The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 1881.

Kumara Times, Issue 1338, 14 January 1881, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 1881.

The installation of the officers of the Lazar Masonic Lodge was proceeding when we went to press, the ceremony being conducted by the R.W.D.G.M, Bro. John Bevan, of Hokitika. A banquet will be held this evening in honor of the event, at which a large number of visitors are expected. A meeting of the Phelan Relief Committee is convened to take place at the Town Hall this evening, when some business of general importance will be brought forward.

At the Theatre Royal last evening “ Arrah na Pogue” was played most effectively by Miss Clara Stephenson’s company. This evening one of the grandest comedies ever placed on a stage that of “ Our Boys ” will be presented, when they may reasonably expect to have a good house. We refer our readers to a clever parody on “The Charge of the Light Brigade ” relative to this splendid Comedy, which appears in another column.

The Franzini Company opened at the Adelphi Theatre last evening, but, owing to their late arrival in town the programme was rather hurriedly placed on the stage. Although not inferring to the artistes in •detail on their first appearance, we cannot omit to mention the wonderful performance of Mdlle Franzini on the bycicle \vhich must be seen to be understood, as 'description would fail to convey the grace ahd dexterity exhibited by this splendid bicycle rider. On the stage were three dozen champagne bottles in the mouth of each of Which Was placed a piece of sponge saturated with spirits of wine. These being all lighted the “Queen of the Bicj'de ” guided the machine at full speed through the array of bottles, sometimes turning it sharply in its own length and describing a circle round A single bottle. She was repeatedly and justly encored during many of her feats. The company appear again this evening, the charges for admission being reduced to 3s, 2s and Is.

The Comedy and Burlesque Company, who have been playing to crowded houses in Greymouth, will open at the Theatre Royal, Kumara, on Monday evening next. With the present very dry weather it requires more than ordinary care on the part of those clearing land by burning off the bush. Yesterday a person in Main street who had ignited some scrub found that the flames were spreading in a direction least intended, and it was only by the assistance of a number of willing hands that the progress of the fire was stayed and the property of the owner of the land in question saved. We notice at the present time that a number of bush fires are burning in close proximity to the town which have been lighted regardless of the injury they may inflict on others, as should a change of wind occur, there is no knowing what destruction to property may ensue.

Edwards, the pedestrian, concluded his forty-eight hours’ walk in the Garrison Hall Dunedin on Saturday night last at 10 o’clock. There were about 150 persons present to witness the finish. It was apparent during the afternoon that he would complete the task he he had set himself to do—lßo miles, namely—with some ease, as at four o’clock he had walked 160, miles, and before 7.30 had gone 170. At 9.32 the 180th mile was accomplished, and the audience applauded very heartily. He Was quite fresh at the close and continued walking until 10 o’clock, when he had totalled 182 miles 10 laps. Contrary to the usual custom at such exhibitions, Edwards did not come out after concluding his walk, nor did any one in his

stead address those present. The performance, remarks a Dunedin paper, is not one of any significance compared with others of a like nature. So long ago as 1847, at Maitland, in New South Wales, J. Fi King, the “FlyingPieman,” walking on the racecourse, did 192 miles in 451 hours. The latest feat at Home is that of a pedestrian named Rowell, who, in a six days’ contest, travelled 400 miles in 90£ hours, which is at the rate of 200 miles in 45 hours. Beside a performance like this, 180 miles in 48 hours is poor, and Mr Edwards will have to do something better ere he can excite the public here to any degree. According to the Hawera Star, the purchasers of the land on the plains do not appear to care much for the idle threats of the Natives, and apparently pay little heed to the hundred and one rumors floating about. Mr Muir, of Auckland, has built his house, and slept in it on Tuesday night. Mr Hastie, another purchaser, from Auckland, is building, and he intends taking a family of seven children oh to his holding. Mr Box has been living on the plains for some time, near a stream to which he has given the pretty title of u Rosey Creek.” There is also a two-roomed cottage at Okaiawa, but we are unable to ascertain the name of the occupant. Mr Yorke, Mr Rainie, and others are busily at. work-. tn less than twelve months, if all goes well, there will be several homesteads in the place so long covered with fern.