CHARLESTON NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 278, 22 June 1868, Page 2

CHARLESTON NEWS.

According to the Nelson Provincial Gazette of the Bth instant, the new Gold-fields Regulations which are therein set forth, will come into force on the Ist proximo. The present fine weather seems to be well appreciated by all classes, but the miners generally grumble if rain does not fall at least every week. The carpentering trade is pretty brisk just now, there being several new buildings in course of erection filling up the gaps in Camp Street, in addition to a number of houses &c. being pulled down and put up again in other parts of the town and suburbs. The whole population of the district may have somewhat diminished during the last six months, but we think the population of this town itself has if anything increased, a good many buildings of one sort and another having during that period being added to Charleston. Mr Foyn, one of the proprietors of the Casino, took a benefit on Thursday evening, on which occasion his numerous friends and supporters were entertained by a dramatic performance and concert by a mixed company of professionals and amateurs. The acting on the whole was very fair indeed, the chief fault being one which they had a pretty broad hint to correct from one of the " unreserves," who more than once cried out " Speak up, matter!" " Betsy Baker," the afterpiece, was excellently played, Monsieur being well done by Mr Chas. Howard, and the dear little washerwoman admirably represented by Miss Fanny Thomas, whose apparently natural unsophisticated manner and sly humour seemed fitted to the character, and drew great applause, which was only increased by her occasional mis-

•takes. In the piece of "Used up" iip" the principal characters were sustained by the brothers Bain. The cutter Lizzie sailed on Thursday night for the Auckland diggings taking away some 8 or 10 miners as paaaengers. Others are leaving or thinking of leaving for the same ground but we are informed by a gentleman who recently received a letter from an old and respected resident of Charleston who is at present mining at the Thames, that his correspondent though speaking welF of the ultimate richness of the country, writes to dissuade his mates at present from thinking of going north until the winter at least is over, as it will take some time to get machinery, &c, requisite for extracting the gold. The usual weekly meeting of the Hospital Committee was held on Friday evening. The Visitors reported having found the hospital clean and orderly, and the new warder attentive and the patients, of whom there were seven, satisfied with their treatment. A letter was read from Dr Dakers, suggesting that a screen be placed round the door-way of the ward, and it was decided that a lobby should be put up inside the ward, and the same be furnished with a money box and door mat. A report was received from Dr Dakers on the case of J. Henry, and it was resolved that the patient be forwarded to Nelson, according to the Doctor's recommendation. The claim on Darkie's Terrace originally taken up by Evans, Clarke, and party, and concerning which there was recently a lawsuit between the parties named, the Bank of New South Wales and Mr Henry Mace, is now in full working, a large plant, comprising steam engine, batteries &c, having been erected on the ground at the expense of Mr W- L. Bees. The whole has been resolved „ into a registered ' company with a capital of £3600, and the prospects offered by the quality of the ground and facilities for crushing are, we believe, first rate. We regret to report an accident which happened on Saturday to a miner named ' Hugh Horner, whereby his leg was fractured. He was engaged moving some timber for the Cosmopolitan Company, on the Back Lead, when a heavy log fell and crushed his leg. He ■ was removed the same day to the Hospital where the limb was set by Dr ' Dakers. j

The Church of England Committee's appointed meeting £took place on Saturday evening, and the following arrangement was made as to districts and canvassers —South side of Princes street, Messrs Ga?quoine and M'Coy ; north side of Princes street, Allen and Neale ; Camp street and Darkie's Terrace Road, Kennedy and Bain ; Darkie's Terrace, the Flat, Back Lead, Sardine Terrace, Ballarat, &c, Connolly and Jenkins ; Candlelight, Deep Lead, Argyle Terrace, Whiskey Terrace, Middle Flat, &c, Steele and Penny ; Four Mile, Jones, Greenwood, Fox ; Brown's Terrace, It. P. Bain, Harris, Kyle. The canvass for subscriptions to be made this week, and the Committee to meet again on Thursday evening next to receive the various lists and report progress. A conversation ensued as to the site, and it appeared to be the general opinion that the one proposed in a corner of the Camp Reserve, facing the Darkie's Terrace road, was the most suitable in every respect; but the question was left to be decided at a future meeting. '

There is a report here that notwithstanding the resolution recently passed by the Nelson Provincial Council, the Government do not intend to constitute Charleston a Port of Entry. But this seems hardly to agree with the fact of a notification having been issued, that Brighton is to be closed as a Customs Port after the end of the month.

A seizure of an illicit still, was made on Saturday by the Brighton police, in a garden belonging to Mr Green, storekeeper, situated alongside of the tramway, running between the township and St. Kilda. In addition to the still, two small casks of whiskey were secured, but the owner succeeded in making a hurried escape into the bush, leaving his waistcoat c< >utaining a watch &c. and coat hanging to a tree. These also were taken charge of by the police, and as the track north and south was well guarded, Mr Green had probably but a cool night of it. The fine for illicit distilling, was by the Amendment Act increased from £IOO to £SOO. Some of the knowing ones say they have tasted poteen in Charleston, and affect to speak in highly appreciative terms of its excellent quality.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT, CHARLESTON. Friday, June 19. (Before C. Broad, Esq., R.M.) Thomas Cairn, and William Arny, ■were each fined 20s. for being drunk and disorderly.

Trustees of Charles Nees, v. Thomas I Keer, claim £25. 0. 0 for 100 loads of coal. Mr Porock said he appeared for the plaintiff's and produced an order for the Trustees to collect money. Mr Johnston who appeared for the defendant objected to the document as insufficient authority to sue. The objection was sustained and plaintiffs nonsuited with costs. The Bailiff v. Strike. This was an interpleader summonse brought on to determine the ownership of certain monies now in court, the produce of a baiiiff's sale. The defendant asked for an adjournment, which was granted to Friday next.