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Kumara Times, Issue 2378, 12 April 1884, Page 2

Thursday was a grand and beautifully clear night, and, true to the calculated time, the total eclipse of the moon began, and was seen passing through its several phases. The first contact with the penumbra (or partial shadow) took place at 8.13 p.m., the first contact with the whole shadow of the earth at 9.22, the middle of the eclipse at 11.17, the last contact with the shadow at 1.11 yesterday morning, and the last contact with any part of the earth’s shadow at 2.21 a.m. The magnitude of the eclipse was (the moon’s diameter=l) 1*431. The phenomenon was witnessed wiih more than usual interest, the atmosphere and the sky being exceedingly propitious. The next eclipse of any consequence in these parts will not occur till September, 1885. This, however, will be a total eclipse of the sun, and of more general interest to New Zealanders than the one of last year. The line of the central eclipse, or total obscuration of the sun will commence in longtitude 150° 54' east, latitude 41° south, that is, in the Pacific Ocean some few miles south-east of Tasmania ; it will touch this island at West Wanganui ; cross over the land at or near Collingwood into Golden Bay and Cook Strait; thence across the south portion of the North Island about the latitude of 41°, over Wairoa, Masterton, and Whareama River ; then take a curve southwards, and end in longtitude 77° 38' west, and latitude 74° 43' south. As a partial eclipse it will be visible all over New Zealand, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and Cape Horn, but total only across the path we have described. This eclipse is not mentioned in Keith’s “Use of the Globes.”

A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here last evening, at about ten minutes to seven o’clock. At Wellington, where it was felt at the same time, “ it set all the firebells ringing, and was proceeded several seconds by a loud rumbling noise with slight vibrations.” The Christchurch coach arrived this afternoon, bringing East Coast and Aus - tra-iuu .amis, and the Westland aaion of the San Francisco mails.

The following $fQ the entries and handicap for the principal event, the foot race, in the sports which are to take place in the Recreation Ground Monday next: 100 200 rd 300 440 H. Greenwood scr. scr. scr. scr. F. Tyrer scr, scr. scr. scr. T. Jones 5 8 12 12 F. W. Fell 5 8 12 12 T. O’Loughlin 6 9 14 17 R. Wylde 8 11 16 20 J. Keller 8 11 16 20 Messrs J. S. Pearn, W. Barnett, and H. Fitzsimons were the handicappers. Acceptances must be sefit to Mr Pearn by 10 o’clock on Monday morning.

Amongst the numerous contributions which are still being received for the Hospital Fete, we noticed this morning one of the zealous committee-men carryto Mr Henry Burger’s repository a wedding cake, presented by Messrs Smith and Kroener, and bedecked by Mr Joseph Dove ; so anyone who may wish to marry in haste on or after' Monday can purchase a ready-made wedding-cake without a moment’s delay. There was a good attendance at the Wesleyan tea and public meetings on Thursday last. A report is unavoidably held over till our next issue. '

The cricket match yesterday between Grey and Hokitika resulted as follows : First innings—Greymouth, 72 ; Hokitika, 12. Second innings—Greymouth, 84 : Hokitika, 36. There was a large attendance. To-day another match was to be played, the Greymouth eleven tackling fifteen of Hokitika.

We remind chessplayers and others who may feel an interest in the royal game that a meeting is to be held in Eugg’s Hotel, at eight o’clock this evening. All knights of the chequered board are requested to attend to renew their acquaintance with old combatants; and those who are desirous of gaining a knowledge of chess are also invited.

The following are thp acceptances for the principal events at the Westland Racing Club’s Easter Meeting;—Hokitika Handicap Lady Grey, Jack, Happy Jack, Albion, Marie Stuart, Lady Harris. Hurdle Handicap Mustard, Albion, Levant, Early Bird, Forester. Trial Stakes—Marie Stuart, Happy, Talent, Parnell, Lady Grey, Dan, Pippin, Maggie, Lillipie.

A sixth shave in Collins and party’s sixacre claim and water-race at Shamrock Lead is for sale, by tender. Full particulars of same can be obtained from Mr Foldi, Dillman’s Town,. to whom tenders for their purchase will be received up till 6 p.ra. on Thursday next, 17th inst.

A billiard match of 500 points up took place on Thursday evening, between Mr Stenning, of the Britannia Hotel, and a Mr Smith, at Christchurch. Mr Stenning was the victor by 111 points, the game having occupied two hours and a quarter.