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Kumara Times, Issue 926, 18 September 1879, Page 2

The English mail, via Suez, will close at the Post-office this evening at 7 p.m. The new briflge ovei' the Tereniakau River, although finished, has not yet been formally and officially opened for traffic. As the work is probably one of the most important that has evei been constructed in this district, inasmuch as in uniting the counties of Grey and Westland it has afforded an easy means of communication between tho two chief towns of the West Coast, we trust the event will be marked by a demonstration of a public nature. To our mind, under the circumstances, steps should be taken to carry out this object, and the Chairmen of the two respective County Councils, with the representatives of both districts, requested to officially attend on the occasion, and formally open a bridge that, to say the least is a great public benefit, long desired, and now completed. The merging of the Arahura Road Board was agreed to at a special meeting of the Westland County Council yesterday afternoon, in Hokitika, the votes recorded being Ayes 5, Noes 4. It is to be hoped this is the last we shall hear of this difficulty, as the amount wasted in litigation and disputes over the matter would have been far better expended in liquidating the debts of the Board. The Borough Council will meet at the Town Hall at the usual hour this evening. A meeting of members of the Cricket Club and all persons interested in the manly and healthy game will be held at Rugg's Kumara Hotel, this Jo arrange for play during the forthcoming season. Dr. Acheson, of Greymouth, tho newly - appointed medical attendent to the loc'al Hospital, has arrived in Kumara, and taken over the charge of the Hospital from Dr. Huxtable, who is shortly leav--ing the Coast. The complimentary concert to be tendered Mrs Williams on the 2Gth instant promises to be a grand vocalistic success, as those who have so kindly volunteered their services for the occasion are, by constant rehearsal, attaining a degree of efficiency that will go far to make the concert the success we prognosticate it will be. Just before the poll was declared at Kaiwarra, Mr Brandon was asked in a civil manner by two working men whether he would join the Liberal Association. He replied, " Certainly not on your present programme of universal suffrage and redistribution of seats according to population." He then pointed out the difference in population of the North and South Islands : also the difference of population in the north end and south ends of the North Island. Those who asked the question seemed not to be aware of the exact nature of the programme of the so-called Liberal Association. A man named Duncan M'Donald was (says the Timaru Herald) brought into town yesterday by Sergeant Burtenshaw, of Opawa, on a charge of lunacy. While on the way from Clayton station to Albury M'Donald made his escape from his custodians. Sergent Burtenshaw gave chase following the unfortunate fiiriaway for about four miles, and had to cro'ss through some rivers, the waters of which rose, as high as his arm-pits. He eventually had to' give up the chase, but very shortly after rejoining the person he had left in charge of the horse and trap, M'Donald returned, stating that he came back to give them the handcnfFs which he had on his hands. He was of course, takan into custodv, but shortly afterwards he bolted again. This time, however he was soon caught, and eventually brought to town. From a Times telegram it appears that the English Mission to Cabul was composed, of Major Cavagnari, as envoy and Minister, Mr Jenkyns as secretary and first assisistant Lieutenant Hamilton, V.C., as cominaadandant of the escort anil assistant, and Dr. Kelly in medical charge.

The escoi-t consisted of 26 cavalry and fifty infantry of the Corps of Guictes. Major Cavagnari, having been ai Simla to receive the Viceroy's instructions, joined tho mission in the Kurum Valley.