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Lyttelton Times, Volume II, Issue 82, 31 July 1852, Page 10

A private Subscription Ball took place on Thursday evening, at the Immigration Barracks, which was numerously attended by the gentry of Lyttelton, Christclmrch, and the Plains. Dancing commenced at 8 o'clock, and was kept up with unflagging spirit till past 4. All the arrangements were admirably adapted for a somewhat coldnight—fives, carpets,&c.,--so that unmitigated enjoyment was the result, both to the votaries of Terpsichore and the soberer devotees of whist. The party was denominated a "bread-and-butter" one, from the absence o£ stronger stimulants than tea and coffee ; but as pasties and other substantial creature comforts entered largely into consumption, there is a Hibernicism about the name, which suggests the quarter from whence it emanated. — Communicated.

More Convicts for Australia ! — The "Fairlie" having embarked prisoners from Cowes, sailed with the pestiferous living cargo for Van Diemen's Land on the 3rd of March.

Part of the Tagus fleet has arrived at Cork, and the rest is said to be on its way home, which has given great satisfaction and has done much towards allaying the invasion panic. Another step of great importance has been proposed by Lord John, namely, the establishment of a naval reserve of 5,000 men, such men to be able seamen, who have served three years in the navy, to be paid when not in actual employ at the rate of £6 per annum for seamen, £9 and £12 for two classes of petty officers, to be nominally attached to some man of war, but to hold annual tickets-of-leave, and to be permitted to engage in the coast service until required for actual service in the navy. Some such system will eventually give us what we have always laboured under the want of, a better chance of manning our ships on an emergency. The cost will be but very trifling, only about £35,000. The St. Albans affair promised sport which is now spoiled. Mr. Roebuck had moved that Coppock be examined at the bar of the house, and the Conservatives looked forward to some interesting disclosures, in which, however, they have been disappointed. Sir Francis Baring, Bart., M.P., for Ports, mouth, has issued his address to the electors of that borough, soliciting them to return him again. There is, however, strong opposition in the persons of Lieutenant-General Lord Frederick Fitzclarence, G.C.8., and Mr, Sergeant Gaselee, both of whom are of similar political bias to Sir Francis Baring. At the Greenwich election, the candidates were Mr. Montague chambers, Q.C., and Admiral Houston Stewart. The numbers were— For Admiral Stewart, 2956; for Mr. Chambers, 1211 ; majority, 1745.