LOCAL & GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2549, 31 August 1893, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Cattle Stealing-.—A young man named Sisley was arrested at Manaia on Saturday lor cattle stealing. Geraldine Racing Club. —Nominations for the Geraldine Racing- Club's Spring Meeting are due to-morrow. Drowned. —Tai Whakare, a Maori, was drowned on Sunday while fording the Punui iver, Auckland. The Maori was driving a dray with two horses. Technical Education. The Christchurch Board of Governors decided to procure from England a testing plant for the School of Engineering and Technical Science at Christchureh, The cost will be £1240. Attempted Suicide. —A woman named Annie Currie, residing at North East Valley, Dunedin, attempted suicide on Monday night by cutting her throat. The injuries she inflicted are not of a serious nature. Sly Grog Shop. The police made a raid on a, fish shop kept by an Italian named Midonte in Upper Cuba street, Wellington, and seized a large quantity of bottled beer and stout. Midonte wiil be charged with sly grog-selling. N.Z.L. & M.A. Co.—Cable advices have been received, stating that the reconstruction scheme for the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company i 3 completed, and will be made public aa soon ascertain necessary preliminaries are arranged. Sale at Kakaiiu Road.—The Canter - bury Farmers' Association (Mr J. Muudcll. auctioneer) will hold an unreserved sale of cattle, horses, drays, harness, and general farm implements at the homestead of Mr P. Swaney, Kakahu Road, to-morrow. This sale was at first advertised to take place at the Temuka saleyards. A Valuable Brood. —The Pahiatua Herald says:—A most extraordinary brood of chicks has just been, hatched by a hen belonging to n. Mastorton resident. One has four leg , another has the lower portion of its beak turned in a direction directly opposite to the ordinary fowl, and one has no legs, but only feet sticking out from its body. Nearly all the others are more or less deformed, although they appear strongand healthy. Out of His Troubles. —A body found in Auckland harbour has been identified as that of George Pearce, a gumdigger. He was discharged from the hospital on Saturday, destitute. He met a seaman, Victor Bailiff on the wharf, on Sunday, at 5 p.m. and said he had eaten nothing since Saturday noon till he got some food on trying previously on a steamer. A verdict of found drowned was returned, there being no evidence to show how the body got into the water. This looks very like a case of suicide through want. The Tobacco Bill.— A large meeting of wholesale and retail tobacconists was held at Wellington on Monday to discuss the provisions of the Tobacco Act A.mendment Bill now before Parliament. The meeting was unanimous in oj»position to the measure, and several speakers pointed out the injustice of the provisions to the trade ; also to smokers. It was resolved that an influential deputation should seek an interview with the Colonial Treasurer on the matter. Important Sale. — -'ttention is directed to the important saje of the Temuka Flax Mill Company's freehold, sheds, and plant, by Messrs H. B. Webster & Co. to-day, There are 15 acres of land, well situated, and the terms are easy. Some valuable hof.' ; Ps. waggon, spring drays, harness, etc., "..re among the lines to be submitted. At i the conclusion of this sale the same ! auctioneers will dispose of a valuable piece ' of I'lDd adjoining, /Ji] acres, with o-roomed cotta ,-e, <?*«•» on a ccount $ xJ ' T ' M - Hayhurst. Orange CuLTURE.-Orange growing in the North (says the Auckland Star) is fast superseding the culture of apples and stone fruits. Many >yha»?/irei and uloagonm gardens and orchards .of settled we golden with fruit. In the former place the crops are especially large. We were shown several speoimes ot the St. Michael orange, a* "rown bv Mr Bond and Mr Dobie, near" Whangarci. Though .somewhat smaller than the Island orange, the tusta was far more delicious. The skms are thin, and of a deep orange tint Taw Liquor Trad*;.--At a meeting of persons interested in the liquor trade at Christchureh on Tuesday, a committee of ni-ie, representative of all branches of tao trade, was appointed in connection with the approaching elections. The secretary was instructed to send to the .Government a protc-fc against Mr Tanner's proposed amen-1 mint to the Licensing Bill; also that the majority to secure prohibition should be three fourths instead of truee and that three-fifths of the number ot electors on the roll should be required to vote instead of one- half, and that the Act ba so altered that women shoul 1 not exercise a vote on licensing matters for at least 3 or 5 years,

Indignation Meeting.—An indignation meeting will be held at the Salvation Army Barracks, Gerald ine, on Friday night at 8 p.m., when various citizens will move resolutions protesting against the penalty imposed on Captain Kerr, at Milton, for cornet playing in the street. The penalty was £3 or one months' hard labor. A Liberal Association for Geraldinb.—A preliminary meeting of persons holding Liberal political views was held at Geraldino on Tuesday evening, when it was decided to take steps to form a Liberal Association, with the object of running a Liberal candidate at the coming general election. It was also resolved to call a public meeting on the matter, to be held on Friday evening in the Good Templar Hall, when all Liberals are requested to attend. After the Association is formed a suitable candidate will be selected.

Another Eabbit Exterminator.—Mr J. D. Home writes as follows from Westbury, Tasmania, in reference to a scheme for destroying rabbits: —"I have tried the plan and proved it a success beyond a doubt—so much so that, given 5000 acres of the worst infested land in the colony, provided it is wire fenced against rabbits coming on to it from outside runs, I will capture 95 per cent, in sis months, the cost of which will be more than covered by the value of the skins caught, as I do not injure the same. If there were two hundred thousand on the space I can capture them."

Death from Poisoning. —At eight o'clock on Tuesday evening (says the Lyttelton Times) Mr James Irwin, of Hereford terrace, was admitted to the Christchurch Hospital suffering from arsenical poisoning. During the early part of the evening he went into the garden at the back of his residence, and when he returned to the house told his family that he had taken poison. Two of his sons immediately sought medical assistance, and the man was ordered to be removed to the hospital, where everything was done to relieve his suffering. When admitted to the hospital he was iu a state of collapse and died two hours and a-half after his admittance. It is supposed that the man took a dose of " on Eats."

is always pleasant, (says the writer of Anglo-Colonial notes m the Lyttelton Times) to quote the nice things said by the Home Press about NewZealand's financial progression, and especially when praise emanates from sources usually given to unfriendly criticism. Speaking- of your half-million surplus, the Echo remarks:—" The policy of retrenchment has proved a great success. New Zealand has indeed set a fine exxmple to the other Australasian Colonies." The Capitalist says:—" The New Zealand iJudget shows a grand surplus, and makes out a splendid position for that self-sus-taining and energetic Colony"

GrEIiALDINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.—This committee met on Tuesday evening. Present—Messrs W. H. Walton (chairman), C. E. Sherratfc, T. Sherratt, J. H. Dean, T. Bowkett, and J. W. Pye. Three applications were received for the position of pupil teacher, and as \V. J. H. Gore had some previous experience at teaching he was nominated for the vacant position. An application was received from Mr N. Dunlop, asking permission to place his daughter as a voluntary teacher in the school, and the head master wrote stating that Miss M. Dunlop would be of great service to him. The permission asked for was granted, but the committee wished it understood that Miss M. Dunlop's services would not.prejudice them in any way when a pupil teacher is required, but pupils in the scuool would also be considered. Scene at a AVedding.—A dramatic incident recently occurred at a wedding at Toulouse. A young man named Consul was to be married to a Mademoiselle Bagnols. On the day appointed for the ceremony the two contracting parties with their friends assembled at the Town Hall, where the Mayor, wearing his tri-coloured sash of office, was in readiness. First of all, in accordance with French custom, the articles of the law or ' code ' relating to the duties and responsibilities of husband and wife were read by the presiding officer. Then he asked the fatner of the bride the question, usually a purely formal one, ' Do you consent to give your daughter in marriage to M. Consul?' There was a moment's silence; then the father, in a loud, emphatic tone, said 'No ?' There was a feeling of consternation among those present, and amidst the excitement the father of the young man rushed forward and struck the objector in the face. The two men were promptly parted. Meanwhile Che bride had fainted. When she had recovered the parties had left the Town Ha. 1 1., each going their own way.

Tkmuka Floral Society.—The secretary of the Temuka Floral and Horticultural Soeiety, Mr A. W. Gaze, has been, in communication with the Agricultural Departnieut with the view of forwarding the interests of the society. The Department have forwarded two packets of the seed of Lathyrus Silverstris, a fodder plant of value for riverbed and moor lands, and also one of River Oak (Castucrina, Glauca). This latter is said to grow very rapidly and stand exposure well. It affords excellent shelter, and yields a valuable wood,hard and durable, which is used in Australia for staves, shingles, in various utensils, and for rails. Tue bark contains 17 per cent, of extract, and 12 per cent, of tannic acid. Full directions for planting have been furnished with the seeds, and it is hoped that they may be sown and the yield reported upon in due course. The seeds are at present expensive, that of Lathyrus Silvestris being worth 20s a lb in London in small quantities. It yields when matured up to 2oolb per acre, and if in proper hands should prove a valuable addition to the forage plants of the district. Members of the society desirous of giving the seeds a trial should eon mnnicate with the secretary. The var : oas publications of the Department may also be seen at his office, Main South road.

Woodbury School.—The monthly meeting- of the above school committee was held on Saturday evening last. Present—Messrs H. F. Brown (chairman), F. R. Flatman, J. Harris, T. Squire, and L. Gick Correspondence was read from the Board of Education intimating that the sum of £5 had been paid into the Bank of New Zealand to the committee's account, for the quarber's incidentals. From same, requesting the committee to sell the firewood cut up on the schoolground, and use the proceeds in aiding to defray the expenses incurred through the late high winds. The board also forwarded the quarter's summary of attendance, and a packet of envelopes. Mr A. Scott wrote for permission to hold a social in the schoolroom, which was granted on the usual terms. The head master's report was read as follows :—" The attendance has fallen considerably during the month, as you will see. July, total 88; August, boys 42, girls M, total 7(5; roll number 100. Th's reduction is owing to sickness chiefly, there being 11 absent through measles alone. I um gla 1 to say Mi-s Cormack passed her first year's examination with credit. Jos. Greaves." It was decided {jo offer the firewood on the schoolground, which is being stacked in 2ft. length-, at Ss per cord. It was stated that Arbor Day was observed as a holiday, a groat number of the school children taking paxtj in planting trees, both in the cemetery and domain. Mr Flatman, visitor for the month, reported haying visited the school during the month, and finding that there were 11 children absent through sickness. He also reported that some slight darnago Jo t<he roof of the master's house and the porch of the school ngodjbd repairing at once. The girls' swing required to be made. safe. It was agreed to nave ail these things attended tjo. It "was decided to close the school if there were many moro children absent through measles, discretionary power beiug left in the hands of the chairman and master. Messrs Squire and Gick were appointed visitors for the ensuing month, and the meeting terminated.

Whitebait.—The natives have been very successful lately with their whitebait netting-. The rivers are apparently in good order, and shoals of this favorite fish are coming up-stream.

Village A llotmknts.—Several village allotments in Arowhenua, varying- in extent from an acre to t,vo acres or thereabouts, are open for selection on September 13th next. These are situated near the cemetery and have frontages on the creek. Italias Wheat.—Some -nmplea of a wheat named Uralia, introduced from Southern Italy by Mr Almao, is attracting attention in Southland. The berry is nearly double the size of ordinary wheat, and the whole sample is exceedingly hard and of a desirable brightness. Land Sales.—To-day an important land sale will take place at Temuka. The property occupied by the Temuka Linseed Company will be offered for sale by Messrs H. B. Webster & Co., and should provoke good competition. The buildings upon the land, with the exception of the manager's cottage, will be sold for removal. At the same sale the adjoining farm, owned by Mr Hayhuist, will be offered. Either property offers a chance for a good investment. Acclimatisation. The Geraldine County Acclimatisation Society have turned out six oposums in the Arowhenua homestead bush, and six in the Gully bush. As already mentioned, there are six at Geraldine and six at Orari Station. We understand that all are doing well, and it is to be hoped that the general public will assist the Society ia protecting them in every way. It has been arranged to breed pheasants this year, and a capital pheasantry has been erected in the Temuka park for the purpose.

Taranaki Ironsand.—The exhibit of Tarauaki ironsand at the Imperial Institute has not been long in attracting the attention of English speculators. Last week (says the Home correspondent of the Lyttelton Times) applications, were made for some of the bars of iron from the Onehunga smelting forks, so that the stuff might be subjected to iihe usual tests in order to ascertain its fitness or the reverse for railway plates, &c. I need scarcely point out that should it, as Sir Julius Vogel confidently predicts,—answer expectations, a small boom may be expected. A Protest.— The Salvation Army at Wellington held an indignation meeting to protest against the imprisonment of Captain Kerr (late secretary at Wellington), at Milton for playing a cornet in the street. The Rev. J. Lewis, Wesleyan Minister, occupied the chair, and moved a resolution condemning the action of the Magistrate, and calling upon the Government to cancel the sentence. (The sentence was not one of imprisonment. Imprisonment was the alternative if a penalty, a small, fine, was not paid). Police Case. —At Wellington Constable McCarthy charged ex-Constable Crawley with assault. At the time the offence was committed both men were in the force, and it appears that plaintiff had opened a letter of defendant's in mistake. On July 22nd, when both men were in the watchhouse, defendant referred to the matter and used threatening language, subsequently assaulting plaintiff. The latter stated that he was knocked down and kicked, and was laid up for a week. In defence Crawley said that the plaintiff attempted to strike him with a poker, and that he only acted in self-defence. The Magistrate fined Crawley 10s and costs. Since the oifence Crawley was asked to resign, an I lately petitioned Parliament for an enquiry into the reason of his dismissal.

Sir Robert Stout.—A deputation representing the temperance party waited on Sir K. Stout at (Jhristehurch on Tuesday evening, and presented him with a requisition fignett by 884 persons asking him to contest one of the Christchureh seats. Sir R. Stout asked to be excused from giving a decided answer at present. He had heard that a petition was being got up in Reefton asking him to again stand for that district, and although not opposed to Mr Reeves, he had not heard whether Mr Reeves intended coming forward. He would also like to consult the members of Christchurch, because he felt more consideration was due to men practically on the same side of politics as men fighting on the other side. —Mr R. H. J. Reeves, exmember for Inangahua, has sent the following reply to the resolution passed at the meeting at Reefton on Saturday :—" Sir Robert Stout cannot in honour stand for Inangahua against me. I regret very much the action you have taken. Surely the number of years I have faithfully served the district, deserves more consideration at your hands. I intend contesting the seat against all comers, and confidently trust to the well-known spirit of fair play that characterises my old constituency."

Mr Gladstone.—Note has been taken of the fact (writes Mr H. Lucy in the Sydney Herald) that when in attendance upon the Royal wedding Mr Gladstone stood in the brilliant throng "without a single order on his uniform—the greatest of them all and undecorated. The reason for this rarely-distinguished appearance is simple and imperative. The Prime Minister did not wear an order because he does not possess one. He who has showered stars on others, and given garters to dukes, does not possess the right to wear a bit of red or yellow ribbon. That is a proud preeminence from which at this time of day he is not likely to step down even to the level of the peerage. The uniform he wore was that of an Elder Brother of the Trinity House, familiar enough with him on Court gala occasions, since it is his only one. It suits him admirably, giviug him quite a quarter-deck air. Perhaps it does not reach the splendid effect wrought by the one other State dress Mr Gladstone has been seen in. This is the official gown of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I have seen him only once in it. That was at the opening of the new law courts by the Queen. As he stood on the dais, with the simple folds of the silk gown wrapped about him, one understood why the ancient j Romans wore the toga. ]

N.Z.L. & M.&. Company.—The British Australasian does not view the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile suspension at all seriously. It says : —" The company bears the New Zealand name, but the fact that it has had to reconstruct in no way diminishes the ample proofs which are forthcoming on every haud of the constantly growing' prosperity of that colony, founded on the thrift and industry of its people, aided by climate and territorial conditions, not exce r ed in any British dependency. As regards the company, it had with great foresight already begun the work of converting its liquid and more or less short-dated liabilities into obligations of a more permanent 1 character. If theretore by call or otherwise it can obtain the £500,000 of additional capital which is needed to liquefy its widely-extended and hitherto prosperous operations it should, under any well conceived scheme of reconstruction, be able to resume business under conditions of the most auspioiis character for all interested interested in its vast concerns." A notion seems to prevail in some quarters tbat this eupension may be a blessing in disguise. Such talkers say that though it presses very hardly on the unfortunate shareholders, it will not be a great misfortune to the Colony generally if it leads to. restricting operations. SYNOPSIS OF ADVERTISEMENTS. Salvation Army, Geraldine—lndignation meeting.

Liberal Association.—Meet'ng to form one at Gerald in e.

T. E. W. Dorward, South Rangitaia— Trespass notice. G. Levens—Sale of furniture, etc., at Temuka on Monday. Geraldine Racing Club—Spring Meeting; nominations due to-morrow.

John Greenall —Funeral notice re late son of Mr and Mrs W. Harrison.

D. Taylor —Draws attention to splendid stock of groceries, erockeryware, hardware brnshware ; direct shipment of fishing tackle from Home to a?j;ive, shortly.