CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 510, 29 May 1869, Page 2

CHARLESTON.

NEW WATER-RACE COMPANY. (from otje own coebesroxdejjt.) Mat 25. Tho leading men of the district have at last shaken off the indifference which has too often characterised any movement brought forward for the advancement of the community, the movement for forming a monster race company being through their efforts fairly placed before the public. There can be no question that the successful carrying out of the scheme will confer incalculable good on the district, as ground not payable at presont would, with a largo command of water, pay handsomely, and confer a benefit on every branch of industry. The survey of the line for tho race, by the Government surveyor, proves that sufficient fall can be had to command the most elevated gold-bearing points in tho district, while tho cutting presents scarcely any difficulty but what can bo easily overcome. In California, where water-races of extraordinary length and magnitude have been constructed, and to which this proposed one will bear comparison, it has been found that fluming, as a rule, costs less, and the job is more substantial, than the uncertain sidling cutting. This, I presume, will form a subject of consideration, on the part of the managing committee, as to supply and cost of timber. It would be much to regret if the scheme should be allowed to languish for what of adequate support. In regard to the sum of £ISOO obtained by the energetic importunities of our representatives, no objection can be urged to their obtaining money for road-making, but the claims of other localities should be considered before they vote such a sum for one specific work, whilst others must necessarily suffer delay owing to the want of available funds. Many are of opinion that the want in this instance would have been met by a much smaller sum, the excellent horse track between Westport and Addison's only requiring widening to admit of dray traffie. A portion of this sum could bo judiciously spent in forming a new and less dangerous road through the Deep Creek, between this place and Brighton. At present it requires a considerable amount of nerve and care to descend the track on horseback.

We have lately been much astonished to find so many learned persona in our midst, as illustrated by several letters in our local and Westport papers. It is the opinion of the greater part of the inhabitants, that such a class of literature is in advance of the requirements of the place. If those letters had contained a little more English and less Latin the import of the effusions would have been more easily arrived at. In mining affairs, nothing of mo* ment has occurred since my last. The whole of the mining population are busily engaged throughout the district, water being most plentiful.

The Queen's Birthday was observed as a holiday by the Government and banks, but business places were doing their usual trade, nothing unusual in the town pointing out that it was a holiday, excepting a flag from the European Hotel; Mr Weitzel, I sup. pose, out of compliment to the Prince, having hoisted St. George's Cross. A ball took place at the Oddfellows' Hall on Monday night, given by Mr M. Jones, but owing to the inclemency of the weather it was not so well attended as was expected. The building known as the Belle dg Union is now in course of removal, but the site will soon be again built on, it being the intention of one of our merchants to there erect a private dwelling-house. The improvements to the Courthouse are being rapidly pushed on. Mat 28.

The fine weather prevailing this morning has enabled the Mavis, for Lyttelton, and the Standard, for West, port, to put to sea, after being detained for a day or two, by bad weather.