CHARLESTON NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 249, 19 May 1868, Page 3

CHARLESTON NEWS.

"We see by the papers that in reply to a question from one of our members, the Provincial Secretary stated it was not the intention of the Government to take any steps at present to sell the town lands of the goldfields. We are sorry for this, believing that a contrary course would have added much to the permanency, as well as prosperity of the district. However, matters may stand at Westport or Brighton, there can be little doubt that Charleston just now offers a most favorable opportunity for the carrying out. of a measure of the nature indicated, or an

opportunity which very likely may not occur again. Some time has now elapsed since the fever of the first rUsnes) all the heavy expenses incidental to such a time have been defrayed, and the town has settled down into a remarkably regular, steady going sort of place, the greatest drawback being the Want of title to the land.

At the usual weekly meeting of the Hospital Committee on Friday, the visiting members reported that there were at present six inmates in the ward ; and they recommended that the walls of the building should be further strengthened by an iron rod. Mr Kennedy was appointed to see the recommendation carried out. The tender of the Charleston Herald for printing and advertising was accepted. The account of D. Donovan for extension to kitchen chimney, £2, was passed for payment. A letter was read from Mr Keogh, of Melbourne, offering to ship a quantity of drugs, as per list furnished by the Committee, for the sum of £ls. This offer was accepted, and the treasurer was instructed to hand Mr M'Coy the amount named to be transmitted to Melbourne in payment.

As an indication of the value of mining property in this district, we may mention that a share in Hunter's water-race and claim, was sold by auction on the ground, at Darkie's Terrace, on Friday afternoon, and realised the handsome of £490. The purchaser was Mr Michael Dun.