CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 543, 17 August 1869, Page 2

CHARLESTON.

(f'KOM OtTE OWS COIIRESPOXDEXT.) August IG. Since my last letter little of consequence has taken place in this district. The plentiful fall of rain has had the effect of putting the several claims in this neighborhood in active work, and the town has consequently appeared duller than usual during the day time. On Saturday evening an alarm of fire was given, and caused great excitement for a few minutes. Flames were observed issuing from a chimney in the rear of the Bank of New Zealand, and from the reflection of the flames on the houses opposite, it was feared it was something serious, but it was fortunately quickly extinguished without the least damage being done. This should act as another reminder, how helpless we are at present in the event of a fire, and stimulate the efforts now being made for the formation of a Fire Brigade. The Eev. Mr Flavell held Divine service in the church at Brighton on Sunday morning. The weather having moderated and the swell gone down, on Thursday morning, the Mavis and Constant, proceeded to take steps to get afloat. The Mavis succeeded in doing so after throwing out her ballast. °The Constant being higher up the beach was got on skids and launched further down, and floated next tide. The Mavis sailed for Lyttelton on Saturday. On Sunday two vessels appeared off the port, supposed to be the Excelsior from Duuedin,and the Jane from Motueka, but they both stood out to sea again, the weather having a very threatening appearance. The Mary Jane still remains well up on the beach. The Captain of this vessel has entered an action against the Surf-Boat Company claiming hL>h damages, for some alleged neglect. The case was heard on Friday last before Mr Broad E.M. who reserved judgement uutil to-day.