Latest Locals.

The moßt intense frost experienced in Christohurch this season, occurred during Saturday night.

The New Zealand football team arrived from Sydney at Wellington this morning per the Wakatipu.

The Yen Archdeacon Harper will read a paper " On some Statistics of Church Work in England," at the meeting of the Cathedral TJnion this evening. Details of the special performance to be given in the Theatre Royal on Thursday evening, for a benevolent purpose, are advertised in this issue.

It is stated that a meeting of the supporters of Sir Julius Vogel's candidature lor Christchurch North is to be held this evening.

We are in a position to say that though many efforts have been made to induce Mr C. P. Hulbert to come forward as a candidate for the Stanmore seat, and he has been assured of considerable support, he has decided not to accept the offers of his friends in this respect. Mr Buchanan may be congratulated on Hia success in casting the new bell for the Liehfield street Fire Brigade station. The bell was taken oat of the mould this morning, and is a nn| specimen of casting. Its note is A sharp, and the tone is excellent, being loud, clear, and resonant.

Friends of the late Mr W. J. W. Hamilton •will be interested to learn that his son, Mr E. M. Hamilton, who has been pursuing his architectural studies in London, has lately passed the probationary compulsory examination necessary to secure him admission to the Royal Institute of British Architects. He has now been elected an Associate of the Institution.

People who take advantage of the opportunity for a nice stroll afforded them by the unrestricted use of the Public Domain, should avail themselves of the privilege without abusing it, and endeavour to assist the efforts of the curator to preserve the admirable features of the Gardens from any avoidable injury. One thing they can do, and frequently do not do, is to close the gates after them so as to prevent dogs entering and running over the borders. On the other hand, when closing the gates they need not slam them to with violence, as has evidently been done once too often, for one of the handsome iron gates, erected not long ago at the principal entrance, has been fractured near the lock, and in consequence has had to be changed to the other side, where it is not used.

At the Eesident .Magistrate's Court, Kaiapoi, this morning, a case of unlawfully supplying liquor having broken down after lengthened adjournment for the convenience of the police, Mr Nalder, solicitor for the defence, drew the attention of the Bench to the hardship suffered by those against whom informations were laid, from the fact of there being no provision for obtaining costs against the police in the event of such charges falling through. Mr "VVhitefoord said he would always be desirous of meeting the public convenience by directing the police to give proper notice after adjournment of required attendance. He stated that there was no power to grant costs in such cases. The Lyttelton Times Dramatic Society will give their jvnrmn.l performance in the course of the next eight weeks, and have determined upon giving three entertainments, for which purpose they have secured the Theatre Uoyal for the nights of August 22, 23, and 25. The pieces to be played have not yot been definitely fixed, but in all probability tho comedy will be H. J. Byron's masterpiece, "Cyril's Success." The performances of this Societyare always largely patronised, and no doubt the above announcement will be read with interest by those who have heretofore attended them. The proceeds of this year's season- are, it is understood, to be divided between the Lyttelton Times Sick Fund and one of the benevolent institutions of the city.

It is with sincere regret we have to announce the decease of a respected Lyttelton townsman, Mr J. W. Smith (late of the firm of Brown and Smith), the news of whose death was received this morning

from Wellington. For many months past the deceased has been in bad health, but recovered sufficiently to be able to take a sea voyage to Sydney, where,it was thought that he would be completely restored. This, however, was not to be the case, as news was received that he was returning by the s.s. Wakatipu, and that it was doubtful if he would reach Wellington alive. Such has proved the case, the deceased having succumbed prior to the vessel arriving at her destination. The deceased will be much missed by those who knew him. As a mark of respect the flags of the various stores and shipping in the harbour were, on receipt of the news, lowered half-mast high.