The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 314, 3 August 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 1868.

There caa be little doubt, we imagine, that anything that is conducive to the interests of Westport and the surrounding districts could not be attained at a more welcome period than the present. It is useless to blind our eyes to the fact that the mining population are melting away and seeking new fields at the Thames, or in Queensland, that business in Westport is dull in spite of the improving prospects of the diggings near, simply because the mining centres have all in their own immediate localities that Weytport can offer, and that there are few inducements to attract them to Westport. Under these circumstances we should have supposed that any suggestion tending to bring business to the town, or that would have a beneficial influence on the district generally, would not only have been welcomed, but as far as possible acted on. Such is not however the case in Westport, and the established dullness seems likely to be chronic, unless the public exert themselves where an opportunity occurs to alter it. We have repeatedly stated that if a regular tender was |

provided the Panama boats would call periodically oil' Westport, bring us goods direct from the great emporiums of Australia, land arid receive passengers, ship gold direct, and in fact be the means in one shape or the other of giving us thousands a year. The advantages that we should derive are so obvious, that it would be folly to dilate on them. Merchant* would save freights at present occasioned through circuitous transit, paf*jngers would save money through circpitojus routes, gold would be shipped direct for its destination, and the double or treble freight and insurance now paid would be avoided, and the miners should receive the difference in the increased price of their gold, the public generaliv would have the benefit of an increased and more expeditious mail service, and a dozen other advantages, of greater or less moment, would accrue. But for some strange reason or other, those most interested, the trading community of Westport and Charleston, have never stirred themselves the least in the matter, and it seems as though they never would. As long as they can carry on theirusual style, doing little business, and growling at that, a few breaking occasionally and reestablishing themselves, they appear to be perfectly happy, and their snmmum bonum mercantile bliss seems to be reached. Surely it might occur to them, if they saw the face o!' his Honor less, and a brighter ledger account more frequently,that it would hebetter for all concerned, andyetthey decline to take one step towards that consummation. All that is needed to give extra importance to this port, to facilitate trade, to bring about a great change for the better, is to have Westport recognised as a trading pori where largo vessels may at least call. Our gold yield is increasing rapidly, our mines • are opening up daily, our general mercantile requirements are being added to in a similar ratio, and surely, as an intelligent community it is necessary that we should adopt means to meet them. As we have previously said, Westport proper is dull, but it is solely owing to the causes we have stated, and, though a harbour boat would not attract the mining population, it would undoubtedly bving business aud people, through the channel referred to, iuto Westport. The difficulty is to get any one to start the project,

set it agoing and it would commend itself to all. It has been said, probably with truth, that the necessary capital for a tug boat eouhd never be raised in. TVes port and Charleston. We say Charleston because if a boat were got that town would derive equal advantages with I Wcstport, in at least weekly or proj bably bi-weekly steam communication, and obtaining direct shipments from I the In.rsre steamers as in the case of

Westporb. Even however if cayjital could not be raised in these places, plenty of shareholders could be found elsewhere who would invest in what could not help under proper management, being a profitable speculation. But for the sake of argument let us suppose that the necessary funds could not be arranged for purchase, what is to prevent

a company from chartering a suitable boat. As to asking the Government to subsidise, it is simply ridiculous, although extremely desirable, and it i s very certain that if we wish to derive the profits, we must run the risk ourselves. The charter of a boat would be an inexpensive affair, comparatively speaking, and from the result of that experiment, those incliued to invest capital, could arrive at a better and

more satisfactory conclusion. There are plenty of steamers in New Zealand we believe, but at all events in Australia, that arc open to charter, and would be admirably adapted for the service, so no difficulty need arise on that score. Even if the boat was not directly self-supporting, a very improbable contingency by the way, the benefits that the community would derive from the larger boats calling would infinitely counter balance any possible loss. On every and on all grounds we most emphatically urge the mercantile community to consider, and having considered take action in, this matter. If they cannot buy, they can charter, and till they get a boat of their own, Westport and Charleston will never be placed in the position that their importance , demands. Let us hope some of the , enterprising business men will call a , meeting and discuss the subject. If they do we are sure that their good 1 sense will speedily convince them of ' its desirabilty, and so at least one step will be contributed to its establishment. . Till a harbour-boat is provided, thousands of pounds will be constantly di- ( verted from the pockets of this public, B and on that ground alone, we should 4 think they will look to it without fur- f ; ther loss of time.

On Saturday the Kyiinersloy Com-1 mission sat again in Wust.port, aud examined a number cf people who knew nothing whatever about the matter, beyond what was favorable to Mr Kynnersley. We really are at a loss to conceive the reasons that exist for perpetuating the enquiry, or that prevent it beiug closed at ouce. The vordict of this Commission may bo easily arrived, and from the evidence adduced, it is clear, not only that Mr Kynnersley is deserving of all praise, but that he alone has been the means of preserving the district from troubles incalculable. We, like others, have our own opinions on the subject, lho Commission will have theirs, ami from the evidence that has been submitted to them, thoy cannot come to other conclusions than those above quoted. The farce has lasted a week !et us hope that it will shortly close. On Saturday last a large quantity of snow fell on the ranges, and yesterday the tips of the surrounding mountains were covered with a completo white mantle ; even the top of Mount Rochfort was so clothed, a very rare occurrence, and when the sun was shining a most beautiful panoramic view was presented. As might be expected, the atmosphere was piercingly cold, and both last and on Saturday night, sheets of ice covered our street lagoons. As soon as warm weather sets in we may look for a strong fresh, for the snow around is as heavy or heavier than we have had this winter.

At Foley's menagerie ou Saturday last, a grand ceremonial, in the shape of christening the newly born Westport lions, took place before a large assemblage of people. The royal infants \\ ere got out of the den by Signor Fernandez, after he had managed with considerable difficulty to block the lioness out, and previous, to the christening, were handed round in a basket to be fondled or patted by a host of, for the nonce, lion lovers. Mr Payne acted as officiating minister, and standing on a table! a * t fl e end of the store, dipped the paws of the cubs in a basin of water, and gave them their respective names. The Maori element was very conspicious, and were most enthusiastic in their welcome to the little strangers. After this three cheers were given for Sir George and Lady Bowen ••tnd an abundance of cheers for Queen Victoria and the British royal family. The little cubs are about the size of small cats, and evidently did not appreciate the affection, that was bestowed on them, for they spit viciously at every one that touched them, just as a kitten does. They are named respectively, Sir George Bowen and Lucinda, in honor of the Governor of the Colonv, who patronised the exhibition when it was in Auckland. The proprietors have made arrangements with the owners of the Charles Edward for the conveyance of the menagerie to Hokitika, but it appears that that boat was taken up in Nelson for the purpose of conveying volunteers to Wanganui, and instead of coming down as expected yesterday or Saturday, she cannot reach* here till to-morrow or Wednesday. Under these circumstances they are compelled to remain in Westport, and have made arrangements for admitting the public to-day and to-morrow at million prices, which will be seen elsewhere. The cubs alone are well worth a visit, and should attract a large attendance.

We are requested to state that if the Kennedy does not arrive by this morning's tide the mailsf or Europe and America via Panamc will be open till 5 p.m. this evening.