CHARLESTON NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 337, 29 August 1868, Page 2

CHARLESTON NEWS.

In consequence of the recent decision given by Judge Clarke, several holders of double area claims granted under the old regulations have made fresh applications i r order to have their ground surveyed and secure a proper title to the same. Some seven or eight claims are thus affected, and in order to allow time for making new applications and prevent jumping the Warden has advartised that protection is accorded for the space of fourteen davs. The benefit in aid of the Hospital given by the Poley Troupe on Tuesday evening, was as usual a complete success. The Theatre which was given by the proprietors, Mersrs Eoyne and Sturt free of chai'gc, was well filled in every part, and the varied bill of fare offered on the occasion appeared to be thoroughly well appreciated by a delighted audience. The late rainfall has been very beneficial to the miners, and machines that were for some days working short hours, owing to want of water, are now again in full work, day and night. We do not hear of many large shares changing hands. A share however, in the Maori Chief claim has just been sold to one of the men, but the price has not transpired. This is a valuable engine claim on the Back Lead, with a long time of work before them. A share in the well known Dublin City claim on -the same lead, was sold a few days ago, under pressure, and was bought a bargain by a speculator from Grreymouth, at a price equal to about £2OO. The neighbouring claim of Savage and party's, have just got into good working order the plates show the improved quality of the ground they are getting into. They are putting through about 60 tons per cijrn, and can always depend upon a full supply of water power. There have been no arrivals or departures of shipping in Constant Bay for some days past, in consequence of the heavy sea prevailing. There is some talk of the Waipara steamer paying us a visit soon, as also theLyttelton, but steamer's visits to our port are too much like angel's—few, and immeasurably far between. A farewell dinner to Mr Lightband took place at the European Hotel on Wednesday evening, there being between thirty and forty gentlemen present. After the usual preliminary toasts had been acknowledged, the chairman, Mr Dwan, proposed the health of the guest of the evening, which was drunk wi h all the honors. In responding to the toast, Mr Lightbaud remarked that he felt the attention was particularly flattering considering the short time be had been resident in Charleston, and that be had every reason to be grateful for the kindness which had been extended towards him, during hislimited sojourn. In returning thanks for his own health being drunk, Mr Broad, the present Warden and Resident Magistrate, took occasion to refer to Mr Lightband's past services, and mentioned the circumstance of his being spoken of in Hochstetters great work, as the discoverer of the first gold diggings in New Zealand, at Collingwood, where he was engaged in mining pursuits for many years. A variety of toasts aud sougs were indulged in during the evening, and altogether the affair was as pleasant a social gathering as has taken place for some time. We need scarcely add that the dinner provided by the worthy hosts, Messrs Weitzell and Co. was of the verv first character.

Another machine and water wheel at the Back Lead was christened on Wednesday. It is in the immediate vicinity of*the Cosmopolitan and others and is supplied with water from the same race. M'Mullen and party are the proprietors of this, the latest addition to our machinery. The wheel is 25

feet in diameter, and drives a battery of four stampers of two hundred weight each, and in this respect differs from its neighbours who have got a larger number of stampers of less weight. There has always been a diffei'cnce of opinion as to which is the best plan, and though most of the batteries have light stampers, the advocates on the other side point to the Nile Company's battery, Davis and party, where the efficacy of a small number of heavy stampers is very weil shown. The bar on Wednesday was remarkably smooth, but no shipping were about to take advantage of its condition. Two boats load of amateurs however, pulled out some two miles to sea, with the object of fishing, but as only porpoises were met with, the fishing part of the excursion proved a failure, but a trial of speed took place between the two boats, to enable the worthy citizens to show their muscle. This ended in fraternization, and a general exchange of stores, the first boat out having exhausted all its stock in going over the bar. The fortnightly escort on "Wednesday took away an unusually large quantity of gold, a parcel of 2250 ounces from Brighton being included, besides an extra parcel from the Bank of New South Wales. The quantity in all amounted to 49-17 ozs 0 dwts 14 grs. [As will be seen in another column, the local paper's report differs from that of our correspondent.]