CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 365, 1 October 1868, Page 2

CHARLESTON.

PROSPECTING ASSOCIATION MEETING. Pursuant to advertisement, a public meeting for the purpose of taking steps for the formation of a Prospecting Association, was held on Tuesdayevening at the Melbourne Hotel. A great number of miners and others interested in the matter assembled on the occasion. It was proposed by Mr Isaacs and seconded by Mr Kennedy, that Mr Gasquoine take the chair. After some remarks from the chairman relative to the important matter which invited them thither on that evening, and in which all had a common interest: It was moved by Mr Hennelly and seconded by Mr Russell—" That tho meeting was of opinion that it would be desirable to form a Prospecting Associati n, so that the country around may be properly opened and prospected." The second resolution was moved by Mr Behan, and very ably seconded by Mr Kennedy—'• That such Association should consist of nine members, with power to add." Some discussion then ensued respecting the advisability of assisting prospectors, or offering a reward for a new goldfield. Mr Gillespie suggested, that a fixed sum be given weekly to the prospectors.

Considerable discussion followed respecting the election of the nine members of committee, and it was finally decided that the sixteen candidates who were proposed by the meeting to form the association, should elect the required number, and after a vote by ballot in another room, the following were declared duly elected: —Hennelly, Connolly, Allen, Behan, Savage, Neale, Jones, D. Hunter, and M'Parland. Subsequently Mr Jones was appointed chairman, Mr Neale, secretary, and Messrs Allen and Behan, honorary treasurers of the Association.

The first meeting of the Committee will be held on Thursday next,

On Tuesday a telegram was sent to Mr Kynnersley, to ascertain what evening would be most convenient for him to attend, the forthcoming banqet and a satisfactory reply having been received, it was decided that the Banquet be held on Tuesday evening, October 6th at the Bank Hotel.

A meeting of the Masonic Order was held on Monday evening at the OddFellows Hotel, and was very numerously attended. Several members were raised to the degree of Master Masons. It is satisfactory to have to observe that this great society of the " brethren of the mystic tie," is not declining amongst us. In the Wardc ns Court on Monday a few application for head races, and and two extended claims, one to Mace and Party, the other to Lawlor and .party, w r ere granted. ■A fair number have left within the past few days, for the new ground lately discovered south of Brighton, on the third terrace from Eochfords It appears that very rich sand has been struck ; and as a matter of course there is some anxiety till the extent of the new fields be fully ascertained.