The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, MAY 1, 1879.

Kumara Times, Issue 806, 1 May 1879, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, MAY 1, 1879.

A very narrow escape from what might probably have terminated in both a destructive and fatal fire occurred at the Hospital about three o'clock this morning. It appears that the Wardsman, who, fortunately, was up at the time, observed smoke issuing from between the flooring boards near the chimney in the sleeping ward, and while making a closer investigation one side of the Avail in close proximity to the hearth broke out into flames. By the prompt and judicious use of a good supply of water, he succeeded in extinguishing the fire, but not before it had thoroughly scorched the mantelpiece and lining appertaining thereto. A subsequent examination of the chimney revealed the unsatisfactory and serious fact that the contractors had not carried out their contract in its entirety, and also that the fire must have been smouldering for some days. As the Hospital is within the Borough, and the bye-laws in regard to chimneys were in force previous to this building being erected, it is difficult to understand how the bye-law in regard thereto has been avoided, to the danger of the unfortunate patients who may be at any time lying helpless in the Hospital. At the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning, before Messrs Barff and Blake, J.Pb., there was no criminal business. In the civil case of Seater v. Firman, claim £3 4s, judgment was given for plaintiffs for £2 10s, the Court allowing two days' rent disputed by defendant, Heater v. Stokes was adjourned for fourteen days, as the defendant was summoned on the jury at Hokitika. Seddon v. Nicholson was adjourned until Monday next, on the application of defendant, to employ counsel. The case of Satterina v. the Arahura School Committee, the amount claimed being above the jurisdiction of the Court, was adjourned until next week. The Court will be opened on Monday next, when W. Revell, Esq.. R.M. of Greymouth, will sit on the Bench, and also on the following Thursday, as usual.

The State School was formally taken over this morning by the newly-appoinKed head-master, Mr Wilson ; and the remaining vacancies will in all probability be filled temporarily by Monday next. In noticing the retirement of Mr and Mrs Phillips from this school, we can but do so with sincere regret, as not only have they gained the respect and good-will of the scholars lately under their charge by their genial and efficient manner of imparting instruction, but as private citizens they have always been amongst the first to tender their services in behalf of any charitable institution or matter having for its object the relief of the distressed.

We understand that the Hokitika Minstrels, who have recently been drawing such crowded houses in Hokitika, have consented to give one of their popular entertainments in the Theatre Royal, Kumara, on Friday evening, May 9th, in aid of the Church of England building fund. We cannot but congratulate the inhabitants of Kumara on such an entertainment being brought to their very doors, and we make no doubt that there will be a great demand for tickets on this occasion. Full particulars will appear in our advertising columus to-morrow.

We arc requested to state that contributions of old linen, or any soft material for dressing purposes, for use in the Hospital, will be gladly received by any member of the Committee, or by the Wardsman of the institution.

A contributor of " Gossip " to tlic Bcndigo Independent writes as follows : I see that the Government have raised the reward for the capture of the Kellys to £4OOO, and not a moment too soon, as they have been spending the enormous sum of £2OOO per week over the search for them since it began. They have now spent over £20,000 ! Truly Ned Kelly has been a trouble. Some of the sharp ones have :>. project on foot which, though indecent, will no doubt pay well. It is to bring Nod Kelly's sister, Kate, to Melbourne, and to make her a barmaid ! Heaven save the wretched girl from such a fate ! It will be. remembered that the paramour of Bertram! wh.Qjpas condemned for the murder of Mr Kinder, was got up in New Zealand as a barmaid, and made, the fortune of aHokitika hotel. I refer to Mrs Kinder.

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 Up John 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.