LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2110, 11 October 1890, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Horse Parade. —We are compelled t® hold over our report ot the Geraldine horae parade until our next iasne. Change op Quarters. —Mr Robert Matthews’s Clydesdale Stallion “ Prince ” has been sent to Leeaton, and will travel there and in (he surrounding district. The horse is of a quality that will ensure him a welcome anywhere, and doubtless he will be well received in his new quarters. Pisoatorial. —At the Kangitata anglers are still Meeting with good sport. On Wednesday Messrs Nicholas and Smith succeeded in taking 12 fish scaling 101 Jib. On Friday morning Messrs Velyin and Taylor in less than an hour secured the handsome basket of 9 fish weighing 731 b. The largest of these scaled 17Jlb. Of the take 7 fe l ! to Mr Yelvin’a skill. In the Tetnuka Mr T. McGuire, with the fly and bully, landed 8 fish weiehing 171 b.

Quadrille Assembly Ball. The Temuka Quadrille Assembly celebrated the close of their session by holding a ball in the Volunteer Drillsbed on Thursday evening last; There was a good attendance, between 36 and 40 couples being present, Music was supplied by Messrs H. Colville and Geo, Barrett, and Mr W. Hobbs acted as M.O. The ball was prettily decorated, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. The refreshmeats, which were both excellent and abundant, were provided and dispensed by lady friends, to whom thanks are due.

Geraldine Literary jMH>. Debiting Society. —The usual fortnightly meeting of this society was held in the library of the Mechanics’ Institute on Wednesday evening last. There was a good attendance, the majority of those present being ladies. Mr H. M. Moore, the president, occupied the chair, Mr James Aitken, 8.A., delivered an interesting and instructive address on “Music.” He confined his remarks principally to the Tenic-sol-fa system, showing its simplicity as compared with the old system, and its adaptibility for teaching young people to sing. Mr Aitken Was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for hia address.

Furniture. —Messrs 9,. B. Webster and Co. hold a sale of household furniture and effects at Orari Bridge on Monday, on account of the executors of the late Mrs Collier. The sale will start at 1 o’clock. Accidental Death.—Mr Wm. Stronach, of Dunedin, has died from injuries to bis skull, which had been fractured. It is supposed his horse rolled over him. Deceased was 26 years of age.

Teachers’ Class —ln our advertising columns Mr T. Oueyne Farnie, M.A., of the Tenooka school, announces that he proposes holding a Saturday class in Titnaru for the preparation of Candidates for the E and D January examinations. Full paiticulars will be found in the advertisement.

Intentions op Government. —ln reply to a deputation from the Auckland Chamber of Commerce the Hon. Mr Mitchelson said that if a guarantee of a certain amount of trade could be given cool chambers would probably be erected in the San Francisco mail boats, so that butter and fruit could be exported. With regard to the North Island Truck line he said the Government hoped during this year to be in a position to put settlers ob the land on the line of railway at 15a per acre, as 364,000 acres of land had been reserved. As soon as the Survey Department was ready, the land would be offered. The Government did not propose to spend any more money upon the line until the land was required. 1 Temuka Rifle Volunteers.— At the last inspection parade of the above corps Captain Hayhurst presented star badges for efficient service to Color-Sergeant Coira (9 years),' Private Woodhead (9 years), Sergeant' Whitehead (6 yeara)y Sergeant Mason (fi.years), Corpofal Levens (6 years), and Piivale B.«ri (6 years). On Thursday the company paraded at* the range for the purpose of volley and independent firing. There were twentyfour upon parade, under command of Captain Hayhurst nnd Lieutenant Gotten. The firing was conducted by Major and Adjutant Newall and Steff-Sergt.-Major Joues. Unfortunately the number who mustered does not permit the parade to count, so that (be company are debarred from receiving a prize. The independent firing was particularly good, and. tha volley firing a great improvement upon last year. PRESBYTERIAN ANNUAL GATHERING— The annual social gathering in connection with the Presbyterian Church, Temuka,will take place on Tuesday next, and being the only one of the year it is to bs expetted that there will be a large attendance. There will be a tea meeting in the Volunteer Hall (for which Mr D. McCaakill will cater) and a public meeting subsequently. In addition to the Rev. J. Dickson, the pastor of the Church, it is expected that there will be present the Revs., Gillies (Timaru), McKee (Waimate), White (Pleasant Point), and Todd (Geraldine). T.he Eevs. T. A. Hamilton and B, S. Bunn have also been inyited to take part in the proceedings. The choir has been in steady training for some time past under the leadership of Mr Rutland, and will sing seme selected anthems and glees. Several solos will also be given.

Insurance Company in Trouble.—At the annual meeeting of the South British loswranoe Company in Auckland the report showed the receipts to have been £253,807, and the expenditure £297,789, leaving a debit balance of £44,682. The large debit of £44,000 to profit and loss included the debit balance of £7440 brought forward, - the re-insurance payment of £12,509, the cost of quilting the North American business, about £4OOO, and the cost of reinsuring certain Con-

tinenlal fire business. Two branches brought in a loss of £35,000 on the year’s transactions, the San Francisco branch being responsible for £23,000. The losses paid during the year on the Adelaide Company’s purchase and expenses totalled £10,300, but this practically closed the account. But for these facts, together with compensation to certain retired officers, the credit balance would have bean £26,000. Steps were being taken to clese down on the English ,and Continental Fire business, and in this direction the had already withdrawn from Brazil and the Argentine. It was decided to reduce the capital value of shares by one shilling per share to put the company on a sound financial basis.

South Rangitata School. —Last week a very interesting ceremony took place at the South Rangitata school. The late master, Mr George Anderson, who has been appointed to a school at Loburn, North Canterbury, was the recipient of a eulogistic and valedictory address from the commissioner of the school, on behalf of the parents of tbe children in the district and of themselves. The address was presented by Mr A. E. G. Rhodes, M.H.R., who referred in happy terms to Mr Anderson’s successful career as a

schoolmaster. The son of a resident in the district and educated in the district, the inhabitants had every reason to be proud of bin, and he wished that bis future career might prove ss successful in every respect as his past. It showed that there was "true grit” m young New Zealand when such flittering remarks could be made of them as the address set forth. The address expressed regret at the loss the district would sustain through Mr i Anderson’s removal, bnt pleasure that his taleets bad been so quickly recognised. The commissioners desired that his sojourn j among them might be looked back to with pleasure, and that be would continue to deserve all good fortune. Satisfaction was expressed at the work he bad done in the past, the examinations having shown that it had been of a most successful character. Owing to Mr Andersen

having to leave prior to the dale anticipated, his place was filled by Mr, Mahae, who suitably replied to the address. Mrs Duncan Taylor, who is indefatigable in her eflorls for promoting the welfare of the school, bad arranged a social gathering for the occasion, and the well-known enjoyment that ensues from anything of the kind that she undertakes was sufficient to induce a large attendance, Some vocal selections of a well-chosen character were

contributed by lady visitors, and dancing was kept up until a late hour. Mr H. ColviTe supplied capital music, and Mr A. Bissett kindly gave his services as M.C, Refreshments were dispensed by Mrs D. Taylor and Ihe Missis Bissett, while the school commissioners did their utmost to promote the enjoyment of the evening, it was without doubt ene of the pleasantest gatherings yet held at the school in spite of the natural regret felt by all at ths removal of the popular master apd his lair partner. [The aboye report was inadvertently held over from a previous issue].

REVENUE. —The revenue returns for the half year ending 30th September are now complete. The total amount of ordinary revenue brought to credit at the Treasury was £1,975,479, the proportion of the estimate for the half year being £2,051,000, College Sports, Lord Onslow atfended Christ College sports. The Champion Cop was won by F. S. Frankish, with 16 points ; F. J. Rolloston, 10points, second ; W. D. Perry, 8 points, third. The Old Boys' Base (20Cyds handicap) was won by H. M. Reeves (scr) in 21 4-5 sec ; L. Matson, 8 yds, second ; W. Rutherford, 13 yds. third. Forty started, and Reeves won by two yards.

Concealment of Birth.—Lilly Patten was committed for trial is Christchurch on Thursday last on' u charge of concealment of birtb. Medical evidence was given to the effect that it was highly improbable that ahe was the mother of the child whose body, was foend in her' father’s back yard, though there was- no doubt about her being confined. Bail waa allowed in £2OO.

New Plymouth Murder. —At the Supreme Court, New Plymouth, the grand jury brought m a true bill against Mahi Kabi for the murder of Stephen Maloney in April last. The ease commenced yesterday morning at 10 o’doek, and is expected to last a week. There are a large number of witnesses on both sides. Mr Bell, of Wellington, and Mr Standish appear for the Crown, and Mr Samuel da fends the prisoner. Suicide. —A young man named William Pomeroy Vernon committed suicide about noon yesterday in Christchurch by shoot ing himself under the right ear. Death must have been instantaneous. Vernon, who was well connected, came from Dunedin and was in the employ of Wigram Bros., maltscers. He had been suffering from insomnia, and was taking laudanum, and was probably under the influence of this drug when he committed the deed. Gaming and Lotteries Act. —At the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Christchurch, on Thursday, beforaMrß. Beetham,R.M., three cases were brought against Messrs Solig and Bird, proprietors of the New Zealand .Referee, under, the Gaming and Lotteries Act in receiving money for investment on a totoliaator, and in publishing advertishments relative thereto. Two.cases wore heard, and the third to bo decided by the decision on (hem, which was reserved. Two other cases, for pub Hsbing advertisements, relating to Melbourne sweeps were adjourned sine die. Ddmmtism.— •Notice of process in the Supreme Oeort at the instance of Joseph Lowry was served on Thursday on E. A. Haggen, proprietor of the-Examiner* for republishing an extract from the Parliamentary papers on the dummy ism enquiry held last session by the Waste Lands Committee. The case is to bo heard -at : Wellington, and intense interest is.displayed in the matter. The public have offered to pay any costa Haggen may be : ptR to lo his defence. Hitherto it has been ; recognised as the- privilege, of the press to publish extracts from Parliamentary papers.

Death of a Veteran. —Mr W. Messenger, father ef Major Messenger of the Permanent Defence Force, died en Thursday, aged 89, The deceased gentlemen was present at the bombardment of Algiers in 1816, being a midshipman on board .Lord Exmouth’s ship Queen Charlotte, and was wounded in the leg by a fragment of a solid atone-shet fired by the Turks. He was afterwards in the East Indian Company’s service, He cams to New Zealand in 1883, and look an active part in the native war, and had hie right elbow smashed when with the Navnl'Brigade of the Niger they stormed a Maori pah at Waireka. He walked unassisted from the field to the Omaha stockade, carrying his rifle in the other hand.

Interesting to Anglers. Through the kindness of Mr A. M. Clark anglers and others interested in acclimatisation had an opportunity yesterday of contrast* ing the British salmon. with the salmon trout of New Zealand streams. Captain Su'cbffe, of the Aorangi, forwarded to Mr Clark two fine specimens of salmon, and one of these was placed alongside a trout of about rqual weight, and the differences carefully noted. The tail of the salmon was distinctly more tapering and the head finer in its lines and longer in the upper jaw than the trout. There was a distinct d ffurence also in the size and color of tbe scales, those of the salmon being larger and of a more distinct silvery sheen. This was the more remarkable upon the belly of the fish, the scales of the trout being there much smaller than these of tbe salmon. The fish were photographed by Mr Robert Pinckney, and Dr Hayes undertook to preserve the head of th o salmon for future comparison.

St. Saviour’s Church, Temuka: A very successful gathering 0 f the St. Saviour’s Children's Guild was held in tbe Oddfellows’ Hall on Thursday, 9th Oct. The meeting opened with singing : and prayer, and confirming tire minutes of the previous meeting. The Rev. T. A. Hamilton distributed u number of prizes to the successful essayists. Three were submitted on “ Solomon’s Temple,” and six on “David and Goliath.” The following was the order of merit .‘—Senior Division : Tracy Wills 1, Annie Voyoe 2, Jane. Edgar 3. Junior Division : Bliss Hamilton 1, Lottie Gaze 2, Ada Oldfield 3, Thomas Fenton 4, Rosie McKay 5, Louisa Radford 6. The chairman congratulated the prise winners on the general excellence of their work, and stated that the subjects for the next competition would be “St. Paul’s voyage to Roms ” for the Senior Division, and “The Stery of Ruth” for the Junior. Recitations were given by the following ; Lily Timpaon, Lilian Mcßratney, Annie Mcßrathey, Fanny Ardell, Annie Gibson, Robert Fenton, John Yoyce, Ellen. Edgar, Edith Olliver, Mabel Ackroyd, Richard Lloyd, Jennie Fenton, Lena Gaza, Fred. Mehrtens, and dred. Olliver, and a dialogue by Grace Greaves and Lottie Gaze. Two songs were very prettily rendered by a number of boys and. Mabel Ackroyd and 18 others enacted a mock school. Fourteen girls recited . “Cor Motto,” twelve of them representing the mon»hs of the year. Headings were given by Tbomas Fenton and David Leach. After a game bad been played tbe meeting terminated in the usual manner.

synopsis of advertisements. Mrs Pesrpoint, Geraldine Wants general servant. T. Cbeyne Famia Notice re Saturday classes for teachers, *

N.Z. Hailwaya—Notice retrain arrangements for Ashburton rac«s. Woodbary - Athletic Gibb—Programme of annual sports on November 10. Guinness & Cox, Geraldine—Sell live stock at Geraldine on Wednesday next. Tenders are invited for painting and other repairs to St. Mary’s parsonage, Geraldine. Black Star Minstrels —Give first grand entertainment in Temuka on Thursday evening next. E, B; Aymes ploughing, harrowing, and dnl ing 35 and acres of land. J. Mundell & Co.—Publish entries for Geraldine stock sale on Wednesday next ; sell live stock under-bill of sale. Glendining and Dobie, Drapers end C'otbiers, Geraldine —Close on Saturday, 10th ; further reductions made to ensure a clbaibhcc* H. B. Webster and Co.—Publish entries for sale at Winchester on-Tuesday aod fortnightly sale at Geraldine on Wednesday. J. W. Milas, Draper and Clothier, The Stone Store, Temuka—Notice re millinery just opened, mens’ and boys’ clothing, and suits to measure, Geraldine County Council Public meeting at Waitohi Flat School on Thursday evening, to discuss proposal to borrow £BOOO for water supply purposes.