Local Intelligence.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VIII, Issue 498, 12 August 1857, Page 4

Local Intelligence.

The first step towards the reconstruction of our quadrennially perishing government is taken to-day. Our readers will see in our advertising columns the notice that a writ has been received by the Eeturning Officer, for the election of a Superintendent of Canterbury, and that the nomination will take place at Christchurch on Saturday, the 26th October, and the polling, if any, at the places specified;throughout the province on the next Eriday after, the 30th of the same month. Six days notice will consequently be given of the names of the persons put in nomination, so that correct information may reach every district.

Before the departure of his Honor, Mr. Fits Gerald, for England, which, we understand, will occur in about three weeks, our fellow townsmen of Lyttelton have expressed their, desire to bid him a public farewell; His Honor has intimated his intention to be present on Tuesday evening, the 25th instant, and we believe that a conversazione, of the sort which has been tolerably successful before now, will be held oh that evening, in the Town Hall, to receive him. We believe that Mr. Fitz Gerald is taking with him models of various interesting objects in the settlement, one of great size among them of the whole range of hills round the Port. These, if no accident intervenes to prevent, it is hoped vvill be exhibited on the occasion above mentioned. ' »' " . .

On Sunday afternoon, about twenty-five minutes past two o'clock, the shock of an earthquake, amounting to a slight tremor, was felt, as far as we have been able to ascertain, throughout the province. The shock was not so long in duration as that of January, 1855, but partook rather of a jerking motion than of the long undulating movement which distinguished the former shock as felt in this neighbourhood. So far. as we are able to compare the different accounts sent to' us, the shock seems to have been more severely felt in Christchurcb arid on the Plains than in> Lyttelton, ' Dog owners living in towns must not neglect to register their faithfulfol'lowers. A few weeks ago, at the Police Court in Christehureh, several persons were brought up and fined in mitigated penalties for having unregistered dogs, in then: following. The fee for registration is 10s. The notice that unregistered dogs would be. destroyed by the police; and their owners fined, Was duly issued and published in the newspapers during June and July. On the local steam question we have to record the steps which Akaroa has taken to bear her share of the burden. A report, which we have received somewhat late, from "out own correspondent" contains the substance; of the discussion which took place at a public meeting held there to consider the subject, as well as the resolutions passed. There is perhaps no part of the province which would profit more than Banks' Peninsula from the visits of a

oasting stea-mer to her small divided settlements. The union with the Plains which would be thus produced would benefit both places. The doings of the men of Akaroa shall speak for themselves in our next issue.