CHRISTCHURCH.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3326, 20 August 1879, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH.

Last night

A largely-attended meeting of the Liberal Reform Association was held this evening at the Oddfellows'^ Hall. Dr Turnbnll presided in. the chair; a proposition that the clause of membership be rescinded was lost, and it was decided to return clause in its entirety. A resolution that Mr S. P. Andrews be solicited by this Association to come forward as its candidate in conjunction with Sir George for the representation for Chriitcburch in the House of Representatives, was enthusiastically carrj^esr*M.r Andrews, in response to loud wMw|'d|ne forward, and while giving a general outline of his views, declared himself a strong adherent of Sir George Grey and would assist him if elected to carry out the Ministerial programme ; he accepted their invitation and would take an early opportunity pf addressing them.-^Mr J. M. Gapes (late Mayor), was also asked to come forward as a candidate, but regretted to have to decline. It was resolved to meet Sir G. Grey in a body on his arrival, and as many of the members of the Association that could do so to be present at the Theatre Royal on Friday evening to

honour 3ir G. Grey, who had consented to be present that evening.

The committee appointed by tho City Council to select dosigns for a Town Hall, hare directed the surveyor who reported the first six selected were all outside the limit of cost to report'upon the remaining designs, and ascertain if any of them caa be carried out for the £12;0Q0 proposed to be spent.

In cons&juence of complaints from the Sydenham Council the rate '"of"postage between Sydenham and Chriatchurch has been reduced to Id. -:

Thei Catholics of Kaiapdi, 300 ittbfigT have decided: against Bowen, and will support any candidate against him.

Arrived: Island City and Sunboam from Newcastle* the fFawh and Torea fromKaipara, Cleopatra from Greymouth. Sailed: South for Melbourne.

The chess tournament began at 7.30 punctually to-night. There being three boards going, the Rev Mr Ash being pitted against tirayl Hay against Hookham, and Jacobsen against Janion. Vele will probably be pitted against ,IJook> ham. ;. ...'..'... 'i, .'. ...:.-. ■ ■■-;;■. „.- ■?

Nothing has been heard of the dates of nominations and elections. t , , Murfay^Aynsley speaks on Friday at Lyttelton, and Bichardson, at Christchurch on Thursday.

Eollestoa received an unanimous rote of confidence to-night. His speech, was the usual indictment of the Government and contained nothing that has not already been said by the speakers on his side. The meeting was a large one.'

Lance and Higgins.3 have withdrawn from the Ashley conteit.

The. missing man Varnall has not yet been found, though the Sandhills towards new Brighton and the rirer have been thoroughly searched. The/ police suspect foul play, as this morning they discovered that a pane in the kitchen window was broken, apparently by being fired through with a gun, and on the wall opposite, eighteen shot marks were found. In this room several small stains were found on the floor, and two corners of the table cover were cut off and removed. There are two blankets and two sheets missing from the deceased's ' bed, and a kerosene lamp known to have been in the house, is also missing.. A mother of pearl fancy box has . also been carried away. The house occupied by deceased was in an isolated position," and Yarnall has not been; seen since 6th; J f«

The number of nominations forwarded by the outgoing Frisco mail from Christ* church office was 256 souls.

The Mayor has invited the councillors and officials to a private luncheon on Friday to meet the Premier. This is understood to be a purely official-act of courtesy to the Premier, and strictly nonpolitical. • At the meeting, of the City Council tonight a letter was read from Dr Symes cautioning the Council against taking the water supply for Christchurch from the Heathcote Hirer on account of it containing marsh drainage. ■'

Sailed: Hawea for the North, Rotorua for the South, and Rialto for London. Cleared: Ship Sonkar for Melbourne. Arrived: Barque Messenger ' from Newcastle with coal.

Sailed: s.s. Wanganui and s.s. Ladybird for Port Chalmers.

DUNEDIN. Last night. Robert Gillies is mentioned as a probable candidate for Dunedin. - >

Mr Stout delivered an address in the Garrison Hall last night on the present political situation, and political parties in New Zealand. The Major occupied the Chair, and there irere 200' persons present. His speech was a general defence of the Government from the attacks of Sir William Fox, which, he said, were the same, and made in the same language as those made by Fox on the Stafford Gorernment 10 years ago. He denied that Sir George Grey w.as an autocrat. With reference to the dispute between Grey and Ballance he held that Ballance was right,. He argued that those who supported the Grey party should not now desert them because they were the weaker . side. Mr Stout was recorded a hearty vote of thanks. "IT members representing the Football Clubs in Dunedin leave for Christchurch on Friday morning, in charge of Mr.H. Rose to play a match against Canterbury' on Saturday and against Wellington on Tuesday. Each game will be played by 15 men a side. Mr Neville, who represented Otago in. the team which made so successful a tour through the colony two years ago and is now resident at Lyttelton will be re* quested to act as umpire for our men. At the inquest on the body of Annie Telia Bowden, aged 2| years, killed on the tramway yesterday, the jury returned a verdict of accidental death, but added a rider that the engineer was blameable for not stopping the engine immediately on seeing a child of tender years on the line. Had it been the case of a child of reason, the circumstances would have been different. The 'jury also expressed an opinion that horses should be used instead of engines'in the narrow streets. J. Barr has' been asked to stand for

Roslyni

T. B. Chapman, solicitor, has declined to stand tor.VY^iki. I , !( W. A. „jMosley is announced .for Bruce. „•.,. ■■.:■■ ■■■<■ .<?■'; .-■;.:.-.(.':..

Mr Macandrew's address has been well received. . .'■.■? , ; ■<'..,■■

Stout-s "lecture; has been. favorably received, having disabused the minds of the-people regarding the false views held by a majority of the local jHtosi The Evening Tribune was stated by him to be the only journal which had not done so. , It is rumored that efforts are being made to compromise Hawkins' defalcations.

Efforts are being made to get a Liberal candidate for the City seat. Grey, on arrival here,' will receive a hearty reception.