CHARLESTON NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 175, 21 February 1868, Page 2

CHARLESTON NEWS.

The two portable engines brought from ITokitika by the steamer Waipara, was drawn through the town on Wednesday, each requiring some seven or eight horses to pull it up the hill from the bay. They are about the same power, namely, 10 horse-power, and are from the Kaueiri district, one belonging to Mr Bees, the other to

Messrs Eraucis, Giles, and Co., who have brought it hero to work their extended claim at Candlelight. They will, no doubt, be a useful addition to our rapidly increasing stock of steam maehinery. The value of property in Charleston appears to be well maintained. The shop in Princess-street, lately in the occupation of Mr Sternberg, was yesterday sold by auction for £2OO. An hotel on the other side of the street changed hands a few days ago for £350.

The Comedy Troupe are still performing nightly at the Empire Hotel, and to counteract the overshadowing influence of the illustrious strangers over the way, the price of admission has been reduced to one shilling. The effect of this reduction, combined with the increased variety of the attractions offered, has been to maintain good houses, for however charming music may be to some persons there ai'e others who still prefer the drama, and that happy combination of the two which has made the Comedy Troupe so popular. We are glad to learn Mrs Newton is recovering from her recent illness.

The change in the weather which took place on Wednesday night was a very welcome one, for inconvenience was being felt through the too long absence of rain.