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Lyttelton Times, Volume III, Issue 149, 12 November 1853, Page 7

A slight shock of earthquake was experienced at about 3 a. m. on Thursday. The morning was exceedingly sultry till half past 9, Atfhen a violent gale of wind suddenly sprung up from the S.W. A loud roar preceded by several minutes the gale ere it burst upon the town. A boat under sail belonging to the " Tory," was capsized with two apprentices in it. The accident was witnessed from the barque and from the town, whereupon boats were promptly sent off for the lads, who were seen clinging- ta the keel; boat was the first to near the wreck, and saved the lads. On. the boat from the town coming up, the two together towed the capsized boat to shor.e,,

through a very heavy sea. Much excitement prevailed, as it was uncertain for some time whether any life had been lost. Great credit is due to Messrs. John Bannister, Alfred Rhodes, Symouds, and others, who manned the boat from the shore, for the zealous promptitude shewn by them in pulling off to save the lives of those in peril.

Mr. Mason's house on his station at the Wai-tohe, about 80 miles north of Christchurch, was destroyed last week'through the chimney catching fire. We regret to learu that. Mr. Mason and his family were completely burnt out, and that nothing was saved from the flames.

Christchtjuch Cricket Club. —The new Cricket-Around at Christuhurch, promised t<> the Club ;tt the end of last season, and prepared by the Committee, during the winter, was opened on Thursday week last, with a full attendance of members and spectators. About noon, play began between sides chosen on the ground. A pic-nic luncheon on the ground followed the first innings. This over, the necessary business of the Club was proceeded with, W.^G. Biittan, Esq., presiding. The Committee of last year reported their during the winter and received the assent of the meeting to a body of rules drawn up by them for the management of the Club. The members for the ensuing year were enrolled, and officers appointed. W. G. Brittan, Esq., was chosen President, and James Townsenrl, Esq., Vice-President,' with a Committee of twelve. Several candidates were proposed and submitted for ballot, and finally a vote of thanks was passed to the Committee and Secretaries of last year, and to the President of the Club for "his able and impartial conduct." This over, play was resumed till sunset, when, the battle being lost and won, players and spectators separated, having evidently enjoyed the delightful weather and the lively came of cricket, spite of the absence of the fair sex. We may be allowed to remark that the ground, though bearing marks of very careful management, still shows many imperfections, and will require much time and attention, ere it attains its proper condition. We understand that a match will be player! of the married against the single members on Wednesday, the 7th Dec. A match is also contemplated between the gentlemen of Kaiapoi, and the Club towards the close of the year.

On Monday, the 3rd instant, the whole of the principal Chiefs, and a large number of the native population, assembled at Port Chalmers, for the purpose of completing the sale of UlB lands southward of Otago, when the necessary documents were signed and witnesssed, and thft first instalment of the purchase money pakl over to the natives. There was the usual amount of speech-making, and the arrangements passed off without dispute. We cann.pt refrain from again expressing- our satisfaction, at the settlement of this transaction, adding asit does to the Province of Otago as. large aral fine a district, both for agricultural and pasturage purposes, as any in New Zealand. It is impossible to over-estimate the- advantages it will be to the settlers of Otago.— Witness, October Sth.

To the Editor of the Lyttelton Times.

Sir, —My attention has been dh-ected to a letter which appeared in the Lyttelton Times of Saturday last, in which a Mr. Birch is represented as the " Literary Father" of Mr. Caverhill. As I am not aware that there is any other individual, save myself, bearing that name in Canterbury, I am induced to believe that I am the person alluded to by Mr. Hiygins. If so, I must disclaim, the soft impeachment that I, in any way, assisted Mr. Caverhill. That gentleman is quite capable of taking care himself with fist, tongue, and pen : and I leave him to deal with those questionable witticisms, and " scabby lucubrations,'' with which. Mr. Higgins so plenteously garnishes his letter. Apoligising for intruding on your valuable ~space', ' - I remain. Your obedient Servant, ■ John Bikch.. .Lyttelton, Nov. 10. .