WEST COAST GOLD-FIELDS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 34, 13 April 1866, Page 3

WEST COAST GOLD-FIELDS.

BRUCE BAY RUSH. Speaking of the outrages committed at the late rush, the Okarita Times says : — A woman named Smith, who was keeping a shanty, was dragged out by the hair of the head, one ruffian struck and treated her most indecently, but we are glad to say that that blackguard outdid even his associates, and as a redeeming feature of the whole infamous proceedings, some of those present administered a hearty good thrashing to the scoundrel for his conduct to the woman. The other women on the ground fled for shelter into the bush, one of them attired in man's apparel. On the next day (Saturday), it was freely stated that the mob intended to demolish the stores that had escaped on the previous uight, but on that day the Kennedy, with four police, arrived, and the warden swore in twenty special constables to assist them. This evidently had a very pacifying effect oil the turbulent, for though some small disturbances occurred, yet they were of comparatively little moment, after the scenes of the previous uight. Iu one store, however, where a man and wife were, some blackguards called, and after compelling hospitality in the shape of free drinks, one of the party wished to appropriate the storekeeper's better half, on the alleged ground that she was not married. This was demurred to, as may be imagined, aud the police were sent for, but if we are informed correctly, declined oil some ground or other to come. If, as is stated, the cause of their non-attendance was the fear of consequences, how they would have got on if a serious riot of Friday's description had occurred, is hard to guess. A number of people surrounded Mr. Warden Price, and threatened him with violence, their cause of complaint being that he had granted the prospecting claim. He addressed the assemblage, and explained that he could only, have acted in the manner that he had done, and that if they had been deceived in any way the fault was not his. The explanation was coldly received, but no breach of the peace took place.