LOCAL & GENERAL

Temuka Leader, Issue 2357, 17 May 1892, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL

Court of Review. —The Oamaru ■■ Assessment Court put up a record yesterday morning. When the Board of Reviewers met they found not a single appeal against the valuations. Fire.— A six-roomed house at the North- ■ East Valley, Dunedin, owned and occupied by Richard Brinsley, was burned yesterday morning. It was insured in the Norwich Union for £2OO. F rewell Social. Next Wednesday evening a social will be held in the Sunday schoolroom, Winchester, for the purpose of bidding farewell to the Rev. T. A. Hamilton. All arc invited to assist, and no doubt there will be a hearty response to the invitation. The Broken Cables.— Owing to the ’ breaking of the cables during Saturday’s : gale the Telegraph Department notify that at present delayed telegrams between the North and South Islands cannot be ac- , cepted. Press work will have precedence between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9.30 a.in. and 11.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. At night no press messages will be sent between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. Robberies at Geraldine. The Geraldine Races last week brought out a number of the “ spieling- ” fraternit} 7 , who put up at the Bush Hotel, Geraldine. During their stay there it was found that ; every bedroom in the house had been ransacked, and something like £ls was missing from the pockets in the clothes of 1 persons who were sleeping there. The constable was immediately informed, and the “ spieling ” fraternity were searched, but up to the present no clue has beeu found which is likely to lead to the conviction of the robber or robbers. Caledonian Society.— A meeting of the directors of the Caledonian Society was held last Friday evening at the Star Hotel. The President, Mr A. M. Clark, occupied the chair. After routine business, and several accounts had been passed for payment, it was decided to hold the first social on Thursday, 9th June. The , first one will be held in the Volunteer Hall, instead of the Drillshed, as it was thought it would be more comfortable. The arrangements have been left in good hands, and the Laghmohr pipers have intimated their intention of being present. Altogether the social bids fair to be as enjoyable q.nd successful as these popular gatherings deserve to bn. STOPriNG a Thoroughfare.—On last Saturday evening, about 8 o’clock, the Salvation Army collected an immense number of people exactly opposite Mr J W. Miles’s sh r pp door, Temuka. The footpath fieeaipe so‘ iffircpiged that it was scarcely '—ible for apypne iq go the shop, or P°- I ''no'. NOW we havp never ex?Y, e !i P; lss aiv ' . tlis Salvation Army ; hibited any enmity u "- fa we have always treated it fair*,,, fore it will bo admitted that our reran.' on this occasion are free from bias. The officers ought to see that it was very wrong of them to stand in front of anyone’s shop and cause such an obstruction as would prevent his customers from entering. We are perfectly satisfied that customers were prevented from entering Mr Mile’s shop on that evening, throngh this cause, and the officers of" the Army ought to have known that it is wrong to injure any one’s business in this or any other way. If the Army had collected together a few yards farther up the street, they would have been in no one’s way, and they would have been just as well off, if not better, for they cannot expect people whom they annoy in this way to entertain very friendly feelings towards them ; so such conduct does themselves harm as well as anyone else. We think, also, that the police ought to keep the footpaths clear—at any rate, in front of shops, where ladies want "to go in and out to do business—and we trust they will take a hint and try to prevent such things in future. The least shopkeepers may expect is that their doors shall be accessable to their customers, and this reaUy they have a right to demand,

Open Verdict.— At the inquest on the body of Dickson, who was found dead in Wellington, an open verdict was returned. There was no evidence of foul play. Our Population. According to a Gazette published on Friday morning, the estimated population of the colony on the 31 st March last was 679,481, being 3G0,850 males and 318,573 females. Sudden Death. —Mrs Winchester, wife of the Hon. Matthew Holmes’ coachman, died suddenly at Wellington on Saturday night, shortly alter 10 o’clock. She complained to her husband of feeling faint, and died almost at once. S.C. Building Society.— At a meeting of the South Canterbury Building Society in Timaru on Friday evening a dividend of 3 \ per cent was declared, and £145 2s 8d carried forward. The directors reported that there was a difficulty in placing money. Court of Appeal. Argument in Robertson v. Howden, a case in which a widow sued her trustees for several thousand pounds, money alleged to have been improperly invested, was concluded in the Court of Appeal, Wellington, on Friday. Judgment was reserved. ’Frisco Mail. The . R.M.S. Alameda, with the English mails of the IGth ult., left San Francisco for Auckland on the BOth ult., one day late. The Mariposa, with the colonial mails of the 2Brd ult., arrived at San Francisco from Auckland on the 12th inst., contract date. Picturesque Atlas Case. —Mr Jackson, the R.M. at Papakura, Auckland, has given judgment against Bowerman Bros, in several Picturesque Atlas cases, under the equity and good conscience clauses of the Resident Magistrate’s Court Act, 1867. He held the defendants were misled by the canvasser, j Wreck. —The cutter Vennie, owned by Bander and Son, of Wellington, was totally wrecked on Pencarrow Head, Wellington, on Friday night, where she had anchored when the heavy southerly gale came up. ■ All hands reached shore safely. She was on the way to Picton, having been purchased by a party of Blenheim residents. She has completely brokpn up. Coursing. The Coursing Meeting at Dunedin concluded on Saturday. The St. Leger, of £55 and trophy, was won by Mr J. Dunn’s Waratah, with Mr Pick’s Mizpah runner up. The May Cup, of £SO and trophy, was won by Mr M. Taylor’s Bess Morley, with Mr R. Alexander's Heart of Grace runner up. The runner up in each event got £25 and a trophy. Geraldine Races. —The winner of the big totalisator dividend on the Welter Handicap was Mr J. Lewis, the trainer, not Mr Grice, the owner. We were in error in stating that Mr J. Farrell had the luncheon as well as the grand stand booth at the Geraldine Races. Mr Farrell sold the luncheon booth to Mr Opie, of Winchester, and that gentleman had the management of it. Football. —On Saturday next a team representing the Temuka District High School will meet one representing the Timaru Public School, at Temuka. The following will represent Temuka: FuU back, A. Storey; three-quarters,T.Edwards. W. Palmer, and W. Grant; halves, W. Gore and P. Grant; forwards, R. Palmer, C. Brown, D. McCaskill, D. Henry, J. Grant, R. Powell, D. Leach, G. Franks, and D. Gibson. Emergencies, Norton, Radford, Metson, and Lloyd. Imports and Exports. —The total value of the imports of the colony last quarter was £1,939,476, as compared with. £1,737,480 for the corresponding period last year. The value of the exports last quarter was £3,955.293, as against £3,778,274 for the corresponding quarter of 1891. Of imports Auckland contributed £405,219, Wellington £408,407, Christchurch £312,813, Dunedin £498,708. Of exports Auckland contributed £394,074, Wellington £656,955, Napier £608,891, Christchurch £633,163, Dunedin £411,294. Neglecting to Stamp Receipts. —At the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Timaru, on Friday a lawyer’s clerk was fined 10s on each of eleven informations for failing to stamp receipts for rent entered in a common rent book, the Court holding that where no other receipt was shown these entries, initialled by the receiver, must be taken to be receipts. In two similar cases, where other receipts were given, the informations were dismissed. The person paying laid separate informations against the clerk’s employers, but as they knew nothing of the matter, they were all dismissed. Queer Proceedings. The Board of Reviewers for Hawke’s Bay County concluded their duties on Friday, after nearly three whole days’ sitting. Many objections had been allowed by the Commissioner of Taxes. Other objectors failed to appear. In every case where they did appear the assessment was reduced, in some cases nearly as much as 20 per cent. The net result will be a very large reduction from the original valuations. Mr F. Sutton, /formerly member of Parliament for the district, one of the valuers, in a written statement protested against the Commissioners haviup reduced many of his valuations without consulting him. He also stated that three properties adjoining, of equal value per acre, had been assessed at the same rate, but the Commissioner had refused to reduce two of the valuations, but had knocked off £2OOO from the third, though the owner had agreed to his valuation, and had sent no objection. The board » ruled that Mr Sutton had no locus xtaiu/i, and could not be heard except as a witness to support valuation. The Commissioners refused to call Mr Sutton in any of the eases. Bad Weather. — A telegram from Wellington on Saturday says : —“ The weather was intensely cold all Saturday, the result of a stiff southerly gale. The arrival and departure of steamers was interfered with to a considerable extent, and at times locomotion along the thoroughfares was a very difficult matter. Heavy rain fell early in the afternoon, but it cleared up in the evening. The steamer Rotorua, which left for Lyttelton on Friday afternoon, returned to port at 3 o’clock on Saturday. The Manapouri and Ifaurotq, whjch were to have left OH Saturday for Napier and Sydney re«uccHvV' tv took advantage of tbe weather Kundij- atter^on Government steamer lime. 1,1 have started for Sydney on Sunday ,' Brothers and Stephens Island, but as there was no probability of her being able to land stores at the latter lighthouse Captain, r airchild decided to wait for more fav ourable weather. She will probably sail on Moni day. About town no sexdous damage resulted from the gale beyond the uprooting of several trees and the levelling of a number of newspaper hoardings. The Hutt railway suffered to a slight degree and at Ngahauranga, besides at other points along the line, the ballast was washed away. Telephone communication with outer signal stations is interrupted. Both the cables between here and White’s Bay have gone. _ The breaks are near Wellington. There is no chance of getting a repairing steamer here before the end of June at the earliest, and until then the work between the two islands must be sent via Wanganui and Wakapuaka, which necessarily leads to great delay.” News from Christchurch reports similarly tempestuous and bitterly cold weather on Sauuruay.J

A Quack Doctor’s Doings— The New York Herald published a despatch from Salvador reporting that a quack doctor in the village of Cimarron, pretending to be able to prevent the spread of smallpox, innoculated 20 children with the virus of the disease. On the following morning 16 of them died, and there is small hope of the recovery of the remainder. The inhabitants of the village are greatly excited, and threaten vengeance on the man. Land Settlement. A deputation waited on Mr Cadman and asked that the Ohura block, on the line proposed for the Stratford railway, be set apart for an Auckland special settlement. The Minister said there was no difficulty in the way, and promised to assist the project as far as possible. The Ohura block comprises 11.6,000 acres, and joins the Tawatara, block, for which the Government are now negotiating. Hilton School Social and Dance.— The Hilton Schoolroom was well filled on Friday night, when a social and dance was to have been held in aid of the school funds. The day had been so miserably wet and cold that in the evening, although it was then fine weather, performers at a distance did not put in an appearance, and the piano, which was to come from Orari, was not forthcoming. The committee thereupon decided to postpone the social and dance till next Thursday, when it is hoped they will not again be disappointed. Rather than disappoint those who had turned up on Friday evening a small programme of songs, etc.,was got up amongst the audience after which an enjoyable danee was held. A Productive Potato.— We are informed of what we believe to be the champion record for potato production ! (says the Ashburton Guardian). Mr Fred, Bormington, the well-known cattle dealer, when on one of his visits to Christchurch last year, saw in a saleroom a very large potato, kidney shaped 17 inches long. He obtained it, took it home to Tinwaid, and cut it into 14 sets, which he planted in his garden. One root was dug and cooked as new potatoes, proving excellent in every respect. The other 13 sets were dug last week, and the produce was found to weigh no less than 1391 b (l£cwt less lib). Taking I the root previously dug to have weighed the I average of the others if it had been left to I mature, the total production would have been 1501 b. The ripe potatoes are also of excellent quality, and there are some very large ones among them.

A Coincidence. —Among the stories of extraordinary coincidences (writes the London correspondent of the Leeds Mercury) not the least curious is the history of a letter for the accuracy of which he can vouch. A short time ago a lady in London wished to write to a friend in America, whose address she did not know. The only means she had of procuring the address was to write to a mutual friend, who also lived in America. This she accordingly did, and the letter was duly despatched. The ship which carried the letter was wrecked and the mails for a time lost. They were eventually recovered and brought back to England, the letters, now much damaged by sea-water, being returned through the dead letter office to the senders. The letter in question was sent back to the lady, who naturally examined it minutely. To her surprise, she fond that another letter had become closely stuck to it. Holding up the twofold missive to the light, she deciphered the address on the one which was stuck to her own. It was a letter addressed to the friend to whom she had wished to write, and to discover whose whereabouts her own letter had been despatched. Her letter thus literally brought back its own answer. Strictures on the Colonies.— Mr AVilson, of the London Standard, in an article in the Investors Review, declares that the entire fabric of Australian civilisation is built upon debt, and that the spectacle is not equalled anywhere. The dangers of the near future are not so much what has been borrowed as what they hereafter may borrow. The London market, he says, will only help the colonies in fair weather, and the banks are regarding the situation from a selfish point of view and not in colonial interests. He admits that the colonies have not made bad use of their money, but thinks that they were able to use it advantageously. He severely censures loan-mongering syndicates, which influenced the unscrupulous lust for sudden gain, and he considers it doubtful if one in ten of colonial farmers or merchants would be . unencumbered if loans were stopped. He asserts that all the colonies find railway capital unbearable, and says that the loan position is a grave peril. The colonies must introduce borrowing for increased production under pain of early bankruptcy. They must, however, borrow only a moderate amount, or become unable to pull in their mad career, and pay very different terms than formerly. He concludes by expressing the opinion that if the colonies adopt protection, they will soon bo unable to borrow or pay. The Dobson-Kennbdy Company. — On Friday evening at Geraldine the DobsonKennedy Company went through Dion Boucicault’s romantic and pathetic Irish drama “ Arrah-na-Pogue.” Owing to the inclement weather the attendance could not be compared with the previous evenings. This was rather unfortunate, as the performance was given gratuitously by the company to aid in the liquidation of the debt on the hall. Considering, however, !, the state of the weather, grumbling was out of the question, and as the charges were ils and 2s, and the front seats were fairly well filled, the trustees will no doubt receive a decent sum. Before the performance the Geraldine Brass Band played a few airs outside the hall, and volunteers were present in the hall in uniform. The play itself was a first-class one, and, from the excitement of the audience, and the frequent calls before the curtain, it could be judged that this one was the favorite of the three. The changing of the scenery rapidly before the eyes of the audience was also a good thing, and did credit to the trustees of the Arolunteer Hall for the facilities they have placed on hand for shifting scenery at a moment's notice. The drama was in character very much similar to “ The Shaughrauu,” and the character of “ Shaun, the Post,” was taken by Mr J. J, Kennedy, and fitted equally as well as “ Con, the Shaugraun.” His acting was a treat, and the Court-martial scene, where he was brought before the Court for a crime which he had confessed to, but never committed, was unique, and the witty answers he gave on trial were equal to any of Sam Weller’s. Miss Idrene Thornton, in the tjtle role “ Arrah Meelish ” (Arrah-na-Pogue), acted exceedingly well, and received loud applause from the audience for her sweet rendering of “ The AVearing of the Green,” and other songs. Mr Joe Kennedy, as Michael Feeney, a process server and the villain of the plot, is worthy of special mention. The fact of him being well hissed by the audience showed that he acted his part well. Mr Dobson, as Colonel Bagenal O’Grady, gave a good interpretation of the part. Mr Douglas, the Fenian rebel Beamish McCoul; Mr Frank Norton, Major Coffin; Mr Alf. Ingleson, Oiny Farrell; sustained their parts as well as any. The dresses used In this drama were magnificent and costly. The Dobson-Kennedy Company are so well pleased with their stay In Geraldine that ' they have decided to pay it a return visit at gome future time.

Magisterial.—At the R.M. Court on Saturday, before J. T. M. Hayhurst, Esq., J.P.. George Stewart, charged with drunkenness, was fined ss, or in default 24 hours’ imprisonment. On Monday Michael Dempsey, charged before the same magistrate with being drunk in a public place on the previous day, was fined 20s, or in default 48 hours’ imprisonment. The fines were paid. Military Funeral. —The funeral with military honours of the late SergeantMajor Levan, one of the survivors of the famous charge of the Six Hundred at Balaclava, took place at Dunedin on Sunday afternoon, and was a most imposing spectacle. The streets were lined with thousands of spectators. The Commissioner of Police and the Police force supplied two beautiful wreaths. Chrysanthemums. —Last week we drew attention to some choice blooms of chrysanthemums exhibited in Mr B. O. Dann’s window by Mr Patrick, of Geraldine. Mr Dann has just received a collection of blooms shown by Mr James Porter, of Ashburton, at the Christchurch chrysanthemum show. They comprise assorted colors of incurved, reflexed, anemone flowered, pompone, Japanese, and other varieties, and their beauty is simply indescribable. Temuka has hitherto taken a leading place in floriculture, but it is evident that in certain classes our local gardeners have much yet to learn. Religious Mania. —A remarkable case of religious mania is reported from Konigsburg. A peasant named Puschke, living at Dulack, lately joined a newly-founded religious sect, and soon after showed signs of insanity, A few days ago he entered hia stable and attempted to crucify himself.^* B He first bound his feet together at the ankles, and then drove nails through them, fastening them to the ground. Then lying out on his back, he further nailed the left hand to the ground, and with the right hand stabbed himself repeatedly in the chest. His wife found him lying unconscious on the earth. It is expected he will survive his wounds. Leap Year Dances, —The following rules for a Leap-year-Dance are taken from the programme of one held in America on February 29: —1. G entlemen must be careful to act in a lady-like manner. 2. A gentleman asking a lady to dance will be fined. 3. A gentlemen refusing a dance when not engaged will be fined. 4. No gentleman allowed to walk across the floor unescorted by a lady. Pine for each offence. 5. Ladies must not monopolise any one gentleman. 6. Married ladies must not indulge in spooning, but assist the young ladies in giving the gentlemen a good time. 7. Ladies are requested to sge that no gentlemen remain as wall-flowers, 8. It is hoped that ladies will not take undue advantage of timid men. 9, Ladies must chose their partners without regard to good looks. 10. Ladies must see that mufflers are properly adjusted, and that overcoats and gloves are well buttoned before gentlemen start for home. A Trade Mark Prosecution. —Messrs Nelson, Moate & Co. have had considerable trouble with regard to the pirating of their trade marks, and only a short time ago they instituted an action against a Melbourne firm in respect to their Tasmanian branch. The following communication has been received by them in. connection therewith:— “ Your action in the Supreme Court against a Melbourne firm for the infringement of your registered trade-mark has been settled by the defendants consenting to a verdict against them on the following terms : —Restraining them from sending into Tasmania or selling any marks that infringe yours; that some 1150 worth of bags now in the hands of a leading storekeeper are handed over to be destroyed ; that the defendants be. restrained from further application for an certificate under the Trade Marks Act; " that the defendants pay all the taxed costs of the case, with loss of all bags, duty paid thereon, and law expenses.” A Curious Mistake. —At the Christchurch R.M. Court on Saturday a man was charged with having obtained £2 by the “ confidence trick.” On the charge being read out to him he pleaded “ Not guilty.” The accoustic properties of the court room when nearly empty are very deceptive, and the Magistrate, evidently supposing that the prisoner had pleaded 11 Guilty,” asked the inspector, who had been also misled, for an outline of the case. Inspector Pender proceeded to state the circumstances, and also gave some of the history of the prisoner, which was not all that could be wished. The Magistrate then sentenced the prisoner to one month’s imprisonment with hard labor, and he was taken away. On the record book being handed up to be signed it was found that the plea of “ Not guilty,” had been entered. Others in the Court had also heard this , plea, and after enquiry the prisoner ordered back, the sentence cancelled, and he was then remanded till Monday.—Press, Timaru A. and P. Association. —At a well-attended meeting of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association on .Saturday afternoon, judges were appointed to decide as to whether the drills exhibited at the last show and entered for the special prize offered by the association and the Canterbury Farmers’ Association complied with the conditions laid down The judges will first of all inspect the drills, and, if it is found necessary, will make arrangements for a public trial. Messrs D. McLaren, E. T. Rhodes, and C. N. Orbell were appointed delegates to the conference of agricultural associations, and the secretary was asked to forward a letter to the Minister of Agriculture, asking for the issue of free passes to delegates, this application being made by request of the Christchurch association, to strengthen a similar application by the latter. As one proposal to come before the conference, it was resolved “ That threshing machine owners should be compelled to make a return of grain threshed during the year.” Accounts amounting to £4 2s were passed for payment, and the meeting closed. Insect Pests, —The following circular has been issued by Mr L. Hanlon, Government Pomologist, to all fruit growers’., asssociationss known to the Department:—“ With a view of ascertain/ ing what New Zealand orchardists have done in the way of fighting the codlin moth (carpocapsa pomonella)and the mussel scale (mytilapsis pomormn), I shall feel obliged if you will submit the following questions to two or more fruit growers in your district who have had experience with either or both of these pests. 1. Codlin moth what means have been taken to fight this pest, and the result, favourable or otherwise ? 2. If sprayed with arsenites, in what prorortions, and with what kind of a sprayer, how often, and was the foliage damaged ? 3. Were bandages used, how often removed, and grubs killed ? 4. Mussle scale, wbat means were taken to fight this pest, and the result favourable or otherwise? 5. State proportions of remedies used, and whether the the trees and fruit were damaged by them or not.” It is hoped that fruit growers will send in replies/* to Mr Hanlon, Head Office Agricultural Department. Wellington. AH secretaries of fruit growers’ associations who are in communication with the department should send in their names, that they may receive any pamphlets, &c., published for the benefit of the fruit industry, ,

G-braldine Floral and Horticultural Association. —The animal general meeting of this Association takes place on Thursday evening, when the report and balance-sheet will be read, and officers for the ensuing year elected. A small show of fruit and flowers will also be held that evening. Canterbury Land Hoard. —At a meeting of the Canterbury Land Board on

Friday lot 829, Arowhenua village settle ment, was granted to Mary Moulton or deferred payments; 322 acres of unsurveyec land in Block 11. Rangitata Survey Districl was granted on perpetual lease to Marion Cobeldick. Lost at Sea. —News was received at Christchurch yesterday that the ketch Clematis encountered a terrific gale on the voyage from Havelock to Lyttelton. Two men were washed overboard, and her sails bowsprit, and boat were carried away. The men lost were named Baker and Smith. She was laden with timber, which was insured, but the vessel was irninsured. She put into Port Underwood for repairs. Accidents. —James Quaid and a team of five horses were drowned at the Rangatira River crossing, near Gisborne, on Sunday evening. The man was in the employ of A. Mevery, who owned the dray. —A shocking accident occurred at Wellington yesterday, as the Tarawera was nearing the wharf. William McDonald, the carpenter, aged 35, stood ready with fender, but slipped and fell between the wharf and steamer. His legs and thigh were badly crushed and he died at the hospital shortly after.—A young Maori named Peta Tutaua was drowned in attempting to cross the lake near Petone, Wellington, during Saturday’s gale. Pensioning of Tawhiao. —Mr Cadman. after several interviews with Tawhiao, induced him to accept a pension from the Civil list of £225 per annum, and Tawhiao has received the first quarter’s payment. He will not now offer any opposition to his people proving their claims in the Native Lands Court, and will urge on them obedience to the la.w. This may be regarded as the last stage of the King movement, Tawhiao becoming a pensioner of the Government. Tawhiao refused much more tempting offers from Sir D. McLean and Sir G. Grey, Mr Bryce, and other native ministers. f 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 Something Worth Knowing—Notice re “ Karana.” Hilton School —Social and dance, on Thursday next. Winchester—Farewell social to Rev. T. A. Hamilton on Wednesday next. Shearers and Laborers Union—Meeting of Temuka Branch on Saturday evening, N.Z. Railways—Train arrangements for Timaru Caledonian Sports on 24th May. Geraldine Floral Association —Annual general meeting of members, Thursday, May 19 th. T, Bourke, Bailiff —Sale of butcher’s slaughterhouse plant, at Epworth, Temuka, to-morrow. , Commissioner of Crown Lands—Notice re village homestead special settlement lands at Arundel, open for application on June ‘Jth. T. & J. Thomson, Drapers and Silk Mercers, Timaru—Notify that they were unable to open until yesterday shipments ex Tekoa and Coptic; magnificent selection of all classes of goods.