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Kumara Times, Issue 2612, 20 January 1885, Page 2

In reference to the construction of the Taipo bridge, and in reply to a telegram from R. J. Seddon, Esq., M.H.R., to C. Y. O'Connor, Esq., Inspecting Engineer for the Middle Island, as to when the work would be proceeded with, Mr O'Connor replied as follows:—"The Minister directs me to inform you that the plans are almost complete, but that tenders cannot be invited just at present, as all the pneumatic apparatus we have are in use, but the invitations of tenders for two additional ones have now been authorised." A fatal accident befel a boy of 14 named Robert Queale, near the 15th milepost on the road from Hokitika to Christchurch. He was in the employ of Mr Haylock, of Kawhaka, and yesterday afternoon was taking home a load of wood. He was found between five and six o'clock. The dray had capsized, the horse .was kicking about with its feet in the air, and the poor boy was apparently dead underneath the wood. Mr Haylock had great difficulty in extricating the boy, and only to fiud that life was extinct. The body will be brought in to the house of his parents in Kumara this afternoon, and an inquest will be held by Dr. Giles at the Courthouse, to-inorrow at 11 a.m. The first meeting of the newly-elected Hospital Committee will be held at the Town Hall, this evening, at 8 o'clock. There were about twenty-two passengers by the coach this morning for Christchurch. They included the Hokitika and Kumara Fire Brigade teams, who go to take part in the great Fire Brigades demonstration and competitions at Dunedin ; also Mrs T. Maher, Miss Dunn (on a holiday excursion), Miss Cameron, and Mr Ziegler.

There has been another meeting of the Burns Anniversary celebration promoters. Four more names have been added to the members of Committee from whom tickets are to be obtained. The Hon, J. A. Bonar, M.L.C., has been unanimously invited to preside at the banquet, and the member for the district and his Worship the Mayor have also received invitations. A miner, known by the name of “Keelum Jack” attempted to commit suicide, at Ross, on Thursday evening last by cutting his throat with a razor. The Mercury reports ;—The unfortunate man had been drinking since the holidays started, but was perfectly sober on the night in question. On Thursday evening about half-past six o’clock, he called at a house belonging to Mr Richards, contractor for Mikonui tunnel, for whom he had been working, which was occupied by Messrs Ellery and M‘Murtie. Mr M‘Murtie was at work at the time, and he (Keelum Jack) stated to Mr Ellery,that Mr Richards told him he could stay at the house that night. To this no objection was made, and whilst having tea Keelum made several inquiries with respect to the time when Mr Murtie would “ knock off,” and when he (Ellery) would leave for work. These questions being answered, Keelum said he had to go to the hospital at a certain hour, and complained that he had no sleep for five nights. After this he went to several places in town and ordered goods to be sent up the Totara, where he had been working, and no one noticed anything peculiar in his behaviour. Mr Ellery, who had also gone out, returned about 10 o’clock, and found Keelum in bed. He had a small bottle of medicine which he was taking, and seemed very nervous. Mr Ellery went to work about half-past eleven, leaving Keelum alone in the honse. When Mr M‘Murtie came home from work, which was about half-past twelve he was horrified to find the unfortunate fellow lying on the kitchen floor with his throat cut. He immediately went for assistance, and it was not long before constable Watson and Dr. Collins were on the scene. The doctor at once set to work to dress the wound, and had him conveyed to the hospital, where he now lies in a precarious condition. Constable Nash has reported to Sergeant Emerson, Hokitika, that the missing umbrella of the late James Gifford was found on the afternoon of the 16th inst. by two men named Sperrier and Matheson. It was found behind a large tree which had been felled close to and parallel with the German Gully track ; it would be about 400 yards from Donohue’s hut through the bush. An Alabaster Box.—Young girls finding their complexion growing sallow, and their skin becoming rough and freckly, resort to perfumed ointments for a restoration of their bloom. All should use Hop Bitters, which will restore bloom to cheeks, whiteness and beauty to their complexion, making rich blood, good health, and happy smiles. Read

Working Men. Before you begin your heavy spring work after a winter of relaxation your system needs cleansing and strengthening to prevent an attack of bilious or spring fever, or sickness, that will unfit you for a season's work. You will save time, sickness, and expense if you will but use one bottle of Hop Bitters in your family this month. Don't wait. Read.