The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1881.

Kumara Times, Issue 1355, 3 February 1881, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1881.

At the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before H. A. Stratford, Esq., R.M., W. Ryan, for allowing cattle to be at large in the town, was fined 20s and 2s costs. A case of assault was adjourned in consequence of one of the parties concerned being unable to attend through illness. There was only one civil case, in which the defendant pleaded bankruptcy. We learn that one or two parties have some good payable gold on Cape 'Terrace, but at present there is nothing to indicate that there is anything like a large extent of ground of an auriferous mature. Tenders are invited by the contractor ■for -.the sludge channel for obtaining and •delivering 5000 -slabs, particulars of which can be Obtained at the works. -A number of children were misled to-day •through the first bell (which should be rung at the State School in the morning ;at 9 o’clock) not sounding until 9.20, and mo second bell ringing half-an-hoor after, as heretofore. This is not the only laxity brought tinder our notice in connection with the management of the school since its opening, which the Local Committee will do tveU to inquire into. Another old British institution disappears with the present year—the “pipe clay” belt worn in the army. The Guards only will retain theirs, in deference to the Duke of Cambridge. The “pipe-clays” will be replaced by belts of brown leather.

The purchase of Native land (says the Rangitikei Advocate) has always been so mysterious a business that few, except initiated,' have been able to fathom it. The Government had for some time been negotiating for a large block of land on the Coast, and at last all things seemed to be put tight. Not long ago the Land Purchase Commissioner had an interview with the Native Minister, and, producing the plan, said nothing remained but to complete a bargain which promised to be highly advantageous to the Government. Mr Bryce scanned the map carefully, and was astounded to discover a reserve of 10,000 acres marked off—the Very pick of the whole block. “Mr ,” said he “ what is the meaning of this reserve ?” “Oh,” replied the Commissioner, “that is a reserve for the chief —” Mr Bryce at once intimated that he would have nothing to do with the block if the Maoris reserved for themselves 10,000 acres of the very best of it. The grasping Maori had to relinquish his prize, and the careless Commissioner—well, he got an ugly rap over the knuckles.