NEWS OF THE DAY.

♦ We understand that a very valuable consignment of block specimens of timber from the Peninsula, w«s received in Christchurch yesterday, for the forthcoming exhibition. We are informed, by the Chief-Postmaster, that tbe Anstral ian mails per Tararua, were landed at Hokitika, and will be forwarded by the coach due in Christchurch at 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday. We are glad to notice that those who wish to enjoy a short excursion on the water on Anniversary Day, will be able to do 80. The s.s. Halcyon is advertised to run to the favorite resort, the Head of the Bay, on arrival of the various trains from Christchurch. I

With reference to the report of Messrs Burrows and Perks' on the prospect of

the London corn market, the " Argus " says:—We would particularly refer to the fact that New Zealand wheat has realised a higher price in London than Adelaide wheat. We mention this because hitherto a difference of nearly one shilling per bushel, or eight shillings per quarter, has existed io this market between the wheats in question—a difference which may compel the New Zealanders to pass us in future with their supplies, and look for a more appreciative market elsewhere. Prejudice could scarcely go further than this,

The annual distribution of prizes at the High School will take place to-morrow afternoon, at the school, v ... ■"."*•

The quarterly meeting of the Flax Association will take place at the rooms of the association, Cashel street, to-morrow, at 2 p.m.

The anniversary tea meeting in connection with St. James's Wesleyan Church will be held when addresses will be delivered by several ministers and gentlemen.

The Provincial Council will sit this day, to-morrow, and Thursday, at 2.30 p.m. instead of 5 p.m., in order to enable the business to be dispatched bei'ore the advent of the holidays.

The next competition for Captain Bird's cup by the members of the Christchurch Battery of Artillery, will take place at the Heathcote range to-morrow.

We learn that some malicious persons have destroyed the small target at the Heathcote range during last week. At present there is no clue to the person or persons, but a reward has been offered.

The opening of the Presbyterian General Assembly has been postponed until to-mor-row, when it will meet. within St Andrew's Church. The sacrament will be dispensed to the members, and the choir of St Andrew's will also assist in the service.

We beg to acknowledge the receipt of the " Southern Provinces Almanac, for tha year 1873," and "Lake's New Zealand Almanac for 1873." Both publications maintain the character they have hitherto held for the variety and excellence of the information they contain.

We remind all those interested that the meeting of heads of trades, representatives of friendly societies, and others respecting the procession, will take place at the Fire Brigade Hall, Lichfield street, this evening, at seven.

The many friends of Mr T. W. Balfour, for some time teller of the Bank of New Zealand, here, will learn with regret that he has been removed to Greyton, Wairarapa, Wellington. Mr Balfour left for the scene of his new duties by the Claud Hamilton yesterday.

During the month of November there were registered in the Christchurch district 93 births, 47 being male and 46 female. There were 36 deaths, 18 being male and 18 female. Theie were 20 marriages. During the corresponding month of 1871, there were registered 86 births, 8 deaths, and 20 marriages. The question of clearing the River Avon came before the City Council last evening, but was not disposed of owing to the absence of several of the members. We are glad, however, to note that the Government have taken active measures in the matter, by at once calling for tenders, for the execution of the work.

A meeting of the committee of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association will be held at Coker's Hotel thia afternoon at 2.15 p.m., for the purpose of considering the report of the sub-committee appointed at the last meeting to take steps with regard to Mr Gould's offer to clear off the mortgage on the association's property.

Craven's comedy of " Milky White' and the farce of " The Rough Diamond " attracted a moderate attendance at the Theatre last evening. The comedy was but indifferently presented, the subordinate characters being poorly filled.. To-night Miss Bowring takes her benefit, and submits an excellent bill of fare, comprising something to suit all tastes. We hope to Bee a good house.

A meeting of the Kaiapoi regatta committee will be held to-morrow evening at the Borough Council Chamber, to receive the tenders for the pullican'a booth. Members of the committee who hold collectors' lists are desired to also hand them, in so that the amount of the~ prizes may be determined upon. It is generally expected that the Provincial Government will grant a similar sum to this regatta as to Lyttelton.-

On Friday last a serious accident a{id narrow escape from drowning happened to two young then, sons of Mr James Robert*bn, farmer, Courtenay. It. appears that while crossing one of the streams of the Waima-T karfri in a dray,' and when about the middle of the current, one of the wheels came off, causing the shaft horse to fall, and both were suddenly washed down the: stream ; but fortunately,'after manfully struggling in the water, both succeeded in swimming to opposite banks, where, assisted byspme parties who had observed the accident) they were safely;.,landed, .both being very ; much exhausted. The trace horse managed to clear himself, but we are sorry to learn that the other, a valuable animal, was unable to rise, and, with the dray, was carried. a, considerable distance down the stream, and drowned.

A meeting of the local committee of the Little River school was held at the house of Mr Wm. Coop, on.Saturday, the. 7th instant. Present—Messrs Wm Coop (chairman) H. E. Tyson, James Reynolds, Wm. Greenland, Chas. Burrell, J. R. Gilliatt, and Thos. Holt The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The following applications for the situation of schoolmaster were then "opened and ' read, viz, from Fred Makeig, Wm. Cox, David Thomson, A. K. Harlock, Geo. W. Westropp, James Kirby, and W. J. King, when after having carefully considered each application, it was resolved

—"That Mr George W* Westropp be ap-pointM-choolmaster, subject to the approval of the Board of Education. The chairman was requested to forward this resolution to the Board of Education, and to respectfully request that the necessary apparatus, maps, &c. required for the school, may be furnished as early as convenient."

Tbe preparations for the procession on the Anniversary Day are being rapidly carried out, though necessarily through the illness of his Worship the Mayor a great deal of work falls upon Mr Harris, the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, and Colonel Packe, tbe other two members of the committee. Already we believe the butchers have signified their intention of taking part in the procession, as also have the school children, kc Several trades have also expressed a willingness to join in, and the Sons of Temperance will also aid in making the procession a success. At the meeting of the City Council last evening, Councillor Bishop was elected to fill the place of his Worship the Mayor, unfortunately prevented from attending on account of illness ; but the Council as a body decline to take any part in the procession, on tbe grounds that the Mayor was not informed of the intended procession, and further, that several of the Councillors have a decided objection ta processions. Mr E. W, Millet will act as marshal on tbe pecaaion, \

A meeting of the presiding officers of «. various motropolitan lodges of Oddf«i _*i-H*Ea*-atthe district chamben. I 7' field street, this evening, at 6 45 p m ' -T when the matter of the proposed proc'S will be brought forward. A special mS of the Court Star of Canterbury w m " 8 held on to-morrow evening, at the Foro! ters' Hall, for the same purpose.

The Melbourne "Ar-us" thus icfcn t« some pictures by Mr Gully, on view in th Melbourne exhibition :—Mr John G u v ° Nelson, N.Z., sends in two beautiful wwc* color drawings—the one a view of o Farewell, on the West Coast, and the oth* Roto Iti after sunset, la the first he seems to have caught the spirit of Stanfield, and in the second that of Turner. The magnificent sky which Mr Gully has painted in the latter is qnite a masterpiece.

The adjourned meeting of the Pop_i ar Entertainment Association will be held th' day at i p.m. in the City Council Chamber when the details of the anniversary spor*' will be arranged. We may mention that Mr Ollivier, who has enacted the part of " sturdy mendicant " on behalf of the association with bo much success during DMt " years, has this year been quite as fortunate in his foray upon the unsuspecting public for subscriptions.

The question of the Cashel street bridm was before the City Council last evenine when a very elegant design was submitted from a tenderer, the bridge to he composed of iron. In view of the absence of his Won ship the Mayor, Crs Hart, and Hobbs, tha Council decided to postpone the consideration of the matter until next meeting. There i» no doubt that, so soon as the bridge is com. pleted, the opening up of the street will cause buildings to spring up in that quarter!

As will be seen by our report of the Board of Education the resolution proposed by Mr Inglis, and adopted by the Council, haa al. ready borne fruit in the Bhape of tho pro posed discontinuance as a denominatioail school of the Wealeyan day school attached to the Durham street Church, which, under the able mastership of Mr Cuniberworth, hag sent more than one successful <jandid|Vfor the Government scholarships, committee have also placed the schoolrooms and appliances at the disposal of the Board at a nominal rental until the public school, rooms are erected.

The visit of Sir George' and Lady Bowen to Canterbury during the ensuing week, has afforded the opportunity for the usual anniversary ball to take place with more than ordinary eclat ; as will be seen by advertise, ment, the list of stewards alone is sufficient to ensure success. We believe that Mr Kennaway will move for Jeave to the ball in the Council Chamber, and a more BTut&hle room could not be found in Chiiatchurchtot the purpose. Should the present oppressive weather continue, thb Cool retreats which are so plentiful in and around the chamber, will, no doubt, be duly appreciated by those present. The action of the City Council ih increasing their staff of-scavengers will, we feel sure, be endorsed by every ratepayer. There can be no doubt that to the fulness of the side channels and their choking up by rank vegetation, 1 is due a great' dehl of the sickness and fever, prevailing now, as a viflit'to one of them during the present hot will abnndantly prove. The practice too of rakiDg out on to the side of the streets all the'filth congregated in the channels, and allotting them to exhale their-Jjotsonw vapours under the rays of the sun, is an exceedingly dangerous one, and we hope to see the suggestion of out and the refuseremoved'__ -t_je carta of the Corporation.

, Under tbe able manipulation of Mt.W. ;M. Maskell, the secretary'-'to the : Vienna Ex- [ hibition, Mr Alexander Lean, .the architect . to the committee, and the staff of prntAjuits, L the barn-like drill-shed has asshmedi quite » new appearance. The "front ! vei__da_h_» I been closed;in with gfelyAtiised ! iron; 'mi t over the large entrance''haa : bete.' built * dormer wipdow surmouoted hj flagstaff, ! This forms, a spacious annexe io the main r building, and can be used for jtt-OT'SlXQpms, ;* ladies'rooms, ~ bition. The entrance has been fixed at tbe ' southern'end of the shed, neari» the gunehedivOf; the , artiUeryy: -and ar-addi-tion has been built ZaiZZtosk- P Y ' ing 1 a gfod wide passage,:; Bntance to what we may. call the main aisle-there being an annexe running the, whple, lengln of the building on both sides-is gamea by an arched doorway, cut - : \%\sß ;^ m 8 southern, end of the old shed. , On.tetering, even now in its chaotic statejrthe visitor is struck with tho change effected. The whole area of the roof and JwalW hes been draped with calico in alternate bands f- d pink, which has a very pretty effect, giving the room a high and cheerful appearance contrasting With its former sombre lootWhen the greenery, which it is intended to employ pretty liberally is placed to; position, the effect will be much betterisr«BJ«ano-'. Down the centre of the rooii#i»« long table with pedestals at abortiinterwfo for the support of pots of evergreens and flowering plants, while against the' W_L.ott each side are similar tables' and a quantity of show cases. Already the scene wears a busy aspect-boxes, cases, and y oj merchandise strew the passages and Bootij every direction,' arid the secretary and staff will have all their work to do'.toget *biDg» in apple-pie orderfor the formal It is not intended, we" believe,'to k fP the Exhibition open daring the-evening. The jurors will not commence their dotH* until after the, expiration of the first week ol the exhibition. —