SOUTHERN NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 138, 11 June 1909, Page 2

SOUTHERN NEWS.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) THE CHRISTCHURCH IXNTZMT"LaYEI>. OHRISTCHUECH, Thursday. A conference of delegates from local bodies adjacent to Christchurch was held to-day to discuss matters connected with finding work for the unemployed. The Mayor of Christchurch. (Air. C Allison) presided. He stated that no reply had been received from the Prime Minister to his telegram asking if the Government would subsidise £ for £ works started by local authorities for the purpose of absorbing the unemployed. It was. decided to further communicate with Sir Joseph Ward by telegraph and adjourn the conference until a reply was -received. Mr. I_ R. Wilson, secretary of the unemployed committee, stated that he had the names of 208 "workless men on his list. Of these 100 were married, with families ranging from- one child to 14. In the laat-mentioned case five children were earning something. Mr. "Wilson declared that there were at least 500 men in Christchurch out of work at the present time. PORTER WAS NOT DRUNK. EEILDING, this day. The case in which W. Clarkson sued A. Porter for £100 on a promissory note in part payment for a motor-car was concluded last night. The defence was that defendant was drunk when he signed the bill, and therefore not responsible. After a lengthj hearing the Magistrate decided that Uorter was not drunk, and entered judgment for plaintiff, MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. I WANGANUI, this day. I Returns from the electric tramways for six months ended June 9 show that since their installation 601,357 passengers have been carried, and tne net revenue was £4297, which, after providing Interest and sinking fund and maintenance, leaves a small credit balance. A magnificent meteor was seen at the Heads last evening, travelling east and west. An explosion like artillery was neard in the strait*, and the meteor in its flight lit up the country for miles around. WELLINGTON, this day. Early this morning discovery was made that the shop of Mr. C. Smith, draper, in Cuba-street, had been flooded through the bursting of a high pressure filter. The estimated damage to stock is between £700 and £800.