CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 469, 23 February 1869, Page 2

CHARLESTON.

(fSOM OT7B OWN COBEESPONDENT.) Feb. 19. The ketch Constant arrived off the harbour on Wednesday last and came to an anchor to wait for the tide. On the signal being made at high water to '* take the bar," the opportunity was not taken advantage of by her, and Bhe remained outside till about half tide, and by that time the danger signal was hoisted, but it seemed to have no affect in keeping her outside, as she stood in and took the bar, when a sea, striking her, smashed the companion and filled the cabin with water and caused some damage to the cargo. The crew may congratulate themselves that nothing more serious occurred, for had she been caught in the second break, in all probability she would have been wrecked. This unfortunate occurrence to this really serviceable little vessel might have been avoided if proper attention had been given to the signals. The Waipara arrived yesterday forenoon with machinery and a general cargo, and left early this morning for southern ports.

The adjourned public meeting for the purpose of forming a water-race company, took place on Wednesday evening at Hunter's Post-office Hotel and was numerously attended. Mr M'G-owan being nominated to the chair, stated that this was an adjourned meeting, and called upon Mr Dwan to explain with reference to the disposal of the funds of the Prospecting Association. Mr Dwan stated that the decision arrived at at their meeting was that the moneys should be handed over when a responsible Committee had been elected. Mr Gillespie, as chairman of former meetings, was glad of the decision arrived at, as all parties who attended were anxious that a survey should be made, and that its practicability or otherwise should soon be ascertained. Considerable discussion ensued, as to how the committee should be elected. Mr Dwan was anxious that a qualification of a guarantee of £lO be required. This motion was carried but afterwards rescinded, as many did not understand the motion. Mr Dwan moved that a committee should be formed to consist of seven members. This being carried, the following gentlemen were nominated and elected to act as a committee :—Messrs Dwan, Pell, Q-asquoine, M'Donnell, M'G-owan, Walker, Jackson, Gillespie, Hunter, llaires, and Neale.

At the close of the meeting the committee met, and a resolution was passed that the money be obtained and a staff of surveyors be sent to resurvey the proposed water race, on which to found data to organise a company to bring water in.