CHRISTCHURCH. December 10.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2653, 11 December 1880, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH. December 10.

At the inquest on the body of the man Parker, the jury returned a verdiot of death from natural causes — rupture of the anrtis valves. There ar« eleven entries for the champion pigeon-flying race*, from Dnnedin to o'iriatohurch, on New Year's D xy. Tenders aro now b^ing called for the construction of a railway bridge over the Tonga wai River, on the Albury Downs section of the Opawa branoh railway extension. The formation, inclndina culvert, etc., from Tengawai to Fairlie Creole, a distanoe of ten miles, has been nearly completed by the unemployed contingent, and it is expected that the sleepers and metals will be laid after the completion of the bridge. This bridge will be 1128 feot long, and will consist of 26 spans of 40 feet an i eight spans of 11 feet. It will he constructed of timber on piles. The first contract of four miles' plate-laying on the Little River line (Akaroa branoh) are completed, and the men have heen paid off The line, however, is quite useless until it is completed to its terminus, the formation of which has been finished for months. Mr Andrew Duncan, a well-known resident of Ohristohuroh, died at the age of 45 years yesterday. He has been ailing for some time and lately took a trip to Australia, from whioh he returned worse than he went. Since then ho has been confined to his bed, from whioh he never rose. Mr Duncan cime to Canterbury about 22 years ago, and has occupied various prominent positions. He has been mayor of Ohristohurch, member of the Provincial Council, and has always taken a prominent part in various associations and public bodies of the town and province. He was also emigration Mgent for Canterbury for a year. He dies deeply respected, and the vacancy caused by his duath will bo noticed for some time.