CHRISTCHURCH.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3137, 8 March 1879, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH.

This day. Mr Montgomery at Akaroa.

Mr Montgomery, speaking at Akaroa said—He had taken an active interest in getting £54,000 paid over, to Eoad Boards. Speaking of Sir George Grey he said he had everywhere advocated liberal principles; had met Parliament in a better position than any of his predecessors; had associated with him four or five able men, but Mr Montgomery was compelled to say the promised measures were not brought down. He then spoke on the Electoral Bill, and did not consider the Maoris ought to have rotes when they did not pay taxes. The conduct of the Government in this matter alienated many of their supporters. He contended that in the matter of represention great injustice was done to Canterbury, and a redistribution was absolutely necessary in the interests of the Colony. Referring to the Education Act he saw nothing in it to prevent School Committees making arrangements to have the Bible read in schools ; at the same time he would oppose any Bill having for its object the introduction of Denominationalism into public schools. He was lorry to hear the

cry of an " Elective Governor " from the Ministry. To carry it out would be to sever the links which bound the colony to the old country and he was quite sure that such severance was against the feelings .and aspirations of Englishmen. He believed in the extension of the franchise, representation according to population, triennial Parliaments, and a* property tax, and would like to see the land tax swept away. His sympathies were with Ministers, and if they brought forward liberal measures they would have his support. A vote of confidence was carried unanimously. The Hon. W. Fox, after visiting Dunedin, will lecture on temperance, in various parts 01 Canterbury. A letter has been received from Lord Harris, expressing regret that the English team would not have time to play in New Zealand.

The site of the new Temperance Hotel fronting three main streets cost £2500. Friday. The immigrants by the ship Piako were all landed on Thursday. The Timaru portion will be sent on Friday to their destination. An official inquiry was held on board to-day as to the cause of the fire that broke out on November 16, but resulted without casting blame to any one on board. The fire originated among the cargo in the forehold. Only a small portion of the ship's cargo remains in the hold, almost everything perishable being either burnt or destroyed by water. The chairman of directors of the New Zealand Shipping Company, upon the ship's poop this afternoon addressed the crew, com* plimenting them upon their bravery during the time the vessel was on fire. The stated that Capt. Boyne had been instructed to pay each an extra month's pay in recognition of their faithful conduct.

An inquest was held yesterday on a child two years old, named C. H. Houston, who was drowned in a Water hole: at Toitoi, near Aishburton. A verdict of •• Accidental Death " was returned* . : At a meeting of the committee of the Royal Agricultural Society n was stated that 176 members had enrolled themselves but that nothing could be done in accordance with a resolution passed until the number amounted to 400. '.....' At the meeting of the Harbour Board yesterday it was resolved to have offices at both Lyttelton and Christchurch. At this meeting the question of scarcity of trucks was again brought up, and it was resolved to communicate with the Government on the subject. ; , . Elizabeth JVlills was brought up on a charge ef imposing on private individuals,: and not appearing, her bail was estreated and a warrant issued for her arrest.

\ A boat race for ten pounds comes off to-morrow between the crews from the Press and Times offices. !

Messrs Biro and Paul to-day collected £203 in aid of the Kaitangata fund. A special thanksgiving service will be rendered to-morrow for the escape of the ship Piako, and the preservation of the crew and passengers. « "•'■■['• Mr Conyers went by express train today en route for ahe Lakes of Otago, where he will remain a month before resuming his duty. ' / :