The Kumara Times Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1879.

Kumara Times, Issue 974, 13 November 1879, Page 2

The Kumara Times Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1879.

A serious accident occurred to a miner named Bramstrim, at the Scandinavian lead, Larrikin's, early this morning. While working in a shaft, he attempted to send up a large stone in the bucket 'from which however, when some way up the shaft, the stone fell off and struck Bramstrim on the back of the head. The unfortunate man was immediately carried down to the Hospital, and on examination by Dr Acheson, he was found to have received two very severe scalp wounds and also a fracture of the skull. From subsequent inquiries at the Hospital, we learn that the medical attendant considers the case a very serious one, and until reaction takes place, he is unable to say what may ensue. The funeral, which will be a Masonic one, of the late Charles Broad will take place to-morrow afternoon, at Greymouth. From the many friends the deceased had in this town there will probably be a number attend from here on the mournful occasion. MrM'Whirter must be credited with obtaining the carrying out of two very important and necessary works in this district by the Westland County Council, as we observe that at a meeting of the Council yesterday, he moved the following motion, which was carried :—"That Mr Kerr, be instructed to prepare plans and specifications for the road from Dillman's to Christchurch road, and for widening the road from Dillman's to Larrkins's." We would strongly impress on parents the danger of allowing, their children at the present season of the year to gather the berries that are now so plentiful on the sides of the roads. Two children were poisoned yesterday from the effects of tutu berries they had gathered and eaten, and in one case it was only by the unremitting attention and skill of Dr Acheson that the child's life was saved. The cable across Cook Strait is now restored, and there is every probability, at least for a time, that the Telegraph department will be enabled to transmit and receive messages with a little more despatch than during the last few weeks. In another column will be found the names of the horses which started for the Melbourne Cup, together with some account of the race. We understand that it is in contemplation to very shortly revive the royal game of chess, which seems to have been for several months in a somewhat dormant state. Efforts are being made, more particularly amongst the knights of the Lead, to bring about a tournament, which it is proposed shall be a handicap one. This will enable all players of whatever calibre to take part in it. There will probably be four divisions or classes, so that the weakest of players need not be afraid to enter the arena and contest for the kingly honors. A meeting of the Kumara Minstrels will take place at the Theatre Royal, tomorrow evening, when any persons wishing to join the colored brotherhood are invited to attend. The Agent-General for Victoria had ordered the words "Agent-General to be put in gilt letters on some blinds at his office in London, and the artist, thinking to improve it, put "General Agent." The Melbourne Argus says Mr Patterson lias taken a vigorous step to discourage the practice of gambling among the public servants, which lias often proved so baneful to young men. He has issued a minute to the employes of the Public

Works and Post and Telegraph departments to tli'e effect that any officer in either of those departments who may engage in betting on horse-racing or gambling transactions will not be eligible for promotion, or be considered lit to remain in the service.