LOCAL & GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2351, 3 May 1892, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Ratepayers’ Meetings.— The annual meetings of ratepayers in the Temuka and Mount Peel Road districts take place to-day. Te.muka Stock Sale. —The fortnightly sale of stock at Temuka takes place to-day. Entries will be found in our advertising columns. | Ashburton Races.—The train arrangements for the Ashburton races, which take place on May 4th and' sth, will be found in another column. Board Meetings. The monthly meeting of the Temuka Road Board takes place to-day; that of the Geraldine Town Board this evening, and that of the Temuka Town Board to-morrow evening. The Bot Fly at Geraldine.— One of Mr B, R, Macdonald’s horses died the other day, and on an examination of its stomach being made a large number of bots were found, and it is supposed that the animal died from the effects of this pest. Fire. —A five roomed cottage in Napier was destroyed by fire on Sunday morning. The inmates escaped in their night clothes. The building was insured in the New Zealand office for £l5O, and the furniture for £l5O in the Railway Servants’ Fund. Commandant of Volunteers.— Amongst the passengers by the Hauroto, at Wellington, from Sydney yesterday morning was Lieutenant-Colonel Fox, the new Commandant of the New Zealand forces. He was formally received by LieutenantColonel Hume. Sir William Fox—Sir William Fox this year celebrates his 80th birthday, his jubilee as a colonist and his golden wedding. He declined a public demonstration, but an address numerously signed will be presented at his residence on Tuesday. Pleasant Valley School. —Mr Connor has resigned his position as schoolmaster at the Pleasant Valley School, and Mr James Kalaugher has been appointed locum tenons. Mr Connor left yesterday for Christchurch, where he has accepted a situation in the co-operative store. Parliament. —The Cabinet has decided to summon Parliament not later than June 30th, possibly, if the new taxation returns are ready in time, the session may begin earlier. The Premier went South yesterday to attend a banquet to Mr Ward at Wmton. He will address a public meeting at Invercargill on Saturday. Worth Knowing. —No doubt many orchard proprietors in this district have been troubled with that pest of pear, plum, and cherry tree—the small black leech, which just before the fruit ripens destroys the leaf of the tree, and not only prevents the fruit from attaining maturity, but hinders the growth of the tree for years. Apreventitive of this is an occasional use of a weak solution of hellebore, which can be applied with an ordinary garden syringe. A noticeable instance of the value of this specific may be seen in Mr Joseph Whitehead’s garden, Temuka. A pear tree treated as above is still in full leaf, and bears an excellent crop of fruit, six pears taken at random weighing over 41b. Next this tree are two cherry trees, which received a little of the spray as the pear tree was dressed. These still carry their leaves, while all the other trees —pear, plum, and cherry—in the garden are qnite bare, and have been so for quite a couple of months. The remedy is inexpensive, and certainly efficacious. Wellington and 0 amaru. —The Oamaru Mail concludes an article on the typhoid fever epidemic in Wellington as follows : “ Typhoid is synonymous with filth, and* can, therefore, be avoided by the observance of cleanly habits, not only inside, but outside our houses. As Wellington is wealthy, and is admirably situated geographically, there is no reason why it should be filthy. It should have one of the best drainage systems and lowest death rates in the world. Oamaru, too, has its typhoid shadow. There are several cases in the locality at the rear of the Salvation Hall. It is a great pity. But, then, Oamaru is poor. It is so poor that it cannot prevent its drains from being choked, or provide an inexpensive drainage pipe where it is sadly wanted, or prevent the waters of the Oamaru Creek from being thickened with the most sickening and dangerous matter. Besides, its council is so busy repudiating J just now that it has barely time to do more I than pay the salary of His Worship the Mayor. It certainly has not time to collect arrears of rates." • Football. —A general meeting of the Temuka Football Club was held in McCaskill’s Rooms on Saturday evening last, Mr J. Gillespie in the chair. Mr Qiljsspie explained that the meeting was called tq elect a new captain and vice, as the gentlemen (elected previously would not be playing for the club, there being no first fifteen. Mr J. Finlay was elected captain, and Mr T. Gaffaney, vicecaptain. The following were elected a Match committee :—rMqssrf* E. S. Smith, J. Gillespie, and qf S}n(| and 3rd respectively. The following were picked to play against Pleasant Point on Thursday ; Russell, McLeod, Brosnahan, Anderson, McCallum, Findlay (captain), Robinson, Rodgers, Austin, Barrett, Greaves, Henry, Brosnahan, Ei’wood, an d Gaffaney; emergencies, McLean, and Holden, For the May Tournament the following teams were picked : Russell, Brosnahan, Findlay, Anderson, Rodgers, Henry, and Gaffaney. Second fifteen Fenton, McLeod, McCallum, Robinson, Greaves, Holden, and Brosnahan,

Income Tax. —Proceedings are to be taken against business people in Wellington for neglecting to sendin returns of income. B. & F. Bible Society. The annual meeting of the subscribers to the Geraldine branch of this society takes place in the Geraldine Presbyterian Church to-morrow evening. Temuka Road Board.— On Saturday Messrs C. Bisset, J. Fraser, F. R. Oldfield, W. Snell, J. Talbot, and J. Woodhead were nominated for seats on the Temuka Road Board with Mr Wills. A poll for the election of five will be taken on Saturday next. Temuka F. &H. Society. Members of the Temuka Floral and Horticultural Society, and others interested in it, are remindea that the annual meeting takes place in the Social Hall to-morrow evening, when the report and balance-sheet will bo dealt with, officers for the ensuing year elected, etc. ! Accidents. —George Penin, a miner on the right hand branch of the Kanieri river, West Coast, was severely injured by a fall of earth in his sluicing claim. His legs and ribs were broken and he is very much bruised. — Mrs Eichardt, licensee of the hotel at Queenstown, Otago, fell down stairs, receiving concussion of the brain, and she is not expected to recover. R.M. Court.—At the above Court, yesterday, before Messrs J. T. M. Hayhurst and M. Quinn, JJP.’s, two first offenders were brought up charged with having been drunk and disorderly at the Railway Station on last Saturday evening. One of them was fined os, and the other was fined 5s for having been drunk and disorderly, 10s for resisting the police, and 2s expenses paid to a carter to take them to the police station. The Civil Service.—The Government Insurance Department are preparing tables for a pension scheme for the Civil Service, with special tables for the police. It is proposed to bring school teachers and railway servants into the Civil Service. The Government are not likely to adopt the Railway Commissioners’ pension scheme, which they consider too complex, but it will be optional with employees to avail themselves of the scheme provided for them.

Geraldine Floral Society.— A meeting of the members of the Geraldine Floral and Horticultural Society was held on Friday evening to discuss the advisability or otherwise of holding a chrysanthemum and fruit show in May. Dr Fish, President, was in the chair, and after some discussion it was decided, that owing to the shortness of time it would be inexpedient to carry out the proposal. After other routine business has been disposed of the meeting adjourned till May 19th, the date fixed for the annual meeting. Tug of War. —The great International Tug of War at Christchurch was concluded on Saturday evening, there being a very large attendance of spectators. The Maori team took first prize, the Irish second, and the Australian third. In the consolation the German team took first prize, and the English second. The longest pull of the evening was between the English and Germans, which lasted 158 minutes. A wrestling match for £lO, Cumberland style, was won by W. Uru, with J. McKinnon second. Presbyterian Church.— The Rev. Mr Dickson, who has just returned after a prolonged visit to the Old Country, preached in the Presbyterian Church, Temuka, last Sunday, to a large congregation, on his visit to Calvary. The rev. gentleman gave a graphic account of his journeys, and dwelt at some length on the controversy as to the real Calvary. After having given an exhaustive account of what he saw he wound up with a telling peroration regarding the love God bore to mankind in thus dying to redeem and save them. Valedictory. —Mr George Turnbull, of the Bank of New Zealand, Geraldine, who has been drafted to the Bank of New Zealand, Kaikoura, was given a smoke concert on Saturday evening by members of the Geraldine Football Club and friends. Mr George Ward presided at the concert and spoke highly of Mr Turnbull, whose toast was drunk with musical honors. Mr Turnbull suitably responded, and during the evening a number of songs were sung. Mr Turnbull is well known in the district as an enthusiastic footballer, having been a member both of the Geraldine and Waihi Clubs, St. Joseph’s Church Temuka. —A marked improvement has been effected in the appearance of the grounds attached to St. Joseph’s Church, Temuka, by the removal of some of the large pine trees which obscured the view of the building. The west point is now fully exposed, and the church presents a very handsome appeorance. The rough courses of stones have lost their original whiteness, and through the action of time have become toned down to a pleasing grey shade, which throws into below relief the finials of the windows and porch. Burns Monument.— At Dunedin the Burns monument was handed over to the city on Sunday by Mr Robert Chapman. Complimentary addresses were delivered by Dr Stuart, Messrs Cargill, Gray Russell, and others. B. Cargill, a son of Captain Cargill, who had been associated with Dr Burns in pioneering - work, said that it was in no narrow spirit of sectarianism that the enterprise was taken in hand. It was a vile slander to say that the early settlers of Otago frowned upon others. Other bodies of Christians had from the beginning been most friendly with the Presbyterians on every occasion when they could join in a common cause.

Presentation. A pleasing ceremony took place at the Silverstream school house a few days ago, the occasion being the eve of Miss McGowan’s departure. The presentation, which consisted of a purse of sovereigns, was made by Mr J. McKinnon, after a few appropriate remarks. He referred in eulogistic terms to the valuable services rendered by Miss McGowan during the three years she had charge of the Silverstream School. He felt sure that wherever she went she had the sincerest wishes of her pupils and their parents for her future success and happiness. He had much pleasure in handing her a small token of the esteem in which she was held by them all. Miss McGowan feelingly replied, and intimated her intention of procuring a suitable memento with their valuable gift, which would in future bring the many happy days she had spent at Silverstream more palpably before her than any exercise of the mental vision would. She thanked all the contributors for their token of respect- Mr Ross also bore testimony to Miss McGowan’s efficiency as a teacher. The results of the instruction inculcated by her in the minds of the pupils could be plainly seen. He could say for himself, that the proficiency of his children hfid greatly increased under Miss McGowan’s tuition. Mr Grant, as an observant member of the school committee, considered Miss McGowan’s system of instruction admirable and thorough, and he ventured to say that the discipline of the Silverstream School was all that could be desired. Some capital songs were contributed during the evening, by Messrs Orammond, Murray, and Roberts. A very impressive leave-taking was brought to a close by the whole company singing “ Auld Lang Syne” in thorough Celtic fashion tu the "able accompaniment o,f the Misses 31 cG p wan.

The Picturesque Atlas.—At the hearing of the Pukohe “ Picturesque Atlas ” cases the plaintiffs’ solicitor said the Bench having decided to admit of side collateral evidence, it was useless to go on with the case, and the plaintiffs would agree to the case being struck out. The defendants were allowed £l2 11s costs. It is understood that the plaintiffs will appeal to the Supreme Court on the point in dispute. Some Farm Notes.—A question which lately cropped up in our contemporary, the New Zealand Farmer, as to whether in the event of a cow having twin calves of opposite sexes the female would breed, has been settled by Mr Deßenzy, of Winchester, who states that upon Mr James Paterson’s farm is a cow, one of twins as aforesaid, that has been breeding for three years, upon the last occasion having twins, both of which, however, died. —ln the Christchurch papers a good deal of correspondence has lately been going on in connection with the appearance of the bot fly, which it is claimed has caused the death of several valuable horses. Various suggestions have been made as to the best manner of killing its larvae, but an old-fashioned remedy, not hitherto noted, is the administration to the horse afflicted of a drench consisting of a decoction of tansy. A simple infusion of the same herb, say about a handful in half a gallon of hob water, and administered a quart at a time, is also said to be beneficial. Land Enquiry Case.—The Wellington Land Board held an inquiry on Friday into the circumstances under which certain sections in the Dry River and Makara blocks, Wairarapa, were taken up by Messrs Chaples, Pharazyn, Elgar and others. The inquiry had been ordered in consequence of a statement made in the report of the ranger, leading the board to suppose that the selections had not been homo, fide. In the course of the examination of the selectors interested, it was stated that the land was taken up for Mr Pharazyn’s children, Mr Pharazyn finding the moneyStock was put on the land within the year, and whatever profit had been made out of the section had been spent on improvements. The sections were still being worked. The ranger in his evidence said the improvements were largely in excess of what the Act required, but jis the sections were not worked separately he thought the Land Board should know. They were worked from one homestead. Decision was reserved until Saturday, when the Board passed a lengthy resolution, the effect of which is to exculpate Mr Pharazyn from the charge of dummyism, but drawing the attention of the Minister of Lands to the fact that it appears that without contravening the land regulations five members of one family can take up 8266 acres of pastoral land in one block.

Frozen Flowers. — Mr A. Morrison, . late chief engineer of the R.M.S. Coptic, writes to the Wellington Post as follows: i “In reading your paper of Saturday, I i noticed a paragraph in which Mr Barland, . gardener to Mr H. D. Bell, purposes to carry out what to him seems an entirely novel experiment—that of freezing flowers in a block of ice, in order to transmit them to the old country. This idea was really ■ thought of and carried out by me some five ■ years ago when visiting McNab’s Gardens with a lady, who jestingly asked me to take i a bunch of flowers she had gathered to her i daughter in London. Freezing, of course, was our idea, and therefore I took them on i board the Coptic, immersed them in a bucket of water, and committed them io the freezing chamber, where they remained throughout the voyage, looking through their icy covering as beautiful and their colours as bright as if newly plucked. London reached, I took them in the block'** as they were to their destination, where they were subjected to a warmer atmosphere, but 1 was disappointed to find that as the ice melted, the fiowers, though keeping their natural colour and form, presented a sodden and frost bitten appearance, fading and withering away almost directly. I hope that Mr Earland may find more success attend his object.” S.C. Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. —An adjourned meeting of the South Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held on Saturday, to further consider the estimates for the year, and especially the position of the Waimate Hospital. There were present Major Moore (in the chair), Messrs McLaren, Graham, Talbot, and Sherratt. The Hon. Major Steward, M.H.R. for Waimate, was present, and made a long explanation on behalf of the Waimate Hospital Trustees. With regard to the contention that the South Canterbury Board should not eontribute to the support of the Waimate Hospital, because the subscribers to that* institution had failed to subscribe the statutory £IOO, he contended that the Act provided that £IOO should be subscribed the first year, and that the persons who paid it should also intimate their intention to continue to pay £IOO yearly; bub incorporation having been obtained, there was nothing in the Act which required the fulfilment of “intention,” and no consequence followed if it were not fulfilled. Tne board had no power to compel the payment of the suoscribtion. As a matter of justice, ho held also that the Board should not seek to compel certain ratepayers in the Waimate district, to pay £IOO a year in excess of their rates. The South Canterbury district, too, made a profit of £SOO a year out of the Waimate County, as charitable aid in the County last year lost £llOO, while the rates collected In the County amounted to £BOO and (the Government subsidy to £BOO, or £IOOO in all. Mr Talbot said it seemed to him a quibble to say that payment of tuo £IOO a year was not required to be continued. It could not have been the intention of the Act that it should be paid for one year only. If that was really the legal position, it must be because the Act was not correctly worded. Undoubtedly it was the intention of the framers of tuo Act tnat tuo £IOO should be subscribed every year. The reference to the £SOO profit was unfair. That was not the way to look mb the question at all, or what could tlufe county of Geraldine say .’ The Timaru Hospital was in the chief town, which supplied the bulk of the poverty and hospital cases, and the country districts had to find the money. Major Steward word! separate the whole county of Waimate, a wealthy district in the hands of a few landholders and with a sparse population—i of five or six thousands—while Geraldine County had a population of seventeen thousands. If the whole of Waimate got away, what a prospect for the rest of South Canterbury iu keeping the poor and the hospital of Timaru ! He had opposed separation all along, and would continue to oppose it, and if separation came he would seek to get the boundary as far from Timaru as possible. He trusted that the common sense of the people of Waimate would lead them to close their hospital as nnucessary; there was no more need for it than for one, at Geraldine, and yet he would not likoifo see _ it closed by any side wind.—The opinion of Mr Kiuuerney was then obtained and his reading of the Act bearing out in the main those of Major Steward, the \ board passed a resolution adopting the J estimates for the year, including the ' Waimate Hospital, and ordering the necessary demands to be made on the local, badiQS,

A Nasty Fall—Captain Mace, while proceeding from Middleton’s Hotel, at Opunake, to Major Tuke’s residence on Saturday night, jumped over a wrong fence and' fell over a cliff forty feet on to the rocks in Opunake Bay. Mace was stunned, but on recovering managed to find his way back to the hotel. He is much cut about the face, but he had no bones broken. Auction Sale.—The enterprising firm of auctioneers—Messrs Guinness & LeCren, of Timaru—has an advertisement elsewhere which will doubtless be regarded as interesting by people in this district. In consequence of the sale of the Riverslea Estate the whole of the flocks and herds there will be offered for sale on Tuesday, the 10th instant, and as the land is amongst the best in the colony, so we believe is the stock on it. Our farmers will, therefore, be afforded an opportunity of getting first-class sheep at this sale. St. Saviour’s, Temuka.—An unfortunate error occurred in our report of the parish meeting held in connection with the above Church. Mr Talbot, in the course of his remarks, referring to the Rev. Mr Hamilton, said: “He could assure them his ministrations had been not only acceptable to the parishioners but to the members of other Churches.” Unfortunately a word was omitted from this sentence. The general context of the remainder of the speech left no doubt as to what was meant, but the error was certainly a regrettable one. Wesleyan Church Bazaar. The result of the canvass already made in connection with the above is most gratifying. The reports to hand show promises of a horse and cow, together with sheep pigs (fat and store), grain, potatoes, and other farm produce; also an amount of fancy goods from local business houses, supplemented by perhaps a larger quantity from the leading wholesale houses of Christchurch and Dunedin, while other houses of these respective cities have adopted a yet safer plan, by sending along a cheque with their best wishes for success. This evening preliminary arrangements will be made for side shows, etc. If the same interest is maintained that has hitherto been displayed, we have no hestitation in saying that the undertaking will be an unqualified success. Canadian Scandal. Startling evidence was given at Quebec before the Royal Commission isquiring into the charges against Mr Mercier, ex-Premier, of misappropriating public funds. Several witnesses testified that Mr Mercier’s country seat at Tourouvre was paid for out of the proceeds of the Chaleur Bay subsidy, and cheques were produced showing that the ex-Premier’s household expenses were defrayed by drafts drawn on the deposit of an instalment of 28,000d0l of that subsidy. Evidence was also brought forward that the contractor of the Temiscouata railway was compelled to pay a total sum of 32,000d0l to Pacaud before he obtained the passage of his estimates by the Government or the signature of the Order-in-Council. It was further shown that it cost 5000dol to obtain the Government guarantee for the second issue of Temiscouata bonds, which were sold in England before the guarantee was given, the English purchasers making the condition that the bonds must be guaranteed. Evidence was given that Pacaud, knowing this fact, told the contractor that the Governor would not sign the Order-in-Council, but that he himself could obtain the signature for 5000dol. This sum was paid by the contractor, and the guarantee was forthcoming. These revelations have caused much sensation, and are regarded as the most direct testimony yet adduced touching Mr Mercier’s transactions and his alleged understanding with Pacaud.

Dobson - Kennedy Company, The Dobson-Kennedy Company appeared last evening in the "Volunteer Hall, Temuka, to a large and appreciative audience in Boucicault’s famous play of 11 Con the Shaughraum.” This is a thoroughly Irish drama, depicting Irish, life in a great many moods. We have neither time nor space to give a resume of the plot of the play, but must content ourselves with saying that it is charateristically humorous that the situations are excellent, and that it is most interesting throughout. As far as the way it was acted ' nothing was left to be desired. As the Harun-Scarum l ’ Con the Shaughraun ” Mr Kennedy was excellent. We _ have seen the part played by the late Dion Boucicault himself; and also by various other actors, and have no hesitation in saying that Mr Kennedy is the best delineator of it we have seen. It is a part which developes phases of character as it goes on. and these were represented with the greatest care and thoroughness by Mr Kennedy. In the course of events Con finds it neceessary to die so as to carry out some schemes, he has in view, and a wake is held on him; This wake provides a mostludicrous episode, as Con indulges in a great many antics when the mourners’ backs are turned. Throughout the whole play Con keeps the audience in roars of laughter. In Mr F. Norton, the generous, honorable English officer Captain Molineux—found an excellent representative. His struggles between love and duty were very realistic. The misfortunes of Robert Ffolliott, the outlawed fenian, were portrayed in an admirable manner by Mx Dobson. Corry Kinchella, the villain of the piece, was made the most of by Mr Joe Kennedy, and Father Doolan could not have a better representative than Mr H. N. Douglass. Harvey Duff, a police spy, was also well acted by Mr Creyton, and all the minor parts were capitally sustained. Hie ladies’ parts were equally well sustained. Moya Doolan was taken by Miss Thornton, who made a suitable sweetheart for Con, and sang “ The Wearing of the Green ” in a ( manner* that brought down the house. Miss Hill as Claire Ffolliott, Mrs Ingle, as Mrs O’Kelly (Con’s Mother), acquitted themselves to the entire of the audience, who \ were most lavish with their applause. At the end of each scene the performers were called before the curtain. As we anticipated the play was well rehearsed Everyone was letter-perfect, the most minute details were attended to with the greatest care, and the drama was produced

as well as tli« most exacting could desire. The company is not one composed of one star actor, with .all the others useless sticks ; it is a company of thorough, welltrained, capable artists, in which pone is too strong or too weak. It is a g°bd, even team, and the performance was the most enjoyable we have attended lor a long time. The company, taken all round, is the best wc have seen in and is well deserving of patronage. Ibis evening the famous play of “ Little Lord Fauntleroy ” will be produced. This is an adaptation of Mrs Hodgson Burnett's v famous book of the same name, and is one r o f the most popular dramas that ha* ever been placed on the _ stage. Miss Ruby Kennedy will appear in the title role. The Napier Daily Telegraph says that she is superior to the others who have recently played the part through tho_ colony. In this play the company, which is a V6]'y strong one, appears to great advantage, anil iye hope to see a full house po greet them.

Special Offer of “ Star ” Cycles.— No. 7 Star with one-inch solid tyres, £l6 10s ; No. 8 Star solid tyres, £lslos. Send for catalogue. Star Cycles on Hire Purchase from 5s per week. Adams, Curties, & Co., 70 Manchester Street, Christchurch.— Advt. SYNOPSIS OF ADVERTISEMENTS. J. Hay, Kakahu —Has found an E.L. Ram. Geraldine Licensing Committee —Annual meeting on 7th June. Raukapuka Licensing Committee Annual meeting on Bth June. Temuka Road Board —List of candidates nominated for seats on the board, Guinness Sc LeCren—Entries for Temuka Stock Sale to-day. N.Z.L. & M.A. Co., Timaru—Sell sheep, cattle, etc., at Temuka to-day. Dobson-Kennedy Company —“Little Lord Fauntleroy” in Temuka Volunteer Hall to-night. Dr. Hayes, Temuka —Important notice re accounts due to and by him ; Dr Cayley will carry on the practice during Dr Hayes s absence on a trip home. J. Mundell & Co.—Entries Geraldine Live Stock market. Also dwelling house to let; and preliminary notice re F. Brown’s sale. Guinness & LeCren —Important and large sale of sheep, cattle, horses, pigs, farm implements, etc., at Riverslea sheep yards on 10th May. ' N.Z. Clothing Factory, Timaru, R. Foster, Manager—Are now showing the largest stock in South Canterbury of the newest styles in hats and scarves; draw attention to their stock of waterproofs.