LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5762, 5 January 1897, Page 3

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Drainage Board Election. — Little interest, and an absence of anything approaching excitement characterised the elections for the Christchurch Drainage Board to-day. Mr E. Cnthbert acted as officer in charge of the poll at St John's Schoolroom for the South-east-Ward, while Mr Jekyll acted in a similar capacity for the North-east Ward at the Orange Hall. Trout— Mr W. J. -^lpe reports the following takes : — On Dec. 31, one fish, 6ilb, Mr J. Wartemburg; one fish, 5&lb; Mr F. Warfcemburg, both from the Waiinakariri. A Southbridge angler, twenty-five fish in three days ; and four anglers, in folir days, 2icwt of fish, all from the Eakaia. On Dec. 24, a Christchurch angler, five: fish from the Waimakariri; Mr Hamilton, eight fish from the same river, and Mr W. J.Alpe, five fish from the Avon. On Jan. 2 Mr Hamilton, twelve fish from the Waimakariri. <_. The Eainfall.— The observations taken at the Drainage Board Pumping Station show that the rainfall at Christchurch for December last was *88in. Eain fell on eight days during the month, the heaviest tall being j-pn Dec. 18J when *335 in fell. The prevailing wind was north-east on nine .days durin^the month, south-east on' nine days, east on three days, north-west on three days, south-west on six, and south on one. The total rainfall recorded at the station for the year 1896 was 29*575 in. The heaviest fall In one month was s*67oin in July, and the lightest *470 in in May. Funeral. — The body of the late Mr John Toovey was interred at the Public Cemetery this afternoon. The •_ burial service was conducted by the Yen Archdeacon Lingard, and the hearse was followed by a procession of nearly thirty vehicles, bearing a large number of mourners, among them nearly all the members of the . Licensed Victuallers' Association and many- representatives of the Canterbury Bowling Club, of which Mr Toovey was one oi ' the foimders. A number of beautiful wreaths were placed -on . the coffin 'on behalf of the Licensed Victuallers' Association, the Canterbury Bowling Club and several private friends. '

The Sydenham Sewage ScHEME.-rThe | new plan of disposing of the excreta" from the Sydenham district, by washing it from the carts into the South Belt sewer in a building erected for the purpose was brought into operation last night, and those in charge reported that it acted satisfactorily, and that there was no sign of the pipes becoming choked. Tan has been laid down around the building in order to deaden the noise made by the carts employed. At present p.nly three .cartloads a night will be emptied into the sewer. Copies of the resolutions passed by the City Council last night in reference to the subject have been forwarded-, to the Sydenham Borough Council and the Drainage Board. , Personal. — The Hons W. C. Walker and TV. Hall-Jones went on departmental business to Dunedin by the express train yesterday. The Garrison Library. — Atthe meeting of the Garrison Library, to be held tomorrow evening, a paper will be read byLieutenant Anderson, of the Canterbury Engineers, on " Defence." Cycling.:— A special general meeting of the New Zealand Cyclists' Union will be held bn Friday, when a motion, tabled at the last meeting, altering the name of the TTr-ion to that of the League of New Zealand "Wheelmen will be brought forward. New rules will be submitted. Swimming.— A handicap swimming race of 75yds, between members of the Postal and Telegraph Athletic Club, will take place on Thursday afternoon, at the Lancaster Park bath, at four o'clock. The following handicaps have been declared *. — First heat: J. Haydon scr, L. Anderson Ssec, V. Delaney lOsec, J. Jacobs 16sec, J. Chapman lGsec. Second heat : 'J. Sarjeant scr, A. Nicholls 2sec, G. Seelen 15sec, A. Shanks 15sec, S. Clark 22sec. Third heat : W. Watts 2sec, C. Chambers lOsec, J. Ross 12sec, W. Gerard 14sec, E. Critchley 15sec. The Kinematograph. — Messrs Hausmann and Gow gave three sessions of the Tkinematograph yesterday afternoon and evening, all of which were well patronised. The 1 various scenes were received .. with ''greatinterestr .and frequently applauded. There was a considerable- improvement in the electric light, and the pictures were all shown to advantage. To-day there will be- ; §ix exhibitions, commencing at 2.30 p.m., • and in the evening at 7.30. To-morrow there will be a complete change of programme, and it is promised that on Thursday a number of new'pictures brought out by the Euapehu will be shown.

Concert. — An impromptu concert took place on board the s.s. Duke of Westminster on New Tear's night, when a large party were entertained in the social rcom by the officers of the ship and the chief steward. Songs were sung by Misses Mason, Haydon, and several other ladies ; also by Messrs Makepiece, Thorndick and Eeid, the chief, second and third officers respectively. Several other gentlemen also contributed.- Mr Trant, the chief steward, was untiring in his efforts to make all the visitors thoroughly at- home, and before dispersing " Auld Lang Syne " was sung by all, and three cheers for the captain and officers brought a most enjoyable evening to a close.

The Sydenham Sewage Scheme. — At a special meeting of the Christchurch City Council, held last night to consider the action of the Sydenham Borough Council in establishing a station on the South Belt for the removal of sewage by means of the sewer, a deputation of residents and ratepayers appeared in support of a petition urging the Council to stop what they feared would be an unmitigated nuisance. An opinion was read from the city solicitors, to the effect that the City Council could take no action until it was shown that the station would be a nuisance. All the councillors present spoke strongly against the action of the Sydenham Council, especially in regard to tho secrecy observed in connection with the undertaking. A motion expressing alarm at the proposal was unanimously carried, as was one requesting the Drainage Board to prevent it from being put into operation till the ratepayers had had an opportunity of considering the mattei* and taking expert opinion thereon.

Hams. — Hams, Christinas hams, prime quality. Come one, come all, to the Smithfield Market, Christmas. Bon Bon cheese, Bdper lb. Prizes in gold and silver. Try your luck. Christmas cake from Is. Smithfield Ma-Vet, High Street. 1912.

SuBATUBA Tea Electoral Competition. — Messrs Hubbard, Hall and Co. advertise fall particulars of results on frontpage of this ikaas. 4032