CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 517, 15 June 1869, Page 2

CHARLESTON.

(FEOil OUR JU> T E 11. The want of rain is again beginning to be seriously felt throughout this district, a large number of claims being at a stand-still as far as washing up is concerned. Still mining may be considered brisk. Several applications for large areas are daily being made, among which are claims such as the " Queen's Own," formcrlv " Pakihi;" " Boatman's Terrace ;" and '' Irish Lead." Iron batteries for the latter, and also for the " Maori Chief" have been sent for to Ballarat, (by Mr Shearer, an agent of a Ballarat firm), for the use of those claims. We have been favoured this week by a visit from his Honor .Tudcre Clarke, in his oflicial capacity. On the news of his intended visit reaching this place, it was determined that a mounted deputation of citizens should proceed to meet him—to escort him to town. Accordingly a mounted froop, in command of Mr T. Dwan, proceeded to the Totara where his Honor was met and congratulated by Mr Dwan, on the part of the people ot Charleston on his first official visit. His Honor having expressed his satisfaction at the reception he had met with, resumed his journey, followed by Mr Dwau's troop, the rear-guard being formed by mounted constables. On reaching the Melbourne Hotel, on his Honor leaving the coach, the order " Form front " was given, and the evolution was executed in a most soldier-like manner, to the apparent satisiaction of the as sembled crowd.

A miner lately working on Brandon Hill has been forwarded to Nelson Lunatic Asylum, having been found to be of unsound mind. On Tuesday last, he was seen to walk down Princes street to the bay, divested of hat and boots, and to coolly enter the surf nearly up to his shoulders, when he faced round and returned up the street again. Such a strange proceeding led to his arrest on the charge of lunacy. Tbe Charleston Quadrille Assembly is quite a success. The members have purchased the rooms used by them, and now number about seventy, the ladies giving their hearty paf ronage. In shipping affairs little has been done lately. The Standard, ketch, was towed to sea yesterday morning and the Ann, schooner, from Greymouth, was towed in last night, the Waipara from Westport, arriving about the same time.