CHRISTCHURCH MARKET.

Lyttelton Times, Volume III, Issue 124, 21 May 1853, Page 7

CHRISTCHURCH MARKET.

The first Market at Christch urch was held last Saturday, and we are glad to announce was very well attended, there being upwards of 50 persons present during the day. It appeared to be a matter of gratuTation to both buyer and seller of produce, that a desideratum so much, needed should have been so successfully established. In consequence of the arrangements of the Market Committee, in reference to the site, not being finally completed, we are not able to give the exact returns of sales. From the lateness of the season and the fact of a considerable quantity of produce having1 been previously disposed of privately, it was not to be expected that much business would be done, and the only transactions that took place were in wheat, for which there was a free demand, and which sold readily at 10s. per bushel, and a considerable quantity changed hands. One small quantity of Seed Wheat realized 12s. per bushel. Samples of Barley and Oats were in request, but in consequence- of the unfavourable state of the weather, the quantity threshed out being inconsiderable, little bus ness could be done. Some good samples of Barley were held at Bs. per bushel, and 6s. was offered freely for Oats. Potatoes 41. to 61 per ton. Carrots 41. to U. per ton. Swedes %. 10s per ton. In livestock not much was done,'although there was a good attendance of dealers. Some sales of pigs took place at remunerative prices. The prices for stock generally continue high. Butter in quantities Is. 6d. per lb ; retail, Is. Bd. do. "

Upwards of 20 persons sat down to an excellent ordinary provided by Messrs. Ellis and Gartner. Great regret was felt at the want of a larger room, but we hear the proprietors of the " Golden Fleece " are about to meet the wishes of the public in this respect, and build a substantial addition to their premises as soon as possible; the materials for the same having been ordered some time ago. We hope every encouragement will be extended to render the market a real benefit to the inhabitants of Christchurch and the Plains. We understand that some of the Storekeepers object to Saturday as interfering with their business, and would prefer some other day. . This point has, doubtless, been well considered by the Committee, and Saturday fixed upon as the most suitable for the farmers and stockowners. Should, however, any doubts exist on this point, we aie persuaded that the Market Committee, with a larger experience to guide them, will modify their decision so as to meet the views and wishes, if that be possible, of all concerned. In the mean time, each individual should sink his particular views, and consent to act for the general benefit of all. The " William Prowse" has landed a large number of Sheep, Horses, and Cattle, in excellent order. The celebrated stallion, Aaronite, however, died on the passage. Late news from England had been received at Sydney on the eve of the sailing of the " William Prowse." We have no Paper, however, nor have we learnt aught beyond the marriage of the French Emperor to an Italian or Spanish Princess, with some twenty baptismal names. * A distressing accident occurred this week by which a fine little boy of two and a half years old, named Thomas Bennington, lost his life. The poor child, who had strayed a few yards from his father's door, fell into an open well on the premises, and before he was discovered life was quite extinct. A Coroner's Inquest sat ou the body on Wednesday, and a verdict of Accidental Death was returned.