The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1881.

Kumara Times, Issue 1419, 20 April 1881, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1881.

It is with sincere regret we this evening announce the death of the eminent statesman and philanthropist the Right Hon. the Earl of Reaconsfield (formerly so popularly known amongst the readers of light literature as Benjamin Disraeli). It was on the 30th ult. that we were first informed by cablegram of the noble earl’s illness, as he was then suffering from a severe attack of gout and asthma ; and since that time daily bulletins have been issued and cablegraphed of prostration, relapses, spasms, and sometimes symptoms of recovery, in fact, even yesterday the message was that “Earl Beaconsfield continues to progress towards recovery.” But all tended to show the intense anxiety manifested in the Home country in the welfare of an honest and faithful servant of the people among whom his lot was cast. He was twice Prime Minister of England, viz., for nine months from Feb. 18G8, and the second time for six years and two months from February, 1874 ; and it was during this period that as Britain’s First Plenipotentiaiy to the Berlin Conference and| his actions in reference to the Treaty that his name became so famous through the wide world. The overland mail from Christchurch •arrived this afternoon. To-night, at the Adelphi Theatre, we are to be favored, at the usual prices, with an entertainment of a twofold character and by a Combination of professional and local talent the like to which has not been afforded us for some time past. The first part of the programme (slips of which have been put in circulation) Consists of songs, ballads, diiet-, by local and professional artistes, introducing also Mr D. Williams’ celebrated “Chinese Delineations.” After this the usual interval fellows, and then will be produced the sensational nautical drama “Ben Bolt,” performed with such success at the late Presbyterian Manse festival. The object for which all this is to be given has already been frequently referred to in these columns. Two professional artistes, overtaken by accident and misfortune, arc seeking the sympathy of a generous public ; and the fact that they have enlisted the kind services of so many local amateurs and also the patronage of his Worship the Mayor and Borough Councillors should bear weight in the opinion that the cause is a deserving one. The drawing of Gilbert Stewart’s consultation on the Sydney Gold Cup took place last evening' at the Town Hall. Although originally intended for 2000 subscribers at a £1 each, only half that amount was raised, and the value of the prizes will, of course, be in proportion. This was no doubt owing to the extreme dulness of the times, and the scarcity of the circulating medium. The ceremony of drawing, however, was conducted in the Usual happy style, the disappointed and the pleased being equally satisfied with the good offices of the committee, and the not less honorable intentions of the respected treasurer. We understand the best horses—that is to say, those which at the last moment are held in most favor as probable winners—have fallen to the lot of Westport subscribers. David M'Gahey, who is suspected of the murder of John Bell, at Larry’s Creek, has been arrested by the police at Rees’ Hotel, Antonio Flat. It appears that the fugitive was observed when crossing both the Inangahua and Little Grey ; and that information, no doubt, largely aided in his apprehension, which Was effected by Sergeant O’Malley and Detective Quinn. Ho was taken to the Reefton lock-up hist evening. The Hokitika races were well attended again yesterday, the weather being fine, and the lacing good. The Borough Handicap fell through, as there were not three acceptors. The Westland Handicap

(of 50 sovs.) was won by Mr Freeth’s Greyhound, Whalebone second, York third. The Farmers Race (of 10 sovs.), one mile, was won by Mr Rngg’s Kmnara; the first two heats were very closely contested, Kumara winning the first aDd Hard Times the second, but in the run off Kumara won with a little to spare. The Ladies Purse only produced two starters, Hero and Native, the former winning easily, in consequence of the difficulty in getting Native to start. In the Hurdle Race, Kensington was first, Whalebone second. The Consolation Race was to be run to-day, and the Stewards were to meet this morning, to provide for additional events, in order to fill out the day. A fatal accident is reported to have happened on the Reefton racecourse yesterday, through the breaking down of a bridge, a man named John Harris being killed almost immediately. A novel costume cricket match is to be played on Cass Square, Hokitika, tomorrow, for the benefit of the Westland Hospital, between an eleven of the Comedy Company and eleven jockeys captained by Mr Stevenson. A notice which appeared in the London police orders recently mentions the grant of a gratuity of £2 to Constable Maguire, 90 H, for special gallantry in saving life from a burning house in Whitechapel, London. When Maguire arrived on the scene the fire was carrying all before it; but, hearing that there was some one on the first floor, he rushed through the smoke and flame and rescued a woman, whom he carried in his arms down to the street. The fresh air revived her, and she then told her preserver that her husband was lying on a bed in the room they had just quitted. Maguire thereupon returned to the blazing building, forced his way through thicker flame and smoke than he had faced before, and brought the man down in safety. It was but just barely accomplished in time, for the gallant constable was almost suffocated by the smoke, and badly scorched. The case is to be recommended to the Royal Humane Society. For list of prizes in a grand art-union at Hokitika see fourth page. —[Advt.] To those in search of merriment, visit S. S. Pollock’s, and obtain the great Irish song “The Babies in our Block,” or “Little Sally Waters”; price sixpence. [Advt.]