Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1482, 27 November 1872, Page 2

Local and General.

Police Pat. — In the present estimates the Government propose to pay 1(5 first-class foot constables 7s a day each ; 6 second-class constables 6s 6d ; and 2 third-clasa constables Cb a day. The pay of the detective officer i 3 increased by £14. %& Oathe'deali Sqtjabe. — Mr Smart made a commencement with the asphalte footpath in Cathedral square, yesterday, and is progressing rapidly with the work. The new line of roadway is also being got into order. Theathe Royal. — There was an improved attendance at this placo of amusement last night. The " Octoroon " was repeated, and with better effect than on the previous evening. To-night, 11. Loyal and Mdile. Zuila will appear in their noted gymnastic performances. Circus. — There was a very fair attendance last night, when Mr Fernandez made his first appearance in Christchurch as clown. He is ! evidently a novice in the work, but doubtless lie will ino prove with time and experience. ' The acrobatic feats and the equestrian acts of Miss Murray and Mr Braham were exceedingly good, and elicited frequent applause. Leo-Ali. — In Chambers, yesterday, Mr Garrick applied for a rule nisi, calling on the plaintiff in the case of Lee v. Brown and another, to show cause why a new trial should not be! granted, on the grounds stated by the learned counsel, which will bo found elsewhere. His Honor granted the rule, making it returnable on the 3rd December next. Buildings. — The eommittco appointed at the public meeting, held on Monday afternoon, waited on the Provincial Government yesterday, and were very courteously received. The deputation was assured that the Government would do all in its power to forward the object aimed at in the resolutions, and would place £10,000 on the estimates for the purchase of the Cathedral site. The deputation also waited upon the Eev. Mr Cot-t-erill, Diocesan Secretary, who informed them that ho would sec the Bishop and endeavour to call a meeting of the Standing Committee for Thursday next, so that the deputation might have an interview with the least possible delay. Canteebttby Bowing- Club. — A special general meeting of members was held at Coker's Hotel, yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of considering the application from the-Heathcote Eowing Club for the loan of a four-oar racing boat. Mr J. H. Herdson presided, and there were also present Messrs Mourner, Stead, Westcnra, Balfour, Blakiston, Wilson, Denhain, Douglas, and Gordon. Mr Wilson moved, and Mr Stead seconded, " That the Heathcote Club be informed, in reply to their secretary's letter of Isth Nov., that the Canterbury Eowing Club has much pleasure in placing the Ilyssus at their disposal for the Heathcote and Kaiapoi Regattas, it being understood of course that proper care be taken of the boat." The motion was unanimously agreed to, .and the meeting then adjourned. Chiustchuhch Musical Society. — The members of the Christchurch Musical Society mustered strongly last evening in the Oddfellows' Hall at the final rehearsal of Haydn's Oratorio, " The Creation," preparatory to its production on Thursday evening. The band and chorus numbered 81, and it is probable that on Thursday the number will be increased to 90. Last evening the chorus went with much crispness and precision, but the accompaniments to the recitatives, duets, and trios were far too powerful. The only effect of employing a double quartett of instruments when a single one would be sufficient, is either to smother the voices or to cause the vocalists unpleasantly to strain them. Doubtless this will be remedied on Thursday. It is probable that the concert will be largely attended, as upwards of 250 tickets have already been disposed of. Daxgekous. — A very serious inatanc* of neglect on the part of some person or other, was discovered between 8 and 9 o'clock last evening. At the present time, considerable alterations are in progress in the premises known as Helmore's Buildings, Cashel street, the front being converted into a shop. At the time above indicated, the attention of the constable on the beat was directed to the fact that a fire was alight in the fireplace of the shop. On examination, it was found that a very serious fire might have resulted, as there was a considerable quantity of lighted ashes in the fire-place, and a block of wood was actually, lying across the embers. Inspector Pendor sent for Mr Harris, FireInspector, and showed him the condition in which the premises were found. They were perfectly open in front, and had a wind arisen, no doubt the burning embers would have been blown about the building, and the result would have been disastrous. A bucket of water was procured, and the fire was completely extinguished before Mr Pender and Mr Harris loft the premises. The matter is one that should certainly be inquired into.