NEWS OF THE DAY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2390, 13 November 1880, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The case against John Drayton and William Henry Osborne, charged with breaking into piremises in Church street, and stealing certain goods therefrom, broke down at live o'clock yesterday afternoon, when the case for the prosecution closed. His Worship said there was not a tittle of evidence against Drayton, and that the evidence against Osborne was inconclusive. Doth men were therefore discharged.

A meeting of the members of the 1.0.0. F., M.U., and A.0.F., took place in the Foresters’ Hall, last night, to make arrangements for holding the anniversary sports’ meeting. Present— Messrs Simpson, J. Griffiths, J. Bothwell, J. S. I’.ennett, V. Howe, H. Walkic, J. Burford, A. Short, -T. Stevenson, H. George, G, Brown, and W. Walker. Mr Griffiths was elected Chairman ; Mr Burford, Vice-Chairman ; Mr Cullman, lion. Treasurer ; and Mr George, Hon. Secretary. It was resolved to hold a procession and field sports on Dec. 27, to be followed by a ball in the evening. The Committee will endeavor to obtain the use of the old Show Ground for the day, and the services of the Timaru Artillery Band are to be retained. The affair promises to be a great success. The Committee meet again on Tuesday evening.

During the hearing of a case at the R.M. Court to-day, a rather amusing discussion arose as to what did and what did not constitute drunkenness. One witness, on being pressed by Mr Hamersley, defined drunkenness as the state of a man who is rendered by liquor incapable of attending to his business. Mr Beetham here remarked that he had been 20 years on the Bench, and he could not yet determine what drunkenness was. Inspector Pender, amidst some laughter, observed that the police definition of the term was when a man could not sec to thread a needle.

The monthly meeting of the committee of the Thuaru Mechanics’ Institute took place place last night. Present —Mr Scott (chairman), and Messrs Sutter, Eutherford, Hart,.Jackson, Mackay, White, Hammond, and Herncy. The following resolutions were carried; —Moved by Mr Hart, and seconded by Mr lluthcrfurd—“ That Messrs Hammond and Stcricker be requested to meet Mr Hutton on Monday next, to complete the assessment of damage and loss to library books caused by the late tire.” .Moved by Mr Mackay and seconded by Mr Hart —“ That the annual meeting of subscribers be held in the temporary premises of the Institute. Business to be considered : The site and character of new building. The annoueement of the meeting to be advertised in the Sorxn Canteuiuuiy Times, “Timarn Herald,” and “Evening Telegraph,” twice in each.” Accounts amounting to £22 13s 8d were passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned. The Maoris at Parapara have erected a substantial fence across the Constabulary road to protect their wheat. A slip-panel has been left open for traffic, and the obstruction will not be interfered with till after the wheat is harvested.

Mr John Nugent Wood, E.M., has been gazetted for the district of Christchurch.

The Associated Press Agency of New Zealand have added the advertising of theatrical companies to their somewhat extensive business.

Mr Shanks, M.11.E. for Mataurahas been treated to Jedburgh justice. At a meeting at North Invercargill, on Thursday night, the electors, of whom about a dozen were present, generously carried a motion to the effect that he does not possess the confidence of his constituents, and that they do not desire any explanation of his past action, but request that he should resign his seat at once.