The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1881.

Kumara Times, Issue 1434, 7 May 1881, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1881.

The coaches from Christchurch left the Bealey at the usual hour this morning, but had not arrived at the time of our going to press, 4.20 p.m. On the next page will be seen the Borough Auditors' Report and the balancesheet and financial statements of the Borough for the year ending 31st March last. We are glad to notice that the Borough is in an exceptionally good position, having no public debt, no overdraft, and no liabilities. At the Wesleyan Church, to-morrow, the Rev. Mr Fennell will preach in the evening with special reference to the wreck of the Tararua and the loss of the Wesleyan Ministers in her. A notice to Volunteers who are contesting for the gold medal states that in consequence of the inclemency of the weather, the firing which would otherwise have taken place to-day, is postponed till Monday.

In the Warden's Court, Staflbrd, on Thursday, before J. Giles, Esq., Warden, John Youlton sued Ah Young and party for £5 damages to head-race.—Messrs Seddon and Byrne appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Hannan for the defendants.— Judgment in this case Avas reserved from last Court day, until a cross action was heard for cancellation of the certificate to the race in question, on the ground of abandonment. After hearing evidence in the last case, the Warden dismissed both cases ; each party to pay their own costs. —Youlton was recommended to hold his water-right on a better footing for the future; and the Chinamen were cautioned not to interfere with the race. This was the only business of the Court.

The quarterly Licensing Courts for the districts of Kumara and Greenstone are advertised to be held at the Resident Magistrate's Courts respectively of Kumara and Greenstone, on Tuesday, the 7th June. All applications are required to be lodged with Mr Barton, Clerk of the Courts, not later than the 16th of the present month.

M'Gahey, the accused murderer of John Bell, at Larry's Creek, is committed to take his trial at the Supreme Court, Hokitika. A correspondent of the West Coast Times, telegraphing from Reefton yesterday, states :—" At the hearing of the charge against M'Gahey to-day and yesterday, no fresh evidence was produced. Three fresh witnesses were examined, but their testimony was unimportant. One M'Dowell, who was supposed to have seen M'Gahey near the scene of the murder, states that he did not see M'Gahey at all on the day the murder was perpetrated." A police officer sleeps in the cell occupied by M'Gahey. The prisoner enjoys good health and gives no trouble. Mrs M'Gahey left for Westport a few days ago, a small sum having been subscribed for her, and it is expected she will seek a home in another Colony. It is understood that the Reefton lock-up will again be gazetted a gaol, as it is found that the change will not entail additional cost.

A slut belonging to Mr J. M. Furze, butcher, Dunsandel, gave birth very recently to a pup with two heads. Nature, however, as if regretting her liberality in this respect, has only provided the animal with three legs, although the toes and claws are perfectly developed at the point of the shoulder. The tail also is entirely absent. It whines with both mouths at once, and strange to say the sounds emitted are often totally unlike each other. This remarkable prodigy is still alive and apparently in good health. Here (s?ys the Diamond News) is a good story from Potchefstroom for the authenticity of which we can vouch. While the Boers were digging trenches to the power magazine one evening, as usual, the horses were let out of the Fort to water. The horses being old chargers, and it being certain that Boers were in the neighborhood, the animals were turned out without headstalls or halters. They rushed straight to the vlei at which it was customary for them to slake their thirst. Out of the trenches came the Boers, seized and mounted the horses, and were for riding them into the town. The bugler in the Fort sounded the "Horses in at a trot," and straightway the whole of them turned and made for home, carrying their unwilling freight. The Dutchmen threw themselves off right and left, but four were carried right into the camp and promptly taken prisoners.

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. [Advi.]