Local Intelligence.

Lyttelton Times, Volume IX, Issue 551, 13 February 1858, Page 5

Local Intelligence.

The Planet Steameb.—The trial trip on Tuesday last proved satisfactory in the opinion of all conversant with the matter. The Planet left the jetty at a quarter past three in the afternoon, taking about fourteen passengers, She had been supplied with a small quantity of English coal to mix with that on board, which was a very inferior surface coal obtained from a newly-opened mine; while the English coal lasted the pressure was high, and progress was very satisfactory; but when the NewSouth Wales coal alone remained the pressure fell to little more than half, and a corresponding difference was apparent in the speed attained. The passage to Pigeon Bay was against a strong N.E. wind, and was accomplished under these circumstances in exactly three hours, the distance being about fifteen miles. Here the party of passengers landed and were hospitably received by Mr. E. Hay and others. At the expiration of two hours, from 6.15 to 8.15, the Planet got under weigh for her return. By this time the wind had changed to S.W., blowing stiff, so that the return was made also against a head wind;' from the inferior quality of the coal the upward passage occupied an hour longer than the downward, and the anchor was dropped in the harbour at a few minutes after midnight. The alterations necessary have been commenced.

Savings Bank.—The operations of this institution are about to be extended to Christchurch, where a number of gentlemen have intimated their readiness to act as trustees. The business of the bank will commence as soon as a proclamation to that effect is published in the Government' Gazette.' The Government.—lt will be seen by our report of the proceedings in Council on Thursday evening that the President of the Council, the Hon. H. J. Tancred, has retired from his seat in that body. Artesian Spring.—An incident which it may be profitable to relate occurred at the brewery of Mr. Taylor in Christchurch some few days ago. The brewery is situated on the north side of the river Avon, and on an elevated portion of land as compared with the level of the river. Mr. Taylor has been engaged in ■sinking a well, and at 12 feet he obtained water. This not proving of a satisfactory quality he continued to dig deeper, but as the water interfered unpleasantly with the work, he attached a common 1^ inch auger to a pole and worked with that, and having driven it through the soil about 8 ft. he was met by a fountain which rose several feet. This has continued ever since, and is pouring out a large and continuous volume of water. We need hardly observe that this is in fact an Artesian well, and suggests to those whose situations on the plains may be remote from running streams an encouraging method by which the all-important requisite, water in abundance, may be obtained. The supply in Mr. Taylor's case is so considerable that he purposes conducting it over every part of his establishment where water is requisite.-— Canterbury Standard.

Otago.—By the Swan we have papers to the 6th inst. The Strathallan arrived on the Bth of January, from Leith October 4, 100 days out, and 79 from land to land. She brought 289 souls, only two of whom were cabin passengers. All received immediate employment. The Robert Henderson was to sail from the Clyde on the 10th of November, a full ship, and the Trafalgar was to follow, besides the Palmyra from London. 319 bales wool, the first produce of the season, had been shipped in the Thomas and Henry to Melbourne. The revenue returns for the last quarter are published, and are satisfactory. From Sydney we have three days' later news, containing nothing of importance. In the commercial world, heavy arrivals, the holidays, and one or two suspensions had created a temporary depression. A better state of things was looked for.