The Lyttelton Times.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 293, 22 August 1855, Page 5

The Lyttelton Times.

Wednesday, August 22. It never rains but it pours. Of late the commercial operations of the Port seemed scarcely in keeping with the busy works going on in the interior ofthe Province. The monotony of the harbour has been relieved, principally, by the movements of our small but wellmanaged " channel fleet." The arrival of the Amherst, from Melbourne, on Thursday last, bringing English news to the 12th of May, first broke the spell. Since then vessels have followed in quick succession. On Friday, the Caroline Agness brought the emigrants from England. On Sunday, the barque Maori and the brig Gratitude came in during the day from Sydney. On Monday we had fourarrivals —the Harry, from Wellington, for Christchurch; the Wellington, from Auckland,and the Camilla and Christina from Otago. By a singular coincidence, we receive intelligence from the two outposts of tbe colony on the same day. We understand that by the Caroline Agness intelligence has been received from Mr. Harman. He states that notwithstanding the drain of men occasioned by the war, he finds no difficulty in obtaining good agricultural emigrants, and that a third emigrant ship was to be despatched not later than the end of June.

We call the attention of our readers to an advertisement in another column signed by the Manager of the Union Bank of Australia at Lyttelton, announcing a reduction in the rate of discounts. Such a notice is a gratifying testimony to the real advance this settlement is making in commercial matters. We have also to acknowledge the receipt byj the Wellington of a draft of a bill for the establishment of a New Zealand "Bank to be submitted to the General Assembly at their next sitting. The establishment of a branch of the Union Bank of Australia at Lyttelton coeval with the foundation of the colony has benefited in some degree every individual settler in Canterbury ; and it-is gratifying to have to record that the general interests of this Banking Company have not suffered by the course tbey adopted. The reduction of discounts we trust is the fir st only of a series of alterations by which this valuable institution may identify itself more fully with the prosperity of Canterbury. The policy of the establishment of a rival company in so young a Province admits of much doubt. One bank, if liberally adapted to meet the wants our commercial progress develope, and to encourage our bona fide home industries, would perhaps confer more benefit on the settlement than rival companies catering for support. But this question is too complicated to be entered upon prematurely.

The most important Colonial news is Mr. Brown's announcement of his intention to retire from the superintendeney of Auckland, and the progress ofthe disturbances at Taranaki. We will publish the particulars on Saturday.

Visit or the Bishop cf New Zealand to Taranaki.—lt affords us sincere pleasure to state that Bishop Selwyn departed last night overland for Taranaki, accompanied,in his mission of peace, by the Venerable Archdeacon Abraham. It is lobe hoped that the well-known influence of his Lordship may be instrumental in imparting strength to tbe efforts of tbe Rev. Mr. Turton, the resident Wesleyan Missionary, who has been indefatigable in his endeavours, and that their combined mediation may prevail with the contending tribes, and that peace and good will may be re-established without tbe necessity of any appeal to arms.— New Zealander.