West Coast Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 1868.

West Coast Times, Issue 912, 25 August 1868, Page 2

West Coast Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 1868.

So much money has been spent in endeavors to control the course of the Hokitika, and so little success has attended former efforts, that any suggestions for further expenditure with the same object will, of course, be received with a superabundance of caution. We should certainly feel inclined not to meddle in the matter, but content our-

selves with recording each new vagary j of one of tile most erratic of New Zenland stream'ti, w ere there not two sufficient reasons urging us to break silence. The first is that the present configuration of the channel is such as to cause an almost complete blockade of the port, and as a consequence a deadly stagnation in trade ; and the second is that Beach street, and that portion of Revel! street extending from the Empire right-of-way to the point of the North Spit, are threatened far more by the river than they ever were by the sea. It is scarcely necessary to say anything about trade depression, or to show tlr.it in a great measure it is caused by the state of the river entrance. The fact and the cause arc both sufficiently apparent, and are fully appreciated by every business man in town. It might be supposed that tke danger to the southern portion of the town would be equally apparent, and cause equal anxiety to the hulders of property in that locality, but after the experience of the lust few months they appear to have grown callous, and view the inroads of sea or river with equal indiffereucp. The cry has been so often raised, that their houses and sections were doomed, and they have so often escaped with comparatively trifling loss, and some with no loss whatever, that they have at last come to believe that the danger, after all, exists principally in their own imaginations. The river at the present time makes a turn at the signal-station nearly at right angles with its course past the wharf; it then flows for a considerable distance parallel with lieveil street ; and finally, taking a sharp bend round the point of the South Spit, it discharges itself into the sea. It is where the stream tarns from the North Beach that the danger exists. The tendency of the current at that spot is to work into the North Beach. There is a very dangerous eddy just there, and a few more days may see the river eating its way rapidly into the North Beach. This will probably be the case should there be no more rain during the week, or no considerable thaw of snow on the mountains ; but a moderate fresh will bring about the same result more certainly. A very heavy fresh might of course give us once more a good straight channel out to sea, but not perhaps before a great slice of South Revell street had been washed away. That, then, is the present state of the channel. The river is all but useless for purposes of navigation, and its configuration threatens a portion of the town — not the least valuable portion — with destruction. And now comes the question, whether anything can be done to prevent either or both of .these evils. In the Municipal Council, on Saturday afternoon, Mr Prosser, as chairman, of the Public Works Committee, stated that the Committee, accompanied by Captain Turnbull, the Harbor-master, and Mr Frew, the Town Surveyor, had that morning inspected the mouth ofthe river for the purpose of determining whether it would be advisable to cut a new channel through the South Spit. Both the Harbor-master and Mr Frew were of opinion that it would be better to do nothing for the present. It does not appear on what grounds they came to this conclusion, but we have been given to understand that they looked upon the success of any attempt as doubtful, mid believed that the expense would be very heavy. "We have heard that Mr Frew named £800 as the probable cost. The majority of the Public Works Committee, acting on this advice, recommended thai the channel should not be cut. Mr Proper is reported as having then iwved in the Council that, to provide for any necessity which might arise requiringimmediate action, "the sum of £100 be placed at the disposal of the Public Works Committee, to be expended should any urgent necessity arise for such expenditure." The motion was duly seconded and carried. What, then is the urgent necessity which Mr Prosser and his brother councillors had in contemplation, and, in case it aiose, how would the £100 be spent ? We apprehend that the Council intended it to be spent in cutting a channel, or ! openiug a ditch ami trusting to the current to enlarge it ; but that the Public Works Committee were to wait for a more suitable opportunity for carrying the plan into execution. We can interpret the resolution iv no other way ; and it seems to us that the urgent necessity has already arisen, and the Committee will have to wait a very longtime before tlu-y get abettor opportunity. What could they possibly do in case a small fresh came down the river? Positively nothing, and yet that would be the time of greatest danger to the south end of Revell street. Of what use would the money be supposing we were to have a heavy fresh ? Of no use whatever, for the river would lake its own course. If the Committee are waiting until the entrance shall be entirely closed to vessels, they do not display much wisdom, for the blockade, as we have already seen, is very nearly complete, and getting iv and out is a feat which requires all the seamanship of steamboat masters who have been

accustomed fvr years to the tortuous navigation of tho Ilokitikci. There is a general impression in town that a straight uncl serviceable channel would quickly be formed by the action of the current if only a wide ditch were dug through the South Spit in a line with the general course of the river as it flows past tho wharf. No doubt Mr Frew, and other competent engineers, would hesitate to speak confidently as to the success of such an experiment, and its cost. Professional men are cautious, and certainly not given to underrate the expense of works they may be called on to plan and carry out ; but most persons whose opinions are worth having would probably admit that there would be a fair chance of success if this ditch were rapidly cvt — if a sufficient number of men were put on to finish it in a few hours. We contend that, considering the magnitude oi' the interests at stake, the Council should set to work if their engineer tells them there is such a fair chance of success. Supposing a new channel to be thus formed, the old channel Avould quickly silt up, and a wide beach would intervene between Revel! street and the sea.

Mr Shiels, a storekeeper, who came into town yesterday, informs us that a new rush of great promise has set in to the neighborhood of Liverpool Bill's Q-ully, Wuiinen. It 1 appears that a shaft sunk last week by Messrs Kenny and party, struck rich washdirt that prospected as high as 7 dwta the dish. A rush to the. ground took place, and by Saturday night last three other claims touched the lead, the yield iv each case boing equal to the prospectors. About five hundred people were then on the ground. Tho new lead haa been christened the " Gladstone." Only tho Union Bank and the Bank of ISTcw South Wales exported gold yesterday by tho steauierOtugo,tl:e large quantity on hand in the Bank of -New Zealand's cotters being held in reserve, for to England by tho out-going Panama mail-ship Mutauro, which leaves Wellington on the Bth of nest month. Tho steamer Eangitoto, expected here tomorrow, from Mi'lbourno, vrill take the gold to Wellington, and also whatever passengers may have decided to visit tho old country or America by this now deservoJly favorite route. We direct attention to tho sale by auction, this day, at one o'clock, at the Arahura Sale Yards, of 600 prime fat wethers. Messrs Carey and Grilles are the auctioneers. We notice that Mr Mark Sprofc will sell by auction this day, at one o'clock, at tho Aiahura gale Yards, a number of fat cattle and dairy cows. That Westland is not quite shorn of her attractions, is — if any doubt existed on that point—demonstrated plainly enough by th<j passenger returns which, until last month, have been almost invariably in favor of the country, and then tho oscess in the number of departures over the arrivah -was not so very much after all. Scarcely a steamer comes hero from Australia without bringing a greater or less number of returned diggers, who after risking health and wasting means at tho ephemeral Queensland mines, hare at last been fain to onco more turn their faces towards the hills and dales of Westland, which with all her faults, ha 3 never yet been known to refuse her children a livelihood. By tho Otngo, now in the roadstead, fifty-six passengers have arrived, and will be landed to-day by tho Persevere. Their number almost countL-r-baiances those who bid adieu to our shores yesterday, and are now on board tho Otago — seventy in all. Tho drawing for prizes in Procter's Art Union wa3 completed last night, in the Duke of Edinburgh Theatre, when the gentlemen who presided at tho drawing on Saturday evening again rondered their services. A list of the lucky numbers will be found in our advertising columns.

The " Argus" of a recent date contains the following : — " A sample of metalliferous stone from the Thames goldfield, iv tho province of Auckland, New Zealand, has been submitted by Mr Matson, manager of tho Bank of Australasia at Auckland, to the Geological department here for analysis. Mr Selwyn reports llmt Mr Newbery has found that 168 grains of ore »avo 38 grains of gold and silver mixed, equal to 7i7(ioz per ton. The proportions of I lie metals were — gold, 20.1gr. ; salver, 13.1gr. The mine from which the specimen was taken is eituate in the Thames district, and about thirty-five miles from Auckland,- and the stone examined was selected indifferently from a large number. The claim is known as the Golden Crown."

A marine animal, known amongst sealers as a " sea devil," was captured on Saturday, cm on the beach, al Iha month of the Totara River. At tlio lime of his capture he was lying on the beach, and whoa any person approached ho rose up, and opening his mouth, displayed a formidable show of teeth. A ropo, with a running noose, was at length thrown around him, and ho was hauled up above high water mark, and safely stowed away in a temporary cage. His captors brought liiui intG Ilokitika last night, for tho purposeof exhibiting him. Poley's Slenagerio was fairly attended last night, and the performances of Signor ]?ornandcz with tho lion "Wallace, and tho leopardess Aloxamlriua passed off most successfully. Tho j'onug lions are daily increasing in strength and Bize, and, we may add, fierceness. Tho opening of tho Casino do Venise was celebrated last night by a fancy and plain dress ball. The room, which was very tastefully decorated, was very brilliantly illuminated. An efficient quadrille band was provided, to tho music of which tho dauce was kopt up until the approach of dawn warned the guests that it was time to depart to their homos.

Tho following is an extract from tho specoh of Mr T. Macfarlanc during tho recent dobato on the policy of the Government : — " Tho two heads of departments do not work in harino3iy, and confusion and disaster is the resultLook at Colonel McDonnell at Pokaikai. Tho Nativo Minister saya that that was a mistako on the part of that officer. But I say it was not. On tho contrary, I say it was a merciful blow which was then struck — a blow which tho Maoris understood — a blow which placed

(he whole district, at hi 3 feet, and compelled them to sue for peace — a blow which, if allowed to work it? elFee't , wo\ild*have prevented subsequent, murders, and subsequent confusion and expense. But just us Colonel McDonnell hud thereby secured the pcaeo of 'the disIviel, Mr I'arris must niato his appearance, and, without communicating with Colonel McDonnell, in order to know what ho bad done, go to the Natives and i&form them that Colonel M'Donnell had not the authority of tho Government to ftrrango without them, and that he aloue could do so. Sir, what were tlio Natives to tiiink of'such proceedings, and what was Colonel M'Donnell to think ? Why tho moral effect of his achievement was at once dispelled, and his further efforts for good paralyzed ; and the Natives wero encouraged to renew their demands, and to second those demands by deeds- of violence. Sir, this is monstrous trifling with tho best interests of this Colony j and tho mean; sneaking way in which the Native Minister praises up Mr Parris and, by implication, condemns Colonel M'Donnell, will prevent any man of spirit from holding a commission under the present Government. I hesitate not to say that Colonel McDonnell was the right man in the right place, and ought to have been allowed to complete the work he so nobly began without (he interference of such meddlers as Mr Parris. Sir, I Eay more ; I say the sooner the whole Native department sfrall be swept away, the sooner shall we bo enabled to enjoy pence— permanent peaco with 7 the Natives. Sir, I would only retain the services of Mr Mackay, as I feel assured that every difficulty that will arise will bo easily si-ttled by him. The mode in which tho ColoniaT'troops were treated on tho occasion alluded to is also deserving oi the reprobation of this House, and the earnest and energetic way in which Colonel McDonnell got over tho difficulties thereby occasioned is worthy, of all praise, and met with the approbation of the Imperial officers.

We take the following from last evening's " Despatch" :— Cobb and Co.'s coach left this morning for Greymouth, at eight o'clock, with no passengers. The return coach arrived at noon with one wayside. Tlw installation of Provincial Grand Steward is finally fixed to take place on Wednesday eveniug, at an emergency meeting of the Westland Kilvviuning Lodge, 5.0., to be held in the Masonic Kail. It is in contemplation shortly to erect a look-out and bell tower at the rear of the Fire Brigade Hall in Revell street. Plans and specifications are already prepared, and wo hear that almost immediately tenders will be invited for the execution of the work. The look-out station will" be forty feet from the ground, and the bell will be hung at an elevation of Gfty feet. Probably a well arranged system of fire-bell signals indicating tho locality of a fire will be brought into operation when the work is completed. We notice that Mr Alfred Cleve ha 3 resumed business in the shop lately occupied by Messrs Mulligan and Halligaii, in Revell street, opposite the new Bank of Australasia. We wish Mr Cieve every success in his new premises. A meeting of the members of the Hokitika Chamber of Commerce is convened for Wednesday evening, at eight o'clock, at the Cafe de Paris, when important business will bo brought under consideration.

Wo clip tho following from the '• Pro3s" :—: — " On Saturday morning last the inhabitants of tho various bays of the Peninsula wero aroused at an early hour by an extraordinary irruption of the sea, rolling with fearful force up the various bays' and tidal rivers, carrying away bridges, fences, and everything eke obstructing its course. There was no apparent agitation of tho ocean, tho sea appeared perfectly calm, and the tide receded to nn extraordinary distance. The vary rapid flow and ebb at very irregular intervals, varying from fifteen minutes to an horn-, continued throughout tho day, aud wero such as had never been witnessed here before; The highest rise occurred about the time of high water, and it was estimated at not less than twenty-five feet from the lowest 1 to the highest level of the water during the time the phenomenon continued. In Okain Bay, at two milo3 distance from the sea, the \ water l'oso over the top of the fences, completely inundating the lower portions of tho locality. Y-ery considerable damage has been done tj both public and private property, and unfortuatcly many thousand feet of timber and posts and rails, &<:., have been irrecoverably washed away. In several eases the inhabitants had to leave their homes, and took refuge in the hill 3. In one or two cases the houses were destroyed or washed away. A very distinct shock of earthquake wa3 felt during the forenoon on Monday. Tho tidal wave 3ec;ns to have done considerable damage in Little Akaloa. Mr H. A. Williams, who camo up to Lyttulton on Tuesday last, states that he heard a noise to seaward as if it was blowing very hard, which commenced at two a.m., but took little notice of it till about half-past five, when the tide began gradually to rise much liigher than usual, and at this time the water had risen over the rill of Finlay's house, which is situated over 200 yards from ordinary high water mark. Tho water then rushed in and out the creek at a terrific rate, gradually increasing in height till abont a quarter to twelve, whou it was at its highest. The water then receded and left the harbor dry half-way across. The ketch Straggler, belonging to Mr Pavitt, which had just been placed on the blocks for repairing, was repeated iy washed up and down the creek, having been carried over the corner of a padpock, where, if she had been left it would have been impossible to liavo launched her. Mr M'lnlosh'B house (a six or seven-roomed one), was lifted up bodily sovcral inche3, an.l considerable damage was done to the furniture. Two bridges across the creok wore washed away ; one was carrion up into a paddock, and tho other w>is carried out to sea. A little craft called tho Gipsy ran into Lavcreaux bay and dropped anchor. No soonor was tho anchor down than she was left high and dry. Tho coast around Little Akaloa is strewn with timber of every description. Mr Samuol Graham, a resident in Little Akaloa, writes his father in Lyttelton to tho effect that early in tho morning he heard a rumbling noiso, and ran out of the house to warn his brother-in-law next door, and tho two families had barely time to esc.xpo from their houses. They wore compelled to seek shelter with their more fortunate neighbours, from whom they experienced the utmost kindness and attention. They did not return to thoir homes till Sunday morning. Mr Henry M'lntosh has sustained dainago to tho extent of fully £100, in garden, fencing and timber.