LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1787, 8 September 1888, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Bag Question. —Otago farmers are agitating with a view to compelling grain merchants to pay fair value (or bags.

Pbopoibd Phoxbctitb Wobes at Obabi. —A meeting of persons interested in protectire works at the north-west of the Orari Bailway Bridge takes place at the Be'fisld Schoolroom this evening. The Ladies’ Choioh. -Ladj ratepayers in South Dunedin evidently take considerable interest in municipal matters, a Mr T. Fildes, who has been re-elected for Bast Ward, having been nominated by two ladies. New Zealand Alliance.— Mr T. W. Glover, of the New Zealand Alliance, will address a public meeting io the fetnuka Volunteer Hall «n Tuesday evening next. Mr J. Talbot will occupy the ohalr. Pbopbeti Tax Assbsiobs.—The gazetted list of assessors under the Property Tax Act contain* the following names; —W. S. Moslin and 0. 8. Tolton, Geraldine; H. P. Sealey and G. L. Meaion, Timaru ; B. Pilbrow, Temuka; and F. Slee, Waimate.

T*« Bbtibbhemt o» Bisicor Habme,— Th* Diocesan Synod on Wadnedsay night decided to eek Parliament for power to apply the funds of the Bishopric estate to providing a retiring allowance for the present bishop, which by the constitution of the fund cannot b* done without Isgialation. The bishop has been asked to retain office till the psating of the necessary Aot. SOCIAL Gambhin*.— The social gathering held on Thursday evening last, io connection with the Geraldine Rifles, was in every way a decided success. The usual decorations of evergreens were prettily arranged. A capital floor, excellent music by MrJ. Figoni, and abundant refreshments dispenssd by Mr and Mrs Stonehouie assisted by Mr E. O'Neill, contributed to a very enjayable evening for the large number present, and dancing was kept up with great spirit till early morning.

A Rumour. —The Sydney correspondent of 1 the Auckland Star lays j—"lt ii rumoured that'Mr P. J. Pink (of Bent, Fink land Co., a vary wealthy firm m Melbourne) will leare Melbourne for New Zeeland in a few days with a view of investing over one million of money on eity properties in Dunedin, Wellington, and Auckland, and agricultural and pastoral lands. Mrs Crawford.—Mis Crawfoid, who was associated with the scandalous Dilke divorce case, and who seemed to be the flightiest of the flighty, has become a member, it is said, of the Wesley >n Metbodiat body. In the mission work of the West End of London Aire Crawford is one of the most self-sacrificing and energetic helpers, and frequently takea part in the service it St James’ Hal).

QxßA£ism« Licensing Committee. The quarterly meeting of this Committee was held in the Courthouse, Geraldine, on Thursday last. Present— Messrs W. S. Maslin (Chairman), J. W. Pye, N. Dunlop, and W. Coltmao. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed, the Inspectors report upon the licensed houses iu the district was read and considered satisfactory, and the meeting terminated. Death of ah Aged Nativ*,— Mr*. Earenspu, the 1 >st Native of D’DVville I>l«nd, whose death was announced hr the Nelson papers last week, was supposed to be about 112 years of age, and probably might have lived a few years longer bad it not been for a fall which aha got about 18 months’ ago, causing dislocation of both hip joints, which were never put in again, Sbe has left four generations behind her. She escaped the pursuit of hostile tribes several times daring her lifetime, and on one occasion, whilit nursing twins, she was pursued by the Ngatikoatai, on whose near approach she threw her children under a tutu buib, and got away without them. / Upebb Waitohi School Commute*.—

The monthly meeting of this Committee was held in the schoolroom on August 30th, Mr Patrick Coll in the chair. A letter was retd from the Board of Education, requesting the Committee to forward a cheque for the sum of £6 10s, contribution money due towards the teacher’s saltry. After a short discussion, it was resolved; “That as the Board has retained the present teacher in defiance of the Committee, although hsr dismissal has been recommended to the Board three times—once by the former Committee and twice by the present Committee —resolyed, 1 That we are fully determined to pay no contribution money till we get a change of teacher.’ ” After some accounts were passed for payment, the meeting terminated. Football.—A ma'ch was played at Temuka on Thursday afternoon, between teams from the Temuka and limaru Glube. The visitors arrived shortly after three o’clock, but it was nearly four when play commenced. In the early part of the first spell the game was a fairly even one, but it was quickly evident that the local team were in no condition for pi lying. At the fiuish of the spell, Timaru had scored two goals, kicked by Perry, and a try. In the second spell, the Temuka men showed up to greater advantage, and some capital play was shown. Lavery attempted a pot at goal, but (he ball struck one of the Timaru team, and was then secured by Mendelson, who carried it over the line. The try was entrusted to Lavery, who on'y manage I a poster. Shortly afterwards time was celled, Timam thus winning by 7 points to 1. For Timaru, Perry played excellently, Qoodall, Lawrenson, and Black also Elbowing up well. For Temuka, Lavery, Mendelson, Dyson, and G. Velvin did good service. Mr Flint carried the referee’s whistle, and Messrs Hughes and J. W. Yelvin umpired for Timaru and Temuka respectively. After the gams the visitors were entertained at dinner by the local club at the Crown Hotel.

The Ukemfloted Petition. nection with the petition of the unemployed men in Temuka and Arowbenua recently presented by Mr A. E. G. Rhode* to the Minister cf Public Works, it appears that the Government have definitely decided not to expend any. more money in relief works in Town Districts. Such men as are really in urgent need can obtain employment on the Government relief works either at High Peaks or on the Bea<ey road, by applying to the Public Works Department, Christchurch. A circular issued on the 7th November from the Public Works Department, Wellington, and bearing the signature of John Blackett, Eegiueer-ia-Cbief, notifies that in future only auclt men as are able to perform a day’s labor will be employed. The rate of pay is as follows In or near a town for married men 3s fid per day, tingle man 2s fid per day ; in the country for married men 4s fid, single men 3s; or at piece work so as to earn the above rates. At the time the petition was presented, Mr Rhodes waited upon the Minister for Public Works in support of it, an! at his request Mr Buxton dtd the rame. Their efforts were, however, of no avail. The correspondence in connection with the matter is in the hands of Mr K. P. Gray, Chairman of the Temuka Town Board, who will be happy to show it to persons interested.

Sfbeid of Infection bt Domestic Animals.— Some curious facts, showing that domestic animels are capable of spreading infection, are recorded ii h>s report Ou the recent sustained preva'ence of diphtheris.in Enfield, by Dr Bruce Low, of the medical department of the Local Government Board. He incidentally states, says the Smitary Record, that during December 1887 and January 1883 there was a large mortality among cats, so much so that the dustmen said that they/lever remembered seeing so many dead" cats in dust heaps before. The following incident occurred at Enfield at the time, and shows the possible connection between diphtheria in children and in cats; —A little buy waa taken ill with what turned out ultimately to be fatal diphtheria. On the firat day of his illness he was sick, and the oat, which was in the room at the time, licked the vomit from the floor. In a few day* (the child meanwhile having died) the animal was noticed to be ill, and her sufferings being so severe and so simi'ar to those of the dead boy, the owner destroyed her. During the early part of its illneea this oat had been let out at nights in the back yard, as usual. A few days later the cat of a neighbour who lived a few doors further off was noticed to be ill. It had also been in the back yards at night. The second animal, which, however, recovered, was the pet and playfellow of four little girls, who, grieved at the illness of their favourite, nursed it with great care. All four girls developed diphtheria, the mother being convinced that they got it from the cat, und, indeed, no other known source of contact with infection could bo discovered.

Wbslbyan Ohoeoh, Tbmuka.— R. S. Bunn will conduct the s trices at this Ohurch to-morrow. The (objects of his addresses will be found in our advertising columns. He will conduct service at Waitohi in the afternoon. Burmese Talent.— A Burmese law student, Mr Chan Toon, is said to hare learned more law before being called tj tie bir than any student over learned before. He competed as a student of the Middle Temple, London, for the eight principal prises open to law students, and gained them all. An Oivbb nbom Anab,—At tbs Synod at Christchurch, on Thursday aftsnsoon, His Lordship ths Primate read a telegram from i he Governor, stating that Sir Arthur Gordon had cabled from Handy, Ceylon, that he bad heard that the Christchurch cathedral tower Wes destroyed and would give £IOO towards the repairs. Rotal Periobmers. London royalty is about to organise a charitable fete in imitation of that carried to succeea by the Princess Metternich in Vienna. The three little Princesses of Wales are to appear as Yum-Vum, Pitii Sing, and Peep Bo in the “Mikado” trio. A : Scotch ballet will be danced by titled ladies, and it will wind up with a panto-, mine in which all the players will take part. Undesirable Yisitoks.—'The Melbourne Exhibition i* attracting from Europe and other countries a'l kinds of undesirable characters. In the Ormuz for instance, two first-class passengers bad to be put in irons during the voyage. In the last P. and 0. boat it was no better, and in one ship five first-class passengers were degraded to the steerage, as it was found >hat their conduct was too outrageous for ordinary decent people to put up with. Bank on Nbw Zealand. The Wellington correspondent of the Otago Daily Times writes; —" I hsar on wha' appears to be good authority that it is practically settlsd that ths headquarters of the Bank of Hew Zealand will shortly be removed from Auckland to Wellington, in order to escape ths Auckland influence which has hitherto operated so mischievously on the fortunes of the bank. 1 hear also privately that those ‘in the know’ are very sanguine as to ths bank's future, and are quietly buying up shares at the present low prices, confident of an early rise after the coming masting.” HAPfg Land.—There is a land where it is always Leap Year, according to Mr Prank Cushing, who writes to the San Francisco Chronicle “In Zuni land the woman makes the first ad ranees looking towards marriage. The woman raises the family, She transmits the name. She sends to the youth she chooses a basket of meal or peaches, and if he is inclined towards her he forthwith makes a present of ' primary consideration,’ consisting of a pair of mocassins of a whole deerskin, beautifully dressed, and snow white. That signifies that she is provided with shoes for life. The only sanctification of the marriage is the formal adoption of the young man after the acceptancs of the bundle. He is then ths stepson of the giri*s father.

Hiiton School Committee. The monthly meeting of this Committee was held oa 31st Auguv. Present—Messrs R, Skinner (Chairman), W. Beattie, L, H. Rooke, A. Toomey, W. Hide, J. Leary, and P. Ryan. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Correspondence was read from the Board of Education, stating that £4 5->, incidental* for the third quarter bad been paid to thecrodit of the Committee. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Miss Bruce for her donation towards the expense of the new door into the class room. It was decided to reinsure the school. The visitors reported the sehoo) to be working satisfactory, sod that i leakage in the roof required to bs attended to. The Master’s report showed the average to be very small, owing to the bad weather ; he also stated that the cooking range in the house was useless. It was left with the Visiting Committee to report at next meeting. The Chairman and Mr Beattie were appointed visitors for the month. The meeting then terminated.

Political Items. The Wellington correspondent of the Otago Daily Times writes ;—I do not beliera that Sir H. Atkinson will stand again for Egmont. I anticipate that at the next gensral election he will come forward for one of the large towns or cities, and if the system of proportional representation (or Hare method) be then in force ha will probably have a good chance ef success. There is a movement quietly “ simmering” to get the Hon. Mr Waterhonse to head a new party, and in case of a Ministerial defeat to taka the Premiership. It will be remembered that he was Premier in 1872-3, but resigned on account of Sir J. Vogel taking more on himself than Mr Waterhonse approved of. Mr T. K. Macdonald, the local auctioneer and nne of the leaders of the Protectionist movement in Wellington, will almost certainly stand for the mayoralty next election, and has a good chance of winning. If so, it will bs (as in the case of Messrs Hutchison, sen., and Fisher) the stepping stone to Parliament, for be will assuredly contest Ta Aro in the Protectionist interests with Mr Menteath at the next general election, and present appearances are rather in favor of his defeating the Freetrader. His Mends regard him as the coming Colonial Treasurer. He is a very vigorous and effective public speaker, ingenious in special pleading, and estate in business matters, Ha may be one of the coraiug men.

Itsxsixa loon Til Babbits.— A contemporary -juifcly says that the following extract from a report that appeared in the Wakatip Mail of 13th June, 1866, of the foundation of an acclimatisation society in that diitriot, will prove interesting. In the light of subsequent events the prophetic and con* gralalatory tone of the report will be greatly relished " Yesterday witnessed, as did three years ago, the efforts of a few earnest men. On the first occasion there was a desire to obtain room for the plough ; on the second the object was to encourage sport and ensure additional comfort by letting loose some fourfooted animals , . . At a nesting held the other evening it was resolved that an acclimatisation society should bo set afloat, however hnmble the first movement might be. The flae climate of the Wakatip was dwelt upon, and it was determined then and there to carry out a long contemplated project, and the introduction of game and salmon and the letting loose of various animals was fully considered. As the first stags to what there can be no doubt will prove an eventful episode, a number of gentlemen were found yesterday on the ground to let run a number of rabbits kindly presented by Mr M'Oonoohie, of the Lake Ticw Gardens. Thu commsncsment was characterised by a hearty warmth, and we trust the same feeling will pervade the movements of ths sooisty hsrsaftsr.” ,

A Coincidence. curious coincidence which has seldom or naver been equalled, that the -Emperor William’s age at the time of his death (91.) was exactly that of the united ages of his -ion Frederick (66), his grandson William [[. (29), his great-grandson, the present Grown Prince (6). A Valuable largest sum evejc known to have beehpiid for a aingle book was £IO,OOO, wVch the German Government gave for, a vellum mlsaal, originally presented to'King Henry VIII. by Pope Leo X. . Charles 11, gave it to .■>n ancestor of the Duke of Hamilton, and it became the property of the German Government at the sale of the 'Duke’s library a few years ago. A Sequel. Tlie Euros i!t)yertisar «t»Ua that a private latter received by n resident of Enron conveys the information that Captain Moore, who, it will be remembared, was in the company of Mias Laura Swain some months aiooe, when she unfortunately met with a melancholy death by drowning, and was acquitted of baieg the cause of her death, haa committed suicide, leaving a wrltleAjadmiasion to the effect thit he purpoaely''threw Mias Swain avar the Yarra Bridge. ' Qua Daisy Produce.— Mr: E. ‘-Meadows, representative of a London by the Tsinuiforthe purpose of -making arrangements. to procure New Zetlanddiiry produce,' Ha speaks highly of tba capabilities of the colony, but says we are throwing sway our opportunities by not using (hem to advantage. Butter and cheese would sell well if proper attention was paid ■ to vttaiformity in making and packing. Thera la aa unlimited market for batter of good quality, and one of the largest buyers in Montreal says wo do not know what a chance ws art losing of putting New Zealand on - same footing as Canada and tha Statsa.

Geraldine Floral anp ? Horticult'cral Sociktt.— -A meeting ofthe Committee of this Society was holdat the Secretary’s office on Wednesday eVeniog last. Prasent—Meaars J. Williams, VicePresident (in the chair), S. Chapman, J. Pye, senr., J. W. Pye, Bowberry, A, Coles, J. Hay, and the Secretary. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and .-confirmed. Letters'were received—From Mr A. Yates, .Aqbjklaud, forwarding two parcels of seeds, being his special prizjs for the previous show, and offering to renew the same for the show of 1889.—Letter to be acknowledged with thanks. From Mr G;* T, Smith offering 7s 6d as a special prize.— To be acknowledged 'in W letter conveying the thanks of the/Commute for the offar. It was. decided to hold the next annual show on Thursday, January 17th, 1889! -The Secretary was instructed to ascertain the fee for the use of the and Oddfellows' Halls respectively! ‘The Secretary was also instructed to write to Messrs Adams and Son re their special prize for the last show. Tbs schedule of prizes for next show was then revised, when it was resolved to make no alteration, but in both classes, ie the fruit division, to add " Apricots, best dish; of 9.” It was decide ! to cull for tetaiierß for printing 150 catalogues. The Committee's collection books were distributed, sad the Committee adjourned to September 26.

Ajxuued Illicit Distill tiioM. —At the R.M. Court, Timaru, on Thursday, Patrick O’Connor was charged on the information of Inspector Thompson Inspector of Distilleries, for that he (Patrick O’Connor) on iho 30th August, 1888, did unlawfully have upon his house, bhildiqg, place, and premises, near Albury (up Totara Valley, about a mils-and-a half on this side of the Opihi Gorge), in the said colony, then in his possession and occupation, certain apparatus and utensils, to wit one hydrometer, one yat with falao bottom, two sacks crushed corn, one thisr* memeter, one four-gallon jar oohtainipg spirits, one two gallon jar containing wash, three barrels, one tin billy, ode zinc-lined case, seven sacks containing portions of crushed corn, one iron backet, two kerosene tins, one augur, two tin pannikins, and one funnel: the said articles being suited for process of distillation, contrary to the form of the'Act in that case made and provided, whereby the said Patrick O'Connor had forfeited the sum of £SOO. Mr White appeared (or the (proaenution, and Mr Hay for the defence. The evidence as to the possession of the articles was conclusive, but Mr Hay contended that they could all bo used for other than distilling purposes. Defendant was given s good character. His Worship, Captain Wray, R.M., said he would take the fact of accused having a wife and fire children into consideration, and also the fact that the man who makes the whiskey is not always the principal in the transaction; He would impose a penalty of £IOO, with the alternative of twelve months’ imprisonment. Mr Hay gave notice that the defendant would proceed by some means to test the conviction, Mft BaBHAM AC THE BoAD BOARD.— Occasionally at.public meetings incidents occur that brighten the proceedings, otherwise somewhat dull, and such little episodes afford wondrous, relief. ■ The visit of Mr F. W« Badbam to the Temuka Road Board on Tuesday last exercised quite an invigorating effect upon that body. Mr Badham’s arrival was announced by a timid knock. The door was opened by the clerk, and Mr Badhsm was ushered in, looking vastly sole mn and as “ modest as a flower pot, as someone expresses it. His object on visiting the Board was to induce them to exercise their powers and sell a section of land at Rangitats, upon which the tales bad not been paid for several years. He explained the circumstances of the case, and the chairman with all gravity said that the matter should be considered. He then asked if there was any ether matter which he (Mr Badbam) would like to bring before the Boaid. Mr Badbam pondered awhile, and then said "No. He did not like asking favors, but if,” and he smilad most seductively, "the Board would grant him a supply of dyoam it*, it would be appreciated.” “Of wbatf” asked the chairman in evdent surprise. "Dynamite,” replied Mr Badbam, as seriously *s over. " Whatever fur ? ” asked a startled member. "Just to blew up the bridge at Cooper’s Creek,” was the reply. "Perhips the Board might see its way to build a new one then.” And with a most portentous wink solemnly Mr Badbam b owed himself eut. It may be mentioned that diligent search was mads into the m alter of the unpaid rates, and it was found tbat*they totalled up to la 3d. The laud is not to bo sold. The bridge however is to be built.

' ■ Commandant Hrribrt Booth.—OomAibdaot Hnbeit Booth, thi third ion of the General of the Saltation Army, is expected to reach New Zealand shortly, having Bailed from London on the 11th August. Mr Booth has charge of the training heats, and ia assisted by UO stuff officers.

Diab Watiß.— Londoners are staled, on the.authority ’of'The Local Government Board, to pay. between ’ £60,000 and £75,000, a year for water sold under the Dane of milk. In one district alone the milkmen were reported by the analyst as receiving between £7OOO and £BOOO a yesr for water; while tbe fines inflicted collectively only amounted to £IOO.

Baztbb’s Lung Preserver has gained great popularity in this district as a speedy and effectual remedy in the treatment of Goirsms, Colds, Bronchitis and othe» chest and throat complaints. Rtad advt. and try it. • BINOPMS OF ADVERTISEMENTS.

Mrs Leonard, Pleasant Point-Wants a

girl, ahoat 16 years of ags. v . Wsslsyan Church* Temuka—Rev. R. S. Bunn will conduct services to-morrow, j .I.jr, Gray—Sells fat and store cheep and * Winchester Fair en Tuesday next. ! J Zealand Alliance Address by Mr 'I. W. Glover at Temuka on Tuesday evening. --. R. Skinner, Rsdoliff Farm, Hilton-Has ■ seed Canadian oats, tusoan wheat, and barley v for sale* ■

J. Browb, Beehive Store*, Temuka «. Notifies that he ia making sweeping reduolionr, and gives n number of (notations. • Zealandia Skating Rink, Temuka —Two mile raee for championship of South Canterbury an September 13; entries close en Monday next, J, Miindell and Co. —Sell store cattle and fat nnd vtore iheep at Winehcster Fair on Tuesday j have ryegrass seed for sale, also woolpaeks and seaming twine.