Local Entelligence.

The Airedale has brought down from Nelson among her passengers the new resident magistrate of Lyttelton, 11. G. Gouland, Esq., whose arrival has been expected any time during the last year. The duties of the office have latterly been fulfilled by Dr. Donald. From this time the towns of Lyttelton and Christchnrch will each have tbe advantage of the presence of a permanent paid resident magistrate. A petition for a resident magistrate went up from Lyttelton to the General Government in February 1859, and was answered affirmatively in the following month ; a period of sixteen months has elapsed since then, before tbe office has been filled.

It will be observed that Mr. Cass has resigned his seat for Christchurch in the Provincial Council, owing, as all will regret to hear, to the state of his health. The 21st instant is the day fixed for the nomination of the new candidates, and the 26th for the poll. It is reported that Mr. Duncan will come forward as a candidate.

We notice an address to the electors of Timaru, from Mr. R. Wilkin, stating his intention of standing as candidate for a seat in the -Provincial Council, as member/or that district. We are glad to see men of Mr. Wilkin's stamp offer themselves in their country's service. Though a comparatively new comer, Mr. Wilkin is well known as a gentleman of thorough business habits and one who has a large stake in the colony.

The relief of the Taranaki settlers seems to have been occupying the thoughts of our Kaiapoi -neighbours. during the past week, combined at the same time with their own enjoyment. A concert, given by Miss Redmayne on Monday week for the benefit of the relief fund, commenced the proceedings, and was well attended. The Volunteers' ball on the following Thursday evening, Mr. White contributing free of all charge the supper and refreshments of every kind, continued the good work. The stewards supplied the music and other contingencies, so that the whole proceeds of the tickets are clear for the benefit of the relief fund. About 60 were present. The supper, which was laid out in the billiard room, was one of the best that has been given in Canterbury, and great praise was given to Mr. and Mrs. White, not only for their liberality, but for the arrangements generally, which were admirably adapted to the comfort of those who attended. The third entertainment was a supper on Saturday evening, Mr. White again supplying the tables gratuitously, with the exception of wines, so that the whole proceeds of the tickets are for the benefit of the fund. The bad state of the weather prevented the possibility of any but the nearest residents ' attending. About 25 sat down, however, and spent a very pleasant evening. Some excellent songs were sung, and the only drawback was the absence of many who were anxious to have been present. The whole proceeds of the week we should expect to reach £50, as the ball alone we hear produced above £34.