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Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 29, 17 February 1863, Page 2

At a Into hour last night we learned that tbe Sir Gent-go Pollock, from London, had arrived nt Bluff Harbor. A steamer had also been signalled from tbe pilot station. The following letter on a very important subject has been handed to us for publication. We insert it in our local column in order that greater publicity may be given to it: — To the Editor of the Invercargill Times. Sin, —As the master of the three masted schooner Mimmie Dike, from Melbourne to this port, I have to call the attention of the Srovernment of this Province to a matter meriting their most serious consideration. In a copy of vhe Government Gazette handed to me in Melbourne by Mr D. Munro. I saw J:e appointment of Captain Alklred (late of t'.-.r' h:irque Midas) as pilot. I therefo-e confidently stood in with my flasr flying for the nilo but no boat being \}vt off from the shore, I endeavored, in accordance with my chart, to procure the best anchor? '"e, in doinrj which I stru.uk heavily on a sand spit, but 1 cVily ?ot r>.i' uninjured and anchored. I invneili tely went ashore to ascertain the caose of tbe pilot's non-appearance, and found that though appointed he was neither provided with a boat or crew, and could not therefore render me the necessary assistance. Ma}- I wniure to inquire what position the Government would have held bad my vessel gone a hore, and shared the fate of the Wanderer brig ? The appointment of a pilot without tbe necessary appliances is calculated to inspire all shipmasters with a tlread of ever visiting tin's port, which in every other respect is perfectly safe for any vessel to enter. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, Jas. Crockett, Master of the Mimmie Dike, llfortoo, IGth Feb., 1865.

The Towjj Board had a meeting last night but no business wa3 done. We would have b n en hjjppy to give a full report of the proceedings at what may be termed the "dissolution meeting," held last night, but 'are ■.prevented by want of space. The gathering was enthusiastic, there not being a dissentient voice to the proposal submitted to the meeting. The petition will be open for signature up till Saturday. Up till yesterday the cases before the Resident Magistrate were all trivial, and the offenders must escape publicity this time from our lack of space to give the usual particulars. The store of Messrs Mailing and Whitton is rapidly approaching completion, and will be as large, if not larger, than any in town. These gentlemen do not, apparently, mean to allow themselves to be beaten by newcomers. The Blue Jacket, 2000 tons, Captain White^ entered the Bluff Harbor on the morning of the 13th. She signalled for a pilot, but without effect; and finding that he must either trust to his own seamanship or run for another port, Captain White stood in, and anchored opposite Hughes' Hotel. After the pilot station was passed, some one who was out of bed rather earlier than usual, saw the ship making for the anchorage ground, and roused the pilot, who give chase, but did not succeed in getting on board till the anchor was dropped. On Saturday morning a valuable horse, belonging to Mr Huyhee, came to an untimely end by falling down a well cJosc outside the Express stables in Tay-street. Messrs Cobb and Co. purpose, as will be seen by our advertising columns, running four-horse coaches to the course on race days. The conveyances will start from the Prince of Wales Hotel twice each day, at the hours of 10 and 12.30. From what weeangathpr, it seems probable they will be "crammed," so i that intending passengers had better lose no time in securing places. The banks will be closed from. 12 o'clock on Wednesday till Friday morning. We hear that some of the large storekeepers will likewise put up their shutters', so that very little business will be done this week. Mr McArthur requests us to correct an error in our report of the proceedings of the Invercargill Town Board. The words, " Agreed that Duncan McArthur be offered £2 10s per week, on condition that he rings the public bell at the hours authorised, in addition to his attendance on the Uoanl," should have read thus :—" Moved by Mr McArthur that Duncan McDonald be offered £2 16s per week on consideration that lie rings the public bell at ihe times authorised, in addition to his attendance on the Board as messenger. Seconded by Mr Beaven. Carried."