LOCAL & GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2331, 17 March 1892, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Excursion Train. —An excursion train runs to Christchurch to-day. Drunkenness. No less than seven ' drunkards were fined at the B.M. Court, . Timaru, on Tuesday last. An Old Offence.— A man named W. G. Morris was arrested at Wellingtou for an alleged assault on a girl in Tasmania six years ago. He was employed as a clerk in the Property Tax Department. The case , was adjourned for a week. The Express.—One of the first-class carriages in the express train from Christchurch had to be left at Tcmulfa, owing to one of the axles Having become overheated. Steam was issuing- from it, and the iron around it was so hot that one could not bear one’s hand on it. Poa'f PONBD. —Owing to the bad weather prevailing last oyening it was decided to postpone the benefit concert arranged to take place in the New Schoolroom, Temuka, until Thursday next, the 24th instant. It is to be hoped that the weather will then be fine. Band of Hope, Temuka.— This evening the Band of Hope connected with the Church meet in the Tenmka Presbyterian Church, and go through a long and varied programme of songs, readings, recitations, etc., and invite the public to attend. As ■ no charge is made for admission —a collection being taken up to defray expenses—the Gbnrch should be filled. The PBOHtnmONiST—At a meeting of the Prohibition League, Pjpaediu the report stated that considerable success had attended the free distribution of 5000 copies of the Prohibitionist during the past six months. Ip a discussion on Sunday trading Mr J. Graham, the chairman, said that there did' not seem to be a hotel in the city whlcll regarded the law on the subjectSr Patrick’s Hat Spoßrs.—To-day’s j sports at Geraldine, m odl ieve be the ; best ever held in the district, provided V l6 1 weather permits. The Association have introduced several additional items to their programme this year, and as entries for the several events show up well, a good day’s sport will repay those who make it convenient to attend. A procession leaves the Volunteer Hall at 11 o’clock sharp for’ the grounds, where the sports will immediately commence. The Timaru Garrison Baud have been engaged to play on the grounds. In the evening a concert and dance will be held in the Volunteer Hall under the auspices of the association. “ Bowlegs ” informs us that the following will probably feol the tape first in the various events ; 440yds Hurdle Race, James Austin; J 00yds Handicap, Radford or Geo. Murdoch; 120yds Oddfellows Race, W. W. Pye or J. Fiefield ; 880yds Handicap, A If. Opie; 200yds Football Race, W. T. Turner; 150yds Handicap, E. Beckley; 120yds Fire Brigade Race, Erskine; One-mils Walking Race, James Austin ; 440yds Handicap, All Scott; 250yds Handicap, Alf, Opie ; 200yds Handicap, Alf. Opie, *

Canterbury Ram Pair.—Two thousand and sixty nine rams and 63 ewes have been entered for the Canterbury ram fair. Last year the entries numbered 3313. The falling off is accounted for by the withdrawal of stud sheep for the North Island. A Fatal Accident. —David Gent, aged thirteen years, was drowned in Waihola Lake, Otago, on Sunday afternoon. The skiff in which he and another boy were out sank. Duncan, the other lad, swam ashore, but Gent could not swim and sank before assistance arrived. The Elginshire.—Since Captain Ticehurst took possession of the Elginshire for the underwriters 2260 carcases of mutton, 76 bales of skins, and the ship’s piano have been landed. The water got the upper hand on Monday night and stopped the refrigerating machinery, and the engineers and firemen were in consequence landed. The enquiry commences at the Timaru Courthouse this morning. The police are likely to prosecute some persons alleged to have been concerned in pillaging the cargo. Sudden Deaths. —A man named J. C. Todd, a saloon passenger, died suddenly on board the Takapuna during the voyage from Onehunga to Wellington.—A man named Enoch George Burrow died suddenly at Gifken’s wool works, at the Styx, N.C., on Monday night. He was found lying dead on Tuesday morning. His hands were full of wool, and he had evidently died while working.—Mr Joseph Blackmore, a thirtyyears’ resident in Timaru was found dead in bed yesterday morning. Bright’s disease was the cause of death. Wesleyan Self-Denial Week.—The objects to be benefitted by the funds raised through the week of self-denial, which the Wesleyan Conference has decided to hold, are defined as follows: — (1.) The occupation of three centres in the North Island, where the population is rapidly growing, and new settlements are in rapid course of formation; (2) the increasing demands of home mission work generally; (3) the engagement of two young ministers from England to assist in overtaking this urgent work. The time for the self-denial week will be tae first week in May. Should the results fall short of the proposed outlay, the grants to circuits and home mission stations will be subject to pro rata reductions. Fire Brigades’ Conference—The thirteenth annual conference of the United Fire Brigades’ Association opened at Christchurch, on Monday, under the presidency of Lieutenant Smith, of the Christchurch brigade. The large attendance of delegates was formally welcomed by the Mayor and ex-Mayor, Mr Gray. The annual report showed that the balance to credit of the funds was £195 3s 2d and the Accident Insurance fund £69 2s 6d. The Association fund showed a loss during the year of £3B and it was found that the receipts were not sufficient to meet expenses. It was suggested that the annual subscription be raised to 30s. There was a total of 55 brigades on the r®ll. Rules had been drawn up tor the Accident Society, and at the present time 300 members paid contributions. Eight twenty-five years service stars had been presented during the year.—On Tuesday the Conference decided to request Mr Seddon to take charge of the Fire Brigades Bill next session. The executive were instructed to forward a petition in favor of the Bill to all the fire brigades in the colony for signature. Superintendent Hughes, Auckland, was elected president; Captain Burger, Kumara, and Secretary Robbins, Hawera, were elected vicepresidents ; Sub-Superintendent Gilbert was elected secretary and treasurer, and a salary of £25 with a bonus of £25 was voted him. The torchlight procession took place on Tuesday night. Three hundred and fifty-nine firemen, with four bands, took part in it, and it was the most successful of the kind ever held in Christ-

church, and was witnessed by of people. The weather was showery. Public Service Association— ln the annual report of the Public Service Association of New Zealand the Council record their great appreciation of the courtesy and attention which its communications have received from ministers. Regret is expressed that the departure of Lord Onslow has deprived the Association of the patronage of the Governor as head of the Civil Service, but a hope is expressed that Lord Glasgow will consent to occupy the same position as his predecessor. On the 31st December last the number of members on the rolls amounted to 1072. The balance sheet shows a credit of £lls 2s id. The report says that the Association will mainly devote its attention to the passing into law of the Civil Service Bill, acceptable to all parties and based upon the principle that a loyal, effecient, and contented Service is essential to the good government of the colony. In such a bill the great questions of classification, promotion, and retiring allowances, will occupy the chief places. A Suspicious Case. —The Hon. J. B. Whyte and Alfred Etheridge, late receiver of Crown Land revenue, were charged at the Auckland Resident Magistrate’s Court with conspiracy to defraud by alleged substitution of scrip for cash. Mr Button, for the prosecution, stated that he was unable to proceed during the absence of the principal witness, Archibald Grandison, who left for England by the Tainui on March I. By arrangement Mr Button went on to state the facts upon which the prosecution would have relied had they been able to proceed. Janet Grandison, wife of Archibald Grandison, purchased 272 acres qf land, and paid for it by her husband’s cheque for £lO3 3s 7d. The cheque was drawn by Archibald Grandison, payable to Crown lands or bearer, and was paid qn the 30th September, 1880, to the Receive)? pf Crowp Lands Revenue and entered by him as cash in the Grown lands book. He entered £lO3 3s 7d as cash. The figures one and nought are scratched out in red, leaving the receipt in cash £3 3s 7d, whereas under the column for scrip £IOO was stamped by the Receiver with the usual stamp of the Crown Lands Office, and pwn name placed across it. On the same' day this cheque was paid by defendant Whyte intq'his pwp. account at the Bank of New Zealand. The presumption was that the two defendants conspired together to represent to the C; - pvyn that the land had been paid for in scrip Instead of cash. Mr Theo. Cooper, who appeared for Mt lyhyte, expressed sincere regret that the prosecution were unabie to proceed. There was nothing on the face of the cheque to convey any knowledge on Whylo’s P a lt _ that an improper act had been committed. Mr Mahoney also spoke on behalf of Etheridge, arguing that even if the facts as alleged had been proved, there was no evidence of a criminal act. Dr Giles dismissed the case.—vAt a meeting of the Liberal Association at Auckland a resolution was passed as follows: —That as it appears from a report of the case the Audit Department v. the Hon. J. B. Whyte and A. F. Etheridge that a serious miscarriage of justice has occurred, the secretary be requested to forward a statement of the case to the Minister qf Justice drawing the attention of Government to the matter with a view to further action being taken, if deemed advisable, in an important administration of the law.” It is stated that the Hon. J. B. Whyte intends to call for a searching inquiry by a Parliamentary Committee into his case.

Valueless Cheque. —At the B.M. Court, Fairlie Creek, on Tuesday, .Tames Grieve was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for obtaining £4 2s from Julius Siegert by means of a valueless cheque. Medical Association. The annual meeting of the New Zealand Medical Association was commenced at Wellington on Tuesday. The president, the Hon. Dr Grace, M.L.C., occupied the chair, and delegates from Auckland, Nelson, Chrsistchurch, Oamaru, and Dunedin, were present, A Book Fiend. —A book canvasser, Philp Henry Litchford has been committed for trial at Wellington for forging the names of subscribers. He had done this pretty extensively, it is alleged, and had received a commission from his employers on the orders alleged to be forged. Primitive Methoditt Church. —The annual prize distribution at the Primitive Methodist Chursh, Geraldine, takes place on Sunday, when the Rev. J. Cocker, of Ashburton, will be present. The rev. gentleman preaches also in the morning and evening at Geraldine. On Tuesday evening next a public meeting and tea will be held, at which the children will recite, and sing duets and choruses. South Orari School Committee.— The monthly meeting of this committee was held on Saturday, 12th instant. Present —Messrs O’Neil (chairman), Bracefield, Brown, and Bates. The master’s report was read; it showed the roll number to be 110, and the average attendance 80. The librarian, Mr Corbet, handed in a cheque for £1 9s, being subscriptions for the past year, and the meeting terminated. Canterbury Frozen Meat Company.— The tenth annual report of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company has been issued. The balance at credit of profit and loss is £2485. The directors recommend a further dividend of 4 per cent,, making 8 per cent, for the year. 168,339 sheep, 107,761 lambs, and 406 cattle have been slaughtered at the company’s works during the year. Only 10,594 sheep and lambs were passed through as second class quality. Fires. —A telegram from Napier says;— The Ferry Hotel at Western Spit was totally destroyed by fire at an early hour this morning. The insurance amounted to £I3OO. It was impossible to save the building, but most of the stock in the bar was got out.—The kid-leather factory at Kaikouri, Otago, owned by Mr 0. W. Anderson and leased by Messrs Schemmel and Miller, was destroyed by fire on Tuesday morning. The building was insured for £3OO, and the tools for £6O in the National office. Extraordinary Suicide.— Frank Hayes, who committed suicide in Anglesea street Auckland, accomplished his purpose in a most sensational manner. He fixed a gun to a table near his bed in such a way that It was automatically fired, a candle burning a piece of string, and thus releasing two weights which had kept the trigger fixed. After having arranged the contrivance he lay down with the muzzle of the gun pointing directly to his head and took choloroform, so that he was insensible when the candle burned the string and the gun was fired blowing the top of his head off. No report of firearms was heard, and when the body was discovered the man had been dead about a week, the body being in an advanced stage of decomposition.

The Fairlie Creek Hotel. — At the quarterly meeting of the Mackenzie Licensing Committee Mr D. McLeod applied for a transfer from himself to Mr D. O’Donohue in respect of the Fairlie Creek Hotel. The Inspector reported:— “ This house has been conducted in a very rough manner since the present occupant (D. O’Donohue) took possession. Drunkenness to a disgraceful extent has been permitted on the premises; it has also in consequence increased in the town and has been very noticeable on Sundays. Mr O’Donohue seems to have no desire to conduct the house in the quiet and respectable manner in which it has hitherto been kept.” Mr O’Donohue was granted an adjournment until the 21st March to call rebutting evidence. Mr Gilmour, of the Gladstone Grand Hotel, was cautioned against allowing dancing on the premises. Entertainment at Temuka. — In another column will be found an advertisement of Professor Bousmard’s entertainment of sensational illusions and musical melange, to be given in the Temuka Volunteer Hall next Tuesday evening. The Professor comes to us with the best of credentials, some of which we have inspected. The Victorian papers style the performance “recherche and humorous,” and state that “ his remarkable control of the piano is only equalled by his marvellous skill as a conjuror.” Mr Bousmard, who is now on a tour round the world, with Chicago and the World’s Fair as an objective point, holds a roving commission from the leading newspaper in South Africa—the Cape Times—as well as some Australian papers, and on their account he has made a point of seeing Mount Cook and all its wonderful surroundings, so that he may let the readers of the journal he represents know something of the wonders of New Zealand. He will also visit the Hot Lakes and all points of interest in the North Island. My Bpusmard says it is astonishing how very little is really known of the colonies by people in other parts of the world. Wesleyan Conference. At the Wesleyan Conference the final draft of stations was adopted as follows: —Auckland, Pitt Street, Berry, Laws ; Wesley College, Three Kings, Morley; North Shore, Ward ; Grafton, Lee, Serpell : Maori mission, Gittos : Mahaqrangi, Griffiths ; Thames, McNicol ; Upper Thames, Laws; Manukau, Ball ; Franklin, Carr ; Cambridge, Simmonds; Hamilton, J. Thomas; Kaipara, Hauraki, Paul Paparoa, Mather ; Northern Wairoa, Blyth ; Hokianga, Kouglin ; Wangarei, E. C. Lawrey ; Tauranga, Marshall; New Plymouth, Fairdough ; Waitara, Jones ; Hawera, Connell; Opunake, Beecroft ; Rangitikei, Fee : Sandon, Brooke ; Kumara, Smith; Christchurch, Durham Street, Dewsbury, L. M. Isitt, R. Murray; Sydenham, Buttle; St. Albans, Baumber, D. J, Murray; Lyttelton, Tinsley ; Spnngstpn, C. Griffin; Leeston, Parsonson, Newbpld ; Eaiapoi, Bond ; Woodend, Standage; Rangiora, Garlick ; Timaru, W. J. Williams ; Waimate, Small; Temuka, Dellow; Ashburton, S. Lawry, Gray; Dunedin, Oliver, Hudson; Mornington, Pinfold ; Port Chalmers, Salter ; Balclutha, Jerry ; Milton, RothweU ; Lawrence, W. G. Thqmas ; Invercargill, R. Taylor; Oamaru, Luxford; Gqre, Abeynothoy; Wakatipu, ferryman; Riverton, Nott. Thq following resohitiona were passed; That'' the Conference, while diametrically opposed to Government grants for denominational education, is strongly of opinion that the Bible should not be excluded from the national schools of the colony. It therefore urges that by petition fp Parliament and all other legitimate means pres sore may be brought to bear upon the legislature to introduce the Scriptures into the schools, subject to conscience clauses; and appoints a committee to consist of such members of the committee of privileges as reside in or near Wellington to confer and act with the representatives of other churches on the subject. A resolution was carried against boxing exhibitions. The Conference is now closed, f

Acclimatisation.—Dr Hayes and Mr R. 1 Pinckney went by express to Oamaruto attend a conference of representatives of Acclimatisation Societies. Representatives from Christchurch and Ashburton were also on board the train. The Shingle-Shieting Meeting.—ln justice to Mr A. White, chairman of the Geraldine i'own Board, we feel it our duty to state that since the shingle-shiUSng 1 meeting on Friday we have been informed that Mr White had not been asked to take the chair at that meeting, therefore it was no neglect of duty on his part not to have been present at the opening of the meeting. Geraldine School Committee, —There was no meeting of this committee on Tuesday evening, owing to the want of a quorum. Only three members turned up. As Mr Aitken has accepted an offer from the Wanganui school, it was thought advisable to call a special meeting to consider the appointment of a new head master. Mr Aitken takes up his position of head master at the Wanganui school from the beginning of May next. Timaru Presbytery. —A j>ro re nata meeting of the Timaru Presbytery was held , yesterday, the Rev. W. Gillies, Moderator. A call from Pleasant Point in favour of the Rev. Joseph White was laid on the table signed by 39 members and 39 adherents. A large representative deputation from the congregation was present and testified to the cordial unanimity of feeling towards Mr White. The Presbytery sustained the call, and instructed the elerk to communicate with Mr White. In the event of his accepting the call the induction was fixed to take place on Tuesday, sth April, at 3 p.m. the Rev. James McKee to address the minister, and the Rev. A.B. Todd to address the congregation. Supreme Court.— In the Supreme Court, Wellington, James Madden was acquitted on a charge of attempting to stab the Hon. Dr Grace. Thomas Riordan received a sentence of twelve months’ for attempt to wound. —At Hokitika, Walter Webb for attempted suicide, was sentenced to 12 hours’ imprisonment, he having been in gaol for five months awaiting trial. W. H. Nelley, the Salvationist, and assistant County Clerk for the Grey, pleaded guilty to charges of larceny and embezzlement, and was sentenced to eighteen months’ imprisonment with hard labour. In the case O’Brien v. Inaugahua County Council, a claim for damages caused by an accident through a defective culvert, a verdict for £32 and costs was given. —At Oamaru Walter Spencer was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for forgery and uttering.—At Auckland on Tuesday, Smith, a plumber, obtained a verdict for £250 damages against Gleeson, a publican, for assault. Plaintiff was knocked down some steps into the street, and broke his leg. He claimed £IOOO. Save Time and Money by learning to ride a cycle. Riding School at 70, Manchester Street, Christchurch. Adams, Curties & Co., New Zealand Cycle Works. Tuition free. Cycles from £5. Send for illustrated list. 3 SYNOPSIS OF ADVERTISEMENTS. Flaxmill Geraldine —Want flax cutters. A. White Architect —Advertisement for tenders withdrawn. Geraldine Horticultural Society—Meeting of members, and Committee meeting on Friday. Salvation Army, Temuka Notice re great harvest festival. Primitive Methedist Sunday School Geraldine—Sunday services; and public tea on Tuesday. W. Carston, Winchester —Funeral notice re late Mr David Walker. J. Brown —Has shop lately occupied by Messrs Vallender and Watt to let. Temuka Presbyterian Church —Harvest thanksgiving service on Sunday morning next. Professor Bousmard and Mdlle. Eugenie —Give entertainment at Temuka on Tuesday, J. W. Pye, Victoria House, Geraldine, — Advertises arrival of new goods for autumn and winter; men’s and boys’ shirts made to order; will take orders for Kaiapoi clothing.