THE MONTH.

West Coast Times, Issue 331, 15 October 1866, Page 2

THE MONTH.

Tlic P.N.'Z. and A.R.M. Co.'s s.s., Claud Hamilton, GvPoußonby,G v PouBonby, commander, left Nelson for Greymouth at 2 p.m. on the Ist ult., ond after a pleasant run. ariived in that road - stead the following day at 4 p.m. Remaine 1 there during the night, anti steamed for this port next morning, arriving off* the town at 10.80 a.m. After being tendered by the jYaiTa she ran back to G-reymoutn, thi>ro to ship gold and passengers for Sidney. The Claud Hamilton returnel to Hokitika and sailed for Sydney the day after. The M.A. irtd IS^Z. S.S." Company's sS. Alhambra, John "Vl'Leau, coni'nanHt-r, left Sandridgp Pier at 3.30 p m. on the 6th inst., with westerly whftls and " cloud y weather. That. night she encountered a very heavy gale in thn Straits, and. at 4 a.m. tdie next day— the weather not" having abated — a heavy sco broke on beard, smithing in forty feet of her bulwarks,- and breaking the. stanchions shorf' off to the covering board. This misTm-p compelled her to run in'o Refuge Cove, where she repaired damage?, and sailed again at 6 p.m. on the 7th. Experienced wet, disagreeable weather during the passage, and anchored ou" at 2 p.nir, on the 13th ultimo. The 'Alhambra bring 3 350 passengers, but no' cargo. ' , ' ~The-P.N.Z. and A.R.M. Companyjs s.s. Tararua, R. H. Ferguson, commnnder, left Hobson's Bay at 4 p.m. on the 7th ultimo, but oil arriving a*- tlie Heads found so heavy a sea running outside, that she was compelled -to bring up under- the lee of the land for the night. At 9 a.m. the next morning she cleared the Heads, with light variable winds and a high, confuted sea. Cleared the Straits on the 9th, and, nfter a pleasp.nt run of five

days nine hours, came to an anchor off Hokitika at 6 p.m. on the 13th. The Tararua s brings fifty passengers, and llurty-five tons of cargo for' this port. She left again on her coa*t fi ur, via Nelson, on the 14th ult. - After o fortnight of almost incessant labor, during whi'-h time we never saw more dogged determination displayed in fighting against a succession of fortuitous eirelunstance", the p s. Lioness was launched into the river- and towed up to the wharf by the Challenge, at an early hour of the 16th ult. In our is«ue of the 10th t ultimo v we communted upon her extraordinary^ escape from the position of imminefit peril sho was placed in by the floods and gale o"f " the preceding Saturday, and stated th^re was good reason to believe she ■*would be rc-lauDclied in a day or two. Since' theu gangs of men — uude^- the immediate "supervision of the overseer, Mr Haekley, Cap- • tainjjeys, and the agents, Messre Carev and Gilles — have been at work round her night and day, and thc^>Jd boat would ~hav6 been afloat days ago but for the iea at high-water Hndoing the work effected at low. She is, however, at last in her proper element, and securely moored alongside the wha'-f ; and, notwithstanding the very severd shiikiug she has received, makes but very little water. Truly the Lioness was faithfully built, or she must have succir.'ibed to the' fearful ordeal she has but just pas?cd through. Whilst lying upon the spit the damage to her bottom was patched and repaired as well as circumstances would permit, and after a few necessary repairs to her upper works are effected, she will be despatched to Dunedin, there to undergo that regeneration we have befoie

alluded to. 1 We trust to see h#r return, a new boat, in less than three months. The Panama, New Zealand, and Australian Royal Mail Company's steamer Kaikoura, Captain Maehin, arrived in Wellington on August 25, at 1.30 a.in., -with the' English mail of the 2nd of July. ,Xhe following are the passengers per the Kaikoura: — For Welliugton : .Messrs Ritchie, Hay, and Elliott. For Auckland : Mr Wragg. For Otago : Mr and Mrs Renshawe. For Melbourne : Captain Hutchinson, R.N., Mrs Hntchinson and child, • '• Mr and, Mrs Kyte, Mr Melvin, and Mr Tuff __For Sydney l Messrs G-arrett, Crump, and Potts. For Brisbane :Mr .Cowan. The Kaifcoura left Panama at 8 am. on the 26th ult., and met with favorable S.E. trades till the 19th inst. Since when she has experienced strong S.W. weather ; increasing on tin 20th to a gale, Tind the vessel being vesy lighlj coaled made but little head against it. The outward passage was performed in 27 days vritlr ease ; and on her arrivnl letters of congratulation were addressed to the commander and officers as to the - pleasurable nature of the voyage, and , the comfort enjoyed by ' the numerous body of colonists proceeding homeward by her. - The mails, per Kaikoura, would reqeh London, in all probability/by the 12th August. The passengers for America met the Henry Chauncey, paddle-steamer, which would reach New York abouth 30th July. The R.M. steamer Tyne was waiting for the Southampton passengers. The voyage of the Kaikoura Has been a complete success ; and the passengers express themselves in the highest terms of the courtesy and attention which they have experienced from the captain and officers, as well as the thoroughly comfortable accommadation of this noble ship. White lying at Toboaa. Sarah Griffiths (late nurse to the family of Mrd-owel!) fell down one of the bunkers and was killed. The homew ..rd passengers were convoyed across the Isthmus to Colon, o:i Monday, July 23, and left the same evening at 11, for St. Thomas, there to join the Southampton steamer. The English mails arrived at Colon on July 21.-^" Wellington Independent," Au.'. 25. The P.N.Z. & A..R.M. Co.'s s.s. Lord Ashley, James Hagley, commander, sailed from Auckland at 2.30 p'm. on the 12th ult.," and ; arrived at Ti Papa Tauiunga at 8.40 a.m. the following day. Landod mails and passengers, and sailed again at 11.45 a.m. ; 'and on the 14th, at 6.25 p.m., arrived at Napier. Found a heavy sea running in the roadstead, which, increasing towards midnight, the steamer parted" her cable, and was obliged to put to sea. Stood in again «t 5.45 p.m. next day — a heavy sea still running ; shipped pa*seu,gers and mails by the aid of a lifeboat, ani immediately sailed for Wellington, where she arrived at 2 p.m. on the 16th ; sailed for Nelson at 5.15 p.m. on the 17th, arriving there next day at 9.40 a.m., and found business in town nearly suspended owing to the interest evinced in thevtrial of the Mai:ngatapu murderers. After transhipping passengers from the steaiuei-s Rangitoto and Phcebe the Ashley sailed fo^ Hokitika on the 20th at 8 a.m., and ' arrived- in the roadstead at 10 a.nw the following day. She sailed a-uin for -Bluff Harbor and Dunedin on the 22nd. .-The' prompt despatch of i he s.s. Win. Miskin on the 24th ult. is one of those incidents that \ it is pleasurable to comment upon, as affording proof of the excellence of the port arrangements. She arrived at -the wharf at 8.30 a.m., and at 6 p.m. was again ready for sea, having in the meantime discharged ninety tons of cargo, and received on board ten tons of cargo for Gruymouth and &n tons of bal- 1 last, sailing for Nelson, ?ia r Vcymouth, at 9 p.m. A smarter day's work wo have not had the pleasure of recording in the columns of this paper. We >uay mention that whilst in Duuedin the Mi&kin underwent a thorough overhaul, and received such trifling repairs as the mishap which attended htr previous visit to this port rendered necessary? was strictly examined by tbe'Crovenunent engineer, who passed a mofet satisfactory" verdict and renewed her certificate. There was a sudden and unexpected rise in the river on the morning of 'the Bth ult. so totally disproportionate to the rain fall of the preceding day, that we can only account for it by supposing a large quantity of the lower lying snow drift on the mountains must have washed down and flooded the nnmeious creeks ■which form the "head waters of the Hokitika. On Friday evening v tho river changed its clear tint for one of a more muddy hue, and during the night rose steadily but slowly, and at eight o'clock on Saturday morning was moderately high, but without evincing smy desire to overflow the wharf. But in the short space of balf-an-3iour it jumped np several feot, and wry soon iho whole of <5Kb-

son's Quay from the Custom House to Wharfstreet was under i\ aler, .vhich found its way up Sewell a-i I T:u»crod-strei*ts, th h flooding Weld-street to an extent we never before saw I'kce led. As we g i/ed upon the e\ren>iv>>, if not o.nimpnfd «lui-t of water from tlip wi-ido'ws of our office, we observ.-d with much interest a boat skillfully manceavii'is* some fifty yards distant, whilst several " gamins " were deriving much apparent satisfae'ion f-om the nnvigiiion of a large goods case in the shallow part of the lake. For a short time the residents of the above localities were

out off from all communication with Revellstreet, and some few of them who had proceedel thither to obtain their morning's meal found, on attempting to return, that the way was blocked in a manner they little expected it. would bo on leaving home Th* Camp reserve in Revell-street was flooded, -md Tanered-street, of course, completely submerged, and the lower floor of many houses lai I under water. Tlio flood, however, receeded' almost as rapidly a^ it rose, and by I two o'clock in the afternoon the highway was v again passable. Tina Hood is a gentle hint to" what we may expect during the next month pr so. , The very interesting and impressive ceremony of cpnseorsiting the new Jewish Synagogue in TancrcJ-st^eet, was performed -on Sunday, the 10th ultimo, in the presence of as many ,of our citizens as. could be accommodated with standing room within the building. The members of the Jewish persuasion are^entitled to .great credit for the energy and promptitude which they have displayed in establishing a suitable temple for divine worship, and w\! are extremely pleased to notice that their efforts in accomplishing that object have been ab'y seconded by the members of every other denomination in the town. The choir, under the direction of Mr Moss, rendered the sacred music with beautiful and solemn effect. A considerable* sum of additional subscriptions was collected on this^occasion — sufficient, it is supposed, to defray all outstanding, liabilities on the building. * ' " At 11 oV lock on tha morning of the 13th ult., the Telegraph gave notice that communieatiou with Christchurch was once more restored, aud the telegraphists at each end of the lino / at o:ioe proceeded to transmit the numerous messages which had accumulated on. Aheir hards. Tins time the damage .was very extensive, as the wire was broken at both .the lower .crossing places of the Qtira, aud at the big crossing place of the Teremakau. Several poles wem also washed away -in the vicinity of the Paddock. The repairs, however, were smartly executed! and very grea h . credit is due to the line men and others who effected them. A vr-i-y sad accident, which was all but attended with fatal results, "occurred on the 1 15 th ult. to a fine little boy, the youngest child of our respected townsm-in, Mr J. R. Anderson. It appears that the little fellow, who is only^ one year and ten months old, was playing in front of his father's horise, Hamilton-street, and unfortunately strayed into ,the roadway just as a 'dray was passing, and not being noticed by the driver, w.-s knocked d'owu h\ the wheel, which passed over hi 6 right arm, barely missing his head. The child was immediately picked up, and Dr Acheson being sent for, pronounced, after examining the arm, that it was not broken, bat bruised very severely. Under, his skilful treatment, wo are happy to say, the little jsuiFerer is progressing favorably towards recovery.

For some time past there has been a

singular immunity from sudden and violooj; deaths*in the district, especially amongst that class whose business leads them to ' traverse the country in all weathers. This, in a great measure is attributable to the lessons gained by dearly bought experience, and the greater care exercised by travellers in* crossing those rapid amT dangerous striiams, in which so many valuable lives have been lost. We have, however, again to record a lamentablo accident, which resulted in the deatlvof a oacker named MichaelShanahan, who was drowned on the 11th ult. when attempting to oross the Avail ura river. The unfortunate man left town in the morning with two packhorses heavily laden, "und made for th£ upper ford at the Arahura. On arriving -there, he found the river in a, state of high flood, but urged on by a mysterious fatality, absolutely attempted to swim it on the buck of one of the loaded horses. This top weight was' more than the animal could support, and on reaching deep water turned completely over, and precipitated his .rider into tlitT stream immediately above the rapids, down which he was swept and drowned, without once rising to the snrface. A boat laden with passengers was crossing the river at the time, but could render no assistance, the current being too strong. The body was not recovered. Both horses swam ashore, anc) were brought into town by Constable Perry, who witnessed the occurrence.

At a late hour oil the night of the 20th .ultimo, the inhabitants of the lower end of Revel 1 street were' alarmed by the sound of a tremendous rush of wind, which shook every house to its foundation, and was attended by a fearful crash, amidst which -could be plainly distinguished the sound of breaking glass and the splintering of wood. A squall had parsed over tho town, and as it was accompanied by thundor and lightning, it was at first imagined that soihe building had been struck by the electric fluid. This, however, was not the case, as- the damage was solely occasioned by the '-wind, which must have been vortical, as> the large front of Mr Munro's store was torn completely away from the building, and carried some distance down the street. The whirl then passed diagonally over Gibson's Quay, demolishing many wiudows, and playfully stripping a few sheets of iron off the roofs of the different buildings it crossed ; and so powerful was the gust that one of these sheets, six feet in length, s waj deposited upon the deck of the s.s. Beautiful Star, much to the alarm of the night watch. We regret to state that the loss to Mr Munro is very considerable, as tho windows were of plate-glass and very handsome, whilst a great .quantity of merchandise was more or less damaged.

The officer in charge at tho Kanieri reports that on /the 18th ult. he visited a new rush, which had set in to a terrace, ahout a quarter of a mile below the Three-mile Creek Township. There were about 800 miners on the ground, the majority of -whom were only shepherding, although a great many shafts were being sunk. Three claims were on gold, which *vas not very plentiful, us the prospects obtained only amounted to from 5 grains to 10 grains the dish out of washdirt 6 inches in thickness. Tho depth of sinking is about fifteen feet, but as the gold promises to run into the terrace, will soon be mucji deeper, and in all probability reach 60 feet.

We are happy to state that the Ho Ho lead, which was lost near Tucker Flat, has again been picked up by a party of enterprising Scotsmen, who, after many week's prospecting, struck gold in a sixiyrfW shaft which adjoins the last payable claim ou the lead. So far' the prospects obtained are not very brilliant,! 'tlio best we have yet heard of, uot giving more than ten grains to tlie dish ; but the discovery is important, as it proves beyond doubt that the lead continues, and may yet be traced ibr miles. There is a fine range of country ahead, containing mmj likely hilla^ aud gullies, which we have every confidence will be yet proved auriferous. A heavy rush resulted from the Scotsmen's discovery, and the supposed line of lead is marked out quite half-a-niile.wide., Tlie if. A. and N.Z.S.S. ss. Omeo, Edwards* commander, anchored off the port at 1{) a.m. on the 30th ult., uftqr a long A > <■ sage of ten days from Melbourne. She cleuivd Port Philip heads'* on the 20th, but heavy easterly weather kept her in the Straits until tho 25th, when she succeeded in rounding Wilson's Promontory and stood to sea. 'After a pleasant run of four days, during which light breez6s and sifipoth water prevailed, Mount Cook wa# sighted on the 29th, and theroadstead reached as -above. The Omeo

brings 15 saloon and 400 steerage passengers, and 100 tons cf cargo.

' The s.s. Kpcim, D. Joyce, comma trier, arrived in the r -adstead at 10 p.m. on tho 271h ult.', after .an excellent run of 2 d iya 21 hours from Dunedin, which port sho Its ft at 1 a.m. on the 25th. During the passage experienced li>>hfc pleasant weather, and brings n full general cargo and 19 passengers. Tlio Kcvra reports that, when off Bluff Harbor, slu-p-issed the s.s. Lord Ashley, heuco to Dunedin, and in Foveaux v Straits the schooner N Isabella, from Dunodiu to this port. Through a succession of unusually low tides, the Keera was delayed threo days in Duuedin after she liad completed her loading.- The Bay was vevy shallow, there being only six feet and a half of water at Dunedin wharf at high tide. The p s. Bruce was to leave, for this port yesterday. The N;Z.S.N. Company's s.s. Taranaki arrived in the' roadstead from Nelson, on the 27th ult., and after landing her passengers, and receiving in exchange between twenty jnd thirty others, sailed direct for Melbourne. This fiiro steamer on her first visit to 'this port, has* been punctual to time, and we sincerely trust that her career in the Melbourne 'trade will be a successful one. % The brigantine Jane Lockhurt cleared Sydney Heads on the 15th v ultimo, at six p.m., with strong westerly winds and a heavy sea, which attended her until the 24 th, when the wind hauled into the N.E., and hence io tho land variable easterly weather prevailed. Bold Head was made on the 25th, and i;he roadstead reached next day ; and in tow of the Challenge the Lockhart crossed tho bar safely *the following morning. She brings a full general cargo, and isix passengers.

The P.N.Z. & A.R.M. Company's s.s. Otago, T. Randall, commander, left Hobson's Bay at 3.30 p.m. on the 26th ult. ; and after a smart passage of 4 days 22% hours, during which strong westerly winds and a heavj cross sea prevailed, anchored olf Hokitika at 2 p.m. jjn the Ist instant. The Otago brings 270 passengers, 170 of whom are for this port ami Greymouth, the balance proceeding to Jfelson and Northern ports. She is also full of cargo, of which 20 tons o*>ly was shipped for Westland.

Mr Alfred Sheath, telegraphic engineer, makes the following 'suggestions in his recent report -. — The union of the West Coast of the Middle Island with the existing lines on the East Coast, is a matter of so great importance that I should be. inclined 'not only to recommend the Government to purchase the existing West Coast line from the Canterbury Province, .but also to adopt measures to secure an uninterrupted communication hy erecting a new h'ne from Nelson along the West Coast. The present West Coast line is very liable to interruptions during the winter months, owing to the heavy shows ; and fhe rivers have, proved themselves frequent source 1 " of interruption during' the season of freshes. A {-i-eat amount of business is transacted oh the West Coast line, aud the lines" of the Goneiul Government deriye .much of their support from this source.

On Tuesday, the -ith ult., a miner named jf Bradley, lately arrived in town from Ihe Scandinavian rush, attempted to poison himself by swallowing a quantity of red precipitate. He ! .was suffering from tho effects of a late dobauch,*at tho time, which, causing a derangement 'of the brajn, induced 3uicidal proclivities. MedicaU assistance was at once sum 1 moned, and antnlotes rfdminislered, -which so far recovered him tllat he was Able to bear removal to tho hospital, where he is now doing well, under the, skilful treatment of the house surgeon. ' v The following are ih^l)istrict Gaol returns for the week ending Saturday, September 1, as supplied to us by the gaoler, Mr Dale :—: — Admitted, ou committal for the Supreme Court Sittings, 1 male ; under sentence of imprisonment, 1 male ; debtors, 3 mifles. Total, 5 males. Tho number and classification of the eonfinees on the above date are as under: — -Committals for trial, .3 males,; hard labor gang, 27 males ; imprisonment only, 2 males ; debtors, 10. Tota 1 , 42 males.

On Friday, 31&t ult., Mr Schaw, the Kanieri warden, granted a prospecting claim .to a party of miuers who had opened new payable ground about ten miles from the Kanieri township, uy^tho river, The prospect was obtained out of a terrace, and amounted to 3 grs .to the dish, with from five to six feet "of wash-dirt. The adjoining country is pronounced as '' likely looking." A considerable rash set in to it from the Kanieri 'and Hau Hau diggings. ,1 ■•stum of tho cost of Provincial Grovernments throughout* the colony, recently laid before the Houses of Assembly, gives the following results : — Auckland, 153 officials; employed at a cost of L 22.602 ]4s 9d'; Taranaki, 22 officials, cost L 4,772 ; Ilawke's Bay, 25 officials, cost Lsl lO ; Wellington, 76 olii-, rials, i-ost. L 15,017 9* ; Nelson, 45 officials" cost LB3OI 15s ; Marlborough, 0 ofßciuls, cost L 207 0; Canterbury, 7-1 officials, cost L 21.833 ; Otago, 123 officials, cost L 38.535 ; Southland, 31 officials, cost L 6160. Tho yearly cost of 55 1 officials under the Provincial Governments i*L124,709 18s9d.

Hotel extension is quite the order of thg day in Hokitika, and so^n the town will be able to b-Oast of aceommodatiou for travellers which, Jh extent and comfort, will bo unsurpassed by that of any other in "New Zealand. We notice that Mr Osborne, of the Empire Horpl, is erecting a "fine two-storied building over the house in which, for many months, hehas driven 30 excellent a trade. Its area at the base will be forty feet by thirty-four feet, and from the known enterprise of the proprietor we feel sure that, when finished, tha house for completeness of accommodation will be second to none other in town. An extensive addition is being made to the back of the Hotel de France, -consisting of a double vauge of bedrooms, which will vastly increase tho already extensive accommodation to be found at that establishment. The hotel known as Hamilton's, in Revell street, immediately opposite Temple Court, is also undergoing improvements, which will make it a first-class house. We /hear that quite a thriving little community is located at Fox's diggings, which arc \situated some 17 miles from fowrf, between the Waimea and Greenstone districts. ■ The ; place was nearly Miaccessible twelve monthj lago, owing to the absence of tracks and the I impenetrability of the- bush; but since the formation of the Christchurch-road it is easily reached by following the highway along for about 15 miles, then turning off-bu to a rough bush track, which followed £or two miles leads to tho principal (orl?ox.'s) giilly, where there is the semblance of a township, consisting of, several miners' habitations and ono store, a butchery and bakery. Tho diggings comprise several gullies arid terrnces, and the population, which is much scattered, is roughly estimated at about 200 only, but all are getting more or less gold, whilst some few, who have water at eoaurand for sluicing, obtain very fair returns indeed. We believe much gold is yet to be extracted from the earlier opened and carelessly worked diggings in Westland, amongst which Fox's, may certainly be classed.

In no part of the world is the Sabbath more strictly observed than in Hokitika — io far as outward semblances go — the 'day being marked by a total cessation of work of all kinds, whilst at certain hours the streets are thronged by the well dressed of both sexes, wending their waj with" decorous sobrioty either to Or-from the several places .of worship erected oby the different religious denominations which have taken root -here. A pleasing quiet-reigns over ,the tov\n, which i 9 a vast relief from thebustle and turmoil of the working week. 1 In honor of the day the shipping -at the wharf dress in huliday attire, Bails being carefully stowed, deck_s scrubbed, ropes liauled taut and coiled down, whilst as profuse a display of bunting is made as the ships' lockers will permit of. There was a tjme when the fourth commandment -.-. as less implicitly obeyed ; 'but since then tko Customs authorities have issued stringent regulations against ihe pursuance of shipping business on tho (\ay set apark for rest, with, 'ho-w ever, a wise exceptional pro-

visoiucasos of need, wli/ch sometimes arise in poi'l, wh 'ii tlie advantages to bo derived from a good b i." and fine weather dare not be lost sight of. An instance of the kind 0.-uurre lon the 30th ult., through the arrival of the steamship Omeo, with between 400 and 500 p:isBengors, th.) landing of whom was a work of absolute necessity, and G* bsou's Quay in consequence presented a most unusual appearjineo, thronged as it was with the new comers and the crowd which assembled to witness their debarkation. T-hricq, did the Persevere run alongside the tr.uisit shed, and each time landed, from 90 to 150 passengers, tho greater part of whom, as they filed out of tho shed in heavy marching order, we should imagiuo, from theii 1 appearance, belonged to the species miner. There was a less proportion of females and children t han we could wish, as the soxesare fiir from being evenly balanced in Westland ; > and we were also sorry to note the arrival of many questionable characters, of whom not a a few were recognised by tho sharp-eyed detectives >as old offenders elsewhere. They, however, will be well-attended to.by our vigilant police as occasiou demands ; so, on the . whole, this large influx-of population is most gratifying* as it indicates tho high estimation this district is held in abroad. <s?he order kept throughout the day was most pleasing, as not a single disturbance, or even the semblance of a-, squabble," took place. This is in a great measure due to the excellence of tho port , arrangements fov the reception of immigrants, and the close supervision exercised at their landing by tue Collector of Customs and his staff. - The O.S.S. Company's s.u. , Albion, E. Kidney, commander, left Port x Phil lip Heads at 1 p.m. on the 12th ultimo. During the rim she- experienced moderate S.E. winds and fine weather, arriving at Bluff Harbor on the 16th, at \Q p.m. Left the next day, at 4 p.m., with light northerly winds, and anchored off Port Chalmers at early morning on the 18th. Lay there two days, and sailed for Lyttelton, with strong S.E. breezes and thick weather, and reached that port at 9.30 aon. on the 21Wt, leaving again the same day at 6.10 p.m., arriving at Wellington' at "noon on tho 22nd. Put to sja again ou the 21th, at 5.15 p.m., and'during her trip across the Straits to Jfelson encountered a very severe S.E. gale. She arrived at Nelson at 5.15 a.m. on the 2ath, and left the next day, at 9 a.m., for the West Coait. During the r'uu she experienced strong westerly weather, and anchored off Greymouth, tit 10 a.m., on the 27th* Transhipped passengers and cargo into the Persevere, and left for this port at 11.45 a.m., bringing up hv tho roadstead at 1 50 p.m. TheP.N.Z. aiul A.R.M, Co.'s s.i Claud Hamilton, G. Ponsonby, commander, left the Company's Wharf, Sydney harbor, at 1 p.m. on the 201.h ult., and anchored oil" Hokitika at 5.50 p.m. on the 26th. Throughout tho, passage easterly gales and a heavy baam sea .prevailed. A very melancholy occurrence happened on tho day after hoivdeparture from Sydney, as one of her- passengers, named Henry Maud, a native of "-Leeds', Yorkshire, deliberately jumped overboard, and was drowned The vessel was going full speed at s the time, but a life-buoy was hove close to him. as he pa«sed tinder the co.uter, and the engines were stopped immcdiatqly, a boat lowered, and manned, and in charge of the chief officer (Mr Banks) pulled in the direction of the spot where the unfortunate man was last.seen. But without avail, as no sign of him could be discovered, although the buoy was picked up." There can be no doubt -that this was a case of determiued suicide, as the deceased djd .not make the' slightest attempt to grasp the life buoy within his reach. • Tiiis melancholy episode in her otherwise agreeable passage, cast quite a gloom over the Claud Hamilton, and is the first instance of loss of .life which we have had occasion to record, in connection with either of the Company's vessels. The Claud Hamilton brought thirty passengers for th\s port, and forty-five for Greymoulh. She transshipped the former into ,the Yarra,' p.s., and left, for Greymouth to land the latter, which effected, she"* will proceed on her voyage to .Nelson.

\A.n inquest upon the body of Michael Shauahan, who was drowned in the Arahura, was held by Dr. sßeswick, the district Coroner,' on the 15th, ult., at the Carrier's Arms, Auckland township. The facts elicited, touching the circumstances of his death, weiv similar to those we have already mad*' known to the public, and a of Acciden^a Drowning was returned. ' . The Slinkespeare Tlote' lias again changed hands, as it was sold by private treaty to Mr Cassius (Cassius and Comiskey) for the sum of £800. This is 1 £200 in advance of the former price paid for it, and is an illustration of the worth of street property iv Hokitika. - ,

We are glad to obsm-ve that the hard labor gang tire very usefully employed extending the Sewell-si reet drain across Wold-street, and along the boundary of- the police reserve, at the corner of the two streets. Although this is done for the purpose of draining the reserve, the work will be most beneficial to that section of the town which, through its muddy condition, is alniosjt impassible. The body of the unfortunate man Shanahan, who - w:is di owned in the Arahura on the 3 3th uJfc., was foufl'l lying upon the beach the next morning, about two miles to the northward of that^river. Information was v at once forwarded to Inspector J3 rob am, who despatched a mounted sergeant to take charge of the body, "which was removl>d to the Carriers Arms Hotel, where it now lies awaiting the inquest (o bi held upon ifc. to-day. No property was found upon it. 1 We* believe thai; Shanahan was not ah experienced Westland packer, having fallen to' the occupation only about ten days ago,, when he purchased two valuable horses, and up to the day of his death was employed carrying -goods between town aud' the Waimea. ' * , A public meeting was held on the 17th alt., at the . Cafe de ' France, for the purpose of devising means to, in the event of fire, to compensate those persons whose premises should be sacrificed in lh<? attempt to stay its progress. Mr Munro was^ voted to the.chair, and" the following resolutions were carried :—lst.: — Ist. Proposed by Mr Bsirif, aecondod by Mr C. Williams— '' That this meeting, looking forward with fear and apprehension to tho consequences that may ensue upon a fire taking place in * Hokitika, deems it desirable to take such precautions as may 'be reasonably expected to confine such a calamity within the narrowestlimits." 2nd. Moved by Mr <T. R. Anderson, seconded by Mr Munchausen — " That us? in carrying out the • principles of the previous resolution, it may be necessary to pull down buildings to arrest the progress of fire, this meeting is of opinion that the owners of such buildings should be compensated, and for this purpose the owners of properties in Hokitika should co.mbine for the purpose of mutual indemnification," 3rd. Proposed by Mr Hankins, seconded by Mr Hudson—" That .tUo most equable manner of carrying out the principle of mutual- indemnification i would be by a per-centage upon the annual value or rental o£ each building ; such per centage not to exceed 2 per cent., to be paid by monthly instalments." 4th. Proposed by Mr Marks,, seconded by Mr Samuel — " That three trustees be appointed, in whose names all moneys shall be deposited in one of_ the Hokitika Banks." sth. Proposed by Mr Clark, seconded by Mr C. Williams— " That a'provisional committee be appointed, consisting of tho following gentlemen : — Messrs Clark, 0. Williams, Munro, Bladier, Millard, JSecles-" field, Samuels, Anderson, Munchausen, Barff, M. L\C." fith. Proposed by Mr Bladior, seconded by Mr Munchausen, — '{That a subscript tion list be at once opened to defray necessary expenses." The list was then opened, and a moderate sum collected.' •

According to tho report of Sergeant White, Inspector of Slaughter Yards for tho Hokitika District, 4547 animals wore slaughtered for tho market between April Ist and August 15th. .They are classed as follows :— 539 head oT" cattle, 52 calvos, 3776 sheep, and ISO

pigs. This estimate can only be takeu app % oximately, <as numbers of sheep and pigs <tu-e slaughtered within the town of which the Inspector obtained no record. Between 7 and 8 o'clock ontho evening of the 4th ult., tho town was aroused by the cry of 'Fire !' which wna taken up by a hundred voices and accompanied by a violent ringing of b/lls. Such unwonted sounds cnused immense excitement, and an indiscriminate rush to .North Revcll, street, the locality from which they proceeded, and in an incredibly short space of time over a thousand persons had collected in front of the Tyrone Hotel} from the roof of which building a large volume of smoke, illuminated by flickering tongues of flame, as* cended. Impelled, doubtless, by the most philanthropic motives, the crowd made a dash at the building, and would in all probability have not only extinguished the firo but tho edifice as Veil, had not the police (who were promptly on the spot) kopt it back, whilst a few energetic individuals within burst through a skylight, reached the roof, and by the well directed application of a .few buckets of water, extinguished the fire. In the meantime tho Fire Brigade turned out, and with the hook-and-laddor apparatus arrive^ at the scene in less than ten minutes ufterthc first alarm was given. Every man was in uniform, aud ready for work, and with an alacrity that did them infinite credit the Brigade placed the ■ ladders *in position, and in an instant the roof was crossed by the " red-shirts," bucket in -hand. Fortunately, their services were not required ; but from the ability they displayed last nitwit, we feel confident that when the evil day does arrive, the Hokitika Fire Brigade will not he found wanting. Hokitika has once more- , narrowly escaped 'a very serious conflagration, and this tune the danger was really imminent, as the roof of the H jtol was in a smouldering, flame, which a minute or two later might have / buVst forth into ,a furious blaze, that would not liavo been so easily got unders The fire was caused by the Undue heating of the bar parlor stove pipe, which led up through the roof, and so close to the rafters as to almost f touch them. It was nearly red hot, and on entering the room, the heat from the stove was absolutely 1 overpowering. As a natural consequence, the roof ignited, ■and but for the prompt action taken by the inmates when the alarm was first given'a cont siderable block of buildings might now be in ashes. Used in wooden buildings stoves are exceedingly dangerous, and require to be constantly watched and tended to prevent accidents ; for if they are fired up too strongly the piping quickly becomes red hot, and then the roof and different partitions through which it may happen to lead are. unless well protected by sheet irpn, liable to catch* fire in any moment. Too much praise can not bo awarded to the police for their prompt interference, which, by, preventing confusion, very materially contributed towards suppressing the danger. Nor is less p/aise deserved by the Brigade for the promptness and energy displayed by them

The schooner Io left Port Philip Heads on tKe 26tlvulL, with light northerly winds and fine weather. Light baflling winds for two days, which v ere succeeded^on the third by a strong S.E. breeze, detained her in the Straits until the 29th, when she took her final departure from Flinders Island, and, hence to the New Zoalaud coast, strong westerly breezes prevailed. Land wus mack off Bold Head on the Bth instant, but the heavy N.W. gale which swept the coast oc that date drove her to sea again, and the light weather of the sucoeeding two days kept her outside until the evening of the 10th, wbon she reached the roadsteal, and next morning, in tow of tho Ch/illengo,, safely crossed the bar. The Io brings a full general cargo. The schoouer Spray arrived in the river on Monday the lOtji inst , after an unusually long pass-ige from Lyttelton, from which port she sailed oh the 15th ult., with light wisterly winds and fine weather. On the 17th, when off the Kaikoras, the wind hauled to the southward in sharp squalls, compelling her to raduce canvas, but driving her up to Farewell Spit by the. 19th. Here she was nie.t by a strong S.W. breeze, which increased to a heavy gale the next day, and as there' was ovory indication of its continuance she ran back to Totaranui for shelter. The .weather moderating, she tripped her anchor ou, the. 2lst, and stood to eca, and until the 23rd trashed against a' strong. S.*W. bveeze, but made so little headway that it was deemed advisable to again run for tht-s friendly shelter of Blind Bay. On the 24th, she once more stood outside, and worked her. way up to Cape Farcwelf in the teeth of a smar£ westerly breeze. Here she fell' in with the schooners Phoenix and Breeae, from Dunedin, bound to Greymoutli, and the Charlotte, cutter, hence from Lyttelton, and in their company fetched to abreast of War.ganui Inlet, but on the 27th the increasing breeze and heavy sea . I rove them back to Farewell Spit. Here the Spray spoke the Emerald, ketch, from Lyitel ton to Greymouth, and sighted the schooner Wallace from Dunedin, bound to either this port or the G-rey. On the 28th the gale increased," and the throe schooners ran -for the lee of Totaranui, whore they remained until the next day, when the gale having at last expended itself they stood to sea. On the Ist instant, the Spray was abreast of Wanganui. Lilet, and after working her way down the coast against a light S.W. breeze, reached Hokitika roadstead on the" 4th instant. The bar being impassable, she remained at anchor until the 7th, and was then driven to sea by th 6 strong S W. gale, which raised such a sea in the roadstead on that- and. the succeeding nvo days ; but on the 10th, the weather having olianged', she.ran in, was fastened to by the Challenge, and towed safely to the wharf. The Spray brings a full general cargo. Tue escort arrived in town on the 26th iUt., from the Waimea, with tho heaviest parcel of gold sent dQwn from that district for many months. 8300 ounces was the amount, 2300 ounces of which was purchased by tho Bank of New Zealand, and 1000 ounces by the Union Bank. This marked increase is the first fruits of th-i Scandinavian and other late rushes, and we nothing doubt will be followed by a much heavier return when " washing up " becomes more general.

On the 2nd inst. a man,' whose name we have been unable to learn, but who, we believe, is a storekeeper from the Grey, attempted suicide by leaping into the river from the wharf, at the foot of Wharf street. Fortunately assistance waß at hand,. and' he was dragged ashore little the worse of bis dip. The motive that induced the mad- action is reported, to be irritation arising from business arrangements. .

With reference to the discovery of gold in -the Waikato country, the "New Zealand Herald " of the 18fch ult., says : — " A gentleman who camo into town yesterday from the Waikato confirms in a measure ouV reporter's remarks which appeared in our columns of last Saturday as to gold having been discovered behind the Koheroa ranges. It appears that on Thursday last some men were seen washing gold in tho Maungatawhiri Creek, and who, ou being questioned whence they obtained it, for some time maintained silence ; but one of them ultimately replied, though apparently with great reluctance, "'Behind yon ranges." Our informant saw the gold, but was not allowed to retain possession of it.' Furthermore, we learn that a party of men were obsorved the same day immediately behind the ranges, forming packages and slipping them on their shoulders, and also fo stop near the creek. When the news reached the neighborhood it naturally caused much excitement,, and, -to, say the least, there appears to be grounds for t'le report ; but whether gold is actually to be found in payable qualities remains to bo shown. The gold, it is said, was discovered at a depth of twelve feet. Referring to the •• Survey and Inspection of otcam Vessels," the President of tho Marine Board says, iv his annual rejJort, " This branch of tho establishment has been greatly reduced during the past year. It formerly comprised

[ (lu-ep inspectors and two engiuoer surveyors. T le present working staff is one inspector (CLr-tiin Johnso'.i)^ who receives salary as Admiralty mini agent ; and two engineer surveyors (Messrs Namjarro'wand Hamilton), tvvho perform the duties of acting inspectors also when required. Warden and Inspector Robertson having resigned, and Warden and Inspector Kennedy being sent to command the G-oyermnent steafner St. Kilda, in whiuh capacity, I understand, his services on the East Coast and elsewhere havu been most useful. The number of steam vessels trading on the seaboard and rivers of Now Zealand, coinin" under the immediate inspection of this department, are 37 having low-pressure engines, and 20 high-pressure j the former-requiring to be surveyed at an interval of six months, anu the latter every third month ; thus makin all about 154f surveys ; be-ides which many steamers having Austialian certificates, running to this colony, undergo cursory supervision. When it is considered that these vessels find employment at ports extending from Auckland to the Bluff Harbor, and both on the Ea9t and West Coast, where the in-, specting officers, in the performance of their duties, have to visit them, it will be perceived tliat the labor, with the present limited staff, fs by no means light. It affords me great pleasure to state that Messrs Nahcarrow and Hamilton, upon whom most of the duty of survey has devolved, have showu themselves both . efficient v and assiduous in. the double capacity of engineer surveyors and acting in* epectors. The assistance they have rendered in superintending repairs of lighthouse apparatus, has' also been of great ' service. Frdm Captain G-ibsOn, port officer at LytteltonJ who is deputed by Government to supervise Marine Board duties at Canterbury; I have ever received willing and valuable assistance." i Captain Sharp, President of the- Marine Board, in the course of his annual report, thus refers to tha necessity for additional lighthouses :—": — " At the southern entrance to Queen Charlotte's Sound (T^ry Channel), a light of the third or fourth order is much needed, the navigable channel being narow, aud dangerous after nightfall. The traffic through this passage is not so great as during the gold mania at Havelock ; but even now all the subsidised mail vessels calling at Picton, and many other steamers, invariably proceed by that route, it being a saving of many miles in distance. The value and usefulness of a light where proposed will be evident, both as affording facilities to commerce, and' lesseniug the vei"y great risk encountered in attempting the passage of Tory Channel when the dangers are not visible. Tfyere are other headlands where lights would be of service, were the G-overnmcnt disposed to incur the expense of their erection. It lias been suggested that, during the long winter nights, the Panama boats might have their passage expedited by lights being plapeci at Capes Egiuont and Palliser, those two points forming the north-west and south-east extremities of Cook's Straits. Of the two, Palliser is of the moro importance, as being hear tlfe terminus of a long ocean run, when the fuel on board the vessel will be short, and, consequenrlv. every hour saved of moment,"

The brigantine Lizzie Coleson has once more fastened to the wharf, after a fifteen days' passage from Sydney, out of which six d-iys w.ere spent on the coast and in the r6adstead, her detention outside having been caused by an impassible bar. Sho left (Sydney ou the 21st ult., with light N.W. winds and fine weather, but on clearing the land the breeze shifted to the N.E., and until- the 24th kept steady but light from that quarter. Then it hauled into the S.E.-, and blew a hard gale, whicli compelled her to reduce canvas to a close-reefed topsail, fore-trysail, and staysail, under which she head 'reached for twelve hours. Grale then moderated, and was succeeded by variable, puffy weather and cross sea until the 27th, when tho wind flew suddenly into the N.W., and steadily increased to a heavy blow, veering by west to S.W., accompanied by a mountainous sea and severe squalls. _ For - two days the brigantine ran before it under storm canvas; the barometer in the meantime standing at 29"10, and on the 2'ifch tho gale broke, and hence to the land light easterly breezes prevailed. The Lizzie Cbleson auchored off tlie port on the 2nd inst,, but oyving to a shallow bar was unable to enter the river until the 6th, when she towed in astern of the Challenge. She brings, a full genpral.cargo and four , passengers. The Panama steamer Ruahine arrived >at Wellington about* noon, on Tuesday last, from Panama, being eleven days beyond her time. From this, however, six days must be deducted for the delay in leaving Panama, as the Ruahine Only sailed from that port on the 30th of August, instead of on the 24th, her contract day. But for an accident which betel one of her engines on the 21st ultimo, in a heavy gale, the Ruahine would have reached Wellington within, the, stipulated time; but as she was only able, for the last eleven days of her voynge, to make use of .but one of her screws, the passage was naturally prolonged. The Ruahine, like the Kaikoura on the pre- 1 vious trip, steamed from Sydney to Panama, and back, with only a few days afforded her at Panama to coal. Such incessant steaming for upwards of two months, is too much for any machinery. This, however, will no longer be necessary, as the steamei s on their arrival at Panama will, for the future, have nineteen days to get ready for the return passage. The next mail from Panama will be brought by the Rakaia. duo at Wellington ou the 21st of November, there being no steamer from Panama this month. — " Nelson Examiner," 4th inst.

TliO'p.s. Bruce arrived from Dunedin on' the sth in&t. after n,n absence of threo months from ' the port, during which time she x-oceived a thorough overhaul, aud underwent very extensive repairs, necessitated by tho rough usage she received ou the Okarita bar in July last. She returns a most efficient boat in cyery respect, and her appearance outside, and in, * testifies that no mean- sum has been expended upon her refit. Throughout her entire length the bottom was re-riveted, and new" plateS'let in where it was found necessary to do so, and the damaged angle irons replaced by now ones. Very great improvements" have been made in her passenger accommodation, especially in the saloon, where the couches are - constructed to fold and linfold, thus forming seats during the day time and sleeping berths at night. A ladies saloon abaft all has also been added to the main cabin. Her machinery • was not neglected, as the engino was taken to pieces, cleaned, and ' roiitted, and the boiler examined and cleansed. She underwent a close inspection by the Government Engineer, who passed a high eulogium upon her condition", and renewed her certificate., 'The following report of the -trip round .from Dunedin has been supplied us by Captain Kerley -—The Bruce left Port Chalmers at 6 p.m. on the 29th ult., in the teeth' of a strong S.W. gale and heavy sea, and arrived at the Bluff next^ day at 9.30 p.m. ; put to sea again at 11 a.m. ou the Ist instant, but was met-by such heavy weather in the Straits that she was compelled to run back to the Bluff for shelter the same evening. Marie another attempt the following day, and although the gale had scarcely abated, she 1 managed to push through the Straits, and rounded the West Cape* on the 3rd inst., and reached Okarita, next day, crossing the bar without difficulty. There she discharged cargo and passengers, and left for this port on the 4th at 9.30 a.m., arriving off the bar at 3.30 p.m.; entered the river at 6 p.m. The Bruce brings > seventeen passongers from Dunedin, and r fUceen from Okarita, and 2500 ozs. of gold from tho latter port consigned to the Bank of New Zealand. That smart little schooner the Spray has ogam made ono of her periodical appearances at this port, having fastened to the wharf on tho Bth inst. She brings a full cargo, but has. made an unusually long passage, during which she was twice driven to seek shelter by heavy woather.., Tho Spray left Lyttelton on the 24th ult., with light wosterly winds and fine weather, but in the offing was met by a heavy N.E. blow, from which sho took r»fnge

in Port Levy the aame evening. The weather nndorating she put _to sea /next day, and ■ i' 'ached the latitude of Queen Charlotte's • Sound, when the wind veered to the N.W. and blew furiously, compelling her, on the 28th ult.', to bear up for the safe anchorage under her lea. She remained in the Sound until the 2nd inst., and then the gale having blown itself out, proceeded on her voyage with light south and S.E. winds. Was abreast of Wanganui Inlet on the 4th, and hence to the roadstead.light variable winds and culnw prevailed. The Spray arrived off the bar on the 7th inst., but kept under canvas" during the night, and at tide time next morning was towed to the wharf by the Challenge. She"* brings a full general cargo, and reports that whilst at anchor in Queen.Charlotte's Sound the cutter Charlotte, hence to Picton, also ran - ' in'tltere for shelter. „ ♦ v ,

Sergeaut Blain, officer in -charge of the,Kanieri district, writing on the 7th. instant, says that during the past fortnight ,no material alteration has taken place in' the number of the population of that district, which may be estimated at about 4000. There was a great stagnation in mining matters consequent upon the stoppage of the two engines on the old flat, but as they have again commenced pumping, activity is once more tl^e order of tlie day, the different claims being in full work. At Commissioner's Flat several claims in connec-

tion with the different engines there have been given up, as the ground was proved to be too poor to pay evdn small wages. Mining on the old terrace has assumed a mitcli healthier phase, the Pioneer Company having at last completed their branch race ; and, as it carries a heavy head of water, the Company are enabled to supply a great many claims. Notwithstanding this increase,. the indispensable element is still at a premium, and double'the quantity could be readily disposed of, for the sluicers gene* ' rally are making good wages, aud much ground is still unoccupied which, it is believed, would pay well if water were only available to work it. The' Woodstock and Arthur's Tdwn communities have slightly increased in number during the fortnight. At Tucker Flat the miners are principally env ployed working old ground by the aid of that primitive" appliance the cradle, small wages being the result. The two companies there which obtained a grant of extended ground, with the intention of sinking • to the main bottom, have apparently abandoned the work, as the grouufl is too deep and wet to be wrought without the assistance of steam macliinerv., The Ho Ho and Blue Spur leads continue to employ a large body of miners, mauy of whom succeed in making high wages. About a dozen shafts were sunk at the northern- extremity of the Ho Ho lead in expectation of striking the. gold again. Only one out of the number obtained any return, and this was so small that the others were at once abandoned. The rush to the terrace bolow tlie Three-Mile township is turning out better than was at first anticipated. Seven "shafts were bottomed last week, and all gave" fail- prospects. The district is very orderly, no crime having been reported during the fortnight. '

Sergeant Byrne, officer in charge of v the o Waimea district, reports as follows : — The* population during the fortnight, ending the Ist instant, has very much in' creased, * and y may now 'be estimated at 5000, exclusive of those minei-3 who- are working the beaches. At the old Waimea diggings sluicers are nearlyat a stand still, through • a scarcity of water,' as the different races have run nearly dry, owing to the late prevailing fine weather. Whilst many miners find profitable employment on much of the new ground lately opened, a great number may be classed as the floating population, and are kept very much upon the move by the ~ numerous small 4 - rushes which take place " weekly. A small patch was hit upon in the vicinity of Fox's Creek, and caused some slight excitement. ground, liQwever, turned^out very poorly, and was left shortly in the hands of the few who first discovered it. Another rush set in to a place about-mid-way between • Stafford Town and the Waimea. Several shafts struck gold, and the locality > promises to support a moderate population. * German Q-ully was also the scene of a small excitement, which, however, quickly * subsided. The Waimea -township is undergoing gfeat improvements, which will ' very much increase the comfort of the residents. Very substantial' buildings have been erected, and the streets, which but the other day were mere swamps, are being made up and gravelled. In that .section of the district comprising Waimea Town and what are termed the " old diggings," there are twenty-five places of -business, of which eight are puUic-houses. At the Ballarat Hill rush miners generally are doing well, although many of the claims are nearly worked put by the first holders. Three rushes occurred, in - I this neighborhood during the fortnight ; onp Ito a flat about a mile north of the town, one to another flat about the same distance eastwards of it, and another to a terrace situated pn tlie right hand side of Pretty Woman's gully. The first flat proved a 'duffer; the second is payable, but of very limited extent, whilst the terrace rush turned out. very well;, as several shafts obtained from ldwt. to

2dwts. to the dish as prospects. The depth

of sinking is forty- five. feet, and the ground being difficult to keep up^ requires • elabbing from top to bottom. The Scandinavian' workings are the best in the district, and employ many diggers. The seventh terrace in this

line has been opened, and proved payable although not to the same extent as the first

and second hills. Many claims were taken up there, but the place is not in high favor, owing to the exceeding roughness of the country, and the. difliculty which thereby attends the transportion of provisions across it. Several parties are out' prospecting, but make slow progress, owiiig to the above cause. The Soandinavian rushls quite overdone with business , people, and. in consequence, many have left " it for otHer v localities. There are thirty-seven stores and shanties, and three publichouses upon the l*»ad. The raining population is also in excess of the capabilities of the lead to 'support it, aud a decrease of twenty-five per cent, in the number has taken place during the fortnight. Stafford Town is extending, and promises to become a large and thriving place. Many haudsome hotels and stores, which from thoir structure must have cost

large sums, have lately been erected, and the business people are sanguine that a prosperous future is before them. The town con-

tains 60 buildiugs^'wherein trade is transacted, t 10 of which are hotels. Crime in 4he district is very much on the increase", many robberies haviug lately been committed and reported to the police. It is believed that others, of 'which the police receiv^jio information, were perpetrated, for, excepting in extreme cases, the miners, as a rule, are chary in obtaining the interposition of the authorities. ' The establishmont of a Police-camp at Stafford Town was much needed, and will tend to check the marauding propensities' of the 'criminal clas9. • A robbery of 100 ozs. of gold dust was effected on the night of the 9th inst. at Scandinavian Hill, and the circumstances of the ease present one of the 4 most singular instances of carelessnesi that ever came under our notice. A piy-ty of men who hold one of the richest claims on the terrace were employed during the above day in sluicing a quantity of wash dirt, which/ yielded between eight and nine pounds weight lof gold dust. This was panned off roughly, and then emptied into a bucket, which was deposited for the night underneath one of the 'stretchers in the tent.. Four men slept "there, one of whom only was a bonafide shareholder, the rest being hired workmen. . At an early „ hour next morning it was discovered that the bucket and its contents were missing, and on examination of the ground outside the tent boing made, a quantity of gold was found spilt, as if it had been upset in the hurry oi removal. The police were "at^ onco communicated with, and two of the hired men arrested o.n suspicion, who were yesterday brought into town, and will undergo examination to-day before the Resident Magistrate. " i t