CHRISTCHURCH.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2025, 1 July 1875, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH.

r . , Wednesday. Letters appear .in both the.Times and Press this morning stigmatising the resolution .passed by -the Auckland cricketers that the niatch-^-Australia- r. Xfew Zfaland—should be played* at Auckland, as absurd, because the Auckland cricketers have no right to decide such an important matter, and it would not beifair to cricketers of other places to play such a match either at* Auckland or Dunedin. A more central'place should; be selected. The writers suggest that ; delegates bo appointed by each province to meet at some centi'al place, and decide -where the great match* 'shall be played, and how many players each province shall send to the New Zealand team. : s

The Criterion Hotel had a narrow escape from destruction by fire last night. Some gentlemen lodgers, in the hotel saw tho glare in the adjoining room, and found the window drapery, in-., a blaze. After some trouble, they succeeded!.in extinguishing the fire. .As -this is the second occurrence of the. kind within a week, it is supposed to bo the work of an incendiary.. Mr Ball, the landlord, has placed the matter in the hands of the police. '..''.'...-.' „ ■ Lunch was given to-day on.board the Union Steamship'Company'sj new steamer Hawea at Lyttelton. A hundred gentlemen were • invited, and seventy-five sat down to table. Special carriages for tiie guests were attached to the train from ChristGhurpb, and they, were conveyed here alongside the steamer at G-ladson's wharf. After examining the saloons, engine-room, etc., the company sat down to lunch.- The chair was occupied by Mr James Mills, managing director of the company, and the vice-chair by Captain Malcolm. On the right of Mr Mills sat his > Honor the Superintendent, and Mr Peagock; on the left Mr Murray Ajaslic, of Messrs Miles, Hassall, and Co., company's agents. After tho usual loyal toasts had been honored, the toast of "Success to the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand" was proposed by Lis Honor the Superintendent.- In

responding, the chairman stated that the new company, which had been registered under the Limited Liability Act, started with a paid-up capital of £90,000. They would take over the Harbor Company's steamers on the Ist July, and in addition to the Hawea and Taupo, would add still further to their fleet as trade demanded it. , They had no desire to injure steam companies already in existence, but would feel themselves* bound; to see that the interest of the travelling public received tho attention it merited. This day. A valuable consignment of horses landed to-day, including; twelve, draughty maresV two draught stallions and a handsome lArab stallion. ,, Considered, a very valuable lot.