Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 291, 20 April 1869, Page 2

Local and General.

Supper - Room. — The erection of the supper-room at the Government Buildings was commenced yesterday. i Colonists' Hall. — The Gourlays, having most liherally offered to give one of their popular entertainments for the benefit of the funds, will appear this eveniug. Reception Committee. — The committee met again this morning, and transacted some routine business. Another meeting will be held at 9.30 am. to-morrow. Tub Procession. — A rumour was very current yesterday, to the effect that the Prince would not take part in the procession through the city on the day of his arrival. The rumour, so far as tlie Government are aware, is without foundation. The Pkince. — We understand his Honor the Superintendent lias received a telegram to the effect that the Galatea will leave Nelson this evening, and that the Prince expects to arrive so as to be able to land in Lyttelton at ten o'clock on Thursday morning. The Public Festival. — The store of the Association is in High street, in the shop lately occupied by Mr Rowley, tinsmith, kindly lent by Mr L. E. Nathan. The contributions ai'c fast coming in, and amongst them there is a very fine bullock, the gift of Mr J. Cracroft Wilson, C.B. The GouitLATS. — The Town Hall was literally crammed last evening, on the occasion of the joint benefit of Miss Minnie and Master John, and the performances were as ever highly appreciated. We understand that on account of their great success in Christchurch, the Gourlays will appear at the Theatre Royal for two or three evenings, commencing with Wednesday. They will I then proceed to Dunedin. of the Butchering- Trade. — A numerously attended meeting was held at the Criterion Hotel, Gloucester street, last eveniug, Mr W. Rossiter presiding. The object of the meeting was the distribution of the dress to be worn by the butchers in the procession. It consists of a blue slop, scarlet sash worn round the waist, scarlet neckcloths, tight cords and boots, and black silk velvet cap ; red, white, and b'ue rosettes to be worn on the left breast. It was arranged that a blue flag be carried by the corps, and that there should be a bullock's head in the centre, and ; the "roast beef of old Englaud," in gilt letteriD It was also decided that the corps should be uuder the command of Mr Culliford. About thirty suits were issued. Others will be issued as applied for. We understand that most of the butchers from the country districts have signified their intention of joining their Christchurch brethren in the procession. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman. PItESBYTEKY OF CANTERBURY. The following is the text of the address to his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh from the Presbytery of Canterbury, drawn up in accordance with the resolutions passed at last meeting of Presbytery: — " To his Royal Highness the Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, Duke of Edinburgh, K.G., K.T., &c , &c. May it please- your Royal Highness,— We, the Moderator and Members of the Presbytery of Canterbury, in connection with the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, desire to present to your Royal Highness our most hearty congratulations on the auspicious occasion of your first visit to this colony. As representatives of a Colonial Church, which is largely composed of members of the Established Church of Scotland, the Free Church of Scotland, and other Presbyterian bodies, we would assure your Royal Highness ; of our fervent loyalty to your Royal House, which has so long reigned over the British Empire, and which has ever been identified with the cause of constitutional and religious liberty. We rejoice in this opportunity of conveying to one of the family of our beloved Queen, the expression of our devoted attachment to Her person and Her Government. That it may please Almighty God. to grant to your Royal Highness a long and distinguished career of happiness, usefulness, and honour, is the earnest prayer of your Royal Highness' most obedient and dutiful servants" The Koyal Visit. — The following was published as a Gazette yesterday : —His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, K G., will land at the Government Wharf at Lyttelton, on ThiLCsday, the 22nd inst. A space, on the wharf will be reserved for members of the Reception Committee who may. wish to. be present, and they may proceed by a special train at an hour which will I c notified hereafter. His Royal Highness will hold a levee in the Provincial Council Chamber on the same day, one hour after his arrival at liis residence in Christchurch. Gentlemen who have received cards of entree, hnd members of the Legislative Council, will assemble in the Provincial Council Chamber, entering at the Speaker's door. Members of the House of Representatives and Provincial Council will assemble in the library through the entrance froui the garden. Members of the City and Borough Councils, the clergy of the several denominations, and officers of the Army, Navy, Militia, and Volunteers, will assemble at Bellamy's through the same entrance. Other gentlemen are requested to enter by the entrance to the Provincial Government Offices, and to assemble in the north lobbies. The principal entrance to the lobby of the Council Chamber is reserved for Iris Royal Highness. Each gentleman will, proyide himself with two cards, "with his name.printed or written thereon, one to be lef t in the prin.cipal entrance hall, the other, fo.be given; to the : G overnor's Aide-de-Camp. ;' '' § entlemen attending the levoe will wear either .official dress, uniform, or evening costume. , By authority, for the Private Secretary." A.F. N. Blakiston.