South Canterbury Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1881. NEWS OF THE DAY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2483, 5 March 1881, Page 2

South Canterbury Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1881. NEWS OF THE DAY.

At a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce hold yesterday afternoon, the following resolution was passed.—“ That the Tiraaru Chamber of Commerce would again call the attention of the Government to the fact that for years past improvements have been promised to the Railway here, hut up to the present no extra accommodation has been provided for the large and increasing grain traffic of this district; there is no place for loading or discharging horses and cattle, unless at the passenger platform, which at present is quite insufficient for the passenger traffic alone. A copy of previous correspondence on this subject to be forwarded to the Government with tnis resolution.” Messrs C. Bourn, C. B. Grierson, Thos Hall, and R. E. Taylor were elected members of the Chamber.

“ Johnny comes marching home again.” Johnny has marched home again to his old quarters at Temuka, but unlike Johnny famed in song, no “ Hurroos” or other demonstrations of joy greeted his arrival. Uulike the prodigal of old, no fatted calf was killed to make merry on his return, though, like the prodigal in the parable, we fear be fared badly in bis wanderings. It remains to bo seen whether there is yet “corn gud wine in abundance,” or whether Johnny will have to shoulder his swag again. What sadly degenerate times we have fallen upon 1 How inappreciative of real genius poor Temuka must be ! Had the thing been done properly Johnny should have been feted and made much,of ! presented with the freedom of the City O ! tempom !O ! ininrx !

Some rather sharp practices were carried on at the recent Dunedin races. As an illustration of this it may be mentioned that Natator was a great favorite for the Forbury Handicap, to be run on the last day of the races. Natator is the property of the Hon. W. Kobinson, but was in charge of MrH. Prince, the well-known bookmaker. On Friday night the weights for the Forbury Handicap were posted outside the Empire Hotel, and Natator immediately became the popular favorite. The bookmakers were alive and active laying what they termed “ a stiff one,” and odds of every kind were taken on doubles in which Natator figured. Quite a roaring trade in the betting line w r as done and the metallicians, exhausted with their efforts went chuckling to bed. Next morning many of the betting public awoke to wish that they had retired early instead of betting late, for Natator was on his way by the early train for Christchurch. At the time he was posted up at the Empire and the bookmakers were freely betting against him, he was actually booked, or intended to be booked, for Canterbury. The bookmakers knew 7 this, but the public didn't—hence the wholesale lieecing and skinning that went on. Of course there is nothing contrary to racing rules in this manner of working the oracle, but probably the betting public will begin in time to fight very shy of betting men and the horses over which they are allowed to hold control.

The affiliation case which was before the Court yesterday has been amicably settled between the parties.

The Committee of the Mechanics’ Institute met last evening to consider tenders for the erection of the New Mechanics’ Institute. Mr J, Murphy’s tender was accepted at £1203. It was resolved that His Honor Judge Ward be asked to lay the foundation stone of the new building. Temuka.it is reported, is fortunate enough to number amongst its inhabitants “ the real original Arthur Orton.” Why this celebrated character has been hiding his light under a bushel all this time in the city of Temuka, and has not hastened home to effect by his presence the liberation of the unfortunate nobleman now languishing in goal, and whose identity with the “ real Sir Roger,” he is fully prepared to prove, it is difficult to say. It is not kind of you Arthur 1

The usual monthly meeting of the Timaru School Committee takes place at 7.30 p.ra. on Monday evening.

The Harbor Board invites tenders for wharf extension. Tenders to be in ny March 17.

Mr P. J. Bell, the well-known consultationist, announces a consultation of £2OOO on the Timaru Cup to be be run in April. Mr Bell is the original promoter of this kind of mild speculation in South Canterbury, in Timaru, where he is as well-known as the breakwater, he enjoj’-s unbounded confidence, and his books, we venture to say, will disappear rapidly. Should the weather be fine, as there is every likelihood that it will, some excellent sports may be anticipated on St. Patrick’s day at the old Show grounds. We observe that in Dunedin the day is to be celebrated in holiday fashion, and we daresay His Worship the Mayor will be induced to proclaim a general holiday here. The sports will be of a cosmopolitan character including a variety of athletic specialities common to every community. There arc about a score of events, and first-class prizes are offered so that plenty of competition may be looked forward to. Competitors are reminded that entries close on Thursday next, and the Handicaps will be declared on Monday, March 1-1. We may add that as a guarantee that every event will be carried out in its inf eg lity, and that there shall be no disappointment, the total amount of the prizes has been subscribed by the promoters, and placed to the credit ot th c funds. The strictest order will be maintained on the grounds.