LATEST INTER-COLONIAL NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 391, 31 October 1868, Page 2

LATEST INTER-COLONIAL NEWS.

QUEENSLAND

From Brisbane we have files to the 10th instant.

The Gladstone Observer says:—" The drought is telling a tale in the back districts. Stations have been deserted, and stock removed, to travel in search of more favored localities, and the constant passing through of mobs of sheep and cattle has considerably injured runs nearer the coast. We are informed that not less than 60,000 sheep are now within forty miles of Gladstone, travelling to the coast for shearing, and some few boiling-down—-how it can pay to boil such scarecrows we cannot see, except on the principle of making the first loss the least. Even the draymen about town can hardly keep their cattle at home, and horses must be stable-fed or allowed to wander away, perhaps beyond recovery. Occasionally we have had signs of rain, but only to be disappointed. ' The heavens are as brass,' and bush fires rage around. The loss of stock, unless the drought soon breaks up, will be ruinous." With reference to the Cape Hiver diggings, a telegram from Bowen in the Courier, dated Bth October, states — :t It is reported that one party (number not stated) at the Cape Hiver diggings washed out ninety-four ounces of gold in two days. There are twelve reefing claims registered, the majority of which show good stone, but at present there is no machinery on the ground to crush it." A remarkable atmospheric disturbance, described as resembling a waterspout, appears (says the Maryborough Chronicle (to have been noticed by several persons on the evening of the Ist instant. A correspondent on the Upper Mary, who was returning home by water on that occasion, describes the occurrence as follows. "At about 9.30 p.m., when about half-a-mile above the sugar-mills, and within three quarters of an hour of high water, my attention was attracted by the sudden appearance of a tall column of vapour above the scrub on the eastern or right bank of the river, there running nearly due north, of a peculiarly dense and compact appearance, and travelling north-westward at a rate far exceeding the speed of clouds even in a gale. The sky was in other respects clear and serene, and there was no motion in the atmosphere beyond a very slight westerly breeze, barely sufficient to ruffle the surface of the water. The cloud column, or eddy of vapour, whatever it may have been, was completely overhead, within at most three minutes from its first appearance, on my somewhat confined horizon ; and having partially obscured the moon, its impetus seemed to be as suddenly checked by the westerly breeze at right angles to which it was travelling ; it gradually dissolved, and in less than a quarter of an hour a few faint streaks on the north-eastern horizon were the only remnants of the phenomenon which at one time had presented quite an alarming appearance. It was succeeded, however, by a sudden gale from the south-east, which burst out as we reached home, and blew with great violence for some hours. Judging from the comparative calmness of the atmosphere previous to the occurrence, I am disposed to regard it as one of those eddies which are liable to be formed, in the space intervening between contending atmospheric pressure, which interval being in a state of unstable equilibrium, is apt to present a deceptive appearance of calm. Such an eddy might have condensed moisture sufficient to

account for the sudden formation of the vapour column just described, or it might have absorbed water mechanically from surfaces that it-passed over in its progress. With regard to mining items, the Bulletin, of the 6th inst., says : —" We hear that a lot of miners are passing through Crocodile Creek, bound for the Dee neighborhood ; there are a number at work at the Three-mile Creek at the alluvial sinking, and are making 'tucker.' Messrs Gannon, Hinehclitfo, and Tudhopeintend starting a crushingmachine on the Crocodile. The site lias already been marked out, and two of the firm left by the Balclutha for the purpose of purchasing the requisite plant. The reef reported to be one mile from town has not yet been dropped on by many anxious searchers, and the existence of the reef itself is questioned. A party out on-the search on Sunday came across one or two men at work in the gullies, who are stacking washdirt, determining to have a washup when the rain comes. It is .said that there are several men at work in this way, but the prospects are looked on as not very bright. The men, we wear, at first tried carrying the stuff to hater, but the distance was too great to pay."

We are informed on reliable authority that Luke and party, who are appealing against a Warden's decision in reference to ground at Giles's Terrace, then given to Perry, Nicholls and party, have resolved to abstain from working the other portion of their claim till the District Court has set the question of ownership at rest. What their reasons are we are not aware, but the act of valuable ground lying idle, pending litigation, certainly goes to prove the necessity there is, by more frequent courts or other means, for a speedier settlement of all such cases.

A leg ana arm ol a hoy or woman were washed ashore on the 23rd inst., on the Ten-Mile Beach, near the TenMile Creek, in the province of Nelson. The police at Cobden say that no death has been reported in that district. It is therefore probable that they are a portion of the body of the boy Fisher, who was drowned at Hokitika on the 10th instant.

The West Ooast Times of yesterday reports : —" A terrible accident, which was instantaneously fatal, occurred yesterday afternoon, on Gibson's Quay, An immense log of timber was being drawn by horses along the wharf when a little boy named Heenan, who was near, fell in front of the heavy mass, which, before the horses could be stopped, passed over, his body completely crushing him to death. Those near ran to his assistance, but he was past all human aid. The body was taken into the Harbor Master's Office, where it now lies awaiting the inquest. The driver of the horses was at once arrested by the police, and subsequently admitted to bail by the Hon. J. A. Bonar.

The Melbourne Argus of the 19th says:—At Loctit Bay, on the 7th instant, a small party caught 1251b weight of salmon in about fifteen minutes. Some of the party who been fishing where the creek enters the sea had only taken a few rock-fish and cray-fish up to sunset, when looking at the creek they saw a ripple caused by a shoal of fish. These appear to have crossed the bar at high water, and remaining too long had attempted to make their exit to the straits but were too late, there being only a few inches of water on the bar. One man going into the creek drove the fish down to the bar, and while attempting to cross, fourteen fish were caught by two men and a boy, weighing from 61b to 111b

each. The work is described as being most exciting, the ladies entering into the spirit of the sport by catching the fish as they were crossing on the sand, and preventing them from jumping back. The Superintendent of Taranaki has issued a proclamation calling out the militia for active service.

The Bight Rev. Dr Selwyn, Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, has finally left New Zealand, judging from the tenor of the telegram in the Christchurch papers, which says—"The Bishop will not return here as formerly reported, but will proceed to Sydney via Norfolk Island." It is satisfactory (says our G-rey contemporary) to know that the people of Melbourne are beginning to wake up to the superior advantages possessed by this port over its southern neighbour, the insurance companies in that city having reduced the rates of insurance on the hulls of vessels trading to Greyinouth one per cent below those charged upon vessels sailing for Hokitika. The rates now charged are, for Greymouth four per cent, and for Hokitika five per cent.

TUG-BOAT ACCOMMODATION. Even at the risk of being considered tedious in harping oh one subject-, we cannot forbear from once more bringing forward the importance of securing the advantages of the larger steamers, by providing some means for their tendering, and making the necessary arrangements with the managers of 'the companies. Only a short time ago we drew public attention to the fact that the Waipara. a boat in every way suited to the purpose, could be procured at little or no outlay for the purpose of waiting on the intercolonial steamers if they called at tins port, ■but at that time Westport had no public body to appeal to, and the suggestion, like scores of others, fell unheeded on the public ear. Every on. 1 , it is true, heartily coincided in the advisability of such a course, but no ■one cared to take a leading part in bringing about the consummation so to be wished There was no •one to bell the cat, and the cat re--mainedunbelledin consequence. Since ■then a happy instalment of change for 'the better has taken place, and an active, intelligent, and energetic Progress Committee have been chosen, • and what is more, have already taken such action as has earned them the best thanks of the inhabitants of Westport, so it is now possible, thanks to their election, that any -movement having for its end unquestionable public good, may have a chance of being carried out. The river bank protection and other matters that have already been considered were of course of such importance as to demand precedence, but amongst the next on the list the present subject at least takes a leading position. The owners of the Waipara are willing to make easy terms for the use of their vessel, and have already been in communication with the Panama Company's chief authorities at Wellington, but "the latter require some pressure from the people of this place, some kind of assurance, by means of statistics, as to the gold from here, probable passenger •or goods traffic, &c, before they finally arrange for their boats to call. More than this, they would require to select •a responsible firm as agents, and ■ in this there would be no difficulty amongst the present commercial men of Westport. At the same time, a burnt child, we are told, dreads the fire, and to say the least of it, if rumor only tells half the truth, the Panama Company have been rather unhappy in their previous Westport connections. Be that as it may, however, there is no doubt that if inducement was offered, they, as well as other intercolonial steamboat companies, would gladly make Westport a port of call, provided that no delay in tendering took place, and that sufficient trade was obtainable to render such a course lucrative. We have shown, time after time, that both these conditions can 'be fulfilled. The Customs returns alone will prove the export of gold, for is it not reasonable and rational to suppose that banks would prefer direct shipment to half-a dozen risks, and as many charges in different steamers. It is not worth while going over the same old track that we have so often travelled to prove the va'ue of the Westport trade ; facts and figures are stubborn things, and the Committee have them to their hand. That the larger boats calling here would be an advantage to travellers, a gain to merchants, the means of direct and more rapid mail communication, and a vast benefit to the community, are facts that few will ever venture to dispute. That it is desirable to do all in our power to bring about these advantages is equally obvious, and it rests with ourselves whether we gain them or not. In the first place, the great obstacle in procuring an efficient tender is removed in the Waipara, than which a more efficient little boat does not swim, and the only remaining difficulty is to induce the companies to give the port a trial. On this head we do not think there would be the least trouble if proper representations were made, and these the Progress Committee are fully competent to make. The Panama Company as is well known, have their head-quarters at Wellington. The Chairman of the Progress Committee is now in Nelson, and it has been suggested that in case of his failing to get justice from the Provincial Executive, he should pursue his way to the seat of Government, in order to claim the 'General Government's interposition. Eor obvious reasons such an erraud would be worse than fruitless, but if the Progress Committee thought well their chairman might run over to Wellington prior to his return, and confer with the chief office of the Panama company, in connection with their boats calling. The outlay would be well repaid, and on the terms chey would demand, the committee here could act in reference to obtaining the of the Waipara. They would

have definite knowledge as the intentions and proportions of the company, and there is very little doubt that in a few weeks hence, Westport would have all the advantages arising from direct intercolonial, as well as interprovincial steam communication. Let ushopethe committee willprosecute the matter up to its end. If they do, they will only forge another link in the chain of benefits, that they seem desirous of laying the district that elected them under.

We learn from Inspector Pranklyn. that we were in some degree misinfbr med as to the canine crusade that the police were about to enter on. They are most anxious to do so, but the Bog Act has not yet been proclaimed as extending to Westport, and till it is no action can be taken. As all that is required is the insertion of a notice in the Gazette, surely the Progress Committee will take the subject up, and impress the necessity of its immediate extension to this town. The curs have thus a reprieve, but let us hope that their execution will not be long de layed. : Gallagher and partr, whose claim is situated north of Beadman's Creek, have struck a lead of gold supposed to be the same as that of Martin and party. There are now several claims on gold in the district, and a prosperous township is quickly springing up.

Whether owing to the changeable and occasional sultry weather, or to other causes, a great deal of illness has recently arisen in Westport, and in a largo number of families sickness is now prevalent. The complaints are chiefly diarrhcea, fever, and rheumatism, all are painful and dangerous, and the public could well dispense with such visitations. If at the outset of summer, or rather the middle of spring, this is the case, we fear that as the season advances, we shall have graver causes of complaint to chroniclle.

We have time after time . drawn attention to the condition of the back and unimproved streets of the town, but without the least success. With Br Giles' warning ringing in their ears the public seem ready to risk everything without an effort to save themselves, and if a fatal epidimic breaks out, on their own head" will be the blame. On some of the ?ate close, sultry days, a steaming fog has arisen in the streets in question, that might almost be cut, the effluvia arising from the decaying vegetable matter, and the undrained localities, at times has been horrole. Any one who chooses to visit these parts at the close of warm day can judge for himself as to the danger to 'the public health thereby created, and the necessity there is for something to be done. A short time a>jro one of the streets in question was staked out by the Bistrict Engineer, and we were told that drains were to be cut by prison labor forthwith, but the white (lags still flutter, and not a spadefull of swamp has yet been touched. Whether it will be remains to be seen. If the Progress Committee were to ask Dr Thorpe to favor them with a report on these streets, as honorary Health Officer, we feel convinced that he would comply with the request, and some certain data as to the probable effect of the swampy malari on the health of the inhabitants could be ascertained. Unfortunately none of the members reside in such an unpromising part, but notwithstanding, as they are appointed to look after the general public, we trust they will turn their attention in this direction.

It has been truly said whilst the grass is growing the steed may starve. It is probable that in the same summary manner that the " protective" works were swept away, the deliberations now pending in reference to their renewal may be rendered unnecessary by the bank departing in company with a large slice of the dwellinghouses now on the Esplanade, or rather Wharf-street. The bank is crumbling away day by day, and lumps of earth, some of a ton weight, are falling into the river tide by tide. If this is the case in crilm weather and almost neap tides, wo may look for far larger destruction a'v spring tides, even if unaccompanied by heavy freshes or unusual atmospheric disturbance. An inspection of the bank will show the dangerous state it is in, and whether the Government will interfere or not, for our own security's sake something must be done without delay. A. correspondent writes to draw the attention of the Hospital Committee to the fact, that in tho new building there is only provision made for one ward, to contain all classes of patient, and suggests that they should take into consideration the advisability of dividing the space at command. There is ample room for accident, fever, and

general wards, and the only extra cost would be a few partition boards. It certainly does seem as though there was reason in the suggestion, and as it is meant in all courtesy, we hope the Committee will at least take it into consideration. Another question that should surely be discussed-is the necessity for establishing a female ward. It is not at all likely that the weaker sex are to enjoy immunity from the ills that flesh is heir to, and there should certainly _be some provision made for them, in what might almost be termed a county hospital. If a destitute woman at present is seized with illness, there is no refuge but the gaol or the lock-up, and in the present century this certainly should not be the case. We recently referred to the adventures of a bullock that swam over the bar, and after being in the sea some hours lauded safe and sound some miles up the beach. After the performance of this feat, his owners, Messrs Dick and Seaton, condemned him to the slaughter-yard, and he proved a splendid animal. A large number of wagers were laid in reference to his probable weight, and one sporting hotel-keeper lost several hats in this way. A sweep was got up by sixty members at 2s 6d each, each member to judge the weight, and the nearest to it to take the whole. This fell to the fortunate lot and good judgment of M"r T. Cato, who, by the way, found the beast on the beach. The total weight when dressed was 1410 lbs, Mr Cato's estimate being 1430 lbs. The fore-quarters weighed respectively 398 lbs and 3SS lbs ; the hind-quarters 326 lbs and 328 lbs. This is, we should imagine, one of the largest bullocks ever killed on the coast, and the quality of the meat is first-class.

The Grey Biver Argus has the following in reference to the farewell visit of Mr Kynnersley to that part:—"Mr Kynnersley, late Commissioner of the Nelson South West Goldfields, is now on a visit to this district—the last which he expects to be able to pay it for several years to come. A committee was lately appointed, and a movement was set on foot for the purpose of collecting subscriptions, to present to Mr Kynnersley a parting testimonial, and in order to give the miners in the Grrey District an opportunity of showing, in a substantial manner, the high esteem in which they hold that gentleman. The subscription lists are now called in, so that the presentation may be made within a few days. It is to be hoped that the miners in the Nekon portion of this district will not be forgetful of the many special benefits they received while they were under Mr Kynneraley's more immediate care, the attention which he has always shown to their wants, and the expeditious manner in which he has remedied their grievances. They ought to embrace the present opportunity of testifying their appreciation of his public services, by swelling the subscription lists ere they are sent in, in order that the testimonial may be one worthy of the occasion, and of the district from wilich it is to be presented." Cactus leaf is said to be an almost certain cure for whitlows and splints in the flesh. A lady in Daylesford recently ran a splinter into her thumb, which turned black, and amputation was ordered. The patient, however, having heard of the virtues of the cactus, resolved to try it, and the result was that after two or three weeks use the thumb regained its natural colour, and though disfigured, is now as good as ever.

Chief Justice Arney has decided, at the hearing of an important case, Anderson v. Graham, at Auckland, that whenever a defendant's body has been taken and kept in gaol for four months, under committal for a judgment debt, his goods could not be taken in execution for the same debt.

The Evening Post of the 17fch says: —The Government has received information from Napier that the Chatham Hau-haus are likely to prove again troublesome, and that considerable excitement is felt in the vicinity of Wairoa. The overtures made to the G-overnment through Mr M'Lean have not come to anything after all, and there is little doubt but that some energetic action will be required in Hawke's Bay without loss of time, as those rebels have been lately joined by some disaffected natives from the interior, and appear to mean mischief. They are at present encamped within a few miles only of the outlying settlements on the other side of Mahia, and it is thought that they may at any time make an inroad towards the Wairoa.

A huge tree. 330 feet in height, was recently felled in the Dandenong ranges. This monarch of the forest measured sixty-nine feet in circumference at the base, and at the height of 210 feet was five feet in diameter.-