REEFTON.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 1003, 10 September 1872, Page 2

REEFTON.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) The fate of Thomas Costello, who has been, it is supposed, murdered, remains yet a mystery, though the strenuous exertions of the police are likely to solve the problem before long. It will be remembered by your readers that some uneasiness was felt by his friends a few days ago, and since then facts have transpired that go largely to point to foul play in the matter, The confession of the man G-eorge Barton, may or may not be the truth, but as yet no further clue has been obtained. That individual arrived from your quarter yesterday (Tuesday) having been brought up in custody by Sergeant M'Ardle, in company with a man named Charley Sibree, alias Yankee Charley, a charge of murder was preferred this morning against both prisoners, but only the evidence of a witness named Mullins was taken. He swore that on the 14th of last month Barton, alias Yorkey, confessed whilst under the influence of liquor, to having assisted Sibree in putting away the missing man Costello, putting away in this case meaning throwing the body into Boatmans Creek, Mullins thereupon reported this statement, and hence present proceedings. Whether the guilty parties are in

custody or not there 13 every certainty that Costello has not been heard of, and that it is probable evil has happened him. There are several corroborative circumstances to be brought out. lam told one of the most significant is that Costello'B dogs that he had with him when last seen, have persisted in banging about the prisoner Sibrce's premises, since Costello disappeared, though whether that can be considered evidence of value, may be doubted. It is, however, at least singular, for they were known to be strangely intelligent and faithful animals. After Mullins' testimony had been taken the prisoners were remanded for a week, and in the meantime a diligent search for the body will bo instituted. It is, however, by no means certain that it will be successful, for at the time of supposed death a great deal of rain had been falling, and the ereek being high, the body might be washed far away, or covered with mud or debris left by the water. It is supposed by some that Yorkey will become Queens' evidence, in which case the position would be altered, but on the other hand, many think him insane, and that the whole affair is but simply hallucination. A few days now, however, will enlighten us, and if the crime has been committed it is to be hoped that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. There are grave suspicions that this is not the only crime of the kind that has very lately been committed in this district, and circumstances would seem to indicate that murder is not unknown in these parts. Only about a week ago a man was found dead in rather-a singular manner, but nothing was further done in the matter.

A great many of the miners here are greatly unsettled by the glowing accounts from New South Wales, Queensland, and the new northern Australian territory known as the Eoper River. Numbers have already started for the new El Dorado, a great many more are making preparations for taking their departure, aud a large other portion of the community would be on the wing, had they but the wherewithal to go with. This exodus will very seriously affect the welfare of this district, for owing to one thing

and another, the population can ill be spared at present, aud is wanted more than ever for the development of the reefs.

Since the Wostland Quartz Crushing Company's break down, mining matters have progressed steadily, and though the shock was severe and has done great harm to quartz mining enterprise generally, by checking speculation, and alarming capitalists who would have embarked in other undertakings, still confidence is beiug rapidly restored. Toe result eventually may prove actually beneficial, for the lesson thus taught will prevent people in future building rashly on yields without suffiuiant data to go on and without properly opening up their respective mines, The new medical man, Dr Buhner, who was lately appointed to the Hospital here has arrived, and taken charge. He has made a very favorable impression so far, though as yet the public cau have had but a smuil taste of his quality. The Hospital building, however, is disgracefully insufficient for the purpose, being only a building 10 by 11, where patiants and wardman promiscuously live in one room, and where all cookery &e., necessary has to be done at the same time. A few days ago ihere were four patients confiued in this den, and one of them died on Sunday last, probably his death would have occurred anyhow, but at least his chances of recovery were not accelerated by the accommodation provided. Whilst on the subject of public buildings I may say that the gaol inmates are a kind of happy family, only one place being available for criminals, debtors, and lunatics. There are now two men confined amongst them charged with murder. Such a condition of affairs is infamous and disgraceful to the Nelson Government, aud their remedy seems to be postponed indefinitely. Steps are being taken for holding races here next summer. A Jockey Club has been formed, and it is intended to have the meetiue; so as to bo convenient for owners to attend here and at the Ahaura aud Greymouth meetings. By these means and offering good prizes, the sporting men of tha district anticipate that first class horses will pay the district a visit.

During the late bad weather the roads and thoroughfares of the district became infamously bad, but a few days of fine weather have effected great improvement. Large quantities of goods are coming in by way of the Ahaura, the new road over the saddle to Squaretown being taken advantage of to a great degree. There are several horse waggons and a perfect stream of drays and loaded vehicles. The Buller road will have however the preference when once it is finished, which I believe will not be much longer delayed. Iu mining matters there is not a great deal to tell, at Anderson's crushing will aoon begin, and the Ajax company is putting through a quantity of stone that shows remarkably well. Somo capital stone has been lately got in various parts oftho district,that from the Just in Time claim, at Boatman's being probably the best. Some of your capitalists have recently been visiting this mine with a view to purchasing interests in it, but if they buy they will have to do so at a long price. The Baud of Hope are daily expecting their balance of machinery by way of

VVestport, and the shareholders are very confident as to obtaining a rich return for the patience, judgment, and enterprise that have been displayed iu this work. Some good alluvial patches have been recently struck at Soldiers and Devil's Creek, and some nice gold got at Burke's dully, Boatman's. Taking the district on a whole things wear a healthy appearance, and the fine weather we are now having will materially improve them. In my next I will furnish more mining details.