NEWS OF THE DAY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2631, 26 August 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Monday next is fixed for the nomination of Borough Councillors to replace those retiring by rotation. His Worship the Mayor received the following telegram from Mr R. Turnbull, M.H R., yesterday :—“ Harbor Bill passed second reading this afternoon.” Telegraphic communication between Timaru and Albury was expected to be completed to-day but the wire will not be opened to the public use for a few days longer.

The residence of Mr J. Hayhurst, near Temuka, was totally destroyed by fire yesterday. The premises were uninsured and the loss will be a heavy one. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Harbor Board will be held at their offices, Maclean and Stewart’s buildings, on Sept. Ist.

Capt. J.E,S Jackson has two announcements re the Tirnaru Volunteer Artillery Cadets in another column, The Eev Frederick Seaborne, the wellknown lecturer and elocutionist, is at present in Timaru. He intends taking a tour through the colony. He is now making arrangements to give readings here next week. The Press of Otago and Southland have been unanimous in according the reverend gentleman the highest praise for his powers as an elocutionist and for the judgment of his selections. To use a theatrical expression, we have little doubt that Mr Seaborne will “ draw capital houses,” as entertainments of a high-class character are few and far between in these parts. The following tenders have been received for the Albury Downs contract of ttie Opawa branch railway :—Accepted : J. and M. Corkery, Timaru, £8338. Declined ; 0. E. Braccfield, Timaru, £ 1024 ; 11. McKenzie and Co , Dunedin, £4159 ; Fraser and Co., Dunedin, £4421 ; Davidson and Conyers, Dunedin; £4580 ; J. Whitaker, Dunedin, £4534 : Gregg and Guild, Christchurch, £4(>%; J. and A. Anderson, Christchurch, £4824; D, Anderson and Co., Dunedin, £4875, Writing on the Townslicnd assault case the London correspondent of the “Leeds Mercury” declares “That extraordinary efforts have been made to hush up this disgraceful case, and to prevent the misconduct of Lord Thynnc from being brought to light. These efforts, lam sorry to say, have proceeded from a very high quarter, and hare not fallen short of something like an attempt to muzzle the whole “ London Press.”

It was stated at the annual meeting of the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce yesterday, that there was a falling off in the wool export from Canterbury last year of £21,1!Ill, Mr \V. Chrsytall was elected

Chairman for tbe ensuing term. .The total export of breadstuffs from the province exceeded that of wool by £U:».000.

A great deal of interest is taken in the Christchurch municipal elections tins year, the Tramway Company, and the concessions to them, being the great subject of dispute. It is alleged that the Company are striving tooth and nail to get candidates favorable to their interest returned, and the opponents of the Com* pany are working actively to defeat the alleged monopolists. The following is from thc“ New Zealand Herald ” : —“ Tawhiao lost nothing by his exchange of gum with Major Mair at Alexandra, as he received a newly imported “ Brinsley Richards ” breechloader, with which he seemed highly delighted. Wahanui and others visited the constabulary at the stockade, over which they were shown by the officer in command, Wahanui made a short address, in which he complimented the force on having so strong a pa, but said that it would be of no furl her use for them for the purpose for winch it was erected, as there would never be other than peace and goodwill between the two races. If ever used, it would be occupied by pakehas and Ma ris as brothers against seme common enemy.

A petition of a somewhat unusual class has been before Parliament for some time. It prays for redress on account of losses sustained through the removal of District Judge Weston during the trial of a case in which the petitioner was plaintiff, involving a loss to him of £6O through, the consequent postponement of the case and expenses of witnesses. The Petitions Committee have reported that the case is one of some hardship, but that the petitioner has no claim against the Colony. Whitelaw, of Mount View Asylum notoriety, after receiving about £3O which was subscribed for him in Wellington, has winged his way to Sydney, where he asserts a Government appointment awaits him. His mother is an inmate of the Refuge for the Destitute at Wellington, and in his last interview with her he is reported to have behaved most cruelly to her, abusing her in the foulest language.

The *• Western Star ” gives the following political news :—Mr Daniel will stand for Wallace at the nest general election. Mr F. W. Wade will be a candidate for Invercargill, while Mr W. B. Scandrett will be brought forward for the new district of Awarua. Mr Deuiston has finally decided to seek political honors from the Mataura electors, and Mr Shanks is to be shelved by his party. Diphtheria is said to have been cured in Germany, by the use, as a gargle, of a decoction of blue gum leaves and the inhalation of the steam therefrom.