NOTES FROM CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 424, 9 December 1868, Page 2

NOTES FROM CHARLESTON.

Dec. 5. The weather has been very dull, with drizzling rain, for these past few days. This morning, however, the bar was smooth, and with the assistance of the surf-boat, and a fine land breeze, the schooner Ann cleared the Heads and took her departure for Greyniouth. The. s.s. Waipara arrived, discharged fifteen tons general merchandise, took on board a few passengers, and sailed on the same tide for southern ports. It is rumoi'ed that Lieut. Woods will require her services on the Coast for a month, to aid in 'the marine survey, in the place of the St. Kilda, which vessel is undex'going repairs at Wellington. Lieut. Woods and Mr Knight arrived in Charleston to-day for the purpose of surveying the harbour, ar.d to see as to the practicability of improving the same. I am told that their survey at Cape Eoulwind will be finished in fourteen days. Then the party proceeds to the southern ports.

Dec. 6. The ketch Blackwall from Christchurch is in the offing. The weather being bad, there is not much probability of her getting in for a day or two. The Wild Wave, from Christchurch, is also due.

The prospecting party that have been out on the hunt for a new goldfield arrived in town to-day. They have not been successful as yet. Whether the association intend to send them out again I am at a loss to know. One thing is clear, that the paying of such a party does not appear to answer. Track-cutting in the interior should be tendered for at so much per mile. Any persevering party intending to prospect would then have an inducement to do so.

The sports at Christmas will not come up to those of Westport in regard to finance or any other thine The committee have decided to hold the sports in the street, on the supposition, I imagine, that the hotelkeepers will be more directly benefited thereby. This seems, however, rather an absurd arrangement, especially as there are many available places in close proximity to the town. Then, by selling booths, they might derive a sum that would prove a handsome addition to the exchequer. As it is, several parties refuse to subscribe, solely for the reason that the sports are to be held in the street.