BULLER RIVER.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 513, 5 June 1869, Page 2

BULLER RIVER.

(FROil OVTX OWS CORRESPONDENT.) Lyell, June 1.

It is now some time since I wrote to you, having been up the Upper Buller.

On my return here, I must certainly say that I never saw the Lyell in such a state of liveliness. In fact, sensation would be the proper word. Information came in of the death of poor "Torkey," by an accident at Hawk's Crag. He was so well-known as an old and respected digger on the Lyell that many felt deeply sorry for his loss. This affair was scarcely known when the body of poor Hall was brought in. He* evidently lost his life from an accidental gun-shot wound.

Another cause of excitement was a partial rush to Martin's Terrace, about four miles above the Lyell on the north bank of the Buller, and a similar rush to the New Creek about two miles below the Lyell junetion. Altogether the various exciting causes naturally produced more drinking than ordinarily, and this naturally produced a little free fighting. In the morning we had a steady pugilistic encounter lasting for about an hour, when the combatants quietly left off after a complimentary apology to each other in which neither party was able to see his opponent, all their four eyes having been most effectually " bunged up," to use a ring phrase. This affair did not at all satisfy the pugnacious propensities of the crowd which was assembled in the street, as, after a few complimentary remarks to each other, they pitched in in a remark-

ably curious manner. Iu a few minutes some parties were minus of* shirts, part of them hanging gracefully over the posterior of their pantaloons, while the forepart was pasted to their bosoms in stripes with the mud in which they performed a little " ground and lofty tumbling." In the midst of the melee the dogs fancied they were neglecting their duty, and soon redeemed their characters by getting up an afl'ray on their own hook, but they were very soon disappointed, as soon bipeds aud quadrupeds mingled, men were bitten by dogs, and all became I mad together, aud such a sweet scene was enacted that my poor pen cannot describe.

In the evening the best feeling part of the community made up £34> for Mrs Carter, relict of the late Mr Hall.

You can very easily see how necessary a police station is, if you are morally inclined ; for my part I fancy that a little free fighting is necessary, and, judging of propensities of Provincial governments to half do everything, I suppose they would station one policeman here, and that they had better let alone—let them see it out.

While up the Matakitaki I saw an Opposition Separation Memorial going the rounds for signature. JSTo names were asked on the Lyell, as there were no chances of success. The individual canvassing has lately had a grant of a ferry and forty acres of land from the Nelson Government. Such a party management of public affairs has never yet come to my knowledge. The boat is starting. No more for the present.