Local Intelligence.

The Hutt.—Opening of the Primitive Methodist Chapel.—This Chapel was opened on Sabbath the 11th ult.; the Rev. J. Inglis preached in the forenoon and afternoon, and the Rev. H Green, Minister of the congregation, in the evening. The attendance at all the services was numerous, and the collection liberal. A Tea Meeting was held on the Monday evening following, which was numerously attended. The Primitive Methodists and their Minister in this place deserve great praise for the activity and perseverance they have displayed, in the page 23 erection of places of worship. Mr. Green has laboured among them little more than a twelvemonth. The members and adherents of his denomination are neither numerous nor wealthy; and yet during the past year they have erected two substantial and commodious chapels,—one in Wellington, capable of holding about 150 people,—and one in the Hutt, capable of containing about 80. The chapels are both opened nearly free of debt. They have made no clamorous appeals to the public for assistance, but on the principle that “God helps those that help themselves,” they have quietly and vigorously set their shoulders to the work, and their buildings, like Solomon's temple, have risen without noise, not a whisper scarcely was heard of them, till the walls resounded and the roofs re-echoed with the praises of God, and the glad tidings of Salvation.

Otakou.—We are happy to know that this settlement commences as highly favoured by religious privileges as secular advantages. Dr. Candlish, and the Presbytery of Edinburgh, bore the strongest testimony in behalf of the Rev. Thomas Burns, their pastor, as being in their opinion of all the Ministers of the Free Church the best fitted for New Zealand. A well qualified teacher has also been appointed for the instruction of the young, They have likewise brought with them the most of the materials for a Church and a manse, and the site selected for the erection of these buildings is convenient and beautiful. The Wesleyans with their characteristic ubiquity, have also obtained a site for a place of worship within the township, to provide for the spiritual wants of any of their communion that may find their way thither. On the first Sabbath after the arrival of the Philip Laing, Mr. Burns preached in the forenoon, and the Rev. Mr. Creed, Wesleyan Missionary, at Waikowaiti, near Otakou, in the afternoon. On the following Sabbath, the Rev. Mr. Nicholson, the Presbyterian Minister appointed for Nelson-preached in the forenoon; in the afternoon Mr. Burns preached, page 24 and baptized Mr. Nicholson's child, born on board the John Wickliffe and being the first child born and baptized at Dunedin, was very appropriately named after the first great English Reformer. Mr Nicholson preached three Sabbaths in Wellington, with much acceptance, on his way to Nelson. We understand there is every likelihood of a Presbyterian Minister being appointed soon to Auckland. We heartily congratulate the Presbyterians in New Zealand on the brighter prospects that are fast opening upon them. The Scotch have been more destitute of religious instruction and pastoral superintendence in connection with their own fondly cherished system, than any class in this country; but it is to be earnestly hoped that their sturdy manliness, and indomitable energy, will enable them in more favourable circumstances, to make up their lee-way—and that they will still fully maintain all that is excellent in their national character, and be equally distinguished here as at home for keeping holy the Sabbath, for Church going habits, for attention to the instruction of their children, and for a simple, sincere, unostentatious piety; and that in proportion to the their religious privileges, they will exhibit “growth in grace and perseverance therein to the end.”

Protestant Association.—The Protestant Association of London furnished a grant of their publications for New Zealand, to the Rev. T. D. Nicholson. Mr. N. left the proportion for Wellington with the Ministers belonging to the Evangelical Alliance, who are putting them in circulation. We shall notice this Association and its publications more fully in a future number.

Nelson.—An Auxiliary Missionary Society was lately formed there among the Wesleyans, which promises to do well; but several interesting particulars on that settlement, and the Bible and other Societies in Wellington, will appear in our next.