Local and General.

+. Christchubch Matobaltt.— At the anneal meeting of the Christchurch City $fconcii to-day, Mr J. P. Jameson was unani■Bously elected as Mayor for the ensuing fcwelve months. A resolution was also onrried, expressive of regret at Mr Duncan's retirement from the City Council. Timabu Matobaltt. — By a telegram, we Bfara that Captain Cain was to-day elected Mayor of Umaru for the ensuing year. English Mail. — Tho s.s. Airedale, with the English San Francisco mail on board, arrived st 1 p.m. to-day. The mail was brought trough by an express train. Ltttelton Bobough Nominations. — Messva. T. Grange and W. Graham have been j_BM_oh>ated for the extraordinary vacancies ia the Council. Lsttelton Tbades Boating Club. — A meeting of the members will be held in the Colonists' Hall this evening, at half-past e*4?_t o'clock. Ltttelton Matobaltt.— The election of A person to fill the position took place this morning at noon, » m the motion of Councilor Grubb, seconded by Councillor Bunker, Cbancillor Allwright was chosen Mayor for She ensuing year. Canterbubt Railwats. — We hear that am address, signed by his Worship the Mayor S& several merchants and others of Christurcb, has been forwarded to his Honor the Superintendent, respectfully requesting him to obtain from Mr Yogel a guarantee on the jurt of the Colonial Government to enable the province to proceed at once with the prosecution of the lines of railway authorised by &_ Assembly to be made in Canterbury. Ciißis'joEAS Obatobio. — Preparations for fiie-fierfermance of the " Messiah " are progressing rapidly. The rehearsals will finish with one in the Drill Shed this evening. Ziijrttelton promises a fair contingent of pericrmers and audience. Notwithstanding the aiz&ot the building, of which the orchestra occupies no small portion, those who desire to be present will do well to secure tickets aariy, as we understand the number will be Sauted by the capacity of the hall. Accident. — A serious accident occurred at £&iapoi on Monday evening last to a boy about six years old, the son of Mr Wake, sc&oohnaster. It appears the boy was playsag in Hilton street close to his father's residence when a lad named Todd, who was dtrmng a spring cart, came suddenly out of a V-foad and drove over him before he $Todd) could pull up his horse. The boy wss> carried home, and attended to by Dr Vretot. Though the wheel passed over his Joans, and injured him internally, he is progressing favourably. The Incoming Suez Mi il.— Naturally «ao_gh'the news received by way of San JFJrancisco- has only served to whet the public appetite, and the Suez October mail is now a»ked forward to with intense anxiety. The snsft is dne at Melbourne on Dec. 22, toBsxrow. It will bring detailed news up to 4kcL 29, and telegraphic advices up to Nov. 2Q, or about a fortnight later than those ceteived by way of San Francisco. The !9ew Zealand portion of the mail will be drought on by the Rangitoto, the owners -receiving a subsidy of £250 fcr doing so. 'The Rangitoto is advertised to sail from Melbourne "about" Dec. 20, but it is clear ffiat she cannot leave till she has transhipped tSw mails— cannot, that is, leave on receipt ai the telegraphic summary at Melbourne. The trunk boat from Galle this month is the •fieelong, which would most probably arrive at, and possibly before, her due date. Taking all the circumstances into eonsideraJaoa, the probability seems to be that we may look for the telegraphic summary either a*. Dec. 26 or 27.

Kaiapoi Mayobaltt.— By a telegram, we learn that Dr Dudley was to-day re-elected Mayor for the ensuing year. Coleridge Election.— Mr J. K. Karslake met the electors at White's Hotel, Courtenay, on Monday, the 19th inst., at 7.30 p.m. The meeting was very well attended, and Mr Karslake was most warmly received. Colonel Brett was in the chair. Mr Karslake's speech gave universal satisfaction, and the following resolution, proposed by Mr Barr, seconded by Mr Chas. White, was carried unanimously : — " That this meeting has full confidence in Mr Karslake, and considers him a fit and proper person to represent the district in the General Assembly." A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting. Mr Karslake met the electors at the Hororata Schoolroom on Tuesday evening, the 20th inst. The meeting was a very large one, and electors came from great distances to attend it. Mr Cracrof t Wilson was present. The Hon. John Hall was voted to the chair, and introduced Mr Karslake to the meeting. Mr Karslake spoke on the same subjects as at his previous meetings. On the conclusion ef his speech, several questions were asked and satisfactorily answered, and Mr Wilson addressed the meeting. A resolution to the following effect was then proposed by Mr William White, and seconded by Mr H. P. Hill: " That this meeting, after hearing Mr Karslake, pledges itself to support him at the forthcoming election." An amendment was proposed by Mr Charles Harper, and seconded by Mr Richard Westenra, " That this meetiag cannot pass a vote of censure on their member, and cannot pledge itself to support another candidate." On the amendment and resolution being put to the meeting, the original resolution was carried by a very large majority. Mr Karslake proposed, and Mr Wilson seconded, a vote of thanks to the chairman, and the meeting separated, apparently highly satisfied with Mr Karslake's statements.

Fibe Police. — The general quarterly meeting was held at the Brigade office, at 7'o'clock last evening, Mr John Anderson . presiding. Mr Mitchell stated that the Fire Police had been present at five fires, including the one at Lyttelton. The average attendance of the Fire Police at each fire was 30. He was also happy to state that the regular police, and the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade bore testimony to the efficient services rendered by the Fire Police. Mr Harris, Superintendent of the Fire Police, said he was happy to bear testimony to the efficiency of the corps, especially at the late fire at Mrs Hossack's. It was resolved that Captain Mitchell should procure a whistle and small lamp, to be used by him in signalling fires. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

Chbistchurch Regatta. — A meeting of the committee was held at White's Hotel last night, Mr Wynn Williams in the chair. It was decided to request his Honor the Superintendent to be patron of tbe regatta. Mr N. G. Glassford was appointed judge, and Mr S. P. Andrews, starter. Messrs Wynn Williams, Crosbie, C. R Blakiston, Thomas, Stevens, Marshman, Inglis, Sawtell, Peacock, G. L. Mellish, and H. N. Nalder, were elected to act on the general committee, and the Rev. R. A. Lingard, Rev. J. OB. Hoare, Messrs Mounier, Pavitt, J. Wood, Packard, Crosbie, A. Cuff, Gilchrist, Wynn Williams, Harman, and Mellish were elected to officiate as a committee on the day of the regatta. Mr Wynn Williams gave a donation of £5 5s towards the fund of the regatta. It was resolved in the Christchurch Cup Race to leave it to the winning crew whether they will take a cup value £25 alone, or a cup value £15 and £10 in cash.

Theatre Rotal. — Last night the management placed " Othello " upon the stage, the part of the Moor being undertaken by Mr Pascoe. We can well understand that a difficulty is experienced in materially diversi fying the attractions at the Theatre under present circumstances, whilst it is obviously required if the management are to be recouped for the expenses they are put to, but we cannot for a moment understand why such an extreme step should be taken as to produce Hhakesperian tragedies. We remember that these, even with the assistance of Mr and Mrs Steele, were but moderately ! successful, and how then should they be enjoyable without these or similar artistes ? We are prepared to admit Mr Pascoe's merits as an amateur in the ordinary run of dramas, but he has no speciality for tragedy, and though giving him credit for his reading 1 of the part of Othello, we cannot disguise the fact that he does not possess the power for a fair rendering, of such characters; moreover, he does not possess clearness with such power as he has. With, a full remembrance of Mr Pascoe's Evelyn, we cannot but pronounce his undertaking such a character as Othello a mistake. Even did he possess the natural qualifications for the part he would require very considerable practice in action before he could be justified in impersonating the Moor. Of the other characters in the piece it is unnecessary to add anything to what we remarked during the stay of Mr and Mrs Steele. '

Mount Gbet Downs. — On Friday, the twentieth anniversary of the province, the committee of the school at the above place, gave the children a treat in. the form of a pic-nic to the sea beach at Leithfield. The party left the school a little after 8 o'clock ia the morning. The children (numbering over fifty), were comfortably seated in eight drays, some of which were tastefully decorated with evergreens, flowers, and toi-toi, which formed a very pretty procession. The morning was fine, and the children seemed in high glee. Such a sight was perhaps never seen in the place before. Arriving at Leithfield, an abundance of good and substantial cheer awaited them. The tea, which was excellent, was kindly provided by Mrs Wood house, of Leithfield, the milk being given by Mrs M'Lean. Unfortunately, after the children's wants had been supplied, and they had rambled on the beach for nearly a couple of hours, the rain came down heavily, and

a retreat was unavoidable. Having returned to Leithfield the rain ceased for some time, and as the sports were then going on, some of the children heartily joined in them. After another refection, between four and five o'clock, preparations were made for the return. Hearty cheers were given for the teachers (Mr and Mrs Briggs), and others, who had contributed to the day's enjoyment. Very soon after leaving Leithfield, the rain came down in torrents, and continued without intermission during the journey home. The school, under the management of Mr and Mrs Briggs, is in a high state of efficiency, and the attendance has more than doubled since they undertook the charge of it.

Cure Boating Cldb. — A special meeting of this club was held at the Pier Hotel, Kaiapoi, on Monday evening last. There were upwards of twenty members present, and Dr. Dudley, the vice-president, occupied the chair. The secretary stated that he had called the meeting for the purpose of deciding what boats should be entered for the Christchurch Regatta. After considerable discussion relative to the merits of the crew that pulled in the challenge cup race at the Kaiapoi Regatta, in which several members expressed an opinion that the racing crew, as at present constituted, was not composed of the hest oarsmen of the club, it was resolved—" That the Kuku, with her present crew (coxswain excepted), be entered for the Christchurch Regatta four-oared race, and ladies' prize belts." It was also decided to enter the Kuku for the boys' four-oared race, and the Mosquito for the pair-oared race. The selection of a coxswain was left to the racing crew. Mr Bur nip offered to take the boats to Christchurch free of expense ; his offer was accepted with thanks. A committee consisting of Messrs G. L. Meliish, C. Dudley, and H. J. Wood was appointed to confer with the racing crew as to whether an improvement could not be made in the new boat, Kuku, by putting a kelson in her. In compliance with a resolu ion passed at a previous meeting, when it was decided to admit ladies as honorary members of the club on payment of a subscription of 2s 6dj the names of nine ladies were handed in accompanied by their subscriptions. The treasurer reported that after • receiving the prizes from the Kaiapoi Regatta, which would be paid to-morrow, there would be a balance of £6 ls 6d to the credit of the club. The meeting then adjourned till Wednesday evening next, at the usual hour.

St. Andbew's Chubch Committee. — A meeting of the committee of St. Andrew's Church was held within the vestry last night at seven o'clock, the Rev. C. Fraser presiding. There were also present Messrs Dymock, Robertson, Galloway, Mitchell, Lawßon, Johnstone, Craig, and Fyfe. After the disposal of the usual routine business, it was resolved that the annual soiree in connection with the congregation be held on Friday, the 13th prox. Some conversation then ensued as to where it should be held, and it was resolved, on the recommendation of the chairman and Mr Craig, that it be held in the High School grounds. These gentlemen averred that the High School had now been altered ; that the partition that proved such a bugbear on a former occasion had been entirely removed ; and that during the recent public examination of the school, no building could have answered better for the purpose of seeing and hearing ; while in capacity the school itself was fully equal to the Town Hall. A marquee was mentioned as likely to add zest to the gathering, but no definite decision was arrived at with reference thereto. The chairman mentioned that it had long been a favourite idea of his to have a library in connection with the church, and at the present time he had in view a very suitable one that could be obtained on very advantageous terms. He himself would be very happy to subscribe, if those present were willing to second his efforts. The subject was warmly taken up, and a handsome sum immediately raised; and as the members promised to exert themselves outside to obtain subscriptions, there is every probability of so desirable an adjunct to the church being speedily acquired. The meeting, after settling a few preliminary arrangements in connection with the soiree, adjourned until Wednesday, the 28th inst.

Encampment. — As preparations for this gathering of the volunteers progress, the promise of a successful encampment improves. From credible authority, we learn that the Northern corps will all put in an appearance, mustering on the whole about 100 men, and tbat a strong detachment of the Timaru Artillery, with their gun, will also be present. This will largely supplement the head-quarter corps, who, from the recent increase of recruits, will turn out in large numbers, and will place no less than four heavy guns— a number hitherto unknown at a volunteer display in Canterbury —at the disposal of the Lieut.-Colonel commanding. The site of the encampment has been definitely decided upon. It will be on the open ground to the left of tbe Sumner Road, between Morton's Hotel and Shag rock. It is well adapted to the purpose, and is surrounded by attractions both on land and water, which must render the camp of much more interest to visitors, and more agreeable in various ways to the volunteers than either of the two last encampments. The men will' march . from Christchurch on Saturday afternoon, the 31st inst., and pitch their own tents. The Commissariat arrangements are to be on the same method as last Easter, which, we may safely assume, will meet with the satisfaction of all. On the Sunday, Divine service will be performed in the camp— it is hoped hy the Lord Primate. On Monday, the customary review and sham fight will take place ; and on Tuesday, the gathering will close with a picnic on a larger and more diversified scale than has yet been known in the province. The sham fight, we should say, has been postponed until three o'clock, p.m. — the time originally fixed being onepm. — in order that the general public may have time to see the earlier portion of

the regatta at Lyttelton. We may safely predict that in the event of fine weather, the encampment will be one of the largest, if not positively the largest, yet held in Canterbury Ltttelton Regatta. — The committee will meet in the Hall this evening, at half-past seven~Vclock.

Fbbbt Road Dbain. — Yesterday, the City Council, through their solicitor, Dr. Foster, applied for and obtained an order of the Supreme Court restraining the Heathcote Road Board from further filling the Ferry Road Drain, or continuing the stoppage of the flow down that sewer. The result was that last night the Board caused the earth they had deposited in the drain on Monday night to be removed, and the sewer is now again open. The order of the Supreme Court is of course, only of a provisional character, and it will now be necessary for the City Council to take immediate steps for providing proper drainage for the city. We understand that a resident in the Heathcote district has offered to drain the whole of the southern portion of the city for £350.