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Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1176, 15 May 1874, Page 2

The meteor or aerolite seen at Charleston last evening, as related in telegram, was also seen at Westport, but the time stated was 7.5 p.m. instead of 7,30. It travelled very slowly and disappeared behind a hazy bank of clouds, seaward. Two rare geological specimens found at the Caledonia Terrace, sixty feet beneath the surface of the ground, are in possession of Mr Georgo Carruthers. They are two pieces of cement, each bearing distinct impressions of a broadlcaf as perfect aj if pencilled. The miner's pick in striking the block of hard cement, split it in two, disclosing an impression on both pieces exactly corresponding in position. Patrick and John Warren and James Fitzgerald, charged with cattle stealing a t Ten-mile Creek, were remanded on. bail until Monday next.

A correspondent to the Grey River Argus' in making reference to the recent sittings of Licensing Boards, remarks that the holders of licenses on the Nelson Goldfiolds are more fortunate than those in Weatland, for it seems, according to his interpretation, that by falling back upon (.lie Nelson Provincial Licensing Ordinance, wherever the Colonial Act is not expressly mandatory, not only transfers of existing licenses may be effected, but in cases of particular emergency new licenses can bo issued within the provisions of the low. We read in a trade journal that imitation meerschaum pipes are now made out of potatoes soaked in diluted sulphuric acid, and afterwards dried under great pressure,

The well-known Mr Charles Williams of "Monster Gridiron" fame, and who has of late obtained a colonial reputation by his curious but very useful fire-kindlcrs, has hit

upon a very happy plan of advertising, which cannot fail in being successsful. The inventor considered awhile on the best means of advertising his kindlers, and came to tho conclusion that one of the best medium of conveying the knowledge of his kindlers to tho pooplo, was by means of conversation lollies, which have just been issued. Mistress and maid aliko now read, before digesting, tho question ingeniously stamped upon tho lollies, manufactured specially by Mr Waters, of Queen street, for the inventor, ** Do you use Williams' nrc-kuullers ?" Wo notice these kindlerlollies as something original among the many modes of advertising which smart men of business adopt. Mr T. 11. Proctor, who has been for years well-known in Hokitika and all other towns on the Coast has just brought over from his new establishment in Christehurch a large and valuable assortment of watches and jewellery, which ho Will open for inspection at the Masonic Hall this day. Among other novelties he has a selection of bracelets, neck crosses, and lockets bearing tho word Mizpah, set in rubies, diamonds, pearls, emeralds, and in raised gold. The word is certainly most appropriate as an inscription on presents given to friends, or those whose ties are nearer and dearer than the links of friendship. Mr Proctor's local reputation is a suilicieut guarantee that the articles he sells are of good intrinsic value, and beyond compare with the wares which certain vendors have before foisted on the public. At the meeting of the Charleston Road Board on Monday last, it was resolved " That Mr Donno bo requested to urge upon the Executive the urgent necessity of some immediate action in regard to tho replacing of the Nile bridge, all wheeled traffic between Westport and Charleston being now suspended." A public meeting was also convened for Thursday evening to consider the most advisable mode of procedure to strengthen tho action of the Board. Tho Ahaura Road Board has decided that no assessment should be made or rate struck until the Board has received such a subsidy from the Government as would enable it to take over its functions and perform them in the first place independent of local taxation. That subsidy has not yet come to hand.

On Monday evening last a farewell mooting was given at Groymouth to Mr F. W. Paul, who for seven or eight years past has been engaged iu the Bank of New South Wales there and has just earned the promotion of managership to the branch of the Bank at the Thames. The Argus says: About eighty gentlemen assembled at Gilmer's Hotel—comprising the representatives of the various Banks, the Magistracy, the merchants, and principal tradesmen, and of the order of Foresters, and the Fire Brigade, and the Groymouth Band, to bid farewell and present him with testimonials of their respect and esteem. The testimonials were a purse of sovereigns from the general subscribers, and an engrossed address from the members of the Volunteer Fire Brigade. A very lively passago-at-arms occurred at a recent sitting of the Hokitilca Town Council. Insinuations of unfair practice were freely bandied between the Councillors, the Mayor complained of being insulted, and was recommended to use his power of fining those who transgressed, ,£•">, and proceedings abruptly terminated by the Councillors skedaddling, leavingone speaker iu possession of the floor, addressing the Mayor in the Chair.

Telegraph stations has boon opened at Wairoa in the Province of Hawke's Bay. At Tapanui Province of Otago, and Waikaia (Switzers) also in the" Province of Otago. Mr Carruthevs, Engineer-in-Chief is expected to shortly arrive in Westparfc, and it is probable that his presence here may materially expedite the calling for tenders for railway and permanent protective works. Councillor Munson has procured for and at the expense of the Borough Council an elaborate corporate seal and press, enclosed in polished wood case and secured therein by bramah locks. The seal, designed by native talent, bears the superscription, "Borough of Westport," surrounding a centre medallion, whereon is engraved a craft under full sail and steam, and underneath a railway train perched on stone viaduct. At the base of the structure a scroll bears the legend, "Advance Westport." The design is presumed to be suggestive of the future greatness of the Municipality.

An inquest was held at Black's point on Saturday last, to inquire into the death of James Hunter, who had been injured by the fall of a tree, while engaged cutting timber for the Anderson's "Company. A verdict of accidental death was recorded. The total Inangahua assessment under the Local Revenues Act amounts to about =£67o, and upwards of £450 has been already received. The subscriptions already received at Reefton in aid of the family of the late Charles Anderson, who recently met his death by accident, amount to .£217 2s Bd. The' next sittings of the Resident Magistrate's and Warden's Courts at the Lyell, will be held on Wednesday the 3rd of June, and at Hampden on Monday the Ist proximo. The Lyell District Revenues Board, offers a salary of £•) per month, to any competent person willing to perform the duties of Assessor, Collector, and Secretary to the Board.

At the last sitting of the District Court at Eeefton, the following bankrupts obtained their discharge : —John Smith, T, W. Tymoiis, Walter M'lutyr.", J. J. Taylor, Job Lines, Timothy Pattinson, Richard Lecher, and Jeremiah Creed. In the Electoral district of Grey Valley 293 objections have been lodged against persons not en! il led to have their'names retained ou the list of voters. At. the Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday afternoon the case Mayor and Council of Westport v. Shapter was heard. Plaintiffs appearing by their Solicitor, and the defendant putting in a written defence, "That the proclamation which purports to extend to the inhabitants of Westport the powers and provisions of the 'Municipal Corporations Act, 1807," is not made pursuant to the Act, and that the powers and provisions of the Act are not capable of being exercised by the body claiming to be and acting as the Borough Council of Westport," Judgment was reserved until Tuesday next. The Borough Council of Ilokitika has authorised the use of dynamite to destroy snags in the river that have long resisted all other means of removal.

The gas-works of Nelson appear to havo " caved in." The retorts are' understood to have been defective from the first, and two of the three gave way soon after they were put in use. The last of them failed on tlio night -when the Kennedy Family were giving their first performance in Nelson, and in the middle of the entertainment the supply of gas failed, and kerosene and candles had oucc more to he resorted to,