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Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1526, 8 January 1879, Page 2

Closing the Count. —One of the great safeguards in the administration of justice is the publicity with which the generality of cases are conducted. The officers of the Supreme Court, however, appear to have an idea that after once opening the Court the doors shall bo closed during the hearing of a case in order to prevent noise from persons coming in and out. While agreeing with the necessity of the Court being kept as quiet as possible, we cannot go so far as to agree with the closing of the doors to effect this. The number of police officers in attendance at the sittings of the Court is quite sufficient to ensure order being kept without resort being had to the extreme measure of excluding the public. This was done to-day in the arson case of Kegina v. Cowan for the reason above alleged, trust that such a step will not again be considered necessary. Ashley Distei'ct. —Threshing of oafs is now in full swing in this district, and the yield, it is stated, fully bears out the estimate previously made,. Eyeeton and Ohoka S}?oet3. —At a final meeting of the committee for these sports, after paying the liberal list of prizes and expenses, the treasurer, Mr Waiting, declared a handsome balance in hand. Asphalting. —A commencement has been made with the asphalting of the south side of the North Town Belt—a work greatly needed. A good many of the footpaths which have been somewhat roughly finished in various parts of the city are now receiviny a finer coat of asphalte than was originallg put on. The Confeeencb of Local Bodies. —At the meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council last evening, the Mayor and Councillor Charters were appointed representatives to attend the conference on Friday next, respecting the management of hospitals and charitable aid.

This fyzk'irti'a anp Joinder Contest.— The great reaper and binder contest has been fixpd to take place under the of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association on Thursday, the 16th instant, in a field of wheat belonging to Mr Wm. Boag, at Avonhcad, in the Riccarton district. All machines entered for competition must bo on the ground end ready for work by nine o’clock on the morning ot the trial. The distance of the field in which the trial will take place is about four mile? from Christchurch,