CHRISTCHURCH NEWS NOTES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12419, 31 July 1902, Page 5

CHRISTCHURCH NEWS NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) CeHISTCHURCH, July 20. Mr F, 0. Raphael, hon. secretary of the Now Zealand Cricket Council, expects a cable message from Lord Ilawke tliis week elating definitely if he intends bringing an English amateur cricket team to this colony this yoar. Tiio Governor has signified his intention of visiting tho local city public schools somo time about tho middle of next month. The Official Assignee, Chrittcliuruh, may claim a record. On the 16tli iust, an cjtate eo.mo into his hands, on the 50th ho declared a dividend of 20s in the pound, and had the Supremo Court been sitting there was nothing to prevent the debtor applying for his discharge or an annulment of the bankruptcy.

iho public meetings v/nich lmvo been held the laet weok at St. Albans will provide interesting reading for Mr H. G. M, ohampion of rating on unimproved values. That ardent politician is now probably very sorry bo spoke. Tho people of St, Albans are straining their inventive faculties in an endeavour to rid thcmsclvos of the burdens they have placed on their own sbouldors at tho poll a few weeks ago. They are so annoyed at tho resultant effect on their rales that thay actually propose the unique and astounding expedient of taking a stop backwards and forming the borough into a road district. Tin's is a drastic sort of romcdy, but it i 3, the only method of escape from t!io exorbitant rates they have imposed upon themselves. No small grief will be felt for the death of Mr X C. Sopp, which occurred suddenly at 7 o'clock this morning at his la to residence. in Addington. The lato Sir Sopn came 'to New Zealand ahout 29 years ago. Ho was one of the best known of the Christ-church-justices-of the peace, and took frequent (urns on the bonch. Tho deceased was also a Mason of very old standing, a prominent member ol tho Pharmaceutical Society, and well-known in connection with the Ohristehurch Working Men's Club. Ha was 60 years of age at the time of his> death, and leaves a widow and one daughter. At the meeting of the North Canterbury executive of tho Farmers' CJnion 10-day Mr ft, W. Lpadley reported on the proceedings of the recent Colonial Conference, especially eulogising Mi' J. G. Wilson, who had prenided, for his admirable management. It had been necessary to practically reorganise tho union, and the los:ier questions would bo given morn time nc subsequent confernttee.'. A battle royal had raged round freehold tenure, which, largely owing to Mill. F. Beeea'g able, speech, b?.d been tarried by a strong vote. He referred to the union's decision on the frown meat trade, and said it had been made clear that Government grading would not assist the farmers at all, and that the freezing companies' representatives appeared to consider that tho distribution was as satisfactory- as conk! he hoped. The trouble with tho provinces was that tho moat required such au amount; of sorting. It seemed 'that prime O.nterhury was too gcod for Uy requirewonts of the ureat mass of (-onenincvs. Tho qrntion of improvement at this cud wss

nil! More tho executive, and proposals v.'onld lift submitted to the meat comonnies. Special legislation would bis required for a mutual insurance scheme, and it. was pro-"C--fid io accent. the oH'pr of V?rrT , .e , V Co-operative Insurance Association to insure members against {ire. Air Leadley eoneluded by concrahilating the union on a membership of 25,000.