LOCAL & GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2267, 15 October 1891, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Diphtheria— -Diphtheria has made its appearance in South Dunedin, and two deaths are reported. Sporting. —The following is the result of the Kempton Park Great Breeders Produce Stakes,of £sooo: —Gauntlet 1, Lady Hermit 2, Gossoon 3. The , Hon. Mr Rolleston. The Hon. Wm. Rolleston will address his constituents at Halswell to-morrow evening. Mr Rolleston will be banquetted at Christchurch by sympathisers on November 11th.

The Christchurch Election. —Mr Eden George has instructed his solicitors to proceed with his petition claiming the Christchurch seat. He has retained Mr George Harper, Mr T. W. Stringer, and Mr L. Cohen,

Mr Cox at Christchurch. —Mr J. R. Cox, M.P. for Clare, addressed an audience of about 400 in the Oddfellows’ Hall, on Monday night on Irish evictions. The mayor presided. The collection on behalf of the evicted tenants realised about £3O. Mr Cox will not deliver further lectures in this colony. Representation Commission. The Representation Commission finished on Tuesday. They have found it necessary to make considerable alterations in the boundaries in places where the census revealed a large shifting of population, especially on the West-Coast of the North Island.

Suspicious Death. — The inquest on the body of Mrs Backhouse, at Wellington, who died some days ago under suspicious circumstances, was resumed on Tuesday morning. The result of the examination of the medicine by the Government analyst was of a negative character, and proved nothing. The jury returned an open verdict.

Help fob Castaways. —Captain Fairchild, of the Hinemona, which left for one of her regular cruises on Tuesday morning, has instructions to double the size of the food depots on the Auckland and Campbell Islands, to build a boathouse at the Auckland Islands and to leave two boats there, and to erect a new depot at the Bounty Islands.

Disease among Sheep. A disease among well wintered sheep is prevalent in the western district of Southland. The animals die within an hour of the attack. The liver breaks down easily, and is of a pale color. The gall bladder is greatly distended, and in some cases ruptured. The disease appears to be identical with that reported from Rangitikei.

The Revenue. —The revenue for the last six months is well up to the mark on the whole. The Customs show an increase, and the best months of the beer duty have to come in. The railway receipts suffered materially by the diniinution of grain traffic, but are improving, and with the summer passenger traffic the Commissioners have good hopes of providing their estimated net revenue of £414,000 for the year. In Bankruptcy. —ln bankruptcy at Dunedin on Monday, Mr Justice Williams suspended orders of discharge for twelve months in two instances where the applications were unopposed, on the ground that tlie debtors had conducted their business imprudently. The honesty of the bankrupts in each case was admitted, but in His Honour’s opinion business had been conducted for some years at the risk and expense of the creditors.

Ministerial. —The Hon. Mr Reeves has proceeded North from Wellington, his business being a general inspection of the district on behalf of the Cabinet. The native schools and land will be inspected, and he will visit the natives of the Waiapu district, who are stricken with the typhoid fever epidemic. The Minister at the same time is endeavoring to make himself acquainted with the grevious native land difficulties which now prevail along the coast.

The Buffalo Minstrels at Temuka. —On Monday evening next Hugo’s Buffalo Minstrels will give an entertainment in the Temuka Volunteer Hall, and should be greeted with a full house. With the company are six ladies, among them being Miss Priscilla'Verne, whose songs, and ditties, and impersonations are a treat. Mr Charles Hugo, comedian, is also with the company, and it can be taken for granted that the entertainment will be a good one. Shearing Machines.— Mr Acton-Adams is importing, per the Arawa, ten AshberryBarnes shearing machines, manufactured by Ward and Payne, and ten others are to follow as soon as manufactured. The principal advantage of this new machine is the patent flexible steel shaft, which is practically unbreakable. Mr Acton-Adams says he is going to drive his twenty machines with a Priestman’s kerosene engine, without steam or water; and that he will carry the whole plant along from shed to shed like a threshing machine. A Slippery Eel. —A number of enthusiastic young men set out from Geraldine pn Monday evening to do some eeling at a deep waterhofe a few niiles djstant. One young man was more adroit in catching them than the others, anl hauled out 18 JGcr plump eels. The eighteenth eel looked very muon like sliding back into the river ao-ain, when a respectably-dressed young man rushed forward to prevent it from so I doing. A smart tussle to?k place between him and the eel, find finally h? mana ? ed to throw its slimy body well qp on the bank, out of reach of the river. In doing sp, however, he found to his dismay that the centre of gravity did noi in this case fall within the base, and that he was doing a neat back-somersault into the cruel water beneath, from which his mates afterwards “hauled him back again ” with something softer than a boathook. It is needless to say that when he reached terra, Jirma he was dripping from head to feet, and had the starch taken out of his white shirt front,

House Sale. —Messrs J. Munbell & Co hold an important sale of horses at Temnka to-morrow. Entries are now being received.

Winchester Cricket Club.— Members ire reminded that a meeting will be held in the Winchester Public Hall next Saturday evening.

Train Accident. A train on the Kaitangata Coal Company’s line, consisting of an engine, composite carriage, and 30 trucks, was run on to a siding by mistake, and came into collision with some loaded coal trucks. No one was injured, but the engine was so badly damaged that one had to be seemed from the Railway Commissioners to take its place.

Local Enterprise. Mr McCaskey, photographer, of Temuka and Geraldine, has in preparation some really choice photographic Christmas cards. An ‘inspection of proofs of them shows that they are above the standard of this class of work, and, as many of them are of local interest, Mr McCaskey will doubtless find taat his enterprise is appreciated.

Disputed Sale. —At the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Timaru, yesterday, A. E. G. Cox sued G. P. Wood for £5 lamages, for alleged breach of agreement j The plaintiff alleged that defendant had J sold him a pony on 19th September for £lO, that he had paid the money, and that defendant afterwards refused to give him delivery. The defendant said the pony was Mrs Wood’s, and that he could not sell it without her consent; that plaintiff had been given a trial of the pony, that in the course of a conversation he named £lO as the price, and on this plaintiff pushed a £lO note into his hand; that as Mrs Wood refused to sell he returned the money. Judgment was given for plaintiff, with costs amounting to £2 7s lOd.

Native Entertainment. The natives of Arowhenua intend giving a unique entertainment on Thursday next, the proceeds of which will be devoted to the funds of the Church of the Holy Trinity. In addition to the customary vocal selections, in which natives and Europeans will take part, there will be several items of a purely aboriginal character. In one sketch a capital idea will be given of the native metood of combat. The costumes, weapons, &c., will be correct in every particular, and the actors in it are said to be perfect in their parts. Another attraction will be the performance of the War Dance, rarely seen in this island. The “ Generals ” are Tiritaki and Temuru, both adepts, and under their direction a good idea of this dance should be given.

South Orari School Committee. The ordinary monthly meeting of the South Orari School Committee was held in the school on Saturday, 10th October, 1891. Present—Messrs Bracefield, O’Neill, Ellis, Brown, Bates, and McLeod. A tender was received from Mr Latimer for gorsecutting, which was accepted. The report of the head master was read. It showed that the number for the past month was 101, and the average 75. He reported on several pupils who attended very irregularly during the past three months. He also asked for a supply of foolscap and ink. The chairman was directed to obtain the necessary supplies. A letter was read from Professor Mason, asking for the use of the school for three nights to deliver lectures. It was resolved to let the school on the usual terms. Messrs Brown and O’Neil were appointed visitors for the ensuing month. Accounts amounting to £2 12s 6d were passed for payment. The meeting then terminated.

The Natives. —Major Gudgeon, who is holding a sitting of the Native Land Court north of Gisborne, has forwarded to the Government a report of the mortality of the Bast Coast natives, in which h gives the names of 72 natives, or nearly 10 per cent, of the population of the district, who have died since June. He attributes the deaths in a large measure to the barbarous treatment which patients receive from Maori doctors. Comparatively few deaths have occurred at Waipiro, and this he attributes to the presence of Mr Matthew Scott, of the Native dispensary. Major Gudgeon believes that the residents would guarantee £2OO to secure the services of a good medical man. Mr Scott also furnishes a report, stating that the deaths are due to superstition, laziness, and natural ineptitude in looking after the sick, and because the natives refuse to accept European medicines, but stick to their tohungas, Te Kooti rites, and anointing with oil according to the Mormon creed. The Government have telepraphed to Major Gudgeon that if the residents will guarantee a subsidy of £2OO a year for a medical man, they will snplement the amount by £IOO per annum.

Temuka Cricket Club. —The annual meeting of the Club took place on Tuesday night at the Temuka Dispensary. Mr Bryars (captain) was in the chair. The secretary readthe following report and balance sheet: — Mr Chairman and Gentlemen —Last season cricketwas started once more in Temuka and now that a good pitch has been secured it is hoped that there will be no further break in the play, but year by year the club will gain in strength. Ten matches were played, of which 4 were won, 4 lost, and 2 drawn, two of the lost games being won by our opponents by a few runs only. Mendelson, Bryars, Dignan, and Hayhurst were successful with the bat; Hayhurst and Dignan with the ball. Mr A. B. G. Rhodes was president of the club for the past season, and kindly sent a donation of £2 2s, towards the funds, and we have also to thank several others who subscribed, although they did not play during the season. It was decided at a general meeting held on June 26th to engage Mr Edgier to look after the ground throughout the year for the sum Of £6, as it was considered that it would be money well spent, his duties being to mow, roll, and water the pitch and repair all damages to the turf during practice and matches. Your Committee wish to thank the ladies who kindly provided tea and refreshments for the visiting teams, and our eleven when matches were being played, and in retiring hope that the club is entering on a successful and prosperous season.” On the motion of Mr Herbert, seconded by Mr Dignan, the report and balance-sheet were adopted. Several new members were elected, and a cordial vote of thanks passed to the outgoing committee and secretary lor their services. The following officers, &c., were then elected President, Mr A. E. G. Rhodes; Vice-Presidents, Messrs Hayhurst, Quinn, Talbot, Brown, and P. Waring and Dr. Hayes; Captain, Mr Bryars; Secretary. Mr J. McLean; Treasurer, Mr E. C- Dann; Committee, Messrs Dignan, B. Brown, Herbert, Buxton, and Gillespie ; Match Committee, Messrs Bryars, Dignan, and Dann; Ground Committee, Messrs Bryas, Hayhurst, and M’Lean. The subscription was fixed at 10s for adults, and 5s for youths under 18 ; and it was decided that the opening match take place on Thursday, Oct. 22nd, and that the eleven should play all comers, Mr Herbret presents a hat for the batsman making the best average in not less than 6 matches; Mr Bryars also presents a bat for the bowler making the best average in the same number of matches ; in both cases foreign matches only to count. The balance-sheet showed receipts to be £lB 9s, expenditure, £l7 19s 7d; cash in hand, 9s sd; total, £lB 9s. Assets due from levy, &c., £2 7s lid; material, £7; total, £9Tslld| liabilities £2 12s 7d,

A Musical Treat.— Lovers of music i n Temuka have a treat in store for them next Wednesday evening, when the choir of the Timaru Wesleyan Church will give a concert in the Temuka Church. The first part of the concert consists of solos, etc., by various members of the choir, and the second part is a cantata entitled “Jonah.” The work is new, and composed by J. V. Roberts, Mus. Doc. The choir will be strengthened by outside friends and a firstrate orchestra. The company have made a name for themselves, and a good house should greet them next Wednesday evening.

The Diocesan Synod. The annual session of the Diocesan Synod opened at Christchurch on Tuesday. Bishop Julius, in his address, expressed regret at the illness of the Bishop of Nelson, suggesting that a message of sympathy should be sent. He stated that the total parochial debts had been reduced by £3OOO. He congratulated the diocese of Dunedin on the foundation of Selwyn College. Referring to education, he said that he entirely approved of the elementary system of this colony, in so far as it was free and compulsory, and if it were only undenominational instead of secular he could support it with all his heart. He would be ready to join with other denominations in obtaining such a system as that followed by the London School Board. He concluded by expressing the opinion that the time was drawing near when the union of Christian Churches would be accomplished. Small Birds Nuisance. —At a meeting of the Levels Road Board on Tuesday last a long discussion took place on the small birds’ nuisance. A letter was read from Mr Ames, an old colonist now living in Timaru, bringing under the notice of the board the system of netting sparrows which the writer has formerly practised in England with success, and pointing out that the use of poisoned grain, whilst it had cleared off feathered game imported at great cost, had made no appreciable ■ difference in the number of sparrows. He had been engaged in netting birds at Home for 20 years, and caught as many as 50doz. on a single morning. Every farmer should purchase a pair of nets, and by working them five hours a week for three months in the year he could keep down the sparrows on his farm. A boy or girl could use the nets, and he was willing to show anyone how to manage them. Mr Ames had an interview with the board, in which he said if it was decided to continue the poisoning system the birds should be fed first and attracted to one spot, when the destruction would be easy. Members seemed to doubt the efficacy of the netting process, and it was ultimately decided to offer certain terms to Mr Ames to try the efficacy of his netting system, and also to engage a man who knows the district to go round with a horse and cart to lay poisoned grain. Jonathan Roberts in Chili,—A correspondent of the Christchurch Press says: According to the Sunday Times, which is well informed on the subject of the Chilian leaders, one of the insurgent leaders is no other than the notorious Jonathan Roberts, whose sensational escapes were the talk of New Zealand some time back. He does not go by the name of Roberts, but by a lengthy title that begins with “Del” and ends with “o.” According to this writer Roberts succeeded in getting away to South America after his final escape and settled in Chili, where he became a prominent politican. When the recent troubles broke out the Congressional party had plenty of men. but a lamentable lack of officers, and the New Zealander having had some sort of military training was speedily installed in a foremost position. The account given in the Times of Roberts’, delinquencies and escape seems somewhat tame, and not altogether correct. You shall read it for yourself, and see how insurgency can whitewash a man :—One night young Roberts had occasion to go to Timaru, the nearest township, and proceeding to his father’s paddock, saddled the first horse he came to, and rode off. Arrived at his destination he ran short of cash and sold the animal, which he fully believed to be his father’s. It transpired, however, that the horse, which had strayed into the paddock,was the property of a neighbour, who, being at enmity with Roberts’ family, refused compensation. Roberts was sentenced to two years’ for horse stealing. He escaped from prison, but was rearrested after being at liberty three months. He was set to work with a gang of convicts on a little island in Lyttelton Harbor, some miles from the mainland, A few days subsequently he swam ashore, and succeeded in getting away.” No mention is made of his more serious crime of forgery.

Holloway’s Pills. Nervous Irnt ability.—No part of the human machine requires more constant supervision than the nervous system—for upon it our health — and even life depends. These Pills strengthen the nerves and are the safest general purifiers of the blood. Nausea, headache, giddiness, numbness and mental apathy yield to them. They relieve in a summary manner those distressing dispeptic symptoms, stomachic pains, fulness at the pit of the stomach, abdominal distension, and regulate alike capricious appetites and confined bowels—the commonly accompanying signs of defective or diminished nerve tone. Holloway’s Pills are particularly recommended to persons of studious and sedentary habits, who gradually fall into a nervous and irritable state, unless some such restorative be occasionally taken.