NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XXXII, Issue 4399, 5 September 1879, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

ASHBTJBTOK AGBICTOTUSAIj Show.—lt is intended to hold the above show on November 18th.

Mb Sohotjbt/p's Studio.—ln the notice of tho new studio erected by Mr Sohourup, appearing on Thursday, it was erroneously stated that it was situate in Cashel instead of Colombo street.

Lebston Land Tax Cotjbt.—Objections to valuations in the Ellesmere district were considered yesterday in the Leeston Boad Board office, Mr Mellish sitting as judge. A great number of objections were heard, and the majority of them allowed. Ashsubtox Bobofgh Coir. man,. —Messrs. B. Friedlander, 3. Campbell, 0-. Parkin, 3. Fowler, B. Sando, and T. Clark have he en nominated for the three vacant seats in tho Ashburton Borough Council. Mb Habt at Waianui.—Mr Hart addressed 100 electors at Wakanui on Wednesday night. He was well received. Mr Earle wai in the chair, and the meeting was orderly, though the discussion at times indicated great warmth of feeling. Mr Brown moved— " That Mr Hart be thanked for his address." An amendment was proposed by Mr J. Bennett to the effeofc that, having now heard both candidates, those present were of opinion that Mr Hart was the fittest to represent Coleridge in Parliament. The amendment was carried.

Mb Fibhbb at Linooew.—The Hon. J. T. Fisher addressed a crowded audience of eleotors of tho Heathcote district in the schoolroom on Wednesday evening. The chair was taken by Mr J. Gammaok. Mr Fishur, who was received with oheers, reviewed the principal events which had led to the dissolution, and defended the Government from the charges brought against them. He then endeavored to sketch out the- line of policy which the Government had deoided upon adopting if they retained their present power, and promised to support any Government whioh would carry out those measures. At tbe conclusion of his address Mr Fishei replied to a number of questions. A Tate of thanks and confidence was then moved, and carried unanimously.

Cantbbbubt Tbhpbsanob Lbagtjb.—The Beys. W. H. JLeast and J. Peters visited Dunsandel on Wednesday night as a deputation from this league. The Town Hall, which had been secured for the occasion, was well filled. The Bey. Mr Oree presided, and introduced the deputation. Mr Peters spoke of the popular favor the temperance [question had acquired. Mr Keast explained the objects of the League, and urged upon the temperance societies the necessity Of thorough combination for political purposes. Attention was called to the prospect of another general election at no distant date, when all the temperance organisations should be found prepared with their programme. Mr _neeehaw, who is. the chief mover of the temperance question in the neighborhood, also spoke. At the close of the meeting, a branch of the League was formed, and thirty-three names were secured. A Band of Hope was also formed, and about thirty joined. The meet. ing was a great success. A collection was made to defray expenses.

The Chhss Champiohbhip.— The tie match game was played off yesterday between Mr Hoskham, of Christohurch, and Mr Hay, of Dnnedin. . A fine struggle ensued. Mr Hookham had first move, and offered an open game, which his opponent declined with the French defence of whioh he is master. Carefulplay followed. A premature attack on Mr Hookham's part was repulsed with the loss of a pawn, and it took Mr Hookham a lot of play to regain it. lionjt and very patient play followed, the players' time limit being nearly exhausted. This caused them to make some rapid skirmishing, out of which Mr Hookham came off btst, having left Mr Hay with a forlorn pawn, which was the ultimate cause of great trouble to him. A capital final struggle of four pawns and bishop (Mr Hookham), againßt three pawns and knight (Mr Hay), ensued. Some fine manoeuvring now took place, but the knight having got fixed, it took another pawn to extricate him, an exchange of |the pieces followed, and Mr Hay finding himself left with two pawns to four, resigned the game. Mr Hookham thus remains Chess Champion of New Zealand. It waa a very close struggle, and Mr Hay wai only barely beaten. Comic Opbba.—The final representation of "H.M.S. Pinafore" and "Trial by Jury" last night at the Oddfellows' Hall, drew a large house. The various points in both pieces were well bronght out, and the principal arias received due appreciation. In " Trial by Jury" Miss Leaf, Miss Hunter, and Messrs Harding, Hodson. Biccardi and Crothera were very good. To-night a new opera by the tame authors, entitled " The Sorcerer," will be produced. Beport speaks very highly of the character of. the music of the piece as being above the average of opera to—Te. The plot is simple enough. A young couple are about to be betrothed, but the ' gentleman has his doubts as to the fervency of the love of his intended bride. He therefore aeeka out a sorcerer, and obtains from him a love philtre. This he puts into the tea served out to the rejoicing villagers, who are invited to make merry on the occasion. The fun of the opera arises out of the complies tions which ensue.

Education Boakd.—The ordinary meat ing of the North Canterbury Board of Education took place yesterday. The business was of a purely routine character. __l-i__eog Eiionos.—The polling for the Lyttelton constituency took place yesterday, and resulted in the return of Mr H. AH—right. Particnlars of the proceedings are given in another column. C-JTnor Elbctjoj*.—For tie convenience of voters, Mr Saunders has arranged for a special train to leave Christohurch for Amberley at 11 a.m. on Saturday. St. Michael's BifTßßTAnrstbjct.—An entertainment, one of the series commenced time since, was given in St. Michael's schoolroom, last evening, consisting of musical selections, vocal and instrumental, readings, _c. There was a very fair attendance, and the programme was excellently performed. Ms TT-gT at Rakaia.—Mr Q. Hart met the electors of Coleridge in the Town Hall, Rakaia, last night. There was a rery good attendance, Mr F. N. Mackie being voted to the chair. Mr Hart spoke at same length on the questions of the day, and answered several questions. Mr Lambie then proposed a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Hart as a representative for the Coleridge district. Mr Holmes seconded the motion, whioh was carried unanimously. ASHBTJBTOir PbIMITITB MhTHODUTS. — This congregation had a tea and public meeting at their chapel, Ashburton, on Wednesday evening. There was an attendance of more than; 200. An excellent tea was provided by the ladies of the congregation, and appropriate addresses were delivered by tho Rev. Mr Kealland Messrs Parker, Hodder, Watkins, Scott, and Sando. The choir assisted.

Ashbtjbtow Raoiho Club.—The spring meeting will be held on the 19th and 20fch November. The following is the programme, which, will he advertised shortly i- —3?irst day —Handicap Hurdle Race of 40 soys (open) ; County Hurdle Race, handicap of 25 soys (district) ; Maiden Plate of 20 soys (district); Ashburton Cup Handicap of 50 soys (open) ; Ladies' Puree of 25 soys (district); and Farmers' Plate of 10 soys (district). Second Day—County Steeplechase of 30 soys (district) ; Racing Club Handicap of 40 soys (open) ; Tradesmen's Handicap of 20 soys S closed) ; Forced Handicap of 15 soys. open) ; and Consolation Handicap of 15 soys. (open). Philosophical Isstittjtb.—A meeting; of the Philosophical Institute was held last evening, at the rooms of the institute, Professor Bickerton (president) in the chair. After the usual formal business, the Rev. J. W. Stack read a paper on the " Color Sense of the Maori." It appeared from Mr Stack's paper that the Maori race had no perception of blue or green before the advent of Europeans. The paper showed that there are four stages in the development of the color sense, and before the advent of European population ths Maori race had only the sense of the first two stages. A discussion on the subject of color in decorative art took place, in which the Rev. E. G. Penny, Dr. Haast, Mr 0. W. Adams, Eev. Watson, R. W. Fereday, N. K. Cherrill, and the president took part. Subsequently the Rev. J. W. Stack read a second paper on Mr McKenzie Cameron's theory of the derivation of the words "Te Kahui tipua."

Lincoln Sohooi Committkb.—The usual monthly meeting of this committee was. held on Tuesday evening. Present —Messrs Herrick (chairman), Wills, Wolfe, Boss, Smith, Meyenburg, and Taylor. Letters were read from head teacher (a), enclosing report of attendance during the past month; (b), asking that application may be made for the the appointment of a pupil teacher; (c), stating that additional school accommodation is necessary; (d), asking for a further supply of maps and diagrams; (c), asking the committee to sanction Scripture lessons being given for half an hour before the ordinary school work commences. From the Bey. A. Blake, asking for the nse of the echool-room for half an hour during the ensuing three or four Bundays. From the chairman of the Lincoln Fair Company, stating that the company are willing to p->y half the cost of repairing the dividing fence. The committee considered the master's report (shewing the attendance on the day of examination 141; the average for last week 138; and for the last month 125) ; very satisfactory, and resolved to leave the other matters referred to in the master's letters till after the report of the inspector had been received. Besolved, "That the master be parmitted to to give daily religious instruction during the time mentioned, as desired." "That the Bey. A. Blake's application be granted." A deputation from the Lincoln Cricket Club waited upon the committee, asking for the use of the two school-rooms on September 26th, for a concert and dancing, guaranteeing that notning disorderly should oeour, and that everything should be restored to its usual order on the following day. The committee resolved to grant the application.

Kaikouba. —Our own correspondent writes —When Mr Saunders came here to address the electors he had to wait a week for a steamer to convey him to Lyttelton, Instead of spending his time iv kissing babies and nobblerising with the electors, he was foolish enough to spend a great portion of. it in visiting the Eaikoura schools, making himself acquainted with their defects, and generally qualifying himself for his duties as a member of the Education Board. He found that ninety-four children had to be stuffed into a room 30ft by 20ft in the town school, and that on a site that did not belong to the Education Board, and was at the extreme end of a long district, so that some of the children had to walk three or four miles to this school. The oommittee were pretty equally divided as to whether a new school should be erected near the Bame locality or be taken half a mile towards the other end of the town, and to be so much nearer to the majority of the children and to all those coming from a long distance. Under these circumstances Sir G. Grey or Mr Macandrew would have agreed with both sides, and until the election was over would have left both to believe that their views would be met in the erection of the new schooL But even with the example of these great men's conduct re Commissioner of Railways before him, Mr Saunders was so reckless as to decide at once that the long distance children had the best right to be considered, and straightway advised the Board to erect without delay the new school buildings at the other end of the town. I need not tell you that he has lost every vote within a quarter of a mile of the present school without the slightest regard for his Grey or Fox proclivities.

Inquest at Lv—chiton. —An inquest en the body of Captain Preston, late master of the brigantine Nightingale, was held by Dr. Coward, the coroner, yesterday afternoon, at the Mitre Hotel, Lyttelton. The jury, having chosen Mr Thomas Graham foreman, were eworn, and retired to view the body, after whioh the following evidence was taken:— Bobert Pitcaithly said he was in the employ of Messrs Cuff aud Graham. He knew the deceased very well. He was master of the brigantine Nightingale, owned by Cuff and Graham. On the morning of the 24th July some man came into the office and said he had picked the boat up outside the breakwater, whioh belonged to the brigantine. He then went off to the vessel, went all through her, but couldn't find any trace of the captain. The deceased was ship keeper; no other hands were employed, nor was anyone on board. He found a kit and some things which deceased had bought the night before, in the boat. He reported the circumstances to the police. Bince then he had, with the police, made search for the deceased by dragging in the harbor. He next saw deceased on Wednesday, and identified as tbat of George Preston. Henry Keane deposed—He was the proprietor of the Boyal Hotel, Lyttelton. j He did not know the deceased personally, but did by description. He remembered seeing | him on the night of July 23rd last. He was in the Boyal Hotel, and left there bstwesn nine and ten o'clock at night. Ho seemed qui.e sober at the time. He heard next day of deceased being missing. He believed the body found on Wednesday was that of George Preston. When at the hotel deceased was in company with Captain Jorgensen, and left the hotel with him he believed. James Grubb sworn, deposed—He was a shipwright. He was on the top of the road on Wednesday morning last, when he saw the body in the water, near the bathing shed. He got a boat and landed tbe body on the beach. Mr David stayed with it while he went for the police. It was floating head up and feet down. He identified the body as being that of George Preston. ; Consiable Moutray said—From information received he went to Bandy Bay and found the body on the beach and took charge of it. He searched the body and found' a gold chain, a silver watch, a meerschaum pipe, some keye r and a purse containing £3, and In other pocket* found 13s Id. He brought the body to the morgue. There being nothing to show how the body got into the water an open verdict, "Bound Drowned," was returned.

Pioitxeb Biotclk Club.— The annual general meeting of this club was to have been held last night at Cookson'e Commercial Hotel, but in consequence of the president, Mr B. C. 3. Stevens, being unable to attend, it was agreed to adjourn the meeting until Thursday next, September 11th, at 7.30 p.m. Mb Tbbaswrll at Bisqslaito.—Mr Treadwell met the electors at Bingsland last night. Mr Glen was voted to the chair. Mr Treadwell proceeded with his address en land, taxes and banking, illustrating the public Bank, as usual, with a black board. At the request of the meeting, ho also drew a clasped finger gridiron, taken from the Hororata map, which elicited applause. In answer to questions, the. candidate stated that he was a freetrader in principle, because the cost of Government must not be laid upon the springs of industry. At the conclusion, it was moved by Mr Patten, seconded by Mr Taylor—" That the thanks of thia meeting be given to Mr Treadwell for bis address, and that he is a fit and proper person to repreient us in Parliament." In reply, Mr Treadwell thanked the electors. Mb S. P. Asdbbws at Phillipstowk.— Mr Andrews addressed a crowded meeting of electors at the schoolroom, Phillipstown, last evening. Mr Andrew Duncan occupied the chair. Mr Andrews addressed the meeting on all the leading matters of interest at great length, being loudly applauded during the progress of his address. A number of questions were put and answered. The following resolution was moved, and declared by the chairman to be carried unanimously—" That this meeting pass a vote of thanks to Mr Andrews for his address, and has confidence in him as one of their representatives in Parliament ; and, also, that this meeting has the fullest confidence in Sir George Grey's policy." Three cheers were then given for Sir George Grey and Mr Andrews, and a vote of thanks being passed to the chairman, the meeting terminated. Mb J. A. Morgan at Pebbblbtoh.— Mr Morgan addressed the electors of the Heathcote district in the eohoolreom, Prebbleton, last evening. There was a large attendance. Mr C. L. Davie was voted to the chair. Mr Morgan repeated his remark! as given at his various meetings with regard to the most important subjects of interest. Several questions were asked and replied to satisfactorily. Mr Rule then moved a vote of thanks and confidence, which was carried with three cheers for Mr Morgan. A counterproposition, moved by Mr George Thompson, to accept the motion of Mr Rule minus the confidence, was negatived. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

Mb Fishhk at Tai Tapu.—About 100 electors met at tha schoolhouse, Tai Tapu, last evening, to hear Mr 3. T. Fisher. Mr Peryman was voted to the chair. Mr Fieher explained to the satisfaction of his audience the different topics of general interest. A number of questions were asked, some of which were of local interest, the answers to which appeared to give general satisfaction, Mr Fisher being loudly applauded. Mr J. Murray moved—" That a vote of thanks be acoorded to Mr Fisher for his address," which was seconded by Mr Leathern. An amendment was proposed by Mr Bainey, and seconded by Mr Judge—"That a vote of entire confidence in and thanks to Mr Fisher for his address be accorded." The amendment, on being put to the meeting, was carried without dissent.

Gaibty Thbatbb.—An unusually attractive bill was presented at the Gaiety Theatre last night, the performance consisting of "Pygmalion and Galatea" and the popular burlesque of "Fra Diavolo." Miss Bose Osborne's peformance of Galatea, in Gilbert's exquisite play, was full of poetic beauty. Her devotion to Pygmalion waa exquisitely expressed, full of pathos and womanly tenderness, and in the lighter scenes with Ohrysos and Daphne she developed a winning playfulness that was very captivating. Mr G. Chaplin was at his best as Pygmalion, his manly bearing and fine elocution exactly suited the part, and with Miss Osborne he shared the honors of the piece. Mr Bland Holt and Mrs L. McGowso, by their excellent comic acting in the characters of Ohrysos and Daphne, contributed largely to the enjoyment of the audience. Miss Lena Edwin and Miss Lily Marsh, as Cynisca and Myoene, played excellently, and the remaining characters were fairly sustained. The burlesque, mainly owing to the inimitable performance of Mr Bland Holt, was an uproarious success. "Fra Diavolo" has often been performed in this city, but Christohurch has never witnessed suoh an unique and mirth-pro-voking performance as Mr Holt'a Beppo. He revels in the fun ef the part, his irresistible humor as a burlesque comedian being equalled by his remarkable agility and cleverness as a pantomimist. The song he introduced in the part convulsed the audience with laughter, and was loudly encored. Miss Lena Edwin, as Fra Diavoli, made a dashing brigand chief, her acting being full af verve and piquancy, and Miss Lilly Marsh was a most captivating Zerlina. Tbe remainder of the characters were well sustained by the company. This evening " East Lynne" will be produced, with Miss Bose Osborne as Lady Isabel, and Mr Chaplin as Sir Franois Levison. On Saturday night, which will be the company's last appearance in Christohurch, " Othello" will precsde the burlesque of " Fra Diavolo."

Mb Stbvbnb at Addington.—A large number of eleotors met Mr Stevens at Feathers' Hotel, Addington, last evening. Mr G. W. Hall was voted to the ohair. Mr Stevens, who was received with applause, stated that he had invariably had the best interests of the colony at heart; that he was in favor of electoral reform, and had always supported it, and intended to do bo if he was now elected to represent Christchurch. He had always been in favor of the reformation of tbe eleotoral laws. As to the residential franchise be had cordially supported that measure, and intended to do bo. He thought the polling hours ought to be extended from four o'clock to nine, in order that the working men should be allowed an opportunity of recording their votes, but the present Government, had thrown this measure out when they were asked to accede to it. He was certainly against the Maori dual vote, and though tit was a most iniquitous transaction on the part of the present Government who instead of dealing with a high band in Native affairs were only pampering the Maoris. He for one would never consent to place the head of the European under the heel of the Native, as the present Government evidently wished to do. He was always in favor ef Triennial Parliaments, and he would consistently carry out his ideas on this subject. He hoped* there would be no dissolution of the next Parliament without a redistribution of seats, and that suoh matters would be adjusted from time to time. He wished the representation to be on the basis of population, and not according to area. Tho Land Act of 1877," whioh came into force on the Ist of January, 1878, was as fair and liberal a measure as tho most liberal man in New Zealand could wish to have. The land was free to all, and any one could take up any portion of it he thought proper. Section 121 of the Act (which he read, and also Appendix G) dealt with the matter in the most explicit manner, and if any of the electors wished to ask him any questions on the subject, either in private or by letter, he would be most happy to answer them. He had always been in favor of allowing the lands to be let on deferred payments extending over ten years. The Land Act of 1877 left the land free to all, and it was part of the policy of the present Government to endeavour to put an end to it, which would have been a gross injustice to the working people of Canterbury. The Ministry did their very best to prevent the Act being made law. He had been one of those who had strenuously advocated it. He was in favor of free and compulsory education. Tbey all knew what interest he had taken in the hospitals and charitable aid institutions, and he considered that tho widow and the orphan should be one of the first cares of the State. He thought that an Opposition was always good, and aid good service. With regard to the railways which had been let by contracts without the sanction of the Hous?, he thought these were most unconstitutional acts, and unworthy of any Government which had tha welfare of the colony at heart. Ht touched upon Native affairs, and paid a very high tribute to the memory of the late Sir D. McLean. He looked upon the workshops at Addington feeing used as tho central workshops of the railways of this island as being most uncertain, and, in fact, he had no doubt in his own mind that it was the intention of the present Government to remove them. Several questions were then asked by several electors, and satisfactorily answered. A vote of thanks and confidence was moved by Mr J. G. Buddenklau, seconded by Mr Pratt, and carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chairman and three cheers for the candidate terminated a very enthusiastic meeting.

Thkatm RoYA_,-The Juvenile Troubadours again appeared last c"*"?* » * good houw a* the Theatre.. To-night this clever coaSjiany will make their last •Prance iv GhrSchurch, *heu«« '^°' man „ c ? will be for the benefit of M»»_r4_*» Md Miss Fox. To-morrow Mr Wybert Beeye and the drama-** *»mpany will re-appear m "TheTioket-of-J^ve/Man." Mb E. G. Wbisht at Mouht sohbbb. —Mr Wright addressed the eleotors at the sohoolroom, Mount Solar*, on Wednesday evening. The attendance was large, Mr R. Morgan occupying the chair. At the end of the address, Mr Bobt. Todd moved—" That in the opinion of this meeting Mr Wright is a fit and proper person to represent Coleridge in Parliament, and that they promise him their support." This was seconded by Mr A. Harvey, and carried unanimously. Elbctob—l. —A correspondent at Oxford writes.—So great is tho interest taken in election matters here that one enterprising gentleman (Mr D. Fisher) has in active training four of his celebrated carrier pigeons, to be turned up from the different polling booths on the day of election, in order to know the result here in the evening, whioh will be telegraphed to Ohristchuroh at onoeWashington, Lancashire, The Gentleman, and Democrat, are expected to reach here from their respective places before five o'clock. Eighty per cent, of the people on the rol' here are supporters of Mr Moorhouse, and of course can return any one for whom they vote.

AaCBKBXBV MAOISTBATB'e Co - BT. —At this Court yesterday Herman Rose was charged by the police with a breaoh of the Licensing Aot. Defendant did not appear, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. John Bolleston was charged by his wife with failing to support her. She said he was making away with his property through perpetually drinking. The Bench gave defendant a severe reprimand, and ordered him to pay 15s per week towards his wife's suppert. The Magistrate also requested Inspector Buckley to ascertain where defendant received so much encouragement to spend his time and meney, and report at the next Licensing Meeting. Lbbbton Bonoor, Committbh.—The usual monthly meeting of tbis committee was held at the school house yesterday evening, all members present. Tbe Chairman reported that he had seen Mr Cane, and he stated that the Board would build another room to the new schoolmaster's house. Correspondence from the Board, dated 30th August, inclosing cheques for salaries, amounting to £35 7s 9d, was received. A letter was read from Mrs Smith, mistress'of the Doyleston side sohool, complaining of the state of the bridge over the drain leading into the school ground. Consideration deferred. The secretary was instructed to write to the Board re draw*

ing materials. Sundry aocoants, amounting to £2 13s Bd, were examined and passed for payment. Mr Barker proposed—"That Mr Sandry be elected in place of Mr J. H. Doyle, resigned." This was seconded by Mr Pearoe. A holiday was granted to the children on Friday after the examination. Resolved—" That a concert be arranged for the purpose of raising money for distribution of prizes to the children, and that the chairman, Messrs Scott, Barrel!, and the secretary, be a sub-committee to make preliminary arrangements and report at an early date." A Gorse Case. —At the Amberley Magistrate's Court yesterday the case Kowai Boad Board v Richard Clarke was heard. This was an information laid by the clerk of the Board for allowing gorse to grow on Marshman's road, fronting defendant's seotion 2920, contrary to the Aot. Mr Cookson, far the Boad Board, certified to having served the notice. Mr Clarke, for the defendant, contended that if the Act could be brought to bear in this case it would be oppressive, as the defendant had only occupied the property for twelve years, and the gorse had been fro wing on the road for at least fifteen yean, as c would bring forward evidence to show. He would also raise the point that the Boad Board had not complied with the Act, in not having certified by members of the Board that the growth of gorse had emanated from the defendant's fence or been planted by him. Nor had they any certificate from a competent surveyor, as required by the Aot. He called the defendant, who deposed that the growth of gorse had not in any way arisen frem hit fence. He had reoeived a notice

from the Board, dated September 27th, 1878, calling upon him to dear said gorse. He always did all he could to keep it down, and had employed men at 2s 6d per chain to clear the road for his own benefit. The Bench dismissed the information, on the ground that the Boad Board had not complied with the Act, by not furnishing the required oirtifieate. Ei____*—__ A. and P. Association.—A meeting of the general committee was held at Spring's Leeston Hotel, on Monday, the Ist. September. Present—Messrs O. T. Dudley (in the chair), W. D. Lawrence. D. Marshall, W. Bishop, 0. Withell, Jne. Cunningham, Jno. Bennie, B. Lockhead, Jno. Soag, and others. Correspondence relative to the title to the show ground, between the Commissioner of Crown Lands and Mr Lawrence on behalf of the society, was laid on the table. The secretary was authorised to employ a licensed surveyor to prepare plan of the ground in accordance with Mr Marshman's request, and to entrust the plans, when completed, to Mr Lawrence, with a cheque for! £3 33, the nominal consideration to be paid! for a conveyance to Messrs Bluett, Marshall, and Desborough as trustees. It was resolved —"That the late Mr D. Moorhead's life member's ticket be presented to his eldest son." The list of donors of special prizes not being completed, it was resolved to postpone the final allotment till next meeting. It was also determined not to alter the system of charging additional entry fees for competition for private prizes. Mr John Bennie offered a special pnze of £2 2s for the best bushel of wheat, mode of cultivation, yield peraore, and cost of production to be given at time of entry. Class stewards and judges in the various classes were chosen, and the secretary was requested to. write to the gentlemen appointed, requesting them to act. A vote of thanks was passed to the chairman, and the meeting adjourned to the Ist October.

K-iAroi Election.—The polling for this election will take place to-day, the contest being between the Hen. C. C. Bowen and Mr Wearing. Cantbbbtjbt Bowing CiyOb.—-The annual general meeting- -will be held this evening, at Oookaon'B Commercial Hotel, at 7.30.

Bilmabd Tournament.—Mr W. Cook, champion billiard player, and Mr L. Kilkenny, champion of Yorkshire, will give fear exhibitions of their skill at Warner's Hotel, commencing on Saturday night, at 8 o'clock.

Bobouoh oi? Stdenham.—The nomination of three councillors to fill the vacancies caused by the retirement by rotation of three councillors, will take place at noon to-day. Canterbury College.—A meeting of the Board of Governors of the Canterbury College will be held at 3 p.m to-day.

Lkgai.—His Honor Mr Justice Johnston will ait in Chambers at 11 a.m. this day. Selwyn County Cormcii..—The usual meeting of the Selwyn County Council takes place this morning.