OUR KUMARA LETTER.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 1 March 1901, Page 2

OUR KUMARA LETTER.

[OUE OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

No sooner is the contract for the purchase by Mr J. Rugg of Mrs Team’s coaches and coaching business completed than rumours are afloat that opposition may be expected from another quarter, A well known firm of carriers, it is said, contemplate running a lino of coaches between Kumara and the railway station, I give the rumour for what it is worth. Should it prove true it will bo an evidence that some at least hold there is something to be made even for two coaches on the road to the station. However, whoever attempts the task he will find he has undertaken a psculiar work in running against Mr J. Kugg's popular line. Still further improvements in town. Mrs Team is having her line hotel fitted up with one of the latest modern conveniences in the shape of electric bells.' This is che first house in town so far that can boast this improvement, and it will no doubt attract from its very novelty. Mr Edwards who lately fitted the electric light aparatuson the Greenstone Junction Dredge, has the task in hand and no doubt will carry it to a successful issue. Should the engine and dynamo arrive by Saturday as is expected, Mr Edwards informs me he will be able to install it in a day and probably have the electric light on the Greenstone Junction Dredge on Saturday night. At latest it will be in place on Monday night. For the first time the contractor got up steam on the above dredge yesterday at one o’clock in the afternoon, the shrill shriek of the engine wlrsflo awoke the slumbering echoes as if joyfully announcing the advent of a new and what it is hoped xWll prove a great industry dredging. In the evening a trial run was had out of the main and winch engines. Later a turn was taken out of the main ladder buckets. Everything worked satisfactorily. As it was not generally known that the machinery would bo set in motion there wore no visitors with the exception of “your own” and a young lady friend who seemed rather proud of the distinction of being the only lady to see the buckets and engine working for the first time on the dredge. There are a good many details to attend to yet and Mr Rennet informs me that he does not expect to commence dredging before this day fortnight. It is reported that the Greenstone Creek will have her trial run on Monday next. However owing to the competition between the two dredges as to which will bo finished first, some people have resorted to a species of diplomacy to conceal in a cloud of mystery the exact date that operations will bo commenced, hence my “It is reported.” When either dredge has established an undoubted lead beyond fear of its rival, I will probably be able to at certain more information as to the day of starting.

The prospectors of the Greenstone Gold Dredging Company’s claim do not seem to make that progress that the well wishes of the claim expect. Whether from defective appliances or not, the fact remains that notwithstanding several attempts; ho bdttom has been found so far.

A meeting of the executive of the Young Men’s Club was held during the week to arrange a programme of debates etc., for the quarter. An excellent one was drafted and adopted. Mr Mcllraith opens the season on Tuesday night next with a lecture on “money.” From the lecturer’s well known ability, members and their friends may expect a treat.