TIMARU. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Timaru, 24th September, 1868.

North Otago Times, Volume XI, Issue 352, 6 October 1868, Page 2

TIM A RU. ( FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. ) Timaru, 24th September, 1868.

At a meeting of the Board of Works on Thursday, a Draft on London for L28.800 -was laid on the table, which has been received from the Colonial Treasurer, being the proceeds of L30.000 in debentures, allowed to the district by the Act. The chairman stated that the Bank of New Zealand would diicount the Draft for one-half per cent., and this proposal was unanimously agreed to. A premium of L20 is offered for the best design for an Hospital, at a cost of L800. The barque A. W. Badger, is to load oats and other produce, from this port for Melbourne direct, in a few days. The luminous appearance in the heavens seen at Oamaru, and described in the " Timet," was also observed here, and was supposed to be the faint outline of a comet. Business continues dull, money seeking invostment plentiful, and the weather fine. Timaru, October 1st, 1868. The Board of Works meet to-morrow, when Mr Balfour's elaborate Report on the proposed harbor works at Timaru will be considered. The Report bears evidence of thought and care, and although Mr Balfour doos not urge the adoption of any particular plan, there is no doubt that a stone jetty, with open-work approach, will have most favor. The cost of a stone pier 95 yards long, and an open-work approach of iron, 80 yards in length, in all 175 yards — is estimated at L11.825. The election of a member of the Provincial Council in room of Mr Belfield, resigned, is to take place on the 8th inst. The Choral Society gave a concert last evening of selections from the Opera of " La Maritana," which was well attended. The Artillery Company, on the occasion of Sergeant Major Kerr's leaving, who has been instructing them in drill, presented him with ten guineas, as a mark of respect. Ony two members responded to Captain Byrne's appeal for Volunteers to go north. The steamer Wainui is said to be sold to ft Dunedin firm for L1500.

The following odd obituary notice appeari in the "Hawke's Bay Herald :"— " Wo regret to record the sudden and accidental death of an old and respected settler of Hawke't Bay. ' Smith,' the belored dog of R. Macfarlane, Esq., departed this life on the evening of Saturday, the 12th instant, deeply regretted by a numerous circle of friends, who are invited to meet at Swan's Hotel, at half-past seven this evening, for the purpose of condoling with his lat* owner, and taking into consideration the propriety of some suitable memorial."