LOCAL & GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2647, 17 April 1894, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Oamaru Harbour Board. —Sitting in Chambers at Oamaru on Friday the draft order for the appointment of a receiver for the Oamaru Harbour Board was approved after argument. Geraldine Shearers’ Union. A general meeting of the Geraldine branch of the Shearers’ and- Laborers’ Union will be held on Saturday evening next to instruct delegates to the conference shortly to be held at Christchurch. Professor Aldis. —Owing to the state of his wife’s health Professor W. B. Aldis, of Auckland, has decided to remain in the colony, and will engage in farming pursuits. It is not often that a senior wrangler turns a farmer.

Ladies’ Angling Competition.— The prize in the Ladies’ Angling Competition on Saturday was won by Miss Alma Clark, who was the only lady to send in her take The day was bitterly cold, and very unfavorable for fishing. A Serious Loss. —Mr C. Story sustained a loss on Saturday by the death of a valuable foal by Artillery out of Queen Bee by Talisman. The foal was found dead in the paddock, and the cause of death is unknown. This is the second foal from the same mare that Mr Story has lost. Sir George Grey.— Sir George Grey was 82 years old last Saturday, having been born in Lisbon on the 14th of April, 1812, He evidently had arrived in England on his birthday, and the cable tells us that he is going to employ his energies in forwarding Home Rule for Ireland. Heavy Damages. —ln the case of Joseph NaldeJ against Sarah Ratcliffe, and Albert George Ratcliffe, of Whangaroa, Auckland, an action for £2OO damages for injuries sustained through an attack by a bull the property of defendants, the jury awarded plaintiff the full amount claimed. Embezzlement. —At the Police Court, Christchurch, on Friday, Edward Parkerson, accountant of the late firm of Harper & Co., was brought up on remand, charged with embezzling moneys of the firm, amounting in the aggregate to £IOSO. The case was further remanded till Wednesday next. Libel Case. —Mr Wrigley, a publican, of Petone, Wellington, has instructed his solicitor to issue a writ against the Evening Press, claiming £5Ol as damages for alleged libel contained in a letter and comments thereon in Tuesday’s issue relative to the manner in which he conducted his house. Welcome Social. —Next Thursday evening a social in connection with the Wesleyan Church will be held to welcome the Rev. C, H. Standage to the circuit. A tea will be held in the Social Hall at 6.30. and at 8 a meeting will be held in the church, when visitors are expected to be present from all parts of the circuit. A Vicious Pig. —A child of Mr Arthur Story, of Orari, was severely bitten by a pig on Saturday. The little one put its hand through the rails of a pig stye, and the sow therein made a vicious “ grab ” at it and fairly tore the flesh off its fingers. The wound is a very painful one, and will be gome time before it is healed. The Marian Willis Company.— This company played East Lynn to a rather thin house in Temuka last Saturday evening. The dual parts of Lady Isabel, and Madame Vine were taken by Miss Marian Willis, and she gave a very clever representation of them. The other parts were satisfactorily filled, especially that of Miss Cornelia,which was taken by Miss Fotberingh&m. Geraldine Fair. —The usual fortnightly fair held at Geraldine last Wednesday was the largest on record, and did not close till near 7 p.m., and even then two auctioneers for some time were selling together; one selling cattle at one end of the yards, and another selling sheep somewhere else. If they had not done this the sale would have closed much later, though it was quite late enough as it was. Serious Accident.— Mr W. Hopkinson, junr., met with a bad accident yesterday whilst working at his father’s threshing machine. By some mischance he stepped through the decking board of the combine, which bad been shifted, and in attempting to save himself put his left arm into the drum of the machine, with the result that his hand was badly mangled, three fingers being destroyed. He was attended to at Geraldine, but on his way to Temuka the horse attached to the trap he was driving in commenced to bolt, and the hand recommenced bleeding in such a manner that he had to again have recourse to a surgeon. Geraldine St. Patrick’s Sports Concert. —The annual Geraldine St. Patrick’s Sports concert, which was postponed owing to the weather on St Patrick’s day being unfavourable, will be held on Thursday evening next. A full programme of the concert is published elsewhere, and is worthy of attention. The programme is indeed a well varied and a capital one, and should draw a large house. The prices for admission are front seats 2s, back seats Is. The concert commences at 8 p.m. sharp, aud will be followed by a dance. The admission to the dance is gentleman 4s, ladies free. Refreshments will be provided. Women’s Rights.— The Premier was interviewed at Gisborne on Friday morning by a dozen ladies who claimed that all restrictions should be removed which prevented women from being on an equality with men. With this object they asked that women should be accorded the right to become members of Parliament. Mr Seddon acknowledged that this was a logical outcome of the enfranchisement of women, but thought that the lair sex should first be politically educated before they were granted a higher right. The deputation also desired that work should be given to the unemployed, fearing that there would be a tight pinch in the winter, and asked for an inspection of the Gisborne post office, v/hioh they alleged to bp in an insanitary state.

Footuall. —Tho White Star football club had a scratch match at Geraldine on Thursday last from sides chosen by captain and vice-captain. The result was a win for the captain's side by 12 points to 2 point'd. The club play another practice match pext Thursday. —A public meeting was held in Woodbury 011 Saturday night to consider the advisability of forming a football club. There was a fair attendance, and all were in favor q£ forming a local football club. It was decided to form a club, and about 2U members were enrolled. After a lengthy discussion it was decided to name the club “ The Hangers," and the colors to be blue and white. Mr K. Macdonald was elected hon. secretary, and a committee of management was ejecte i to arrange details, and the meeting terminated..

Profitable Ball, —The recent ball at Wellington in aid of the hospital funds is expected to show a credit balance of about £2o’. Temuka Stock Sale.— The fortnightly sale of stock at Tomuka takes place to-day. A number of entries will be found in our advertising columns. Masonic. ceived that the Grand Lodge of Mexico has extended fraternal recognition to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. Licensing Election. —The inquiry into the validity of the election of the licensing committee was continued on Saturday when additional evidence as to irregularities was given. Cyclist’s Grievances A deputation of the Cycling Club waited on the Southland County Council in support of the letter of the New Zealand Cycling Alliance, asking for a modification of the by-law compelling cyclists to dismount on the approach of a horse or vehicle. It was suggested that drivers or riders should be required to make a fixed preconcerted signal when they wished a cyclist to stop and dismount. The council declined to entertain the proposal. The Informal Vote Question. —Mr Justice Dennistou on Wednesday gave a Supreme Court decision on the counting of informal votes at the local option poll. The returning officer for Ashburton, counting in the informal votes, found that half the voters on the roll had polled, and the votes given carried redaction of licenses. His Honour held that the informal votes ought not to be counted, and without them the poll being void, reduction is not carried. North Otago Races.— The North Otago Races took place on Wednesday and Thursday, The results were : —Hurdle Race, Empire; Maiden Plate, Wheedler; Elderslie Trot, Golac; North Otago Cup, Mariner; Publicans’ Handicap, Throne; Red castle Trot, Commotion ; Flying Handicap, Langley ; Novel Race, Wenona; Second Hardies, Mr Daly’s Invader; Welter, Starling ; Trot, Max; President’s Handicap, Aidershot ; Autumn Trot, Miss Lily; Waitaki Plate, Mount Royal; Hack Race, Toxa ; Farewell Handicap, Mount Royal. A “Prohibit” Case.— At the Magistrate’s Court, Timaru, on Friday, Wm. Hay, a prohibited person, was charged with having obtained a glass of beer from Peter Bell on the Timaru racecourse. Mr Raymond, who appeared on Hay’s behalf, pleaded that he forgot the order. A fine of £5 and costs was imposed. H. Roth well, the licensee of the booth, was then charged with supplying through his servant, Bell, the liquor to Hay. It was pleaded that Bell did net know Hay, and after hearing the evidence the magistrate imposed a fine of 10a and costs. Land Board. —A meeting of the Canterbury Land Board was held on Thursday. The following applications were granted:— Alfred Clinch, Village Homestead Section 82, Arowhenna, Town Block 11., Arowhenua survey district, 1 rood; Minnie Bloomfield, lease in perpetnity, sections 1. 2, and 11, Block XVIII., Orari town survey district, 3a lr 38p. Proposals for expenditure of thirds were submitted by the Geraldine Road Board. The proposals were approved as modified by the Commissioner of Crown Lands. Several transfers of leases and licenses were considered and approved. The Chemis Murder Case. —Mr C. H. Mills, M.H.R., has received the following letter from the Premier with reference to application for the release of the convict Chemis, who is serving a life penalty for murder : under the notice of my colleagues. It is useless to go into the many details and intricate questions raised in your communication. The fact remains that Chemis was adjudicated guilty, but the clemency of the Crown was extended in giving him imprisonment for life in lieu of capital punishment. No circumstances have arisen since the trial which would warrant the Government to recommend His Excellency to remit the sentence; the amendment of the law as regards the appeal was not retrospective, tinder these circumstances the Government can do nothing in the matter.” Timaru Harbour Board Case. At the Supreme Court, Christchurch, on Friday, the case Timaru Harbour Board v. the Railway Commissioners was dealt with. Mr Kippenberger appeared for the plaintiff board, and asked that the mode of trial of the case should be by special jury. Mr Joynt opposed this course. His Honour thought that the case was one which should be heard before the Judge alone, and saw no ; reaspn why it should not be tried in Timaru. It bad been pointed out that the affidavits filed dealt with matters and conversations which had taken place twelve or thirteen years ago, and it would be sufficient if those who had made these affidavits were cross examined at the trial. The case was fixed to be heard at Timaru oa June 12th, and an order was made for the attendance of parties who had mado affidavits. Homes for Working Men.— Mr Hogg, M.H.R., on Saturday brought under the notice of the Minister of Lands the desirability of affording facilities to married men on the co-operative works in the Forty Mile Bush for acquiring small homesteads. A number of men had asked him to do so, pointing oat that if they could get bits of land on which to erect houses for their families they would not be compelled to pay rent in towns, and ultimately to return to them and swell the ranks of the unemployed, Mr Hogg suggested that they might be given facilities for securing 15-acre to 20acre sections in special settlement blocks, or that they should be allowed to erect dwellings and make improvement with which the land could be loaded when sold. Mr McKenzie promised that if any Government land was available in the localities referred to he would have it set apart for the purpose asked. Presentations. —On Wednesday evening last Mr and Mrs W. B. Howell, who are about to leave the Totara Valley for Timaru, on account of the ill-health of Mr Howell, were entertained at Pleasant Point by the vestry and members of St. Alban’s Anglican Church. About 130 persons were present, and a number of vocal and instrumental selections were given. Daring the evening some very eulogistic speeches were made by the Rev. Mr Hinson, Mr Acton, and Mr Halstead. Mr Halstead also, oa behalf of the vestry and parishioners of Tengawai, presented Mr and Mrs Howell with a silver tea set as a token of respect from the members of St. Alban’s Church. Mr Howell, who on rising to reply, was received with cheers, said he did not expect to receive such thanks from them. His work in the church was a labour of love. For some years his health had been failing, and reluctantly ho felt obliged to try the more salubrious air at Timaru seaside. The kind remarks of speakers aud the large assemblage of friends, and the very nice present, would be for over dear to him. In his new sphere his first thoughts would be on what ho thought would be his home for ever. (Mr Howell was deeply affected, and resumed his seat amid the good wishes and kind sympathies of hie friends) Cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Howell, and the meeting closed with the national anthem. At a meeting pf a social character held at Palmerstun South, Mr Scqbie Mackenzie, who contested the Waihemo scat at the General Election, was presented with a dinner set for ' Mrs Mackenzie, and a type-writer for hinise’f. Mr John Duncan, who presided, apologised for tae outrage wlp.oh had been pul upon their guest wnen he was not alio we 1 to speak on the eve of the election. Before the plcso of the meeting, Mr Mackenzie was pressed' to promise that he would stand at next election, but he said that lie did not think it would be wise for the district to do so, as the chairman had displayed qualities that made it undesirable that he ( Mr Mackenzie) should bo a candidate, an i he did not think that the electors could dp better Hum pledge Mr Duueau to cpme forward. Why get a worthless, doctored, secondhand piano, when you can buy uu elegant model from Begg .'c Go’s, at the same price. tjliow room next Theatre, Timaru.—[Ad vx.l

Fire. —A fire broke out in Kempthorne, Prosper & Company’s drug store, Wyndham street, Auckland, early on Saturday morning. The brigade suppressed the outbreak with considerable trouble, the chief damage done being with water. The fire originated in the cellar, it is supposed through spontaneous combustion. Tae damage is estimated at several hundred pounds. Geraldine Presbyterian Church. — The harvest thanksgiving service in connection with this church was held on Sunday morning last, when there was a large congregation present. The Rev A. B. Todd officiated and preached from Phillipians iv., 6 and 7. He pointed out that the subject was suggested by the present circumstances of the farmer in New Zealand and throughout the world. The three ideas brought out by the text were (1) Be anxious for nothing; (2) Be prayerful for everything ; (3) Be thankful for everything ; and the corollary of all this was that “ the peace of God will keep your hearts.” During the service the choir rendered the usual appropriate harvest hymns, such as “ Gome ye thankful people, come,” and ”We plough the fields and scatter.”

Good Work. —Six hundred miles of water races and 4835 acres of plantation 1 The Selwyn Council have made all that (says the Press), and have done their work remarkably cheaply. Mr Mortimer Daviq, who made one of a recent party of inspection, points out that “no rates whatever have been collected by the Selwyn County Council for the purpose of making these races. The rates are strnck (but not collected) as the security for loans out of which the races are constructed, bat the interest on, and part of the principal of, these loans is paid by those who use the water. It is estimated that in 20 years the whole of the loans will be paid off, and all water will thenceforth be supplied at a greatly reduced rate, aa maintenance will then constitnte the only charge to be met.” This is a record of good work.

Labor Gorse Fire at Geraldine.—Oa Friday evening last about 7 p:m. the firebell at Geraldine was heard pealing an alarm for the brigade, which promptly turned out to a man. The fire turned out to be nothing bnt a large gorse fire in the riverbed, at the back of Mr Archibald’s private school. The fire itself really did more good than harm, only at times it came rather near private property and looked dangerous. The brigade nnder Captain Walton, however, did good service by keeping in readiness all the evening, and bringing the hose to play on any flames that approached too close to the fences and trees of adjoining properties. At one time the fire caught a row of willow trees on the paddock next Mr P. D. Herdman’s shop, and the wind carried a fine shower of sparks over the roofs of buildings near at hand. A strong breeze was blowing up the town all the evening, and the streets were filled with smoke for a considerable distance away. The general public, not anticipating any danger, rather enjoyed the fan in watching the fire, and did not offer to assist the brigade at the pump. Volunteer Hall, Tbmuka.—Visitors to the recent entertainments at the above hall cannot but have been struck with the extensive decorative and other improvements made there recently. The floor has been relaid and the walls distempered, but the most noticeable improvement is the decoration of the stage. Ihe proscenium has been entirely renewed in a very chaste style by Mr Arthur Clinch, and new scenery has been painted by Mr Tait, of Timaru. The drop scene, which is very handsome, represents the Church of St Giorgio, Venice, and the brilliant colouring of this far-famed city has been admirably caught by the artist. Another scene is a really pretty landscape, a third the ordinary drawing room interior, and a fourth one of more domestic tendencies. Appropriate wings have also been painted. The roof of the stage has been removed to admit of the use of larger scenery if necessary, and other alterations effected. All the work has been carried out in an artistic and, where necessary, substantial manner. As a farther improvement the hall is to be fitted with rotary ventilators, which will supply a want long felt. When all alterations are completed there will not be a more convenient hall in the district for theatrical and other purposes. Obituary. We regret to record the death of Mr George Frederick Lovegrove, who died at Timaru on Sunday last. Mr Lovegrove was a very old colonist, having been in this island when the first four ships arrived in Lyttelton harbour in 1850. Mr Lovegrove was for many years manager for Messrs Clifford and Wold on the Stoneyhurst and Flaxbourne Stations. Subsequently he purchased the Kikirangi Station, and later on the Makikihi freehold, which he farmed for many years. Still later he bought Mr Gapes’a farm at Gapes’s Valley, where he lived till his death. He had a very large circle of friends and acquaintances, and was greatly liked and respected. Mr Lovegrove leaves a widow and a large family, most of them grown up The deceased gentleman was a brother of Dr Lovegrove, of Timaru.—Another old identity has passed away in the person of Mr W. Story, who died yesterday at Timaru, at the age of 70 years and 5 months. Mr Story was a native of Doncaster, and emigrated to the colony in 1862, landing at Lyttelton per the ship Canterbury, on Jaauray, 1862. He first visited a townsman, the late Mr Rhodes, at Purau, and afterwards went to Glenmark Station, where he took charge of some tobacco plantations for Mr Moore. Tobacco was then grown for “ dipping ” purposes. Ho subsequently started and superintended similar plantations on Cavill’s station. Later on he settled at New Brighton. Mr Story was always an enthusiasuc sportsman, and for a time giatified his taste in this direction by shooting birds for the Christchurch Museum. A number of the specimens there are of his procuring. He also secured the first seal ever placed in that institution. Whilst at Now Brighton, he was an active member of the school committee, and took a general interest in the progress of this now rising resort. Some 9 years ago he came to Temuka to reside with our townsman. Mr C, Story, Latterly be suffered from rheumatism and dropsy, to which latter painful disease he gradually succumbed, maintaining, however, a cheerful demeanour to the last. His remains will be interred to-day in the Temuka cemetery. Mr Story leaves a .widow and several daughters still residing at Home, and three sons Charles, Arthur, and William, who accompanied him to the colony. Why be persuaded to buy a cheap trashy piano, when you can purchase one of those beautiful Collard k Collard’s on easy terms, at Begg A Go’s,, next Theatre, Timaru,— [Advt.]

SYNOPSIS OF ADVERTISEMENTS. Normau Campbell—Tenders for plough.-, ing. J. Beri—Funeral notice re lat<s Wm. Story. Guinness & LeCgon—Entries for Temuka Stock Sale. Sfc. Patrick’s Sports Association, Geraldine —Programme of concert. Temuka Wesleyan Church Welcome social to Rev. 0. 11. Standage. Geraldine Shearers’ Union General meeting on Saturday, r'Lst inrt, C.F.C. Association—Clearing sale of fruit and forest trees, etc., on behalf of Samuc-1 Chapman, Geraldine. P, D. Hcrdnmu Furniture at town prices; carpets, floor cloths, etc , at lowest prices ; requisites for Werthcim SewingMachines on Laud. Wriggltsworth & Biuns, Photographers— Important notice to residents of l.'einuka, Geraldine, and surrounding districts re “'grand concession in photograph;-.” W. Strange tc Co„ Cnristchurch —Draw attention to their large and and complete household drapery and general furnishing establishment ; unremitting earc ami prompt attention given to post orders.