OUR KUMARA LETTER.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 29 August 1901, Page 2

OUR KUMARA LETTER.

(our own correspondent.)

The case of Hugh Murray charged wttb assaulting an old man at Calligan'a track came before the Court yesterday morning. As previously reported, a conviction Wat recorded on the preceeding day. Yester« day the attempt to prove a former conviction failed as Constable Cashion was unable to identify accused as the person convicted. Their Worships inflicted a fine of £lO, or in default two months in the Hokitika jail., The fine carried *ost £1 7s 6d. Mr Murdoch applied to have £6 i of the fine diverted to Bianki. This was eventually refused, as the Bench had no power since the conviction was secured on the evidence of the proposed recipient. "* The cases of the three witnesses who refused to give evidence on Tuesday were also called. Mr Murdoch pleaded that the reason for refusing was a serious one, but their Worships ruled it as frivolous. Eventually all three agreed to answer any questions asked and they were discharged An accident that might have been at* tended with serious results befel Mr J. Rugg's coach on the outskirts of the town on its way to the Railway Junction. The leader becoming restive swerved off the road bringing all three horses to the ground in a heap. Fortunately all was righted in a short time, and the coach proceeded on its way, none of (he horse* sustained any serious injury. v The social to the returned troopers has been postpoued until September 11th, This was necessitated owing to the eondition of Trooper Morgan, who though daily growing stronger could not attend, as his medical adviser disapproved of Such a step. A camera Club-has been formed in out midst under the direction of Mr Bennia who has kindly undertaken.to give instructions to aspiring shadowcatohers. Mr R Harris is about again, but judging from appearances he has had a severe shaking. Doubtless freedom from enforced confinement and a resumption of active duties will bring about a rapid recovery.

The usual meeting of the Debating Society took place on Tuesday evening at the Town Hall. The President occupied the chair. A letter was read from Trinity Church Society, Greymonth, accepting the local club's invitation to a friendly debate on Tuesday, September 10th, The subject chosen is "Federation of _ New Zealand with Ausrratia." A similar letter from the Hokitika club was read and the debate fixed for September 18th. The subject suggested was "Should the Imperialistic spirit be Fostered,"

An interesting debate on the question " Should Indirect Taxation be Retained " followed, Mr McDraith opening in favor of retention, and Mr Gilbert replying in favor of abolition. A number of other members delivered their views proor con. Eventually it was decided not to take ft vote.