CHRISTCHURCH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1214, 16 January 1886, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our ovm Correspondent.)

In my last communication I mentioned a strange case of the finding of a hand of a "supposed" drowned man at Sumner. Since then, we have had quite an exciting time of it. Rumors of all sorts were flying around. First it was said that the " drowned man " (Howard) had been seen in Christchurch wearing goggles and false whiskers, etc. ; that he had been arrested ; that the body from whence the hand had been procured had been found ; and others " too numerous to particularise." The first fact was that the police had arrested Mrs Howard aud two Godfreys (brothers), the latter having found the hand, for conspiracy. They were brought up, and, the police not having quite fixed up their case, were remanded. While they were out on bail, several opinions were expressed by the public that it was not fair for them (the alleged conspirators) to be kept in suspense, as the police had not given any reason why they had been remanded, except that they were not quite ready to proceed with the case ; also, it was believed by some that the police were playing a waiting game — waiting, in fact, till something turned vp — say, for instance one of them turning Queen's evidence, or something of that sort. But in tbe midst of all this the public were astonished by the intelligence from Wellington that Howard had really been arrested, and that he would be forwarded to Christchurch immediately. It could hardly be believed at first. When Howard arrived at Christchurch from the steamer quite a crowd of people were on the station to have a look at him. Yes, it was he— clean shaved. He was not at all upset, but nodded to several whom he knew. He was taken to the gaol in a cab. The day after his arrival the conspiracy case came on, but on the application of the police, was again remanded, so that both cases could be heard together, which will be done on the 16th inst. Ever since the " Severed Hand " case has been brought on, the Court has been crowded. To say more now would only fill space and serve no end, so I will wait till the final trial comes on, and then give you a few more particulars. But before concluding this, I may say that the rumor that Howard had been seen in Christchurch was correct, as he has now been recognised by those parties who saw him before with the goggles and false hair on. The police also, I understand, have been on his track for some time, and knew that he had sent money to his wife : hence the arrest and remands of Mrs Howard and and Godfreys for conspiracy, as they were waiting their opportunity to secure their man. This will be a feather in their caps.

Talk about dry wnather. Why, for the last couple of months we have hardly seen a shower of rain. We have been having a regular bout of heat and wind. Several times the clouds have had the appearance of rain, but it has never come, and everything is getting dried up. The fields are white, and there is no grass for the cattle. Were it not for the artesian wells in Christchurch, I don't know what the people would do for drinking water. Certainly there is the Avon, and even that is getting very low, And to crown all, fires, as no doubt you are aware before this, are springing up everywhere. We have had one destructive fire in the direction of Oxford (a suburb), but that is the only one. Vp North the fires are raging all around, and numbers of families are homeless. Let us hope that this horrible drought will soon disappear, or it will be the ruination o£ hundreds.

The member for Selwyn (Mr Vyakefield) addressed his constituents the other evening. There was a large attendance. Some amusement was caused by the word " welcome," which had been hanging in the doorway, being torn down. To comment upon his speech would be useless, as it was nothing but praise for himself for what he had done. He made an endeavor to defend his actions re the West Coaßt railway, but it was nothing but what we all know. The motion which was carried at the conclusion pretty well embodies what Jijs constituents think of him and his speech, as it only tendered him a vote of thanks for his speech. , An amendjnent was proposed, that Mr Wakefield had forfeited, by his conduct in Wellington, all claim to the confidence of his constituents, but this was not carried.

The new year— lßß6 — was ushered in very quietly in Christchurch. The town was exceedingly qaiejfc, hardly a gate being removed. On account of the dry weather no fireworks were allowed' to be let off. .On IjTejp Year's Day there were races and various otfter amusements, which were largely patronised. The gierergj watering places also looked yeryliyeljjrSf'', * •/ 11th Janqpft-lftft* „."..,