LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 219, 11 April 1872, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The English mail via San Francisco will close at Lawrence on Saturday.

To-day, at 1 o'olock, Mr Matthew Hay will sell by auction valuable freehold sections in Rossplace, Colonsay, and Whitehaven streets, Lawrence. lull particulars will be found in our advertising columns.

Mb Hay announces a gi-eafc clearing sale of di apery, household furniture, &c. , the property of Mr O. Cuinming, Ross-place, Lawrence, on Saturday, 11 th inst. , at 2 o'clock. In our advertising columns will be found the particulars.

At his rooms, Milton, at 2 o'olock to-day, the 11th inst., Mr R. W. Capstiok will sell by auction the Royal Mail hotel and store, Clinton, blacksmith's shop, dwelling house, stockyards, sections of land, and other property. In our advertising columns appear detailedjparticulars.

On Monday, the 21st ult., Mr. J. C. Chappie sold by auction four town sections in Roxburgh and two in Ettrick. The upset price on Mr, Charles Nicho'son's section was raised from £5 to £20, and there was a valuation of £550 for iinpiovements placed on it. On Tuesday Mr. Chappie sold two sections of land in Alexandra, on which Mr. Field's house stands, for £12">. Some time ago ihs Provincial Government sold the bouse to Mr. Field for £25, and it was in for better condition then than now.

The date ou which the Waitahuna Dramatic Clnb are to peiform in Lawrence, for the benefit of the Tuapeka Hospital, has been altered from the 22rid to the 23rd inst. On the 22tid the Club will give an entertainment at the Athenseuin, Waitahuna, in aid of their funds. The entertainment will consist of serenades and nigger farces. The excellent reputation acquired by this coinpiftiy lenders it unnecessary for ua to say anything further. We are sure that both for their own benefit and that of the Hospital there will be good houses.

Our enterprisirg townsman, Mr. M'Kimmie, has invested in a pianoforte, to be used at enterhiiuments, &c. It is a splendid full-tor>ed instrument, costing £73, and will prove a desirable acquisition to the town.

We have received the April number of the " Evangelist." It contains articles on the Early Cosing movement, the Fiji labour traffic, the Law of the Sabbath Day, the Calendar, letters from the Rev. Dr. Milne— a South Sea missionary- Corner for the Young, and the usual quantity of provincial, and general religious intelligence.

A vegetable monstrosity in the shape of a potato weighing 31b. 6oz. has been hande 1 to us by Mr. Tyler, of Tuapeka Flat. The potato in question was self-sown, and presents a grotesque appearance. The only description we can give of it is, that iD resembles nothing we have ever

Some wags at Roxburgh having, by means known only to themselves, got possession of a few hand! ills of a popular entertainment, filled in the blank spaces " Teviofc," and the date of the perforrnaxce, "Ist April," then posted them in the most prominent places. A "sell" of a wholesale nature was the result. A considerate attendance responded to the announcement, but no showmen, of course, were visible. As if to ensure the attendance of all classes, a report was industriously circulated that Mr. Bradshaw would meet his constituents on the same evenin?. Much to their chagrin, the grim petitioners of Teviot were served the same way as the would-be gay and festive spectators of the show. The popular question in the locality, at present, is, " Have you seen the show ?" to which the retort generally is, "Have you heard Bradshaw ?"

The Loyal Waipori Lodge, M.U.1.0.0F., announce their intention of celebrating their sth anniversary by a soiree and ball, to take place on. TFednesday next, the 17th inst. , at Cotton and Henry's hotel, Waipori. A pleasant eveninor, we are sure, will be spent by those who maybe present. _,

The " Ly ttelton Times" has not a high opinion of the " Ofcago D<iily Tiine3." It says that journal, which once had principles, politics, and distinct aims, now dispenses doses of the mildest flapdoodle.

We have been informed that several miners from the Dunstan district, have taken their departure for the South African diamond fields.

It is stated that considerable difficulty is experienced in procuring barmaids for Waipori. The cause of this difficulty, is a league which lias been formed amongst ladies of the barmaid profession, each member of which is pledged not tp take an engagement at Waipori. This Barmaid League was established in consequence of ifc being discovered that the bachelors of Waipori, although amorously, are not matrimonially inclined.

We have received a copy ot th^ -fl'nstrated Herald for April. It is a very e-«*Hent Dumber. It contains views of the la^ disastrous flood at Greymouth, the Auckl"" 1 an n» a ) regatta, and a number of Aus*"* 1 '* 11 scenes « a] so a welltxecutedportre 4 ' of Sh Hercul ea Robson, the new Govern^ of New South Walei.

the appointed hour the -Premier anAvMrsFox, Major Wilson, C.8., and Mrs Wilson and party, appeared on the ground. The representatives having been drawn up in square, The Premier stepped into - th.c centre of the enclosure and spoke as follows :—Gentlemen, Volunteers, and Militia, for I believe come of qbe Armed Constabulary are present, I have very great satisfaction in being called upon by Colonel Harington on this occasion to inaugarate the proceedings connected with this competitive firing. I had the satisfaction of seeing some of the forces two years ago in Otago, but under less favorable auspices, because if I remember aright the men were" greeted ton landing there by a snow storm, which must have been exceeding trying to the feelings of those who came from more genial climates. Bat I believe that the unpleasant reception they received there was lessened and obviated by the great kindness and hospitality they experienced — indeed they received that cordial reception which everyone who visits Dunedin is sure to get at the hands of the settlers there. Now lam sure you do not want a speech from me, so I shall merely conclude by expressing my pleasure at seeing so many presents I hope it will increase year by year, because these meetings encourage a rivalry between the various representatives, which is extremely beneficial to the service, and tends to promote kindly feelings among the men themselves- I have no doubt the meetings will be marked by the excellence of the shooting ; and for myself I hope the best man will win. As a member of the Government, I only desire to assure you of our sincere sympathy with you, and of our hope that the volunteer spirit will increase throughout the country from year to year ; and above all to assure you that we are prepared to render you all encouragement and assistance, so far as is- consistent with our duty to the country.

At Colonel Harington's request, three cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Fox, and that lady haviug fired the trial shot, which was registered as a bull's eye, the business of the meeting was begun. lirsi Match. — Judging distance. Conditions — at such distance not exceeding 600 yards, as may be appointed by the officer in command ; five shots to be fired by each competitor who judges his own distance ; any position ; no trial shots. First prize, L 10;1 0; second, L8 ; third, L 6 fourth, L5 ; fifth, L3; sixth, L2. .

When the bugle sounded to*l6ad the wind was blowing strongly, but in puffs from the N.W. The day, however, was beautifully fine. With the exception of the scores of the prize-takers — Philpotts's in particular the shooting only calls for notice on account of the poorness of the scores. The men of whom rumor had spoken so favorably are conspicuous for bad shooting. Christie, from our Province ; Hamlin, from Auckland, and Chamberlain, the "dangerous," being notable examples. When the lists were called over it was found that Wales and Buchanan were ties with 18 each ; Black, Humphrey, and Gulliver ties with 16 each. The men fired off at the last range. In his shot Wales scored a bull's eye, while Buchanan only secured an outer, the first taking the second and the other the third prize. Black at once put himself out of the running for the fourth prize by getting on the outer line ; but a splendid struggle ensued between Humphreys and Gulliver for the coveted place. Both started off with bull's «yes ; followed with a centre a piece ; another bull's eye for each, and Gulliver scored in his fourth shot a capital bull, while Humphreys only got a centre, which gave him the fifth place. Otago thus takes three prizes out of six, in the first match— not a bad start. An hour's adjournment for lunch, and the second stage of the Cavalry Matches was taken. The conditions of it were — ranp;e 100 yards ; five shots ; position standing ; no trial shot ; targets, 6 x 4, centre 2 feet square ; bull's eye, 8 inches. First prize, L5 ; second, L3. Locket, Wanganui - - 91 Cummins, Wanganui - - 78 Let me add a word or two about the ground arrangements, which, as I have already stated, are excellent. The officers in charge of the firing parties, and the markers, are well pleased with them. While the conveniencejof the volunteers is carefully studied the pubic come in for a share of attention, and the press representatives are recognised becomingly and in a way which contrasts markedly with the manner in which they are treated in Otago. Your humble servant would like, en j-assant, to acknowledge his great indebtedness to Colonel Harington and his staff officers, and particularly of Mr Stevens, his secretary. Christchurch, April 3. Believing that a no inconsiderable number of your readers are greatly interested in the contest now going on in this City, I am determined that no opportunity shall be neglected by me of keeping them well posted up in the proceedings. I shall, therefore, take advantage of the overland mail closing to-night to give you the full results of the firing up to its conclusion to-day. When my last was written, the men had thus been drawn up for the Third Match. — Range 200 yards ; five shots ; position standing ; targets (6 x 4), centre, 2 feet square j bull's eye 8 inches square ;no trial shot. First prize, L 10;1 0; second, L6 j third, L4 j fourth, L 3; fifth,

Highest possible score, 20. The firing at this range was carried on under difficulties ; the wind blowing very strongly made it anything but an easy matter to hold the rifle steadily. The shooting, therefore, was on the whole very good. Considerable interest was taken in the firing off of the ties, of which there were five, four being Otago men. Cameron and Christie started with bull's-eyes, but Cowie only securing a centre, retired with the fifth prize, the other men having only made outers. In again firing off, Christie managed to shift his position at the moment of firing, and went clear of the target, while Cameron, scoring a centre, took third prize. Otago thus secured three prizes.. It will be noticed that among _ those who occupy a poor position in this match is Wales ; but a strong excuse can be pleaded for him, for he is suffering from a bad arm, which is giving him such pain that it is surprising he is doing as well as he is. The second day opened fine, but towards the close of the day's firing slight showers ef rain fell. When the first match started the weather was moderately fine, with a slight breeze from the S.E., but when the skirmishing match was in progress, the weather was all that a marksman could desire — neither sun nor wind. The first match of the day was the Fourth Match. — Range, 300 yards ; five shots ; any position ; no trial shots ; target (6ffc. by 4ft.) centre, 2ft. square ; bull's eye. Sin. square. First prize, L 10;1 0; second, L6 ; third, L4; fourth, L3 ; fifth, L2.

Tn firing off the ties, Wales put himself out of the first prize by scoring an outer, while Dixon and Brown obtained centres a piece ; and in firing off a second time, Dixon got a centra to his opponents outer, thus taking the first prize. In firing off for fourth place, Blatch got a bull's-eye to Fenton's centre, the others only making outers. Pavitt, of Canterbury, would have stood a good chance had he not, by some unaccountable means, fired on to the wrong target, where he registered a centre. Dixon, so soon as he felt himself on the proper spot, kept the shots there, all his bull's-eyes being well directed. Fifth Match.— RaDges 400, 500, and 600 yards ; seven shots at each ; any position ; no trial shot ; target (6ft. by 6ft.) centre, 4ft. ; bull's eye, 2ft. square. First prize, L2O ; second prize, Ll6 ; third, Ll4 ; fourth, Ll2; fifth, 10; sixth, L7 ; eighth, L5 ; ninth, L5 ; tenth, L5. Centres. Outers. Total. Hoskins, Auck.... 12 ... 7 ... 69 Brown, E.T. ... 13 ... 5 ... 67

{BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.)

April 5. The firing has been postponed in consequence of the inclemency of the weather. It is raining heavily. The Cavalry champion belt has been won by Cummins, of Wanganui. Canterbury was nowhere. Ihe present aggregates scores, officially corrected, are as follows : — Muir, 168 ; Wales, 164 ; Hoskins, 162 ; Brown, 161 ; Cowie, 159 ; Reid, 155 ; Carter and Blatch, 152 ; Innes and Philpotts, 151 ; Taylor, 147 ; Buchanan and Christie, 143. April 6. Seventh Match.— Ranges 200, 500, and 600 yards ; seven shots at each ; any position ; targets at 200 yards (6ft x 4ft), centre 2ft, square, bull's-eye Bin square ; at 600 and 600 yards, 6ft x 6 ft, centre 4ft square, bull's-eye 2ft square ; a trial shot at each range. First prize, Ll2 ; second, L9; third, L&; fourth, L7; fifth, L5; sixth, L4; seventh, L3 ; eighth, L2. 200 500 600

The weather was fine ; there was no wind during the first part of the match, but it afterwards gradually strengthened. Present aggregate : — Wales, 211 ; Muir, 209; Hoskins, 205; Arown, 205; Cowie, 196; Reid, 195; Humphreys, 203; Taylor, 191 ; Buchanan, 188. 4 p.m. Wales's correct aggregate up to 500 yards is 209. Three shots have been fired at 600 yards : —Humphreys, 4 ; Macdonald, 9 ; Wales, 4 ; Basset, 3 ; Gordon, 7 ; Key, 7 ; Cowie, 9; Christie, 8-, Gray, 9; Soper, 1i JMxon, 9; Bl»teh,.o ; Muir, 3;

Taylor, 7"; Coleman, 8; Buchanan, 9; Hoskins, 6; Brown, 3; Carter, 7. Muir's two misses running, put him back considerably. Very exciting, as twelve men only differed four points in the whole.

April 8.

The Prize takers in the order of succession are Coleman, Soper, Humphrey, Lean, Gray, Bassett, M'Farland, and Wilson.

The present aggregates are, Wales, 223 ; Hoskins, 218 ; Humphrey, 214 ; Mv r, 215, Muir, at the last range, missed four times in succession.

to-day's firing.

The rapidity match finished at noon. Wales, 65 ; Taylor, 62 j Oowie, 60 } Duncan, 60 ; Innes, Gray, Fenton, each 59 ; Lean, 37 ; Christie, 32 j M'Fariand, 43 • Muir, 5?; Marshall, 58; Brown, 35; M«Le*n, 53; Key/46 ; Blatch, 48 ; Raid, 41 ; Dixon, 38 ; Henderson, 42 j Wilson, 45 ; Buchanan, 38. Wales was last to fire. In shooting off the ties, Gray took the fifth and Fenton the sixth. The other ties drew lots to save themselves for the last match. The result was that Duncan takes the third, and Cowie the fourth prize. It is considered certain that Wales will take the belt. The last match is considered his best. The present aggregates are— Wales, 288 ; Cowie, 276 ; Humphreys, 275 ; Hoskins, 273 ; Gray. 271 ; Muir and Taylor, each 266 ; Carter, 263 ; Blatch, 257. The championship will be decided by four. The first squad fired a running match. Wales, 32. He claimed one centre, which was disallowed, and missed two. Carter, 51. His score was greatly disputed. Wales and others declared that he fired three instead of two shots each round, but the authorities allowed the shots.

Muir, 34. Hoskins, 33. Brown, 27. Philpott?, 34. - Present aggregates in full. — Wales, 320. Carter, 314. Hoskins, 206. Muir, 300. It requires 54 to beat Wales, which is impossible.

OTAGO TAKES THE BELT.

Running aggregate. — Taylor 36— 302 Humphreys, 31—306. Cowie, 24—300. Wales, champion. Humphreys, second. Aggregate. — Hoskins, third; Taylor, fourth; Cowie, fifth.

Running Prizes— Carter, 1 ; Marshall, 2 ; Blatch, 3 ; Christie, 4 ; Churton, 5. A protest against Carter is now being heard

200 yds. M'Laren,S.D.R. ■ 34343 Paton,Cant - 34324 Cameron, Cant. - 42333 Christie, W.T. - 32433 Come, Scot - 24333 Taylor, Scot. - 33dW Brown, E.T. • 34233 Gulliver, Cant. - 33323 Shepherd, Westland- 34232 Chamberlain, do - Close, Napier - 33332 Skene, Westland - 23243 MorroW, Auckland '- 33232 Kelly, A. Const ..- 23332 Total. Prize 17 £10 16 6 15 4 15 3 15 2 15 — 15 — 14 — 14 — 14 — 14 — 14 — 13 — 13 — 13 —

Philpotts, Marl. - - 44443— 19 Wales, No. 1 - - 43244—17 Buchanan, W.T. - - 34343—17 Gulliver, Cant. - - 32344—16 Humphreys, Taranaki-' 42343 — 16 Blatch, W.T. - - 33442—16 Taylor, No. 2 - -' 40344—15 Fenton, Thames - - 40343—14 Churton - - - 43043-14 Carter - - - 43043-14 Innes, Cant. - - 40244—14 Patan, 'Cant. - - 44042—14 Cowie, No 2 - - 43043—14 Kelly, Taranaki - - 30443—14 Hanlin, Waikato - - 43330—13 Gordon - - - 30343—13 Wilson, No. 2 - - 32044-13 Henderson, Eiverton - 30334—13 Skene, H.O.K. - - 42043—13 Partington, Thames - 02442—12 Liddell, Wanganui - 24033—12 Greer, F., Wellington ■ 33042—12 M'Laren, S.D.K. - 32043—12 Marshall, Waik. - 33042—12 Muir, Art. . - 32043—12 Coleman - - - 32042—11 Hoskin, Thames - - 40043—11 Cameron, Cant. - - 22043—11 Key, Wark. - ■ 32042—11 Brown, E.T. - - 40043-11 Reid, Art. - - 33032—11 Gray r . Wellington - 23333—11 H'Farland, Art. - 22043—11 Christie, E. T. - - .- 23042—11 Morrow, Auck. - -' 22222—10 Dixon P.0. K8. - 32230—10 Lean, P.C.ISr.B. - - 00042— 6

yds. Total. Prize. Dixon, P.C.N.B. - 22444 16 £10 Brown, E.T. - - 43333 16 6 Wales, No. 1 - - 34333 16 4 Blateh, W.T. - - 32433 15 3 Oates, Well. - - 32243 15 2 Coleman, Auck. - 33333 15 — Fenton, ditto. - 23334 15 — M'Donald, Auck. - 42233 14 — Cameron, Cant. - 23234 14 — Christie, W.T. - 33332 14 — Marshall, Waik. - 32333 14 — Liddell, Well. - 43223 14 — Buchanan, W.T. - 23342 14 — Hoskin,Auck. - 32432 14 — Wilson, Scot. - - 32333 14 — Churton, Well. - 33223 13 — M'Laren, S D.R. - 32332 13 — Curtis, Tar. - - 33322 13 — Phillpot, Marl.- ■ 23332 13 — Mair, Art. - ■ 43222 13 — Todd, A.C. - ■ 23233 13 — Innes, Cant. - - 22432 13 — MTarland, Art. • 33232 13 — Paton, Cant. - - 32224 13 — The Otago men who scored below 13, were : — Reid, Art. - - 32322 12 — Key.Waik. ■ ■ 42222 12 — Eendcraoii, Riv. - 22323 12 ■ — Taylor, Scot. - - 22233 12 — Lean, P.0. N.8. - 23222 11 —

Ydg. Total Prize. Reid, Art. - - 32233 13 . — Payne, Auck. .- - 23332 13 — Greer, S., Well. - 34330 13 — Humphreys, T?ar. - 32332 13 — Sutton, Marl. - - 32233 13 — Carter, Well. - - 32323 13 — Hoskina, Auck. - 23332 13 — Phillpots, Marl. - 23323 13 — Oates, Well. - ■ 23332 13 — Muir, D. Arb. - - 23323 13 - — Todd, A.C. - - 33232 13 — Marshall, Waik. • 23233 13 — M'Farland, Art. - 32332 13 — The Otago men who scored below 13 were : — Blatch, W.T. - ■ 23432 12 — Wales, No. 1 - ■ 23223 12 — Key, Waik. - - 23222 11 — Dixon, P.C.N.B. - 23420 11 — Buchanan, W.T. - 23302 10 — Henderson, Riverton 20222 8 —

Humphreys Bassett M'Donald - Wales ■ Buchanan - Taylor Wilson Brown Hoskins Coleman Muir - Dixon Blatch Christie Gray Soper Key Cowie . yds. ■ 24 ■ 25 • 21 - 23 ■ 23 - 24 - 22 - 22 - 22 - 22 - 23 - 21 - 20 - 23 - 23 - 24 - 22 - '21 yds. 25 22 25 22 22 20 21 22 21 21 18 21 21 16 20 22 18 16 yds.