Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 680, 28 July 1870, Page 2

Local and General.

♦ Lyttelton Winter Readings. — The next of the series will take place in the Colonists' Hall to-morrow evening. A capital programme has been advertised.

Theatre Royal.— Tuesday's programme was repeated last night. Mr Steele's benefit takes place this evening. Insular Separation. — It is sated in the Wellington papers that the debate on Mr Reynolds' resolutions is not likely to be renewed. Cattle Inspector. —It is notified in a Provincial Gazette, dated July 27, that the Superintendent has appointed Mr Ernest Alfred Shrimpton to be an Inspector under the Diseased Cattle Acts. S. John's. — Despite the unfavourable sate of the weather, the attendance at S. John's schoolroom la3t evening was beyond anything that could have been expected. The programme comprised a number of readings from Thackeray, alternated with vocal and instrumental selections by lady aud gentlemen amateurs. As a whole, the entertainment passed off most satisfactorily, thp applause being frequent. Q Manuka por the Melbourne Cup. — The Nelson Examiner of July 23 says : — We are able to state that Manuka is in excellent condition, his legs standing the steady preparation he is undergoing, without olncing any sign of weakness. Every confidence is entertained in the horse by tho stable, and if he is brought well to the post we havo a strong presentiment he will win the race, despite the weight imposed upon him, which we observe is complained of by writers in the Australian sporting papers. Board of Conservators. — A meeting of the Board of Conservators was held at noon, yesterday. Present: Messrs Harman (chairman), Tossw 111, and Fisher. It was resolved that the chairman should see the Manager of the Union Bank, and endeavour to arrange for any overdraft that might be required from time to time, at 8 per cent. It was moved by Mr Tosswill, seconded by Mr Fisher, and agreed to — " That the Chairman be requested to take the steps required by the Act to give the various Road Boards and municipalities in the district notice to pay in to the credit of the Conservators, at the Union Bank of Australia, within 50 days from the date of the notice the amount of the general and special rates confirmed by the Resident Magistrate on Monday, July 25." The Chairman reported that he had recently visited the works. A very considerable delay had been caused through the northwest winds and freshes, but in all probability by' to-day Comer and Taylor's sections (the first and second portions of the work) would have joined, in which event the worst part of the work would be completed. The chances were very much in favour of the whole work being done without very much difficulty. The freshes had more than doubled the expenses of the dam. He had also to report that the planting of the embankments was being carried on with vigour; already it had been carried to the point immediately above the pile works. A large number of tenders were opened for fencing required by the Board. It was resolved that the matter should be left in the hands of the Chairman and his Worship the Mayor of Christchurch. Ferry Road Drain. — A meeting of the committee appointed at a public meeting held at the Christchurch Quay some time ago to take action with regard to the Ferry Road Drain, was held at the City Council Chambers, yesterday. Present -Messrs Kennaway (chairman), Ollivier, Wilson, F. Pai itt, and Hopkins. The Chairman stated that in accordance with a resolution passed at "the laat meeting of the committee, he had seen Mr J. S. Williams relative to the drain, who asked for a history of the drain with the view of obtaining an opinion from the Attorney-General relative to its legality. Mr Ollivier had kindly offered to draw up a history of the drain, which* that gentleman would now read. [Read accordingly.] On the motion of Mr Wilson, seconded by Mr Hopkins, it was resolved, " That the thanks of the committee be accorded to Mr Ollivier for the elaborate and accurate report that he has framed on the history of the Ferry Road drain." Mr Pavitt was requested to prepare a plan, showing the position of the drain, and a copy of the abstract history thereof prepared by Mr Ollivier. A discussion then ensued as to whom should bear the expense of getting an opinion from the Attorney-General. It was moved by Mr Ollivier, seconded by Mr Wilson, and agreed to, " That a respectful address be sent to his Worship the Mayor of Cbristchurch requesting that the city corporation will aid by its contributions to the expense attaching to the cost of obtaining the opinion of the AttorneyGeneral on a case to be submitted to lum in respect to the Ferry Road drain ; a similar communication to be sent to the chairmen of the Heathcote and Spreydon Road Boards." Moved by Mr Ollivier, seconded by Mr Wilson, and agreed to — " That a communication be made to the Hon. Mr John Hall in reference to the proposed Drainage Bill now before the General Assembly, requesting him to watch the same, with a view of protecting the interest of the owners and occupiers of property within the Heathcote district in the event of the Bill containing a clause in any way legalising the construction of the Ferry Road sewer, and enclosing a copy of Mr FitzGerald's question when Superintendent, whether a drain could be legally made there, and the reply of Mr Gresson (then Provincial Solicitor), dated June, 1857, to the effect' that no drain could be made there to carry off any other drainage than that of the Road itself." On the motion of Mr Ollivier, seconded by Mr Hopkins, the chairman was requested to consult with Mr J. S. Williams on the course to be pursued in reference to the abatement of the nuisance of the Ferry Road drain, and to direct the preparation of a case for the opinion of the Attorney General in the event of Mr Williams recommending such a course.