LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3, 26 January 1899, Page 3

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Hon H. Feldwick returned from Wellington thiajnorning. There was no business to be transacted at the Police- Court this morning. Among tlie visitors nt present in Christchurch iis Mr J. R. Russell, proprietor of the "Manawntu 'Times," and a brother of Mr G. W. Russell. To further celebrate the opening of the new 'buildings 'at .the ' Crown Brewery, the Directors of the company intend to entertain their employees at a social gathering in vho Art Gallery to-morrow evening. Tempted by the beautiful weather, unusually large crowds visited Sumner and New Brighton to-day. In the afternoon, four drags, loaded . with pleasure-soekers, left for Mr W. B. "Clarkson's residence, at Riccartpn, where the annual picnic of the York^ji;o Society is being held, and several other vehicles conveyed pleasure parties into ;the country. ' • . . A remarkable mirage was seen in Arma<rh Street west this morning; by Mr W. \V.. Collins, Mr E. W. Seager, and various other well-known citizens. The appearance presented was a portion of the New Brighton beach, with the surf breaking thereon, and it was particularly noticeable that persons passing along 'the street seemed to be perfectly reflected in the seeming water. The sal© of bicycles, held yesterday; by Messrs Tonks, Norton and Co. was remarkably successful. The rooms were crowded, the majority of those present were bent on (business, and tho competition was keen. Sevetity-fivo machines were disposed of in two hours, the total amount realised beinc over £1000. Cash was paid for nearly all •the machines, and the agent for the vendors •received his cheque and account sales at 12.30 p.m. to-day. Hi 3 Excellency the. Governor and Lady Ranfurly, who are en route for Christchurch, will stay at the Bealey to-night, and at Castle Hill on Friday night. On Sat\irday morning the party will leave Castle Hill for Christchurch, arriving by the evening train from Springfield. On the same evening his 'Excellency will present' the certificates in connection with the St John Ambulance Association, and on Monday evening he will %3 present at the Sydenham Rifles' concert. A meeting of the cycle trade was held at •Carl's Empire Hotel on "Wednesday evening, 'to arrange for the annual picnic. There was ■n large fittenduiice. Mr N. Oates was -clectod chairman, and Mr H. J. Ranger wag •rc-electad honorary secretary. Apologies were received for the absence of Messrs Lowiy, Mylnc, Boyd and others. It was ttlecided to hold the picnic on Thursday, March 9. Messrs Milne and Ranker were appointed to bring up a report relative to the suitability of several pbices mentioned. The meeting 'then iwljoumed until Wednesday, Feb. 1. The half-yearly meeting of the Kaiapoi •Working Mei^s Club was held on Wedn°sjclny evening, when there were thirty-five members present. The President, Mr Feldwick, was in tho chair. The Secretr-rv read the report' and balance-sheeu, which showed a considerable imnrovemen't'on the previous 'half -year. The election of a committee resulted aS; follows: -^-Messrs W. Turner. A. Baker, T. Clothier, John Lynskev, L. Healey and S. Taylor. Votes' of tbanks were passed to the retiring officers, and the meeting closed. Nominal ions for the Lyttelton HarHour •Board electirn will close on Friday, Feb. ;3. and tho election will take place on Feb. 13. A meeting of tho Christchurch Horticultural Society was held last evening. It wa^ decided that the next monthly meeting should be held on Tuesday, Jan. 31, in die grounds of the Hon E. C. J. Stevens, aud the date of th? autumn show was fixed fur Wednesday, March 8. Several special pri?.2i were received in connection with the shew. Three new members were elected.