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Kumara Times, Issue 1576, 15 October 1881, Page 2

The Christchurch coaches arrived at the Bealey at the usual time, but they were unable to-day to continue their course hither, owing to the flooded state of the rivers. At the time of our going to press we were kindly informed by the Postmaster that they had not then left the Bealey, so that they will probably not arrive till to-morrow afternoon. It will be some satisfaction to the parents and friends of the late Willie Russell, of Marsden, that the body of the young man has been recovered, ere it became the object of prey for ravenous birds and fish. As soon as the news reached Greymouth, Mr Kieley sent mounted-trooper Bowden to search along the banks of the New River for the body. The body was found about half a mile below where the unfortunate youth was swept off his horse. The deepest sympathy is felt with the bereaved parents. Since the holding of the inquest on the body of John Robinson, recently drowned in the Taipo river, certain particulars have come to light which to a certain extent put a new complexion on the affair. It appears that deceased had stated to Mr Harris, a settler oh the Christchurch road, that his health was so hopelessly bad, that he was tired of his life, and that he intended to drown himself. We publish this in justice to the driver of the coach. The Union Company’s s.s, Albion is telegraphed as having left Lyttelton for Greymouth direct yesterday afternoon at 2 o’clock. She will "consequently be due at Coast ports to-morrow about noon, and will bo tendered immediately on arrival. The cable messages which we publish to-day are, taken collectively, of move than usual interest. Mr Parnell, the Land League agitator, has been arrested under the Coercion Act, the Gladstone Government being determined to put down the system of terrorism which they' consider exists in Ireland. Another great battle has been fought in Afghanistan between the Ameer and Ayoub Khan, resulting in the complete defeat of the latter, and the occupation of Herat by the victorious Ameer. The terms of the Boer Convention ai’e to be strictly enforced, even though the Government should have (as the Marquis of Salisbury would say) to “eat dirt.”

The West Coast Times understands that Mr John M'Whirter, of Goldsborough, has been requested from various quarters to contest the Kumara seat at the forthcoming election, but up to the present has not finally decided whether he will offer his services to the electors.

As will be seen by our Christchurch telegram, Mr Weston, having been asked by both portions of his divided constituency of the Grey Valley to represent them, has resolved to accept the invitation of the Reefton constituency. Referring to Mr G. G. Fitz Gerald’s candidature for Hokitika the Argus remarks :—“ Profiting by the experience that Mr Fitz Gerald gained in contesting this (the Grey Valley) constituency, and with the oratorical powers he then developed, it is not at all improbable that he may make a more successful contest than ho did here ; and we have no doubt that had he to contest this constituency again he would make more of his chance than he did in the first instance.” The Argus also thinks^ that “it is about time the electors (of Greymouth) began to cast about for an eligible candidate to represent them in the next Parliament.”

In reference to contract for section 5 of the Hillman’s Town to Christchurch road, there appears to be some hitch, as a special meeting of the County Council is called for Monday week next, the 24th inst., when Mr Dale will move the following resolution-:—“ That the resolution and error of the Council of the 12th instant, accepting the tender of Martin and Caldwell, for the widening of section 5 of the Hillman’s Town Christchurch road be rescinded, and that the tender of Messrs Corby and Co., of Kumara, being the lowest, and in every way a formal, correct and eligible tender, be accepted.” At the ordinary monthly meeting of the Central Board of Education at Greymouth on Thursday evening last, Mr Woodward’s appointment as head teacher of the Kumara State School was confirmed. The resolution of the Board dated September 16, 1880, re payments for accounts for cleaning, fuel* &c., to the extent of £lO per annum, for Committees having charge of schools under the 88th danse, was rescinded, and a fixed sum of £lO per annum is to be paid to Committees for all such schools, payment to be made quarterly. Owing to the unfavorable weather the past two or three days for people to get out, Mr Tait, the photographer, has resolved to keep open his studio till Monday evening next. This will be Mr Tait’s last visit here before Christmas.

Madame Wilmot left Kumara yesterday for Hokitika, where she will to-morrow night deliver her celebrated lecture on the “ Forbidden Fruit.” It is her intention to return to Kumara early next week, remain over Sunday, and then leave hence for Christchurch.

Uncertificated teachers and teachers desirous of completing former examinations, or of sitting for a higher class at the next annual examination, are reminded that they must apply to the InspectorGeneral at Wellington, not later than Tuesday, the Ist day of November. Pupil teachers wishing to be examined in drawing under the provisions of the “ Order in Council dated March 29, 1881,” must also send their names to the InspectorGeneral by the above date ; and state what divisions of the subject they intend to take up. The Hokitika new electoral roll is now printed. There are 1404 names on the roll, and there will be probably a hundred or so more on the supplementary roll. The presentation work for the year of the Art-Union of Glasgow is an exquisite line engraving on steel by William Forrest, H.R.S.A., of Edinburgh, after the painting of “Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe,” by the late Horatio MUulloch, R;S.A., and is, in every respect, worthy of the painting. A subscription of one guinea constitutes membership for one year, and each person contributing that amount is entitled to the presentation work for the year and a share in the ballot of prizes, which includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings, and other works of art. The distribution of these prizes takes place in February next. Tickets and all other information can be obtained at the office of the Kumara Times.

There is a story of an old hunter who came into Chicago one day, and, after wandering about for a while looking at too public buildings and other improvements, got into a chat with one of the inhabitants, in the course of which he mentioned to hint that he had once had a chance to buy all the ground that the city was built upon for a pair of old boots. “ And why didn’t you buy it V’ “ Well, I hadn’t the boots just then,” was the old man’s calm reply.