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Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 332, 24 August 1868, Page 2

Owing to circumstances we are obliged to hold over our report of the German Tearree Concert on Friday evening. All we can is that the performance was of a superior class, and the different characters were well sustained. We regret to say that the weather was most unpropitious, and the attendance was consequently not as large as anticipated. It is reported that another change in arrangements will take place, and that instead of the affairs of the Coast being administered by local beads of departments, a successor to Mr Kynnersley will be appointed. We sincerely hope this is not the case. At the time Mr Kynnersley was made Commissioner the appointment was greatly needed, and to it in fact we owe a large proportion of our present prosperity. Since then, however, we have had all the machinery of Government set in motion in our midst, the latest and one of the most useful additions being a District Engineer, and a Commissioner really now is not needed. In times past Mr Kynnersley united in himself the magisterial, police, warden, and Crown lands functions, but now we have distinct heads of these, with legal departments in addition, and a Commissioner would be just as much use as the fifth wheel of a coach. Even if we make no further advance towards self-government, which is scarcely conceivable, such an officer is a superfluous luxury we do not need under our present circumstances. The news from Giles' Terrace and indeed all the northern diggings is very satisfactory, and daily evidence of the wisdom of the late important decision as to ground in this neighborhood is being furnished. Gold was struck on Saturday last in this quarter, and of a highly payable character. There cannot be the slightest doubt that one of the largest and most remunerative fields that has ever been opened on the Coast will be, or rather has been found in this locality, and that disticnt leads run through all the terraces is a question set at rest beyond all doubt. At the same time parties at a distance must distinctly understand that these are not " poor man's diggings" for the work is hard, and sometime must elapse before those setting in can expect a return. On the other hand, the lucky holders of prizes in this mining lottery have some eighteen months' or two years' profitable employment before them, at from £lO to £3O or even more a-week per man. At Giles' Terrace Evans and party are busy, and will soon wash. A great many are actively engaged in providing substantial huts for themselves as they are now assured of payable work for some time to come. A very good suggestion has been made in reference to filling the protection piling on the river bank, instead of continuing the plan that has been commenced. As it is, the thin sand washes very readily through the fascines and will continue to do so, wo believe, in addition to which, the filling is being taken from Jthe North Spit which is itself being now actually washed away, a process which this removal cannot do other than assist. It is quite certain that the shoal of shingle or boulders that has formed on the south side of the river, nearly opposite where the old sawmill stood has been the chief cause of the current directiug its force against the northern bank. If a large flat-bottomed scow was constructed, shingle could be taken from the shoal and conveyed over without the least difficulty, at low water, and could be discharged where needed. This would not easily wash through tho fascines

whilst its removal would make an opening on the other side, that the current might possibly act on and assist in destroying the obstruction. The flat could easily be worked, and might be built to carry any quantity thought desirable. The difference would be this. As it is, wo are taking away what the sea is already greedy for, and literally assisting in our own damage if uot destruction,-whilst the material we are using is not fit for the purpose we are putting it to. On the other hand we should be lessening, at least, a source of actual danger, and at the same time obtaining material that is in every way adapted for the object in view. Surely there can be no two opinions as to which is the most desirable course to pursue, and we should think our District Engineer would see to it.

We hear that the reports received by the Kynnorsloy Testimonial committee are most encouraging, aud without the slightest doubt, it will be a very large, and we may say without fear of contradiction, unanimous one. It is said to be the intention of the Westport Commiteee te call a public meeting this week in Westport. If this is hold we are sure it will be an enthusiastic one, aud that the proposition will be warmly received. On Saturday evening the Rifle Gallery in Gladstone street, next the Nelson hotel, was re-opened after undergoing great alterations and improvements. Formerly the shooting was through a tube, but now an open gallery, 76 feet in length, has been formed with two targets, and something

like real practice can be had at it. We have no doubt our Volunteers will avail themselves of this opportunity before prize firing commences. During the past week there may be said to have been no business for the Resident Magistrate's Court, and Saturday was no exception to the previous rule. The freedom from police business is attributed to the exodus of bad characters, who, with more respectable folks, have taken their departure for the new land of promise in the Thames district. We wish the Thames authorities all the joy possible of this portion of their bargain. At the District Court on Saturday, the only business was the continuation of the appeal case, Sutherland and party and Hides and party. A number more witnesses were examined, but there are yet five to be heard, as well as the'address of counsel on either side, so it is by no means certain that it will conclude to-day even. The Court will sit at eleven o'clock.

The high tides of Friday and Saturday, washed away a large portion of Gibson's slaughter yard on the South spit, and if another visitatation of the same kind takes place, their total destruction is by no means improbable.

Land under agricultural leases is being rapidly taken up along the Orawaite river. One of thirty acres has been applied for and we believe granted to Jackson and party, and one of a similar area is being surveyed this day on the application of Mr Long. Other applications are about to be made, and we may shortly look for quite an agricultural settlement in this direction.

On Saturday evening Mr Sheahan of the Nelson hotel, added to the attraction of his dance room by the engagement of Prank Leathwood, formerly of the Christy Minstrels, and Johnny "Burgess the celebrated step dancer. "Both these well known artistes varied the amusements of Saturday evening by singing, dancing, &c, and their performances gave the greatest satisfaction to all present. We mny say that the room was crowded, and that as hitherto admission was free.

Foley's troupe return from Charleston on Thursday next, and will give an entertainment in Westport that evening for the benefit of Johnny and Katey Foley, particulars of which appear in our advertising column. We have no doubt whatever that a substantial reward in the shape of a bumper house awaits these talented juveniles.

The Otago Daih/ Times has the following:—A fatal accident on the Otepopo beach, is reported, Mr. Nathan Young, farmer, having been killed, by the accidental discharge of a gun. We have been supplied with the following particulars, from an account sent in by Police Sergeant Buller. Mr. Young, with his son, aged 19 years, George Henry Sperry, who is a farm servant, and a man named Alexander M'Kenzie, went towards the beach on Sunday evening, for the purpose of shooting ducks. There were but two guns carried, one by Mr. Young, and the other by his son. On reaching a lagoon, where it was expected to find some ducks, the son gave his gun to Sperry for a shot. Mr. Young went on in advance of the others, Sperry coming next, and the others being 20 yards behind. Mr.

Young :ind Sperry commenced creep* ing 'along on their hands and knees, and while the former was about 10ft. ahead, Sperry's gun exploded, and its charge of heavy duck *hot was lodged in Mr Youngs back, immediately under the left shoulder blade. The unfortunate man sprrng up,exclaiming "My God ! you've shot me." His sou and the othors rushed to hitn ; he fell into his son's arms ; and, saying only, " Joe, I'm shot," he died. Information was, as soon a possible, given to the police, and they caused the body to be removed to the Crown Hotel, Otepopo, where an inquest was to be held yesterday afternoon. The deceased was formerly a carrier, but for four years he has worked a farm of his own, near the Otepopo township. He has left a widow and seven children. —Sperry has been in the employment of Mr. Young for four months, and they were on the most kindly terms with each other. Sperry states that he was carrying his gun at halfcock ; but it is supposed that, unknown to him, it was at full cock. AVhen the accident happened, the party were going through thick flax ; and it is thought that, at the instant the gun exploded, the deceased was rising from his creeping attitude, so as to get a sight of the surface of the lagoon, over the flax. The " Grey River Argus!' has the following, and the recommendation is equally applicable to those receiving relief at Westport. We hope many will follow Hansen's example.—"A little incident occurred on Thursday in connection with the Grey River Hospital, which deserves to be noticed from its rarity. About eight months ago a man named Ernest Hansen was admitted as a patient, when he was informed that he would have to pay at the rate of thirty shillings per week while in the hospital. At the end of three weeks he was discharged, but as he stated that he was destitute, he left without making any payment. On Thursday evening last however, Hansen called on Dr Morrice, and paid him the £4 10s he had promised to do when he left the hospital eight months before. We commend this example to tbe attention of the many patients who have been restored to health by the medical attendance and comforts they received in the hospital, who are now in the receipt of wages, and many in good claims throughout the district.