The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. MONDAY, JULY 6, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 290, 6 July 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. MONDAY, JULY 6, 1868.

That a more prosperous state of things is setting in for the Buller generally, few will be inclined to dispute, and that our commercial health generally has assumed a far better aspect than it possessed some six months ago is beyond all doubt. In whichever direction we look, we find signs of reviving prosperity, or rather there are evidences of the good time, so long wished and so ardently sighed for, coming in some, degree at least. At Addison's not only have a number of difficulties been surmounted by the indomitable pluck and perseverance of the miners, but the gold that was hoped for has at length been brought to light, and a greatfdeal is now being obtained weekly from the neighbourhood. Cement that was thought worthless has proved to be valuable, and altogether the prospects of that field are promising in a high degree. At the Caledonian we find the same indication of improvement. A large number of miners are doing exceedingly well, the lead at the different terraces has been distinctly traced, and recent news show that there in some parts no less than three pavable layers of wash-dirt. The lead without doubt extends to the northward, and fresh claims are constantly being opened along the line. As a matter of course as gold is now being largelv got the traders feel the benefit. The "diminished insolvency notices show that trade is being conducted on p a far sounder basis than formerly and where one now seeks the benefit of the Bankruptcy Court, a dozen so sheltered themselves about six or nine months ago. The crisis appears to have passed and business is reviving, slowly it is true, but surely. But one of the chief mainstays of "Westport in time to come will be found in the districts up the Buller, and too much attention to their development can hardly be paid. We have proof positive that a vast and highly auriferous belt of ground exists between here and the Lyell, and every week we have additional evidence of the fact. Nearly every one that has been at work up the river tells the same tale, that there is at least wages to be made, and in some cases a great deal more even as things are now, but if a good pack track was made, a large and profitable field of labor would be opened up capable of supporting probably some thousands of minners. The cost of getting provisions at present actually bars the development of a known large tract of gold country, and what makes it worse, is that only a small extent of track has to be made to complete it. From the Lyell downwards, and from Westport upwards, a track has been cut, but a few miles, indeed we believe only two or three, are unfinished, and thus the whole is rendered practically worthless. We are not aware of any special provision for the completion of the work having been made in the last estimates and believe that it has not, but whether this is the case or not it is a matter of paramount importance, and will, we hope, he set about as soon as possible. A grant of £SOO for cutting tracks between the Razorback and Mokihinui was passed however, and though the amount is ridiculously insufficient to accomplish the tenth part of what is necessary, it is better than nothing, and something at least could be done with the proportion allocated to this portion of the district, in furthering: communication with the Lyell. The subject is one of grave moment to business men as well as miners ; few things would more greatly tend to the advantage of this part of the coast than the speedy formation of a track to the Lyell. With the Caledonian to the north, Addison's and Charleston to the south, and easy communication up the Buller, Westport has every reason to look forward to a prosperous future. The preliminary obstacles to the development of the other districts are disposed of, and we are already feeling the consequently beneficial results. The completion of the Buller track is only needed to give a fresh stimulous to mining industry, and from some source or other we hope funds will be forthcoming for the purpose without longer delay.

On Saturday night, or rather yesterday morniug, a party of people amused themselves by creating a great disturbance in the street, knocking atpeople's doors, dragging canoes across the footway of the Esplanade and otherwise misconductingthemselves. They wound up these feats by throwing a large stone bigger than a man's fist through one of the plate glass windows of the Bank of New Zealand, in Gladstone street. Irrespective of the stupidity of such a so-called joke, the perpetrators might have had something far more serious to answer for, for the stone very nearly struck Mr M'Shane, who sleeps in the bank. Fortunately it glanced against one of the bars, and fell near, instead of on his head. Had it hit him it must have inflicted at least a serious wound. The bank, as will be seen in another column, has offered a reward of £lO, for the conviction of the offenders; and in common with with all the peaceable people in the town, we sincerely hope the delinquents will be brought to justice. This conduct was carried on for some time, and we have received letters from two who were disturbed expressing their wonder that the noise did not wake the police. This mohawk business may be exceedingly clever and. funny amongst a lot of drunken fools, but it is to be hoped that those guilty of it will be caught and eonsigned to a place where they will have enough time to digest the joke. The Peak Downs Telegram contains the following apology for making its appearance on the 7th April in half a, sheet:—" There are—to our knowledge —but three printers in the district. One of these is prostrate with fever, another is almost blind with sandy blight, and the third is at his post — editor, compositor, pressman, and we know not what besides. We have telegraphed for aid, and in the meantime must do the best we can, and crave the indulgence of our supporters. Conducting a newspaper in the remote bush, in a tropical climate, is not child's play, especially when the ' devil' gets sick and fails to become a saint."

The news from Wanganui is not of a very exciting nature, though a little practice firing has commenced, which resulted in a native skedaddle, Things are, however, been made snug for the Maori murderers, and the allowed complement of men is being rapidly gathered together by Col. M'Donnel l . Major Yon Tempsky, with 80 men, was expected hourly, and if ever the native question had a chance of being promptly solved in the Patea district, it is now, under the charge of such men as Von Tempsky and M'Donnell. They are not the folks to be tied up with red tape notions after they have once had the word, and as they have now had that the Hau Haus will find things made warmer for them than they have the least idea of.

The Rev. W. Harvey celebrated divine service yesterday afternoon at the South Spit, in Mr Hodge's large room. There are a large number of people living now on that side of the water, and his ministrations will, we are sure, be very welcome to many. Yesterday a comparatively large and very attentive congregation assembled to hear him.

We have had another spell of miserable weather, and from the appearance of things at the time of writing there is every likelihood of a heavy fresh in the river this morning. Yesterday afternoon, and again at night, we had severe thunderstorms, and the rain fell in torrents, hut towards midnight it cleared a little, and as the moon changed last night at 8.12 p.m, we may possibly have an alteration for the better.

The Mount Alexander Mail regrets to learn that in consequence of the assassination of the Hon. Darcy M'G-ee, two of his sisters, who have been residents of Victoria for upwards of seven years, have been deprived of a considerable resource which they relied upon and received from their late brother. To those fully acquainted with the career of the hon. gentleman, there can be no doubt, that his life was sacrificed to his sense of duty. He was in favor of preserving the connexion between Canada and the United Kingdom. This was regarded as a crime by his opponents. Aproposal is about to be made, to raise a sum of money to be given to the disconsolate sisters of MrM'G-ee, in testimony of honor to the deceased, and of sympathy with the principles which caused the sad calamity. A number of gentlemen connected with Victoria, have formed themselves into a committee to collect subscriptions, and so far as their mission has extended they have met liberal encouragement. "We are requested to remind our readers that the Government School opens to-day, and that Mr Phillips, the lately appointed master, commences his duties at nine o'clock this morning.