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Star (Christchurch), Issue 3588, 10 October 1879, Page 2

WELLINGTON, Oct. 9. Boating. The boating season opens on Saturday by the uaual procession of boats. Druidial. The opening banquet of tho Ancient Order of Diuids last evening waß a great success. After the dinner, Mr Brcnan, tlie Secretary of tho Victorian Grand Lodgo, was presented with a handeomo silver cigar eaae as 8 memorial of his visit to New Zealand for the purpose of opening new Lodgoa of iho Ordor. Liberal Companies* The Insurance Companies havo agreed to defray half the cost of a steam fire-engine for. Wellington, and at the next meeting of tha City Council a motion will bo proposed that a steam engine bo purchased without delay. The annual sheep reports for the year ending Dec. 31, 1878, aro published in the Gazelle. Licensed Victuallers. At a speoial meeting of tho Licensed Victuallers' Association to-day, to tako into consideration tho Auckland Association's petition, a eub-coinuiitteo was appointed to take the whole question of the trade's poaition and tho licensing system into consideration, and it was reaolved that dolegates from all other Associations should bo askod to attend a conference hero, beginning on Oct. 23, to frame resolutions and wait on tho Govornmont as a deputition with their, euggeationa. Muoh earneatneßS waa shown by the meoting, and a hopo was Btrongly expressed that the grievances of the trade would bo redressod and its general status raised. The Rotomahana. Tho Union Company's now Bteamer Rotomahana made a trip round the harbour this aftornoon with about 700 gueßta on board, including Lady Robinson and tho mombers of tho Legislature. The trip was vory pleasant, and tho stoamer averaged 14 knots. - The New Opposition. WELLINGTON, Oct. 10. The Opposition caucus is just over. The Hon. J. Macandrow was formally oleoted leader. Forty-three mombors were present-, and tho absence of two others was accounted for.