Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 185, 15 December 1868, Page 2

Local and General.

Public Offices. — To-morrow, being the anniversary of the foundation of the province, the public offices will be closed. Kaiapoi Rural Spokts. — A meeting of the committee was held last evening, Dr Dudley in the chair. Tenders for the booths were opened, and those of Mr Harris^ for publican's,and Mr Wilson's for confectionery, were accepted. As the subscriptions did not appear to come in very rapidly, it was decided to defer fixing the programme until Saturday next, to which time the meeting adjourned. Magisterial. — There were no criminal cases for hearing at the Christchurch Magistrate's Court this morning, but a number of unimportant civil ones were disposed of. The gentlemen on the bench were C. C. Bo wen, Esq., R.M., and JC. J. Wakefield and — Greenstreet, Esqs. At the Lyttelton Court, before W. Donald Esq., R.M., Jane Forrester was charged by Emily Tubb with committing an assault. After hearing the evidence, the Bench dismissed the case. Christchurcu Academy. — The annual examination of pupils attending this Academy commenced on Friday last, and was continued the day following and yesterday. The result was to show a very satisfactory progress in the various branches of instruction, and many of the prizes offered were well deserved. The whole of those were distributed in the schoolroom this morning by the respective masters, and a series of gymnastic games and other sportß succeeded , the party finally breaking up about 12.30. Concert. — A grand vocal and instrumental concert will take place at the Town Hall, tomorrow evening, the occasion being the benefit of Mr J. M. Thompson. This gentleman has been a resident in Canterbury for nearly nine years, and we regret to say that his projected departure for England is caused by a most deplorable affliction, the partial loss of sight. As a musician he has ever been ready to place his services at disposal in the cause of charity. A reference to the programme will show that the entertainment will be of the most varied and carefully selected character. In the City Council, last night, the strongest sympathy was shewn with Mr Thompson, and the Mayor expressed a hope that all the Councillors would make a point of being present. We trust that Mr Thompson will have a bumper house. Bazaar. — A Fancy Bazaar in connection with St John's Presbyterian Church, Lyttelton, was opened this morning in the Colonists' Hall, the object being to raise funds for paying off the debt on the manse and church. The ladies of the congregation have been busily engaged for months past in preparing for it, and the result was that this morning a splendid assortment of goods was exhibited on the various stalls. The Hall looked very pretty; flags were gracefully draped, and floral wreaths and evergreens were in profusion. At the east end a large refreshment stall was erected, where creature comforts were dispensed. At the west end, a table was placedj on which was exhibited some dairy produce, Mrs Chalmers having offered a prize for the best cheese and butter. The bazaar was opened by singing Psalm 122 and by prayer, the Rev. J. M'lntosh presiding. S<jKaiapoi Swing Bridge. — Some speculation, and a little excitement, were caused in Kaiapoi yesterday, by its becoming known that Mr Joseph Besvrick had demanded from the Mayor a passage through the bridge for a vessel to his wharf, and had intimated his intention, if the Council did not open the Bwiug, o£ doing so himself. By the Mayor's direction, some pieces of wood, which were the only impediments in the way of its opening, were removed. Shortly after three p.m. the s.s. Gazelle came up to the bridge and demanded that the swing should be opened. Mr Johnson, the toll-keeper, informed the captain that he had made every endeavour to open the bridge with the appliances at his commaad, but had failed. Captain McLellan then offered to place the stem of his boat against it and force it open, providing he had the permission of the Mayor to do so. No answer being returned to this, he then warped his vessel alongside Messrs Birch and Co.'s wharf and finished his loading. No attempt was made by Mr Beswick to effect an opening. Lyttelton Regatta.— A meeting of the committee was held last night in the Colonists' Hall, Captain Gibson, Vice-Commodore, in the chair. The minutes of the former meeting were read and confirmed. The sub-com-mittee's report was read. It recommended that a space should be enclosed for the subscribers and families near the railway wharf; that all races should be started in a space between the end of the Lighterage (Railway) Wharf and a vessel moored about 200 yard.s distant. The courses were also determined. A great improvement was suggested in the rowing courses. . The boats, by the course named, will be able to row in smooth water. It was resolved that the course of the races be lithographed on the back of the rules, so as to prevent any disputes. It was also resolved that proper cards be printed with the course lithographed. On the motion of Mr Merson, seconded by Captain Turner, it was resolved that the publicans of Lyttelton be invited to tender for a- stand for a booth for supplying the committee, their wives, and their families with refreshments. It was resolved that the pair-oared race should be rowed with a steersman. The committee adjourned until Friday evening next. ' ■

Provincial Council. — We understand that Mr W. Wilson, in deference to tke wishes of his numerous friends, has decided not to resign his seat in the Provincial Council as he some time ago intended to do. Ckicket. — To-morrow the first match this season between the U.C.C. and Albion Cricket Clubs will come off. The wickets will be pitched at 10 o'clock punctually, in order that the match may be played out. The following are the players on each side : — U.C.C.C. — Messrs Anson, Condell, Cotterill, Dickinson, Harley, Mainwaring, Moore, Ollivier, Parkerson, Reade, and Stevens. Albions—Messrs. Alington, 'alvert, Dawe, Hobbs, Maples, Murray, Odell, Souter, Taylor, Turner, and Wood. The Japanese.— This troupe appeared at the Town Hall last evening, in aid of the building fund of the Sunnyside Asylum. There was not so large a house as was anticipated, more especially in the front seats ; but the back seats were nearly all filled. Amongst the audience we noticed hia Honor Mr Justice Gresson, his Honor the Superintendent, Mr Jollie Provincial Secretary, and Mr Wynn Williams, Provincial Solicitor. The performances gave the highest satisfaction, and the applause was most demonstrative. To-night the troupe appear at the Town Hall for the last time, aud we notice that the prices are reduced. The theatre has been rented for to-morrow evening, which is positively announced to be the last appearance of the Japanese in Christchurch. They proceed North by the Airedale on Friday. Rifle Association. — A meeting of the council was held at White's Hotel last night. Present Messrs Simmonds (chairman). Wolfe, Mundy, E. B. Bishop, and H. E. Alport. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. Lieutenants Pavitt and Papprill and Messrs Mundy and Alport were appointed as a sub-committee to 'prepare a report of the council's proceedings during the past year and hand it in not later than the first Monday in January next. The secretary read a letter from the Volunteer General Committee granting the use of their targets for the competition on Wednesday next, aud he was requested to acknowledge it with thanks. A number of accounts were passed and ordered to be paid. Four markers for the Weld Cup firing were selected, and the secretary was requested to ask Colonel Packe to take command of the men on the ground. Captain Simmonds consented to act as umpire, and some other minor arrangements having been made for the firing, the meeting terminated. p( Anniversary Day. — The eighteenth anniversary of the settlement of Canterbury will be celebrated to-morro^jQf The following programme of amusements for the day is open to the public to patronise : — The first exhibition of the season of the Horticultural Society takes place in Coker's gardens. It will be open to visitors at noon, by the entrances from Gloucester and Manchester streets, at an admission fee of two-and-sixpence, and from two o'clock until 7 p.m. at a charge of one shilling. The bands of the Yeomanry Cavalry and Orphan Asylum will be in the gardens throughout the 'afternoon. In the evening, a grand vocal and instrumental concert will be given at the Town Hall for the benefit of Mr J. M. Thompson, under the patronage of his Honor the Superintendent and the Executive Council, the Mayor of Christchurch and Councillors, and the officers and members of the Ancient Order of Foresters. Mr Thompson has put forth a most attractive programme which will include amongst others Mr Bonnington and the members of the String Band, Herr Biinz and the Yeomanry Tavalry Band, and the Christchurch Christy Minstrels. The Japanese Troupe will perform at the Theatre for the last time, as they proceed north by the Airedale on Friday. To volunteers the chief attraction will be the firing for Mrs'Weld'i cup which takes place at Hillsborough. Those who have a preference for the sea side will have an opportunity of inspecting the ships Hydaspes and Blue Jacket, by the permission of Captains Babot and White. The p.s. Betsy Douglas will ply hourly between these ships, the railway, or Peacock's wharf, taking passengers to and fro at a charge of one shilling each way. Retmrn tickets at single fares will bo issued " at all stations on the Canterbury Railways. In addition to this, a special train will leave Christchurch for Lyttelton at 9.30 p.m., returning at 10 o'clock. We have no doubt that this act of liberality on the part of the Government will be thoroughly appreciated. A bazaar will be opened to-day in the Colonists' Hall, and will be continued tomorrow and Thursday. The proceeds will be devoted towards paying off the debt on St John's Presbyterian Church, Lyttelton. The ss Gazelle is also advertised for an excursion to Pigeon Bay. The Late Fire at Timaru.— The Herald of Saturday lnst says : — There are but few particulars to add to those published in our last issue concerning the great calamity on Monday afternoon. As far as can be judged, the fire was first discovered about halt-past three o'clock, when men rushed to the scene from all parts of the town, and there was soon a general cry for water. We were among the first on the ground, and can testify that a very small engine would, have thrown sufficient water' to arrest tlie progress of the flames. At- that time not the least fear was expressed by those most interested that the fire would extend beyond the block of buildings in which it commenced. It, however, spread more like lightning than anything else, and the town was in ruins before any one had fully realised that it was on fire. All who were acquainted with Timaru and he^rd of the fearful visitation, at once discredited the intelligence, believing it to be; impossible for any fire to sweep away the town at one fell swoop, when the two principal blocks of buildings were separated by a large open space. There was not a, person pisent who did not work bravely, but little could be done in the face of such a fire. It ran through the

_r -town with resistless fury in an hour and ahalf. The burning ruins were all that remained, and they are still burning. To those who have seen the town grow year by year, the calamity appears like a dream, so clean has it been swept away and reduced to a mere Tillage, the shadow of its former self. Of course, no business has been done since the fire ; hut we are glad to see that the blow, although it has fallen with stunning effect, is not likely to cause men to flee from pre•ent evil. The Club Hotel is now iepresented by a small leau-to where liquor ia kept on the premises more for the purpose of keeping the license than for any other reason. Mr Turnbull has opened out a quantity of new goods, which arrived two days after the fire,in the store of Messrs Russell and Co. We hear that a few persons will erect stone buildings at once, but there are several we regret learn who are not in a position to do so. sf&re&t anxiety was shown for the presence of the insurance agents from Christchurch (the agents in Timaru, with one exception, not having power to act in the matter), and on Thursday night some relief was given by the appearance of these gentlemen. Mr Symmington (North British) arrived on Tuesday night, but returned to Christchurch the following morning. On Thursday night Mr Craig (New Zealand), Mr Bird (Liverpool and London), Mr Jack (Victoria), and Mr Hudson (London and Lancashire), arrived. They have since been engaged in making enquiries into the lossag£&e. and had a meeting yesterday afternooiM£\Valuutors were appointed to go over the stocks injured by removal, where the premi3e9 were not destroyed, and we learn that the companies propose to make a speedy settlement of the claims against them, without deducting, where persons are not fully insured, the stock which has been saved, when it does not exceed the sum^for which individuals were their own insurers?? t — *»!