Local & General.

♦ Anotheb Stba>jok Stout.— A man called at the police dopM jon Sunday, und roported that ho hud been " stuck up " by two men near the Hush Inn. Ho give a circumstantial story of Im asauilante' conduct, saying that when ho told them ho had no money, one of them exclaimed — "AYe must hare somothing!" Bim'uhed un overcoat ho was carrying, and iiuido off with it. Dfltective JNeill spont two hours' in making inquiries as to tho supposed attack yesterday afternoon, and this morning on applying at the various pawnshops it win found that an overcoat had been pawned by a person answering to the dee; ription of tho man who had given information to the polico on tho previous day. When tho gentleman in question waa interviewed by tho police and questioned further as to his overcoal, ho said ho had heard nothing further of it i ho vraa perauuded, howovtr, to submit, to a search, being made in his pockel, and hia confusion may bo imagined when Iho j> wrt ticket was found in his possession. The explanation that is suggested tor his strange conduct is that having piwiiod tho overcoat und probably expended tho proceeds in liquor, ho had aocounted to his wifo for tho missing article by asserting that he had been robbed. Possibly hia better-half had Borne doubts as to hia verucity, and wished to put it to tho test ; but from whatever reason moving li-r, sho declared hnr intontion of at or.co informing tho police of the matter if her husband did not. Ihe husband aforesaid, thinking it better U> havo tho game in his own hands, promised to go to tho depot hinisel', little thinking that ho would be so soon " bowled out " in his attempt at imposition.

iNTEHCOtONIAL WbATHBB EXCHANGB.— Ihe following telegram has been receivod : — " Sydney, Saturday : A depression has passed to tho eastward from Australia. There wero moderato B.E. winds, with overcast sky, on the south coast and Tasmania. A high sea and strong southerly squalls were prevalent on tho S.K. coast of New South Wales. The The barometer registers : (25tb), 29 7 ; Portland, 30 1 ; Hobart, 30 0 ; Sydney, 298." Mb Kobebt Stout. — This gentleman will deliver a lecture, in connection with the Canterbury Free Thought Association, on " Evolution and Theism," on Wednesday evening next — not Thursday, as previously stated. It will be Been by advertisement, in another column, that tho Theatre Hoyal haß been obtained for the purpose. Thb Coming * Nominations. — Preparations are to be made for the forthcoming nomination of members for the city by the erection of a platform or hustings in front of the City Council Chambers for the convenience of tho speakers on that occasion. The Mayoral Election.— lt has been notified by an advertisement in the morning papers that Mr James Gapes has withdrawn from tho Mayoral contest, which will therefore lio between Messrs Taylor and Euddenklau. B. M. Coubt, Lyitei/ton. —Mr John Ollivier has been temporarily appointed resident magistrate for the Lyttelton district', and will sib on Mondays and Thursdays regularly, and at other times when required. New Stbbbts. —An advertisement in another oolumn notifies that Mortimer Place and Ljttelton street will be public streets on and after December 6 next. The Waxwobks.— There was a large attendance at the Waxworks Exhibition on Saturday, a number of children availing themselves of tho million prices that prevailed. In the evening Mr Kobler gave another of his musical performances, which, as usual, met with the appreciation of a numerous audience. The Mayobal Elections. — A public meeting will be held this evening at the Academy of Music, to hear the views of the candidates for the office of Mayor for Christchurch for the ensuing year. The poll will be taken on Wednesday, at the Oity Council Chambers.