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Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 904, 23 December 1871, Page 2

We learn from a Wellington contemporary that the Superintendent of Nelson, Mr Curtis, and Mr W. H. Harrison, had an interview on the 12th instant, -with the Minister of Public Works for the Middle Island, for the purpose of coming to an understanding as to the expenditure of the £24,000 available out of the Middle Island Eailway Fund, for the construction of roads on the Nelson South West Goldfields. An arrangement was agreed to under ■which a main road to the Buller Valley on the north, and to the Grey Valley on the south, is to be constructed from the rich reefing district at Inangahua with the intention of ultimately carrying it to the ports of Westport and Grey mouth. We understand that instructions are to be given for an exploration of the country, so as to secure the most convenient and inexpensive route. A raffle of several handsomely decorated Christmas cakes will take place at the Star Hotel this evening at nine o'clock. The prizes arc on view at Mr Munson's, Gladstone street. His Honor Judge Ward held a sitting of the District Court on Wednesday last at Charleston. There was but one case of insolvency, in which the insolvent obtained his discharge. The advertised gift auction for the benefit of St. Patrick's school, Charleston, promises to be a great success. A portion of the donations have been already, and the

remainder will be collected previous to the sale. The articles to bo disposed of consist of every varieoy, a great quantity of them being both useful and valuable. The appropriate time for the sale chosen by the committee ought to ensure the realization of a handsome amount.

The Committee of the Westport Athenaeum appeal to the public through the Westport Dramatic Amateur Company for assistance to the funds of the institution, and with the object of aiding them an entertainment will be given at the Masonic Hall on Tuesday evening. The object is one which, we are certain, will be liberally responded to, and we scarcely know of one more deserving. The Athenaeum and Reading Room under the management of the present Committee has had its sphere of usefulness greatly extended, and we are happy to say that the number of subscribers has been considerably increased, they now numbering seventy against fortyfive for the previous year. It is in order to further improve the institution that the present call is made upon the public. We should add also that since May last the Reading Room has been open nightly in place of bi-weekly, while the library has received large additions. The supply of papers and periodicals has been increased, and considerable improvements have been made in lining and furnishing the building. Pell's boat the Perseverance reached the Landing on Thursday at 11 a.m., having left Westport early on Wednesday. She could have returned to Westport early yesterday evening, but is no doubt delayed waiting for passengers from Reef ton. Her cargo consisted of about six tons, it being her trial trip, but it was evident that she would easily and safely carry an additional ton. It has been demonstrated that boats of even larger size, say eight to ten tons burthen, could be advantageously used, since the latter would require neither additional men nor horses to work them. In view of the increased facilities now available, a reduction in the rate of freight is looked for.

A testimonial to his Honor Judge Ward has been numerously signed by the inhabitants of this district, expressing their appreciation of the manner in which he has discharged his judicial functions amongst them, and regret at their being deprived of his valuable services. The testimonial will be presented to his Honour prior to his departure for Canterbury. The members of the United Methodist Pree Church purpose holding a soiree on Wednesday evening at the School-house Molesworth street. The establishment of Messrs Suisted Bros., butchers, Gladstone street, was handsomely decorated with flowers and evergreens yesterday evening in honour of the season. Their show of meat was ex" cellent. The steamers Murray and Wallabi on their last trip to this port each reported a minimum depth on the Duller bar of four, teen feet at high water.