» [BY WEST COAST TELEGRAPH.] Bjcalet, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. Wind, N.W. Weather fine and warm. Rivers very low. Coach arrived from Christchurch at 6.16 p.m. on Saturday,with four passengers. Left for Christchurch at 5 a.m. this morning.
THE WEATHER.
Results of Meteorological Observations taken at Ohristohiroh. latitude, 43° 40' S.; Longitude, 172 0 51' E. Height above sea level, 21 feet.
B. L. HOLMES, Meteorological Observer. Concrete Arching.—The use of artificial stone and concretes in construction has been attempted in several forms, but, generally, in that of blocks previously shaped and after wards applied like stones. In the extensive underground floors of a new barracks now erecting in Paris, the vaultings are being formed with what is called Beton's agglomeres, the exact composition of which is kept secret by the inventor, M. Coignet. The walls are fully thirteen feet apart, and the concrete is laid on timber centrings, and trodden and beaten down with great care. The vault and flooring thus formed is about two feet thick at the spring of the vaulting, but only about ten inches on the crown, and it is found suf ficiently strong for all practical purposes. It has also this great advantage, that the ceiling can at once be whitened, and the floor laid with tiles or cement without further prepa ration. The process is said to be successful and economical.—Society of Arts Journal.
AUCTION SALES THIS DAY.
Messrs. LUCK and CLARE:.—On the Premises, near the Springfield Road, St. Albans, at Twelve o'clock, Household Furniture, Horses, Harness, Express "Waggon, &c. Messrs. AIKMAN and WILSON.-At the Bail way Station, at One o'clock, Timber. Messrs. OLLIVIER and SOW—At their late Offices, High street, %t Noon, Furniture, Ac.
BIRTHS.
