CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 480, 20 March 1869, Page 2

CHARLESTON.

(thom: OTJE owir COBBESPONDEITT.) March 18. Yesterday being the anniversary of St Patrick's Day, was observed in Charleston as a holiday, the Banks, stores, and places of business being, but with an exceptional case or two, all closed. In the morning a procession was formed on the beach, and, headed by a band of music, it proceeded through the town, to the beach adjacent to the Totara river, where the foot-ball match between the men of Addison's Flat, and the men of Charleston, was to take place. The match was well contested throughout, the Charleston men being declared victors. The procession returned to town about eight o'clock, accompanied by a number of men from Addison's Flat, with their drum and fife band, and banner. Two balls, both of which were well attended, were held at the Shamrock hotel, and at the Provincial hotel, kept by Mrs Ormond, the latter place being particularly well patronized, dancing being kept up until daylight. A fatal accident occurred here yesterday morning, and this morning we have news of another at Greymouth, equally disastrous, to a young man well known here as a miner. Samuel Pinlay, of M'Kay and party, whose claim is situated on Sardine Terrace, was yesterday morning at work in their drive, when a fall of cement was heard, and his mate, on looking to see what had occured, saw a block of cement lying on the unfortunate man. Assistance was promptly secured, but proved of no avail, as, «n the body being extricated, it was found to be shockingly mutilated, and in such a manner that death must have been instantaneous. The unfortunateman's amiable qualities will not soon be forgotten by his circle of acquaintances. An inquest was held on the body this morning, at which a verdict of accidental death was recorded. The funeral took place this afternoon at three o'clock, starting from the dead-house, and followed by a large number of friends and acquaintances, and most of the business men of town. The Bev. Mr White officiated, and at the conclusion of the service, made a most affecting address, and intimated his intention to preach a funeral sermon on Sunday evening next, in his church at Charleston. On the receipt of the news this morning of the fatal accident to Harry Bloomfield, his brother, resident here, immediately started overland to the Grey, to pay the last tribute of affection to his unfortunate brother. Though the question of Separation is seriously being entered into, and steps taken in other places to give vitality to the idea, Charleston, with its usual apithy, seems to be quite indifferent as the manner in which our affairs are conducted. I say " seems so," as I have reason to believe that if our leading men were to bring the subject before the communitv, opinions would soon be elicited, concurring with those of our neighbours of Westport, in the proposed change. Inshippingbusiness, a changefor the better has been experienced this week. The Waipara from the 6outh, and the Standard and the Constant from Westport, came into harbor last Sunday morning with full cargoes. The Waipara discharged and left for Westport the same tide, and the Standard and Constant, having also discharged, left in the evening for the same place. On Tuesday the Waipara arrived from Westport and lelt on the same tide for Greymouth and Hokitika. The Constant came in from Westport yesterday morning with a full general cargo, and commenced discharging. This morning the schooners Ann from Onehunga, and Wild Wave from Lyt-

telton, both vessels belonging to Kennedy Brothers, with general cargoes, same into harbor, having been at anchor in the roadstead Bince yesterday afternoon.