Correspondence.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 363, 26 April 1856, Page 7

Correspondence.

To the Editor of the Lytldton Times. Sir, —You are probably aware that some months since, two of the inhabitants of this settlement were missed, and it was, I believe, generally supposed that they were accidentally drowned orMost in the swamps. I am not aware that any official steps have been taken to ascertain their fate, but lately a circumstance has occurred which may probably throw some light on the subject The circumstance I allude to, is the finding of part of a human skeleton ( with some articles of dress by which it might be identified) on the sands near the mouth of the Waimakariri. The remains were collected and are I understand in the possession of a gentleman at Kaiapoi, but, although some three or four weeks have elapsed, I believe no official enquiries have been made on the subject. My attention has been particularly called to this by a report that the body of a man has been found within the last few days between|Kaiapoi"and the Ashley. Can you or any of your correspondents inform me if there is any person whose duty it is to institute any enquiries in such cases as these ? Surely there must bs culpable neglect somewhere, when we hear of the remains of human beings being picked up in this away without any notice being taken by the authorities. Your obedient servant, Kaiapoi, April 21st, ISSG. J. W.

Spouting Intelligence.—We have j just beard that a match came ofFntKaiapoi on Wednesday, 23rd inst., between " Alice Grey," ridden by Jannaway. and " Mosquito." ridden by,W. Hanmerjor £10 a-side, in which "Alice" was the victor. No further particulars of the rooe has reached us. Election tou ttie Totvx ov Chkist.church. —The Election advertised to take place .or this town, on Wednesday last, did not take place in consequence of the Returning-olficer having been detained on the north side of the Waimakariri. by a fresh in the river which had carried away the punt ropes. We understand that a new writ will be issued without delay. Got.p in Mass.vcuk Bay.—Considerable interest, has been excited within the last few days by rumours of gold discoveries at Massacre Day, and although the stories circulated have irre'atly exaggerated facts, they^ are not. altogether without foundation. The real circumstances, wo believe, are, that gold was found in small quantities about three months since, in the bods of some small streams between the Takai<a and Aorere rivers, by two you.n£ men livintr in the neighbourhood, who have been en<ra«H in uob! .liiminjr iv Australia, if not in California as well. and the fact wa< communicated to tlie Local Government at the time; but, as Mr. M'Lean's arrival was then expected daily, to finally extinguish the native title to all the land in ihe provint-e, and as there wns a dispute between the settlors and the natives in the vt:rj iifi^bbonrbood whevo the jrold was fo\ind, llu- Govorumont requested tbo panics who bad nu\d<; the discovery to rrmai.i silent vespectinjr it until th<; natives had been

finally settled with for the land. This haring been done, the search for gold in the district is now being prosecuted-, hut we are not yet informed with what success. A party of old diggers started from Nelson for the spot a few days ago, with the requisite tools, and we may therefore expect shortly to bear a report of their proceedings.— Nelson Examiner.