WEST CANTERBURY GOLDFIELDS.

Timaru Herald, Volume V, Issue 111, 20 June 1866, Page 2

WEST CANTERBURY GOLDFIELDS.

[from the correspondent of the ''press l '.]

Hokitika, June 11. We have had some decidedly heavy weather during- the last few days; rain, thunder and lightning have been prolific. The roads are m a disgusting- state, and the bar has been scarcely practicable. The Keera, and Star of the Evening have been detained inside the harbour, and the Rangitoto and Albion m the roadstead ; all have, however, succeeded m starting for their destinations. The Star of the Evening had all her powers tested severely while crossing the bar; she was met by a huge roller, which broke on board, smashing m the fore-hatch; two successive green seas filled the compartment, and the* steamer drifted like a log to the northwards. Recovering herself, however, she reached the roadstead without farther damage. The channel is now nearly straight m and out. The waxwork exhibition mentioned m my last was opened on Saturday, but only for a very limited time. Armed with a suitable weapon, a man was seen to commence violently assaulting the image of

Mrs. Kinder, and succeeded m reducing the figure to particles before the astonished proprietor could stay the hand of the destroyer. The police were called, the person given m charge, and fined £2 this morning m the Resident Magistrate's Court for committing a breach of the peace. The damage done will bo the subject of a civil action, I opine. The defendant is Mr. Wood, father of Mrs. Kinder, publican, Ilokitika. Sales by auction have been frequent. The West Coast Times quotes the week as a quiet one m a business point of view. Customs' duties for the week amounted to £14GG 5s 4d ; gold export duty, 42 ozs., £0 ss.

The Improvement Committee are bestirring themselves about the welfare of our community. Amongst other resolutions, they have moved that the necessary steps be taken for carrying out the provisions of the Municipal Couucil Ordinance m reference to electing a Municipal Council for Hokitika.

Of poor Mr. Dobson nothing has been heard from which a satisfactory deduction could bo made. An additional party has started under Mr. Muller, consisting- of Maoris well acquainted with the locality. Mr. Bain has also joined m the melancholy duty of looking for a missing friend, accompanied by a retriever of tried quality, so that no effort will be spared to clear up the sad mystery. His Lordship the Bishop held Divine Service m the Supreme Court-house on Sunday morning and evening. The attendance was very good; the sermons excellent and appropriate, and the appeal of his Lordship to the congregation respecting the formation of a choir will be immediately responded to. Our fleet of steamers lias lately received an addition to their number. A one-horse power open boat, " The Polly," capable of carrying about twenty passengers, plies between the town and the south side of the river. It is a saving of labor, of course, to the crew, but many passengers would prefer the more tedious passage by a waterman's boat. Tenders nave been issued for leasing Clibson's Quay m terms of the Ordinance. I have no doubt the fortunate speculator will reap a profit sufficient to content him.

8 p.m. The s.s. Thane leaves to-morrow morning for Nelson. The s.s. Gothenburgh also leaves for Melbourne to-morrow.

The residents m the streets bordering on the beach were unpleasantly surprised last night by feeling* a motion m their houses, as though they were rolling about m a steamer m the offing. Sure enough they were afloat, and some found their habitations had even shifted during the night. This only shows what persons who live m such hazardous situations may expect.