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Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 189, 9 March 1868, Page 2

Water. where, and not a drop to drink." There seems every likelihood of a dry season having set in, and should such be the case, we shall very probably be reduced to the state mentioned in the words quoted at the outset. The season just passed has been one of exceptional wetness, and consequently, water cisterns and tubs, have supplied all our wants, with water for drinking and cooking purposes; should any period of dryness set in, those who have lived in the Buller during such seasons, know the brakish state of the water in the river, and of the total inability of the wells and water-butts to supply the population with any adequate quantity of wholesome water. Every one can but agree as to the vast importance it is that water should be of a wholesome nature, and experience has taught us that many of the " ills which flesh is heir to" have been fostered, and in some instances originated by the use of impure water. The attention of the inhabitants will have at some time or other to be directed towards supplying this necessary want, and " fore-warned is fore-armed." The session of Council will soon begin, and one of the things that will require, if it does not already require, attention, is the best means for getting supplied with pure water, and of obtaining a grant from Grovernment towards defraying the expenses of the work. The township of Nelson has long suffered from both a deficiency and an impurity in the water supply, but by the Examiner of the sth we see that "the water supply is now so far completed that the main-pipes are laid throughout the more closely settled portions of the town, and can bemadeuse of should a fire occur. The pipes have been laid very successfully, and have stood the great pressure to which they are subjected remarkably well, only one having burst. The only thing that has given trouble is the india-rubber packing at the joints, which, in several instances, has allowed of leakage. The street service is now in the hands of the Fire Brigade, and we hope it may be long before they are called upon to make use of it." Preaching.—ln addition to the usual services held yesterday at the Court-house and Frazer's Schoolroom, an open-air sermon was delivered in the evening from under Messrs Fleming and Parry's verandah, and a large crowd collected to hear the impassioned words of the preacher. Flirtation. —We understand that it is the intention of Mrs C F Evereste, nee Miss Maryatt, to deliver a lecture on " Flirtation," at Stephenson's Assembly-rooms, on Wednesday evening. From the well-known abilities of the young lady, an amusing and instructive evening's entertainment may be anticipated.

Gold from Okarita. —The screw steamer, Waipara, which arrived in Hokitika, on Saturday morning, from Bruce Bay and Okarita, brought 1800 ozs of gold. She brought no passengers, but reported that the population appeared satisfied with their present state, and future prospects. Meeting oe Parliament.—By the General Government Gazette of the 24th February, we find that the Parliament is appointed to meet on Thursday the 24th day of May next. Electoral Districts.—Tho following places have been appointed pol ing places for tho district of West]and North : —The Court-house, Westport; the Police Camp, Mokihinui; the

Police Camp, Addison's Flat; the Court-house, Charleston ; the Courthouse, Brighton; the Court-house, Cobden ; the Police Camp, Ahaura. Hokittka Fenian News.—We are informed by one of the officerp of the Kennedy, which left llokitika on Saturday, that thero was every probability of a riotous meeting taking place there yesterday, as the funeral of the coffins, with the names of the three Fenians executed at Manchester, was to take place on that day. One shop in Hokitika had sold over 700 grccu scarves for use, and great preparations had been made for performing the ceremony with all the importance possible. The coffins were decorated with green flags, and appropriate emblems. The authorities were taking measures to prevent a riot. Over fifty special constables were sworn in, and all the publicans received orders to keep their houses closed during the whole of Sunday. The Corporation had refused permission to the leaders for opening the cemetery gates, but there seemed a prevalent feeling amongst the Fenians to gain admittance at all hazards.