Proviscul Council.—A provincial Gazette was issued yesterday, postponing the meeting of the Provincial Council from Friday, Octo ber 5, to Friday, October 19. This step has been rendered necessary owing to the pro tracted session of the General Assembly. Volunteer Artillert.—We are glad to observe that Battery No. 2 are now in posses sion of their Armstrong gun, a 12-pounder, arrived by the s.s. Rangitoto. We hope the members will devote their attention to drill, so that they will be able to act with No, 1, should their services be required. Inquest.—An inquest was held yesterday, at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Christchurch, before Dr. Coward, on the body of an illegi timate female infant, named Frances Murphy, aged three weeks. The evidence both medical and otherwise tended to show that death was caused by congestion of the brain. A verdict of "Death from natural causes," was re turned. Thistles—A correspondent informs us that the thistle inspector is badly wanted in the Mandeville district. There are sections north and north-east of No. IGIB, and be tween Sealey's corner and the Church bush, which are in spots poisoned with Scotch thistles, enough, if allowed, to seed down this coming summer, to stock the greater part of the Rangiora swamp, The seed stems will now very shortly make their appe*rance. New Zealand DmiiCTOßr, 1866-7.—A copy of this work, compiled by Messrs. Stevens and Bartholomew, and published in Melbourne, has been handed to us. It con tains a large mass of information, statistical and otherwise, regarding each province, and will be useful to commercial men. On glancing over the Canterbury portion of this Directory, we notice several typographical errors, easily enough accounted for, and very excusable. Altogether, it is a highly credit able compilation. Musical and Dramatic Review.—Under the above title, a monthly periodical has just been started in Melbourne. Judging from the style and tone of the first number, the promoters know well what they are about, and have obtained the services of writers who are acquainted with their subjects. The cri ticism is, for the most pirt, kindly, while it does not descend to twaddling and indiscrimi nate praise. We have no doubt the periodical will meet with success so long as it continues o realise the promise held out by the number before us.
