The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. FRIDAY, MAY 19, 1882.

Kumara Times, Issue 1758, 19 May 1882, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. FRIDAY, MAY 19, 1882.

Parliament was opened yesterday afternoon - at two o'clock. members were present. Mr M. O'Rorke was elected Speaker. The Governor read his opening speech this afternoon. Tt has been kindly forwarded to us by theGovermnsat, but arrived too late- foe ia~

sertion in this issue. We shall publish it in full to-morrow.

MrR. J. Seddon, M.H.R., was a passenger by the mail coach this morning, for Christchurch, en route to Wellington. The Australian Surprise Party, a troupe of the greatest gymnasts of the day, will give an exhibition of their skill at the Theatre Royal this evening. In addition those who seceded from the Royal Circus on Wednesday last, the Surprise Party have now also with them the "indiarubber" man, or tumbler, whose wonderful antics have astonished everybody. The prices are within the reach of all, and as they are mostly young men making a start for themselves, we hope to see their efforts meet with success.

About two hours out of the three during which the Borough Council sat last night were wasted in a somewhat angry and frivolous discussion as to the right of a member of the Council to engage a daylabour man without the consent of the Council. The attention of the Council was drawn to the question by a report from the Borough Surveyor, which document appears in our report of the proceedings. Only a few weeks ago the Public Works Committee passed a resolution that "No day labour be employed until further instructions to the Engineer." After a motion and five or six amendments thereon had been discussed, it was eventually agreed that the report be withdrawn.

Commander Edwin wired the following yesterday afternoon :—" Bad weather is expected between N.E. to N. and W.; wind backing and glass falling within eight hours, with sea from N. and W." Later—"lndications for flooded rivers within ten hours."

MrT. Weston, M.H.R., after visiting ms constituents at Reefton, returned to Christchurch last Tuesday. In passing, through Kumara Mr Weston took the opportunity of making himself thoroughly acquainted with the mode of mining in this district. Accompanied by Mr Gow, Manager of Public Works, he visited the Kumara sludge-channel, entering it at the mouth, and proceeding to the extreme end at Larrikins, making his exit by passing tip O'Rourke's tunnel and shaft. Mr Weston seemed wonderfully conversant with and interested in mining matters generally, and the questions he asked were of such a character as will be useful to him in his parliamentary sphere, and we doubt not. beneficial also to tlfe miners and industry of this district. ' A meeting of the Committee of the Kumara Cricket Club was held in Dr. Porter's rooms on Thursday evening, Dr. Porter in the chair. Dr. Porter proposed that a Football Club be formed in connection with the Cricket Club. This was seconded by Mr Wylde and carried. The following were added to the present Committee : Messrs Hannah, Souter, Contts, Duggan, and Schulstad. Mr Bell proposed and Mr Rich seconded, that a football be procured from Christchurch. With the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman, the meeting closed.

This morning's Argus reports that " the Coroner has received information from Ahaura that Cartoni, who for the last six months has been an hospital patient at GreymoHth, died immediately on his arrival at his own residence, Orwell Creek. As he has been under medical treatment for some time past for a fatal disease, his friends will be permitted to bury him without an inquest."

At the meeting of the Grey County Council on Wednesday, Councillor Ryall moved " that it be publicly notified that all bridges and culverts in the County be declared unsafe for any vehicle carrying over six tons." The motion was carried. The agent of a large iron firm in England has offered to the New South Wales Government to construct a bridge across the harbor to tire North Shore, under local surveillance, which will carry a railway or tramway, and not interfere with vessels of large size. The directors of the linn have deposited a large amount as a guarantee of good faith. Nothing will be done in the matter- until Parliament meets, when the Government propose soliciting authority for the work to be carried on.

Charles Dickens is not forgotten (says an English paper), as we had conclusive proof a short time ago. Walking through Westminster Abbey, we saw the memorial slab over the great novelist's grave covered with flowers r and we learned from an attendant that visitors from all parts of England eome to the Abbey to drop a flower upon Charles Dickens'" tomb. This is true fame. The conqueror, the statesman, and tTre inventor are forgotten, save in their works, but the loving hands that scatter the flowers on this grave belong to the hearts that have been deeply moved," and to memories which do not fade.