The Official Handbook of New Zealand; A Collection of Papers by Experienced Colonists on the Colony as a Whole, and on the Several Provinces (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1875 Excerpt: ...from 90s. to 170s. per hhd. Beer (English), say 10. 10s. per hhd. Coals, say from 50s. to 75s. per ton. (The last article is chiefly imported from Newcastle, in Australia. It is probable that the opening of the Canterbury coal mines will soon reduce the price very materially.) Fowls, say from 4s. per couple. Ducks, say from 5s. to 6s. per couple. Geese, say from 6s. to 8s. per couple. Religious Bodies. As far as can be ascertained, the following list comprises the most important ecclesiastical organizations in the Province; but, as has been already observed, the populalation comprises members of almost every form of Church and sect, and even includes several Chinese. There are, therefore, probably many who are not contained in the list below. The Church of England in Canterbury is governed by a Bishop (who is also Primate of New Zealand) with a chapter and canons. The jcathedral in Christchurch, designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, ia not yet much more than commenced. Some years ago a sum of over 6,000 was expended in constructing the foundations, which are very massive, and for a long time no'further steps were taken in the matter. In 1873, however, 5,000 was devoted to the commencement of the walls, to a height of about 9 ft. all round; and it is expected that gradually the work may be proceeded with, though the size of the building will necessarily cause its completion to be considerably delayed. The total cost of the work is estimated at 50,000. There are, besides, nine churches in Christchurch and its suburbs, one at Lyttelton, and others in the various country towns and villages. Services are also held, when possible, at many of the up-country residences and stations. The Roman CathoUcs of Canterbury form part of the Diocese of Welli...