Untitled

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 895, 2 December 1871, Page 2

A meeting of parties interested in the getting up of sports and races during the ensuing holidays was held at the Post Office Hotel, Westport, yesterday evening. Present: Messrs Clark (Chairman), Lempfert, M'Farlane, Courtney, Gibson, Gilmer l ,

and Emanuel. It was proposed by Mr Emanuel, seconded by Mr Gibson, and carried: " That sports be held on December 26th, and horso racing on January Ist and 2nd." Mr Emannol moved that the sports on December 26th bo held at Gibson's old racecourse. Mr Gilmer seconded the motion, which was carried. The meeting adjourned, after {Appointing gentlemen to complete the canvass for subscriptions, until Monday nest, at eight p.m. A meeting of members of the Thistle Lodge, Westport, was hold at the Masonic Hall, on Thursday afternoon, for the installation of officers for the ensuing year. The following were elected:—J, W. Humphrey, R.W.M. ; John Monro! D.M.; David M'Laren, S.M.; E. Suisted, S.W.j V. Fama, J.W.j John Corr, Treasurer; John Hughes, Secretary; *James Simpson, S.D. ; Frank Sontgen, J.D.; David Barrie, I.Gr. ; Frank Courtney, O.Gr. The s.s. llangitoto, from Melbourne, arrived in the Hokitika roadstead on Thurs day, and was tendered by the steamer .Waipara yesterday. The Suez October mail had not arrived in Australia at the date of the steamer's departure from Melbourne. IMr Dobson, Provincial Engineer, left Westport for Charleston yesterday for the purpose of inspecting the road repairs, near Cape Foul wind, and between Charleston and Brighton. Mr O'Conor, M.H.E., puposes addressing his constituents at Westport and Charleston in the course of a few days. We understand that it is intended by some of the inhabitants of Westport to present Mr Winstanley with a testimonial prior to his departure for Dunedin. expressive cf the satisfactory manner in which he has discharged the duties of postmaster during his residence in Westport. The result of recent tenders invited by the Nelson Provincial Government for the performance of small contracts in the Westport and Charleston districts, shows a considerable rise in the value of labour. Formerly work has been let at prices which were on an average twenty per cent, lower than the Engineer's estimates. Eecently similar work has been tendered for, and the prices have been fully twenty per cent, in excess of their estimated cost. This state of things shows that there is none who fails to find rermnerative employment in these districts. The Anchor Line s.s. Kennedy will leave Westport for Hokitika to-night. Mr Alexander, who has filled for some time past the office of postmaster at Charleston, arrived in Westport yesterday evening, and will undertake the duties in connection with the Westport office. An interesting and valuable volume has lately been published at Hokitika by Messrs J. C. Crerar and Co., entitled " The Sun Painters' Portfolio and Art Journal, with Photographic Illustrations of New Zealand Scenery and Architecture, First Series." It consists of 54 photographic views of scenery and architecture in Westland, forming a collection of great interest, The photographs are admirably executed, and considerable taste and judgment have been displayed in the selection of the subjects. They embrace views of Hokitika and several of the diggings townships in Westland, a~> well as of the river, mountain, and forest scenery so abundant in that portion of the West Coast. The reading matter accompanying and explanatory of the views is equally deserving of praise, and the whole forms a volume that cannot but prove a lasting source of pleasure to the possessor. At the Lyell, the Alpine Quartz Crushing Company arc in full work day and night ; the stone and plates look very well. Tho washing is not to take place till just before Christmas.