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Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1636, 14 March 1866, Page 6

King Penguin.—A handsome specimen of one of these singular birds has been captured at Sumner by Mr. James Field, and presented by him to the Acclimatization Society. Its introduction to the happy family group has gained it the respect due to its royal name ; although apparently sociably disposed, it can when provoked, do good execution with its powerful beak and little flappers. The penguin, in its natural state, is described as congregating in large numbers, and whilst on shore to be arrayed in as compact a manner and in as regular ranks as a regiment of soldiers, and are classed with the greatest order, the young birds being in one situation, the moulting birds in another, the sitting hens in a third, the clean birds in a fourth. Its principal food consists of cuttle-fish, which, owing to the difficulty of obtaining, will render its preservation very doubtful. The curator of the gardens has constructed an enclosure for it where it has access to running water. 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. D tthier 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.