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Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 413, 26 November 1868, Page 2

As will be seen in another column, the Sports Committee have laid before the public a most attractive programme of land sports and horse races, to be held during the Christmas holida3 r s. The Committee met on Monday and Tnesday evenings, and finallyarrauged the programme, which speaks for itself. Three judges have been appointed for each of the laud sports, and stewards have been selected tor the management of the races. The sale of the booths will take place on Thursday the 3rd December, by Messrs Robertson and Co., aud the prizes will he paid each evening after the sports. Dr. Cileshas kindly consented, with the assistance of Mr Harris, to act as Judge of the liaces and iiegatta. 'The programme for the regatta will not be published until alter the laud sports and races are held. The necessary apparatus for the practice of tilting will be erected next work. There was a serious land-slip at the Orawaiti end of,-Giles Terrace on Tuesday evening. It occurred about ten o'clock, and completely closed up the tunnel of "Long Jack" and party. Fortunately none of the party happened to be in front at the time, and although tiie men were all in the tunnel, they were enabled to make their escape by a drive into the next party's claim. There was recently a similar slip at Ballarat Terrace, and, as it still continues to move, it is impossible to work under it without some risk.

Mr W. Morrison gave last evening—what is a rare entertainment in Westport —some Shakesperiau and other dramatic readings. Space does not at present permit us to notice the entertainment, but there is less necessity for apology, as Mr Morrison's dramatic taste is, locally, widely known and appreciated. That there was not a large attendance was, no doubt, due to the change in the arrangements, to the shortness of notice, and to the unfavorable weather for a sedentary hearing of even Shakespeare.

" Some Thoughts on the Duties of Christian Colonists in a .New Country " is the title of a pamphlet which has just been published by "A Layman," addressed to " the people of New Zealand, and especially to those of the JNelsou Diocese." Copies niaj'be had of Mr Baird, bookseller, ijtladsloue street.

It was lately reported that a very determined but fortunately unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Captain M'Kinuon, was made by one of the crew of the Tararua, as the vessel was about to leave tSandiidge for this port. It appears that Captain M'Kinnou observing the man seated on a portion of luggage, quietly asked him to get oil" of it. Without saying a word, the man drew a dagger and rushed at Captaiu M'lunnon with it ; the latter avoided the blow that was made at him, and seizing his assailaut, struggled with him for some time, until both fell over one of the hatch-ways into the hold. When they reached the bottom of the hold Captain M'Kinnon was underneath, and the man was grasping ] nm tightly by the throat. He aimed a blow at his intended victim, and as the dagger was descending, the second mate, whose attention had been directed to the spot by the noise, caught hold of his arm, aud a fierce struggle took place between them ; the latter being severely cut about the hands and wrists before he overpowered the man. The police were sent for, and the mau was given into custody. It is stated that for some time past the man has given evidence of being of unsound mind.