Local & General.

♦ iBIBPBBBBNTATION Bll.li.— The continuous sitting of the Houae of Bepresentatives came to an end on Saturday afternoon at 5 o'cloo , after a duration of 74* hours. The resources of tho stone wallers, in the shape of new clauses, ko., having been exhausted somewhere in the small hours of Saturday morning, the sohedule of electorates was proceeded with, acd carried through. Despite all opposition tho Government pressed Bteadily on with the third reading, whioh wob vigorously debated till 5 p.ra , when the Premier agreed to Mr TurnbuU* s motion to adjourn till halfpast two o'clook this afternoon. All alterations in the sohedule were resisted and negatived, the Government only yielding bo far as to promise that, when it was finally carried, any amendments suggested would receive careful consideration. Thb English Obioxbtinq Tiah.— A letter was received recently from Mr Conway, as agent for the English cricketing team, offering terms for a visit of the team to Ohristchuroh. The terms were, for a three days' match, £350, and hotel expenses if the matoh was played on the Lancaster Park ground; or two-thirds of the gross receipts if it was played in Hagley Park. The letter was oonsidored at a Meeting of the Committee of the Orioket Association held recently. It was thought that the above terms were exorbitant, and it was resolved to offer for a three days match on the Lancaster Park ground the sum of £260, or £20 a piece for eaoh man of the team, the visitors to pay their own hotel expenses. This arrangement was to be subjeot ■ to the approval of the direotors of the Lancaster Park company. Baptist Chuboh. — The organ recently erected in the Baptist Ohurch, Oxford terrace, was formally opened yesterday, when there were large congregations. The instrument obtained was formerly in use at the Merivaie Ohuroh, but it has been very considerably improved by Mr Jenkins, who has made the following important additions : — BourdoD, 16ft ; stopped diapason, Bft, bass ; ditto, treble ; open diapason, Bft ; dulciana, Bft ; principal, 4f b. The organ has — excepting the front pipos and tbe bourdon — been enclosed in a swell, and has thus been rendered a oomplete and really effective instrument. At yesterday's special services the collections realised £18 6s. Tabbbvaolb Modsl.— lt has been announcod that a lecture on " Tho Tabernacle, and its symbolical teachings," is to be given at eight o'clook this evening, in the Congregational sohoolroom, by Mr T. S. Mannering. The lecture is to be illustrated by means of a very perfect model, made at the Orphan Home, Bristol ; and it haß been arranged to have this admirable piece of workmanship placed for publio inspection from 7 to 8 o'olook. Some idea of its completeness may be inferred from the faot that the Oourt floor dimensions of the model are 9ft by 4ft Sin, the floor space of the tabernacle itßelf being 2ft 6in by lOin. Another Nbwwamib Libbl Cabk.— Mr Joseph Ivees, the well-known newspaper proprietor, visited Ohriatohuroh to-day for the purpose of instructing his solioitor, Mr Wilding, in a civil action for libel against the proprietor of the Ashburton Guardian, Mr "W. H. Zouch. The alleged libel iB contained in a letter — "Mr Ivess and the Co-operative Association j " signed, " A Lover of Truth," whioh appeared in the Guardian of last Friday evening. We understand that before taking legal proceedings against the proprietor, Mr Ivees demanded the name of the writer and tho publication of an apology ; but without effect. Tikabu| Hospital— The returns for August show that there were 54 patients treated at this Hospital during the month. Sixteen males and 3 females were discharged as oured, 6 patients were released, 2 males wero discharged as inourable, and 2 males and 1 female died. At the beginning of the present month thoro were 19 males and 5 females under treatment. Intbbcolonial Wbatheb Bxobanob.-— The following information was reoeived from Sjdney on Saturday evening : — " The depression first roported on Wednesday ib now passing over Hobart, with the barometer 29*4. The front odge passed Sydney yesterday at 8 p.m., and tho barometer has fallen to 29 8, with strong north and weat winds. The rate of eastward progress of the centre is about 400 miles per diem." Thb Municipal Emotions.— Mr James Tait, one of tho two candidates for tho vacant seat in the South* weßt. Ward of the city has formally withdrawn from the contest. Mr C. Louisson, the remaining candidate, will therofore be deolared elected. Distbiot Coubt.— Owing to the fact of the date for the opening of tbe rext session of the District Court falling on a Saturday, the Court will not ait till the following Monday, Sept. 12. Ajpointmbntb.— Mr Howley, late Deputy Commissioner of Property tax at Timaru, has been appointed Clerk to the Distriot and Magistrate's Court at Timaru, a position he formerly held. The Property tax office in Timaru hoa been closed. Pigbon Fliing.— The undecidod tumbler pigeon 'flying match, contested ''last week, was decided on Tuesday, August 30. Mr W. Williams' Kit flew 46 mm; Mr t*. Bryenton's, 33 mm; Mr J. Teasedale's, 21 mm. The day of the match was very windy, which accounts for the very short time the birds flew. A meeting of all persons interested in tumbler pigeons will be called at sn early date, for tho purpose of forming a Tumbler Pigeon Flying Olub. Tub Steamboat Disabtbb.— A Dunedin paper gives the namo of tho ateamer lost on the South African coast aB tho Teuton, not Fenton, and explains that the Union Steamship Oompany referred to in tho telegram on Friday is a line subsidised by Cape Colony to run between Plymouth and the Cape. The Teuton, we believe, is tho boat in which the Empress Eugenic went Homo from the Cape after her visit to the death-place of the Prince Imperial. The "Pibatbs op Pbnzangb." — Mr Weightman haß made his appearance in j Ohriatohuroh again for the purpose of making arrangements for another season of opera. The "Pirates" will be reproduced on Saturday night and run for a weok, after whioh "Tho Chimes" will take its place. Mr Cary, aa was to be expected, haß had a moat successful season in Dunedin, and as theatregoers will not have anothor opportunity of witnessing Gilbort and Sullivan's oharming opera for an indefinite period, tho return of hia popular company to this oity will no doubt be welcomed with great satisfaction. The season will be a vory short one, as the near approach of tho expiratio a of Mr Cary's copyright reuders it necessary to travel northwards as quickly as possible. The box oifice is now open at Montague's, High street. Inqubsts. — An inquest was held on the body of John Neiman, at Love's Hotel, East Oxford, ou Saturday, bofore D. Sladden, Esq., and a jury of twelvo, of which Mr B. t H. Parish was chosen Foreman. The medical ovidonco adduced proved that the unfortunate man died of dieease of the heart, and a verdict of " Died from natural causes " was roturnod. — An inquest on the body of the boy Francis Phillips, who was killed in a mine at Sheffield on Wedneaday last, waß hold on Friday betoro Mr D. J. Knya, Coroner, and a jury, of which Mr J. Pither was choson Foroman. Several witnesses wore examined. Sydney Phillipß, brothor of deceased, dopoßod thut he was just picking up his tools in order to learo tho spot, when a piece of mino dirt, about a hundredweight, fell. Ho then triod to convey his brothor out of tho mino, but woe prevontcd by his light going out, and, aftor obtaining help, lifo was found to bo extinct. Tlio evidence did nofc tend to show any negU" - * on the part of tho Manager of tho mino, ar,. tho jury relumed a verdict of " Accidental death."

Accident. — About noon yesterday, as Dr Prins' wus driving along the Biccarton road, the horse stumbled and fell on his knees near the entrance to the cricket ground. The shafts of tho trap wero broken, and Dr Prins and the driver were thrown out. Fortunately neither of them sustained any severe injury. The Oathbdbali Bblls. — These bells are now hung in their position in the belfry. The arrangoments for chiming are also fixed. The ringers have already held two or three " dumb" practiceß,the clappers of tho bells being fastened to prevent them from Bounding. Football. — The return match between Ashburton and Geraldine, whioh was played in the ABhburton Domain on Saturday, resulted, after some passable play, in a touchdown for Aahburton against nil. Lbithmbld Lodgb, 1.0.0. F., M.U.— The anniversary of thiß Lodge was celebrated on Friday evening by a ball in the public hall, and proved most successful the room being well filled. The mueio was supplied by a local band. Mbs Waltbb Hill. — It ie in contemplation to give this lady a benefit this week -on Friday if the theatre can be obtained on that day. Mr Cary, wbo at present holds the lease of tho place, will, wo understand, be telegraphed to on the subjeot to-day. Tub Baiiwat Tabipp.— A meeting' to consider the question of the railway charges was held in the Corn Exchange on Saturday afternoon. A Committee was appointed to draw up a memorial requesting Government to make some alteration in the charges. A report of the proceedings appears in another column. Pionbbb Biotoib Club.— The opening run of the season took place on Saturday, but as thoro was a strong wind blowing only aix members and a friend put in an appearance, and owing to the same cause the run terminated at Kaiapoi instead of Woodend. Tbe return run was a pleasant one, the wind being favourable. The bicycles ridden were three Challenges, two Excelsiors, two Humbers and one Club, ranging in size from 50 to 56 inches. The runs for this month are — Sept. 10, Halswell ; 17th, Governor's Bay ; 24th, Kaiapoi. TUB Cathbdbal Ob<JAN. — We have been requested by the Very Bey the Dean of Ohristchuroh to publish the following advertisement, taken from the London Daily Telegraph, of July 15 :— " Organ recitals— Messrs Hill and Son beg to announce that Mr W. T. Beßt, of Liverpool, will give two organ recitals on the instrument just completed «for the cathedral, Ohristohuroh, New Zealand, in the large building room, at their works, "York road, Camden road North, on Tuesday, July 19, at 3 p.m., and Wednesday, the 20th, at 7.30 p.m. A limited number of tickets can be obtained on application to Messrs Hill." Band op Hopb.— A well attended and successful entertainment, in connection with the above, waß held in the' Baptist Church, Oxford terrace, on Saturday, there beiug about 400 present. The Bey 0. Dallaston presided. Recitations and vocal selections were given by mombers, and Mr Moore introduced a number of magic lantern illustrations from views of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," also several well-selected comical pictures, which created roars of laughter. Votes of thanks were passed to Mr Moore and all thoße who had assisted in the entertainment, and thus tormina! Ed a very successful meeting. Kieweb. — A meeting of the Committee appointed by the residents of this place was held on Wednesday evening, to consider the advisability and practicability of erecting a hall and library here. After some discussion, it was resolved that, in consideration of the support promised, and the gift of a section of land by Mr J. W. Bawle, of Greendale, it was advisable that immediate steps be taken in the matter. It was decided that the name should be "The Kirwee Temperance Hall and Library " Lists were opened, and each member of the Committee promised to use every endeavour to collect subscriptions. Mr H. 0. Frere has kindly consented to act as Hon Treasurer,- Hon Seoretary, Mr H. W. Jennings. Masonio Funbbal. — Yesterday afternoon the funeral of the late Bro W. Jenkins took place. The deceaaed had for about four years filled the office of Tyler of the Bobert Burns Masonio Lodge (No. 604, S.O), and his remains were followed to their last resting place by a large number of the brethren of his Lodge ; the Bister Lodges represented being the Conyers (Sydenham), Concord (Papanui), acd the Canterbury (Christchurch). Members of the Protestant Alliance also attended, the procession, which numbered about 290, forming an imposing gathering. The coffin was borne to the hearse, and from it to the grave in the Scotch Cemetery by officers of the Kobert Burns Lodgo. The Bey O. Dallaston conducted the funeral service, and subsequent! 7 the Grand Masonio ritual was impressively rendered by the Bight Worshipful Blaster and Chaplain (Broß J. O. Watson and J. Anderson) of the Bobert Bums. At the cemetery there was a very large attendance of the general public, the respect which had always attached to the deceased being demonstrated in a marked degree on this last sad occasion. A concert is announced to be given in the Harewood road Schoolroom oa Wednesday next, commencing at 7.30 p.m.

Eailwats of New South Wales. — The report of tho Now South Wales Commissioner for Bailways, for the year 1880, shows that at the close of the year, 849£ miles were open for traffic, and 347 were in course of construction. Tho total net earnings of the year, after payment of all expenses, were £513,219, being at the rate of £3 18s lOd per cent on the total capital expended, or £4 7s 2d per cent on the capital represented by the lines open for traffio. The working expenses were 55$ per cent of the total earnings, k and the distance run by all trains during the year was 3,239,472 miles. The total number of passengers who used the lines was 5,440,138. lhe total sum which had been expended on the construction of tbe lines up to the end of the year was £13,042,041, and the lines open represented £11,778,819 of this amount. Gbnbbal Bakbb.— Baker Pasha has been reinstated a member of the Army and Navy Club by 359 votes to 38. Ho had ceased to be a momber of the Club owing to his conviction beforo a Criminal Court and subsequent removal from the army. The. rules of the Club, however, provide that, in the cape of a momber thus ceasing to belong, "should it he the opinion of any fifty mombers (not being ef tho Committee) tbat the cause of his quitting the servico does not affect hia character as a gentleman, or should the (oriminal) conviction from subsequent evidence be set aside, he shall be eligible for re-election without payment of entrance fee." Tho conviction of Baker Pagha has not been set aside, but in consequence of his military services abroad the members of the Army ana Navy Club have by a majority of more than ten to one reinstated him to full Olub privileges. Bailway Extension in South Austbalia. — A correspondent of the South Australian Register, in dißcußßing the returns from the proposed railway from Adelaide to Port Darwin, says :—" Every extension of 200 j miles of tho Gums railway will make accessible country 200 miles ahead of it and 400 miles in width, equal to 80,000 square miles, which, at the increased rental, would soon produce in round figures £33,000. The coßt of making 200 miles of railway would be, say, £700,000 ; this ut 4 per cent interest would cost tho Colony £28,000, leaving a balance of £5000 to tho good for working expenses. Trains would not be run oftener than twice a week, and I feel cortain that the up traffio of paasengera, wire, Btores, kc, and return traffic of procuce, such as wool, livo stock, minerals, ko., would fully cover working expenses. It may bo said that, as the Government now getß 2. Gd per mile, that should be deducted from the increased rent. But as tho loss to individuals, which this rent now is, can bo no gain to the State in the long run, I contend it is fair to leavo it out of the question. How long will the present lessees hold it at a lots ? An extonsion of 200 miles would givo us tho whelo of tho trado of eouthwestern Q.uoenslivod."