To-day 169 out of 175 unemployed selected left for the works on the Otago Central, and the other six go out on Saturday. Bordean's store afc Skippers Point, Lake district, was burnt to the ground this raording, only a trifle of the stock being med. The place is believed to be insured, but particulars are not obtain able. Some heary showers of hail fell to-day, but the rain, which has now lasted on and off for a week, appears to have passed away.
CHRISTCHURCH. October 22.
The Canterbury Employers' Associa tion has arranged for a conference be tween the boot manufacturers and their employees to begin next Tuesday morn ing. The chairman is to be outside the trade, and selected by the operatives and approred by the masters. All others taking part must be either members of the Masters' Association or employees working for them. The matters whereon the conference cannot agree are to bo submitted to • board of arbitration con stituted as prorided in the masters' new statement. That statement is suspended pending the result of the conference.
ASHBURTON. October 22.
James M'Crenor, fur the larceny of ' two horses, was committed for trial. Bail wu allowed, accused in LCO and two sureties of L50 each. The GoTernor Waits Aahburton show on October 30th.
GENERAL BOOTH AT AUCKLAND.
(BY TELEGRAPH.) Auckland, October 22.
