CHRISTCHURCH. 4th September.

Evening Post, Volume XVI, Issue 211, 5 September 1878, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH. 4th September.

H.M S. Nymphe arrived at Port Lyttelton from Wellington at 2 o'clock to-day. The ship* in harbor were gay with bunting, and as the Governor stepped ashoie a battery of the Christchurch artillery fired a salute of 17 guns. His Exrellencv'wa? received by the Mayor and Council of Lyttelton, and proceeded on by special train to Christcuurch, where he was met by the Mayor and Council. A brief address was read and replied to. The City Guards and Engineers were present, and an escort accompanied his Excellency to the Club, where he puts up during his stay. Great preparations are being made for the banquet to-morrow night. A large number of guests are expected . A man named Butler was thrown from his horse jestn-day and killed instantaneously, oth September. At a meeting of the Farmers' Grain and Produce Stores Company yesterday, it was resolved to call for applicants in the New Zealand and intercolonial newspapers lor a manager and secretary. Letters have been received from the secretaries of the Melbourne, East Melbourne, South Melbourne, and Ballarat Cricket Clubs, in addition to the Bohemians, accepting the challenge of the Canterbury Association to play them on their respective grounds. Between 30 and 40 men arrived yesterday per Luna from the West Coast. They h.ad been despatched by the Mjniater of Public Works, being out of employ, and without means. They are in charge of toe Immigration Officer, and most oi them already have found employment. A good many bad half-sovereigns have been in circulation during the past few days. The

police are keeping a sharp look out for the offenders. It is said that far mr>re guests have been invited to the banquet to-night than the Provincial Council Chamber can possibly contain. At a bazaar last night, in aid of St Luke's Church Pund, a concert being held at Akaroa was well enjoyed by the audience here by means of a telephone A public meeting was held last night on the question of the tariff. The following resolution was moved—" That this meeting strongly condemns tho policy of the present Government in introducing the system of taxing local industry, as announced by the_.Hon. the Colonial Treasurer; and that the bill imposing the beer tax, is most oppressive and inconsistent with the previously announced policy of the Government to lighten the Durdens on the working class." The following was moved as an amendment— " That the present Government should not be blamed for the imposition of the beer tax, as it is for the benefit of the whole population." When the maendment was put, amid great confusion, it was declared f?T^?. rried - , Mr " Turner then moved— lnat the meeting approves of the general pohey ot the Government, as set forth by the Hon the Colonial Treasurer In the direction of free trade." This was also carriod. The Hinemoa has arrived, and the town is now in a perlect blaze of M.P.'s and bunting. His Excellency the Governor re-opens the Museum in the afternoon.