WEST COAST NOTES.

Hastings Standard, Issue 36, 8 June 1896, Page 4

WEST COAST NOTES.

"From Our. Own Correspondent.]

GRKYMorru, -Tune 2

Things are quiet on the Coast, but I think there is a brighter outlook ahead, as we seem to be on the eve of a move.

The Brunner mine is now in full swing, and in consequence of arrears occasioned by the late disaster is likely to be so for some time, while the Blackball is working full time and full shifts.

Much dissatisfaction is felt at Brunnerton consequent on the appointment of the Advisory Committee. With the exception of the Mayor, not another local resilient has been chosen, while there are four Greymouth residents excluding the Mayor, viz., Messrs Kerr, M.L.0., Guinness, M.11.fi., I>. McLean, and F. Campbell. This selection puzzles the Brunuerites and sundry others besides. In Reef ton, mining matters are easy, very few of the mines being in work. The Syndicate mines are only employing a few hands prospecting their property and in making preparations for a fresh start, when it is expected that this field will be busier than ever it was. There are rumors of great discoveries in the Moonlight district, and also of a gold reef being discovered at the Four-mile, Charleston. In my opinion Charleston will yet prove to be one of the richest reefing districts in New Zealand. In its early days there were frequent discoveries of rich quartz specimens, but few understood quartz-mining in those days and the cement leads were ensv to work. Some of these had to be abandoned as the gold was too fine to save with the appliances at command, quicksilver, sodium, amalgam, plush, ripples, ie., all were tried, but nothing could save the gold ; you could see it being washed away, but with the new processes all this could be avoided and magnificient returns obtained. Mr Ziman was in town to-day > n I'i'Uti to Hokitika in order to conclude arrangements for the purchase of the Humphrey's Gully sluicing claim.

It is stated that Davies's claim at Barrytown has changed hands, being purchased by an English syndicate for £13,000. The Point Elizabeth and Coal Creek Railway Company have at last commenced earnestly with the continuation of their works, the approaches to the bridge are being constructed and the necessary clearing works on the Coal Creek side of the river are being forwarded. Matters political are quiet. The two M.L.C'.'s, Kerr and lieeves, have been mterveiwing each other and settling their course of action. Dick Rec-ves is a jolly good fellow, but why he was appointed except that he was of the right color is a mystery, like many other appointments. If reform is wanted anywhere it is in the mode of selecting the Upper House. It is unfair to the country in every respects. The opinion is gaining ground that the Premier does not intend to fill up the Attorney-General-ship and that Mr Guinness will bo shunted on one side, although he has always been a most consistent member of the so-called Liberal Party. Judge Ward is talked of as Sir P. Buckley's successor.

The Convention of Christian Endeavors, composed of Wesleyans and Presbyterians held a meeting last Monday, lasting from early mom till late in the evening. Denounciation of everything wicked were very strong, drink abominations were painted in most glowing colors. Boys and girls made speeches, took pledges, sang songe, and quietly talked scandal, so we shall soon be a model community. Last Wednesday the school teachers gave a social and danc-e, and, oh tell it not a number of the Endeavors were there, it was very naughty of them I admit.

Chinese are flocking in, and their business place 3 are spreading. We shall soon have quite a Celestial quarter here, while the gambling houses and opium dens are in full swing.