The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1881.

Kumara Times, Issue 1450, 21 May 1881, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1881.

A great deal has been spoken and written concerning the recent proposal to abolish the southern ferries ; warm discussions have taken place, angry words have been said ; but, more than all, a very proper feeling of honest

indignation has been aroused. It may be both amusing and instructive to consider the means which were used in the first place, to establish these same ferries. From the time when the gold workings on the Five-Mile Beach were first discovered, great difficulty was experienced in crossing the numerous rivers and creeks between Hokitilra and Okarito, and very many lives were lost by drowning, the strongest swimmers often faring no better than those who could not swim a stroke. On the formation of Westland into a County, the then representative moved a resolution having for its object the establishment of ferries on the Southern rivers. After discussion, the motion was negatived by a large majority, and things remained as before. However, on the coming into operation of the “ County of Westland Act, 1868,” another attempt was made, but in the most diplomatic manner-. A clause in the Act stated that all main roads, being declared such by the Council, should be under the control of the Council and be maintained by them. The Okarito member gave notice of a resolution declaring that certain rivers in the Coiinty should be “main-roads,” and a number of rivers were mentioned,' This, as may be supposed, brought down a torrent of abuse from those who had not studied the Act. The papers teemed with letters suggesting almost every conceivable motive but the right one, to the author of the resolution. When the matter came under discussion in the Council, the mover was careful to say as little as possible, and after all sorts of funny things had been said, the Council unanimously agreed to the proposal, considering it in the light of a joke. They were undeceived at the close of the sitting, when notice was given of another resolution proposing that the Council should, on a certain day, go into Committee to provide for the “ maintenance of the following main-roads.” Then followed a long list of the southern rivers. The Council saw that they had been “ had,” and eventually voted the money for the ferries. This is the true history of the establishment and subsidising of the ferries down South, Both the coaches from Christchurch arrived here this afternoon at about three o’clock. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court today, before E. Barff and J. O’Hagan, Esqs., J.Ps., William Thompson was charged with stealing a piece of tobacco, valued at sixpence, from the shop of Mr H. Burger. The accused admitted having taken the tobacco, but denied any felonious intent. The evidence of Mr Burger was taken, from which it appeared that he heard footsteps in the shop about half-past nine o’clock last evening, and sent his little girl to see who it was. She returned and reported having seen a man take a piece of tobacco from the counter, and then go away. Mr Burger followed, and on overtaking the prisoner, demanded the tobacco. It was at once given up and the prisoner given into custody. Mr Burger’s little daughter made a statement to the Bench corroborative of her father’s testimony. The Bench deliberated for a considerable time, and, acting under the 88th section of the “ Justice of the Peace Act,” discharged the prisoner, with a severe caution. The nett amount realised by the Rev. T. Flavell’s recent lecture in aid of the Church of England building fund was £lO. Owing to the very inclement state of the weather last night the Comedy and Burlesque Company wisely abstained from performing. This (Saturday) evening they will positively produce Bourcicault’s masterpiece the world-known drama, “ The Colleen Bawn.” Mr J. J. Wallace has a wide-spread reputation in the character of Myles na Coppaleen, and, judging from his impersonation of the Irish exile, to say nothing of the opinions of our contemporaries, a great treat is in store for all who may go to-night to the Theatre Royal. Mrs Walter Hill has an excellent opportunity in the part of Ann Chute of displaying her well-known powers, and with such a number of constellations revolving round the two particular bright stars, the whole performance cannot fail, we should think, to be a grand one, and worthy of a bumper house. We would remind our readers

that this is positively their last appearance, as they are advertised to open in Hokitika on Monday night. The Georgia Minstrels announce choice and select entertainments at the Helvetia Hall, Waimea, on Monday, and at the Theatre Royal, Knniara, oh Tuesday next (the Queen’s Birthday), when new songs, dances, banjo solos, with local songs, also a new sketch written expressly for the Georgias, entitled “ Helen’s Babies,” are among the attractions. The seventeenth competition for the Ladies’ Challenge Gold Medal was fired on Saturday last. As an unusually large number came forward on that occasion, ammunition ran short, and two or three competitors did not fire until yesterday ; we therefore withheld the scores till we could publish them in full; they were as follow :

The promised further notice concerning the Wesleyan tea meeting appears in our advertising columns. We notice that the Rev. S. La wry, of Hokitika, appears amongst the speakers. Mr Lawry is one of the rising young ministers of the Wesleyan Church, and since his arrival in Hokitika has been very highly spoken of. The tickets have been selling very well, and the meeting has every promise of being a great success. Tea is announced to be on the tables at six o’clock sharp. Mr Peters’ ball, which was to have been held at Dillman’s Town last evening, did not take place owing to the unseasonable weather. It is postponed till next Monday evening. The drawing of Tonks’s sweep on the Adelaide Queen’s Birthday Cup takes place on Monday evening next, at Greymduth. Messrs Gilbert Stewart and C. E. Peters have still a few tickets to dispose of, which intending investors should secure before 11 o’clock on Monday morning. In reply to a requisition signed by several influential firms and ratepayers, the Mayor of Hokitika has convened a public meeting to be held in Hokitika on Monday evening for the purpose of protesting against the removal of the Central Board of Education from Hokitika to Greymouth. While tire Rev. Mr. Richardson was leaving Christchurch for Port Lyttelton (says the Telegraph) he was disposing of his traps upon the vehicle that was to take them to the railway station, when he came across & piece of rope. “ Oh!” said the deceased gentleman, “I may require this in case of a wreck It will do to tie myself to the rigging.” A peculiar inquest was held at Kaiapoi on the 12th inst. A child, name and parentage unknown, was being nursed by a woman there who received 15s a week, which was paid her by a solicitor of Christchurch. She got the child from another woman by the direction of a third woman named Mrs Brough, whom she did not know, and who returned no answer to a letter sent to her. Dr. Ovendon said the cause of death was “ tabes mesenteria,” but as he did not know the child he would not give a certificate, and telegraphed to the solicitor. The latter said he did not know the name, but would ascertain it, and took no further notice. The child had been px-operly treated. The foreman and jury said they were quite satisfied about the cause of death, and thought the police ought not to take any further steps, but the Coroner would not consent to this, and adjourned the inquest ; but in the meantime the Superintendent of Police at Christchurch had furnished the name to a medical man, who gave a certificate, and further inquiry therefore was unnecessary. A verdict was returned on Thursday last, 19th inst., in accordance with the medical evidence death from “ tabes mesenteria.” In a fight between two boys at Cambridge, in England, one of them received a fatal blow which caused almost immediate death.

Yards Handi200 400 500 cap. Tl. Private Stennard. 22 28 22 scr— -72 Pri. Simmons, sen. 25 23 19 3--70 Private Coutts ... 23 26 20 scr— -69 Corporal Sampson 21 25 20 scr— -68 Private Stevenson 18 21 15 14--68 Private Close ... 13 12 13 30--68 Private Green ... 19 24 12 12--67 Private Robinson 21 23 21 scr — -65 Private Barnett... 23 18 10 14--65 Private Sumption 20 14 18 12--64 Private Walters... 10 17 7 30- - 64 Private Carey ... 22 12 21 8--63 Private Marshall.. 23 17 22 scr— -62 Private Dove 17 17 20 8--62 Private Harre . .. 15 7 10 30--62 Private King ... 14 8 8 30--60