TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1632, 9 March 1866, Page 2

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Leotard. — Gymnastic performances appear just now to be occupying the greatest share of public attention. We understand that the celebrated Leotar I, who is now in Auckland, intends visiting Canterbury. Odd - Fellows' Halt., Chiustciiuhch.— This building, which had be jo me too small for the accommodation of the increasing number of the members, has been enlarged by the addition of another room fronting on Lichfield street. Cook's Cnv us.—This company, which have so long occupied Astlcy's Circus, in London, have recently arrived in Auckland, where they have been exhibiting with great success. We believe that they will shortly make their appearance here. So numerous were their staff and appliances that the proprietor was compelled to charter a vessel to convey them to New Zealand. Lenton Tiioope.—Last night, was fixed for the benefit of Mr. Ridgway. The hull was attended by a great number of persons. As yesterdav evening was the last of the season, -the public were anxious to avail themselves of the opportunity to witness the performances of the troupe. A more successful termination of what has proved such a popular entertainment could not have been desired. Caution to tiib Benevolent. —We are requested to state that subscription lists are in circulation on behalf of certain persons or families who seek relief from distress alleged to have been occasioned to them by the Kaiapoi floods. We are informed on authority that those who beg in this way are possessed of good crops, and several cows, and are therefore by no means in a destitute condition. Wherever distress lias occurred or is likely to occur from the alleged causes, the funds supplied by the Government are ample to meet each pressing case, and much mischief may be done by indiscriminate and incautious almsgiving under such circumstances.

Aon ilCUltpral and Pastoral Associa-tion.--The prizes liberally offered by his Honor,, the Superintendent, Samuel Bealey, Esq., a t the exhibitions of the Agricultural and Pa storal Association, 1863 and 1864 have just af'rived from England. They consist of two vefry handsome silver vases, which are now i&Jjhe hands of Mr. Coates of Colombo Street, Where they can be inspected by the public- Mr. William Norman is the fortunate winner of both cups, he is also the holder of silver given by the Association for his successful competition in horses in other classes. We understand a collector will be appointed to wait upon members for their subscriptions, for the current year, it is hoped the public will support the endeavour of the association to create a competition in animals, implements, and dairy produce, which is the only way to stimulate the necessary advancement in the breed, of animals, and improvement in manufactures.

Literart Society.—Last night this society held its quarterly business meeting. Dr. Poster occupied the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The secretary brought up the report of the committee of management, who had been appointed to consolidate the rules of the socieSy, and proposed that it should be adopted. After some discussion, in the course of which, some amendments were carried ; the report, subject to these amendments, was adopted. The treasurer reported a balance of £90 8s Id to the credit of the society. Of this sum, £27 5s consisted of subscriptions of members not yet paid ; and the treasurer said that £4 of it was due by members who did not attend, and that he thought members who neither paid nor attended, ought to be struck off the list. This report was ordered to be audited ; the auditors' report to be brought up next week. The New Council Chamber. —The doors of this chamber are nearly completed, and they will be placed in their position previously to the 13th inst., on which day the Council is appointed to meet. The doors were designed by Messrs. Mountfort and Bury,' and executed by Mr. Detthier, of Armagh street. They consist of two pairs, each pair seven feet in height, and six in breadth. One pair, that nearest the Speaker's chair, is circular-headed. The frame-work is of New Zealand pine, with relieved panels and plate-glass lights. They are beautifully inlaid with different coloured woods, all of them of colonial growth, in diamond patterns of light and dark specimens alternately. The pair of doors at the opposite end of the chamber are square-headed, and are also inlaid with rare samples of New Zealand timber. The inlaying, or, as it is technically called, the string-work, is continued on both sides of the doors. The work is beautifully executed; Mr. Detthier deserves every commendation for the manner in which he has carried out the intention of the designers. The contrast of colour is sharp and decided, being brought out in brilliant relief, and the effect of the whole work is increased by the doors being brilliantly polished.

Kaiapoi.—On Wednesday last, the Christchurch Amateur Christy Minstrels paid a visit to this town, and in the evening performed to a very numerous and respectable audience in the concert room of the Kaikanui Hotel. The programme contained several very pretty negro melodies, the usual comic business, and a plantation dance. The whole of the chorussesand solos were most effectively rendered, and fully deserved the frequent applause given by the audience. Several entfores were called for, but, owing to the length of the programme, they were not acceded to. The delineation of the more amusing parts of the negro character did not suffer by comparison with the rest of the performance, but were well rendered by Mr. Bones and his brother darkie of the tambourine. The entertainment, which may be termed as having been the most successful and amusing of any which the Kaiapoi public have had the pleasure of witnessing for some time, terminated at 10.30 p.m. We are informed that the Minstrels will shortly again visit Kaiapoi, when the proceeds of the entertainment will be handed over to the Kaiapoi Mecha! Institute. Lm&jlton Hotel.—'The oldest portion of this building is being demolished in order to admit of the intended improvements being made in it. The house was originally built by Mr. W. G. Brittan for his own residence. He leased it to the Provincial Government, by whom it was used for some time as a place of meeting for the Council. Many of the most important measures, which have tended so much to improve the position of Canterbury were discussed here; amongst others the Waste Lands Regulations. Mr. Brittan sold it to Mr. Davis for the sum of £1600. Mr. Davis made several additions to it, until it assumed its present appearance. It was again sold, and finally, a short time ago, it passed into the hands of Mr. G. Oram, of the Carlton Hotel, who intends re-opening it as an hotel, with, we understand, the establishment of a mercantile club. Mr. Oram paid £2800 for it. The garden is remarkable as being the parent nursery from which have sprung almost all the forest trees and evergreen shrubs now in the province. Mr. Brittan brought out from England with him a quantity of forest trees, oak, ash, plane trees, &c. Many of these he removed to Englefield. In the garden of the hotel were also planted the first arbutus, laurustinus, and Portugal laurel grown in Canterbury.

United Wesleyan Churches. —The members of this body have been for some time past making strenuous efforts for promoting the extension of their Church in New Zealand, and especially in this province. We learn from the Wesleyan Times of Nov. 27, that the Rev. J. White, who has been zealously labouring for some time as pastor of the congregation at Brighton, offered himself to the Foreign Missionary Society to go abroad to any place where they might send him. New Zealand was fixed as his destination; and he will be stationed at the West Coast. Previous to his departure, a testimonial consisting of Bome valuable books and other articles, was presented to him by those whom he was about to leave. Mr. White preached his farewell sermon on Sunday, November 19, the chapel being crowded Great regret was felt for his departure by all who were acquainted with him. Subsequently the rev. gentlemen was entertained at a tea-meeting, where he delivered a parting address urging upon those present, whilst remembering with gratitude the past mercies received, to do all in their power to spread the knowledge of the Gospel, both in New Zealand and elsewhere. At this meeting, another testimonial was given to him.