NEWS OF THE DAY.

Thk 1<, Wehkly Press.—Half of the new Rouse of Representatives appears in this . issue, and there aro numerous snapshots of the election in Christchuroh. Some views of the Cheviot of To-day accompany a description contributed by a recent visitor. A bit of local history is given in an account of the Akaroa niassaore, which is illustrated by a portrait of the last survivor, Tamauti Paunna, In the Rejent pages, the general elections form the subject of an article from a sporting point of view. "Spectator" deals at length with probable results of the principal events of the Auckland Racing ClttVe Summer Meeting, while " Hotspur 55 gives the views of a returned New Zealander on English racing, &c. There ia a great budget of other racing news, and all branches of sport aro as usual fully dealt with. A Valuable Breedino Ewe, — A ewe belonging to Mr Frank Bailey, of T.emplevton, has well earned her keep this season. She dropped thrco lambs on August 20th Jaefc, reared them successfully, and they Were sold for freezing purposes the other day for lls a head while the ewe at shearing clipped lOlbs of wool. FntE.—On Wednesday morning a fourrooraed house, owned and occupied by Mr W. L. Porter, cavrier, Woodend, was destroyed by fire. Part of the furniture was Myed, but the furniture and house not being insured, Mr Porter will be a heavy loeor. Rivßß Board. — Nominations close on Tuesday, 15th, at noon, of candidates for the nine seats on the South Waimakariri River Board—one member for each of the subdutriots of Christohnrch, S.W., S.E., ».W,, and N.E., Sydenham, Heathcote, Avon, Riccarton and Lincoln. St. Albans Loan.—A meeting of rateKyers is to ho held on January 12th, in the erivale Schoolroom, to consider tho pro- , powl to raise a special loan of £22,500 for we borough of St. Albans. SUPRRME Court.—Argument in the case w Pattorson v Murray will take place before his Honour Mr Justice Denniston to-day. Horticultural.—The annual chow of we Addington Horticultural Society takes J™** afternoon and evening. Tprktsh Oppression.—A meeting is to w> held at the rooms of the V.M.C.A., at *30 p.m. to-day, for the cause of the oppressed Christians under Turkish power. "Ala at New Brighton , . —A meeting of we Now Brighton residents is to bo held to-nicht to consider a proposal to hold a P« day on the beach. Arrested,— A man was arrested yester*yron a charge of having, on Decomber «n» stolen five pairs of trousers, value £3 7s M. belonging to Lonargau and Co. bCMNER Council.—Nominations close at »°on on the 17th inst. of candidates for the JMaaeies on the Sumner Council caused by »c resignation of Cr. J. J. Collins and the ««ctu>n to the position of Mayor of Cr. Woor, Sale.—The second wool sale of "*e season, under the auspices ot the jArutchurch Woolbrokera' Association, will J? ndd to-morrow at tho Oddfellows' Hall, «chfield street. The following is the nnmS* m bales catalogued:—New Zealand i**a and Mercantile Agency Company, |*L. 1750; Dalgetv and Company, Ltd., %}*l F. C. Tabart, 1169; Friedlander ««., Ltd., 509; New Zealand Farmers' Association, Ltd., 2789; H. «»Uon and Co. and D. Thomas, 3070; J. and Co., 416: Geo. King and Co., and Co., 2897. Total, 13,948 |t ''Flor de Nave," "Hoffman House,'. HenaV and other grand 6d Cigars at D £«a and Lambs. th Hall and Co.'s Warehouse, **»«heeter street, is open to the public. focenee and provisions at lowest prices. Yet The be3t brain and nerve tonic 'jj* aiscoverefl is Compound Syrup of - rtv P hoß PWtes. Barnett and Co., Victoria : _ 8693 m}** Baby's Food.—More than the photo I I-2 '! ew Health Food, watch baby outgrow v* P|°to. Send post card for free sample. , J^ + t[l Supplies Company, 245 Cashol i TV*? Yodp - Babies. — Use Townends • Teething Powders. These powders «wt be excelled in allaying irritation in snK"n A" atorekeepem W. P. Town<°*>W Colombo street. 1982

MASOXtc.-~The monthly meeting of the hfffl.^f l8 * tokes P ,ace this evening in the Oddfellows' Chambers. . Sams Postponed.—The Acting Commissioner of Crown Lands for Canterbury announces that the auction sale of leases o"f runa 69 and 71 Mackenzie County is postponecl nntil further notice. BowMso.-The first match of the season at bowis will toko place on Saturday, on the Canterbury green, betmjen the Christchureh and Canterbury Clubgfc£ The following rinks will represent Canterbury :—No. lrink—F. lliojiipeon, T. Burton, T. Skelton, H. ,!r k « y (ski P> ; No - 2 - w - H. Meikleham, W. Prudhoe, G. Colenian, F. C. M. Karsten (e-kip); No. 3—P. Hyndman, A. R. Kirk, J. N. Simpson, B. Hale (skip): No. 4—F. Beverley, J. Irvine, W. Gee, E. C. Asuby (skip). Emergencies— J. N. Wright, J. Mercer, F. Storey. Cychko.—The following handicaps have been declared for the New Zealand Wheel Race, to be run at the Christchurch Cycling Club's sports, Lancaster Park, on Anniversary Day, December 16th : — A. R. Barker scr, T. Clarkson scr, F. , Hunt scr, A. C. Wilmot scr, C. Cattanach 80yds, C. 0. Sherwood lOOvds, A. C. Forbes 100 yds, F. N. Chainey 120 yds, A. I. Thome 150vde, W. Edge 160 yds, "H. Peacock 160 yds, A. J. Campbell 170 yds, A. Butland 200 yds, t>. T. Andrews 220 yds, H. Gee 23CvcK H. C. Dawson 230 yds, A. F. Buchanan 210 yds, G. Porter 240 yds, G. Kenwood 250vds, H. Bnshell 250 yds, K. Rodger 260vds, S. Andrews 260 yds, H. G. Goodman *265yde, W. Preece 270 yds, H. Ritchie 270 yds. Tar. Maori Election's.—The elections for the four Maori members of the House are conducted on the old plan. The nominations were made in a public meeting, at which, after the Returning Officer read the writ, the candidates were proposed and seconded, and a pliow of hands was taken and a poll demanded. The voting will be conducted by the Native electors entering one by one the polling booth, where they present their voting papers as evidence of registration, and when requested by the Returning Officer each will state the name of the candidate for whom the elector intends to vote and his own name. The Returning Officer or deputy theu writes the name of the candidate on the voting paper and signs it, and passes it to a Maori associate, who certifies to it as a witness. Many of the Natives have lately been discussing the advisability of adopting tho ballot system, and the candidates for the Southern Maori Electoral District have each promised if elected to have an amendment made. Half-castes who are not on any other rolls I can vote for Maori members. An Anchor Recoykukd.—lt will be remembered that a few weeks ago the barque Mandalay, while beating out of the harbour, missed stays off Taylor's Mistake and narrowly escaped running ashore, losing an anchor in the endeavour to stop the vessel's way. The Shaw, Savill and Albion Company, as ownere of the vessel, offered £20 for "the recovery of the anchor. Mr Mark Thomas, of the firm of Agar and Thomas, who, by the way, has been very fortunate at picking up lost anchors, took advantage of one or two fine days, and with a couple of launches and a chain, " swept" for the lost anclwr. On Tuesday, after a great deal of patience, he succeeded in getting hold of something in nine fathoms of water. A couple of fisherman then swept across the same spot and also succeeded in getting a grip. The lines were then brought together and an iron ring was slipped over their ends. This sinking to the bottom secured the lines to tho object below. A ballast lighter was next obtained, and, by means of a derrick and winch, the anchor, which, with its stock weighed from 32 co 33cwt., was hoisted to tho surface and slung alongside. The cable must have parted at the shackle as there was not a link attached to it. The anchor was put on board the Rotokino yesterday for Timaru, where the Mandalay is loading. School Committees.—The monthly meeting of the Bromley Committee was held on Tuesday. Present — Messrs R. Walker (Chairman), Lewis, Freeman, J. J. Walker, McKenna and Andrews. The Master's report showed a total of 38 boys and 30 girls. Ifc was agreed that the school break up on the 17th for six weeks' holidays. The Committee congratulated the Master and Mistress on the result of the examination, and also thanked Mesdames McKenna, Woodford and R; Walker for their careful inspection of the sewing, and for their report congratulating the Mistress and girls on the efficient manner in which their work was done. The Chairman was instructed to have swings and division fences erected.— The monthly meeting of the West Oxford Committee was held on Monday. Present— Messrs C. A. White, J. T. Jones, W. Munn. Apologies were received from Messrs Webster and Kennedy. Mr White was voted to the chair. The Master's report showed 76 boys, 52 girls. Eight shillings was received from Mr Russell for tho use of the school. The Secretary was instructed to pay 2s 6d to the cleaner, and the 5s 6d to the incidental fund account. After passing the following accounts, the meeting closed— Salaries £26 16s 3d, incidentals £2lls 6d. National Association. —A meeting of the Council of the Canterbury section of the National Association was held in the rooms, Gloucester street, on Tuesday evening. There was a full attendance of members, and Dr. Jennings (President) occupied tho chair. Mr H. J. Beswick shortly addressed the Council. He thanked all those who had assisted him at the election, and said he would be pleased whenever called upon to assist the Association in the good work for which it was organised. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Messrs Lewis, Beswick and Donnelly for allowing themselves to be nominated as candidates at the general election. A long discussion' then took pi we as to the future movements of the Association, and it %vas finally resolved to appoint a strong Sub-Committee to consider the whole question and report to the Council as early as possible. Mr Donnelly addressed the meoting at some length touching the recent election, and expressing his gratitude for the earnest work that had been done on his behalf. It was arranged that the SnbCommittee should meet this evening, and also that the rooms should be kept open as usual. After transacting further business the Council adjourned. The utmost enthusiasm prevailed, and the opinion was generally expressed that the work which had been so successfully commenced shoidd be carried on with renewed vigour. It was decided to hold a general meeting of members in the Chamber of Commerce on Friday, the 18th inst., when addresses will be delivered by the Association's candidates at the general election and others. Woolston Borough Councti,. — The ordinary meeting of this Council was held on Tuesday evening. Present —His Worship the Mayor, Crs. iiobson, Girnblett, Anderson, Garland, Hawkins, Tanner, Milne, and Lord. The Mayor drew the attention of the Council to the vacant chair at the Council Board through the lamented death of Cr. Rennie. In his death the Council had lost a much respected colleague, and the borough had lost a valuable and conscientious Councillor and friend. It was resolved that a letter be written to the widow and family of the late Cγ. Rennie, conveying to them the Council's sincere sympathy in their great bereavement. Complaints having been made to the Council that certain persons were in the habit of emptying their closet pans into the river and creeks within the borough, it was unanimously resolved that most stringent measures be adopted to punish those committing the nuisance. It was resolved that the Mayor and Cr. Tanner be appointed as representatives from this Council to attend the Conference to l>e held at the City Council office on the 21st inst. in re the concessions to the Tram Company. The following resolution was carried:—" That in consequence of the grave and repeated complaints from the residents along the line of tho Ferry road storm water sewer re the escape of sewer gas, the Council calls the attention of tho Drainage Board to the subject, and urges that measures be taken to prevent the influx of sewage matter or the Council will be compelled to take legal action." It resolved that the Clerk give peremptory notice to all those having barbed wire fences abutting on the streets to remove them forthwith or legal steps will be taken ; that tenders be called for painting and papering the cottage, and the Chairman of Works Committee be authorised to accept tenders. The Chairman was also authorised to accept a tenant for the cottage. It was resolved that the attention of the Works Committee be drawn {to the culverts in Randolph and Edmunds streets. The report of the Works Committee was adopted. The Finance Committee's report was adopted and the accounts as presented were ordered to be paid*

Addington School—A concert in aid of the prize fund of this school will be held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Lichfield street, tonight. Cakk Fair. —The Young Ladies' Guild, in connection with the Lower High street Methodist Church, aivertise a Christmas tree and cake fair, to be opened this afternoon at three o'clock, by the Rev. W. Morley, President of the General Conference. Acknowledgement.—The Matron of the School for Deaf Mutes, Surnner, desires to acknowledge with many thanks the receipt of a Christmas tree from Mesars W. Strange and Co., a cushioned chair from Messrs A. J. White, a parcel of books from Miss Olney and friends, and a clock from Mr Geo. White. The Weather.—Our Tcmnka correspondent writes :—The weather still keeps particularly diy, and crops are looking very sickly on th« light lands for want ot rain. There is no demand for stock. Sellers are hardly able to give sheep away, the feed being so scarce. Industrial Exhibition , , Crescent road. —An exhibition of industrial work in con- | nection with the Crescent road Wcsleyan Church, St. Albans, was held in the church j yesterday. There wa3 a very large attend- ! anca. Proceedings was opened by Mr F. Waymouth. The exhibits comprised work done by ladies of the church and the school children. A feature of the exhibition was a toy band, played by members of the church. There was a splendid show of fancy work, and some Indian and South Sea Island curios. Particular mention should be made of some Honiton lace, worked by Mrs Frost. The exhibition will be open to-day and to-morrow. Mounted Rif&ks. —The parades announced to be held at Christchurch, Templeton and Tai Tapu, on the 10th inst., have been cancelled. The team for the match to take place on Saturday, 12th inst., will be selected from the following : —Major Slater, Captain Palairet, Sergeant-Major Berland, Quarter-master Sergeant Webber, Sergeant Crosby, Sergeant Wm. Bailey, Corporal Anderson, Troopers Aston, Palmer, Scrimshaw, Woods, Hensley, Heinzmann, Bidder, Wheeler, Herrick. Those who are not selected for the match will fire at the same time for the troop's prizes. Local Option Poll. — The Returning Officer for Kaiapoi advertises that the voting W as—Continue 2079, reduction 1671, no license 1796. The total number of voters was 4031, and as' the number of votes recorded in favour of the continuance of the existing licenses in tho district was an absolute majority, he declares the proposal for such continuance to be carried. The voting in the EUesmere district was —Continue 1653, reduction 1078, no license 1173, number of voters 2969. As the majority of voters is in favour of the first proposal that has been j declared carried. j Broadvibld. —The opening of the school swimming bath took place with great success on Thursday last. Upwards of 200 people assembled, amongst them being the Hon. W. Rolleston'and Mr Peryman, Chairman of the Education Board. The latter gentleman declared the bath open, and a procession of some twenty bathers immediately took a header into the water. The spectators were then treated to a good hour and a half's amusement with swimming races, diving competitions, turning exhibition, mop Tighfc and a duck hunt." An adjournment was then made to the school, where teg. was enjoyed. A social brought to a conclusion a most successful gathering. Thanks are due to those who provided the refreshments and those who kindly assisted. Ricoarton Fkte.—There was a good attendance at this annual festival yesterday afternoon. The brass band from the Burnham Industrial School played several selections very nicely. The principal attractions were the lollie stall, presided over by Miss K. Hellish, who also manufactured all the goods offered for sale; strawberries and cream, presided over by Mrs Wigram and the Misses Bowen; a work department, including plain clothing and fancy articles, under the supervision of Mrs Thompson and Mrs English ; tea and cake stall, in charge ot the Misses Julius (2), Cotton, Maling, Cox, Walker, Neave (2), Ainger (2); bran pie, Mrs Tuvton and Miss Hellish ; character reading and palmistry, Mrs Richards, of Springston; and last, but by no means least, the German bigophone band, energetically conducted by Miss Haslam, the members of the said band being Misses Campbell (2), Williams (2), E. Neave, Hill, Ainger and Todhuntor. Tina band discoursed music of a very varied nature, which was greatly appreciated by those who were fortunate enough to hear it. All seemed to enjoy themselvesthoroughly. Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association. —A largely attended meeting of this Association was held on Thursday evening. The President, Mr A. McNae, occupied the chair. It was decided to vote for Messrs H. F. Gray, H. Ovcrton, and R. H. Rhodes for the Canterbury Agricultural College Board of Governors. Messrs Bealey Bros, wrote congratulating the Committee upon the success of the late Show, and handing over the amount of their prizes to the funds of the Association. The Secretary was requested to convey to Messrs Bealey Bros, the thanks of the Association for their liberal offer. Mr. J. Gongh spoke at some length on the question of ascertaining as nearly as possible the correct weight of sheep entered for the Freezing Company's prizes, in order to avoid, " if possible," sheep which might be considerably over the prescribed weight gaining the prizes. It was decided to fnlly consider the question at a future meeting. The statement of accounts, read by the Secretary, showed a credit balance of about £30. The Society's prize list amounted to £°,00. A vote of thanks was passed to the President, Secretary and Treasnrer for the satisfactory way in which they had discharged the duties appertaining to their respective offices. Votes of thanks wore passed to all those who had assisted the Association by subscriptions, special prizes, trophies, &c. The Secretary was requested to convey to Mr W. Edwards the Committee's appreciation of the very excellent way in v which he had catered for the luncheon, &c, on the day of the show. The question of reviving the at one time annual dinner was brought up, and it was decided fy> hold a dinner on the evening of the annual meeting, and a Committee was formed to mako all arrangements. Numerous suggestions were offered for the future benefit of the Association, free discussion of which brought to a close ope of the most pleasant and satisfactory meetings ever held in connection with the Association. City Council.—Pγ. A. J. F Mickle was yesterday nominated a representative for the North-East Ward on the City Council. There was no opposition to his nomination and he was declared duly elected. Ranoiora Literary Institute. — The monthly meeting of the Committee was held on Tuesday evening, Mr E. R. Good presiding. The Treasurer's statement showed a credit balace of £212s 2d. It was decided to let the hall by tender for the principal holidays of the year, and to spend £3 in thepurchase of new books. Truant Officer.—The Education Board, on the recommendation of the Appointments Committee, approved of the appointment of a truant officer, and the Committee were instructed to frftme regulations for the guidance of that officer. Manfav ant) Technical Work.—The Sroposed exhibition next month at the formal School of manual and technical work by scholars of the schools in North Canterbury has been abandoned for the present, owing to the time being inopportune. The "Triad."—We have received the Christchurch edition of the Christmas number of the " Triad." It is illustrated with Maori and other views. The supplement contains the papers in connection with the recent London College of Music theory examinations. Particulars of- the new " Triad" £10 competition appear in another column. Christcuurch Amateur Swimming Clcb. —A Committee meeting of this Club was held last night at the Clarendon Hotel, Mr Stratton presiding. Full arrangements were made for the carrying out of the sports on Saturday next. The quartor-mile annual race was fixed to be held on the Estuary on Saturday, January 16th, at 3 p.m., "and Committees for selecting polo team and relay teams were duly elected. The Club's delegates were instructed as to their voting at the annual meeting of tho Association" and a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Sneddon for his generous gift to the Club. The annual Christma3 handicap was fixed to be swum on Thursday, December 24th. Goods at Wholtsalk Pricks. — See Wardell Bros', new list. 31 Goods at Whoi.issat,b Pmcxs. — See WwdeU Bros , , new list. 312

Good Tkmfiakt.— The weekly session of the Reviving Stream Lodge, No. 75, Addington, was held on Monday evening, Bro. H. Bell, C.T., presiding. Two candidates were initiated into the order. A letter of sympathy was ordered to be sent to a bareaved sister. The entertainment for the evening was Sisters' Surprise Night, and they provided a very excellent surprise for the Brothers. Harmony was indulged in, and the Lodge was brought to a close at the usual hour. The Samaritan* Home—The Committee of Mauagementof the Samaritan Home desire to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of goods during October and November from the following :—Messrs Baker, Lane, Hopkins, Upjohn, Langdown and Steel, McDougali, Hockley, Smith, Rose, Thomson, Smithfield Co., Keece and Sons, Freeman, Gill, Haneman, Hardie, Ashby and Bergh, Carter, Bridge, Taylor, Mesdames Thomson, McGill, Smith, Newport, Guise, Dunkley. Secretin, Misses Turner, Povey, Townend, Methodist - Sunday School, W.C.T.U. and several other friends. The I following sums have been received by Mr ' Blackiston, Treasurer, Mrs Wilson's pupils, Cranmer House £2, H. L. £1. The Committee will gratefully receive contributions in kind for Christmas dinners for forty inmate.?. The matron would send for goods on receipt of post-card. FORGED EVIDENCE. At Wellington yesterday Mr Justice Edwards delivered judgment in the divorce suit of Martin v Martin, heard last week, in which the petitioner, Frederick Martin, v plumber, sought a divorce from his wife on the ground of alleged misconduct with William Ridgeway, of Carterton. His Honour, in the course of his judgment, expressed the opinion that a letter which the petitioner had produced as having been written by his wife, in which she apparently admitted her miseondrot, but asked to be taken back, was a forgery. He dismissed the suit, allowing £25 and disbursements as costs to the respondent, and £10 to the corespondent Ridgeway. The letters produced in Court were ordered to be impounded. THE NEW COMMANDANT. Major Pole Penton, the new Commandant, has been granted the local rank of colonel. LADY GLASGOW. Lady Glasgow will leave Wellington on the 15th inst. for a trip in Auckland waters, for the benefit of her health. In order to allow the Governor and Lady Glasgow and family to make the trip, the new Government steamer, Tutanekai, will be placed at their disposal, and the trip will occupy three weeks. CABINET MEETING. Should Mrs M'Kenzie's health permit the Hon. J. M'Kenzie's leaving home, says the New Zealand Times, it is expected a full Cabinet meeting will be held next week to clear up business before the Christmas vacation. TEACHERS' AND CIVIL SERVANTS' EXAMINATIONS. The annual examination of teachers of primary schools who desire promotion will be held in different parts of the colony between the 6th and 15th of January. Civil Service candidates also will be examined between those dates. . A FINE BOAT. Aconvertiblepair-oarordouble-scullracing boat arrived at Wellington by the Rimutaka last week for the Star Boating Club from J. H. Clerk and Co., London. The boat is fitted with patent slides and the latest improvements. It is supposed, says the New Zealand Times, to be the finest boat that has been landed in the colony. ELECTORAL ROLLS. At a meeting of the Liberal League in Auckland the following resolution- was carried :—" That this League respectfully urges the Government to so amend the electoral law that when, compiling rolls for large electorates they'-shall- be into convenient district rolls, so that residents vote in their division, and without fear of being personated in. any other division of the same electorate." REALISATION BOARD SALE. The Press Association telegraphs that at Auckland yesterday a sale took place of' the Realisation Board's assets, consisting of business premises in the city, allotments in the city and suburbs, and 103 building allotments in the Surrey Hills estate. Satisfactory prices were realised. The late Sir F. Whitaker's residence, Lake Takapuna, twenty-three acres, brought £55 per acre. For Messrs Owen and Graham's old Queen street premises, the lease expiring in 2853, the price was £6475. A number of pur : chasers are in treaty for various lots at the reserve prices, so that the sale is regarded as very successful, and as showing investors' confidence in the future of Auckland. THE FOSSIL SAURIAN. Photographs have been obtained of the fossil remains of the huge saurian discovered at Purangi, Taranaki, last week. The Hawera Star says it is improbable that the Survey Department will go to the expense of digging the remains oiit of the cliff in which they are imbedded. A FORTUNATE COUNCIL. One result of the mining boom in the North has been that the Thames County Council has been able to clear off all its liabilities, and start another year with a credit balance of nearly £2000. LITTLE BARRIER ISLAND. The Auckland correspondent of the Otago Daily Times telegraphs: — "The Little Barrier Island, which has been a bone of contention for a long time past, will, after the Ist of next January, be under the charge of the Auckland Institute. The Government have handed over the custody of the island, through the Crown Lands Department, to the Institute, the former paying the Institute £200 per year for the expenses of a caretaker. The Council of the Institute has agreed to this, and *it is understood the services of the Government steamer will be available, when making periodical lighthouse rounds, to convey stores to the island and to take down any person authorised by the Council of the Institute. The chief duty of the caretaker will be to see that the many rare birds on the island are not molested, and to protect as much as possible, the existing feathered inhabitants of the island." THE LATE REV. BROTHER JOSEPH. The Right Rev. Dr. Lenihan on Sunday afternoon, at Panmure, unveiled the beautiful monument, which stands lift 6in high, over the grave of the late Rev. Brother Joseph, Superior of the Marist Brothers.