TOWN AND COUNTRY.

I Sharks.—The crew r of the ketch Eagle, caught four large sharks outside the Heads, yesterday. Volunteer Prize Firing,—We understand that Mr. Peacock has given the sum of £5, as a prize to be shot for by No. 1 Company and the Cavalry. The conditions and time of firing have yet to be arranged. Christy's Minstrels. — These artistes have arrived in Christchurch, and will give their entertainments for three successive evenings, beginning to-night, at the Town Hall. The troupe comprises the same members who have already visited the city. Canterbury Hall.—Mr. L. Harding has taken the above hall, which he intends fitting up as a theatre. Miss Aitken has undertaken to join the company, and will appear in some -of those characters in which she achieved so much success during her engagement under Mr. Hall's management. The Government Rifle Prizes.—We call attention to the regulations for these prizes, which are published in another column. Intending competitors must give notice in writing to the Adjutant or Commanding Officer of the district in which they reside of their intention to compete, on or before the 24th instant. . . The Provincial Council Library.—The room formerly used for the sittings of the Provincial Council has been fitted up as a library, the books being arranged on shelves around it. The maps of the province, the plans of the railway, and some other sectional drawings, neatly framed, are hung on the walls, and the room presents a cheerful cosy aspect. The Accident.—On making inquiries yesterday at the Hospital, respecting Knowles, the sufferer from the railway accident, we learned that he was much better than could have been anticipated. He was free from fever, and seemed collected and even cheerful. The poor fellow bears his sad lot with the mostextraordinary.calmness and patience. Akaroa and Wainui Road Board.—At a meeting of the above Board, held at their room, Akaroa, on the 13th inst., it was resolved to levy a rate of 6d. in the pound, to be called for in two instalments, during the ensuing year. The annual meeting of ratepayers for the election of the new Board is to be held on the 2nd day of January next. Miss Aitken at Akaroa.—This gifted lady gave one of her much-admired entertainments in the Akaroa Town Hall on Monday, the 18th inst. The Rev. W. Aylmer took the chair, introducing Miss Aitken to the audience, which was a numerous one. Captain Greaves and Mr. W. Adams also took part in the evening's entertainment, Mr. Speedy presiding at the pianoforte. How to out Sheep to tub West Coast. -—While stockowners arc waiting for the ice to melt on Browning's Pass, it may not be uninteresting to them to learn that a good road exists from Saxton's (late Frith's) station to the Twelve Mile township, which is the principal inland township of the SouthWest goldflelds of the Nelson province. A very considerable population already exists in that neighbourhood, which is daily increasing as the gold discoveries tend further north. There is no reason why Canterbury sheep farmers should not cross their sheep over the Hurunui, and follow up the Waiau on to this road. We are informed on credible authority that one mob of 2000 wethers travelled from Stoneyhurst to the West by this road, in the middle of winter. Princess' THEA'ritE.--Last night the season under the lesseeship of Mr. Mumford was brought to a close. The first piece played was the comedy of "Everybody's Friend," with the same cast as on the night of its first production. The burlesque of " Kenilworth" closed the performances. This was played remarkably well, the little drawbacks almost inseparable from a first performance being successfully overcome. Captain Anderson made a first-rate Queen Elizabeth, exactly carrying out Horace Walpole's idea, that "by a red wis:, a hooked nose, and ample petticoats, bedizened with bushels of pearls and diamonds, everybody recognizes the portrait of Good Queen Bess." Miss Mathews was the Earl

of Leicester, and in that character sung several songs, which were loudly applauded. Between the intervals Mini Wiseman executed some dances, which were received with well-merited approbation. Daring the season just elapsed, the public of Christchurch have liadßUch ft source of enjoyment as rarely falls to their lot, and a feeling of regret is universally entertained at the departure of the company* Never were burlesques, and what the French so happily call pieces de salon, so nicely put upon the stage? and whatever dramatic entertainments may be in store for us, we shall always recall with pleasure the visit of Mr. Mumford's company. lie has been indefatigable in ministering to our enjoyment. Volunteees' Ball. —This event took place last night, and was numerously attended. The hall was very prettily decorated with flags of the European and Transatlantic natioas. Over the aais was suspended a flag bearing the motto "Advance Canterbury," and the different regimental colours were displayed in the body of the room. Mr. Hicks supplied the refreshments, Mr. Kohler furnishing the bar. Dancing was kept up until a late hour. The musiclwas under the direction of Mr. Kohler. The Tunnel.—ln a recent issue of this journal we published Mr. Dobson's report on the progress of this work. The contractors are making preparations for lighting it up at intervals on Dec. 26, by means of the magnesium light. This will show at a glance the whole amount of the work already completed. In order to give an idea of the extent finished, it will be necessatyto reproduce a portion of the report" The tunnel works have progressed steadily ; but the excessive hardness of the rock met with at both ends, as irell as the amount of water at the Heatlicote end, have greatly retarded the work. The total distance driven to the present date is 2219 yards, being yards at the Port, and 1139fyards at the Heathcote end, and leaving a distance of 319 yards between the headings." The contractors have procured a large; quantity of the lighting material from Melbourne, but have as yet been unable to obtain the proper lamps in which to burn the light. Consequently the wire will have to be burned by hand, iand this may in some degree militate against the success of the experiment. The wire, which is the metallic base of magnesia, consists of a narrow ribbon, about the sixteenth of an inch in width, and is placed in a lamp in the same manner as an ordinary wick. It is then regulated by a spring exactly oa the principle of a bottlejack. It is the lightest metal known, one ounce measuring 120 yards. The refuse of the wire, when burned, constitutes an anhydrous magnesia. One strand of this wire gives a light equal to that of 80 stearine candles ; it is the most brilliant light known. Any tint, even the, variety of the colouring of plants, can be segtfby it, and when burned in the open air at sea, it is visible at a distance of ten miles. There is not the slightest danger from its use; a child might easily manage the lamps, Besides, when enclosed in a proper lamp, there is no probability of its becoming extinguished. The light was suggested by Sir David Brewster, but was brought into practical use by another gentleman. It is supposed that when the process of its manufacture becomes more simplified, so as to reduce the cost, it will supersede gas for lighting towns. It is the purest of all artificial lights, its actinism being so great that any other mode of illumination looks yellow and dim beside it. Mr. Mundy has undertaken the duty of superintending its exhibition on the occasion. We trust the lamps may'arrive in time; but at all events, the material is here, and can be used in a manner which will far eclipse the lime light of last year, in revealing to the public the extraordinary advancement of this great work, of which Canterbury may well be proud.