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West Coast Times, Issue 233, 21 June 1866, Page 2

Tho first Masonic Ball ever held in Westland came off last night, in the Princo of Wales Opera Houso, aud was undoubtedly a most complete success. Very faithfully did tho oommittco of management porform their duty, and too great credit cannot bo accordod. them for tho arrangements, evon to tho minuteest details, for the convenience and aniusomont of thoir guests. Most tastefully was tho theatro decorated for tho occasion, tho interior being hung with evergreens, intersporsed with Masonic ombloms, devices, and flags. To make room for tho dancors, tho pit and stalls wore boardod over, on a level with tho stage, tho orchestra bohig placed in tho boxes immediately abovo; and as tho theatre was brilliantly lit up with gas tho scene was most delightful, and ono that a tew months ago wo little expected or hoped over to witness in Hokitika. Wo shall not presume to oritioiso tho appoarace of thoso assembled ; sufficient if wo say tho drosses were perfect, and that tho laws of etiquette wore strictly -dbsorvod, aud wo defy tho most fastidiously fashionable to cavil at anything whion occurred during our stay there. Wo woro permitted to inspect the supper, which was lafcr-©ut in tho vestibulo, and felt tho utmost astonishment at tho profusion and delicacy of tho viands provided. The tables fairly groaned boueath tho woight, uud it was very evident that no moan "artiste" had superintended their preparation. Mr. Wnjrnor, of the Shamrock Hotel, was tho purveyy, and most lavishly did he cater for tho occasion; and we congratulate tho committee that this department was entrusted to suoh ablo management.

Tho last time Mr Moorhouso was in Westland wo had tho pleasure of congratulating him on tho successful result of his congest for a scat in tho General Assembly, and from information wo have roooivod to-day, it appears we shall soon have an opportunity of welcoming him as Superintendent of tho province Mr Moorhouso loft Christohuroh for Hokitika, via Wellington, yostorday morning, as a visit to head-quarters was imperative ; but as it is improbable he will remain there beyond tho ordinary iimo of tho steamer's stay, wo may expect him to arrive horo in tho courso of noxt wook.

A rumor was current in town last night that two men had been arrestodat Groymouth, on suspicion of having mado away with Mr G. Dobson, and that ono of them confessed to the murder, and that the body was thrown into tho rivor. Much as wo desire a solution of this dark mystery wo fear this report is a mere " canard," as strict onquivy on our part received no confirmation of it.

Wo see, with pleasure, that Mr Eioko has accopted a numerously-signed requisition that ho will allow himself to be nowinatod as a member at tho ensuing munioipal oloctions. Wo also understand that Mr Kennedy, of tho Club Hotel, will receive another to the samo effeot, and our faith in that gentleman's abilities induces us to hopo ho will accept it. Wo sincerely trust both goutlomon will bo olootod, and nothing doubt it.

At a mooting of tho North Revollstreot Improvement Committee West, hold on tho 14th of Juno, at tho Royai Georgo Hotel, it was moved and carried " that Mr Hino, Mr Millard, and Mr Tumor, should bo deputed to wait upon Mr Sale, to enquire if that gentleman had received any reply to tho memorial sont to the Government." It was also moved and carried " that Captain White and Mr Wright should be empowered to colloct all moneys o» bohalf of the Improvement Oommittoo." A vote of thanks was then given to the ohair, and tho meeting terminated. Tho next meeting of the committee will bo held at the above hotel, on Friday, tho 22nd instant, at 8 p.m.

Writing from tho Waimoa on the 15th instant, Mr Warden Keogh says : — That mining in that district is progressing satisfactorily. Tho Ballarat rush is going on steadily, and fresh ground opening up, although tho difficulty oxporionced in traoing the lead, and tho quantity of water whioh is mot with in many parts of it, has to a certain extent retarded its development. Several rushes to new ground havo taken place lately, of which tho principal occurred in a gully about two miles west of Stafford's Half-way House. It has since boon abandoned by all, save three or four parties, who aro making littlo more than " tuokor." Tho other rushes woro of no account. Tho lato rains having filled all tho races, minors on tho Waimca aro moro steadily at work, and yinv in consoquonco tho yield of trold has increased quito 30 per oont. The population may bo estimated at 3000, and is rathor on tho increase