NEWS OF THE DAY.

San Francisco Mail.—Tlic Oinape-« with the southern portion of the San fra*-.. Cisco mail, loft Wellington at 4.30 yesterdiy morning. The mail reached Christchurc.

about midnight and will be delivered thU

morning. Prkiuh.bton.—Tho Montecillo Minstreli gave a very good entertainment in the* Prebbleton Town Hall on Tuesday last. Over 200 were present, and showed their appreciation by their hearty applause. Gymnastic Drsi'L.w.— A combined gym., nastic display and concert will bo lieui on Thursday evening at the Kaiapoi Volunteer.' Drill Hall, under the supervision of the Captain and officers of tho Volunteers and the Football Club.

The General Election.—Mr G. Runner, who is a candidate for Ashley at the forth-

coming general election, will address the Cheviot electors at Domett School to-morrow and at tho Schoolroom, M'Kenzie, on Wednesday.

Fkndaltox Dramatic Ct.un.--A ver

enjoyable entertainment was given by thu Club in the district schoolroom on Friday evening. There was a large and appreciative audience. The proceeds were in aid of the Suiuhiy-school building fund, whioh will be materially augmontcd.

Malvern.—This last week has given the farmers a very good lift, as the weather ii

perfect. Spring cropping is going ahead rapidly in all direction. Lambing, despite the bad weather during the early part of tho month, will show a good percentage - and in some part* an extraordinary one. In several cases tho loss was severe. The spring pro* raises to be an early one. Waltuam CnmnAUK Club.—A meeting.l the Waltham Cribbago Club was hold in their rooms on Friday evening, for the purpose of presenting prizes given by Messrs Rogers, Lethaby, Ward and Munns for competition between the members. The President (Mr Rogers) occupied tho chair, and thanked the various gentlemen for their fifts. The successful competitors were fessrs R. Fisher, Weir, Bryden, and Deighton. , , .'*.¥, Morris Tcbr Shooting.•—On FricUv evening, the members of the Christchurch Working Men's Club Rifle Class fired another competition at the - -200 yards range for prizes presented by Messrs S. Manning and Co., E Rcoce anu Sons, Sargood, Son and Ewen, Hubbard, Hall and Co. and the Universal Boot Com* pany. The following were the highest Bcoi.B:—-W. A. Caldwell (3) 35, J. Hastis. (scr) 34, J. Hounsoll (4) 33, IS. Barlow (2) 32, G. H. Rodmill (2) 31. Thr (iootRKY Skason. —As already intimated, Mr Charles Godfrey and hfi company will commence tho Christchurch season at the Theatre Royal to-morrow evening, when Mr Godfrey will introduce his celebrated dramatic song-picture "Oft Guard." Tho Dunedin season closed on Saturday evening and was a most enthusiastic affair. The house was packed to overflow* ing, and tho police stopped the sale of tickets. Mr Godfrey was cheered to the ooho, the lady members of the company wert complimented with bouquets, and every' member of the company was called ana re-called at the termination of tho performance.

Tiiß Lyceum.—There was a large audienoe in tho Lyceum last night, when two lecture! were given, the first showing the wondere of the " Southern Alps," and in the second Mr W. Bickerton gave his experiences and adventures in the recent trip made by him to the Macquarie Islands, which was illustrated by lantern slides from photographs taken by himself. A special feature of the evening was the delivery of a prologue ' intermezzo and epilogue, specially written' for a young lady in the character of a moun" tain nymph, with appropriate cloud scenery, the "coloured lights on which had a verj pretty effect. Saturday's Markets.—There wa* an entry of fifty-Bix horses in the yards on' Saturday, when there was an active demand for draughts, best selling at £21 10s to £2*l 15a, medium £15 to £19 10a, beat harnes*. horses £14 to £16 10s, medium £7 to £11, hacks £6 to £12. At tho produce market there was a fair supply of pigs, and good prices were obtained. Weaners made 6s 3d to 10s 6d, small stores 10s 6d to 14s 6d, larger do unto 17s 6d, porkers 19b to 24« 6d. sows 255. Poultry were in short supply and an active demand caused high values to rule. Hens sold at 2s 3d to 6s, roosters 3s 3d to 4« 3d, ducks 4s 6d to 5s 6d, geese 5s to 7s, tnrkey hens 6s 6d to 10s, gobblers 13s to 16s 6d. St. Joirs Ambulance Association-.—Dr. Thomas completed the examination of the 1: women's medallion classes, lately instructed, by Drs. Diamond and Clayton, on Friday <„ last. Of forty candidates, thirty-four presented themselves for examination and passed. Their names are as follows :—Mlf» ', I. Bates, Miss R. Blakiston, Miss E. A. Bower, Miss D. A. Cabot, Miss M. Fcrrar, -' Miss T. Frame, Miss D. Godfrey, Miss G. Glanville, Miss C. A. Henderson, Miss C, Higginbottom, Miss L. Johnston, Miss H. Johnston, Miss M. Le„ie, Miss V. Manning,. Miss J. Menzica, Miss E. M. Morton, Mim G. E. Neeve, Miss E. Newell, Miss A. E. Newell, Miss K. Old, Miss 8. Patterson, Miss A. Pftpprill, Miss R. Papprill, Miss M. J. Page, Miss M. T. Purchas, Miss A. E. Reeves, Miss 8. L. Robinson, Mi*s Rose, Miss M. M. Stephens, Miss A. J. Stewart, Miss E. Scott, Miss J. N, Teape, Mise A. Thomson and Mrs C. A. Wagstaff. St. Mary's, ManchkstkrStrket.—-Y esterday the feast of *■« The Holy Namo of Mary " was celebrated at St. Mary's, Manchester street North, when there were very large congregations both morning and evening. At 7 a. in. Mass was celebrated by the Very Rev. Father Ginaty, and at 11 a.m. Wehor's Mass was excellently sung by the choir. Miss Lucy Ryan sang the soprano solos artistically, Miss Oaken taking the contralto, Mr A. H. Blake the tenor, aud Mr L. Blake tho bass. Tho choir waa supported by a full orchestra, ably conducted by Mr H. Roesiter. A very dtrong orchestra has been got together by Mf Rossiter, and it renders groat assistance in interpreting the fine music of the Masses. At the morning service the Rev. Father Marnane, who celebrated the Mass, read a recent encyclical letter from his Holiness the Pope on "The Reunion of Christendom." Vespers were sung in the evening by the Rev. Father Marnane, and the Very Rev. Father Cummings, V.G., preached an eloquent sermon on "Salvation," taking •» his text the words " What shall it prpfl* " a man if he gain the whole world and .<*•-, hia own soul?"

*r ffls Pcitoot. of Art.—The next term of the Sohool of Art will open on Monday, 21st -"v H0 A Rowing Clur—The annual ,;jj,; _f the V.M.C.A. Rowing Club will Ejicl-fon Friday next nt 8 p.m. r-s-wooD BoßOcnu Council.—The usual eeiins oi the Linwood Borough Council Sill lie held this evening. V,i.vjtuy —The Court Star of Dunsandel, *0 V held their eighth anniversary concert-' and dance in the Hall on Friday

•-.ning. , Wrv-MtNi'TOS'. — "lie seating capacity of ,v e ~_._n.ington schcol was well taxed on Frklnv. when Mr T. E. Taylor delivered an Jddress on Prohibition. Richmond Swimmin<* Cf.ru.-—The annual eeneral'meet-ng of the Richmond Amateur Iwimiumg Club will take place in the Richmond School on Thursday next, at S p.m. Cm" Council. —-Tiie ordinary meeting of *_> City Council, at which the newly elected Sobers «-ilH»ko will be held thhevenins, at the usual hour. Photo Section.—Th. ordinary meeting of th" Section will be held this evening, as usual, at the L:d»..-,v...ry, Canterbury College. The evennicr promises to be very interepting, as well as instructive. Tai Tavu Dajky F.utoky.—At a meettag of Director.*, held on Thursday after2on, Mr J-Johiistoiic, formerly of SouthLnd,'was appointed nian/iger. Th.re were unApplicants for the petition. gfKimNO or RATi-r.wi-Mi.--.—A meeting of ratepayers of Sydenham to discuss municipal matter!", which has been convened on requisition by tho Mayor, will be held at the Minion Hall to-night. Memorial iSKiiVici-:. —At. T.'im'y Congrecational Church, last, evening, the Key. Sidney J. Baker conducted a service in memorvof the lute Mr J. P. Jameson, for many years associated with the Church and town*- ■ .ck-s'OWl.f.h.'jmknt.—lhe matron of the School for Deaf Mules d<-.?ircs to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of a parcel of photographs from E. Wheeler and Sons, also of a suck of walnuts from Mrs Scanvll/Dflllington. Pr.i-.s*.\-T.vn<-i.\\ —On Saturday a presenta-t«tioii"v.-aR made by Mr Latterly on the part of the employee--- in M. O'Brien and Co.'s factory to Mr \V. Eeuttie, on the occasion of his approaching marriage. The presentation took the form of a handsome table

lamp. A ... Cokckut at YAr-DiTt-RST. —A con.er. will be given at Ytddhurst to-morrow evening, for which a very excellent programme has been arranged. Items will be given by Mrs Fox, Miss Campbell, Captain Feed. Thomas, Messrs Reed, 'Ryan and Colling. Tiie comedietta "My Lady Help " will also be played by the Fendalton Dramati. Ciub. WoM'KSS Poune.u. Assoclvvton. —The Weekly meeting of the Women's Political Association took place on Wednesday at the (Temperance Hall, G ioueestcr street west, and was well attended. Six new members were elected. It was resolved to support the candidature of Mrs Blake for a seat on the Charitable Aid Board. Arrangements were made for a social to welcome the return from Wellington of Mr W. W. Collins, M.H.R., and Mrs Collins. POLTCK News.—On Saturday evening two men were arrested by Constable Cummins for fighting in Gloucester street. While Constable Millard was arresting a woman for drunkenness on Saturday evening he was assaulted by a man, whom he also arrested, with the assistance of a bystander. The man will be charged with the assault told damaging the constable's shako, and •with vagrancy. Open Am Music.— The Stanmore brass band will perform the following programme of music, under Bandmaster I>. McKillop, OJi the band rotunda, to-morrow evening, at B o'clock (weather permitting) : —Contest quickstep, -'The Moa"; valso (en suite), ■"Myrine"; selection, "I Puritani," Dunedin contest selection; polka, '* Imperial"; quickstep, " Ballarat "; overture, "Knight Templar"; vnlse, "Sweet Harmonies"; inarch, "Never Surrender " "God Save tho Queen." A collection will be taken up in aid ot the contest expenses.

ASHBUKTON Hocjcev CI.U)!. — A concert under the auspices of the Ashburton Hockey Club was given in the local Orange Hall on September:loth.. Items were contributed by .Mr H. A. Gates's storing band, Miss Simmonds, Miss K. Watson (Christchurch), Mr Cowlishaw, Miss Tompkins, Miss M. "Fooks, Mrs E. Saunders, Mr J. R. Sharp, MrT. H.Kilbride, Mr Kersel, Mr T. Jr.. 'Tfptdn, Mr L. Broad, Mr E. Sullivan and Others. The accompaniments were nicely played by Miss E. Orr.

Thk Samaritan Home.—A very attractive programme has been prepared for the entertainment to be given on Thursday evening next in aid of the Samaritan Home. It will include an address by Bishop Julius on "Charity," a lecturette by Professor Bickerton on "Chemical Affinities," and Messrs Seager and Salter's very interesting entertainment " A Christmas Carol." The institution is one well worthy of public support, and there ought to be a crowded house on Thursday evening.

Borough of Woolston.—The ordinary •meeting of this Couucil was held on Thursday. Present—His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Milne, Gimblett, Anderson, Rennie, end Hawkins. Councillors Garland, Hobson, and Lord, who had been newly elected, after signing the usual declaration took their seats. The following correspondence waa -dealt with:—From Inspector of Slaughterhouses, reporting that Dixon's slaughter■yard was in a satisfactory condition. Received. From Messrs Maude .and Harman, relative to .Mrs Secretan's rates. It was left to the Clerk to deal with. From Mr Tanner, M.H.R., in re the Lyttelton Harbour Board Extension Bill. Received. From Mr Connal, stating he would be pleased to meet the Committee from the Council on the Canal Reserve. Received, From Mr Tabart, re the clipping of hi. fences. Received. The report of the Works Committee was adopted, and the different works recommended left to the Committee to havo carried out. It was resolved that in future all road scrapings over nnd above what may be needed for the Councils own purposes be disposed of to the residents at 6d per load. It was reeved that a letter be written the Lyttelton Harbour Board, informing them that some heavy slip.-* of the river bank had occurred m the Heathcote, thereby obstructing the channel, and to request that they will, as soon us possible, take steps to have the obstruction removed and the bank secured against fmlber slips. It was resolved that the Clerk give notice to all those who are in the habit of inking vehicles over the footpaths without providing proper crossings that such practices are an infringement of the by-laws nnd cannot be allowed. The financial report was adopted, and the accounts a? presented were ordered to be paid. The Clerk laid on the table a state ment of receipts and expenditure of the omerent divisions of the borough as from the Ist April, 18*35, to the 31st March, 1896, .which was considered satisfactory, and it Was resolved that a statement in the same •term be prepared in future as early as convenient m the month of April annually, lhe schedule of extra duties in connection with the new arrangement made with the Uerk was adopted. It was resolved that a cordial vote of thanks be recorded to Mr E. fe. \\ ood upon his i .tiring from the Council tor the very valuable and excellent services rendered by him to the borough. Cr. Hobson was appointed on the Finance Committee, and Lr. Garland to be a member of the \\ orka Committee. It was resolved that Lr. Milne be authorised to sign cheques in conjunction with the Mayor. ° Cr. Hobson moved, and Cr. Hawkins seconded-" That all that portion 0 f By-law &o. 7 between tie WO rd s 'building' and 'shall •be struck out. Carried.

fi Sotetemr. Co.RT.-His Honour Mr Justice -Uenmston will leave for Oamaru by to-day's express. His Honour then goes on "to Uunedm and Inverea. gill, taking the Timaru •sessions on his way back to Christchurch. Ukspoillvb a Garden-.—On Thursday evening the garden of Mr Rutherford, Winchester street, Lyttelton, was robbed of ■onw choice bulbs. On Saturday mornintr two youths were arrested by Constable Moore and charged with the theft.

An. Important Maiti:r._a letter from •ge London Chamber of Commerce to the Unterbury Chamber, which appears else* Jhere, is worthy of the serious attention of those interested. The figures cited in the tetter show most conclusively what an enormous amount of money is wasted annually 2ini ie re * kl f. 3 , mttn °cr in which the sheep"skins and hides are cut by the butchers *hen slaughtering the animals. Under the cE ces poiuted out h y the **>n*°* Chamber some steps should undoubtedly be »•»__!? Garly _** poS9iWe to 'the yea m ° ney now goes oa V*** h ?

Masonic—The ordinary monthly meeting of the Canterbury Lodge, 1048, E.G., was held on Friday evening. There was a goodly number present, including several visiting brethren.

The Cm* Cou.vcrx.—The only mw members who will take their seats to-night in the City Council will ba Cr. Cooper, who succeeds Mr Connal for the North-east Ward, and Cr. Stapleton, who succeeds Mr Bunting for the Richmond Ward.

Bowling.—A number of enthusiasts in bov/lingpaidavisittoCaptain Marshall .green on Saturday afternoon. Several games were played, the green being in splendid order ; and those taking part had a very enjoyable time. It is not probable that the regular si'ison will open before the first week of the incoming month. Rkcrimen.Alios- COMMISSION.—A meeting of the Representation Commission will be held here to-day to consider appeals against the alteration of boundaries. Therewill be one preferred from Linwood objecting to be included in the Christchureh electorate.

Tin* City Sorvevorship. —At the meeting of the City Council this evening the resolution of Cr. Gray to rescind the motion passed at the last* meeting, with regard to the City Survey or, will be considered. It is understood that the motion will be agreed to in order to allow—in view of the election of new members—an opportunity of reconsidering the whole matter. CONFBUKNCK OV CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.—It is intended to hold a Conference of representatives of Australasian Chambers of Commerce at Sydney in the month of November next. The Canterbury Chamber is communicating with the others in New Zealand with a view of having two representatives for the whole colony. Falkland Islands.—A new departure will be made by the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company on the homeward voyage of the Mamari, arrangements having been made for that steamer to call at the Falkland Islands with a considerable mmib'-v of rams, a 1? well as some general cargo, to be shipped at Lyttelton. Tiie Maniari is expected to sail towards the end of next month.

Kaiapoi Borough School.—The present Visiting Committee of this school, Messrs Fraser and McKiimey, have recently had effectually drained a low-lying part of the school play-ground in which the rain water lodged from time to time, and after bad weather was a nuisance. The Committee deserve credit for having had all the drains and sanitary arrangements of the school attended to.

Patkxt BKDRon:.i Ixpicaivm.—A telegram was received from Mr F. Arenas on Saturday, stating that at Auckland on Friday he held a public exhibition of his patent bedroom indicator, the features of which have already been described. There was a large attendance of hotelkeepers, Sec, and all not only expressed themselves as most thoroughly satisfied with it, but also were loud in their praises of the ingenuity displayed.

Kaiapoi Literary Sociktv.—At a meating of this Society on Thursday, the Row P. W. Fail-dough presiding, Mr E. E. Papprill opened a discussion on capital punishment, dealing with the question in an impartial and thorough manner. A lively discussion followed, from which it was judged that the majority of the speakers considered it advisable to adhere to capital punishment for murder. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Papprill for his address. "Ffjsawshiv GuirjD. — Tho Fellowship Guild held another of their enjoyable socials in the Canterbury Technical Institute on the sth inst., when there was a large attendance of members and friends. Songs were sung by Messrs Cadwallader and Roberts, and an exhibition of Indian clubs and horizontal bar performance was given by Mr H. Bickerton. Dancing was kept up to the music, of Miss Duggan and Mr J. Mazey, Mr T. Glen acting as M.C. On Friday evening* the members of the Guild met to hear a lecture on **- Hypnotism as applied to Therapeutics," by Mr Shaw. The lecturer gave a very interesting discourse on the subject, relating many instances oE cures of diseases by the aid of this science. Mr Murray, who is blind, was experimented on by the lecturer as a cataleptio subject with success. The lecturer answered a number of questions, and received a hearty vote of thanks. . ,