Local & General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5229, 9 April 1895, Page 3

Local & General.

Supbbkb Cotjrt. —Etta Honor Mr Justice Dennis'ton held sittings in Chambers and Bankruptcy this morning, and will sit in Banco at 11 a.m. to-morrow.

Old-agje Pensions. — At the last ordinary meeting of the Canterbury Carpentera' and Joiners' Association, a resolution was passed endorsing the action of the Progressive Liberal Association relative to old age pensions.

Thb Weather.-- The gusty sonth-wesfc wind that blew last evening was succeeded by lain-equalls during the night. At nine o'olock this morning the barometer -waa atill falling, though more nlowly, and the general indications were for farther stormy weather.

Political. — Mr R. Meredith, M.H.R., addressed his constituents at Ashley last night, and received a unanimous vote of thanks, and confidence. Owing to the inclement nature of the weather, the attendance did hot number more than about fifty.

Telegbaph Ojwioes.— On Good Friday telegraph offices which open to the public on Sundays and holidays will open from 9 to 10 a.m. and 1 to 8 p.m., instead of the usual Sunday hours.- On Easter Monday all offices will be open to the public* from 9 to 10 a.m., and those offices which open on Sundays and holidays will re-open in the evening from seven to eight o'clock. The Telephone Exchange will open as usual on both days.

Young Men's Christian Association. —The Elocution Club met laßt night. The programme for the coming winter waß discussed, after whioh several members delivered readings. - Criticism followed in eaoh case/and was replied to by the readers, after which the meeting terminated. The Literary Society began, its regular meetings last night, Mr Hi Purdie in the chair. The business was the '•* Secretary's Box,'"' which brought to light Buoh questions aB "What will be the outi comb of the present war in the East ?" "Why do men not go to cnurch?" " Should women be allowed a seat in Parliament? " These were discussed with some vigour by a number of members.

Springheld.— The annual meeting of the Springfield Mutual Improvement Society was held on Saturday evening. There was a good attendance of members, and Mr E. Barker occupied the chair. The report and balance-sheet, showing a credit balance of £1 1b lOd, were adopted. It was decided to continue the meetings in the Bohoolroom. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring officers, and the following were elected for the ensuing year :— President, Mr Henry Barker (reeleote,d), vice-president, Mr Robert Odges ; secretary and treasurer, Mr A. Williams (re-elected) ; editor, Miss A. Colthart. The President notified that the business for next meeting would be " President's Portfolio," and then closed the meeting.

A Successful Misbion.— A North Island contemporary saya:— "Those qualified to judge declare that the reception given by the Native b at Parihaka to the Hon W. P. Reerea wbb the most cordial that has ever been accorded to a European visitor to the settlement. It is admitted on all sides by those who have any knowledge of the subject that the vieit has been of the greatest benefit to the settlers in that vicinity, and will prove equally so to the Maoris themselves, as theywill now devote themselves to the cultivation and improvement of their land, and ceaHe to regard their European neighbours as interlopers and enemies. This reaulfc is one for genuine congratulation, and Mr Reeveß may rest assured that the settlers up this coast will not begrudge him his proper meed of praiae for having so satisfactorily brought Te Whiti under the Queens tnana."

Kaiapoi Borough School Cohmittbb. —The ordinary meeting of this committee was held last evening; present—Messrs Moore (chairman), Coup, Butcher, Young, Caverhill, Clark, Johnßon and the Mayor* Letters were received :— From the Board, agreeing to provide a tank for the schoolhouae. but objecting to pay for certain repairs.- From the Town Clerk, relative ■to pruning trees round the school ground. Left to the Visiting Committee and chairman, with power to act. The Headmaster's report gave the number on the xoll as— boys 262, girls 256, total 518, being an inceeaue of three in tha boys ana a decrease of one in the girls, the average being— boys 235-2 and girls 225*2, total -460*4, or 89 per cent of the whole. Misa. Ella Johnstone had left the school, and Miss Wilson had been recommended to fill the vacancy. Accounts amounting to *4 7a 6d Were passed for payment. The chairman and secretary undertook to pre--pare the annual balance-sheet and report for the meeting of householders on April 22.

Dbainage Boasd—A special meeting ol the Chriatohurch District Drainage Bo*™ waa held. thin afternoon, when.the^solution paßßed on March 5, giving authority for striking the annual rates wa3 confir;nea. Unclaimed Pension.— The unolaimed pension for Edward Walsh, 109tlr Foot, can be obtained on application » «" Collector of Customa, up to April 15, otherwise it will not be payable until July next. The Enqineebs* Band.— The Canterbury Engineers' Band is about to lose its drum-major, Mr Eolland, who will shortly leave Ohriatchurch for Wellington. He haa been connected with the band for five yeara, and haa served iv bands in the colonies and at Home for twenty-nvo yeara.