LOCAL & GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2432, 1 December 1892, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Land.—The Government will next month throw open for selection 17,000 acres of second class land in the Gisborne district. Bazaar.—A bazaar will be held in the Te Moana School on Saturday next. The proceeds go as a present to Dr Barnardo’s Homes. After Gold. The Invercargill took away 11 men from Dunedin who were going to try their luck at the Wilson River goldfield, Preservation Inlet. A Good Dividend. —The directors of the Perpetual Trustees and Agency Company have declared a dividend for the half year at a rate of 12.) per cent per annum. Gored by a Bull.—Mr D. Robertson, a farmer at Tapanui, Otago, was attacked by his bull while giving it a drink, and so severely injured that he now lies in a precarious condition. Timaru Harbour Board. —A special meeting of the Timaru Harbor Board will be held on Wednesday next, to deal with the tenders for the tug-dredge, which came to hand per the Kaikoura. Dairy Factories.—Mr A. H. Wilson, dairy expert, of Woodville, has received instructions from an English syndicate to erect 12 butter factories in the North Island next year. Made Their Pile.—Seventeen Celestials journeyed up from the West Coast to Wellington in the Dingadee on Tuesday. Fourteen of these have made their “ pile ” and leave shortly for Hong Kong. A Losing Experiment.—The balance sheet of theLongburn (Wellington) Freezing Company shows a loss for the year of 1222(55, caused by loss on stock purchased and frozen by the company at its own risk. A Paying Profession. A man perambulating the country with a barrel organ and a monkey presented at a bank the other day £9 worth of small change foxnotes, the result of a day or two’s collection. —Press. Dunedin A. & P. Show.—The total number of entries received for the Agricultural and Pastoral Show this week is 1200, as against 1000 last year, notwithstanding the fact of the “ housed and clothed ” sheep class being abolished this year. Fire. —Two cottages have been destroyed by fire in Beresford street, Auckland. They were owned and occupied by Cardow and Higgins. Very little was saved. The fire originated through linen being left to dry before an open grate. Higgins’ house was insured for £IOO in the Norwich Union and the furniture for £BO in the Union. Disappointed Hopes.—A man named Yeton, a glass blower, recently arrived in Paris from Marseilles. He performed the whole journey on foot, dragging his wife and five children, in a cart. On reaching the French capital he was with his family as a vagabond. He undertook the journey because he was gonvinced he would make a fortune in Paris. Arson and Burglary.—A man named William Henry Smith, alias Philpot, has been committed for trial at Wellington on Charges of arson and breaking and entering Ot£*ki. It is alleged he broke into the place arid stole £32 10s belonging to the contractor who removed the ship Weatherfield off Waikanae beach, and that he then set fire to the building to hide the crime. Fatal Accidents.—A young girl named Emma Darling, while riding near Wairarapa Lake Ferry, Wellington, was killed by her horse rearing and falling back on her.—The body of the four-year-old son of Mr J. O. Boyd, painter, Tinakori road, Wellington, was found in an open drain near his father’s house on Monday night. The child had been missing since Saturday. Saturday’s Wind.—At Mrs Chilton’s farm, Eyreton, the wind took off sheets of galvanised iron from the granary and lifted them high into the air, like sheets of paper. More singular still, it lifted a piece of concrete, which has since been weighed and i turns the beam at 501bs, about 10ft above the wall, and it fell with great violence 15 yards from the building to which it was previously attached.—Press. Eccentric Proceedings. A Feilding telegram says: —On Saturday afternoon Harry Dunn, the wrestler, jumped off the mail train when near Makino. He ran into the bush and afterwards stripped and put j Ids clothes on the metals. He was caught on Sunday morning at 4.20, brought before 1 the Justices, and remanded to Wanganui ' ; medical treatment- He is evidently . " from the-effects of drink, surferm .. v TjaSD CASE—The Samoan The Samoa... ... Mauame v. land case, Cornwall , oat 0 f M’Arthur and Co., has been q 0 Court. at Apia, M’Artbur u Cornwall is to receive £20,000 from tne M’Arthur company, besides the lands in dispute, in settlement of all claims, out of which he pays £5500 and interest for seven years to M’Arthur, lor goods suppl e 1 Corn wail will receive about £1 ] ,500 in cash. The case has lasted eight years, and cost £IO.OOO in legal and other expenses. Cricket.—A return match will he played at Temuka on Saturday next between the Geraldine and Temuka first elevens. The following have been chosen to represent Geraldine : —W. K. Macdonald, B. R. Macdonald. R. H. Pearpoint, W. M. Moore, F. Fish, F. Wilson Smith, Hill, Kalaugher. Radcliffe, and Colbert. —Anderson will captain the Temuka team to-day against Geraldine in Victoria Park. The game wT commence at 2 o’clock. The pavilion and enclosure will be reserved for the use of ladies and members of the club. 1.0.G.T. —On Tuesday evening the officers and members of the Crystal Spring Lodge 1.0.G.T., Timaru, to the number of about forty .paid an official visit to tho local lodge at Temuka. After the formrl meeting the lodge was opened foxharmony, and a very enjoyable programme gone through. Songs were contributed by Bros. Cripps, Monoban, Ellis (Timafiu), and Gunnell (Timaru;, and by Sisters May Goodey and Hegarty (Timaru), Sister Eva Goodey contribxxted a recitation, and Bros. Barr axxd Anderson readings, and a capital dialogue by several members of the lodge was well rendered axxd heartily applauded. In the course of the evening refreshments were dispensed. The meeting, which proved particularly enjoyable, was brought to a close shortly after 10 p.m,

Suicide. The gum-cligger, M’Kenzie, found dead in a whare at Hukerana, Auckland, committed suicide by cutting his throat.

Sudden Death. —John Simon broke a blood vessel while walking along the street in Dunedin on Tuesday, and died a quarter of an hour afterwards.

Samoan News. —Advices by the Upolu, which arrived at Auckland from Samoa on Tuesday, report everything quiet at Tutuila. The recent disturbance appears to have been small, and concerning only two tribes.

Hotel Thief. —A hotel thief entered the bedroom of two young men lodging at the Gisborne Hotel and removed from the pillow of one of them, who was asleep, the sum of ih-15, their joint property. There is no clue to the offender.

The Reason Why. —It seems, says an exchange, that it is upwards of 8-1 years ago since there was a daughter born by a Queen o'-' Prussia, hence the jubilation of the German Emperor, and his signal of it by liberating 400 female prisoners. Old English Law. —Until the year 1770 this law was in force in England: “ Whosoever shall entice into matrimony any male subject of Her Majesty’s by’ means of rogue, white paint, Spanish cotton, steel corsets, crinoline, high-heeled shoes, or false hips, shall be prosecuted for witchcraft, and the marriage declared null and void.”

Cats’ Eyes. Two young girls, both scarcely sixteen, have been charged at Ottakring with cruelty to animals. To secure the affection of their sweethearts, they dug out the eyes of two little twelve week old kittens and burnt them to powder. The powder was put into the wine, which the young men drank. This prescription has been regarded as infallible since 170(>. Embezzlement.— At the Invercargill Police Court on Tuesday, Frederick Charles Clarke, canvasser and collector for the Southland Times, was charged with embezzling two sums of sis guineas and one of live guineas, the property of the company, and was remanded on bail of 41150. The police stated that they believed the embezzlements would total hundreds of pounds. An English Fair. —At Stratford-on-Avon the “ Mop ” or Statute Fair was held on October lath. An extraordinary scene was presented of six oxen and eight pigs being roasted whole on spits in the middle of the streets. Fireplaces of bricks were constructed, and wood fuel used. Thousands of excursionists went from Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Oxford, Worcester, and other towns in the Midlands, the fair being the lagest ever known. Hirings made at this Statute Fair are binding for twelve months. Wesleyan Sunday School. —During a meeting of members of the Wesleyan Church concerning the question of establishing an Auckland branch of the New Zealand Wesleyan Sunday School Union, an animated discussion took place regarding a statement made by one of the members, Mr Hames, to the effect that the examination of teachers of the Auckland Sunday School Union was a farce. The Rev. J. Berry moved that Mr Hames should be asked to withdraw it. The chairman would not accept this motion, whereupon the Rev. J. Berry rose and left the room.

Burglary. About five o’clock on Friday morning a young man entered the back door of Mr H. M. Carson’s private residence in Cox street, Ashburton, having previously left his boots and socks in the yard. He first ransacked a trunk, taking some coppers from it, in a bedroom occupied by a boy who did not wake up. He then searched Mr Alfred Carson’s room and secured Is (id from his trousers pockets, but made a noise that awoke Mr Carson, who called out. The stranger replied and made tracks, knocking down a gun in his haste, and then cleared out of the premises barefooted. A man was arrested in Timaru on suspicion, but on being brought up on Tuesday before Mr Alcorn, the charge was withdrawn by the police with leave of the Court, as it was found the wrong man had been apprehended. —Ashburton Guardian. The School Girl and Lord Tennyson. —A short time ago previous to his last illness (says au English exchange) a schoolgirl at Fulwell, who had written a little poem entirely of her own composition, was prevailed upon by her mistress to forward it to Lord Tennyson. The poet wrote to the girl on the following day, acknowledging the receipt of the poem, expressing satisfaction at the composition, and forwarding a copy in which he had made one or two slight alterations, which, he suggested, would improve the verses and make them read more smoothly.' In a postscript he advised the young writer to persevere, and to pay great attention to metre. A Debasing Exhibition.—A women’s tug-of-war in Melbourne has been strongly reprobated in the Press, The women (says the Otago Daily Times correspondent) were girls of all sizes and sorts from the concert hall stage, and were driven round the city in drags during the day as an advertisement dressed in the costume in which they were to “ tug,” and it need not be said that legs encased in tights formed portion of it. The thing was a debasing spectacle, the tugging straining girls exposing their forms in a shocking way. The Speaker and other members of Parliament were present and were entertained with champagane by the promoters, one of whom was Mr Fred. Lewis, formerly of Dunedin. The Gift of Bells. —Messrs John Taylor & Co., of Loughborough, have received a commission from Sir Somers Vine, acting on behalf of an Australian lady, to place in the central or “ Queen’s ” Tower of the Imperial Institute, as a commemoration of her Majesty’s Jubilee, a complete peal of bells, to be named, by the permission of the Princess of Wales, the “ Alexandra ” peal. Tne tenor will be two tons in weight and bear the following inscription:— 11 Victoria R. 1., ] 8:17-1887.” The other bells are to be named after the Prince and Princess of Wales. When placed the peal will be the highest in the country, as the bells are to swing in a chamber 200 ft above the level of the ground floor of the main building. The gift is a personal one to the Prince of Wales, and the names of the various bells have been approved by Her Majesty and his Royal Highness. The only condition specified by the donor is that the bells shall be rung on the birthday and accession day of the Sovereign and tlxe bixthdays of the Prince .and Princess of Wales. They are to be completed and rung on the occasion Of the inauguration of tjxe Institute by tfix. ' next year, Q u -‘'Per ggjfoyu Committed. A Wtnche.. School Cornmeeting of the even jut, Prornittee was hold on Moan-. • sent —Messrs R. Smith (chairman),

Naughton, Philp, and Deßeuzy. A lattcx was read from Mr C. Taylor asking for the had on the school ground for cutting it. It was resolved that the master be given tlxe hay if he desires it; otherwise Mr Taylor to have it, The master’s report stated that for the two weeks he had been in charge there was 85 on the roll, with an average attendance of (55, and that some of the pupils had not returned after the holidays ; also that Mrs Steven and himself desired to convey their best thanks to the board for the improvements made to the house. Resolved — 11 That the best thanks of the master hnd this committee be conveyed to tho board for the thorough way in wlxioh they have repaired the master’s residence.” The inspectors report of October 10th was then read, ami it was resolved —“ That this committee tender their sincere thanks to Miss Hawke fox- the excellent work that she has done during the past year,” It was resolved that the Christmas holidays be fronx December 22rd to January 9th, 1892, and that the annual treat be held, by the kind permission of Mr Deßenzy, at the favorite place, “The Gums,” on December 27th, Messrs Stewart and .Smith to make the necessary arrangements. Tho visiting committee reported every thing satisfactory, and recommended that blinds be procured for the infant room, as tlxe sun was very strong in the morning. It was decided to get the blinds,

Insect Pests. —The Southland Times states that an unknown insect is swarming l in millions in the Waianiwa district. The insect is about three-eight’s of an inch long, not unlike the ladybird in shape, but more ovoid, and of a light brown (coffee-and-milk color). Like the ladybird it has wing covers, and the head and thorax small. It is most active at sundown, and attention was first attracted to it at Waianiwa by the restlessness of the horses in the fields. When in flight in swarms the noise made by their wings is quite audible at some distance. Undesirable Importations. The other day we noticed that among the ballast discharged from a vessel about to load at Timaru was a small snake. A toad was also found in the same shipment. It is now stated that some weeds of a very noxious character have also been introduced with sand ballast, among others the notorious “ Bathurst Burr,” which is destructive to grasses, and damaging to wool, as the seeds get among the latter very easily and are very difficult to get out. It would seem that ballast from foreign parts should be deposited in the sea, as there are quit enough pests in the country already. Geraldine R.M, Court. —C. A. Wray, Esq., R.M., presided at the Bench on Tuesday last, but had very little business to go through. In the case of D. Guthrie (Mr F. Wilson Smith) v, M, Burke (Mr Postlethwaite), claim 21s, excessive charge of trespass rate in impounding a bull, defendant admitted the claim and the only question Was a question of costs. Costs were allowed in favour of plaintiff. Smith Stickings (Mr Postlethwaite) v. John Tindall —Claim £B, goods supplied. Judgment for plaintiffs by default. The case of Mrs Mcllwraith v. John Mundell claim the return of a horse and damages, was further adjourned for fourteen days to allow principal witnesses to be present. The court then rose.

Winchester Fruit Preserving Company. We would again remind shareholders in the Winchester Fruit Preserving Company that the adjourned annual meeting takes place next Saturday evening in the Mechanics' Institute, Winchester, at 7 o’clock. The directors have been offered the use of an engine, shed, and store-room for five months from the middle of January for the nominal sum of Al 5, so that if the shareholders come forward in an energetic way a start can be made this season with the object for which the company was formed. There is a promise of a plentiful supply of fruit this year, and the opportunity for making a start with a very slight risk in the way of outlay should not be missed.

The Large Estates Question. — Mr H. S. Valentine, M.H.R, for Tuapeka, speaking at a banquet at Riversdale recently, admitted that the action of the Government, which would necessitate the breaking up of estates in the colony, was in tne interests of the public. ‘So far as he could see, he said, ‘ the pastoral interest was going to be cut up far and wide ; and he must admit while he viewed the contemplated cutting up of large blocks of land with certain feelings of regret— that the country at large would be the better for such a course. While he regretted certain movements proposed for the carrying out of this object, he was prepared to waive all that in the interests of the general good, ’ Choir Social, —A very enjoyable social gathering was held in the Parish Room, Temuka, on Thursday evening last by the members of the choirs of St. Saviour’s Church, Temuka, and St. John’s, Winchester. Refreshments were provided by the members of the Temuka choir, the management being in the hands of Misses Pilbrovv, Lee, and Erwood. Musical items were given by Mrs Pinckney, Misses Lee and Wethey, and Rev. W. E. Gillam and Mr Whitehead. Parlour games and an exhibition of “ Thought Reading ” by the Incumbent and Mr Pinckney helped to make a very pleasant evening. The gathering was brought to a close at 10.30 by singing 11 Auld Lang Syne ” and the National Anthem.

Scene in a Tabernacle. —The London correspondent of the O.D. Times,'under date 14th October, writes: “At the Metropolitan Tabernacle Mr Thomas Spurgeon finished his term as preacher on Sunday, and to-day he sails with his family back again to New Zealand. There was a remarkable scene after he finished his last sermon. It was naturally a little personal at the close, and it expressed his own regret that unwillingly he should have been drawn into controversy. At this his friends became excited, and some of the women, growing hysterical, began to weep. There were cries of ‘ You must come back ’ and the like, and the congregation was quite unwilling to disperse. The deacons of the Tabernacle had contrived so to postpone the church meeting called to consider the question of the pastorate that Mr Spurgeon would be on his way to New Zealand when it was held, and Dr Pierson on his way from New York to resume his post of preacher. The latter denies that he is a candidate for Mr Spurgeon’s pulpit.” Woodbury School Committee.— The monthly meeting of the above was held on Saturday. Present —Messrs H. F. Brown (chairman), J. Fiefield, G. Hammond, L. G-ick, and F. R. Flatman. Correspondence— From South British Insurance Co., re insurance on master’s house, which was dealt with. Head-master’s report The attendance for the past four weeks has been good, the numbers being boys 51, girls 44, total 95; the roll number is 106. Also enclosing distribution prize list and regulations in force last year; also asking to have the school clock put in order—agreed to have the clock cleaned. Messrs Fiefield and Cormack reported having visited the the school during the month, and found everything working satisfactorily, the attendance being boys 50, girls 40, total 90. The schoolmaster complained of the birds in the roof, which the contractors should have prevented from gaining admittance, but as they had not done so Mr Fifield got some wire netting, and he and Mr Cormack placed if so that the birds are now stopped from getting in. Prqpqsed by Mr Fifield, and carried — f, That the branches be removed from the trees in front of the schoolgrcirqd, fqr a distance of six feet up the stem.” It was a|sp decjded tbflt the school close on December 26rd for the holidays and re-open on January kiird. Proposed by the chairman, seconded by Mr Gick, and carried —■“ That each child in the school who pass their respective standards shall receive a prize, providing the funds wil| allow it; and further,that three prizes be qwardpl for sewing: first, second, and third.” It was qjgp decided to fix time of treat at next iasefciaff; llesolyed —“ That the children —'uled with subscription list for the treat°fund one & M w j> J hG school closes for the holidays, and that tiIAV collect up to the first Friday in January, and bring their collections to the chairman on Saturday, 7th January, on which (jay, at 7 p.m., a special meeting will be held by the committee to arrange about the treat/' Mr F R. Flatman w.as appointed visitor for the ensuing month, and this terminated the meeting. Professor Bickuhton on Cycling! —l am simply delighted with the Special Star lady’s safety made to my order, and congratulate you on being able to turn out such a magnificent specimen of local industry. Not merely am I pleased on rny own account, but more particularly so because, in my opinion, safeties will certainly como into general use in the Colony, and will be of especial value to the fair sex. Further, the price and perfection of such colonial machines render it an act of simple folly to use imported cycles. Wishing you the success your enterprise and skill deserve. I am, sirs, yours truly, A. W. Bickerton, Nov. 16, 1892, Thirty hands employed making Stars. Acknowledged to be the best. Adams, Curties and Co,, 70, Manchester street, Christchurch, —[Aovt.J

The Canterbury Museum.— The Board of Governors of Canterbury College have decided to offer the position of curator of the museum and lecturer on geology to Professor Hutton, and to appoint Mr G. P. Foaden, of England, director of Lincoln Agricultural College, subject to the Board’s being satisfied as to his capacity for organising and governing such an institution.