The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1879.

Kumara Times, Issue 929, 22 September 1879, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1879.

We regret to learn that the heavy rain •>f yesterday oco:isioued a large laud slip near the Dunedin claim by which a portion of the Oknku water-race was carried away. This accident unfortunately deliars many claims from working, as their supply of water is temporarily cut oil' pending repairs to the race, which from appearances will be of a most expensive nature, as a large quantity of new cutting will have to be undertaken before the race is permanently repaired. The funeral of the late Dr. Dermott will take place to-morrow at Hokitika, when doubtless a large number of friends of the deceased gentlemen will attend to show tuo last mark of respect to one whose l’.-e, is may bo said, has been devoted to t;ie alleviation of the sulicriugs of his iollow creatures, as no mat-tor what the case or the pecuniary circumstances of tue person atliicted, his services were always promptly and willingly given when solicited. V. e are requested to mention in connection with the funeral that a special coach will leave Rugg’s Ivumara Hotel to-morrow morning, at half-past nine o'clock, for the convenience of those who wish to be present on the mournful occasion. There was a fair attendance of cricketers at the annual meeting held at the rxumara Hotel on Saturday evening hist, when the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : President, E. Blake, Esq. ; "Vice-Presidents, Messrs Pearn and Molloy ; Treasurer, Mr Moss ; and Secretary, Sir S. Kennedy. Mr R. Bell was again elected captain, and Mr G. Bell, custodian of cricketing materials. The monthly inspection of the local Riiles will be held tomorrow evening, at the Adeiphi Hall. Despite the general depression on the coast we notice that many familiar faces who left for “fields and pastures new” a few months ago are again to be seen amongst us, having profited doubtless by their bitter experience of other places in comparison with this. At the present time there are also over 50 pedestrians on the the Christchurch road en route for this town. A most laughable occurence took place at Palmerston on Saturday, which gave rise to considerable amusement, at the expense of some reverential Maoris. Towards the close of the poll (says the Manawatu Times), the procession of the various conveyances, winch had, been working for Mr Snelson was passing the square, headed by - some flaming banners and streamers. A little while before a number of Natives had arrived in town from Napier, and no doubt being quite ignorant of the election contest, imagined the procession a funeral cortege, the whole crowd uncovering their heads until the train had passed, while they leant chaunting a low monotonous drone in mclancholcy concert. The fact of the traps being filled with electors dressed in all kinds of grotesque raiment, made the mistake the more ludicrous. The “Echo,” a London paper, states that Mr R.A. Proctor, the well-kn own astronomer, proposes to leave England on October 14th for America, to lectiue there during the next season, travelling westwards, and to reach Ban Erancisco ami Bacramanto in Moy, 1880 ; then going to New Zealand and Australia to lecture there during their winter season, and so return homo by the Gape to England in the autumn of ISSO.