The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1881.

Kumara Times, Issue 1496, 14 July 1881, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1881.

Mr R. J. Seddon, M.H.R., leaves by the Christchurch coach, en route for Wellington, to-morrow morning. The Borough Council meet this evening.

The report and balance-sheet of the Kuniara Hospital Committee for the past j 7 ear appear in to-day’s issue. The Loyal Orange Lodge of Kmnara held their annual ball and supper on Tuesday evening last. The committee of management not having extended to the Press the usual courtesy, a member of the Order has kindly come to our relief and supplied us with some particulars of the festivity. , We take the opportunity of thanking the gentleman who undertook the momentous task of responding on our behalf to the toast of “ The Press.” The following is our friend’s contribution : “ The usual celebration of the 12th July was duly honored by the brethren of the L.O.L. of Kmnara. The tables literally groaned under the weight of the good things provided by Host Stewart, which, under his skilful manipulation, were all that could be desired. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts had boon drunk and responded to by the brethren; and full jnstice done to the caterer’s ability, the tables were cleared away, and dancing commenced and was kept up till ‘ broad day light in the morning ; ’ when, after spending a most enjoyable night, the company dispersed to their various places of abode. One very noticeable feature in the entertainment was the cordiality extended to the visitors, of whom there were many, the fair sex mustering in strong force to do honor to the gathering which, under the patronage of the brotherhood, it is to be hoped will be only the beginning of many more such social reunions.” The members of the Kmnara Prospecting Association are requested to attend a meeting to be held in the Secretary’s Room, Main street, to-morrow evening. The Education Board will meet at Greymouth to-day. Among other business is the election of a chairman. An old resident on the Coast named John Magill came to an untimely end the day before yesterday in attempting to cross the Ahaura River. It appears (the Argus states) that Magill, who resided at Moonlight, left the Ahaura township on horseback on his way home, and proceeded to cross the Ahaura river, as he had often done before, and without any presentiment of what was to follow. In crossing, he by some means got off the shallow ford and got into the deep water below. This compelled the horse to swim, whtch it did until coming in contact with a shingle bank, against which both horse and rider struck. With that the horse turned over on its side and ceased to make any effort to strike out for the shore. Magill managed to disengage himself from the saddle and struck out strongly for the bank of the river from which he entered, but when he had got about half way across his strength seemed to fail him, and he went down never to rise again with the breath of life in him. Some time afterwards the dead horse was found, and also the satchel carried by deceased ; but the body has not yet been recovered. These are all the details in respect to the melancholy occurrence that are to be obtained at present.