The Lyttelton Times. FRIDAY JULY 14 ,1865. GENERAL SUMMARY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1431, 14 July 1865, Page 7

The Lyttelton Times. FRIDAY JULY 14 ,1865. GENERAL SUMMARY.

At the present moment, both in the province and throughout the colony, the immediate future is of greater interest than either the present or the past. The General Assembly is called to meet in a week after this summary will leave the shores of New Zealand, the opening day of session being fixed for the 24tn of July. The last session was brief and hurried, but in it were born a new Ministry and a new policy, of whose progress towards maturity we are all anxious to learn. Enough has come out to prove that the policy is working well in its main features. That is to say, the bold doctrine that New Zealand may depend more certainly upon its own resources than upon the aid of Imperial troops for the future, war or no war, has gained almost complete proof. This at least is certain, that Her Majesty's forces have not shown for a very long time past that their presence is requisite either for aggressive or defensive operations. The Waikato—undoubtedly their conquest—has been quiet to desolation. The operations in the WanganuiTaracaki country are practically conducted by the Colonial commanders. And on the East Coast of the Northern Island the fighting is done, or peace preserved, as the case may vary, by our native allies or the civil authorities. It remains to be seen, when the Assembly meets, whether the financial condition of the colony warrants a reliance upon our own resources for such a length of time and to such an extent as is necessary for bringing the war to a conclusion. Speaking with the diffidence due from those who, looking on at some distance, may peri haps underrate the danger, we yefc ! venture to express the opinion that the colony can be very well defended by colonial forces; and that its defence by such means will be a less onerous task, financially considered, than by means of the regular army. But we are not prepared to assert that the cost of defence, even on the most reduced scale, will be easily supplied from the resources of the colony. That is a question which we look to the Assembly to answer for us. The General Assembly will have to deal with several important questions besides those which are mixed up with native affairs and war. Among them is an Amendment of the Customs Duties Act, which is now exciting serious concern in this community. The Act as it stands can be, and now is, interpreted so as to impede the trade of the place, and to press with intolerable weight upon consumers of certain classes of goods. The mode of interpretation now adopted is recent, and may serve the good purpose of fixing attention more keenly on the Act itself, in the amendment of which care will be taken to avoid the possibility of mis-readinga. Another important commercial question is that of the Debtors and Creditors Act, or the law of insolvency. TheChambersofCommerce all over the colony have been considering this question, and have arrived at as many various opinions as there are bodies. The Assembly will scarcely find itself guided by the mercantile community to a satisfactory conclusion; and the subject is intrinsically so difficult that a perfect Act need not be expected. Another duty of the Assembly—to the performance of which public attention in the Southern provinces is anxiously directed—will be to place provincial debenture debts upon a satisfactory footing. We will not now enter into this wide subject, but will only mention that there will probably be a difference of opinion between Canterbury, Otago, and South-; land—the three provinces most concerned—upon tne beet method of achieving the common object. For these principal reasons the coming session of the Assembly is looked forward to with peculiar interest. In anticipation of the session the Government have been rearranging the departments, and adding strength to the Upper House. Mr. Sewell, the Attorney-General, has taken a seat among the Representatives; and, to fill his place as leader of the Council, Mr. J. C. Richmond has given up his seat in the Lower House, and taken one in the Upper, with the duties of Colonial Secretary. Mr. Weld gives up this department, and retains the title of Premier, for the present with-

out office. Mr. Richmond's accession to the Ministry is not looked upon as adding strength to it, except negatively, by reducing the ranks of possible opponeots. Tb© duties of his ofhco will be performed very fairly ; but he is scarcely the man, by position and character, to take the leadership of so stately and solemn a body as the Legislative Council. Besides Mr. Richmond s appointment, this body is to receive additions from Otago in the persons of Messrs. Prendergast, Miller, and Strode. The first named, who is an able lawyer, is spoken of as probably to be appointed Solicitor-General. Another Canterbury member is mentioned, Mr. James Lance. And a sort of halt-credited rumour has gone about that the Government design to appoint three Maori chiefs of standing, namely, Tamati "Waka, Martini te Whiwhi, and Wi Tako, to seats in-the Council. BeBides the intrinsic improbability of this

being true, there is also the circumstance that one of the mos* deserving men of the race, "William Naylor, has been omitted from the list by rumour. In the province, the season being winter, little of importance has been stirring. The West Coast goldfields establish their reputation as time passes by. The yield is at least equal to that of all Otago, even taking the recorded exports from Nelson as the guide. liate discoveries hare been made of rich deposits of gold in rery accessible positions on the Hokitika

river, and it is exwfcted that in spring the population will rise to something like 20,000 persona. The auriferous regions ib evidently extensive, and bo far as it has been prospected, gold is found in paying quantities very generally. The progress of discovery brings to light, also, the capabilities of the country for other pursuits than gold mining; its soil is of very fine quality, and the quantity of available land far exceeds that which was formerly supposed, Among other new facts is that of a tract of open country near Hokitika itself, which appears to have been known before, ana actually to have been taken up as a run; but the public at large, even those at Hokitika itself, were unaware of its existence. Mr. Griffith, who returned from the "West Coast by the same pass over which he and Mr. Browning had gone to Hokitika—as we mentioned in our last summarycame through this tract of country, where he found that a dray might travel unimpeded for eight hours together. There are about 10,000 acres of open rough grass, which, in a densely wooded region like the West Coast of this province, become most valuable for public purposes. This discovery waß only an incident of Mr. Griffith's travels. He came through to Christchurch, and supplied a clearer knowledge of this route by the northern branch of the Rakaia, which, ever since its first discovery, has appeared to be one of the most practicable as well as the most diroct of all the means of access between east and west. Mr. Griffith reported that the route might be very cheaply made practicable for foot passengers ; and for cattle and horses at an expense of about £6000; but that in all probability a dray road cannot be obtained in that direction. As a stock road, there seems little doubt of the value of this route to the province at large, and repeated efforts nave been made to induce the Government to set to work upon it; but hitherto little has been done. After a lapse of some time Mr. Park and Mr. Browning have been dispatched to inspect and, if practicable, cut the line through; after which it is hoped that a contract will immediately be let for the formation of a bridle road. Tho Government j refuse to say what they mean to do, but it is probable that the course we have indicated will be taken. An engineer has been sent up to be in readiness; and Mr. Hall, with Mr. Dobson, proceeds to-day to visit the pass himself.

Mr. Griffith, the first discoverer of this pass, has been dispatched by the Government to examine Whitcombe's pass, leading from the southern or main branch of the Bakaia. Here the Government are more active, for they put on a surveyor to cut a line leading to this pass from the Rangitata and Ashburton, without waiting for Mr. Griffith's report. On the Otira line, by Arthur's pass, the work of opening a bridle road, with a dray road to follow, is proceeding as fast as the weather will allow. A mail has been dispatched from Christchurch to Hokitika by this road, and it is intended to run weekly; but the time has not yet come to know whether the first crossing has been successfully accomplished. Politically there is little to mention. Mr. Eolleaton has left the province and taken office—what office is not mentioned—under the General Government. Mr. Edward Jollie has taken his post as Provincial Secretary, an appointment which will at least popularize the Government. He will probably come into tbe Council as member for Timaru, in place of Mr. Simms, who resigns. There are, however, other candidates mentioned for the vacancy. Dr. Turnbull has resigned his seat for Christchurch, and Mr. Drummond Macpberson is the sole candidate to i succeed him. A seat for the Heathcote, vacant by Mr. Bolleston's retiremant, is sought for without opposition by Mr, Wynn Williams. Other items of more or less import' ance will be found recorded ill our columns below. But perhaps we may mention the fact of the Lyttelton Times being now published as a daily paper as one of the conspicuous social changes of the month. We cannot close this notice of passing events without recording the feeling of sorrow and regret with which the news was received here, only five days ago, of the assassination of President Lincoln. Prom this distant quarter of the world we desire to join in the sympathy which must be universally felt among all civilized nations with the bereaved family and people, and in a cordial detestation o£ the act which cut short the life of a good and great man.

RELIGIOUS.

I Chcbcb! o» EjrauHD.~The Lord Bishop of Christchurch has been on a tour of episcopal visitation in the southern portions of his diocese namely, Otago and Southland. His lordship laid the foundation Btone of the new church in Oamaru. He also consecrated tho new church at Geraldine. Tho church is situated in Pleasant Valley, and is dedicated to St. Anne. By the last mail from England, information has been received that The Bev. W. J. G. Bluett having accepted an incumbency in the diocese ot Christchurch, New Zealand, and boing therefore about to resign the curacy at Stibbard, a very handsome piece of plate has been presented to Mr. and Mrs. Bluett [ointly as an expression of the grateful regard .ntertained for them by the patron, the rector, and the inhabitants. As to the Cathedral, a commencement has been made of the walls of the building. The only drawback now to the progress of the work is in tho scarcity of money. The subscriptions were made payable over four or five years, but the extreme depression in business of all kinds renders the collection of money a matter of far greater difficulty than two years ago. However, the lower plinth is in the course of preparation, and will be ready to be fixed'as soon as the weather breaks. We may hope that next summer business will have generally improved, and that the work can be carried on with more expedition. We have every reason to believe that the plan adopted by the Commissioners, of building the Cathedral themaelvos, under Mr. Spoeohly'sdireotion, without the intervention of a contractor, will result in the saving of a very considerable sum of money. The new Church of St. John the Baptist, in Latimer square, has been sadly delayed by the difficulty in collecting the requisite funds. The sereen for the organ is nearly finished. Mr.Detthier is the contractor forthis work; Messrs. , .Balcke and Brouard the oontraotora for thebuildmg

have abb undertaken to provide the seats for the ehuroh. Several of the clergymen, selected by the Bey. H. Harper, in England, for ministerial work in the outlying district*, hare arrived in the pro* vince, andhaTocommoncod their pastoral labours in various portions of it. Efforts aro being made to moettho spiritual destitution in Hokitika. We haro been informed that a very beautiful memorial window of stained glass, to the memory of JCisjH Andrews, for Trinity Church, Lyttelton, arrived by the Canterbury. It was designed by Mr. Buttorfleld, architect, of St. Augustine's College, Canterbury. The question of pew-rents, which has excited so muoh discussion in Ghristohuroh, has been revived in tho Heathcoto district. A mooting was held in the Church of St. John, Ferry road, on tho subject of increasing the funds of the churches by means of letting a portion of tbo sittings. The Bev. G. Cholmondely, the incumbent, presided, and after some discussion, the following resolutions were carried:—" That this meeting is of opinion that, in the present position of the parish, it is desirable to let not more than two-thirds of the sittings in the churches belonging to the parish, and that the vestry bo requested to take tbo necessary steps for organising the system." "That every rented sitting shall bo considered absolutely free and open if not occupied at the commencement of the service." " That the rato of letting be fixed at one pound a sitting per annum, and that the ohurchwardens and vestry have power to lower the rates of sittings for i families exceeding four in number, and that the rato be published as soon as fixed."

Eomak Catholic Chtjbch.—Sunday, June 18, being the first Sunday after the Festival of Corpus Christi, was the anniversary of the opening of the Roman Catholic Church in the Ferry Bond, Christchurch. The Bev. J. B. Chataigner, in his sermon, alluded to this fact, expressing his conviction that the success which had attended the efforts of the Catholics to provide a church of their own was a great subject of congratulation. That success had far exceeded their anticipations in the first instance, and ought to be accepted in a spirit of devout thankfulness. The new church in Lyttelton was opened for the solemnization of Divine Service on June 29. The day appointed for the ceremony was the high festival of SS. Peter and Paul. A numerous congregation assembled, and at eleven a.m., the time fixed for the ceremony, the building was almost filled with persons who were anxious to witness the proceedings. The Bevs. J. B. Chataigner and J. Chevrier officiated, assisted by the various acolytes who took part is the offices. A procession was formed, and the outer walls of the edifice were aspersed with holy water. At the termination, the procession returned to the church, when the same ceremony was observed with respect to the interior. The fine old Catholic hymn, Veni Creator, was chanted by the choir, and Mass was celebrated, Mozart's glorious 12th one being selected. This was beautifully executed by the ladies and gentlemen to whom the duty was ontrusted. Mr. Waddington presided at the harmonium, and the " Eyrie Eleison," the "Sanctus," and the "Agnus Dei," from Mozart's No. 1 Mass were excellently given. The harmonium used on the occasion was one kindly lent by Mr. George Tayler. The Bev. J. B. Chataigner preached the sermon, selecting as his text that wondrous charge, so solemnly delivered to St. Peter-—" Thou art Peter, and on this rock I build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." In dwelling upon these words, selected from the Holy Gospel for the day, the preacher observed that the opening of the church was a subject of thankful congratulation. The Catholic residents of Lyttelton had now an edifice of their own in which the ritual of their Church oould.be efficiently and properly conducted. Too much, hitherto, had they resembled the sorrowful captives of Judah's tribe, who hanged their harps upon the willows that grew by Euphrates stream, and were ordered, at the contemptuous bidding of their insolent victors, "to sing the Lord's song in a strange land." Now, howover, the prospects of the members of the Catholic Church were changed, and they possessed a temple in which they could celebrate their rites in all their wonted solemnity. Another cause of rejoicing was that, through the assistance of their friends, the building was almost free from debt. After alluding to the day, which was a high and a holy one, he expressed his hope that measures would be adopted for opening the church every Sunday for the holy purposes for which it is intended. At the conclusion of the sermon, the remaining portion of the service was proceeded with, and a collection was made for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the building, and was liberally aided by the congregation. The service was closed by the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus. The church was elegantly decorated with lowers, which were tastefully arranged in vases. It seems only a short time ago that the commencement of this church was mentioned in our journal, and it speaks well for the zeal and energy displayed by those who have taken part in the undertaking that it has been brought to such a speedy and such a satisfactory conclusion. The building, which is a plain Gothic, was designed by Messrs. Mountfort and Bury, who superintended the work. It will accommodate four hundred persons, and the total COS* will be about £1200. Messrs. Graham and Weyburneare the contractors, Messrs. England Brothers furnishing the woodwork and interior fittings. The stone employed was obtained from the extensive quarries on the Sumner road and at Governor's Bay, belonging to the contractors. It is due to the contractors to state that the work has been completed within the specified period, to the entire satisfaction of the building committee, as is shown by the certificates given to them by the architects. PBIBBTTBBIAK Chubch.—The Presbytery of Canterbury held a meeting on July 12, at St. Andrew's Churoh. The chief business before the meeting was the reception of a deputation from the congregation of St. John's, Lyttelton, respecting the plan to be adopted with respect to the solemnization of Divine service in that church. It was settled that the ordained ministers now in Canterbury should officiate there on alternate Sundays, for onemonth, the Bev. J. D. Fergusson, who has lately been ordained, occupying the pulpits of the rev. gentlemen so engaged. It was also agreed, conditionally, to accept the Iterms of union with the Presbytery of Otago, proposed by the Assembly. That body will hold its next meeting at Dunedin. WBM-BTAir Chpbch.—The number of members attending this churoh continues on the increase. The church at Lyttelton has lately been much embellished by the alterations which have been made in the approaches to it. We believe that the Bev. J. S. Harper, Wesleyan minister at Kaiapoi, is to be removed to He preached his farewell sermon to the people of Kaiapoi on July 10, and the church was very well attended on the occasion. Although Mr. Harper has not long beenresident atKaiapoi,yethe has won the esteem and respect of all who knew him, and they will no doubt wish him every encouragement in his now sphere of labour.

Umitbd Mhthodibt Fmb Chubchbs.—The quarterly circuit meeting of the members of this denomination wm held lately at the Town Hal, Ghristohuroh. The financial position of the society was discussed, and the sanction of the meeting obtained for the erection of a neir chapel. In the evening a friendly tea meeting was held, which was numerously attended. After tea, a public meeting took place. The Rev. Jj«™« PJ aided, and on the platform were Messrs. Fisher (circuit steward), Booth, Jones, Thompson, and ihe representatives of the districts of Lyttelton Bangiora,Avon,&c. Prayers having been offered hv Mr. Fisher, the proceedings of the evening wore commenced by a short address from the B.T. J Tyeraan, in the course of which he expressed

his satisfaction at the number of persons present. 1 Su6h gathering! m the present (h« remarked) serred to cement that feeling of friendly union which ought to animate those who were the servants of ono Master, and had only one object in riew, namely, the promotion of His glory. It was too much the fashion now-a-days, even for members of the same church, to keep aloof from one * strange* often felt painfully that no friendly hand was outstretched to him. For his own part, he was convinced that many of those present would go away wiser and better for the opportunity which had been afforded to them of passl ing a few moments of kindly intercourse He felt every reason to be thankful for the measure of success which had attended the efforts of their denomination to found a church. It was only as yesterday that they had commenced the undertaking, and already their exertions had been, by the Divine blessing, accompanied by a measure of success which they could not have anticipated. They had every reason to thank God and take courage. In instituting a new church in the province, the society was actuated by no motive of acting in antagonism to any existing body of evangelical Christians. On the contrary, they desired to act in unison with the other churchcs, in tho great work of checking the progress of sin and ungodliness, and promoting the spread of true religion, with all the blessings which it brings in its train. He should not detain the meeting with any further observations, but should at once call upon their esteemed friend and circuit-steward to read the repert. Ifr. Tuber addressed the meeting, and read a statement of the position of the affairs of the church. From thisdocumentitappears thatthenumber of the members has largely increased. There are now 110 full members and 18 on trial. The financial statement shows a considerable improvement in the revenue of the society since last quarter. At that time, the society was £3013s 7d in debt; new contributions to the amount of JSM 13s 9d had been handed in. In fact, the contributions during the past quarter had more than doubled those of the preceding one. The available ■ balance in their possession was £31 2s 4d. The expensesof the passage of the Bev. J. Tyerman and his family to New Zealand had been guaranteed here, and the Missionary Society at home had paid the balance incurred by furnishing his house, &c., and had guaranteed £100 per annum for three years* At present, the little chapel at Addington was the only building for public worship which they could call their own. True, they had the use of Bonnington's Hall; but their occupation of it was only permissive. At present, the society was like tho tribe of Benjamin—the smallest of all the tribes. But let them not despair, nor despise the day of qwmll things. Before concluding, he was anxious to impress two points upon the minds of his hearers—namely, personal consecration oi themselves to God, and efforts for the advancement of His cause. One was the natural result of the other, and without them it was hopeless to expect that any real permanent good could be effected. Some other speakers having addressed the meeting, the proceedings terminated. CojroßßGATiosAi CnuEcn.—The Eev. J. W. Habeas, 8.A., the pastor of this church, has lately been on a visit to Otago, and has, we learn, been preaching in the churches bolonging to the Independent denomination in that province.

Thh various charitable institutions recently established continue to be well supported. The Charitable Aid Society has received tangible proof both of the necessity of its establishment and of the public appreciation of it. The funds in hand now amount in all probability to about £500. Belief in the way of money, coals, blankets, &c., has been given in several cases of deserving applicants. But the demands upon its resources are very heavy, and it will require all the support which the public may be disposed to extend towards it if it is to be a permanent institution. The Lunatic Asylum is unhappily just now very full, but under the humane and prudent system of treatment pursued, the restoration of many of the inmates has been both rapid and satisfectory. The Befuge is still maintained, thanks to the unwearied energy and kindness of the Bev. H. and Mrs. Torlesse, but it has many difficulties to contend with, as must always be the ease with charitable institutions during the early stage of their existence. Thh Dbbatino Societihs in Christchurch are increasing in the number of members attending them. Oneofthemisunderthe care of the Ven.the Archdeacon of Christchurch ; anotheris the Young Men's Christian Association; whilst the third is the Literary Society. It is proposed to establish another in connection with the Mechanics' Institute, several persons having already enrolled their names as members. A report of the conversazione held for the benefit of the Literary Society, and which proved so great a success, will be found in another column.

JUDICIAL.

Thb sittings of the Supreme Court terminated | on June 16th. The only case of public interest j was that of Aickin v. Bealey. Mr. Duncan appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Garrick for the defendant. The plaintiff ha* been appointed to the office of Provincial Engineer, and had been dismissed from that office on account of an alleged disobedience to an order, requiring him to submit to the Government the plans of some architectural work required by them to be undertaken by him. The damages were laid at £5000. The trial lasted the whole day, and resulted in the apparently contradictory verdict, that the plaintiff had been guilty of wilful disobedience; but that he had been wrongfully dismissed, and was entitled to £700 damages. His Honor expressed his dissatisfaction at the verdict, and both parties applied for a new trial. Ultimately.however.theverdict was accepted by the defendant, each party paying theirowncosts. The case of King v. Dalgety, which, from the length of time it has occupied, and which from that very delay has almost obtained a celebrity equal to that of an English Chancery suit, has been disposed of as follows:—A rule nisi for a new trial was obtained some time ago by Mr. Louis, the defendant's solicitor, upon which Mr. Gamck, on behalf of the plaintiff, showed cause to the contrary. Mr. Louts replied. Mr. Justice Gresson allowed the cause shown against the rule, and discharged it with costs, but the right of appeal is reserved. In the case of Hall v. Macpherson, Mr. Garrick appeared to show cause for defendant, undor rule»m of 21st March. Mr. Louis supported the rule. The Court discharged the rule nisi pre forma, costs to be costs in the cause, it being understood that the Judge would settle a case that should bring the matter before the Courtof Appeal. The timeofthe Courtwhilst sitting inChamberthas principally been occupied with proceedings under the Debtors and Creditors Act. The business at the Besident Magistrate's Court has been of an unimportant oharacter, very few serious criminal charges having been brought under its jurisdiction; but a vast number of civil actions for the recovery of sums under £100 have been daposed of.

AMUSEMENTS.

Thb performances at the theatre hare continued, almost without intermission, since our last summary. The attendance has been, for the most part, a very limited one. But the management has had many difficulties to contend against, the chief of which has been the very unfavourable Btftto of the weather, which has deterred many persons from being present who would otherwise have visited the theatre. Miss Eosa Cooper, a graceful and interesting aotress, has paid her first visit to Christchurch, and has acted many characters in a natural and intelligent manner. The greatest production of the season has been the legendary drama of « Bip Van Winkle » Mr. J. L. Hall played Bip, and, though many eminent aotorshave taken it before him, he does not suffer in the comparison. We almost defy a spectator to refram from both laughter and tear, during the represen-

tation. The pathos is finely given, and never overdone; it is the limplest, and therefore tilt truest and most touching, that is possible—so true, that it mingles with the extraordinary humour of the actor and his part without a suggestion of dis* cord. Mr Hall, we believe, has drawn his know* ledge of Catskill, 'its people, and its mountains) from the same source which supplied Washington Irving—the village, people, and mountains themselves j for there are the quaint old Dutch families to this day, who look upon " Niuw Yorick" at the splendid city of the stranger. Wherever the inspiration was gained, however, no one see Mr. Hall's Eip Van Winklo without filling that there is a stage character, free of conventionalism, full of interest, wonderfully Jstrange, but most true to nature. The support which Mr. TT«H obtains in Mrs. Hall as the shrewish wife, Miss Bosa Cooper as Alice, and Mr. Bichardson aa Knickerbocker, makes the dramatic success of the piece certain. Mr. Willis, too, has done wonders single-handed, and with the limited space at hii | command, to embody the scenery of Catskill—its old village, the new one, and the grand mountains where the long night with Heindrich Hudson is passed. Mr. Bushel], the well-known electro-biolo-gist,has been giving his entertainments at the theatre, sometimes in conjunction with the company, and sometimes unassisted by them. His lecture on magnetism was clearly and intelligibly given, and his exposure of the so-called mysteries of spiritrapping and and table-turning exceedingly amusing. He afterwards manifested his powers as a mesmerist, and succeeded in obtaining a complete mastery over some of the more susceptible of his subjects. Mr. Belew showed the rope-tying feat, now so famous through the mountebank performances of the Brothers Davenport. The same artist has been exhibiting in another character, namely that of a horse-tamer. He obtains an astonishing mastery over wild, untamed horses, without employing cruelty or violence. Tb* Phantasmagoria, in which various places of

historical interest in ancient and modern history were shown by means of the Drummond light exhibited some curious optical effects produced by the same medium, besides some good photographs of local scenery, furnished by Mr. Wheeler, of Christchurch. Kohler'i Gardens have not been open for any description of public amusement during the winter months, but in fine weather the attendance of persons bent upon recreation has been somewhat numerous. On July 4, however, the American residents celebrated the anniversary of their Independence there by an Assembly. A dancing academy has been established in Christchurch, conducted by Mr. Palmer and a fencing school, by Sergeant-Major Darby, of the Yeomanry Cavalry, who gives lessons in this and some other manly and athletic exercises.

SOCIAL AND DOMESTIC.

The painful duty has fallen to us to record the loss of three fine able-bodied men, by drowning, in Lyttelton harbour, on June 19. The barge Glasgow is now employed by Captain Adams in raising the schooner Canterbury, sunk off Stoddart's Point, in the early part of January last. The crew consisted of John Homersham, master, John Chambers, John Church, and Duncan Flight, who were assisting. During the afternoon of Monday, these men came over to Lyttelton, in the dingy belong* ing to the vessel, for stores, leaving Captain Adams and the divers on board. They are known to have remained on shore till nearly 11 o'clock, and the last seen of them was near the Canterbury Hotel, just before leaving the Government jetty for the barge. They appear to hare got over the bay to within 100 yards of the Glasgow, when, from some cause as yet unexplained, the dingy was upset, and three out of the four were drowned. The following persons are missing:—Duncan Flight, John Homersham, and John Chambers. The man Church was picked up by a boat, put off by Mr. Wm. Stout, who resides at Stoddart's Point. He was taken to Mr. Stout's house, and every care taken of him. Up to Tuesday evening Church had so far recovered himself as to be able to converse, but could not explain anything about the accident. Captain Adams was awakened by the cries for help, but was unable to render any assistance, having no boat. "We regret to say that two of the unfortunate men, Flight and Homersham, have leftjwives and families totally unprovided for. The harbour and police authorities are taking measures to recover the bodies. Mr. Duncan Flight was one of our oldest coasting captains, and was deservedly respected by a large circle of acquaintances. On June 24, Captain Danvers, Mr. Parry (second mate), Mr. Grant (Customs), and Mr. Flockton, left the Countess of Seafield at about five o'clock, for a sail in one of the ship's boats, shaping a course towards Church Bay. After being out for about one hour, they discovered that the light breeze coming in occasional pufb from the N.W., was increasing, and that night was rapidly closing in. It, was about six o'clock when they fetched near to the barque, when • strong puff caught the sheet and turned the boat completely over, throwing the passengers into the water on the lee side. All were able to swim, and succeeded in reaching the boat and tried to right her, but failed to do so, although she turned over once or twice. It was ebb tide, and the wind being N.W., the boat drifted down the harbour with th» people holding on to the keel. When opposite to tie barque Camille, Mr. Grant left his companions, with the intention of swimming to the vessel to get assistance. He appears to have got near enough to attract the attention of a dog on board, the barking of which caused an alarm, and Mr. Grant W as discovered all but exhausted. He was got on board as quickly as possible, but in a drowning state. A boat was put off to rescue the others, and the crew succeeded in saving the captain and Mr. Flockton. Mr. Parry, the second officer, was not to be found-he had sunk. Captain Danvers states that, just before the boat reached them, a sea struck their boat, and they got adrift, but himself and Mr. Flockton succeeded in regaining their hold; but, on looking round, they missed Mr. Parry. Every exertion was made to reach the Camille, where the survivors received every attention their exhausted condition required from Captain Eedy, his officers, and crew. Mr. Parry was a deserving officer, and the last of the original orew remaining onboard the barque shipped by Captain Danvers before leaving London. In the grounds adjoining the Government Buildings may be seen two very elegant gravestones, executed in Canterbury. One is an upright tablet, surmounted by a cross. The other is a recumbent memorial, on which is carved a floriatei cross. The design is very graceful; the ornamentation being chaste and in correct taste. The material used is atone from the Weka Pass. It appears to be very appropriate for similar purposes, as it is beautifully grained, and susceptible of a high polish. The carving is very sharp and clearly denned. Of course, there has as yet been o0 opportunity of testing the durability of the stone, but it has every appearance of resisting the influences of time and weather. The monuments are designed by Messrs. Bury and Mountfort, and the inscriptions are incised in medieval characters, in blaok and red. Aninquestwas held on June 20, at theßoyal Hotel, before J. W. S. Coward, Esq, on the.bod, of Alexander M'Donald, who was drowned whust Houring to cross the Bakaia, m company with Mr. Walter Wilson, who also lost hishfe. Tverdictof "Accidental Death" was returned. The body of the latter has not been recovered. On the 30th ult. the port was visited by another storm, exceeding in violence that recorded m out fcTofthe 24fc ult. For the previous fouXurs the barometer ? he coming storm. In the early P? •**• mo rning of Friday there was a *««»*"£ of one of our old-fashioned black north-easter*. The thick fog was coming up the harbour in grot

quantities, aijeompamed_byjt rijgJh_ < .. At "won, the arrived from the Northern porta, and Captain Banner, as was unusual with him, anchored in the mid-stream, instead of coming alongside the Government jetty. In reply to an inquirer, Captain Renner •aid, " Here ie my aneroid; you can judge the reason for yourself:" but he added, "if you will wait a fewhoursyou willsee a fine breeze here from the S.W. that will wake you all up on shore." He also instructed his chief officer to veer out sixty fethoms of chain, and to see that the port anchor was dear. Things looked ominous; the barometer registered down to 28.80, much lower than the storm register a few weeks ago. About four o'clock the wind veered round to W.S.W., and thenS.W.; at five it was evident that it would bo a dirty night, and the more prudent among our boatmen hauled their boats up on the Government wharf, and those at their moorings received attention. The ale, at six o'clock, was terrißcj at seven, the Lhter William, belonging to Messrs. Cameron, Bros., began to sufferjamajeito Jier bulwarks to the jetty nveringawayat her stern and bulwarks on the starboard quarter, her owners succeeded m freeing her from the jetty. At eight o'clock, the gale still increasing, the hulk Gratitude, lying oft Damper's Bav, broke away from her moorings, and got safeiy beached opposite Leslie's boardinghouse, Norwich quay, with loss of mainmast and part of the starboard bulwarks. How she had threaded her way through the fleet of small vessels anchored in her course must pussle even an old salt The Utile steamer Betsy Douglas began to exhibit signs of distress; those in charge had succeeded in gettingupsteam.and she waskeptupby this to her anchor, when a short lull favoured the tiny craft, and she ultimately reached a better anchorage closer in to Dampicrs Bay. At 9 o'clock the heavy pelting rain descended in torrents. The roaring of the sea and wind was frightful. On Norwich Quay or Government Jetty it was all but impossible to keep a footing. At daybreak it was apparent that serious damage had been done to the' boats at anchor. The fine whaleboat belonging to the police officers was found to have come adrift, and her remains strewed the beach. Mr. Stanford's new whaleboat Lady Gay Spanker, only bought and paid for on Friday afternoon, at a cost of £45 for the purpose of working the mail service to and from the shore, was found hopelessly destroyed. Mr. James O'Neill's fine whaleboat, lately used for the conveyance of the mails, was also destroyed, and scattered on the rocks near to the Custom House. The cutter yacht Annie Ogle was sulik, and a host of crafts and smaller boats more or less injured. During the height of the gale, the schooner Shamrock, Captain Hays, broke away from her holding tackle, and, in charge of her chief officer, she made sail, and proceeded down the harbour, but was fortunately brought up, after she got under the shelter of the land below Rhodes Bay. At a rough estimate, the damage to boats alone must have been over £250. Tlie licensed watermen were helpless in a gale like the one we have described; and it now becomes a serious question for the consideration of the Provincial Government, who derive revenue from these industrious men, that they slould erect boat-ways for them on the lee-side of the Government Jetty from the S.W. We have previously called the attention of the authorities to this matter, and it is to be hoped that the plans suggested by the Port Officer for this purpose, some time back, will be carried out. The following information is derived from the Barrack-master at the Quarantine station, Camp Bay, as to the damage don° by the gale to the bufldings there. The single men's barracks are completely destroyed, and part of the materials blown into the sea. Thi6 is also the case with the barracks appropriated to the females. The east barracks, for married couples, have been much injured—the south end is forced round twenty feet, one piece is blown off the ridge, also two sheets of sine; and some of the window glass is broken. The south end of the infirmary has been twisted from its original position about eight feet. The barrack-master's house and the wash-houses have goffered considerably. The force of the wind has so twisted the buildings as to detach them some distance from the chimneys, which are, consequently, in a dangerous position. The barrackmaster has been engagedincollecting the materials, which are scattered as far as the watering place. Some idea of the force of the gale might be gained from the fact that pieces of timber upwards of two hundredweight have been picked up at the beach at low water.

On July 1 an accident occurred, by which a young lad, named Baker, lost his life. It appears that he went into a paddock at Fapanui, in order to catch a horse which was grazing in it. He managed to secure the horse he intended, but another one kicked him in the head. He was picked up in a state of insensibility, and after lingering a short time, he expired from the injuries received. An inquest was held upon the bedy, a verdict of accidental death being returned. A subscription is being established for the benefit of the family, who are in distressed circumstances, and a very successful concert was given for their benefit, by the members of the Musical Society. The Government, in consideration of the property held by them in Cathedral square, have consented to undertake the alteration of the road. The work has been commenced under the superintendence, we understand, of Mr. F. Pavitt. The road will be curved from the unoccupied corner near the premises of Messrs. Matson and Co., and carried round to those of Messrs. Heywood and Co., and will be finished on both sides with stone kerbing. A new branch of the industry of the province will shortly be established. Some time ago, Mr. Mills, of the Foresters' Hotel, purchased the Bricks Wharf, with a view to promote communication by the river. He intends to put on the Avon a small flat-bottomed steamer, requiring only a very small draft of water. The chief obstacle to the navigation of the stream has hitherto been the extreme shallowness of the water in certain parts. There is an immense supply of metal in the river bed, which might be advantageously dredged from it and employed for road making purposes, and it is thought that it could be supplied at far less cost than is now paid for this material. If so, the idea is worth the attention of the City Council. The boat will be built here; it is to be of ten feet beam, and forty-five feet in length. The engines are intended to be of eight horse-power, and the whole cost of the construction is estimated at between £500 and £600. These dimensions have been determined upon with a view of testing the peculiarities of the river. The boat is intended to run from Christchurch to Sumner. The object of the promoter will be much facilitated if the Heatheote Road Board will make the necessary alteration in the Stanmore road bridge acrojß the Avon, and the City Council avail themselves of the quantity of metal now in the river, between Madras street bridge and the Bricks wharf. The drainage of Christchurch would, in that case, be much improved, and there would be no interference with the present system. Another advantage of having a boat of this description plying on the river would be that it would be kept clear of cress and other weeds by the action of the paddles. The Steamer will alsos ervc as a tug, to bring small craft up the river. The detention so frequently suffered by the river craft, from being stuck on the flats, would thus be obviated. On July 3 the officers of thi« company were entertained at a dinner given to them by the men. ■The dinner took place at the Dunedin Club-house, and was supplied by Messrs. Morton and Eobertson. After the usual loyal toasts hod been giv<n and duly honoured, the healths of the officers weie proposed and responded to. A very plcnsant and social evening was passed.