CHARLESTON NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 289, 4 July 1868, Page 4

CHARLESTON NEWS.

It appears that after all, the suggestion made by Mr Kynnersley to the committee appointed to enquire into the question of the reduction of departmental expenditure, is to be acted upon, Mr Lightband having received official intimation that his services as Warden will no longer be required. The arrangement is that Mr Broad discharges the duties of Warden as well as those of Resident Magistrate* making Charleston his head quarters, and visiting Brighton two or three times a week, thus reversing his present practice. Mr Lightband iB to receive six months' salary, in consideration of the abruptness of the notice.

We are informed the steamer Despatch is likely to pay us a visit soon, with Mr Moss, her agent, on board; the object being to see whether it would answer to place her in the trade between Charleston and Greymouth. The Warden's Court was occupied the greater part of Thursday with two by assessors. On the first, one Patrick Murphy claimed a partn *rship with Mahoney and party, and £l2 damages for loss of time. He had put up a hand-crushing machine, and there had been some talk of taking him in as a mate, one of the party being willing, the remaing four of the party however objected. The plaintiff called a number of witnesses, whose evidence however rather damaged his case than otherwise, most of them knowing little or nothing of the matter in dispute. The assessors deciding did not seem to have a very clear view of the case, for after an hour's consultation they enquired of the Warden whether it was a claim for wages or partnership Eventually the Warden had to decid the case by giving a casting vote for the defendants with costs, amounting to £8 10s, and the plaintiff, who would insist upon interrupting the proceedings, was committed, for contempt of Court, but was, released again after spending an hour or so in the logs. The second case of Thomas Ferguson and party against Curtain and party was a rehearing of a disputed waterright, originally heard on the 23 rd ult. and set down for assessors; it was now adjourned again to enable the assessors to view the ground. The powerful machinery intended to be erected on Mace, Greenwood, and party's claim, at the Four Mile, arrived a few days ago by the Nile schooner, and yesterday a start wa3 made in the conveyance of the boiler from the beach to the site on the claim—no light task, for the boiler is one equal to 20 h.p., and weighs little short of two tons, and extraordinary care will be necessary to secure its safe passage along the bridle track, which forms more than half the distance to the Four Mile. The boiler is mounted on a very strong though narrow carriage, having four wheels with very broad tires. Tenders for the work of moving it were called for, but none being received, the proprietors are doing the job themselves, hiring a team of six horses at the rate of £lO per day, including drivers. A charge of theft was yesterday preferred in the Resident Magistrate's Court by Mr Robert Millen, late of the firm of Hennelly and Millen, against Mr Robert Russell, a storekeeper, formerly iu business in this town. The prosecutor stated that in the course of some betting that was proposed, the defendant snatched a £lo note from his hand and never returned it. The evidence however was altogether against this statement, aud the Magistrate dismissed the charge as frivolous and perfectly groundless. A second charge also for assault was j likewise summarily dismissed. |

LOYAL CHAELESTON LODGE M. U., I. 0.0. F.

A numerously attended meeting of the above order was held at the Lodge room ou Wednesday last for the purpose of receiving the dispensation, the election of officers and receiving auditors report. The dispensation was presented by Brother Callings, P.Gvon behalf of the district officers, with the usual formalities. Brother J. Henderson was elected N. a., E. Denovan V. Gh and J. Hennelly, Secretary., After the closing of the Lodge the fraternity sat down to a banquet provided by Host Joliffe, in honor of the occasion. Nearly sixty members were present, Brother Collinga occupied the chair and Brother Cunningham Q-.M. the vice chair. After justice had been done to numerous delicacies on the table, the

Chairman gave the first toast of the evening,»the Queen and the Manchester Unity. The vice chairman in a neat speech gave the officers of the Nelson District. The chairman then gave the the toast of the retiring officers and passed on their conduct and efforts during the late sitting, particularising the late president Brother Cunningham, and hoped that the newly elected officers would follow their example. Brother Cunningham returned thanks for the honor given .him and* though a new member he had always done his best to fulfil his responsible office. Brother Henderson gave the mining andgcommercial interest, responded to by Brother Hennelly. Brother Miscamble gave in a short speech |our visiting Brothers, The chairman gave the Ladies, responded to by Brother Cunningham. The press was given bvjthe|chair men (coupled with the names of Brothers Tyrrell and Mirfin,) who di'atcd warmly upon the assistance rendered by those gentlemen to the order. Brother Mirfin returned thanks, and regretted Brother Tyrrell was not present tc respoid;. After numerous songs had been rendered by Brothers Byrne, Henderson and others the national anthem closed pleasant assembly.