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Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 223, 18 April 1868, Page 2

Masonic Meeting.—The Thistle Lodge of Westport, we understand, was formally consecrated last evening. After the business of the evening was over the members, we believe, sat down to a supper at Trimble's Nelson Hotel. Departure of Prisoners. —The two females who were sentenced to hard labor imprisonment at the present sittings of the District Court, were on Thursday forwarded to Nelson to undergo the remaining term of their imprisonment. The man, George Brown, who was committed to take his trial at the next criminal sittings of the Supreme Court,.was also forwarded by the same vessel. Eesident Magistrate's Court.— Dr Giles was occupied some time yesterday in hearing several debt cases of no public interest- The Court will open at 10 a.m. this day.

MEETING TO ELECTA VesTRVMAN AND OiiUBOHWABDEKa.—Owing to the poor attendance at the Court-Houso on Thursday the business of the meeting was postponed until Wednesday next, when we hope nioro interest will bo taken in the matter.

The Hospital.—Tho post of surgeon to Westport Hospital will shortly become vacant by tho retirement of Dr Bockstrow. The appointment is in the hands of the Government, no local committee having as yet been formed. DistrictCourt.—ThoCourt opened at 11 a.m. yesterday for the hearing of bankruptcy cases under tho Supreme Court Jurisdiction. A long argument ensued between Mr Tyler, Mr Campbell, and his Honor, as to his Honor's power of jurisdiction. The subject is treated at length in our leader'. The Court will reopen at 11 a.m. on this | day.

HoicTTiKA Election.—The poll for ! tho election of a member for the County Council for the town of Hokitika, in tho room of Mr Bonar, took place today. The following is the result: — Carey, 52 ; Bright, 40; majority for Carey, 12. Dr. Bockstrow.—lt is with regret we learn that Dr Bockstrow has tendered his resignation to Mr Kynnersley, of the appointment of surgeon to the Westport Hospital. We say we regret his having done so, and feel confident it will be regretted by every one in Westport. Dr Bockstrow was one of the earliest settlers here, and during his professional career in this district has gained the confidence and respect of all classes—indeed there are scores amongst us who can testify to his generosity and kindness in the cause of distress and sickness. The writer could enumerate many instances in which Dr Bockstrow has not waited to be told of the poor requiring his professional assistance but has found them out, and out of his own pocket relieved them. Such men are rare in the world, and cannot be too much appreciated when found. Dr Bockstrow leaves us to proceed to Europe. We understand several gentlemen have expressed their determination not to allow the Doctor to leave Westport without some public demonstration of the goodwill felt towards him.

Auiis for the Buller.—We extract the following from the Nelson Examiner " Sixty stand of arms and a quantity of ammunition, were despatched to Westport on Tuesday evening by the steamer Nelson. Colonel Haultain, when first appealed to,objected to arms being sent to Westport, on the ground that there was no recognised body there to whom they could be entrusted, the services of the Volunteer force at Westport not having been accepted by the Governor. Subsequently the difficulty was got over by Government deciding that the services of the Volunteers should be accepted, and so permission was given for the arms to be sent. Bed-tapists are to be found in New Zealand as elsewhere." We cordially endorse the latter statement of our contemporary. By the John Penn which arrived on Thursday, the remainder of the arms and ammunition for the Volunteers, came down and will be, we presume, distributed shortly.

The Volunteers and the Bank of New Zealand.—On Thursday night, the two gentlemen connected with the Bank of New Zealand, who had joined the volunteers, tendered their resignation. Acting-Captain Pitt in publicly announcing the fact to the Volunteers, stated that the gentlemen in question, had not resigned of their own free will, but acting under orders from head-quarters. The facts need no comment, they speak for themselves. The Nelson Races.—A rare opportunity now presents itself for anyone wishing to visit Nelson either on business or pleasure. The twin Screw Steamer John Penn, under the command of Captain Carey, will leave for Nelson, (in time for the races) on Monday night next,as will be seen by an advertisement in another colnmn, and as the tickets issued then,and during the month will be available for return at £3 in the saloon, and 30s in the steerage, we fully expect that many will avail themselves of the opportnnity. This reduction in fares is highly satisfactory, after the high rates passengers to Nelson have hitherto been accustomed to.