TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XX, Issue 1164, 1 December 1863, Page 4

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

' The Railway.—Everything is in a forward state connected with the ceremony of opening the railway. At 1 p.m. the Superintendent, accompanied by the Executive, will leave the Government Buildings for the Railway Station. Arrived there, a special train will convey the officials to the Heathcote and back to Christchurch, when the railway will be considered opened. A train will then be placed at the service of the ladies, after which the public will be conveyed to and fro during the remainder of the afternoon. It is hardly necessary to remind our readers that this is an occasion when courtesy and forbearance will not be out of place. It is a dangerous as well as a disagreeable tiling to hurry and push into railway carriages, and if common patience is exercised the opportunity will no doubt be found for everyone to have a ride. Good sense will also suggest to each that, having had a ride, it will be the correct thing to leave the platform for the benefit of those who are waiting their turn. On an occasion of this kind it is impossible for any number of porters to keep order unless aided by the public themselves. The preparations for the Railway Ball on Wednesday night are also in a forward state. Under the able management of Mr. Kohler the Music Hall is rapidly putting on a new appearance, and the decorations promise to produce a most unique and tasteful effect. A large supper-room and two retiring-rooms are in course of erection, attached to the Hall. Opening of the Railway.—We hear that the contractors intend to accommodate the Lyttelton visitors per the Gazelle, by running a train from the Heathcote to Christchurch at 10 a.m. The passengers will be put down a little short of the Christchurch station, in order to reserve the credit of running through from station to station for the opening train, which will carry his Honor the Sut perintendent and the members of the Executive. The Trains.—lt will be seen by our advertising columns, that six trains will run daily each way from the Christchurch and Ferrymead Stations. The New Execdxive.—We are authorised to state that a Government has been formed as follows: The Hon. H. J. Tancred, President; Wm. Rolleston, Esq., Provincial Secretary ; E. F. B. Harston, Esq., Provincial Solicitor; G. A. E. Ross, Esq., and E. C. J. Stevens, Esq., without office. Gold at Oxford.—Since the first discovery of gold which we recorded a few days ago, several small pieces have been found in the neighborhood. Tiiis has caused some excitement at Rangiora, and it is probable that the Oxford hills will be prospected during the next few weeks. Kohler's Gardens.—A public ball will take place in this popular place of amusement this evening, commencing at 9 p.m. The resources of the establishment, including the new dancing platform, will be brought into requisition. We understand that the music will consist of Kohler's band, which will be augmented on this occasion. A variety of entertainments will, we perceive by advertisement, be provided during the week at the Music Hall. Lecture.—On Friday last, the Rev. J. T. Shaw gave a lecture at the Wesleyan schoolroom in connection with the Christchurch Young Men's Christian Association. The subject was " The Motion

of the Sun and Moon. The lecture, which was of a very interesting character, was illustrated by diagrams, with the aid of a magic lantern. Rambouillet Rams—We particularly direct the attention of sheep farmers to one of the most important shipments of Rambouillet rams yet introduced into this province. They are consigned to Messrs. Burnell, Bennett and Sprot, and will be on view in Cathedral square this day. General Cameron.—We learn from the 'Home News' that General Cameron was appointed by Lord Clyde one of the executors of his will. The personality of his Lordship was sworn under £70,000. The will contains three codicils, the last of which is signed " Clyde F. M." Cricket. —In another part of our columns we notice that a match is to be played on Latimer square between an eleven of the Christchurch Albions and an eleven selected from the Rangiora Club on Thursday next. We anticipate some good cricket on this occasion, and, should the weather permit, the public will have an opportunity of witnessing a well contested match in close proximity to the town. Improved Kitchen Range.—Those who take an interest in the requisites for a kitchen will do well to pay a visit to the British Hotel, and to inspect the improvements which have recently been created in the culinary departmentThe proprietor has spared no expense in importing fron England, through the agency of Mr. Edward Owen, a most complete kitchen range in which all the modern improvements exist. An entirely new kitchen of brick has been erected, in which the range is fixed. The range has amongst other conveniences the following copper steamers : stew pots, brazing pans, egg bowls, stew pans, bainmarie pans, ice cans, steam copper moulds, wire baskets for frying, omelette pans, cutlet vats, ice pudding moulds, fruit ice moulds, &c., with several tanks capable of containing in all 300 gallons of water, which can be heated at a minute's notice. There is also a forcepump attached to the apparatus, which is one of Winder's patent, and is capable of throwing water upwards of 300 feet. The stove has been set by Mr. Robert Newton, late of the Lion Hotel, Rangiora, and the furniture of the kitchen provided and fixed by Mr. Bailey, builder, Christchurch.

Timaru. —On the 23rd ultimo, a brutal assault was committed on a man named Hughes, by two ruffians, at the Royal Hotel, Timaru, who (thanks to Mr. Perceval) were brought before the Resident Magistrate and sentenced to two months' imprisonment. We understand Hughes is progressing favourably, but still unable to leave his bed. Akaroa Annual Regatta.—A public meeting was held at Bruce's Hotel, on Saturday evening, the 21st ult., to appoint a committee and officers for the next regatta. Mr. Geo. Haylock was called to the , chair. A number of gentlemen were appointed as a committee, with Mr. E. C. Latter as Treasurer, and Mr. E. Ginders as Hon. Sec. From the amount already in hand, and subscriptions promised, we believe the lieges of Akaroa may safely congratulate themselves on the probability of having an excellent regatta. Inquest at Akaroa.—An inquest was held at the Court-house, Akaroa, on Monday, the 23rd ult., before J. Watson, Esq., coroner, and a highly respectable jury, on the body of Mr. Geo. T. Catling, surgeon, of Akaroa, who had died somewhat suddenly on the morning of that day. From the evidence of Dr. Watkins, who was called in to see the deceased, it appeared that death was caused by exhaustion of the system, through the excessive use of intoxicating drinks. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was recorded by the jury. It will probably surprise New Zealand farmers to learn that New Zealand wheat of a very prolific kind has attracted considerable attention among agriculturists. The ' Worcester Journal' says :— There is uow growing at Broughton Hackett, on land in the occupation of Phillip Rea. near the Broughton Hackett turnpike-gate, some New Zealand wheat of an extraordinary kind. The grower received last year the corns of the wheat direct from New Zealand, and planted them a foot asunder, and the way in which the plants ' tillered ' out is remarkable. No single corn produced less than 17 blades, and some as many as 60, and even up to 65, straw bearing some 50 grains of wheat. The wheat was planted in October, and is now beginning to ripen.—Ota go Daily Times, Nov. 25. The following paragraph from the ' Argus' will interest flockowners generally, and especially those whose flocks are infected with that curse to runholders—scab :—" The half-dozen sheep, which were on the 30th of October dipped in a solution of Allen's specific for scab, have remained ever since on the ground attached to the Government stores, King street, where they have been inspected daily by a number of persons interested in the result of the experiment. They were yesterday subjected to a re-dipping, although by some gentlemen who had seen them on the previous day such a step was deemed unnecessary, and the disease was pronounced to be quite cured. To all who had seen the sheep prior to their first immersion in the solution, a very marked improvement was visible in them yesterday; the rapid disappearance of the disease, the growth of wool on the parts formerly quite bare and diseased, and the great change for the better in the general condition of the animals, were perceptible to the most cursory observer. The latter part of the effect—that of removing the sheeps' disinclination for feeding, and allowing it to profit by its food—appears to be a very valuable result of the curative remedy of Mr. Allen, showing that none of the ingredients in his specific are in the slightest degree detrimental to the general health of the animal. The sheep will still remain upon the spot for some days, and any persons who saw them in their original state, by repeating their visit will be at once enabled to form their opinion of the effect produced by the remedy applied.—Ota go Daily Times, Nov. 25. The West Coast Settlement.—We extract from the ' Argus,' of the 13th inst., further particulars of the meeting in Melbourne relative to the formation of a settlement at Martin's Bay, on the west coast of the Otago province of New Zealand, which met on Monday last, to consider how best the object could be carried out. It was then resolved to form a Martin's River Company, with a capital of £1500, in shares of £10 each, to purchase a vessel, provide her with all that was required, and despatch her first to Milford Haven, and subsequently to Martin's Bay, with a view of ascertaining where the most eligible spot for a new settlement existed in that locality. As the attendance was small, it was determined to call another meeting, which was held at Scott's Hotel last evening. About thirty gentlemen were present, and Mr. Neilley appointed to the chair. On the motion of Mr. M. Hall, seconded by Mr. Miller, it was arranged that a provisional committee should be appointed, who should draw up a statement containing all the information procurable relative to the project, and report the same to a public meeting, to be convened at the earliest moment. The provisional committee was then appointed, and it included the names of Messrs. Neilley (secretary), Scott, Lewis, Ramage, Finlay, Miller, Benjamin Huckle, W. Montgomery Bell, Melmoth Hall, Barker, Thompson, Allingham, and C. J. Jones, who were invested with power to add to their number. Many of those present anxiously inquired for special information respecting the country and nature of the Otago land regulations, but no one appeared to possess the desired \ knowledge, though it was confidently asserted that (

the provisional committee would come before the public with all the requisite facts and figures, and Captain Stokes's Admiralty maps were laid on the table for inspection. Martin's Bay is just north of Milford Sound, and it was from this place that Dr. Hector was enabled to reach Lake Wakatipu in sixteen hours, whereas a team of sixteen strong hoises was unable to reach that spot from Dunedin in less than sixteen days. It was said that the Otago Government have already declared either Milford Sound or Martin's Bay a port, so that speedy settlement is evidently expected, and survey will quickly follow. The proposal made at present is to spend £750 in a vessel, and £750 in surveys and the purchase of land, to become the property of shareholders. A gentleman present positively asserted that one, at least, of the insurance companies would take the risk of such an expedition, and insure the vessel used. —Argus, Nov. 13. The Inter-colonial Champion Merino Sheep Show came to an end yesterday morning, but not altogether in the most desirable way, save as regards the fact that our Tasmanian visitors have carried away two more prizes, which, considering the position occupied by Victoria in the competition, it can not only easily spare, but, for hospitable reasons, feel glad to lose. The " hitch " alluded to above lies in this—it was arranged, when the judges took office, that they were to accompany their decisions with remarks respecting the qualities of the animals exhibited, and their reasons for their awards. When they set to work, they reckoned that it would be best for them to make their awards first, and take a few notes afterwards, each pen getting a quota of attention. Six out of the eight prizes they awarded on Thursday, and yesterday morning they awarded [ the other two; but by that time a large portion of the Victorian sheep had been removed, the Tasmanian owners alone having left their animals till the judges had done wtih them, and so the opportunity so rarely given of an accurate comparison between the best merino breeds in the southern hemisphere has been lost for twelve months at least. Yesterday's awards were these:—The prize of £40 for the best merino ram, imported or colonial bred, was given to Mr. R. Q. Kermode, of Tasmania, for an aged ram bred in that colony; and the prize of £25 for the best merino ewe, imported or colonialbred, was allotted to Mr. Jas. Stewart, of Tasmania, for a colonial-bred yearling ewe. which had already received the third prize in Class 3 competition.— Argus, Nov. 14.

New Ikon Screw Steamer.—" On the 4th of Sept.," reports the ' Australian Gazette,' " Messrs. James Baines and Co., the owners of the Black Ball line of Australian clipper packet ships, gave a magnificent entertainment on board the iron auxiliary screw steamer Great Victoria, the last addition to their fleet, in the Coburg Dock, Liverpool, previous to her departure for Melbourne; and the guests, about 400 in number, included the elite of Liverpool and the district, and many gentlemen of influence and position from the metropolis. The Great Victoria is about 5000 tons burden, and has engines of 500 horse-power, manufactured by Messrs. Fawcett, Preston, and Co., of Liverpool. She is upwards of 300 ft. over all; she has accommodation in the saloon and first deck saloon for 500 passengers; while, exclusive of her coal, she can carry 2000 tons of cargo. The Great Victoria, origjtially the Jacquard, was built at Nantes a few years ago, for one of the numerous abortive French Transatlantic companies, and on being purchased by Messrs. James Baines and Co. she was placed in the hands of Mr. Patterson, of Bristol (the builder of the Great Britain), who has transformed her into one of the most perfect passenger ships ever sent to sea. Ice.—Judging from the following paragraph, taken from the ' Argus,' ice can be readily manufactured and sold at a moderate price. We draw the attention of innkeepers and others to the desirability of obtaining an apparatus for producing an article so acceptable during our summer months : —A splendid block of artificial ice, manufactured at Sydney, has been brought round from Sydney by the steamship City of Melbourne. It weighs not less than 51 and may be seen at the Vestibule of the Cafe de Paris. It is, we believe, the largest block ever seen in Melbourne. It is stated that ice of this kind can be supplied at a penny per lb., and that the apparatus can turn out four or five tons a day. The process is different from that hitherto in use, no chemical agents are used, and a steam-engine is not required.