Untitled

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 571, 1 March 1878, Page 2

I Mr. W. J. Smith's resignation as District Stationmaster of the Oamaru railways took effect to-day, and his connection therewith has now been severed. We understand that Mr. Smith's mantle has fallen upon the shoulders of Mr. S. J. Loring, a gentlc-inan who has since the opening or the lines occupied the position of chief clerk. W« have every confidence that Mr. Loring will prove an efficient officer, and if he does not succeed in giving entire satisfaction, it •will not be through any fault of his own. Mr. T. W. Brebner, who has hitherto occupied the post of clerk at the Breakwater, succeeds Mr. Loring.

At the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning, before T. W. Parker, Esq., R.M., Thomas Curtin pleaded guilty to having been drunk in Thames-street on the 28th ult., and was lined IDs., or 24 hours' imprisonment.

We understand that Mr. M'Millan, the newly-appointed master of the Waiareka School, will enter upon his duties on Monday next, Mr. Fidler, who has filled the position for some little time past, returning to the Grammar School, to assume the second mastership. The attendance at the Waiareka School has lately increased considerably. At the close of last year there were only about 20 scholars, while the present number exceeds 51). When Mr. Fidler took charge of the school there were 33 children in attendance.

The Board of Education has decided to expend LS,SOOiu the erection of new schools, and in making additions to new buildings, a portion of the sum voted being in anticipation of a grant from Parliament next session. Of the amount named L 3,350 is to be spent in Duiicdiu, L 1,500 in Invercargill, L 1,200 in Oamaru, for additions to the present schools. The balance is divided amongst the smaller school districts, Otepopo being set down for LIOO. The only new schools provided for are in Dunedin and Invercargill. The Board has decided to order the carrying out of the proposals of the Dunedin, Oamaru and several otheriSchool Committees respecting the leasing of suitable buildings, and the procuring of new school furniture. The furniture to be obtained is to he such as will be suitable for now schools when erected. Tiie Board sanctioned the appointment of two additional pupil teachers for the Oama u South School. The appointment of Mr. Donald M'Millan as master of the Waiareka School, was also sanctioned.

This evening an entertainment will be given in the Masonic Hall by the VivianHooper Company, when, in addition to the attractions presented in the varied programme, a number of valuable prizes will be distributed amongst the audience. Altogether, from the known ability of the performers, the entertainment should prove an attractive one.

Tile Municipal Council met last evening. Present —His Worship the Mayor. Councillors Gibbs, Headland, Mainland, and Familton. After the disposal of routine business, the following letters were read : From Mr. Humphrey, announcing his intention to vacate the dwelling on the oas works property on the 3l)th March. It was decided to let the house bv advertisement. From Colonial Treasurer in reference to refund of deduction of subsidy for charitable aid. From Mr. Norman Lane, requesting permission to erect an iron shed for gas engine. Granted. From Mr. N. J. Lowe, giving the Council permis-iou to erect a bridge over the railway in a line with Lime-street, subject to supervision of the Inspector of Permanent Way. From the Public Works Department, agreeing to grant land for formation of street in return for portion of Isis-street appropriated fur railway. Referred to Public Works Committee for report. From Mr. M.'l.eod, statingthat he had reuiieedtho expenditure in Irs department by L 4() per month. From Mr. Burnett n- railway siding to gasworks. From Mr. Conyers in regard to maintenance charge for same. Resolved that Mr. M'Leod be requested to ascertain the cost of making siding, and what the annual charge would be for maintenance. Messrs. -'as. Hassnll and Sons' tender for 200 tons of Greymoudi

coal, at 455. 6'd. per ton, including weighbridge charges, was accepted. Resolved that tiie Council make a rate of Is. O'd. in the pound for the year IS7S, payable in one sum on the Ist of May. The Gas Committee's report was read and adopted. The Gardener's report- was read, and referred to the Reserves Committee. Accounts amounting to 1/271 10s. (ill. were pas-sod. It was resolved on the suggestion of the Mayor, that tiie Legislative Committee be instructed to prepare bye-laws relating to slaughter-houses and to vehicles driven without lights after dark. Resolved that the street lamps be lighted on Saturday next.