LOCAL AND MINING.

West Coast Times, Issue 36, 26 August 1865, Page 2

LOCAL AND MINING.

In tho Police Court, siiice our last, as far as criminal cases aro concerned, his Worship has had but few to adjudicate upon. The civil list has been heavy but unimportant. On Thursday, 24th, John P. Davis was brought up on remand, charged with stealing from tho person of ono Thomas King. Inspector Broham conducted the caso for the prosecution. Tho ovidence of Elizabeth Selby, landlady of the Scandinavian Hotel was taken. She deposed that sho was in the bar on the night of Monday, the 21st, and remembered seeing tho prisoner and King together ; that she had several times served them, and from their manner sho supposed them to bo mates ; they wore both tipsy. She observed King lay down upon a bench and sleep, and saw a good many persons close to him atdifferontthnes during tho night ; noticed tho prisoner was ono of them, but observed nothing in his behaviour that would lead her to suppose that ho meditated robbing him. In the morning when King awoko he complained to her that somo ono had out his pookot and robbed him, and also told her husband the same. His Worship remarked that ho really could sco nothing in the ovidence that would warrant a committal. As for the match-box found in the prisoner's possession, ho thought nothing of it, for in all probability the prosecutor might have lent it to him in tho courso of tho evening ; they wero evidently very drunk, and ho considered that the loss of tho money was entirely owing to his own indiscretion, Ho should dismiss the case. Tho prisoner trusted ho should receive somo compensation for the loss of time ho had incurred, but of course was refused, Mr Prendergust with unwonted vivacity remarking that ho was debarred that privilege in consequence of being an Englishman ; had ho beon a Frenchman it would havo been another matter. — William W. Forder, tried at tho Groy for stealing a meerschaum pipe from one Starbing, and sentenced to two months' imprisonment, arrived at the Camp" here on Thursday from the Groy. He is under a former sentence of committal to tho next Supremo Court for stealing from tho person of ono Win, Hearne. The price of "work and labor dono" has seldom boon surpassed by the demand of a litigant tho other day in our R.M. Court. A " jintleman," who rejoices in tho names of "Mick," alias "Pat," alias " Talking Jommy," and whoso residence is mostly on tho top of a dray plying in tho vicinity of Wharf street, on Thursday last sued a well known shipping agent in the same part of tho town, with regard to cartage. The Milesian obtained a verdict, after tho delivery of which the victorious and elated suitor requested tho Bench to grant exponses, among which ho begged modestly to include Twenty Pounds for tho " attendance of two most respectable merchants from Wharf street, an his witnesses I" Whether there exists a current account between the parties, and a balance to Pat's disadvantage in tho said " most respeotablo merchants' ledgers, tho applicant did not stato. Mr Solo, however, was oblivious to the claim, and looking an entire edition of Coko upon Lyttolton, indignantly dismissed the worthy Patlandor. Yesterday, Jas, M'Lachlan was charged with boing in illegal possession of property. It appeared that the prisoner had beon in tho employ of Mr Merrington, who, on his arrival at Hokitika from Nelson, was dissatisfied with the managoment of his business during his absence — vouchers beiug wanting for various payments, and purchases of goods having been made by the prisoner in his own name, contrary to the agreement between them. In consequoncd Mr Merrington discharged the pvisonor, and employed another gentleman named Roper, and gave him possession of the samo, after taking an inventory of tho stook. Mr Merrington then took his departure by tho Wallaby for Nelson, where ho resides. On tho samo day (Tuesday), the prisonor entered the store and informed Mr Roper that ho (prisoner) had taken advico upon the matter, and told him to leavo tho premises, and upon Mr Roper's refusing to do so tho prisoner dragged him out. Prisoner then took possession of tho premises, and by somo means forced the lock of tho cash box, and took out the money. For tho defence Mr O'Loughlin urged that tho possession by tho prisonor was not illegal, and that no unnecessary violence bad been used in ejecting Mr Roper. Tlio prisoner hold tho business site in Revell street under a business license, and had so hold tt for fivo wcoks. Mr Merrington had not taken out a license till Monday, tho 21st inst., so that clearly tho prisonor alono was entitled to tho ground ; tho cash-box was opened to pay a drayman, and tho prisoner placed a docket in tho cash-box of tho sum paid, and took possession of tho money, being uuablo to look the cash-box. Tho Bonch retired for twonty minutes, and on re-sitting advised tho prosecutor to withdraw tho information for tho graver offenco, and lay an information for a common assault. Tho suggestion was carried out, and liis Worship infliotcd <v fino of L 5, at tho sumo timo remarking that the prisonor had laid himself opon to a longtlioned imprisonment had tho first information not been withdrawn, and tho case dealt with summarily. — Mr Mullins, butcher, of Rovollstreot, was fined 10s for taking forcible possession of two casks of hoof from tho stores of Messrs Homierson, Bonar and Co., nnd using languago calculated to provoke a broach of tho peaco. •I, Amongst tho lato arrivals wo notico the namo of tho Roy. Mr Drako, an Indopendont ministor, who lias beon officiating during tho past throe yeaivj at Invercargill. Tho presence of ministers of tho gospel is much needed by such a population as ours, who aro not to tho samo oxtont influenced by those considerations which bind togothor longor settled communities. Wo trust that the Independents especially, will heartily wolcomo and support him in his arduous ministrations. Wo bog to call tho attention of tho mining publicto an advertisement that appears in our columns respecting a meeting to bo hold at tho CorjV'iinn Hall this ovening, to take into consideration tlio best means to bo adopted to rectify and /uuoml certain errors existing in tho present goldfioldjs rules. Th/it many obusos do exist amongst us wo vory' ready to beliove, and shall bo glad to sco jlhcm removed, and wo hope that tho meeting will bo conducted with duo moderation, , 1

The drawing for Mr Procter's grand art union, is to take place to-night at the Queenstown Hotel, when 370 members will have the chance of obtaining 100 prizes. From what we have seen of tho prizes they are really worth trying for, all being moro or less valuable, and some of them truly magnificent. Wo trust the projector of the scheme will not havo reason to complain of his enterprise.

At tho meeting of tho Improvement Committee held on Thursday evening, after the minutes of the previous meeting had been confirmed, tho following resolutions wero passed : — Proposed by Mr Palmer, seconded by Mr Reoves — "That a deputation consisting of Messrs Prosser, Palmer, Hawkos and Reoves, wait on Mr Sale to request that tho Government Surveyor bo allowed to furnish plans for the various works required in Rovoll street, Wharf street and Gibson's Quay ; and to ask Mr Sale to what extent ho will subsidise tho contributions of tho inhabitants." Proposed by Mr Prosser, seconded by Mr Bracken — "That tenders bo at once invited for forming Rovoll street, Wharf street and Gibson's Quay, and that tho sub-committee carry out tho saino." Proposed by Mr Clark, seconded by Mr Bonar — "That Mr Hawkes write to Captain Gibson, requesting tho Government to provide tho Pilot stations on the West Coast with Mandy's patent apparatus." It was also resolved that Mr Hay be written to, asking him if he intends to continuo his duties as lion, sec, after which tho committee adjourned.

Tho meeting called for Thursday evening, for tho 'purpose of obtaining the presence hero of a clergyman of tho Church of England, lapsed, very fow persons being present, which was, doubtless, caused in a great measure by tho inclemency of the weather.

Tho following notices have beon issued by Government for the formation of tho West Coast roads. Instructions have beon issued to Mr George Dobson to open a track ton feet wide from the mouth of tho River Groy, along the southern bank to its junction with tho Arnold ; thence along the Arnold to Lake Brunncr, and along the sonthern side of tho lako to the Pakihi, from whence there is a good road to tho Teramakau. The work is to be commenced at once, and such a number of men to bo employed as will complete it in two months. A small canoe has been ordered for the purpose of carrying the mails, and arrangements have been made with tho Maoris for the conveyance of tho mails along that part of tho route where the canoo is used, Mr Edwin Blake has also received instructions to open out tho track all tho way through from tho Ofcira to the Arnhura, and to clear tho lanu for tho olectrio tolegraph when required, and to put as many men on the lino as will put tho work through with the greatest possible expedition . The preceding work being done, ho is to commence the dray road from tho Otira with all expedition, the work to commence from tho Otira end of the line. On Browning's Pass, N . Rakaia Route, instructions havo been issued to cjminence, with the least possible delay, a bridlo and stock road, to be cut ten feet wide from tho point known as tho Wooded Saddle to tho junction of tho Styx with the Koko tah ; also, the best line to be laid out from the above montioncd point to Kanieri and Hokitika, and steps to be taken as speedily as possible for the formation of a road, as the Government deem it of the greatest importance that this track should be open by tho time at whiuh it is possible that the N . Rakaia may be passable for stock.

Wo have received intelligence from tho Caledonian rush up to yesterday at noon, and tho report is very favorable, although there is no doubt that all the available ground is occupied, and that many are walking about doing nothing, uncertain whether to steer north or south. The rush is undoubtedly a good one, and very heavy patches are found there. Many of the claims are turning out even better than they prospected, and the lucky holders will make something very like a "pile" in these degenerate times. Owens' (tho prospector's) claim, although yielding good wages is not quite up to anticipation ; but immediately below him the ground is excellent, returning as much as 30 ozs. for a day's sluioing. Ilighor up the creek miners confess to good wages, and that wo consider means considerably over LI per day. On M'Nallah's Flat many aro doing very well ; Mitchell and party aro making from Ll2 to L2O per week ; they havo 12 feet of washdirt, and a prospect of 12 months' work. Tho Slaughter Yard Spur, that was opened last week, is quite up to the first prospects obtained, 2 and 8 dwts to tho dish being common. In German Gully thero are about 100 men profitably employed. Tho Big Creek is in full work from ono ond to the other, and tho roturua must bo satisfactory if the labour and time that has teen expended in constructing largo tail-races bo any oriterion . Tho new traok from Donnelly's Creek to the now township is almost oomploted ; it will cut off 1£ miles, which is no mean consideration to pedestrians in such a country. The township proper is survoyed and nearly cleared, but the wet weather of tho past week bus considerably retarded building operations ; there aro, however, sovoral buildings up, and more in tho courso of construction . Soveral holes aro sinking in tho street of the old township, but none aro bottomed ; tho ground is evidently deep there Tho population is estimated at about 2000 ; provisions are abundant and reasonable, bread alono excepted, and that is selling at 3s 6d per 41b loaf

The heavy freshet that has so very considerably increased tho volume of water discharged by our river during tho past fow days, has materially altered tho chunnel'at its mouth ; and from its appearance there seems every likelihood that we shall again have a straight courso outwards. Tho Spit is fairly cut through, and overy hour tho sizo of tho now channel increases ; and although somo inconvenienco may be oxperionoed at first through tho force of tho river boing divided, there is no doubt that shortly tho old oliaunol will be outircly closed, and from the direct course the river has now taken that tho now ono will bo deeper and far easier to enter. This occurrence ii of tho greatest impor'anco to us, and wo do most sincerely trust that — at least, during tho approaching summer — wo shall bo spared tho pain of having to record such wholesalo destruction of valuable vessels and merchandise that happoned horo during tho past winter.

Amongst tho numoroiis vessels that have, during tho past four months, boon beating about the coast, and that havo been provontcd through stress of weather and tho want of a steamtug from crossing tho bar, tho Bohooner Lloyd's Herald stands prominently forward. Few of our rcadors but are futtiiliar with her namo through the many rumours that havo been afloat respecting hoi*. Much anxiety lms beon folt concerning tho fate of horself and crew, and woll pleased woro wo in having to record her namo under tlio hoiul of "Arrivals" in our last issue. Through the courtesy of Captain Orabbe, who submittod her log book to our iuspeotion, wo aro enabled to lay hoforo tho public the leading incldonts of hor passage from Dunedin. Tho Lloyd's Herald loft Dunedin for Hokitika upon tho 27th of April, and lay Wind-bound at tho Heads until tho 20th at noon, on which day sho put to soa. From

tho 30th to the 4th May she experienced heavy weather from the N. 8., with a tremondous sea on, and, in company with several other vessels, sho bore up for Lyttelton, but the weather moderating, did not anchor. She wunded Cape Campbell on tho 4th, it still blowing hard and the vessel labouring heavily, her decks awash all tho time. From that date until the 10th, when she rounded Capo Farewell, she encountered nothing buUieavy gales and her decks being continually filled with water. On tho 13th, at midnight, she rounded-to off Hokitika, and in tho morning found that entrance was prevented through the want of a steamtug. From the 14th to the 18th she stood off and on the coast, experiencing heavy westerly gales and a corresponding sea, labouring heavily, and shipping much water. At midnight of the 18th sho was close in to the bar. On tho 20th, the weather moderating, she dropped a kedge with a hawser attached, bringing up for the first time since her departure from Dunedin, but it coming on to blow the same day sho stood to sea again. On the 21st it blew a hurricane, with a terrific sea ; her decks were swept of everything inovcable, and her stay-sail was blown from the bolt ropes. Sho then bore up for Nelson, and on the 23rd May anchored in Blind Bay ; from that timo until Juno 3rd, sho remained in Nelson reparing damages. The captain thought it advisable to place her on the cradlo and overhaul hor thoroughly, so heavy had been the strain upon hor. Sho left on the 3rd, and on the sth, her old luck still following her, sho had to bear up and anchor at Tongua. She made another start on tho Bth, but had to return on . tho 10th, it blowing fearfully hard, with a tremendous sea. The same weather continued until tho 13th, when sho got under way onco more, but on the 16th hud to run for shelter to Farewell Spit. On the 16th sho made another start, and up to tho 30th encountered heavy westerly weather, and was beating about tho whole time between Capos Farewell and Foulwind. On tbo 30th sho again inado her appearance off Hokitika, and found the signal of "do not attempt the bar" flying. From the last date up to July 4th the weather was fearfulheavy westerly gales and a mountainous sea running, her decks being continually filled with water. Provisions and coals now ran out, and as they dared not take her hatches off to got at supplies, again boro up for Tongua and anchored thero. Again made weigh on the Bth, and on the 12th found Hokitika onco moro under her lee, and every appearance of another heavy blow from the westward, in which they wero not deceived, for from the 12th to the 19 th, the Lloyd's Herald, in company with many other vessels, was hove-to off the coast. On tho 19th she and they came to anohor, and romanied stationary until tho 22nd, no opportunity offering in the mean time to take the bar. From that day up to the 27th sho daily got under weigh watching for a chance to get inside, but without avail. On tho 30th the fleet mado a final effort to enter, but the consequence was that three of their number got on shore and the rest returned to their anchorage. On this day thoir water running short, the steamer Lyttelton supplied them with half a cask, and on the 31st there • being overy appearance of another blow from tho west, prepared to slip and run for it. During tho night it blew terrifically — a'l the vessels lying at anchor had to slip, two out of thoir number — the Montezuina and Defiance — coming to griof. The Lloyd's Horald rode to her anohor, bows under,' the greater part of tho night ; hor decks were completely swept, and some of tho deck 'cargo being cast on shore led to tho report that she had gono down. Ono heavy sea that came on board of her bent the strong iron knees that supported her crab winch, and jammed tho captain against it, breaking two of his ribs, at tho same timo washing one man right over tho foresail (which was stowed on the boom) as far aft as tho mainmast, which fortunately brought him up or ho must have gono overboard. By this time tho vessel was in tho first lino of breakers, having dragged her anohors about two and a-half miles, and the crew gave themselves up for lost, when the wind suddenly shifted moro to the south • ward, which onablcd them to slip and reach off shore. The Fates, however, seemed against thorn, for the chain had hardly left the hawse pipo when they discovered her tiller carried away j by jamming the rudder amidships the little craft steered herself until daylight, when they managed to remedy the mishap and then bore up for Nelson to repair damages ; on the 9th reached that port and remained there until the 18th, occupied in repairing and once more placing her on tho cradle. On the 18th sho again left, and on the 23rd, having been blessed with fine weather in the interim, was safely towed into that port sho had so long and so vainly striven to reach.

In a late issuo of the Lyttelton Times we sco that a most unjust and unwarrantable attack has beon made upon our painstaking Postmaster. In it our contemporary states :—": — " Wo hear from our own (Hokitika) correspondent that thero are great complaints about the Post Office, that tho Postmaster there takes three hours to sort 250 letters, " and goes on to some extent in the samo strain. We cannot read with patienco such an unjust aspersion upon tho official character of Mr Kengh, and well knoir and quite understand the thankless office he has had to discharge during the past four months. We give an unqualified donial to this uncalled-for chargo, and feel mucfi pleasure in stating^ that from the first day of his appointment up to the present time he has laboured unceasingly and well to dischaige the onerous duties of his position.