CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 583, 20 November 1869, Page 2

CHARLESTON.

THE LATE FATAL AFFRAY. (fhom oue own cobkespondent.) Nov. 19. The authorities are steadily raking up evidence to convict the parties implicated in the death of the late Patrick Kirk. The people generally are giving every assistance to the agents of the law, so that the case will be ready for the Coroner's inquest on Tuesday next. I send you a full report of the proceedings at the inquest, but have given the usual assurance that it shall not be published until the inquiry is completed, as it might defeat the ends of justice. Considerable disappointment has been expressed by several of the people resident here, at the non-publica-tion of Mr Hennelly's speech, some asserting that it was probably kept back for a purpose, whilst others more charitably disposed viewed it in a much more reasonable manner. I have not the least doubt you were scarcely able to credit the report true, but I can bear the epithets nut by the testimony of every person who was present, unless those in his own interests, who, of course, would not know anything of it. I had hoped that I enjoyed your confidence more than it appears by to-day's issue I do as a truthful reporter of events. Many persons have spoken to me of the manner in which people residing at a distance, and knowing nothing of the circumstances, would understand the reading of the paragraph, and would think that but little could be depended upon Charleston news in the Westport paper. The scarcity of water is now severely felt, most of the miners are now idle, notwithstanding litigation, the bane of the district is showing its front, and the Court is occupied with several important cases with assessors. If some legislation could be accomplished tending to relievo the miners from the great waste of time, necessary in securing their titles to claims, such achievement would be hailed as a great boon conferred on the district.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE COURT. Thursday, Nov. 18. (Before C. Broad Esq.,R.M.) MANSLAUGHTER. John. M'La-ughiin, Harry O'Brieu, and Patrick O'Sullivan, miners, were charged that, they did, on the 16th day of November, 1869, at Charleston, in the Colony of New Zealand, feloniously kill and slay one Patrick Kirk. Inspector Franklyn, who appeared for the prosecution, stated that the charge against the prisoners had arisen out of an unfortunate affray that had happened early on the morning of the 16th, and in which a miner named Patrick Kirk had lost his life. The Magistrate was aware that an inquest had been held on the same day, but, after preliminary evidence, had been adjourned until Tuesday nest, so as, if possible, the police might by that time furnish additional evidence respecting the manner in which Kirk lost his life. He (the Inspector) would therefore ask the Bench to remand the prisoners until after the Coroner's Jury had arrived at some definite verdict. Mr Broad said he thought the course proposed was the most sensible to adopt, and remanded the prisoners until Thursday next. This case has naturally excited considerable interest in Charleston, aud a large number of persons thronged the Court to listen to the proceedings.