Latest Locals.

Thk New Mayor. — Mr S. Manning, the newly-installed Mayor of Christchurch, was sworn in as a Justice of the Peace before His Honor Mr Justice Denniston to-day. The Exhibition. — One business firm in Christchurch has already followed tho laudable example said to have been set by a certain bank, and arranged to pay the : expenses of its clerks on a visit to the I Exhibition at Dunedin. Supreme Court. — His Honor Mr Justice Denniston this morning delivered judgment in the caae of Gould v. Gould, in which certain points in the will of the late Mr George Gould were referred to his Honor for elucidation. The Akaroa Boat Accident.— A correspondent telegraphs : — " Deceased, being a good swimmer, tried to gain the shore, but becoming entangled in kelp was drowned. Wilkinson, who clung to the boat, was rescued. An inquest will be held to-day." Theatrical. — Mr Bosco Wilson, the well-known advance agent, passed through Christchurch to-day on his way to Wellington, where he goes to meet Mr George Darrell, who opens in Wellington on Boxing Day. Intercolonial Bicycle Races. — A telegram received by Mr Bowles this morning intimates that the Dunedin riders who jintend competing at the intercolonial I bicycle races will leave by Tuesday's I express; also, that a special correspondent of the Otago Daily Times will accompany the party. "Instantaneous Photography." — Under the heading, " Instantaneous Pocket Photography," Messrs Haggitt and Percy, of Wellington, advertise in another column a little apparatus, very simple in it 3 construction, which will no doubt become very popular as a means of harmless practical joking. Anyone can use it, as but little technical skill is required for its successful manipulation. Wesleyan Schoolroom, Durham Street. — The cake and apron fair will be continued this evening and to-morrow evening, opening at six, when the balance of the goods wiil be offered., and a large I attendance is anticipated. Eefreshments l will be provided. The Australian Blondin.— To-morrow evening there will be a great attraction at the Palace Sink, where attractions appear to succeed one another in rapid sequence. To-morrow the attraction will be Alexander, I the " Australian Blondin," and Professor Jackson on the tight rope and trapeze. Both men are firßt-clasß artists in their special "lines." Rifle Shooting.— The following will shoot for the Christchurch "Rifle Club, with Martini rifles, against the honorary Reserve Corps, on Saturday, on the range of the former :— Messrs F. W. Sandford (captain), J. Fox, J. E. Bashford, T. H. Anderson, C. G. Foster, S. W. Lester, C. Allison, J. B. Hackworth, J. Scott, and R. W. Richardson; emergency— S. M. M'Gee. Msat Export Company. — A meeting of the shareholders of the New Zealand Meat Export Company was held in Warner's Commercial Hotel this afternoon, when there was only a small attendance of those interested. Mr J. Hurae, Chairman of Directors, was voted to the chair, and Mr T. W. Stringer, solicitor to the Company, attended. At the outset the representatives of the Press were requested to retire, the proceedings being, it wa3 stated, of a private nature. New Zealand Ammunition. — The ammunition made by Captain Whitney, at Auckland, appears to be winning its way into favour with shooting men. It has been used this season by the Christchurch Rifle Club, and some excellent scores have been made with it. It is considered by some persons to be now superior to any ammunition used by our riflemen in the past two years, except Eley's, whioh was issued at the New Zealand Rifle Association Meeting at Oamaru. A quantity has been sent to the Christchurch Rifle Club to be specially tested, and tho trial will take place shortly. U.A.O.D. — The Oak oE Sydenham Lodge's half-yearly meeting was held on Wednesday night. The correspondence, quarterly accounts, and nomination, of officers having been dealt with, the delegates on the Gala Committee gave in a report. It was decided to request (by advertisement) all members to meet at the Orange Hall on Boxing Day to take part in the procession. The question as to the advisability of rescinding the minute on the books whioh states that this Lodge is not in favour of a District Grand Lodge for Canterbury, but of a United D.G.L., was taken. After a considerable amount of discussion pro and eon, it was decided not to rescind the minute. The Lodge was then closed. Receipts of the evening, J875 15s. The Wool Sales.— The sale 3 were resumed this afternoon, when Messrs Pyne and Co., F. C. Tabart (for himself and the New Zealand Farmers* Co-operative AEsocia- ! tion),the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency, and C. Newton and Son submitted theirrespectivecataloguea. The sale waßnot I so brisk as on the previous day, and in aome instances prices were not considered to be as high. Several of the larger clips were in consequence withdrawn, but in all probability they will be disposed of in this market privately. Several private sales were effected last night after the auction had been concluded, the buyers being .anxious to secure the wool, and therefore in many cases giving owner's reserves to -secure it. Thk Art Union Prizes.— The first prize in the Friendly Societies' Art Union, viz., a section of land and cottage in Gordon street, was won by Mr A. Verrall, of St Albana, and though Mr E. Smith stamped over 2000 tickets, and promised an extra £25 to the winner of this prize it the winning ticket bore his stamp, he was not called upon to pay it. The Lipp piano ticket was sold in Rangiora by Mr H: Wilson, but to whom is not as yet known. Mr M. Peryer, a railway guard, secured the third prize piano; Mr Maynard, of Sydenham, the fourth. A flection of land and the suite of furniture went toMrsSimmonds, of Martin ■fcreet. The officers were busy- distributing the prizes all day.