The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1879.

Kumara Times, Issue 745, 18 February 1879, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1879.

With a view to economy the Government have amalgamated the offices of Postmaster and Telegraphist, and Mr Furby, who has had charge of the telegraph department since its opening here, has been appointed to the two offices. In consequence of this alteration the work of the Telegraph Station will be carried on in future on the lower floor of the the building, in connection with the Post Office. The Telegraph Station will be open as usual from 9a.m. to 5 p. m., and from 7-30 to 8 p.m., the postal portion of the department closing at 5 o'clock as heretofore.

The monthly inspection of the local Rifles will be held by Lieut. Spence this evening, at the Adelphi Hotel. The hand icap for the second rifle competition will be declared after parade. An amateur dramatic performance will take place at an early date at the Theatre Royal for the benefit of Mrs Godfredson, who, through the death of her husband, has been left destitute with a large family to support. The Scandinavians who have taken the matter in hand have been most energetic in their action, as the first meeting relative thereto was only held a few days ago, and we understand that the pieces to be played are already in rehearsal.

Amongst the passengers by the tram yesterday afternoon, was our late Postmaster, Mr Dale, who has been transferred to the Greymouth office, and whose departure was much regretted by the community generally. From the advent of the Post Office here to the present time Mr Dale had charge of that department, and by his unassuming and courteous manner, combined with his strict attention to his duties, had gained the respect and good-will of everyone with whom he was brought in contact.

The firing for the District prizes took place at Hokitika on Friday and Saturday last, when the highest scores in the first set were Davies 66, Paul 60, Watt 59, and Green 59. In the second set, Vol. Thorpe, with 57, was the highest scorer. As both the Greymouth and Kuinara men have yet to fire, there is every probability that some of the prize-takers will be from either one or both of the places above mentioned.

The Lyttelton Times reports that a Committee meeting of the Chess Congress was held on Monday evening last, and it was arranged that a preliminary canvass in aid of the funds should be made. We are informed that already £63 has been collected, and that lists will be placed in the hands of each member of the Club, for the purpose of obtaining subscriptions. It is the intention of the Committee to make the first prize £IOO, and the second and third prizes will be very liberal.

A Medical Defence Association has been formed in Melbourne, to check the indiscriminate use of medic.il charities; to suppress illegal practices; to alter the m >de of electing medical officers to various charities and to obtain more epuitable rem merati >u from Government, Municpal bodies, Insurance Companies, and Bmelit Societies. A resolution was also pass ;d eondjuinin-' the present metliod of medical appointments by the Government. James Gordon B nnett's yacht Juannotte, which is to attach th;< American H •<' to the North Pole, is lying in Marie Island Naval Yard, Frisco Bay, where she will u;ulergo l'apairsfor her adventurous voyage.

She was thoroughly repaired at London before sailing to this country, and is in good condition. The scientific party which is to accompany the vessel has not yet ar* rived, but she will probably start on her artic trip next June.

Mr W. Willway having sold his plant and interest in the Dyeing Business to Mr R. Up john (who has become practically acquainted with the trade), begs to solicit the kind patronage hitherto afforded him to his successor.—Mrs Upjohn announces that she is prepared to clean and dye hats, feathers, gloves, &c, in the best style. KB.—Gentlemen's clothes cleaned, dyed, pressed, and repaired on the premises.—Advt.

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