CHARLESTON NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 347, 10 September 1868, Page 2

CHARLESTON NEWS.

A special meeting of the Committee of the Hospital took place on Monday evening, at Kennedy's Melbourne Hotel for the purpose of enquiring into the large amount of expenses incurred for rations, drugs and extras, supplied to that institution for a short time past. There were in attendance Messrs Broad (in chair) Beaumont, Bowen, Kennedy, M'Oay, and M ; Carthy. The Surgeon and Warden were also in attendance and examined, respecting these matters and satisfactorily accounted for what at first;.sight would savour

of extravagance. Enquiry was also made respecting the recent admission of two individuals into the Hospital—the one while in a state of intoxication —the other, as circumstances subsequently partly established the fact, a pseudo invalid. To this also a satisfactory explanation was given. The extras furnished being of an especially larsre character, it was decided that the "Warden should procure no more extras except upon written instructions from the doctor. A letter was subsequently read from Mr. Kempthorne in Du'iedin offering to supply the Charleston and Brighton Hospital with drugs at moderate charges. The offer was accepted, but allowed to stand over till Doctor Dakers should make out a list of what would be required. Meeting then adjourn d. In the R. M. Court on Tuesday, James Derbyshire was brought up on remand from Westport, charged with embezzling the monies of John Lewis, dairyman ; and was further remanded until Tuesday for production of evidence. Owing to a defection, the amateur concert which was to have been held on Tuesday evening at the Four Mile, in aid of the new Church of England, did not come off. It appears that the vocalists as well as those who had the conduct of the affair, were singularly indisposed on the occasion, and could not attend—some with colds, others, I am inclined to think, with imaginary complaints. "Well might our neighbors of the Four Mile exclaim "ye gods, ye gods ! how can we endure all this." The old favorite p.s. Waipara, arrived on Tuesday afternoon, and sailed in half an hour afterwards. CHARLESTON PROGRESS COMMITTEE MEETING. Pursuant to advertisement the Progress Committee held a meeting on Tuesday evening at 8 o'clock at the Melbourne Hotel. There were present Messrs Kennedy, Neale, Isaacs, Allen end Russell. Mr. Hennelly in the chair. The minutes of last meeting read and confirmed. A letter was read from Mr. A. B. Bain tendering his resignation as secretary to the Committee in consequence of his removing to Westport. Proposed by Mr. Isaacs and seconded by Mr. Kennedy and carried that the resignation be accepted. Another letter was read, from Mr. Thomas Dwan resigning his position as chairman of the Committee on the grounds of personal dislike to sit with a certain member of the body. The document itself bore the impress of hasty execution. Some members were of opinion that personal animosity should not interfere with public duties. The tender, however, was not accepted; it being proposed by Mr Hennelly, and seconded by Mr Isaacs and carried, that it be allowed to stand over for one week.

It was proposed by Mr Kennedy, seconded by Mr Russell and carried. That a letter be written to Mr Kynnersley, requesting him to give instructions to Mr Lowe, to enquire into the probable expenditure that would attach to the removal of a certain rock within the port, and which considerably endangers the small vessels entering therein. It was proposed by Mr Isaacs, and seconded by Mr Neale: —"That the proper authorities be written to with respect to the advisability of posting outside the telegraph office, the arrival &c, of vessels along the Coast. After some remarks about the advantages that would accrue in consequence, the motion was carried. It was proposed by Mr Kennedy, seconded by Mr Isaacs and carried : "That a letter be written to the Colonial Secretary, urging upon him the necessity of carrying out the intention of the Provincial Council in relation to the advisability of declaring Charleston harbour, a port of entry. After a short discussion about the advisability of appointing a paid secretary, a vote of thanks to the chair was proposed by Mr Neale and seconded by Mr Isaacs. The Committee then adjourned.