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Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 753, 15 November 1870, Page 2

The English Mail via San Francisco arrived at Nelson on Sunday, and immediately npon the fact becoming known, all sorts of rumors were set afloat as to the nature of the news brought by her. We were fortunate enough to secure the telegraph wires, but long ere the first slip reached this office, many of the " knowing ones" might be seen relating to interested groups of listeners the principal items of news fresh from their own imaginations. After evening service at the churches a considerable crowd began to assemble in front of the Argus Office, waiting for the publication of the Extra. Towards 10 o'clock the crowd began to assume considerable proportions, and in order to secure order two constables were placed on duty at the doors of the office. But it was a good-natured crowd and only indulged in "chaff," and the circulation of all sorts of rumors, which, however, only whetted the appetite for something authentic. Our messsage occupied the wires from half - past six o'clock until ten, and at that time we were informed that no more could be had for an hour, for what reason we are xmable to explain. The first edition was then, issued, but when the runners made an attempt to get out by the front doors, they were seized and every extra torn out of their hands, so that they were compelled to retreat into the office, and escape by the back-door. Such a scene has never before been witnessed in Greymouth, when more than two hundred men were struggling and lighting to secure copies of the extra. They were all speedily supplied, and the street once more resumed its ordinary quiet appeal auce. We have been questioned by a section of the community as to the propriety of publishing the news on Sunday evening, but on this subject we have only to remark that we had nothing to do with arranging the date of the arrival of the steamer, and that in exceptional cases of this kind, we are compelled in order to allay public anxiety, to make the news known at the earliest possible moment. That it was no choice of ours, may be gathered from the hard, and to us unpleasant pecuniary fact, that all messages sent on Sundays are chaiged double rates, and no charge whatever was made by us for copies of our telegrams. Towards midnight the second edition of the extra was published and circulated throughout the whole of the Grey Valley early yesterday morning by special messengers on horseback." A rush has taken place to the upper part of Nelson Creek, between five and six miles above Hatter's Terrace. The ground is^ reported shallow, and the gold coarse. The place can be reached from the Ahaura in about 12 miles by way of the new tra'ik tl r jugh Callaghan's Creek. There is a ferry on the Ahaura River at tbe township. The West Coast portion of the English Mail will be brought on from Nelson by the ss. Kennedy, leaving on Wednesday. This is a very annoying delay, but it is likely to be agravated by the Kennedy calling at Westport and going on to Hokitika. We would suggest, that in the interests of the public and for the credit of the port, that in the Kennedy passing, the Despatch should, if practicable, run out and bring ashore the mail, thus obviating at least twenty-four _ TlTe items of intercolonial news brought by the s.s. Alhambra, from Melbourne, were published by us as an "extra" on Sunday, and will be found in another column. We notice that an influentially-signed requisition has been presented to one of the oldest residents in Greymouth, Mr James Payne, to allow hiiitself to be nominated for a seat in the County Council. Mr Payne consents, so that there are now three candidates in the field, with the prospect of several others coming forward. A public meeting was to have been held at Gilmer's Hall, last evening, for the purpose of taking the preliminary steps in organising the annual Christmas sports. There appeared to be some misunderstanding as to the place of meeting, and consequently the attendance was not sufficiently numerous to warrant a meeting being held. There is very little time to spare now if the usual sports during the Christmas week are to take place this year, and it is to be hoped that when the next meeting is called it will be better attended. In a recently published report of the Napoleon Resident Magistrate's Court, the name of Elizabeth Burke was mentioned. It ought to have been Catherine Burke. Mr J. O'Connor has been presented with a numerously signed requisition to allow himself to be nominated as a candidate for the representation of the Paroa District in the County Council. Mr O'Connor accedes to the wishes of the electors, and will take an early opportunity of stating his opinions upon the public questions of the day. At the Resident Magistrate's Court, yesj terday, before W. H. Revell, Esq., R.M., Patrick Regan, on remand, was brought up charged with lunacy. He was discharged, and ordered to pay the cost of medical attendance and maintenance, amounting to Li Is. —Robert Finlaysonand Charles Allen, charged with being drunk and disorderly, were discharged with ?. caution. A large meeting of Frenchmen and sympathisers with the French nation took place on Saturday evening, at the Paroa Road Board office, in order to take steps to collect funds for the relief of the wounded, and the wives and families of the French soldiers killed in the war. The meeting was very enthusiastic, and the subscription lists were set afloat. The sum of L 24 was subscribed in the room. At the Warden's Court, Greymouth, yesterday, the following case was heard: —J. A. Thompson v Pearson and Co. —This was a charge by the complainant that the defendants had backed water into his tunnel, and thereby prevented him from working in the same. Verdict for complainant with cost", the dam to be reduced for fourteen days in order to allow his claim to get dry. The local volunteers fired a match on Satucday with the Williamstown Naval Brigade, with the following result :—

His Honor the Superintendent of Nelson, accompanied by Mr Shepherd, Provincial Treasurer, Mr G. Donne, Gold Fields Secretary, Mr Hoos, County Chairman of Westland, Dr Knight, Auditor-General for the Colony, and Mr Horton, County Treasurer,

arrived hero by coach on Saturday, "i esterday morning the Superintendent ':uul several of the party proceeded up the river to visit the principal milling centres. It is probable that his Honor will proceed no further than the Ahaura, and that Mr Donne will be left the duty of visiting the Inangahua District, and deciding whether the road shall be taken to the lately-discovered reefs at Murray Creek from the Little Grey or Bailer side of the Saddle. The Superintendent has publicly requested the residents in the town and district to meet him in the Volunteer Hall on Wednesday evening, at eight o'clock. The principal topid io be discussed will most likely be the recent annexation movement. Amongst the prisoners taken at Sedan was Mr Robert Mitchell, a near relation of Mr Francis Dillon Bell, one of the Home Commissioners. Ha\»ke's Bay races come off on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of February next. A man named Elwood has been found dead, with marks of violence, at the foot of the cliff at Fort Britomart, Auckland. How or by what means he came by his death, there was no evidence to show. A Mr M'Quade has succeeded in bringing out safely in the Merope from England to Canterbury a very handsome fox. Bishop Selwyn has written to Mr G. P. Pierce, of Auckland, expressing his thanks for the handsome writing table, inlaid with New Zealand woods, forwarded to him at Lichfield by his friends in Auckland. At the PolicotCourt, Nelson, on Wednesday last, Ursula Carroll was charged with attempting to commit suicide by throwing herself over the wharf on the previous Monday evening. The prisoner was committed for trial at the Supreme Court. Another of those accidents for which Ross has become notorious happened on Thursdaj night to two men who were ascending the shaft of Watson's claim. When near th< surface, the cage by some means became detached, and of course down it fell, a deptl of near 100 ft, causing serious injury to Wm, Hughes and Joseph Golding, besides having their legs broken. The former is a native ol Anglesea, and the latter is a Cornishman. The following are the results of the thirc diy's racing at Christchurch : — Christchurcl Plate— Knottingly, 1 ; Peeress, 2. Railwa3 Plate— Miss Flat, 1 ; Lyndon, 2. Metro politan Handicap — Misfortune, 1 ; Southern Chief, 2. Selling Stakes— Lyndon, 1 . Con solation Stakes— Catapult, 1, We notice by our Auckland files that con crete buildings are coming into fashion ii that city. They are said to be nearly a cheap as those built of wood, and are of coursi much more durable. Messrs Shand, Mason and Co. , of London have addressed a letter to the Town Clerk ol the city of Christchurch, acknowledging tin receipt of an order from the City Council fo a new steam-fire engine, and Jstating that ii return for the confidence reposed in them th«y will manufacture and scud out th best steam fire engine that can be nuidi with all the latest improvements and ap pliances. A rifle match, Wellington versus Napier came off on the 9 th. Napier scored 596, thi average being 54 per man. Wellingto] scored 585, average 49. Last yea? Welling ton beat Napier by 60. The Canterbury Provincial Council ha passed a clause in the Education Bill, autho rising a uniform household rate of LI pc annum, and 5s for each child, up to four ii number, attending the public schools. Th system of public education is almost entirely assimilated to that of Nelson. Captain Hatfield, master of the s.s Wainui. which has amved at Dunedin f roil -«..»> v^urtutiauia, 3liJlu6a Xli.iu urn, imuxo ill. LIT Maoris in the islaud are on the eve of leavin; for Taranaki. It is probable that on he next trip the Wainui will convey them ti Dunedin. A John Coffey, storeman in the employ o Messrs Cochrane and Son, Aucklahd, hai been committed for trial on a charge o having broken into tho store of his em ployers, and stealing therefrom 1771bs o tobacco. Revelations of a startling character, inad< in connection with the insolvency of Thorni and Walker, of Auckland, have shaken con fidence in commercial circles. The liabilities are L 105.264, assets L 30,732. The Archbishop of Canterbury has issuec a form of supplication to Almighty God. praying that the horrors of war in Europe may be assuaged, and peace restored. It i; to be addressed to all the Bishops of the Southern Hemisphere, with an earnest hope that they will recommend their people te add this prayer continually to tlieir private and family supplications. We are glad to hear that an order for 100( additional yards of Nelson cloth was receivec from the Colonial Government by Mr Webt a few days ago. If the cloth furnished foi the previous order gave satisfaction, thai now being manufactured is so very superioi that it cannot fail of approval. Mr Kelling has received a requisition tc represent Nelson Suburbs, and in this issue notifies his intention of standing. Mr Wastney and Mr Ralph Richardson are mentioned as likely also to be candidates for this seat. The Lyttelion Times has recently given offence by one of its musical critiques, and at the foot of one of the published letters on the subject we find the following editorial note : "For the last dozen years we have been so perplexed in our endeavors to satisfy the musical world, in the way of criticism, that we are now thinking of inviting every performer to criticise his or her own work, and see how that will answer." A man named Henry Richardson, a wood carter, residing in Bealey street, Hokitika made an attempt to hang himself on Saturday night. He had attempted on the previous evening to cut his throat with a razor, and also with a knife, and on Saturday night, his manner exciting suspicion, he was followed by amanDolan, who sawßichardson deliberately take a rope from a cart in front of the house, and make it fast to a swing preparatory to hanging himsel f . Dolan ran for help, and he and auother man held Richardson, removed the rope and gave him into custody. An accident which nearly had a fatal termination, oecured at Culliford's claim, Wangapeka, on the 2Sth October. A man named Joseph ! Young was at the bottom of the seventy-four feet shaft at work, when a bucket fell from the top, and must have instautly killed the man had it not fortunately struck the sides of the shaft several times in its decent. As it is the poor fellow's head is badly cut, and he will be laid up for some time. A meeting of the Committee of the Grey Valley Hospital was held at M'Kenna'a Hotel, Allan ra, on Friday, 11th inst. There were present— Messrs Pinkerton (in the chair), White, Hamilton (Gilmer), Fraser, Dargan, Boag, M'Kenua, and Jas. Kittelty. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The plans and specifiations of the building were laid on the table by the hon. sec. Mr Mirfin explained the drawings, which consisted of the front elevation and section of the wing of the building proposed to be erected at present. It would contain one ward 45ft Gin by 26ffc, capable of accommodating 13 patients, with a doctor's and dispenser's romp, and offices attached. The building would be close lined with timber, and the latest improvements for ventilation had been adopted. The total probable cost, according to the^ specification 'accompanying

the design, was also given- L 450. The ] plans and specifications were adopted, and a vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the architect, Mr Mirlin. A letter from the Provincial Secretary — through Mr Whifcefoord — was read by the lion. Sec, requesting information as to the size of the proposed building, the probable cost of management, the amount likely to be subscribed towards the erection of the Hospital, and the amount that might reasonably be expected from the inhabitants of the district for the maintenance of the institution. This information was wanted by the Government before they would make any definite promise as to the amount of subsidy they would be likely to grant. After discussion , the lion, secretary was instructed to forward the required information. In the meantime, it was decided that the erection of the building should be proceeded with, and the following resolution was proposed by Mr M'Kenna, seconded by Mr Eraser, and carried unanimously :— " That tenders be immediately called for in the 'Grey JRiter Argus and the Grey Valley Times, also at the principal stores throughout the district, for the erection of the building, according to the design aud specific. ition of the architect ; such tenders to close on Friday, 25th inst." After disposing of other business, and passing a vote of thanks to the Chairman, the committee adjourned. Mr Heller, in Wellington, administered a dignified and well-deserved reproof to certain occupants of the front seats, who kept up a line of conversation, during the musical portion of the entertainment, greatly to the annoyance of the audience and the .performor. Some people in the back seats called out, asking Mr Heller to play the "Last Rose of Summer," but he declined., saying he had played what was in the programme, and would play nothing more, as during the time he was playing he had been disturbed by the whispering aud talking going on amongst people who should have known better, or if they did not know better should be taught it. The audience heartily applauded Mr Heller, and seemed thoroughly to appreciate the justness of his remarks. Mr Batbgate was a candiate the other day for one of the Dunedin seats in the Provincial Council. The following is his " platform" : — Vote for Bathgate because he is opposed to Class Legislation, Useless Expenditure, Government Immigration, and increased Taxation ; and is in favour of a liberal Laud Law, under which any one may select and occupy a homestead of 320 acres on deferred payments, the subdivision of the present runs into smaller holdings to promote settlement, the immediate construction of light surface railways, affording profitable employment to workmen for years, an ordinance to secure payment of workmen's wag 63 by granting them a lien on their work, encouragement to Local Industries and Institutions, the abolition of restriction of the operation of the Preindly and Provident Societies' Acts, the establishment of free scholarships to students unable to pay the ordinary fees, and who can stand the test of examination, encouragement to the Otago University, simple and economical government and adminstration. The following is the account of the recent ten-mile foot-race near Christchurch, taken from the LyUelton Times : — The following men appeared at the post to start, viz., Austin, at scratch ; J. Shell, 600 yards start ; and Pentecost, 600 yards ; Porter, 1500 yards start, and Pollock 1800 yards had entered, but neither of them appeared at the scratch. On the men stripping, the eplendid condition of Austin] was at once apparent, aud it was evident he had been very carefully trained ; while Shell, on the other hand, appeared to have little, if any, prenaration, , Penfcicosfc ,\vns in tnlarabift rerao, Tout did not appear to possess sufficient stamina for so long a race. The ground had to be traversed 65 times to complete the distance, and at 26 minutes past five o'clock the pistol was fired to a capital start, Shell leading the way at a merry pace. In the third lap Pentecost retired from the contest, Shell still leading ; he was, however, quickly collared by Austin, who, running in beautiful style, kept close behind him till going round the back stretch in the 13th lap, when he put on a spurt and passed his mau with comparative ease. Shell, however, repassed him, but evidently on sufferance, and maintained the lead till coming along the straight run in the 16th lap, when Austin again shot ahead and soon placed a gap of 20 or 30 yards between himself and opponent. The pace now became very hot, and Shell's want of condition began to tell a tale, for in the 18th lap he was obliged to have recourse to the " bottle." Austin evidently had the race in hand now, for although Shell persevered with great gaineness, it was of no avail, for at the completion of the 32nd lap, Austin had again collared his mau ; half the distance had now been completed, the time being 33 minutes. Austin, who had had his coat on during the last four laps, now put on a terrific spurt, and in the succeeding lap passed his man in beautiful style, going as strong as ever. He had now only to keep in front to be certain, bar accident, of winning the race, and in the next lap Shell, evidently done up, resigned the contest. For the next three laps, Austin rattled away at a clipping pace, his style of going seeming to delight nearly every one. After running 37 laps, or just under the six miles, in 3S minutes, he pulled up.

Col.-Sergt. Chamberlain Vol. Simmons Vol. Osborne Assistant - Surgeon Morice Corporal W. S. Smith Vol. J. Smith ... Sergt. Thomas .. Corporal Moss ... Vol. Revell Vol._Jbhnston ... 400 500 GOO Tl. yds yds yds 34244 43443 43334- 52 33344 43430 34242—46 44333 33404 33024—43 33243 24234 30234-42 44443 23204 23303—41 23343 40323 30424-40 33323 33243 40024-39 34430 04322 33330—37 24032 43033 23322— 3 C 30224 44333 33000- 34 410