CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 385, 24 October 1868, Page 3

CHARLESTON.

Considerable dissatisfaction has for a long time prevailed in consequence of the stupid arrangement of the postal communication between this town and "Westport. It was never perhaps so freely expressed as on Tuesday last when it was discovered that the mail-man arrived without the Home mail which was due at the Buller on that particular date. It is true, he could not carry what was not at "Westport at the time of his departure thence, but if he had waited for the low tide the Kennedy would have arrived in the mean time and we would now have our letters and papers instead of having to wait for them till Friday next. Pretty state of things forsooth! If the Post office authoi'ities cannot exercise a discretionary power in such an important matter as this, they ought to be invested with it as speedily as possible. Doubtless they were cognisant >of the fact that the Kennedy was expected with the Home mail on Tuesday, and yetthe man could not be detained until it was ascertained if she was coming. Had the interest of this community been in the slightest consulted the mail from "Westport to Charleston would be despatched on all occassons at low tide, and I little doubt but that the arrangement would suit the contractor, as the road would Tje better adapted for travelling besides the great boon that would thereby be conferred on the public at large, and in short much inconvenience I might add to Post office officials. MINING. The Cosmopolitan Cement Crushing and Water Co., washed up a few days since, with the result ~of £285 for twelve-and-a-half days crushing. The Band of Hope Engine, Back Lead, was purchased by Byan and Party, of Sardine Terace, for the sum of £165 and the contract for its removal thither has been accepted at £l2O. The whole plant is to arrive at its destination in four weeks. EESIDEtfT MAGISTEATE'S COURT. Inthe Resident Magistrate's Court, on Monday, Thomas Cullaghan charged with drunkenness, forfeited his bail. La the Civil list: —Walsh v. Dolan, claim £6 15s 10d., Judgment was entered for plaintiff in amount claimed and costs. Weitzelv. Home, claim £5. In this case a set-off of £5 5s was entered for professional services. It was rejected as informal, and judgment was then acknowledged for plaintiff in amount claimed and costs. White v. Balmer, a claim of £6 10s for work and labour done. Judgment given for the plaintiff £1 12s 6d, and costs. Renewal of publican's license was granted to William Nahr,andanew license was granted to C. Carmody. In the Warden's Court there was an application for extention of headrace, the registration of which was granted. Another application of a slaughter-yard at Darkies Terace, in consequence of applicant leaving the district on business in this case the Court had no jurisdiction.

For the first time within the recollection of the oldest inhabitant, has this town and the surrounding district been visited by an earthquake of some magnitude. It occurred on Sunday night about half-past 12 o'clock, when all order-loving people were safely located in their beds, and lasted about one minute and a half. As a proof of its severity, I need but observe that not only were domestic apparatus made to vibrate considerably, but persons underwent the great danger of beiug tumbled out of their beds. No injury however to persons or property beyond the smashing of a lamp glass is reporto have occurred. A few shocks of lesser magnitude were felt during the remaining portion of the night. It is announced that Mr Fred, Hall has completed the monster platform situated in the midst of tastefully laid grounds, &c, at the rear of the Race Course Hotel, Buller Road. However exaggerated the latter portion of t.je advertisement may be, the platform at all events offers some inducement to pleasure parties. But no inducement however great will avail, not even if the artificial Lake at Versailles were to be seen there, so long as the shilling toll is demanded at the Nile Bridge.