NEWS OF THE DAY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2326, 31 August 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

. -<> To-day was originally fixed as the last day for sending in returns under the Property Assessment Act. The time has now, however, been extended to September 30, and new forms will probably bo issued. At a meeting of the committee of the Harbor Board held yesterday it was resolved to postpone the consideration of the bylaws for regulating wharfage dues, watermen’s licenses, Ac., for a month, it being understood that new port regulations were in course of preparation hy the Marine Department.

Thompson’s Diorama of the American War opens this evening at the Theatre Royal. Besides the pictorial display which, embellished with appropriate music, forms a good entertainment in itself, the diorama will he made specially interesting hy the distribution of a large and valuable collection of gifts. The Tcmuka races have been fixed for Sept 30. The following officers have been elected :—Mr John Paterson, judge ; Mr A, Mcßratncy, starter ; Mr B. Thomson, clerk of course; Mr D. Taylor, clerk of scales; Messrs Story and 15. Thomson, handicappers; Messrs Swinton, Dcßcnzy, Murray, Reid, Ollivicr, Nicholas and Dr Hayes stewards.

Attention is directed to the prospectus of the Kaiapoi Woollen Manufacturing Company (limited) which appears in another column. A more promising industry than that represented by the Kaiapoi mills it would be impossible to find. The desire of the promoters is to extend the Company’s operations over a wide field and for this purpose the capital has been fixed at £IOO,OOO. The statement of accounts attached, shews that the imvestment is not a doubtful one, but that the most profitable results may be safely anticipated.

The full list of prize awards has just been received from Sydney, and Messrs Briusmead & Sons, stand with two first-class awards and a special certificate, at the head of all the piano manufacturers who exhibited at the Exhibition. Following them, that is to say among the first-class awards without special certificate, arc Messrs Erard, Messrs Stcinway, Messrs Chickering, Messrs Bechstcin, Messrs Bluthncr, Messrs Ronschc, and a local Sydney piano manufacturer. People say England is deteriorating. In pianos, at any rate at Sydney, an English firm has gone ahead of the most celebrated makers of France, America, and Germany. [Advt.J