CHRISTCHURCH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 402, 10 September 1856, Page 6

CHRISTCHURCH.

The holiday on Monday last was strictly observed; public business being suspended, and the shops throughout the town closed. Tho weather in the morning was very unpropitious, a strong wind from the N.E., accompanied with frequent squalls of vain, putting all out of door amusement out of the question. A subscription had been entered into for the purpose of promoting some public entertainments, and it was feared that none of them would be forthcoming. However, about two o'clock, the weather somewhat cleared up, and the time-honoured institution known as " Rural Sports," came off opposite the White Hart Inn, Mr. Hart himself forming a very efficient corypheus. The greasy pole was ascended; the sacks were jumped in ;

tlio boys were duly treacled and floured; the soapy pig was chased and caught; the wheelharrow race was run blindfold, most of the competitors landing safe in the gulley in Cashel St.; the collars were grinned through; the hot coppers were scrambled; and the public, having thus satisfied the requirements of the proclamation to keep holiday, retired in good order to their homes, apparently well satisfied with the day's performance. The new windmill, near Christchurch, which we mentioned only a few weeks ago as being in course of building, has now arrived so near completion as to have begun working. The driving machinery is well adapted to these Plains, as the sails are so constructed as to take in cloth when the wind rises. The internal machinery also, we understand, is calculated to turn out the finest description of work. This advantage will, no doubt, tend to raise the value of Canterbury flour in the markets of the neighbouring colonies. We much regret having to record the total destruction of the house of Capt. Harvey, at Hoon Hay Bush, by fire. The unfortunate event took place on Sunday morning last about 10 o'clock. The roof, which was of thatch, caught fire, it is supposed, from some flaw in the chimneys which are of turf, and in a short time the house was totally consumed. Captain Harvey and his family have been obliged to remove to Christchurch. Firing the grass in the neighbourhood of Ckjfristchurch has become very common of late. Whether as an agricultural operation, or merely an amusement,the practice is equally dangerous. Many of the buildings on the outskirts of the town are so situated as to be in danger from these fires, if the wind should happen to change and to blow strong in their direction. There is of course no knowing where a fire once lighted among the dry grass,may stop. The other day** the country beyond the Ashley was burnt from " Mr Mac Farlane's homestead to the sea, a distance of about 10 miles, by a fire only intended to clear a few acres. Not only was the pasturage on the run destroyed, but we understand that a flock of sheep have narrowly escaped destruction, and that some few head were .actually burnt to death. Chbistchurch.—-Resident Magistrate's Coxjet, Tuesday, 26th August.—MclCenzie v. TV. Gr. Beitta^.—This was an action brought •to recover the sum of £10, paid as deposit for land to the Waste Lands Board. Thomas McKenzie, being sworn, said—ln April last, I applied for 50 acres of land, being part of Mr. Back's pre-emptive right, and paid £10 as a .deposit, according to the regulations. I am now about to leave the place, and I have been told by several parties that the regulations do not admit of my purchasing the section. I, therefore, seek to have my deposit returned. On cross-examination, Plaintiff said that he understood at the time he paid the deposit that there .was a difficulty with respect to the pre-emptive rights, and that he should have to wait until it ,was settled.—The Court dismissed the case,