LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 2724, 21 December 1876, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

"» j Lyllbxton Habboub Boabd.— Mr E. G. Wright has been nominated as a member for the oity. It is rumoured that the Hon John Hall has consented to stand as member for Selwyn County, and Mr P. Cunningham as Chamber of Commerce member for the above Board. Education Boabd. — At the meeting of the Board of Eduoation yesterday, the Bey W. J. Habeas was appointed Seoretary to the Board, at a salary of £550, and an additional sum of £60 as Examiner, on the understanding that he would devote the whole of his time to the duties of the position. The salary of the Secretary to the East Christohurch Sohool Committee was reduced from £40 to £25. Fbbb Passes ok Railways.— lt v notified that all free passes on tho Canterbury railways must be given np by Deo. 28, for renewal on Jan. 1, 1877. . „ Railway Employes.— A meeting of railway employes will be held this evening to wind up the Association and distribute the remaining funds. Wbboe or thb Gbnbbal Gbakt.— The s.s. Gazelle cleared the Customs yesterday for the Auokland Isles. She is bound on an expedition to recover the gold lost in the ship General Grant. Thb " Messiah ".— The final rehearsal of Handel's "Messiah," by the members of the Ohristohuroh Harmonio Sooiety took place last evening, and judging from the way in whioh it passed off, a great musical treat will be experienced by those who are present this evening at the Weeleyan Church, where the Oratorio will be performed. Chinbbb Giant. — Ohoukiezee, the Chinese Giant, desoribed as the tallest, broadest, and heaviest human being in the world, has arrived in Christohurch, and will exhibit himself daily for a week. We have already published an account of the manner in whioh this human curiosity oame to be introduced to publio notice, and need only add that ho is several inohes taller than tbe wellknown Chang. The exhibition will oommenoe to-morrow evening. Tbadbsmbn's and Mechanics' Loan Sooibtt.— The sixteenth annual meeting of this Sooiety was held at the Foresters' Hall last evening. There was a good attendance of members. Mr William Pengelly, Chairman of Committee, oooupied the chair. The following report was read and adopted:— "Having arrived at the sixteenth annual moetu« of the Society, your Committee has great pleaft- r e in stating that the year's transactions bear lavourable comparison with past years, the Committae not having any losses or doubtful oases to report. Your Committee' have adopted the system of lending on real security, instead of personal, in most cases, so as to prevent risk, and see ure * better work-

[ ing of the Society. Your Committee have great pleasure in recommending tbe payment j of • dividend at the rate of £10 per cent per \ annum. Your Committee trust toe members i will use their utmost endeavours to make the Society better known, so that it may be able to cope with other Societies.'' The Secretary read a statement of reseipts and expenditure, showing that the total receipts for the year amounted to £2541 7s 2d ; and that the dis- ! bursemecta amounted to £2338 12s 7d. The profit and loci account showed net profit* amounting to £202 14s 7d. The Chairman, in a few congratulatory remarks, proposed the adoption ef the report and balance-sheet, which, being seconded by Mr Houlihan, was carried unanimously. Mr John Atkinson and Mr Henry Crooks were elected members of Committee. After the transaction of some other business the meeting separated, having passed a vote of thanks to the Committee and Secretary for the satisfactory manner in which they had conducted the business of the Society during the ytar.