The Westport Times. TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 1873.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1055, 18 March 1873, Page 2

The Westport Times. TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 1873.

The, one vitally important subject affecting the public interest in the Buller District, and to which reference cannot be too frequently made, or argument too strongly enforced in its favor, is the development of local coal mines. The subject has of late been discussed in public and in private with a degree of interest sufficiently earnest to bear promise that discussion will speedily result in action. In fact some action has been taken, to the extent of ensuring the advocacy of the Superintendent of the Province in obtaining governmental assistance, but before any reasonable hopes can be entertained that the " consummation devoutly to be wished" of public works being commenced, and a local coal trade established, it will be necessary, in order to prove the good faith the public hold in the utility ot such works, and the permanancy and extent of the coal measures, that local action should take some more definite and practical form than has yet been ventured on. It will avail little or nothing to continually belaud the rich stores of wealth lying idly at our feet, or vehemently appeal to Jupiter for help towards its utilization, if we do not vigorously put shoulder to wheel and prove by strenuous and persevering action that we deserve the craved assistance. As affairs now stand, the sum and substance of local action, instead of representing "something attempted, something done" by the public, has been limited to the efforts of the holders of the Ngakawhau coalmine to further, primarily, their own interests, and incidentally those of the general public. "To this end the manager of the mine has recently visited Wellington, his mission being of a two-fold nature: first, to bring under the notice of commercial men the chances for profitable investment in shares in the mine ; and, secondly, to personally bring under the notice of the Minister of Public Works the desirability of authorising local works here, which, being to the manifest advantage of the general public, would also proportionately increase the value of the mining property held by Mr Chambers and his co-partners. The reply of the men of business is, in effect —A capital speculation no doubt, would pay well, but how is it the Westport and Btiller people seem to fight shy of investment ? The reply of the Ministerial representative is cheeringly satisfactory to a certain degree. He admits the force of all the arguments adduced in favor of the speedy commencement of public works as means towards the needed opening up of our coalmines, but can give no definite pledge of action until after the receipt of various official reports. Now in the first instance it requires few words indeed to prove the unreasonableness of people here supposing that men of capital, either in Wellington or elsewhere, will risk their money in investment in a part of the colony of which they personally know absolutely nothing, while local men hold entirely aloof; and in the second instance it is equally plain that something more than waiting in patient expectancy is needed if glowing theoretical projects are to take any definite form of issue. It has of late been suggested that a deputation should be despatched from Westport to Wellington empowered to interview the Government and endeavour to obtain instant action in the expenditure of the money voted for the Mount Bochfort fiailway, and one or two earnest workers have already moved in the matter. Let the suggestion be followed up, a meeting convened, and a committee appointed to raise the necessary funds to pay the expenses of a deputation. It should not prove a difficult task among a community wherein,buta short time since, subscriptions doubly in excess of the amount actually needed, were freely given towards the cost of merely exhibiting a few specimens of mineral treasures. Concurrently therewith the Ngakawau mine holders might also submit for public consideration the prospectus of their projected operations for the present extension of the coal trade, with a view to encourage local investment in shares. Doubts have been expressed that the projected combination of Grreyinouth and Wellington interests in the formation of the so-called " New Zealand Coal Company" might militate against the success of any scheme for the speedy development of the Buller miwes, but the fear is in reality groundless. The New Zealand Coal Company wiil prove of more modest calibre than at first projected. We are enabled to assert on the best authority, no less in fact than a written communication from the Secretary to the Provisional Directors, " thai it is not the intention of the New Zealand Coal Company to lease or toork any coal mines at present." The company, if floated —and there is some doubt as to this immediately resulting—will be an ordinary carrying company, making coals a special article of lading, and obtaining them wherever the greatest facilities exist. Thus supposing that in addition to action by the Buller public in urging on the commencement of railway works iu the direction of the coalfield?, a local

company should be formed with a plan of operations devised for placing regular supplies of coal for shipment on the banks of the Buller; the New Zealand Company would be but one among many customers, and such initiatory ad interim trade, while giving present activity to the business of the port would, in its rapid expansion, afford the best possible proof of the necessity for speedy railway communication between the mines and Westport. [Since putting in type the above, a meeting has been convened for the purpose indicated.]

St. Patrick's day was observed yesterday after aniintermittent fashion. The outward manifestations of holiday keeping were not numerous, nor were the sounds of indoor revelry. The stores and places of business were open as usual, but the press of customers was not overwhelming. In the various pubs the readiness to provide the necessary libations to pledge St. Patrick's Pot was more apparent than the desire to welcome that venerable vessel. Still there were some who made exceeding merry. In the evening the counter attractions of the eoncert at the Masonic Hall, and the anniversary dance assembly at the Theatre Royal, pretty equally divided the attention of the holiaay makers. The concerts given by the Carandini company have proved an unprecedented success in Westport musical experiences, and the public have fully appreciated the exquisite treat afforded by the performance of these very talented artists. The first concert on Thursday evening was given under exceptionally difficult circumstances, the company appearing within one short hour after a rough passage from Greyinouth. But they kept faith with the crowded audience, that, despite the falling rain, had flocked to the Masonic Hall, and their performance under the circumstances was a triumph. Their listeners were enthusiastic in applause, and the announcement made by Mr Sherwin that the company had foregone their intention of departing by the morning steamer, was received with every manifestation of pleasure. On Friday and Saturday evenings the concerts were well attended, and again last evening, when some special lyric gems in honor of St. Patrick's day were introduced ia the programme, To-night a special feature of the performance will be selections from Oratorios, and mere mention of this will delight all true lovers of music. It has been an unexpected treat to this community and one rarely afforded in listening to musical performances of such sterling excellence, but there is little need of comment on the special merit of either the selections made or the refined talents of the vocalists. Every one who has attended has been delighted. The best critique of the performance was summed up in the words of one among the retiring audience on Saturday, who, when asked, Will you go again ? replied in ecstasy, Go, why I'll go every night if they're here for a month! We must not forget to mention that the Piano used at the concert last evening was a fine instrument by Bord, of Paris, newly imported by Mr Munson, and kindly lent to the Misses Carandini for the occasion. The instrument will be again used this evening. Fifty pounds reward is offered for the recovery of the copper plates stolen from the Andersons Creek Quartz Mining Company machine-house on the 3rd inst. It will be seen by reference to the postal notice that the sub-Post-Office at Christy's has been closed, and that mails for Reefton etc. close at W estport on Saturday at 10 p.m., instead of Sundays at 8 p.m. No alteration of time of closing on Thursdays has been made. Mr Fraser, who has had charge of the Westport School for some time past, has tendered his resignation which has been accepted, and he will relinquish office on the 30th April proximo. The School Committe have already intimated this to Mr Hodgson the School Inspector, in order to at once arrange for the appointment of a new teacher. Mrs Fraser, schoolmistress, will retire also. The Wallace, laid on specially for an excursion boat from Nelson to Greymouth, had a rough passage down from Nelson, and brought very few passengers. She arrived at Westport about 2 p.m. on Saturday, and left at midnight for Greymouth taking a few passengers from this port also. Mr Greenwood, surveyor, has lately brought down from the Cascades some samples of coal taken from the seam existing there in close proximity to the prospectors quartz claim. It closely resembles the Mount Rochfort coal in every respect. The samples are in the possession of the Provincial *Eugineer. The Waipara left Hokitika for Westport yesterday at midday tide, aad will, it is expected, go up to the Ngakawhau this morning for coal. The bar at that river is now improved and the run in is nearly straight again. Mr Bowen, Clerk of the Bench Westport, has communicated to us that he is in receipt of instructions from Mr Gisborne the Chairman of the Civil Service Examination Board at Wellington, to supply to candidates, free of charge, the regulations for examination for the Civil Service of New Zealand, together with the necessary forms of applieation to be filled by each candidate. Notwithstanding the long continuing dry weather, mining operations at Addison's Flat have not been brought to the entire standstill experienced on the Terraces, and although water at Addison's is extremely scarce, some of the claims at least are able to keep partly in work. In O'Toole and party's claim for instance, work has been continued ever since Christmas, and the shareholders have sold since that date some 250 ounces of gold, a quantity they would have doubled had a plentiful supply of water been obtainable. In Walls', Moran's, and Carmody's claims, work is still progressing, and throughout the Flat a good steady downpour of rain is all that is needed to set mining affairs on a satisfactory footing. The last fall of rain did some good, but was not nearly sufficient to fill all the dams. Shares still command a good price at Addison's. One in O'Toole's claim was lately sold for £450, and another in Moran's for £350, but at present shares are held for an advance on these prices. Mr W. A Thompson, travelling agent for the Australian Mutual Provident Society, has already secured applications from intending assurers in Westport to the amount of several thousand pounds. Mr George Falla has been appointed local agent; and Mr Thompson will in a night or two give a free lecture on the subject of Life Assurance. It is expected that the whole of the Ministry will assemble at Wellington within a week or ten days. Messrs Vogel and M'Lean will leave Auckland for Wellington immediately the Governor has taken his departure.

The Jnangahua Herald,of the 12th says i " Crushing at AndersaVfjV'was resumed' at midnight on Sunday. There, is now a good face of etone 2ft. loin. Wtfe at'botjh levels, and the quarto, which is of good quality, is coming to grass freely. ' A good average is expected owing to tho quality of the stone now being put through'. His Honor the Superintendent was «x----pected to arrive at Nelson, overland from the Ly ell on Saturday last, i It is stated that Mr Vogel is suffering from Angina Pectoris'- or suffocative breast pang, and that \his medical adviser in Sydney has recommended him to retire from public life for two years. This disease is afflicting and dangerous and sometimes instantly fatal, the symptoms being, according to a high medical authority, "paroxysms of intense pain about the proacordial region, accompanied with a feeling of suffocation and a fearful sense of impending death." The disease is always associated with some important affection of the stomach, and often with fatty degeneration and organic disease of the heart. The Nelson Colonist of the ,11th instant says:—" The s.s. Kennedy from Hokitika, Greymouth, and Westport, entered the harbor on Saturday. She reports great scarcity of coal at the Grey, in consequence of the low etate of the river, and the difficulty in bringing down coal from the mine. Several vessels were waiting for cargoes, and unless the navigation of the river improved, there was but little prospect of their getting supplies. In the North Otago Times of Feb. 25, the editor reprints an advertisement which appeared in his columns on the 7th June, 1872, and in doing so requests contemporary journals to assist in the good work of finding a man whose friends at home probably believe dead. The missing man, whose real name is Edward Lloyd Trevor, but known in the colony as Edward Lloyd, was working so lately as 9th November, 1869, in Otago,. E. L. Trevor landed in Lyttelton in 1865, and subsequently went to Timaru, and it is believed worked on several sheep stations as a shearer, under the name of Edward Lloyd. The father of Mr Trevor died at Lisnagead, County Down, on the 2nd December, 1872, leaving his son Edward property worth £ISOO a-year. A late telegram says the missing man has been discovered working as a shearer on a Southland run under an assumed name, One hundred pounds reward has been offered by the police authorities for the discovery of the two prisoners who escaped from the custody of the warders while working on the Hokitika and Arahura road. The prisoners are thus described:— '* George Henry Chamberlain, aged 44 years, sft sin high, medium build, dark complexion, dark brown hair, turning grey, hazel eyes, sharp small features, heavy-looking countenance, lower jaw large, teeth much discolored from use of tobacco, hair on face very thick and strong, of iron-grey colour; speaks in a sharp tone; marks of flogging on back. Native of Norfolk. England; an ' old hand'; wore straw hat, twill shirt, and mole trowsers, with gaol brands on them, Sentenced in 1873 to 10 years penal servitude for burglary. Isaac Levy, native of Portugal, aged 41 years, sft 4in high, medium build, dark complexion, grey eyes, deepset; Jewish nose, a little inclined to the right.; very bald on top of head, hair over ears very long, and worn down back of neck; two large scars on top of head, scars on eyebrows, slightly pock-marked, nearly all the teeth out, E.L. and mermaid on right arm. Wore straw hat, twill shirt, and mole trousers with gaol brands on them. Sentenced in 187S to eight years penal servitude. During the Colonial prize firing at Nelson a competitor named Hoskins made one exceptionally good score en the 11th in firing off the ties in the skirmishing match; during the time allowed for firing he discharged his rifle 25 times, and hit the target 23, the result being a total of 84 points. A man named Joseph Brooks, otherwise known as Black Joe, was found drowned a few days since in the Hokitika river. The deceased had resided at the Kanieri.