The Westport Times. AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1872

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 935, 4 March 1872, Page 2

The Westport Times. AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1872

To make amends for the effect of the late storms and floods, there is no disguising the fact that the prospects of tliis district are very promising. The news from the Inangahua continues almost daily to become more aud more encouraging, and the reef's are extending nearer to the Buller at every new discovery. The last, that at Larry's Creek, is upon a tributory of theluangab.ua only eleven miles from the junction; and as every extension brings an accession to the population and a consequent increase of trade it will be a matter of no surprise that the traffic upon the Buller River is fast assuming proportions beyond the resources of our local boatmen. Only a few clays since a lar»c boat was launched and several others added to the river fleet. The assistance of boatmen from the Grey and other quarters has been called in ; and although everything in the shape of a boat has been put in requisition the demand is not supplied, nor is it likely to be, as the requirements of trade are still increasing. It requires no prophetic skill to forsee that we shall soon resume our former prosperous state And if at tlrs moment the Provincial Government could only be persuaded to unlock the lands, and allow settlers to obtain freeholds here with the same facility as eleswhere in New Zealand, the finishing touch would be given, and the most then would be made of the present opportunity. In consequence of our stock of paper not. all rding a medium size between that of our tri-weekly issue and present, we are compelled to publish our daily in a smaller form than that which we intend to adopt. We arc indebted to Captain Peam of the schooner lo for the following account of her passage from Melbourne to this port: Left Port Phillip Heads on February 9, with light south-east winds, followed by calms, on the 11th and 12th, light southerly winds; 13th calms followed by fresh gales iiud a high cross sea from the north-east; 19th

strong- south-west gales, varying- round easterly until the 21st, when light airs and calms ensued. On the 22nd strong southeast gales, attended with heavy rain; 24th, very heavy gale from east, with a continuation of heavy rain, in which the schooner was obliged to lay-to for several hours; 25th, strong westerly gales followed by calms. Making the land on the evening of the 2Gth at the Buller, stood in for the roads, but the weather was so thick that the light could not bo seen; there being such a strong set of current to the northward, that the schooner was four miles to the north of the port at daylight on the 27th. On the same day came to an anchor in the roadstead, and was towed in at midnight by the steamer Kennedy. We understand that Messrs Morrison and Co are the successful tenderers for the formation of that section of dray road between the landing and Larry's Creek. Protection has been granted to Mr Courtenay for the construction of a tramway between Beefton and Black's Point. The Bishop of Nelson held two services in St. John's Church yesterday, and confirmed several young persons during the morning service. In the afternoon the Bishop held a service specially for children ; which was one of a most instructive and interesting nature leading the young mind to think, and to dwell on every word they read and uttered—the Bishop in the most fatherly manner exhorting them never to pass a word, if possible, without understanding its meaning thoroughly, which they were to arrive at by reference to books or by asking questions of those of more advanced age. In the evening the Church was crowded.

It will be seen by advertisement that Mr Greenwood is about to leave Weatport on Thursday next. The Minister of Public Works, the Hon Mr Reeves, the Goldfields Secretary, Mr Haughton, and the County Chairman visited Greymouth on Thursday last, on their way to Keofton and Westport, in company with Mr Warden Broad. Mr T. Mackley, M.P.C., for the Grey Valley, is said to have sent in his resignation. Mr Jones, who was once nominated, but not at the time qualified, seems to be the favorite in that district. Three more boats were loaded to-day for Inaagahua, and will start to-morrow. One was dispatched this morning. The Roman Catholics of Reefton are about erecting a church. A site has been secured on the new township. Complaints reach us that there are not sufficient drays or waggons to convey goods as they arrive from the Landing to Reefton. This seems strange, as the freight is very high and the road a iirst-.jlass river-bed.

In reply to a Greymouth deputation, the Hon. Mr Reeves said that, there would be no money difficulty in the way of the immediate completion of the road between Reefton and the Buller or Grey, and that, he expected both roads would be finished before winter, the former perhaps a fortnight before the latter. The " Grey River Argus," of the 2nd hist." congratulates the Grey and Buller districts upon the rejection of the Superintendent's recommendation regarding the notable MOOO —the withdrawal of which woul I have been fatal t > the completion of the road works in Inangahua and Grey districts. It also appears that his Honor has changed his mind, and now agrees with the recommendation of our local representatives. Subscriptions are still pouring in from all parts for the Greymouth sufferers; that of Cliristeliurch already amounting to £250. The gross sum collected amounts to over £IOOO. Mr McDowall, late of Westport, is about erecting extensive premises at Wellington upon the corner allotment known as Wormald's. Two months of the time appointed for receiving claims to register upon the Electoral Roll, have now elapsed. Those who are desirous of claiming the right have no time to lose. Forms of application may be had gratis at the office of this paper. Workmen are busily employed putting together built telegraph poles at Wellington for the Buller district. These poles j are lighter than the solid ones, and being j strong and supple are suitable for exposed I hilly pi :ces, up which horses and drays j could not' be taken. They are in three pieces, bolted together, and two men can carry them easily.