CHARLESTON NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 240, 8 May 1868, Page 3

CHARLESTON NEWS.

"We are glad to observe the pathway leading down to the Heads is being repaired by the prisoners, certainly not before it was wanted, for the track has •been almost impassable for the last two months. . A good deal of property has recently ■changed hands in Charleston. The latest sales are Hennelly and Millen's fltore on the beach, sold by Mr Dwan for £25, and Alcorn's old store in the cutting for £2B, both large and commodious but situated in what is now a neglected part of the town. On the same day as the sale last mentioned, there was also sold by the same auctioneer, the Phosnix Brewery, lately In the possession of Messrs Speer and Clark, which was knocked down to Mr Behan for £285, Mr Pizzey, from Hokitika, who was present, going as high as £2BO. The next day Mr Behan disputed the pui'cbase, and the property was again put up and knocked 'down to Mr G-asquoine for £l5O. The sale of Mr D. Henderson's store takes place on Saturday. We have pleasure in reminding our readers that Mr Black's benefit takes place to-night (Friday), and judging from the number of tickets already sold and the gentleman's wide spread popularity, we fully expect the anticipations of his friends about a " bumper house" will be more than realised.

OnWednesday, eleven of the Charleston Cricket Club proceeded to Brighton to play a match with eleven of Brighton's best. This was a return match, the former having been won by the C. C. C, though much of the interest was spoilt by the wretched wet. The weather, on this occasion, was in happy contrast, and the result showed that in more respects than one the day was essentially a " Bright-un," for the three C's had to acknowledge them* selves beaten. Though surprised, each of the returned champions, of course, can explain satisfactorily the cause of defeat, but speaking candidly, we do not think a two hours' ride on a livery hack, followed by two or three hours' imbibations of the liquid hospitalities for which Brighton is so famous, is the very best training for cricket. However, it may be said the Brighton team labored under the same disadvantages when they came to Charleston. The hard sandy beach near "Woodpecker Bay was the ground selected, it being in fact the only place suitable; and in consequence of having to wait till the tide sufficiently receded, it was near two o'clock before the wickets were pitched. The first innings resulted in 21 runs being scored by the Club, and 32 by their opponents. A second innings was commenced, but after Harry Mace making 22 runs it became too dark to continue. In consequence of the non-return of the captain of the Charleston team (Mr H. Mace), we regret being unable to publish the score. It is not at all unlikely advantage will be taken of the Queen's Birth-day to play the conquering game. A meeting of the Cosmopolitan Water-race and Cement Crushing Company took place at the Company's office, on the Back Lead, on "Wednesday evening, when the following gentlemen were appointed directors : Messrs J. Hunter, Eunga, M'Laren, Mathieson, and Savage. Mr Mathieson and Mr M'Laren were appointed

auditors. It was stated by the Manager, Mr Jas. Conolly, that the race was so far completed that water would be deliverable in ten days, and a number of applications for water were received from various proprietors of water-wheels erected on the line of the race.