LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXIV, Issue 9662, 10 November 1882, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Naval Brigade. — In consequence of the rough weather on Wednesday, the Naval Brigade did not hold their boat drill as announced. A Big Dividend. — One of the largest dividends derived from the totalisator was paid out yesterday at Waverley. The Guineas' race was one by St. Clair, who beat all the favourites, and for a £2 subscription to the totalisator £38 was obtained. Regatta Committee. — Boating men are reminded that a meeting of persons interested has been called for to-night by the hon. sec., Mr Edmund Gower, at the Occidental Hotel at 8 o'clock, for the purpose of fixing the date for the forthcoming regatta and electing a committee. Saw Mills. — Mr E. Brightwell, of this town, has been appointed agent for Messrs Freeman and Wylds, steam saw millers of the Manawatu, who supply timber of all kinds, dressed and undressed. The firm owns two mills, and delivers timber either at the Fielding or Palmerston Stations for transmission to Wanganui. Harmonic Society. — The members of this society, which really deserves far greater support and encouragement than it has hitherto received (especially with regard to honorary members), intends to give a performance of Handel's great oratorio, "The Messiah," with full band and chorus, in the course of Christinas week. The society is very busy just now with rehearsals, and nothing will be spared to adequately render this sacred masterpiece. Escape of a Prisoner. — James McKibbin, a prisoner who a few weeks ago was committed to Wanganui gaol for three months hard labour as an habitual drunkard, and who was working yesterday afternoon at the Boys' High School grounds, escaped from the gang about 5 o'clock, and has not been heard of up to the time of our going to press. Such excellent vigilance is as a rule kept over the hard labour men when outside the gaol that this escape seems unaccountable. Bound for the Races. — The excursion train which left Wanganui for the Waverley races at 9 o'clock yesterday morning was made up of five large and two small coaches, and contained about 200 passengers. Others were picked up at all stations up to Kai Iwi, so that by the time Waverley was reached, the train had fully 300 persons on board. The return journey at night was effected without any hitch, and Wanganui station was reached about half-past-nine o'clock. A crowd of people had assembled on the platform to greet the train's arrival. An Unpleasant Adventure. — A lady was making the best of her way home up Bell-street on Tuesday night, when she had the misfortune to stumble against one of the fire-plug posts which are erected by the kerb, but which in this street are quite concealed, by high grass. On reaching home the lady found her foot injured, her boot being full of blood. Now that the new wall tablets have been erected to convey information as to the whereabouts of the fire-plugs, the old posts, which in many cases are traps for the unwary, ought to be removed. Friendly Societies' Picnic. — There was a full meeting of the committee on Tuesday evening last, at the Odd Fellows' Hall, when a large amount of business was transacted. A letter from W. Burr, Esq., of Matarawa was read, consenting to the use of his grounds by the Friendly Societies on New Tear's Day for their picnic, and a sub-committee was appointed to wait upon Mr Rotheram re the train. Sub-committees were appointed to arrange sports, &c., both for adults and children, and to report at next meeting. Last New Year's Day the affair proved a great success, and there is no doubt but that the committee will be equally successful upon the forthcoming occasion, and they are working in a most energetic manner for that end. The Fast and Favourite. — The Clyde was prevented by unforeseen circumstances yesterday from making those delightful trips to the Heads upon which her worthy skipper had greatly set his heart. In the first place, there was a sea running at the Bluff which would have driven most of the passengers to seek the assistance of the steward — an official which the fast and favourite steam packet does not carry ; and, in the second place, only two hardy individuals ventured on board the steamer during the whole of the morning. These young gentlemen came duly provided with lines and tackle sufficient to ensure a host of fishes, but, after vainly endeavouring to entice even a single herring out of the river, they struck a bee line in the direction of the Avenue. And then the disconsolate captain had the fires put out, and sadly walked home, ruminating upon the ingratitude of people in general. As for the Clyde, she goes to-day upon the hard for examination and repairs. Orange Institution. — A soiree was held last night in connection with the Loyal Orange Lodge at the Academy of Music, in order to commemorate the Prince of Wales Birthday. Owing to the counter attractions of a public holiday, and to the absence through illness of Mr Ancher, the Master of the Lodge, the attendance was small. A pleasant tea, however, took place (the catering being in the hands of Mr W. Hogg), and was followed by a miscellaneous entertainment, in which several members of the society and their friends took part. Brother Scott read an essay explanatory of the objects and aims of Orangeism, and the means by which they were to be attained. Miss Anchor sang "In the gloaming" and "Juanitta" in excellent style, and displayed a voice which, with good training and continuous practice, holds out a satisfactory promise for the future. Miss Leys also contributed several songs and a piano solo in a very pleasing manner. Headings and recitations were given by Mr Dudley Eyre and Master Eyre, and by Miss Vincent, and were deservedly applauded. Bro. George Howe occupied the chair. Mr Angelo Forrest. — This musician, the pupil of some of the most distinguished English and Continental masters, is about to pay Wanganui a visit. Mr Forrest was for some time organist of St Peter's Church, Wellington, and subsequently left for Auckland, but the climate of the northern metropolis did not suit him, and recently he has been settled at New Plymouth. As an organist or pianist (especially in classical music) he has no equals in the North Island, and we are glad to hear that negotiations are pending with Mr Gibbs, the lessee, with a view to Mr Eorrest giving a pianoforte recital, in the Princess Theatre very shortly. In this he will in all probability have the assistance of several members of our Harmonic Society, vocally and instrumentally. When in Wanganui, it is not unlikely that he will favour the music-loving public with an organ recital in Christ Church if the use of that sacred edifice can be obtained. In connection with this subject, we may add that a new hall is soon to be opened at New Plymouth, and that Mr Angelo Forrest intends to organise an opening ceremony, in which the leading musical talent of this coast shall take a part. Telephones. — Mr J. H. Horn, of the Avenue, has signalised his partial return to convalescence by putting up two telephones on his premises, through which very satisfactory experiments of the working of those very useful instruments can be conveniently made. The telephones are Crossley's patent, and are understood to be an improvement upon Edison's. The internal apparatus is simple, and each machine is in a case arranged as a desk upon which any person can write down the messages as he hears them. Mr Horn has been commissioned to erect telephone communication on Crossley's principal between Mr Freeman R. Jackson's office and his new wool store, and between the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company's offices and their store. Mr Horn, who in a few days will have quite recovered from his recent accident, and be able to attend to business as briskly as of old, is open to receive orders to erect telephones and connect wires at Hawera, Patea, ov anywhere else on the coast. The ship West York, which arrived in Wellington harbour a few days ago, brings Mr Horn a large consignment of telephones of various patents, electric bells, microphones, transmitters, batteries, and other electrical apparatus. The whole will be on view in a few days.