FROM THE “STAR” SIXTY YEARS AGO.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18639, 17 December 1928, Page 8

FROM THE “STAR” SIXTY YEARS AGO.

ADVERTISEMENTS AND NEWS OF DEC. 17, 1868. Heathcote Regatta.—Boys’ Pair-oar-ed Race—Boys tinder sixteen years of ap° with coxswain, best boats. Distance 14 miles. Entrance ss. Prizes —lst, £5; 2nd, £2. X « X Shun a prospectus as you would a death warrant, and if you hear any man promise more than 5 per cent for dead money button up your pockets and call the police. In these davs knaves don’t go out and draw pockets, they sit down at home and draw a prospectus. XXX Mayor's Banquet.—Yesterday afternoon the newly-elected Mayor of Christchurch entertained the members of the City N Council and its officers to a commemorative dinner at the City Hotel. Mr Ruddenklau tabled an elegant and seasonable repast, and a few complimentary speeches followed the removal of the cloth. X •*» X Catholic Orphan Asylum.—We observe that efforts are being made to raise funds for the erection of an Orphan Asylum in connection with the Convent of Our Lady of Missions, Ferry Road. Mr Bonnington, prior to his departure for England, has announced a concert in aid of the fund for Tuesday evening next, and a reference to the programme will show that he is seconded by a large circle of our most noted amateurs. X X X From the “ Australasian.”—Another attempt is being made to obtain Victorian recruits for military service in New Zealand. This is the third effort of the kind. In the two previous instances Colonel Pitt, C. 8., came here to enrol men to serve as a species of military settlers. He was eminently successful on his first visit, and took away several hundred men, but when he made a second appearance on the same errand the authorities interfered and forced him to desist. X X X Leeston Races.—The hurdle race was the first item, and as the horses showed up there was much speculation on their respective appearances. Merrimac appeared in better form than we have ever before seen him, and showed in his preliminary canter that none of his old fire had left him. He was strongly fancied, more .especially as Spinks had the mount. * Native was backed even against the field, but the pot boiled over, and neither came anywhere near to winning. The following is an extract from a letter received in Wellington from Hawke’s Bay, per Rob Roy.—“ M’Lean and the friendly natives would soon settle the Hau-haus on this coast if the Government would only support them; but just as things were looking up in that direction, Stafford sends that bird-of-ill-om'en, Whitmore, to spoil, in all probability, all that has been done. Are Ministers mad? Have they left Wanganui to be sacked by Titoko Waru ?