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Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 350, 14 September 1868, Page 2

It is highly desirable that people of whatever sex, who become temporarily deranged when set on horseback, should be brought to their senses by the interposition of the police. Yesterday, a woman rode furiously up the footpath in Gladstone street, and only escaped riding over a little child of two years old or so that was toddling along, by a few inches. Had the child been knocked down, the chances would have been ten to one in favor of it being killed on the spot. Subsequently the same woman, with one male and one female equestrian, obstructed the footpath with their steeds, and the police will proceed against them for it to-day. As will be seen by an announcement in our advertising columns, the Rev. Matthew Baxter, Superintendent of the Methodist Free Church, New Zealand, will deliver a lecture this evening in Westport, of a peculiarly interesting nature. It will be given in Mr Eraser's schoolroom in Molesworth street, and will no doubt be largely attended. We are glad to say that Mr Somner the contractor for the new hospital, is making rapid progress with the building, and there is no doubt that he will complete it within the specified time. This is a matter for special congratulation now, as the resources of the existing tin pot and stable hospital are strained to the utmost for during the past few days the largest number of patients that can be accommodated, have found shelter. Should the sick increase, other temporary provision will have to be made. Some of the inmates, however, are, we believe nearly, if not quite, sufficiently recovered for discharge.

A new article of food, or rather an old article newly prepared has recently been introduced into the West Coast markets by Mr Anderson, of Lake Boga, Victoria, in the shape of mutton hams and sides. The bone is taken completely out, and the meat rolled up, so that it is most convenient to carry. It is excellently prepared, and will keep perfectly sweet for any length of time, so admirably adapted for prospectors and miners who are not always within hail of a butchers shop. The legs run from four to five pounds, and are retailed at half-a-crown the sides at sevenpence a pound, and tongues ready for eating at half-a-crown a dozen. In addition to this Mr Anderson has great facilities for curing fish, which abound in the Lake, and purposes shortly introducing this also to the Coast. The fish would we fancy find a readier market than even the mutton, though both, no doubt will sell rapidly. Yesterday, of all days in the week, was the occasion for considerable fes tivity amongst the Bacchanalian portion of the community, and four found themselves in the strong room at the Camp in consequence, whilst others are likely to suffer consequences at a future date. This, and a reported robbery, is quite a patch of police business after the dull times of late.

At the Resident Magistrate's Court to-day, a publican in this town is summoned for £SO damages, alleged to have been occasioned by the administration of muriatic acid instead of bitters to one of his customers. It appears that some acid had been procured for cleaning brass, and was put into a bitter bottle and placed on the shelf where other bottles were. The person serving not knowing this, handed the bottle to the customer, who called for brandy and bitters. The supposed brandy and bitters was swallowed, and in a few minutes the unfortunate partaker was seized with excruciating pain; the mistake was then discovered, and prompt remedies were administered which fortunately were successful. It is for damages thus sustained the plaintiff now sue 3, but it is possible that the case may be settled out of Court.

A robbery is reported to have taken nlaco at Beaton's store, situated at

Deadman's Creek Terrace, and the police, we believe, have been communicated with. "What the amount cf property stolen was, or any particulars, we are not yet acquainted with. The necessity for a daily mail between Westport and Charleston has long been felt, and how it it is that it has not as yet been established, 13 one of the postal mysteries that puzzle the uninitiated, Cobb and Co's coach runs regularly, and would carry it without great charge, whilst the convenience to business men would be great. At present, if a letter is to be sent on any other day than the solitary mail day, it must be transmitted as a parcel, per coach, at the rate of one shilling per communication. Now that Charleston has a Progress Committee, we hope the body will take tho subject up, and not let it rest, till the boon is granted.