Local Intelligence.

Lyttelton Times, Volume IX, Issue 548, 3 February 1858, Page 4

Local Intelligence.

A melancholy accident occurred in this harbour on the afternoon of Friday last. John Smith, boatswain of the Ashburton, was goingashore in a boat -with five others to fetch water to the ship; about half-way between the Ashburton and Rhodes's bay he went to the fore part of the boat to do something to the sail, and when coming aft again stepping over the casks his foot slipped and he fell backwards overboard. The men immediately threw him an oar, which, however, he did not seem to care about taking* they then threw out the second oar, which he refused likewise, although both went close to him. In a few seconds he was heard to give a groan, and he then sank and was seen noTnore. The boat remained on the spot for half-an-hour to three-quarters, and every exertion was made to recover him; the sail was taken down, the empty water casks were thrown out of the boat, and every one was on the watch. The conclusion arrived at by nearly all is, that the unfortunate man was seized by a shark. Smith was about thirty-two years of age, and was a great favourite with all hands. We must not omit to notice the arrival of a new photographic artist among us, Mr. Elsbee, who has taken up his quarters in London-street, in this town. Mr. Elsbee has adopted the collodian form of photography, and the specimens which line his rooms prove him to be a practical performer in the art. We have had the pleasure of inspecting his handiwork in different shapes and Various styles, and we are bound to say that he unites the artist with the practised operator/ so as to produce portraits superior to any which' have yet been obtainable in Canterbury. We observe that Mr. Jackson has withdrawn from his candidateship for the representation of the Heathcote District in the Council, and that Mr. Tancred has come forward to contest the vacancy. The nomination takes place on Friday next, at Christchurch Quay, and the polling on Saturday, at the usual time. We wish to draw attention to the work which the College has now taken in hand. . It will be seen by advertisement in our columns to-day that Mr. Tancred, who holds the chair of Hulscan Chichele professor of History, will deliver a course of lectures in the library of Christ's College, Cashel Street; to commence on next Monday evening. The lectures will be open to the public.