CANTERBURY.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1488, 11 January 1861, Page 4

CANTERBURY.

By the Piince Alfred we have papers from this province up to the 14th inst , from which we make the following extracts: — The steamer Avon brought down on Thursday the first wool shipped by steam from the SaltWater C?reek. .. The freight was 73 bale*, the master riot wishing to take a full load ; it was from Cameron's store and was part of the loading of the Evening Star. The Avon met with no difficulties iv the navigation of the creek. — Standard. On Mouday last, the foundation stone of the New Wesleyan Church was laid at Lyttekon, by J. T. Peacock, Esq. There w.»s a very full attendance of friends present, and the whole proceedings were of a most interesting character. In the evening therewas a Tea Meeting in the Odd Fellows' Hall, when several suitable addresses were delivered. . The Bazaar in aid of the funds for the building of a New Wesleyan Cbuieh was held in the Town Hull, Lyttelton, on Thursday and Friday last, and had a most brilliant and decided success. It attracted a large number of visitors fioro all parts of the country. Numerous stalls were erected, which were most taste iully decorated, autl well supplied with a variety of tliose pretty articles which though objects of admiration, seldom fiod purchasers except on these occasions. We have not as yet heard the amount realised, but we. trust itw.j's commensurate to the pains bestowed upjii its production by many of our fair friends. The ladies who officiated did so with tyct and discrimination beyond all praise, and their powers of fascination were most successful in winning golden opinions from all. The strains of the Lyttelton band added greatly to the plea.»ure of the scene— lbid. Cricket.— A match was played oo the 26th iust, batween the Avonside and Lincoln Road Clubs. There was some very good cricket exhibited by both sides. At the close oi the day when the stumps were drawn, the Avonside bad lost three wiokets only in their second innings, and wanted but three runs to win. As it was not thought worth while to meet on the following day for so small a score, the Lincoln Road Club surrendered the match— lbid. Total Abstinence Society.— The Total Abstinence Society held a public tea meeting in the Tiiwn Hall last Wednesday. There was a large gathering of the friends of Temperance on this occasion, and a bountiful supply of good things. After participating "iv the cup that cheers but not inebriates," and doing full justice to the many delicacies provided, the company adjourned to the large room of the Hall, when Mr. Olepbuue was called upon to take the chair. Addresses in favour of the

movement were delivered by many gentlemen. We have not space to give a detailed report of the same ; but we were particularly pleased with Messrs. Worth, Bennett,- and Clements (tbe latter gentleman especially). There might not have been, perhaps, perfect oratory; but there was an earnestness of language that could not, we think fail to carry conviction to many minds — and this was evinced in the numbers who gave in their adherence to the canse at the conclusion of the meeting. One of the most pleasing features of the evening was th» execution of several Temperance ballads, adapted to the various popular melodies of the day, «od which were most beautifully and effectively rendered. We heartily wish the society a " God speed."

The Oild Fellows celebrated the anniversary of the Norwich Lodge, by a dinner at the Universal Hotel, Lyttelton, on Friday last, the 21st inst. About 45 persons, sat down to a most sumptuous repast, as' might naturally be expected when their caterer was Mr. Heaphy, whose. known liberality in these instances need no further comment. . Dr. Donald occupied the chair, and a most pleasant evening was spent by the assembled guests. ■ Mr. Frederick Staok, who for some time past has been Interpreter and Teacher to the Maori population, and whose services have been mosl valuable in that capacity was on Sunday last admitted into Holy Orders by His Lordship the Bishop of Christchurch. This is a faithfuland wise election into tbe sarcredministry of the church, and we-Mmesllg.-JiiQag--tli»;t. the Jftev. gentleman may be long spared -'Vto labour in His Master's Vineyard." Sales by Auction.— Mr. Oilixer reports the sale by public auction, on Thursday 20th inst., of 25 sections in Amesbury for the sura of £506 being an advance on the upset price of about £100. Also, the whole of the Lunatic Asylum Reserve for the sum of £684 15s. Also, the Gravel Pit Reserve, for tbe sum of £100. Also, two quarter acre sections in Christen inch and house for the sum of £475. Alss sections iv Northport, for good prices. On Saturday last, 22ud inst., Mr. Win. Barnard sold by public auction at his stockyards opposite the' Wnite Hart' 7 mares and geldings. The prices realized varied from £22 to £60, and averaged £35 10s. per head.