CHRISTCHURCH.

May 24. Wretched weather has generally prevailed here on Queen's Birthday anniversary, but this year it was unusually fine. Almost all the places of business; are closed, , and the citizens have gone to the various ' outside places of resortVery little bunting is displayed and even on the Government Buildings the only show to be seen is a bare flagstaff The customary few de joie has not been fired through insufficiency of ammunition. The principal event ' m the city was the laying of the foundation stone of the new Government offices m Cathedral Square, by the Hon. E, Richardson. It was a very hollow affair. The attendance was small, and there was almost an entire absence of ladies, notwithstanding that platforms had been. ' erected specially for their accommodation. Amongst those present were the Primate* (Bisjiop Harper), and Messrs Rolleston and Stevens, the City members'. The Colonial Architect called on Mr Richardson to lay the stone, which he did, and was presented with a silver trowel, level, and mallet.' Mr Richardson, m his address, stated that the building, exclusive of fittings would cost £14,521. He said that but for the lengthened controversy, as to the site, ; i( this great public necessity would have* 4 been provided years ago. At Mr Richardson's request, -three cheers were given for the Queen, after wli^Jfheers were -given for Mr Richards&^at the call of the Mayor of Christchurch. The latter pointed out the urgent necessity for a new Resident Magistrate's Court, characterising the present one as an old < shanty which was a disgrace to the city. He hoped the city members would impress this on the Government, when they went to Wellington. *-

[PEB PBESS AaEifCT;J %;;■'-, - ■.v.6 : .'- j-: ; V : : May26> 4-t a meeting of the; Jockey Club last •nightj it was resolved— " ThattMs Club willin futurionly.recpgiiise thefoUowing New Zealand clubs— namely, Dun-" edin, Weliington, Hawke's Bay, and Auckland ;. and- Toll take-no cognizance of complaints, or disqualification's made by any other club, unless, such con> plaint has been -first referred to, and confirmed by, the clu]t>. pf the provincial -district -within which such club complaining holds its meeting/