The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 203, 25 March 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1868.

In consequence of the pressure of news relating to the Duke of Edinburgh, we withhold our usual leader. Duke op Edinbubgh.—"We published last night, in a third edition, the latest telegrams in connection with the attempt on the life of this amiable Priuce. We were in possession of the news by the John Peun, but preferred to give the latest intelligence first. In another part of this issue will be found the whole of the particulars at present to hand.

Attempted Assassination op the Duke of Edinburgh.—The news brought ] y the S. S. Wang vnul yesterday and published by us in au " extraordinary " soon after the arrival of the tlio steamer, has caused great consternation, and has been the cause of bringing out expressions of loyalty from all the residents of this locality towards the Royal Family of England. The public mind is sorely troubled at this cowardly attempt at assassination made in Spdney on the person of the Duke, whose career hitherto has been the source of such congratulation, and whose personal traits of character have won the golden opinions of all. We are not yet in possession of sufficient facts to comment at length on the circumstances, all we know at present is that the Duke was shot, but was not dead when the Lady Dcnison left Sydney. Rumors are rife that the deed was committed by an Irishman; Captain Ferine of the brig Lady Denison, even mentioned this to the Captain of the Wanganui, but until the news is verified we will make no comments on the nationality or motives of the perpetrators of the deed. Since the Duke's arrival in the Australian colonies, he has shown himself in the most public manner at all places, and on all occasions, and the implicit trust he placed in the honor, and good faith of the colonists has been everywhere apparent, and incontestibly proves the goodwill and affection everywhere borne towards the naval Duke. We will not believe that any number of people, have been concerned in the dastardly attack, and the attempt, if verified, will meet with universal horrors should the next arrival from Sydney bring further particulars corroborating the meagre news yet received. No doubt the programme of the Prince's movements will be changed, but in the meanwhile lat us " hoping against hope" thinkfor the best, and bear patiently and calmly the anticipation of further news. The Volunteer Movement.—lt is with the greatest pleasure that we draw attention to the meeting to be held to-night at Stephenson's Assembly Rooms under the auspices of Mr Commissioner Kynnersley, who takes the chair on the occasion, for the Volunteer Rfle Corps. It is only a few weeks since the idea of a Volunteer movement was first inaugurated at Hokitika and already so eager are the population to join that a second Company is in course of formation, and is likely to muster as strong as the one already formed. We hear that upwards o-' sixty men have already signified their intention of joining the new Corps about to be formed here, and we are sure that no words of ours are neoded to point out the advisibility and utility of the formation of such a company. In Eugland as is well known, every city village and hamlet has its Rifle Corps, and their efficiency is undisputed. It is gratifying to know that the youth of New Zealand arc not behindhand in joining in so patriotic a movement; and although we hope it will be long before the services of armed men are needed here, we know that our hearths and altars are safe whilst sturdy hands and British hearts heat under the uniform of a Volunteer. Therefore let every man in Westport attend the meeting at the Assemblyrooms to-night, and enrol themselves in the Westport Volunteer Rifle Corps. The Trccker Case.—lt will doubtless be in the recollection of our readers, that a man named Tricker was sentenced to death by Judge Johnson, for the murder of a man named Rayner, a settler at Rangatiri in the North Island, some three years ago; the evidence was not thought conclusive by the Government, and although he was not hanged, he has since been a prisoner in Wellington Gaol. His was the case referred to in our Monday's article on juries, and the evidence brought against him at the trial was not considered by outsiders conclusive of guilt, but the jurors, with an eye to their worldly business, found him guilty. ThoWaiu/anui Gronicle of the 21st inst. thus notices the efforts now being made by Trickers former neighbours to gain his discharge from custody, "In consequence of the Governor's speedy departure to Auckland, it was considered necessary to send off the memorial on behalf of Tricker in an unfinished state,—that is, without nearly as many signatures to it as would have been obtained if longea time had been allowed. The memorial was on a roll of upwards of 11 feet in length and had 314 names attached to it. If a day or two longer could have been spared, another 100 names would have been added. Very few were called upon in the Upper and AVestern districts of Rangitikei simply for the reason slated. We hope the memorial may be productive of the result which those who have so kindly interested themselves in the matter have reason to anticipate."