INTERPROVINCIAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXIX, Issue 12143, 11 August 1903, Page 3

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Per Press Association. . NEW PLYMOUTH, August id' . At a meeting of local, barristers and solicitors this afternoon, Mr A. H. Holmes, clerk of the court; -who is leaving to take a similar position at Wellington, was presented with a handsome set of si|ver plate, .consisting of tea kettle with lamp, cake dish, cake-tray, and entree dishes, as a mark of the great esteem in which he is held by the profession. In making the presentation, Mr 0. Samuel, president of the local Law Society, Tegretted the loss of Mr /Holmes' services, but congratulated him on his promotion. He warmly eulogised Mr Holmes' abilities, courtesy, and willingness to assist not only the profession but the public," and praisedhis method of indexing cases, whereby the profession, were greatly assisted. -. Several members present spoke in the same strain, as did Mr Stanford, S.M-, who greatly regretted the loss of Mrf Holmes' services. -.--. All present wished /him success/in his new sphere, and hoped soon to see him elevated .to the Bench. Mr Holmes has also received a presentation from the staff of the S.M. Court, from the Taranaki- Guards, in which he was lieutenant, and from the physical drill squad of the-same company.. He - leaves, by the mail train to-morrow J to take up his new duties. ■ \ I

CHRISTCHURCH, August 10. ; . The City Council has struck the following rates fpr the year—Central 1 ward, 2§d of a penny to the pound, St. Alban's ward 221-64 d, Sydenham 3Jd, Linwood 3id. At the meeting of the Council this evenV, ing the Mayor said that the financial position on March 31st last was worse than on March 31st of the previous year by £1412, but retiring allowances and other things partly accounted for the difference.

; OAMARU, August 10.; •'. The north-west wind bf .Saturday thawed the snow over a .considerable part of f t!he back country, and relieved a. great many, imprisoned sheep, but as it is ■ a month since the snowfall accounts from the snow country are of a gloomy character, and state that the loss of sheep will be;•heavy. . The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company have purchased the business of Fleming and Hedley, and intend to erect offices, a large horse bazaar, and machinery -show rooms." The ground .'covers half an acre.' Negotiations; are also in progress for Mr Allan Hedley,- of the old auctioneering firm of Fleming and Hedley, to enter the company's service. ' .