CHRISTCHURCH.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4398, 7 February 1883, Page 4

CHRISTCHURCH.

Yesterday. The Premier arrived jast after midday, and spent the afternoon inspecting the gaol, dock, &c, in Lyttelton. He came on here this evening,. and leaves for the South in the morning. The captain of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry states that the reason this branch of the service has not been sworn in is that the members hare mostly been engaged in harvesting, and it would be impossible for them to leave their farms in January to be re-sworn. He made apapplication for an extension of time, but it was refused.

Private cablegrams state that Canter* bury college has swept off all the firstclass honors in the New Zealand University examination. Much activity is displayed among the newly-enrolled volunteers. The parades are well attended, and with punctuality. Good recruits are busily drilling, and picking up their duties rapidly. The Waimarihiri Harbor Board to-day suspended their clerk, C. E. I)ad ley. on account of the proceedings against him in connection with the Kaiapoi Council's account, but there was a very divided feeling^ and notice of motion was given to re-consider the matter.

Dr Hector writes to the Times acknow* ledgiog the correctness of the Bey. Mr Green's calculation, and explains that he had to estimate the temperature at the time of observations. He says his letter was written in defence of Mr Green, and was' founded on the statement that the aneroid barometerread 19*05 at Mr Green's highest point. Dr Hector also points out that he at once acknowledged tbe clerical error when it was discovered.

An eight-roomed bouse at Okutu Valley, Little Eiver, was burned down at 2 a.m. on Sunday. It belonged to Mr A. Thompson, and the family had only time to escape in their night dresses. The premises were uninsured. A large.quantity of cheese, with a dairy plant, was destroyed, making it a loss of some £300.

Somnus and Taiaroa have been entered for the three handicaps at the autumn meeting. The entries came to hand today, being . overlooked on Saturday. Siesta's name should be substituted for Louie's in the Flying Handicap.