LOCAL & GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2626, 27 February 1894, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Alleged Embezzlement. Angus McDonald, town clerk of Parnell, has been arretted on a charge of embezzling. Catholic Church.—On Sunday Archbishop Redwood laid the foundation stone of a new Roman Catholic Church at Stratford, which is to eo9t £IOOO. Cycling.—The Wellington Cycling Club's champion road race of 50 miles was won by J. McTivistan, in 3hrs 30mins; Beckingsale 2nd, 3min 25sec behind.

( Gekaldine Stock Sale. The fortnightly sale of stock at Geraldine takes place to-morrow. A number of entries will be found in our advertising columns. Sdicide.—W. C. Mewhimney, licensee of the Radcliffe Hotel, at the mouth of the Waitaki, committed suicide on Sunday, while in a state of intoxication, by taking Bough on Rata. The Minister op Lauds.—MrMcKenzie arrived at Nelson yesterday morning and leaves to-day for Mr John Kerr's. He leaves there on Thursday for Longford calling at Murchison, on Friday Lyefi, and on Saturday Westport. The Liquor Tba.de.—The number of liquor licenses granted during the year ended 30th June, 1892, was as follows: Publicans', 1431; New Zealand wine licenses 7 ; accommodation licenses, 240; bottle licenses 56 ; packet licenses, 61 ; conditional licenses, 137. The license fees paid to local bodies amounted to £60,299. Bbitish and Fobeign Bible Society. The annual meeting of the Temnka branch of this society takes place in the Parish Hall on Friday evening. The choirs of the Anglican, Wesleyan, and Presbyterian Churches will meet in the Weslayan church on Wednesday evening at 8 o'clock to practice special music for the occasion. The Licensing Elections.—The roll for tne is now in the printers' hands and is expected to be completed by the end of the week. Electors who have reason to believe that their names are not on it should at once take steps to register, and get their names put on the supplementary roll, which will be issued about three days later. They have no time to lose. The names of all those who did not vote at the general election will be struck off. Aurora« Australis. —A beautiful display of the Aurora Australis (says the Otago Daily Times) was to be seen last Sunday evening about 10 o'clock, lb was so brilliant as to be mistaken by some for a large couflagration, and at the fire brigade station everything was in readiness to turn out the moment the alarm was given. The Weatheb.—On Saturday last the weather changed again for the worse, and a cold wind from the south-east brought up a heavy shower of rain, which continued throughout the night and Sunday. The rivers rose slightly and snow fell on the ranges. Although there is still some crop uustaoked, the damage dome is trifling, as the cold weather will prevent the grain sprouting. The weather cleared somewhat yesterday, and in all probability stacking and threshing will be resumed to-day. Missing Boat.—Considerable anxiety is fell at Gisborne for the safety of the scow Whangaroa, which left Gisborne for for Lyttelton on January 25th, and has not since been heard of. She must have met the exceptionally heavy weather experienced by the ship Margaret Galbraith, and a vessel of her class could scarcely weather such a gale as that, being ,flat bottomed and riding very light. The Whangaroa was a large new boat of 130 tons register, capable of carrying two hundred thousand feet of timber. Captain Burns was accompanied by his wife and a crew which number six.

Bush Fires—A Stratford telegram says t —Serious bush fires sprang up all over the district on Saturday. Several houses, a large number of sheds, fences, and haystacks were burned. A repetition of the great fire of 1886 was only prevented by the rain which fell on Saturday night. A telegram from Bulls says:—Some houses on the Bridge Road had a narrow escape from destruction by a bmh fire on Saturday in the Sandon district. Bush fires were also raging on Friday and Saturday, and the utmost difficulty was experienced in keeping the flames from several farmhouses und woolsheds. The damage done to grass and fences is very great, and the loss to farmers will be very heavy.

The Postal Delegates.—The Postal delegates arrived at the Bluff from a enjoyable trip to the Sounds by the Hinemoa at 7.30 on Monday morning They came by special train to Invercargill, stopping en route at Ocean Beach to inspect Ward's Freezing Works. In Invercargil the Mayor, Mr Raeside. drove the delegates and ladies of the party round the town, and they viewed the'surrounding country from the water tower. They also inspected the Southland Twine Company's Works, and Guthrie's woodware factory. At 10.30 a special train proceeded to Lake Wakatipu, where the party remained yesterday night, and stay part of to-day, arriving in Dunedin in the evening. Occasional broken weather on the Sounds trip made the Hinemoa a day late in returning, but the time was agreeably spent in the Sounds. Entertainment.— Every theatre-goer ' "— rlad to hear of the return visit of will ov. . ~»v. who visits this district Mr J. J. Kennu~„. "" oldine on Thursthis week, playing at Uu. *— . : ■ day and Friday next, and at Temuitu, on Saturday. Mr J: J. Kennedy has joined partnership with Mr Oily Deering. a gentleman we have heard a great deal about, and we think that he will be as popular as Mr Kennedy himself. The company has been greatly strengthened sinco the last visit, but still retain some old friends. Miss Lily Hill, Messrs Norton, baville, Little Ruby Kennedy, and others The opening drama will be. Mr Barclay Campbell's Californian Mining Drama "My Partner, " a piece the company have produced with tremendous success. In our next issue we will publish a brief outline of the play, which is very interesting and brim full of dramatic situations, varied by pleasing and most laughable comedy scenes. New and cornpl te ncennrv has br>en painted for its prn>iv. t-on. We hope the company will bavo a it. !\\ul of its 3u.Gcc.Bß agi;ord.e4 ou ttieir j.KUpIMi YMte.

MIBSiNO.~The fishing yacht Hawk is reported missing: from Russell, Anchland. She left on the 20th January for Nguturu, Whangarei, Auckland, but has never been heard of. There were two men on board, Charles Flowerday, aged 56,and John Cope, aged 60. Oddfellows' Jubilee.—The jubilee of the Oddfellows' Manchester Unity, was celebrated at Auckland on Saturday by a picnic at Tamaki. The weather prevented a landing at Motatapu. People came from all parts of the province, and about SUOO persons were present.

The Pbbmikb and the Natives.—The Premier telegraphs to Hamilton in answer to a requisition asking him to come to Hamilton to meet the native chiefs from the King Country, Piako, etc., to discuss native affairs, that he will be at Tekirite about the Bth March, and will afterwards tour the Waikato.

Resigned.—Mr H. G. Seth-Smith, Chief Judge of the Native Laud Court has resigned and will retire fiom office at the end of next month. Family bereavement, together with his own impaired eyesight, are believed to be the reasons for his resignation. Mr Smith intends to leave the colony and take up his residence in England. No Assistance Given.—The Government have refused the application of the Hokitika local bodies with reference to assistance to defray the costs of the licensing elections, giving as a reason that there is no appropriation- for the purpose, while the Act of last session provides that the local authority shall defray all costs. New Reef.—lt is reported that a very rich gold-bearing stone has been discovered by Henry and Purser at Cuttle Cove, Preservation Inlet. Three claims of 30 acres each have already been taken up. The reef is supposed to extend a great distance through country which is unbroken, in which case it is believed that a new goldfield will be opened up. Choice Blooms.—There are now on view at Mr E. C. Dann's some magnificent blooms of asters, grown by Mr Karsteu (gardener to Mr J. T. M. Hayhurst, Greenhayes), phlox drummondi, -and roses grown by Messrs H. T. Clino.h and G. Smith (Main road.) The asters comprise 40 varieties, and are exceptionally choice. Funeral.—The funeral of the late Mrs Hay, of Barbarafield, took place on Saturday, and the remains were followed by a large and representative attendance of mourner?, most of the old settlers being represented. The Revs. Gillies, Barclay, and Dickson were present, and took part in the funeral service. Infebioe Liquors.—ln view of the complaints that have frequently been made to the Government of the inferior quality of liquors retailed in many of the hotels in tbe colony, the Govornment have decided to appoint Inspectors at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. It is possible that the duties of this office may be assigned to the Inspectors who now act under the Adulteration Act.

.Fires.—A fire destroyed a block of buildings in Wyndham street, Auckland, owned by the Hon. P. Dignan. The damage was confined solely to the upper portion of the block, used as a boardingnouse, the greater portion of which waß completely gutted. The origin of the fire is a mystery. The block was uninsured. The tenants of the house, Mr and Mrs Burward, were also uninsured, and lost most of their belongings.—The flour mill at Orua Bridge, near Palmerston North, Wellington, has been destroyed by fire. The property was owned by Mr O'Connor. An Action for Damages. —At the Supreme Court. Wellington, on Friday, the case in which Sister Mary Joseph Aubert sued Orlando Kempthorne, of the New Zealand Drug Company, for £SOO damages for breach of contract was concluded. His Honor the Chief Justice said there was nothing to show that the plaintiff had not continued to make the medicine in the way in which she had made' it before, and gave judgment for plaintiff, at the rate of £6 per gallon, for £2lO. As regards the counter claim he did not think that the defendant had made out his case. Actual costs were allowed. Application to Strike off Rolls.-t-The Harper cases were before the Supreme Court at Christchurch on Friday on an application on behalf of the Law Society for an interim order of suspension pending the sitting of the Court of Appeal. In the course of the argument it appeared that the Law Society did not directly apply for suspension, but merely wished to leave the affidavits and answer as filed, to be dealt with by the Court in its discretion. His Honor Mr Justice Dennistoun said that under the circumstances he had come to the conclusion to leave matters in the same position that they had remained since, the proceedings commenced. Dunedin Races.—On Saturday, the last day of the Dunedin meeting, the weather was wet and unpleasant, but for all that the attendance was very good. Daring the meeting the sum of £24,475 was put through the totalisator, or £226 more that last year. The results were:—Hurdle RaceRebel 1, Justice 2; Hopeful Stakes, Vanilla 1, Aldershot 2; Forbury Handioap, Au Revoir and Beadonwell dead heat, Dilemma 3; Marshall Memoiial Stakes, Forbury 1, Casket 2 ; Flying Handicap, Wolseley 1, Rangitea 2 ; Maiden Two - Year - Old, Barnby 1, Georgie Sharp 2; Disposal Stakes, Driver 1, Trixie 2; Consolation Handicap, Remembrance 1, Marybyrnong 2.

Religious Instbuotion in Schols.— On Thursday evening the Waimate School Committee received a deputation from the Ministers' Association, who requested that the teachers be permitted to give ten minutes religious teaching before commencing ordinary school work each morning. It was proposed to use the Irish National Scripture Text Book, and the teachers were stated to be willing to take the extra duty. The committee with one exception agreed to a resolution acceding to the request, the exception being Mr G. B. Barclay, who thought it unfair to the teachers —that the ministers themselves should do the work—and that ten minutes was not enough to do any good in. The principal speakers of the deputation were the Revs. Messrs Kelly and Barclay. Shocking Mistakk. On Thursday evening a farmer at Wyndham Valley, Southland, named Neil McDonald, and a friend named Robertson went out into the field to shoot wild pigs, which had been destroying the oats in stook. They took up kneeling positions among the oats to be ready to fire. While so placed a party of four who had been scouring a good bit of country after the pigs came up behind McDonald and his mate. The latter had been making some noise, which was taken for the souuds of pigs by one of the newcomers, a youth named Johnston. He stepped a little ahead, 'and seeing the kneeling men with their backs to him he concluded that they were pigs and remarked to his companions that while it was too dark to be sure of his aim he would lire into the place. He did so, and put two bullets into McDonalds body—one through the shoulder and the other through the loins. The man died before morning. He was 41 years of age, and was only recently married. Johnston has given himself up to the police. ,"-"" SiquX Petition.—After two hours' argument on worning Chief Justice Richmond refused corf* to respondent in the Stout election petition case. Thejt Honours ruled that they had „o jurisdiction in »;Ug matter, and refused to allow Sir Robert Stout cosM, ton the pro and that had the petition been proceeded with, instead of the preliminary objection being takeD, he could then have recovered. The Obluf Justice and the Registrar of the Supreme Court have been served with notices not to hand over the £2OO deposited as security in tho Stout election petition case to anyone but the petitioners. One of the petitioners filed an allidavit some time ago stating that he had not put up tho security nor authorised anyone to do so. At present the notice is gupinwl t<? bo £ imi with a viow ofas ' W.jv." y * tUcwwho Url;,'«.!

Fatal Train Accident.—A man named Clark, a plumber living at Midhurst, while returning from his work at Inglewood, was run over by a train and killed. The race train from New Plymouth was a long one, and in getting ont at Mongonui, where the train stops a short time, he is supposed to have got his kit of tools entangled with the carriage protection irons, and fell under the train, which passed over him. The inquest resulted in an open verdict. The coroner is forwarding the evidence to the Resident Magistrate recommending further enquiry.

Libel Action.—Mr D. Gain, of Wellington, is instituting an action for libel against the Licensed Victuallers Gazette, and pending the result has resigned the presidency of the Wellington Prohibition League. Within the past few days two writs for alleged libels have been served on the proprietor of the Wairarapa Star. One action is at the instance of Mr Greville, surveyor, and the other by Mr N. Nathan, turf commission agent, claiming £IOOO and £6OO, respectively. Both actions refer to comments in the paper. The Foe op the Hessian Fly.—The first consignment of the parasite of the Hessian fly was received by Inspector Hull from Wellington on Wednesday (says the -Bruce Herald), and was at once taken out to Mr Lindsay's farm at Milburn and liberated in a patch of fly-infested wheat that had been fenced off for the purpose. The parasite is a tiny dipterous (twowinged) fly with yellow legs, and black head, thorax, and body. It has two sixjointed antensee, and altogether is a peculiar insect, but a beautiful object under the microscope. The fly is scarcely so large as the sandfly. Messrs Allison Brothers have also prepared a place for the parasite in one of their wheat fields, and some are to be liberated there.

aOtago Central.—Otago members have wired to the Premier urging that the construction of the Otago Central Railway be pushed on. The Premier replied, pointing out that the utmost amount that could have been legally expended within the ten months so far expired was £30,000 while the actual expenditure in that period was £29,187. The total expenditure in Otago and Southland, from January, 1891 to 31st January, 1891, amounted to £245,339, while the total expenditure in all other districts in the Middle Island, exclusive of Otago and {Southland, during the same period only amounted to £212,685. He also reminded the members that the expenditure on public works is now largely oharged to revenue, and until the revenue is received the money cannot be expended.

Bible Society.—The annual meeting of the Geraldine branch, of the British and Foreign Bible Society was held on Friday night last. Present— Dr Fish (president), Revs. A. B. Todd and W. C. Woodward, and Mr J. M. Sutherland. Apologies for absence were received from the Rev. J. Preston and Mr H. W. Moore. A letter was read from Mr Robjohns, intimating that he would visit Geraldine on March 4th and sth. It was arranged that Mr Bobjohns preach in the Presbyterian Church on March 4th at 11 a.m. and hold united children's services in the Primitive Methodist Church on the same day. Also that a public meeting should be held on the following Monday, advertisement of meetings to appear in Geraldine Guardian. Seven collectors' books were given in with contributions amounting to £7 4s, and the depot's sales for the past quarter were reported as 15s. Cricket Match.—The final cup match of the S.C. Association will be played on Thursday afternoon in the Victoria Park, Temuka, the Geraldine aud Timaru teams being the contestants. The grass has been cut right up to the boundaries and, a good pitch is being prepared. The only thing now wanted is someone to square Captain Edwin to send along one of his " perfect days." The grand stand and enclosure has been reserved for ladies. Mrs Cutten and Miss Mendelson will kindly provide afternoon tea for the teams and visitors. The matches for the cup have resulted as follows: Geraldine, 10 points; Timaru, 8 points; Temuka, 2 points ; Ashburton, 2 points ; therefore, if Timaru wins the match on Thursday they make a tie with Geraldine, and if the latter club win they do so with a majority of 4 points. —Mr Olliver has selected the following team of cricketers to represent Canterbury against Otago:— Barnes, Clayton, Cotterill, Harman, Mathias, MoFarlaue, North, Robertson, Ridley Wigley and Wilding. Some of the best men including Cuff, De Maus, Labatt, Palmer and Lawrence are unable to get away.

SYNOPSIS OF ADVERTISEMENTS.

Guinness & LeCren—Entries Geraldine sale.

C.F.C. Association Entries Geraldine sale.

Kennedy-Deering Company—Notice re entertainments.

In Bankruptcy—Re Gottfred Piskie, of Temuka, laborer. Geraldine County Counoil—Tenders for tarring Opihi Bridge. Temuka Road Board—Tenders for shingling and cleaning drain. H. B. Webster Sc Co. and J. Ferguson-Fifty-acre bush section for sale.