CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 926, 13 February 1872, Page 2

CHARLESTON.

(prom our own correspondent.) The floods have caused a considerable amount of loss about Brighton. Several parties working south of Brighton have suffered, particularly M'Cor mack and party and Walsh and party. The Hon Mr Fox, together with Mrs Fox and Mr Brown, private secretary to Mr Fox, arrived in Charleston on Saturday evening by coach. At the Nile bridge they were met by a deputation, when Mr Dwan presented Mr Fox with an illuminated address of welcome, for which the Premier returned thanks. The cavalcade then proceeded to Charleston, headed by a band of musicians. Yesterday at 11 o'clock the Premier received a deputation, who, under notice, brought several matters of local and general interest, Mr Donne expressing his disagreement with Westport as regards Provincial institutions, and condemning statements made there as extravagant and inaccurate. Mr Fox replied to the deputation, expressing regret at leaving so abruptly as he was compelled to do, owing to pressing telegrams he had received from Westland and Greymouth asking him not to delay in proceeding there, to ascertain what Government could do to alleviate the great distress which the late floods had occasioned. He said that the Government did not desire to sweep away Provincial Governments with the besom of destruction, but rather to lessen their power. He expressed himself as desirous to see both town and rural lands sold where it was possible to do so, but he foresaw great difficulty where the land was auriferous. Several other subjects were discussed, and the deputation withdrew, thanking Mr Fox for his visit to Charleston, and for the explanations he had given them.