TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XX, Issue 1165, 3 December 1863, Page 4

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Post Office Receiving Boxes.—Additional accommodation is much wanted in the shape of receiv-ing-boxes for letters. The growth of Christchureh is so rapid that what sufficed very well twelve months ago, is now quite inadequate to the wants of the public. We would suggest to the Post Office authorities to imitate the example at home, and establish street post-offices at the corners of some of the principal thoroughfares. The Seat of Government.—The following extract from a private letter, dated Auckland, 25th November, throws some light upon the state of feeling in that city relative to the change in the seat of Government : —" To turn to public matters, there is at present a very important matter before the General Assembly, namely the removal of the seat of Government to Cook's Straits. A resolution to that effect has been passed, and the Auckland members are so disgusted at the prospect of losing the Government expenditure that they have joined the Ota go gold-fields men, and formed a separation league. They think by this means to retain the seat of Government for the North Island here, while they expect that Otago would be fixed on as the place for the Southern Island. Post Office Houbs.—A notice appears from the Postmaster-General that on and after the Ist of January, 1864, all Post-offices in the colony will be open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Shrimps.—We were agreeebly surprised to receive a handful of shrimps of the true kind from Mr. Carter, fishmonger, of this town. They were obtained from the river Heathcote, near the steam wharf, where they are to be met with in considerable numbers. Confirmation.—We understand that the Lord Bishop of the Diocese intends to hold a confirmation in St. Michael's Church, on the last Sunday in Advent (December 20th;. Candidates are invited to send in their names to the Rev. H. Jacobs, M.A.j the curate of Christchurch. Sheep Retdrns.—We observe tiiat the sheep inspector in Otago furnishes a yearly return of the number of sheep in the province, every sheepowner being bound to forward to the inspector the exact amount of his flock at a certain date. Such a return would be of the greatest benefit to all parties concerned—both the Government and the people of Canterbury, and we can see no good reason why the example of Otago should not be followed. At present there are no sufficient reliable data for forming a correet estimate of the number of sheep in the province, if we except the triennial returns furnished at the time of taking the census. Colonial Soap.—A sample of this article of excellent quality, manufactured by Mr. J. King, has been submitted to our inspection. As ail instance of colonial manufacture it is noticeable, and likely to render us independent of the English or Colonial markets. Timaru,—This place is again beginning to bear a more lively appearance as the wool season progresses, and business appears to be the order of the day. Several horses are now located in the district for the ensuing races, and Hy. Knight, Esq., has already three in training in the town. We understand that Mr. Samuels has sold his mare Blink Bonny for a large sum to Mr. M'Kinlay. She is to run for the Maiden Plate here, and stands a very good chance,