JOURNAL OF THE WEEK.

We were unable last week to notice the disastrous night of Friday, the 27th of June. The " John and Charlotte," " Pauline," and " Salopian," schooners, ashore ; the schooner boat " Margaret," under water, the " William and John " cutter, dashed to pieces, and the brig " Torrington " reduced to a mere wreck, bear fearful witness of the danger attending our gales to vessels tying opposite the town. We observe that the " Supply," which narrowly escaped coming ashore, has taken the precaution to remove further down the harbour, where, along with the English vessels, she rides safely. A public meeting was held j'esterday on the subject at the " Mitre," which we notice in another place.

Monday last witnessed the opening of the Reading Room in this place. The library consists of something like 500 volumes, about an equal number will form the Christchurch collection. The volumes have been carefully arranged, under the various subjects of History, Biography, Arts and Sciences, Metaphysics, Travels, &c, through the exertions of Mr. Calvert.

An inquest was held on Monday, (and adjourned till Tuesday,) on the body of the late Mr. Ward. Upon the evidence, which was clear and conclusive, the jury returned a. verdict of " Accidental Death by Drowning." The funeral, on Monday afternoon, was numerously attended by those to whom Mr. Ward had become endeared by the amiability of his disposition.

Several gentlemen having expressed a desire to manifest their great respect for the late Mr. E. R. Ward and his brother, by some lasting monument in Lyttelton, it has been thought that the most suitable one would be a Memorial Window in the Church to be erected in the town. We

understand that a committee will be formed immediately to carry out the above object. We learn from an authentic source, that the managers of the Heathcote Building Society are actively engaged in framing the Rules &c, for the society, and trust in a few days to lay the Prospectus before the public, prior to the first General Meeting, whereof due notice will be given in this paper.