THE MONTH. From April 11 to May 11.

West Coast Times, Issue 202, 12 May 1866, Page 2

THE MONTH. From April 11 to May 11.

Quiotudo roigns supremo at Brucoßay, and the place promifloa soon to be totally doeortod. Its present 'population does not exceed 800, and tho groat majority of thoso are merely waiting for a steamer to removo thorn to a more promising locality. In fact it is stated that there is a very good freight to bo picked up by the first boat that calls in thoro. A considerable amount of prospecting hoe beon done lately, unattended, however, by tho slightest sucoess. Nothing whatever has beon hoard of Hunt since his disappearance. It is now genorally understood that tho Panama Mail Service will comraonco in tho month of June, and that tho first boat from thia side of tho ocean will leave Sydnoy on tho lßtli of tho month, and Wellington on tho 22nd. From tho other side, tho mail which loavos Southampton on tho 2nd of Juno will bo forwarded by a boat to bo ready to leave on tho 24th from Panama for Wellington, whero it may bo oxpootod to arrive about tho 20th of July. The exceedingly heavy surf that rolled up on tho 20th April, extending from ono end of the coast line to tho other, ronderod travelling along the beach both diffloult and dangerous in some places, but especially where rivers or oreoks intorsoofc tho line of route. Oobb's coach was onco or twice imperilled, and wo woro informed that a sad aooidont had ocourred at tho Saltwater Crook, by which a poor woman lost her lifo. Wo have not heard tho details, but nieroly that she was crossing the creek in a oart, with a child by hor Bide, when a monstrous wavo came in and completely overwhelmed tho dray, washing tho woman out and sweeping her into the Burf outside, whore sho perished, for to aid her was out of tho quostion, under such circumstances. Strange to relate, tho child 'was sreserved,5 reserved, not being ovon washed out of the ray. • Another large water race has beon completed in the Waimoa district by Holland and party, who havo, during the past ten months, been employed in its construction. It seems to have boon a most gigantio undertaking, as a largo dam had to bo thrown across tho right hand branch of the Waimea river to convey tho wator across the different gullies intorsooting tho line of race, • over two raileß of fluming has been oreoted. This race is constructed at a very high lovel, much highor, in fact, than any other in tho district, and commands a very largo oxtent of auriferous oountry, and as soon as a terraco noar tho largo dam is sluiced away, tho party intend to extend the raoe in the direction of tho Waimea township, as thoro is a groat doal of ground intervening that wiU pay woll for systematic sluicing. Tho miners on tho Waimea are, genorally speaking, doing woll, especially those who can command * supply of water. In tho outlying gulliog, however, thero is a great scaroity of Jthat article, and consequently the ground is nearly deserted. But tho largo race now in course of construction' from the Arohura will Bupply this section of the district, whioh will then carry a largo population and yiold most remuneratively. In the centre of the Waimoa township payablo ground has boon struck, and orrangemonts having boon made with section holders, it is the intention of tho minors to work it. Wo take tho following paragraph from th« Riverine Herald : — " In tho year 1845 Captain Sturt, on his return to the Darling from the desert intorior launched his Boa boat on tho waters of tho Dopot GHon, in tho Grey Ranges, for tho purposo of lightening his equipmont. After the lapse of more than twonty years she was lately discovered by tho ' Commissioner of Crown Lands for the Albert district, in an ontiro state, not a plank having { started, nor a nail or bolt beon drawn. It was genorally thought tho blacks would have I knocked hor to pieces for tho sake of the ironwork. Her sound condition proves that slio must havo been afloat during the wholo of the long intorval botweon her abandonment and discovery.' During tho week ending Saturday, April 21st, 12 .prisoners wore added to those already confined in tho gaol. Of theso, 2 males and 1 female wore committed for trial \ 5 men wore sentonood to different torms of hard labor; 1 was imprisonod only; 3 debtors wore imprisonod j and 1 fonialo lunatic placod under rostraiut. As a set off against these, 2 prisoners on remand, 3 sontoncod mon, and 1 fomalo dobtor wero disohargad ; also, 1 male aud 1 fomalo, who had boon undor treatmont for lunacy, were roloasod. Total, 8. Tho number and classification of the inmates of tho gaol at tho above dato are as follows :— I Committed for trial, 23 males and 2 females j sentenced to different torms of hard labor, 17 ; on remand, 4; imprisoned only, 2; debtors, 9 ; lunatics, 1 femde. Total, 65 males and 3 females. W» (Melbourne Argms) understand that it is intonded to send the wholo of the salmon ova expootod by tho Lincolnshire to Tasmania. Tho Government havo promised to lond tho steamer Viotoria for this purpose, and tho secretary to tho Aoolimatiaation Sooiety has intimated to the authorities the time at whioh tho Lincolnshire may probably arrive, so that the vessel may bo roady to rooeive her intoresting freight. Ono portion of the trout ova, to bo brought out by the same ship, will be sont to Tasmania, and the othor portion deposited in the Tarra. at Badger Creek. ' It is satisfactory to note that the late action takon by tho publio, and tho remonstrances of this paper, in roferonce to the wretohed state of tho old gaol, havo had duo effeot upon tho authorities, all the committed men — twentythree in number— having been removed to the now gaol iv tho cemotry rosorvo. This is a move in tho right direction, and is, wo trust, only the commencement of a sweeping reform in the penal systoin of Hokitika, whioh, during tho past nino months, has beon a disgrace 1 , to tho province, requiring a thorough remodelling. Over-crowding and its concomitaut filth has beon the greatest evil complained of, but there are others which shonld be at onco attended to and remedied. The want of proper accommodation for femalo criminals is amongst tho greatest of those, aud femalo wardors ought to bo appointed to attond upon them. At present there are three females in confinement, with every probability of an increase in tho number, and wo cortainly think that tho tiino has arrived when proper provision should be mado for this class of prisoners. Liko all ponderous bodios, howevor, tho vis inertia of tho Government is diffioulfc to overoomo 5 but when onco sot in motion, we trust its momentum will bo proportionate to tho inactivity formerly displayed, and that it will not ceaso working until tho abuses hiiherto so justly complainod of have coosed to exist. Winter is once more upon us, and its approach was heralded by the storm ef wind and rain which swept over the coast on Saturday, deluging the low lands, and clothing the mountains in the back ground with garments of white. Truly, the scene on the morning of tho 20th April was most charming and a delightful contrast to the dispiriting 6torm of the prececiug day, for the clouds and vapor had dispersed, and bright sunshine threw a genial glow over both land and sea, tipping the hills with roseate tints, and relieving with prismatic hues the dead whiteness of the seething surf. Coming from the southward, and passing over vast fields of snow, the breeze blew cool and most deliciously invigorating,- and brought a glow upon many a pale cheek, to whjoh

t^r color of health hadlongbeen a stranger. T«>K. j advantage of the delightful change, nutu .'.rs of promenaders paced the beach yesterday afternoon from the old Montezuma to the signal station, and only dispersed when the increasing dullness of the atmosphere gave notice that the sun was fast sinkng into his western bed, and that the glories of the day were departing. To be succeeded by those of the night how ever, for a glance to the eastward discovered the •• pale goddess of night" rising in silent majesty benind the distant hills, shedding a flood of silver light upon the dark green foilage .of the forests which clothed their bases, touching with a magicians wand the blako line of water far out in the offing, which leaped, and danced, and sparkled, as if welcomeing the approach, and acknowledging the sovereignty of that wondrous orb which gathers the waters in a heap, and compels the mighty ocean to follow in its train. Mining on a most extensive scale is &bou to bo commoncod in tlio Maori Reserve Woodotook. Mosßrs Boyan and party having Ukon a lease of 60 nores of ground from the Maoris for a period of 21 years, and Mr Mackio the Maori Commissioner has given hi* assent to the transaction. Wo believe it is tho intention of the abovo party to introduoo stoam inaohinory at onoe, as the ground U exceedingly wet. Hxcollont aooouats from the Bollarat Bush, near tho Waimea Bead, have readied us, and from them wo are induced to believe that a most important goldfiold has been opened. Wo are informed on good authority that tho prospectors can wash from 4dwtg. to to Bdwt«. to tho dish, and that the bottom of their shaft yioldod 18ozb. of gold. At the head of the gully in which gold was just struck, is an extonsivo terraco that has been rushed and several liolos bottomed at depths of from 30 to BO feet, all of -which havo given good prospects. This terrace extonds in tho direction of tho Waimoa township. Several of the torracos have also beea staked off, but as in all of them tho sinking is deep, no shafts havo yet been bottomed. Tho indications are, however, most oncouraging. So far as ifc has been tested, tho washdirt in this lead-~for such we boliovo it to be — runs from one foot to three feofc in thickness. Several stores have been ereotod, and some aro going up, and although the traok is impassable to horses, provisions avo obtainable at modorato prices. The present populotion is estimated at about 1000 souls, On the 21st ulfc., the dramatio company introduced by Mr Bartlett from Sydney made their " debut" in Hokitika, and received quit© an ovation from a orowdod and delighted audience. Excepting on the occasion of the benefit for Mv Q-reenfield's family, wo novor saw tho house so closely packed, tho stalls and' pit especially being filled to overflowing, so muoh bo indeed, that many had to be refused admittance. We congratulate Mr Bartlott that his call has been so well responded to, and that the, per' formanco of tho new troupe exceeded tho anticipations indulged in by even 'those who most believed in his assertions of its, efficiency. It has so often been announced by managers and proprietors that " a first-class dramatic company had been engaged," and the public have nearly so been deceived, that the belief was not only ontortainod, but expressed, that the Westland community wero doomed to suffor another of these disappointments. Tho performance of Saturday night must/ however, ' oonvinoe tho moat sceptical that Mr Bartlott has thoroughly redeemed his word, and that tho company introduced by him are well worthy of all the oulogiums whioh heralded thoir advont. The pieces oast for the opening night wero, that charming comedy, " Tho Honeymoon," and the farce of " His Last Logs." In tho first, the prinoipal characters — thoso of tho Duko and Julia — were well sustained by Mr Lionel Harding and Mrs Oharlos Poole, whilst that of Bolandb fell to the lot of Mrßartlett. Wo certainly .felt' some surprise at tho manner iv which Mr Harding acquitted himself, never haying given him credit for tho powers ho evidently possesses, whilst Mrs Poolo, as she always _ does, 'played her part to porfootion. It is almost unnecessary on our part to oulogise this lady, her' fame having been so well established in Australia ; ensuring her a hearty reception wherever she appears before an audience able to apprcbiato her ; and we cannot but hail with pleasure her arrival amongst us. We always bolieved Mr Bartlotb to bo a gentleman possessing no moan powers as a comedian, and as Rolando he •onfirmod thoso impressions. His make-up and acting wero perfect, and his bye-play excellent j and we think tho character one of those he is peculiarly fitted to assume. Misß Rosa Cooper, -as Zamora, played the loveetnittcn maiden to advantage j and Mrs Crosby did wonders in a part which can hardly be oonsidered as coming within her volt; from the specimen sho gavo us of her powers, we fool certain she will become au immense favorite with the play-going portion of this community. Throughout the pieoo, the dialogue was well and smoothly kept up, and it was evidont that all had carefully studied ,their Sarts. In " His Last Logs," the seedy, impuent, devil-may-care O'Oallaghan was most ably represented by Mr William Andrews. We have heard this gentleman, as a low oomedion, highly extolled, and feol much pleasure i* according him our tributo of praise ; and without drawing any comparison between himself and ouo who, next to Power, was considered to bo most at homo in the part,' we may safely affirm that thoro are few aotors!-iu the colonies who could havo sustained ill so well. ' , ' Once more has the town narrqwly escaped destruction by fire. On Wednesdoy week', between 11 and 12 o'olook, the attention of Oapt, Millard and Cadet Hobbs, of the Kre Brigade — who happened to be passing by at the timewas attracted by cries of " Mre," and " Break the door open," proceeding from the shop of Mr Knapp, bootmaker, in Revell-streetiJ Suoh an ominous outory was at onco roßponded to by the outsiders, who quickly burst the door in, and rushed into tho inner room, where they found tho baok of the building in flames. The water-butt fortunatoly being full, a Bupply was soon passed in, and the fire extinguished before any serious damage had accrued to the building. It was, however, touoh-and-go j and wo cannot too highly, commend the vigi- % lance of the members of tho Brigade, who woro by good luck, at hand. Wo had tho pleasure of seeing the porformancoof Bulwer'splay, "Tho Lady of Lyons/1 at tho Princo of Wales Opora House' on April 27th. Although there is little novelty in the plot of thia play, it is one that will always bo popular, for ifc rouses feelings of sympathy, in which young and old equally participate. The errors of Paulino and Olaudo Molnotto aro manifest, but in both there is a nobility of conduct whioh < gams upon tho feelings of tho audience. The main, if not the whole, intorost of the pioco, is centred in these two oharaoters, and tho scones follow eaoh other in suoh natura eequonoo, that the spectator's gratification is onhanoodby continually finding his wishes as woll as his anticipations realised. Wo havo not offcon seen a play better acted in all its partsl and wo havo very rarely witnessed a performance whioh elioited moro warm and gonuine commondation. The Pauline of Mrs. Poole waa an|oxquisito portraiture of oharaoter, that spite of all hor faults, always oarries hoi* hearers along with her. Nothing to complete tho pioturo had. boon overlooked, audit waa altogether.

n highly finished picco of acting. It cannot be doubted, however, that for n portion of tho effect produced sho was indebted to Mr James lJavtlett. The Clou le Molnotto of this gcntlomnu is unquestionably a line performance. He has ovidantly etudiod tho charaotcr, aiid plays it as well as it can be played. Ho divided tho applause with lira. Poole, and both richly merited tho honors showered upon them by a numerous and highly gratified audience, who culled them bofore tho curtain on threo different occasions. Wo could havo wished to see tho fino old General Dnmas better played than it wns by Mr Strceton j yet he en me in for a share of tho general commendation, nnd deserves general praise 'us a careful nnd conscientious actor. The other oharacters are merely outlines of figures necessary to work out the picture, but with which Sir Edward Lytton did not seem it worth while to take pains. Tho two confederate contcmptiblo villinns, BensBeant and GMuvis were well played former by Mr Lionel Harding, in a most prnisewort by nnd excellent stylo; tho latter by Mr Andrews, not so well. Tho pnrt of a fashionable Lyons Bwell is not suited to tho inexplicably comic niuspular action about thii gentleman's dhysiognomy. Never! heless lie made tho most of tho part.' Tho little bit of acting by Mndnmo Detcbappelles (Mrs Crosby) was of the right sort ; and tho Widow Moluotto was rendered by Miss Murphy in a pleasing and affecting manner. We perceive that this beautiful play is again to bo presented ti.it evening, with tho comic aftorpioco, " Slasher and Crasher." In the Okaritn distriot a prizo has been secured by the Waiho river boatmen, on the 16th April, that will handsomely pay them for tho trouble of dissecting it. On that day, when standing on tho beach, they observed a tremendous splashing in the shallow water close to the shore, aid upon moving to the apot, found, much to their astonishment*, that ii large black-fish, over sixteen feot in length, had, through approaching too closo in-shoro, been left by tho tido, and lay helplessly floundering inside tho aurf. As quickly as possiblo a rope wus procured and made fast round tho monster's taU, and, help being nt hand, it wns hauled up high and, dry on tho beach. Having thus secured it, the fortunate finders wero at first somewhat puzzled what to do with their, prizo, eventually, however, determining to y strip off tho " blubber," and try it down. As the fish is estimated to weigh between ono and two tons, it will doubtless yield many gallons of good burning oil which should realise a fair figuro in tho market. «■ At tho Resident Magistrate's Court during the week ending Saturday, the 28th April, 8 prisoners wore committed for trial, 7 sentenced to various terms of hard labor, find 2 debtors imprisoned ; total, 12. During tho same period, 12 hard-labor men, 1 under imprisonment only, and 4 debtors were discharged ; 21 femnle, nnd 2 lbnle lunatics wero nlso released ; totnl, 20. Tho number nnd classification of the confines in tho Guol at tho nbovo date, aro as follows :— Under committal, 26 males and 2 females ; undergoing sentence, 12 ; imprisonment only, 1 j on remand, 2 ; debtors, 8 ; lunatics, 1 malo ; total, 47. The liew buildin? erected.on the Gaol Reserve, Hokitikn, has been proclaimed by tho Superintendent " a Publio Gaol." Tho proclamation appears in tho Provincial Government Gazette of tho 23rd April., and bears date tho 21st. By Cobb's coach, which arrived on 21st April, from Christ church, nn accession to tho Gaol staff of Hokitikn arrived, consisting of a gaoler and threo warders. When the former individual alighted from the conveyance, his appcaranco excited no slight amount of curjossty nnd inlorcst. Ho wns dressed in n uniform comprising a goldlaced enp nnd a cont trimmed with red, and somo of Iho uninitiated imagined ho was a high dignitary sent down by the General Government to report upon tho state of Hokitika and its inhabitants. His real calling, however, soon became known, and the first feeling of curiosity merged into ono of satisfaction Hint the much-needed gnol reform hnd nt last commenced. Hitherto the gaoler's staff hns been meat disproportionate to tho duties of Ihot department, nnd we must confess that thu greatest cicdit is due to Sergeant McMynn, who hns for co mnny months fillod the office ol gaoler, for tho creditable manner in which he has performed his very arduous and thank less duties. The new nrrival wo havi abdve alluded to will be at onco stationed at tho new gaol in the Cemetery Reserve. "\ c sincerely trust that tho good wcrk, at last f o well begun, will bo unoeasingly prosecuted, until tho Gaol sjstom of Westland lias received that thorough revision ito imperfect state so imperatively demanded. A rather amusing sceno occurred on ihe 21et April, which at first 6tartled not a fe,w out of their propriety, nnd set sundry poivs of legs encased in the darkblue garments peculiar to the police force, in motion, ll nppenrs that tome of the prisoners were " doing a consitutitutional" m Rovell-street Police Rrserve, amongst whom was a lunatic, when the latter, apparently dissatisfied -with the scope allowed him, watched his oppartunity, scaled the ornamental post-und-rail fence, and darted off towards Gibson's Quay. As it happened, however, a " guardian of "the peace" caught n glimpse of him a« he disappeared down "Wharfstreet, ond started after Ihe absconder. raising a hue-and-cry as ho went. Ha was immediately followed by several other gentlemen of the force, and, keeping his game in flight. finally "earthed* 1 him on board the steam•hip Wonga Wonga, where ho wos raptured, atio at once conveyed back to his formci quarters. " On the 26th April, a meeting was held at the Star Hotel, Eanieri, with thb view of petitioning Government to comtruet p, truck from the Kaninri township to the Three Wile creek. ; The chair was taken by Mr Warden Schuw, who informed the meeting that he bet liev'eld the Government would willingly subsidise, py two thirds, any amount collected amOngßt tho inhabitants of the two districts for the purpose. Ho urged/ that no lime should be lost; but that tho business men ought to at once collect monies, and urge upoij the authorities the necessity of immediate notion. Storekeepers on the Threo Mile were paying at tho rate of from L 25 to L3O per ton for pocking goods up tho old track, whereat if the' proposed new rond was made, tho price would be decreased by ono half Mr Emanucl stated that he had walked to tho Three Mile by way of the old surveyed track, and he thought there was no difficulty whntovor in the construction of a good bridle-track, as the cou'ntrV was riot very heavily timbered ; and hy keeping on tho terraces, a good eolid track <J6uld ;be -secured. A committee of twentyono gentlemen wns appointed to carry out the object of tho meeting. At tho instigation of Mr John Eynn, who offered to subscribo LBO towards tho new track, Messrs Mnnunl, Ryan, and Yorlt wero appointed as a deputation to wait on Mr Sale, for tho purposo of ascertaining what amount tho Government would give towards the undertaking; for, should the Government promise a subsidy, tho committee wotold be able to give tho publio a rensonablc guarantee that the work should bo carried out when a call was made for aubscribtions loward.s ,it. The meeting then adjourned until tW l eVenirig of the 2nd ittst. In accordance ,with, tne above resolution, the deputation Waited upon 'Mr Sale, who' at once telegraphed to Christchurch, asking whether local subscriptions for such a purpose would be subsijfliftSPi =TJie rjiply was most favorablo, so that in aU probability tho work will be shortly

The hitherto regularity in the arrival of Cobb's coach, from Christchnrch, was broken into by tho late rains, winch, having flooded tne rivera, unavoidably detained that v time honored' 1 conveyance nearly twenty-four hours on the wrong side of the Typo. On Saturday, April 30th we missed tlie usual communication from our eastern brethren, but were at no loss to account for the cause ; and it wns not until 4 p.m. on Sunday that the conveyance rattled down the street, ahowi/ig by its appearance tbe, wet and mirey ways through which it had passed. We were glad to see that it contained a full complement of passengers. The driver informed us that 'all the rivera were flooded, and that no small difficulty was experienced in crossing them. A very mysterious robbery was committed nt Broiinnn nnd Byrne's 'storo, Fivo Mile Beach, Oknrila, on the night of tho 21st April. It uppoars thufc during tlio nftornoon n miner named M'Carthy placed a bag oontainina: £180 worth of gold hi the hands of Mr Slnltery, tlio etoreman, for snfo keeping, nnd the lattor, on going to bed, placed it in his trousers pocket, which ho left lying close to tho side of the tent. On nwnkoning in tho morning ho missed tho garment, and on looking round discovered that tho tent had boon cut into and the trousers abstracted. Ho immediately mshod outside, and thero found thorn on tho ground, but minus tho £180 worth of cold. Tho police woro at onco apprised of the fact, but no tvaco of tho ro.juc s who committed tho robbery has boon discovored. A mild description of Lynch law was administered in tho Okarita district a few wodks ago, a storekeeper named Sol Solomon being tho victim. It appears thnl on Saturday evening son>o diggors wero drinking in hi^ storo, and tho party woro evidently enjoying themselves, for the fun " waxod fast and furious," •whon suddenly ono af them missed his vmroe whioh containocl £18 in notes. On tho loss being discovered a great outory wt»a mado, nnd with ono accord tho whole party taved tho unfortunate Sol with tho theft, whioh ho as resolutely deniod, aud in spito of threats and abuse, porsistontly maintained hia innocence. Tho diggors, howover, seomod fully convinced that bo wns tho guilty party, nnd ns tho money was not forthcoming, proceeded to inflict summnry justico by binding him hand nnd feet to n stump nnd then loft him. Thero ho remninod several hours, until somo parties hearing his outcry released him. Tho police, hearing of tho _ or-currenco, made enquiries with a view of arresting tho guilty parties, but without success, ns Solomou refused to givo any information respecting thorn. A most brutal seeno was enacted on tho 20th April, nt tho back of tho Dunedin Hotel, Kevell-stroel, which nearly rosulti'd in an unfortunute man (tho cook of tho establishment) losing his life. It seems that n quarrel took plnoo between tho cook nnd ono of tho boarders, and from high words thoy camo to blows, finally adjourning to tho yard to fight it out; but thoy had no sooner cleared tho house than six ruffians commenced a most cowardly onslnught upon tho cook, knocking him down nud kicking him unmercifully, nnd continued tho assault until ho was in-onsiblo, Having, without let or hindrance, vontcd their rngo upon him, they departed, nnd tho poor fellow was nt onco* removed inside, nnd his npponrnncc wns so deplorable that it was considered advisable to cull in modieul aid. Upon examination, Dr. Achcson pronounced tho enso a most serious ono, nud would not answer for the n;an's life, recommending his removal to tho hospitnl as soon as ho had somewhat recovered. This wus effected nn hour or two afterwards, although in tho meantime tho unfortunate fellow remained in- a speechless state. It seems somewhat st range that such a murderous attack should bo perpetrated in tho heart of a town, nnd no ono by to interfere, and what is nt ranger still, tho police wore not inside cognisant of tho occurrence until two hours aitorwnvds. They inndo duo onquiries of the of inmates' of tlio hotel, who of course knew nothing snvo that the cook hud received n bpntinsf, nnd so atnuds the matter at present. Wo however sincerely trust thnt the scoundrels will bo traced and mndo to Bii or severely for their divslurdly conduct. Tho Wcsloynn Church Committeo have resolved to enluvge their present Church in Ilokitikn, it being much too small for tho comfort of those at tendunt upon its ministry, xhoy aro linking this efloit with that of erecting a liouso for tho resident minister, iho Roy. W, Cannell. The Committee, it is to be sincerely hoped, will bo sustained in theso efforts by tho members of the church nnd congregation. Mr George Wiutei, who ha* for a considerable time disclmiged the duties of Acting SubTreasurer, hns been gazetted a* Sub-Tieasurer at Hokitika his npp< intment to date fiom tho Ist April. This gentleman formeily hold tbo office (f Sub-Treasurer under the Piovinciul Govern raent of Ota»o. On the morning of tho 12th tho dead body of a man lying on tho extreme end of tho Norili Spitwnßdißcoveredbyur<sidentofßevoll-Blreet whilst ho was wplk'ng ou the beach. The police wire nt onco communicated with, and the body removed to the Camp, when upon searching it a miner's right wns found, bearing the namo of James Webb, and dated January 6th, 1866. It was issued at Greymouth. From [ the apponrance of tho remains it is imagined ihnt death must have oiißued very recently as there live no signs of decomposition or the slighte.-fc fjecuy. In all probability tho unfor tunato man fell into tho river yesterday, possibly nt tho Kunieri, ns from his dreß3 ho war evidently a miner, and the freuh must huve carried him clown to where his remains were found. Ho appenrj to havo been about fortj yenra of nge, with light complexion, sandy hair and long nose. An inquest will be held upon tho body to-day at the St. Lawrence Hotel, Camp-street. On Monday, 12th April, a person" who was crossing hoists from the Koith to ihe South Bank of the river, via the punt, wns victimised, by one of the sharpest bits of practice, characterised by daring effrontery, that wo huve heard of for some time. He conveyed one horse across, and made him fast to a log of wood, and then returned for nother, but evidently must hnve left tbe vicinity of the punt, for when he returned with a fresh charge, the pnntvnan infoimed him that a party dressed in digger's clothen, bad taken tbe first horse away, and when challenged, declared tbe horse wns hie, and tint be was goinp to take it to a well-known stoiekeeper at tbe Kcnieri. Accordingly, off he went. The real owner of the beast, tilled with astonishment at this sudden und nudocious appropriation of bis lawful property, hastened to tbe Kanievi— only to lind his fears of "villainy! villainy !" still further confirmed ; for it is almost needless to say the horse was not to be either seen or heard of. The police were communicated with, and due inquiries made, but so far without the slightest success. A mooting of storekeepers and miners wos held on the 11th Apiil, n'. Mr Hood's storo, on tho Hnu Hnu, to take into consideration the measures best to be adopted for tho foimation of a good road- way to Hokitikn, the old track, which bus been in use so long, being next to impassable. We havo not yet heard the result of the meetings Since tho Camp Reserve, in Revell-streeb, vrfo j»«utiUooed\i»to seotion*, and tome of

horn .-old, many a longing eye has boan oaif; on tho otliors, and two attempts mado to soouro thorn by jumping. Tho first wns a fuiluro, fche whole rosorvo having boon ro> gazottod, but tho eecond at first appeared likely to bo attended by a diiVcront result, for it having been disoovorod that tho JB-mk of Now Zealand only possossod ono business liconae for tho two sootious they occupied under the Gtoldflolds Aot, a daring attempt was mado on 16th April by a well-known bonded storoman of thio town, to obtain possession on thia plea. Sfrungo it is that in both oases the jumpers should bo staunch Ohristchureh mon — oliXhabilucsof "the other side tho range." And yet such is tho rnsi<. and it ia almost a pity Biiuh ill-success should l\avo ntleiuled tho uttempts to securo to themselves the prido of Revolt-street; for liko tho first, tho second uttenipt was abortive, us it i? cl<,uided that because tho ground is a reserve no busiuoss Mcouso ia required to hold it j at least such is tho inferonco that we have drawn from certain information vouchsafoil us. Tho latost order is ued is to the police, who aro authorised to cjoet any one (by force, if noeecfmry) who shall bo found upon tho promises of tho now Bank with jumping intentions. T'io debtor Brown, who escaped from his oustodian at Hokitika, on the 20. h April, was ro-captured at tho Saltwater Ooek on tho 14th inst., by Inspector James and Constable Percy. Tho police, hud been on iiih trucks for oomo days previously, although their attempts | to capture him were unavailing ; but on the day in question the above ollicers planted ' themselves, and watched for him all day, and in the ovoniug as ho was returning to his tont, they pouneod upon an. l securod him, although not without some trouble, as ho made- a stout resistance. A cumber of gentlemen mot on 30th April at tho Duko of York Tlotol, Hovoll-st., for the purposo of forming a North Rovellstreet Improvement Committee, for tho construction of footpaths and other improveuionts in that part of tho town. Air Jonos, of the firm of Jouos, M.'CMushau A; Co., took the chair. A good many matters of public- into • rost woro disousaod, and tho following gontlomen woro constituted a firat Commitfceo : — Messrs Jones, Turner, tho Roy. Mr. M'G-irr, Robinson, Spicor, I'owoll, Ing», Hovriok, and M'G-uhu On thft 2nd of May tho new signal lantorn waß used for tho first time, and although tho light is not quito so brilliant ftß wo anticipated it would bo, it is cortainly a very groat improvement upon tho old one. Tho light shown is a bright rod, and is supposed to bo J visiblo at ft distanoo of six miles. G-roat caro has boon taken by Captain Turnbull that tho mechanism for hoisting and lowering tho light should bo perfect, and that tho lantern when at tho masthead (mould bo free from vibration. In this ho has succeeded, for, although a strong galo wus blowing at tho lime, not only did tho lantorn remain quito steady, but not a shako was perceptible in tho travelling rods. To be seen to ndvnntngo, tho light must bo viewed from tho ofllug. Wo shall thoreforo reserve our opinion upon its brilliancy until an opportunity of so doing prosonls itself. On 17th April Sergeant Wilson, of tho Hokitika Police, had a somewhat narrow escape when crossing tho Arahura on horseback, in company with Sergeant Blair. As thoro was a considerable fresh in tho river they ontcred it nt tho upper foiv), but on reaching tho conlre of tho slroam Wilson's horso lost his footing and tho rider was washed out of tho saddle Fortunately, however, ho clung fast to tho horse's inauc, and although they wovo swopt over tho fulls, both safely reached the shore just opposite the West Coast Hotel. Dwellers in tents t, ! "utod on tho outskirts of tho town, may take warning from the following daring robbery committed last Sunday 29th April, at v lent closo to Gibson's Tramway. Thero Avcre at tho time two men aslcop inside and ono of them was awakened by feeling a sharp jerk at tho bond of his stretcher, but as it was not ropcated, ho took no (urther notico,und went toolov-p again. In tho morning, ho ./ever, tho tent presented a Borry spectacle, as it wus cut half round tho bottom a:ul up ono of tho sides 5 and when Kennev, ono ol tho inmates, 'proceeded to dress himself, ho found that his trowsors woro missing, This wus the more serious, as his purse happoned to bo in ono of tho pockets, and it was very evident that bolh had been burglariously abttmcted. Having arrived at this conclusion, tho oilier man proceeded to give information to tho police, and when on his way picked up tho missing trowsors at tho back of G-ibbon's Ilotol. The purse wns nL»o found in the pocket, but minus that which it contained the previous night. Tho Camp of cotirso was visited, and information given, but no trace of the thieves has been discovered. The public are beginning to fool tho unmistakeablo advent of winter, and it is deplorable to think what will be the condition of- the streets during the next fe»v mouths, unless something is at onco done j[o render th«*m passable nt least, to pi'clesU'iuns. Wi-ld-Htrtct and Sowell-streot are in an especially disgraceful condition, and GKbdon'a Quay, eastward from the Custom House, is no belter. A comparatively i rifling expenditure would suffice to make lout ways. If this woro, dono, nnd a few public lamps placed at conspicuous points, not only tho comfort, but the 1 actual safety of pedestrians would be ajoutly promoted. In man? cases tho construction of light and inexpensive works woul.l satisfy tho publio requirements, and obviate much of thu present diseontont. On tho 80th April was issued tho first' number of a penny paper, under the title of The Despatoli. It was seht forth to olio world unheralded by a. programme or by promises. It was left to speak for itself} and wo believe it lias dono so effectively. Jts reception by tho publio has been most gvati ,\ing to its proprietors and conductors. Wo aro justiliecl now, in promising thai its character shall be steadily sustained, as a record of tho Into news of tho day, an advocato of useful measures, and a vehicle of light, pleasant litemrure. ll is not too much to predict, that Tim Despatch, so conducted, will eommunda laigo and steady circulation. Tho proprietors havo dotormined to oiler the right of occupying advertising allotments, to purchasors at uuotion, and tlmt popular " Knight of tho Hammer," Mr tiich.rd Reeves, will Urn day olßuiate nt the sale. Wo may add that further ummgoments aro in progress to ronder The Despatch a welcome evening visitor at the winter fireside. The deputation appointed by the North llevoll street Improvement Oomraitteo to wait on Mr Sulo, was received by that gentleman at his ofllco on 30th April. In answer to tho different quostions submittod to him, he replied — firstly, that Iho Q-ovornmont had decidod uot to subsidise any further amounts collected by tho inhabitants of Hokitika for loral improvements, as it would soon bo declared a municipality, and to tho Council hereafter elected such matters especially belonged. Secondly, that tho Governmont was prepared to advance tho necessary amount for the formation of a footpath in front of tho old Hospital reserve Thirdly, with respect to tho removal of tents at Iho bank of tho street, that was a matter especially belonging to tho Police Department. And fourthly, that tlio Surveyor had received instructions to form right-of-way* from Rovoll street to tho Beach, wherevor it should be considered beneficial to tho inhabitants to do bo. In accordance witli an announcement mado at the conolnsion of the service in the Courthouse on ?9th April last, a meeting of parties favorable to the formation of a Presbyterian congregation in tho town, was held at the offlow of M«t»r«, H«id«»oti and £on«r

on Monday evening. Mark Sprofc, Eiq., wns called to (hs chair. The Rot Mr Frasor, of I Chrialchuveh, etntod that considerably above ' £200 had been subscribed within the last fow days for the purprso of aoenring a temporary supply oi immaterial services, and at a« early a date as possiblo a rosidont clergymau. Sovcral resolutions woro passod calculated to prouioto tho object of tho meeting, and a committeo was forinod for tho purposo of carrying them into eft'oct. Mr James Alexander Bonar was appointed Treasurer, and Mr John S. John • flton, solicitor, Secretary. It was unanimously resplvod that Mr IVusor should bo furnished with a certified copy of tho minutes of the mooting, and bo requested to take tho ucrosBivry stops for having tho Presbyterians hero recognised as a congregation in connection with tho Presbyterian Clmroh of Now Zealand. Wo beliovo that our Presbyterian friends havo reason to bo most satisfied with tho result oft their exertions, and that they will speedily enjoy all tho advantages of a fixed pastorate. Tho s.s. Wonga Wonga loft Nelson on the 24th ultt. at 430 p.m., with strong head wiuda and son, and at morning's tide of the 26th sho crossed tho Grey bar. During tho day disolurgod cargo consigned to that port, and on tho 27th loft, for Hokilika. Camo to an anchor oil' tho bar at noon, but too lato for that day's tido.und at 9 n in. a heavy blow from the N.W.. accompanied by torronts of rain, compello I , her to trip tho anchor and mako an oiling, where sho remained under easy stoam all night. Tho nest day sho ran in, and notwithstanding a hoavy fresh in tho river, orosso'l tho bar and reached tho wharf safely. Tho Wonga brought 15 tons cargo, 150 slwop, and 2 horsos. The thrco-masted schooner Little Fred loft, tho Mannkau on tho 16th ult. with light N.E. winds and fino woathor. Passod Rooky Point on tho 22nd, but variable winds and calms prevailing, sho wns kent in the ofllng until tho 26th, whou she ran in and anohored olf Ilokitikti at 10 p.m. Tho next maming at tido time sho was fastened to by the Lionoas, and reached tho wharf nafoly. Throughout tho pas&ago light and valuable weather prevailed. yho brings n cargo of timber and potatoes. ' Tho brig Cosmopolito sailed from Napier on tho 2nd ult. with light vnriablo winds and fine weather. On tho sth tho brooso sottlod into tho S,W>, and commencod blowing hard, and in a fow hours brought tho brig down to her main-staysail, undor whioh sho " lay-to," with hor docks constantly floodod by tholioavy sous that broke aboard. On tho Gth tho galo modoralod and sail wis mado, butiu tho Straits tho day aftor, it again freshened up, accompanied by heavy thunder and aovoro lightning. ' Sail was again rodueed, and whilst going aloft to " hand" tho main-top.gnllantsail, two of tho crow, named respectively William Coloraan and John Austin, had a remarkably narrow escape from death by tho olectrio fluid. Thoy hud juet gained tho topmast rigging when a duzzling flash oncirclod the vessel, completely blinding both mou. Dizey and bowildered, and fearing ho had lost his sight for over, Coloman crawled down to tho dock ngain, and for three days romainod totally blind, but at tho ond of that period regained his vision, although for many days afterwards his oyos woro very soro and weak. Quito as blind as his shipmate, but not go severely shocked, Austin, with true Bailor's pluck, continuod his couvso aloft, gained tho top-gallant yard, and furlec the sail by ' fool' alone ; and still in utter darknoss chsccndod to tho deok. Ho hud hardly touched tho plnnku, howovor, whon his sight so far rcturnod that ho was able to distinguish tho glimmer of tho binnaelo light, and in a lew hours tho eflcot of tho Hash ontirely passed away. On the Bth tho gale couponed her. to bear up for Capita Island, under whieii sho anohored at noon. On tho 10th, tho galo having moJorntod, she put to sea, but scarcely cleared tho land whon it again came on to blow hard from tho west, so for tho sake of tho c.ittle on board sho returned to hor shelter. Hero sho remained for 30 hours longer, kept a prisoner by )ho violenco of tho gale, but on tho 12th sho again broke ground, and hence to Hokitika, off which eho anchored ou (ho 2Gth, unsettled stormy weather from S. to N.W. prevailed. Tho Cosmopolite crossod tho burin low of tho Challenge o» the 27th, and notwithstanding her long passago, landed 26 ! head of cattlo in oxc llont condition. With her hheop, however, sho was not equally fortunate, us nearly one-third of the ninnbjr perished during the trip. * A very heavy surf lashed tho coast on ' Friday, 27th ult., so heavy indeed th'it it was more than ordinarily dilllcult nnd dangerous to w*ork tho bar. 'Both tho Chalh-n^o and Lioness, however, faced it. as t^vo tolorabl.v heavy bottoms wero waiting in tho roadstead to be conveyed inside. Tho Lioness ran out. li«t, with tho echoonor Mary Anno In tow, but when in the middle of the " broak," tin* end of tho warp slipped and tho schooner at onco turnod broadsido to it, and drifto:! rapidly towarJs tho bench. Tho Lioness, howovor. baokdd hor engines (although in nuoh a surf tho oxporimont was dangerous)— in tho voiy niok of time ro-fustoned to her tow, and in n few minutes gainod tho emooi hor water outsido without furthr mishap. Tho Mary Amucertainly had a narrow escape, although th ai-oidont wa* solely owing to oarolesnoss in making tho tow-lino fast. . Wo can give a flat, contrndiotion to iho report that tho warp piut jd •, for such, wo bolievo,' was in circulation during the afternoon— us the lino whs quite now, nnd used for tho first time that morning. Afti-r ousting off iho sehoonor, took tho Little Fred in tow, arid wnle for the river again $ but, whon crossing tho bar a tromondous sea struck her, washed completely over tho bridge, smashed the gelloy into pieces, aud Kijookod in the starboard paddlo-box. Fortunately it wa3 not followed by another, or the result might havo been soriom, for, a> it was, tho schooner was completely buriod, an. l both vessels woro hovß considerably out of tin; lino of channel, Lithe meantime tin Challenge had fastened to tho brig Cosmopolite, and following oloso upon tho heels of hor rival, and i'nvored with smoother water, she i ntered tho river without accident. After much waiting and hopo deferred, which at last was Succeeded by a dospairing in. liiferenco as to whether Uokitika would ever possoss a really good Bignal light, wo have the satisfaction of informing " commundors of vessels" and others interested in tho matter that by improving upon the " first-class lantern and burner" sent down by tho G-oyfcrn-; ment, a really good light is tho result, and quo which wo should imagino can bo seen man| lniloH from land. It was on tho 19th u\£\ that the now light in its unimproved stnto whs first mado übo of, and we then stated, although most guardedly, not wishing to cavil, that tho light was not such a succoss as we hoped, £nd anticipated it would havoboon, and thatperliaps it appeared dim when viewed from tho bench) it would show a bettor light to vessels outsido on tho "piano" of tho reflector. It apppears, howovor, that our first iniproßsions touching its brilliancy woro only too correct, ns tho captains of sovoral vossols which havo arrived hero lately affirmed it was no improvement upon the old light, nnd that, tho lamps in Rovell-3ti l eot showed distiuotly Long befor tho uignnl light wns porcop table. This of courso was intolerable, and not to bo borno by " tho Wostland port nmator," who at once set to work and improvised now burners, using kerosino instead of oil. The result is most satisfactory, as tho light ia really brilliant nnd bright red, and must bo plainly visiblo a long distanoo in tho ofllng. Tho plan Captain Turnbull adopted was to remoro the inner lantern, which contained a single burner only, and substitute instead a flat unenclosed block tin caso (capable of containing a gallon of kerosine), into whi6h - are inserted three burner*, forming n triangle, ifo npsx pointing

seawards. /Behind the two bnse lights aro placed two oleotro-platod reflectors, moving on a pivot, which can thus bo fixod at tho uocossnry angle to throw tho light both up ami down the const, whilst above and botwoon is another reflector, agninat which the rays of tho npox light impinge, and aro thus thrown in n direct lino seaward. As wo have boforo said, tho light is oxcollont.tho only drawback to its onliro succoss being the lhibility of tho glasses to " fly" in windy, rainy, woather, which ia occasioned by tho drifting moisture finding its wny insido through the orovices of the door. This of courso can bo easily rectified by a curtain, and ouco securo from wot wo fool euro that tho light will burn in any weather, nnd prove that which it was in! ended to bo, aguido indcod to mariners appioaching to or departing froui tho coast. The new burner was mado by Mr Horn, tinsmith, of this town, and ita construction reflects tho highest credit on his skill as an avtiznn. It v unnecessary for us to eulogise 'the originator of this most welcome improvomont, as his energy nnd thoughtful enro in nil mnlfora appertaining to tho port/ havo been constantly and moat bonofieially displayed ovor since his arrival nmongst us. Tho Bnllarat, p.s., roturnod to port on 22nd ult, nftor a fortnight's sojourn at tho Grey, whew she has boen getting a now rudder made and shipped. ' Tho p.B. Yarra arrivod on 24th ult. from tho Grey, whewsho had been fully employed sinco tho 20th. Sho left Hokitika on that day with papoongors on board for tho Claud Hamilton, then lying in tho roadstead; and after transhipping them, and iv return receiving on board a unmber whoso destination was Groymouth, sho Btnrted. for that port, and crossed tho bur onrly ou tido. Landed hor passengers at tho Quay and shipped a fresh supply for the Claud Hamilton, with which 6ho rocrossed the bar, and found that voasol in tho roadstond waiting their arrival. Another franshipment was offootod, und 100 sheop received in exohango, whou tho Olaud steumod away for Nolson, and aa tho tide was too far «ono, tho Yann vomftined in tho oflhig all night. Tho noxt day sho fastened to tho aohoouor Apnvhun, whioh had arrivod during Iho night, and towod hor inside to tho coal wharf, nnd nftorwards discharged tho aheop. Preparations for volnunohiug tho schooner Sua Bird from olf tho North Boaoh having boon complotod, tho sorvioos of tho Yarra woro ongagod to tow hor through tho surf. Whon opposite tho signal station a long lino was sent on board und mado fast to tho tow warp, ono ond of it being retained on shore, nnd tho middle ( biioyod with two walor oasks to oaao tho drag. Tho stoamor thun crossod tho bar and ran slowly along tho beach just outsido tho lino j of surf, and a number of mou tracked tho lino abreast hor on shoro. Arriving opposite • tho M-jhoonor tho Yarra droppod hor unchor, and two hundred fathoms* of towlino wero paid out, haulod on shoro and fusteuod to the schooner. At a given signal the tug turned ahoad, and as the wnrp tightenod, tho shores wero knocked away, and like an arrow tho Sou Bird darted off the ways, brasted the surf gallantly, nnd was towod safol'y outside into smooth wator. Tho Sea Bird s tho third vessol which has been launched through tho surf, and tho manner in which hor removal was effected, reflects Iho greatest credit on all concerned in it. Tho Yarra did hor work r6inurkably well, and tho contractors speak in the highest terms of tho way in which Captain Nicoll handled her, for not n single hitch occurrod in tho arrangements from first tolas!. With hor charge in tow tl.e tug ran insido the same tide, thus completing that which wo belibvo to havo been a voi'y profitable day's work. Tho noxt day tho Yuvra towod in the Star of Tasmania, from Christohurch, 'and then fastening to tho Mary Anne, towod her out, cast her adrift in tho oiling, and steamed for Hokitika, und after a smart run of two hours and a half, dropped hor anchor off tho b\r at 8 p.m. Tho weather boing very thick at the time, sho remained outsido until morning, whon sho run in nnd roachod tho wharf safely. Tho Yarra was much boneflttod by tho thorough overhaul she lately received, the alterations effected in hor machinery hnvJ ing considerably increased hor speed and ' power. This was tho fii-Bt trip mado by hor since sho wus laid up, und wo must confess tho now era commenced most auspiciously and wo hopo that this smart little tug snd her pijraeverituj muster will bo us successful as they deserve Tho s.s. Wullabi loft Nelson at 4 p.m. on tho 21st ult, and anchored off tho Buller the next evening, but too lute on tido to cross the. bar that night. On tho 23rd, at 7 a.m., sho ran in and discharged a fow tons of cargo ; sailed ngnin tho same tido, and crossed the Gro\ bar at 4 p.m. the samo day. Remained at Groymouth until 6.30 a.m. on tho 25th, in tho meantime discharging about 40 tons of cargo, utv.l then left, reaching Hokitika at 9.30 a.m. The Wullabi Drought a few tons of cargo, 15 ho.id of cuttle, nnd 70 shoop. During hor pussuijß from Nelson light thiok weather prevail -d. Tho Lioness, p s., arrived from Okaritu on tho 23ih ult. with 120 pns.tongors on board. •Sho reportod that, when entering that port on d mdny provious with tho cutter Volunteer in tow the warp purto I, and hor charge iv conso J quenuo took the ground on the north bonoh. dho, howover, got olf the simu tide, and when tho LioiK'»s leff. h»d discharged i. curly all hor cargo. The Jam -s Paxton, which has so long been lying at Okurita, wus on tho 24th towed to -ica by tho tujj, end sailed on her way to ! UuTicdin. I On the 23a1 ult., although vessels entering I the river ha I to take a sharp turn round , the North Spit, the channel otherwise was in, an excellent condition. The William Miskin, whon leaving on tho provious day, an hour boforo high water, sounded tho ohannel from en-l to on.l, and now hero found less than seven feet, the lead lino giving that depth on tho tail of the South Spit. On the top of high water tho Star of the Eveniug cuino in, and, in her turn, kept tho load going, whon from two to three fathoms aud a half were found. The b.b. William Miskin sailed for Bluff Harbor and Dunedin on tho 22nd ult., tnking with hor a little cargo and 86 passom-gei-s. Her Into stay has been tho longest sho ever made iv Wostland waters, and we understand it has proved anything but an unprov fltablo oho. • As tho Star of tho Evening was tho firstJ stoamcr to leavo tho Hokitikn. wharf direct vfor Melbourne, ao was dho tho flratto make tho return trip. Woll ploasoJ woro we to see this smart and handy vessel onco moro safe at hor moorings, and trust tho successful voyago she bus just completod is only the forerunner of many others thnt will prove equally so. During hor stny in Molbourno she wns on tho patent slip and both boiler and bottom underwent a thorough overhaul and wero woll clounod ; the result of tho examination being most satisfactory, as all tho plates were found porfoctly uound, a fow only having started Thoso woro re-tightonod and tho bottom coated v, Ith a now kind of composition invontod and patentod by Messrs Charlesworth aud Sharp of Molbourno. A patch of it wastriodon tho bottom of tho South Australian and found to answer admirably, as whon removed not tho slightest corrosion was percoptiblo in the plate, and tho surface of the coating was singularly free from marine luorustations. After filling up with cargo, and shipping some forty passengers, the Star of tho Evening left Hobeon's Bay,and oloared Port Philip Heads on the 13th ult., at 1 p.m., with strong ea^t wind and fine" weather. Thoso sho oarriod until tho 17,01 when the breeze hauled more to ttie south aud h»l^l m fl?«r« for ttom d*y», th«j ttf«J «w«y

nnd gradually shifted to tho west, and hence to tho roadstead, which sho reached at 10 p.m. on tho 21st, light brakes aud fair woather prevailed. Tho brigautino Lizzie Ooleson, which arrived on Sunday 16lh ult. has exporioneed a long nnd tempestuous panaago from Sydney. Sho left that port on Iho 25th ult., with light onatorly wind* and fino woathor ; but on tho 38th tho broozo haulod into the S.W. and fivshonod up, vcoriug in squalls to tho Bouth and south-east, and remained so until tho 30th, when it sottlod into tho JS.S.IC. and commenced blowing hari. During tho night it steadily increased, and whon day broko on tho 31st, tho appeurancu of tho heavona guvo uumistukcablo warning that unusually hoavy woathor wa3 at hand. This was further conllrmod by tho barometer, whioh fell rapidly, and as tho morning 'advanced it bocanio necessary to heave the vessel to undor v closeroofed muinsail. All that day sho lay tempesttossed,- the sea in tho meanwhile rapidly rising; and on tho first instant, the galo having increaaod to a hurricane, tho mniusail was balanced-roofed. Although tho sen was torrific-— threatening overy momont to break on board hor — tho lively craft mado oxcollent woathor of it, shipping little or no water j but tho nost day tho galo culminated, attendod by such fonrful squalls that tricing lineß hud to bo got on to tho foot of tho mainsail, whioh was tricod up and roducod hi sizo as much as it possible to do so. It was absolutely nocousary to show «omo canvas to keep hor to tho wind, nnd although thoro was nothing but a more rag set, tho violonco of Iho galo was such and tho aqualU so continuant and hoavy, that the.Coleson had not timo to recovor horaelf botweon thorn, but lay liko a log upon tho wator, with tho seas making a oh>:m j broach over hor. At noon tho glass foil to 29"40, tho lowest point roachod ; and the wind commenced " chopping," fly. ing round occasionally to the north west, and throughout that night blow uuabatodly, accompanied by a mountainous 10a ) and thoao on board feared that— <Ud it la^t inuoh longer— tho vessel muit founder. I?qv tunatoly, however, towards daylight qu tho 3rd thoro woro signs of a ohnngo, one! by 8 a.m. it wns ovidont tho galo' had bvokou. At uoon, tho boa having considerably gono dawn, sail wut mado and tho brigantino kopt aii hoi' courso, and until tho 7tu modorato, though variable, winds and flnij weather provailud. But on that day it booaujo apparent th,at anothor tVial was at hand, for tho wind Uuulod into tho south, and by sunset tho brigautino was ngain undor utorm-sails, canvas having boon roducod to olose-roofot) mainsal, trysail, and forotopinast staysail. At 10 p.m. a heavy squall struck her, burying hor loe bulwarks undor water, whioh swopt tho 100 sido of her decks oloan of everything movoable. Luckily this " blow" wa» of shoi-t continuance, a? tho noxt day it died away j and a fow days aftorwards land was mndo about Cape Foulwind. Light woathor kopt hor to tho northward until tho 18th, whon she appearod off Hokitika bar and signalled for a tug ; but as thero was nono in port to attond, sho stood to soa again, and being caught by a strong current, ! with only a light broozo to stein it was swopt so far to tho south that sho could not fetch tho bar in time for next morning's tide. On tho morning of tho 15th, howovor, tho Ohallongo ran out, and Auttanod to her, and by 9 a.m. tho Lizzie Coleson was lying safe alongside tho wharf. Sho brought v general cargo, and whou sho loft Sydney hnd a quantity of poultry on dock, but noarly all perished during tho gale. Tho stato of Iho bar on Monday, 30th ult., doomed outward bounders to another 24 hours' enforced imprisonment, for at daylight tho harbor master and several commandors ,of vessels inspected the entrance, and pronounced it, if not impossible to be in su-ih a state, that ' it would bo nn act of insane imprudonoo to attempt putting to sou until tho channel became moro defined nnd tho surf les* heavy, tt certainly lookod' most uninviting, for tho j last westerly gales' hud hove tho tongue of the south spit closo home to tho north beach, leaving a remarkably narrow ohannel between thorn, which appeared, so heavy was the surf, to hare no outlet seaward. Accordingly, tho flat went forth that the bar should not bo attempted, bo extra hitches were tuken to moorings, and tho crews of tho respective vessels set to work upon thoso Biindry and mj'Bte'rious " odd jobs" over to bo found undone on board a ship. Tho appearance in tho roadstead of Lhe South Australian somowhut altered tho aspect of uffaii'B, so far us tho tugboats woro concerned, and conjectures wero immediately rife as to the particular boat which should " bell the cat " on this oconsion, or whether it would bo decidod to let the South Australian remain untoudod until tho noxt morning.' Wo bolidvo tho Lioness had been engaged by tho agonts, Messrs Bain, Hough ton, and Co., to land passengers and cargo, but hor commander at once 'looidod not to put his boat in jeopardy, as her draught of water / was considorablo ; and it oventually fell to tl o lot of the smallest boat of tho fleet to pilot the way. At tho eleventh hour, or rather at tho top of high wator, Captain M'Meilcen, of tho Persevore, intimated to his n'»ont» that he was pre'parod to run outsido, as ho believed thero was plenty of water on the bar ; and having received their assent, ho got steam up, cast off from tbo wharf, and in ten minutes aftorvrarJ* was buttling with the breaker*. The progress of the littlo steamer was anxiously watched from tho Bhoro, and no slight satisfaction was .oxpressed whon aho was obsorvod to be safp outside the lino of broftken, apparently without having shippod a bncket of water. She remained alongsido tho South Australian two hours, and then returnod, and although it was so late on tido (quito naif ebb) effected an entrance without difficulty, and brought in with her nearly one hundred paasengors aud their luggage. Observing that Captain Maomeikan took soundings both ways,' we askad him what renter thero was on tho bar, when laughing ho replied, 2 fathoms going out, but on his return 11 foot only wa9 found in the shallowest part, so that after all tho channel is navigable enough notwithstanding the fears entertained to the contrary. ' A telegram received from Duno'Hii by Messrs Baiu, Houghton and Co., announces jftiat tho brigimtino Despatch sailed on Satur/lay iust, with a full cargo for Hokitika. f, Ou IViday, 20th ult, tho p.s. Bruce, having \lie lona iv tow, left thi9 port for Okurita. 3pth vcssols had heavy cargoes on board. j "^he Win. Miskin, b.b., arrived from the Grey on tho lQth ult., nt 9.30 p.m., having left that port at 1.30 p.m. Sho reported a heavy soa rolling on tho Clroy bar when sho crossed it coining out, and that there wevo about twelvo feot of wator in tho channol. Tho p.s. J3ruco loft Hokitika at 4 p.m. on tho 20th ultimo, with tho loua, schooner, iv tow, bound to Okurita, and arrived off that port nt 10 p.m. Tho tido uot serving, sho was kopt outHido until 3 p.m. noxt day, whon blio ran in aud crossod tho bar safely. By sundown aho had discharged hor eurgo ; and the next day got up steam and towod out tho Jenny Duncan, aud then returned and shipped passengora for Hokitika. In tho meantime, the Lioness Attempted to enter the river with the Lapwing, outter, astern, but grounded, ou the bar. She, however, dragged over it, although her tow was not equally fortunate, for, losing her way in consequence of ti\& tug's mishap, the also grounded ou the bar, and was finally washed oixto the jf orfch Bea«h, from whioh, up to tho' timo of the Bruoe's departure, the Jjioness ,wao unable to move hor. At 6 p.m on the 22nd, the Bruoe left Okarits, and anohored off Hokitika at 10 p^ra..-, trotting &♦ bw J)«t .fluf nt f *„ty,

During hor run up thiok woathor and rain provailod. Punctual to tlu timo of her departure, the Olaud Hamiltou loft tho roadstead on tho 19th ult. at 3 p.m., bound to Nelson via Grey mouth. To p-rpvout dolay at tho lattor port tho p.s. Yarra wns diapntohod nhoad, to bo in readiness to at onco convoy paßSongors and cargo on board us «oon n« tho " Claud " hovo off Iho po: t, Tho P.N.Z. nnd A R.\r. Coir.puny'g s.s. Claud Hamilton, Gordon Ponsonby, commander, from Bluff, Port Chalmers, Lytteiton, Wellington, Piclon, and Nelson, arrivod off this port ul 8 30 p.m. on Thursday, liJth ult. She loft this port on tho evening of tho 7th, during a heavy S.W. galo, whhh continuod until hor nrrival ut iho Bluff. From thence sho hn/l fino weather with light head winds up the Knst Coast and in Cook's Straita, when loaving Nolson tiu-ong head brcozts, with a very heavy oroni sen, prevailed. ' Tho K.oivuody, b.s., Whitwell, commander, loft Nelson cvi tho I2fh ult, at midnight, with Btrontt U.W. 'broo/es nnd • fine weather. On nvmJiug tha sand bpit slie was mot by the full foriM of a still' gule, whioh induced her to brin«j up under the spit until the woathor moderated. Tho unolior was lot go on tho 13th at two am. Tho next day, tho gfilo having aomowhut abated, she got undor weigh, and lit !) a.in, p;naod Capo Farewell, but tho galo iii'uhi freshening from S.W., sho was compelled to blow her broadsido to it, and Bland oil' f.liorc. All day on tho 14f h she stood "off mid an shoro undor canvas and easy steam, and thu inja morning, as the gale continued unabaUull/, nud hor fuel run short, eho put into West Wangunui, coming to an anchor iv tho Inlut at I) v.in. Uoro sho remninod that day, in Uio meantime obtaining two boatloads of coal, uud at noon on tho lGth tho gale having Mowu iUulf out, sho agaiu put to sea. Rack's Point win pasaod nt 4 p.m., and tha Stxoploa 0.1 uuduigM, whon tho breozo once moro frasliouud lroiu the westward, accompnuiod by houvy vain and a chop sea, and nb fI.SO a.m.. aho wus abroast of tho Groy, and at 9 a.m, ou the 17th Hokitika bar was ov issed and tho wbai'f vooohod tafoly. The Konnody brbugut a guuoral cargo, 120 sheep, and 4 calvoa. .EorjQvLod having passod tho Wallabi off RocVa Point, standing ?o tho uorth. Tho s.B. Star of tho South cleared Otngo houdu at 6 p.ui.,ou Tuesday, the 10th ultimo, and arrived at Lyttolton at 10 p.m. on the Uth, having oxporioucod strong head wiudi moat part of. tho paisago. Took iv oargo and coals on tho 12th, ancMeft for Hokitika on the 13th at 7 a.»n., experioncod light head winds and fine weathor throughout tho passage, and arrivod off tho bar at midnight on tho 15th. On the 12th ultimo, as vro hoped and antioN patod, tlio Harriett, which had been stranded at the entrance to the rivor, arrive'! safe and sound at the wharf. Ou the provioua night she got clear of the Spit, anil at 10 p.m. was riding to her anchors iv the stream, but shortly afterwards took a hheer and grounded agaiu on th? edge of the bank. Tho next morning, 'however, tho hawser laid out to the south Spit was brought to the windlass and aim was onco more hove oil. In tho meantime (her serviced havlug been engaged) that steamer Peraevero arrived ut the scene of aotion { and having fustonod to the biigautino towed her to the wharf. Very tbaukful are wo that thu disagreeable duty of having to report another wreck is flpared us, and lnoathoaitily do we desire th.it the uorth spit may long retain ita present appe muice. Wo append a short rcpoit of the Harriett'^ trip from Melbourne. The brigantine Harriett left Hobaon's Bay on tho 18ib. ult, but did not clear Port Philip Heads until the 22m], the winds being light from ihe N.E, and lino weather, Light easterly we.U her kept her iv the straits until the 2/itb, on wbioli date tho wiud having huulod into tho N.W. , sho took her last departure from Swan Island. NW. breezes und fine weather provailod up to the 30th, when tho wind shifted into the S. l£. and blow a heavy gale, uccornpnnied by a high sea. Reduced canvass to double roofed mains til and lay to until midnight on tin 2nd, and the weather then moderating bore up and mado sail. Honce to tho land light westerly weather prevailed. The Harriett arrived iv tho roadstead on tbo 7th, and wbon entering the river next day grounded as before related. The brigantino Colonist left Sydney on the 7th ult. For the first forty-eight hours experienced light oasterly winds and fine weathor, and during tho remainder of tho passage light winds from N. to Ntf W. prevailod. Land w.is made during tho night of the 16th, and the day after, the Colonist hovo-to off the bar, and' signullod for a steam-tug, but being too Into ou tido she atooj. out again until the naxt morning, whon she woo fastenod to by the Lioness and convoyed safely to tho wharf. She brought a full goneral cargo. By tho Colonist, also arrived the new Dramatic Company for the Princa of Wales Opera House. The p.?. Bruce arrived off, the bar, from Okaritn, on tha 15th ultimo, but tso late to cross that night. She, therefore, lay outside until morning's tide, when aho ran in, with tho John Mitoholl in tow. Tho Bruce left for Okarita on tho morning of the 12th, with the ICato schooner iv tow, and entorod tho river next morning, but was swept by tlfe current on to the inner bank, and. a* the tido receded was loft high and dry. Hor tow alto cain« to g.'ief about twenty yards oatem of her; and bsfore either vessel could I/O got otf, both of them had to be discharged. A very ftw houri saw their oargooa lauclod, ai drays were able to back alongside; and at the next tiJd both floated, and were at ouo» removed to the mooriug place off the town. Noxt morning the Bruce was again ■ ready for tea ; and having fastenod to the cutLers John Mitchell and Pilot, Bteamsd outiide, where she cast oil' the latter vessel, which mm bound for Southland, and with hor remaining tow sto-jrod for Hoki tika, arriving as above- Tho Bruce brought up a few pusfongers, but no gold dust. Ou Aat inst., a miner, who arrived overland from Okaritu, brought with him the intelligence of the total loss of the suhoonor Kute, the. property of Mr (Jreer, of this town. The bearer of this unwelcome news stated that ou Friday l&3t the iiute, in tow of the Bruce, attempted to enter the river, although, there \vas a very heavy soa running at the time. From somo unexpluiued cause, the schooner took the ground, aud so heavy was the surf^ that the next sea which caught her s»'opfaor many yards high and dry upou the North Jjeach. The Bruce ,in thu meantime experienced some diklicuity in saving herself, but evontually gained tho river, where, we imagine, she will remain until the heavy surf subsides. Happily, the Kate's cargo was at once discharged (aud iv excellent condition), for tho uoxt afternoon she connnonccd breaking up, ami has sinco, we aro iuformed, gone to pieces. On 2nd inst., at high water, all the outwurdbouud vessels which wero ready for sea left tho river,. Tho Persevere, with a load of passongorj for the South Australian, first eroded the bar, on which v tolerably hctvy surf still broko, and although aho receivod a severe buffeting, pushed through the broken water without accident. The Wonga Wouga followed her, grouuding slightly as sho crossod tho tail of tho South iSpit< Sho however immediately oloarcd, but was mot by two or threo immense rolloro in the. water break, whioh she surmounted iv capital style. The Susannah Booth, in tovr of tho' Challenge next departed, and both vessels gained th< offing ■ without any apparent difficulty. Th< lost to leave was tho Star of the Evening 5.8., whidh had delayed . her departure unti the last moment to gather up any otraypas eengers > fot: Melbourne. ■ Suo received oi boafrd several who had taken passages in th South Atistrali&n,.aad as the latter vessel wg Utityin the roftdstaad,. ran alongside.of her aai transhipped them, and then atood to sea, fbl