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Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 293, 9 July 1868, Page 2

Our Grey mouth contemporary records another melancholy case of drowning in the Grey River, the victim this time being a boatman named Aaron Petberbridge, employed in one of Kilgour and Perotti's coal boats. On Saturday morning he was employed riding a horse which was towing the boat up the river, and while crossing the lagoon ford, about three miles from Cobden, he missed the track, which was covered with water at the time, and was immediately in deep water. Both man and horse were drowned.

Members of all denominations, Catholic and otherwise, who had the pleasure of knowing Father Royer, when he was visiting this district, will be glad to hear of a well-earned compliment being paid him. We extract the following from the Grey River Argus :—" An illuminated scroll testimonial has been presented to the Rev. Father Royer by the residents in the Arnould District, which bears the following :— * To the Rev. Father Royer, Roman Catholic Clergyman, Greymouth. Rev. Sir— We, the undersigned, residents of the Arnould District, of all denominations, in presenting you with this address, desire to testify our sincere appreciation of the services you have rendered to us as a Catholic Clergyman,. and also of the kindly and charitable disposition you have ever evinced towards the sick and needy, irrespective of creed and country. We trust that with the blessing of Divine Providence, you may be long spared to exercise those Christian and philanthropic efforts which so eminently qualify you for your sacred calling, and that every blessing may attend you through life. Signed on behalf of the resident of the Arnould District." Here follow the signatures. The Rev. gentleman's reply is in the following terms : —"My Dear Friends—l thank you sincerely for your beautiful address. In all my experience, of many countries and peoples, I must say that I never received more cordiality or generous sympathy than from the good people of the Grey River District, and particularly from the inhabitants of the Arnould. Such expression of sentiment is cheering to me in my arduous missionary career; and this your precious memento will be an incentive to greater energy and zeal on my part to discharge my pastoral duties, in a manner pleasing to Almighty God, and satisfaction to the the flock entrusted to my spiritual care. This memento shall also be a strong reason, if any were required, to make me feel brotherly love from those who differ from me in religious doctrine. With prayers to the Most High to bless, guide, and protect you all in peace, harmony, and happiness; to grant you the grace of true faith, firm hope, ardent charity, a happy death, and a glorious future, I remain, dear friends, gratefully and affectionately yours, Emmanuel Royer. '' This graceful act on the part of the residents in the Arnold District is no more than is deserved by the Rev. Father Royer, whose exertions on their behalf for years past have been most assiduous, visiting them, and attending to their spiritual wants in all weathers, and frequently at the risk of his life. We may mention that the illumination of the scroll has been executed in a thoroughly artistic manner by Mr R. C. Brown, a miner at Waimea Junction, Arnould District.

There has been from time to time a considerable difference of opinion as to the relative yield of the Nelson and the Westland goldfiells, that is sold in Greymouth. In order to set the question at rest as far as possible, the Chairman of the County Council o Westland, and Mr Kynnersley, as representing the Nelson province, have issued a notice in the Greymouth paper requesting all those disposing of gold in that town, to state at the time of sale whether it was got from the Nelson province or from Westland. Though the results may not be perfect, yet a great deal will be ascertained that will through some light on the subject, and if nearly correct returns can be obtained, we venture to say that the gold yield of the districts immediately north of the Grey, will prove equal to, if not greater than that got from the immediate south portion of Westland.

The hospital funds have been transferred to the new committee and the provisional committee have very nearly concluded their labours. At

the next meeting of the hospital committee on "Wednesday next a report will be handed in, and that will complete the whole work of the gentlemen referred to. Apropos of hospital matters, we may say that a site has been hit on between the town and the Orawaite that promises to be all that can be desired, both as to dryness, accessibility, and openness. Its exact situation we do not know, but understand it is between the Catholic Church and Mr Kynnersley's house. As will be seen by advertisement in another column, Mr Fraser, notwithstanding the very serious rivalry of the new school under the Education board, still continues his school, and though of course his numbers have greatly diminished, he still can gather a respectable muster. There are many in the town who are so well satisfied with his past exertions that they will not remove their children from his care, and the very fact of his pupils being reduced, will enable him to devote all the more time to their improvement. We cordially wish him every success, and hope he will long be able to hold his own as heretofore.

The rain of yesterday, and the violent southeaster that blew all yesterday afternoon, brought down a heavy fresh, and at six o'clock, though nearly low water, the river was almost half bank high. It is not improbable that a flood may result, for the snow on the hills was disappearing rapidly under the influence of the rain and the warmer wind. As might be expected the weather was wretched to a degree, and when a break will occur seems difficult to prognosticate. Though announced to leave for the south, the Murray could not go out, and must be a prisoner till the weather abates. —Since the above was in type, and at about midnight, the wind has shifted more to the southward.