, covering an area of a few acres only." Hilton School Committbb.- A meeting of tbe above was held on Monday, March 7th, Present—Messrs O. GK Bradley (Chairman), Beattie, Skinner, Leary, Jones, Cochrane, and Hide. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr Taylor's usual report was received, also his remarks on the recent examination. It was resolved to hold it over till next meeting. A letter was received from the Board, asking for cost of repairs to roof of school and Master's house. The Chairman said he had requested tbe Board to send out the Architect. The Chairman laid before the Committee the accounsb of the late sohool treat, duly paid, leaving a balance of 19s 5d towards next year. A circular from the South Canterbury Caledonian Society re scholarship was read. A letter was read from Mrs Tindull, complaining of her son having to clear up papeis, etc., in the school on Sunday. Letter to be sent to Mr Taylor, the Committee having nothing to do with the children attending Sunday Sohool. It was resolved that the Chairman and Mr Jones make arrangements for cleaning tank, cost not to exceed 12s; and that Mr Jones repair the pump.

A Rascal Bowled Out.—What appears

to be a prptty piece of rascality has been

brought to light about a late inhabitant of Cambridge (aays the Waikato Times). A sergeant in the 3rd Waikato regiment when it was disbanded had an acre of land presented to him as waj the usual custom. The man left the Waikato and went to work near Dargaville. About aeveu years ago he was injured by the overturning of a truck, and expired as he was being conveyed home in a boat down the river. A claimant turns up for the acre, builds a houue upon it, and borrows £4OO from an insurance company, giving it as security. After some years friends of the daughter of the old soldier make enquiries. Claimant produces a deed, apparently signed by the original owner, and witnessed by the claimant's brother and a mariner, but, unfortunately for him, the deed is dated three years after the death of the man professing to sign it. Result—Supreme Court, judgment sheriff's officers take possesHßßWwhalf of relatives, insurance company minus £4OO, and nobody in gaol for it. This man befora he left the town was presented with a testimonial fur leaching in a Sunday school. Distbibotion OF Pbi»bs.—On Saturday afternoon last the children attending the Bible classes conducted by the Rev. J. Preston at the Geraldine public school, were invited by that gentleman to spend a few hours at the) parsonage. Accordingly the majority of them accepted the kind invitaand assembled on the ground. Here they were heartily welcomed and entertained by Mr and Mrs Preston, and also the Misses Preston, and a number of lady friends. Abundance of good things had been provided in the shape of buns, cake, tea, etc., and with these and fruit the children were plentifully supplied. All sorts of games were indulged in and the little ones appeared to enjoy themselves immensely. Advantage was taken of the opportunity to distribute the prizes gained in connection with the classes. The following is the list: First prizes, Jane Soroggie and Maggie Scroggie ; second prizes, Robert Soroggie, Angus Fyte, and Matilda Gove; third prizes, Jane Fyfe, Emily Baughen, Francis White and Roset'a Baughen; fourth pria a , W. H. Baughen; fifth prizes, Andrew Bennie, Benjamin White, Annie McKay, Mary Stonehouse, Gertrude Fyfe and Lily Whue ; sixth prizes, W. Fyfe, W. Berry, Jessie Rennie, and Mary Ann Billings; seventh prizes, Gertrude Johnson, Joseph Prouting, Wm. Prouting and Wm. Annan; eighth prize, Harry Berry.

Temuka Dairt Factory.—A meeting of the Directors of ihe above Company was held yesterday afternoon. Present— Messrs J. Brown (Chairman), Gray, Cain, and Dr Hayes. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Mr Cuin gave notice of motion that the resolution re date of meeting be rescinded. The Secretary reported that 20,728 gals, of milk had been received at the factory during the month, for which £302 3a lOd had been paid. He also stated that 8 tons of cheese were ready for shipment, and would be despatched per Wakatipu sailing that day. Accounts to the amount of £25 15s were passed for payment. It nub decided to have a door attached to the coalshed for the convenience of the carter. The meeting then terminated. To the Benetolent.—lt is gratifying to observe that a fund has been organised for the relief of Charles Claridge, who it will be remembered was so seriously injured while working at the site of Mr Hayhurst's mill. Claridge has been discharged from the Timaru Hospital as cured for about a month, but although able to walk about he is quite unfit for manual labor. His case is certainly a hard one. As a married man with a family he has responsibilities, which, through no fault of his own, he is quite unable to fulfil, and is compelled to become in the prime of life dependent upon the help of his neighbors and sympathisers. The Temuka Band Bhortly after the accident very kindly gate two open air concerts, the collections at which were handed over to Mrs Claridge, and served at the time to greatly ameliorate the condition of her family. It is now thought advisable to make some more permanent arrangement and to raise such a sum as will place the family out of want for the winter, or until such time as the husband is aguin fit to resume his position as breadwinner. Contributions in produce, clothing, or sums of money, however small, will be received at the various s'ores and business places, and acknowledged by the Rev. T. A. Hamilton, who acts as Treasurer to the fund. Illicit Still.—On Tuesday morning last three men named James and Joseph Matthews and James Bill were arrested at Wditobi Downs on a charge of being the proprietors of an illicit still. It appears that for some time past the police were suspicious that an illicit still was in operation in the neighborhood, aad on Tuesday last, having perfected their arrangements, Inspector Broham, Sergt. Livingstone, Constable Stanley and Detective KJrby left Timaru in a trap at 2 a.m., reaching their destination about daylight. A search was made, and at last a still made cf zinc capable of holding 60 gallons, without a top, was discovered, and 6 wooden casks, a tub, and 2 jars of what is apparently whiskey were found in the loft. The accused persons were taken to Timaru and were brought before the Resident Magistrate yesterday, when the police applied for a remand till Monday next, which was granted, bail being allowed in two sureties of £250 each. Mr T. Trezise and Mr McCormick became bondsmen. The charge is laid under section 111 of the "Distillation Act, 1886," which makes any person possessiog a still or being found on any premises . where illicit distillation is being carried on, liable to "a penalty of not more than £SOO or not less than £SO, or imprisonment for a period of not less than six months nor more than two years." Yesterday afternoon Inspector Broham, accompanied by Mr C. E. Cooper of the Customs Department, and Detective Kirby, visited Temuka for the purpose of tracing the supposed whereabouts of some of the illict whiskey. Their search was, we believe, ineffectual.

Temthca Rifles.—A Government inspection parade of the above corps was held last night. There were 34 of alI ranks on parade, and they were inspected by Captain Hayhurst, after which they were put through drill by Sergeant-Major Jones. Headed by the band playing music they were marched through the town, and after returning to the Hall were dismissed. Before dismissing them Captain Hayhurst intimated that Lance-Corporal Whitehead had been promoted to the rank of Corporal. He also referred to the success of Sergeant Guy, who had distinguished himself at the shooting competition of the N.Z. Rifle Association at Christchurch. At another meeting something more would be said about it. There would be three Government parades this month, and they would hold an encampment in the Park before the Easter encampment if 25 could be got to go into camp. The annual meeting would be held next Monday. Wiih reference to Sergeant Guy, he wou 4 prizes, for which he received £B, and a very handsome badge of the vaiue of £5, for being amongst the 10 highest aggregate scorers. Only one badge has been won by Caulerbury this year, and Sergeant Guy has secured it. There xrere ten badges won altogether and the other nine have gone to other provinces.

I Railwax Refreshment Rooms, Timasu. > —D. McGuinness begs to inform his numerous friends, and the travelling public in particular, 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; Hot Lunch or Dinner, served up in the hitherto well-known profuse style, on arrival of North and South Express trains, Is 6d. lea and Coffee always in readiness, and choice confectionery, &c. Ihe 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.

SYNOPSIS OF ADVERTISEMENTS. Rev. T. A. Hamilton—Notice re Claridge Aid Fund. C. Hewson, Geraldine —Has grazing to let for 500 600 shsep. Jas. Harrison, Temuka—lnvites tender for erection of dwelling house. H. B. Webster, Geraldine—Has crossbred lambs for Bale; also, a bioycle. Q. D., Temuka Leadbb Office—Wants 50 acres of land for one crop wheat. K. F. Gray, Temuka —Invites tenders for painting and paper.ng three cottages at Temuka.

Rev. J. S. Smalley and Mrs Smalley—Will conduct mission at Temuka from March 11th to March 17th,

R. H. Pearpoint, Geraldine —Is now booking orders for horsecovers, tarpaulins, and tents, made on the premises. J. Mundell and Co.—Will sell superior toned piano, aud a large quantity of household furnitur* and effects at Geraldine on Saturday next.

A. Maxwell, Saddler, Timaru—Has received a fine assortment of saddlery with all latest novelities, ex direct steamers ; gives special advantages to stable-keepers and large buyers. New Zealand Clothing Factory, Timaru (R. Foster, Manager)—Notify this is the last week of great clearing sale previous to removal to new premises ; great bargains up to and inoluding Saturday next. Adolf Q. Fischer, Photographer, Timaru —Announces that he has taken the studio lately oocupied by Mr Haigb, which he has renovated, and is now prepared to execute any style of photographs in the best finish. Jkilargementß a specialty. Mr Fischer waifor 7 years with the late Mr Schourop of Ohristchuroh.