WEST CANTERBURY GOLDFIELDS.

Timaru Herald, Volume IV, Issue 97, 23 March 1866, Page 5

WEST CANTERBURY GOLDFIELDS.

[from tiie "press" corresponded.] Hokitika, March 10. The past week has been fruitful m political discussions. Every endeavour has been made to induce a local candidate to come for>vard to represent this district m the General Assembly. The chance of success now rests with Mr. Shaw, a gentlemen connected with the West Coast Times (proprietor I think). Mr. Oakes, barrister; Mr. M'Gregor, barrister; Mr. Bonar, merchant; Mr. Reeves, merchant ; and Mr. Bright, satirist of the West Coast Times, — have severally been requested to allow themselves to be put m nomination, but have declined the honor — some on account of disqualification, others because they do not feel justified m leaving their business to look after itself. Independently of these local gentlemen, Mr. Saunders, Sunperintendent of the Province of Nelson ; Mr. Moorhouse, candidate for the Supenntendency of the Canterbury Province; and Mr. Ed. M'Glashan, member of a firm m Hokitika, and who did, I believe, receive considerable support as a candidate for the office of Superintendent m Otago, are spoken of as eligible members. Mr. Moorhouse has consented to be nominated, provided there is no opposition to him. Considering the present aspect of affairs, I think there would be a strong opposition against the member of Mount Herbert, more especially on account of his so readily renouncing one seat to take another. Again, if Mr. Moorhouse is favourably inclined towards this " outlying district," he can serve us m the House of Representatives equally well as member for Mount Herbert, and so give us the advantage of another support m the local or other member we should send to represent us.

The sale of town lauds at Hokitika and Greymouth is the question of next importance. Occupiers of valuable business sites are fully alive to the desire on the part of the Government to make equitable arrangements for disposing of their allotments, but at the same time regret that they cannot boast of possessing one bit of freehold property.

Mr. Barlow is very successful as a negro delineator and musician; his entertainment is peculiarly suited to Hokitika, and I think lie will not be disappointed m the addition his trip will make to his pocket. Miss Rosa Cooper and Mr. Lionel Harding are to appear to-night at the Shakespeare Hotel. The Lenton Troupe have arrived, and will appear on Wednesday at the new theatre, which is now nearly completed. It is a splendid building, fitted with every theatrical requisite and convenience, and willaccomodate 1400 persons. The stage is commodious, and will admit of very superior scenery being shown to advantage. Reading, coffee, and billiard rooms are attached to the theatre: A respectable sort of place where one could see the English papers, and meet one's friends, without being obliged to take a nobbier, has long been wanted, and I hope since such an opportunity is offered, that we shall be able to organize a club before very long. Monday morning. On Saturday afternoon, as the William, brigantiue, was being towed m by the Yarra, the tug chose the South channel, on account of the straight run m, although the North channel is by far the deeper. When she was m the channel, she kept bumping, and the tug then dragged her into the main channel. Before the Yarra could be got under command again, her way being deadened by the cross pull, she went ashore on the Spit ; hanging there for a minute she was again afloat, and had the brigantine m tow. The brigantine, however, was hove on to the North Spit by the force of the sea, and is still there. Part of the cargo was discharged yesterday without being at all damaged. The Lioness is engaged to release her from her perilous position, and doubtless will succeed m doing so. The wind was blowing dead fair, and still the William's cauvas was not used to aid the steamer. Nautical men are of opiniou that had her sails been made use of, she would have reached the wharf with ease. Soundings were taken on Saturday by the Harbor Master from the lower end of the river to the edge of the surf. The depth of water varied from six feet to over twelve feet. The Eleanor, s.s., and the Sea Bird, schooner, are lying on the beach at the Grey, with every probability of speedily breaking up. The former lies about three miles from the river mouth, on the north side. Particulars of her misfortune have not yet reached us. The Sea Bird is a new boat, built at a cost of £2000, and on her maiden trip. She was attempting to cross the bar under canvas ; and, as usual, when m the break lost the wind, was carried by the current along the beach, and driven up on shore by the surf. THE NOMIXATIOM DAY. We take the following account of the nomination day at Hokitika from the Evening Star of Monday : — This day, at twelve o'clock, the nomination for a member to represent the interests of the electors on the West Coast of Canterbury, was held at the old Court-house, m Revell street, Mr. G. S. Sale, Commissioner, presiding as Returning Officer. Having read the writ, Mr. Sale called upon the electors to name their candidates, when Mr. F. W. Eicke came forward, and m a short but able address, proposed Mr. Sefton Moorhouse as a candidate, adding that he expected Mr. Moorhouse to arrive m town that evening, when he would speak for himself. This was seconded by

Mr. O'Loughlin, who said that he should do so pro forma, Mr. Moorhouse being a gentleman so well known m the Province, so highly respected, and whose ability as a politician stood pre-eminent.

Mr. Kennedy (Club hotel), m a somewhat lengthy and telling speech, proposed a local candidate m Mr. William Shaw.

Mr. Prosser had much pleasure m seconding this proposition, as a local candidate was what was required for the wants of this district, and no gentleman, however worthy, m Christchurch could represent this place and its interests so ably as a local member could do.

Mr. Shaw addressed the meeting at length, m which he enumerated his 7iews as regarded the

interests of Westland. If returned, he would expect a petition handed to him, signed by twenty or thirty thousand residents on the West Coast, demanding separation, which he would present to the General Assembly, and support it to the utmost of his power and ability.

Mr. Eicke spoke very ably and eloquently upon the superior attainments of Mr. Moorhouse as a representative ; and referred with much emphasis to his political integrity, and the many estimable qualities he possessed as a private gentleman.

A show of hands was demanded by Mr. Eicke, as proposer, and Mr. O'Loughlin, as seconder, on behalf of Mr. Moorhonse.

Mr. Sale then announced that a poll would take place on Friday next, to open at nine o'clock a.m., and close at four.

A vote of thanks was next moved to the Returning Officer, and heartily responded to by all present.

The proceedings then terminated.