West Coast Times. SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 1868.

West Coast Times, Issue 916, 29 August 1868, Page 2

West Coast Times. SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 1868.

If attended by no other result tbe attempt which is being made to cut a navigable channel through the sandspit lying between tho wharf and the sea has relieved the monotony that has for some time prevailed consequent on the impassable state of the bar. If there has been no interruption in the stagnation of business, and no nearer affinity between the traders in town and their goods lying in the ships that are and have been for weeks anchored in the roadstead, there has at any rate been something to talk about, and one subject of interest to all classes— something, whatever their differences of opinion otherwise, which all wish successful. Of the result it would be rash to venture any decided opinion, ami notwithstanding the confidence with which s'une anticipate the fornsntum of a successful and continuous communication between the wharf and sea, and the wise shakings of the head with which others treat any allusion to the subject, and the equal confidence with which they assert- that the money is being thrown away, the venture is one that will have to be judged'of simply by tho result. Engineering skill and experience are alike at fault. It is like Disraeli's Reform Bill, a jump in the dark ; but one, tho taking of which ought not to be rashly condemned. The object sought would warrant n greater

haphazard expenditure than is likoly to be incurred. It is just possible that the river may be induced to take the desired course, and having once taken it, will from its Very straightness keep it ; and as in many other great discoveries!, it may be a subject of future surprise that the action now being taken was uot sooner adopted. It is equally possible that a continued drought, or the first fresh or heavy sea may render useless ali that is now being done, and tho gloomy forebodings of those who say that the expenditure is money thrown into tho sea may be literally fulfilled. But even if so, the attempt will not be a subject of regret, nor must we b 6 discouraged by the result; That the bar can be allowed to remain permanently as impracticable and capricious as it has hitherto been is a matter of impossibility, unless Hokitika is to bink iuto absolute nothinguess as suddenly a3 the gold discoveries- and its other natural and geographical advantages raised it into importance. If bin remedy fail, another must be tried. There must be no trusting to the chapter of accidents ; no " waiting till something turn up." A present failure must lead to further exertions, and he is no friend of Hokitika, nor is lie a man of wise counsels who would, from an unfortunate result of the present attempt, jump to the conclusion that all has been done that can bo done; or that the shifty nature of the sand, and the erratic action of the rivev, place its course beyond human control. Tiie story of Bruce and the Spider is familiar to every schoolboy. Six failures did not deter from a se vouch attempt under precisely similar circumstances, and the seventh was successful ; and if within a week the action of sea or river leave not a vestige of present operations, a similar attempt must by.' renewed, or some other action having the desired object in view cievisccl. It is for Hokiuka almost a struggle beUveen life and dea'h, in which the united action of all interested in it is required ; and when we exhaust our own resources, we have a good claim on Government for aid. In urging such a claim, we must not go unprepared with some scheme, and one great point towards knowing what may be successful is to know practically what cannot be done. Should we ultima tely be forced to the conclusion that, except by money which cannot bo raised even on the credit of the central Government, it is hopeless to attempt any control over our river and the sea, the present state of matters may be very much ameliorated. Experience has shown, especially of late, that when the bay is obstiuctcd at Hokitika, it is passable at Grey moth, and vice versa. It is, therefore, for the interest of both and of the whole West Coast, that these two places should be more intimately .connected than they are even at present, and that all obstruction to the freest and speediest communication between thorn should be removed. How this should be done will occur at once to every one. Railway communication between Hokilika and Greymouth offers us almost a certainty of obviating the necessity of keeping ships waiting week after week in the roadstead. If we cannot have two good harbors wo may have one — indifferent it may be, but still generally available — between the two. There is no room for petty jealousies between the towns. That Greyiuouth would be considerably be aefitted by such a railway as we speak of, and would continue fully as formidable a neighbor as hitherto, is indisputable, but Hokitika could afford to have such a rival. It would grow with the growth and prosper with the prosperity of Greymouth. Auckland with its quartz reefs may yet become the Beiuligo of New V ealaud, but if not shut out from communication with the highway of the seas, Hokitika will continue its Ballarat. We do not consider matters sufficiently ripe for at once propounding any scheme of railway, nor would it, perhaps, be at present judicious to seek to do so. The idea is nothing new. It only requires to be revivified and considered, and kept in view as the last, if not the only, m?ans of maintaining our communication with the rest of the world by the high seas. Whether such an undertaking shall be the work of Government, local and central, or bo grappled with by a company, wo must avoid the example of the mother country and of Victoria, in the construction of a railway. Wo require no ornamental bridges, no picturesque viaducts, no princely buildings for stations, no great engineering difficulties to be sought out and grappled with. Everything must be done in tbe cheapest manucv possible, consistent with the safety of life and property in transhu. Works sufficient to last only a few yeans, if they can be done without obstructing something more permanent then, must be all at first aimed at. If tho experiment succeed, the receipts of the undertaking will bo sufficient to keep the works in proper repair, and gradually substitute permanent for temporary constructions. If it do not succeed ai'ter a fair trial, and a railway will- not support its own working expenses, and " lay past something to the good,'' then Wesllanrl must be

permitted to sink into inevitable insignificance. But in the hands of willing and judicious men imbued with sufficient public spirit to afford assistance themselves, and not afraid to seek it from Government, where there is a reasonable prospect of success, such a day of small things is far distant.

A telegram from the Hou John Hall was read at the meeting of the Municipal Council last evening, stating in brief terms that Hokitika had been proclaimed a Borough under the " Municipal Corporations Act, 1867." This, although not altogether unexpected, for a short time occasioned a dilemma, inasmuch as the elections consequent upon the Act coming into force, ought to take place oit the second 'Thursday in September — fourteen clear days notice being given of such elections. It was, however, impossible to issue such notice withiu the time'required by law, and consequently, according to the provisions of the Act, the present Council woujd have to remain in office until September, 1869. This was felt by the members of the Council as unjustly interfering with the rights and privileges of the citizeus, and the Mayor at once stated his intention of resigning. The example of His Worship was followed by Councillor Button, and it was ultimately determined that the members of the Council should meet privately at the close of the ordinary meeting in order to consider the matter. We avc unable to state the details of what trauspired at that meeting, but we understand it was agreed upon that a certain number" of tho Councillors would resign in order that an opportunity might be afforded to the citizens of exercising their rights as electors.

No. 1 Company of Volunteere made a splendid appearance on parade last night, both in point of numbers and the smart and soldierly manner in which they bore themselves in the various intricate evolutions of company drill. Including the commissioned officers, forty-fivo members foil in, at Hansen's Room, and under the command of Captain Bonar marched to the U3iial parade-ground, in Wold street, and thore underwent a nearly two hours' sharp drilling. Before he dismissed the men, Captain Bonar gave notice that he purposes having a general parade on Saturday next, for the purpose of introducing the company to skirmishing drill, and ateo to announce blank cartridge practice. The company then adjourned to the cafe lately opened by Mr Riordan, and in orthodox style proceeded to " wet " the commissions of Captain Bouar and Lieut. Dovoro. A great many kind thiugs were said by both sides on the occasion.

We perceive that leuclers for the erection of a fire-bell tower and look out station, at the rear of the Fire Brigade Hall, Rovell street, will bo rccbh'ed up to fire p.m. today.

Tho convejanca from G-reynioutli am red in town at half-past. 2 p.m., bringing as passengers Messrs Frost, Council and Moore.

Joseph Lang lias filed a declaration in the District Court, of Westlund under the " Bankruptcy Act, 18G7," that he i 3 unable to meet his engagements.

The blowing up of the wreck of tho Frcdoric did not take place last evening aa was auticipated, owing to the necessary arrangements not being completed, but we understand that the attempt will bo made during this day.

The fortnightly meeting of the Committee of tho Hokitika Literary Society was held last evening, the Vico-Pre3idcnt of tho Society, Mr' Reid, in the chair. The report of the SubCommittee appointed to revise the rules was read and approved of, and it was determined that a special meeting of members should be called to consider the revised rules. The Secretary stated that ho had applied to tho County Chairman requesting to be informed whether tho sum of £150 voted by the County Council during the la3t session wa3 available for the purposes of the Society. A vote of thanks to qho Chairman terminated the pro" cecdings.

Auckland is suffering from a scarcity of fuel. Loads of wood, cut for the metropolis, have been left on tho landing-places near the firewood bushes in the Province, the small craft usually employed in convoying wood to Auckland, having joined in the rush to Short mid Tapu.

A proposal has been made by the Government of New South Wales to the Government of this colony to inako (he J3ay of Islands tho port of arrival for the. Panama Mail Steamers instead of Wellington. The reason" urged is, that by so doing tho boats would reach Sydney two days earlier* than they do at present, and by this means the efficiency of the service would be greatly increased.

A meeting of the Stafford Town School Committee was held on the 26th instaut. Present — Messrs Hannan, Hall, Dyas, and Matthews. Mr Matthews in the chair. It was proposed by Mr Dyas, seconded by Mr Ifannan, and carried — "That tho S. T. Dramatic Club be communicated with and roquested to "give a benefit for the National School Fund." It was resolved, on the mof.ion of Mr Dyas, seconded by Mr Hall — " That steps bo taken to hold h soiree at an early date." It was proposed by Mr Dyas, secondeil by Mr Jlannan, and carried — " That Mr Cassius be communicated with, asking him for the use of his store for the soiree." Mr Hannan moved, and Mr Hall eocouclod — " That tho daily papers bo oommunicuted with, nnd asked to insert; advertisements free for tho School Committea." The motion was agreed to. Proposed by Mr Hannan, seconded by Mr Hall, and carried — " That the Hon. J. A. Bouar be requested to givo information with reference to the proposed School Bill." Tho meeting adjourned for Monday, 31st inst.

A meeting of the directors of the Grey River Coal Company was held at Mossrs Wilson and Alport's Rooms, Christchuroh, on the 21st irist. There were present Messrs Murray Aynsley (chairman),. Richardson, OUivier, Inglis, and W. Wilson. Tho Secre-tary-reported that no roply had been received from Mr Lord in reference to Ms tender for

tho survey of the lino from the mines to the port, aud it was resolved that tho Secretary should ascertain the qualifications of the other candidates, so that no delay might occur in tho event of Mr Lord not agreeing to tho terms fixed by tho directors. The Socretary read a telegram which had been received from tho Chairman of the Local Committee at Greyraouth, Btating that a deputation had left that place to consult with tho directors on important .business matters ; and it was resolved that a meeting of the directors should be held ou Monday next, at eleven o'clock, to receive the deputation. Mr It. M. Morton waß elected a director in the room of Mr Moorhousc, resignod. Messrs Venuell and Mills, of Wellington, wore appoiutod agents of the Company. It was decided that Mr Wyldcj the Secretary- should proceed to Grermouth at au early opportunity to take measures for opening up the mines and forming a railway as oxpoditioußly as possible

During a short diicdssiou in tho legislative Assembly on tlio troatniout of tlio aboriginals, Mr M'Kean, in ordor to show the great interest taken in these people by Mr M'Bain, the chairman of the board appointed to look after the welfare of the aborigines, related the followiug anecdote, which ho declared to be perfectly correct:— "The dead-lock at ouo time 1-ad the effect of stopping the supply of tobacco to the blacks, and in a general council the natives determined that if there was to be no more baccy, there should bo no more hallelujah; meaning that they would give up their Christian observances if they did not get their smoke. The hon. member promptly insisted upon a supply of tobacco being provided, and the hallelujah was accordingly resumed." Notwithstanding Mr M'Kean's guarrantce of its truth, many of our readers will recognise this as a mangled version of a very old story.

A humorous 'incident (writes tho " Ballarat Courier") occurred in Buninyong recently, which ha 3 occasioned considerable gossip in the Ideality. It appears that his Honor Judge Rogers stepped into tho news-shop of Messrs. Ashburner, and having ensconced himself on a chair near the window, took up one of the daily paper?, and was enjoying a quiet read, when Mr Joseph Innes, a farmer, residing nt Mount Buninyong, enterod tho shop, and, being under tho influence of John Barleycorn, ho clasped the Judge in his irreverent arms, at the same time exclaiming, " How are you, old Judge ?" Tho dispenser of law and justice, not brooking such interference, gave his too free and easy acquaintance a blow in the " breadbasket," which sent him through the window, and subsequently summoned limes for an assault, but has since offered to withdraw the case, provided a suitable apology is tendered and the damago to tho window repaired.

In tho House of Ropre3entativeß, on Tuesday last, Mr Curtis asked the Colonial Secretary if 1 any 3'eport had been received from tho gcntlomcn appointed as a commission to enquire itito the conduct of Mr Commissioner Kynnersley, in reference to the late disturbances on the West Coast, to which Mr Stafford replied that the commission had brought up their report, which he had that morning perused ; and ho was pleased to state that such report entirely exonerated Mr Kynnersley from any blavno in tho matter ; aud the action taken by that gentleman at the time showed a coolues3 of decision and good judgment under the circumstances. Mr Stafford couiplinionted Mr Kynnersley, at \vhO36 desire the commission was appointed, and agreed with tho commissioners' report, wliich said thab tho course taken by that gentleman assistod materially iv checking what otherwise might have proved a serious disturbance, aud was the means of establishing a better feeling among all classes ,in those districts, as well as saving a largo expense to the Govei-Hinont. Tho rcport,Jho added, spoke somewhat rebukingly of the unofficial terms in which Mr Kyunersley's reports to the Government on the subject were couched, and with which opinion the Government also were agreed ; but beyond that, he had to inform the House that the result of the commission showed no blame attachable to Mr Kynnersley, and he had given instructions to communicate with that gentleman in accordance therewith.

We take the following from last evening's " Despatch" :—: —

The mail for Europe via Suez is appointed to close at Hokitika on Monday next, at 5 p.m. Tho Panama Mail closes on the following Thursday at 5 p.m.

We understand that the Corporation Eate Collector has, in pursuance of instructions received, laid informations against several persons for non-payment of rates.

Foley's Menagerie lately exhibiting here closed lust evening, and the collection of fine animals have been safely shipped on board the steamer Charles Edward for Greymouth, whero the exhibition will next opeu.

'I ho coach for Givymouth lefc Oobb and Co's office this morning for Q-reymouth, at 10 o'clock. Passengers Mr and Mrs Winter and the Eev. Mr Beaumont.

Cobb and Co's coach left this morning for Christchurch at 7 o'clock, with no passongers.

The Melbourne i: Argus" of the 15th inst. contains the followiug extraordinary announcement in its list of insolvents :—": — " James Anderson, of Brighton, late a squatter, now out of business. Causes of insolvency: From having made an assignment in December, 18G6, of all his real and personal estate iv trust for the benefit of ail his creditors, but which deed ho had been unable to get signed ; also, from depreciation in the value of squatting property, nud heavy losses through a drought, further from loug-continucd illness. Liabilities, £200,061 5s 5 Id ; assets, £8; deficiency. £200,053 5s sid. Mr Courtney, official a«siguoe." A cloiuor sweep-out than this it would bo almoßt impossible to conceive, and he must have been a good financier who, in the face of long continued illness, could have carried on business with only £8 to meet a debt of over £200,000.

The obituary notices of yesterday morning, sajs tho Melbourne "Argus" of the Slat iudt., record the doath of Mr Jas. Haywaid, of tho Surrey Hotel, Johnston street, Collingwood, whose name will be remembered by many old colonists iv connection with tho extinction of a firo on board tho ship John Melliuish, on the passage from London to Sydney, in December, 1852, under vex-y remarkable circumstances. The veasol carried upwards of 200 passengers, several of whoui are now well-known residents of Melbourne. Tho firo broke out in the hold, where one of the sailors had boon tatnporing with a brandy cask, and a large stream of spirit fvoni this

cask had ignitod. The utmost consternation prevailed ou board, when Mr Hayward went bolow, and with great presence of mind, thrust his thumb into the hole in the cask whence tho spirit which was feeding the fire flowed. Tho edges- of the aperture being rough, he was unable to completely stop the stream, and the brandy continuing to flow - a blue flarao ran up his arm and set fire to his shirt, hair, and clothes. Mi- Hayward, however, knowing that the safety of the ship de- k peuded on his devotion., heroically maintained his position for five minutes, when Captain Jenkins oame to his j>id with water from the hoso and wet blankets, and he was saved from death. But for the determination evinced by Mr Hayward, the brandy cask must soon have burst, aud as there were 270 similar casks near it, nothing could then have saved the ship. The passengers presented Mr Hayward with a gold watch and chaiu in acknowledgment of the Bigual service he had performed ; and tho accounts of this remarkablo escape from fire at sea, which were published in the "Argus" and tho " Times" soon afterwards, attracted a good deal of 'attention at the time. The jollowiug act of bravery on tho part of a youug girl is relatod by the "Wallaroo"— Times" :— " A little boy, named Mardon, got into a small dingy by the sea shore to play. Shortly afterwards the tide commenced to run out, and the dingy was taken with it a short distance, and the little fellow becoming alarmed, managed to upset his frail bark. The accident was witnessed by one. or two women on the jetty, who at once commenced to scream out. Tiie daughter of Mr Duncan of the Globe Hotel, a girl of about thirteen years of age, being near aud seeing what was the matter, at once courageously walked out as far as she could into the sea, and just managed by extendin ■>. her arm to reach the little fellow, bringing him safely to land., Had this young lady not had the courage and presence of mind to act as promptly as she didj the boy must have beeri drowned, as lie had beeu uuder ■ the water twice, and no other assistance was immediately available."