CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 759, 5 January 1871, Page 2

CHARLESTON.

(from our own correspondent.) Jan. Ist. With a continuance of this splendid weather there is little chance of a cessation of enjoyment, indeed, the want of water is a very good excuse for making the Christmas holidays of long duration. Since my la3t, among the principal events has been the Cricket Match—played on Friday—between the Charleston and Four-Mile teams, resulting in a victory to the former ; and, from the number of spectators assembled on the ground.,to witness their exertions,, it was evident that, eren in this ultima mule, there ■are admirers to be found of this essentially Tlnglish' game. In the ev.eniug, among ■ other Terpsichorean afl'airs, Mr Russell's ball at the Nile was a great success, being extensively patronised. A most serious aspect was cast over the whole community yesterday mocning, most fortunately without any very serious. result, I by the cry cf

" fire," isie roof of the Club Hotel ■ being observed, from the opposite side of the street, by Mrs Hunter, of the Post Office Hotel, to be on fire. Prompt assistance was quickly rendered by those nea* the J Bpot; and, though a considerable amountdf damage was done to Mr Fenton's property, in the assiduity to check the danger, au effectual arrest of what, in this crowded part of the town would have been most disastrous, may be considered a matter of great good fortune. The origin is supposed to have been a spark from one of the chimneys falling on the dry shingle roof. Not at this time to trespass on your space t« too great an extent, I must but briefly note the drawing of prizes at the Empire Hotel last evening —being the splendid assortment comprising Marney's Art Union; value £250. To show how successful the scheme has been, I may tell you that tickets, during the drawing, rose to 30 per cent, premium. The first prize a watch and chain, value £45, fell to Mr Grant, of the Eobert Burns, who by this unexpected piece of good fortune, succeeded to a degree of popularity also, during the night's eventful manifestations, "the ringing in of the Kew Tear," which was kept up to all hours, by the assiduous efforts of an impromptu Jband of serenaders. Mr Perou, of the Back Lead, was the second favored recipient, of those winning the other 49 handsome pieces of jewelry of Charleston handicraft. Mr Liddell arrived this morning at 8 o'clock on his return from the Murray E«efs, across the inter vening country, in search of a passable track, but at present I can only say that his report, when given, will be a favorable one, from what I have at present learned from him.