LYTTELTON NEWS

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16164, 19 March 1918, Page 5

LYTTELTON NEWS

MAGISTRATE'S COURT. At the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, before Mr W. T, Lester, J.P., two first offenders for drunkenness were convicted, on® being fined 6a, and the other discharged. Before Captain R. Hatchwell and Mr F. W. Anderson, J.P.'s. Samuel Crossle-y and John Brown, seamen engaged on a steamer, were charged with the theft of a quantity of ship's stores, valued at 103, the property of the New Zealand Shipping Company. SeniorSergeant Jackson stated that the men had helped themselves to a quantity of ship's stores, comprising jams, pickles, sauces, etc., and had taken the goods off the vessel. This offence had become common, and he hoped that the Bench would make an example of the present offenders. A fine of £2 10s each was imposed, in default one month's imprisonment, and the accused were ordered to return the stolen goods to the vessel. TO WELCOME THE SOLDIERS. A 'severe tax has been placed on lodging 1 accommodation at Lyttelton during the past few days by an exceptionally large number of friends and relatives of returned soldiers due at Lyttelton to-day, many of the relatives, anxious to be on the scene in time, having arrived several days earlier than necessary. THE PICTURES. "The Combat," a Yitagraph drama, was repeated last evening at the Harborur Light Picture Theatre. To-morrow's programme includes a fascinating Metro film, entitled "God's Law and Man's Law," starring Viola Dana. CONVENT SCHOOL CONCERT. Tlie pupils, of the • Lyttelton Convent School will hold a concert in the Oddfellows' iHall on Thursday evening, in aid of fthe school's funds. A long and varied programme has been arranged, comprising vocal solos and instrumental items, and fancy dancing. SEAMEN'S INSTITUTE. During the past week over 140 seamen and toys made use of the Seamen's Institute, while twenty visits wer© made to the ships by the Missioner. On Sunday 44 boys of the Amokura wore at tea, cud about 100 seamen attended Gospel services. Forty New Testaments were distributed. Nine men joined tlie Seamen's Christian Brotherhood. Ten bundles of books were distributed, as well as several cases of fruit, and six seamcti visited in hospital.

BOROUGH COUNCIL. The Lyttelton Borough Council met last evening. Present—The Mayor (Mr W. T. Lester), Crs. J. Gower, M. J. Miller, F. G. Norton, C. H. Agar, C. E. Johnston, J. H. Collins. T. Hcrapstalk, and J. R. Weeb. The Waterworks Committee reported that a suggestion had been received from Mr Templin, consulting engineer, that it would probably facilitate the sale of the gas producer plant at the Yallcy if the Council were free to negotiate with buyers, and the committee therefore recommended that the Council's Tcafclution to extend the time for receiving tenders be rescinded to enable otters for the plant to be consideredAdopted. The Lighting Committee reported that consideration had been given to the question of minimum charges to consumers of electric current, and it was recommended that the schedule of charges adopted bv the Council be adhered to.—Adopted. The Finance Committee recommended that action be taken' forthwith for the Tccovery of ai! unpaid rates for the year 1917-1918.— Adopted. The financial statement showed receipts £59 17« 7d, expenditure £756 7s. The net debit balance, including temporary loans, amounted to £13,108 17s 7d, and accounts for payment £1755 15s.—Adopted.