Local Intelligence.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VII, Issue 439, 17 January 1857, Page 6

Local Intelligence.

Lecture. — On : ; Tuesday evening, an instructive and interesting lecture on " Human Physiology" was delivered by Dr. Gundry, in the Town Hall, before the members of the Colonists' Society. The lecturer commenced his address with a few remarks on the classificaliou of the animal kingdom, which were introductory to the zoological position, and the distinguishing ma. ks of the human race. In illustrating these, he showed, by referring to the skeleton, the attitude natural to man, and the power he possesses in the beautiful mechanism of the hand. He then considered the structure of the teeth and their adaptation to a mixed diet, contrasting those in man with those of the other portions of the animal creation; afterwards describing the process of digestion, and the nourishmeat of the body through the medium of the blood, and also the connexion between the circulation of the blood and respiration. The actions of the "nerves, and their communication with the great centre of the nervous system, the brain, and the degree of intellectuality occasioned by the- greater or less development of that organ, were then explained, after ■which he.. illustrated the facial-line and angle in man, and showed their gradual decrease in descending the scale of the animal kingdom. Dr. Gundry concluded this evening's lecture [by some remarks on the endowment of speech being peculiar to the human race, also the capability of thought and reflection ; and demonstrated that in *,he education of these is man's superiority evinced, as well over the inferior animals, as in the progressive stages of advancement from barbarism to civilisation. —The customary vote of thanks was moved by Mr. Latter, who stated that Dr. Gundry would continue the subject on Tuesday evening, Jan. 27, when we trust that many of our fellow townsmen will attend.

The Quay Chxjkch.—Oa Sunday evening- last, the.Bishop of Christchureh, preached his first sermon to the inhabitants of "the Heathcote district in the spacious store at Christchureh Quay, belonging- to Mr. Webb, who had kindly fitted it up for ttie occasion. An unusually large congregation being anticipated, it was thought that the building where the service is usually performed at present would be insufficient for their accommodation. At half-past ten, a congregation of about 100, all residents of the district, had collected. Prayers were read by the Rev: James Wilson ; and the Bishop of Christchureh preached a short and impressive sermon from Romans XL 18. 19. 20. After the sermon, the Sacrament was administered to a large number of persons. It is to be hoped that the intended church will be built soon, so as to accommodate the increasing population of this important district. The Bishop preached in the afternoon in the Lincoln Road District, and in the evening at Christchureh.

Excursion to Atcaboa.—As we are now momentarily expecting the arrival of the Zingari, we call our readers' attention to the advertised pleasuie. trip to Akaroa, to

be made by that vessel. This undertakingl involves considerable risk, and we trust that the caterer of such a rational scheme" of enjoyment will not be a loser. It is to be hoped (hat many will avail themselves of this opportunity of relief from what is called the dull routine of colonial life, and of seeing a large portion of the beautiful coast, scenery of the Peninsula. In the old country an excursion trip, even on the rivers was considered1' one of the greatest treats the overworked population could enjoy a treat at once recreative and instructive ; the trip to Akaroa would well contrast, both for scenery and for the prospect of enjoyment, with most of the excursion trips of the mother country.

Pigeon Bay.—The U.S. ship Albiou, 336 tons, Hind, Master, arrived in,(Pigeon Bay on the 1 4th instant.]] This vessel is from Fairhaven in in the United Slates, and has been out two years. Pier latest visit was to the Sandwich Islands, which place she left on the Bth of November. Weave informed that the present cargo of the Albion consists of 2,000 barrels of black oil, and that the captain intends further fishing off the coast of the Peninsula.

Kaiapoi.—Resident Magistrates' Court, January 9.— Thomas Eaton summoned James Wyld for damages for refusing to allow a drayman in his employ to cart timber along a private road to which plaintiffclaimed a right-of-way in pursuance of agreement. Defendant pleaded that the plaintiff had violated the agreement in not keeping 1 part of the road in repair, and that also the road was the property of Mr. Sneyd, and he had himself permission only to use it till further notice, and the only right-of-way in his power to give was through a section of bush sold to Mr. Lock-. The case was dismissed, as it involved a question of title to land, Mr Brut an recommending that the dispute should be settled by arbitration, which we understand has since been done.