REIVERTON.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 248, 30 April 1866, Page 2

REIVERTON.

(FROM OTTB OWST COBHESPOKDEKT.) 27th April, 1866. The weather- still remains boisterous and unsettled. During the week two boats with full cargo have left for Oripuka M'Cluer's on Sunday morning, which reached there the same evening, "but having a contrary wind could not land. As the boat could not ride at anchor, it was at last considered advisable to run her ashore, which was done with little danger to the boat, and with the assistance of the diggers, the whole of the cargo was landed with but little loss. Grave doubts were entertained as to the safety of Mr' Hurst's boat, which left on Tuesday heavily laden, as also carrying several passengers — one a female. I have since ascertained4;hat though the boat has not arrived at her destination, she is safe, and has no doubt reached her destination ere this. . A number of diggers having arrived here, and left for the diggings, the population there now, may be stated at be- . tween 200 and 300. Several parcels of i goldhave arrived in townj more for 'safe keeping than for sale. A considerable amount of dissatisfaction exists in the - minds of the diggers as to the price offered (70s per ounce). whole quantity sold up to this time may be estimated at about from four to five hundred ounces, and this amount -will. not at present be largely augmented, almost all being monied men from other fields, and " not desirous to sell at prices offering. Business on the field, is reported good. On Eriday morning last the case of George Stevens, of Paulin's Bushj was heard, before D. Lawlor, Esq., 8.M., at the Eesident Magistrate's Court. Com' missioner Waldon conducted the case for the prosecutor, and Mr Harvey for the defence. A considerable amount of evidence was brought to prove the identity of the bullock in question, and that the animal belonged to a Mr Lyons, and had been rebranded by Mr George Stevens. Mr Harvey pointed out the fact that, the farmers and settlers generally were too anxious to quarrel with their neighbors, as in this case Lyons had laid a criminal information against his client without previously asking an explanation, or seeing him on the subject at all; he also stated that a very vindictive spirit" would be traceable in the whole case, as was' painfully apparent. The evidence for the defence went to prove that the bulloch had been seen by Lyons at a meeting at Flint's Bush, when he made no claim upon it, and a dispute arose with several as to the ownership, and it was agreed that it belonged to Stevens, and hence the rebranding which was very indistinct. The case excited considerable interest. Mr Lawlor considered that there was not sufficient' defence to decide the case, and committed Stevens for trial, at the next criminal sessions. Bail was allowed, the amount being £400.