The Westport Times. AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1871.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 879, 26 October 1871, Page 2

The Westport Times. AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1871.

Dr Giles left for the Inangaliua yesterday morning, and will hold a sitting -of the Warden's Court at Rcefton on Friday, and at the Inangahua on Saturday. The Westport Warden's Court -will sit on Tuesday the 31st inst.

His Honour Judge Ward proceeded to Greymouth in tho steamer Wallabi on Tuesday evening. A meeting of the Wesport Jockey Club is to bo held at tho Poet Office Hotel this evening at eight o'clock.

The -Polygraphie Company gave their second entertainment in Westport on Tuesday evening in the presence of a numerous audience. The performance opened with a pianoforte overture by Master Searrell, and waa followed by Mr Bromley, who rendered soveral songs in ■«. manner Which elicited numerous encores. The song of " The Timid Man," recording the miseries of a nervous swain, provoked intense merriment. A character song, «ntitled "Nellie the Belle," was tho next item on the programme, and was very pleasingly rendered by Mr Buckley. Mr Bent in the Negro sketch of " Uncle Eph's Visit" found an opportunity for tho display of his really comical personation of Negro character j -and-he wa3 followed by Mr Feuillade, who iin two ■ admirably executed violin solos confirmed the previously formed opinion of his claim to rank as an accomplished musician. Seme amusing sketches by Mr Bromley; followed, all of which were excellent, tho - Old Maid's Resolve" specially calling for notice. The second part comprised musical selections, character songs, etc., and the ontertaiamcut concluded with a most amusing faree, entitled " Escaped fiom Paris in a Baloori." Yesterday, the Company proceeded to Charleston, where they played yesterday ovening, and will perform again this evening. AH who enjoy a hearty laugh should not fail to patronise this highly amusing i entertainment.

A.t the meeting of persons entitled to vote for-tlie election of an Education Committee for Westport, held at the Court House on Saturday last, Mr Monro was voted to the chair. He atated that it had been suggested that the treatment which the late Committee had encountered at the hands of the Nelson Central Board, and which had resulted in their resigning unanimously, would be properly resented by the ratepayers refusing to elect & new Committee. It was not for him to make any proposal, but he was of opinion that the meeting would evince a. great wartt of selfrespect if it refused to take steps to guard their -own rights. It would perhaps have been a wiser course for the late Committee to have adopted, had they called a public meeting of ratepayers, and have submitted their grievance to them, prior to having taken the extreme step of resigning. He

would venture to suggest that it would be desirable to re-elect the old Committee, should they bo willing to accept office. Or in the event of their declining, to tlect a new Committee. Mr Fisher thought it Was utterly useless, as no Committee could be expected to exercise greater patience and attention to their duties than "the last, and there was no prospect of a future Committee meeting with improved treatment. Mr Whyte, as one of the old Committee, did not think it at all likely that such Committee would consent to bo rVelocted. Mr Humphrey moved, and Mr Lavetto seconded, that the members comprising the old Committee be requested to act as a Committee until the-'annual election. Further discussion ensued aT to whether the Committee would consent to act. Mr Lloyd moved as an amendment, "That this meeting do not consider it desirable to proceed to the election of a new Committee this day," stating that he thought it desirable that the entire relations between the late local Committee and the Board should befirst considered. Mr Walter Bull seconded the amendment, which was put to the meeting, and carried. The meeting then dissolved. The s.s. Wallabi arrived at Westport fromWanganui at 5 p.m., landed a portion of her cargo, aud left for Greymouth the name ; tide. It is doubtful whether she will, proceed to Wanganui from Greymouth direct or call at Westport oa her return trip. _

The balance to the credit of the depositors in the Westport Post Office Savings Bank on September 30 exceeded £IO,OOO. The punt -for crossing the Buller is now swung and in working order between the north bank and Garden Island. As a temporary arrangement foot passengers will be conveyed by boat across the narrow channel dividing the island from the south bank, but it is the intention of-Mr Langdon to contract a foot bridge \ory shortly. Whe.. all the arrangements are completed tho punt wi'l prove a great public convenience. The constant delay to which passengers desirous of crossing from Packer's Point are often subjected after dark should suggest soin* plan by which communication could be established. A light wire stretched-across the river, communicating with the puntkeeoer's hut on the north bank would pr ve of great service. On the Molyneux and Kawaiau rivers recourse is had to this plan, the wire connecting with a bell or alarum.

It_ is said that the duties hitherto performed by hi 3 Honour Judge Ward on the West Coast will bo performed by Judge Richmond, and the proceedings of the District Court be merged in the Supreme Court. The sittings of the latter will be held less frequently than those of the District Court have been hitherto here. The fit Id of Judge Ward's duties will, wu believe, be extended to Southland and the ei'st coast of Otago. Owing to the absence of the Rev. Mr Soutar, who left yesterday 'for Inangaliua, divine service will bo performed by the Rev. Mr Flavell on Sunday next 'at St John's, Westport. Mr Soutar is expected to return on Thuisdiy. The schooner Garibaldi is still delayed in tho roadstead, having been unable to proceed to Hokitika with coal, shipped at Greymouth, owing to the contrary winds. It is proposed to give a series of amateur performances at Christmas in aid of the Westport Athenaeum and District Hospital. William Keidwell, a miner in Westland, addresses a letter to the " West Coast Times'' complaining of the official insolence experienced by him while on a visit to the County Secretary's office. We believe that the office of County Secretary is held by a MrTennent. During the past few days whitebait have visited the Buller river in such numbers that those engaged in catching them have been un.ible to dispose of the abundance, except as pig foed. The natives, we understand, have a plan of curing this delicate fish, which, without destroying or vitiating the flavour, preserves it for an almost indefinite period.