SOCIAL AND DOMESTIC.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1001, 14 June 1862, Page 4

SOCIAL AND DOMESTIC.

The early history of a colony is made up of a recital of difficulties to be overcome and the efforts to be made to that end. These efforts, as might naturally be supposed, are generally poor and weak compared with the resisting forces upon whic.li they are called to operate. Rome was built, though not in a day; and a strong will supported by strong hands, will gain the mastery over inert powers. Thus it is that wild tracts of country are reclaimed from the desert, and what was once a barren waste becomes a fruitful garden; rivers are bridged, swamps drained, roads formed, homesteads erected, and other concomitants of civilisation follow in due course. Previously to 1849 that part of New Zealand now called Canterbury, formerly known as Port Cooper, was but little known to the civilised world. It lies between the 42nd and 44th degrees south latitude, and occupies a central position in the Middle Island; having an area of about 13,000,000 of acres of which one-half is unavailable for cultivation. Before the year we have named, a few whalers had settled on its southern banks at a place called Banks' Peninsula, who lived in miserable whares, cultivating in a rude way small patches of ground. In 1837 a Sydney firm sent some people here to cultivate wheat for them, but a commercial crisis in New South Wales caused the speculation to be abandoned. A number of immigrants from France arrived at the Bay of Islands early in 1840, en route to Banks' Peninsula, there to form a settlement under the auspices of the Nanto-Bordelais Company At that time the sovereignty of England over the Middle Island had only just been established, and this circumstance induced Governor Hobson to send an officer to hoist the British flag at Akaroa, the site chosen for the French settlement, before the emigrants landed there. Subsequently, some of the earlier Wellington colonists visited this place with a view of establishing a colony, but Governor Hobson refused to allow the formation of a settlement, and the expedition thus came to an untimely end. Soon afterwards, one of the more enterprising Wellingtonians —Mr. Wm. Deans, who visited Port Cooper, and had recognised its great pafetoral capabilities, determined to squat in it by permission of the natives, and in 1842 he located himself upon the plains, about ten miles from the port, at a place now called Riccarton. Here he was joined by his brother, Mr. John Deans, from Scotland, and together they introduced for the first time on the Canterbury Plains, sheep, cattle and horses. Their example was speedily followed by several others. In 1842 and 1844 two other exploring parties visited, Canterbury, but without any noticeable result. In iB4B, a number of noblemen and gentlemen in England, anxious to form a Church of England settlement, were induced to look with favourable eyes upon New Zealand as a field for colonisation, and in July of that year a civil engineer, Captain Joseph Thomas, was despatched to select a suitable site for the proposed settlement. In the prosecution of this undertaking, Captain Thomas had to visit "Wellington and Auckland, from whence he brought a staff of surveyors and labourers, and landed in Port Cooper on the 3rd July, 1849. Lyttelton was at once fixed upon as the port town. Immigration barracks, offices, a jetty, and wharves were speedily erected, by a gang of carpenters procured from Hobart Town; and a great number of persons were set to work to form a road from the port to the plains, which were separated by a range of hills about 1100 feet high. This highway, now called the Sumner Road, was not completed as originally designed, but has been and is yet the only available road for land carriage between Lyttelton and Christchurch. The railway, now being made, will pass through a tunnel under this range of hills, and will enable the traveller to reach Christchurch in twenty minutes, a task which under existing circumstances he can only accomplish with some difficulty in two hours. In the prosecution of the works we have indicated a considerable staff of workmen was required, and thus a population of from 200 to .300 souls was located in Lyttelton for some time before any systematic immigration was received from the old country. Mr. Godley, as agent of the Canterbury Association, arrived in Lyttelton in April, 1850,' and after suspending all works not absolutely necessary, a step which he was compelled to take from want of funds, he proceeded to Wellington to obtain a more thorough knowledge of the colony generally, and await the acquisition of funds accruing from sales of land. On the 30th of November, the same year, he returned to Lyttelton to await the arrival of the first batch of immigrants, who left London in four ships in September, 1850. All four arrived in December, three of them in one day, and the fourth about ten days afterwards, bringing in all 795 souls. Though much had been done by the pioneers under Capt. Thomas to smooth the way for the first great body of settlers, on their arrival they found the site of the present pretty little port town little but a series of rugged eminences and gullies, formed by the spurs running down to the bay in a lateral direction from the range of hills previously spoken of. The barracks were inadequate to the shelter of so large a body of people, many of whom had to cast about for dwellings in which they could make temporary homes. Necessity is the mother of invention, and so no wonder that our- first settlers' habitations were of a nondescript character. Holes dug out of the hill sides, and canvas tents predominated. When a supply of timber was obtained, huts were formed of planking somewhat in this shape A. A more aristocractic structure was what is now known as a "lean-to" from the fact, we suppose, that as house architecture improved, this kind of erection was added to, and made to lean against more symmetrical buildings. Imagine a shed, with a sloping roof, weather-boarded on all sides, and you have the picture of a lean-to in your mind's eye. As the mind first dislikes, next tolerates, and then becomes attached to a repulsive object, so our old colonists generated a vile taste for architecture, and the malady threatened to become chronic. In this way only can we account for the many ugly buildings to be found in our two chief towns. It is only just to say that from the first there were some buildings in excellent taste, and, considering the circumstances under which they were reared, reflecting great credit on their designers and proprietors. We cannot within the limits, of this article mark all the steps in the path of progress taken by our first settlers. Our object is to give an idea of the appearance of the Port town and the capital, and by a series of brief sketches of their public institutions and buildings indicate their present social condition. Lyttelton, as may have already been gathered by the reader, is situated on a slope, at the north side of the bay of that name. Its area is but small, as the range of hills at the north side of the town, at a distance of from 300 to 400 yards from high water level rise so precipitately as to shut in tho town from that side, whilst the water is an effectual barrier in front. Tho town, nevertheless, has au agreeable aspect. On the opposite side of the bay from the town thero is a narrow strip of rolling downs, on which rests tho base of a range of hills running east and west along tho northern side of Banks' Peninsula. Thero are several good streets which have been chiefly constructed by the labour of prisoners committed to Lyttelton gaol, and manv other streets have been laid out, and some aroin the course of formation. Those which traverse lines pardlel with the bay are Norwich Quay, London Street, Winchester btreet, and Exeter Street. These are intersected at right angles by Jackson Road, St. David Street, Canterbury Street, aud Oxford otreet. Among its public institutions the oldest and most valuable is the Colonists' Society. It was established before a constitution was granted to •New Zealand, as an institution in which might bo discussed tho wants and feelings of tho settlers, bince 1853, when the constitutional order of things was established, the Society has confined its operanro!? 8 t^lo diff llß * oll of literature, science, and art. lhis it does by means of monthly lectures and readings, aided by a library of great value, Whether we

regard the number or character of the works it con. tains, it is a monument of the goorl taste ami liberality of the people. The library and news room are at present in a part of the Town Hall a building quite unworthy to contain such a treasure It is to bo hoped that the Society will shortly be enabled to erect for themselves a better structure There is a museum now being formed in connection, with the library. The whole is supported by a subscription of 15s per annum, supplemented by voluntary donations, books, &c, and an occasional grant from the Government. There is a Havings' Bank a Lodge of Freemasons, an Oddfellows' Lodge in connection with the Manchester Unity, a Court of Foresters; two Land, Building, and Investment Societies, enabling men of small means to turn their savings to profitable account; a rifle corps and a fire brigade. There are branches of three banks,-—the Union Bank of Australia, the first established in the Province; the New South Wales Bank, and the Bank of New Zealand. Lyttelton has long had a hospital but the present building, situated in Norwich Quay,' is altogether inadequate to its purpose. This fact was brought before the Provincial Council last session, and they liberally voted £2000 for the purchase of a suitable site and the erection of a more commodious building. The surgeon in attendance, Dr. Donald, is paid for his services out of the Provincial revenue. To meet the spiritual requirements of the people there are three places of worshipChurch of England, Wesleyan, and Presbyterian. The Church of the Most Holy Trinity stands on an elevated site at the corner of Canterbury and Winchester Streets; the first church built in Canterbury was erected here in 1852-3. It was a large wooden structure, but the people became afraid of its stability, and about five years ago it was taken down. The present church is the first ecclesiastical edifice composed of durable materials in the province. The walls are of purple claystone porphyry, and this, combined with dressings of yellow sandstone, presents a pleasing contrast. The style is early English, that being thought by the architect (Mr. G. Mallinson) to be the best, considering the limited means at the disposal of the committee. The building consists of nave, transepts north and south, chancel and vestry, with a western turret, and is designed to accommodate 350 people. Internally it has more the appearance of an olri country church, such as is found in some of the villages in England, than any we have yet seen on this side the globe. The church arch is of simple and bold construction, built of the same materials as the walls, and would have a decidedly heavy appearance but for the elegant execution in illuminated characters of a suitable text. The church is enriched by a magnificent gothic candelabrum in brass, the gift of Mr. Heywood. The Rev. F. Knowles is the incumbent; and has endeared himself to his parishioners alike by his pulpit ministrations, his zeal as a pastor and his sympathy with all who need succour. The Wesleyan church stands upon a gentle eminence, near the west end of Norwich Quay; it is built of wood on a stone foundation. As nearly as the material would admit, the style adopted is decorated gothic. The plan is similar to that of the church above described, but the turret rises from the roof at the junction of nave and transepts. On entering, the beholder is pleasantly surprised at the manner in which the flatness so generally exhibited in the walls of wooden buildings has been relieved by illuminated scroll work round the whole of the window and door openings. The designs for this church were furnished by Mr. G. Mallinson. Though somewhat out of our course, we cannot forego the temptation to say a few words about another church erected from designs by the same gentleman. It is situate about five miles west of Lyttelton, at a place called Governor's Bay; it is built of blue boulders, gathered above high-water mark, with yellow sandstone dressings. The style is decorated gothic, and the plan simply nave, north-east porch, and chancel, with a recess for a bell in the western gable. We may notice the eastern tracery window, of pretty design, as the first of the kind erected in the province. The church, though small, is graceful in its symmetry, has a beautiful site, and is altogether in perfect keeping with its design. To return to Lyttelton. Towards the south-end of Winchester street there stands a commodious substantial wooden building, erected by the Presbyterians for a school, and which is being used temporarily as. a church. The whole of these places of worship are well attended, and it is pleasant to state that a most catholic spirit is manifested by the several bodies of professing christians. Besides the government jetty, there is a wharf and jetty at the west-end of the shore, abutting from Norwich Quay, built by Messrs. Peacock & Co. Here vessels of several hundred tons burthen may lay alongside and unload or take in cargo. The merchants' stores are capacious ; one of them only is built of stone, that of Messrs. Miles & Co. The other principal merchants are Messrs. Cookson, Bowler and Co., Dalgety, Buckley and Co., Peacock and Co., Taylor and Co., Brown and' Co., F. Martin Heywood and Co., Mr. D. Davis, Mr. Dransfield, Mr. E. A. Hargreaves, Mr". Renshaw, and Mr. Robert Latter. The first retail shop of any pretensions was built some 7 or 8 years ago by Mr. Gee, confectioner, Canterbury street; of late years, considerable improvements have been made in this class of buildings, and at this time Lyttelton can shew a goodly array of neat and commodious stores. Its public buildings are below par. The Town Hall, Resident Magistrate's Court, and Custom House, are dark delapidated edifices, which must soon give way to more suitable structures. The Freemason's Hall, externally has the appearance of a barn, but inside has a very chaste and elegant appearance. The Odd-fellows hall is a neat but small edifice adjoining that of the Freemasons. There are five hotels and two wine and beer-houses. The Universal, built a few years ago by Mr. W. Heaphy, is a large and somewhat heavy-looking building ; but it contains some handsome rooms, The hotel is sadly out of proportiou with the present limited requirements of the place. Lyttelton lacks amusement. An annual regatta, and an occasional ball are the only things that break the monotony of its every-day life, unless we except an occasional soiree by some of the religious bodies, and an annual conversazione of the Colonists' Society. The Municipal wants of the town are in the hands of a corporation recently established, who have liberal funds placed at their disposal by the Provincial Government, and are also endowed with reserves both in town and in country districts. By their efforts we hope soon to see a marked improvement in our streets and thoroughfares, and other social wants provided for that have been hitherto neglected. The Church of England has a boys', girls' and infants' school, attended by about 160 children. The Presbyterians have what is called a High School, under the able control of Mr Ferguson ; it is well attended, and, according to the Inspector of Schools Report, is one of the most efficient educational establishments in the Province. Each <. of the religious denominations also maintains a sabbath school. The population of the town in December last numbered 1944 souls, of whom 1832 were said to belong to the Church of England, 94 Roman Catholics, 214 Wesleyans, 165 Presbyterians, and the rest were belonging to other denominations. There is one newspaper published in the town, the journal now before the reador. It was first brought out on the lltli January, 1851, only 26 days after the tivst emigrant ship arrived here. It is now issued twice a week, and has a circulation equal to, if not more numerous than any other in New Zealand. Wo might linger a little longer in Lyttelton, and describe its better class of private residences, but wo find our article is growing beyond its proper limits, and wo must ask the reader to accompany us on our way to the capital, and in our journeying wo hope to shew him something that will interest him. We leave Lyttelton by a bridle-path which joins Norwich quay at its western extremity. This bridlepath traverses the range of hills which divide the Port and the Plains. The ascent is rather steep and tries one's wind, so as we have got about half way up, we will just take a retrospective glance at the town and its environs, whilst we recover our breathBehind and above us, still stretch the Port hills; the most noticeable peak visible is called Mount Pleasant, on which stands a flag-stall wliero ships are signalled from a great distance at sea. Just now, a red flag is flying, which tells the people both in Lyttelton and Christchuroh . that n ship is approaching, and as a British vessel with emigrants w expected,

ninny n heart in the little town below us is 'beating with expectation of meeting some old faiuilar face. The Government Jetty is all astir with human life; boats are putting off, freighted with impatient friends of those who are expected. The bay is sparkling iike a sheet of glass, and nestling between the lofty hills, looks calm as a sleeping child. (Of course, wo have selected a fine day, to take our English friends on this excursion.) Seen from this distance, the boats look like tiny toys, and even the great ships seem as if lliey had been cut out of cardboard, and rested upon a solid surface. Turning to the south-west, the eye rests upon a long vista, the upper part of the bay occupying the .foreground ; beyond this, low flats, studded with farmr houses and stations, sheltered by wooded heights interspersed with gorges and narrow valleys; and far away in the same direction, lies Lake Ellesmere, 18 miles in length, stretching almost to the sea. After another glance at the town, which we are loath to leave, we must proceed on our way. Here and there we see patches of garden ground, and catch o-limpses of pleasant-looking houses embowered in trees. The Cemetery is a very prominent object on an elevated mound above the town. Below, the streets lie stretched before us, with but little of the picturesque in the town itself to tempt our further contemplation. We now resume our ascent, and ten minutes* walk brings us to the top of the range. The scene that here bursts upon the view is in strong contrast to the one we have just attempted to describe. On our right, stretching to the north-east we have a fine view of the Pacific Ocean. Immediately before us lies the Heathcote Valley, where the tunnel from Lyttelton will emerge. Beyond this valley lies the great plain of Canterbury, comprising upwards of 3,000,000 acres, which, to an eye familiarised to the rugged scenery of the Port hills and Banks' Peninsula, seems as level as a billiard table. The plains are bounded on the north by a chain of mountains, beyond which are seen the great Southern Alps clothed with perpetual snow. the south-west the plains stretch further than tho eye can reach in the direction of Otago. Descending into the valley, we find its stillness broken by the busy hum of human life. A year ago there were here only some half score of habitations, now there are nearly a hundred; with a large hotel, stores, and school. Another mile brings us to the river Heathcote, at present crossed by a punt, but which will shortly be spanned by an iron bridge. The country ! is here dotted with farmhouses and stockyards, conveying an idea of the abundance which prevails. A good metalled road of four miles brings us to CHRISTCHURCH. - This city, the capital of the Province, is watered by two rivers, the Avon, which runs through the west and north portions of the town, and the Heathcote, which flows through the country about a mile to the south of the Town Belt. They both rise in Banks Peninsula, and have a common embouchure with a bar harbour at Sumner. The Heathcote is available for the navigation of vessels under 40 tons, to within two miles of Christchurch, and several wharves are erected upon its north bank, close to the turnpike road from Lyttelton. The waters of the Avon are clear, but its banks have of late years been so overgrown with watercresss that the stream has been considerably narrowed in many parts, and the water so impregnated with vegetable matter as to render it distasteful. The site of Christchurch rests upon a gravelly subsoil; some parts of it are lower than is desirable, which will render its efficient drainage an expensive undertaking. The surrounding country being very flat, and denuded of trees, presents a monotonous aspect, which, however, will disappear after a few years when plantations and shrubberies have attained some growth. In the city there are 12 streets running parallel to each other, east and west; these are intersected by seven other streets which run from north to south. They are named after the Bishops' sees in England, Ireland, and Wales. There are also three squares, two of them named after Latimer and Cranmer, and the third, in the centre of the city, is called Cathedral Square. Colombo Street divides this square into' two equal parts, one of which is reserved as a site for a cathedral, the other being planted and laid out as a garden for the recreation of the public. The streets are one chain wide, and the whole is circumscribed by a belt two chains in width, As compared with the settlers of other colonies, the character of our own people stands deservedly high. Prom a moral point of view, too, we can with justice say that Canterbury stands in an enviable position. Sanguinary crimes have not yet been known here, and felonies are rarely heard of. This wholesome condition may be attributed chiefly to the high character of the first emigration under the superintendence of the Canterbury Association, and in a lesser degree to the ease with which the industrious classes can earn subsistence. The public spirit manifested by the more affluent, and the philanthropy exhibited by nearly all, will be apparent to the reader if he peruses this article to its close. PUBLIC BUILDINGS Soon after the establishment of a Provincial Government in Canterbury, the first Superintendent, James E. Fitz Gerald, Esq., seeing the great want of suitable offices for the business of the State, and desirous of commencing a building worthy of the settlement, and susceptible of enlargement and im- • provement with the growth of the Province, took counsel with- Messrs. Mountfort and Luck, architects, as to the style which could be best adopted. They accordingly furnished a design, which was thought to be an extravagant one by those who were not aware of the fact that it was intended to be executed in parts, as the funds of the Province would admit, until a coherent whole should be produced. The Provincial Government offices and Council Chamber form one pile of buildings, erected at two different periods of our provincial history. The south-end, built in 1858, though designed at an earlier date, is a plain building of the middle pointed style, with square-headed mullioned windows, except the Council Chamber, which has a continued range of foliated pointed lights. The sky line of the roof is 1 broken by the varied arrangements of the gables, by the dormer windows of the upper floor, and by the entrance being raised an additional story to form a small tower. This tells of the time when provincial revenues were small. The whole construction is of wood upon a stone foundation. The chief points of attraction inside are the Council Chamber, which is formed with a lofty open traceried roof, and lined with native wood in panels, and the corridor, which runs round the interior of the building. The northern end, which was built in 1860, tells of a time when the provincial prosperity demanded increased accommodation. The architects have carried out the design in a more enriched style, and have given greater height to the offices. The windows are all foliated, and square bay windows, two stories highyare constructed all round the north and west fj/jnts. If it is thought at any time desirable to assimilate the old to the new part, it can be done, and by this means increased office accommodation can be obtained. The north front consists of a stone tower, constructed in red stone, with white bands J and dressings, and wings right and left, terminated by pavilions, these latter buildings being of wood. Stone party walls are carried right through the building at several parts; and the corridor before spoken of is also continued all round the new part, the longest view down which is '200 feet. The eastern front of the building is not yet completed, so that at present the court-yard garden on that side is open to view from the town. When the river front is finished, the effect from the west will be very different. A massive clock tower is about to be added, which will greatly add to the general good effect. The whole pile stands on the west bank of the Avon, the sloping side of which is laid out in terraces planted with trees and flowering shrubs. The Post Office is situated in Colombo Street, near the river Avon. It stands on a piece of ground reserved for a Market Place; indeed the building itself was erected as a Market Hall, but it has lately been remodelled to serve its present purpose. The Town Hall, situate on the south side of the road leading to Lyttelton, was built by a private company about eight years ago. It has a heavy appearance, and has long been inadequate to the purposes for which it was intended. The sittings of the Supreme Court are held here; the Mechanics' Institute use it for their lectures and readings. Con-

siderable additions to the present building are contemplated, which when completed, will render it an imposing pile. The present hall and its accessories are to bo converted into a supper room, butteries, &c., with the necessary suite of outer offices. A great gothic hall is to be built on the north side, the principal room being 80x35 feet, and 25 feet high. A handsome clock tower will be erected over the Judges' entrance at the south-cast corncr. The other public buildings are the Judge's Chambers, Resident Magistrate's Court, Immigrants' Barracks, and Police Office. They are all mean buildings now out of date, and will doubtless soon be pulled down, and be replaced by more convenient structures. PIACES OF WORSHIP. There are five buildings set apart for religious worship in the city; two of which belong to the Church of England, and one each to tho Presbyterians, Wesleyans, and Koman Catholics. The parish church, dedicated to St. Michael, is situated on Oxford Terrace, at tho corner of Lichfield street. It is a large building, but has no pretensions to architectural beauty. St. Luke's church is a large wooden edifice, on the north side of the Avon, and is a much handsomer structure than St. Michael's, to which at present it is a chapel of ease, but is about to be erected into a separate parish church. The Wesleyan church is situated on the north side of High street, and was designed to accommodate 400 persons. This building was the first place of worship at Christchurch having any pretensions to ecclesiastical architecture. The members of the Roman Catholic body have not as yet erected a church, but mass is celebrated in a small building on the Lyttelton road. The Presbyterian church, dedicated to St. Andrew, and situated at the south-west end of the city, built a few years ago from designs by Mr. Cridland, has been recently enlarged, and is now capable of containingnearly 600 hearers. EDUCATION. The voluntary efforts which have been made by the early Canterbury settlers to provide for the education of the young are most liberal, and may chaEenge comparison with those afforded in any part of the British Empire. We have not space to record all these, and must content ! ourselves by briefly noticing the various educational establishments founded in. Christchurch. Christ's College was founded about seven years ago. It is incorporated by ordinance of the Provincial Council, and is under the government of a.warden (the right Rev, Dr. Harper, Bishop of the diocese), a sub-warden, and a body of fellows. The Grammar School, now in connection with the college, was originally instituted by the Canterbury Association, and has been in existence more than ten years. The college is supported by a landed ■endowment, producing at present about £300 per annum, but liable to certain charges for interest on sums borrowed for building purposes and to pay off a debt due to the members of the late Canterbury Association, with which it was charged at the time of its transfer; the revenue of the college is supplemented by school fees, and by a portion of the public grant' for education. The buildings at present consist of a school-room, 40 x 27ft., with dormitory over a part, 40 x 18ft.; the head master's or subwarden's house; the Somes Buildings, containing a room 27 x 16ft., used at present as a dining and class room, and three apartments for students above; and the second master's house, one room of which is at present the college library.' The establishment is endowed with some good scholarships. There are three Somes scholars, receiving each £50 per annum; one Rowley scholar, receiving £20 per annum; two Dudley scholars, receiving £15 per annum; two Buller and Reay scholars, receiving each £15 per annum; and one Eowley scholarship, value £20 per annum is vacant. There are also endowments for two professorships, of small annual value at present. The College stands in the midst of beautiful grounds, on the east bank of the Avon, as it flows by the boundaries of Hagley Park. The Christchurch Academy, a school established by the Presbyterian body, deserves the next notice, as provincial statistics show that it has produced higher results than any similar educational establishment in the city. It is supported by fees, aided by a government grant. The school stands near to the church. Besides this Academy, the Presbyterians have a school for boys in North Colombo street, and another for girls in Lichfield street. St. Michael's schools, in connection with the Church of England, are moderately well attended, and are progressing satisfactorily, Besides these there is an infant school attached to St. Luke's church. « The Wesleyan boys' school is conducted on the Glasgow training system by two efficient teachers. A building has just been erected for a girls' school, and will shortly be opened. The Provincial Government votes an annual grant of money to support schools and kindred institutions. Besides the schools above enumerated, there are several Sabbath schools, wliere instruction is being imparted to about 400 children. There are two weekly newspapers printed in Christchurch, the 'Standard,' established about 8 years ago; and the ' Press,' first published in 1861. They are both well-conducted journals, and command, we doubt not, a large measure of support. There is also a quarterly paper published here, an organ of the Church of England, very ably written. We have a Mechanics' Institute and Library, doing much good in a quiet way. The number of books at present is only small; bnt a grant recently made by the Government will enable the committee to augment their supply of literature. The library and news-room (the latter well supplied) are in rooms connected with the Town Hall. PROVIDENT AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS. In this highly-favored land we see but little poverty; yet from time to time some casualty arises bringing suffering in its train, to arouse kindly sympathies. It is gratifying to record that amongst all classes of society there is exhibited a wholesome thoughtfulness to-day to provide for the possible wants of to-morrow. Some of the modes by which this is exhibited may be traced in the institutions we are now about to mention. An Orphan Asylum has recently been established in Christchurch. The Provincial Council voted £250 in aid of the establishment of the institution, and the Eev. J. Eaven gave a building rent free for six months for its use. A matron was appointed at the beginning of the year; tho asylum was opened in February, and up to this time nine children have found a refuge in it. A considerable pile .of buildings has been recently crected, under the auspices of tho Provincial Government, as a General Hospital for tho reception of the sick and maimed. It consists of a centre and two wings, a detached kitchen and several out-offices, pleasantly situated on tho South road, and the principal front overlooking Hagley Park. During the last session of tho Provincial Council £4000 was voted to purchase a site and erect a suitable building for a Lunatip Asylum. 45 acres of land have been bought for the purpose, and a very complete establishment will shortly be erected. In Christchurch, as in Lyttelton, there is a lodge of Freemasons, of Oddfellows, and of Foresters; tho latter have a largo hall, situate in Armagh street, to which sorno additions have recently been made. There are here also two Land, Building, and Investment socioties. A Total Abstinence Society has been in existence about a year and a half, and a Band of Hope has recently been organised. CLUB HOUSE. A considerable time has now elapsed since tho idea was originated in Canterbury of forming a club on tho modol of those so popular in tho old country. Up to a rccent period the members occupied promisos at tho north of tho city. They havo lately obtained a moro suitable site adjoining Latimer square, and havo erectod a building which for architectural beauty and finished workmanship may defy competition in this province. It is only right to add that Messrs. Mountfort and Luck wero the architects, and Mr. T. Tombs tho builder. HOTELS. A short distance from tho Club Houso stands Collins' Family Hotel, a plain but very commodious building, comfortable and well ordored. In the town are many largo and showy inns; tho most conspicuous and best accustomed is tho White Hart, to which great additions havo recently boon made. Tho 'British' is famous for its cuisine. Tho Lyttolton Hotel was marked for distinction by tho magistracy on tho

rocent licensing day, who said it Was tho best conducted hotel in tho city. Besides those already namod there are Tribe's ' No. I,' Mann's 'Al,' tho lioyal Oak, 'Barrett's,' the Golden Fleece, and ono held in considerable osteorn, tho ' Royal.' Several other houses havo wino and beor liconses only. MISCELLANEOUS. A very marked improvement in strcot architecture has appeared during tho last two yoars. Rows of elegant shops are beginning to grace our thoroughfares. Wo had intended to particularise a number of examples, but find the present article has already grown out of all proportion, and wo reluctantly refrain. Lot it suffice that, considering tho age of Christchurch, it can boast of commercial and trading buildings quite equal to any seen elsewhere. A music hall iB in progress; the interior of which is to be 25 feot by 70 feet; the whole edifice being substantially built of brick. Space is left in front for the addition of a museum; and the whole, when complete, will present an imposing appearance. Besides a good musical society, Christchurch has other amusements. There are annual races, well supported; various cricket clubs; an amateur dramatic society, who have just fitted up an elegant theatre in the Foresters' Hall, and are next month to give their first performance. Soirees, balls, dancing classes, and other entertainments occasionally help to make life pleasant to the young; and persons of all ages may find something agreeable to beguile their lighter hours. There are some extensive ranges of livery stables in the city, but up to this time we have not had a horse repository worthy of the place, though a very large business j is constantly doing in horse-flesh. That desideratum, however, is soon to bo had, as Mr. W. D. Barnard is just commencing tho erection of a building for this purpose. It is to be first built 145 feet by 66 feet long, and of great altitude. It is intended eventually to extend tho length to 330 feet, when it will be the largest building of the kind on this side of the world, and will not be surpassed by any in the old country. In bringing this long sketch to a close, we cannot better point out the general progress recently made in the province than by referring our readers to the comparative returns of the census for 1858 and 1861, which will be found under the ' Commercial' heading. With such facts before us, we cannot but feel devoutly thankful that we are here, the inheritors of a goodly land; and rejoice that we can send to our brethren beyond the seas so healthful a picture of our present condition and future prospects.