CHRISTCHURCH NOTES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 6584, 25 May 1882, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH NOTES.

(from a correspondent,) After nearly three months’ residence in Christchurch, Sir A. Gordon has left us. He was escorted to the station by a small body of Volunteers, whose gallant appearance drew together a few dozen sight-seers. The Mayor of Christchurch wished his Excellency farewell, and »ir Arthur replied in a speech complimentary to Christchurch. It nlight be eppposed from these alight demonstrations that the Governor is popular in Christchurch'; but such is not the case. If he -is not quite as unpopular here as he is affirmed to be in Wellington, yet be he is , far from being The general feeling towards him is one of indifference. The ’<( Lyttelton Times " (which the evening edition of that journal—the “ Star”—now designates “The Times”) professes to find political reasons for ; this state of feeling. To this the <i Telegraph ” (of which more anon) replies that if the Governor is unpopular the reason is not political, but personal and social, and, so far as a question requiring such subtle analysis can be discussed, I am inclined to think that the evening journal is partially correct. The “Lyttelton Times ’’ would have it that he is unpopular because he is a genuine. Liberal. It is & singular fact that the papers' which first held up this paragon of Liberal ideas to ridicule are the so-called Liberal journals. This time last year, Mr Stout’s little weekly -"organ made rich fun of Sir Arthur’s “grandiose ” efforts on the opening of Parliament; and about the same date the pages of the “ Lyttelton Times” contain heavy indictments against his Excellency. The “Telegraph,’’ to which I have referred above, is practically a newspaper, having been bought by a number of leading gentlemen in the place, and put upon a sound financial basis. It has been stated that Messrs Hall and Rollston are interested in the venture, but I have good reason for saying that this is not quite correct. The paper is now well conducted and well written, with, I understand, a good circulation. Of independent principles, it gives the Ministry a modified support, and writes fearlessly, on social, municipal and other matters. ■ The Exhibition is fairly successful—much taore so than many persons who had had the g, )o d fortune to see the Melbourne Exhibition, thought would be the case. The several bays are now well filled, and the exhibits are really worth a thorough inspection. It continues to attract a large number of visitors ; and many ingenious devices are used tor the purpose of keeping up the interest ol visitors. We have been favored since the opening ot the Exhibition with visitors of a highly objectionable kind, in the shape of a gang of burglars, whose latest exploit wps an attempt upon the life of Mr Deans, of the Riocartbn Estate. Many persons were at a loss to understand the wherefore of this attempt. The fact is easily understood when it is known that under the bag which Mr Deans was trying to move lay the articles stolen from two of the High-street shops. The burglar was there on gust.’, and, when ' Mr ' Deans appeared, he supposed that gentleman had come to lay hands Upon the predatory hoard—hence the burglar’s blood thirsty'attack. ‘ | .The keenest interest is taken in the present session, and its results will be regarded with groat curiosity; It is generally felt here that the loss of Mr Hall is a serious blow' to the Ministry ; but that if they bring forward really useful measures they will secure 1 the Support of a. majority of the House, in which there is' a large number of men who cannot by any' possible means look ,td any ’ selfish gain in the ousting of the iMinistry, V TTnleks Sir George Grey stands ’aside, 1 no Opposition attack can be Bnoceisfu). ‘"When Mr George wak in , Christchurch, he sounded several members as to the chance of Sir George getting 1 support, and was plainly .told that he would get none, and that he should stand aside in the. interests of his party. To 'this Mr George seemed to give assent," but .whether Sic Qeorge 1 will "ffim '‘Mt ' asstni ,2s 'another matter.