The Rumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1879.

Kumara Times, Issue 997, 10 December 1879, Page 2

The Rumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1879.

The Public Works Statement was delivered by the Hon. Mr Ormond, in the House of Representatives last evening, the most important items in which, relative to the Public Works policy on the West Coast, appear in our telegram from Wellington. The statement is far too voluminous to publish in extenso in our columns, but we shall refer to its main features as affecting this district in a subsequent issue. A meeting of the Hospital Committee was held at the secretary’s office last evening Mr R. MTvcnzie in the chair, and all the members being present. Letters were received from the Grcymouth and Hokitika Hospital Committees, enclosing accounts for maintenance of patients at those institutions chargeable to this district. The House Committee were authorized to have a gate erected at the entrance to the Hospital grounds. Tenders wore instructed to be called for clearing some ground on the Hospital Reserve. The Secretary was empowered to procure a patients complaint book, for the use of the Institution. The sum of £l3 11s for annual tickets sold was received by the Treasurer. A cheque of £5 from Mr Richards, as a contribution

to tire funds, was ordered to bo acknowledged with thanks. Accounts to the amount of £lO2 Os. were passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned until that day week. Yv e are glad to learn that the Warden of this district (,T. Mackay, Esq.) is recovering from the effects of his late accident, as yesterday lie was able to preside at the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Greymouth, although, says the Grey River Argus 1 ‘ his leg was in a sling, and at times he seemed to suffer much pain.” Despite the unfavorable weather, Tait Brothers this morning opened their new studio in the Main street, where they have now on view a splendid collection of photographs and scenes, as specimens of the high degree of life-like vividness with which any subject may be depicted by means of the photographic art. As Messrs Tait Brothers only remain here until Saturday next, those requiring their services should interview them at once, as the weather in no way interferes with their operations in photography. The present inclement weather would appear, from the following telegram from Captain Edwin, dated yesterday, likely to continue ; —Expect bad weather any direction between north-east and north and west. Glass fall soon. Expect much sea within 24 hours. The Treasurer of the Children’s New Year’s Picnic Committee requests us to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of £2 2s from Mr James Dale, of Greymouth, on behalf of the picnic fund. A portion of this amount Mr. Dale, as the Treasurer of last year’s Committee, had in hand, being the balance of the fund then unexpended, the remainder as an old resident of Kumara he kindly contributed. A splendid assortment of Christmas drapery aud clothing materials has just been opened up by Messrs Kirkpatrick and Go., of Seddon Street. To those requiring a new holiday suit a good opportunity is now offered, as the consignment to hand embraces all classes of wearing apparel, combining the latest fashion with reasonable prices. At Rangiora (says the Canterbury Times) there is a curiosity to be seen in the shape of hen and a kitten, the former behaving towards the latter as a mother, and exercising all the maternal affections on this strange fancy. The kitten appears to thoroughly appreciate the kind attentions of the hen, for instead of seeking the protection of her natural mother, she, as soon as she has satisfied the cravings of hunger from her own mother, retires under the wings of the hen, whore she remains till the appetite demands further attention. It is amusing to watch the hen when deserted by the kitten and note her peculiar cries till the latter returns, The kitten is now a little over a month old. An extraordinary cricket match took place in Dorsetshire in August last, between the Cattistock and Maiden Newton elevens. The former wont in first and scored only 19 (4 extras), and yet they won in one innings, with 8 runs to spare ; for the Maiden Newton eleven in their first innings all made duck-eggs the score consisting of 1 extra, and in their second innings amassed only 10, of which 3 were extras. In the whole match only 30 runs were scored, and of these only 22 were off the bat.