CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 478, 16 March 1869, Page 2

CHARLESTON.

(FEOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Maech 11. After a period of dry weather which has had the effect of almost stopping mining operations in this district, we are again blessed with a full supply of water, the late rains having filled up the numerous dams and reservoirs, and from present appearances we are likely to have a continuance of rainy weather. The whole of our mining community are now consequently enabled to pursue their various ways and means of extracting the precious metal, and on all the diggings the greatest activity is now prevalent, and the heaps of wash-dirt and cement which were ready to hand are sensibly diminished Bince the beginning of the week. The next escort, no doubt, will be a heavy one, as washing up is going on throughout the district. A great improvement in the business line may be expected to take place, now that the miners are once more able to commence their avocation, and it is to be hoped that we may be spared for the future such a long period of dry weather, as it is impossible to carry on mining pursuits here, unless plenty of water is to be procured. At the foot of Ballarat Terrace, M'Girr and party's engine is nearly fixed, and their shoot is also finished. A second engine a few yards further on forwarded from Hokitika by Mace and Co., and intended for C. Brown and party's claim, is also advancing towards completion. This is a claim of three acres in extent, and, on an average, very payable cement. On CandellightFlat, on the Brighton road, a tunnel has just been completed, 300 yards long. This portion of the country is all taken up in acre sections. Patterson's party and Jones's party, having united, are bringing in a race from the other side of the Deep Creek, in connection with their dam and race on Brandon Hill. The fluming across the Deep Creek will exceed 90 feet in length—the highest, I believe, in the district. Dr. Carr, the celebarted mesmerist, has been drawing large houses since he has been here, and has publicly performed several surgical operations on persons suffering from tumours, &c. He has been very successful in amusing his audience, and has been very fortunate in obtaining good " subjects." The Bishop of Nelson held divine service in St. Mark's Church on Sunday last, and on Friday evening gave a lecture in the Oddfellows Hall, but it was not so well attended as it was expected to have been, on account of the inclemency of the weather. The favorite schooner Fairy has been detained in harbor for the last eight days through stress of weather. During the prevalence of the late boisterous weather she carried away her rudder by bumping on the ground, but received no material damage. She shipped a new rudder on Wednesday morning and proceeded to sea on her return to the Manukau at 8 p. m., taking as passengers Mr Home, and Mr Nees and family. CHARLESTON R. M. COURT. Thursday, March 11. (Before J. Giles, Esq., R.M.) OBTAINING MONEY UNDER TALBE PRETENCES. Reuben Harris, on bail, appeared to answer the above charge. John Lewis stated that, from what he had heard, he believed that there was. no intention to defraud, and he requested that the case should be withdrawn. After some arguments between counsel, the request was granted, and the charge allowed to be withdrawn. A good deal of interest was manifested in this case, but the details were not entered upon. PERJURY. Elizabeth Wilson, on the information of Philip R. Allen, was charged with perjury. Mr Home appeared for the prosecution, and Mr Tyler for the defendant. The perjury was alleged to have been committed in evidence ia the Charleston Court, in connection with a civil case between Allen and the defendant, as to the payment of accounts. Mr Tyler, at the conclusion of the evidence, said it depended on the opinion of his Worship whether he would call witnesses for the defence or not. His Worship considered that there was sufficient to justify him in committing the defendant for trial at the Supreme Court in Nelson. He accepted bail in £IOO, and two sureties of £SO each.