SUMMARY OF INTELLIGENCE, FOR THE MONTH ENDING JULY 11, FOR TRANSMISSION TO ENGLAND.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XX, Issue 1113, 11 July 1863, Page 5

SUMMARY OF INTELLIGENCE, FOR THE MONTH ENDING JULY 11, FOR TRANSMISSION TO ENGLAND.

A remarkably eventless month furnishes us with few topics of interest on public matters. The Council will not meet till the 15th instant, and for the last fortnight the attention of all classes has been devoted towards preparing for the celebration of the marriage of the Prince of Wales to the exclusion of all other subjects. The only step taken by the Government of more than passing interest, has been the issue of a circular by the Provincial Secretary, requesting members to obtain certain information from their constituents. A contemporary has taken strong objection to this, which appears to most people to be a simple and sensible plan of arriving at a knowledge of the most pressing wants of a widely separated series of districts, through other than Government resources. We have no doubt that events will justify the course pursued by the Provincial Secretary, and that the public business will be expedited without any serious disaster befalling the State. Since our last report public attention has been aroused to the rapid spread of scab throughout the province. It has now become abundantly evident that the present law is inadequate to check the spread of this scourge. An article in the ' Lyttelton Times' of the 17th ultimo expressed the general opinion when it stated that a reform in the existing regulations is a pressing necessity. Few indeed, beyond the original framers of the present law, can be found to dissent from this proposition, and even that small minority allow that some more stringent measures are required. It is generally thought by those best acquainted with the subject that it should be made compulsory for sheepowners to be at once provided with the necessary plant and appliances for dipping; that the scab inspector, instead of merely declaring any owner scabby, and, at a certain future date, visiting his flock for the purpose of seeing whether it is clean or otherwise, should be instructed to see that the dipping is properly carried out immediately after the flock has been declared scabby. The present system of fines, not only being inoperative to effect the requisite end, but in some cases tending to prevent its completion, will sooner or later have to be abolished, and no penalties inflicted unless for disobedience of the instructions of the inspectors. These alterations, coupled with more stringent rules affecting the importation and immediate dipping of foreign sheep will probably be found effective in arresting the spread of scab and restoring stock to its former state of cleanliness and health.

In our last summary we noticed the arrival of Miss Rye, and the efforts she had made to inaugurate a "servants home" in Christchurch. Since then public opinion has made itself heard on the subject, and a general feeling prevails in favor of some modification of the original plan, which contemplated an expenditure of £3,000 in the establishment of the institution. It is generally thought among the class which would have to provide the required funds, that a third of the amount named would suffice for the commencement of the institution, and that a modest beginning would ensure a satisfactory end.

We reprint in the present issue a valuable paper from the pen of Mr. Stoddart, on the introduction of salmon into these colonies, in the hope that it may meet the eye of some of those gentlemen at home who are labouring so perseverngly in the cause. Mr. Stoddart has made this subject his study, and his wide colonial experience entitle any suggestions that mayiall from his pen to more than common consideration. A strong feeling is gaining ground in favor of reconsidering the whole question Jof the material to be used for the interior of the Cathedral. According to Mr. Scott's original plan, the whole of the inner work is to be constructed of wood, but when Mr. Scott furnished these plans, he could not have been aware that we should shortly be in a position

to obtain an abundant supply of fine building stone at a cost little, if anything above that of the more perishable material. Under these circumstances, it is generally considered desirable that the question of stone v. wood should be re-opened and submitted to Mr. Scott's opinion. In the meantime, the subscription progresses but slowly, though we notice handsome contributions from non-residents; among these are Colonel Gore Browne, £100; Mr. F. G. Steward, £50; and Mr. Selfe, £50. The only addition to our population during the past month, direct from England, has consisted of the immigrants per Metropolis, about two hundred in number, who have arrived in good health, and have found ready occupation. After the ensuing month we shall expect a large influx of immigrants from England. Mr. John Hall, who has for some time most ably fulfilled the onerous duties of Resident Magistrate of Christchurch and Chairman of the City Council, has retired from both offices. Mr. Hall carries with him into private life the sincere esteem of the community. He has proved himself a very able and indefatigable officer. His successor in the office of Resident Magistrate will probably be Mr. Joseph Brittan. As we stated before, the main subject of interest during the last fortnight has been the approaching holiday. This was observed in Lyttelton on the 7th and in Christchurch on the 9th. A lengthed account of the proceedings will be found elsewhere.

PUBLIC WORKS. Last month we had to congratulate ourselves upon the uninterrupted fine weather which had prevailed, and the consequent progress which was being made in the formation and improvement of our roads. During the past month a change has occurred, a great deal of rain having fallen and caused a partial stoppage of work and some damage to the roads. This damage is confined, however, to those roads over which an amount of traffic passes beyond what any road covered with round gravel can be expected to sustain. The Ferry road, which has lately been heavily metalled, is getting terribly cut up: as is also the Lincoln road, over which a very large amount of building stone is being carted. A part of this road has been macadamized, but the drays are carefully kept off the metal, the drivers or their teams preferring to keep to the side of the road, thus cutting deep into the soft ground and filling up the gutters so as to stop all drainage.

It is very clear that we can never expect to have good winter roads until they are thoroughly macadamized over the whole surface. It is pleasing to notice the difference in the North road compared with last year, when it was most dangerous to travel along it; the extensive goods and passenger traffic being this winter quite unimpeded. We attribute the good state of this road in a great measure to the fact of its having been formed the full width, 66 feet, all ditches and encroachments having been filled up or removed, and the drays in consequence not being forced to travel in one line of ruts.

The drainage works which have been carried out during the last few months are telling with great effect upon the face of the country. The plough is merrily at work in numerous places which have hitherto been completely under water during the winter. The large Rangiora drain is doing its work well. During the flood caused by the heavy rain a short time since the level of the water in this drain near its mouth was nearly two feit above the surrounding land, which was kept secure from damage by the bank which has been thrown up, and is thus rendered available for cultivation. Whilst on the subject of drainage, we must express our anxiety to know what is going to be done about

the drainage of Christchurch, especially in reference to the southern portion of the town. We are pleased to see the streets being gradually formed avid metalled, but we must express some disappointment at the delay which has occurred in undertaking the larger and more essential works, such as the supply of water and the efficient drainage of the town. It is impossible that the Ferry road drain can continue to be the only outlet for drainage, and we think the Government and City Council ought at once to take bold measures for a more satisfactory system of drainage. As far as the supply of water for domestic purposes is concerned, we believe this can be secured by the simple process of boring. Already several artesian wells exist in the neighbourhood. In one case, at Mr. Thomson's house on the Papanui road, the water rises a considerable height above the surface of the ground. We may mention another case on the Ivaiapoi Island, where a man who had suffered from want of water dug a well only a few feet in depth, and has since been completely flooded, the water having continued all through the dry autumn to well up in spite of all efforts to stop it. We are glad to find that the Gas Company are not idle, a thorough survey is now being made for the purpose of determining the position of the mains, &c. We are sorry to find the much wanted bridge over the Heathcote still unfinished. This is owing to the non-arrival of the ironwork which left England upwards of five months ago. If the vessel is not

heard of during this month, we would seriously urge upon the Government the expediency of finishing the bridge at once with the materials available in the province. The other large swing bridge, viz., that over the Waimakariri, is progressing rapidly, and as it is being made here there is no fear of any delay taking place. We are informed that advice lias been received by the last mail that the order sent to Sir Charles Fox in February for the ironwork for the Papanui Bridge has been received and the work put in hand.

The same mail has also brought intelligence of the receipt of a letter from the Cathedral Commission to Mr. Gilbert Scott, requesting him to act as architect for carrying out his own design, but a full reply is deferred till next month. Although it may cause some little disappointment to our local architects, we must say we think the Commission have done wisely in entrusting the superintendence of the work to the architect who prepared the design; of course Mr. Scott will have to act by deputy, but he will probably send out some gentleman whom he can trust to carry out his ideas, and Avho will be in constant communication with him.

We understand that several letters have been received in consequence of the advertisement calling for tenders for the timber required for the Cathedral, and that there appears to be no difficulty in procuring logs of the required dimensions. The tenders are to be sent in before the Ist of next month. One merchant, at Manukau, writes that he has numerous trees already felled of sufficient size for the large columns.

"Having somewhat overlooked the Peninsula in our preceding summaries, we must now endeavor to make up for the omission. The most important work, as far at any rate as the rest of the province is concerned, is undoubtedly the road from the plains to the town of Akaroa, by way of Purau, this being at present the only route by which the lovely harbor of Akaroa can be reached by land. This road has been greatly improved, having been formed from the water's edge at Purau for some way up the valley, and also over Mount Sinclair; and benched out and cleared 20 feet wide for the remainder of the distance. This road connects with the road from the town of Akaroa to the head of the Bay, which part of the route is now nearly completed so as to be available for dray traffic. It is to be hoped that funds will be available in the spring for improving the portion of this road between Purau and Gebbie's Flat; when this is done we have no doubt the road will be extensively used both for business and pleasure purposes. A more pleasant summer's ride can scarcely be imagined than that from Christchurch over Dyer's Pass to Governor's Bay, then skirting the head of Lyttelton Harbor by Charteris Bay to Purau, thence over the hills 3000 feet high, but of easy ascent, to the head of Akaroa Harbor, where the traveller finds himself in one of the most beautiful spots on the face of the earth. Around the harbor of Akaroa various improvements have been made. The Beach road at the head of the Bay has been formed; also the roads to Pawson's and Piper's mills, and the new road through the Lyttelton estate. At the same time the other bays have not been

neglected. Since the fire which destroyed so much bush some months since, the road from Okain's Bay toßobinson's Buy has been cleared, and a new line laid out leading to Duvauchell's Bay. At Little Akaroa, a bridge has been built over the creek at the head of the bay, and other works are about to be commenced. At Pigeon Bay, the road has been made good to the foot of Fern hill, and three bridges have been built. At Port Levy, three bridges have been erected over the creeks, and the road is being formed up Dawson's valley. What is most wanted in the Peninsula District appears to be a road to connect Akaroa with the Little river. This would give ready access to the plains; and should Mr. White's tramway ever be finished, it will be a comparatively easy journey from the town of Akaroa to Christchurch. We are informed that Mr. White has commenced work at the Little River, but on a very small scale, and the two and a half years allowed him by the Provincial Council to complete his line will not be too long for him, especially as about eight months have already gone. No other portion of this line is in progress, but a tramway has been made from Burke's bush to the Lincoln road, to bring down timber, and it is probably intended at some time to connect this with ■ the Little River line. We have nothing more to notice on the subject of public works, except that we are given to understand that' a design and estimate have been prepared by Mr. Wylde for a bridge over the Hurunui, and that they have been forwarded for the approval of the Nelson Government, which has undertaken to contribute half the cost of a bridge. Should the Nelson authorities approve of the design, we believe it is the intention of our Government to commence the work forthwith. The bridge, as designed, is of wrought iron, supported on iron screw piles, and the somewhat bold plan is adopted of narrowing the bed of the river to about half its present width. We hear that it is the intention of the Government to bring forward, at the ensuing session of the Provincial Council, a Bill to establish Road Boards in the country districts. It is high time that such a measure was in force, as with the small staff at the disposal of the Public Works Department, it must be almost impossible to keep a control over every little bye-road in the province. No doubt the formation of District Boards will entail an increased expenditure in salaries and other incidental matters, as each district must have its own staff'; but it will be well worth the while of the districts to rate themselves moderately to meet this expenditure, for the sake of having a direct control over their local works. THE RAILWAY. We can notice but little change in the state of the works of the tunnel, but we are informed that very satisfactory progress continues to be made with the drives on both sides towards the centre of the hill. The total length of drive now completed considerably exceeds eleven hundred yards, and nearly the whole of this length is finished to the full size. Fortunately for the contractors all the earthwork on the line of railway between the Ferrymead and Christchurch was completed before the late wet weather set in, and there appears to be fully enough ballast laid on the line for the whole length. The rails are now being landed from the Metropolis, and as soon as the next shipment arrives we believe it is the contractors' intention to commence laying the permanent roadway. Whilst at the Ferrymead we were shown the locomotive engine which has been set in proper working order. It has been very tastefully painted, and is now covered up till required for use on the railway. We were glad to notice that the space on which the engine driver stands is well covered, thus affording protection to the men both from the sun and rain. Great progress has been made with the Railway WJiarf, and we expect to find that at the end of next u>pnth this work will be finished; nearly all the timber required for the wharf is on the ground, and close to the wharf a great number of sleepers for the permanent roadway have been delivered. All the timber now being used is from Pigeon Bay. A great additional length of fencing has been erected during the month, and judging by past progress in a few weeks the whole line will be fenced in. The first shipment of carriages and wagons is now daily expected from Melbourne, and on arrival here will be put together at once. The vessels that are coming out this season are making very long passages, but we trust we shall find that the contractors may not be disappointed in their expectations, and that all their materials may arrive in time to allow them to complete the line to Christchurch before October. We notice with no little surprise that nothing has yet been done on the site of the proposed terminus in Christchurch, and we cannot understand how the requisite accommodation can be got ready before October. SOCIAL AND DOMESTIC. [FROM THE ' LYTTELTON TIMES,' JUNE 17.] Singular Resolution.—On Sunday week last, a party of men employed in the tunnel, while on an excursion to the head of the Bay, discovered an old man in a cave in the last state of exhaustion. Having administered some food and a stimulant to the sufferer, he was so far recovered as to be able to inform the party that his name was Miller, and that he had been working in the employ of a neighbouring farmer. Some three weeks since he was taken ill, and gradually getting worse, he resolved to take up his abode in the cave to die. Accident.—A few nights ago, a shepherd from Mr. Rhodes' station on the Amuri, was riding to Christchurch, when near Brown's bridge, he rode against a wire fence, which has been placed across the old track. He was thrown from his horse, and the fall broke his thigh. Fatal Accident.—An accident resulting fatally, occurred at Rangiora on Thursday, the 11th instant. It appears that a person of the name of Adair, in the employ of Mr. Milligan, near Rangiora, was engaged in lunging a young horse, which was very restive and vicious. After lunging him for some time, Adair shortened the rope, and endeavoured to approach the horse quietly, but he resisted, and and turning sharply round, kicked out with vicious energy. The unfortunate man Adair received the full force of the kick in his chest, which felled him to the ground. He immediately rose to his feet, walked a short way, then laid himself face downwards on the ground, and in less than five minutes expired. The body was removed, by the kindness of Mr. Wilson, into his house, near the Rangiora bush, where it now lies awaiting a coroner's inquest. Sudden Death. —Dr. Coward held an inquest on the 10th instant at the house of Thomas Jones, Papamy road, on the body of his son, a boy of nine years, who died suddenly on the Bth. The post mortem examination by Dr. Stedman showed the cause to be pericarditis, with considerable effusion into the membrane surrounding the heart, probably the effect of sudden chill. Yerdict—" Visitation of God." [FROM THE ' LYTTELTON TIMES,' JUNE 20.] Soiree of the Canterbury Musical Society.— The President and Vice-President of the above Society, J. Cracroft Wilson, Esq., C.8., and J. Ollivier, Esq., gave a soiree to the members of the Society and their friends, numbering upwards of 200, in the new Music Hall, Christchurch, on Thursday evening last. After partaking of tea, provided by Mr. Gee, dancing was commenced to strains of the band of the Society. In the intervals of the dances, Messrs. Crosbie, Carder, and Foley sang several songs in excellent style, and Madame Carandini and Mr. Kohler, of the English Opera Company, kindly gave their musical talent to promote the harmony of the evening. M.M. Poussard and Douay also volunteered their valuable services at the pianoforte. Mr. Ollivier addressed the company, saying he was glad to see so many friends, he believed that music elevated the tone of society, and after thanking the professional ladies and gentlemen, said he hoped that such musical reunions would take place annually, and he had no doubt they would contribute to the promotion of harmony and good feeling amongst the members. Among the company we noticed His Honor the Superintendent, the Provincial Secretary, and other influential gentlemen.

[from the 'lyttelton times,' JUNE 24.] Meeting at St. Andrew's.—According to announcement from the pulpit, a meeting took place in St. Andrew's Church last evening, and was but very thinly attended, there not being thirty present. Anticipating a violent discussion, the members of the kirk session passed a resolution at their last meeting disallowing any but bona fide members from expressing their opinions or recording votes. Mr. W.Wilson gave a clear and succinct statement of his endeavors on the part of the directors to purchase a site near the centre of the city, but owing to the refusal to sell on the part of some of the proprietors and the high price asked by others, could not negotiate, and was obliged to fall back on the original site on the Lincoln road, the price of which is £1250. There being no opposition, it was accordingly agreed to. The meeting was wound up by the Rev. Mr. Eraser intimating that he should make no charges for funeral services at the cemetery; at which Mr. Wilson, on the part of the meeting and the congregation, expressed his gratification. A Cab Stand has been initiated in Christchurch by an enterprising proprietor of one machine. This is already a great convenience, and we trust that the spirited " cabby" may before long become the proprietor of many cabs to his own profit and the advantage of the public. Christchurch Cathedral.—Two more liberal donations to the building fund by gentlemen not residing in the province have been notified. Mr. Selfe has given £50, and Mr. F. G. Steward, private secretary to His Excellency Governor Gore Browne, £50.

The Metropolis.—The immigrants by this vessel are finding situations rapidly at a high rate of wages. Even in midwinter a shipload of immigrants does not tell on the great demand for labor of all sorts in the province. [from the 'lyttelton times,' JULY I.] The English Mail.—We are glad to learn that the shabby conduct of Messrs. MacMeckan and Blackwood on the occasion of the detention of the last mail at Melbourne has at last determined the Government to put an end to the contract with that firm. Mr. Reader Wood has written to give the six months' notice required. [I'KOM TIIE ' LYTTELTON TIMES,' JULY 4.] Presbyterian Church, Lyttelton.—A meeting of this Congregation, convened by intimation from the pulpit, was held on the evening of Wednesday, the 24th June, in the High School, Winchester street, Mr. Fergusson in the chair. The object of the meeting was to consult with the Acting Committee of the Congregation as to the desirability of erecting a Church for the Presbyterians of the town. Hitherto the Congregation has worshipped in the School-room, which, however well it may have suited the purposes, was never intended to supersede a regular place of worship. It has moreover been found to afford a rather limited accommodation to the numbers now attending. It was unanimously resolved by the meeting, that an effort should be

made at once to raise the necessary funds for building a house worthy of the Church and cause, and that an appeal be made for assistance not only to the members of the Presbyterian Church, but to those of the other Protestant Churches in the province. A subscription list was opened, and a sum of between £200 and £300 was at once subscribed, indicating the heartiness with which the Congregation entertained the proposal. It was understood that collectors would be shortly appointed to take up subscriptions in Lyttelton, Christchurch, Timaru, and other districts throughout the province. Moke Roguery.—The gun so coolly borrowed by Harvey (mentioned in a former issue) is now in the hands of the police. Our readers will recollect that Harvey called at a lodging house in Christchurch, and asked for a gentleman's gun, saying he was sent for it. It was given him, and he made off with it. He afterwards met with a person employed at the Riccarton mill, and stated that he had arranged for a bakery in Lyttelton. He borrowed £10 from the young man, leaving the gun as security. It is now lying in the Police-office, and the rightful owner will, doubtless, on identification, have his property restored to him. The capture of Harvey is still uncertain, as he is probably now engaged doing the lieges of Otago, and the repayment of the £10 seems at present extremely problematical.

Escape of two Prisoners.—For the last three weeks the prisoners belonging to the hard labor gang have been employed at the cutting at the west end of London-street. Some suspicious circumstances had indicated to the officers in charge that one of the gang was on the look out for the opportunity to bolt, and a prisoner named Procter, with another called Gamble, carried out this.intention, to some extent successfully, on Monday morning, about 11 a.m., taking advantage of the opportunity offered by the sudden illness of one of the warders; as soon as the other warder discovered

that they had bolted, he challenged them, but they did not heed him, and in consequence of children and horses being in the way he was prevented firing at them. Both warders then went in pursuit, and the police immediately turned out also, but up to this time they have not been captured. The prisoners took to the bush, in the direction of Mount Pleasant. Their description is in the hands of the officers and keepers of the ferries throughout the province. It is scarcely possible for them to escape. Procter is a man about 5 feet 6| inches, 23 years of age, round shouldered, and pale complexion, by trade a cooper, and with a strong Irish accent. Gamble is about 5 feet lOf inches, fresh complexion, brown hair and eyes, and a native of Belfast. Procter was sentenced to hard labor for six months, last assizes, for stealing a watch.

[from the ' lyttelton times,' JULY B.] The Depot on the West Coast.—lt may be remembered that the Crest of the Wave recently sailed with Government stores to form a depot on the West Coast. The vessel was unable to enter the Teramakau river, but her cargo was safely discharged on the Grey, and she has since arrived at Picton.

Fatal Accident.—We regret to have to record a painful accident which terminated in the death of a youth—the son of the Rev. Mr. Buller, of Christchurch. It appears that the poor boy was playing with a loaded pistol, and that by some accident it was discharged when the muzzle was pointed to the face of the deceased. Death followed almost immediately. Deceased was the youngest son of the Rev. Mr. Buller, superintendent of the Wesleyan Church in this district. An inquest was held yesterday, and the jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death." Appointment.—We hear that C. R. Blakiston, Esq., has been appointed Sub-Treasurer in Christchurch, vice John Hall, Esq., resigned. The resignation by the latter gentleman of the office of Resident Magistrate, has also, we believe, been accepted.