SOCIAL AND DOMESTIC.

West Coast Times, Issue 254, 16 July 1866, Page 3

SOCIAL AND DOMESTIC.

The criminal sittings of tho Supreme Court commence this morning, under tho presidency of his Honor Mr Justice Gresson, who has been sitting in chambers during the week. The calendar is an unusually heavy one, co far as regards the number of "prisoners to be tried, of whom there are between fifty and sixty. The list is, however, tho accumulation of six months, and the accused have been collected from all parts of an extensive and scattered district, comprising a population of upwards of thirty thousand Mr Duncan, of Christchurch, attends as Crown Prosecutor, and the local bar has been recruited for the occasion by the visit of Mr George Elliott Barton and Mr James Harvey, from Dunedin. Since our last summary, the telegraph to Greymouth has been -Opened to the public, and HoHtika is now placed in connection with the whole of tho ports and principal towns of the middle island. The Cook's Straits' cable, to connect the middle and north islands, has justarrived in excellent order at Wellington; and in the course of another month (unless some unforeseen accident occurs) communication with the seat of General Government will be effected.

A very melancholy and distressing case of suicide occurred last week at Greymouth. Mr T. W. Rees, the local agent of the Bank of New Zealand, cut his throat in a very determined manner,-owing apparently to entanglements arising out of an unfortunate connection he had formed .with a female. The jury returned a verdict of " temporary insanity." After a very successful season, the Prince of Wales Opcrt House has been closed for a week. On Friday night last, a complimentary benefit was given by a large number of leading citizens to Mr James Bartlett, the proprietor and manager. There was a crowded and fashionable house on the occasion, and wo were glad to see this gentleman's enter-

prise, as well as his fino powers as tin actor, so cordially appreciated by tho public. A grand Maßonic ball was given on the 20tL of last month, the anniversary of Her Majesty's accession,, at tho Prince of Wales Thoatrm which was handsomely decorated and illuminated with-gas for tho occasion, tho whole of the pit being boarded ovSr on a level with the stage, thus making a magnificent ball room. A project has been started for tho establishment of a Literary and Q-ymnaßtic Institute, and tho Government havo conditionally promised a site for a building. The Stevons' troupe of gymnasts have been performing with success during a brief engagement ; and an exhibition of waxworks has attracted a largo number of spectators. The communication with Christchurch, overland, by Cobb's coach, has been occasionally interrupted during tho month by damages done to the road by the heavy rains that have fallen. Owing also to the weather, the telegraphic communication has been at intervals suspended. Wo regret to state that several fatal accidents have taken place on the goldfields, both to miners and to persons engaged in felling trees and other pursuits. A German association for the cultivation of literature, music, games, &c, has been formed at Ross (Totara). A meeting has been held to promote the formation of a cricket club, and a committee appointed for the purpose.

ECCLESIASTICAL.

The Anglican Bishop of Christchurch, tho Right Rev. Dr. Harper, has been for some weeks past on a visit to the disti'ict, to promote the erection of an Episcopal Church and parsonage, and. to make the necessary preparations for the reception of tho Venerable Archdeacon Harper, who is expected shortly to arrive in Westland, accompanied by one or more clergymen from home. A committee of tho members of the Church of England has been appointed to carry out those objects. In the meantime tho Bishop has been officiating at the Supreme Court House, and visiting Greymouth, the Kanieri and other districts. Measures are being taken at the Kanieri for tho erection of a church, which promises from the plans that havo been approved of, to be a handsome and commodious edifice. The Rightßev. Dr. Viard, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Wellington, has also been on a, visit, taking measures for the more complete organisation of the Catholic community for ecclesiastical purposes. The Rev. Mr Gow, of Christchurch,is officiatiug at the Fire Brigade Hall, where tho members of the Presbyterian body congregate. The Wesleyan services continue to bo conducted as usual in the commodious church erected by that denomination. The members of the Hebrew persuasion are taking active measures for ' organising a h congregation, and building a handsome synagogue on the reserve for religious worship, granted to them by the Government. Yesterday a novel rite was performed in the Hokitika River, at a Bpot opposite the Kanieri township. Four persons, of whom two were females, were publicly baptised Jjy immersion. Steps are' being taken for the erection of a Congregational Church.