JOURNAL OF THE WEEK.

Lyttelton Times, Volume I, Issue 37, 20 September 1851, Page 5

JOURNAL OF THE WEEK.

The importations of stock from Port Philip have been resumed, the '• Sir Harry Smith " and '■ Wellington " having arrived this week with fc> r ll freights. Both ships have been tolerably fortunate, the losses having been moderate. We learn from competent authority that the sheep imported in the " Wellington" by W. Kaye, Esq., of Port Philip, are of a very superior description, having been selected with such judgment as to render them unrivalled among the flocjks hitherto brought to this settlement. The sawe flock-master has also brought an importatioivof calves, many of which are thorough-bred.

The " Lady Nugent" arrived on Thursday^ with about 150 immigrants. The "Duke of Portland" was not to follow till the 12th of June. Only two other vessels were to he despatched in that month.

On Monday the Avon and Heathcote Rivers were enlivened by an unusual quantity of traffic ; three small craft having arrived at Christ-

church, and six more unloading together at Christchurch Quay, on the Lyttelton road. The latter place has become quite a busy wharf, being only two miles by the load from the centre of Christchurch.

THE "CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB." On Saturday last, a preliminary meeting was held in the Beading-room at Christchurch, E. J. Wakefield, Esq., in the Chair, for the purpose of forming a Jockey Club. The following resolutions were unanimously passed : —

1. " That a Jockey Club, to be called the Canterbury Jockey Club, be formed; and that such club consist of those gentlemen who shall, before the 15th of October, 1851, intimate tlieir desire to become members, and to pay an entrance fee of one guinea, and a yearly subscription, payable in advance, of one guinea." 2. " That C. Maunskll, Esq., be requested to undertake the office of Treasurer pro tern." 3. " That the following gentlemen be requested to act as a Committee, for the purpose of collecting subscriptions from intended members, of inquiring and reporting upon the formation of a Race-course, and of otherwise promoting the constitution of a Jockey Club, viz.:—J. R.Godley, Esq.; H. Lockhart, Esq.; the Hon. J. Stuart Wortley ;T. Hanmer, Esq.; J. C. Watts Russell, Esq.; C. Maunsell, Esq.; E. M. Templar, Esq.; W. G. Brittan, Esq. ; E. J. Wakefield, Esq. (with power to add to their number); and that the Committee meet to report progress at the Golden Fleece, Christchurch, on the 4th of October."

We understand that the intention is to select at once an available site for a Eace-course, a few miles west of Biccarton, and to make the little preparation necessary for the races, which are proposed to be held as part of our first anniversary festival in December next. The greater part of the funds of the club will of course be devoted to a purse or purses to be run for under the rules of the club. The club will probably follow the example of its prototypes at Wellington and Nelson, and adopt as nearly as possible the Newmarket rules. The encouragement of a good breed of horses has always been considered a truly English object; and it appears to be the decided opinion of those learned in these matters, that the Canterbury plains are peculiarly well adapted for the production of superior horses. It should therefore be our object to hold out, as soon as possible, good prizes for excellence in horse-breeding, so that importers may be induced to bring the best kind of stock. If a good beginning be made, we may look forward, ere many years, to the exportation of horses to India. Breeding establishments will cause an increased demand for oats, hay, and straw. We therefore hope that the Jockey Club, as it deserves, will be well supported.