The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 1882.

Kumara Times, Issue 1718, 1 April 1882, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 1882.

Both the West Coast Times and Argus this morning congratulate the miners on the at least temporary settlement of the payment of water in advance question. While the former observes that the miners' "objections were natural, and the endeavor to materially alter the conditions hitherto observed in transactions between the Government and the miners was a mistake and unnecessary," the latter remarks—- " The miners are deserving of credit for the sensible and business-like way in which they went to work when they realised the hardship of the arrangements sought to be enforced by the local Government officers." \MrDungan, County Chairman, who seems to fear that the Minister of Mines wants to have the miners completely under his thumb, although desirous of allowing some concessions to start with, does not like the attitude taken up by the Mines department. Yesterday he forwarded the following telegram to the member for Hokitika : To G. G. FitzGebald, Esq., M.H.R., Wanganni. I see this morning by the Kumara Times that a long interview has taken place between Mr Seddon and the Minister, at' Auckland, re water dispute. I observe the question is not to be finally settled until Saturday week. I am still in duty bound to request you to be present on behalf of the miners of Kumara, Stafford,

and Goldsbordtt&h, to consider this vexed ~ question, a settlement of which would be greatly advanced from your large knowledge of goldfiehls matters Peter Dungan,. County Chairman. Hokitika, March 31, 18S2. The mail coach left the Bealey this morning at the usual hour, and arrived at the Kumara Post Office at 3.20 p.m. Mr Rugg's coach arrived a little before that time. " An Evening with the Poets " and the Rev. F. R. Seaborn at the Theatre Royal last night proved much more enjoyable than we had reason to expect. The reverend gentleman's selections were both humorous and happy, and, as he confined himself not to poetry only but gave recitals accompanied by much mimicky, the entertainment was both amusing and instructive. To-night he will give recitals from Shakespeare and the late H. W. Longfellow ; and the charge for admission will be only one shilling. We acknowledge receipt of a prospectus of Mr Archibald Forbes's Australasian tour, under the direction of Mr R. S. Smythe. The English Universities boat race takes place to-day. Oxford won last year and 19 times previously. Cambridge has won 17 races. The Captain Kumara Rifle "Volunteers informs us that a communication has been received from the Captain Commanding the District that the capitation allowance to efficient Volunteers is to be again granted. We observe the Union Steamship Company notifies that excursion tickets will be issued from the ports to Lyttelton to persons wishing to visit the Christchurch Exhibition, during the months of April and May, available for return until 30th June. There is no further news of importance (the Times reports) from the Woodstock rush to record to-day. Sinking, slabbing, pegging-out, and "jumping" seems to be the order of the day. Two or three more claims are expected to bottom to-day. The population continues to increase, and the fullest confidence seems to prevail as to its ultimate success. The absence of the Warden at the present moment, is much felt by a number of section-holders at the Woodstock rush, amongst whom numberless disputes have recently arisen. Warden Giles was enabled to take a short drive yesterday, and may probably be sufficiently recovered to give some attention to his official duties on Monday next. A fatal accident occurred at the Brunner coal mine yesterday morning, by which a German named John Kalka, a new hand at coal hewing, while engaged holing at the face in company with James O'Neil, a fellow workman, was crushed to death by a block of coal weighing some tons, falling on him. Death apparently was instantaneous, as there were no sign of life when deceased was extricated. An inquest was held in the afternoon, when a verdict was returned.to the effect that deceased met his death as the result of accident, not otherwise. The wife of deceased, who was present, at the inquest, was much affected at her loss. At the Wesleyan Church, Greymouth, last evening, a large attendance of members of the congregation and others assembled on the occasion of presenting the Rev. Mr Standage with several complimentary and farewell addresses prior to his departure from Greymouth.. A large number of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society were present, Mr Standage being President of the society. A handsome silver mug was presented to Mr Standage's child, and a silver bracelet to Mrs Standage. The most interesting part of the proceedings of the evening was the presentation of an address and a purse of sovereigns to Mr Standage by persons not members of the congregation. Three addresses in all were presented, and to each. Mr Standage replied in suitable terms, but with unmistakeable evidence of deep feeling.