The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 235, 2 May 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1868.

As will be seen by the Customs monthly return, no less than 16,1760z. sdwts. of gold have been shipped from Westport during the past month, and duty paid on it here. Irrespective of this, several parcels have gone down to Hokitika and Nelson by private hands from here, Charleston, and Brighton, so that a much larger quantity may fairly be set down as the month's yield. This is an average of about 4,0000z. weekly. The last census returns set down the population of Westland north at 9,116 males, but since that time the Queensland rush drained a large number away. In that estimate, a large number are on the most southern portion of the district, and could not have contributed in the slightest degree to this amount. If from all causes we set down 8,000 as the number that directly, or indirectly, aided in obtaining the above yield, it will be the outside, and that would give just half an ounce per week to every digger and trader on the goldfields and in the townships. This is a larger average, we venture to say, than Westland South or any other goldfield in Australia can show, and what is more there is every prospect of its being maintained. The Queensland fever is at an end, and men now set steadily to work, and have made up their minds to stay on the coast. Cement along the whole line through Addison's and on to Charleston, is being crushed with better appliances, is proving daily more and more valuable, and in a short time we have every hope of quartz being added to our gold-bearing products. In the face of this, and in the face of import duties being paid on goods during the same period to the extent of nearly £2OOO, things are as dull as dull can be in Westport, and business is indeed flat, stale, and unprofitable. It is certain that the import duties paid, to a considerable degree indicate the rate of consumption, and the consequent trade done in the port, for there are no heavy stocks on hand of any kind, merchants doing little more than keeping themselves barely supplied. The retail traders are the chief sufferers from the dullness, and so they will be till conu munieation between the town and the diggings is facilitated. The anomaly of large gold returns and comparative paralysis of retail trade is thus explained, for instead of deriving any benefit from Addison's or the Caledonian flourishing, we are cut off as completely as though we were distant as many dozen as we are single miles, from each of these places. Conveyances cannot run to Addison's, and the walk through mud and slush is not to be encountered unless some pressing business compels it; a horse is too expensive a luxury to indulge in, and so those who would come and pay Westport a visit, and lay out a few pounds now and then, debar themselves the pleasure and us the profit. As to the Caledonian, the track between Westport and there is all but impassable, the mud to be gone through being literally three feet deep in places, so it is certain that some very strong temptation must be offered before any will essay the journey. We have said so much about the tracks however, and people are so apathetic as to their condition, that it is useless harping longer on the subject. In the course of time, and the eternal fitness of things, we presume the Government will do something some day, so as to enable the present passage to be made where soundings are got at a leas depth of mud. Be this as it may, facts are stubborn things, and the last (one

proved on our, side viz, that after a recent decrease of population, "VVestland North has shipped hetween sixteen and seventeen thousand ounces during April past with every prospect of an increase during May present, is anything but an uncomfortable one to reflect on.