THE MONTH.
A singular discovery titos riaddb oh the foil ult. .by Mr M^Kenzie.ti cattle driver, who, uiiils pr nee ling tflongthe iiver Teremakau, ofo >f rrvd a stranger-looking object lying upon «li- oau?£, übout f t»ro miles and a- half from the Sangai iri Statwiv. It proved to be a tattered inail'luia, lifted with newspapers and letters, *--hic'i AiV M'lvenzie gathered up and con-vi-yeA to the station, where it was ascertained T-koy formed part of the mail that vras lost in November last, when the Christchurch coach so narrowly escaped destruction whilst crossing an arm of the river during a flooi. Constable Bennett, the office* in charge at Eangiriri, brought the niissiug mail into town on Sunday night^and On Monday it was delivered to the postmaster and sorted, for notwithstanding it was so long subraei'sed, theaddresses, except in a few cases, were quite legible. That the bag was not washed out to sea is something to be wondered at, considering the many high floods that have scoured the river bed since the time of the accident. We imagine that the bag must have caught in some of the snags that abouud in tlie Teremakatt.
A meeting, convened by advertisement, was held on Wednesday the 3rd ult. at Osbome's Empire Hotel. About thirty ©r forty of the leading citizens of Kokitika attended. Mr Prosser was' unani* mously voted to the chair. Among those present, were his Worship the Mayor ; Councillors Prosser, Shaw, Ecclesfleld,, Clarke ; Mr Harvey (barrister) ; Messrs W. Evans, Procter, M'Beth, Muuro, Carey, Klein, Brownin Kees {barrister), Eeeves, Dunlop, B. Marks, Frew, Alcorn, Mcc, and ' many others. The chairman stated the objects of the meeting, and said that it was certain that there were many things which at present required the strict attention of the inhabitants of Westland. One of these was the appointment of a responsible minister, and another the increase in number of the representatives of Westland i« the Provincial Council. Mr Eees proposed, and Mr Clark seconded, "That a committee be formed to watch over the political interests of Westland at the present time." TIII3 was carried. Mr Klein proposed, and Mr Brown seconded, "That a sub-committee be formed, consisting of Messrs Prosser, Bonar, M'Beth, Muuro> Rees, Reeves, Harvey, Alcorn, Brown> Shaw, and the mover, for the purpose of drawing up resolutions to be submitted to a public meeting." Carried. Mr Shaw proposed, and Mr Beeve3 seconded, " That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that Westland should be separated 'from Canterbury." Carried. It was rosolved that the sub-committee should meet to-night, at 8 o'clock p.m., at Osborne's. A vote of thanks was then given to the chairman, and the meeting separated. During the course of the meeting, and upon tho various questions, the following gentlemen, among others spoke : — TUe Chairman, Messrs Klein, Clarke, Alcorn, Munro, Brown, Shaw, E^es, Harvey, Beeves, and M'Beth ; and although there were different opinions as to details, tho feeling of the meeting seemed decisive and perfectly agreed upon the main question — Separation.
it the Police-court on the Ist ult. John Allen Kingsmill was charged with embezzlement of the funds of the Bank of Nevr South Wales on an information laid in Sydney. Detective Howard of that city, who arrested the prisoner at Greymouth on Saturday last in the branch bank, where he was then employed, gave evidi nee ; after which the prisoner was committed to the Hokitika Gaol until the arrival of the Governor's warrant for his transmission'to New South Wales. — William J"hu Price was charged with larceny of drapery to the value of L 155, from his employers. Mi-ssrs. Mulligan and Halligan. From the evidence it appeared that prisoner was smpeited by his employers, and that on Saturday last Mr Mulligan, in company with Detective Brown, went to the Oddfellows' Hotel, and found there several parcels which the prisoner had left there, containing goods from h:s shop, which he had neveV sold. The goods, which were brought down to tho Court in a dray, were produced from a trunk, and consisted of blankets, coats, waistcoats, trousers, and various articles of clothing. The prif=ouer,'who declined to say anything in his defence, was committed for trial at the next sittings of the District Court.
I; is matter for general congratulation that a pa-.«enger traffic between this country and Amc :ca lias Fairly set in. We notice that the last mail si earner from Panama brought ft fair sprinkle of passengers from New York and California, while the last two outward steamers took a moderate number for those places in exchange. Nothing is. more desirable than that the inhabitant! of the new world should know us and we them, and the diffusion of this knowledge cannot be better effected than by an interchange of ideas by word of mouth. Hence the necessity of a rapid and cheap mode of transit, which we do not hesitate to say, has been supplied by the Panama Company, whose really first-class steamers run from New Zealand to Panama in twenty-seven days, at a cost to each passenger extremely moderate compared with the enormous outlay required to work the line effectively. It would be a work of supererogation to dilate upon the advantages that are sure to result from the encouragement of commercial intercourse with the American Continent. Tkey are too palpable to need comment. At present we only write to record the fact that what was prognosticated years ago, when the establishment of the Panama line was considered an impossibility, is now taking place. Americans with their go-aheadedness are coming amongst us direct from their own country, now the requisite facilities are afforded, and our people are begining to repair to America either as visitors or with a view of settling there ; in either case doing much good by spreading information as to what " manner of men " we are, and what kind of country, and under what laws we live. There can be no doubt that our cousins on the west side of the Atlmtic are as ignorant of us as we are of them, and the removal of this veil of ignorance cannot be tetter ensured than by tho intercourse which i 3 just springing up. We therefore recommend those who purpose returning to tho mother country to go by way of Panama ; and if their means and leisure will permit, to spend a month or two in visiting the great cities of America. They will acquire much useful information for themselves, and will benefit the country - they have left, by imparting sound information concerning it to those among whom they may sojourn. We notice that two of our local breweries have TeJuced the price of beer from L 7 to L 6 per hogshead — a fact that will be duly appreciated provided that the quality of the beer is nut depreciated. It is universally acknowledged thut tho beer lately brewed in Hokitika has been far better in quality than that in past times, and that it has seriously affe<led the d-'mnnd for the English article.
The persistency of the Colonial Secretary is something wonderful. Why will he insist upon "promulgati'ig such reports concerning the Hokitika wh ", and from what source doe 3he derive the false information 1 with which he seems to be ever charged. At a meeting of the Council, MrHoos moved, that it was desirable the wharf should be leased by pubhf tender, his wish being to supersede tin- G b-on's Quay Ordinance, which only provi c.i for the leasing of the wharf to the Corporation. The motion was eventually carr c., but in reply to the mover — who is also l>ib"ring under the delusion that repairs are etill going on — Mr Stewart made a few remarks, declaring that the Government were anxious to get the work off its hands, and were, therefore, "pushing on the works as much a* possible." The sentence quoted is somewhat equivocal, but for all that, an ordinary hearer or reader would naturally infer, that extensive works were absolutely in hand, and connecting it with the preceding remark, that "> T o doubt the Corporation were
of the Government," would further suppose 'that 'A 6 cAd of money was being expended to $**vide Hokitika with suitable shipping accommodation. In a former issue we had occasion to contradict certain statements made in the House respecting the harbor works, and we again feel compelled to refute this one by simply asserting that no works are going on, or so far as we enn see, is there any likelihood of such works being undertaken. One or two piles of timber, that we believe were provided for its repair, are, it is true, lying about the wharf) and there is also a pile-driving engine erected, very much in the Way, but neither timber or engine is put to *.ay practical purpose, and can only be regarded as evidences of governmental incapacity or neglect. As we desire to be strictly veracious, we must admit that the district engineer has lately had a couple of piles driven and pranked over at the lower end of the protective work that extends in front of (Jibson's Quay and Beach street, and that must mean, we prosume, tho "necessary works" alluded to. The wharf proper remains in a scandalous condition, quite onethird of its entire length being useless for shipping purposes. The "New Zealand Advertiser" tells the following melancholy tale s — " With the approach of winter de»titution has again made its appearance in the Taranaki province. Twenty-three men, fourteen of whom are married, and have in tho aggregate forty-one children, have sent in a memorial to the Provincial Council stating that they are out of employment, and have no means of keeping themselves and their families from starvation. Nor can we suppose (says a local paper) that this destitution it confined to persons who signed the memorial; thero are, without doubt, many others equally distressed, but who, either from dislike of publicity or from chance, did not attach their names to this document. The Government proposo to meet the present emergency by employing the laborers in the country road districts, paying wages somewhat below the ordinary rates, so as not to compete with private employers, and giving additional sums in the way of relief to the wives and families of the destitute."
The dead body of a man floating iv the lagoow was found on tlie Bth ult. by two boatmen, who conveyed it alongside the ketch Mary Anne, where it was attached to a rope, and allowed to tow astern of the vessel until the police arrived to take charge of it, being afterwards removed to town. The remains are those of a young man of fair complexion, aged about twenty-five yeara ; the dress consisting of a pair of cord trowserd, blue singlet, and lace-up boots. The features were perfect, but other parts had much decomposed. The body was not recognised by those who attended tho inquest, but is supposed to be that of a man who suddenly disappeared from tho Kanicri diggings some time back. An open verdict was returned.
The evil of intemperance received direct illustration on the 9th ult. in the case of a Fox's Eiver boatman, who, wo understand, arrived in town by tho Tasmanian Maid on her last trip from the north. It seems that he purposes returning in her, and that day was lounging about the wharf in a state of excessive intoxication in the vicinity of the steamer. At last he attempted to step on board, but lost his balance aud fell into tlie river, striking his head with great force against the sponson. A boat was quickly in attendance, but, being stunned, the poor fellow did not rise to the surfaco until au oar was thrust down to him, which he grasped with the instinct of a drowning man, and was soon hauled into the boat. He presented a shocking spectacle, his head being frightfully gashed. After the wound had been roughly bound up he' was removed to the Australian Hotel, where he now lies in a somewhat precarious state. Much credit is due tho mate of the Tasmanian Maid and the crew of ,the Flying Squirrel, as through their exertions only was the man Bayed from drowning. - In his report upon pleuro pneumonia published in the Nelson Provincial " Gazette, ' Dr Cusack says : — " Duriug the last year many cases of indigestion, diarrhoea, and other forms of impaired health, have come under, my observation, which persons who took b»iP a cursory view of them, in the absence of anymore apparent cause, were disposed to attribute to atmospheric influences. Being myself of opinion that no such influences exist in our eminently healthy climate, I felt it necessary to seek for some other explanation, and in doing so have come to the deliberate conviction that much actual disease, as well a3 deficiency of bodily and mental vigor, which I havo of late had to treat, was caused by the very uuwholesome bread and meat which every one has more or less been compelled to use for some time back. Excepting to make due allowance for it, as one of the causes in operation, it would be foreign to the scope of this memorandum to make further allusion to unwholesome or malted bread ; but I have to state * jy distinct opinion that much of the mutton consumed in Nelson is unwholesome, in the sense of being almost destitute of the i-equisite elements of nutrition ; and sheep are often, previously to being driven off the farm or station, old and ill-nourished, and, before reaching the Nelsou market, from long driving and repeated irritation of the skiu by the application of poisonous and puugent washes, an irritative fever is set up, from which they have seldom time to recover, and regain a healthy amount of fatty and muscular tissue." laad accident occurred at tho Fairburn diggings, north of Buller, on tho 29th June, whereby a Greek named Barriotto lost his life. He was employed cutting a tree into lengths, r near to where two of his countrymen were falling another, and it appears that disregarding their warning "just before it fell, he was struck by the main branches and killed upon the spot. An inquest was held upon the body, and a vordict of Accidental Death returned.
The drawingroom entertainment which was given on the I7th ult, in aid of the funds of tke Literary Society, was a complete success, and the result must havo been highly gratifying to its promoters. Notwithstanding the wet weather — the Court House was crowded, and the audience testified their delight by loud plaudits. The programme which was exceedingly well-arranged comprised selections of vocal and instrumental music, together with recitations, some of which were of a serious, and others of a .comic character. We understand that it is contemplated to give one of these entertainments every month, and we have reason to think that this proposal will be successfully carried into effect. The programme was as follows : — Overture, Band ; Flute Solo, Mr Hawkins ; Song, " I would I were a boy again," Mr Walters ; Song, " Jessie's Dream," Mr Wilkinson ; Eecitation, " The Emigrant," Mr Hume; Duet, "Tho Minute Gun at Sea," Messrs South and Smith ; Song, " Tho White Squall," Mr Smitli ; Song, " Paddle my own Canoo," Mr Eaton ; Song, '•' Juaniti," Mrs Martin ; " Eifleman's Song," Mr Mendershausen; Song, " Alonao the brave, and the fair Imogene," Mr M'Nair ; Violin Solo, Mr Wright; Song, "Molly Asthore," Mr White ; Song, " Just before the Battle," Mr South, junr. ; Eecitation, " Mrs M'Tavish's description of Photography," Mr Dalrymple. The German Society, under the leadership of Mr Friend, also afforded their valuable assistance, and sang several part songs. Mrs Martin presided very ably at the pianoforte.
Writing from the Waimea on the 13th ult., Mr Warden Keogli, in his fortnightly report to the Government says :—": — " Nothing new has opened within the fortnight, but the two rushes mentioned in my last report, have since considerably extended. The one at Quinn's Terrace (Piper's Flat) is, especially, thought well of. The late rain was vory seasonable, as it enabled miners, who have been idle for a very long time past, to get to work onco more, The Oho»terfiolc} diggings
miners there has much decreased, but those who remain are settled in steadily to work. Tlie population of the district may be estimated at 5000, of which number, 700 are engaged in pursuits other than mining." We havo received a very interesting little work embodying a lecture lately delivered in Sydney by Mr A. Keith Collins, upon that rich and fertile island New Guinea, one of the Indian Archipelago situated- to the north of Australia, from which it is separated by Torres Straits, Attached to thebookis the prospectus of a new CqmponJ* which we see is formed for the pt^rjidse of colonising the island, or at least to open up a trade with the nalives, and as New Guinea is known to be rich in every kind of tropical product, besides valuable minerals, including gold, we imagine that if properly conducted the speculation is likely to prove very profitable. The Company is declared kisooo shares of LI each, that will bo disposed of to persons desirous of joining the company by the payment of half the amount upon application, and tho residue when "the shares are allotted. We observe the name* of come of the most influential men in Sydney updrt the list of provisional dircctdrs, including those of the Eev. J. D. Lang, W. Carruthers, Esq., John Dick, Esq., aud Captain Baker. Tlie escort arrived from the Waimea on the 12th ult., bringing 1100 ounces of gold for the Bank of New Zealand, and 800 dunces for the Bank of New South Wales.
We hear that a spring of hot water has been discovered in the Okarita district by some miners who were prospecting. A little of the water has been brought into town by a digger, and a portion of it left at one of our chemists, it kas a slightly medicinal taste, somewhat resembling fluid magnesio. During the week ending the 13th ult., deposits to the amount of LIBS werereceived at the Hokitika Savings Bank. We are glad to perceive tltat the pathway on Upper Gibson's (suny> from tlie Islny Hotel to the Post Office, has been formed, and gravel commenced to be laid down. The work, so far as it has gone, is creditable to the contractors, Messrs Anthony and Fiulay, and wo trust that no time will be lost in completing it, as when finished it will be a great convenience to the public, as the path at present is scarcely passable.
An intimation of considerable importance, both to the legal profession and the public was given by the Kesident Magistrate during tho sitting of the Court on the 11th ult. Alluding to the sums to be awarded as professional costs, his Worship stated that for the future the amount so awarded would, in the Court's Extended Jurisdiction, be on the sum recovered, and not as hitherto on the sum sued for.
The early closing movement has already commenced in Hokitika, as since the lsth ult. week several of tho grdcers aud storekeepers have closed their establishments at 7 o'clo-k in the evening, thus giving their employees a few hours for either mental improvement or social enjoyment. If this example was more generally followed, and if iv addition means were adopted for establishing a course of lectures on literary and scientific subjects, the admission to which should be either free or at a very moderate charge, a great boon would be conferred upon" those whose occupations necessarily prevent them from giving umcli time to mental self-culture.
A gentlemen named Yates, who was well known in Otago as the Inspector of Goldfields- Agencies for the Bank of New South Wales, died at the Buller, on the 14th ult. Mr Yates has been for some time on the Westland goldfields on behalf of the Bank of New South Wales, and was at the Buller in the discharge of his duty at the time of his decease.
The New Zealand Government " Gazette " of tho 27th iilt. slates that the officer commanding or Adjutant of the Militia and Volunteers is the person to receive the arms and accoutrements, and other articles supplied to any volunteer corps which have been disbanded. The ports of Greymouth, Hokitika, and Lyttelton are approved by the Governor as ports for the • importation and warehousing of opium. The following appointments are notified : — i Major Henry Elmhirst Eeader to be LieutColonel ; Lieutenant Alexander Lean to be Captaiu, and Francis Pavitt to be 2nd Lieutenant in the Engineers. Lieut-Colonel Eeader is also appointed to command the Militia and Volunteers of Canterbury. The resignations of Lieutenant H. W. Mytton and Ensign E. H. Epworth in the Canterbury Eifle Volunteers have been accepted. The articles of association of the Hokitika Gas and Coke Company limited, have been registered.
An inquest wa9 held on tho Ist ult. at the Bound Tower of Ireland Hotel on the body of a child, aged one year and nine months, the son of Mr and Mrs Gooch, of Bealey street. It appeared that a few days ago the child was struck accidentally by its mother with an axe on the forehead, and a deep wound was inflicted. Medical aid was procured immediately and the child rallied, but it was afterwards seized with convulsions and died on Saturday morning last. A verdict of " Accidental Death" was returned.
The following is the return from the District Gaol for the week ending Saturday last : — Males : for trial at Supreme Court, 4 ; hardlabor, 39 ; imprisonment, 8 ; debtors, 6 ; total, 57. Females : hard-labor, 3 ; total in gaol, 60. Seven males were discharged during the week, including 1 tried at the Supreme Court ; 2at the Magistrate's Court ; and 4 debtors. f We regret to notice that an amount of litigation has arisen between a Mr Butler, at the Arahura, and tho Hokitika and Greymoufch Tramway Company, arising out of the tramway of the company passing through a corner of Mr Butler's land. Except the Government take steps to protect companies from frivolous claims of this character it is very unlikely that the operation of framing companies will be extended beyond their present limits.
Mr John Swilzer, au extensive importer and ' dealer iv boots and shoes at Dunodiu, wasarrested aud committed for trial on a charge of attempting to set fire to his premises. The trial came oil' on the 24th Juno, before his Honor Mr Justbc Chapman, and resulted in a verdict of acquittal. There was a -decided manifestation of applause amongst the audience, but it was speedily suppressed. The tiderose oil the Ist ult. to an almost unprecedented height, and, as a natural consequence, the sea made still more encroachments on the land, causing great consternation among those people who have pitched their habitations on the sea shore. Several of the houses, or rather huts, which stood on the North Spit were lifted from their foundations, and the sea came up nearly as far as Eevell street. There is no doubt that the sea has been gaining on the land for some time past. About a year ago, the houses on the upper end of the spit were several cables' length from high-water mark ; but since then many have had to be l-emoved, aud the panic which was created by the rise of the waters, on the above date, was so great as to cause a general migration from that quarter of the town. Workmen were engaged all day in removing the houses to some safer locality ; and we expect that shortly the upper portion of the spit will be entirely deserted. It is indeed becoming quite unsafe as a site for dwelling-houses, and oven Beach streot seems to bo threatened ; for the tide was only within a few feet of it, and we have no doubt that the encroachments of tho sea will continue for some time longer. The stores in the premises of Messrs Maco and Dixon, cordial manufacturers on tho beach were much damaged, and all day thoy were engaged in removing them elsewhoro. We understand that thoir new premises will bo in Hamilton street. The remaining buildings were mostly small houses, belonging to working men and their families, and were easily removed to sites in the town which had not been takon up i but still thoir owners must have been put to con»jderablo loss,
is attracting the attention of the farmers of East Canterbury, as we see by tho " fcyttelton Times" that the southern farmers purpose holding a> mdeting ii at Craythorne's or some dther convenient place, to discuss the subject. A deputation from the. society recently commenced at Kaiapoi, is to be invited, with" a view to amalgamation in tho prosecution of the project. We trust that this will be attained, and that the two extremities of the province will become united in the working of a society so necessary to our general welfare. We hear from Okarita that the body of the man Hughes, who was supposed to have been drowned in Jacob's Eiver on June 3rd, wns found on the 20th by some Maories, exposed on one of the beaches of that stream. Being very much decompose! and rat eaten, the Maories, assisted by some European miners, made a coffin and buried the remains. The circumstance was afterwards reported to Mr Warden Price j but, as there was nothing suspicious about it, he Considered it unnecessary to hold either an inquest Or enquiry. So very few of the inhabitants of Hokitika being Americans will accouut, we presume, for the lack of demonstration on Thursday in honor of the celebrated 4th of July. Flags were hoisted by one or two American Houses, the Empire and Shamrock Hotels being conspicuous by a profuSe display of bunting, the " Stars and Stripes" of course holding prominent place. Mr Wagner, proprietor of tho last named house, gave a ball and supper, which, we were glad to see was well attended. The largo billiard room was elegantly decorated with Hags and evergreens, and converted for the nonce into a salle de dame that shortly after midnight was crowded by the worthy host's friends aiid acquaintances, who footed it right merrily the long night through. A magnificent sdpper was laid out in, the eat-ing-rddnj, quite equal to the one he provided at the late Bachelors' Ball. The spread wa3 profuse indeed, comprising a host of delicacies, poultry, game, rare confectionery, &c, the table was evidently arranged by the hands of an artiste.
We have been supplied by a gentleman who has lately made a tour of the various diggings in work there with the following statistical returns of the population which is scattered through the Waimca district : — German Gully contains about 100 miners, who earn from L 3 to L 6 per week each man. At present their operations are much retarded by a great scarcity of water. About 80 miners are at work in Maori Gully, and being tolerably well supplied with the element, make very fair wages, the better j;claiuis yielding from L 8 to LlO a man weekly. A great deal of poor ground is in hand that will riot pay more than from L 2 td L 4. Caftughtiri's G\illy is almost destitute of water, and only retains a population of about 60 diggers, the majority of whom hold good claims, but are compelled to stack the washdirt pending the advent of rain. The gully is covered by immense heaps of auriferous dirt, which, from the prospects washed, promises to yield very richly indeed. Italian Gujly is held in ill repute, but for all that carries nearly 100 .liggers, who make but low wages, the average earnings por man being estimated at about Li weekly. Scarcity of water is the cause, in a great measure, of this low return. The same may be said of the Left-hand and Middle Branches of the Waimea, where 200 miners arc at -work, some of whom succeed iv " knocking out" as much as L 5 and L 7 per week, but the majority find it difficult to make " tucker." Up the right-hand branch of the Waimea and the adjoining gullies, 950 men are assembled, and having a good supply of water at command, they are enabled to secure payable returns, which are quoted at LlO and Ll2 weekly. The poorer ground yields from L3to L 5. In the Waimea proper, including the track as far as Stafford Town and a few adjoining gullies, 700 miners are busily employed sluicing and tunnelling. They obtain very fair wages, about L 5 per man weekly being the average return. A few fortunate ones who are working in Tunnel Terrace make Llo per week. The Scandinavian load n*iy be set down as being occupied by 400 men, who are very highly paid, whilst Piper's Flat is accredited with 7oo— this large number being the result of the late rush there.
The Eight Eevereud Dr Harper, Bishop of Christchurch, sailed from Lyttelton for Wellington, on Sunday the 7th ultimo. His Lordship proceeds to England, via Panama, in order to be present at the conference of -Bishops of tho Anglican Church, to be held at Lambeth Palace, under the presidency of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
An inquest was held on the 11th nit. at the Albion Hotel, Hau Hau Creek, before Dr. Beswick, coroner, on view of the body of Ernest Mastedt, a miner, who njstJua death under the following circumstances . — About eleven o'clock on the morning of tho previous day, the deceased was working in a drive with another miner named Stephen Hill, when tho cap-piece suddenly gave way, and was immediately followed by a heavy fall of earth, which completely buried deceased, who was taken out dead. Hill was more fortunate, tho earth reaching only to his middle, and he escaped comparatively unhurt. After hearing the evidence, the jury returned a, verdict of " Accidental death."
Constable O'Callaghau, whilst walking iv tho bush near the' Arahura on tho 9th lilt., met a man whoso strange actions and excited manner led the constable to inquire what he was doing there. The poor fellow replied that he was going to cut supple-jacks to build a house, and the constable then believing the man to be a lunatic, took him into custody. He is a Welshman, named Edward Davie.
The " Now Zealand Gazette" of tho sth ultimo, contains an order in Council appointing James Eogcr Button, Esq., to be a Warden of all Warden's Courts now constituted or hereafter to be constituted withiu tho Nelson South West Goidfields, with powor to him to act alone or with assessors, and to exercise all or any of the powors vested in or imposed on Judges of Warden's Courts. Albo, a Governor's order appointing the Tort of Westport to be a warehousing port for the purpose of " The Customs Eegulation Act,^ 1868," and approving of the same as a port for tho importation of tobacco. Dr Hector has been appointed director of Meteorological . stations iv New Zealand.
There was a narrow oscapo from a serious accident on the Hau Hau Tramway on the 13th ult. As the up-tram was proceeding, tho leading horse bolted off the line, and fell into an excavation on the rise near the terrace. Tho driver, however, with groat .presence of mind, slackened the fore-reins, and, clapping on tho break, succeeded in preventing the carriage from being dragged off the lino. Ultimately tho horse was got out, comparatively uninjured. The carriage was full of passengers at the time.
We have inspected a sample of cement taken from a claim at the New Lamplough diggings, known as the Eed Blanket Claim, held by Gordon and party. The stuff in question is rather a brown sand of very close consistency than bona fide cement, so trying to the temper and driving picks of the digger. Tho sample submitted to us is remarkably rich, the gold being distributed through it; but on the surface of the lump, to which a portion of burnt granite gravel is attached, the metal hangs in clusl ers of flat specks, very beautiful to look at. We were informed by Mr Lang, one of the shareholders, that the lied Blanket Claim is the twelfth from that of the prospectors, and is situated just where tho lead enters tho paddock. Tho shaft is forty-fivo feet deep, is sunk through good dry standing ground, the bottom being a bod of fine gravel, on 'which rests the washdirt, consisting of a vein qf gravel from four to six inches thick, overlaid by a seam of cement of about tho same thickness. Both are very rich, the loast prospect obtained out of tho heart of tUo lead, which is about twenty-eight foot wide, being \ dwfc to the clislj, the greatest J)alf.ounp|j fy jfy) fltyjj and V 9 orp mm%
that tlie latter prospect is anything but uncommon. The .first care of Gordon and party after, bottoming was. , to test tho width of their payable ground and they found that -the main streak df gold ran eight feet wide, ten feet on each side of it being also rich, but in a lesser degree. They then returned to the shaft and opened a drive along the lead, which has been followed for some twelve feet and is turning out magnificently, as the worth of the last bench of wash dirt broken down was estimated at half an ounce of gold to every dish of gravel, whilst the cement above it shewed nearly as well. This fortunate party expect to lvalise from LBOO to LIOOO per man out of their claim, which is only one of the richest on the Lamplough diggings.. The following are the Gaol returns for the week ending 13th July : — Hokitika Gadl — Eemainiug the previous week, male 3, penal servitude, 5 ; hard labor, 33 ; trial at the Su'premfi Court, 6 ; imprisdnmeiit, 1 ; debtors, 8 ; default of bail, 3 ; default of fine, 4 ; remanded, 1 ; total, 61.* Females, hard labor, 4 ; total, 4. Grand total, 65. "Eeceivei during the Week, males, hard labor, 1 ; trial at Supreme Court, 2 ; debtors, 3 ; total, 6. - Females, nil. Discharged during the week, males, debtors, 3 ; total, 3. Eemaining, males, penal servitude, 5 ; hard labor, 3 1 ; trial at Supreme Court, 8 ; default of bail, 3 ; default of fine, 4 ; remanded, 1 ; total, 6 1. Females, hard labor, 4 ; total, 4. Grand total, 68. Of tlie 34 males sentenced to hard labor, 10 are employed at the Police Camp. Eevell street Gaol : —Admitted during the week, 12 males sentenced Id hard, laBor ; 10 of these were .rec.e'iVed from the Hokitika Gaol. Discharged, 6 males from the hard labor gang. Eemaining, 20 males sentenced to hard labor.
Those much desiderated works, tho road from the Punt to the Hospital, and from the beach to Eoss, may now be said to be f.tirly in hand. The first named is ncaring completion, and in tho Boss length wo see that tenders are wanted for clearing the timber.' These works, when completed, will render Eoss accessible at all timcSj as the river bod of the Totara> which hitherto has been such a constant source of danger and delay, Will be completely avoided.
During the present session of the Provincial Council, Mr Barff moved, and carried, a motion for the establishment of a system of telegraphic money orders on the lines under tho control of the Provincial Government. As an illustration of the wdrking of such a system, we may nictltidn that yesterday week a gentleman in Hokitika transmitted by means of the electric telegrapli a suni of money to a person in Christchurch. The party residing in Hokitika got a mercantile firm to telegraph to their correspondents in Christchurch to pay a sum of money to the party named in their telegram, on presentation of another telegram from the party on whoso behalf they transmitted the money. The two telegrams wore duly despatched from Hokitika about noon, and in the course of the afternoon, the party who sent the money, recoived a telogram from Christchurch. acknowledging its receipt by the party to whom it had been scut. The expense of this, exclusive of the telegrams, was but trifling, but should such a system bo brought into operation on the linei under the control of the Provincial Government, the advantage to the public would be very great. The expense need not be greater than iv obtaining a post-office order, whilst the transmission would be much more rapid. The sooner such a system is brought into operation on our provincial lines the better.
Considerable excitement prevailed iD town on the 15th ult, in consequence of a report which was freely circulated, to the effect that Mr Tanner, the collector of rates for the Municipal Council, was a defaulter to a considerable amount, and had been taken into custody by the police on a charge of embezzlement. The repoit turned out to be too true. The Finance Committee met specially on Saturday evening, and an investigation of Mr Tanner's accounts having taken place, he was found to be deficient to the amount of upwards of L 174, and an information having been laid against Mi' Tanner, a warrant was issued for his apprehension, and he was taken into custody late on Sunday evening. The accused was brought up at the Eesiclent Magistrate's Court and committed for embezzlement.
It is with pleasure we observe that many of the inhabitants of the town and its environs are commencing to cultivate the small patches of ground attached to their dwellings as kitchen gardens. We are satisfied that this work will not only be the means of affording healthy and pleasing recreation to the cultivators, b ut will c ventually yield them a profitable return, besides the satisfaction of gathering fresh vegetables from their own gardens. On the evening of the 15th \ilt., the fire bells pealed forth an alarm, and a large crowd quickly gathered in Eevell street. The cause of the alarm was that of a chimuey which had taken fire at a cigar shop in Eevell street, kept by a female named Bertha. Fortunately police-sergeant Wilson and Mr Milbank were passing at the time the flames issued from the top of the chimney, and t bursting open the shop door (which was locked), they rushed in and a handful of salt having been thrown on tho fire, which was burning in the stove, the flames in the chimney were speedily extinguished. • Had not this prompt action been taken, the result might have been serious from tho Hakes of burning soot falling on the shingled roof. A telegram from Wellington to Christchurch states that the Provincial Government at Wellington attempted to take possession of the wharf extension. The contractors, with a number of roughs, resistod. The. police interfered, and ultimately a charge of assault was preferred ugainsfc one of the contractors' men. The case came on for hearing at the Eesidont Magistrate's Court, and the defendant was fiuod one shilling, upon tho understanding that tho case, which involved a question of legal right, should be carried to the Supremo Court.
The latest news from the diggings iv the north of Queensland i& tho following from the " Eockhampton Bulletin" of the 18th • ult. — " Mr Dibdin, agont for tho Bank of New South Wales, purchased 320 ounces of gold at the Crocodile Creek diggiugß on Saturday last He could have purchased 400 ounces if ho had had the necessary money. Tho chief part of the gold was found at the Slaughter-yard rush. There are over twenty pioces of hoavy gold, varying in weight from one to twelve ounces, there being one piece just one pound weight. The sellers on Saturday were only eighty, averaging over four ounces per lot." A telegram from Wellington to Christchurch, dated July 12th, states that Mr Stafford informed the House how, on July 3rd, Mr Bennett Whyte and some natives were attacked by a party of Hau Haus, near Opotiki. Mr Whyte and one native were killed, tho rest escaped. Mr Wliyte's head was found, and a search party discovered his body (tomahawked) secreted in the scrub. The telogram furthor states that the bodies of the men Beggs and Moore, who have been so long missing, were found buried near their own wharo.
A fortnight ago, a man was admitted into the Hospital at Hokitika, suffering from a compound fracture of tho left leg. The injury was occasioned by a dray falling upou him. On his arrival at the Hospital, tho fracture was reduced, and although the injury sustained is of a severe character, we are happy to learn that tho patient is likely to do well.
A public meeting was held on tho 16th ult,- at the City Theatre, to. take into consideration the advance in the price of meat. Mr G. W. Binnoy was called to the chair, and, having read from the West Coast Times the advertisement convening tho meeting, alluded to the difference of the price of meat here as compared with tho price in Victoria ; and ho stated that in Hokitika they were paying from 25 to 50 per cent, more than thoy ought to do. He contendod that the reason ot this was a combination amongst tho butohors by which tho publjo wm compelled to fotytlM>|frtW|sft>!f» IftC PJn'JufcllWPj} RfPpJfr
drivers'.*. Ho , mentioned , a case where lie had offerqd a number *f sheep for -sale, which the butchers would not bid for, except by offering a ridiculous price, and yet when these sheep were offered for sale in a shop the butchers purchased the carcases and sold them to their customers. Afteralluding to the presentexorbitaut price of meat, lie said that the remedy lay with the public, who could, if they chose, put an end to the monopoly which at present existed. After quoting the price which now prevailed in Auckland, and contrasting them with those in Hokitika, he called upon Mr Walter Harris to move the first resolution. Mr W. Harris said that ho had come forward not so much on account of himself, but because he felt for those who had large families, and on whom the present high price of meat bore most oppressively. He begged to move — "That it i 3 the opinion of this meeting that immediate' steps be taken for the purpose of reducing the present price of meat in Hokitika, and that a Committee be formed to establish a limited liability company, td supply meat to shareholders at ait advance of the necessary p'er-centagetopoy working expences." MrLuks seconded. Mr Mee, although objecting; as much as anyone to the attempted monopoly by the butchers, yet thought that some speedier means might be adopted for carryout the object they all had in view, than by establishing a company, he would, therefore, move as an amendment — " That to save tho expense of forming a company, tenders be called for by a committee to be noW appointed", so that meat sliall be supplied to alt parties entering into the contract, at a stipulated price. Such contract to be for three months." Mr Kortegast seconded the amendment. Mr. Zohrab moved another amendment to the effect, that the meeting should be adjourned for a week, in order to give the butchers an opportunity of submitting some proposition', by which the formation of a co-operative society would be rendered unnecessary. This amendment was not seconded. Mr M'Knight suggested that the amendment should be be withdrawn, as he believed that the original l-esolution would) if carried; be productive" df much greater l'esiilts. Mr Law denied that the butchers wished to create a monopoly, and said that he thought the average price of meat under the present advance would be less than Is 3d per )b. Mr Mcc said that the present prices were Is for steaks and sausages, Is 3d for pork, Is for beef, 9d for fore-quarter' ruuttdn, Is for hind-quarter. A desultory discussion ensued, which terminated in the amendment being negatived, and the original resolution passed. On the motion of Mr Hansen, seconded by Mr Dick, a committee was named for carrying out the resolution. The meeting terminated, with vote of thanks to Mr Ingles for the use of the Theatre, and to the chairman.
'The price of meat iv Invercargill seems to be very low, judging from the following paragraph which wo take from tho '" Southlaud News :—": — " The butchers have with one accord reduced the price of beef aud mutton to 4d and 6d per lb., for the latter, and od to 7d per lb» for the former, these being the prices at which Mr Macintosh (who opens this week) has guaranteed to supply the public. This, to the consumer, gratifying change in the cost of a necessary article of food was prefaced by a lowering by the bakers of the price of \^^3nainio^Dela7outincaTlin^nnylß the most bitterly inclement day of the season, as a roaring westerly gale sprung up about daylight, and howled through the town, to tho great disturbance of peaceful citizens snugly ensconced in bod. Eaiu, too, fell in torrents, at times, driving along before piercing squalls of wind, which threatened to tear the overcoats from the shouldei's of the shivering citizens whoso business compelled them to be abroad. Once there was a general turn out to witness the catastrophe of tho unfortunate little schooner that came to grief in the surf, but by that time the wind had changed a little more south, and resulted in a slight break in tho rain. Squalls, however, were very frequent during the afternoon, and there is every likelihood that the coining night will be tempestuous in the extreme. Wo never saw the roadstead in a more disturbed state, but perhaps this was rendered particulary apparent by the motion of the various vessels outside, as they pitched and rolled fearfully in tho heavy sea. All, however, remained at anchor, excepting the steamer Gothenburg, and she got uuderweigh iv the forenoon, apparently preferring to weather the galo out uuder canvas.
The "New Zealaucl Gazotte" of the Bth, 9th, and 16th instant, lias tho following notifications : — Tho exportation of all fire-arms, gunpowder, munitions of warj and warlike stores from New, Zealaud to any of tho South Sea Islands is prohibited. The resignation by Mr Stafford of the delegation to him of hia Excclloncys' powers under the Goldlields Act, in respect of the goldfields in tho Province of Otago is notified. Tho resignation of Dr Samuel Beswick's commission in the Canterbury Eifle Volunteers has been accepted, aud Mr Howard Eees is to bo honorary Assistant Surgeon in tho No. 10 (Oxford) Company. A proclamation by the Governor declares that all that pioc-e of land, containing seventy-nina acres, situated near the south bank of the Eiver Grey, noarthe Omotomoto Creek, has been withdrawn from tho West Canterbury Goldfields. J
Telegrams from Wellington dated the 18th instant state that Mr Vogel's motion to the effect that in the opinion of the House the powers under the Goldfields Act should be delegated to the Superintendents of provinces was lost by four votes, the numbers being for the Government, 28; against, 24. Duriug the dobate, Mr Stafford intimated the intention of Ministers to bring in a bill," vesting the control of the goldfields in the Provincial Executive for the timo being. Mr Houghton has brought in v bill to gradually abolish the gold duty by sixpence each year. The Government are not prepared to "support it, but contemplated some reduction.
The following is a sketch of some of the provisions of the " Municipal Bill," brought into the General Assembly by the Government: — "The Local Government Bill" — such is its name — consists of 391 clauses. It is framed very much after the fashion of the Victorian Act. Upon the petition of not less than ten inhabitants of any present road district, the Governor may bring such district under the provisions of the Act. These districts may afterwards be divided on the petilion of twenty ratepayers into two or three sub-divisons. In the same way, upou petition, several districts may be .united. New districts, outside tlie present road districts, may be constituted upon tho petition of not loss than ton persons liable to bo rated. Such Districts to havo aroaa of not loss than a certain number of inilos— forty, wo believe— aud pFOjwfcy pf wf lm fhfttt UOQQ WWII)
—: p — : — ; = :r+- — t> a—.. rateable value. Tlie Governor may, with or without a petition, constitute any single or united district, possessing an area of not less than sixty square miles, j.ito a county, The government of counties is to "be similar to that of districts, excepting that the Chairman of the Board ia to bo called, in the case of a county, President of the County Council, and the members of the Board are to be called Councillors. The revenues of both districts and counties are to consist of rates, supple- ' mented by gmnts voted by the Assembly. For the first few years the Assembly gives two pounds for every one collected from rates ; during the second five years, one pound for every one ; and during the third five years, 10s in the pound. There is an addition to be given — a proportion of the lands sold within the district } the proportion to vary according td the quantity df land saleable within the district at the time of the passing of the Act.
The late denizen! of Southland may well be jir'oud of their rSunldw oil Friday evening, tile 19th ultiirid, at thß Shamrock, Hotel. It was altogether a first-class affair. The laudlord, Jake Wagner, welU known to every Southlander for the first-class spreads which he used to put upon the table of " The Eagle " at Bluff Harbor, on this occasion certainly outdid himself, for the repast comprised not only the substantial but all the delicacies of the season. The wines, a}so, were of a good character, and a well-selected dessert added ,td the piquancy of the affair. The chair ■was taken by his Worship the Mayor, who for some time was an inhabitant of Southland, and whose genial countenance beamed with delight at recognising so many old friends amongst the guests, upwards of fifty in number. Directly facing his Worship, and acting " as Vice-Chairman, sat a gentleman learned in the law — a man who, although prone to poring over musty folios, yet nevertheless possesses a kind heart and a sociable disposition ; but, as we don't care a Button for himj we will let him passr The legal and medical professions were ably represented; thd commercial and shipping interests had alsd their representatives present ; in fact it is sdmewhat singitlai' that aTmost every trade, every profession, found an able representative in a genuine Southlander at tho Southland banquet. Nor were the visitors forgotten, 6, good sprinkling of Westlanders who came here from other colonies honored the ftstival with their presence: Kindly they were welcdmed, tind right heartily did they reciprocal the warm arid genidj feeling wliich even the wet and cold climate of Southland could not eradicate. It was in truth, a most pleasant evening — a timo of innocent mirth — a time when old friends met together to talk of old times — when hands were kindly grasped, and when for a season the cares of business were forgotten, and the evening devoted to recalling the past and indulging in anticipation of a bright future. Music, both vocal and instrumental, was not wanting, and added greatly to the charms of the night. After tho usual loyal and patriotic toasts were disposed of, the health of the Mayor and Muuicipal Council wus also proposed by the vice-chairman and responded to by the chairman. Thon followed the allimportant toast, " The Mining Interests," proposed by Mr Macfarlane, and responded toby Mr Grow. " Tlie Conlmei'eiul lnterest^' ' proposed by Mr "W. S. Iteid, anct respdnded to by Mr Mowat. " The Shipping luteresta,' 1 proposed by Mr Higging, responded to by Mr Spence. "The Legal Profession," proposed by Mr Dalrymple, responded to by Mr South. " Southlanders in Westlaud," proposed by the Chairman, and responded to by Mr Biuney. " Southland; and its interests," proposed by Mr Higgings, and responded to by Mr Shaw. " Our Hokitika Friends," propojed by the Vice-Chair» man, responded to by Mr J. E. Anderson. " The Press," proposed by Mr Binnoy, and responded to by Mr Shaw. " The Ladies," whose many excellencies found an able ex-_ pesitor in Mr Jenkins, and, on whoso behalf | Mr Cummings responded. The last regular toast was " The Bachelors," proposed by Mr Macfarlane, and responded to by Mr Mowatt, who in lugubrious tones described the joys and freedom from care of a bachelor's life, but whose description, nevertheless, despite its apparent jollity, l-eminded us strongly of the old fable of "The Fox and the Grapes." The formal business was now over — harmony and conviviality succeeded, until at length the guests, remembering that " ' tis good to be merry and wise," departed to their homes, and thus terminated the Southlaud Festival. Aspecial meeting of the Municipal Council was held on the 22nd ult, to appoiut a collector of rates and inspector of nuisances. Thert were twenty-five candidates for the office, and the choice ultimately fell upon Mr P. Clayton, a gentleman who had previously been employed by the Council as assessor. Eeturn of cattle and sheep driven past the Eangiriri Polioe Station,- on their road to Hokitika, during the week end^d 17th July, 1867 :— Cattle, 162 ; sheep, 130.
Amongst other articles brought up here by the Lizzie Coleson. from Sydney, was a' steam pile-driving machine, consisting of a powerful winch and donkey engine. It was purchased by Mr W. S. Lockhart for the Government, and is intended to be used in the reconstruction of the- wharf, when that long needed and scandalously neglected work is taken in hand.
An extension of the Woodstock diggings has takon place lately, and wo are very glad to hear that tho ground opened- is likely to turn out well. Directly ahead of the" old workings down the river, a patch of holes are in full work in sixty feet ground, and it is stated that 1 dwt and 2 dwt the dish are not unfrequent prospects. The washdirt, however, is not above a foot thick, and reSts upon a sandstone bottom. Another patch of payable ground has been btruck just below tho township, and is also giving good wages. Here tho stoup of washdirt is from four to seven foot thick.
The Scandinavian Gold Mining Company's claim at Eoss, is yielding excellent returns, as wo see by the roport forwarded to us by the manager, Mr Whitehead, that the quantity of gold extracted during the six days proceeding Thursday the 18th ult. amounts to 117 ounces, or at the rate of 19£ozs per day. Since then the claim has yielded at tho rate of 130 ozs. a wcok.
A series of new rules and regulations for tho conduct of business under the " Debtors and Creditors Act, 1862;" and the " Debtors and Creditors Amendment Act, 1865," have beun issued.
An accident occurred on the morning of the 18th ultimo which was very nearly attended with fatal a rcsulte. Shortly before noon the ketch Alice, from Fox's Eiver, was observed in tho break, when she was struck by a heavy sea and turned bottom upwards, and in this state she drifted on to the north beach. There were three men in her at the time of the accident, but they clung to different parts of the vessel, and were washed with her on to the beach. Every assistance was rendered to the poor fellows who had just escaped from drowning. We perceive that Mr E. Hankins, formerly of Hokitika, is now in business as an Auctioneer in Westport. Mr J. E. Rhodes, also well-known here, ia acting bailiff for the Eesident Magistrate's Court at Westport. The neighborhood of the Hau Hau Tramway duriug the month has been the scene of a number of petty robberies. Leg 9 of mutton aud other articles of food have been stolen, and on Saturday night the house of a baker residing near was entered and a gold watch and chain carried off. , A very pleasant re-union took place on the 23rd ult. at the Bail way Station Hotel; Eevell street North, on tho occasion of the presentation of a silver oup to Mr J. P. Klein by tho Directors of the Hokitika and Greymouth Tramway Company as a slight acknowledgement of tho groat sorvices he had rondorod to tho Compauy, The ohair
of tho Company, on whoßo right was seated tho guest of tho eveniug— Mr Kleiu, wUilst the left was occupied by his Worship the Mayor (Mr Bonar) and Mr Cassius, M.P.C. The viochair was occupied by Mr W. Shaw. After a capital repast, served up in Mr Upham's best style, had boen done ample justice to, a choice dessert was placed upon the table, and the usual loyal and patriotic toasts having been disposed of, the Chairman rose and iv a speech which, although brief, wa3 pointed and to the purpose, presented a silver cup to Mr Klein, as a token of respect from the directors and shareholders of the Hokitika aid Grcyinouth Tiamway Company. Tho cup, which was very handsome, bore- the following inscription :— " To Mr Joseph Philip Klein, by the Hokitika and Q-reymouth Tramway Company, in recognition of his able and repeated services — May, 1867." The cup having been filled with champagne, Mr Klein rose and thanked the directors and shareholders for their kind present. After alluding to the /early struggles of the, company he pointed to its * present condition, its debts paid and every department of it in first-class working order — in fact, in so perfect a state that before long the shareholders would derive profits from their venture, and this happy . state of afl'airs he attributed to the happy mauagement of the directors. In conclusion, Mr Klein drank the health of all those present. .He then sat down amidst loud .cheers. The cup was then passed round, each person present" pledging Mr Klein. — The ViceChairman -then gave the toast of " The Members forjWestland," and expressed his regret that during tho last session of tho Provincial* Council so little success had attendod their great efforts in the cause of Westland — efforts which, he was sure, were fully appreciated by the public. (Cheers.) Mr Cassius responded, and alluded to the obstacles which the Westland members had to encounter, opposod as -- they were, for some unaccountable reason, by the Eastland members. He could assure them that it was not from the want of any exertion on tho part of the Westland members that their exertions had not been crowned with greater success. (Cheers.) He was pleased, however, to find that the people of Westland had awoke to a cense of their danger and their duty, and that they, moving and stirring in the right path, were trying to assume responsibility — iv short, that thoy were trying to help themselves instead of deponding on others for help. (Cheers.) Ho Would not now refer to Separation, but this he would say, that if nothing else resulted from the present agitation than showing that Wesllaud was determined to have her grievances redressed, it would productive of good. At tho same time, he would say that if meu possessing sufficient abnegation and honesty of purpose could be fouud to take chargo of the government, that Westland would bo governed much better than it was now. (Chcors.) Mr Kellock proposed "The health of tho Mayor and Municipal Council of Hokitika." The toast was duly honored, aud his Worship tho Mayor briefly acknowledged the compliment. The next toast was proposed by Mr Cassius — " Prosperity to tho Tramways ou the West Coast," which was responded to by Mr Klein, who acknowledged the efforts which the members for Hokitika, Messrs Bright and Cassius, hod mado to aid the Tramway Companies. (Cheers.) The following toasts were drank : — " The mercantile interest," responded to by'Mr Jones ; " The mining interests," responded to by Mr Shaw " " The Ladies," responded to by Mr Kellock ; "The Press" was responded to by Mr Exail, of the West Coast Times. We have to acknowledge the receipt of the first fruits of the Government Eeporting Staff in the shape of a New Zealand Hansard. It is exceedingly well printed, and appears to bo carefully arranged. The " Grey River Argus " regrets to l'earu from its Saltwater Creek correspondent, that the trial shaft for the second bottom, which lias been in work for some time, behind the township of Kuthergleu, has been discontinued. The reason adduced is not very clear, but it appears that after going down about seventy-five feet tho men have abandoned the work, under the impression that the stratum of marine deposit through which they have been working is unfavorable to the expectation of gold being found between it and the primary rocek." "News (says the "Grey River Argus") has been received in town of a small but good rush to the Big River, in the neighborhood of Moonlight Creek. It has attracted considerable attention amongst the miners in that district, but does not appear to invite diggers from a distance." " j i The " Dunstan Times," of the lut ult., | says: — "The Manuherikia is so very lev? that | an active man may jump oyer it in some i places, aud Jkfr-Ixalip.fluf 'owner of t ie punt 00&t -Afexandra, lias determined to 1> .ye his punt in the middle of the river, ta< let tlie_; aimers jump on board of it from either .-kia. • The "Otago Times" says, that the last crushing of the Great Scandinavian Quartz Company, at Skipper's G\illy, resulted in the production of 109oz. of gold from 30 tons of quartz. The last intelligence from tho Lower Murray (says the Melbourne " Herald ") iB of a very satisfactory uature. Everywhere iv tho neighborhood of Swan Hill the recent rains have produced most beneficial results. Tho land is well saturated, and in due fccusou abundance of gra--8 is euro to follow. All tho tanks and reservoirs in the back country are now full, sheep by thousands are bcattcred over the plains, which for five yeare have been watorlcss, and the faces of the pastoral tonantcj are becoming •. less elongated and gloomy every day. A number of wen are gold-washing ou Moeraki-beach, between Shag Point and Uampdeu, in Otago. The " Times" says they succeed in making at least 15s per day. The gold lias to bo retorted, quicksilvor being used in its extraction. It i* worth £3 Bs^ier oz. We cue by (he " Otago Times" that the hon. Jiio. H. Harris haii taken his beat as a member ol the Legislative Council of the colony. A sad accident ocetirml tinder somewhat singular circujnslances at Sandfly-beach, near Dunedin, on the Blh ult. We "gather from the Dunedin "Tinus" that a father aud son named Buskin, were seated on the beach, plajing with the s-hhifjle, near to where their boat \vsi« uiooivd, when suddenly un enormous wave rolled in, and carried the young man ' out to tea. He -«as not Been afterwards. The father narrowly e.-eaped a like fate. A Bill of groat interest to the medical profession has been brought into the Assembly by the Government. This Bill proposes to constitute a board to define and resistor the qualifications of practitioners. When the Act conies into force, mcdicnl gentlemen are to produce their diplomas and register themselves within a certain time. If this be neglected, and they continue to use a medical title they will be liable to a fine of LSO. The gold escort arrived from Ross on the 23rd ult., bringing down 1300 ounces of gold for the Bank of New Zealand, and 970 ounces for the Bank of New South Wales. A prottj robbery took place the other night near the Hokitika and Kanicri Tramway. Some thieves gained access to a house whicli is 1 building for Mr Abbott, the Registrar of the Supreme Court, and stole a quantity of carpenter's tools. A telegram from Wellington, dated the 22nd ult., states: — " Thirty-uinc members were present at the Government meeting tin's afternoon, including several moderate provincialists, who had been iuvited. A statement was made, to the effect that no special oppositiou would be offered to the provincinlißtß motion,
and that Ministers would be prepared, in a few days, to enunciate a policy in some degree identical with it." A person crossing Fisherman's Creek yesterday weekj had a very narrow escape from drowning. The horse,' on which he was riding stumblod against 7 a snag in the creek, and rolling overthrew its rider who, however, with great presence of mind retained hold of the bridle, and succeeded in remounting the animal, which he brought safely into town, escaping most fortunately with a good ducking. We learn that the Scandinavian Gold Mining Company, working at Ross, are week by week becoming more successful in their operations. This week tho yield of gold has been 1350z, which compares favorably with the yield last week, which was 11940z. We hear moderately good accounts of tho Big Paddock diggings where two or throa hundred mines yet remain. Not a few of the earliest opened claims, are worked out, but those in hand continue to pay very fair wages and promise to last for several months. Another lead has been opened in the Big Paddock, but so far is not turning out very richly, the best prospect obtained at sixty-two feet being only 2 grains to the dish. The Blue Spur and Hau Hau miners are doing exceedingly well, from L 7 to Ll2 per man per week beins; about the average yield. When his Excellency the Governor visited Hokitika he promised to send a number of English trees to be planted as ornaments to the town. His Excellency has fulfilled the promise he gave, for last Friday his Worship the Mayor stated that a uumber of willow trees had arrived, and would be planted where the Council should direct. The question was referred to the Public Works Committee.
Wo desire to call the attention of the municipal authorities to a very dangerous locality in Sewell "street, almost close to the Post Office. The covering to the drain on the left hand side of the street going to the wharf has been broken through, so that a large hole, about two feet in length and one in width, extends nearly across the footway, and from this there is a drop of from three to four feet down to the "bottom of tho drain. A nice little trap this for an unwary passenger on a dark night. Wo trust that immediate attention will be given to this matter.
It is really time that a hospital was established in town, for the reception of cases that require immediate treatment, as at certain times and seasons the establishment on >"he South Spit ifl absolutely inacccssable, let .the emergency bo ever so pressing. We have eevoral times alluded to this subjoct, and again havo occasion to point out the necessity of such an institution, which could be built and maintained at a very small cost. To call upon the Government for aid in the matter would bo simply abßiird, but the Corporation might certainly do something to provide a small building, so that when unfortunate men suffering from broken limbs are brought to town from the goldfields, they can be at once treated instead of being constrained to a painful and hazardous trip by water to reach the inconveniently situated district hospital. No later than yesterday evening week, a digger named Carlyle, arrived in town from the Wainiea district, with one of his legs .broken, a a tree having fallen upon him in the morning. His mates wished to take him to the Hospital, but as tho tide was out were unable to do so, the poor fellow was therefore doomed to wait twenty-four hours before obtaining relief, as he is not rich enough to afford the services of a private medical man, and tho expense of a nurse, and hotel accomodation- He was taken to the White House, where a doctor bandaged the broken limb, but said that if it was not soon properly set, amputation would be unavoidable. It is not unlikely the twentyfour hours delay may cause the loss of the limb.
A meeting of the members of the Westland Separatipn League, was held last Wednesday evening week, at the Empira Hotel ; Mr R. Reeves in the chair. One hundred and two members were enrolled. Mr Shaw said it was evident, from the number of persons joining the league, that a very great interest was felt on the necessity of a change in the Government of Westland. He proposed that the meeting should at once proceed to the election .of the officers of the League, who could make arrangements for holding a public meeting, at which the Westland members should be invited to attend, and state tho views entertained in Eastland towards Westland. Mr Klein thought that Mr Cassius should be appointed Chairman cf the League. Mr Shaw had no personal objections to Mr Cassius, but he thought it not desirable that any of the Westland members should be appointed as an officer of the League. Mr Rees seconded Mr Shaw's motion, but suggested that the Committee, Treasurer, and Secretary should be appointed now, and Unit the Committee should appoint the Chairman. Mr Shaw expressed his willingness to modify liis motion as suggested by Mr Rees. Mr Klein moved, as an amendment, that the meeting be adjourned, and that Mr Cassius be invited to attend and state his views on the subject. Dr. Mourilyan seconded the amendment. After some discussion, Hie motion and amendment were withdrawn, and Mr Shawmoved — "That the hon. Secretary be empowered to call a meeting of the members of the League for the next Monday eveniug, and invite the members for Hokitiku* and the Goldfields to attend, and give an exposition of their views on the quebtiou of Separation." Mr Rees seconded the motion, which was curried unanimoufaly. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to tho Chairman.
Statistical table* compiled by Mr Bennett, and, issued in anticipation of the usual yearly volume, &how that, on the 81st December, 1866, the total estimated European population of New Zealand, exclusive of the military and tlicir families, was 20-4,11-1, of whom 125,080 were mules, and 70,03-1 feinaleH. The population was distributed amongst the various provinces an follows : — Auckland, 50,101 ; Taranaki, 1620 ; Wellington, 22,7-18 ; Hawke's Bay, 4820; Nelbon, 15,5-42; Marlborough, 5773 ; Canterbury, 58,752 ; Otago, ; Southland, 7657. The Registrar-General, however, informs us in a note that this is only a rough approximate calculation of the population of the various provinces. The number of marriages estimated during the year was— Auckland, 543 ; Taranaki, 43 ; Wellington, 201 ; Hawke's Bay, 56 ; Nelson, 108 ; Marlborough, 37 ; Canterbury, 511" ; Otago, 4SO ; Southland, 51 ; Chatam Islands, 3 — total, 2038. It is with pleasure we announce that the sum of LloOwHl be transmitted to Melbourne by the Rangitoto, to purchase books for the library about to be established in connnection with Hie Hokitika Literary Society. The selection will comprise not only works of fiction, but standard works on history, biography, science, and poetry, and will, we trust, form the nucleus of a valuable public library. The number of letters received at the several Post Offices in the colony from foreign offices, during the year 18G6,' was 58-1,401 ; newspapers, 1,1G6,351 ; received from other offices within the colony— letters, 1,820,327 ; newspapers, 793,177. The number of letters despatched from the colony for foreign parts was 581,726; newspapers, 595,803. The number of newspapers despatched to offices within the colony was 1,817,708. The money orders issued during 1866 numbered 22,710, representing a value of L 108,779 4s 9d. In our telegram, which we published last week, it was stated that a vacancy was likely to occur in the representation of Christchurch in the Provincial Council. Since then wo learn that Mr Garrick, of the firm of Garrick and Cowlishaw, solicitors at Christchurch, and who was the first Provincial
Solicitor during the present roign of his Honor tho Superintendent, has it soems talked of resigning. Two local candidates are spoken of, viz., Mr J. C. Quentiu, who twice unsuccessfully contested the representation of the Papanui District with tho present Provincial Secretary, Mr Stewart, aud Mr Barnard, who for some time was a member of tho Chriatchurch City Council. In addition to this it is stated that the Government intend to bring forward tho recently appointed Goldfields Secretary, but we hardly think that Mr Bonar would consent to nit for any other than a Westland constituency. We learn by a private letter received from Christchurch, that great distress prevails in the metropolis of the province of Canterbury, and that there are many men able and willing to work who, with their families, are enduring the pinching of great poverty simply on account of the lack of employment.
Mrs Mathieu, whose husband was murdered by Burgess and gang, has received a grant of LIOO from the General Government. On the 18th ult. the Nelson Council, on the motion of Mr Donne, voted a sum LIOO aa a reward for the discovery of a practicable track from Brighton to the Little Grey. This contrasts strangely with the action of the Canterbury Government in like matters.
The Nelson papers state that the health of Mr Justice Richmond is in a very unsatisfactory state It is feared he will be unable to attend the sittings of the Court of Appeal at Wellington.
A " Provincial Gazette," dated 2Otli ult., contains a proclamation under the Goldfields Act, withdrawing a section of land from the goldfields. Notice is given that anyone killing or selling game without a license will be prosecuted. Auctioneers' licenses have been taken out by. Messrs G. D. Lockhart, Mark Sprot, Gr. W. Binney, J. E>. Carey, J. Jones, A. W. G-iilies, and Donald M'Lean. It is also notified that his Honor tlie Superintendent has made certain reserves temporarily.
In another place wo announce that Willaim Carlyle, a miner from the Waimea district; , had been brought ,iato town on Thursday week, suffering Sjfom a broken log which liad resulted from the fall of a tree upon the limb. The man was removed to the Hospital next morning, and on examination it was found that a compound fracture of both bones of the* leg had taken placo just abovo the ancle, the large bono protruding fully an inch through the flesh. The Surgeon Superintendent. Dr Riley immediately called iv other surgical advice from town, and on consultation it was detcw»ined that the only reasonable prospect of savfiig the patient's life was by amputating the limb, and the operation was accordingly performed by Dr Ryley, assisted by Dr Rosetti. Wo are" happy to learn that the patient is likely to do well.
The directors of the Scandinavian Goldmining Company, Ross, met at the company's office on Friday last, and decided to declare a dividend of L2O per original share ; also to raise the poppett-heails 25 feet higher; at present they are to 2 feet, but the additional height is wanted to increase the storage for tailings.
The remainder of the Westland members, with the exception of itr Whall, the member for Greymouth, came in on Satnrday night by the Christchurch coach.
Deposits to the amount of Ll5B 2s 6d were placed in the. Ilokitika Savings' Bank during the past week.
On Saturday, we recorded the departure of the Postmaster of Hokitika, Mr Dick, who has been appointed to the office of Postmaster nt Nelson, vacated by Mr Walinelcy, who roresigned. Mr Steveuson, who succeeds Mr Dick, arrived from Greymouth on Thursday week, and on that gentleman's departure took charge of the post-office here. We congratulate Mr Stevenson upon his promotion.
We perceive by late Tasmanian papers that charges of defalcation aro being brought against Mr Winterbottom, the Town Clerk of the city of Hobarl Town, for issuing waterworks debentures without the authority of the City Council, and failing to enter the same in the books of the Corporation.
After Signor Vertclli's performance on the tight rope on Saturday evening, a foolish fellow, probably under tho influence of alcohol, mounted the rope under the idea that he could easily accomplish the feat he had seen the Signor perform. He soon, however, found out his mistake, for falling heavily to the ground, he was Airricd out from the Theatre with his collar-bone broken, thus paying a heavy penalty for his folly. The want of a Town Clock, ig much felt in Hokitika, inasmuch as there is no standard time by which persons can regulate their watches and clocks. Hardly a public meeting is held at which it is not necesscry to wait some time for the attendance of persons who are not there — not from any want of punctuality, but solely from the difference of time indicated by their respective watches.
The following is the return of the Hokitika Gaol for tho week ending 27th July, 1867 :—: — Remaining last week, males — penal servitude 5 ; hard labor, 31 ; trial" at Supreme Cpurt, 10 ; imprisonment, 1 ; debtors, 7 ; .default of bail, 2; default of fine, 4; remand, 1. Total, males — 61. Females, hard labor — i. Grand total, 65. Received during the week, males — Trial at the Supremo Court, 1 ; debtors, 2 j default of bail, 1. Total, 4 ; females, nil. Discharged during the week — males — debtors, 2. Total, 2. Remaining — males — penal servitude, 5 ; hard labor, 31 ; trial at Supremo Court, 11 ; imprisonment, 1 ; debtors, 1 ; default of bail, 3 ; default of fine, 4 ; remand, 1. Total, males — 63. Females, hard labor — 4. Grand total, 67.
The sale by auction of the thirty-eight pigs bi-ought hwo by theStorinbirdwab held alongside tho bhipon Monday, and conducted by the Hokitika " Robins," Mr G. W. Binney. It was entirely satisfactory, as the animals fetched very high prices. Taking them all round, it was estimated they realised quite Is per lb. One purchaser, who, after sharp competition, secured a very fine but withal rowdy specimen of the breed, was within an ace of losiiuj his bargain, for whilst " running a muck" amongst his companions upon the wharf, piggy tumbled headlong into the river, and was carried rapidly towards the bar. A small crowd of people rushed the beach- to witness his exit seawards, but the poor brute managed to get into an eddy, near the point of the North Spit, mid wasvdragged on shore by four individuals, who we understand each demanded LI from the owner as salvage, the original cost of the pig being fifty shillings. This gave rise to a little difference between the parties, but how it was settled we know not.
' When does the contractor intend to complete the partially constructed foot-path along Upper Gibson's Quay, from the Post-OtHee to the Islay Hotel? 'Wo are constrained to allude to this subject on account, of the wretched condition of this much-used thoroughfare, which in wet, weather is scarcely Passable to pedestrians unless they are gifted a la Blondin or Ycrlelli, who might manage to walk the narrow e<J>;e of the Kanieri tram rails. We believe that a long course of practice has endowed somn few of tho Upper GibBon'B Quay residents with*a remarkable facility in traversing the Quay after this fashion, at the imminent risk, however, of cilher tumbling into the sea of mud outside the rails, or tho shallow cunal within them; as, lacking ballast, the tramway (once an excellent path) is now a mere shnllow trough that in wet weather, fills with water to a level with tho rails, and in many placch between the sloepers takes the unwary pedestrian balf-way to tho kuees. A wide pathway has been formed along the
Quay from Fitzhcrbort street upwards, but as only about one hundred yards of its upper end has received a coating of gravel, it is scarcely less impassable than flic unreclaimed parts of the Quay. We diroct the attention of the Town Council to tho subject.
We arc delighted to hear such good accounts of tho Grey District as are supplied by tho following paragraph taken from tho " Argus " of Thursday : — " Facts epeak volumes, and all that we could say about tho prolificness of Moonlight Gully could not carry ralf tho influence that must attach to the circumstance that a party of miners havo brought down 700 ounces of coarse gold, preferring not to sell until they come dowu again with a like parcel, which they oxpect to be able to do in a fow weeks. Another interesting fact is that a nugget weighing 30 ounces was found iv the same locality a few days ago, and is now in Greymouth, where, we believe, it is tho intention of the owner to raffle it. With such facts as these before them, our mining readers will be able to sec that the attractions of the Grey district are still equal to those of any other place on the West Coast.
Mr. Dick, who for some time past has filled the office of chief postmaster for Westland, sailed last Friday in the Claud Hamilton for Nelson, to assume the duties of chief postmaster in that province. We are sure that every person in Hokitika will regret the loss of a public servant so attentivo aud so courteous in the discharge of his duty. The woodcutters should drive a very profitable trade just now, as their rivals the coal merchants are very nearly run out of supplies. In fact, we do not recollect at any time during the past twelve months a corresponding scarcity of the fuel. This is alone is to be attributed to the decline of the coal trade, consequent upon the great uncertainty that of lato has attended the arrival of vessels at this port. The trade is becoming very hazardous, as the roadstead, during heavy weather, is scarcely the place for a deeply laden collier to anchor in, and in the event of being brought upon a lee shore, the snapping of a chain would placo such a vessel in a somewhat dangerous predicament, very few of tho class boing able to .claw oft" tho land against tho high soa that so often rolls in. Tho arrival of half a dozen fully laden would be a perfect boon just at present, as stocks are reduced to a minimun, and the prices of tho once plentiful commodity have advanced in a corresponding dogree, L 5 and L 6 per ton being asked aud willingly paid. There is a cargo of coal at no groat distance from town in the ketch Enterprise, but she, unfortunately, is on the wrong side of tkc bar, with a very scant prospoct of getting inside for a day or two. The primitive, but cheerful wood fire, is likely to again hold sway in town, but to the great inconvenience of many householders, who, trusting to a continuous supply of coal, introduced grates and stoves — anything bub adapted for the consumption of wood.
The adjourned meeting of the members of the Westland Separation League was held last Tuesday at th« Empire Hotel, for the pm-pose of electing by ballot a permanent committee of ten, exclusive of the five members for Westland, who had previously boen elected as honorary members. Mr South in the chair. Tho following gentlemen were elected by ballot, the Chairman and Mr Barff acting as scrutineers: — Messrs Shaw, Robinson, South, R. Reeves, l'rosser, Shcppard, Muuro, Ord, Anderson, and M'Beth. After the election of tho committee, Mr Reeves proposed that the election of officers be proceeded with, which was put and carried. It was resolved unanimously, on the motion of Mr Robinson, that Mr South be appointed President of the League. Mr South briefly returned thanks, and said that nothing but illness or absence on account of business would prevent him from being present, at the meetings of the League. Mr W. Shaw, oa the motion of Mr Ord, was unanimously elected Vice-Prcsidont, and lie briefly rel umed thanks lor tho honor conferred upon him. A ballot took place for the clcc-tion of Treasurer, which resulted, in Mr Munro being chosen to theotlicc, and that gontleman returned thanks. ThccleetionofHonorarySei'retnrywasthcn proceeded with by ballot, and tho choice fell upon Mr Sheppard, who thanked tho meeting for tho honor eonferre I upon him. On the motion of Mr Reeves, seconded by Mr Munro, the following gentlemen were appointed a Sub-Committee, to oraw up memorials to the General Government, and petitions to the Assembly on the subject of Sepai ation, viz. : — Messrs South, Shaw, Bright, Barff, and the mover. The meeting then adjourned.
Tho weathor during Tuesday was most bitterly inclement, not only was it extremely cold, but a heavy gale from the south cast during the greater pnrt of the day. Several large trees were blown down iv. the neighborhood of the Hau Hau Tramway. One of these fell upon a house and partially destroyed it , a woman aiul children who were in it at the lime having a most narrow escipe; another house was surrounded by fallen timber, and it is matter for astonishment how the tenement escaped destruction, as one huge tree fell so near to the frail dwelling that tho brunches dashed in one of the windows. Ho great has been the danger that some of the inhabitants of the locality have deemed it expedient for the .sake of safety to abandon their dwellings. If tho Inspector of nuisances would visit the junction of Weld and Taucrcd streets, directly opposite Mr Mathious' shop, he would find a mass of filth which has been deposited there, sufficient in warm we.ithur to be tho hot bed of fever and other diseases.
AYe arc glad to hear that an attempt i.i about to bo made to provide this market with a regular supply of lish from the excellent fisjiing ground known to exist in tlio roadstead. A company, organised by the Messrs Brooks, at Lagoon Town, have nearly completed building a .smack containing a tank, and iit ted with all requisite appliances for the capture and preservation of fish. The little vessel will be launched in a few days', and is expected to commence her career outside the bar about the end of next week. We wish the new undertaking every success, and feel sure it will be heartily supported by tho jublic.
On Tuesday, Mr Pal ten. Collector of Oust onis, accompanied by Mr Inspector Brohsm and a detachment of police, proceeded to Longford, on the Ilokitikn river, nbout ten miles from town, and sc'zcd a still, iv full working order, and about 100 gallonsof wash and 20 gallons of spirits. Two men, named Martin mid G-arvey, who were on the spot, were taken into custody, and will be brought up at the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning. These- men ostensibly follow the business of splitters, ar.d the still was concealed in a cellar excavated under the tent they inhabited. Water was brought from the river into this cellar by means of pipes laid underground.
The first of the spring tides — for so we believe the first tide of the day immediately preceding new or full moon is termed — flowed on Tuesday, and brought up wilh it a heavy surf that made sad inroads upon the already ohriuiken beach, between Spence's right-of-of-way and Weld street.. Its effects were most perceptable at the end of the Empire right-of-way, as there tho sea ate away quite twonty feet of the bank, and at last after a long and gallantly sustained seigc carried Cobb and Co.'s stables by storm, and very nearly washed the horses out of them. The animate were removed just in time, as immediately afterwards an enormous wave topped tho bank, and struck the building with such force as to burst its frout iv aud half fill the interior. A wing stablo and coachhouse, jutting seawards, wore washed down, and a lighi
sprifrg- waggon Was partly destroyed by a roller that turned it fopsy-tuVvy'. Cobb and' Ca'.'a loss will be oxce'dsivd, as thd stables" will' have to boro-erected'up'bn a new site', which suitable for their purpose— is not very easy to obtaiu just now. Never did man work harder thau the Manager, Mr Crawloy, to avert a catastrophe — but he was at last' outgeneraled,his left flank turned.and the position then being untonable, ho was compelled to retreat — but we may add in excellent order, carrying away his baggage, and dead and wouuded, eiceptiugthe unfortunate four-wheel above mentioned. Tho beach was strewed with wrecks of houses oa either side of this point, aud not a few buildings under* went removal during the day. Beach street was flooded to an extent novor boforo witnessed, and noarly all the bxiildings on its soaward side wore deserted by the terrified inmates. The scene was truly distressing, and disagreeably suggestive of what may yet be tho fate of South Revcll street, if the sea continues its encroachment. We never before remember seeing the crown of the beach so uear the main thoroughfare of the town. Mr Harris, M.L.C., has been elected mayor of Dunedin by a majority of 07.
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Bibliographic details
West Coast Times, Issue 579, 2 August 1867, Page 2
Word Count
14,884THE MONTH. West Coast Times, Issue 579, 2 August 1867, Page 2
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