LOCAL & GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2648, 19 April 1894, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Timaru A. & P. Association.—The annual meeting of the members of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association will be held on Saturday next. Promoted. Captain Eliott, the Governor’s private secretary, has received a cable message announcing his promotion to the tank of major in his regiment, the South Lancashire. The Mails. —The Mariposa with the English mails of 24th March left San Francisco for Auckland on the sth April, due date. The Monawai with the colonial mail of the 24th March arrived at San Francisco from Auckland on the 13th April, one day late.

Geraldine Road Board.— An election of three members to the Geraldine Road Board takes place on Friday, May 4th next. The retiring members are Messrs John Holland, Anthony Metcalf, and Kyran Brophy, but these gentlemen are eligible for re-election. The nominations for candidates must be in before noon on Thursday, April 20th inst.

Central Amateur Cycling Club, Geraldine. —A general meeting of this club is to be held on Tuesday evening next re holding of a social, and to discus other important matters. The club has been very popular since its start, and we hope some day to hear that it is making a move in the direbtion of holding a cycling meeting on its own account. The J.P, List. The Ministry are revising the list of Justices of Peace, and a number of additions will be made. The Government are also considering the advisability of appointing legal oflioers in Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin. At present large sums aro paid in the way of fees for advice to Government officers, and it is thought a saving might be effected.

Oamaru Harbour Board. —The Oamaru papers are not agreed as to the effect of the appointment of a receiver in connection with the Harbour Board’s loans. For the ISS7 loan the rate levied is only i!d in the V'Oiind, whereas (id was nnthoriHcd ; and it is urged that if tin; receiver can seize the surplus the question arises, Can the bondholders insist on the full rale being charged .’ A Usury Cask.— At Auckland at a sitting of the Supreme Court in Bankruptcy Mr (lay ton moved that an order of discharge he granted to Mary Ryan, lie said this was a bankruptcy due to having dealings with money lenders. Mrs Ryan borrowed .CIO, paid back -CSO, and still owed JXSO. Ills Honour said it showed the necessity of going back to the oid usury laws. The affair was scandalous, and it appeared to bo a case of gross extortion. Nlr Macalistcr, on behalf of the official usignee, remarked that the whole matter had hutii investigated, hut the debtor could not get outside of her signature. The discharge was granted, there being no opposition,, 1

Cycling,—H. J. Pither, of the Pioneer Bicycle Club, Christchurch, reduced the 50-mile amateur road record of the colony to 2hrs 44mm 20aec. An Oamaru engineer, named T. C. Dennison, is patenting an improved cycling machine, to be called the “ Cheiroped,’’which seems to imply that the machine will be propelled by hand and foot. He calculates attaining a speed of 40 miles an hour, and the cost of the machine will not be much more than a bicycle. Cabinet Meetings.—The Otago Daily Times’ Wellington correspondent telegraphs: —“ Cabinet cares will,. now the Premier has returned, engross Ministers for some days to come. The Fox episode, appointments to the Upper House, the attitude of New Zealand at the Canadian conference, the Native and South Island land politics, the Speakership, an amending liquor bill, and other matters of urgency if of less general importance, will, I believe, be subjects of Cabinet consideration during the current week.” Geraldine Fibebell, The Geraldine Fire Brigade have gone to considerable trouble in erecting a new scaffold for their firebell, the old stand on the top of the engine-shed being dispensed with, as the opinion is that it impeded the sound. The new stand is erected at the side, and a few yards from the engine-shed, and, being lofty, should well answer the purpose for which it is intended. To-night, we understand, the brigade will try the effect of the firebell in its new position.

Geraldine Trotting Club—The Committee of the Geraldine Trotting Club met on the domain on Monday afternoon last, and decided that the race track should go right round the domain. Satisfactory arrangements were afterwards come to with the leasee of the domain, and the contract was immediately let for the ploughing and forming of the track. On Monday evening the committee drew up the programme for the first meeting on the Queen’s Birthday next.

Sports Meeting at Ran git at a Bridge. —A largely attended meeting of those interested in holding sports at Rangitati Bridge was held at the Bridge Hotel on Saturday night last. It was decided to form a club, to be named “ The Rangitata Sports Association,” aud a committee was elected to carry out the necessary arrangements for a sports meeting. A programme was drawn up, and the date of the sports meeting was held over to a future meeting of committee, to be held on April 21st, Lyons’ Operatic Company. Lyons’ Operatic Burlesque Company, after an extended southern tour, including a phenomenal season in Dunedin, will visit Temuka again, opening in the Volunteer Hall on Monday evening next in the great Gaiety success ‘‘Faust up to date.” with an entire change for the second night. The artists give several new songs and specialities, and we have no doubt our townspeople will welcome a combination which has given every satisfaction on a previous occasion.

New Patents. —Complete specifications have been accepted relating to the following applications for patents; John Robert Newton, of Akaroa, sheep farmer, improvements in hand-power vertical woolpresses ; Joseph Swinnerton, of Christchurch, wood-carver, a new or improved dual rocking-horse. Provisional specifications have been accepted in regard to the following:—Edward Richardson, jun., of Albury, near Timaru, station manager, an apparatus for determining whether wool, cotton, grain, or other like materials are wet or dry ; John Middleton, of St Albans, engine driver, an automatic tallying apparatus attached to a double-bagger ohaifeutter; William Alexander McLaren, engineer, and William Andrews and Arthur Ward Beaven, engineers, of Christchurch, improvements in combined grain, clover, and seed-threshing machinery. Cheap Money Wanted. The Bishop of Ballarat (Dr Thornton) promulgated a novel financial scheme at the opening of the Church Assembly the other day. He declared that so grave was the financial situation that it would be necessary to resort to borrowing, since it was impossible to “ sack ” the effective clergy or provide them with loss than a living wage. If the laity did not provide decently adequate remuneration for ministers they could not expect good ones, for they would not deserve them. It was certain that there was an abundance of capital in Victoria uninvested from timidity or stagnation in commercial life. Let the Church of England owners lend it to their church on the security of her untarnished honour, without interest, pending its requirement elsewhere. So far there has not been a rush for the new class of investment.

Football.— The annual general meeting of the South Canterbury Rugby Union was held on Wednesday, the 11th instant. The report of last year’s work proved to be highly satisfactory. All foreign matches that were played resulted in favour of this union. Two South Canterbury representatives played in the New Zealand team that went to Australia. The balance-sheet showed a credit of over £6. Votes of thanks were passed to the retiring officers, special mention being made of Mr Moss Jonas for his many kindnesses as president. The following officers were elected for the coming year :—President, Mr Moss Jonas ; vice-presidents, Messrs J. H. Grahame, T. Smith, A. Perry, J. T, M. Hayhurst, W, Halstead, T. Barker, and H. McLean ; hon. secretary, Rev. P. J. Cooks; hon. treasurer. Mr C. S. Fraser; auditor, Mr C. E. Hassal. It was decided that the Rugby Union should rent the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club’s ground, and should allow clubs competing on that ground 15 per cent, of the net gate takings,where such clubs are affiliated to the South Canterbury Rugby Union. The Rugby Union determined to reserve in its own power decision as to which competition the various teams were to engage in. A committee was formed to draft a set of rules for the South Canterbury Rugby Union. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

The Governor and Party. The Hinemoa, with Lord and Lady Glasgow and suite, arrived at Russell on Monday morning from Raratonga, via Whangaroa. After being shown the different places of interest about Russell, the Hinemoa left for Opua, where a special train had been arranged to cenvey the vice-regal party to Kawakawa for the purpose of seeing the coal mine and other places of interest. When at Whangaroa the Governor and party had a picnic at the heads, which everyone enjoyed. Generally since the party left New Zealand fine weather was experienced, excepting for the first day out from Auckland, when a heavy gale was encountered. The party visited Raratonga and other Islands of the group, and were everywhere most enthusiastically received by the Queen and native population. The Governor brings home a big bundle of addresses presented by the British and foreign residents of Raratonga and the Governor of the Cook Island Federation, by Queen Makea, and the principal chiefs. The general tenor is thankfulness for the privilege of settled government under British protection. One address signed by a number of chiefs requests that English be taught their children that they may increase in knowledge. Croat satisfaction is expressed regarding the trip. The beauties of the islands ami tins costumes of the uatives greatly interested tlie party. Business Change. —ln our advertising columns Mr James Duncan, plumber and tinsmith, announces that he has sold his business to Mr G. T. Ilardluy, of Ashburton (trading as Ilardluy Bros.), and solicits a continuance of support for his successor. Mr Hard ley bears the reputation of being a first-class tradesman of wide experience, and wo wish him every success. Mr Duncan requests that all accounts owing to him shall be settled by the 15th May.

Why be persuaded tu buy a cheap trashy piauo. when you can purdiiiau 0111; ol' thoao beautiful Co’lard A: (Jollard's ou easy terms, at Begg i; (Jo's., next Theatre, Timaru. — fA.ovr. j

Wesleyan Social. This evening a social to welcome the Rev. C. H. Standage to the circuit will take place at Temuka—the tea in the Social Hall and the after meeting in the church. The choir from the Timaru Wesleyan Church will be present, and give a number of musical selections.

A Young Vagrant.— -The little boy at Brunswick (writes the Melbourne correspondent of the Otago Daily Times) who was chained up by his father turns out to have been a born vagrant. Neither in petticoats nor *• bare buff ” could he be kept indoors. His particular delight was hangings, and in court he admitted that he had once ran away to Ballarat for the purpose of seeing Johnson hanged, and on another occasion to Lilydale to see Colston hanged. His father declared that he had brought the youngster home from nearly every railway terminus in the colony, and had taken him away from 13 different police stations. He was fined £n for putting the lad on the chain. An Insurance Case.— At Wellington a rather peculiar case came before the Chief Justice and a special jury of twelve. G. W. Smart, a pawnbroker, sued the Phoenix Assurance Company for £225, the value of five pictures insured in defendants’ office, alleged to be by such artists as Murillo, Gainsborough, and others. Shortly after the insurances were effected a fire took place in plaintiff’s premises, and the pictures were burned. When plaintiff was examined it came ontthat he had smuggled the pictures into the country by taking them out of their frames and putting them into furniture. He had bought 33 pictures, including the five and one other which was not burned but was insured for £lO, in London, (for £3OO, He also admitted that the artists’ names were fictitious. Several witnesses were called, who deposed that in their opinion the pictures were valuable. One witness placed the value as high as £B6O for six of them. After a couple of hours’ consideration, the jury returned a verdict for plaintiff for the full amount claimed, and His Honor entered up judgment accordingly, with costs.

Improbable. —At a meeting of the Wellington Benevolent Trustees mention was made of a case which came before the trustees recently, of a local baker, which drew forth a statement from the president of the Bakers’ Union to the effect that uo member of the union had applied to the trustees, The wife of a man who came before the trustees stated that her husband had been a member of the Bakers’ Union, but for the past twelve months had been unable to obtain more than a few weeks’ work. The man and his wife and family were reduced to starvation, and pawned everything which they possessed, including their bedding and clothing, to procure food. As the man was unable to continue his subscription of 6d per week to the Bakers’ Union he was struck off its membershhip, having first been continually worried, the wife said, by the officers of the union to pay arrears that he was unable to find. The chairman said that this was surely extraordinary action on the part of the union to expel a man who could not pay for that reason, and so prevent his getting work. Mr Heaton said that there might be some explanation. Other trustees having spoken of the harshness of the case, it was decided to redeem the woman’s bedding and necessaries, and allow two weeks’ rations.

A Cruel Swindle. —A case of swindling of a very cruel nature has been reported to the police, the publication of which should put confiding persons on their guird, especially as there is at present in Christchurch a very large number of spielers. It appears that not long ago a very gentlemanly looking fellow called at a boardinghouse in Christchurch, and after giving alleged references was allowed to remain as a boarder. The house was kept by a struggling widow, and there were several boarders. Time went on, and the young gentleman managed to become a favourite. Last week he told his landlady that he had a splendid position offered to him in Lyttelton, but the drawback was that some £BO would have to be deposited as security. Flourishing a roll of what has since been ascertained to have been bogus notes, the quiet young man said he had only £6O left, but “ if his landlady would kindly lend him £2O he would return it with handsome interest out of his pay.” The unsuspecting woman had so much faith in the man that she went to the Post Office Savings Bank, drew the amount—which, except a few shillings, was all she had —and handed it over. Next day the young gentleman and his luggage had disappeared, and all trace of him and the £2O has so far been lost. In addition to getting off with the £2O, he left a portion of his board unpaid.—Press. Why get a worthless, doctored, secondhand piano, when you can buy an elegant model from Begg & Co’s, at the same price. Show room next Theatre, Timaru.—[Advt.]

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SYNOPSIS OF ADVERTISEMENTS. Geraldine County Council —Intention to strike rate. Waitohi Flat Library—Annual meeting on 23rd April. Arowhenua Town Board —Tenders for cleaning creek. Aspinall & Sahnond Double - seated phaeton for sale cheap. Mount Peel Road Board Notice re election of three members. Timaru A. & P, Association —Annual meeting on Saturday next. Andrew Brown—Notice re full-mouthed ram strayed into his paddock. Geraldine Road Board —Annual meeting of ratepayers; also election notice. Hinds Saleyards Company—Next sale of stock on 30th April; entries for same. Evans & Co,, Limited—Are buyers of wheat, oats, and barley in any quantity. Lyons’ Operatic Burlesque Coy.—Return visit to Temuka next Monday and Tuesday. Central Amateur Cycling Club, Geraldine —General meeting re social, etc., on Tuesday, April 14th inst. James Duncan Has sold business to G. T. Hardley, and solicits support for same ; G. T. Hardley—Business notice. John Pye, Raukapuka Nursery—ls now Belling all kinds of fruit and forest trees, roses, flowering shrubs, etc., at reduced prices.

THE FHENCH NAVY. Paris, Apiil lb. M. Lodcroy, President of the sub-com-mittee appointed to enquire into tlio state of the French Navy reports that the reality surpasses what was expected, and disorder prevail* throughout the administration. Nothing is prepared for mobilisation in case of war ; stores are depleted, and the torpedo vessels are unseaworthy. The committee declare that the negligence 'of the administration is inexcusable, agd demand the infusion of fresh blood. Admiral Vallon has furnished a report in which ho states that the ironclad Magenta ()!» gnus), is liable to capsize at the first impact, and urges the Government to cease building ironclads.

Admiral Vallou’s report, respecting the danger of tho ironclad Magenta capsizing at the brat impact, applies to all tho large ironclads,