The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1884.

Kumara Times, Issue 2355, 15 March 1884, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1884.

The French troops in Tonquin having been largely reinforced have now captured the city and outworks of Bacninh. The city had been held by a strong force of Chinese regulars besides the local Annamese troops. The account given of the capture in a cablegram to-day, which is from a French source, states that the Chinese suffered heavily, whilst the French loss is put down at only 70 wounded. The Christchurch coach arrived at the usual early hour this afternoon, bringing the East Coast, Australian, and San Francisco mails, amounting in all to twenty bags, thirteen being for Kumara and Grey mouth, and seven for Hokitika. All the Kumara mails were at once sorted and delivered. The Theatre Royal will be opened this evening by Fisher's Comedy and Burlesque Combination. It may be remembered that the above company played here some little time back. Mr Fisher has since then added four new members, including Miss Agnes Montagu, the charming comic vocalist and protean artiste, who for the rapidity of her lightning changes is said to surpass even the great Maccabe. This young lady has gained for a most enviable reputation iu the Australian wivuigs, Auwug tlw wav<

pany we also notice the names of Mr Albert Maitland and Mr Sydney Hoben, both well-known professionals. The company, nine in number, is now one of the strongest combinations at present traveling in New Zealand. We understand the New Zealand Shipping Company's steamer lonic, which, it will be seen, arrived at Wellington from London direct, on Thursday last, brought the fire engine for Kumara, for which a shed is now being constructed over Quinn's Creek, near the Town Hall, by Mr Charles Holmes. The contractor for the shed is plodding along as well as he can singlehanded, but it is probable the engine will be in Kumara before the shed is ready for its reception. To-morrow evening, at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, the Rev. George Hay will deliver the sixth of his Course of Sermons on "Spirits and the Spirit World," the subject being " The Spirits in Purgatory." The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of St. Patrick's College, Wellington, for which the Rev. Father Devoy is now making a tour of the West Coast with the object of raising funds, will take place to-morrow. The Bishops of Auckland, Dunedin, and Wellington, and a large number of clergy and laity from all parts of the colony are to be present. Some time ago (says this morning's Argus) Mr H. A. Stratford, Resident Magistrate and Warden for this district, applied to Government for leave of absence for a time, which has evidently been granted, as Mr Stratford left yesterday by the Mawhera for Dunedin. In the meantime the duties of both offices will be discharged by Mr Frank Bird, of Hokitika, who has been acting for Dr. Giles during his short leave of absence ; but Dr. Giles will again enter upon his duties next week. Mr G. G. Fitz Gerald, M.H.R., addressed his constituents at Ross on Thursday, and at Hokitika last evening. He was cordially received at both places. The cricket match between Otago and Canterbury commenced yesterday at Dunedin. Otago in their first innings made 104; Canterbury, 44. Otago in their second innings had six wickets down for 38 runs. Messrs Girdwood, Lahman and Co. will sell by public auction, at their Yards, Arahura, on Monday next, a lot of grand bullocks and prime cross-bred wethers.