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Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 591, 9 December 1869, Page 2

The letters and newspapers received by the last English mail may be expected here by the steamer Murray within the next twenty-four hours. We have received for publication the programme of the land sports to be held in town on Friday and Saturday, the 31st December and Ist January, which will be published in our next issue. The list includes some good prizes, and there is a novelty added in the shape of a swimming match to take place in the river. Horses intended to run in the Westport races continue to arrive in town by steamer or by the road. Two Deception and Robin Hood, the latter said to be twice the winner of the Waimea Plate—were brought from Nelson by the s.s. Murray, and others have been brought by the steamers from Wanganui. The horse Cossack was again expected, but we understand he has been purchased at Greymouth, and is to be taken to the Ahaura races.

Dr Giles, R.M., proceeds to day to Charleston. This imposition of double duty upon our local Magistrate and Warden is likely to prove, some day, of considerable inconvenience to the public. The Hospital Committee held their usual monthly meeting at the Court House on Tuesday evening. Present, Dr Giles, in the chair, Messrs Bailie, Field, Sheahan, Munson, and Reid. In the absence of several members of the Committee, it was resolved that " inasmuch as the proposed new rules, if adopted, will make permanent provision for an out-patient department, which formed no part of the original duties undertaken by the Medical Officer, it is desirable that Dr Thorpe should be invited to express his views upon this subject and to make any suggestions he may wish, before the rules are adopted, and that the consideration of the rules be postponed until Tuesday evening next." Authority was given to the Treasurer to pay £3O on account of the fencing contract completed, until such time a3 the specification and agreement be before the Committee, and until the Visiting Committee have reported upon the work done. The number of patients at present in the Hospital is seven, and the Medical Officer's monthly report showed that nine new cases had been treated during the past month as outpatients.

The Eev. W. FlavelL of Charleston, has been admitted to priest's orders, the ordination service having been held in Christ chnrch, Nelson, by the Bishop of the Diocese.

Capt Beveridge, late Harbor-Master at Charleston, has addressed to Mr Donne, M.P.C., Mr J. E. Gillespie, and the other gentlemen who signed the parting testimonial presented to him, the following letter of acknowledgment. It is written from Nelson, and dated November 30th: — " For

the beautifully engraved testimonial forwarded to me by the inhabitants of Charleston, on my retiring from the position of Harbor-Master, as a mark of their appreciation of my character while a resident among them, I desire to convey my sincere thanks. It may be simple in itself, and looked on by many as such. Nevertheless I shall ever regard it as highly as the medal I received from the Royal Humane Society of England. Eeiterating my thanks, and trusting that in the future you will hear of me doing my duty to God and man, —I remain, dear sirs, yours truly, —Alex. Bevebidge."

The Charleston prospecting party have got gold in several places between Whisky Terrace and the Four Mile, but not in payable quantities. They purpose next trying in the neighborhood of the river Totara. A large new dam belonging to Reid and party, at the Six Mile, between Charleston and Brighton, burst on Monday last and did about .£3OO worth of damage, other two dams, a waterwheel, and two bridges having been carried away. The accident happened by the water being admitted before the embankment had settled. Subscriptions to the amount of £136 have already been raised in Charleston for Christmas races and sports. The booths are to fee sold on Friday. The sports are to be held on the 27th, 28th, and 29th, and the races on the 30th and 31st. In Wairarapa, lately, there was a scarcity of paper, and the local journal had to be published on colored sheets—green, yellow, or any other color that was available. The Melbourne correspondent of the JBallarat Star writes: —The Argus is just now an exemplification of the perils which surround newspapers. During the recent failures at Launceston in Tasmania, it published a telegram to the effect that Louis Cohen of that city had failed, but on discovering the statement was incorrect, at once did its best to vindicate Mr Cohen. It appears, however, that he is not satisfied, and has taken initiatory steps to bring a libel action against your contemporary. It is proposed to establish, between England and Australia, a line of smart sailing vessels, of 2000 tons, to carry passengers only. It is calculated that, with moderate fares, and the absence of danger from the firing of cargo, a large passenger traffic could be established. Mr Fox, the Premier, has delivered, in Wellington, a powerful lecture on " Strong drinks and what they do for us." Vulgarly speaking, he amply illustrated that they " do for us." A house on Te Aro Flat, Wellington, belonging to Mr George Crawford, has been burnt down.

A plumbago reef, said to be of considerable value, has been found near Clyde, Otago. Mr Biss, chief clerk in the Dunedin postoffice, is said to have been appointed ChiefPostmaster at Auckland.

Mr W. D. Sadler, Auckland, has published a pamphlet entitled " Eoving Diggers to become Colonial Settlers—How?" It is understood to be one of the unsuccessful essays for the Government prize, yet one of the best.

Dr Saunders, charged with forgery at Wanganui, has been tried at Wellington and discharged. An old woman named Mary Nicholson, a miser, died at the Dunedin Hospital lately. From her appearance and conduct, she was considered to be very poor, and the neighbors Irequently relic* cd Uor. After licr uOmission, however, to the Hospital, the house Bhe had occupied was searched, and from the pocket of an old dress which belonged to her there was taken £ll4 in gold, and £l2 8d in silver It is stated that a few years ago she was robbed of between £SOO and £6OO.

The first brew produced by Messrs Bastings and Kofoed's new plant at their brewery at Wetherstones, Otago, was turned out on the 9th instant. The fact was made known to the inhabitants by the bellman going round and inviting " all and sundry " to partake of it free of charge. As might have been expected, a general rush took place to the brewery, where, the local journal informs us, "a vast cauldron filled with the refreshing drink was drained to the bottom by the crowd, who were allowed to assist themselves." This being the case, we are not surprised to learn that the crowd "afterwards showed signs of great animation." The first Masonic Lodge in the Province of Marlborough, styled the "Lodge of Unanimity," has been opened in Blenheim. Mr John Kissling was installed W.M. The Lodge is under the English constitution.