Local & General.

C.V.C. — The northern contingent of the C.T.C. will go through their class-firing at the Government range, Kaiapoi, tomorrow, commencing at 10.30 a.m. Ashburton High School Boaed. — Messrs W. C. Walker and C. J. Harper have been appointed representatives of the Ashburton County Council at the Ashburton High School Board. Enteetainment. — An entertainment will be given in the Leeston Town Hall this evening, by Mr A. Purvis, Scotch vocalist and humorist, and Mr Harry Bruce, pianist and vocalist. A dance will follow the entertainment. Chabitabie Aid Board. — The annual meeting of the Charitable Aid Board will be held at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday nest in j the library at the City Council Buildings, for the purpose of electing a Chairman and transacting other business. The Maobi, Mtjbrat. — This notorious prison-breaker and burglar was brought j up at the Resident Magistrate's Court Lyttelton, yesterday, and committed for trial on three charges of burglary. He did not cross-examine any of the witnesses. Rainfall. — The rainfall at the Rangiora High School for the -week ending Thursday, Nov. 29, was as follows : — Friday, Nov. 23— '841 in, wind S.W. ; Saturday, Nov. 24— -262 in, wind S.W.; Sunday, Nov. 25— -047, wind W.S.W. ; Monday, Nov. 26— *100 in, wind S.W.; Tuesday, Nov. 27— -067 in, wind S.W. Total, l-317in. The measurements are taken at 8-45 a.m. for the previous twenty-four hours. Orange Lodge.— Loyal Purple Star, No. 2, held its monthly meeting in the Orange Hall on Tuesday evening, W.M., Bro W. J. Duflin in the chair. Tiiere was a large attendance of member 3 and visitors. The order paper for the next Grand Lodge meeting was received, and Bros W. J. Diffin, J. M. Douglass, W. White and W. Bailey were elected representatives to the Grand Lodge meeting to be held in Dunedin on Dec. 27. Two were proposed for membership, and one brother was raised to the A. P. Degree. The members adjourned for refreshments, and after spending a pleasant hour the Lodge was closed. Resident Magistrates' Cotjbt, Geealdine. — A Bitting of the Resident Magistrate's Court at Geraldine was, on Wednesday last, presided over by C. A. Wray, Esq., R.M., when the following cases were disposed of: — A first offender was lined 20s or forty-eight hours' imprisonment. The only civil case was that of Jane Tindall v. George Meredith, claim for value of a pig killed by defendant's bull. Mr F. Wilson Smith appeared for plaintiff. After the evidence had been adduced on both sides his Worship gave judgment for 15s and costs, together with half amount of set-off 235. The Court then roße. Bakebs and Bkbad. — A representative meeting oi; master bakers waß held last night in the Shacle3 Hotel, at which thirty-four were present. Mr T. Faville was _ voted to the chair. After some discussion, it was decided that in consequence of the riseiln wheat and flour it was necessary to follow with bread ; and the meeting unanimously agreed that the price should be sixpence per loaf for cash, and sevenpence if booked ; the usual discount to be allowed to stores. It was subsequently ; decided to form an Association, to be called the Master Bakers' Association, and the fallowing officers were elected : — j President, Mr J. Broadley; Vice-Presi-dents, Klessrs Neate and Gruob ; Treasurer, Mr 'P. Plumridpre 5 Hon Secretary, Mr T. B. Whitlield. The meetings were fixed to be held on the second Thursday in each month. Ellesmebe SroBTS. — A meeting of the Committee was held in the Leeston Library on Wednesday evening. There was a good attendance, Mr Wilson occupying the chair. The tender of the Leeston Band to play at the Sports on Boxing Day for the sum of £4 was accepted. The Committee endorsed the action of the Ball Committee in altering the concert programme to skating and ball. It was nsolved to advertise the sports' programme at a future date. A sum of money was allotted for children's races. The following were appointed a Committee to arrange the prize money and entrance fees: — Messrs Gosset, Wilson, M'Donald, arid the Secretary. Mr F. Jameson was appointed one of the Judges. Other buisiness of a routine nature having been transacted the meeting adjourned. Wbsleyan Church, Woolston.— A sale of work to raise funds for this church was opened yesterday afternoon in the Oddf ©Hows' Hall, Woolston, by Mr F. Jones, M.H.R., who, in a few well-chosen remarks, complimented the ladies who had succeeded in making such an attractive dieplay of useful goods. He expressed the horpe that their efforts would meet with the success they deserved. The Rev W. J. Williams, President of the Conference, followed in a similar strain, and the business was forthwith commenced. The stalls of fanoy articles, &c, were presided over by Mrs and Miss Walters and Miss Roberts, Miss Mary Bundy and Miss Clara Ticbnor, Miss Margaret Bundy and Miss QScknor ; the flower stall by Mrs M. I Gimnlett; the refreshment stalls by the j Misses Brown ; and the toy stall and branpie by MissFlorrie Brown. In the evening a promenade concert was held. Songs and musical selections were contributed by a number-of lady and gentlemen amateurs. Band- of Hope Union. — The first " indoor" annual gathering under the auspices and for the benefit of this Union was held last night in the Oddfellows' Hall, Liebfield street, and was capitally patronised, the hall, gallery, and stage being well filled. A programme of vocal and instrumental music, recitations, and dialogues, principally bearing on the evils of drink, was contributed by supporters of the cause. Many of the elocutionary items were given by juvenile members of the Union in a way that showed they had studied them well. Some of these, however, were lost to a great portion of the audience, the youngsters' voices not having been trained for so large a hall. Among the -vocal items those of Meßdanies C. M. Gray, A. Corrick, Messrs H. M. Johnson and Martin were much appreciated, while the dialogues of the Sydenham and Richmond Bands of Hope were listened to with attention. Mr J. T. Smith, President of the Union, occupied the chair, bub the length of a good programme prohibited any speechnmking. The demonstration is in future to be. an annual one. A FIXE AND BuEGLAK AIABM. Mr J. Stinneaiyof Armagh street, has invented and patented a new fire and burglar alarm, which he subjected to a successful trial yesterday afternoon in the presence of a representative of this paper and other gentlemen. The principal feature-of the invention is its simplicity. A weight hangs on a line of twine, which is drawn taut, passed along the walls on small pulleys, and connected with the windows, doors and fireplace. If the line is jerked or slackened, as it would be if the door or window were moved, or the string burned through, the weight falls, and pulls out a peg, releasing a spring to which a bell is affixed. The violent ringing thus set up would awaken the soundest sleeper. The falling weight can also be made to set in motion a simple arrangement like the alarum of a clock, which is connected -with tlae handle of a telephone bell. The peculiar ringing made by this informs the officer in charge of the Exchange that something is wrong at the " number " £rom which the alarm is given, so that he may communicate with, the fire brigade or police. The alarm can be fitted to either a private house or warehouse, and might be found useful in a prison for detecting an;y^at{»mpt;.of the .prjsoners'to ..break out.

St Andbew's Day. — For the annual supper of the Canterbury Caledonian Society a highly attractive bill of tare has been compiled, with wee drappies judiciously interspersed. Needless, to say, the haggis constitutes a conspicuous item. Charitable Aid Boaed. — Mr W. C. Walker and Mr David Thomas (Mayorelect of Ashburton) have been appointed representatives of the Ashburton Borough and Council at the Charitable Aid Board. At the meeting at which the appointments were made, the County Council passed & vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor, in. recognition of the services he had renderedat the Charitable Aid Board. Ashbuhton County. Council. — Mr W. C. Walker, M.H.E.., was re-elected Chairman of the above Council at a special meeting held on Wednesday last. The members were unanimous in praiee of the admirable manner in which Mr Walker had conducted the business of the Council ever since he had been Chairman, and that honour had fallen to him since the first meeting of the Council eleven years ago. Little Akaloa, — At the Band of Hope meeting in the schoolroom on Monday evening there was a good programme of readings and recitations. The meeting was presided over by the Rev W. Ready. Recitations were given by Miss E. Wilson, M. Marshall, D. Wilson, J. Marshall, A. Wilson,' and a dialogue by C. Marshall, C. Bennett, and A. Bennett. Mr W. Price also gave a reading', and a short address was given by Mr G. H. Wilson, bearing on jthe influence of drink. At the close of the meeting two signed the pledge. Premier Building Loan and Investment Society, liYtteiiTON. — A meeting of the Directors was lield on Wednesday evening. Although the depression was felt in ■ Lyttelton as in other places throughout the Colony, the Society has made very fair progress for the time it has been in existence. The only difficulty experienced is obtaining subscribers. Thewhole of the money in the hands oE the Directors has all been advanced toborrowers, and there are now several applications for loans which cannot be entertained, owing to the Society not having sufficient money to meet them. Vigilance Demanded. — At the meeting of the Timaru Borough Council on Wednesday evening to appoinfra representativeof the Borough on the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, Councillor Bruce, in the chair, remarked that the Council has been too easy-going in respect to the Hospital, and in future they should look more closely into its affairs. Mr D. M. Ross, Mayor-elect, was chosen the Borough representative. It was resolved to ask the Board to furnish detailed returns of duties and salaries of their staff, cost of food, of medical comforts, of repairs and additions to buildings, and any explanations of the several items that may be necessary. Palace Rink. — The benefit tendered Professor Eollinson at the Palace Rink was largely attended last night, and was very successful. A bicycle corps from the Linwood Club performed a grand march, and then the Professor occupied the floor and repeated his clever trick bicycle acts, both single-handed and with Mr W. Thompson. Mr Wooledge won a very comical novel race, in which the com- ! petitors had tc ride once round the rink, then run a lap, then don a tall hat and long-tailed coat, and do another round. Mr Cooke, of the Linwood Club, won a slow race easily, as he was the only one who did not fall ; and then Professor Rollinson, as a dude, illustrated the difficulties of learning to ride the bicycle. A large number of skaters made use of the floor. The Jubilee Home. — The three months having elapsed during which the contractor for the erection of this home has had to keep it in order, the building is now formally taken over by the Board. Mr S. Hurst-Seager, C.E., the architect, paid his final visit of inspection yesterday, and is pleased to be able to pronounce everything in. perfect order, showing that not only was the work well done, but that good material had been used in its construction. The Committee who have the grounds to look after also deserve credit for the manner in which they have them laid. out. Assisted by the natural advantages, the grounds have been transformed into a picturesque garden. The home is now being furnished, and it is understood that the quadrangle is to be occupied by women, while the male inmates will be accommodated in one of the rooms set apart for a dayroom, which will be thus utilised until another quadrangle is constructed. Kirwee Athletic Sfoets. — A meeting of the Committee was held on Monday evening, Mr James Gough in the chair. A programme of twenty-one events was arranged, and Boxing Day fixed on which to hold the sports. The following were elected on the Committee — Messrs Belgrave, Harwood' and Foster (handicappers), Bowers, Bean, Dixon, Fairbairn, Murdoch, A. M'Beafch, D. M'Beath, Robertson, Bamsay (Starter), SandiEon, F. Simpson, J. N. Lawry (Hon Treasurer) and S. Anderson (Hon Secretary), Messrs Gough and An6on (Judges). It was resolved to devote £5 for children's races. The Secretary read a letter from Messrs W. M'Lennan and H. A. Knight consenting to act as Vice-Presidents. A subscription list was handed round, and a good sum placed on it ; and from the support that has been promised the Committee feel sure they will be able to give a good day's enjoyment to the lovers of athletic sports. The Schanschieff Electeic Light.— During an interview •which a, representative of the Otago Daily Times had with Mr Phil Robinson, reference was made to the Schanschieff electric light, of which so much has recently been heard. Mr Robinson, who is interested in the success of the light, explained that it was caused by the action of a solution of mercury on zinc and carbon. Sixpence or eightpence worth of the liquid, he said would drive a winnowing machine at full man power for three hours and also give light, while two sewing machines could be driven and two lights provided for at the same time at a similar cost. The light can neither set fire to anything nor be set fire to, while it will burn under water and cannot be blown out by wind. The French Government, Mr Robinson stated, had adopted it for torpedo purposes and for use in all their military magazines and stores, while Edison has utilised it in connection with his microphone. Itis also now in universal use in mines, and both in New South Wales and Victoria large orders have already been booked for mining purposes. An electrician has arrived in Dunedin, and experiments with the light will be made in the, Garrison Hall at the Convent bazaar. Acclimatisation Society. — A meeting of the Council was held at Warner's hotel at 4 p.m. yesterday; present-— the Hon J. T. Peacock (Chairman), and Messrs A. Carrick, J. C. Boys, W. F. Warner, H. B. Webb, Dr Ftankish, and S. C. Farr, Hon Sec. Accounts were passed : *G3 16s to Mr W. H. Spackman, for conducting a case for illegally taking trout, a conviction having been obtained against the defendant, at Southbridge; and W. Longdin, £2 14s for carting. Mr A. H. Shury, of Ashburton, wrote asking if the Council would sell the Ashburton Society 10,000 young brown trout for i5lO, and what price they would, charge for 2000 Salmo Fontinalis. It was decided to charge 503 per thousand for the Fontinalis, and to allow ten per cent off the usual price of 40s per thousand for brown trout. i A letter was read from the Nelson Society ' asking if the price (60s) charged them for charr was correct, as the Society had on August 29 quoted 50s.' The Secretary said that 50s per thousand was the correct price. The Chairman said Mr Meddings had informed him that the mile posts at the river mouths' on the lake had all been pulled down, or washed away, a very short time after they were put there, and they now required to be renewed. It was decided to renew the marks, placing iron piping, two at each river mouth, and to leave the matter in the hands of the Secretary and Chairman. Mr Herrick begs to acknowledge, with sincere thunks, the following: — Confectioner friend, ecolob; Mrs Piahor, quantity of milk - Mr Marks, vexetiibles; Hoon Hay friend, meat ; Mr Bolker, milk aud children's clothes ; a friend, periodicals and clothing ; friend, Australian papers ; Mrs G. A. Williams, soup; Messrs Rosewarne and Cooper, meat: friend, milk? Mrs Daliia, 10s; Mr 'Ciirublett, vegetable© j-Mrs-Ifortiß, meat.