CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 497, 29 April 1869, Page 2

CHARLESTON.

(from our own correspondent.) The steamer Waipara arrived in harbor early on Saturday morning, from Hokitika and Greymouth, bringing a few passengers and several tons of cargo, which were discharged by the boats, the steamer leaving for Westport immediately afterwards. Our mining population has been busily employed during the past week, and several heavy parcels of amalgam are reported as having been brought in. New mining plants are continually being erected in the district, new machinery constantly arriving from Nelson and other ports. On the Boatman's Terrace, Grey and party have just finished the erection of their machine, which will drive eight heads of stampers, of more than the usual weight, their cement being of a stoney nature.

The late fine weather was abruptly put an end to on Saturday night, by a heavy storm of wind and rain. There was every indication of a change throughout the day, and in the evening some slight showers fell, the wind gradually rising until about midnight, when it commenced to blow in terrific squalls from the N. W., accompanied by heavy rain, which continued almost without intermission until yesterday at noon, when the storm gradually abated. Yesterday morning a very heavy sea was rolling into the harbor, which fortunately contained no shipping, and from the present appearance of the view seaward, there will be no chance of a smooth bar for a day or two. Great fears were expressed at one time yesterday, for the safety of the Nile Bridge, a heavy fresh being anticipated from the unusual quantity of rain which fell during the storm. A deal of damage has been caused, several parties having had their dams and boxes washed away. A little excitement was produced in town on Saturday, several publicans having reduced the price of drinks to sixpence. Printed andjpainted notices in glowing colors were exhibited to call attention to this notable fact, and one enthusiastic landlady announced by the bellman that at her establishment drinks could be had for threepence. The movement, judging by the patronage bestowed on the reductionists, seems to have the hearty approval of the community.