The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1879.

Kumara Times, Issue 782, 2 April 1879, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1879.

A meeting of subscribers of the Literary Institute will be held at the Institute at 8 o’clock this evening. This, meeting has been specially called to take into consideration the financial position of the Institute and as it is obviously plain that without additional support the Committee will be unable to keep the room open during the winter nights, it is highly desirable that everyone interested, subscribers or otherwise, should be present this evening, and, by their assistance, tend to preserve amongst us an institution in which is procurable the greatest food for the human mind, good literature. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Hospital Committee was held at the Secretary’s office last evening. Very little business was transacted besides passing a number of accounts for payment. We must congratulate the members of the Ladies Benevolent Society on the very satisfactory balance-sheet which they publish in another column. From it we learn that during the six months ending 31st December last they expended the sum of £44 2s 9d in charitable assistance, and that the subscriptions by the public, during that period amounted to the very handsome sum of £57 4s. This, with a previous balance, places them in credit at the bank in the sura of £24 14s Id. It was currently rumoured in town last evening, that our respected fellow-towns-man and late Mayor had, at the urgent solicitation of the Cabinet, proceeded to the Waimate Plains to settle the Native difficulty, this step having been rendered necessary in consequence of the Premier playing truant on the arrival of his “ governor” and the Native Minister being busily employed in developing a policy. There is liitle doubt if the report is correct there are few gentleman better qualified than Mr Seddon to undertake this hazardous and unpleasant business, as in debating the question at issue the dusky warrior” will to a certainty be argued down ; and should military tactics be necessary, who so competent to carry it out as an honorary member of our local Rifles ?

The following letters are now lying unclaimed at the Post Office Kumara : Miss Burke, Charles Bisson, Mrs Cegg, Thomas Forbes, Robert Gilmour, Edward Houston, Matthew Lawrenson, Mrs Moss, Mr M'CuUagh, J. Dorenson (2), H. Malbrath.

The Stella, with the Jackson’s Bay ■Commissioners arrived at Hokitika yesterday from Jackson’s Bay, after an absence j-of three weeks. The Stella left for : Wellington with 52 settlers from Jack•aon’s Bay, and 47 unemployed from Holdti .a, Kumara, and Grey mouth, including the shipwrecked crew and captain of the schooner Cynthia.

While on a voyage recently from San Francisco to Liverpool, the ship Kate Kelloeh encountered a storm which so alarmed

the captain, Mr Ricker, that he retired to his cabin and passed the time there in prayer, leaving the watching to be done by those who remained on deek. Captain Ricker returned on deck after the gale, which had done serious damage to his ship. According to the European Mail, an inquiry into his conduct during the storm has just been held at Liverpool the Board of Trade accusing him of negligence in giving up the charge of his ship. On behalf of the captain it was urged that in all probability it was to his prayers that the escape of his ship was due Mr Rothery before whom the inquiry was held, said the Court considered Captain Ricker totally unfit for the duties of a master; but as there was no proof that his negligence contributed to the ships injuries they could not deal with his certificate.

Mr W. Willway having sold his plans and interest in the Dyeing Business to Mr R. Upjohn (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. N.B.—Gentlemen’s clothes cleaned, dyed, pressed, and repaired on the premises. —Advt.