WEST COAST.

Otago Witness, Issue 2661, 15 March 1905, Page 34

WEST COAST.

Th© Hon. Mr M" Go wan arrived in Hokifftke. on the 7th. and after paving an official visit to several public institution? \\a<! inter viewed by the County Council, Railway League, and Prospecting Association. A number of important matters were brought under his notice, especially the necessity J of assisting the dcve'.opmpnt of tho newly- J discovered reefs in Wilberforco Range, j Tho Minister promised to assist ia this.

and announced that all future prospecting' operations would be conducted on a new and scientific basis. Subsequently the> Minister was suitably entertained, and on Wednesday he visited Ross. The Minister of Mires was interviewed at Ross on Wednesday, and subsequently entertained at a social. In the course of hs remarks he spoke in reference to the Government taking up prospecting work, and doing all it could to assist in the development of the goldfields, to which the first prosperity of the colony was due. He recognised the necessity of completing the Ross railway extension. At the Supreme Court, Hokitika. Archibald M'Allistor, charged with arson ac Granity, Webtpcrt district, was found '"Not guilty." The evidence proved that the house wm in hio wife's name, but was practically the property of the aceu-ed. The jury failed to agree in the case of John C. Pascoe. of Grey Valley, charged with a serious criminal offence. A fresh trial was ordered for Monday np-xt. accused being admitted to bail in £500. In the case of James Murphy and William Brydon. charged with robbery and assault at Gobden in November last. Mr Justice Cooper directed the jury to throw out the first charge, and the jury acquitted Brydon, finding Murphy g-uiltj- of common assault. Accus&c), who had been in gaol for four months awaiting trial, w^ir3 sentenced to one week's imprisonment.