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Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 151, 24 January 1868, Page 2

Election Notes. —Last evening Mr J. V. Smith addressed a meeting of the inhabitants at Trimble's Nelson Hotel, which was respectably and numerously attended. Mr Munro was voted to the chair. Mr Smith having explained his views, which will be found in another column, it was resolved thas he was a fit and proper person to represent the Buller district in the Nelson Provincial Council. A triumvirate meeting was held at the Caledonian Lead on Wednesday evening, when Messrs Crate, G-raham, and Groodwin addressed the miners. After having listened to the various candidates, the meeting broke up rather rowdily. A meeting of the supporters of Mr Goodwin was announced for last evening at Addison's Flat. The Nomination.—Our attentiou has been drawn to a circumstance cont nected with the election, which it is as, well electors should be reminded of. It is the rule that the proposer and seconder of a candidate must produce to the Returning Officer his qualification, either a miner's-right or business license, neither of which must have been issued less than six months. At the nomination for the last election, the non-production of these documents caused a considerable loss of time to all parties, so that it is desirable that au7 one who intends to take any part in to-morrow's proceedings, should take care to have them with him. It may also be observed that a miner's-right, which may have lapsed and been renewed after a month's delay, can only be recognised as a qualification to vote when it is marked as " Eenewed," should it be dated any time since four months ago.

Retirement of Mr Feueis.—lt will be seen on reference to our advertising columns, that Mr Ferris has retired trom contesting the Buller district. There can hardly" have been a doubt but that if Mr Ferris had gone to the poll, he would have stood a very good chance of being returned. Latest from the Caledonian.— We are informed that one of the finest prospects yet obtained in this locality was obtained yesterday at the new rush The claimholders had been tunnelling and drove upwards where they struck a lead which is described to us as far surpassing anything yet obtained on the coast.

The Nomination.—The nomination of candidates for the the representation of the Buller district will take place on Saturday at the Court-house, Gladstone Street. Resident-Magistrate's Court.— There was no business transacted at the Resident-Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Wreck of the Tasmanian Maid. —Our leaders will be sorry to learn that the favorite p.s. Tasmanian Maid, Captain Souter, is a total wreck. It appears that a telegram was received from AVellingten in Hokitika stating that the Tasmanian Maid left the Manukau loaded with merchandise for these ports. Heavy weather prevailed shortly after leaving there, and the vessel was driven ashore near T.irauaki.

The Yield of Gold.—During the last few days the miners have been in better spirits, and reports have come into town of some good yields at Addison's and Mokihinui.

Reduction in the Price of Gold. —lt is stated on the authority of the Grey liiver Argus that an agreement has been made between the various banks doing business on the West Coast to reduce the price given for gold sixpence per ounce. The price in future will be £3 15s 9d instead of £3 16s 3d.

Polling Peaces.—Other districts besides the Buller seem to be in a fix respecting polling places, as will be seen from the following extract from the Grey River Argus : —A very glaring oversight has been made in fixing the polling places in connection with the election of the County Council for the Electoral District of Westland, no polling place having been appointed in the Arnold District—one of the most important mining districts in the north of the County. The result of this unpardonable blunder is that 700 or 800 miners is practically disfranchised, as the nearest polling place is so distant and the road so bad that very few men will care to take the trouble of voting. By some extraordinary stupidity two polling booths have been appointed at Rutherglen, although one would have been amply sufficient. The matter was brought under the notice of the Hon. John Hall the other day, but he stated that it was impossible to make any alteration in the polling places at this election, as the Governor would have to make the order. He said, at the same time, that the Government had taken what they considered the best opinion they could get as to which were the most suitable places for polling booths. We regret to notice that in consequence of the miners of the Arnold not being able to vote, Mr. E. B. Fox has been compelled to decline a requisition asking him to offer himself as a candidate for the representation of the Goldfields.