WESTPORT LETTER.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7804, 6 March 1891, Page 2

WESTPORT LETTER.

[FBOM OUR COBBSBPONDBNT.] ■ ■■'■'■ February 20. An agitation in favour of the early closing of places of business Iβ At present going on in town. A large and enthusiastic meeting was held in the Drill bhed on Monday evening and a committee appointed to take the necessary steps to carry out this reform. The feeling of the shop-keepers has since been taken on the subject, and all bat four have expressed themselves willing to close at seven o'clock in the evening. Another public meeting Iα connection with this matter is to be held on Monday evening in the Town Hall. At the meeting of the local State School Committee held last week,, it was resolved to apply to the Education Hoard to get the westport State School converted into a High School, the same as in other towns. . , There is still a considerable number of Unionists at Denniston outof employment, and the Miners Association there has just received .£2OO from Melbourne towards their support, which sum has been obtained through the efforts of Mr Loniaa, who Iβ at present on a visit to Australia. Active preparations are already on foot for the Bazaar in aid of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, which is to be held next Christmas. A meeting was held a few days ago, and a committee of ladles appointed to carry out arrangements. In connection with the Brougham street drain agitation two deputations, one a committee of the Borough Council, and the other consisting of Brougham street residents, waited upon the Chairman of the Harbour Board some days ago with reference to the proposed construction of a tunnel under the railway yard. Mr Martin informed them that this was a matter for the consideration of the Railway Commissioners, the marine department having control only ef the outlet. He advised them, however, to get plans prepared and to apply to the commissioners, but he considered that a timber tunnel would not be sufficient. A special meeting of the Borough Council was held on Wednesday evening when it was decided to get plans prepared for the work. . It is stated that Mr T. J. Waters, managing engineer to the Westport Coal Company, will terminate his engagement with the company in May next, having been appointed to the management of extensive works in Denver, Colorado. During his Stay here Mr Waters, besides being an efficient officer of the Company h&s taken an active interest in everything that tended to promote the improvement of the district. On Thursday afternoon, the annual picnic of St. Johns Sunday School, was held on Martins Island. The weather was beautiful, and the excursion was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. In reply to an advertisement for a librarian for the Westport Athenaeum, there were no less than fifteen applications, several of them from ladies. Mr Frank Lee was appointed. Last evening the Harmonic Society gave another ol their excellent concerts. Tile orchestraMs now up to its full strength of sixteen instruments. The programme was a miscellaneous one, both vocal and instrumental, and there were numerous encores.