LOCAL & GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2327, 10 March 1892, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Dance at Scotsbuen.—A dance will take place in the Scotsburn Schoolroom to-morrow evening. Standard Insurance Company.—The Standard Insurance Company has paid a dividend of 7$ per cent for the year.

Lower South Rangitata School.—A dance in connection with the school treat, will take place in the school to-morrow evening.

Shingle-Shifting.—A requisition asking Mr Jas. Blyth, as chairman of the Temuka Town Board, to call a meeting of residents interested in the question of the removal of shingle alongside the Timaru breakwater was in circulation on Tuesday, and waa numerously signed.

A Timaru Harbour Board Case. — At the Supreme Court, Timaru, on Thursday, in re Shaw and Albion Company v. Timaru Harbour Board, Mr Joynt applied for an order reviewing taxation of costs. His Honour after argument, dismissed the motion with £8 3s costs, holding that the application should be made to the Court of Appeal.

Geraldine Resident Magistrate’s Court. —At the above court on Tuesday, before C. A. Wray, Esq., R.M., judgmenc by default for amount claimed and costs was given in the following cases;—R. H. Pearpoint v. John Jackson Griffin, claim £7 4s 2d, goods supplied; J. Mundell & Co. v. G. Escott, claim £1 Is, for hire of horse (Mr P. Wilson Smith for plaintiffs). In the case R. H. Pearpoint v. 11. C. Latimer, claim £2 17s, for goods supplied, the amount was ordered to be paid forthwith.

Shooting Match at Geraldine. —The Timaru C Battery fire a match with the Geraldine Rifles to-day at Geraldine. A drag will leave the Ship Hotel corner at 11.45. The following comprise the team, including emergencies:— Captain Jackson, Sergt.-Majors King and Jackson, Q.M.S. King, Bombardiers Hope and Green, Trumpeter Boys, Gunners McKenzie, Creamer, Hallett, Allan, Jackson, and Penrose. The Timaru men will be met at Geraldine by the match committee of the Geraldine Rifles, after which firing will commence about 2 p.m. In the evening a dinner will be given to the visitors by the local team. Meeting at Geraldine re Timaru Harbor. —We would remind residents in the town district, farmers, and others, that a public meeting to discuss the shingle shifting proposals of the Timaru Harbor Board takes place in the Geraldine Volunteer Hall to-morrow evening, at half-past seven o’clock. The subject is one of the utmost importance to every ratepayer in the Geraldine County, as, if carried out, the proposals of the Timaru Harbor Board will saddle the district with a never ending expenditure of thousands of pounds annually, without in the least improving the harbor. Every ratepayer who can conveniently do so should be present and give his vote for or against the proposals.

Temuka Mechanics’ Institute.—A meeting of the committee of the Temuka Mechanics’ Institute was held on Tuesday evening, Mr T. Cheyue Faruie, vicepresident, occupying the chair. Other members present were Messrs Blyth, McS. Gentlemun, McLeod, Beri, and Storey (secretary). The librarian’s report was read, and receipts amounting to £4 Is handed in. Tenders were received for repairs to building of the institute, and that of Mr J, Beri, £ll 12s lid, accepted. The chairman reported thas new books to the value of £5 had been received, and these were available for the inspection of the committee. The librarian’s account, to the amount of £5 5s (id, was passed for payment, and the meeting terminated in the usual way.

Atrocious Muedee.—A telegram from Tumbarumba in the Sydney Morning Herald states that the wife of John Bloomfield, a selector living near Rosewood, was shot dead in her house on the 9th inst. by William Cecil, alias Perry. It is alleged that PerT v went to the house and told the deceased ‘'that lie was going to shoot her, when she tried to drag the gun away from him • but failing in this, she ran into the house. Cecil fired and shot her dead. The murderer then went to the Glenroy Hotel and got drinking, • The three little children whre crying over their dead mother from before dinner till tea time. - When Mrs Bloomfield’s brother came home from work 1 he found his sister dead, near the door of the house. Perry was arrested next day. He said: “ I fired at her, but did not think I shot her. I, went there to have a row with Bloomfield.” Price of Grain. The Ashburton Guardian of Saturday says:—There is a most remarkable difference of opinion among buyers and sellers as to the extent to which the wheat which was exposed to the rain during harvest suffered in value. We have heard of farmers who after the rain ceased expressed the willingness to sell at three shillings a bushel if they could get it, who have since disposed of their wheat at three and sixpence, and are only sorry they did not ask more. Their crop evidently was not so much damaged as they had thought, aud it is quite possible that the buyer had the best of the bargain, considering the slight amount of damage which some of the crop exposed to the rain sustained. Samples of Tuscan were shown in Ashburton yesterday by a large farmer in the district, one of which was of the part that was saved without damage, the other of the part that was caught by the rain, and the difference in value was estimated by good judges at from foiirpcnce to a shilling a bushel. It is quite evident from this that the real value can _ only be ascertained after the test of milling has been applied. A later issue of the same paper says the Ashburton bakery has turned out a batch of bread from now season's flour. The result was completely satisfactory—the dough working well, and the bread looking and tasting' particularly nice, bearing out the good reports that had been heard from earlier localities of this year’s ; wheat,

Large Land Sale.—lt is reported that the Earl of Meath,at present at Queenstown, Otago, has purchased Kamarau Falls station.

Temuka Stock Sale.— At the Temuka yards on Tuesday there was a large entry of all classes of stock, and a capital attendance of buyers. Sheep sold at prices proportionate to the Addington Market, and there was an active demand for young cattle.

A Bank Clerk. —lt is reported that Mr IV. Macadam, on the Dunedin staff of the Bank of New Zealand, and a grandson of Mr Macadam, of road-making fame, has fallen heir to an estate in Ayrshire of the value of £30,000, by the death of an uncle.

Delayed Train. The slow through train from Christchurch was delayed by a trifling accident to the engine at Bankside, near Rakaia, and did not arrive at Temuka until some two hours after its due time. The mails were transferred to the express train.

Undamaged. —An examination of the barque Parsee, which is now in dock at Lyttelton, showed that she had received no damage whatever when she touched the rocks off Patiti Point, near Timaru. Advantage is being taken of her being docked to give her a cleaning and a coat of paint, and to overhaul her rigging. She will probably come out of dock on Friday.— Press.

Cricket. The interprovincial cricket match at Christchurch between Christchurch and Wellington concluded on Tuesday evening in an even draw, members of the Wellington team leaving for home in the Penguin. The scores were:—Canterbury —First innings 154, second 222 ; Wellington—First innings 224, second for three wickets 20. The Englishmen defeated 18 of Tasmania by an innings and 21 runs.

T eng aw ax Protective Works, —At a meeting - of the Levels Road Board on Tuesday it was resolved— •* That the sum of ; l :! 00 be granted for protective works on the Tengawai river, from Fielding’s downwards, so as to protect the board’s roads and bridges.” It was agreed that if the County Council make a grant, the chairman of the two bodies shall decide who is to have charge of the expenditure, Mr Annand or Mr Marchant.

Employers’ Association, —At the annual meeting of the Employers’ Association at Dunedin, the report stated that very little had occurred during the year to require active intervention. Reference was made to the conference at Wellington to consider the labour Bills, and to the strike at Auckland. It was considered of the utmost importance to the employers of labour that the organisation of the association should be continued. The retiring directors were re-elected. * Long Shots.—lt would seem that the new magazine rifle is a terrible arm in the matter of long distance as well as rapid firing. The East Kent Regiment (the Buffs) have been carrying out some experiments with the weapon. It is found, however, that the ordinary targets at Bexley do not afford sufficient range. A ricochet bullet broke a cottage window over four miles distant from the firing points. It has been consequently deemed expedient to transfer the rifle practice to Dymchurch, near Hythe. Magisterial. At the Courthouse, Temuka, on Tuesday, before J. T. M. Hayhurst and M. Quinn, Esqs., J.P.’s, William Williams was charged on remand with unlawfully setting fire to a stack of straw to the value of £lO, the property of Chas. Story. In reply to the Bench, Ragu Williams, the father of the accused (who is a lad of about 15), said that the boy presented evidences of weak intellect, and further that there had been insanity in the family of the boy’s niother. He cited instances. Their Worships asked if witness would be prepared to pay the cost of a medical examination as to the boy’s sanity. Witness hardly thought so; his means did not admit of it. After some consideration, however, he decided that he would try, and the lad was remanded for a week for medical examination.

Supreme COUET. —At the Supreme Court, Wellington, on Monday, John Neilson, indicted for the larceny of thirteen sovereigns, was admitted to probation. Frederick Thompson, for forgery, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to two years’ hard labour. Arthur Flady, who is undergoing twelve months for being' unlawfully on premises at the Cambridge Hotel, pleaded guilty to wounding Frank Smith, barman, who had attempted to prevent him escaping. Numerous convictions were recorded against prisoner during the last eighteen years. He was sentenced to three years’ imprsionment with hard labour concurrent with his existing sentence. Julia Mullans pleaded guilty to a charge of larceny, and was remanded until Friday for the probation officer’s report. The Grand Jury found a true bill against Charles Harrison and Charles Smith for the Bketahuna murder, and no bill against W. G. Raines, charged with manslaughter. On Thursday John Dowd, for assault and robbery, and “ Podge ” Read, for destruction of property, were each sentenced to six months’imprisonment with hard labour. —At Auckland on Tuesday, Keri Kahau and Kima, for having obstructed surveyors, were sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment with hard labour.

Wesleyan Conference. —At the Wesleyan Conference on Monday the report on foreign missions was read and adopted. The Rev. S. J. Gibson was appointed as secretary for the coming year, and it was decided to ask the Rev. G. Brown to visit the centres in the- interests of the New Guinea missions. The thanks of the conference were presented to the Rev. H. Bull as the retiring missionary secretary. It was resolved “ That in view of the signal services rendered by the late Rev. Alex. Reid to this colony apd. to the church of which he for upwards of 40 years was a faithful and outspoken minister, we deem it fitting and right that some substantial recognition should be manifested of the esteem in which he held by the members of the church throughout the cplqny ; with this object in in view'it is resolved that a represetative committee be appointed to carry opt the same.” The report of the contingent; fund was read showing the income ro the income to be £lOBl and expenditure £BB6. The thanks of the conference were given to the Revs.' W. Baijmber and Harris, treasurer, and they were reappointed, A. resolution of sympathy with the Rpyal famijy op the death of the Duke pf Clarence was carried. On Tuesday the Rev. E. Best and the Bev, J. Crpmp were made supernumeraries, and the Rev. R. Bonn’s request to remain a supernumerary for a second year was granted. The high services rendered to the church by these ministers were duly recognised. The question of higher education was considered, and the report of the committee appointed on the matter was presented by the llcv. Mr Morley. _ A number of resolutions were passed urging the desirability of establishing a college for a higher education and theological training - . Mr Morley was elected principal of Three Kings college. A Committee was appointed to consider the affairs of the N.Z. Methodist.

The Weather. Last evening', after about ten. days’ fine weather, there was another fall of rain. Fortunately, however, little, if any, grain is now unstacked, and the rainfall will benefit the pastures. Assault.—At Ashburton on Monday Matthew Patterson, a farmer, was sentenced to two months’ hard labour for assaulting his brother Robert by knocking him down from behind and kicking him savagely when down, rendering him unconscious. The occurrence took place during a regular family row, in which the mother, an aged woman, was assaulted by a visitor.

Alleged Dummyism.—At the Southland Land Board on Tuesday J. B. Basstian appeared to answer the allegation of Ranger Campbell, that he was acting as dummy in connection with 1400 acres of land he took up at Centre Hill on perpetual lease. He admitted he did not reside there, but said the improvements, which the Ranger valued at £2O, cost him £l2O. The Chief Commissioner said that the Act required £3OO worth of improvements from the licensee by July next, if he resided on land, and double that amount if not, so that on his own'showing he was far behind. The licensee said he did not know so much was required. He affirmed that he took up the land solely for his own benefit. The Board resolved to hold a special enquiry on the 18th inst.

Football. —The annual meeting of the Darktown Football Club, Temuka, was held on Tuesday Evening at Mr D. McCaskill’s Rooms. There was a large attendance, Mr W. Mendelson in the chair. The secretary states that the Club had just held its own in funds after paying all outstanding accounts. The following officers were appointed for the ensuing year : President. Mr T. C. Famie ; Yic-Presidents, 0. J. Goldstone, J. Henry, J. H. Anderson, G. W. Armitage, J. Gillespie, J. Findlay, J. H. McCaskill, T. Buxton, H. T. Clinch. W. Mendelson. G. Mason, H. Lee, T. Rooney, and J. Grant; Captain, W. Fenton; ViceCaptain, J. Morton; Secretary and Treasurer, P. McCaskill, jurnr.; Committee, R. Lee, D. Anderson A. Miles, andiJ. Tangney. The subscription was decided to be 2s Od, under 14, Is. It was decided to open the season with a scratch match on March 24th, and that the Club be altered to the Temuka Junior Football Club. The meeting then terminated with a votes thanks to the chairman.

Circus at Temuica.— ln our advertising columns it is announced that Wirths’ Colossal Circus will give a performance in Temuka on Monday next. It is claimed that the circus is the largest but one in the world, and that the entertainment provided is second to none. The riders, clowns, and trained horses, and the accommodation provided are all of the best, and all who attend should thoroughly enjoy themselves. The Melbourne Age, October 26, 1891, says : —“ The reappearance in Melbourne of Wirth Bros.’ Circus in an enlarged form, and including that class of entertainmeht known as a Wild West Show, is well worth a visit. It has the added merit of illustrating some phases of American life which was only imperfectly described in books. The entertainment, which commenced at eight o’clock, was not concluded till after eleven, and during the whole time the audience were kept thoroughly amused, and received full value for their money.” Further particulars will be found in our advertising columns, and in the bills which are issued with this paper, Shocking Murder. A shocking murder was committed at Bendigo recently. A Melbourne telegram in the Hobart Mercury states that a carpenter, named Henry Andrews, aged 20, and his wife, who was 16 years older, were living alone in a small cottage. The man had been several times sued by his wife for desertion and using threatening language towards her. The neighbours were accustomed to hear the two quarrelling, and on Sunday, although there was a lot of bickering, they did not take much notice of it. Next day Andrews was absent from home until about 7 o’clock, when he returned and entered his home. The neighbours heard nothing for some time, but presently Andrews ran out and said, “ I have done it at last; I have killed the old woman, and will give myself up. I was driven to it.” He proceeded direct to the lock-up and gave hinself up. A tram conductor and two companions, who were the first to enter the house, found the woman still breathing but in an unconscious state. They went to the police station, and on returning in three minutes Mrs Andrews was quite dead. It was evident that she had been murdered, she having been struck two f blows on the temple, one of which forced the front part of the skull up, exposing the brains, and the other blow was apparently with the blade of an axe.

New Zealand Stock in London.— The Dunedin Star’s London correspondent says : The more inquiries Mr Perceval makes in the city the more convinced he becomes that the injury which the Land Tax is alleged to be doing the colony’s credit has been exaggerated. Of course some of the institutions which have been hard hit by the Tax (such as the Bank of New Zealand) complain. Elsewhere, however, he hears little about it. Mr Perceval finds most city men consider New Zealand’s financial position neither better nor worse than the financial position of the other Australias. The fact is, very few discriminate at all between the five principal colonies. One thing is certain; what I may term the “ inner workings ” of the London money market do more to affect the fluctuations of Australasian stocks than anything which happens in the colonies themselves. Those interested in “ bearing ” New Zealand stock (for instance) may avail themselves of an incident like the passing of the Laud Tax to bring about a fall that will suit them ; but their talk is really a speculative “ bluff.” For holding purposes they would tell you they considered the stock just as good as ever. It would require something far more serious than Mr Ballance’s Tax, or, indeed, than anything that has happened in your history, to give a genuine shake to New Zealand stock. The Pneumatic and Clincher Tyres when fitted to cycles, gives complete isolation from vibration. “ Star ” Safeties are made with pneumatic and clincher tyres.—Adams, Curtics & Co., 70 Manchester street, Christchurch. Cycles from £5. —l2

SYNOPSIS OP ADVERTISEMENTS. Rutland & Edwards—Want a good joiner. Charles Oliver —Has four-roomed house fqr sale. E. Body, Kakahu Road—Has house and land to let. Wirth’s Enormous United Show (Threering Circus)—Will appear in Temuka on Monday next. Grace, Macjeaii Co. —Are now booking entries for forthcoming ram and ewe fair at Temuka. W. Harrison, Winchester Flour Mills— Flour (made from old wheat and well matured), sharps, etc. on sale; wheat gristed, and pig feed ground, etc. Mrs McOallum, Phrenologist and Palmist—Has arrived in Temuka and may be consulted in Tombs’ Boarding House during the week.