FORTY-FOUR YEARS AGO TO-DAY

Evening Star, Issue 16052, 2 March 1916, Page 7

FORTY-FOUR YEARS AGO TO-DAY

The Mayor (Mr Fish) was to-day presented, in the presence of a huge gathering of the citizens, with a pair of handsome silver rases, together with a silver salver and card c;tse. The articles bore this inscription: "Presented by a number of gas consumers to Mr H. S.'Fish. jun.*, Mayor of Jlun-tdin. as a recognition of his services in connection with the public agitation for the reduction of tho price "of gas, which was commenced by him in 186S, and was successfully terminated in February, 1573." The presentation was made by Mr J. F. Nixon, of the Criterion Hotel. In the Mayor's Court the police prosecuted a waggoner named Lockwood for driving hie wasrgon through George street on the Sabbath. This was a test case. Mr W. D. Stewart prosecuted, and Mr Stout defended. The latter attacked the validity of the provincial ordnance under which the information had been laid, aud after argument Mr Stewart agreed to withdraw the ease, though disputing that the ordnance was ''ultra viros." His Worship took the latter view," but- held that the Act of Charles IL, which the prosecution also relied on, did not apply to New Zealand. The information Mas allowed to be withdrawn, not having been properly laid in. Hjs Worship's opinion, inasmuch as driving a wacgon through the streets on , Sunday was not an offence within the purview of the Provincial Council, and did not fairly come within the definition of " trading." * * * * # *' .jf The local Spiritualists entertained Mr and ifafs Meers, who are leaving for Christchurch. The former was presented' with an address, and his wife with a silver salver, through the medium of Mr Stout. * * * * * * * Mr John. Hjslop has resigned the secretaryship of the Education Board, which he has held for yery many years, in order to devote his whole' time to' the inspection of schools. His successor is Mr John Sperry, of the Provincial Treasury,