LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1649, 20 October 1887, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Ministerial Kesidence«.—Among the rumors <>f retrenchment in circulation is one that the Minister! d residenc a are 10 be sold and rent allowances made. Mll/TOBD SorND. — Under date Milford Sound, October stb, Mewr* Sutherland and Oarmichael write to the Dunedin Evening Herald as follows :—" We hire now got the claim in good order, and are norkinp on a blue wnih which lies on the b>'tora. The w.-.gh run* from one to three feet in dopth, carries L'o'd all through, end i* pij'fg well j it is »?»•■> looking better us it in worked. We hav* feund leTflrnl spi-cimeni of light grey quartz thickly studied with gold." l<Ew\Kp of Brwert.—At a public uiaeting held at the Forsyth Arms Motel, Little River, on October 13th, Mr Francis Tavender in the chair, it was decided that a presentation should be mule to Robinnon, the well-known half-cste irh He and wrestler, for hi* conr >g>Hn arresting Nils J kobion (arcuiei of the murder of Johanßen at Lrtie iiivur), and f»r saving life on other occisi'D-. Au ii.flil ntial P mmi.ttea was appointed to collect/ subsqMj't'uß ß ?

Thb Saltation Abmt. —Commissioner! and Mrs Howard have arrived at (he Bluff from Melbourne. They arc accompanied by Colonel and Mn Taylor, recontly appointed to the oversight of the work in New Zualand. Eaely Shearing.—The first clip of the season passed through by rail on Monday last to MoOaskiU'a Woolscouring Works, Winchester, from the Hillsborough Estate, Otaio, the property of W. Sugden Armitage, Eiq. The wool is well grown and in excellent condition. OrPoßtJM».—The Western Star states that opposunii, the progeny a number lunod out by the the late Captain HanMnson, are now becoming quite numerous in the bush extendfrom Howell's Point to Colac Bay, and in a very short time hituting those beautiful and valuable animals will become a popular sport. BUDDBK DfIATH.—A young lady narn«d Fhilp, 17 yeara of age, died suddenly at her father's residence at Waimate on Saturday morning at 1 o'clock. She oouiphined of feeling unwell on Friday evening and medical assistance was obtained but nothing serious was anticipated. Paralysis of the heart was the cause of death. Unnatural Ojtenok. Two youog men, Edwin Cook and John Weaver, were arrested at Woodbury yesterday by Detective Kirby and Constable Willenghby charged with the above offence. They wero brought before Mr R, H. Pearpoint, J.P., at Qeraidine. during the afternoon. Detective Kirby applied for % remand for seven days, which was granted.

Thursday Half Holiday fob GeralDIM 3 movement for obtaining the Thursday half holiday for Geraldine haa been taken up with greit enthusiasm, and there is every probability of its becoming an established institution. The half holiday would prove a real boon to both employers and employees, and would greatly help to stimulate a love of those manly outdoor games in which Geraldine has in bygone days aoraawhat distinguished itself.

Thb Ballot.—A Southern paper tells tho following yarn :—" One oandidate, in a Southland constituency, was promised by eaoh of six men who constituted the entire number lo be found in a certain district, that he should hare their rotes. Only one rote was giren him in the particular locality, and each of the six pi irately expreased his regret at the duplicity of the other five in not fulfilling their promises as he had done. Ultimately, the candidate met all stx together, and informed them that they were all Han, since he, the oandidate, had given the one Tote him* self".

Division of Pkowti. —Truth says :-- The ' Ruby' matchbox- I *, of Bryant and May coat the company 2£d per 144 boxes. The women who make them have to find paste, hemp, and firing for drying purposes, i jThey can gun, if skilful, gd per hour, or less than 10J for twelve hours' work. If they work eight hours per diem, and take a holiday on Sundiy*, they would realise tho handsome mini of 3s per week. The company pay* its shareholders aboya 20 per cent, dividend. This seems to me hardly a fair division between those who toil and those who do not

Woodburt Athletic Club. —ln another column will bo found the programme of this newly-formed Club. The meeting tikes place on November 9th, and, given a fine day, the (Jlub should be most successful with its inaugural meeting, There are sixteen, events upon the programme, the money prizes amounting in the aggregate to £22 10a, besides soveral special prizes. The peop'e of Woodbury have shown a very laudable enterprise and liberality in getting up the meeting, and it is to be hoped their endeavors to promote manly and athletic sports may meet with tho success they so richly deserve.

Sporting.— Tha Waimate Races took place on Tuesday last, there being but a very moderate attendance. Results! Hack Selling Race, of 10 ssvh : Mr C. Miles' SiwJuat 1, Mr Barclay's Unit 2. Trotting Handicap, of lOsovn, 2miles: 4r C. Meyer's Bailiff (35 sec») 1, Mr Barclay's linit (40seen) g, Waimate Handicap, of 25 sovs : Mr A. Boyle's Vanity Fair, W.d. Hnck Selling Race, of 10 sovs: Mr Miles' Sawdust I, Mr Freeman's Kanaka 2. Flying Handicap, of ISsovs ! Mr A, Boyle's Vanity Fair 1, Mr Slierwin's Oorinna 2; The Hurry Scurry was won by Mr Carden's the Now Brighton Races on Tuesday, the Aron Handicap was woe. by Mr VY. 0. Webb's Ruby, and the Flyfng Handicap, of 25«ovs, "by Mr E. T, Rhodes'a Kim berley. The Oornsack Question.—A( a meeting of the members of the Com Exchange held in July last, it was decided to ask an expression of opinion from farmers and others as to tho desirability of making a change in the siz-* of the cornsacks as bow used bj having for signatures tn the rooms of the Corn Exchange a memorial divided into three headings, viz. : in favor of the present sack, in favor of a 2001 b sack, and in favor of the cental system. On Saturday a meeting of the Directors of the Corn Exchange was held, when the Secretary (Mr N. P. Meyert) reported that sixtyeight had signed under tho first head, twentyfour under tho iwnond, and three under the third. Before taking further action the Beoretary was instructed to write to ths Chamber of Commeroe, who were al?o interesting themselves in the matter.—Prcis.

Retrenchment.—The Wellington cnr« respondent of Iho Otago Daily Times saya:—"l am credibly informal thnl the heads of the various departments hive boeo subjected to cathechetioil enininntions of the moat searcliing kind with a view to a»certaini r g th» directions in which the pruning knife may bo applied to the greatect advantage. The deourlments in which the ■most .drastic r. form will take plice are the Public VV(>.k» nod Railways. Mr Mite! clson think* tint he can, without impairing the effi i*ncy of the service, cury out reform which «ill nave a *ery large sum annuil'y. With regard to education n suggestion his hnen made that initead of lowering the ntarj? d'irdc, a small fea should be p iid by pupnts who desire Ihnir children lo recoiv instruction above the fifth standard. It may be taken for grant-d t'i«t a savirg of £4OOO a year will b* made in the po ice fore. A larg' amount of money is < xpended annu J y in such extras as fuel and tight, «nd only a limited number of coni'ables benefic. It is thought the Allow*nc9H ra <y be abgl'shed with advantage. Ministers fully realise (hat the force is not too strong numHruMlly at present, but, with cirs and att-ntinn, they see th u ir way to woik a co'!*id*>rabl<i reform in it. It is the inienlion, I le>irn, rptajn the of »s "niny of the junior* an possible, Thq*e of the seniors wh> would only have n few iiiofb y «ir* to serve will be di*penß»d with in th» first inst'D'v-, unles som> •z'ra rdiniry c ; '- cumsancß demand th->t th«ir fervic* Hhould be retained. The strong, active, And capable juniors will receive the tint oppvideratioa.

Alleobd Attkmpi to Maim.—Martin Johnston has boen committed for trial at Invercargill on a ohargeof attempting to disoharee a double-barrelled sun at Constable Griffiths, with intent to maim, disfigure, or disable. The case arose out of Johnston's determination to resist payment of the Waimea Plains railway rate.

Gold Discgvbby.—Reports have reached Melbourne of an extraordinary discovery of f?old in GHppslaad. The stories told at the looality are of the most alluring and sensational kind, but official news, while pointing to an important discovery, is less pronounced in character. Mr Grofton Stayely, Warden, has telegraphed from Buchan to the Mines Department :—A reef 26ft thick, traced 200 yards, bus been duoovered by Abraham Ward on Boggy creek, about one mile above its paes*ge into Nowa Nowa, an arm of Like Tyers. There have been several trials of small quantities of stone, fine gold being seen, in all much mixed with iron pyrites. Gold is also to be seen on eaoh side of the reef on the surface.

Thk Dioorsan Btnod.—The Diooeian Synod was epened at Christchurch on Tuesday afternoon by Bishop Harper, who announced bis intention of resigning at the end of next year, as his health will not permit of his discharging all the duties of his office to his satisfaction. The Primate, speaking of the subject in his address, said that there would ba work of a useful character whioh he could discharge outside the dioceie, and whioh ho hoped, if his health permitted, to be able to do. He will probably call the Synod together immediately after Easter to make arrangements for bis successor. In bis addrois he stated that the receipts from church properties shewed a considerable de crease, due to the badnesi of the times. He urged renewsd efforts m regard to makin* provision for imparting religious education to children.

DHOiiiNBD.—In connection with the proposed banquet to the Hon. W. Rolleston at Geraldine, the following letter has boen received by a gentleman, resident in that townahip:—"Rangitata, Oct. 12th, 1887. My Dear Sir, —I only received your Utter of the 7'uhinst. labt night, and I fear there will bo no opportunity of sending a reply before Friday's mail. It is one of many containing kind expressions towards myself in reference to my defeat for the Rangitata district, which hare reached me from all paits of the colony. I need hardly say that the proposal! of my friends for an entertainment in Geraldine was particularly gratifying to me, but after thinking the matter oyer I feel compelled to ask them to let me take the will for tin deed, I have a strong feeling against appearing before the public in any position which mty seem to indioate a desire (which does nut exist on roy part) to return to public life. I hire no wish to be in any other relation to the people of the district than that of a friend and fellow citis-w, and as such they may alwaye count, on my doing my best to cooperate with them in promoting any objeot for theoommon good. At the present time I hope my motives will not be misunderstood in desiring to avoid any public demonstration in relation to the late election.—l remain, yours faithfully, W. Rollbstoit."

OPEN Lod&b.—The weekly meeting of the Welcome Retreat Lodge, No. 44, Oeraldine, was held on Monday evening last. Bro. Or. Bethune, W.C.T., occupied the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, and the roll of officers called. After the transaction of the usual routine business Bro. W. JR. Barker, District Deputy, address«d the meeting, and in the course of his remarks took occasion to thank the members for electing him District Duputy to the Grand Lodge. He also urged the necessity of reopening a lodge at Wood - bury and other parts of the district. A vote of thanks was passed to Bro. Barker for his visit that evening, and the Lodge was closed in the u*ual manner by the W.O.T, An open Lodge was then held, the W.O.T. presiding. The hall was well filled, and the following programme was successfully oarrisd out : Song, Bro. 'W. C«rltman; recitation, Mr Hiskens j song, Bro. Barker j reoitation, Sister Muslin j sone, Miss Dunlop; reading, Mr Fergusson; song, Bro. Brooker; song, Miss Coltmsn. The usual buns and 6offee having beon handed round, tho second part of the programme was gone on with as follows : Duet, Missel Mina Dunlop and M. Coltman; song, Bro. Logan (enoored) j recitation, Mr Hiskens; song, Miss Dunlop • recitation, Bro. Patrick j song, Bro. Coltman j song, Sister Colbert. Mr Barker was then called upon to address the meeting, whioh he did, pointing out ths necessity of esoh member doing his sjnd her best for tho good of the Order, and in reclaiming their fejjowinen frotn the curse of intemperance. The meetiog, whioh seemed to have been thoroughly enjoyed by all, was brought to a close- by the singing of the National Antbom.

Gbiu&dinb Coumit'Amiens’ Sooibts 1 .- A general meeting of the Geraldine County County Anglers’ Society was held on Tuesdaj craning at the Wallingford Hotel, Temuku There was only a small attendance, thi majority of ths local member* being engaged in the gentle craft. Mr W. Deßsnzy, Yioe President of the Society, occupied the chair The minutes of the last annual meeting and of an adjourned general meeting were read and confirmed. The Hon. Secretary, Mi Geo. Mason, then submitted the balance-sheet, which showed that the Society started with a balance in hand of £8 5s lOd; members subscriptions to the amount of £2 15s were receded, and £J for sale of tickets for fieh din; ner, making the total receipts £l2 Os lOd. Ths expenditure amounted to £8 5s sd, of which £3 5s was given in prixss in a fishing contest. Subscriptions to the amount of £5 were outstanding, and there were liabilities amounting to £3 19s lid. The Chairman morsd the adoption of the ba}tnce-sheet as read, and congratulated the members on ths financial position of the Society. As time went on he had every belief that it would largely extend its sphere of operations, The balance>sheet was adopted. On the motion of Mr Ooira, seconded by Mr Nicholas, the present officers of the Society were re-elected, The outstanding accounts were passed for payment. The question of holding competitions during the reason was then discussed, and it was resolved that Messrs Dsßenzy, Inwood, Findlay, >f. A. Young, K. P. Gray, and Dr Hays* form a sub-Committee to arrange for holding two oonlesls during th» present season, and that it be a recommendation to the Committee that the contests take place on the 15th November and the loth February. It was decided that the suh-Committee be also asked to arrange for a fish dinner to follow each contfst, Messrs Nishelas, Mason, and Grze were asked to canvass for prizes, and a g*Btlemnn present offered to give a fat lamb as a pri*which was accepted with thanks. Some discussion ensusd as to tbe arrangements for the contest, especially with regard r.o the waters to be fished over, bpt the tpiliup w»s ultimately left to the subrOotnmi'tee. Mr Deßenzy, however, yery kindly pi seed his streams at the disposal of the Committsp, and intimated his intention ef permitting no fishing for a week before etch contest. On ths motion of Mr Coirs, seconded hr Mr Nicholas, Mr Lamb was elected a member of the Society. On ths mptiop of Mr Gaze, seconded by Mr Ooira, it was agreed to hoi I the fi-gf dinner at the WolsoUy Hotel, Winchester. TubsuripUuns to the amount of £2 were received in the room, a'd after some further conversation the meeting terminated with a vote of thankl to the a'lair.

dHEARsm' UjNI .'N. The Shearers' Union appears to bo euro of success, as already maoy who have advertised for shftnrers intimate their preference for Union men. The annua! report of the Union has been published, and copies of it can be had from Mr H. N. Hiskens, at tho office of the Gjraldine Guardian. Stoats and Wiasbls.—On Saturday a consignment of stoats and weasels for the Amuri Bheep Farmers' Aisociation, intended to be liberated to keep down the spread of rabbity arrived. About 220 wsre landed in good condition, and wese at one* forwarded to Culrerden for distribution, where three aacaped, one of which wai recaptured, one was killed, and lbs other still remains at large. DxsTBtrOTiON op SPARBOW*.—Among tbo " Soience Notes " whioh form a regular feature | in the Gentleman's Magazine, we notice one upon the bait method of destroying sparrows. Thisii to be found, writes Mr W. M. Williams, in an old-faehioned oontrivanbe, i whioh has almost fallen into desuetude, called the " sparrow-basket." This aonsiits of " a trap or oage of open wiokerwork, down whioh the birds may pass into the backet. The mouth of this tuba reaches about half way to the bottom of the oage, and there ia a small door at the side. When the birds are in the cage they run round it and endeavour to eicapo by the side, but fail to return by the down-hanging tube abore, The sparrows may be taken out and killed, t\e robins, linnets and other harmless birds released," Writing on the subject to the Ohristohuroh Press a correspondent says : "For some time I have been searching baiketmakere' shops for what in my youthful days was called a " sparrow cage," and by which! have caught hundreds of birds, mostly sparrows. Only last week I called at a basket store in Hereford street, and gave the proprietor the average dimensions of this oage or basket, viz., diameter 24in., depth Hin,, the cover or top is an inverted eone, and reaohes to within 2jin. of the centre of bottom of the oage, and forms the entrance for the birds. The whole is of willows, with a door on the outside oiroumferenoe, near the bottom, for removing the oaptured. Strew wheat or bread crumbs on the bottom, and if at hand put a oall bird in the oage, and place it under a tree. While the young birds are abont the oatoh per day will be very large, and I ooniider the nie of this oage to be the panacea for the evils produced by a superabundance of this pest."

To the ladies of Timaru and surrounding district,— Another reduction to meet the times. A cup of tea or coffee with cake sup* plied at all hours at the Railway Refreshment Booms for 6d. Luncheon as usual, A waitress' in attendance for ladies. The Shilling Lunches still continue at the Club Hotel. D. McQ-uinness, Proprietor.—Advt. SYNOPSIS OF ADVERTISEMENTS. Woodbury Athletic Club—Publish programme of sports. J. Ballantyne and Co., Victoria House, Timaru—Hare just received by direct steamer the leading novelties for the season, and request an early inspection; enumerate a few lines.

N.Z. Clothing Factory, Timaru—Are now showing their new gooda for the spring and lummtr season, and respectfully invite inspection ; draw special attention to their stoek of cbthing. J. Brown, Beehive Storei, Temuka—Ho* tifies that he has just received spring and summer dnpery, comprising all the latest novelties 5 also, new stock of men's and boys' olothin?, etc., etc.