The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 1884.

Kumara Times, Issue 2533, 4 August 1884, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 1884.

France's ultimatum to China is probably a few millions off the twenty millions sterling asked as an indemnity for the Langson outrage, for which China offered about one and a-half millions sterling. The rejection of this ultimatum, a cablegram this afternoon informs us, will be followed by France issuing orders to her commanders of war vessels now in the China Sea to occupy the ports and towns of Foochow (in China) and Kelung (in Formosa island) as a guarantee for the indemnity which France demanded. We understand the County Chairman would leave Hokitika to-day on his southern trip. He will probably be away about a month, as he will proceed as far as Jackson's Bay, in which district he will have to decide as to certain demanded expenditure on public works. An inquest on the body of the late William. Isherwood, of Greymouth, was held on Saturday afternoon at the Recreation Hotel, Greymouth, before Frank Bird, Esq., coroner, and a full jury. Several witnesses were examined, and, after a very short consultation, the jury returned the following verdict:—" That deceased came by his death through a gunshot wound inflicted by himself while in a state of temporary insanity." The remains of the deceased were interred yesterday afternoon, about 200 persons taking part in the procession, including a number of Druids in their regalia. The Rev. Mr Westbrooke officiated at the grave, and the burial rites of the Druids were also gone through subsequently. We understand the steamer Charles Edward stuck on the bar in entering the Hokitika River this morning. The Waipara went to her assistance, but with what result Ave have not yet heard. It is with deep regret that we (Argus) have to inform our readers and the personal friends of Mr Edward Butler, county engineer, that the critical condition he has been in for the last ten days or so has not improved, and that present symptoms are in fact rather discouraging. The widow Mori, it appears, is experiencing more than her share of domestic sorrow. The death of her husband was followed a few days ago by the loss of two children from diptheria, and now another of the family—a fine lad 15 years of age—has succumbed to the fell disease. Following the usual practice after a general election (writes the Wellington correspondent of the Otago Daily Times on the 31st ult.), Parliament will be opened by Commission to-morrow week (Thursday). It has not yet, however, been decided who the Commissioners will be sworn in by. Formerly the services of a Judge of the Supreme Court were enlisted, but latterly the duty has devolved on the Clerk of the House (Major Campbell). -The members on appearing before the Commissioners in the Legislative Couucil will be directed to return to their own chamber and elect their Speaker, and it is understood that Sir Maurice O'Rorke will be reappointed without opposition. The Speaker elect is taken to Government House next clay (Friday) for his Excellency's confirmation, and then Parliament is opened in the usual form with the Governor's speech in the afternoon. We, Daily Times, have the best authority for saying that an intrigue is in progress to "run" Mr Ormond for the Premiership in opposition to Sir Julius Vogel. The member for Napier has been promised all the influence of the Ministerial party, and the block vote of the Auckland and Napier members is expected. Strenuous efforts are being made to seoure the votes of all the Middle Island members who are unpledged. Goon Resolutions. —At the commencement of every new year hundreds and thousands of our young men —and old as well—form resolutions for their guidance for the coming year. Many keep them, while others break them. To such we wish to give a word {of advice. In order to sustain your determination of leading a better life in the future you should use Hop Bitters. The judicious use of Hop Bitters strengthens, cleanses, and purifies the stomach, bowels, blood, liver, nerves, and kidneys, and is just what you want to build up and invigorate yourself.—Greenbush Dem. Read

The Tidy Housewife.—The careful, tidy housewife, when giving her house its spring cleaning, should bear in mind that the dear inmates are more precious than houses, their systems need cleansing, by purifying the blood, regulating the stomach and bowels, and she should know that there is nothing that will do it so surely as Hop Bitters, the purest and best of all medicines. Look for