LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1773, 30 September 1862, Page 2

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

Abchitectube —We quote the following from the New Zealander because the gentlemen alluded to as the architects, are now settled in Wellington, having accepted engagements ! ori the Provincial survey staff. There is abundant need of professional architects in this city, so that we trust we do public service by introdu* cinq them to notice.

" St. Matthew's New Chubch.— The contract has been taken for the building of this chuich, by Messrs. Bell and Gleeson for the Bum of £1,350. It will forthwith be commenced, and is to be finished in February. It will be seated for 600 adults, and when completed according to the designs of Messrs. Barnard and Allen, and fitted up with the new and powerful organ, now on .its way no doubt, will be both handsome and commodioiis, affording a much needed addition to tha limited church accommodation at present existing in this city."

An Old Acquaintance. — Our Presbytevhn readers, and especially those of tbe Hutt, Wai* rarupa, and Turakina districts will read wjth pleasure of the induction of the Her. Peter Mason to an Auckland charge. In each of the above districts Mr. Mason labored for some time, proceeding to Auckland about twelve months ago.

11 Last month (says the Neiv Zealander of the 6th inst.) the Rev. Peter Mason was inducted to the pastoral charge of St. James' Corir gfegation, Hobson -street, by the Presbytery of Auckland. The Rev. Mr. Nome, Papakura, preached the introductory discourse, from 2 ' Corinthians, iii., 10 " For even. that which was made glorious bad no glory, in this respect, by reasou of the glory that excelleth." Having contrasted the Old Testament economy with the New, and shown the superiority of the latter to the former, with respect to the points of light spirituality, liberty, extent, and duratiou, he concluded a very able and eloquent discourse by a deduction of inferences and lessons peculiarly appropriate to the occasion. Thereafter, the Rev. Mr. Bruce, St. Andrew's, read a narrative of facts relating to the call that had been moderated in and sustained by the Presbytery. He then addressed, at very considerable length, and in a solemn and impressive manner, the Minister and people on their re?-. pective and reciprocal duties. Much interest ,"■ was manifested in the whole services by a nibsf respectable audience, and the proceeding terminated by Mr. Mason receiving the congratula-'^ tions of his flock as they retired from their place** of worship. ■ ~j. Church of England Synod. — The annual!

synod of this diocese was opened on Tues* day afternoon, and closed oh Thursday, evening. The Bishop of Wellington presided,;, and the business to be attended to having been ~ well considered beforehand, the synodsmen were only required for the short period above men* tioned.

Memorial to Prince Albert. — We have received a copy of the circular of the Committee formed in Edinburgh for tbe purposes of raising subscriptions for a Scottish National Memorial to the late Prince Consort, and observe that it urgently recommends the formation of local agencies to collecc subscriptions for that object. The proposal has our best wishes, and we trust among the representatives of "auld Scotia" resident in this Province, an effort may be made to strengthen the hands of our brethren at home in carrying out such a deserving and praiseworthy effort. The Rangatira. — We see by the Sydney papers that this steamer is advertised to return to Cook's Strait &c, leaving Sydney on the Ist October. Otago, — The Lightning sailed from Mcl bourne on the 14th inst, with 800 passengers for Otago. Comparatively few diggers were then coining into Melbourne, and the other j ships are reported as filling up slowly.