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West Coast Times, Issue 259, 23 July 1866, Page 2

Amongst the more conspicuous street improvements effected lately, we may mention the approaches to the " West Coast Times'' office, which may now be reached by a fino gravelled causeway, extending from the path leading to the Wesleyan Church to and beyond the office.

Very finely executed photographs of the four men in custody at Nelson — Sullivan, Kelly, Burgess, and Levy, are in circulation in town. The likenesses are nerfect.

An inquest was held on Friday last at tho Kanieri, by Dr. Beswick, tho district coroner, upon tho body of John Hunter, who was killed at the Hau Hau on the preceding day. From tho evidence of James Wildridge it appears that the two men were employed '"n a branch drive., putting in timber, Wildri<-e bv'ing in the t'.io dealing away for the points of the laths, whilst Hunter drove them home. As we have stated in a former issue, he knocked the cap-piece dovv^i, through missing the lath when striking, and was killed almost instantaneously by the fall of earth and the back-sets of timber. Wildrige's escape was miraculous; for, being in the end of the drive it would naturally be supposed that his position was the most dangerous. Fortunately the drive did not cave in quite to the end ; so' although he was partially buried, the upper part of his person remained free, and assistance being at hand, he was extricated comparatively uninjured. In the case of Hunter the jury returned a verdict of " Accidental Death." - The body was brought into town on Saturday, and decently buried by the deceased man's mates in the cemetery, the funeral service being read by the Eight Rev. Dr. Harper, Bishop of Christchurch.

We learn that Mr Soloman, of the Cafe, has instituted proceedings against tho proprietors of tho penny evening paper, for a false and malicious libel on his establishment in a recont issue of that sheet. It is not improbable, however, that proceedings will be stayed by an ample apology in this evening's issue of the print referred to.

Only two cases were disposed of on Saturday in the Supremo Court, viz., a chai'ge of larceny against Henry Brinker, and one of assault with intont against Patrick Downes. After a lengthy, tedious hearing, the former was convicted and sentenced to twelve month's imprisonment with hard labor, and the chargo against Downc3 was also brought home to him. and a sentence of sis months' imprisonment and hard labor passed by his Honor. The business of the Court; will recommence this morning at eleven o'clock, by sentence being passed on Eoberfc Stone, who was found guilty on Thursday last of robbing under arms.