CHRISTCHURCH.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2982, 5 September 1878, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH.

■■>-■.■■■■"■ ■ : This day. A(; a meeting of the Farmers Grain and Produce Stores Companies yesterday, it was resolved to call for applicants in .New Zealand and the intercolonial newspapers for a manager and secretary. Letters have been received from the secretaries of the Melbourne, East Melbourne, South Melbourne, and Ballarat Clubs, in addition to the Bohemians, accepting the challenge of the Canterbury Association to play them on their respective grounds. " • *•

Between3o and 40 men yesterday arrived per Luna from tie West Coast. They had been despatched by the Minister for Public Works, being out of employ and without means. They are in charge of the Immigration Officer, and most of them have already obtained employment. A good many bad half-sovereigns have been in circulation during the past few days. The police are keeping a sharp look out.

It is said that far more guests have been invited to the banquet to-night than the Provincial Council Chamber can possibly contain.

At a baanar last night in aid of St. Luke's Churca Fund, a coo ceij go;ig on at Akaroa was well enjoyed by the audience by means of the telephone. At a public meeting last night on the question of the i 'riff, the following resolution wa3 moved :•—" That this meeting strongly condemns the policy of the pre^ sent Government in introducing a system taxing local industry as announced by the hon. the Colonial Treasurer, and that the bill imposing a beer tax is most oppressive and inconsistent with the previously announced policy of the Government to lighten the, ourdens on the working class." The following was moved as au amendment : " That the present Government should not be blamed for the imposition of a beer Ux, as it is for the benefit of the whole population." When the amendment was put, in great confusion, i*; was declared to bo carried. -Ivlr Turner then moved: " That the meetic^ approves of the general policy of tl.o Government as set forth by tl>e Hon. tLo Colonial Treasurer in the direction of ir~e trßde." This was carried. It was a large meeting.

The Hinemoa has arrived, and the town is 1 now in a perfect blaze of M.P.'s aod i-unting. His Excellency the Governor opened the museum in the afternoon.

Wednesday. H.M.S. Nymphe arrived at .the port from Wellington at 2 o'clock to-day. The ships in harbour were gay with bunting, and as the Governor stepped on shore a battery of the Christchurch AiJllery fired a salute of 17 guns. His Excellency was received by the Mayor and Council of Lytleltou, and proceeded on to Cnristchurch by special train. Here he was met by the Mayor aid Council of Christchurch, and a brief address was read and replied to. The City Guards and.the Engineers were! present and escorted His Excellency td the Club, where he^'put's' up during\ his; stay. Great preparations are being made: for the banquet to-morrow night. Large: numbers of guests are'expected. I A man named Butler was thrown from his horse yesterday and killed instantaneously. . :