The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. TUESDAY. JULY 18, 1871.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 837, 18 July 1871, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. TUESDAY. JULY 18, 1871.

Reefton was visited by a snow storm on Monday and Tuesday of last week, covering the ground to a depth of four inches. The inhabitants, mindful of their schoolboy recollections, indulged in the innocent pastime of snowballing. No. 1 south, Shield's line, are said to have struck the reef. It is reported that Mr C. Mace has purchased half a share on Kelly's line of reef for tho sum of £2OO. This share is said to be in the last claim that has struck the reef on Kelly's line. We learn that Newton and party, on Kelly's lino ot reef, have put on five wages men to enable them to continue crushing night and day. The tables will not be interfered with for several weeks, when the party anticipate a first-class result. On the arrival of Peter Williams, with the pioneer horse-boat, at Reefton, the inhabitants received him with a perfect ovation of cheers. The boatmen had considerable difficulty in overcoming the difficulties of the navigation, bush had to be cleared away, and logs had to be extricated from the bed of the river in the shallows. These obstacles, together with the wretched weather prolonged the up-journey to nearly a week. A rather serious accident befel Mr Court" ney, yesterday, while driving a passenger car on the Westport and Orawaiti Tramway. Mr Courtney was on the point of ascending the car, which was laden with passengers, when the horse suddenly started, and the flange of tho wheel passed over Mr Courtney's left foot, crushing the toes very severely. The sufferer was carried into Gibson's Miners' Rest Hotel, and his injuries having been examined by Dr Giles, was conveyed to his residence. In our present issue we publish two letters referring to the deplorable condition of the road between Westport and Addison's. A third letter, directing attention to the same subject has been also received. We trust that the repairs so urgently needed to this line of communication will be proceeded with with the least possible delay. Messrs Pitt and Fisher, solicitors to the Commissioner of Native Lands, direct the notice of tenants of Maori lands in the vicinity of Westport that their rents fell due on the Ist instant, and arc to be paid forthwith at the office of the above-named. Mr Mark Sprot, of Hokitika, one of the earlier settlers on that portion of the West Coast, expired at his residence on Thursday last, after a lengthened illness. We have received the first number of the " Australian Israelite," a new weekly paper, which made its appearance on tho 30th ult. As its name indicates, it is to be devoted to the interests of the Jewish community in Australia, and the first number, possibly too exclusive in that sespect, adheres so closely to its programme that reference is solely made to Hebrew matters.

The first occasion upon which it has been found necessary to use the fire-bell for the purpose of raising the alarm of fire has sufficed to show its inefficiency. On the first appearance of the flames, the bell was promptly rung by the night watchmun, Mr Fagg, and we believe that one or two of the members resident in the vicinity of the engine shed attended the summons. The majority, however, knew nothing of what had transpired until long after daylight. The most prompt attendance of the firemon on the occasion of tho recent catastrophe could in no way have averted the full extent of the destruction, as tho distance of the-burning building from Westport, and the heavy sand which intervenes, would have rendered it impracticable to get the engine oa the ground in time to render effective service, but it is highly' desirable that, in the event of any futurejeonflagration, the shed may be furnished with a bell of larger size, so that when tho alarm is given it shall be sufficient to arouse the inhabitants at any hour or in the most boisterous weather.