LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1859, 28 February 1889, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Westport Coal Company.— The Westport Coal Company made a profit of £17,000 during the year. The output for the year was 130,000 tons, an increase of 14,000 tons. Dramatic Club. —A meeting was held in Mr Sim’s office last Tuesday evening, when rules for the government of the now Dramatic Club was drawn up. It was stated that several new members had given in their names, and that altogether the prospects of the club were good. Geraldine Public Sports.— The committee of the above sports, when making out their programme, decided to have no post entries, but to make the nomination for all events close on Monday next. Unfortunately in writing out their programmes they inserted the word handicaps instead of events. An advertisement appearing elsewhere notifies that entries . for all the events must reach the secretary by Monday next*

In Love with New Zealand.—Sir Hercules Robinson, in a private letter to a gentleman in Hawke’s B*y, expresses bis determination to settle in New Zealand after bis retirement from the Governorship of Oape Colony, if he can make the requisite arrangements.

More Pbofhecibs,—Ac a recent conference at Exeter Hall, London, the Rev. Mr Baxter prophocied a number of extraordinary events, amongst others that the greatest wars ever known in Europe would happen in 1889 or 1890, changing 23 kingdoms into 10. Totalisator Dividends,—A correspondent writes to a Dunedin paper that at the Dunedin race meeting £5 6s paid on the win of Ixion in the Suburban Welter Handicap should have been £9 5s 6d. The correspondent asks it it is a clerical error or a more serious offence on the part of the totalisator officials.

A Heavy Penalty. —On Tuesday a Wellington brewer named Andrew Hamilton, convicted on fire charges of neglecting to make proper entries of beer removed from the brewery for consumption, was fined £SO on each charge, and costs, the stock of implements and beer at date of each information to be confiscated ; in default three months’ imprisonment. Temoka Rifles —An inspection parad« of the Terauka Rifle Volunteers was held In the drillahed last evening, at which there were about twenty rank and file present. The men were put through the manual, firing, and bayonet exercises by Lieutenant Findlay, and acquitted themselves creditably. Sergeant-Major Jones was present. A Thirty Days Fast.— M. Alexandre Jacques, a Frenchman, has completed a thirty days’ fast ■in Edinburgh. His object was not so much an attempt to rival others in that line, as to publicly demonstrate the life sustaining properties of a herbal powder, which he calls saveur, the elements of which are only known to himself. Two ounces of the powder sufficed to keep Him alive for thirty days. His weight fell from 9st 71b 3oz to Bst 31b during his fast. He was watched by a committee of medical men.

Customs Seizure.— Yesterday morning Mr Shannon made his first examination of goods at the Dunedin wharf, and «u the result seized the first two cases lie opened, which consisted of soft goods belonging to one of the largest Dunedin firms. The cases consisted of mixed goods, with a large qumtity of druggetings for making ladies underskirts, and are liable to 20 per cent ad valorem. These hud been invoiced as atiiped shirtings, and are entered at the Customs as shirtings, free, No doubt the Government will at once institute proceedings. Mr Matson in the Tkmuka District. —Mr J. T. Matson, of Christchurch, who has been visiting South Canterbury and is charmed with the harvest prospects in the district, has sent the following characteristic telegram from Temuka to Mr Kinsey, secretary of the Christchurch Committee for the Jubilee Exhibition:— “Having viewed Eskbank and Clark’s property, now whining with golden crops in atook, recommend photographs of most beautiful and gorgeous wealth of South Canterbury. Land of Goschen was a fool to this paradise. Time should be taken by the forelock.” Suspicious Racing,— A meeting cf the Stewards of the Dunedin Jockey Club was held on Saturday evening, when, after hearing evidence in connection with the running of Dudu, the following resolution was passed : “ The Stewards are of opinion that the running of Dudu for the Dunedin Cup, taken in conjunction with her running in the D.J.C. Handicap was, very unsatisfactory, and reasonably caused suspicion in the minds of the public, but they have been unable to obtain evidence to justify them in taking further action.” Williams, the owner of Sultan, writes a letter fee the Press exculpating Cutts, and declaring the mare beaten on her merits after a mile and a half had been run. Poisoning a Black,— A reward of £IOO has been offered for the arrest of two suspected murderers, named James Cameron and George Carline. They were staying at a hotel at Yergemont Creek, near Junday, and there saw a Kanaka with a large sum of money in hie possession. They endeavored to induce the Kanaka to try a new acid drink, but the Kanaka thought he saw the man put the contents of a paper into the glass, and declined to drink unless an aboriginal standing by took first drink. The latter did so, and died in convulsions in a few moments. The Kanaka, alarmed, run into the bush, followed by Carlino and Cameron. The Kanaka made for the nearest police station, and gave information. It is believed the men decamped across the border into South Australia. The drink contained strychnine.

A DANflEßOtrs Ltoatio. —A murderous attack was made upon a warder named Ingle at the Parramatta Hospital for t he Insane recently by a man named Oameroo, a criminal patient. Cameron, along with other patients, hadj been chopping wood, bub when the assault was committed the gang had knocked off for a smoke. A day or two previously Ingle had threatened to stop Cameron’s tobacco for a slight breach of tbe rules, and this appeared to have aroused a spirit of revenge in Cameron. While the others were sitting smoking he stole to the wood shed, and securing an axe approached Ingle from behind, and was in the act of delivering the latter a powerful blow on the head when another warder cried out in warning. Ingle moved his head, and the blow descended on his shoulder, inflicting a severe, but not very dangerous, wounds Cameron has been in the institution for a very long time. Many years ago, while Dr Greenough was examining his eyes at the same hospital, he suddenly stuck a pair of scissors into the doctor’s abdomen, the result proviug fatal. Cameron was a member at one lime of the well-known gang of “ Forties,” a set of thieves who committed a series of sensational depredations in Victoria.

The Chops.— -Harvesting in the Geraldine district is well advanced, and a short time now should see every sheaf in stack. Many of the farmers, with a view to obtaining the excellent prices now ruling, are busy threshing. The grain is turning out bright and bard, but not quite so plump as would doubtless have been the case had a little more rain fallen in December and January. Despite the extremely dry weather we hare been experiencing, turnips are looking well, a fact that may probably be accounted for by the heavy dews which have generally fallen by night. Potatoes have held their own remarkably well, considering the season, and this crop should produce a good average yield. On grass lands, however, feed is getting very scarce, and the paddocks are presenting a scorched appearance. The supply of water, too, is running short in a great many places, and the sooner harvesting operations are completed, and a good downpour is experienced, the better it will be for tbs whole district. Some of the farmers are taking advantage of the fine weather to get some of the stubble land ploughed, and in places harvesting operations and ploughing are going on simultaneously in the same paddock.

Gift Auction.— A gift auction and sale of work takes place in Mr Maslin’s auction room, Geraldine, this afternoon.

A Munificent Gift.— The Munich Neueste Nachricbten announces that Baron Hirsch, the philanthropist, has actually deposited with the Bank of England the sum of 50,000,000 fr (or £2,000,000 of English money) for the purpose of founding schools and to civilise Jews of Russia. The princpal trustee of this fund is said to be M. Guuzhurg, a large banker. A similar fund is being prepared for Roumelia. The first schools will bs erected in Lemberg, Cracow, and Czernowitz. German will be the language.

Sootsbubn School. —At the recent school committee meeting the inspector’s report on the last standard examination was read. It showed that 41 children were attending the school at the time of examination, and of tbie number 39 were present. In the standards there wore four failures—one in standard YI, one in Standard Y., and two and IY,, all the children of Standards 111., 11., and I. passing. The following are the marks for class subjects (0 to 100) :—Drawing, 38 j history, 62; geography, 87 ; object lessons, 85. For addition subjects (0 to 20); Repetition and recitation, 17; needlework, 16; subject matter of reading lessons, 14. In his remarks, the inspector stated that the preparatory classes (12 children) had made very satisfactory progress in reading and spelling, and that they were painstaking and successful in their writing. The school had passed a very good examination. The children were orderly and obedient. The committee considered the inspector’s report and the progress of the children during the past year as highly satisfactory. They were also gratified to learn from the teacher that the number attending school this year had greatly increased.

Charity. A few issues ago the Ear. T. A. Hamilton acknowledged, through our columns, a number of donations received by him in aid of a fund being raised to pay for the erection of a cottage in the township of Arowheuua for a widow, who was in destitute circumstances. Since then the rev. gentleman has received the following letter, accompanied by postal notes for the amount mentioned : “ East Oxford, Canterbury, February 23, 1889. Eoy. and dear sir,—A paragraph appeared in the Press of the 18th inst., which I read with much satisfaction, and the good work you have taken up is so commendable that comment in unnecessary. 1 called the attention of a few friends to the matter, with (he result that I am requested to forward to you the enclosed notes, which please accept in aid of the widow, and have the kindness to acknowledge through the medtum of the Press, or otherwise, as may seem best to yourself. On the ether side 1 append names of subscribers. Should further donations be received, I will gladly forward them. Meanwhile, wishing you all success, believe me, rev. and dear sir, yours faithfully, E. E. AllpbEss. JJev. X. A. Hamilton. —E. Parish, 2s 61; E. E. Allpress, Is; J, J. Weeber, 2s 6d ; W. Mitchell, Is ; W. Wakefield, Is; F. A. Waterus, Is; Charles Thompson, Is.” The Eey. Mr Hamilton will be glad to receive further donations for the object mentioned. .

Anglican General Synod. At a meeting of the Anglican General Synod at Dunedin on Monday, a petition was received from fifty-eight parishioners of St. John’s, Eoslyo, praying that the Synod make itself acquainted with all the circumstances of the recent disputes, and devise a mods of relief. A Committee was appointed to prepare an address to the Primate, who is resigning, to be presented towards the close of the session. The Synod went into Coramiitee to consider a secies of resolutions re theological studies, which with some amendments, were adopted. They provided that candidates for Holy Orders be required to pass the entrance examinotion to the University, and that those who have received a degree in arts have two years’ course of theological studies. The Synod whs occupied the whole evening by consideration in Committee of the Incumbents Removal Bill. Eventually progress was reported, leave being given to sit again, On Tuesday evening the Synod proceeded to the election of a Primate to succeed Bishop Harper on his resignation. There was no nomiuation and no speaking except to thequeslion, Shall the vote be now taken, The result was, after three ballots, that the Bishop of Wellington was elected Primate by a majority of all orders. The Priaiateelect made a short address. The Eey. Mr Filchett moved that the customary fees for marriage licenses be dispensed with. He said that statistics obtained from the Registrar-General showed that for 1887 there were 3565 marriages for the colony of which 2737 were solemnised by ministers and 828 by registrars. Though the Church of England population was 229,757 and the Presbyterian 130,000, yet the Presbyterian ministers solemnised 873 marriages to 770 by the Church of England. The motion was negatived after discussion. A vote of thanks was passed to the Bishop of Nelson for his services as clerical secretary to the Board of Theological Studies. A select committee was appointed to consider the matters contained in the petition from parishioners of St. John’s, Eoslyn, as to disputes there in connection with alleged ritualistic practices.

Peel Fobbet Hobtiouitwbai Sooibxi. —A meeting of the committee was held on Saturday evening, February 23rd. Present —Messrs Barker (chairman), Irvine, Pithie, Newman, Johnston, and Boskruge. The treasurer, Mr Johnston, elated that the amount he had received from all sources was £l7 16s 6d, and that the number of entries this year exceeded those of the past year by 104. The committee then proceeded to pay the various prize-winners, whose claims amounted to £l2 5s 6d. This, with saveral small accounts, amounting to £2 ss, made a total payment of £l4 10a 6d, thus leaving a balance of £3 6i to be carried on to the next year. Totes of thanks wore passed to the Misses Acland for taking charge of the refreshment stall at the late show, and to the judges Messrs Pye, Coombs, and Quin. This being all the business, the committee adjourned till the last Saturday of June, when the annual meeting takes place. The Peel Forest show now seems to be a firmly established annual affair. It has become very popular with the residents of the district, whom it affords a pleasant afternoon’s outing, besides causing a few to take a greater in their gardens. The recent one was the fourth held, and, judging from the increase in the subscriptions, and the number of entries, together with the improvement noticeable in the exhibits, was a thorough success. Mr Barker, the originator of the society, and his supporters, who have worked earnestly from the beginning to carry it on, are to be congratulated on the results attending their efforts, which indeed must be very gratifying to them. It is to be hoped that next year’s officials will in some manner provide for apace for the exhibitors, as the accommodation this year was very limited.

PjDtrsiooNOJtr. —Mr Hugo delivered his second lecture at Temuka on Physiognomy en Tuesday evening, the subject being “ Noses,” winch was treated m an instructive, as weli as amusing, manner, and was much enjoyed by the audience. This evening Mr Hugo will deliver his last lecture, and those who have not attended before should do so on this occasion. These lectures are really very entertaining, and wo noticed severe.! who were there on the first night attended on the second night also.

Personal —The Rev. Father Bowers, who for some time past has officiated at the Roman Catholic Church, Geraldine, left that township yesterday en route for Ahara, Grey Valley, where he bus received a better appointment. During his stay in Geraldine the rev. gentleman has made a large number of friends, and these, while being glad to bear of his promotion, will regret his departure from the district. Death under Chlorojorm.— William Gumming, eleven years of age, died at Dunedin on Tuesday under chloroform administered for the performance of a serious operation. The lad was attended by Dra Coughtrey and Teeyan, and had on two previous occasions been given a greater quantity of the anaesthetic without ill tesults. Every care was taken. Dr Teevan administered the chloroform,andDr Coughtrey operated, but the patient died from syncope of the heart during the operation. Meeting or Creditors.— A meeting of the creditors of David Leach was held in the R.M. Court, Temuka, yesterday, Mr W. 0. Beswick, Deputy Assignee, presiding. There was a good attendance. The debtor produced a statement of moneys received and expended by him from the time of calling the private meeting of creditors and the filing his bankruptcy. He showed he had received £l4 and expended £2O. His books were then examined, and Mr Aspinall was appointed as supervisor, to act in connection with the Official Assignee. After arranging for selling the effects in ths estate, the meeting adjourned. The Harvest, —The Waimate Times states that the wheat crop in the district ia estimated to yield an average of 30 to 32 bushels, and oats 35 bushels. While the straw is generally lighter this year than last, an excellent sample of grain is anticipated.—The North Otago Times reports that the most of the crop in that district ia now cut, and threshing has been begun in many parts. The yield of wheat will run from 30 to 45 bushels per acre, and will for the most part be garnered in excellent condition!. A superb sample of this season’s wheat, averaging 35 bushels, grown by Mr Jas, Miller, ac Papakaio, was brought into Oamaru on Saturday, and placed under offer to one of the raiilere. The Bag Question. —At a meeting of grain msrehauts, held at Dunedii on Tuesday night, Hie following motions were carried : “ That ibe system which bus prevailed in Duuedir. for the past few years of buying grain with the value of the bags included in the price of their contents, has worked satisfactorily, inasmuch as it has facilitated tiie transfer of produce by simplifying accounts and rendering the terms of purchase uniform with those of sale, both in this and the markets to which it is exported, thereby tending to the advantage of all concerned,” (2) “ That as any alteration in the grain terms would cause friction and difficulty in the negotiation of purchases and sales, and be prejudicial alike, these here present do individually pledge themselves to adhere to the present system in all offers they may make for grain during the forthcoming season.” The Victoria Cross.— The following are included in what is believed to be the complete list of holders of the Victoria Cross gained in New Zealand ;—J. C. Down, Ensign 67th Regiment Foot; C, Heapy, Major New Zealand Militia ; E. McKenna, Color-Sergeant 65th Regiment Foot; J. O. McNeill, Lieutenant-Colonel 107th Regiment Foot; W. G. N. Hanley, Assistant-Surgeon Royal Artillery; S. Mitchell, Petty Officer Navy; J. Murray, Sergeant 68th Regiment Foot; W. Odgers, Seaman Royal Navy ; A. F. Pickard, Lieutenant Royal Artillery ; J. Ryan, Lance-Corporal 65tb Regiment Foot; H. Shaw, Major General 18th Regiment R. 1.; F. A. Smith, Colonel 43rd Regiment Foot; D. Stagpoole, Drummer 75th Regiment Foot; W. Temple, Staff-Surgeon Major Royal Artillsry. In all, the recipients of this honorable decoration number 403 officers and men, inclusive of those who would have received it for their acts of valor if they had lived. Seventyfour who ho'd the distinction have performed more than oue act of bravery to earn a second reward. Edgecombe, the jockey who was injured on Saturday week, at the Takapuna racecourse, died in the Auckland hospital on Sunday. Ackroyd, Baldwin’s agent, has returned to Auckland from Sydney. Baldwin is unable to give an exhibition on account of windy weather. The engagement with Ackroyd has been cancelled and he will return to England. Williams, a Sydney watchmaker and parachutist, contemplates giving exhibitions in New Zealand. Baxter’s Lung Preserver baa gained great popularity in this district as a speedy and effectual remedy m the treatment ot Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, and othei chest and throat complaints. Read advb. Holloway’s Pill*. Nervousness and want of Energy.—When first the nerves feel unstrung, and listlessness supplants energy, it is the right time to take some alterative as Holloway’s Pills to prevent disorder running into disease. Those excellent Fills correct all irregularities and weaknesses. They act so kindly, yet so energetically on the functions of digestion and assimilation, that the whole body ia revived, the blood is rendered richer and purer, the muscles become firmer and stronger and the nervous and absorbent systems are invigorated. These Pills are suitable for all classes and all ages. They have a most marvellous effect on persons who are out of condition j they soon rectify whatever is in fault, restore strength to the body and confidence to the mind.