CHRISTCHURCH

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2260, 15 June 1880, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH

[I’KOJI otlll OWN COjiIiESrONDENT]

An average of 400 persona are now daily supplied with food at the Benevolent Society’s depot, besides one hundred families relieved outside.

Two eases of sticking up a few nights ago are reported to have taken place on the river walk over the East belt.

A somewhat novel method of opening libel proceedings was initiated here last week. An np-country and local evening paper published strictures on a current report about a Drainage Board oflieer having received a percentage on imported pipes. Vi’ifhoiit contradicting tiiis, the officer, through his solicitors, has written to the editors (not the publishers or printers) demanding the name of the person who instructed the insertion A»f the articles. This singular course of invading the secrets of journalism is causing some amusement. John Barrett’s application for a renewal of his hotel license is now being heard. The Court is crowded to excess. .Mr doynt who appeared to support the application objected to the Bench receiving a memorial of tremendous length which was presented, on the ground that under clause 2b of the Act it was invalid, as the sworn testimony

was, not annexed of the person who saw the last signature made. The Bench hold the objection to to he fatal, and said they would decide on the merits of the circumstances as known to, themselves. The'Bench then gave the applicant notice that he know the disturbance was to take place on December 2Gth, and made no endeavor to prevent it. An adjournment.of the Court then followed to allow the applicant time to consider the objection. On resuming Barrett was examined.- He denied all knowledge of the intended disturbance, and said he neither took act or part in it. He admitted being fined £2O on the West Coast, though that was only for taking part in a procession. The other witnesses on Barrett’s side arc being examined, and the case is likely to occupy all the afternoon. From the feeling of the Bench it is considered very doubtful whether a renewal will be granted.

LATER

The Bench at 4.54 announced that Barrett was unfit to hold a license, but as they did not wish to deal harshly they would grant a license pro. forma, on condition that within a month he should sever all connection with the house.