THE MONTH.

West Coast Times, Issue 277, 13 August 1866, Page 2

THE MONTH.

Compared with the gold fields of Aus:alia which abound with both quartz and onstone, the Westland workings are ngularly free from either, the later specially being very rarely met with ideed. In nearly every instance, if an ispection of the auiiferous drifts be lade, they will be found to consist of late, sandstone, and granite wash, interlixed with a very small proportion of uartz, and now and then a stray ironstone i uncovered. We, however, have never ntil lately heard of gold being mbedded in ironstone ; but now we re told on reliable authority that a jentleman of this town picked up, uring his rambles in the vicinity, a piece f ironstone studded with gold. This is (leasing intelli^euce, as it proves the xistence of gold other than alluvial in he district, and coupled with the reported md of a reef iv the vicinity of the Arahura iver, induces us to hope that ere long juartz mining will b come one of the taple supports of WestVid. A sad case of drowning, illustrative of he folly of leaving the mouth of wells md other open receptacles uncovered or infenced, occurred on the 12th July at he back of Revell-street. A fine little >oy named N. J. Clarke, aged two years md a half, was playing about in the ricinity of his parents' residence, near to which is situated a tidal well about ten eet f'eep, which at high tide contains about six feet of water, and when the tide is out ibout two feet and a half. Presently the )oy was missed by his mother, who receiving no answer to her call, ran outside the cottage to search for him, and found his hat lying on the edge of the well. This aroused her fears, and on looking down it she saw something in the water, the tide being then at its lowest ebb.. Assistance was summoned, when her worst fears were realised, as the body of the child, was found on its head at the bottom. Life was of course extinct. An inquest has since been held by D.r Beswick the District coroner at the Lord Nelson Hotel, and a verdict of accidental death returned, to which the followinjy rider was attached: — The Jury would lecommend that all owners of wells should be compelled by the police to properly protect them. The ceremony of baptism by immersion, took place on the 14th July in the Ilokitika river opposite tlie Kanieri, upon four persons, of whom two were females. A large number of people attended. The weather was beautifully fine? and the river clear and. perfectly still ; indeed but for the sharp frost, which we should imagine must have made the water somewhat cold, a better day could not have been chosen. Those who have only once patronised i the well-spread and genteel y conducted breakfast table .at the Cafe de Paris may, perhaps, form a slight idea of the dismay and confusion /which the sudden and unexpected irruption of a' wild pig in the room would create amongst the guests ; ■ and the rage and astonishment of Phin.j Solomon and his staff of waiters. Yet wei can assure our readers that on the 18th ult. a scene occurred at the Cafe which requires the pen of a Lemon to, describe, and the pencil of a Leech to illus trate It seems that at an early hour the Wallabi commenced discharging her cargo of pigs, (12Q in number), some of which were exceedingly wild, and refused when landed to herd with the rest. ' One lof them was particularly intractable, and dashed up Wharf street and round abont Revell street, followed of course by several individuals whose efforts to catch it were quite unavailing. At last driven to desperation and nearly exhausted, '' piggy" when passing the Cafe suddenly turned and darted inside, evidently attracted by i the savoury fumes proceeding from the breakfast room, into which it dashed, to the consternation of all sitting there. What then transpired wg are unable to say, but the babel of noises which greeted the ear, made up of women's 'shrieks, men's cries and curses, the crashing of crockery, and the maddened squeals of the unfortunate brute, was sufficiently indicative that for a time at least the breakfast room was converted into a chamber of horrors. We are informed by a gentleman who was an eye witness, that after prostrating most rudely the lady of the house, the hog leaped upon the table and proceeded in a most unceremonious i manner to help itself to coffee, scattering 1 the dishes right and left in its course. After much trouble — as it was of considerable, size — the brute was ejected, and- the wonted order once more reigned. ' A very singular accident occurred to a boat, while the ps. Bruce was towing across the Okarita bar on the morning: of the 16th June. For the purpose of supplying the miners on Hunt's beach with provisions, otherwise than by the slow and expensive process of packing, some storekeepers at Okarita chartered a small schooner named the Caroline, and engaged the Bruce to tow her outside, and a large whaleboat was also provided to land the schooner's cargo on the beach. This boat hung astern of the latter, and contained a Maori to steer ber through the surf; but when in the -worst part of the break, the jerks were so heavy that the boat's bow was torn completely out to a level with the keel. On perceiving this, those in the Bruce and schooner gave the unfortunate man up for lost, when to their astonishment, iie slued the boat's head round for shore. It was then observed that his weight in the stern sheets kept her fore part sufficiently raised to prevent her swamping, and as fortunately the flood tide was still running strongly, he was swept ihto the river and landed safely. A fatal mining accident happened at the Hau Hau on July 19, whereby one man lost his life, and anothdr had a very narrow escape indeed. The two men were at work in a drive on the Deep Lead, and at the time vere engaged in timbering the ground. One of them named John Hunter was driving home the laths — his mate being behind him — and by some mischance he missed the lath and struck the cappiece, knocking it off the props. This of course let tbe points of the laths down and forced out two of the back sets of timber, which, in their fall, brought down an immense quantity of drift, estimated at twenty tons. Hunter was crushed under the falling debris and must have been instantly killed, but his mate was only caught by the timber and gravel and wedged-up in the drive, thereby being rendered helpless to assist his unfortunate fellow- workman. - His cries summoned assistance, and save a few bruises he was extricated unhurt, but Hunter was fpuna quits Uead ( with hi* ueok aad tm

quite lilitck. 110 h.sd e^Hß.uiy ulcd iiom suffocation. An extraordinary case of "smahing" eccurred on the 19th July, which haended so far hi the self -conviction of the offender, who deliberately walked into the Police Camp on that day, ami gave himself into custody. It i& needless to say that the police were utterly astonished at such a procedure, and at first imagined the man was mad, no charge having been laid against him. He was, however, detained, and in the meantime tbe affuir investigated, when it transpired that within two days he* had " smashed " four worthless cheques, amounting in the aggregate to L 205 15s. He gave in his name as W. C. Warden, and stated that one for £200, drawn on the Bunk of New Zealand, he had passed to Mr Cairns, proprietor of the Sydney Accommodation House, Tercmakau, in payment for the building and premises, which he had purchased. In Hokitika Mr Fitzsimmons of tiie Mechanics Hotel was victimised to the tune of £1, >nd Mr Colls of Tattersail's Hotel also accepted a piece of paper to the s-Miie amount, Avhilstim unfortunate blacksmith whose name we have * not heard, is a sufferer to the extent of £3 Us. The only reason assigned by Warden for such in»;>ne acts was that he had no employment and was starving. The remains of another unfortunate — dreadfully mangled — have been cast up by the sea on the Totara beach. On the 11th July, two parties named respectively, Cummins and M'Auliffe, were travelling overland from Okarita, when just as they were abreast of Donoaghue's Bluff they observed an advancing wave deposit a dead body on the beach. Upon examination it was found to be Lliat of a man entirely divested of clothing save the remnant of a shirt round its neck, a belt round the waist, and one boot on. It was much 'mutilated ami hardly recognisable. Assisted by some miners who were passing by they removed the body about high water mark, and on arriving in Hokitika, Cummins reported the circumstances to the police. A very unusual incident occurred on Juty 19 in the Supreme Court. On the Grand Jury coming into Court with several true bills," the foreman stated to His Honor, that he had been requested by the Grand Jury to bring under his notice the circumstance that in connection with an indictment for riot at Bruce Bay, several of the jurymen had been waited on by witnesses subpoenaed in the case, with a view to their being induced to throw out the bill. His Honor ■ •expressed great astonishment at the announcement, and said he had uo doubt the Crown Prosecutor would look nto the matter, and take what steps might be necessary. Mr Duncan said be would certainly do so. His Honor asked Mr Sprot; to mention the names of the parties. The foreman said he thought the Grand Jury were chiefly desirous of mnicinc: the matter public, as a warning. His Honor hoped it would operate as such. t At the Five Mile Beach, south of Okarita, there are about 1500 people assembled, and to supply the wants of such a community there are 7 hotels, 26 stores, 3 bakers, 2 butchers, 2 shoemakers, and a branch of the Bank of New Zealand. The "Ballarat Rush is certainly the most nourishing part of the Waimea district, miners and business people alike doing well. A considerable township has sprung up there at 'preseut, containing 2 hotels, 18 stores, 3 bakeries, 3 butcheries, 1 restaurant, 1 blacksmith, and 1 shoemaker. At the Waimea, township trade is dull, through excessive competition, for although the population is light, there are 9 hotels, 7 store?, 3 baker-*, 3 butchers, 2 blacksmiths, 2 shoemakers, and a large drapery establishment. At the Three Mile there are 3 stores and 1 butcher, and I store at Fox's Gully. On the Waimea track there are 3 hotels, 3 stores, 1 butcher, 1 baker, 1 cordial manufacturer, and 1 shoemaker. Total for the district inclusive of beach workings, 14 hotels, 34 stores, 6 bakers, 7 butchers, 4 shoemakers, 3 blacksmiths, a cordial manufactory, and a drapery establishment. The prisoner Wilson, alias Murray, who made known to the police the conspiracy to murder Mr E. B. Fox, and was afterwards arrested as being implicated in the matter, arrived from the Grey on the 11th July at half-past five o'clock. He has been sent to Hokitika for safe keeping, the gaol at the Grey not being so strongly built as the cells here. According to Sullivan's confession, Wilson was a member of the gang, and took an active part in the murder of Mr Dobson. He is an undersized, slightly-built man, of sandy freckled complexion and small features, with disagreeable, ferrety-looking e3'es ever glancing downwards. From his " tout ensemble V we pronounce him decidedly insignificant, and should certainly not take him for such a desperado as the confession of Sullivan makes him out to be. On the 3tst June, a miner, known only by the name of Kitto, was drowned in the luangahua river, under very melan- ' choly circumstances. He was crossing the river in company with his mate, when he missed his footing, and was swept off by the current. After being carried down thn river for some distance, he recovered himself, and seized hold of a branch of a tree. With this frail support he managed to get near shore, but just as he was stepping on to the bank, the branch snapped, and he was again carried off by the current and drowned. His body has not sfnee been recovered. It is understood that he has a brother, a storekeeper, living at Kingower, Victoria. Another melancholy instance of drowning has been brought under our notice! About four o'clock in the afternoon of the Bth July, James Craig, a boatman on Wakanui river, whilst in his tent, heard shrieks for help in the direction of the stream, and on rushing outside 3aw a man struggling for his life in the water. The next moment he disappeared, and was not seen afterwards. No description of his fi-jpearance is given, save that he was di e-ssed in digger's clothes, and carried a swagi The first Bal Masque ever introduced iv Hokitika came off on July 19, at the Prince of Wales Opera House, and if we say that every part of the house was crowded we certainly shall not be guilty of exaggeration. By midnight the dress circle was thronged with spectators, who evidently expected that the boards below would be covered with motley groups of dancers, and that much fun and amusement would he the result. In this they were disappointed, and the contrast between the upper and lower portions of the house was ludicrous in tlie extreme, us only somo six or eight couples, dressed in fantastic costume, promenaded tho ball

mom or icsponded to the suiiunoii.s of^tliLM.C. In fact, a slight mistake hud been ninde through every body coming to see the performance of some body else, who, unfortunately, happened to bo a spectator also. Matters began to look serious, and it was feared that tho ball would be a failure, but shortly after the "witching hour," tho scene was changed by the sudden influx of a number of masquers of both sexes, and the night's amusement then commenced in earnest. Dancing was vigorously kept up, varied of course by ludicrous incidents, which, if we may judge by the applause awarded by the sightseers in the boxes, afforded them intense delight. Many and varied were the costumes which met our view, which changed the wearers for a time into French Vivandieres, Women in White, French Clowns and Musketeers, Crusaders and ancient Romans. Decrepit old women danced with a vigor truly marvellous, and I a towering Meg Merrilles with a " wee j body" for a partner, swept through the room with a momentum that ensured her a clear passage. We are happy in stating that the ball was a success, and that the spirited proprietors of the Opera House were not losers in thus endeavoring to introduce a new feature in the amusements of Hokitika. Perhaps the most illustrious personage conveyed to England by the s.s Kaikora, the pioneer vessel of tlie Panama, Steam Service, was Dr Hobhouse, Bishop of Nelson, who, we understand, has finally left his diocese, after spending % period of seven years in the Nelson province, during which period he has never drawn a penny of his stipend, the whole of which (5500 a -year, £3,500 in allj has been devoted to the furtherance of the Church, besides which he has also been instrumental in procuring bequests for the Church from England. He got the Nelson College built, cndo'.vcd and established. In addition to all this, he spent L.If.OCO out-of his own private foofune. Truly this h the right sort of Colonial Bishop for au j/ifanr, city and community. When shall New Zealand see his like r.srain. An inquest was held on the 16th July, by Dr Beswick, the district coroner, on the body of a female child named Sti»an Fox, who died suddenly the previous day. From the evidence adduced it was evident she died from natural causes, and a verdict in accordance was given. On July 17th a part}' named James Craig called upon Mr Commissioner Sale to ascertain if the GoYcrnment would grant a weekly subsidy for the maintenance of a ferry boat in the Mikanui river. A definite an.MVer was, however, refused him, until it was ascertained whether the necessity of such a boat existed. In one or two cases we have seen reason to regret that prisoners at the bay during the present sitting of the Court, have not been defended by Counsel. In the instance of a German tried on July 19 on the technical charge of "larceny by a bailee," it was painful to see the difficulty the prisoner had in, conducting his defence, and in coss-exanrining the witnesses for the prosecution. In such a case at home a counsel would have been " assigned" to the accused ; of course, the Judge protects — to the extent of his power — the interests of the prisoner under such circumstances. But a JnJge's knowledge of the merits that lie behind " a case" as put by the pro-, secution, can never be such as to enable him to test the value and truthfulness of a witness's evidence as a cross-examining counsel, fully possessed of the 'case of the client, can do. The work of boarding over the lower end of Gibson's Quay wharf is progressing apace, and will, we believe, .be finished within a fortnight. When completed, it promises to be a substantial job, and a very valuable addition to the already finished portion of the wharf, and to a certain extent will prevent that crowding of vessels tier upon tier, whilst waiting for berths, which we have so often observed. When this work is out of hand it is intended to construct a metalled roadway about h'fty feet wide from the end of Wharf street along the entire length of the quay, so that drays will be enabled to reach the shipping by that thoroughfare from all parts of the town. This, whilst very materially improving Gibson's Quay, will yet leave it only half finished, as there will be a wide space from the footpath in front of the stores left unreclaimed, and the Government have intimated that it expects the residents to subscribe sufficient funds amotigst themselves to make up and metal, thia space. They, however, very strongly Object to this, as the filling-in required will be enormous, and from a rough estimate of the expense, will cost somewhere about Lls each section. Moreover, it will be a public thoroughfare in the extremest sense of the term, and the advantages to be derived from any improvements effected there will be participated in by every inhabitant of the town, either directly or indirectly. The residents, therefore, say that the making up of Gibson's Quay should be left to either the Government or the Municipal Council when that body is formed. The. householders in Wharf street have also a word to say in the matter, and not without cause complain of the enormous flow of traffic through their street, which is the only outlet to the wharf passable to wheeled vehicles. At their own cost they reclaimed this street from its former unparalleled state of mud, and made it one of the best in the town. It is, however, rapidly returning to its original condition, and in a very short time will need metalling. Now they very naturally object to keep this street in repair, which is used as a common right of way by every cart and waggon in town, and say that the town should contribute towards it, or else that another outlet should be provided to relieve Wharf sireet of a part of its traffic. They point to Camp and Tancred streets as the most suitable, for at a moderate •«ost a road might be made through the first into the last, which leads at once on to the Quay. Were this work undertaken, it would prove beneficial in more ways than one, as that foul unsightly swamp between the two streets would be filled up, and one of the greatest nuisances in town — alike disgusting to the eye and smell, and detrimental to health — swept away. At a small cost, the ditch through Tancred street could be bridged over, and thenccto the Quay, a very few loads of gravel would make a passable roadway. Importers should take warning from the several seizures made lately by the Customs' authorities, that in one instance at least have resulted in the confiscation of the goods. These goods consist of what are usually termed fancy articles, and aro very often packed in tho "same case with m» Amiable merchandise, whiobJi thvt

rendered liable to seizure as well. Foi instance, there is a very high spirit duty imposed upon Eau de Cologne, and a duty of four shillings per hundredweight on scented soap ; whilst portmonmiies, meerschaum pipes, and toy nick-nacks are duty free. These, however, are classed as fancy goods by dealers, who import them (or strive to do so), as free^of the legal {customs charges. The lynx-eyed officials, however, are not to be so easily deceived, and their suspicions having been aroused, cases were unceremoniously bro':en open on the wharf, when the secret was revealed, and the law permitted to take its , course. In the majority of such instances sv/f believe that no fraud was intended, and that when the entry was passed for fancy goods, the neglect to classify the articles under their respective heads, was caused more by ignorance of the conditions of the tariff than from any jdesire to evade the duty. Such occurrences, however, multiplied, and it was considered advisable to make a few seizures as an example. It should also be borne in miud that not only are the dutiable articles liable to seizure, but the other goods contained in the case in which they are packed are according to the strict letter of the law also subject to confiscation, and the fine for smuggling may be inflicted besides. A ludicrous scene occurred at the Prince of Wales Theatre on tlie 31st ult., which caused much laughter, and a certain amount of fright and confusion to the spectators, not to be surpassed by anything provided for their entertainment before, the foot-lights. The comedy of the "Contested Election," was in the course of performance, when suddenly a mysterious gloom was diffused throughout the house, followed by a bright glare, which was instantaneously succeeded by tota' darkness. For a moment the silence was profound, as many imagined this sudden darkening was part of file perform manci, and that some thrilling P^asational scene would follow ; but whpn iL waa understood that by some mischanco. the flow of gas had been checked, and the lights in consequence, extinguished, volleys of cheers and laughter resounded through the house. Of course there was a general rush, and some funny mistakes resulted ; but, as the lights were quickly re-lit, order was soon restored, and the play brought to a conclusion without any further contretemps to mar it. , At the meeting of the Memorial Com- . mittee held on the 7th inst. at the Commissioner's Office, we regret to say that the only members present were Messrs Eaton, Rochfort and Cooper, representing the civil service contributors to the fund, and Mr Bright representing the non-official element. Several subscription lists were handed in, the total amount being a few shillings under a hundred pounds. The Bank and hotel lists returned something under £5 in all. A few zealous canvassers, however, succeeded in making up the tolerably respectable sum we have named. The following letter addressed to Mr Eaton, -the Secretary of the committee, was read from Mr Edward Dobson :—: — Christchurch, July 26. 1866, Dear Sir,— Will you kindly convey to the Memorial Committee, the expression of my most sincere thanks for the mark of" public sympathy I have just received through yourself, and the assurance that nothing has given so much comfort to my family and myself, under our sad bereavement, as this public tribute to the character of my sou from those in whose service he met his melancholy end. I remain, dear sir, with kindest thanks, sincerely yours, E. Dobson." At a meeting of the Committee of the Hokitika and Greymouth Railroad Company held on the 7th inst., .at the Empire Hotel, the following resolutions were carried :—: — That the name of the company be changed to the Hokitika and Greymouth Tramway Company (limited), and that immediate steps be taken to lay the line of tramway to the Waimea Creek. That three additional Directors be admitted. That the Secretary be directed to alter the name of tlie Company in the prospectuses already printed in pursuance of the foregoing resolution. That one of the Directors proceed at once to the Waimea district with power to receive applications for shares and deposits on behalf of the company. A meeting was held on the 7th inst. by the believers in total abstinence from intoxicating liquors at the Wesleyan Church. It was numerously attended. The Rev. W. Cannell took the chair, and in opening tlie meeting alluded to the satisfactory progress made by the .society, aud the great blessings likely to arise from its formation, lie trusted that no effort would be spared by the members to further its objects, which were universally recognised as beneficial in the highest degree to the great mass of mankind. The meeting was afterwards addressed in the- same strain by Messrs Scott, Alcorn, and J. B. Clarke, and concluded with the enrollment of several new members in the ranks of Father Mathew. On the 7th instant., whilst assisting to run out a warp to the spit, Captain Tmnbull narrowly escaped being swept into the surf, which was running very high at the time. The boat had landed and the crew were running the warp >ip the bank, the Captain standing on the verge of the water hauling with the rest, when suddenly the shingle gave way from under him, and in an instant he was soused over head and ears in the rapid current. Fortunately Mr Virtue was standing close by, and seeing him go, made a frantic clutch at the worthy 'harbor-master, and happily succeeded in staying his further progress, although at no slight risk to himself, as the beach was " all alive," close to the deep water. Had he been a moment later, the chances are that Captain Turnbull would have been hurried into tho surf and drowned, as the break was very close to the boat. < We are glad to learn that a post-office has been opened at the Hau Hau Creek, at the store of Mr Frederick Muller. The mails for the Hau Hau Creek will close each Monday, Wednesday and Fridaj', at 5 p m., and arrive at Hokitika each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 5 p.m. We regret having to announce an accident which unfortunately terminated fatally on board tho brig Clarendon, oh her passage from Melbourne to this port. During a furious gale on "the sth inst., at 3 30 p.m., the vessel running at ten knots, and whilst to reef topsails,, the deceased, Frederick Tinbury, one of the crew fell from the fore-yard-arm, and was drowned. The ship was rounded to with every possible despatch, the life-buoy hove overboard, and every possible effort used to rescue the unfortunate young map, without uvajl; for though swimming a short dUtauce, he speedily nunk, and wag saeu

no more. ' Tho deceased hailed from Richmond, near Melbourne, in Victoria. The new rush in the Waimea district is exciting considerable attention, and promises to be most important. Or., the 4th inst. several shafts were bottomed at from GO to 70 feet, and very excellent prospects obtained out of them. Over a thousand people visited the locality on the 6th. The road to it is along the beach and the Waimea track, which must be followed for two miles ; then turn into the bush on the left hand, and a mile further the workings are reached. V After hope long deferred, much procrastination, and an unaccountable apparent unwillingness on the part of the government to preserve & very valuable portion of its Hokitika possessions, it has at last been definitely concluded to protect the lower end or Revell-street from any further encroachment by the river. An agreement has been entered into between two great contracting parties, viz., the Government on the one side and Mr Matthew Edgar on the other, the latter having stipulated, 'for a certain consideration, to construct a protection from the end of the old wharf to a point opposite the western corner of Beach street — the said protection to consist of two rows of piles, with the usual quantity of waleing fascines, battens, girders, brushwood, &c. One row of piles will be, driven close up to and level with the edge of the bank in front of the buildings, and the other will be driven fourteen feet nearer the river almost to a level with low- water .mark. The outer row will be connected together by a double waleing, between which long saplings and brushwood will be laced, their lower points extending far into the stream, which will thus be prevented from scouring any further the ilready deep channel cut out on this side the river. The two rows of pilea will be connected by stout transverse piecc3 ol unhewn timber ten* inches square, which Trill not lay at right angles with the pilea, but slope; with the bank side ; and underneath them, to prevent the sand from washing away during flood 3, fascines will be laid, and kept in their places by stout battens and crosspieces. When completed this work will present a strange appearance, for excepting at low tide the outer piles will be submerged, so that from the river the inner row and a portion of the ties and fascines will alone be seen. In fact the work is a protection and nothing more ; as, beyond relieving the present dilapidated appearance of the river bank, and preserving it from the inroads of future freshets, it will be of no practical utility. According to the terms of the contract "it is to be finished in five weeks, but three weeks' grace are* added in the event of floods. | A sad accident occurred on the 4th ult. in Jones's Gully, Totara, which resulted in the death of a miner named John Frazer. The unfortunate man working in a tunnel which had been driven a considerable distance into one of the terraces, when suddenly, without the slightest warning tho roof gave way, crushing him under an immense fall of earth. Assistance was promptly on the spot and eveiy effort made to save him, but it was not until six hours after the accident that the body was recovered' Hfo then being quite extinct. On the afternoon of the Bth hist, the remains of Mr George Dobson were buried in the Cemetery, South Beach. Unfortunately the weather interfered sadly with the event, which was intended to be a public one, as the rain commenced to_ fall early in the day, and continned to pour down almost without intermission until night. Notwithstanding this, the inhabitants of Greymouth turned 1 out in large numbers, and we were ■ glad to observe that representatives of every class of the community and of nearly every business house in town were present. The chief mourners were Mr Dobson, sen., the father of the murdered man, and his two sons-in-law, Dr Haast and Mr Todhunter. They were followed by his Honor the Superintendent of the Province, Mr Commissioner Sale, Mr Warden Revell, Mr Warden Kynnersley, and-a number of the personal friends of the deceased. The melancholy procession, which was preceded by the Lord Bishop of Christchurch in his surplice»passed down Mawhera and Richmond, Quays, then over the bridge at the Lagoon, and down the South Beach for nearly three miles before the Cemetery -Avas reached. The coffin was carried by a number of gentlemen who gladly rendered their services, and after crossing the Lagoon bridge_a dray was in readiness to convey the coffin over the beach, but they refused to part with their melancholy burden, and carried it the whole distance. At the grave the verj' impressive funeral service of the English Church was read by the Lord Bishop of Christchurch, and was listened to with deep attention by the large crowd assembled round the grave. We must not omit to mention that during Sunday all the vessels in port displayed their ensign half-mast high. The police have been -making a ' raid ' upon the publicans. ,A large number of the holders of licenses have, within the last few days, been mulcted in damages, in the Warden's Court, for allowing their lights to go out at night, aad for other breaches of the law in such cases made and provided. As a rule, it may, we think, be safely asserted that the Intel proprietors of Hokitika keep their houses in excellent order, and strictly conform to the rules laid down for their guidance in the Public House Ordinance. The best of us, however, are .at times caught tripping, which appears to have been the fate of some of our jovial " bonifaces," who have, according to the heinousness of their offences, suffered fines of from 10s to 40s. Mr Vincent Pyke, formerly a warden on Bendigo, and lately chief commissioner of the Otago gold-fields, New Zealand, has filed his schedule, at Dunedin, returning his liabilities at L 1519 7s 6d and his assets at L 925. The cause assigned for the insolvency is " pressure of Melbonrne creditors." We hear that no slight * excitement was caused at Rosstown, by the stirring commercial news from England, and especially by the report that the Commercial Bank, in Dunedin, had suspended payment, and that a run had been made upon the Bank of New . Zealand. The latter item created a panic, which occasioned quite a rush upon tlie branch of that bank, at Rosstown. The establishment was besieged by depositors, who clamorously demanded cash, but in their "hurry forgot to discriminate between the relative value of gold and paper, very readily accepting notes in lien of gold. So heavy were the demands, that ' the notes of the establishment ran out, aud what might have happened, no one can tell, had not the New South Wales and Union Banks come to the rescue, by sending in a timely supply of their paptr, Fortunately, tWi

was amply sufficient to meet all demands and the day closed peacably. By the next morning the panic had ceased, and in due time the bank again received its own ; but we should imagine that the parties interested must have felt quite chapfallen at their ludicrous mistake. Another specimen of the genus Phocco has been captured in tho Okarita district. Our southern contemporary writes as follows upon the subject : — " We recently noticed the capture of a live seal at G-illcspie's Beach. Another, and a much larger, specimen of the same amphibious animal was caught on Monday night by two diggers near the Three Mile, and ' gave them some trouble to do it.' The two men, John Sullivan and his mate, were walking up along tho #luff, when the former observed what he imagined to be a dog sitting upon a rock thirty or forty yarjJa from the sea. Seeing the brute flounder awkwardly towards the water, he pursued it, and tried by a preliminary kick to stop its progress thither. The brute growled and went on ; so Mr Sullivan attempted to seize it by the neck. It not only growled again, but bit its assailant in the arm, and, this making the latter more desperate, he threw himself upon the animal, rolling over with it, and latterly holding its hind flappers until his mate killed it by a blow on the head with n stone. As a moonlight adventure it was rather an exciting one whilo it lasted, but it was no joke, after tho capture was effected, to carry the beast into town, as it prove^ rather a wet, heavy, and misshapen swag ; but its captors succeeded in^ carrying it to Messrs Hennelly and Poley's, and have since been attempting to save the valuable skin. Numerous other seals, we believe, have been seen along the shore during tho kite fine weather." It appears that some of the Okarita Beaches are inexhaustible, if we may give credence to the following clip from the " Westland Observer" : — " Gfeod accounts are still received of the produce of such claims aa continue to be wrought at Hunt's Beach and its neighborhood. The peculiarity of the claims on that bepch are that after a north-west wind, tho gold on the beach is constantly renewed. Tint?, in on^daim which has been wrought several times, thirty-two ounces were recently obtrincd. M ordinary scasoii3 claimhcldcrs have to wait many weeks before being able to realise, but, after a nor'-wester a fresh ' crop' of the precious metal is produced, and diligently reaped." A return showing tho expense incurred in ho Postal Department in allowances to subpostmasters and licensed vendors, on the sale of postage stamps, for tho financial year ended t3oth June, 1866, has been laid upon the table of the House of Eepresentativea. The return shows the expense for the Province of Auckland waa L 372 4s ; for Taranaki, L 32 ; ibr Wellington, L 125 2s 3d ; for Hawke's Bay, L 27 18s 3d ;,for Nelson, Lsl 2s 4d ; for Marlborough, Ll6 12s ; for Canterbury, L 295 153 6d ; for Otago, L 292 ; for Southland, L 44 Bs. The Wellington " Advertiser," of Wednesday last, says : — " A summons has been issued against Mr George Armstrong, the honorable member of the House- of Representatives for tho Akaroa (Canterbury Province^ district, charging him with perjury in the case recently heard before his Honor Mr Justice Johnston and a special jury, in this city, and in which Mr Armstrong recovered damages against Mr Watson, R.M. The alleged perjury lies in the statement sworn to by Mr Armstrong ns to the language used by him in an assault case at Akaroa. Mr Armstrong is summoned to appear at the Resident Magistrate's Court, Christchurch, on the 16th August, to answer this charge of perjury." i The good folk of Rosstown were lately in a state- of%great excitement, through certain facts in connection -with the past career of Burgess, Sullivan, and Levy having been brought forward. About three or four months ago, ihese villains were camped on O'Donoghruo's diggings, and (as a blind doubtless) professed great anxiety to obtain a stand in the street whereon to erect a " Johnny-all-sorts" store. They made due enquiries, and we have no doubt kept an eye upon their nefarious I business at the same time, and marked one poorwretehatleastfordestruction. Wearocompelled to draw thisinferencefromthe following information, supplied us by a gentleman who arrived from Ross on the 27th ult. At the time Burgess & Co. were at O'Donoghue's, a, party of miners had their final washing-up, and divided the proceeds, wlnVh amounted to 100 ozs of gold each man. One of them stated that he should leave for G-royniouth the following day, aud carry his gold with him ; and in the morning accordingly he started for Rosstown across the dividing range, which is densely timbered. He promised that, upon his arrival at Greymouth, he would communicate with liis quondam mates ; but from that hour to this they have never seen or heard from him, and no trace of him could be discovered in Rosstown. On tlie day that he left, Burgess & Co. disappeared from O'Donoghue's, which then excited no {surprise ; but the late horrible revelations made by Sullivan excited suspicions amongst the missing man's friends, who doterminod to closely search tho track between O'Donoghue's and Ross. They did so, and in a gully near the summit of the dividing range,, a red blanket was discovered, very much flyblown. This at once gave rise to serious ' apprehensions that ho was ono of those who had been foully murdered and hidden in the bush. We observe that Government has issued printed notices calling upon any miner who may have improvements to suggest in the present Goldfields Regulations to communicate by letter to the Commissioner, under cover to the warden of the district in which the writer may bo at the time residing. Such communication must be sent in on or before the 18th day of August inst. This i 3 a very fair challenge on the part of the Government, and we trust the miners will show no disinclination to accept ; for|we have heard many complaints that tho present regulations are faulty and require re-constructing, or at least a" close revision. Sergeant Clements, the officer in charge at Long Beach, Okarita, reports th^t the population of the different beaches from the Three Mile, on the north, to Bruce Bay, south, numbers about 2110 souls. l£is, however, gradually decreasing, so much of the beach ground being worked and deserted — Gillespie's, especially, where miners can make but small wages, is rapidly boing deserted. Hunt's Beach and Bruce Bay are steadily on the decline.. It is reported) says the above officer) that a rush is setting iv to Jackson's Bay, but there is no certainty about it. / The rush between^ the Saltwater and Teremakau is somewhat extensive, all the ground between the river and the lagoon creek (or New River) being marked out and closely shepherded. The lead or patch is situated on a terrace about three quarters of a mile from the beach ; tho sinking at the lower end, which was lately rushed, being from twentyfive to thirty-five feet, through a soft running sand, which requires close timbering. From somo holes bottomed, prospects which promise 20 ozb. to the load were obtained. There is a great denl of water to contend with in sinking ; but when a tough clayey layer is got [trough, it disappears in the loose sand below . it. Tho whole of tho ground is taken up, and t in some places the lead is staked off to a width ©jl three claims. x On the evening of the Ist July, Cobb'a coach arrived from Christchurch, after a most protracted aud dangerous journey, all the streams boing enormously swollen, and the road in many places blocked up with landslips and fallen timber, Mi 1 Knox, the driver ! nformed us that he left ChrMweh o» '

tin, 26th June, but upon reaching the Waimakuriri found that river impassable, and was delayed there a whole day waiting its subsidence, so that it wiß not until the, 2Bth that the 13caley was arrived at. After leavvng that township and when in the Pass, the road was found in a frightful state, huge lnnd-slips having 'come away from the lull sides, across which, in one (instance, the coach had to be carried piecemeal. Several times the driver and passengprs wore compelled to alight and remove by hand the rocka and boulders which obstructed the way, and in the Bealey pass alone, it is calculated that twenty tons iof debris were'thus turned over. The Otira Pass was in a worse condition, and the services of the road gang had to be called into requisition ore the coach could proceed. Late at night on the 28th the Typo river was reached and an attempt made to cross it a little- after midnight, but the leading horses no sooner entered than they were carried off their less by the stream, so the idea of then crossing was abandoned, and the horses stabled at the accommodation house. For thirty hours the coack remained at the Typo, when the flood having somewhat abated a passage was effected at 10 on the morning of the 3Gth ; but about seven miles further on, the Wainini Creek (which in ordinary -weather is a mere rivluet) presented a barrier there was no getting over in its then flooded state. This proved exceedingly awkward, as there was no accommodation house to resort to nearer than the Typo ; therefore, as the day waned, and the creek still kept up, Mr Knox was. compelled to return to obtain food for the horses. But the passengers persistently refused to accompany him, not choosing to risk their lives in re-crossing that river. They accordingly crossed the Wainini on a large tree which had fallen across it, and performed the remainder of the journey on foot. The coach reached the Typo hostelry without miehap, and remained there until one p.m. on the Ist July, and once more slartedj arriving in town as above stated. Mr Knor assured us that tho weather throughout the journey was frightful, and that he never saw " the rivers so high. The Tcremalcau especially •\Tas.in a fearful state, being three times ite ordinary size, rolling onwards to the sea in immense waves, its surface covered with quanti- _ ties of timber and brushwood. A meeting of members of the Hebrew faith was held on the Ist July for the purpose of taking measures for the formation of a congregation and the erection of a synagogue. There wa3 a largro and influential attendance: Eesolutions, in accordance with the objects of the meeting, were passed, and a committee appointed, with the following honorary officers : President, Mr F. W. Isaacs ; Treasurer, Mr H. Cohen ; and Secretary. Mr M. Harris. It will be remembered that there is a Jewish, reserve set apart for church purposes, and, considering the number and wealth of the community here, no doubt a substantial and handsome building will soon be erected. A rather hazardous experiment was tried on July 26 by Captain Randall, of the Otago, which, although resulting successfully, was not unattended with risk, and we hope will not bo again repeated on any future occasion. Induced by the fineness of the weather and an exceedingly light surf, Captain Randall manned one of his boats, and, accompanied by the purser and several passengers, made for the , shore, with an evident intention of landing on the beach. "When this was perceived fronTthe shore, a considerable crowd assembled, and watched with great interest the progress of the tiny craft, which reached the shore safely,' although its occupants received a gratuitous shower-bath ere they landed. After remaining on shore for about an hour, they prepared to return, the surf in the .meantime having slightly increased, but by* watching their' chance between the seas, the surf was crossed without accident. The Crest of the Wave, schooner, left Port Philip Heads on the 30th June, with S.W. winds and line weather, which carried her through the Straits, and hence to the New Zealand Coast, N.E. winds and a head sea were experienced. She made her first landfall off Milford Sound on the 9th July; but' through variable winds and. a southerly setwas kept outside until the 12th, when she ran in and anchored off the bar, which she safely crossed tho next morning, in tow of the Challenge. , The schooner Spray sailed from Port Cooper on the 23rd ultimo, with light south winds arid fine weather. On the 25th was abrast the Kaikoras, when the wind becoming scant and very light she was delayed off the Peninsula two days, sighting in the meantime a schooner, supposed to be the J. B. Russell. On the 27th the breeze again settled into the south, and the Spray continued her passage, passing Farewell Spit the .next day. After rounding the Cape the wind hauled more to the eastward, and hence to Hokitika continued light but steady. The Spray reached the roadstead at high water on the 29th, and was at once fastened to by the Challenge steam tug, and towed safely inside. Throughout the passage the weather was delightful, not a stitch of canvass being taken off her during the run. The P.N.Z. and A.R.M. Company's s.s. Tararua, R. H. Ferguson, commander, left Sandridge Pier at 3.30 p.m. on the 11th ult,but a heavy S(.E. gale blowing in the Straits, anchored her for the night inside the Heads. The weather moderating, she proceeded on her voyage the next morning, and cleared the Heads at 6 a.m., but found it blowing hard - outside from the. eastward. On the 15th the wind increased to a hard gale, which raised a high and confused sea, through which the vessel was driven under slightly reduced steam until the 17th, 'at 9 a.m., when the Colanders were sighted. The weather coming in very thick, and the gale still blowing hard, she anchored for the night, at 5 p.m., under Stewart's Island. At 7 p.m. the next morning she got her ground tackle on board, and started for Bluff Harbor, where she arrived at 11 a.m. Left for Port Chalmers at 2.10 p.m., with strong N".E. weather, and brought up off the town at 8 a.m. on tho 19th, leaving for Lyttelton at 5 p.m. on the 20th, arriving there at 10 a.m. the next day. She cleared out of Lyttelton at 3.30J p.m, with strong easterly winds and thick weather, and arrived at Wellington at 8.30 a,m., on the 23«1. Discharged mails and passengers, arid left for Nelson the next day, at 5 p.m., under drders, if possible, to rescue the shipwrecked crew of the schooner Deese, from off Farewell Spit. This she accomplished, and reached Nelson at 1 p.m. on the 25th, and after a stay of forty-eight hours left at 8 a.m. on the 27th. . A fatal but somewhat singular accident occurred to a miner at the Totara, whilst sinking in a shaft in front of the Jones' Flat Hotel. As the ground was both deep and wet it was worked by night as well as day, and at six p.m., on the 26th of July, the night-men v commenced operations. One of their number, named August Zagclias, had the first -spell below, and commenced sinking, but, to the amazement of his mates gave no signal for nearly an hour. Finding something had happened, one of them was lowered down, and there, in one corner of the shaft, found tho unfortunate fellow doubled up and bleeding profusely from a large wound in the head. He was at once removed to the surface and Dr. Hudson called in, who found him still alive but so exhausted through loss of blood that there was no chance of saving him. and although everything was done that medical skill could suggest he breathed his last shortly afterwards. *It is supposed that the wounll" wae caused by eithor a back stroke from the pick, or the falling of a stone froni the side of thf shaft, ..,

Mr George Samuel Weg Home, lately of Victoria, and niofe recently of Hokitika, was on the 31st ult. admitted at Dunedin to practise as a Barrister of tho Supremo Court of New Zealand. During the progress of tho Districts Courts BUI in tho General Assembly, the clause extending the criminal jurisdiction of the Courts to all but tho most serious class of felonies, and conferring on tho district judges the power of passing sentences of penal servitude up to twelve months has been negatived. Annexed are the' District Gaol returns for the week ending Saturday, August 4th, as forwarded to us by Mr Dale, the gaoler: — Undergoing sentence with hard labor, 27; imprisonment only, 1 ; debtors, 5 j total, 33. Discharged debtors, 2. ( The criminal calendar for the week ending Saturday, August 4, is light, 3 prisoners only being sentenced by Ms Worship to different terms of hard labor ; 4 sentenced men, haying completed their time, were discharged. The number and classification of prisoners in the old gaol, Revell street, at the above date, are as follow : — Hard labor men, 14 ; imprisonment only, 3 ; ou remand, 8 ; total, 25. feThe Church of England Choir met for practice on Tuesday evening, at the Supreme Court House, and although it is comparatively but a short time since the choir was formed, the progress made is very satisfactory' and most creditable to the diligence and attention of tho members, and the excellent management of the leader, Mr Button. At present it consists of eight ladies and six gentlemen only, who meet twice every week for instruction and practice. Mr Bowman, of the Bank of New South Wales, very ably presides at the harmonium. We wish this movement every success, and trust that other members will enrol themselves, as the present number is hardly sufficient for an effective church choir. Mining matters at Woodstock arc very dull and the place looks ahnost deserted. On the terrace immediately above the town there are only two or three parties at work, whilst all hope of tracing the deep ground upwards seems to have been abandoned. Some of the old stagers affirm that there are many good patches in the old ground, but that the water is too heavy to be overcome, and the- ground is so deep that tail races brought up on a dead level from the river fail to drain it. In the Maori Reserve there is only Royan and party at work, and they are merely woiking some outside ground in their claim, and expect to be altogether finished shortly. A great deal of ground is being cleared below them in the reserve, for agricultural purposes. We have received the following communication from a gentleman at Rosstown, who was present at the christening of the Totara Pioneer Race : — "The indomitable energy and pluck of the mining community was never better exemplified than in the carrying out of the work necessary for 'the construction of tho Totara Pioneer Water Race, tho successful completion of which was celebrated to-day. The water for the supply of the race is diverted from Donnelly's Creek, about four miles from the township, and is conducted by means of fluminer, and cutting along the sidesof the range to the point of the spur immediately behind the old Cemetery-bill. The work was commenced about ten months ago, and was expected to have been finished within three months $ but owing to the nature of the country through which it passed, and othet drawbacks, the Company have only been now able to complete the race. Tuesday was the day fixed for the ceremony of christening the race, and the bellman having summoned all the population within call, about 2 o'clock not - les3 than" a thousand people had assembled on tlie ground immediately below the present termination of the cutting. At a quarter past 2 o'clock the water was turned on, and soon appeared flowing from the end of a box placed for the purpose on the brow of the hill, in a streamithat gladdened the hearts, not only of the shareholders, but of hundreds of miners who have been compulsorily idle for some time back throughlack of water. Onits appearance at the end of the box, the race was christened by Miss Ryan in the usual manner, and enthusiastic cheers greeted the first sight of the indispensable element. The Company then adjourned to the marquee erected for the purpose, where a profusion of edibles and drinkables had been provided by the shareholders : a brass band being in attendance. Several toasts were drunk — "Success to the Company," " The health of the Manager," &c, &c, aid a presentation was ma de to the Manager, Mr Moran, by his fellow shareholders, of a valuable gold watch and guard, as a testimony of his services in conducting the work. We have little doubt that this enterprise will not only be highly remunerative to the partners, but will lead the way to further operations of the same character, which, in a district where ground-sluicing possesses so many attractions, will tend to make the Totara the most important goldfield on the West Coast." i At the Ballarat rush a hole was bottomed j) on the 28th uli., near the Stafford Hotel, | with splendid results, an ounce of gold being I the return from a single bucket of washdirt. ff From what we can gather it is some distance I from the old lead, as a rush set in, and the I ground was -staked off in all directions. The • depth of sinking is seventy feet. At the Saltwater Creek rush three miles of ground are in hand, and the population is daily increasing. On the 31st ult., Mr Surveyor Bain marked out a township there, and commenced a track through the scrub, from the lagoon to the workings. We believe it is intended to form a police-station there, for, although so far the place has been very orderly, the presence, lately, of several notorious characters, renders such a course advisable. The following is the paragraph from the report of the select committee on the Postal Service just issued, recommending penny postal stamps on newspapers :—": — " An Order in Council was issued in December, 1864, imposing a penny postal rate upon all newspapers conveyed by post. It was found expedient a\ a later date to revoke the order and abolish the rate. But as the system of charging a small postage on newspapers "conveyed by post obtains in nearly every country where postal- arrangements exist, it is proposed to re-establish it in New Zealand, as it is found that the number and bulk of newspapers passing through the Post Office causes, to a considerable extent, the largo expenditure at present incurred on account of the transmission of mails inland. It is not considered that requiring prepayment by stamp of one penny upon each newspaper posted could be regarded either unreasonable or as likely to press with" any degree of severity upon* the population generally ; it would, however, considerably increase the revenue, and so far reduce the disparity complained of." A fine'lad, named Joseph Greville, the son Mr Greville, of the Typo, met with an untimely death, on the 10th July, when attempting to cross tte river on horseback. In company with a man named Kennedy, one of Cobb and Co.'s grooms, he entered the stream at the fording-place, but when about halfway across the horse stumbled, and precipitated him into the stream. For a few moments the poor boy clung desperately to the reins, and almost reached the bank, when, his strength failing, he relaxed his grasp, and was swept awuy 'by the current and drowned. Search- was made for the body up to a late hour, but without success, Mr. Warden Ayhner, in his report upon the Totara district, dated July 7, states, that "A small rush was reported in the ranges nine nulns from Ross. I have been informed ninee, by a miner who returned

from it, that thero is nothing to induce men to go there. I saw, to-day, a small pieco of quartz with fino gold in it, which' wus found in this neighborhood: This convinces me that the country about here only requires prospecting to ensure the discovery of a rich j quartz reof. Estimated population of district, 3000 miners and 500 persons otherwise employed." Mr Dalrymple, a gentleman lately resident in Jackson's Bay, has supplied us with the following interesting items from that locality and the country north and south of it? and as lately our advices from thence have been exceedingly meagre, the intelligence obtained from him will be, doubtless, acceptable to our readers. For a long time previous to June 20th, Jackson's Bay held little communication with the outer world, as no vessel had called thero. On that date, however, the cutter Flying Scud ran in, and when sho sailed for Invercargill carried away Mr Gleve and a man named Henry Mayo, who for. five weeks had been lying disabled from a gun-shot wound in the thigh. At George's River, thirty-five miles south of Jackson's Bay, there aro about forty' men at work mining, but making little, more than sufficient to supply themselves with provisions. They are entirely dependent upon a whale-boat to bring them food from Jackson's Bay. They were once reduced to a great strait, as the boat got upset and was stove in, and for some time was unable to make her usual trip to the river. A short time ago a boat was washed ashore near Haast's River. She was in good condition, with the name T. Parkinson, Port Chalmers, painted on her stern, and from the length of the barnacles which covered her she is supposed to have been in the water six months. Three and a half days' journey from Bruce Bay, on the left hand branch of the Perekia River, a party of diggers found some crevices containing heavy gold. Tho country, however, is so rough and scrubby, and the hardships to be encountered so severe, that they say not less than 2oz. per' man a day would pay them j and as the actual returns were far less, they refused to return. According to their statements, they had scoured tho ranges for some time before this place was hit upon, and some one had evidently been there before them, as they found a mia-inia erected and tho remains of two Maori hens hanging to a pole outside it ; whilst within, lying upon the ground, was that well known publication by Wilkie Collins, the " Woman in White." Tho appearance of the birds and book indicated that they had lain there untouched fortnonths. From the quality of the gold these men obtained there, and the look of the mia-mia, they felt convinced that one of those .mysterious gullies reported by Arthur Hunt had been stumbled upon. At Bruce Bay new ground was opened, close to the Maori Pah, but proved of very limited extent, two parlies only obtaining gold in small quantities, with every prospect of its speedy exhaustion. Not more j. than fifteen persons are at present residing in Bruce Bay, and not a single store is left there. Our informant stated that through the nonarrival of supplies, the parties there lived for three weeks upon mussels and damper alone. On the 12th July a digger, whose name has not transpired, narrowly escaped drown- \ ing whilst attempting to cross Cook's River. The stream was not flooded at the time, but it appears he mistook the fording place, and the current being very rapid and intensely cold, he lost his footing and was swept a considerable distance downward. Fortunately he managed to disentangle himself from a heavy swag which ho carried, and, after a desperate struggle, succeeded in reaching the shore. The swag was carried out to sea. On the Bth July a man was unfortunately drowned in attempting to cross the Mikanui, and the day after a body was picked up on the beach near the Waita River, which, by its fresh appearance, had evidently not been in the water longer than a day or two. There is a probability, therefore, that it belonged to the party who was drowned the preceding day. A. boatman plying on the Waita picked it up and buried it. He describes it as that of a fresh-complexioned young man with light hair, denuded of all clothing save the remains of a pair of navy duck trousers. As navy duck is not commonly worn in' Westland, this fact may perhaps form a clue to its identification. Some new ground has been opened on a terrace which bounds Commissioner's Flat (Kanieri) to tho N.E., and excellent prospects obtained out of the fh'st shaft bottomed, on July 14th. 1 dwt. 13 grs. of gold was washed out of the first dish of dirt, and we hear that the bottom of the shaft yielded 1 oz. 11 dwts. It is supposed that this is a continuation of the lead lately struck on the terrace higher up the flat, as the depth of sinking is about the same, and the washdirt similar in appearance. The Memorial Committee met at the Cafe on July 27, and the address of condolence to the father of Mr George Dobson was signed for presentation, and the Secretary instructed to transmit it to Christchurch by the first mail. *Tt was beautifully written on vellum by Mr Browning, and reflects great credit upon the taste of that gentleman. The document reads as follows :—": — " Hokitika, July 14, 1866. — Dear Sis : We, the undersigned, members of a committee, chosen at a public meet ing convened by the residents of Hokitika for that purpose, beg to convey to you the sincere sjTnpathy which is felt with you in your late bereavement. To the qualities of a useful and talented public servant, honest and indefatigable in the discharge of his arduous duties, Mr George Dobson united an amiable and unassuming disposition, which endeared him to all with whom he came into contact. By this expression of deep sorrow at the loss of your son, and by tho reflection that few public servants, so young as he, have^ earned an esteem at once so sincere and universal, we trust that the grief of your family may in some measure be lightened, and beg that you will accept the heartfelt condolence of the people of Westland. We are, dear sir, yours very respectfully—Thos. L. Bright, M.P.C., chairman, Jno. S. Browning, E. Prosser, William Shaw, W. M. Cooper, James Rochfort, Jas. Geo. Hawkes.M.P.C, R. Mitchell, Thos. Turnbull, Gerhard Moeller, Mark Sprot, John White, E. Winter, H. J. Jones, S. M. South, Edmund Barff, M.P.C., G. S. '.Sale, treasurer, Fred. Eaton, hon. sec." The criminal calendar for the week ending June 16th was not very heavy, although a little in excess of the ono which proceeded it. At tho Resident Magistrate's Court 1 man was committed ; and 10 males and 1 female sentenced to different terms of hard labor. Against this number there wero 7 sentenced men and 1 debtor discharged.* Total number of confines in the old gaol at the above date, 12 males and 1 female, under sentence, 2 prisoners on remand,- and 10 debtors. In tho new gaol 35 committed men. We are glad to hear that our German brethren at Rosstown are up and doing, having formed themselves into an association which promises to be productive of much good. In Victoria such societies were commou, and very largely supported by natives of the Fatherland, who are thus enabled to meet together nightly, and give full play to their riational characteristics. The utmost decorum usually presided over these meetings, the amusements consisting of music, cards, chess, and debating. Libraries aro also generally attached to these clubs, and mutual relief funds established in the event of any member being stricken down by accident or sickness. We havo known these societies work remarkably well on tho Australian minos, and are glad that one i 9 at

last formed here. The Rosstown association is tho first instituted in Westland, but we trust it will bo followed by many others having tho like objects in view. Wo are glad to hear that polico protection is about to be extended to the Ilau Hau, which, notwithstanding that a largo population has for some time been located there, is totally unprovided for in that respect. The attention of the polico has, however, been directed thero lately to ono or two gangs of notorious scoundrels, who havo made thoir appearance in the district } so Inspector Broham has determined to form a camp on the Three Mile Creek, close to to the Bluo Spur lead, that being tho most control position. A sergeant and two constables will be stationed .there, and their presence, we have no doubt, will go far to check tho <growth of rowdyism in that hitherto quiet locality. A rumor was current in town on the Ist inst. that the notorious Sullivan was a passenger by tho Auckland, and that he was hero for the purpose of giving evidence igninst Murray and other parties implicated. After causing some little excitement, it was generally understood to be a mere " canard," aud so it proved, as oaly two passengers landed from tho steamer, neither of whom was in custody. On the 25th ult. one of tho large water races, which have been for some months past in _tho course of construction at the Totara, was completed and christened. A general invitation was issued by tho hospitable proprietors, who provided a bountiful spread and an abundance of liquors, from champagne down1 wards. Thoir call was responded to by a large '■ number of miners and business people of Rosstown, and the presence of the fair sex was not wanting to add a charm to the^ scene. Tho ceremony of christening was performed by Miss Ryan, who named the race " Tho Totara Pioneer," amidst the, cheers of all assembled. There was the usual anfbuvit of speeches made, and toasts proposed, the principal ono being, " Success to the Tolara Pioneer Race Company, and may success reward their enterprise." The health of Mr Aylmcr, Warden of the district (who was present), was also very heartily responded to. The race in question is about eight miles in length, its source being Donnelly's Creek, and it was cut to^command the lu'gh terraces which form tho left hand ranges bordering on Jones' Gully. Its terminus is on the Cemetery Terrace, where there is some very good sluicing ground, which has for some time past been held by miners, pending the completion of this race, which will enable them to profitably work it. Very great difficulties were encountered iv cutting the ditch, as the country is exceedingly rough. Many thousand feet of flumiug had to be erected. It is however finished, and promises to be a most profitable speculation ; for the supply of water is not only nearly unlimited, but there aro plenty of applicants for the use of it, as the diggers who have payable claims on the Terrace are compelled, in dry weather, to carry their washdirt some distance to where there is water for washing purposes. For the present, the company intend letting it out where the old creek is worked out, and thero can be no reasonable objection raised to their running tailings into it. They purpose ground-sluicing on a largo scale, aud working the terrace back upon a face. We hear that very shortly another, race, running parallel to this one, from the same source, will bo completed. Much good will accruo to Ross from this timely supply of water,-as a large area of ground/ hitherto unworkable, will be taken up and made to pay well. This will cause an increase in tho population, and give , a permanency to the district;, which is, we believe, one of tho most important on the coast. We hear that besides the Scandinavian there are other two companies about to procure machinery for the deep lead. The Prince of Wales is one, and Hood and Company the other. The P.N.Z. & A.R.M. Co.'s s.s. Airedale Meikleham, commander, left Dunedin on the 23rd ult., at 4 p.m., and arrived at Bluff Harbor the next (Jay at 8-30 a.m. Left for Hokitika at 10.30 a.m., and anchored off the bar at 5 a.m. on the 26th. Throughout the trip, tho Airedale experienced beautiful weather. She made a remarkably" smart run of 42 hours, 30 minutes from the Bluff. After a long absence at the Grey, the p.s. Persevere has again returned to her old quarters, the agents having determined that, as the Grey bar has a greater depth of water thau that of Hokitika, the Yarra, p.s. shall work the former, whilst the Persevere, being of lighter draught, is to attend to this port until the channel deepens, when the two boats will again change places. We have much pleasure in noticing the arval of the p.s. Lyttelton, which entered the ■irer on July 26 from Greymouth. Twelve months asfo, she was foe a short time trading between Nelson and Hokitika, and afterwards in from Nelson to Greymouth. She was, lowever, taken off the berth, and latterly has •>een engaged "upon the' trade between 31enheim, "Motueka, and Nelson. For the present, she is placed upon tho berth between this port and Okarita. Tho Lyttelton seems a handy, strongly-built boat, but rather too -i\>rt for bar work. She is well found in every - aspect, and her engines, of 30-hoi'3e power, are in excellent condition and very compactly built. Although rather stumpy, we judge the little steamer to be a lively boat in a sea-way, and most suitable for the trade she is at present engaged in when the aurf is not too heavy. ■ The Tararaa and Taranaki had a fair race between Duuedin and Lyttelton, which resulted in a victory to the former boat. They left the Heads stem and stem, but very shortly the Tararua drew ahead, and gradually dropping her antagonist arrived at Lyttelton two hours before hei\ The "Wellington Independent" contains a paragraph concerning this race, out of which we can make nothing ; but our statement is based upon information received directly from a gentleman who was a passenger from Dunedin in the Tararua. . We remember some time ago publishing, on the authority of information derived from a traveller by the overland road, that the bridge over the Typo was finished, and would be open for traffic on a certain date, when passengers and vehicles would no longer suffer detention from the erratic motions of that river. It has now transpired that soon after the bridge was finished, the river deserted its channel and scoured out a new one beyond the bridge altogether. This freak necessitated the construction of a dam, to re-divert the river into its original bed ; and as this work is completed, a freshet is alono needed to deepen tho old channel, and thus, by confining the water in it, bring the bridge to that use for which" it was erected. Tho Provincial Government " Gazette " of the 23rd ultimo, informs us that the townsliips of Goldsborough. (Waimea), Kaniori, Ross, aud Okarita, are withdrawn from the operation of the Goldficlds Act, and are now declared townships, to each of which has been extended (according to the same 'Gazette') the Canterbury Police and Slaughterhouse Ordinances. Slaughterhouse Inspectors are appointed to each : — Sergeants — Byrne, for Goldsborough ; Blanc, Kanieri ; O'Donnel, Rosstown ; and M'Ennis, Okarita. From the Totara, wo have received the following items of nows :— Determined, if possible, to keep pace with their neighbors, the good folk -of Rosstown have formed an Improvement Committee. Fifteen gentlemen have been lately elected, aud tho welfare of the place formally entrusted to. their keeping. Wo trust that this step will provo conducive to forwarding tho intoro'sts of the Totara clistriot, for wo presume that the Improvement

Committoo will not confine their labors to the town alone. A potition to tho Government is in tho courso of signature, praying for tho construction of a road direct from Rosstown to tho sea boach. The estimated cost is under L 10 0; and as it would avoid Donelly's Creek nltogothcr, tho advantage of such a woi-k to tho district is apparent, for as tho track is situated at presont, communication botweon Ross and Hokitika is suspended during heavy floods. A movement is on foot for tho promotion of a Joint Stock Company, to construct a tramway from tho town to the sea beach, but is regarded somewhat unfavorably by tho business people. The late fine weather has enabled the proprietors of tho largo head-races that are being brought in from the head of Donelly's Creek to male good progress with the work, which it is anticipated will bo completed within tho month. When finished tho races will command the range of high terraces, on which is situated the old township and the cemetery. Tho s.s. Star of the Evening sailed .froni j Port Philip Heads at 1 a.m. July 1, the weather being fine with light, northerly breezes. Theso continncd for tho first three days, when the wind hauled into tho N.E. and blew strongly, attended by a heavy head sea, until the 7th, when it chopped suddenly into the S.W. and freshened to a hard gale. To eeonomiso fuel, steam was blown off and the propeller disconnected, and for ten hours the Star was kept under canvas, and being hard pressed made an excellent run of it. She, however, sprung her foreyard and blew the mizzen away, and as the wind once more shifted to tho eastward she was again placed under steam. Mount Cook was sighted "on the evening of the lOfch, when her coals running very short sail wa^ made, and tlie screw ogam disconnected. A steady S.W. breeze during the night swept her up to the bar by 9.30 a.m. the next morning, and the river was safely entered at 10 a.m. The Dunodin Steam Navigation. Company's s.s, William. Miskin left Dunediu at 8 a.m. on the Bth July, with strong head winds and heavy sea, and after a smart run, of 23 hours arrived at Bluff Harbor -the next day at 7 a.m. Sailed from the Bluff at noon, and experienced splendid weather during the passago round to Hokitika, off which port she anchored at 11 p.m. on tho 11th, crossing tho bar safely next morning. The William Miskin reports that the Alhambra, s.s.,' from Melbourne to Dunedin, fe M in with a fearful gale of wind when off the West Cape, on $be Bth ult. Out_of a deckload of thirty horses, twenty-nine wore washed overboard or drowned, and the total loss and damage she sustained is estimated at £2003. A considerable period has elapsed since the William Miskin last visited this port, and her long absence was occasioned by the thorough overhaul she underwent in Dunodin. Very extensive alterations and repairs wero effected, all her bottom" plates having been removed and new ones substituted ; whilsther machinery was closely inspected and placed in thorough working order. We welcome with pleasure the return of this smart little boat, and trust that her visits to this port will, for the future, be a3 constant and remunerative as they were of yore. During tho Superintendent's stay in Hokitika, a deputation from tho Literary and Gymnastic Institution Committeo waited upon him with tho view of obtaining a grant of land whereon to erect a building- His Honor enortained the request very, favorably, but advised an application to the government through Mr Commissioner Sale. We believe a section in the old police reserve has been partly promised, upon tho condition that tho building erected thereon, and at present used as' the Land and Works Office, be purchased by tho members of the above institution. Determined, if possible, to prevont any delay to passengers on the road between this town and Greymouth, Messrs Cobb and Co. have put on au extra ; ,coach between the Arahaura and the Teremakau, so that when the former river is flooded passengers can be boated, the horses swam across, and at once transferred to the spare coach. In fine weather such a proceeding will be unnecessary, as the river can then bo forded, but when it is up, this arrangement will prove a very great convenience and saving of time to travellers. We are glad to see that the same energy, enterprise, aud shrewdness for which Cobb and Co. aro so famed in other parts of tho colonies, is displayed .by the Westland branch, and we trust that a plentiful harvest will reward the good seeds they havo sown here. The P.N.Z. and A.R.M. Co.'s s.s. Rangitoto, Farcie, commander, left Hobson's Bay Railway Pier at 4.30 p.m. on the Ist inst, clearing tlie Heads and landing the pilot at 6.30 p.m. Light westerly, winds and fine weather prevailed. At noon on the 2nd cleaved Bas/ Straits, hove-to off Greymouth at midnight on tho 6th, and tlio next day at 11.30 a.m. came to anchor off Hokitika. During the passage, light westerly winds and hazy weather prevailed. The s.s. South Australian, J. Paine, nom■>«andcr, left Hobsa^s Bay at 5 p.m, on tho 12th ult, and cleared Port Philip Heads at 8.30 p.m., with strong SE. winds and fine weather. The next day, at 5 p.m., she took her last departure from Swan Island, the breeze and sea in the meantime having considerably increased, whilst indications of heavier wero not wanting. On tho morrow these wore verified by a heavy easterly gale, accompanied by a high head sea. The steamer, however, made fair way until 4 a.m. on the 16th, when, through the severe strain upon her machinery, ouo of the eccentric rods broke, which mishap compelled her to heave-lo for twelve hours to repair* the damage. This effected, she was kept away. At 4 p.m., the gale still blowing with unabated force, and being compelled to ease her steam, it was not until 8 a.m. on the that she made the land about Chalky Inlet. The gale, which, during the last two days had steadily increased, was now blowing a furious hurricane through the Straits, 'with a tremendous head sea, and against it she labored until 4 a.m. on the 19th, when, being well up with the Bluff, she slowed her engines until daylight, and then ran into the harbor. Loft again at 9 a.m., arriving at Port Chalmers at 11.30 p.m. the same day. There she remained until the 23rd, leaving for Lyttelton at 7 p.m., and arriving there at 1.30 a.m. on the 25th. Left at 6 p.m. . for Wellington, and reached her destination at 10 a.m. the day following, again leaving for Nelson at 5 p.m., where she arrived at daylight next morning. At 7.45 am. on tho tho 27th she left for Hokitika, and brought up off the bar in 9 fathoms, at 3 a m. on the 28th. The s.s. Thane, Francis, commander, left Nelson on the 20th ultimo, at 10 p.m., and anchored off tho Buller next at 3 a.m. Attempted to enter that river at 6 a.m., but stuck hard and fast, through being too late on tido. Reversed engines and cleared herself, and on the afternoon's tide ran in and crossed tlie bar without further mishap. On the 23rd she discharged 60 tons of cargo, 150 shoep, and 6 bullocks, and left for Hokitika at 5.30 p.m., arriving in tho roadstead at 4 a.m. on the 24th, and alongside tho wharf at 7 a.m. The P.N.Z. & A.R.M. Co.'s s.s. Auckland, from Melbourne, came-to in the roadstead at 2 a.m., July 24. She left Sandridge Railway Pier at 2 p.m. on the 17th, and" sighted the New Zealand coast at 9 p.m. on the 23rd. During tho greater part of the passage she experienced strong E. and SE. winds and heavy head sea. ' The P.N.Z. & A.R.M. Co.'s s.s. Otago, T. Randall, commandor, cleavod Sydney hoads at 1 p.m. on the 20th July. During the first

throe days tho wind was very unsteady, veering from S.W. to 5.8., with frequent squalls, accompaniod with a heavy S.E. swell. On the evening of the 24th, eased the engines, and at 8.30 the next morning' camo-to off nokitika. Tho "Sydney Empire" of July 16 states that tho schooner Princess Alexandra, from Hokitika, arrived on the preceding day. She encountered the full force of the late heavy gales, and during, the last fifty hours of her passago ran a distanco of 500 miles. The "Nelson Colonist" reports the following suspicious occurrence on the road between Hokitika and the Grey *.—". — " We have Bpoken more than once about the number of men who have been killed on the road between Hokitika and the Grey ; and a remarkable fact is testified to by the person concerned which may bo found, worth investigating. About three months ago, a resident at Hokitika," who passed through Nelson the other day, had an adventure of a peculiar kind while travelling on foot betwoen Hokitika and the Grey. As he was walking along towards the Grey, he came to a hole in tho sand below high-water mark. The hole was from five to six feet long and not very deep, but apparently newly dug. He supposed that this was the work of some persons who had just gone before him, and who had been prospecting the beach by fossicking in the sand. A few yards further on lie camo to a small creek, in crossing which he observed blood on the stones at the side. Not .having the .slightest suspicion of evil, he conjectured tßat some traveller m^y have cut himself or bled his nose by slipping in the water ; and lie passed on. Less than fifty yards further on, a man came abruptly out of the bush to the road in front of the gentleman, and, lighting bia pipe at the time, he asked what news there was from the diggings down there. Mr M. replied generally that things were going on well, and again passed on. About sixty yards further on another man stepped out from the bush a short distance in front of Mr M., who, on this second appearance, was somewhat alarmed, as he had some gold and notes with him, having been collecting, but his funds were principally in drafts. The man scrutinised him as he came up, passed the compliments of the day, and Mr M. walked on, his doing so safely having set his miud at rest, and induoing him to believe 1 that he had been unnecessarily suspicious. Since hearing of the revelations made by Sullivan, and "particularly the references to the murders on the West Coast and the reported burial of the bodies in tho sand, Mr M. has formed tho conviction that most probably he had passed along the track just after the commission of a murder, that the hole in the sand was the victim's grave, and that the blood on the stones in the creek was his blood showing the spot where the murder had beeu committed; that the body had been concealed in the bush not far from the hole, that one or two of the men were with the body, and that the two others who appeared to come so purposelessly out of the bush on the other side of the creek aud accosted him, were ' keeping tho road,' and that his own life was spared because they thought he had seen nothing. If these conjectures are right (and they of course are only conjectures, bufc by no means unsound), knowing what every oue now knows, it would be well to make further enquiry. The appearance of tho men on the road, if a crime 'had been committed in which they were concerned, may bo easily accounted for, by supposing that they were prompted by their own suspicions of each passer-by, and camo out to-be in readiness to act at once on receiving a signal from their mates on the other side of the creek ; that is, if they were there, and if the hole in the sand was intended to he *ome poor fellow's grave. We give the story as it was told to us. Burial in the sand within high- water mark, leaves the waves to do the rest, and a body may be either further covered by each tide, or unearthed by a storm, carried out to sea and seen no more. This we know was the system of burial followed by Burgess and his crew' as told by Sullivan." On the afternoon of the 3rd instant a mau was observed walking in "a listless manner upon the beach, near the flagstaff. It was remarked by the bystanders that he paid no heed to the surf, which now and again rushed up and wetted him to the knees. Suddenly, he was seen to turn, rush into the surf, throw himself forward, and in another moment would have been swept into deep water had not the onlookers rushed to the rescue, and at no slight hazard to themselves, succeeded — notwithstanding that ho desperately resisted them ,, — in dragging him ashore. As his manner showed unmistakable symptoms of insanity, he was given into custody. After a period of great dulness and depression, the Bruce IBay district again promises to create a slight stir amongst the miners, although, we trust, not to the same extent as during the late disastrous rush to that locality. On July 30 a. party arrived overland from Okarita, with the intelligence that a new beach had just been opened betwoen Jacob's (or the Makawaiau) and the Mahitahi rivers. Our informant stated that the gold was struck quite accidentally, by a party of men engaged in cutting a tail race through the beach to drain some higher ground. They had reached to about high- water mark when a vein' of black sand was struck, which, upon examination, showed gold, and on being tested in' the usual manner yielded from $ dwt. to 1 dwt. to the shovel. Of course a paddo_ck was at once opened, when it was found that a vein of black sand about eighteen inches thick and twelve feet wide, and highly auriferous, had been hit upon. The depth of •sinking varies according to the inequalities of/ the beach, in some places it is only three, in others-six feet.. From the above it is evident that a new beach has been opened which will, in all probability, pay those well who are first ,on the ground to secure claims. It is, however, doubtful, whether tho payable ground will be of any extent, as the beaches in that neighborhood have all been pretty well tested. The number and classification of prisoners in the Westland District Gaol and the old gaol, Revell street, ou Saturday, the 28th ult., v are as follow : — District Gaol : Under sentence from tho Supreme Court, twenty-six ; imprisonment only, one ; on remand, two ; debtors, -five ; total, thirty-four. At the old gaol : Under sentence from ihe Resident Magistrate's Court, twelve males and three females ; imprisonment only, three ; on remand, four ; total, nineteen males and three females. Total number of prisoners in both gaols, fifty-six. During the week ending tho above date, there were only four' prisoners, soutenced in the Resident Magistrate's Court. Tho new ground, lately opened between the Tkree and Six Mile Creeks is situated on the other side of tho Waimea River, a short distance only from tho Auckland lead. It is, however, of but little account, as the prospects did not exceed two grains to the dish. Some six or eight hundred miners have visited the locality, but left it disappointed. , The Ball given by our Rosstown friends, on the evening of the 19th July, in aid of the Totara Hospital fund I*,1 *, proved a preat success, upwards of LIOO being placed to the credit of that institution. We are given to understand that tho assemblage was a gay one, and that dancing was kept up until 7 o'clock the next morning. Light refreshments only wero provided, a supper being condemned as too expensive, considering the object to be attained, We are glad to see the Totara public havo set such an oxcollent example in this rospoet, and that the meeting resulted in so entivo ft success. ,

The s.s. William Miskiu left Dunedin at midnight on the 28th ult., with fresh N.E. breezes and fino weather, and at 4 p.m. the day following, arrived at Bluff Harbor. Two houi'3 afterwards she again left, but when fairly in the Straits was met by a strong S.W. gale, which, by the time she fetched the West Cape, had so much increased as to compel her to run back to Cod Island for shelter, where she anchored early on the 30th. Remained there all that day, and at 8 p.m., the gale having abated, Bhe got underweigh, and hence to this port light S.E. breezes prevailed. Through, her delay in the Straits, the William Miskin ran short of coals, and was obliged to break up fittings, and use everything burnable that could be spared, for fuel. There was only a sufficiency to bring her to the roadstead, aud a few bags of coal had to be borrowed from tke Lioness (which fortunately ran alongside) to take her to the wharf. The ketch Jane Elkin left Lyttelton on the 24th ult., with light N.E. winds and fine weather. This weather carried her to Capo Farewell, when, on the 29th, the wind shifted to the N.W., and blew a smart gale, before which she ran down tho coast and into the Grey, there discharging her cargo and loading up coals for tlu3 port. Left Greymouth on the 3rd iqst., and arrived at the wharf the next day. The P.N.Z. and A.R.M. Co.'s s.s. Egmont, John Vine Hall, jun., commander, brought up in the roadstead at 9 p.m. on the 3rd instant. She left Wellington at 4 a.m. on tho Ist, and arrived at Nelson the next day. Left for Hokitika on the 2nd, and arrived as above. From Wellington to Nelson heavy S.W. weather was experienced, but calms, variable winds, and fine weather from Nelson hence. The M.A. & N.Z. S.S. Company's s.s. Grothenburg, Hugh Mackie, commander, left Ifobson's Bay at 3.30 p.m. on the 28th ult., with a strong S.W. gale. Cleared the Tasmanian coast at 1 p.m. the next day, when the wind hauled into the S.E., and the weather camo in very thick with frequent and heavy snow squalls. ■ Towards evening the wind increased to a heavy gale, and the sea rose rapidly, and for three days the Gothenburg was kept at half speed, contending against a strong steady gale from E.S.E. to S.S.E., and a high head sea. At midnight on the Ist inst. the weather moderated, aud full steam was turned on, and hence to the roadstead, which was reached at 11 a.m. on the 4th instant, moderate S.E. weather prevailed. The cutter Lapwing sailed from Dunedin on the 20th ultimo, with 3trong N.E. winds and fine weather, which carried her through Foveaux Straits to abreast the West Cape, in thirty hours. The breeze then died away, and light variable weather prevailed until the 2nd inst., when it blew up from tho N.E., and the cutter was hove-to under close-reefed mainsail, for several -hours. At 4 a.m., on the 4th, the roadstead was reached, and the bar safely crossed at tide-time the Bame day. The s.s. Star of the Evening left Dunedin at 6 p.m. July 28, with N.E. winds and fine woather. Cleared the heads an hour.later, and found that outside it was blowing a hard galr from N.N.E., which stuck, to her till the Peninsula was reached, where the breeze died away, and hence to Nelson, calms and light airs prevailed. She ran into Nelson at 3 p.m. on the Ist instant, and shipped a quantity of cargo and a deck load of live stock, and on the 3rd inst, at 2.30 p.m. left again for Hokitika. She arrived in the roadstead at 9.30 a.m. on tho 4th, having experienced light easterly weather during the run. The schooner v Prince Consort left Lyttelton on July 26th, with light S. by S.E. winds and fine weather. Passed Port Stevens on the ' 28th and Cape Farewell the day after, and would have reacked the roadstead Jnext day but when abreast of Cape Foul wind the breeze failed her and for three days she lay'becplmed. At noon on the 3rd inst. she came-to off the bar and was towed safely to tke wharf next day at tide time. She brings a full cargo. The captain reports that he started from Lyttelton on tho 24th, but when crossing the bar a passenger named True was seized with a fit and fell overboard. He was picked up almost instantly as tho schooner's^ boat was ahead towing at the time, but through the fright and exhaustion the unfortunate man died the same evening. The vessel was brought-to outside the bar, and the body sent on shore where a coroner's inquest was held the next Any, at which the captain and crew had to give evidence. This delayed the Prince Consort's final departure until the 26th. The Otago Steamship Company's s.b. Albion, Edward Kidney, commander, cleared Port Philip Heads and discharged the pilot at 6 p.m. on the 2nd inst., and after a pleasant passago of five days twenty-one hour 3, during which light variable winds and fine weather prevailed, came to an anchor off the bar at 3 p.m. ou the 7th. The cutter Sea Shell left Lyttelton on the 2ud instant, with strong S.E. winds and rainy weather. Favored by this breeze, she ran round tho coast to Cape Farewell in twentyseven houi"3 ; but there the breeze failed her, and hence to Hokitika light S. and S.E. weather prevailed. The Sea Shell arrived off the bar on Wednesday morning, and was towed inside by the Challenge. The Sea Shell is a fine cutter of fifty tons burden, the largest vessel of her class that has visited this port. Wednesday morning at early tide the p.s. Lioness ran up to Greymouth, and towed into tho river the schoo.ner Highlander, returning to Hokitikn, in the afternoon in'time to take out passengers to the Albion. She reports the Grey bar to be almost unworkable, as the channel still runs to the northward, and closs into tho beach. The Yarra p.s. worked the bar on Wednesday, towing inside the schooner Florence. When the Lioness left Greymouth the Mary Stewart and Tiger were lying in the roadstead waiting for a steamer to take them across the bar. The brig Clarendon, left Hobson's Bay on the ISfch ult., but light baflling winds kept her iusido the heads until the 21st, on which day she landed her pilot, and proceeded on her voyage. On the 24th the last departure was taken from Cape Barwon, and up to the 27th she experienced light- westerly winds and fine weather. On that day, however, the wind veered into the S.E. aud soon increased to a gale. During tho ensuing six days the Clarendon contended with three heavy gales from tho same quarter, that one which prevailed from the 31st ult. to tho 2nd inst., being by far the heaviest, aud hove tho brig to for thirty-six hours. During this blow the baromoter fell .to 2915. On the 3rd the wind veered to the westward and steadily increased until the sth, when it blew heavily, compelling a reduction of canvas to close-reefed topsails and reefed foresail, all the fore and aft sails being furled. At 4 p.m., whilst the hands were aloft tying in the close reef, one of their number, named Frederic Tinbury, uufortnna-^ tely missed his hold and fell overboard. A" life buoy was thrown at once but too late to reach him, and as the ship was driving before a furious gale with her head yards traced bye for reefing, the poor fellow was soon lost sight of. As soon as possible tho brig was rounded to, but, as she was running nine knots when tho accident occurred, by this time the man was so far astern that it was impossible^ save him ; moreover, neither of the brig's boats would have lived in the sea which, was running. At 8 p.m. thtr same day the gale abated, aud upon the next, land was sighted and the anchor- let go in the roadstead at 9.30 p.m. Next morning, having accepted the services of the Lioness, tho Clarendon reached tho wharf safely. She brings a full general cargo. Frederic Tinbury was only eighteen years of ng i> , a nafivo q£ Rjpjimo'ifj, Victoria,

That the ketch Caroline will never again bo seen or heard of seems to be tacitly admitted on all sides, as it is now several weeks since she left Okarita for Hunt's Beach, the distanoe between the two being a few miles only. Admitting, then, that she has met -with' a fatal mishap, the next question which naturally arises is, what occasioned it ? Did the unfortunate vessel founder at sea during the heavy gales which blew home upon the coast immediately after her departure ? or did she strike upon some hidden shoal or rock unknown to mariners through its not being laid down upon any chart of this very imperfectly surveyed coast. Either of the above contingencies are probable enough, and although we incline to the former, we are still of opinion that the latter might have arisen, for it is well understood that rocks do exist upon the coast which have never been surveyed, as witness that one in Chalky Inlet, which brought the Star of the South up all standing, and had it not been for her water-tight compartments would have sunk her outright. The growing importance of the settlements on the western coast of New Zealand renders it imperative that a very careful survey should be made, not only of the different bays and inlets, but the whole coast line a3 well, for although we are ready to allow that the professional capabilities of Commander Stokes are of a high order, it must be admitted that the charts he compiled of this coast are exceedingly imperfect and lacking in detail. We are induced to again reverf to this subject; from very valuable information, derived from Captain Beveridge, concerning a rock or sand patch which lies just in the entrance to Hunt's Bay — the bay to which tho Caroline was bound, but never reached. The captain only returned from the South on Tuesday the 7th inst., in the schooner lona, and he states that when in i Hunt's Bay both himself and the schooner's crew observed the sea breaking furiously in one place situated about two miles from the shore, and although he did not proceed to the spot and sound round it, he is yet qiu'te certain that the break was caused by shallow water, as it was intermittent, but never varied its position. Hunt's Bay or Beach, is next to the northward of Bruce Bay, the two being separated by Makavin Point, from which the supposed rock bears N.E./ distant about two miles. It is also about the same distance from the nearest point of Hunt's Beach. Captain Beveridge says that he has pased it several times before, and always observed the break, but never saw the rock above water. He, therefore concludes that it is submerged at low water. We publish the above facts as a warning to mariners, the rock not being marked in the admiralty chart, and trust it will not be in vain. The schooner lona, which had been away twelve days to the Southward, returned to port on the 7th inst. from Jackson's Bay. She reports that there are several parties of miners in Big Bay, getting coarse gold and making fair wages. We hear that it is the intention of Mr W. S. Lockhart to place all his vessels in the trade between this .port and Sydney, during the ensuing summer, and that he also purposes to send down the Elizabeth, a sixty ton cutter of light draught, to attend to the Westland coasting trade. The brigantine Susannah Booth, which was taken off the berth during the winter, may be shortly expected to arrive. At the head of our " expected arrivals" is tho name of the Oamaru, a schooner which, left Oamaru many weeks ago with a cargo of produce for this port. She has not since been heard ok and it is feared has foundered with, all hands. We have been permitted to peruse a letter from her owner, in which lie expresses a fear that he " has seen 1 the last of her," as she would have been off Banks' Peninsula during tke heavy -gales of the 21st and 22nd of June ; and although a good sea-boat, he thinks it likely she may have not been hove-to in time, and, in consequence, broached-to and went down. We cannot help sharing his forebodings, which we believe are only too well founded,; for had she ran for, and gained shelter, she must have been heard of long ere this. The fortnightly escort from the Totara arrived in town on the 9th inst., having in charge between 2000 and 3000 ozs. On the way up, a mishap occurred, which very nearly resulted in another mysterious disappearance of a bag of gold, which, as in the- former case, would perhaps have turned up again in the shape of a new rush to some hitherto undreamt of locality. Fortunately, however, the bag was seen to fall through the saddle-bag by Sergeant Wilson, who at once gave the alarm just~as the party riding the pack-horse discovered that something was wrong, from feeling the saddle turn suddenly over, very nearly " spilling" him in consequence. The hole in the saddle-bag being stopped, and the gold (500 ounces) replaced, the escort again started, and reached town without further accident. The bag of gold we have alluded to belonged to the Union Bank, • and we feel much surprised that former experience has not taught the necessity of providing sound bag 3to cany the gold when under transmission from the out-districts to town. A*n attempt was -made on Thursday morning by the Persevere, to tow to sea the schooner Emma Jane, but on reaching the bar the surf was found so heavy that it was deemed advisable to return inside again. It was a ticklish 1 undertaking to slue in such a sea with a tow behind her ; but the Persevere effected it, and reached the wharf without mishap. The s.s. Keera left on July 19 for Wellington and Dunedin, touching at Gr6ymouth for coal. There was no time lost in despatching he; 1 for she only arrived on the 17th, and had since discharged a full cargo of mixed goods, which was,landed in good order, notwithstanding hey long passage from Dunedin. It is the intention of the owners, Messrs Carey and Gilles, to place her permanently in the trade between this port and Dunedin, and they purpose making very extensive alterations in the vessel to fit her more thoroughly for the trad^ Although she is but a small boat, the Keera is fitted with a pair of thirty-horse power diagonal engines, built by tne celebrated Robert Stephenson in 1851, and better con- v structed machinery was never turned out of hand. Made of the very best material, substantial in all their parts and boautifully finished they have stood the test of fifteen years hard work and no sign of wear or tear can bo discovered in them. Even the brasses have not been replaced, and. considering the time they have been in use are in a wonderful, state of preservation. We believe that these were the first pair of marine engines ever fitted with link motion, for which Stephenson obtained apatent, and theywere deemed worthy of a place in the Great Exhibition of '51. The Keora's machinery is on tho multiplying principle of three to one power, and as the engines make forty revolutions a minute, the screw shaft makes one hundred and twenty when going at full Bpeed ; but as the power is quite disproportionate to her size, more than half-steam is seldom used. With the view of remedying this defect it is intended to k lengthen the Keora thirty feet, and for tfiis " she will' be laid up at Duuedin in October - next, where the alteration will be effeoted. We - believe that by so doing the desired end will be attained, and tho Keera enabled to make her passages in any weather without the vexatious delays that vessels of her clnss are unavoidably subjected to. The great desidera-** turn of a first'clttss constant steam trader between this port and Dunediu will be thua supplied, and wo tvust that t\\& Keer% will long remain on $h© b e?fcli»