Untitled

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3094, 17 January 1879, Page 2

The first parade of the new year of the Thames Rifle Bangers took place last evening at the Volunteer hall. The muster was exceedingly large. The company was told off and proved, and afterwards dismissed, when a meeting was held for the purpose of electing two officers. Drill Instructor Grant, who had been solicited to allow himself to be nominated for tbe rank of first Lieutenant, was elected without opposition, there being no other candidate for the office. Col.-Sergt. Jas. Cloutt was in like manner elected to the second lieutenancy, Drill-Instructor Grant is one of the few left who originated the volunteer movement in the early days of the field. He was shortly afterwards appointed an instructor on the permanent staff, which position he has held with credit to himself and advantage to the whole of the corps with which he has been connected; and we trust to be able soon to congratulate Mr Grant on his appointment being confirmed.

We learn, that certain changes have been made in the disposition of the police force in the town. All the constables formerly stationed at Shortland have been moved to Grahamstown with the exception of one. This makes the duty falling on each member of the force much lighter than hitherto, having now eight hours duty per day instead of 12 hours as hitherto to perform.

Fob some time past the directors of the Waio-Karaka Drainage Association have been seriously contemplating the feaiibility of a scheme by which the pumping could be done with water for the motive power. At yesterday's meeting they applied for water from the County race, and, as will seen by the report of the proceedings at the County Council Chambers yesterday, the application was referred to the water race committee. Some years ago a scheme was proposed respecting the Big Pump, but it appears that if the idea had been practically entertained, the whole of the water from the race would have been required,

We observe in one of the numbers of the Graphic by this mail several views of the Xauaeranga Talley, principally the booms, and views in the Shortland Saw Mill Company '■ bush showing the process of jacking and rolling the logs, &c. The views are copied from, photos by Mr Firth, late of Shortland.

Sevbbal new marches and selection! have been received by the Thames Scottish band •by the mail just arrived. In addition,,a.supply of sacred and other selections is expected by next mail—of a kind different from and superior to any ever received by the band before.

A son of Mr Adcock, butcher, Pollen street, met with a severe accident last evening. It appears the boy put his hand into the sausage machine while in motion, when the, cutting knives caught it, chopping three fingers completely through, except a small ligament of skin, holding them to the hand. The poor lad was taken to the Hospital, where the injured hand was placed in splints, but it is feared the fingers wi'l require to be amputated. The Union Cricket Club will play tomorrow afternoon at Parawai Gardens. Wickets will be pitched at 3 o'clock—all members who can are requested to attend. The Borough Council meeting last evening lapsed for want of a quorum. The Canadian ladies are displeased at the order of the Vice-regal receptions by Princess Alice. It is required that they present themselves in low-bodied dresses, or come armed with a doctor's certificate. The ladies declare that the climate is too rigorous for bare shoulders, moreover, that they had not been accustomed to such costume, and that they will absent themselves from the Vice-regal Court if the order is persisted in.

A Home paper says:—" Yet another scandal in high life, or at all events in high circles.' A lady of rank who shall be nameless, happened to owe a large amount to a certain city firm, who shall be nameless also, and she did not much like the idea of applying to her lord and master for the wherewithal to pay it. But one of the partners in this city firm happened to have a wife who was rich and vulgar, and wishful to be presented at Court. So the " Honorable Mrs " agreed to present" Mm "at one of,her Majesty's Drawing Eooms, on condition of the debt being cancelled. But though woman proposes, the Lord Chamberlain disposes; and though the necessary cards were duly sent in to his Lordship, the presentation of " Mrs " was not amongst those passed and approved by the nobleman who duty it is to keep, Her Majesty's court select, and; .who somehow or other "smelt a rat." Accordingly the, "Honorable Mrs——'' is. about to be sued for the debt, though she declares she is released form it by her private .understanding with " Mrs ——;" and the matter will come before the gentlemen of the long robe shortly.