NEWS OF THE DAY.

Thb Fkikpzoyhd.—About one hundred man gave in their names at the City Council offices yesterday for employment. ' Boad BiPAiEß.—The steam road roller was engaged last evening in picking up the portion of Colombo street between Gloucester and Armagh streets, with a view to a coating of metal being laid thereon. -Thji Domaih.—Thr_ grounds of the domain are just now looking exceedingly pretty, and, considering the small amount of assistance at his disposal, Mr Armstrong deserves very great credit for the admirable order in which the large extent of ground under his control is kept. AflHßOßres. — A great improvement has been made at the Central Hotel, Ashburton, » first-class billiard room, with two of Alcock's best tables, having been fitted up. This hotel is now lighted with gas. Outstahding Batbs.—lhe finance com* mittee of the City Council having determined to reduce the Bank overdraft, active measures will be taken to insure the prompt payment of rates, which have been slow to come in, and a great many of which are now outstanding. Some fifty summonses were issued yesterday morning. The Ihwbctob-Gkwbbai op Schools.— The Bsv. Mr Habens, the principal school inspector of Government schools for Mew Zealand, has (says the Sydney "Herald "), on account of the work in which he is at prosent engaged, declined the request ok the Council at Camden College to become the resident warden of that institution. The Council have, therefore, resolved to seiad to England for a suitable man. Goby Exchange.—At a committee meeting "held recently the sub-committee appointed to inspect the sites offered for a Corn Exchange made their report. After a good deal of discussion it was resolved -" That none of the sites offered be accepted, and that the project of building a Corn Exchange be for the present abandoned. At the same time the directors keep in view that the establishment of such a thing is desirable, and greatly to thti benefit of the farming com - munity; in view of this, that each of the directors shall be on the outlook for any desirable site that may present itself, and report same at any subsequent meeting, when the subject will be reconsidered." '

Jotbhteb Ikdusteiai EXHIBmOBT. — There is now on view at the shop of Mr H. Fisher, Hereford street, an exhibit intended for the Juvenile Industrial Exhibition to be held in Melbourne at the close of the year. It is a large size picture, executed by the pupils of the Canterbury Foundry, containing pen and ink drawings of a lighthouse, loco--1 ntoiive engines, reapers and binders, dredges, bridges, &&, all of which have been very artistically _ executed. The drawing is well worth a visit, and may, perhaps, serve to stimulate other youths to forward articles for competition. '-

Mass Dinner.—The usual quarterly mess dinner of the Volunteer officers took place last evening, and was well attended. Tkb Katobaxty.—As will be seen by a notice elsewhere, Mr J. Gapes has announced that be intends becoming a candidate for the Mayoralty of Christchurch for next year. Thbatbe Royal.— The comedy drama "Won at Last," and the farce of "The Mysterious Boom" were repeated last night. Zfatwithstanding the depressing influence of a poor house both pieces were remarkably well played, and deserved more liberal patronage. There will be no change in the

bill this evening. Inquest at Coalsatb.—An inquest was held yesterday (24th) at Coalgate before Mr MeHraith, J.P., upon the body of the child Margaret Butler, daughter of a platelayer, who was found dead in her bed on Tuesday morning. Tie verdict of the jury was— "Died from natural causes."

Collision. —Yesterday afternoon aa a pony trap, driven by a lady and containing three others, was: passing along Colombo street, nearly oppcsite the Cathedral a cab shot suddenly out from the tank and came into collision with the trap. One of the ladies sitting in the rear seat was thrown out by the ■hock, but fortunately sustained no injury beyond a severe shaking. The trap itself was only slightly damaged. Thb Likgabds.—As already stated, these clever artistes commence their Christchuroh season at the Theatre Royal on Saturday evening next, in the opera bouffe of " The Little Duke." Mr and Mrs Lingard will be supported by a large company engaged by them in Melbourne for the-purpose, and it is intended to produce, in addition to several novelties, the evergreen comedy of "Our Boys," in which the Lingards, on their last visit, made' such a bit. The company will play in Timaru on Friday evening. Fobgbbt.—At the Bangiora Magistrate's Court, Jane Mahoney, committed Cor trial, was on Tuesday admitted to bail, her husband presenting himself as security for £100. A man named Jones has since been arrested on a similar charge, Mr Mahoney having laid an information on the testimony of his wife that be committed the forgery in drawing the cheque for £10, as she could not write. The accused was brought before the Court on Wednesday, and remanded in custody for production of evidence.

Lyttbltok Watbb Wobks.—The reservoir has been recently emptied and cleaned out, and fifty one-year-old trout turned in with the object of keeping down the extraordinary increase of insect life. The fish were obtained from the Opawa fish-breeding farm, and were removed without a single loss. Two attempts were last season made by the Acclimatisation Society to convey trout to this locality, but only three fish survived the transit. These were found to have increased to double their size. .■:••■■■

- ODDrBLLOWSHrr.—The Star of Waltham Lodge held its quarterly meeting in the public library, Waltham, on Tuesday. There was a large attendance of members, but the whole of the business on hand could not be got through in time, and several important matters were left over till next meeting. The receipts of the evening amounted. to £34 Is lid. A subscription got up to present one of the past officers, P. €r. Hurst, with some suitable testimonial for valuable services rendered to the lodge, amounted to upwards of/£5. .■■ ..

Mb Wibbbt Bbbvb's Bbhbmt.—The benefit and final appearance in Ohristohurch of this talented actor takes place at the Theatre Boy al on Friday evening next, when a very attractive programme will be presented. The bill includes the play of " All for Her j" in which Mr Beeve has been so successful here, and two acts of "The Oorsican Brothers." It is to be regretted that, from a variety of causes, Ohristohurch playgoers have nob patronised Mr Beeve during his stay here to that extent he has deserved, but it is to be hoped that on the occasion of his farewell they will give him that recognition to which his talents undoubtedly entitle him by according him a bumper house. Bhtbetainment at Saitwatbb Oebee.— The committee brought their series of entertainments in aid of the school prize and treat fund to a close on Tuesday evening. The room, which had been tastefully decorated by Miss McKay, assisted by others interested in the school, was filled to overflowing. Mr J. Mathers occupied the choir, and stated that a portion of the proceeds of the entertainment would be presented to the Sunday-school for the purchase of prizes; also that the sohool treat and annual distribution of prizes would take place daring the week before Christmas. A lengthy programme of instrumental pieces, wngs, residißgi and recitations was then gone 'through, the following ladies and gentlemen kindly assisting:—Mrs Yaughan, Misses Adams, Lilly, Matbias, and Scott; Bev.Mnnro, Messrs C. 0. Howard, McDonald, Thomas, U. H. Smith, Aherne, Barclay, Eraser, and' Brock. Messrs Thomas, McDonald and M. H. Smith had to submit to encores. After; votef of thanks to the performers and the chair the entertainment was brought to a dose by singing the National Anthem.

Naw OaxmOK.A'S Oxfobd.—Considerable progress is being made with the building of the Church of Sfngltpd at Oxford, and it is expected chat it will, be completed inJJevember. It is 62ft. in, length and' 23 ft. wide. The building is to bo entirely ia wood, from the design of Mr T. Jacobsen, who is the architect. The oburoh portion is 15ft. xlSffc.; the nave, 45ft. z 22ft. It is entered by porches on the north and south sides'; the vestry is on the norSh-east side. The church will be lighted by four windows on each side, and a three-light window;in the .chancel, with marginal colored glass. Along the outside wall is to be placed a heavy plinth, from which to the string cornice under the window eills is rusticated boarding, and thence to the roof weather boarding. The walls are formed into bays, by pilasters, and outside imitation curved braces past from one to the other under the windows. Internally the walls will be lined with -matched boards, dadoing to the height of the seats, and plain boarding into the roof. The roof is to be open, and when finished in the manner proposed will present a very attractive appearance. The contractor for the work is Mr Charles Fetrie, who haa made a considerable amount of in spite of the obstacles in his way.-; ■-■- r, Maltebn Cbicxet Ciire.—rThe annual meeting of this club was held in the Sheffield Library on Tuesday, 23rd inst. Mr A. McNae in the chair. It was resolved that the incoming season be opened by a general practioe on Saturday, 27th inst, Messrs Taylor, Keys and Brown were elected a committee to find available ground for playing, as the Domain is not yet in a fit state. It was determined that the colors of the club be the same as lastyear, viz., red and white. It was proposed by Mr Taylor, and seconded by Mr Brown, " That in the case of lads under fifteen the entrance fee of 2s 6d be remitted." Mr Blythen proposed as an amendment, and Mr Keys seconded," That the subscription be the same as last year." The amendment wag carried by. the casting rote of the chairman. Mr Taylor proposed, and Mr Bljtben seconded, "That delegates be appointed from this club to arrange with other- clubs west of the Selwyn for the formation of a district eleven." The following officers were elected :—President, Mr E. C.Maxwell; vice-president, Mr D. McMillan ; captain, Mr A. McNae • secretary, Mr 8. Heigh.way; treasurer, Mr Keys. The customary vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting. AILEGBD LARCSKT OF A SADDLE.—-Thomas Stothera was accused of this offence at the EM. Court, Ashburton, on Tuesday. Edward Carter was the owner of the saddle in question. Mr Ireland appeared for the defence. Sergeant Pratt gave evidence regarding the finding of the saddle in Stother's possession, who said he had found it on the road when in company with William Smith. He went with accused to Smith, and asked Smith if he could give any information about the saddle. Smith replied the saddle was his, and showed a mark on it to confirm this statement. Ed ward- Carter, a butcher employed by Mr Ede, at Tinwald, said he was the owner of the saddle in question, he had left it on a paling fence under the verandah on September 9ih, at 6 p.m. At 6 a.m. following morning he missed it, and reported the matter, to the police same day. He valued the saddle at £3. Arthur Ede deposed that the saddle was Carter's, and corroborated Carter's evidence. S. Stephens, a saddler, swore the saddle in Question was one he had repaired for Carter. For the defence, James Victor said accused had asked him if he knew anyone who had lost a saddle as he had found one. Wm. Menzie, a groom, deposed— Accused had shown him the saddle the morning after he found it, and asked h«»n if he knew to whom it belonged. Frank Brown said accused told him he had found a saddle, and asked if he knew anyone who had lost one.' Duncan McKensie, licensee of the Ashburton Hotel, deposed that accused had asked -several men at the bar if they,had lost • saddle. The case was then disunited.

Coscbbt AND DSAMATIC EHTBSTAIirhbkt. —The friends of the Christchurch Catholic Young Men's Literary Society assembled in great force at St. Patrick's Hall, Barbadoes street, last night, to bear the entertainment given in aid of the funds, and judging from the applause lavished upon the performers the audience were thoroughly satisfied with the programme submitted to them. The H. A.C.B. brass band was present, and during the evening played a variety of selections, showing that they had made considerable progress. The programme proper comprised two pianoforte solos by Miss Marion Bobinsen, which were completely spoilt by a wretched toned instrument, two vocal quartettes by Messrs Mcintosh, Tiplic, Curry, and J. O. H. Anthony, songs by Mr W. H. Anthony, two ballads by Miss Ada Mackett, which were encored,.an& a long by Mr J. O. H. Anthony. These brought the first part of the entertainment to a close. The second part consisted of two acts from " The Merchant of Venice," the parti being taken very creditably by the members of the society. As usual at these entertainments, the larrikin element at the back of the hall was in full force, and by their unruly conduct caused considerable annoyance to those in front. It is not too much to ask that at any future entertainments steps should be taken to put down this nuisance.

Qaiktt Thbatbb.—The Loftus Variety Troupe gave a change of programme last evening, when there was a good bouse. The opening sketch gave Messrs Rickey and McCarthy an opportunity of displaying their pourtrayals of Irish character, and they were very successful, evoking much laughter by the quaintness of their aoUng. Miss Leslie sang " Sing to mc an English song" very nicely, and the double song and dance of Miss Loftus and Miss Esmond were given with grace and spirit, evoking an encore, when they danced a second jig capitally. Miss Loftus threw a great deal of spirit into her dancing, and she was admirably seconded by Miss Esmond. Messrs Watters and Kelly introduced another of their negro sketches in which they were exceedingly good. Mr Le Clair's sketch afforded him an opportunity of displaying to great advantage his clever impersonation of female character, and also his very handsome wardrobe. One would like _to have had another opportunity of seeing the clever dancing of Mr Sarony, which is really an artistic performance of high merit, but the programme last night afforded him little or no scope for the display of his peculiar talent. Of the burlesque which concluded the performance little need be said. With two or three exceptions it was far below the standard of burlesque as played here. Miss Loftus sustained the part of Fin Fin with much spirit and success. Mr Le Clair as Donna Elvira was excellent. Doth make up and acting were alike good, and ho entered so fully, into the spirit of th? piece as to go far to redeem it from failure. Mi»a Le Fcvre m&de a very piquant Don Carlos, and played the cart well. The other characters do not call for any notice except to protest against the introduction into the piece of business en* tirely unnecessary and quite devoid of point or humour. Some of the audience expressed their disapproval at one part of the perform, ance very markedly, and one of the performers committed the grave error of making remarks from the stage upon it,a thing which it is to be hoped the management will not allow to Occur again. The same programme will be repeated this evening. The Glasgow Bark's New Zeixahd Pbopbbty,—A private meeting of the shareholders of* the City of G-laigow Bank who have paid the calls upon them was held in Edinburgh, when a committee was appointed to obtain information as to whether the shareholders, creditors, and liquidators, would cooperate with each other. A general opinion was expressed that it would be unwise to realise the 2fow Zealand and other property at the present time. ■ Lawless Tbahpb.—-The " North Olago Tmes" of yesterday supplies the following: —An unpleasant state of things appears to exist in the Upper Waitaki. On Monday Mr Chapman, manager of the Kourow station; wrote to the police to the effect that on the previous day a number of swagmen took' possession of the men's hut. They were supplied with meat and drink, and on the following morning, when requested to leave, announced their determination to remain where they were. They went so far as to threaten. Mr Chapman with personal violence if he interfered with them; Mr Chapman went to' the station, and returning with a gun intimated to the intruders that he intended to! defend himself. Apparently satisfied, that Mr Chapman was not to be intimidated, the men left, taking the rood up the river. They appeared to be a rough set of fellows, in a ragged and tattered condition, very hard up, desperate and careless as to what they did.; i Inspector Thompson, fearing that some harm would come of the presence of such a body! of men in the isolated districts up the river,! yesterday despatched Constables Welch,; King, and Donovan to enquire into the matter. ■■ --, .. . .. ;j

Elboxobs is a TJtfpiculti.—.Concerning the recent election for Wakatipu, the correspondent of the, Donedin " Herald " writes:— The electors were buffeted about "from: pillar to post; and from post to pillar/ until at last they seemed to wonder who was who, and which of the candidates was likely to do them the least harm. They feared to re-eledt Mr Manders, because he had cut such a sorry figure before ; they trembled at the prospeot of Mr Mason as an MH.E., because they wanted land On the runs in the district, and he was supported by the squatters; and lastly, they were alarmed at the idea of such an explosive representative as Mr Finn might become, when they remembered that he had come into serious "conflict with the leading Government official of the district—the Warden and Besident Magistrate. While on the horns of this dilemma, polling day came, a ohoice had to be made, and it fell on the •'least of; the three evils," as he has been dedgnajed, Mr Finn. ;

Mebivalb ENTEETATNMENT.—An entertainment in connection with St. Mary's, Merivale, will be given this evening, for which a specially attractive programme has been prepared.

Sjhavyn- Countt Council.—The ordmary monthly meeting of .the Selwyn County Council will be held at 10.30 a.m. to-morrow. St. Mart's, Addington.—An entertainment, in connection with the parish of St. Mary's, Aldington, will take place at the schoolroom this evening. „': Cathbdbal Guild.—•The annual meeting of the members of the Cathedral Guild will be ntldthrg evening in St. Michael's schoolroom. After the -business a very attractive programme of readings, songs, Ac, will be given.