Local Intelligence.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VIII, Issue 528, 25 November 1857, Page 5

Local Intelligence.

In the blankness and emptiness of all political things in this province of Canterbury, we hail with unusual pleasure the prospect of a small change. We do not say that the change ispleasing because the old was bad or because the new is likely to be better, but we hail it simply as a token of vigour. On the lately established government,as on a newly planted tree, we have watched for the first green speck to burst upon the dry boughs, announcing that the roots have struck, and the sap is ascending. Public rumour has for some days reported that such a bud wan-maturing underneath, on the main shoot of the Secretary's branch; and rumour we believe is correct. Still however, so far as we know, the withered leaf of last autumn droops in the calm air, not yet pushed off by the fresh vegetation. Dropping metaphor, we are only repeating what at present is in every body's mouth, when we say that Mr. H. J. Tancred is indicated as having been offered and being likely to accept the post of Provincial Secretary, though not at present holding a seat in the Council. Rumour adds : that Mr. Ollivier takes a seat in the Executive; but we do not venture to make-certain that either appointment will actually take place. We are informed that another unfortunate «ase of death by drowning has occurred in the neighbourhood of Kaiapoi, and that the name ©f the deceased is Wilson. The inquest will beheld to-day. We have no further particulars. The well-known comedy entitled The Honeymoon, reduced to three acts, was produced at the Theatre on Monday evening, for the Amateurs' benefit, and Betay Baker was revived for an afterpiece. The house was not so

full as usual, and the absence of music had a rather dismal effect. The Honeymoon will be repeated on Friday. We have just heard that the Government have ordered the suspension of the works on the Stunner Road. There is still a considerable value in land untouched out of the vote passed by the Council last year; and the work laid out by the Provincial Engineer was calculated according to the Estimates. The consequence of a summary suspension of operations will be that part of the works now on hand will be left in a dangerous and unfinished state, whereas, had the amount voted and calculated upon been spent, the whole of the road would be available until more money can be spared to complete it."