CHARLESTON ARRIVAL OF THE PANAMA MAIL. AT WELLINGTON.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 308, 27 July 1868, Page 2

CHARLESTON

ARRIVAL OF THE PANAMA MAIL. AT WELLINGTON.

A gentleman well known as a merchant both here and in Westport, attempted to commit suicide on Thursday evening, by strangling himself. The person referred to is Mr Robert Millen, of the late firm of Hennelly and Millen, who has been staying in Charleston for the past few weeks. On Thursday he was seen wandering about town with a bible in his hand, preaching and exhorting to any one he met, and his conduct and language were so extraordinary and incoherent that; it was evident he was laboring under mental disease, and for safety's sake, he was arrested and placed in the lock up. The cell in which he was confined, immediately adjoined another in which were several prisoners, and in consequence of some strange noises they heard, Daly, the gaoler, opened the door of Mr Millen's cell, and discovered the unfortunate gentleman, stark naked, endeavoring to strangle himself by means of his braces, which he had passed round his neck, and was hauling on the ends. Blood was oozing from his mouth, and it took two constables to overmaster the maniac's strength, and confine bim in handcuffs. Even when thus restricted, he subsequently made repeated attempts to choke himself by grasping his throat with his manacled hands, and he now requires constant wa'ching. It appears he is suffering from a severe attack of delirium tremens.

The usual weekly meeting of the Hospital Committee was held on Thursday evening, Mr Broad, R.M., taking his seat as cbairman in lieu of Mr Lightband, resigned. The visiting Committee presented a favorable report of the condition of the Hospital, and stated that the contractor was to commence next day to put up the addition determined upon at last meeting. There were eijjht patients in ward at the beginning of the week, of whom four had since been discharged. The Chairman said, he had paid a visit to the hospital, and remarked there was no property book. He suggested that the regulations on this point be carried out, and the warder furnished with a book in which should be entered a list of all property found on patients on entering the hospital. A motion by Mr Neale to that effect was agreed to. A letter was received from Mr G-asquoine, tendering his resignation as a member of the committee and honorary treasurer, in consequence of pressure Of business and other matters. Resignation accepted and Mr p. G-. M'Carthy was appointed honorary treasurer, Mr Bain offering to give him some preliminary assistance in some work that had to be done.

, The application of A. Somerville, for permission to use the hospital road , was granted conditionally on his assisting to keep the same in repair, and the permission to be revokable at the pleasure of the committee. The chairman said it was not "necessary to make formal application to the Government for the required subsidy, as he had authority to pay at any time the proportionate amount due by the Government. He should wish, however, to be furnished with a statement showing the amount of money subscribed by the public, and the sums received from Government. In the absence of Mr Gasquoine, "Mr Bain offered to render the statement required made up from the treasurer's book*. Mr Kennedy mentioned that the benefit had been postponed for a week, and Messrs Neale, M'Coy, and Alexander, were appointed a sub-committee to assist the Histrionic Club in the management of the affair. The visiting members for the ensuing week having been named, the committee adjourned to next Thursday, at 4 p.m. A very heavy sea has been rolling

into the bay during the last day or two, but the little Constant has ridden it out without sustaining damage, having been well secured with strong mooring lines. The only other vessel in the bay is the Harry Bluff, hauled up, and undergoing extensive repairs, necessitated by her being badly bilged during similar weather about a fortnight ago.

The theatrical performance, iu aid of the hospital fuuds, by members of the Charleston Histrionic Club, has been postponed, owing to the inclemency of the weather, to Thursday evening next, when it is to be hoped we shall be favored with some fine weather. The walls about here are placarded with an announcement of the arrival and intended exhibition, of'Foley's Menagerie.

EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN NEWS [Br Electric Telegraph] (From the Grey River Argus) "Wellington, July 22. The Panama Company's s.s. Mataura arrived at 3a.m. She left Panama at 8 30 a.m. on the 21st June ; arrived at Opara on the Bth July; coaled and left on the 9th. Experienced contrary winds during the whole passage. On the 14th July a heavy gale and tremendous sea compelled her to stop engines and heave to for 13 hours. She brings news from Europe to 6th June. Passenger's List.—For Wellington —Mr and Mrs Z. F. Poole, Miss Marienburg, Mr and Mrs G-. S. Baker, and Miss Baker, Mr and Mrs C. P. Baker, and two children, M A. Grannaway," F. Grannaway, E. Montalk, Mr and Mrs W. Maxwell, Mr and Mrs J. Maxwell and child, Mr B. Stevens, Mrs A. Grannaway, W. Grannaway. Auckland —Nr C. Furlong, Mr M'Laughlin, Mr W. Smith, Nelson—Mr J. Mackay. Otac;o —Mr D. Haynes. Melbourne—Mr and Mrs Grarrett and child, Messrs Bell, Scott, and Price. Sydney—Mr and Mrs Borsack, Miss liaag, Mr Hill, Mrsßriggs andinfaut.