The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 1880.

Kumara Times, Issue 1100, 9 April 1880, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 1880.

The Christchurch coach had not arrived at the time of our going to. press ; indeed, we learn on good authority, that the rivers and creeks are in such a flooded state that the coach due here last Wednesday has been compelled to return to the Cass. The mails and passengers for Christchurch were, however, forwarded from here as usual this morning. We regret to leam that the heavy pressure of water in the Kapitea dam yesterday, in consequence of the incessant rain, carried away a portion of the weir, by which a large volume of water escaped down the Kapitea Creek. The reconstructed portion of the dam, however which has just been completed stood its ground, and although the quantity of water that now obtains an outlet through the damaged weir is large, it will in no way affect the supply in connection with the Government race.

Tenders are invited by the District Engineer for the construction of a number of sections on the Mikonui Waterrace, full particulars of which appear in another column.

Mails for the Australian colonies, per s.s. Albion, close at Hokitika at 7 p. ni. to-morrow (Saturday). Among one of the most important works, in this district inaugurated and carried out by private enterprise is the Long Tunnel Company's tail-race, which is now driven .over ,1600 feet. In about two months from'the present date it is expected the boxes will be fixed and the first paddock open. The completion of this work will make the whole of the Shallow Lead, (and, when extended) the Shamrock Lead and the whole of Dunedin Flat available for ground sluicing, thereby giving a great impetus to mining operations in this, district. The boxes will be of the same' capacity as those of the Government sludge-channel; and when both these channels are in full working order, we may look forward to an era of renewed prosperity on this goldfield. We would remind intending competitors that the entries for the second Kumara Handicap Chess Tournament close to-morrow evening. A new modus operand! for the collection of outstanding liabilities has been most successfully organised by a wellknown estate-winder of a sister town, who has favored this locality with his presence for a few days. Among the many defaulters whom duty compelled him to interview there was one celestial being whose motto was “No savee,” and whose escutcheon bore a “cabbage.” Failing to elicit any satisfaction from his Chinese debtor, the man of law, bills, and bounce worked the oracle in this case as follows. Inducing one of our leading citizens to accompany him, on the grounds of pedestrian exercise, he again interviewed “John,” otherwise Ah Kum, on the interesting subject. Taking his stand in a prominent position in the garden, our friend of ways and means, with an eloquence worthy of a better cause, dilated on the valuable nature of the property he was about to submit to the hammer. “John” meanwhile stood by, looking aghast at the proceedings and evidently under the impression that the laws of the “barbarians” were wonderfully and fearfully made. When, however, the auctioneer, pro tem, recapitulated “Going ! going ! going ! Is there no advance over 40s for this splendid property 1” “John’s” fears reached a climax, and with clasped hands and the most piteous Mongolian expression he exclaimed—“Me mo money ; me givee plentee cabbage, three, four pound, no takee house.” With an ejaculation on cabbages in general, not to be found in Dr. W T atts’ hymns, the auctioneer continued—“ Going ! going ! gone !” and the luckless celestial, his tenement, and vegetables were (the celestial believed) in the hands of the spoiler. The amount of “John’s ” small account was promptly settled in cash immediately. Every sportsman in New Zealand will regret to hear that the game little racehorse, Templeton, was- killed on Sunday morning the 28th ult. His owner had taken him to Yaldhurst, near Christchurch, to give him a trial, gallop on that course with The Governor. Soon after the horses were started, a cow walked across the course, and Templeton, as he was in the habit of doing with cattle, rushed at her. The result was that he completely smashed himself up, and so severe were his injuries that he was immediately shot, and on Monday morning his remains were deposited alongside those of Old Tam. There side by side lie two of the gamest horses that ever raced in New Zealand. Mr 0. H. Spurgeon, acting under medical advice, is on the eve of quitting London for Mentone, where he is recommended to spend the winter. Mr Spurgeon has for some weeks past been suffering from rheumatic gout, which seems to be his constitutional enemy.