TIMARU.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 21, 12 June 1902, Page 6

TIMARU.

(From onr own correspondent.) Tirrarn has regained its normal state after the peace celebrations. When the tolling of the Town bell first announced that peace was proclaimed the town suddenly seemed to be turned into a Bedlam, wi-h the while population doing its utmost to keep up the credit of the place. The bells and mill whistles were aided by the railway engines and steamers, while dinner gongß, kerosene tins, and several kinds of improvised instruments tnat noi*e c -mid be produced from were called into rtquu-ition to increase the din, which became co furious that th<> very bitas flew excitedly around alarmed at the unusual uproar. Wnen matters calmed shght'y the Mayor and some leading citizens met at the Post Office, and att<r reading the telegram announcing peace and listening to a short speech, aa impromptu proces-ion took place through the town headed by the Garrison Band. This latter ceremony htd to be repeated in the afternoon and again in the evening before the enthusiasm of the people was satisfied. Rain coming on put a utop to the fireworks celebration, and fortunately a most exciting day was got over without an accident of any ii,oment occurring. Temuka was les* fortunate an a very tad aciidcnt put a stop to the intended ceremonies there. A young man named Battea, who wae well known and highly respected, improvised a oannon out of a drain pipe. He fired this cannon on many previous occasions, but on Peace Day when letting it off it exploded and partially severed his head from his body, the unfortunate young man dying almost immediately. Great regret was felt throughout Temuka and Timaru, and the rejoicings at Temuka were stopped on account of the sad accident. A Te Deum was sung at the Church of the Sacred Heart at Vespers on bundi>y evening in thanksgiving for peace being proclaimed. Elaborate preparations are being made to celebrate Coronation Day, and considerable emulation exints between teveral firms in getting up display a The Government Inspector is at present examining the parish echoola. The result of the examinations will be known during the week. The Christy Minstrel Club connected with the parish in their recent entertainment towards the Priory Wall Fund realised £9— a most satisfactory result for an eutertainment held in the schoolroom. The executors of the estate of the late Mr Richard MAuley, of Forest Lodge, Sydney, have announced that the deceased had made the following b quest* t> religious and charitable institutions : St. Vincent de Paul Society (St. James' Conference), £212 ; St. James' Church, Forer-t Lodge, £192 ; tt lia's School Church, Glebe] £192; Littla bisters of the Poor, Kandwick, £192; Westmead Home for Boys, £192; St. Joseph's Providence, North Sydney £192 ; Institute for Deaf and Dumb, Waratah (N.S.W ), £1'.»2 ; St Vincente's Hospital, £192 ; the Blind Institute, Lewiaham £192 Total, £1748.