Page 2 Advertisements Column 2

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 364, 30 September 1868, Page 2

By an advertisinent wmcu appears in another co'umn, it will be observed, tbat a public meeting of subscribers to the Kynnersley Testimonial Fund and others, is to be held this evening in the drill shed attached to Mr Emanuel's Hotel, to determine what further steps shall be taken in the matter. This is so far satisfactory, for we believe a feeling has been generally expressed, that sufficient publicity has not yet been given to the movement. We understand toat an amount of from £2 to £3OO. has been subscribed at the Grey towards a similar fund. A new run of gold has been discovered at the face of Giles' Terrace, on the Buller side. It is termed a lower lead, and some parties have already commenced tunneling, a payable prospect has been obtained, and the ground pegged off nearly as far Deadman's Creek Terrace.

There was a large attendance of buyers at Mr Munro's sale by auction yesterday of Messrs King and Cowley's stock of groceries &c, and very fair prices were realised. The building itself was knocked down for £2lO. Private accounts from Hokitika speak rather gloomily of the mining prospects in that quarter. Not only is the yield of gold declining, and the population decreasing, but, what is looked upon by diggers as a bad sign, considerable numbers of Celestials are finding their way into the district and taking up claims. If this be so to any great extent, it will materially stand in the way of a return of prosperity by keeping back many absentee miuers who otherwise might be disposed to revisit Hokitika and work out thair old ground, for a very strong impression obtains amongst diggers, that a gold field occupied by Chinamen, offers but a poor prospect to Europeans. Considerable progress has been made in the new hospital buildings by the contractors, who appear to be pushing forward the work with commendable speed The detached house for the warder is nearly completed, and the main building is so far finished that the painters are at work laying, on a first coat of paint. There is some rumour of an intention to hold a ball for the benefit of the hospital, in the new building when completed, but we are not aware whether there is any foundation for the report. »