LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1648, 18 October 1887, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

TIMAHP SHOW.—AII entries for this show close with the Secretary, Mr F. W. Stubbs, Timaru, to-day. Significant. —The Ministry hare taken possession of all the rooms recently occupied by the Ptout-Vogel Government, except Sir Julius Yogsl’s room. Isn't this significant (says an exchange). Sir Julius will want to occupy it himself perhaps before another month is past.

Uncomplimrntabt.— Referring to Iho new Minister for Education a northern contemporary says " Mr Fisher lives by hia wits, and has been hitherto known mainly as the rowdies) and most disorderly agitator in the colony, and could hardly be regarded 68 Conservative of anything.”

Anniversary Services.— The anniversary services in connection with the Primitive Methodist Sunday School, Temuka, will be held in the Primitive Methodist Church next Sunday, the Rev. J. W. Dean officiating. On the following Tuesday a public tea and after meeting will be held, the charge for admission to which will be Is 6d.

Gbbaldxne County Anglers 1 Society. —The adjournsd annual meeting of the members of the Geraldine County Anglers’ Society will take place in the Wallingford Hotel, Temuka, this evening. Several meetings have now lapsed owing to the sparse attendance of members, and anglers who wish to keep the Society in existence should make a point of attending this evening. Tbmuka Obketbhy Board.— A meeting of the Temuka Cemetery Board was held on Friday. Present—Messrs Gray (chairman), Hay hurst, Aspinall, Meyer and Quinn. It, r as decided to hold future meeting! of, 7.30 p.m. on the second Friday in each month. The chairman was authorised to obtain t nders and plans for the erection m the cemetery of a small building containing one room for the accommodation of the clergy. After some routine business the meeting terminated. A Sable Singbb. —One of the sensations of the day in Berlin is a chimney-sweep, who was overheard singing while pursuing his sooty calling by a member of the Philharmonic orchestra. He was so enchanted by the ex quisite sweetness of the sweep’s voice that he sought him out, took him next day to the director of the society, who immediately arranged for the musical education of the sable prodigy, who h»» suddenly become famous.

A Jubilee Ombbihg. The Homan Catholic nuns of England have (according to an English paper) presented to the Queen the beet Jubilee offering. These devoted women worked as many as eight thousand four hundred articles of clothing for distribution by H?r Majesty among the poor. The offering wss accompapied by a beau'ifully ilium nated address, breasbing loyalty in gentle womanly terms. The Queen was) a» she ought to have been, I ■‘••lighted with the mints idea. 4r4 the jiberal II • -'•laU ibey h»d ot»rwa it out, way m wu„ ■

Pbbsbtteeian Ohukoh, Geraldine.— The work of pulling down the old Presbyterian Church, Geraldine, for the purpose of removal, is being carried on apace. In a very short time this pretty little church, winch, with its miniature spire and gothic windows, added so much to the picturesqueness of the township, will have been removed to another site.

Geraldine Obioket Club. —As will be seen by an advertisement in another column, a meeting of those persons interested in forming a Cricket Club for Geraldine will be held at the Geraldine Hotel this evening. This meeting had to bo postponed from Monday week on account of the inclement weather. Formerly Geraldine wa« noted in South Canterbury as possessing one of the best cricket clubs in the province. It is to be hoped that a large number of persons will attend the meeting, and that the former prestige of the club will be again revived. A New Zealand Cyclist at Hoke.— The many friends of Mr George Duncan, Pioneer Bicycle Club, who left Christchurch for Scotland last year, will be glad to hoar of his continued success on the racing track in that country. At the Scottish Central Cyclists’ Meet, held at Perth, “ the fair city,” on the 13th Angus', he rode in the throe events of the meet, viz,, one mile, two miles, and three miles race, and scored a viol ory in each. Judging from the reports of the races published in the papers which have been received, ho appears to bo a great favourite with hi* fellow wheelmen and tha public. The “ New Zealander,” as he is termed, has, during his short career on the raoing track, taken thirteen prizes, amounting in value to upwards of £6O. Mr Duncan is the cyclist who, when residing in Christchurch last year, successfully reduced the Ohrist-ohurch-Hurunui ‘ record from II hours 40 minutes to 10 hours 16 minutes, which record has, so far, withstood all attacks. It is to be hoped that he will continue his already very successful career. —Press.

Ranbitata Racing Club. —A meeting of this Committee was held at Mr Denoon’s Rangitata Hotel on Saturday evening last for the purpose of forming a programme and appointing Stewards for the forthcoming meeting to be held on Boxing Day. There was a very large attendance from all parts. Mr T. W. Corbett was voted to the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr A. Rae handed in his resignation as Secretary, but on the strong representation of those present he was induced to withdraw the same. A good programme was arranged, and judging from the enthusiasm shown at the meeting a very successful day’s racing may be expected. The following officers were appjinted Judge, Mr Simon Rae, senr.; Starter, Mr T. W. Corbett; Clerk of Scales, Mr W. E. Lawson ; Clerk of Course, Mr James Rae; Handicapper, MrT. W. Corbett; Stewards, Messrs Lawson, John Rae, Denoon, A. Rae, 0. Terry, Corbett, S. Rae, J. Bull, Q. Hawke, and L. Lorgelly. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated one of the most successful meetings ever held at Rangitata Bridge. The programmes are now in the hands of the Secretary to prepare for the printer, and will be issued in a few days.

The Unemployed.—The Wellington correspondent of the Christchurch Press, telegraphing on October 14th, says:—“The wants »f the unemployed of Christchurch and suburbs were pressed on the notice of the Minister for Works this afternoon by Mr Perceval, who said that the matter had been represented to him as one of extreme urgency. Ho presented a petition signed by 160 heads of families, and be trusted that immediate relief would be granted to them. The Hon. Mr Mitchelson said he regretted to say the subject was one which hod occupied the attention of various Governments for many years, and provision had to be made, but the men in many cases instead of husbanding their wages derived from the road-making and other works provided for them hud dissipated the same, leauing their wives snd families the recipients of charitable aid. The Government had no intention of dealing harshly with the unemployed ; at the same time the public funds had to be considered. He promised to ssa if some employment could not be provided with the view of giving temporary relief.’* Just so. The unemployed have not such sympathetic friends at the bend of affairs now as the late Government, and serve them right. Greater hardships may bring the working men of this colony to their senses.

Athletic Sports por Woodbuet.—a public meeting was held at the Woodbury r Hotel on Saturday evening lost for the purpose of forming an Athletic Club, and ’ arranging for holding sports on the Prince of , Wales’ Birthday. Mr J. H. Dean was voted I to the chair, and stated that he had been , asked by a largo number of gentlemen to call j. a meeting for the above purpose. He also , stated that he had received a letter from Mr f Leonard Tripp, in which that gentleman expressed his willingness to become an honor rary member of the Club, and enclosed a subscription to the prize fund. Mr J, M. I Barker had also become a member, and would do his best to promote tho welfare of the Club, It was then unanimously resolved by the meeting—“ That a Club be formed this evening, to be called ithe Woodbury Athletic , Club, and that the programme as submitted by the Chairman be carried out on the Prince | of Wales’ Birthday, and that the gathering be held annually.” A good number of those ' present submitted their names as members, 1 the fee being fixed at 10a 6d per annum ; honorary members at £1 Is. A Committee of Management was elected. A subscription list was handed round, and a satisfactory amount of support to commence with was 1 promised in tbs room. This being all the business, the meeting terminated. A Wokk of Akt,—We thought (says 1 an exchange) that by this time Jubilee offerings and mementoes were pretty w»H nigh exhausted, and that patriotic ingenuity to devise new ideas was worn threadbare. But it appears that a wellknown colonist, Mr J. M. Meek, of Christ--1 church, who is famed all over the Colony for hie dexterous penmanship, has been for some months preparing a specimen entitled “Zealandia Souvenir.” It is a piece of work executed entirely with the pen on a sheet sft 9in by 6ft, As a marvel of men's patience and ingenuitj’, this handiwork of Mr Meek’s is somewhat unique, considering it is the work of a man 73 years of age. The chart is surrounded by artistic tablets and medallions, in which are written in legible characters the names of the present and past Governors of the Colony, with a list of those who took part in the Executive Government in 1840. In other pang of the chart is a whole mass of valuable information respecting the present and past history of the Colony. Mr Meek has in this specimen brought into play an amount of artistic skill which, shown in the heauty and design of lettering fancy scroll-work of the borders, is simply »ur T prisin? in a man of his years, Tito many minute de'aile which are almost microsoopio«liy perfect, the boldness of the concep. i m in the whole, is wonderful proof of whal a man's ptr'everance, taste, and skill :Can produce. Mr Meek informs us that lie is about to proceed to England to have the work engraved, and proof-plates . will be sold to subscribers at a guinea i guph, c

The Mdniyiobnt Nizam.— The Nizam of Hyderabad has, with princely generosity, undertaken the liability for the debts of his late Prime Minister, Sir Salar Jung—no trifling undertaking either, as they are reported to amount to nearly £300,000. The Nizam bus given bonds fot this amount, the liquidotion of which will be spread over about ten years. It must not be forgotten, however, that it is mainly duo to the libera and enlightened policy of its late Prime Minister that the great State of the Deooan owes its present prosperity.—Truth. Disobeying an Okder op the Court. —At the Pvoaident Magistrate’s Court, Timaru, yesterday, William Henderson, on remand, was charged with having failed to comply with an order of the Court to provide for the support of his wife. Mr Wood represented Mrs Henderson. After hearing the evideneo, His Worship (Mr JBeswick) adjourned the case for thirteen weeks, in order that the defendant might get to work, the defendant to pay £3 per month in the meantime

A Coeonbe Fines Himbble. —1 ho DeputyCoroner for the North Hants, Mr Forster, has established a novel precedent, by fiaeing himself for neglect of duty. Ho summoned a jury to hold an inquest, and then forgot the engagement and failed to attend. On the following day he apologised to the jurymen and witnesses, and said that as he had the power to fine jurymen for being late he thought it only fair to floe himself. Mr Forster then proceeded to fine himself two guineas, which was sent to the Guildford Hospital. Tbmdka Park Boaed. —A meeting of the Temuka Park Board was held on Friday. Present—Messrs Gray (chairman), Hayhurst, Quinn, Meyer and Aspinall. The caretaker’s report was read, and the Secretary reported that since the Inct meeting a tender had been accepted for papering and painting the Park cottage, and that the work bad been done in a satisfactory manner. He also reported that 3000 willow stakes had been sold to Mr Ellery, of Orari, and the buyer was taking delivery at the present time. A complaint was read from the caretaker that tha cricket end football clubs were in the habit of leaving the pavilion open, not returning the key, and leaving the shuttars lying about and that the pavilion had sustained damage in consequence. The members expressed considerable surprise at such carelessness, and it was resolved that the caretaker have charge of the key and general supervision of the ground, the kay to be given only to a responsible person, who should see that the pavilion was properly closed and the key returned. A request from the secretary of the cricket club that the caretaker should be allowed to devote a portion of his time to the care of the cricket ground was refused. The secretary reported that the balance in the bank, exclusive of fixed deposit, was £37. Accounts amounting to £25 10s were passed for payment and the board rose.

Destruction of Rabbits.—The London correspondent of the Otago Daily Times writes : “ The fate of the antipodean 1 bunny 1 appears to be sealed. An offer has been made to the Australasian Governments by an English baronet, Sir Hsreward Wake, of Oourteen Hall, Northamptonshire, to annihilate the rabbits of Australia and New Zealand. The plan by whioh he proposal to do this has not been divulged, but he is so confident of success that he is understsod to be prepared to take payment by results, end supposing he does not quite destroy the plague he is willing to forego payment. He has made experiments on rabbit warrens at Home on a small scale, but desires to carry out further tests before sending in his Seal proposal.” Torpedo Experiments.—A party of visitors, accompanied by Sir G. Whitmore, Colonel Bailey, Captain Messenger, and other military geatl men, went down the Wellington harbor to Fort Ballance on Friday afternoon to witness same experiments with torpedoes and mines. Two Whitehead torpedoes were fired between buoys representing the line of adyanoe of a supposed enemy. The direction was accurate, but one of the missiles proved recalcitrant and eluded search for a long time. The other floated up at once and was easily regained, Oa reaching the surface a composition of phosphorous on the snout burst into flames and guided the pursuers. After that four mines were laid and fired with complete success. No hitoh of any kind occurred. The visitors inspected the fort, whioh is now finished, nothing re maining but to clear some earth away outside the palisades. It is armed with two 7in muzzle-loader*, a Sin breech-loading Armstrong mounted on a disappearing carriage, and two 6-pouader quick-firing Nordenfeldts. Everything is in readiness to go into action to-morrow if necessary. The work on Fort Halswell, nearer to Wellington, is not so advanced, An Bin Armstrong is to be mounted there in addition to other guns. Thera is also to be a powerful search-light at Fort Ballance, and all the stores and electric apparatus necessary for a system of floating and contact mines. The submarine armament of the colony has so far cost about £20,000,

| To the ladies of Timaru and surrounding (district.— Another reduction to meet the times. A cup of tea or coffee with cake supplied at all hours at the Railway Refreshment Rooms for 6d. Luncheon as usual, A waitress iu attendance for ladies. The Shilling Lunches still continue at the Club Hotel. D. McGuinness, Proprietor.—Advt. “Bough ojt Conus.’’—Ask for "Wells’ “ Bough on Corns,’ ’ Quick relief, complete permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions, At Chemists and Druggists. Kempthorne, Prosser and 00,, Agents, Christchurch. 8 SYNOPSIS OF ADVERTISEMENTS. F. W. entries for Timsru show close to-day, J. Lawson, Poundkeeper, Temuka— Notice ra half-draught bay filly. L. Walker, Four Peaks—Has accepted F, Bidder’s tender for ploughing. P.O. Box 35, Temuka Second-hand spring trap and harness wanted. Cricket Club—Meeting of persons interested in formation of Club takeg place this evening in Geraldine Hotel, Primitive Methodist Church, Temuka— Notice re Sunday School anniversary services and public tea and meeting. Geraldine County Anglers’ Society—Ad-: journed annual meeting of members this evening in the Wallingford Hotel. Davies and Murphy, Drapers and Clothiers, Timaru—Enumerate a few special reductions for Show time; are making suits to measure from colonial tweeds for £3.