TOWN AND COUNTRY NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XVI, Issue 907, 20 July 1861, Page 4

TOWN AND COUNTRY NEWS.

On Tuesday last a deputation, consisting* of Dr. Donald, Messrs. Bradwell, Grubb, Peacock, Stout, and Wilcox, waited upon his Honor the Superintendent for the purpose of enquiring- the terms likely to be offered by the Government to the inhabitants of Lyttelton, should they be disposed to take action under the provisions of the ordinance and establish a Municipal Council. After a lengthened discussion, in which the Superintendent stated that he would have the streets and culverts repaired as soon as possible, it was intimated that his Honor's reply would be forwarded to Dr. Donald in a few days, to be laid before a meeting- of the inhabitants of the town.

We understand that the damage done by the crowd at the turning of the first sod of the railway, is estimated at about £200 j the loss being equally divided between the contractors and Mr. Birdsey. We never recollect having witnessed a more disgraceful scene or one which reflected greater discredit upon the persons concerned in it.

The Bank of New South Wales has commenced' business both in Lyttelton and Christchurch. We understand that this establishment has already received considerable suppert from the mercantile and general public.

A report current in Christchurch for the last few days, that Governor Browne has resigned and is to be succeeded by Mr. S. Godley,is certainly premature if not altogether untrue. It has originated, probably, from the surmises of some person at Auckland supposed to have correct information. The latest papers from that city do not allude to it.

Authority Las been sent down from the Governor to administer the oaths of office to the following gentlemen as Justices of the Peace: Samuel Bealey, James E. FitzGerald, R. j. S. Harman, andThos. W: Maude, Esqrs. A Gazette has been published, summoning the Council to meet on the 23rd inst., for the purpose of passing a bill to prohibit the introduction of cattle into the province. In our summary of the proceedings of the synod, published in a late issue/the sum of £1700 was stated as having been subscribed for the maintenance of the clergy in 1860. This did not include £250 raised by the inhabitants of the Timaru district for the support of their clergyman, who has also a residence provided for him. The total amount therefore raised by voluntary contributions for the clergy in the province would be nearly £'<5000. .