THE INANGAHUA DISTRICT.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 1013, 15 October 1872, Page 2

THE INANGAHUA DISTRICT.

(from: our own correspondent.) Eeefton October 9. Though it is but rarely that political storms, be they as violent as they may, aifect the digging community, the late events in Wellington and the fall of the Stafford administration has created unbounded interest and the denoument has been bailed with the greatest joy by all the residents in the district. There is a feeling that the consolidation of one West Coast Government is still on the cards, and that this year may still see the close of the .Nelson reign of mis-rule that has so long afflicted the South-west Goldfields. The only drawback to the satisfaction felt is a fear that in a House where parties are so nearly evenly balanced no government even by coalition can obtain a working majority, and also that in the party lights imminent the unfortunate West Coast will be forgotten, and the bill that was promoted at the close of the session form one of the baud of innocents that annually come to an untimely end. The conduct of Mr O'Couor in persisting in bis support of an adverse administration is censured freely even by many who were at one time his thick and thin supporters. Should the present crisis result in a dissolution he will not bo troubled with political honors again, I •venture to say, and his career will have been as brief as it has so far been unsatisfactory. Though no doubt he will yet find a few violent unthinking partisans, the good sense of the body of electors will gb'e him no second opportunity of voting diametrically against their interests. The desire for one government to run throughout the Coast, is as deep and strong as ever, and the greatest anxiety is felt as to the results that the miuisterial changes will bring about. I am glad to say that the Eoper and the Queensland fevers have greatly abated, and people are beginning to think that there are worse places than the Inang.ihua district after all. The late satisfactory crushings from the Ajax, Grolden Pieece, Inglewood, and

other claims, have tended greatly to restore the confidence that was ao rudely shaken by the collapse of the Westland Company, from which so much was expected. Up to the present time, with that single exception, every claim on every lino of reef has yielded highly payable stone in every instance where it has been tested ; and there cannot be a doubt that almost without exception every reef yet opened will prove iu the highest degree payable. Machinery is being erected in various directions, and several companies are negotiating for more. The "Westland Company I may say is being wound up, Mr Jno. M'unro being appointed official liquidator. In the meantime its batteries are kept constantly employed crushing for various claims. They are now putting a quantity of stone through for the Golden Hill Company, which promises to yield well, and be profitable to shareholders ; as soon as this is done there are many other demands for the services. Anderson's machinery is now erected and was satisfactorily tested yesterday. They purpose to have a month's crushing on their own account before undertaking work for others, and commence operations on Monday next. The Band of Hope Company will be at work very soon, anl have excellent prospects. The Energetic plant has arrived in Greymouth, and a Mr White has contracted for its delivery on the ground, within six weeks at the rate of £22 per ton. This is the claim it may be remembered that yielded, some time since on a trial crushing with inferior machinery, at the rate of 4\ozs to the ton. Tenders are called for the supply of plant for the Kainy Creek Prospecting claim, the mii eral recently obtained from it promises exceedingly well. The Just in Time elaim at Boatman's has been thrown into scrip, and a company formed. It is probable that machinery will be procured at office. The stone from this claim is I think the richest ever got iu this district, and must give a very handsome return. Some capital stone has recently got from Caple's in the same locality, and shares have risen greatly in consequence. At Larry's work is proceeding slowly, especially in the prospecting claim. This is extraordini ary as there can be no doubt as to the richness of the reef. The late splendid crushing from the Little Wonder claim at the Lyell, has attracted great attention, and many have left this district to try their fortune in that quarter. No doubt when the new 3 spreads it will draw miners from other parts of the colony. There are no more items worth tolling, but the appearance of mining affairs generally is healthy, and daily improving. The , town of Reeft'on is, lam sorry to say quite the contrary. Trade is dull or absent, money scarce, and long faces the order of the day. This however, is only what might be expected, and a superfluity of traders cannot wonder , at there not being business enough for

The Koman Catholic community here has set an example that might be followed with advantage by other denominations in erecting a very nice place of worship, which will be completed this week, and Divine Service will he held in it on Sunday next. On Friday a concert in aid of the building fund, is to be given, and already enough tickets have been sold to fill the building. The Eev. Father Pertius has come up from the Ahaura to open the Church. An offer has been made to the Government by Messrs Cassidy and Ashton to carry the mailß by coach between here and Greymouth, and it is to be hoped that it will be accepted. Should such be the case they will put on a four horse coach and purpose running each way, I hear, three times a week, that is up one day and down another. For a very small consideration too, they are prepared to render the road, at present unmade, between the Arnold aud Ahaura, passable for vehicles. I need hardly say that the public here pray for their success, for a daily coach will indeed be a boon of no small magnitude to travellers. In the Court during the past week, there has been little of moment. Barton, alias Yorkey, recently accused of the murder of Costello, but discharged for want of evidence has been re-arrested, and sentenced to six months imprisonment as a ragrant. He is at present here, but you will very shortly be favored with his companv as he is to be sent to Westport. Whilst on the subject of Courts, it will not be mal-apropos to refer to the Eeef'ton gaol. Some slight additions were lately made to it, but still it is wholly inadequate to meet requirements, and is a standing disgrace to the Nelson Government, both as to the structure and the manner in which its internal arrangements are conducted. You would hardly believe, that all confinees, whether debtors or criminals, are compelled to sleep on the hare boards of their cells, toith one pair of blankets each onhj, and neither mattrasseS nor pillows. The buildings are not lined and how the unfortunates have survived the bitterly cold frosty nights that we have had lately is a mystery to every one. They are dealt vrith like brutes rather than human beings, their treatment is infamous and inhuman in the highest degree. Notwithstanding the ruling dullness, many are still building, such is their confidence in Reefton's future. As a moans of affording amusement to their customers, and putting a little cash into their own pockets, the hotel- ■ • ers are giving a round of balls, nearly every little shanty in the place

now going in for the light fantastic business. That these entertainments are of the most select kind I cannot add, but they seem to be enjoyed by their frequenters, and so answer their intended end. Mr Foyer lately of Charleston, has opened a house bere and duly gave his ball a few nights ago. He is about to be a puhlic benefactor by opening a large restaur, ant, and supylying meals at more moderate rates thau have hitherto ruled. There is little doubt that his enterprise will be well rewarded. I omitted when on political matters to say that great satisfaction is felt at the return of Mr Kynnersley to New Zealand, it is hoped with his health fully restored. Should by any chance dissolution take place, it is intended to invite him to stand for this district, and if he consents his return is certain.