Chapter XVI.
OFFICIALS.
CHARLESTON was at first a part of Cobden district, within the Nelson South-West Goldfields, which were proclaimed a district by the Superintendent of the Province on 31st July, 1865. In March of 1868 the district of Cobden was divided, and Charleston-Brighton became a separate district.
Wardens and Magistrates: John Blackett, 1866; T. A. Sneyd Kynnersley, 1866. For a short time after his arrival at Charleston he lived and discharged his duties in a tent. On the recommendation of the superintendent of the Province, Alfred Saunders, he was, on 10th January, 1867, appointed Chief Warden and Commissioner of the Nelson South-West Goldfields and took charge of the Cobden district in succession to Mr. Blackett. G. W. Lightband, 1866-June, 1868; A. Greenfield, 1866; Hugh Jones, 1866-1867; —. Harris (acting), 1867; J. R. Dutton, 1867; Charles Broad, 1868; Joseph Giles, 1871; W. H. Revell, 1880; F. Bird, 1885; H. Eyre Kenny, 1890.
In a letter dated 26th June, 1868, Mr. Oswald Curtis, Superintendent of the Province, informed the Colonial Secretary that “the services of Mr. G. W. Lightband, Warden stationed at Charleston, can now be dispensed with, and I have to request that you will instruct Mr. Lightband accordingly. It is proposed to remove Mr. Broad, Brighton to Charleston, and to require him to combine the duties now performed by Mr. Lightband and himself. Lightband has always performed his duties admirably, and this is an economy measure suggested by the Provincial Government. Lightband
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