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Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1072, 16 May 1873, Page 2

bo noticed by advertisement that parties desirous of fating shares in the Albion Coal Mining Company may do so by applying' to Mr Thomas Field, up to the 23rd instant. A communication has been received from Mr Beetham stating that a brisk demand exists tor shares in Auckland, Wellington, and Nelson, and that it lias been decided to reserve one thousand for the Melbourne market: It will be thus seen that investors at Westport and elsewhere on the Coast will have to make up their minds promptly if they desire shares in this promising venture. A sad accident occurred at Caledonian Terrace on the morning of Wednesday last, resulting in the death of a well known resident, Mr Kenneth M'Leod, partner in the mining claim known as M'Leod and Bossard's. The claim which is one of the most extensive and valuable in the district, is worked by hydraulic sluicing, and a high and wide extending face has been cut away. The deceased was working close underneath this fade", whon suddenly, without warping, a mass, or rather flake of earth, loosened most probably by the recent rain, came tumbling down, and fell on deceased, hurling him forward on to a largo stone which he struck violently with his chest. The force of the concussion was at ouce seen to have resulted seriously, and his mates rushed to his'help and bore him homeward to the hut, but he spoke but one or two words on the way and expired an hour afterwards. An incpiest was held yesterday at Peter Herron's Hotel, Orawaiti, before Dr Giles,

Coroner, and the evidence of two witnesses Thomas Butterworth, and Thomas Dickman was taken, as to tho particulars of the death of deceased. It appeared he was working the hose and was standing Within two feet of the face when a small quantity of gravelly stuff fell on his back and drove him forward on to a stone standing some three feet high, and when his mates had cleaved away the stuff they found tkat his chest was injured; the deceased motioning feebly with his haud to indicate tho seat of the injury. A verdict of accideutal death was recorded. The deceased was 41 years of age, and a native of Scotland. His remains were interred yesterday in the Orawaiti cemetery. A total eclipse of tho moon was visible on Monday night, being first noticed a few minutes after nine o'clock. The almanacks give the following as tho phases assumed at the stated hours:—First contact with the penumbra, on tho 12th, at 8 p m.; first contact with the shadow, 9,3 p.m.; middle of tho eclipse, 10.53 p.m.; last contact with the shadow-, on the 13th, at 0.42 a.m.; last contact with the penumbra, at 1.4G a.m. The sky was beautifully clear nearly the whole time the eclipse lasted. Authenticated news from Larry's eonfirms previous statements as to the value and extent of the reef in No. 2 claim. Tho drive has been carried through the reef sixteen feet, and the stone taken therefrom is splendidly rich. Anderson's reef is said to be looking better than over, and the Fiery Cross claim promises to be one of the best, if not the very best, yet oxsened in the Inangahua District. The long looked for rain now setting in is already producing a very different tone of feeling at tho reefs, and as a consequence all mining shares are steadily advancing in value. Anderson's are being held for £5 10s, and even at that figure very few are offering. Invincible's, Energetic's, and Caledonian's are daily improving in value, and there is little doubt that the late depression will shortly give place to active demand. Mohikinui interests are still holding their own, the prospecting claim looks well, and the reef improves in thickness and prospects. On Saturday four men were dispatched with a dray load of tools and provisions to commence work upon No. 1 North, (Morning Light), and there is every reason to believe that machinery will be placed on the ground in a few months. Shares in No. 1 North are being held for .£21)0, while the prospectors are asking £SOO, and are not at all anxious to sell.

The establishment of a Masonic Lodge at Eeefton is in contemplation, and probably the opening of another Lodge in Westport under the English Constitution. It is also rumoured that a new Oddfellows Lodge is to be formed in Westport. This evening a dramatic performance, presenting novel and somewhat attractive points, will be presented at the Masonic Hall. Messrs Vivian. Simonds, Burton and Miss Tilly Andrews of the Variety troupe will, with the assistance of some of our local amateurs, enact the comedy of " Still Waters Run Deep," and the farce of the " Area Belle. The performance is to be varied by a musical interlude. Dramatic performances are generally woll patronised in Westport, and the programme to be offered this evening should induce a good attendance.

The Lyell Argus says:—The plates at the Alpine are looking remarkably well, and a very favorable result may be confidently anticipated. The Excelsior party are anxiously awaiting their turn to crush. It has been resolved in the Provincial Council, by a majority of one, that the West Coast representation in the Council shall be increased. At. the turning of the first sod of the Nelson and Foxhiil Railway at Stoke, the Superintendent spoke of the ceremony as being the turning point of the fortunes of the Province, and said ho much regretted the absence of Mr Vogel, which might bo attributed to his anxieties in taking a leading part in the administration of the colony. He was exceedingly gratified to find works, after having been for many years advocated by himself, were at length commenced, and trusted that those present had met to inaugurate not only the Nelson and Foxhill line (which, Mr Vogel had told the deputation, had met with more opposition than any other line), but a system of railways that would extend both north and south of New Zealand. Nearly 3000 persons were present, who wero most enthusiastic in their cheering. Three special cheers were given for Mr Vogel. A free luncheon was provided and also free conveyances for all the public societies. A monster procession paraded the town, in which the volunteers and public societies wero largely represented. A public dinner is to be given to Mr Vogel as soon as ho can visit Nelson.

The protest entered by New South "Wales against Melbourne being declared the terminus of the Suez mail route, in terms of a resolution passed by the late Conference sittings there, has not been accepted, as will bo seen by our telegram column, Earl Kimberly having accepted the mail service for three years. This naturally has put the Sydney people out considerably, and the probability is that they will withdraw altogether from that service. Mr Samuels, Postmaster-General of New South Wales, goes to Washington next mail in order to establish a direct 'Frisco service if possible. Prior to doing so he will call at Auckland, in the hope of getting New Zealand to co-operate in the scheme. It is unlikely that our Postmaster-General will consent except on condition that this colony be made the first and last place of call.