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Kumara Times, Issue 884, 31 July 1879, Page 4

Respecting the amendment proposed by the Government in the Mining Companies Act, the Post »ays :—lt appears that the proposal of the Government was that every mining company should pay an annual license fee of 15, and it is said that the goldßelds members, thinking this an exorbitant charge, threatened to withdraw their support from the Government unless some alteration were effected. The Government are said to have agreed to modify the provisions of the Bill. The Chronicle says People of all parties will be glad to learn that Mr Stout is determinted to re-enter political life as soon as his private business will allow him, that is probably about 18 months hence. We could earnestly wish that Mr Stout’s solf-banish-ment was of shorter duration, but we feel satisfied that Air Stout’s patriotism is so genuine that he will give his services to the country as soon as possible. The Times remarks that by the death of Mr Butt a great Irishman has passed away ; and not Ireland only, but the whole United Kingdom, will feel the poorer for his death, Mr Butt possessed all the qualities which win distinction in professional and politic -I life ; and were it enough to produce an impression of power, were flowers sufficient without fruit, Mr Butt’s life might he accounted highly successful No cireer, if career it c n be called, ever excited so many expectations. No career was ever marked by more disappointments, A leader of the Irish Bar who had fought his wav steadily upwards, the architect of his own fortunes had gained a rank independent of politics, might have k* pt order even in a company of Home Rulers. Air Butt had lost his nerve amid the conflict of miserable necessities in which improvidence had involved him. If the eloquent members of Limerick was not very fortunate in bis life be is at least happy in a death which has released him from a chieftainship dogged by anarchy and carping su-piciousness. During the last few months Captain Fairchild has had but little breathing time, the Hinemoa having been kept going nieht and day almost the whole time. Since January 1 to Juce 30 the distance steamed is 14,985 miles, during which the vessel has been usefully employed in connection with the fixing of buoys, in conveying lighthouse material, m taking soundings, Sec , in conveying the Premier atd natives to Auckland for the native meeting, and taking Constabulary to Taranaki, and the M aori prisoners from Taranaki to Wellington, and members of Parliament to Wellington, The cadets of Her Majest-. ’s ship Britannia took their part recently in their annual regatta, and the crew of one of the four-oared 8i&8 Including two sons of the Prince of Wales, Prince Albert Vidor pulling bow and Prince George steering. Six boats com’peted, and after ,a keen Contest that in which the Princes’ were came iajfifst by nearly two lengths. The race was rowed in a cold pelting rain.