JOURNAL OF THE WEEK.

Lyttelton Times, Volume I, Issue 11, 22 March 1851, Page 5

JOURNAL OF THE WEEK.

Autumn has come upon our Settlement, if not with the sere and yellow leaf, with every other of its English attributes, including several cases of an epidemic resembling influenza. The colonists have ceased to calculate on the fineness of the morrow, as they have been wont up to the present time. The evenings are cold now instead of cool, and it is only during three or four hours of the midday, that we are reminded of the strength of the New Zealand sun. Dr. Jackson, the Bishop Designate, took his leave of the Settlement on Saturday afternoon last, his departure being sped by a large party of the colonists. The " William Alfred," in which he took his passage, to Wellington, was detained by a foul wind throughout Saturday night, and Sunday, and sailed at daybreak on Monday morning. We understand that Dr. Jackson intends to take passage at Sydney to England, and that his return may be looked for about the close of next year. On Tuesday, the " Salacia" and on Thursday " Isabella Hercus" sailed, Mr. Godley proceeded to Wellington by the latter. We hear that peat of good quality has been discovered, and is being used as fuel near Kiccarton. It may not be uninteresting to the sportsman of the town to be told that codling and other fish of excellent flavour and in considerable quantities, have been caught off the rocks of Pulao Bay. by one of the passengers of the " Australia." Of the development of our national resources, however small, must be matter of congratulation to the community. We regret to have to record the death of the last of the Pheasants and Partridges brought out under the care of the Committee appointed by the colonists in London, for the purpose of introducing English birds into the Settlement. Only one partridge and two pheasants survived the cold and storms ' of the fiftieth parallel of south latitude. They were placed in a hatch in front of Mr. Godley's house, and were in a thriving con dition a few nights ago. A dog, however, broke into the cage and destroyed them all. We hope however that, the colonists will not be discouraged, but will repent the attempt. If funds # were provided by a subscription, and a sufficient temptation were offered, no doubt immigrants coming out would make it their business to protect game or other birds as far fas possible during the voyage, and the effort might be successful.