The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1884.

Kumara Times, Issue 2596, 31 December 1884, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1884.

Before another copy of this journal is issued to our readers we shall, in common with all men, have taken leave of the old year and entered upou a new one of the Christian era. As Goethe said, so say we—" Since Tima is not a person we can overtake when he is past, let us honour him with mirth and cheerfulness of heart while he is passing." In accordance with old and familiar precedents, we most heartily wish one and all A HAPPY NEW YEAR !

To-morrow being the first day of the New Year, 1885, in accordance with our own custom and that of nearly all colonial newspapers, there will be no publication of the paper.

We present our readers to-day with a large-sized Calendar for 1885, having the advantage which many business men require (if it be posted in a conspicuous place) of being seen from whatever part of a room the peruser may be sitting or standing in, without having to rise or stir from their position. To non-sub-scribers the paper and Calendar will be (id.

At 10.30 to-night two quick short peals will be heard from the fire-bell, which will be the signal for the members of the Eire Brigade to be at the Fire Station to form in procession and march with torchlights through the town. At midnight the usual ring will be given to welcome the New Year.

I Webb's Royal Marionettes gave a matinee yesterday afternoon, at the Adelphi Theatre. Nearly two hundred children and a few adults were present. The enjoyment was immense. In the evening, at the same place, there was another performance to a house nearly equaling that of the previous night. The audience were kept in a continual roar of laughter at the antics of the little puppets ; and the proficiency with which they went through their various evolutions was the theme of universal talk and admiration. Not less so was the exhibition, at the close, of "The Palace of Dewdrops," with lime-light effects. The Marionettes left early this morning for Hokitika, where they perform to-night. The Christchurch coach arrived this afternoon, at the usual hour. The annual picnic for the children attending the various schools in the town takes place in Messrs Keech and Malloy's paddock to-morrow (New Year's Day). Swings, swing boats, and a lot of sports

and amusements have been provided for making the festival as enjoyable as ever. In the evening there will be an entertainment at the Theatre Royal, when the Stafford Choral Society, assisted by several lady and gentlemen local amateurs, will give a miscellaneous concert for the benefit of the Picnic fund.

St. Patrick's School picnic will be held in the Recreation Ground, where there will also be lots of sport for the children. A procession, headed by the Brass Band, will leave the Catholic grounds at 10 a.m., when all children are to be in attendance.

A late cable message from Melbourne states that it is now very unlikely there will be united action on the part of the colonies in protesting against the German protectorate of New Guinea, as differences exist as to the mode of proceeding. South Australia has now definitely declined to join in the proposed protest. A cricket match between the Englishmen and a combined Australian team is to be commenced at Melbourne to-morrow. The combined team will consist of Bruce, Horan, Jarvis, Jones, Morris, Robertson, Trumble, Marr, Musgrove, Pope, and Warralt.

To-morrow evening, at the Adelphi Theatre, the performance of the drama of " The Green Fields of Old Ireland " will be given by the Kumara Dramatic Club. The entertainment is for the benefit of the Literary Institute, and should command a large share of public patronage. The Brass Band have kindly given their services for the occasion. As the drama is a long one, the curtain will rise punctually at 8 o'clock.

The Belgian party of tourists, who arrived here on Christmas Day, and went on to Hokitika, returned from thence this afternoon, and proceeded to Greymouth by the 3.30 tram.

Sergeant Russell, we regret to say, is suffering from severe contusions occasioned by a twist in the leg. He had on Friday last just returned from Greenstone, whither he had been in connection with the late inquest, and was in the act of dismounting when the horse shied and swerved round, throwing him down, causing the injury before stated. Commander Edwin wired at 7.40 last night:—" Indications that glass will fall again within 10 hours, with north-east to east and south-east winds. Weather keeps very unsettled and wet."

T. O'Loughlin, of Kumara, won the first prize (£2O) in the Greymouth Caledonian Society's Christmas Handicap foot race. The Argus says O'Loughlin is the best amateur runner seen in Greymouth for some time. "He went to the front whenever required, and finished in grand style." Victoria has won the intercolonial Christmas cricket match this year, by an innings and 5 runs. The score of the matches, since 1856, now stands : Victoria 19, New South Wales 13. The next match will be played at Sydney in February.

Miss Louise Crawford's company of dramatists passed through from Hokitika to Greymouth this morning. They perform at Greymouth this evening. The Inangahua Herald of Tuesday last reports :—" Yesterday the seats for three ridings in the •ounty—Reefton, Murray and Crushington—were contested. For the Reefton riding Mr Brennan was again returned by a large majority, but Mr Patterson, one of the members in the last Council, was defeated, but by 11 votes only. The election was very closely contested throughout. Mr Craig was returned for Murray by a majority of 2, and Mr Irving, a member of the former Council, was returned for Crushington. Mr Menteath has gained the second seat for Reefton by a majority of 4 votes over Mr Campbell." Mr Tait, the photographer, will leave positively on Monday next.