CHARLESTON

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 522, 26 June 1869, Page 2

CHARLESTON

(erou our own correspondent.) June 23. On Monday night last a grand balrnasque took place in the Casino de Venise, and aiso a grand waltzing match, for which prizes, consisting of some splendid jewellery, were to be given to successful competitors. The enterprising proprietors of the Casino deserve praise for the splendid manner in which they had decorated the room for the occasion, and also for providing such substantial prizes. The opening of the ball was announced by the despatch of a fire balloon from the front of the house, and a number of people began to- congregate until about 11 o'clock, at which time the room was densely crowded, the brilliant decorations, the fancy costumes of the dancers, and the strains of tho really excellent band, combining to make up a scene rarely presented On the coast. Amongst the principal characters represented'by the ladies, were Robin Hood, (certainly the best " get-up,") Polonnaise Peasant, Dairymaid, For-tune-teller, School-gir], Swiss Peasant, Military Cadet, Flower-girl, and others. The great event of the evening was the Prize "Waltzing Match, for which only four couples entered. The successful competitors were —Ist prize, Mr James Combes, Miss S. Trainer ; 2nd prize, Mr P. Pritchard, Miss Kate Taylor. The prizes were presented to the wiuners, by Mr Price, one of the referees elected by the company present, and whose decision, by-the-way, was very favorably received. Dancing was carried onto a late hour, nothing occurring to mar the enjoyment of dancers or spectators. I hope that the proprietors of the Casino have, ere this, found it to have been a profitable speculation. [We give this paragraph in its entirety, as showing to what a ridiculous length the dancing mania is going, and the length to which a faithful local correspondent ' can go in " puffing " what is purely a private speculation.]

The business of the Resident Magistrate's and Warden's Court is now carried on in the new building. The only fault to be found is the unsightlyappearance of it outside, the interior being well lined and of spacious extent, and the fitting all that is requisite. . The Charleston Water-race may be now considered to be fairly started, the 'survey under the superintendence of. Mr assisted in «a most able manner by Messrs Walker and Pel], being rapidly pushed on. Their starting point is opposite the Limestone Bluff. Thence they are pushing forward to the water-shed of the Four-mile Creek, the fine weather enabling them to proceed at the rate of nearly half-a-mile per day. The mining community are busily employed in their respective ways of obtaining the precious metal. A few claims, I am sorry to hear, are notable to work for want of water, but, from present appearances, we shall have plenty of rain to keep all hands in full swing.