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Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 269, 11 June 1868, Page 2

A mail will close for Nelson, Wellington, Lyttelton and Dunedin, per Beautiful Star, at 11 a.m. to-day. In the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning there was only one case, that of a votary of Bacchus, who paid the usual penalty of orer indulgence. C. Broad, Esq., of Charleston, sat on the bench.

A correspondent of the Colonist writing in reference to the Brunner Coal Mine at the Grey says —" The Brunner Coal Mine is now being worked by the Government, until the Executive make up their minds what to do with it. It is under the superintendence of Mr Dent, and the works are being carried on in a rather more workmanlike style than heretofore. For instance, the late company of Melbourne capitalists (!) have been taking the coal out of the face of the mine, at a cost of about 5s 3d a ton, whilst at present Mr Dent is working on a plan furnished by Mr Burnett, driving three levels right into the mine, at a cost of 5s a ton, and from 4s to 5s per yard in additiou, thus considerably increasing the cost of the coal to the Government, but improving the mine and rendering the future working of it safe. It is now delivered at the pit mouth at 12s, which is a trifle over the cost of it, after reckoning all expenses, such as management, new rails, repairs to trucks, &c. It is boated down by the contractors at 7s 9d per ton, and sold wholesale at 255, and the demand exceeds the supply." The weather again broke yesterday, the morning being very cloudy with occasional squalls and slight rain. In the afternoon a stiff northeaster blew, and sent a heavy surf rolling home on the beech, the sea breaking some distance out. Bain fell in smartshowers in the evening and it is not impossible that the milder temperature and the comparatively warm rain will loosen some of the snow on the ranges and that a pretty heavy farsh will be running down the Buller this morning. As will be seen in another place a resolution to the effect that his Honor be requested to take the necessary steps to declare Charleston a port of entry, has been carried in the Provincial Council. We must admit that we can hardly see the necessity there was for this course, nor the great benefit it will be to mercantile men there, for the port is of such a character as to forbid the probability of anything entering except small coasting crafts. At the same time as the Charlestonians desired it, we are glad they have so far got their wishes carried out, aud hope the fulfilment will bring all the good fortune that they anticipate. The business of the District Court is almost concluded. Yesterday a mining appeal was set down for trial but was postponed as will be seen by our report. Several insolvents passed through the fiery ordeal, and obtained their conge from his Honor, only two cases being reserved for to-day.