SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 289, 13 December 1897, Page 3

SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

NELSON, Saturday.

Owing to ill health Mr D. L. Luxford, of the literary staff of the Nelson "Evening Mail," severed his connection with that paper to-day, Mr W. D. Lusty taking his place. Before the paper was issued to-day the staff presented Mr Luxford with a farewell address, expressing esteem and regret at his departure and a hope for his speedy restoration to health. They also presented him Avith a set of ivory chessmen and board, suitably inscribed. Mr Luxford takes up his residence in Wellington for some time. The proprietors of the paper also presented him Trim a testimonial of his conscientiousness and capacity. The Rev. J. T. Penfold has been appointed by the Wesleyan Synod representative of the Conference at Dunedin. Prolonged dry weather is causing some anxiety, drying winds doing damage to crops. CHRISTCHURCH, Saturday. The Canterbury Chamber of Commerce unanimously passed a resolution in favour of the principle of abattoirs' inspection, and inspection of meat slaughtered for export, frozen or preserved, or for home consumption, but gave an expression of opinion that the Slaughtering and Inspection Bill in its present form is unworkable, and calculated to unduly harass freezing companies. The schedule of diseases should be excised, as it sets forth diseases which are not in New Zealand, but which from publication in the schedule might be inferred to exist here. A rote of thanks was passed to the Canterhary members for their combined action respecting the Midland Railway. The Hon. J. S. Larke, Canadian Commissioner, addressed the Chamber on reciprocity with Canada, and was accorded a vote of thanks. , At the land sale held to-day 2,004 acres in Robinson's Bay, five miles from Akaroa, were sold for £21,000 to Messrs' Gould, Beaumont arid Cd.