CANTERBURY.

North Otago Times, Volume II, Issue 45, 29 December 1864, Page 1 (Supplement)

CANTERBURY.

We extract the following items from the " Lyttelton Times :"— On the 16th instant, the fourteenth anniversary of the Province was celebrated. The day arose cloudily and unpropitiously, and the forebodings of a wet day were amply fulfilled. From an early hour flags were to be seen floating from the various flagstaff's in the city, and preparations were made for enjoying a holiday. The Government offices, the shops, and the places of business were all closed, and Christchurch appeared bent upon embracing the opportunity of spending a day of relaxation and amusement. The great event was the laying of the foundation stone of the Cathedral, and'a feeling of universal joy was entertained on the occasion. According to arrangement, Divine Service was solemnized at St. Michael's church, at 9.30 a.m. The church was well attended. The following clergymen were present : — The Eight Reverend the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, the Ven. the Archdeacon of Christchurch, the Revds. B. W. Dudley, J. C. Bagshawe C. Bowden, W. C. Fearon, H. Torlesse, G. Cotterill, 3. Wilson, W. W. Wilcock, and R. Bradley. Prayers were offered by the Ven. the Archdeacon of Christchurch, the Lessons being read by the Rev. B. W. Dudley. The Volunteer Force on the ground numbered about 400 of all ranks, and filing two deep at the entrance gate, formed a coidon for the purpose of keeping the ground. The square was decorated with flags, amongst them the time-honored Union Jack and others commemorating the union between the heir of Great Britain and his Danish bride. Here also was to be saen the provincial banner, bearing the arms of Canterbury. In the square near the spot where the s>one was to be placed was a raised platform for those who were to take part in ceremony. Unfortunately, the heavy rain which came on, materially interfered with the effect of the proceedings. After the devotional service His Lordship, taking the silver trowel from the arichitect, performed the ceremony of laying the stone, which was gradually lowered into its place. Previously to this Mr J. G. Hawkins placed in the centre cavity the bottle containing the inscriptions printed on vellum, together with proof impressions of every coin in circulation ; the Ven. Archdeacon first reading the inscriptions which were in Latin and English. The vellum inscriptions were the workmanship of Messrs Ward and Reeves, printers of this city. After the ceremony there was a public luncheon. The rest of the day was devoted to various sports, wound up by a ball. The day continued wet throughout. The distribution of prizes to the scholars of the Christchurch College took place on Wednesday, the 14th inst. It was advertised for 10.30 a.m., but owing to some defect in the arrangements, it was not held until past noon. Several persons were present, including many ladies. The Lord Bishop of the Diocese as Warden occupied the chair, | the masters of every department of the school ' being present. The examination of the pupils of St. Michael's school was held on the 7th inst. The distribution of prizes took place on Thursday, the Venble. the Archdeacon of Christchurch and some members of the School Committee being present. The Inspector's report mentions that the progress of the school was satisfactory in ever^ way. .All the classess had acquitted ihemselves very creditably, and the discipline of the school was very effective.