The Lyttelton Times MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1868.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2489, 14 December 1868, Page 2

The Lyttelton Times MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1868.

Lyttelton RegAtta.—A meeting of the committee will be held in the Colonists' llall, this evening, at 8 o'clock, Legal.—lt is not unlikely that a new trial will be moved for'in the case of Bell i). White, on the ground of the erroneous rejection of evidence. Railway Rowing Club,—An ordinary monthly meeting of members was held at the boat-shed, on Saturday afternoon, but the only business transacted, was the election of some new members, and the appointment of Mr J. F. McCardell, as custodian of the boats and other property of the club.: We understand that the new racing boat will probably arrive by the Omeo.

Inn Japanese.—Day and evening performances were given on Saturday, and both were largely attended. At the former, juveniles very considerably predominated, but there wcro also many country visitors present. The programme was slightly altered from tliftt of the previous evening, but without the introduction of any new tricks. The usual applause was freely bestowed, and there could be no daubt as to the full appreciation of the skill and intrepidity of the performers by the audience. This evening, the troupe will appear in a special entcrtanment for the benefit of the Lunatic Asylum, and we may fairly claim the support of all in so good a cause.

Tub Weather.—A succession of cold winds has lately prevailed with occasional heavy showers of rain; much damage has been done to the crops of early fruit, and : horticulturists complain of the iujnry done by the winds in the flower gardens. At Lyttelton the heavy N W weather experienced last week was succeeded on Friday eveniiigby a S W gale. During the whole of that night it blew heavily, and snow fell heavily, so that the ranges on the Peninsula were

thickly covered. On the back ranges the snow is lying to a considerable depth, and it is to be hoped that its disappearance will he gradual or heavy freshes in the river must be looked for. The Town Hall.—The new room about being added to the Town Hall is progressing very rapidly towards completion, and from its appearance will undoubtedly prove a valuable acquisition to the present pile of buildings. It is forty-seven feet in length by eighteen in width, and has a 13 feet stud. The north end is conjoined to the new hall with doors leading to the stage and gallery and the east side runs parallel with the old hall, to which access is gained by three separate doors. The foundation is composed of stone piles, and the floor is of great strength, the boards being one inch and a quarter in thickness, The whole of the interior is to be match : lined, and a moveable partition will so divide it as to afford not only accommodation for persons using the stage, but also an excellent room suitable to committee or other small meetings. Two of the doors communicating with the old hall will respectively afford communication with what is known as the judge's withdrawing room and the body of the hall, whilst the third being on the folding principle, will enable the two buildings to be thrown into one, Altogether the plan of arrangement appears to provide for every necessity; and Mr St Quentin, has certainly made the best use of the space at his disposal. The exterior of the structure is composed of corrugated iron, and the cost of the whole will be some few pounds under the estimate of £2OO. Messrs Rankin and Greig are the contractors, and give every promise of carrying out the work in a most satisfactory manner.

Oxford.—About four or five miles of the main road, between Oxford and Rangiora, in the Oxford district, were formed last year by the Road Board; this has now been metalled and culverted, leaving the Board only about two miles more to make to carry this important work to the boundary of their district. Several other improvements effected by the Board are also apparent in the township. A Mechanics' Institute is in course of erection, the contract having been commenced on Monday, the 7th, by Mr Petrie, the contractor, Subscriptions in cash, land, and timber to the amount of £6O are already raised, the land valued at £5 having been given by Mr Thomaß Broom and Mr J. C. Boys. The erection of this institution is a decided step

in the right direction. A subscription list has been opened for building a Baptist chapel, and a tea meeting, in furtherance of this object will take place this day. A Congregational chapel is also to be erected shortly. On Wednesday last, the 9th inst., the Inspector of Schools visited Oxford, the attendance at both schools was good, and the examination we understand satisfactory. For Oxford races a subscription list has been opened and liberally responded to—they are fixed, for New Year's Day. A meeting to make arrangements for the Oxford annual sports was held lately at the Harewood Arms. It was decided to hold them as usual on New Year's Day. A considerable sum is already subscribed, and the following committee was appointed Messrs. R. Johnson, J. Pegg, Hathaway, Cummin, Bluett, A. Smith, C. J. Sale, F, Luers (Treasurer) R. Aherne (Hon. Sec.)