PROGRESS COMMITTEE.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 343, 5 September 1868, Page 2

PROGRESS COMMITTEE.

*W"hbn wo some time ago mooted the advisability of establishing a Progress Committee in Westporfl there were not a few who openly sneered at such an institution, and enquired what possible service audi a body could be, as it held no legal status. Owing to this or ether causes the proposal for its formation fell through, and the subject was thought to be disposed of for an indefinite period, Some letters, however, which we publish from Charleston are a complete answer to a not very wise section of tiie community, and as they clearly recognise the standing and'the objects of a committee of the hind, surely it is worth our while to reconsider the matter, with a view to ptaciug Wcstport on equal terms with its more progressive sister, Charleston. There can be no doubt that though actually illegal, as far as any power goes, the Government would only gladly acknowledge such bodies, as means of ascertaining public opinion on a variety of topics that may arise. Mr Kynnersley, in the correspondence in question, is very clear. Addressing the secretary of the Charleston Committee, he says, " as long as there is no reason to doubt that it (the Committee) fairly represents the opinion of the public it cannot fail, in the absence of any legally elected Board or Council, to be be beneficial, as a convenient locai medium of communication between the Government, and the residents in the district." Could anything be more definite than that as far as showing the recognised usefulness of such a body goes'? A Progress Committee is admitted a body without power for offence but powerful for defence, and how it is that the Westportians have been so slow to recognise its utility, we are at a loss to imagine. The Charleston Committee in a very short term of existence have already dbne good service to the district they represent, whilst on the other hand Westport lias been slumbering and trusting to Providence tog6t the district out of anydif acuities it may tumble into. Just at present there are about a score matters that a Progress Committee might take up. "For instance there is the so called wharf protection, the delay by law of mining matters, and the probable closure of a known auriferous locality. The procrastination in the formation of back streets, the disposal of prison labor, the appointment of an Jncspbetor of Nuisances, and of Woighfce and Measures, the opening up tracks, the necessity for a harbor boat, and consequent periodical visits from the larger steamers, the establishment of a Fire Brigade, and a variety of other matters that would from time to time arise. Last though not leas?, we might mention the initiuikm of measures tor the development of our coal resources. Recently we mentioned that if definite conditions and areas of lease were laid down, from which the Government could not stir, if at all of a reasonable nature, capital is to had to work the mines without delay. For this purpose alone, a good deal of trouble and expense would be well bestowed in the election of a Committee. Just now the Coast generally, Westport inclusive, is by no means in an excessively ilo arising condition, and as a matter of pure selfinterest, we should do all possible to foster its well being by every means in our power. That a Committee of the kind must at least do some good cannot be denied, and it is to be hoped that the residents, repenting of their late indifference, may be induced to take steps for its formation without dele.}'. The letters published afford a sufficient guarantee that well directed efforts would not be in vain, and also that the Government would not only be willing, but be glad to recognise the committee. Is there no one in the town with sufficient public spirit to set the ball rolling.

FRONTAG-E SYSTEM. In the Wardens Court on Monday, an application was made, which, though simple in itself is of no small importance, not only to AVestport but to the well being of the district. As our readers are no doubt aware, when Perry, Nicholls and party recently struck gold on Giles terrace, Luke and parly brought an action in the Warden's Court for encroachment, the object being to deprive Perry and party of the payable ground they had just struck. Now whether Perry and party, or Luke and party, arc in the right is not for us to say, though we confess to thoroughly coinciding in the judgment that the Warden on that occasion gave. Without doubt it is a case complicated considerably by the latest regulations in reibrence to the frontage system, but we entirely agree with Mr. Pitt in his remarks as to Luke and party having no possible chance of getting the verdict reversed on appeal. It is not however

whether one or other party is right in this particular case, that is of any special importance to the general public but it is the precedent tint will be laid down aiid the results consequent on that precedent that are now to be eonsidered. The merits of the case in fact, have yet to be decided, as an appeal has been lodged but the application- made on Monday if granted has public significance and is a matter of general interest. As most know, the Warden decided in favor of Perry an 1 party, and Luke and party, as we have also stated have appealed against his decision. So far so good, but in audition to their appeal they have also applied for an injunction to stay Perry and party from working the ground till the appeal was decided, and it is more than probable that under certain conditions the injunction, will be granted.. The conditions if any will no doubt go to protect the present holders against loss, and is just possible that they may effect the end in view. But there is another question, an 1 that is what effect will such an injunction have on the budding prospects of that locality, and consequently on the trade of Westport, and the development of our goldflelds. In the first place it is certain that this claim will cease working although, the gold is lying ready to be washed out till the District Court sits on the 17th November, just as near as possible three months from hence, and if this claim is in doubt it will naturally deter many if not all other miners from working in that part Thus a late discoveryis rendered valueless, the men disgusted may seek other fields in the meanwhile and so the Buller prospects are dimmed through tardy justice. It is said that the ground in dispute is only one third of the whole claim. That may be, but if as we have reasou to think, it is the only valuable portion, is it at all likely that men will slave away without hope of reward, and at great expense for three months, whilst known riehess lie waitingthcir hand that havebeenwon by their own hard work. No blame is attributable to Luke and party in the matter if they think they have any legal right, but at the same time the

virtually shutting up a terrace of this kind is no light responsibility, and the effect will be felt in evetr business place .in this town. The injunction asked to stay all working in tlie known rich part of the ground, but the principle actually involved in the appeal, is whether or not the frontage system as interpreted by the appellants whereby any number of leads in two hundred yards depth are to be held by one party. As wo have previously stated, we entirely concur with the warden, and have no doubt that his Honor will support the decision, but is it not too bad, that three months must elapse before a final judgment can be arrived at. Surely appeals should be earlier heard than this, for three months delay in mining matters means either ruin or a virtual denial of justice. Many scores of men abandon just claims rather then wait for the slow operation of the mining law as at present administered, and it is by no means improbable that the hope of a good and extensive goldfield will be blighted or at least deferred, by the lingering action of the District Court. Why cannot we have monthly courts instead of having them four times a year. The time of his Honor is not so greatly taxed as not to render this possible, and the beneficial results to justice would be almost incalculable. The consequences to the public by this protracted delay can hardly be estimated ; if we are to have quarterly Courts and our most valuable mining ground about which disputes may arise, locked up in the intervals, no wonder that times are dull on the Buller. We scarcely make a start but something occurs to pull us back again, and the latest instance is the discovery and closing up of the terrace in question. As the Warden stated, no doubt this appeal is a bonajide one, but how easy, if this sj r stem is permitted, will it bo for the unscrupulous to harass those on gold, with the view of extorting money under the threa of initiating a fictitious claim, and on being worsted lodging an appeal. In conclusion it is clear that more speedy mining justice is necessary if appeals are allowed ; if it is not granted both the rising population and the public must suiter individual and collective loss. The case in point piv ves this unmistakeably.

Lltest news from the North island is of a far more encouraging character than we have had for some time. Instead of repulses, we have at last, news of a victory, and though it may be a. comparatively barren one and is dearly purchased by the deaths of four brave fellows, still, it will not be with-

out its fruits and will be, wo trust, the first of* a scries of lessons that Colonel M'Doivuell will teach the Han Haus. Whatever may have been said of the Colonial forces, there is no doubt that on this occasion they behaved gallantly, and even Major Hunter, whose conduct very recently la'd him open to grave imputations of cowardice has redeemed his character, in that respect at all events, and acted well throughout the tight. Vun Tempsky too, one of the best men for Maori warfare ever engaged in New Zealand, was present and altogether if the private differences, said to exist amongt those in command are only laid aside the Patea force is likely to give au excellent account of the whole murdering gang. But there is every fear that just when retribution has fairly set in in earnest, that orders from head quarters will come to paralyse the arm of the avenger, and allow the natives to lay down their arms till better opportunities for assassination and pillage arise. There is no doubt that little short of the extermination of the llau Haus will ever procure permanent peace; or security for iiie and property in the North island, and as the Assembly is now sitting it is most sincerely to be hoped that the Ministry will be forced into such an explicit declaration of their policy as to leave no doubt that the war wiil be prosecuted till this is effected Clemency, in the Maori mind, means fear; mercy is a quality that the fanatics do not recognise and one that in their case should be unknown. If Colonel M'Donnell is allowed to goon undisturbed; with his work, he will perform it well if any maudlin sympathy, or Exeter Hall theory is introduced he must of necessity fall short in its execution. It is absolutely necessary to teach the Maori that whether rightly or wrongly, the white man is his master, and to prove to him that justice, though it may travel with leaden feet, yet proceeds slowly aud surely to its end. Let a white man or a body of white men commit one half of the atrocities that the Hau Haus have been guilty of, and New Zealand would ring again with the execrations that would follow, and what difference is there between blood barbarously shed, whether by Pakeha or Maori. Murder committed by Maoris is at times almost justified by the phflo-maori element, though on what grounds, we are utterly at a loss to understand. Ample provocation for ample punishment has been given, let us hope that retribution may be exacted to the utermost, and that the warning in store for the native race may be of such a kind as to strike terror into their savage hearts, and so through fear, (as all other means have been tried and found wanting) secure for the colony permanent peace.

It seems almost hopeless to expect anything like animation in Westport, even in matters that most vitallv concern the residents. It may perhaps induce some action, when we state that if the Government will specify clearly what amount of the Mount Kochfort coal area they will lease, the conditions on which it slmll be held, and full particulars, capital can be obtained to work it. The shuffling, to say the least of it, that has taken place on the part of the Nelson Government, in connection with its coalfields, has induced anything but confidence, and unless every condition is clearly laid down nothing can be done. If this is ascertained there is every reason to believe that the necessary funds for the proper development of the mine will bo forthcoming without delay. Mr Dreyer is one of those who have, or claim to have, a lease of the coal reserve, and hence, possibly his anxiety and public spirit (?) for the discovery of. a payable coalfield, but all such claims, of any such description, must be definitely disposed of, somehow or other, before a company would spend a farthing. Were a Progress Committee in existence they could well take up the question, and, at all events, procure such reliable and definite information on the subject as could be laid before capitalists in Victoria, for, from there the cash will come if it comes at all. As it is, there is no public body to undertake the enquiry, and instead of having a permanent industry to depend on, our prosperity or adversity ebbs or Hows with new rushes to every new goldfield. If those most interested refuse to help themselves, so it must be to the end of the chapter. "We are glad to say that the Government schooner, Mary, has been employed some days in bringing over rough boulder shingle from the south side of the river, where the bank has been recently formed, and the material is used in filling up the space between the piles and the bank

in the protective works on the northern side. The material is excellently adapted for the purpose, and the vessel suits admirably to convey it. She carries about thirty tons on a trip, and is hauled to and fro by lines fixed at either sh'e, and so can readily drop down to the exact spot required. She can, be believe, make two trips a day at times, and that no time is lost in loading her may be inferred from the fact that this was accomplished on Friday in one hour and a-half. The Mary >s likely to prove a most useful vessel in the river both for this aud like purposes, as well as for snagging use. Since she was purchased extensive repairs have boon made on her, and she is now a substantial and strong vessel.

The Atkonaminis progressing slowly but surely. The Committee have now about a hundred pounds iu hand, and they have already made application for a proportion of the sum voted, during the last session of the Provincial Council, for Public Libraries on the West Coast. Mr Lowe, the District Engineer, has prepared plans fcr the building, which will be erected behind the Court House, and adjoining the Custom House. The Committee have already selected £SO worth of books,:and the order if not sent will be forwarded forthwith. The liev. W. Harvey proceeds to Nelson by the first boat, and when there will plead the cause of the institution with the Government. Altogether the Athenaeum is progressing as rapidly as could be expected, and in another month or two will no doubt be open to the public. Wednesday a little boy of Mr George Somner's had a vevy narrow escape from drowning. It appears that the little fellow, who is about five years of age, was playing near the breakers in the vicinity of the public school, when either through the push of a playmate, or through a slip of his own, he fell within the reach of the sea and was at once carried out. He was thrown twice on the beach, and again drawn back, and had come in again when a little boy, son of Sergeant Williams, caught hold of a school bag that was round his neck, and by that means saved him returning a third time. Before the sea came up again he was plaeed in safety, but as may be readily imagined was greatly prostrated by the dangerous ordeal he had gone thro ugh. He was taken home at once, and, we are glad to say, perfectly recovered in a few hours. At the same time this should prove a warning to parents, for for excepting by the merest accident, this poor little fellow's life would have been sacrificed.

The news brought by the John Peun, from Auckland, is most encouraging as far as the future prospects of the Thames district go. New reefs have been opened, and it is said that the natives are willing on certain terms, to throw open a large district that contains alluvial diggings to diggers in the district. As may be readily imagined-, house property in Auckland has taken a great start, and proprietors now ask about twice as much as they did a month or so ago. Mr Corcoran of the Hibernian hotel, thanks to the sagacity of his better half, is said to be realising a fortune, as he has got a first-class hotel on very moderate terms, in the verybestbusiuess position in Auckland.

The schooner Waterman, Captain Moore, (late of the Alma) left Melbourne on the night of the 22nd ult., arrived off Hokitikaon Monday evening, where she spoke the bar-bound fleet, anchored oft* the steeples on Tuesday evening. Tiie Liouess took her in tow Wednesday morning, when the hawser parted in the beak, there was a very heavy sea running at the time. Captain Moore immediately hoisted his jib and cast his ship's head off" shore, set all his square canvass and soon had his ship out of any danger. She now is lying anchored in the roadstead, and will be towed in by this morning's tide. She brings a general cargo, and reports fine weather during the voyage.

There are now over a hundred children at the Westport public school and that any one master could possibly do justice to such a flock is ridiculous to imagine. Mr Philips, the present master is completely overtasked, and is actually compelled to neglect the children under his care. We know cases where parents have removed their children in consequence, and surely it should be the duty of the local committee to enquire into the matter, with a view to remedy it if possible. We believe that the Westport schooll shows the largest attendance but one in the province, and yet one teacher is supposed to do all the work here, whilst two or more are provided where the work is lighter. We regret to say that a serious accident happened to Mr Charles Bull, (of the flrm'of M'Gill and Bull) Caledonian Terrace, Thursday morning. Mr Bull

is possessed of a very valuable claim on the terrace, to which lie was proceeding at nine o'clock with a prop of about nine feet in length, and of considerable thickness, on his shoulder, up the little creek leading to his claim when his foot slipped and he fell, the prop unfortunately coming uown on one side of his head, the other side being pressed against the bed of the stream. Mr Bull was immediately removed to his store, where he became unconscious and bled profusely from the ears. No time was lost iu procuring the services of Dr Thorpe, who found it necessary to shavo his patient's head, apply bottles of hot water to his feet, and take other means of restoring consciousness. We hope on Dr return to have a more favorable account of Mr Bull's condition, and trust that the injuries lie received will not prove so serious as anticipated by his friends.—Since the above was iu type, we have been favored with the following from Dr Thorpe. " Charles Bull is suffering from a serious injury to the head. In all probability fracture of the base of the skull has occurred. His state at present, 1 p.m., is one of extreme danger." We regret to say that Mr Kiynnersley's health is still very precarious, and his stay in Nelson has not by any means had the beneficial efiect that was anticipated. No doubt however, when fairly freed from the cares of office he will rally, aud we sincerely trust soon be res ored to robust health. As yet nothing is decided definitely in reference to his successor, or indeed whether one will be appointed or not. This delay is owing to the absence of the Superintendent, in Wellington, in the discharge of his duties as member of the Assembly, but something will shortly be decided we presume, in the matter. Lists have been prepared, and a vigorous canvass is about to be commenced by the Kynnersley Committee, on the diggings of the Coast, towards the object they have undertaken. "We have previously expressed our belief that a hearty response will be made to the appeal, and feel convinced that we shall not be mistaken.

There is uo question whatever that the Thames mania has got strong hold of a great many in this neighbourhood and the next boat will no doubt take a large number of people away to this El Dorado. Not only are the people flocking from all parts of New Zealand but they are coming from Melbourne, and the steamer Hero is laid on from that port to Auckland. Nothing could do New Zealand generally and this Coast specially more good than a large influx of population from Australia, for even allowing the Thames field to be quite as good as represented, it is certain that there will not be room on it for a tithe of the people going. They will of course have to go somewhere' and the overflowing will run down to to this Coast without doubt. If an Australian rush takes place to Auckland it will be of vast dimensions, for individual mining in both in Victoria, and New South Wales is at a sad discount just now. The excessive number that will first seek the Thames, will rapidly replace those that may leave here for the Thames. So for therefore from this rush being likely to damage the prospects of the Buller or hereabouts, it is probable that it will be of the greatest serAice in attracting people that would not otherwise have come the colony. By a notice dated August 27th the Superintendent directsdt to be notified that by the Harbour and Quarantine Regulations for the Ports of New Zealand, which came into force on the Ist of September any person who shall be in charge of any vessel or boat, whether decked or undecked, plying for hire in any part of the Colony shall obtain faom the Superintendent of the Province, in which the said Vessel or Boat is intended to ply, a license to ply for Hire, and every boat used for the purpose of carrying Passengers, Cargo, Ballast, or Water Tanks, must also be duly Licensed. Samuel A. Leech and Francis Harris are appointed Inspectors of Boats for the Port of Westport, and no License can be issued to any Boat till an Inspector's certificate has been granted.'

Wanted for Our Museum.—A lady, good-looking, twenty-five years of age, without a shadow of matrimonial longing. A young man who wants a situation in which salary will be an object. A man, thirty-five years of age, who, while on the street during a windy day, never thought of such a thing as ankles. The native-born American policemrn now on duty in this city. Revival converts of two years standing. A man who does not think himself equal to taking charge of a newspaper.— San Francisco News Letter.

Auckland is suffering from a scar city of fuel. Loads of wool, cut for the metropolis, have been. Joft on the landing-places near the firewood bushes in the Province. the small craft usually employed in conveying wood to Auckland, having joined in the rush to Shortlaud and Tapti. Oar Charleston contemporary took us rafter severely to taslc for as he alleged, overstating the list escort brought up from that town and Brighton. We find ufter all that we were very nearly correct in saying about 9,030 ou.!u-os was the amount, for in bis issue of yesterday we find his statement of 2,200 bemg brought from Brighton to be incorrect, the real quantity being 3,580 ounces. If the excess is added to His previously published statement 9,000 ounces is' as near the quantity as possible. The ">S dney Morning Herald, " of the Ist instant, says : —" Our experience of the work of the Act imposing ad valorem duties has been of the same unsatisfactory nature as that of all other countries who have adopted a system which oifers a premium to fraud. A case has recently occurred exposing the practice of undervaluing goods and the production of invoices to support the valuation. A shipment entered at £ISOO has proved to be worth £3600, and after it became known that the goods were stopped at the Customs, several applications were made to amend other entries. The parties have of course been called on to pay the full value, but there is no provision in the Act for fines or confiscation. It is impos ible that this system can be allowed much longer to continue, to the disadvantage of the conscientious and the benefit of the unscrupulous trader."

A correspondent writing to t ne Southern Gross from Shortland, on August 10th, states : —" A man travelling between Shortland and Tookey's Flat was stuck-up the other night, and robbed of a watch and chain and three sovereigns. The number of his assailants was three, and the night was so dark that he was unable to recognise any of them. Last Saturday afternoon fighting seemed to be be all the rage, the streets and publichouses being the principal locales of such scenes. Only last night a man was stabbed in several places when crossing a creek, as he happened to step before another man who was in company with two women who were crossing at the same time. Such disgraceful scenes as these prove the necessity of having a stronger police force here, as it cannot be expected that the few at present stationed here are sufficient to preserve order. It is really hardly safe to walk out of a night, as there are &o many desperate characters about. I think the safety of the public ought to be the first care in such an important place as this, the more especially when it is considered what a large revenue is now being derived from these goldfields." In narrating an execution for murder at Castlemaine, the Melbourne Argus of the 15th inst. says : —" The attendance of the public in the morning was small, but there is still a good deal of morbid curiosity te see executions, judging from the number of applications made to the sheriff for orders of admission. Amongst the applications was one from the respectable head of a respectable family, asking for a ticket for !iimself,his wife, and three children."

The extraordinary upheavings of the sea experienced on the New Zealand Coast, on the 15th instant, were felt on the Tasmanian coast. A Hobart Town journal says:—"On Saturday 15th instant, a most remarkable phenomenon was witnessed at New Town nesr the residence of Captain Bailey. Early in the morning a tidal wave was seen approaching the shore, of vast body' and spread over a large area of hitherto dry land. This phenomenon was repeated at intervals throughout the entire day, and was naturally a matter of much curiosity to the residents of the neighborhood." On the South Australian coast also was the phenomenon observed. Both the Adelaide papers notice it in these terms :—" The tidal wave which occured in New South Wales on Saturday, 15th instant, was also noticed in the Grulf, and the signal-man has a most interesting record of the sudden rise and fall, with subsequent oscillations. Although not as large as it appears to have been in Sydney, there can be no question of its being the same."

The Melbourne Meat Brererving Company is vigorously at work in the manufacture of the tins required for its contemplated exports. Fourteen men are engaged in the process, and they have already turned out 10,000 tins of 2, 3, and 6 lbs, at a cost, it is said, of only one penny per 61b tin above what they would have cost in England.