CANTERBURY.

Otago Witness, Issue 360, 23 October 1858, Page 6

CANTERBURY.

The tenth session of the Provincial Council, reckoning from the commencement of selfgovernment, was opened on the Ist inst. by the Superintendent, upon which occasion his Honor congratulated the province on the highly satisfactory state of its finances, and on the favourable growth of its social and commercial prosperity. His Honor also alluded to the construction of a tunnel and railway between Lyttelton and Christchurch at a cost of about £300,000, urging it upon the serious consideration of the Council.

Five millions of acres are occupied under pastoral licences in this province. The rental will amount this 33 f ear to about £10,000.

The balance in the Treasury on the opening of the Provincial Council on the Ist inst., amounted to £25,619 ss. 2d. The expenditure during the last three months has exceeded £15,000.

The Zealandia came to anchor in this harbour yesterday morning (Sept. 21), being the 98th day from ihe Downs. She has a full cargo of immigrants, numbering 399 of all ages and sexes, of whom 148 are children and infants. With officers and crew the total number of souls on board was 444. This includes 17 chief cabin, and 9 second cabin passengers.

The Lyttelton Times complains of the insufficient barrack accommodation in Lyttelton for immigrants, stating that the Town Hall and its adjoining rooms had to be given up to the immigrants per the " Zealandia ;" and urges the necessity of making immediate arrangements to provide enlarged accommodation against the arrival of the other ships.

The increase of scab among the sheep in this province (saj's the " Ly ttelton Times ") is a matter which presses upon our attention. From whatever cause, or combination of causes, it has arisen, it exists as a distressing and undeniable fact. The existence of the disease to a dangerous extent is however recognised by the stockowners themselves, as will be seen from the following resolutions passed at a large gathering of those interested, held at Christchurch on the 9th inst. : —

" That the recent spread of the scab "within a portion of this province, owing to the introduction of diseased sheep from the Province of Nelson, threatens to be productive of calamitous consequences to the pastoral interest of this province, unless energetic measures are adopted to stop its further progress."

" That it is a matter of urgent necessity that the provisions of the existipg Scab Ordinance should be strictly enforced, and that such improvement should be made therein as experience has shown to be re quired, especially with a view to prevent the further importation of diseased sheep. 1 '

" That the extent of country over which pastoral operations in this province are now spread, renders necessary the appointment of two inspectors of «heep, one for the northern, the other for the southern portion of the province. That looking to the importance of securing for this office persons of high character and ability any increase in the present rate of payment which may be necessary for that purpose should be made without delay."

" That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that the selection of persons for the above office should be made by the Executive Government and not by a majority of a public meeting of stockowners. That if the services of properly qualified persons cannot be secured within thin province, steps should be taken for obtaining such services from the neighbouring colonies."

A Committee was appointed to confer with the Government as to the course to be adopted to carry the object of the meeting vigorously into effect. *