The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 347, 10 September 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1868.

A numerously signed requisition is in course of preparation at the Caledonian and adjoining terraces which will be handed to Mr Winstauley, postmaster here, having for its object the establishment of a post office at the Caledonian. We are glad to see that the proper steps are being taken by our Caledonian friends in this, and feel sure that the importance of the district will meet with the favorable consideration of the Postmaster.

It is intended to appoint at least one, and possibly two Mining Surveyors on the South West Goldfields of this province, who will receive salaries and travelling expenses, and who will be instructed from time to time as occasion may arise, to survey disputed claims. Fees will be charged by the Government in such cases and will pass into the Provincial Treasury, whilst the miners will have to pay a reduced rate of fees, and can depend on having the work properly done. Mr Commissioner Kynnersley, we understand, insists on the necessity for two, one to be stationed at the north, and the other at the south portion of the Nelson division of the Coast, whilst the Executive think that one is sufficient for a const line of fifty miles or more. The impossibility of one doing the work must be obvious to any one that knows a-iything of the matter and it is to be hoped if such appointments are made at all, that they will be sufficient to meet mining requirements.

A telegram arrived from Mr Warden Broad last evening, stating that three fresh claims had struck gold on the prospectors' spur near Brighton. There is great excitement in that neighborhood, an-1 every section in Brighton is again occupied, though but a few weeks ago houses, sections and all literally went begging, and no one could be found to take them as a gift. As to the truth of the statement in reference to the new ground being opened, we can vouch for its accuracy, and it is probable that the surrounding country will be thoroughly prospected as a very considerable rush has already taken place. The assessors appointed in the case of Luke and party v. Nicholls, Perry and party, gave in their decision yesterday. It was to the effect that the ground might be worked though the gold was not to be sold, but lodged in a receiver's hands, to be handed over to Luke and party, less reasonable expenses, if they were successful in maintaining their appeal. On the other hand Luke and party were to lodge £IOO, or security for that amount, themselves and two sureties to indemnify Perry, Nicholls and party, in case of the "Warden's decision being upheld. If Luke and party were successful, they were also to be paid for loss of time and trouble in procuring bondsmen, &c. "We are not aware whether the warden has approved of this decision, but have no doubt he will do so, and thus a partial, if an unsatisfactory settlement to an unfortunate dispute will be arrived at. Signs of the times are found in many respects, the latest being the reduction of the wages of the Provincial Government labourers, surveyors men, &e., from 12s to 10s per week. As mayhe expected, this has given considerable dissatisfaction to those most interested and they, with some reason, complain that whilst this reduction is enforced on them, the necessaries of life remain at the same figure. Bread more especially is still Is 6d the 41b loaf, though thelatest Melbourne quotations show that Adelaide flour was £l9 per ton. All the class referred to are actually cash purchasers, and the bakers must, be getting also incalculable profitsin cases where theyare paid in full. Other articles are also from twenty to a hundred per cent- in advance of many other places where the wages are equal \ and under all the circumstances we cannot help thinking

that the labouring men are hardly dealt with. Ifitwaainthe power of the Government to compel a lower tariff for necessaries, it would bo quite right to reduce the price of labour, but as matters are, some hardship will be inflicted.

Though it is scarcely necessary to draw attention to a pleasant fact, we have great pleasure in reminding the public that to night the Odd-fellow's Anniversary ball will be held, as per advertisement. "We have on previous occasions referred to it, and now only need say that it is intended to be the best ever given in the district. From personal knowledge we can affirm that everything is provided for the appetites of the guests, and everything, in other respects, is furnished that can be required. We omitted to state that a scent fountain is kindly furnished for the occasion, and the number of pockethandkerchiefs that will be dipped in it will be a matter of history. Whether through the financial mistake by which the .Nelson province has lost £14,000, or through some other reason, the Provincial Executive are getting remarkably stingy, and close in their transactions. Notice has recently been given to the authorities here that no work of any description, however trifling, is to be undertaken, before plans and specifications for the same have ben sent up to the Superintendent. The earliest example of the effects of this economy has already arisen. A closet for the gaol is needed, and was about to be erected, but under the latest instructions, plans and specifications have to be forwarded, and in the course of time, no doubt an order for the work, if the design is approved of, will be sent down. Truly there is no room for a provincial Joseph Hume, under these circumstances.

The ' Otago Argus' of the 29th ult says:—" In our issue of the 22nd inst. we stated that applications had been made to the Government for passages to the West Coast of this Province by miners, who had given information to the effect that a payable goldfield could be developed there. Their request was complied with, and we are now in a position to state that they have been requested by the Government to delay their departure from the Arrow, in consequence of the s.s. Airedale, which had been engaged by the Government to call in at the point indicated and leave them, having been detained in the North. The fir.it steamer available for the purpose will, doubless, convey these pioneers to what we are sanguine will prove to be one of the richest goldfields in Otago." The Baker's and Miller's Bill recently passed, contains twenty-two clauses, and provides that all bread shall be made of " pure and sound" meal of *' wheat, barley, rye, oats, buck wheat, Indian corn, peas, beans, rice or any of them, and with any of them, and with and any common salt, pure water, eggs, milk, barm, leaven, potato, or yeast, and mixed in such proportions as may be thought fit, and with no other ingredient or matter whatsoever." Household wheaten bread is to be marked with a Roman H; mixed bread is to be marked M ; penalty for not marking 10s. French rolls and fancy bread are exempt. Using any other weights than avoirdupois will subject the baker to a penalty not exceeding £5, not less than ss. Also, bakers are to provide their shops with weights and scales. False weights subject the baker to a penalty of £5.