South Canterbury Times. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1881. NEWS OF THE DAY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2652, 20 September 1881, Page 2

South Canterbury Times. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1881. NEWS OF THE DAY.

The long spell .of dry weather we have lately experienced has caused complaints about the scarcity of water to become common. Surely it would be worth somebody’s while to supply the town with water at a fair rate pending the completion of the waterworks scheme ?

A gentleman who has just returned to Timaru from a visit to the Empire City City states that there are no fewer than 40 shops to be let on Lambton Quay alone. The usual weekly session of the English Lodge Victory, No. 42,1.0.G.T., was held last evening at the Foresters’ Hall. Bro Thomas Tichbon, W.C.T., presided. There was but little business to be transacted, and the members spent the evening in listening to speeches, readings, and singing. The attendance was about the usual average, and all present were delighted with the amusement afforded. The lodge closed at 9,30. p.m. A man whq was charged at the Court this morning with being drunk and disorderly, had £53 13s 3d in cash and a cheque for twenty odd pounds about him when ho was taken in charge. He may think himself lucky that he was so promptly taken care of, and may look upon the fine of 5s imposed upon him as a very moderate premium of insurance upon a property which was placed in very considerable jeopardy. A diffident witness was under examination in the R. M. Court to-day. He was quite certain that a certain class of railway truck would only hold six tons if filled level all round, and yet ho would not swear that it would not hold seven, Ho would swear, however, that he did not think it would hold eight tons, Over twelve thousand cases of kerosino are on the way from New York to New Zealand ports. The Waimato Cricket Club open the season on the 24th inst.

A telephone exchange will shortly be in operation in Christchurch, Dr Lemon having arrived yesterday to set up the necessary apparatus. Business seems to be steadily increasing in Dunedin. The railway department handled 162,509 tons during the last eight months, 30,820 tons more than in the same period last year. A smart earthquake shock disturbed Port Chalmers at three o’clock this morning.

It is reported in Auckland that the Auckland Steamship Company intend to procure steamers, and enter into competi* tion with the Union Company in the Australian trade.

A seaman of the Hermione, lying in Auckland Harbor, died suddenly of heart disease while at work on a yardarm. A comrade was able to prevent his falling to the deck.

Mr O. C. Bowen announces to his con* constituency of Kaiapoi his intention to ’retire, at least, for the present, from politics, on the ground that his private affairs inay require his absence from the colony next year. There is a prospect of a dead-lock between the two Houses of Parliament over the Pensions Bill, the Council seeming determined to strike out a clause which the House insists upon retaining. The position of Mayor of Hokitika seems to be a coveted one. There has been quite a scramble for the office for the unfinished term of the late Mayor, who resigned. Mr John Cross won.

H. Coxhead, photographer, has taken those premises lately occupied by the Americans, in George Street, near Railway Station, and having made extensive alterations, can now take photos instantaneously. A trial respectfully solicited. Photographic albums and views on sale, and can be seen in the window.—[Adyt].