The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1878.

Kumara Times, Issue 700, 26 December 1878, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1878.

The concert in aid of the funds of the local Hospital will be held at the Theatre Royal this evening. Taking into consideration ’the highly laudable object for which this entertainment has been organised, it is to be hoped that every resident of the district will, by their attendance, contribute to the funds in aid of an institution for relieving suffering humanity. One of the chief items in the programme will be the great Davenport trick, in which our respected fellow-townsman, Mr S. S. Pollock, will allow himself to be tied by ropes in a chn.ir in any conceivable manner, under the superintendence of a committee appointed by those present, and that in a given time he will release himself from bondage. As there are some heavy stakes deposited in this matter, the question at issue will be evidenty watched with great interest. Many were the .conjectures indulged’ and various the surmises on Tuesday evening relative to the probable state of the weather on Christmas day. When it became known that the mail coach that left here at noon for Hokitika had returned in consequence of a portion of the Arahura bridge being carried away, and that the tram arrived some hours late, the hearts of many intending travellers on the morrow fell to zero. Yesterday morning however dispelled all doubts on the sub° ject, and the splendid day that followed was taken advantage of by many, the coaches being loaded with passengers, and various other vehicles were also called into requisition. Both Holy Trinity and St. Patrick’s]ohurdles were beautifully decorated with flowers and evergreens, the lady members of each church having devoted special attention to artistic effect. The congregations at both churches were very large. One of the most dastardly and malicious offences that could possibly be imagfSecT was perpetrated last night or early this morning by some person or persona who no doubt labour under the idea -that their actions were a capital joke. It appears that early this morning Graham’s express was being driven up Seddon street, when the driver was alarmed at seeing one of the four wheels abruptly leave the vehicle. On examination he found that the cap of the wheel had been removed. On this becoming known, the wheels of the various coaches in town were examined, and it was found that with one exception all had been treated in a similar manner. Had the coaches started, loaded as they would have been with passengers, the consequences would have been frightful to contemplate, as serious accidents could scarcely have been avoided. As it was two coaches had to remain in town the whole day, through inability to procure here new caps for the axles, to the great detriment and loss of the proprietors. It is to be hoped that the delinquents will be traced, and of tbeir reward we have little doubt.

Shortly after one o’clock ■ this afternoon the martial strains of the Dillman’s Town Band announced that the first event on the Sports programme was about to commence, although the weather had far from a favorable appearance. As we shall publish a full report of the programme of the various events we shall not allude to-day to the few that had taken place when we went to press, at which time most of the events had to be postponed in consequence of the heavy rain.

A telegram from one of the stewards of ;itlie Hokitika Jockey Club reached us at ■p.s this afternoon, as follows:—“Races postponed on account of weather. Will , be, held (Friday, 27th inst.) if fair. 1 ”'

The drawing of Tonka's Albion Sweep on the Champion stakes will take place tomorrow, and those desirous of obtaining tickets must make early applications evening, either to Mr Gilbert Stewart or Messrs. Peters and Hikers, Dillman’s Town, as there are very few tickets now remaining.

The following little “whisky yam” which occurred not a hundred miles from this town is of too good and genuine a character to leave unrecorded. Stranger, entering bar of handsome hotel, shouts for landlord and himself, and while drinks are being supplied, quietly takes stock of the various brands on view. Meantime Boniface has liquored, which the stranger observing and leaving his own drink untasted, remarks, “I have little business down street; return in twenty minutes ; if you are still alive, will take mine.” Stranger retires, and Boniface still lives to pride himself on the strength and harmless effect of his liquors. The goldfield correspondent of the Grey River Argus telegraphing from Reefton on Saturday last, states “ ,c The escort from Boatman’s arrived this evening, bringing the Welcome gold, which is lllSozs. 15dwts., from 348 tons. A handsome dividend will be declared.”

For miraculous cures by the use of Eucalypti Extract, read fourth page.—• [Advt.]