CHARLESTON NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 236, 4 May 1868, Page 2

CHARLESTON NEWS.

The extensive plant erected by Mr C. Nees, consisting of a powerful steam-engine, saw-mill, and battery of stampers for cement crushing, situated near the Nile Bridge ; also the tramway, about a mile in length, connecting the work with Charleston, were brought to the hammer on Thursday. The engine and saw-mill were knocked down to Mr Philip Eooney for £3lO. and the tramway and tip trollies to Mr Stebbing, the former for £26, the latter for £25. It appears that shortly after receiving payment of the last two lots, the auctioneer (Mr Dwan) discovered that the tramway grant included the ground on which stands the engine and saw-mill, and there was a probability of the purchaser of the latter being called upon to remove the same. Be that as it may, however, Mr Dwan repudiated the sale of the tramway and trollies, and put them up for sale again next day, stating that he did so at the risk of the former purchaser. Some curiosity was evinced as to the result of the second sale, and when the lots were put up the auctioneer (Mr Dwan), who appeared very much excited, refused to receive a protest handed in by Mr Stebbing, the former purchaser, and kicked it into the mud. The tramway was knocked down to Mr Eooney for £2S, and the trucks to Mr Mace for £2O, but in this instance the tramway alone was sold without the grant. Before, and during the sale, the auctioneer indulged in unlimited abuse of several individuals there present. We refrain from describing in detail the extraordinary conduct of Mr Dwan, or passing any comments, as the circumstances are likely to be made the subject of a case or two in the Eesideut Magistrate's Court.

The amateur entertainment in aid of the funds of the Charleston hospital, which took place in the Casino on Thursday evening was a great success. As usual there was a vei*y large attendance, despite the threatening appearance of the weather. The piece selected for the occasion was a comedy in two acts, written by Mr Pelham Hardwicke, entitled "The Bachelor of Arts" and remarkable rather for easy wit and brilliant dialogue than for strong situations. The principal characters were Harry

Jasper, a fast Man about to\vn> represented by Mr A. B. Bairt; Mr Thornton, a retail city merchant, by Mr C. Mirfiti ; and Andrew Wylie, a money lender, by Mr J. "W. Black. The other characters were Young Adolphus Thornton by Mr Horne, junr. ; Aclderley, a gentleman who lays siege to Mrs Thornton by Mr Burcham; and Mathew, the servant, by Mr Kingstey. The character of Mrs Thornton was taken by Mrs Lightband ; and that of Emma, the daughter, by Mrs Bain ; and both were very well sustained. For an amateur performance the play went very smoothly, and the acting reflected considerable credit on all the performers ; of course Mr j. W. Black added greatly to the humour and success of the piece. Andrew Wylie becoming in his hands a well marked and most character, and Mr Kingsley certainly made the most of the light but effective part entrusted to him. The net proceeds, after paying for the room and all other expenses, will probably show a sum of nearly £4O, added to the funds of the institution. We are glad to see there is every probability of a Masonic Lodge beintr established here at once. Two very satisfactory meetings have been held by brothers of the craft, and it is understood that Messrs "Weitzell and Co-, have offered to build a large room for Masonic purposes. The sale of Mr Godfrey's stock of draught horses, as also his hotel known as the Carriers' Arms, corner of Blackett street and Rotten Row, took place on Saturday, Mr D. Isaacs being the auctioneer. Very fair prices were realised, the seven horses fetching £260, and the hotel and small building adjoining, £l6O. A quantity of miscellaneous merchandise was also sold at the same time. The Nag's Head Hotel, in Princes Street, was offered at auction the same day by Mr- Dwan. Protests were put in by Mr P. Elliott, the proprietor or occupier, and Messrs Allen Brothers, the latter holding a bill of sale over the stock and furniture. The hotel was knocked down to Mr Comiskey for £7O.