Local Intelligence.

Lyttelton Times, Volume X, Issue 614, 25 September 1858, Page 4

Local Intelligence.

The increase of scab among the sheep in this province is a matter which presses upon our attention. From whatever cause, or combination of causes, it has arisen, it exists as a distressing but undeniable fact. So much of the information which we might give as to the places in which the disease has appeared, and the circumstances of its breaking out and spread, rest upon hearsay, and are met with flat contradiction from other quarters as to many of the details, that it is impossible to draw up a reliable account. The existence of the disease to a dangerous extent is however recognised by the stockowners themselves, as may be seen by an advertisement in our columns to-day, signed by several influential names, calling a meeting on the subject at the Royal Hotel, Christchurch, on Saturday, the 9th of October, at 1 p.m. This step we look upon as a highly proper one, and as indicating a wholesome activity among the body of our sheep farmers. We believe that it is quite within the power of flockmasters to stop, if not the rise, at least the progress of this fell disease; and therefore we are glad, to see the movement for combined'action, with a reference to the legal authority which alone can enforce it. Whether it be the Scab Ordinance itself or the manner or the means of its administration which requires improvement, can, we think, be sufficiently inquired into'and demonstrated at the proposed meeting, but the actual steps to be taken will not so easily be decided upon there. We hope, therefore, that those skilled in the subject will previously take such measures of consultation witli one another and the Government as may lead to some practical decision at the meeting, upon which early action may be taken. ,

Ifr is plain that barrack accommodation for immigrants arriving in Lyttelton is not sufficiently large. Even though ;tlie; rooms in Christchurch were ready, the necessity fora stay of more than one night in Lyttelton for all tho now arrivals would not bo removed. 'On this occasion the Town Hall and its.;:.adjoining rooms have been surrendered by the townspeople of Lyltolfcon for tho accommodation of the muni*

grants per . Zealandia; but it will not do to be obliged a second time to draw upon people's compassion.l Arrangements should be made which would provide-for the necessities of the new comers, without taxing the residents so disagreeably. The simple occupation of the Hall would be, bad enongh, but the injury done (at least if that building were in the condition it ought to be in) is of a far more annoying character.1 We need point only to the possible withdrawal of this supplement to the barracks, and to the coming of many more such ships, perhaps by a freak of the weather even two together, to imake it evident that immediate steps should be taken to provide enlarged and systematic accommodation.