NOTES FROM LYTTELTON.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 759, 25 November 1876, Page 3

NOTES FROM LYTTELTON.

Lyttelton, November 24. During this hot weather there are two sorts of sunbeams prevalent in Lyttelton—one sort, the old original, makes people hot, whilst the new sort is supposed to keep them cool. As everybody knows about the old sort, we will describe the new. They are hideous erections of pith, covered with some light material, and in shape are between a helmet and a saucepan; in other words, they are cheap pith hats. We call these hats “sunbeams” in Lyttelton, because a barque of that name brought them from Calcutta, and as they were inexpensive and elegant (especially the former), they were purchased in large quantities and became the rage. An officer of the Sunbeam said that when these hats were aboard they were stowed on top, and, in fact, were covering some cocoanuts, and, wondered if they were now more worthily employed. Now, when sunbeams first became the rage in Lyttelton, a rather amusing incident occurred. Neptune has a repre sentative in port, in the shape of an elderly fisherman, who if he does not reside in the sea, is at any rate very frequently covered with scales. This gentleman is not remarkable for the beauty of his headgear, and when sunbeams began to spread, an hotel keeper with a strong sense of fun got up a small subscription and purchased a sunbeam for Neptune, who, attired in a white suit, looked comparatively scaleless, and for several days was the admiration of Lyttelton, though we are sorry to say he has since degenerated.

That was really a plucky fellow, and deserves great praise, who saved the horse last Wednesday afternoon, when the railway accident (if it is worthy of being called by that name) occurred ; just fancy, he was on the other side, saw the truck stopped, and the horse fastened to it, standing across the line, and, though the train was close up, jumped over and let go the chain just in time to let the horse, who was an old railway hand, whisk himself free as the engine came thundering past. It was a close shave, and if that horse has any feeling of gratitude he’ll never kick that man,

Throwing stones is not a good thing, and I am sorry to say that youths in Lyttelton are much addicted to this pastime. Two young gentlemen were brought before the magistrate this week, and received a severe rebuke, and we hope this will have a beneficial effect, as if not, harsher measures will have to be adopted.

The attention of one of our Councillors has been called to the fact that it is desirable to have land sports in London street on the Regatta Day. Now, we all know that many of our citizens as well as a portion of <>ur visitors are not partial to the water, and it is quite right that something else should be provided for them. It is some time since London street was metalled, so it is admirably adapted for athletic sports. We hope the idea will meet with the success it de

serves, and our burgesses may be sure of one thing that they will have happy homes (Holmes) that day if it is a success.

The Gladstone pier is to be extended, and without doubt the extra accommodation is very much required; but it is a wonder that a new wharf is not run out instead. When you extend the Gladstone pier you only provide room for a single tier of vessels, as of course it is only the inside that can be used, whereas if a new wharf were run out between the watermen’s steps and the Gladstone Pier there would be double the room, as vessels could be berthed on both sides ; and, besides, this new wharf would protect the Gladstone during the nor’westers, for a good deal of quiet grinding up of fenders goes on there when the wind is blowing hard, in spite of all our harbour improvements. I suppose it would be a little more expensive, but not much, for it is the material that is so costly, and that would do as well in one place as another. All must be sure of one thing—that the present berth for the big steamers is a very awkward one, and it is quite a feat of seamanship to get alongside ; and though no doubt, thanks to the dredge, there will soon be plenty of water for them to get to the Screw pile Jetty and other wharves—ls there any room for them there ?

The Borough Council seem very determined about not granting the site where the Council Chambers now stand for the erection of the new Police Buildings. According to the Mayor’s speech the Government do not intend putting up a new R.M, Court at once, but how they are to manage, considering that the land occupied by the present building is required for the additions to the Gaol, I do not understand. Perhaps they will shift the present handsome erection to some other site; if they do I hope at any rate they will provide a few more chairs, a scarcity of these useful articles being one of the prominent features of the Lyttelton Resident Magistrate’s Court. In spite of the wet weather last Saturday we Lytteltonians are as enthusiastic about cricketing as ever, and the Married v Single match is to come off to-day ; betting is dead against the Benedicts, but, though they may not have such sharp eyes as their opponents, they carry more weight, and a ball is not so likely to pass them, as they are considerably broader than the bachelors, taking them all round. Let us only hope that this afternoon will be fine, and that all will go well. The quoits have been well patronised, and, to all people troubled with a liver, we recommend a couple of hours’ practice a day ; it is better than pills and infinitely nicer. We Lytteltonians are a captious, cantankerous, backbiting community, but there’s something good in some of us after all. I have often been amused to see two Portonians meet away from home; they fraternise to such an extent, whilst in the Fishing Village they barely speak to each other. One of us lost a considerable sum of money the other day, rewards were offered, and a thorough search instituted, but in vain. The unfortunate loser however on going to the bank a couple of days ago found that some person or persons unknown had paid the exact amount lie had lost in to his credit. Who ever did it, it was a noble, unostentatious deed, and the donor, if he escapes praise from his fellow townsmen will not escape from a better reward elsewhere. Good bye till next Saturday, PORTONIAN.