THE Grey River Argus PUBLISHED DAILY. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1872.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1366, 14 December 1872, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus PUBLISHED DAILY. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1872.

So far as Greymouth is concerned, candidates and constituents alike " buried the hatchet" as soon as the poll was closed on Thursday afternoon, and creditably terminated a contest which had been honorably and creditably conducted throughout. To the candidates, credit is specially due for their manly bearing towards each other at the majority of their meetings, and for the propriety of the demeanor with which, at Ihe declaration of the poll, they accepted either success or defeat. Among all the election contests which individuals of this com* we warrant that they have not witnessed any contest of the kind in which they found five or even any smaller number of candidates behave with better feeling towards each other, or towards those who either supported or opposed them. Their conduct was a credit to themselves, and so exemplary towards the community that, if the community is at all a sensitive one, it will not fail in the future to favor those who act towards each other as gentlemen, and to condemn and contemn anyone who, as has been the case in other West Coast communities, imports into election contests the element of rowdyism. Even the little incident of the candidates, defeated or successful, shaking each other warmly by the hand at the close of the proceedings flavored nothing of burlesque, and seemed to commend itself to all the spectators, from the most sentimental person present who hod ever known the pleasure of " making it up" with a wife or sweetheart, to the unimpressible party wh" can shake hands as a preliminary to converting them into fists, for the purpose of giving or taking a physical beating. It is no pretension to the possession of wisdom gained after the event, to say that the result, so far as Greymouth is concerned, is exactly what was anticipated j by the most guarded of betting men when Messrs Kennedy and Smith had become candidates, and it is a result with which the constituency as a whole has reason to be fairly satisfied. It is a result, however, which must not be accepted as arising from any considerations of nationality, creed, or party, which occasionally influence election* on the West Coast. It is simply an assertion of the community's approval of thg men individually, on account of their personal qualities, such as the possession of shrewdness ard sound sense fitting them to take part effectually with their fellowmen in the management of public interests. Neither is the result to be accepted, so far as concerns the other candidates, as any mark of the puolic disapproval. The number of votes for Mr Fox and MrLahman was sufiicigntly high to show that they had the confidence of a large section of the community, and Mr Cooper's position on the poll was due greatly to pirenmstances which he, no doubt, sufficiently comprehends, aud for which he was not altogether responsible — we refer to the dubiety whigh existed as to his being the elected member for the district of Paroa. The circumstances which contributed to Mr Lahman's defeat were undoubtedly, paradoxical as it may appear, the circumstances of his having enjoyed the responsibilities and honors of the offices of Qoanty Chairman and Legislative Councillor. In both positions he was put to the teat, as a public man more than any of the other Cojangillora who were elected along with him two years ago. He was more prominently aud .constantly before the public, subjected to much more criticism than any of his ; I colleagues, and therefore at a disadvantage when he came before the conr stituency for re-election. Had be been dimply Mr Henry Labrnan, mew bar of the County Council, he would probably have been once more elected, for he is one of a class who, in these colonies, are capable of taking a creditable position by the force of their intelligence and industry, under all the disadvantages of being strangers to the dominant institutions and

language. Elevated into the position oi administiatir of affairs in a country most adversely situated, and elevated t< that position by one of those accidents to which we fear the choice of County Chairman will always be attributable, hV was more tried than most men of equal parts, and that his career was not a com pleie success is not mure than might have been prophesied at the period of his election. It is questionable if it is not somewhat to his credit that it did not prove a greater failure. Compared with others who have occupied the position of Chairman of the one County of the Colony, or of Superintendent of any of the several Provinces, he has reason to consider himself fortunate in having been, during his of office, elevated to a seat in the Legislative Council — an honor which should go a long way to solace him for his absence from a seat in the County Council of Westland, for, had he been elected on this occasion, a seat in the Council is, in all probability, all that his return would imply. It will be news to the constituency of Paroa to know that Mr Cooper is their representative, not Mr Hamilton. Mr Hamilton, as has already been stated, happens to be interested in a contract for County work, and, on discovering that his position as such made him ineligible according to the County of Westlaod Act, he promptly and properly communicated with the Returning Officer. Mr Cooper did the same, claiming to be, in consequence of Mr Hamilton's disqualification, and in consequence of himself being the only qualified person nominated the member for the district. The Returning Officer, Mr Kenrick, has since exercised himself much in communicating with the Minister of Justice, in reading and endeavoring to understand Acts of Parliament, and 'in procuring the best legal opinion locally available ; and the conclusion he has come to is that he has no alternative but to declare Mr Cooper the member for the district, and declared as such Mr Cooper will be in the first issue of the County Gazette. The provision made regarding disputed elections, it appears, is rather peculiar, the peculiarity consisting, in fact— -to perpetrate a "bull" — in tbe absence of all provision, except such as may be made by the County Council itself. Without pretending to any accurate knowledge of the position, we believe that it is somewhat thus— Supposing Mr Hamilton persisted in holding the seat, the Council might be petitioned that he was not legally a member, and he himselfj for every time he might be present at the Council's deliberations, would render himself liable to a heavy penalty. Being confessedly disqualified, the decidedly preferable course has been that which he has adopted— to inform the Returning Officer of the facts, and the Returning Officer accordingly adopts the on§ course which, according to all the advice he gan obtain, and according also to a common-sense reading of the Act, seems to be inevitable. That Mr Cooper does not occupy his seat with the pronounced sympathies of tbe electees of the district is beyond all question. Possibly there is no district in which Mr Cooper, as a candidate for election to the County Council, and in a contest, would find himself in less popular favor. In the -.j i^_^*_+» w ,_Vx;ii;»..j 1»: 1..™,. for Paroa is a palpable "fluke" which, so far as he is concerned, proves to bo a cmtp. All that is to be hoped is thq,t it will not happen to be an unfortunate "fluke" or coup for the interests of the district, and as to that few can have any fears. As a candidate for election in the Greymouth district Mr Cooper made a very creditable appearance. He improved, rather than declined, in favor on each occasion that he came before the public, and there seems to be every prospect of his proving as good as anyone of the nine gentlemen who on this occasion have been elected. He possesses ability as a thinker and a speaker ; he has extensive local knowledge ; he belongs to a profession members of which are particularly fitted to be members of a County Council or Board of Works ; and if he should fail to act as a public representative "up to the handle,'' he will, no doubt, very boot be told of it, and, espe? ciallywith an unsympathetic constituency, find that, in public life, the roses are, in numbers and dimensions, very disproportionate to the thorns they bear. The other members of the new Council are that now ancient Councillor, Mr Edmund Barff, for Arahura, Messrs Bonar and Cassius for. Hokitika, Mr Robinson for Kanisri, and Mr Hamilton Cuming for Totara. Wfth anything like a wise election made at Okar#o ; there will be no reason to be otherwise than satisfied with the general result.

The official declaration of the poll was made yesterday at noon by Mr Revell, the Returning Officer. The numbers were the same as mentioned yesterday, and Messrs Kennedy and Smith were declared duly elected. • , A sitting of the District Court was held yesterday, before his Honor Judge Harvey. The first case was a claim brought by John Card, of New River, against Messrs Hamilton, Russell, and Carter, for LlO damages for trespass by pjgs in the plaintiffs garden. After the evidenc.6 bad been taken, his Honor said he (thought' the plaintiff had sued for a very modejrats amount, and judgment would be for LlO and L§ ijSs.fcoste. The remaining cases were applications in bankruptcy. In the application of Edward Hankins for a final discharge, the Court reserved judgment on a technical point until $he sitting in February next ; protection to continue, and the bankrupt nob again requited to appear.— Joseph Louis Batcher and John I^ender^on received their final orders of discharge. -*Tkf} application of Ellen Maria Kennedy for final < discharge occupied a large portion of the time of tbe Court. Mr Guinness appeared for tbe bankrupt, and Mr Perkins for Thomas and M'Beath,'Cook, and Hunter, creditors. After the eyidence had been taken at length, the Judge said "he paw no reason why the certificate should be wi&ljueld. The bankrupt had certainly incurred largo debits for drapery after she returned from Reef ton, but seeing that she appeared to be in a large way of business she must have had every ex* pectation of paying these amounts. The certificate would be granted. The Court adjourned until this morning at ten o'clock. Coacfr communication oetween Hokitika and G-r.eyfljouth $ras renewed yesterday. Mr O'Connor, fornierly District Engineer, -was a passenger to Greynjoufch, and it is Btated tbafc, lust evening, the Colonial JBnginepr-in-Chief arrived by the Claud Hamilton. ' ; A cottage in Arney street, the property j of Mr James Black, was found to be on fire : yesterday afternoon, in tfre abs.en.cp of the inmates, the flooring bad gaught fire .somehow, bnt the fact was fortunately discovered, and the prompt action of the polico and others prevented the destruction of the building, ;

"The Greymouth and Grey District Alman ac md West Coast Directory" is the title of a volume of nearly four hundred pages, printed by MessrsKerr, Arnott, and Co., andpublished ihis day for purchase at the small price of me shilling, and for perusal during the year 1873. This ia the third year of the publication of what is essentially a district almanac and directory, and the character of the publication, like wine, seems to improve by age. It is neatly printed from new type, and its contents have 'been carefully compiled with a view to accuracy, variety, and quantity of information. The directory seems to be especially complete, containing as it does the names and professions of sixty different townships on the. West Coast, and information as to localities is available at a glance by the book containing a map lithographed by Mr M'Kellar, of Hokitika, and representing.a- section of the West Coast from Charleston to Hokitika, including the valleys of the Grey and Inangahua. For the miner, the farmer, the gardener, and the storekeeper, there is information of a special character provided, aud nearly all professions are represented in its numerous pageß of advertisements. That such a book can be produced for district sale solely is creditable to the enterprise of the publishers, as it is also suggestive of the importance and prosperity of the Grey district. The Greymouth Amateurs gave a second entertainment last night in aid of the District Hospital, but we regret," to state that their efforts were not nearly" so well seconded as they ought to havelbeen: The house was comparatively thinly attended, and the result cannot aid the funds to any great extent. At the same time the intentions of the amateurs were in the highest degree praiseworthy, and the performance throughout passed off most satisfactory. The first piece was the melodrama "The Idiot Witness," which was as successful as. on its first representation. "■ The Seven Ages " next occupied attention, and the different stages depicted by. . the immortal bard were excellently, represented, though the Justice rather suddenly disappeared, and the curtains were obstinate. The musical melange was exceedingly satisfactory, Mrs Thornton, Mr Bish, and Little Amy receiving well-merited applause for their share in this part of the entertainment. The whole concluded with the one act piece "The Clock on the Stairs," and though the audience was very limited, those present, were highly pleased with the performance, and the only matter for regret was that it was not better attended. It has been suggested that the reaction consequent oh the election excitement caused the apparent lack of enthusiasm in so good a cause, and we have no doubt that such is correct. In the meanwhile, however, the public of Greymouth owe the amateurs their thanks, and unquestionably they will be cordially accorded. It is said that all idea of having races at Hokitika during the Christmas week will have to be abandoned in consequence of the damage done to the race-course by the late flood. The I^flkjitika Star understands that a complaint Las' b,een laid against Mr Birch, the Clerk to the C^nrt a£ Stafford, foi having renewed a miner's right, notwithstanding the date of the previous one had expired considerably over a month. In consequence of an opposition coacl being started between Ross and Hokitika, the fares aye reduced to eight shillings eithei way. The idea of forming a company of miners to construct the Mikonui water-race is find ing favor in Hoss, and that there is everj r~ v ~V l^^- xU "^^i~* Ji ~ i^- n ? : « r >'VrVrUl_be taken to carry, out the project It is sue; gested that every miner should receive fron the business people of that district, in pay nienfc for scrip, LI per week, which, with the Government pubgidy, would enable- th( men to pay their expenses, provided three months' credit for provisions were granted to them. At Callaghan's Gully, Waip»ea, a mar named llatthe.w Djxon, better known a; Geordie, is supposed to have met with a melanoholv and violent death on Tuesday. It appears that latterly he has been working alone, and upon his hut mate going to dinnei on that day and missing Geordie he looked about to see if he had dressed himself foi going to totra. On observing that such was not the case he proceeded to the claim where he at once saw that a very large quantity ol earth had slipped down from the face. The alarm watt at once given, and nearly all the men in the gully set to work to clear away the gravel. Up to Thursday morning, however, they had not completed their task, but Jn the course of the day truth would be ascertained, $s to whether or not aoaseoi death (which is m,qr§ than likely) is to be recorded, The stone now being got opjb of the Little Wonder claim," Lyell, is said by -the Jnangahna Herald to excel in richness the first loi put through the battery, and it is regarded as a matter of certainty that the next crashing will give an average of 15oz to the ton. A dishful of stone taken from the face was washed and contained 6dwt of gold. Zala and party (Alpine Company) will give Carroll pud pairns, the prospectors of the Little Wonder, thp use of the battery for a second crushing before" aomu&eojcing operations for the Excelsior Company. The quality of the stone is so excellent that surprise is expressed that it should be permitted to be exposed in the paddock by night, as any person dishonestly disposed could without difficulty £ak.e away stone carrying 20oz or 30oz of gold in tho pourse of an hour. A correspondent describes th& paddock after a slight shower as fairly glistening with the precious metal, which was quite observable a few paces distance. A horse and two dogs, the property of the missing Thomas Costello, were sold by order of the Curator of Intestate Estates, Reef ton, by Messrs. D. Isaacs and Co., on Monday. The mystery of his disappearance, says the Hprald, stijl remains unsolved, although every effort' ■fyas b,een made by his friends to clear up the matter.'' Th,e e.sorfs of the police and the public have been alike unavailing, and the most reasonable supposition is that he accidentally fell, into the creek and was drowned, . the body probably drifting under one of the many snags that are strewn along the bed of the Inangahua, and there becoming quickly silted over with sand and gravel. According to the Boss Guardjqj} "a boat race took place at the Aylmer Lead, one dsy last week, between Mr G. M'lntosh and Mr Lucas, in two flat-bottomed boats. The distance was about half a mile, and the race, although well contested, was won by Mr M'lntosh. The stakes were LI cash and a bottle of brandy." Freights from: to Reefton have been reduced to LjO'psr'fQnr A report comprising a sketch of the history of the Inangahua district and a condensed report of the various claims, machinery, and workings, has been prepared by the local committee in connection with the Canterbury Exhibition, and will shortly be published in pamphlet form. A number of copies will be (forwarded to Christchurch, and the balance will probably be disposed of in the district. A plan of the reef fyorkinga in. the district has been prepared by MrWoolley for tha Canterbury Exhibition, £t slioifa at a glance $he course of the reefs, and their tested ox- i tent, the physical nature of the country, the lands hejd ifnijbr agricultural lease, and those withdrawn from thjs gold $elda for the puryom of early sale presentng. "" " * ' '