We learn from the Sydney JEmpire of the 4th January, that Mr. Swinbourne had pur chased, at Auction, the Brigantine " Des patch, of 140 tons, well known in the New Zealand trade under the command of Cap tain Peacock, for £895, cash. We under stand that Mr. Swinbourne disposed of the " Pauline," at Melbourne, for £1,000. We have received a communication from the passengers on board the " Pauline," highly complimentary to its (former) " spirited owner." The " Pauline" being disposed of, renders the remarks on her sea-going qualities now unnecessary ; but the follow ing paragraph respecting Mr. Swinbourne, we have much pleasure in publishing as a compliment well-merited by a gentleman who has done so much to further the ship ping interests of Lyttelton: — . "Mr. Swinbourne, being a fellow-passenger, exerted himself to the utmost to render us in eveiy way comfortable, provisions being most ample, and we were happy to see that the Steerage passengers entertained a similar opi nion with ourselves."

The Crops.—ln the neighbourhood of Ghristchurch, the farmers are very busy getting in their crops ; both the wheat and oats exhibit the baneful effects of smut to a very large extent. It is hoped and believed that this serious loss to the grower will be avoided next season, as it is quite certain that the quality of the seed sown had not been sufficiently looked to. We have it in more instances than one, where, on one side of the road, a splendid crop is standing, whilst immediately opposite, on the other side, half the crop is smutty. Upon the whole, however, we may expect a pretty, fair harvest.
