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

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 905, 26 December 1871, Page 2

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

The heavy rainfall that ushered in Christmas in Westport interfered considerably with the enjoyment of pleasure seekersThe streets in consequence did not present the lively appearance of previous years. To-day the sports will take place at Suisted's paddock, and the race meeting will open at Charleston. At the latter place great preparations have been made in anticipation of an influx of visitors, and for the sake of all parties bent on pleasure, we trust that the weather will clear up, giving place to the clear sunny days ordinarily connected with this season in our hemisphere. v

The amateur entertainment in aid of the fund* of the Westport Athenaeum takes pi: ce at the Masonic Hall this evening. The programme is an attractive one, and we have no doubt but that the performance will be largely patronised. The trial of Kereopa for the murder of Mr Volkner was concluded at Napier on Friday. The jury, after ten minutes' absence, returned a verdict of guilty, and sentence of death was passed. The s.s. Murray arrived from Greymouth on Sunday, and sailed the same evening for Nelson. The master reports fourteen feet of water on the Buller bar.

It is reported that the loss of the cargo boat Star, with a portion of Mr M'Lean's machinery was caused by the mooring line having been maliciously and wilfully cut. We believe, however, that the report is without foundation. Chief Justice Arney has ruled that the final discharge does not release a bankrupt from his debts. Any creditor can subsequently apply for an order of the Court to set aside a portion of the bankrupt's income to satisfy previous debts.