SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 830, 11 December 1878, Page 2

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

[fkom our own correspondent.] DUNEDIN. December 11, The weather for opening the meeting of the Rifle Association is exceedingly disagreeable. There was a steady downpour of rain in the morning, though the afternoon is very fine. In the first match there were five shots at 200, 400, 500, and (300 yards. Reid (Bruce) (59 ; Dempster (South District), 69. None of the Canterbury representatives were over (51. In the second match, Vol. Ross (Otepopo), made seven consecutive bull's eyes at 500 yards. The streets are crowded in view of Sir John C. L. Richardson's funeral, and the military are turning out very strong. Sir John L. C. Richardson's funeral was largely attended. All business places were closed. Old settlers came fronj Canterbury and Southland to attend it.

The trial of the breach of promise case— Cayford v. Carruthers—is fixed for hearing next month. The Rev. A. R. Fitchett resigns his connection with Trinity Church because the conference has declined to allow ministers to remain longer than three years iu one charge. The Hon. R. Stout will address his constituents next week. ♦ WELLINGTON. December 11. The Governor-in-Couneil refuses to confirm the decision of the Court of Enquiry into the recent accident to the Taupo, and the return of the certificates to Captain Andrews and the chief officers has been ordered. The Post says that the Government have decided to take action next session to stop the threatened influx of Chinese. They do not contemplate imposing a poll-tax, recognising the utterly useless character of such a measure, for the tax could never be collected, but their proposals will probably take the shape of a heavy tax upon the captain of any vessel bringing any Chinese to the Colony, except under certain conditions.

CHRISTCHURCH. December 11. The weather, though unsettled for the last few days, still remains dry and hot. The crops must fall far short of the average return. The Minister for Public Works and the Postmaster-General have been extensively deputationised, and have given promises plentifully all round. A three days' bazaar, in aid of the Christchurch Convent funds, is being held, and promises to be a great success. The Municipal Council seems to be in a state of disorganisation. Acrimonious disputes at their numerous meetings are the order of the day. The riflemen for the contest at Dunedin left here yesterday.