LOCAL AND GENERAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XIX, Issue 3205, 30 October 1876, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Equine. — Among other live stock shipped for export by the Manawatu on Saturday, Mr Brownlee, our enterprising cattle dealer, shipped a very handsome pair of ponies, which animals were much admired. The process of putting on board was accomplished without trouble. In the case of another horse, however, I his lively bucking when being launched i into mid-air provoked much mirth, the process clearing a circle quickly among ! the crowd which assembled to watch the proceeding

False Reports. — It was rumoured in town yesterday evening that a double drowning had occurred, by which, two lads, named respectively Mellwain. and Birchall, had lost their lives. How the rumour got abroad we are unable to ascertain, but it is satisfactory to learn that it has no foundation in facts. The rumoured death of James Swan on. Satnrday was also a false report. Accident. — We regret to hear of a somewhat severe trap accident having befallen Mr and Mrs Mason, of Waverley, by which the latter had her wrist broken. Commencement. — The timber is on the ground for the erection of the new English Church Sunday Schools buildings, and the erection is to be proceeded with at once. Erratum, — -. ' ' Electric Spark " informs us that in his communication "Turf Gossip," which appeared on Saturday morning, Satellite was said to carry lllbs more than Folly. It should have read 181bs more than Folly. "We hasten to make the desired alteration. Sotoby's Bridge. — Unless an accident is wished for, the piles of the old timber left by the contractor from the removal of the old bridge, for which the present embankment is substituted, should be removed. No horse but an old stager will pass the objects without manifesting alarm, which might be exhibited in a manner dangerous to his rider. Closing Public Houses on Sundays. —It was stated on the occasion of a meeting in support of the movement for closing public houses in Ireland on Sunday, which was held at Belfast, the Mayor presiding, that a house-to-house canvass had been instituted, and of the 27,274 householders, 20,465 had voted in favour of the total cessation of liquor traffic on Sunday. Sudden Death.— A man named J. S. Read, but better known as liitle Johnny, a barber at Bulltown, was found dead in bed yesterday morning about 11 o'clock. The deceased had been ailing for some time past, although up to a late hour on Saturday night he was at hia business as usual. There will be an inquest held today. HORSE Race.-- On Saturday afternoon last a race for £20 a-side came off on the Rangitikei course between Mr J. Stevens' Te Whelu Marama, and Mr Heaton's well known horse Ireland, which resulted in an easy victory for the first named horse. The distance was one mile, Lloyd having guided the winner, and Mr R. Stevens, the backer of Ireland, filled the saddle of that horse. There was a good muster of people on the course, who displayed great interest in the event. Improvements. — A neat fence now in course of erection around the block of snug little cottages lately erected by Mr John Pawson, will add much to their comfortable appearance, as well as enhance the value of the property. That portion of Guyton Street is now becoming a favourite spot for residences, being convenient to town, a quiet neighbourhood, and also being considered a cheerful and healthy locality. Horseflesh. — Among the horses lately taken up at Walker's is the veteran Tain O'Shanter, which game old animal looks a young horse after his turning out. As a catalogue of events in which he ; has<. ; taken part, may be submitted the following :— Tam started in 57 events, came in first in 30, second in 11, third in 5, not placed in 9, and a dead heat in two. .Tbis category of events was all accomplished previous to his coming to Wanganui at < all. The old horse is now in splendid fettle. Velocipedestrianism. — We have inspected one of the bicycles, of which a number are now being made by Messrs Mclntyre and Logan, at their coach building establishment. The larger wheel is higher than is generally seen, and the conveyance is of remarkably light but strong construction. An accomplished bicyclist should travel at the rate of knots on this description of vehicle, which has the rakish appearance of a craft which would make tall journeys. Who is Responsible I— The ' Patea Mail' of last Saturday reproduces Mr Brewer's letter anent the alleged charges of official incompetence or neglect, and devotes a leader to the same subject, in which the previous condemnatory animadversions and inferences are reiterated, the catalogue being increased by various other incidental allegations. If the matter is as represented in the ' Patea Mail,' it would have been more judicious in Mr Brewer to have let sleeping dogs lie. The Turf.— Besides Tarn O'Shanter, the well-known forms of Medora and ' Glenavy are noticed by visitors to the Aramoho training stables. Along with the sires, Red Prince, Lofty, Elswick, and the veteran pony, all of these animals are looking the very pink of condition, and do their caretaker much credit. It is probable that Sweetmeat, the mare ! bought by Mr Saunders, which lost her ■ foal by Elswick, will be again put to the ' same horse before leaviug her former ! owner. The Rink. — The respective pro2)rietors of the skating rinks in Wanganui and Wellington have entered into arrangements by which lady subscribers to either can, when visiting the other town, also be admitted to the rink there, on presentation of their subscriber's ticket for admission from the town in which previously they resided. Thus a lady subscriber from Wanganui, can visit the rink in Wellington, aud vice versa. The arrangement involves a graceful con- ! sideration on the part of the proprietors, and should be proportionately appreciated. The system has already been taken '. advantage of to some considerable extent. Handy Things to have in the : House. —According to the ' Post ' : — " A practical provision for escape in case of ' fire, which deserves notice, ia made by Mr Emeny, in every bed-room of his : hotel, the Royal Oak, Manners Street. Under every bed is placed a coil of rope, thus in case of a fire breaking out, the bed could be pushed to the window, and : one end of the rope attached to it, while , the occupant of the room lowered himself down out of danger. This simple plan is , worthy of imitation." There are other uses to which these appliances could be devoted, and should the fact become generally known, we may expect to hear of depressed spirits from all parts of the colony making this favourite and conveniently arranged hostelry a rendezvous, where they could perfect their arrange- ' ments, the facilities for consummating which have been so thoughtfully prepared in anticipation thereof,

England's Allies. — The idea of a preferred alliance by Austria to England gain 3 ground in Berlin, where it is roundly stated that Count Beust is endeavouring to come to an understanding with the St. James' Cabinet with regard to a joint oourae of action between the two powers in relation to the Eastern question. One thing ia certain, that both Germany and Austria have resolved upon a policy similar to that which England proposes, and will act in concert with her when opportunity offers.