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Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1093, 29 July 1873, Page 2

The Kennedy, arriving on Saturday, brought letters from Messrs Humphrey and Fisher, reporting progress. So far their mission has prospered. Having waited on the Provincial Secretary, to confer with him on the handing over the Westport sections to the Municipal Corporation, they succeeded, after somo trouble, in making it clear to his comprehension that the Superintendent, on his last visit to Westport, had made an unreserved wid explicit promise at his public meeting that the sections should be

so dealt with; and thereupon Mr GreenfitM suggested, we may suppose as purely pro forma, as presenting a record of the acquiescence of the Weetport public, that a memorial to that effect should be signed and forwarded. This has been done already, and Messrs Fisher and Humphrey will, while in "Wellington, interview Mr Oswald Curtis with the intent of definitely concluding this portion of their mission. Upon the river protective works and coal railway question they seetn to have succeeded in arousing more interest in Nelson than they anticipated, and many of the influential men there expressed their thorough approval of the scheme. An article published in tlie Evening Mail drew attention to the subject, and Sir David Munro and Mr Sclanders, two newly elected directors of the Albion Company, promised their co-operation. Mr John Sharp, whose practical knowledge of Westport requirements will prove of essential service, has accompanied the deputation to Wellington, and has promised his Assistance. The Nelson people generally, although knowing little of the "West Coast, are in favor of the Ngakawhau line being constructed, and the Nelson members will cordially advocate in the House the views of the deputation. It is reported, and the report may be relied on, that in the Prospectors Reef at the Mokihinui, the reef has been struck at the lower level, the same width as in the higher level and, if possible, shewing better stone. The rumor has caused an increased enquiry for shares, and reliable authority is obtainable for the truth of the statement.

In pursuance of a public notification, another allotment of sections on the Coal Reserve was made yesterday. A list of the sites in respect of which awards would he made having been previously published, the parties notified therein attended at the Court House, and the following allotment was made in the usual form, each applicant drawing numbered tickets for choice of selection:—Sections 101, 102 and 103, Adderley street, J. R. Fraser ; 194, John Clarke, corner of right of way Adderley street; 117, David Emaneul, Fonblanque street; 104, S. A. Leech, Adderley street; 125, T. Melville, Queen street; 127, W. Patterson, Fonblanque street; 130, J. S. Rogers, Fonblanque street; 120, Timothy Sheahan, Fonblanque streec; 151, Alex. Scott, corner of Neill street; 15G, George Ferguson, corner of Neill street; 152, E. Suisted, right of way between Palmerston and Adderley Street; 163, 199, 202, Bentham street, George Jervis ; 131, Adderley street, Christina Low; 195, M. Organ, Buntham street; 121, Alex. Stitt, Fonblanque street; 150, George Carruthers, Mills street; and 107, Felix West, Adderley street. The not unfounded fears expressed by Westport shareholders in The Albion Coal Company that the directors might be induced to commit themselves to an expenditure of the company's capital in some chimerical scheme of harbor works and deep sea walls at the Ngakawhau may now cease, as from the reports of what transpired at the conference at Nelson, it appears that the nowly formed directory will favor no uncertain or lavish outlay thereon. Mr Higginson, on behalf of the General Govern ment, Mr Dobson as Provincial Engineer, and Mr Genever of Dunedin, specially deputed to report on the mine on behalf of the Dunedin shareholders, all speak highly in favor of the readiness of construction and comparative cheapness of a railway to the Buller, as the best and only feasible method of bringing the coal to market. The Albion Company will for the present, confine operations to bringing coal down by steamor, pending the decision of the Government as to the construction of the railway. From an advertisement appearing iu this issue it will be seen that it has been decided to hold a fancy Bazaar in aid of the funds of St. John's Church during the ensuing Christmas holidays, and taking time by the forelock, the Churchwardens have been busy during the past week in soliciting contributions, and have met with no inconsiderable success. Some fifty-three ladies have already promised to lend their aid, and many others have yet to be waited on. Where so manv are willing there can be no doubt that the Bazaar will prove an eminent success.

Messrs Carroll and Cairns at the Lyell are pushing on the necessary works in connection with the erection of their machine with considerable energy, and hope to be ready to commence crushing operations in two months' time.—Very rich stone is now being taken from the Little Wonder, Break-o'-Day, Monte Christo, and Prospectors claims, and each of these claims have large quantities of stone stacked awaiting the starting of Carroll and Cairns' crushing operations. During the recent interview with the West Coast members, the Premier stated, according to the West Coast Times, that the Government was favorably inclined to the East and West Coast Railway, as advocated by the people of Hokitika, but regarded', the construction of a tunnel as chimerical. If the railway was constructed it would cross over the Pass rather than tunnel thrbugh it. The monetary difficulties were insurmountable unless Canterbury was agreeable to make the portion of the railway within that Province. New drawback regulations have just come into operation in Victoria, framed with a desire to facilitate the intercolonial trade, and at the same time not to restrict the operation of the protective tariff. The change relates chiefly to soft goods and ironmongery. Respecting Telegraph Office pens and ink, the New Zealand Herald discourses as follows:—" If anyono should wish to be informed—although it is not probable that such is at all likely still, if any member of the community should be seized with a curious desire to learn where

the very worst steel pens and the muddiest of ink in the dirtiest of ink bottles are to be obtained, he is requested to apply at the Telegraph Office. If a pen is wanted that will not make a mark after any amount of wiping on the coat skirts, here the anxious seeker will find it. Should he want a pen that splutters at every upstroke, here is his market; should it be a pen he wants good for the manufacture of blots he will find pens here for such an object not to be equalled in any Government office in the world. Should he want a pen gone at the nib, or with a. point that will rip holes in the paper, or a pen with six splits or no splits whatever, the Telegraph office is the establishment he must go to. But if he wants a pen that will write a word legibly and with ease he must go next door or across the road. The ink (we write without prejudice) has the consistency and appearance of black currant jelly, without, however, possessing its pleasant smell and flavor. It could be highly recommended for painting ships' bottoms or wharf piles, but it is not by any means adapted for writing sinall-hand." The Ross News newspaper is defunct. Peace to its ashes.

On the night of the 21st occurred the heaviest snow storm ever known in Nelson. Reports from the Waiinea and JMotueka, say that the snow was several inches thick. To-day Charleston will be enlivened. Mr Sutton takes unto himself a wife, and " friends, countrymen and lovers " will hold high festival. A tea party, at which a large number sat down, was given in St. Mary's Girl's School, Nelson, on the evening of the 23rd instant, to the Rev. A, M. Garin, in celebration of his 63rd birthday. During the day a handsome and comfortable arm chair had been presented to him by the pupils attending the schools, accompanied by a numerously signed address, as well as another complimentary address, signed by 200 of the old pupils, who had received their education at the school. Mr L. Broad also presented to Father Garin a dinner service on behalf of the St. Mary's Church congregation, and spoke in eulogistic terms of the services the reverend gentleman had so long rendered the community. Referring to the success attending his efforts in the cause of education, Mr Broad said that since 1850 he had raised and expended upon lands and buildings at St. Mary's Station no less than A'4ooo, and at these schools 3510 pnpils had received their education. Among them was one who was about to return from England for the purpose of occupying the distinguished position of Bishop of Wellington. He referred to the Eev Father Redwood, who had been brought up in that school. From very small beginnings these schools had risen to considerable size and importance, and there was no public girls school in the colony were so high a class of education was provided.