CHRISTCHURCH NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XII, Issue 1080, 23 December 1903, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH NEWS.

By; .Telegraph—Press Association— Christchurch, last night, Mr Witty, M.H.R., has been advised by the Minister for Lands, in response to a question on the order paper of July Bth, that an Order-in-Council is being gazetted to allow cemetery trustees to keep accounts in the Post Office Savings Bank. Mr Seddon left for Dunedin this morning. He will return to Wellington by Thursday night's boat. The Premier states that'the new syllabus does not come into operation until July Ist next, and that in the meantime inspectors would he consulted upon the matter, and representations from various educational bodies on the subject would be considered. In response to an inquiry he said that nothing definite had yet been done with regard to the appointment of a State Geologist in place of Sir James Hector. The matter was under consideration bv

XilG iilßLlOr *r ua UJUCJ. L/UiidiucittiilUl-l Uj Government. The name of Mr Maclaurin, who occupied a similar position in India, had been mentioned, and it was possible tho position wouid he offered to him. No appointment had yet been made in connection with the State Fire Insurance Department. The Act would not come into operation until January Ist. The matter was under consideration, and it was possible the Government would call for applications for the position of manager. The Premier, accompanied by His Excellency the Governor, will leavo for a visit of inspection to the Chatham Islands about February 10th. The New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association to-night decided to renew the reciprocal agreement with the League of New Zealand Wheelmen in support of a proposal to exclude cycles and accessories from the list of amateur trophies; also that amateurs wishing to transfer to the cash ranks must stand dowu for one year, i and amateurs breaking their status stand i down 18 mouths before joining the cash 1 ranks. £