West Coast Times. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1865.

West Coast Times, Issue 60, 21 October 1865, Page 2

West Coast Times. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1865.

Our readers will doubtless excuse tho mcagro aspect of our reading columns this morning, in consideration of our past efforts in their service. In consequence of the impossibility of hand labor meeting our requirements, tho proprietors purchased steam machinery, which may be daily expected, and on the arrival of which, features will be introduced, and improvements effected which will maintain tho character of the West Coast Times as tho leading journal of tho district.

We are glad to see that useful craft, tho Yarra, onco moro afloat in tho river. On Thursday evening, all necessary repairs below her water-line having been completed, she was relaunched, to tho evident satisfaction of her worthy captain, und, wo imagine, of her owners also. Her paddle-wheels are again in their proper position, and repairing her bulwarks and boxes is being rapidly proceeded with. In a week or so, we understand, she will be ready to begin work again, and wo trust that for the fnture her keel will be kept at a respectful distance from terra lima. We would beg to call tho attention of ship masters to the impropriety and folly of mooring their vessels to any part of the wharf save the piles especially provided for that purpose, for already itjis beginning to give evidence that it is incapable of sustaining so unnatural a strain. During tho last flood in tho river wo observed that a great 'quantity o the gravel had worked through, leaving a hole largo enough to swallow up a horse and dray. Wo attribute this less to the height which the river lias risen than to the constant vibration all parts of tho structure, through ships making fast to tho stringer that connect the piles together, and to piles other than those which protrudo through the top of it. Shipmasters should bear in mind that the wharf was built as much for their convenience as for that of the town, and also that tho expense of keeping it in repair is no small one. We hope that tho Harbor Master will for tho future see that duo care is taken in this matter. Although of late we have heard but' liltlo intelligence of the locality — the whereabouts of which is pretty generally understood to^be threo miles this side of tho river Grey, closo to the beach — from which camo tho hundred-weight of gold that has caused such excitement in all parts of Australia and New Zealand ; we have reason to believo that a large number of men aro digging there, mand many of them doing vory well indeed. Wo woro yesterday shown by Mr Procter a very fine sample of sinolted gold, which he informed us camo from tho above place, brought in its raw state to him by four miners, who stated that hundreds of men were at work there, many of them doing much { better than themselves. The metal whon submitted to our inspection was in four cakes of about 25 ounces each, and from its appcaranco we should judgo it to be of an excellent quality, reflecting the highest orcdit upon tho above gentleman as an assayer and smelter. We were also phown by Mr Procter a sample of tho same gold in its natural state, mixed w ith tbo sand in which it is found, and a finer one we never saw. Tho gold is in the form of the finestjdust, and must require tho most careful manipulation in its extraction from Motherearth to collect it without loss. Quicksilver and rough blanketing are the aids called in by tho diggers to assist them in tho operation, and apparently with the happiest results : for wo hear that a large quantity will bo brought in from tho same place in a few days. Tho following, signed by 82 passengers, has been presented to the master of tho Eagle, cutter, from Auckland : — "Wo, tho pussongers by the Eagle, from Auokland, have much pleasure in presenting John Sheehau with a testimonial of our goodwill, fully appreciating his ability as master and seaman. Also, to the crow, for their unceasing efforts during the recent trying weather, and throughout the passage And we cannot fail to express our admiration of tho splendid qualities of tho vessel." The polico cases in the Resident Magistrates' Court yesterday woro unimportant and quickly disposed of. Arthur King charged Henry Wright with assaulting him on Tuesday morning last. From the evidence adduced, it appeared that the prosecutor was building a tent on a (section of land on Gibson's Quay, owned by him, and had occasion to removo a tent ileady standing on it, owned by tho prisoner. To this proceeding tho latter objected, and the dispute resulted in a slight scuflle, in which both men went to gross, and the prosecutor received a slight damago to his sinister cheek-bone. This, a most trumpery caso, was very properly dismitsod. — George Nolan was brought up on remand, charged with having foloniously uttored a five-pound note of tho Bank of Issuo, knowing it to bo a " flimsy" at tho time. Inspector Broham applied for a further remand, ns tho witness he oxpected from Wellington had not yet arrived. Prisoner complained bitterly of this further remand, stating it was tantamount to solitary con/inoincnt, as ho was allowed no exercise but constantly kept immured. His Worship said ho should have to remand him again, but offered to discharge him on bail ; but this act of graco tho prisoner was unablo to tako advantago of, ho boing a stranger in the town. His Worship, however, promised him lie should bo permitted to take exerciee in tho yard during tho timo that tho police wcro working there. Every individual belonging to a community has it in his power, in .a. groater or less degree, to, at times, promoto its interests, nnd earn for himself the gratitudo and rcuj/Cot of his fellows by co doing, but especially in a now country do opportunities present themsolves whereby an earnest man may not only forward tho ends of humanity but permanently benofit himself. Wo huvo lately had submitted to us a series of charts of the West Coast which have been compiled by

cur old friend Captain Budd. They comprehend tho whole of tho coast lino from north to south, with the various riversi bays, and headlands well and distinctly marked, and a lino of soundings laid down somo two or threo miles from tho coast. Taking them altogether they aro a most creditable production, and must prove of infinite value to ship masteis, and if wo tako into consideration Captain Budd's long experienco in New Zealand, both as a landsman and seaman, wo think there is ovory reason to place tho fullest reliance upon their accuracy. Wo havo much pleasure in calling tho attention of the public to theso charts, especially as they supply a want for a long time past felt by our coasters. Parties building or improving their residences and stores," will doubtless obsorvo with satisfaction that Messrs M'Landress, Hepburn and Co. will, this day, soil by auction, on the wharf, threo cargoes of timber and .building matoriols ex Eagle, Quickstep, and Volunteer.