CHARLESTON NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 263, 4 June 1868, Page 3

CHARLESTON NEWS.

A special meeting of the Hospital Committee was held on Monday evening, to receive the report of the sub-com-mittee appointed to enquire into the conduct of the warder, and also into the justice of the rider attached to the recent verdict of a coroner's jury. They reported that though there was no proof afforded by the patients as to the warder being drunk, the latter himself admitted the charge, and under the peculiar circumstances of the case the subcommittee felt bound to dismiss him at at once from his appointment. At the same time they must express their regret at being compelled to adopt this course, the late warder, Mr Stewart, having up to the day of his misconduct by his general good conduet and vigilant attention to his duties, proved himself a valuable servant to the institution. The sub-committee further reported that they considered that part of the rider reflecting upon the warder's conduct to be unjust and uncalled for, the warder being at the time of the patient's death, relieved from immediate attendance upon the deceased by a special attendant appointed for that purpose by the police. With respect also to them they do not think than any blame can justly be attached to that officer in regard to his attendance upon the deceased, as from enquiry they found that he had paid all possible attention and care to promote his wellbeing and possible recovery. They also reported having placed Mr Hamilton in temporary charge of the ward, and had advertised for a new warder. It was resolved that the above report of the sub-committee be adopted. The Secretary having reported that M'Kinty had broken his contract for supplying bread, it was decided that tenders be called for the supply of bread for the remainder of M-Kinty's term, namely to 31st July. The Secretary read a letter from Dr Dakers recommending Stephen Keaty being sent to the Nelson hospital. Eesolved that such recommendation be carried out.

In consequence of the difficulty of getting posts down Fox's Eiver, and the long continuance of bad weather, some delays have occurred to the telegraph works now in progress, but we believe there is every hope of the line being completed in another month or five weeks. The complimentary benefit awarded to Mr F. S. Carroll on Tuesday night was very well attended, there being a good many Charleston notabilities engaged in the affair, whose numerous friends and acquaintances were curious to see how they would shape when translated into gods and goddesses in the burlesque of " Orpheus and Eurydice. The performance, which was followed by a miscellaneous concert, seemed to afford much enjoyment to the audience, and loud calls and plaudits were showered on the performers. During the evening Mr Carroll took an opportunity of thanking the public for their kindness, concluding by saying he would be sure to send them a newspaper from Japan, when he got there. The frightful weather is interfering greatly with business of every description and prevents the extension of many mining works in the district.