CANTERBURY.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 354, 15 March 1861, Page 4

CANTERBURY.

{From the Standard.) On Saturday evening, February 16, the first subscription meeting of the Christchurch Working.Men's Building Society took place at the Market Hall, which was attended by many of the working classes, for whose especial benefit the society was formed. A considerable number of shaves were subscribed for, but, owing to a wish expressed by some of the persons present to have the report ot the Provisional Committee read previous to their becoming subscribers, Mr. C. W. Bishop was voted to the chair, who read the report, and also the whole of the rules and alterations proposed to be made, and which were approved of by the meeting. The following officers were elected:—Trustees —W. S. Moorhouse, Esq., Captain Westenra, J. Ollivier, Esq.; Treasurer—C. W. Bishop, Esq.; Secretary—Mr. Gr. Furby. An inquest was held on Monday, Feb 25, at the Police Barracks in this town, before Dr. Donald and a highly respectable jury, on view of the body of Joseph Metcalfe, a drayman who was accidentally drowned in the Rakaia on the previous Saturday, by the upsetting of his dray while crossing the river in question. After a shojt investigation the jury had no hesitation in returning a verdict of ' Accidental death.' The Pteliance Brewery, the property of Messrs. Travers and Oldham, was on Tuesday, February 19, knocked down at auction to Mr. Kichard ,Taylor, of the Phoenix Brewery. We understand Mr. Taylor intends to carry-it on as a porter brewery.

(From the Lyttelton Times.) The Minerva.—The barque Minerva, Captain W. 11. Merry man, dropped anchor in our harbor after a good passage of 102 days from Gravesend or 93 days from land to land. She sailed on the 17th Nov., passed [he Downs the following day and was off Plymouth on the sixth day. Thence brisk and favorable winds accompanied the ship till the Ist Dec, when a smart gale from the S.W. was encountered lasting till the 3rd. The line was crossed on the 24th of the same month, amid the usual trying calms mid baffling airs. Thence the passage was very favorable, the ship making her 1200 and 1300 miles a week, and proving herself, if not a clipper, at least a remarkably good and comfortable sea boat. The Snares were sighted on the 25th Feb., and Port Cooper heads on the 27th. It is pleasing to state that the most perfect harmony and good feeling prevailed throughout the voyage among all classes of passengers, among whom was a good sprinkling of juveniles. Early in the voyage measles broke out; most of the. children took the complaint, but it soon passed off safely under the' able treatment of the surgeon, Mr. Williams. At one time apprehension was caused by the loss of many of the live stock, but the liberal conduct of Captain Merryman obviated any annoyance on this score to the passengers. The accession to our population by this vessel is considerable, though some of the passengers are for Otago and other provinces. They include several old colonists revisiting our shores, who represent the new comers as of a very high class generally. Divine service was regularly performed and well attended every Sunday morning and afternoon (with the exception of one stormy day) throughout the voyage, the Rev. C. Mackie, pastor of Avonside, officiating as chaplain. An address and a purse of sovereigns were presented to the captain.

Volunteers.—The ceremony of presentation of camp colors to the volunteers of Lyttelton, by Mrs. J. T. Peacock, took place on the usual parade ground, with the customary forms. Mrs. Peacock presented the colors in person with a few complimentary words, and Captain Moss responded on behalf of the corps. The colors were trooped and three hearty cheers concluded the ceremony. The Lyttelton band was present, and displayed the marked advance they have made in the practice of music since tho acquisition of the new instruments. The volunteers in this town will parade for the future every Wednesday.

Books.—At the last monthly meeting of the Christchurch Mechanics' Institute Mr. Olliv.ier, the librarian, laid on the table forty volumes of books of miscellaneous reading purchased by him on account of the Institute; also, three volumes as a present trom himself, and a valuable edition of Scott's Novels and Poems, presented by Mrs. I. Luck, of Christchurch. These form a welcome addition to the library, as the want of books has hitherto proved a serious drawback to the progress of the Institute.