CHARLESTON NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 378, 16 October 1868, Page 2

CHARLESTON NEWS.

As regards news the week has been a dull one. The matters that most engross public attention are the severity of the weather, «nd the great scarcity of beef and mutton ; the butchers indeed, having nothing to offer except corned beef and fresh pork. The consequence is that a great demand is made upon the storekeepers for hams and potted meats. On Monday a rumour obtained currency that coarse gold had been struck somewhere in the vicinity of the Dividing Eange, and that an application was to be made for a prospecting claim. It will be in the recollection of your readers that a like rumour prevailed some time since, and that a nice specimen had been discovered beyond the Kaka Terrace. But in the latter, as in the former case, there existed no foundation in fact. There iB little doubt however, if the country for some distance beyond the Dividing Eange were properly prospected, but that it would be attended with a very satisfactory result. A considerable reduction has taken place in the price of bread. The 41b. loaf, which was hitherto two shillings, is now one shilling cash, or one shilling and three pence credit. A considerable share of patronage is doubtless due to Mr Eobertson, the first mover in this matter. Such a result has long and anxiously been expected. Another rereduction of a different character has beeen made in the price of lemonade, gingerbeer, &c. Our manufacturers

are now retailing those beverages at the moderate sum of two shillings per dozen. Benificial to the pbblicana it is true, but to no one else. I should much rather see other commodities reduced in the same proportionate degree. The following cases of a civil nature were decided in the Eesident Magistrate's Court on Monday :—Miller, Ayton, and Co. v. Mrs Fitzgerald— Claim £5 9s Id; judgment was recorded for plaintiffs by default in amount claimed and costs. The case of Maginn Bros. v. Paterson—Claim £34 10s Bd, was adjourned till Tuesday for production of dishonored acceptance by plaintiff Buckland v. Lewis— Claim £1 18s 5d ; judgment for plaintiff by default in amount claimed and costs. A similar judgment was entered in that of M'Parlaud v. Fitzgerald— Claim £6 18s (id. In the claim of Neale v. Coughlin Bros, for £5 ; the summons was enlarged till Thursday. Renewals of publican's license were granted to Neil Black, and Joseph Hency. At a meeting of the Church of England Committee held on Monday evening at the Melbourne Hotel; Mr Broad in the chair, and the following members present, Messrs Gasquoine, Neale, M'Coy, Jones and Bain. It was resolved that Mr Harvey's offer be accepted, as a temporary arrangement, to visit Charleston every alternate Sunday, till a permanent clergyman be appointed, and that he be paid£loo and travelling expenses. Arrangements were then made for the purchase of a harmonium and a bell, and Messrs G-asquoine and Jones, were appointed to see Mr Bear relative to playing the harmonium. It was also resolved that the chandelier be purchased from Mr Harvey at £2 10s. A man named William Crumbleholm, died in the Hospital on Tuesday, from an attack of pleurisy, and was buried on Thursday. The committee of the Kynnersley Banquet, met on Tuesday evening, and a deficit of £2O 16s was reported, which sum they resolved to satisfy among themselves.