THE MONTH.

West Coast Times, Issue 295, 3 September 1866, Page 6

THE MONTH.

lt has been determined by the Leichardt Search Committee in Melbourne to continue the services of the exploration party for a further period of two years, during which time they will be engaged amongst the Gulf natives, under the leadership of Mr Solman.

Last Tuesday evening a tea meeting was held at the Wesleyan Chapel, Tancred street, -its object being to clear off a debt incurred in erecting a parsonage. Since the Wesleyans first congregated for religious purposes in this town between LBOO and L9OO has been paid into the building fund by them, and their present neat little place of worship and the minister's residence are the result of this very liberal contribution. It, however, failed to quite cover the cost of both buildings, and a tea meeting was decided upon as a means whereby the outstanding balance against the committee might be liquidated. _This amounted to Ll5O, but the proceeds of the meeting, we are happy to say, reduced that sum to L6O, and it is proposed by the ladies of the congregation to hold a fancy bazaai*, to free the committee from the remaining liability. The meeting was an entire success, and deservedly *fio, as every preparation had been made to ensure a pleasant evening. The interior of the church was beautifully decorated with festoons of evergreens, flags, and flowers. The usual seats had been removed to mate room for ten tastefullyarranged tables, covered with a very tempting spread of cakes, tea, &c, which were supplied by different members of the Wesleyau persuasion, at their own private cost. At halfpast six o'clock the chair was taken by G-. S. Sale, Esq., and after due justice had been done to the good things provided the meeting was addressed by the Rev. Mr Cannel, Eev. Mr White (G-reymouth), Rev. Mr Drake, and, Messrs Rees and J. B. Clark. During the intervals the choir sang selections of sacred music from the works of the most celebi'ated composers. Mr Holloway officiated at the harmonium. Mr Alcorn moved a vote of thanks to thu laces who had kindly consented +o preside at the different tables, which was becondnd by Mr lUarrison, and heartily responded to. Mr F. L. Clark moved a vote of thanks to the chair, in a few trite remarks, in which he eulogised Mi' Sale as one ever ready to promote such movements as the present, and who had conducted the meeting most ably. Mr Sale returned thanks for the honor, congratulated the WesJeyan body in Hokitika on the progress it was making, and commended the unflagging energy it displayed. The proceedings terminated with, the National Anthem, which was sung by the choir, all present joining in the refrain. The Kanieri terrace v ill. shortly have at command an abundant supply of water for sluicing purposes, as the Pioneer Race Company expect to complete the branch ditch from the Kanieri river in the course of a fortnight:, and in the (!• I- f v n^ m- this will carry 600 inches of wata ■• '.:< ho ' o ,u:\ t'.ul io fifteen Government '„'.v ; >;•■!- ; h,- ,ock would, huve been fiui-.ii m, >i ', .- m, • n,.- !'.>!■ the very bad putting <• ■■"<!>. • '■ i in.*, rendering it necessary ■«

tion of tho race along the Bides of terraces which, when the survey was made, woro supposed sufficiently firm to carry a cutting^ Their formation, however, was so shingly and loose thai, when broken into, th" ti !<•* g.ive aiul came away in heavy slips, conipolliug Iho company to build aud flume at a considerable oxtra expense. Lately the weekly outlay has amounted to as high as L3OO, and this wook's disbursements aro expected to approach very closely to that sum. Just now there is a scarcity of water in tho o'd race, and in consequence only a few minors aro ut woi'k on tho terrace, ana oven these cannot, depend upon a regular supply, whick render* their lubois almost nugatory, for in poor ground (hehluice box must bo kept going to produce anything like fair returns on " Saturday night.' 1 No reduction in the price of water has yet been made by the company, who deny ovor having promised such a concession, and state that diggers aro perfectly satisfied to pay present prices providing the supply is constant. But wo believe it is proposed to lower the rate go as to enable those who hold the poorer claims to realise a fair balance out of their proceeds. The Pioneer Race Company have encountered and overcome great difficulties in the prosecution of an undertaking excelling in magnitude any other on the coast, and we trust they will reap a commensurate reward. The Victoria " Police Gazette," of July 19, contains the following account of the notorious Burgess: — "Richard Burgess, alias Sydney Bill, charged with conspiracy to murder a Mr Fox, is identical with Richard Hill, alias Charles Harris, ticket-of-leave holder, illegally at large." In the Okarita district, on the 15th August, a boatman named Gaune, when rounding the Waiho BUiff, picked up a boot which contained a human foot. It had separated from the leg just above the ancle, and from its decomposed state must have been in the water a long time. It is, doubtless, a portion of the body of some one of the many unfortunates who have been drowned iv the dangerous rivers which abound in that district. Another large head race has been completed in the Totara district, and the ceremony of christening it took place in the presence of a large concourse of miners and otkers. Mrs Kelly named it, the Jones' Creek Water Race. It was commenced in November last, by a party of eight minors, who registered themselves a company under the Act, and have since steadily prosecuted the work until the above date, when it was brought to a successful conclusion. Very great difficulty wns experienced in constructing it, as the cutting in many places was exceedingly bad, through the rough nature of the country and the dense timber to be cleared away. More than two miles of fluming was required, which in some places is sixty feet high : but now that the speculation is brought to a successful termination, it promises to pay well, as sufficient water has been secured to keep twenty-seven claims in constant work. Mr Canaille Malfroy conducted the work, which has cost between £4000 and £5000.

The report of the sergeant-in-charge at Rosstown, Totara, states that four large water races have been lately completed in the district, and the greatest activity prevails amongst the miners there. The town is still extending. Wages for hired men are quoted at from L 5 to L 6 weekly.

Although, thanks to private enterprise, the highways of Hokitika have been rendored passable, its byeways remain in a most disgraceful state, and area positive nuisance to those unhappy pedestrians who are compelled by business to traverse them. Take, for instance, those right-of-ways which connect Revell street with tho beach, aud which, even in fine weather, are most offensive, and after a day's rain are converted into mere sewers, from which a sickening effluvia is constantly arising. Mud, of course, abounds from six to eighteen inches deep, through which horses flounder and plentifully bespatter with filthy matter the unhappy wight who may chance to meet them. We certainly aro suprised that no attempts have been made to render them at least passable by laying down a few loads of shingle, which could be done at at a very trifling cost. The want of a receiving-box for letters having been long felt by the residents of Revell-street north, Mr Dick, the postmaster, has caused one to he fixed at the shop of Mr Falck, tobacconist, which is situated nearly opposite the tramway. The box will be cleared twice a clay, viz §J a t 8.30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

According to the report of Mr Dale, the district gaoler, the following are the gaol returns for tho week ending Saturday, August 18 : — Admitted under committal, 2 males ; dischai'ged, debtors, 1. Remaining, committed men, 2. Undergoing sentence with hard labor, 27 ; imprisonment only, 131 3 debtors, 5. Total : ,35 males.

On the 16th August a serious accident happened to a carter, named Whittakor, in Wharf-street. He had just discharged a load of goods at Messrs Royse, Mudie &Co's store, and was standing between liis own dray and another, -when the hoise suddenly started, and caught his hands between the wheels, lacerating his fingers frightfully. He at once proceeded to Dr Acheson, who found it necessary to amputate the third and little finger of his left hanct, at the first joints. The man bore the operation with much fortitude, and is now doing well.

On the 21st August, a boat which was conveying goods to the Kanieri capsized in the rapids, opposite the upper end of Gibson's Quay. The two men who constituted the crew succeeded in gaining the shore, but one of them was very much exhausted. They managed to recover the boat, but a portion of the cargo was lost.

The steamer South Australian, John Pain, commander, with the New Zealand mails on board, left Hobson's Bay on the morning of the 14th instant ; cleared Port Philip Heads at 1 p.m. ; sighted the West Cape on Saturday, the 18th, at noon ; experienced during the voyage southerly winds and cloudy weather ; at 5.30 p.m. Bighted the Solander, with hoavy squalls of wind and rain ; at 8 p.m. weather very thick, with heavy squallsj slowed the engines ; midnight, hove ship to uutil daylight ; arrived at the Bluff at 7 a.m. on the 19th ; lauded mails and passengers ; discharged 30 tons of cargo, and sailed again at 4 p.m. ; sighted the Ocean Beach at 11.30 p.m., and arrived at Port Chalmers at 3 a.m. on the 20Hi ; left again on the 21st, and arrived at Lyttelton on the following morning ; left again the same day, aud arrived at Wellington on the morning of the 23rd j sailed again at 5 p.m., experienced light winds, and arrived at Nelson at 7.30 a.m. on the 21th, leaving for Hokitika at 7.30 a.m. tho following day, and reached the roadstead at 5 a.m. on the 26th. She experienced light pleasant weather from Nelson, and reports passing the schooner Spray, hence to Lyttleton, off Cape Farewell. The South Australian brings a small cargo, and 102 passengers for this port, which were transhipped into the Lioness; and the Australian then steamed for the Grey. Arrived there, and left again for this port the next day, making the ran down m lh. 30min., and reached the bar at 11 a.m.

The s.s. Kennedy left Nelson on the 22nd inst. at 6 p.m., and, favored with fino settled weather, arrived off the Buller river next evening, and on the following morning crossed the bar. Discharged cargo that day, and left on the evening's tide, arriving off Hokitilci tv lime to hike advantage of the noxt moruim./s tirli, upon which she reached the wharf in hei' usiuil happy style. The Ken-

uedy.only brings a few tons of cargo lor this port, the greatest part of the full c;irgo fli(h which she left Nelson beiug consigned to Groymouth. Sho has also nine passcuigors for Hokitika and three for Groymouth. The barque Alma cleared Port Philip Heads on the 13th iustaut, with light wostoriy winds aud fino weather. Ban through the Straits noxt day, when the breeze veered into S. and S.E., and kept steady there until tho 18th, then chopping into S.W. On tho 20th, Mount Cook was Bightod, and the wind increased to a heavy galo, accompanied by squalls of rain and hail. Noxt morning tho weather moderated, aud tho roadstead reached during tho day, but it was not until the 21th that tho wharf was gained, the entrance having been too shallow for a vessel of her draught. The Alma was towed in by tho Challenge. She brings a full general cargo, and 1 passenger. The brigantine Hector left Port Philip Heads on the 9th instant, with light S.E. winds and fine weather, and cleared the Straits next day, when she took her last departure from Swan Island. Experienced light S. and 'S.E. winds until the 16th, when they veered into tho S.W., and up to the 20th blew a fresh steady gale, which drove her up to the land. Sighted Mount Cook on the latter date, and reached the roadstead the same day, but an impassable bar kept her outside until the 21th, when she was towed in by the Lioness. Whilst beating about outside, the Hector was drifted a long distance north, by a strong current. Sho brings a full cargo, chiefly of flour, and 3 passengers. By the courtesy of Capt. Chapman, we received Melbourne files' to the 10th inst.

. The brig Cosmopolite sailed from Hobart Town, with a stiff S.E. breeze, on the 15th , instant, and after a smart run of seven days, during which steady S.W. and W. breezes prevailed, made the port on the 22nd instant. The wind then shifted into the S.E., drove the brig away to the northward, and it was not until the next day that she brought up in the roadstead, where she remained until the 28th, waiting for a chance to cross the bar, as her heavy draught rendered great care jiecessary to ensure a safe arrival. She was towed in by the Challenge, and brings a full general cargo and five passengers. Wo are indebted to Captain Girdwood for late files of Hobart Town papers. Very great improvements are being effected in Revell street—especially architecturally — by the enterprise and'public spirit of tto busi- |. ness people in that part of the town. Quite a -metamorphosis is being effected in the old street by the erection of buildings with imposing frontages. We have lately noticed the Banks, and are glad to observe that the New Zealand Bank are erecting what promises to be a handsome screen in front of the smeltinghouse attached to their establishment, Messrs Byrne and Co.'s new Corinthian Hall can boast a very handsome frontage ; and Messrs AlcOrn and Co., and Prichard and Co. have given a face to their premises that some few months ago would have been thonght an incongruity in a young diggings town. In this work of improvement the hotelkeepers have not been backward, and the public have no doubt been struck during the last few days by the handsome pair of pillars for tho support of a fine lamp erected by Messrs Jones and Mcc, of the Golden Ago Hotel. We are sorry to learn that the police have seen fit to summon the proprietors for a breach of tbe police ovdinnnce, in consequence of the base of these pillars being somewhat in excess of the dimensions authorised by tho regulations. It is to bo hopod that the summons will be allowed to lapse. Tho lamp is a great ornament, and a most serviceable street - light, and the posts are fitted with rings for scouring horses, whoso owners may have business at any of the shops in the vicinity. Practically, they offer no impediment whatever to street traffic. It is most undesirable that the police authorities should unnecessarily and vexatiously interfere in a matter of this kind, at a moment when the town is waiting the early establishment of municipal institutions, which will, enable a proper code of bye-laws to be established.

The brigantine Jane Lockharfc cleared Port Jackson Heads at 5 a.m on the 2nd August, with light westerly breezes and fine weather.. No change occurred until the 4th, when the wind shifted to the eastward, and on the 6th freshened to a gale. Seduced canvas to close-reefed maiusail aud foretopmast staysail, and headreached until the 7th, when she was compelled to take in the stay, balance-reef the mainsail, and lay by the wind until noon. Then the gale abated, and the vessel was kept away on her course. Light variable winds were experienced until the 11th, on which day it blew hard from the N.W. for a few hours, again abating, and hence to the land moderate weather prevailed. The coast was sighted about Bold Head on the 14th, tho roadstead reached at 7.30 p.m. the same day, and next moraing intow of the Lioness the J ane Lockhart reached the wharf safely.

The schooner Stanley sailed from Kaipara. N.1., on the Bth August, with fresh NE., winds and thick rainy weather. She made a capital run through the Straits and down the coast, as the roadstead was reached on 11th at 7 a in., but the flooded state of the river prevented her taking tho bar, so she stood to sea again, and being caught by a southerly set and light weather, did not reach the river until the 15th, when she was towed in by the Lioness.

The schooner Excelsior left Manukau ou the 9th August, with northerly winds and squally weather, and after a three days' rap, made the land off Groymouth on tho 12th, and reached Hokitika roads by noon the same day. The heavy fresh in the river prevented her entering 1 until the 14th, when she was taken in tow by the Challenge, and conveyed to the wharf. During her passage from Manukau, the Excelsior experienced winds from N.E. to N.W., and almost incessant rain. We regret that after making her passage Bafcly to the roadstead, this smart schooner should have received damage through a collision with the Lioness. We are unable to arrive at a satisfactory statement of how the mishap occurred, but believe the Challenge first fastened to her, and immediately after the Lioness steamed up, with a written authority from the agent to take " the tow." In some unaccountable manner a foul ensued, which resulted in the schooner's taffrail being smashed, several stanchions broken off, the covering board lifted, and tho deck started slightly. The cutter Volunteer, hound to this port, left Onehuuga ou the Bth August, with N.E. winds and dirty, rainy weather, which remained unchanged until tho 12th, when tho land t»f the Grey was made. Beached tho roadstead the same night, remaining outside, through the bar being impassable, uutil tho 14th, when she was towed in safely by the Lioness. The p.s. Lyttelton left this port for Okarita on the 7th August, arriving there at 9 a.m. the next day. Landed her cargo, and was ready f6r sea by the following morning, but bad weather detained her inside until the 14th, when she left for Hokitika at 11 a.m., and reached the roadstead at 9 p.m. Tho Lyttelton brings up 1654 ozs 16 dwts of gold dust for the BaDk of New Zealand, and 2000 ozs for the Bank of New South Wales, making a total of 3654 ozs 16 dwts, an amount less by 2000 ounces than we anticipated the Banks would have shipped. The schooner Maid of Erin arrived here on thelsth August, after a long and stormy passage from Melbourne. She cleared Port Philip Heads on the 23rd July, with light northerly airs and rain, and the next clay cleared the Straits, taking her last departure from Deal

ib'and light at midnight. Carried winds from N.W. to S.W. until the 27th, when they fell oil", and finally settled into tho eastward, und blow hard for a few hours, then modeml ing, again fell light and scant until llio 29fch, when indications becamo apparent of n heavy blow from the S.E,. These wore verified j for in v, few hours v furious galo aroso, which, on tho. 30th, brought tho schooner down to balancod-rcofod nuJiisail, and under this sho lay by tho wind for thirty-six hours. At midnight on>the 31st, tho gale broke, but left a fearful soa running, that threatened every moment to break on board her. The schooner, however, behaved well, but a Mitlden lull in the breeze caused her to fall off into tho trough of tho sea, where an immense volume of water fell on board hor, washing away tho sliding door of the forecastle, and half filling tho latter with water. Sail to steady her was at once made, and next clay tho wind lulled and shifted to the westward. Moderate west and S.W. weather continued to tho 6th Aug. when Mount Cook was sighted, aud the wind again flew round to east, and remained light from east to N.E. to the 9th, when it suddenly freshened, and soon increased to a heavy gale, again bringing tho Maid down to her mainsail balance-reefed At noon the same day it abated as suddenly, aud veered into tho westward, and hence to the roadstead, which she reached on the 14th, pleasant weather was experienced. Reports that, on the Bth inst., a ketch was sighted, writh her ensign union down. Stood towards her, and when within hailing distance found she was the Jane Anne, from Melbourne to Okarita, twenty-two days out, and short of water, which being supplied by the Maid, she continued on her course for the land.

Quiet — we may almost say deserted — as the Tucker Elat diggings have been for many weeks past, there is yet important work in hand there, which, if it is attended by successful results, will re-populate the place, and cause it to assume status more in accordance with the bustling period when it was first rushed. Two months ago the system of mining leases in old ground was introduced there, two acres being granted by tho Warden to a party of miners who stj'lcd themselves the " Great Extended Gold-mining Company." Since then these men have been striving to reach the main bottom, which lies some sixty feet below the level first worked ; but the first ground being very difficult to keep up, they lost shaft after shaft, and never succeeded in sinking to a greater depth than fifty feet. This deep ground is of no great width, as the reef can be found on either side at a moderate depth ; and ns the attempts hitherto made, to sink in the centre of the gutter have failed, the company have decided to take a shaft down through the high reef, to a depth of eighty-five feet, and there open out and drive for it. This work is not being proceeded with -on mere spec, as a shaft was sunk months ago on the edge of the reef, which was followed down, and washdirt struck yielding i dwt. to the bucket. This lower drift, however, contained much water, and was considered ,too poor to work at the depth and with such a disadvantage to contend against. It was accordingly left as' duffer ground, and tho " Great Extended" afterwards formed to give it a further trial, as it was believed that good payable gold must lie at the bottom of the gutter. Subsequently, the Hau Hau lead was traced to wtyhin a short distance of the Flat and then lost ; but many believe that the gold has only jumped, and continues through the Extended Company's ground. Vigorous efforts are being made to solve the question, and another company named the " Excelsior" is lately formed, and obtained a grant of three acres adjoiningjhe former.

The Westland district gaol returns for the week ending Saturday, August 11, have been handed to us by Mr Dale, the gaoler, and are as follow : — Under sentence from the Supremo Court with hard labor, 27 ; imprisonment only, 1 ; debtors, 5 ; total, 33. There was no accession to the number of confinees during the week, and no discharges made, out.

In connection with the District Hospital we hear that it is intended to erect a Lunatic Asylum, and that the .plans of the building are already drawn, aud tenders for the work will be called shortly. The building will contain twelve cells — some of which will be padded, wherein to confine the most violent cases, tho cruelty and pernicious effects of binding, and strait waistcoats being fully recognised.

In the Resident Magistrate's Court, on August 13th, Stephen Roberts was committed to take his trial for burglariously entering the house of Mary Anne Robertson, ou Gibson's Quay. t This is the fir^ (,'ommittal for the next sessions of the .Supreme Coiu't, and should quarIx'rly sessions not be accorded to Westland, the prisoner will remain in gaol five months ere his case is disposed of. We have often protested against the monstrous injustice of half-yearly sessions, and hope that for the future the gaol delivery in Westland will take place every three months.

; The piece of quartz mentioned by the " Grey Argus," as having been found at Maori Gully, has proved, on being broken \ip, to be impregnated with gold to an extent seldom seen. "We have inspected a portion of it, and certaittly we cannot remember having 3een anything equal to it, the gold studding the stone in small semi-crystaliscd forms." What a contrast is presented in the appenr.ance of Upper Gibson's Quay now, and its condition twelve months ago,, when gangs of men wei-e hard at work clearing the ground on which now stand commodious and tastefully erected dwellings. Then the traveller was compelled to walk circumspectly through the tangled mass of supplejacks and brushwood encumbering his path, which lay through a morass, full of roots and timber in all stages of decay. At that time tho future of Westland was somewhat doubtful, and, excepting a few of the far-seeing ones, with a lai'ge amount of faith to support their opinion, very few believed that tho country woidd ever become .sufficiently important to demand the construction of such works as have since been undertaken and successfully earned through A track to Kauieri was, however, admitted on all sides to be indispensable, and strong hopes were entertained that the Government would incur the expense necessary to connect that important district with Hokitika by a commodious ' highway, which would supersede the costly and dangerous water passage, for the transportation of goods and passengers. The Government, however, declined to act in the matter, and it was left for private enterprise to at last supply this long-existing requirement by the construction of a tramway. Some three months ago, the Kanieri and Hokitika Tramway Company was formed, with a nominal capital of L4OOO, the estimated cost of the line being L3OOO. The work was duly commenced under Government sanction, and has since been so vigorously pushed forward that one mile is already completed, and another cleared and the sleepers on the ground. This brings it to within one mile of the Kanieri township, as the whole length of the line is a little within three miles, and if; is expected that in three months it will bo completed and ready for trallic. The completed mile of way extends from Fit/.herbert street upwards, and is much used by the residents of Gibson's Quay, both as a footpath and a means of conveyance, and the company already derive a considerable income from this source, having made arrangements to convey timber cut at the saw mills into town, at so much per week. Goods for the Kanieri are also transported to

the Big Beach, whore they are shipped iv boats, and tire passage of one dangerous rapid in tho river thus avoided. The Government, has retained tho power of fixing a scale of charges hereafter to be adopted by tho company, aud we believe one has been drawn out which scarcely meets the views of the latter, who hq£ biguified as much to tho authorities at Christchurch, and is now anxiously waiting for tho reply. We trust it will bo satisfactory, as this most beneficial work will then bo prosecuted with fresh vigor and finished by the anticipated time. As before stated, L4OOO is flic nominal capital of the company, .of which L IOOO lia-s been paid up iv shares^ and the greatest part of it ex? ponded. The first mile of way coat L 9.0 0; ihe second is estimated at L6OO j* but tho third will be more expensive, as several bridges must be built, and parts of Iho lino will ontail heavy cutting. At each end a terminus will bo erected at an estimated coat of L4OO. We trust that the enterprise of the company wu\ be well rewarded, aud nothing doubt it, believing that tho Hokitika and Kanicri tramway will prove a very payable speculation indeed. One considei'aolo source of revenue will be derived from ballasting ships, which can be done at 2s per ton, aud a handsome profit secured.

The departure of the Raugitoto was delayed on Monday, the 20th August, by the exceedingly tempestuous weather which prevailed during the afternoon. The day throughout was stormy, and marked by alternate squalls of rain and bursts of sunshine, but after tho sun had crossed the meridian, it commenced blowing furiously from the W.S.W., and rose such a sea in the roadstead and on the bar that all hope of either of the harbor boats leaving .the river was at once abandoned. About 4 p.m. the Rangitoto steamed in, and ran down the beach hist clear of the break for the purpose of signalling, and the first flags she displayed informed tlu? agent that she had parted her cable. This was followed by other signals to the effect that, in the event of her being compelled to leave through stress of weatherman attempt should be made to recover it by /' sweeping." She then stood off the shore under fore-and-aft canvas.

A week of unusual bustle amongst the shipping wa9 succeeded on Friday, the 17 th August, by a quiet day, as, save the Sea Shell, outward bound to Lyttelton, and the Challenge which towed her, no vessel crossed the bar. Those at the wharf, however, made good progress in landing their cargoes, and we were glad to see the goods turn out so well. The brigantine Mary broke bulk in the morning, and by the middle of the afternoon had cleared a considerable space in the main hold. Laden with a miscellaneous and easily damaged cargo, it was satisfactory to note how dry and ft'ee from stain were the bales and cases discharged. In equally good condition is the cargo of the Jane Lookhart, which vessel would have cleared out all her freight, save the coal, had not the rain, which set in a little after noon, compelled her to close up hatches. The Stanley, schooner, also landed a considerable portion of her lumber freight. The s.s. William Miskin cleared Otago Heads at 2 p.m. on the 14th August, with strong southerly winds and fine weather, and reached the Bluff next day at 11 a.m. She remained there a few hours only, . leaving again at 3 p.m., and ran through the straits in the teeth of a stiff S.W. breeze. When off the West Cape tho wind hauled into the N.W., and kept steady there until Cascade Point was reached, when it fell away, and hence to the roadstead light southerly weather was experienced. The Miskin arrived off the bar at noon on the 18th, and at 2 p.m., having in the meantime received on board Captain M'Gill, the deputy harbor master, as pilot, made for the bar. She passed the- outer line of surf safely, but unfortunately grounded on the North Spit, and at half tide lay high and dry, about her own length further north than where the Star of the Evening stranded. Her agents, Messrs Royse, Mudie,&Co, who were at once apprised of the mishap, lost no time iv making arrangements for the prompt landing of her cargo, aud so well wero they carriedout, that the whole of it (about 120 ton 3) was discharged that night, and placed in safety close to the Signal Station. As the tide receded, her passengers were also landed, having suffered nothing more than a few hours delay. Surmises aye rife as to the cause of this very untoward occurrence, as it is stated there was at least ten feet of water in the channel, which run straight in a line with the beacon. , Captain Black and liis officers blame the pilot for keeping the beacons open to the northward, and noo porting his helm in time to regain the channel, which had been entered a few minutes before by the Lioness, and passed through safely, her lead giving ten feet in it. As an official enquiry into the cause of the disaster will doubtless be held we shall abstain from further comment upon it, nothing doubting that the true facts will then be elicited. We regret to state that the Miskin is in a bad position, as she went on shore on the top of high water, and consequently is high and dry during the greatest part of the tide, and nearly twice her own length from deej) water. Next morning's tide attempts were made to warpiicr ahead (as she is lying head to the southward), but without success, und it is feared that there will be no chance of floating her until the "springs," which will be at their highest in a week's time. We shall not speculate on probable contingencies, but hope in the meantime the weather will keep favorable, and that in tho course of the week this very useful and smart little steamer will be rescued from her present perilous position. It is a matter for congratulation that the whole of her cargo was landed in an undamaged state.

Mr Middleton, who arrived in town from Greymouth, reported to the police that a dead body was seen in the surf at the mouth of the Teremakau. An advancing wave nearly landed it on the beach, and a rush was made by some persons standing there to secure ! it, but it was washed back again into the surf beyond their reach, and carried away to the northward. So close was it, however, that it was recognised as tho remains of a baldheaded man, about 5 feet 7 inches in height denuded of clothing, save a pair of moleskin trousers and lace-up boots. The Hokitika criminal calendar for the week ending Saturday, August 18, is unusually light, as 2 prisoners only were committed for trial in the R. M.'s Court ; 3 sentenced to hard laboi 1 ; and 1 imprisoned. 4 males and 1 ibmale having completed their sentcnuesj were discharged from custody. Tho number and classification of prisoners in the old Gaol at tho above date, areas follow : — hard labor gang, 8 males and 2 females ; imprisonment only, 3 males ; lunatics/* 1 ; on remand, 6. Total, 20. Total number of confinees in Old and District Gaol, 53 males and 2 females.

Some months ago, an attempt was m-ide to construct a dam across the south arm of the river, and thus confine tho river in ■ the channel on this side of the island. The work was undertaken by, Mr Edgar, who bad neai-ly completed the ombankinent-, when a heavy flood came down und so effectually breached" it that it wus considered advisable to incur the extra expense necessary to repair if;, and the work was abandoned. Since then, however, the river lias discovered such a decided inclination, to mtt that way and leave the north channel altogether that another attempt to check it was determined upon by driving a single row of vandyked piles across the stream, which are

to be connc. loJ bj a double waleing and in« tcrlaced with brushwood md saplings. Thie, it is believed, will, without too suddenly check* ing the liu-r, ciuae it to throw up ;i bank right across, and in time form aa oU'ective dam which will answer the required purpese. The contract for this simpler work has been let to Mr Edgar who has already coinuieuced it. • The brigantine Lizzie Coleson left Sydney Heads on. the 14th insr, with light N.E. winds and fine weather. Th it night the breeze increased and hauled, inio (lie southward, and during the remainder of the passage strong south and S.S.E. winds prevailed.' Mount Cook was sighted at noon on the 24th, and the next, morning the Coleson was picked up by the Lioness, ton .miles off land, and towed safely to tue wharf. She brings a full general cargo, much of it heavy goods, as her draught is over eight feet. Laßfc Saturday night the Lioness ran outside, to be in readiness for the reception of the s.s. South Australian, which was expected to arrive hourly During the night she made her appearance,, and yestei'day morning her passengers and mails were landed by the tug, which, after doing so, immediately left therivor again/to bring in the .brig Cosmopolite. The surf, "which had gradually increased as the tide made, was by this time breaking in heavy rollers upon the bar, and as the Lioness cleared the river three tremendous seas struck her in eucession, damaging the paddle-boxes, and smothering her fore and aft with wate. At this critcal moment the starboard wheel chain parted, and the next roller broached her to, but the engines being disconnected and reversed, she ,was brought head to sea, and sLetmed through the break, steered by her engines only, for although when the chain snapped a hand tiller (which is always kept ready in tho event of such a mishap) was shipped, the strain upon the rudder was so heavy that the socket gave way, and thus rendered it useless. On gaining open water the chain was fastened and the Cosmopolite taken in tow, but on arriving at the edge of tbe break the red flag was hauled down and the signal, " Bar dangerous," hoisted ; so the brig was taken back to her anchorage, and the Lioness returned inside without suffering any further damage.