The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1879.

Kumara Times, Issue 858, 1 July 1879, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1879.

Our contemporary the West Coast Times, with an acumen for which we hardly gave it credit, has discovered the remarkable fact that the Grey River Argus and Kumara Times coincide in quoting an assertion made by the Hon. J. A. Bonar at the railway inauguration, that the Brunnerton coal line was the most remunerative of all the railways in New Zealand. Although our contemporary does not refute this assertion, lie assumes it naturally follows, on account of the black mineral conveyed by that line, and interrogates thusly : "We would ask if a coal line does not always pay best?" To this question, unpleasant as it may be for our contemporary's information, we are compelled to answer in the negative, as on reference to the "Railways Working Account Returns " for the twelve months ending May of the present year, we find that the Westport section's per centage of expenditure to receipts was 128-97, or a loss to the department of about £GSO a year. As the Grey mouth and Brunnerton section returned, during the same period, the handsome percentage of 48 "25 over working expenses, or nearly £3500 profit, we opine that the two journals referred to had very good grounds for noticing the only satisfactory and actual fact in the honorable member's speech. We only trust that the dream of our contemporary may be realised, and that the s.k! turned a few days ago may eventually result in establishing direct communication with Grcymouth— and profitably. At a meeting of the management committee of the local Rifles, held last evening, it was resolved to lv.ld a general meeting of the Cmtingent after parade on Tuesday, Bth July, to finally arrange all financial matters in connection with the corps. It was also resolved to take legal proceedings against those members, honorary or otherwise, who had not refunded the cost of their uniforms.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Hospital Committee will be held this evening, when all accounts in connection witq the late entertainment will be dealt with-. The adjourned question relative to the election of the new Committee will also come on for discussion.

Mr W. Barton late assistant clerk of the Resident Magistrate's Court Hokitika (says the West Coast Times) left yesterday for Kumara to replace Mr Birch as Clerk of the Court there. Mr Barton has been been twelve years in the Hokitiha office, and for many years has practically acted as clerk. During that time his uniform courtesy and the strict attention he paid to his duties have earned him the regard of the public. His promotion is therefore well merited, and wo wish liim prosperity in his new spheere.

Stories of extraordinary articles being found in the crops of fowls are not uncommon, and even lately the finding of a ring emboded in the white of an egg was related, but about as strange was the discovery made by Mr Trask, of Nelson, lately. Having killed a goose, he found in its liver a long wire nail, and it certainly ia most unaccountable how such a thing could have found its way there. The following compulsory financial arrangement is reported by the Dnnedin Morning Herald : —Scene, an accountant's office ; present, five creditors, awaiting the arrival of the debtor. Enter Mr , the debtor: "Sorry I kept you waiting." After a little, a chairman was appointed. Chairman : " What have you to offer '?" Answer: "I want time; will pay 20s in pound." Chairman : "lam willing to accept 7s 6d in the pound." Debtor : " I'll see you first (at the same time placing his back against the door); I'll not let any of you out of the room until you will accept 205." It may be remarked that the debtor appeared somewhat excited, and the impression produced was that he had evidently been seeing some friend. Fearing some unpleasant results might ensue, each creditor quickly beat a retreat. The meeting stands adjourned sine die.