West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1868.

West Coast Times, Issue 843, 5 June 1868, Page 2

West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1868.

The memorial to the Governor asking for the postponement of the Hokitika Town Land sales until nfter the meeting of the County Council, received yesterday upwards of four hundred signatures of section holders, although only a few hours were allowed for obtaining signatures. Ib will be seen that a special meeting of the committee appointed at the late public meeting, will be held at the West Coast Times Hotel this afternoon. The disgraceful state, of tlie Dobson Memorial Monument is often the subject of public comment. Surrounded by a broken hoarding which 19 plastered with placards, whatever beauty there may bo in this tribute to the memory of brave men, is entirely lost — even I hc^ inscription cannot be read. Surolv £ome steps might be taken to remove the battered hoarding and replace it with a neat railing, if not of iron, at least of wood, so that the monument might be exposed to viow, and not remain, as it is, a disgrace to those who orected it and the part of the town on which it stands. The ussiial meeting of the Municipal Council will take place tins evening at. halfpast seven o'clock. The Eight Rcvero-d Dr Suter, Bishop of Nelson, is now on a visit to Hokitika, being the guest of the Venerable the Archdeacon. Many persons when they heard of his arrival entertained the hope that the Bishop would preach in AH Saints' Church on Sunday, but this hope will not be realised, as he leaves town to-day for Grreymouth, being desirous of spending the Sunday in the Province of Nelson. Whilst persons at Hokitika were this morning, at nine o'clock,- complaining of tho cold, with the thermometer at thirty degrees in tho shade, what must tho poor fellows stationed at the Bealy have felt with the thermometer at nineteen degrees, a temperature thirteen degrees below freezing point. We perceive by our weather returns that the temperature all over New Zealand was low yesterday, tho highest being at Christclmrch, where the thermometer was thirby-nino degrees in the shade. At the conclusion of the Presbyterian congregational meeting, last night, the Rev. John Gow, the minister of the Presbyterian Church received a welcome surprise in the shape of a gift of a purse containing seventy sovereigns from his congregation. Mr J. A. Bonar, in an able speech, said that, in consequence of the lateness of the hour he would not detain them long in performing the pleasing duty entrusted to him. They were well aware that, whether in the pulpit or elsewhere, the Eev. Mr G-ow had obtained the good wishes of all. When he first came among them he was subjected to many personal discomforts, and he had always preferred the good of the church to his own personal convenience. Whenever the question of a residence for himself and family was proposed, he had always acted in a most unpelfish manner, for his constant answer to any question was — " Let the Church be completed first, and the debt reduced, before you think of a resilience for mo. I can wait a little longer." "Nothing," said Mr Bonar, in addressing Mr G-ow, " lias given me greater satisfaction than handing this small trifle of tho esteem in which you are held by your congregation, and may God long spare you to remain amongst us, and be a blessing and comfort to us all." The Eev. gentlemen, who seemed much affected, thanked his congregation for tho present, and assured them that he had done no more than his duty, and though at times he felt himself disheartened, their good wishes cheered him on. He valued the gift all the more as it came through his friend Mr Bonur's hands. The meeting then dispersed. The monthly practico of the Hokitika Fire Brigade took place last night. Nearly thirty of tho inombors mustered, under the command of Capluin M'JTarlaue. Tho practice commenced by taking the engine und the hose-reel to (ho brigade well. Tho hose was then laid through the Camp Reserve, round tho Bank of New Zealand, into Revcll street. Orders having been given to man the breaks, the front of the Empire Hotel, Weir Brothers, and Anderson's received consecutively a jet of water which, in case of fire, would have been but too welcome. One length of hose was found a little faulty, and was in consequence removed. The hose was next divided, and two jets of water thrown — one over the Bull and Mouth, and the other over the Brigade Hall, with greater success than was anticipated. After a good two hours' practice, tho order to make up was given, and all hands returned to the Engine-house, whero, after a vote of thanks having boon given to Captain M'Failanc, they separated. The evening was a splendid one for the purpose of drilling, and every man wont thoroughly aud heartily into tho business. Ample tcalimony to the efficiency of tho nokitika Firo Brigade is borne by tho promptness and alacrity with which they turn out whenever an alarm of fire is given. " Ready, always ready," appears not only to bo their motto, but their principle of action. It is not with thorn we have to do at presout, but with tho system of giving the alarm of fire, und even with regard to that wo cau only offer

suggestions, trusting that those who have the management thereof will be induced to give the suggestions serious consideration. As the alarm is now rung, it merely gives notice that there is a fire somewhere, not even an approximation to the locality is indicated. This might easily bo remedied with very little trouble and scarcely any expense. Let tho town be divided into districts respectively, known as No. 1, No. 2. No. 3, aud No. 4. Suppose a fire to break out in No. 2, two distinct strokes would be given on the bell, followed by a succession of strokes ; again the two distinct strokes would be repeated followed by another succession of strokes, and this might be continued so long as it was necessary to ring the alarm. The same would apply to Nos. 1, 3, 4 — tho first stroke or strokes of the bell indicating the district in which the fire was, ,and tho succession of strokes acting as an alarm to draw attention. Of course, each member of the brigade would have to be furnished with a printed copy of the system of alarm. Copies should also be distributed amongst the police and the volunteers, and publicity should also be given by advertisement in the newspapers. Now we are upon the subject of fires, we would also suggest the establishment of a body of fire police, consisting of those citizens who would volunteer for the service, who should be sworn in as constables, and whose work should be to assist in the removal and preservation of property from buildings which either are in flames, or are threatened by the flre. Each member of the fire-police should wear a distinguishing badge, either on his arm or in his hat. The volunteers, too, would do good service at a fire, but, in order to be effective, they should atteml fully armed, and their duty would be to keep back the crowd by forming lines across the street, so that the action of the Fire Brigade and the Fire Police might not be impeded, armed sentries might also be posted at the rear, and, in some cases, all round tho burning buildings. The duty of the regular Police Force would be confined to the prevention and detection of robberies amongst the crowd. We will now briefly recapitulato the suggestions we have offered, and they are as follows : — A well arranged system of firo boll signals, indicating tho approximate locality of the fire ; a well trained Fire Brigade as the Hokitika Brigade now is j a disciplined body of Firo Police ; a number of Tolunteers fully armed ; and, lastly, the regular Police Force. The duties of ea;m respectively would be : — tho Brigade to devote themselves solely to extinguishing the firo and saving life — the Fire Police Force to assist in the removal, preservation and protection of property. The armed Volunteers to keep back the crowd, i and the regul»r Police to prevent robbery amongst the crowd. With such a system as this, whore each body worked separately and jot altogether for the accomplishment of one end, we beliovo that should the fire-fiend attempt to come amongst us in all his terrible power, he would be driven back with comparatively little loss amongst his conquerors. We think these suggestions worthy of serious consideration, and thinking thus we leave them for the Fire Brigade to consider at thoir next mooting. Last evening a congregational meeting was held iv the Presbyterian Church, the Rev. John Gow presiding. The attendance was rather scanty. The first business was the reading of tho secretary's report by Mr M'HafEe, from which it appeared that, in consequence of the non-attendance of the nineteen members composing the committoe, appointed on the 15th March, 1867, ten more had been added. A maintenance-fund had been instituted, and steps had been taken to improve the Psalmody of the Church by the establishment of singing-classes. The church had been lined, and a vestry erected. A proposition had been made to introduce a hymnbook, which would be considered that evening. Tho report having been received, Mr James Bonar, the treasurer, proceeded to read the financial statement, from which it appeared that the total receipts from all sources amounted to L 1365 19a 9d, and the expenditure to L 1323 15s 5d — leaving a balance in favor of L 42 4s 4d. Mr Bonar urged upon the congregation the necessity of continuing their efforts, so as to increase the maintenance and other funds. The, old outstanding liabilities amounted to L 247 43 4d, which they had considerably reduced. The election of a committee *mi 3 then proceeded with, wheu the following gentlemen were chosen, after a rather warm discussion as to whether the number should be twelve or fifteen : — Messrs Bonar (treasurer), Duncan (secretary), Wliitelaw,, Crerur, Mo watt, Eeid, Jack, Anderson, Jenkins, Mueller, Wilkinson, M'Haffie, Pole, Scott, Finlay, Bonar, senr., and Linlon. The next business referred to the question whether hymns, should bo introduced in the Psalmody of the Church or not. Tho chairman in a lengthened speech stated that ho believed tho matter originated with liimself, and he would therefore explain his views on the subject. A movement had been set on foot through all tho Presbyterian Churches for tho introduction of hymns in conjunction with tho Psalms at present used This innovation had been assented to by all the churches, with the exception of that of tho Free Presbyterian Church, and even in that a committee* was busily engaged in ascertaining the desirability of introducing hymns. Ho (the Chairman) wa3 in favor of the introduction of hymns, as he believed that the psalms Acre, although very good, somewhat unsuited lo the age. A selection of hymns had beeu adopted by tho United Presbyterian Church which, he thought, would bo found suitable to their requirements. There was too much sameness in their present psalmody, nearly all the metres being common metres, and therefore they were monotonous. This question was not so much a question of principle as many supposed, as paraphases had been introduced, and however admirable they might be, they did not fill all tho requirements, as a selection of hymns would do. He regarded hymi'.s as a simplification of truth calculated to reach the hearts of all, which the present Psalms could not do as many persons were unable to comprehend them. In conclusion, tho rev. gentleman urged tho subject upon tho attention of his hearers. An animated discussion ensued, in which Messrs M'Huflie, Mowatt, Sprot, Bonar, and others, took part. Ultimately the matter was sottlod by Mr Sprot moving that the subject be referred to the congregation to give their signatures in writing, as to tho advisability of introdueiug hymns on tho last Sabbath of the present month. This motion was carried, upon which Mr Scott moved that the subject be further considered at a congregation-*,!

meeting, to be held on the 7th July, which •was carried. After some further business the meeting adjourned. Tho Duke of Edinburgh Theatre last night was hardly patronised to the same extent as on the previous evening. The Jecture by Tanaker Buhicrosan, as usual, was much enjoyed, aud very successful in every respect. In the performance proper, a number of in^ teresting and decidedly novel tricks wero introduced, all of which proved a source of considerable amusement to the audience. The performances for this evening will be again varied, several new features being introduced. Last night, at half-past seven o'clock, the Second Company of Westland Rifles fell in for drill on tho Camp Reserve, Captain Evans commanding. The Instructor, Sergeant Carey, put the men through.sections, sub-divisions, and close column of sections ; after which they prepared to receive cavalry, which was done very steadily and with great precision. The sergeant, frequently expressed his approval of the readiness with which the men obeyed the word of command. Captain Stack was present on the occasion, and, at the conclusion of the drill, congratulated the men highly on their efficiency. The following committtee wns appointed to select, in conjunction with No. 1 Company, a shooting range for the two corps : Messrs Frew, Rochfort, Fraser, and Sergeant Harper. The company will meet again for drill on Tuesday evening next, at half-past 6even o'clocek. The drill lasted fully two hours, and, owing to the fine bracing evening, appeared to be enjoyed immensely. Tha moonlight night, hard ground, and unlimited space to more in, enabled the men to wheel with beautiful precision and compactness. The Grey coach left town yesterday afternoon, with the following through passengers : — Captain and Mis Leys, and Mr Beaumont. The return conveyance arrived at fire o'clock in the afternoon. There was only one wayside passenger. We see by advertisement that Mr Charles Smith, gunsmith, Revell street, has opened a shooting gallery, where parties can amuse themselves by practising shooting either with the rifle or with pistols. Wo trust that Mr ' Smith will moet with that support from the public which his enterprise demands. We take the following from last evening's " Despatch" : — The action lately taken by a number of tho more influential inhabitants of tho Kauieri district for the purpose of obtaining a distinct Road Board for that part of the Arahura Road Board District contained between the Arahura River north and the old boundary of tho Kanieri district south, is likely to regult iv the attainment of the object sought for, 1 as no fewer than 1200 names have been attached to the petition sent round for signature. The petition is addressed to the Hon John Hall, he being the Governor's delegate, It is to bo forwarded by tho first steamer that goes to Wellington. The Brethren of the Loyal Waiinea Lodge, Independent Order of Oddfellpws, Manchester Unity, intend lo celebrate the first Anniversary of the opening of their Lodge by a ball at the Victoria Assembly Rooms, Stafford Town, on the 10th instant. We trust that there will be a good assemblage on the occasion, and that all present will thoroughly enjoy themselves. A mishap, resulting in death, occurred yesterday evening to a little boy named John Feign, some eighteen months old, the son of John Feign, a hawker, residing in North Revell street. The little one, it appears, about eight o'clock last night drank off a quantity of boiling tea from a teapot. The father and a sister were in the room at the time, but did not notice the child drink the tea. Hearing the little one cry out, however, the father asked what was the matter, when the child pointed to the teapot. It, was only thought to be a slight burn at the time, and consequently no doctor was considered necessary. The little fellow remained in a very unsatisfactory state and died at about ten o'clock. An inquest will be held on the body, at the Golden Lion, to-morrow, at twelve oclock, before the district coroner, Dr Beswick. A correspondent furnishes the " Despatch" with the following Westport items :—: — Much dissatisfaction has been expressed in Charleston relative to the wish of Mr Commissioner Kynnergley that the Warden for that district might be dispensed with. Mr Lightband has given every satisfaction since he hus filled the appointment, and as the cases brought before tho Charleston Bench are usua^^more numerous and of more importanc^BKu those brought before the WestpdfflTCourt, there is some reason in their complaints. The mining news from up tho Buller river is of an unimportaut character. Prospecting parties havo been out in all directions for the last few months, but have failed in discovering anything satisfactory, and numbers of miners are only awaiting an opportunity to clear out* Provisions are scarce, and the tracks are in a worse condition than over, as the portions that were repaired by the Nelson Government are fast falling into a worse condition than before they were touched, owing to the unwillingness of tho Nelson Goucrnment to complete them. Mr Harrison's scheme of annexing Cobden to tho Westland District is not regarded with a favorable eye by the inhabitants of Westport, who look fondly forward to the idea of the Nelsou South-west Goldfielcls being proclaimed a eoparate county, with Westport as tho chief town. It is remarkable that the authorities of Westport do not take some steps for introducing an inspector of weights and measures, for the purpose of dotecting and punishing those who are guilty of cheating their customers. At present there is no check on a dishonest tradesman, and, as a matter of course, the poor hard-working miner is robbed on every hand. Tenders have been invited by Commissioner Kynnersley for the construction of either a railway or a tramway between Weßtport and Charleston. Seeing that the present traffic will bavdly keep Cobb's coach on the road, it it is not likely to turn out a very remunerative undertaking. Plans and sections of tho line not only to Chnrleston but to Addison's have been prepared by the Government, and are opon for inspection at Westport. Tunnelling is being carried on briskly at Addison's Flat, and the miners have felt tho benefit of them during the late heavy rains. Graham and party, Shamrock Lead, have bottomed, and commence washing this week. The washdirt is described as being of a sandy nature — not very rich, but plenty of it. The news from Charleston continues much

about the same. All the crushing machines are in active operation, and 80ine of them are yielding good returns, more especially those on Hargraves and Darkey's terraces. The new steam machinery of Alec Thompsons answers admirably, and the returns are such as to justify the party in introducing further improvements. Storekeepers, however, complain of the scarcity of cash and general dulness of times. There is some rumor of a fresh discovery at the back of the Eaka Terrace ; it is described as being coarse gold, about the size of a pin's head, and on a clay bottom. This the first intimation of coarse gold, being found in this direction, and time will yet show •wqether it is of any value or not. No payable gold has been found in the back country, but miners are very sanguine; and prospectors are out in every direction.