CHARLESTON NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 182, 29 February 1868, Page 2

CHARLESTON NEWS.

"We believe arrangements are very nearly complete for again working, and that too on a very large scale, the extensive area of ground in close proximity to the town, which was some time ago leased to a company of miners, who commenced operations in conjunction with Mr Nees. Instead, however, of conveying the washdirt and cement by the tram to the mill on the banks of the Nile, it is likely that proper machinery will be put up on the ground, and probably one of the several steam engines recently imported will be made available for the purposes required. While these arrangements were [lending, we understand several parties pegged off portions of the ground and put, in applications for extended claims, which applications will no doubt be heard of in the Warden's Court in due course.

The last few days rain has been acceptable to the greater number of miners, who are dependent upon the supply of surface water for the continuance of washing.

The complimentary benefit given by the Comedy Troupe to Messrs Nahr and Curtis, which came off on Thursday evening, was not so very numerously attended as we should have liked, but this is partly accounted for by the fact of a great number of those who had purchased tickets being unable to be present. The piece of the evening "Only a Clod" was excellently played,

and all the company appeared to exert themselves to the utmost for the good of mine worthy hosts. One cannot be present at a performance by the Nathan Family without being struck with amazement at the extraordinany powers of mimicry and memory possessed by that little flash of light—that electric spark, as she may be called—Little Marion. No matter how good or lively the business for the moment on hand may be, her appearance on the stage is like the return of sunshine, and has a perceptibly cheering effect on her i fellow-players as well as on the audience. How she can carry so much in that little ' nut' of hers, passes ordinary comprehension. It is not merely one part, but nearer a dozen entire parts of plays, which she has acquired and stored up ready for use at a moment's notice, and those bright eyes show that her clear intelligence is never at a loss either for a word or for an expression of feeling. Her acting too is something to gaze at and remember, and suggests the idea that if it is so perfect now what will it be when she grows to womanhood, for even youthful prodigies grow older every day like more common folks.

This is the clay appointed for the first meeting of the Delegates selected

to form a Mining Conference. It appears doubtful -whether the Charleston miners will avail themselves of the opportunity offered, and we cannot but think it a pity if they do not, for if properly chosen and instructed,

;heir Delegates could use the Con-

ference as a powerful engine towards gaining the much desired object of a permanent Mining Board. The Queensland rush is being felt here a little, but not much, only a few going away, who from being worked out or other reasons were looking about them for something to turn up. Some more definite news than that at present to hand is required to satisfy ordinary men.

Mr Jas. South takes a benefit this evening at the Bijou Theatre, on which occasion the Comedy Troupe will make their last appearance. "We have no doubt Mr South will have a bumper, as he has always been ready to lend his services in any charitable undertaking.