The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1885.

Kumara Times, Issue 2632, 12 February 1885, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1885.

The Premier and Minister of Mines, accompanied by Messrs Seddon, Grimmond, M'Whirter, Blair, and other gentlemen, arrived at the Arahura yesterday, about 7 p.m., somewhat earlier than was expected. They were met by Mr Bevan, M.H.R., Messrs Clarke, M'Goldrick, Daly, Richardson Rae, Hudson, and Harvey. The party drove at a rapid rate, Mr Larnach leading the way in a fourhorse vehicle. The Premier was accompanied by Messrs Seddon and Grimmond. The party reached the Empire Hotel at about 8 p.m. At 9p. m. the Premier and Minister of Mines met a deputation of the County Council, at the Council Chambers, where the County Chairman read an address of welcome to the Premier and Minister of Mines. A deputation from the Education Board afterwards met the Ministers.

We understand that during his short stay in Kumara yesterday, en route to Hokitika, the Premier, in reply to the invitation of the Mayor to accept a banquet, heartily accepted, and, through a hint by our jovial M.H.R., expressed a desire to see ladies present as well as gentlemen. For this reason the Reception Committee will take into consideration at their meeting to-night the advisability of having a ball after the banquet. The City of Sydney, with the San Francisco mails, arrived at Auckland at ten o'clock on Sunday morning. The Hawealeft Manakau with the Southern mails at five o'clock in the afternoon. The West Coast portion of the San Francisco mail was to have left Wellington at 6 p.m. yesterday, per s.s. Herald, for Westport and Greymouth. The funeral of the late Mr Alfred Skilton takes place to-morrow afternoon. Members of the Loyal Albert Lodge M.U.1.0.0.F. are requested to meet at their lodge-room at 1.30 p.m., to follow in the procession. The entertainment for the benefit of Mrs O'Grady takes place at the Adelphi Theatre to-morrow evening, on which occasion the American sensational drama will be produced. The object is a very charitable and deserving one, and it is hoped there will be a large attendance,

The rumor to the effect that Mr Larnach will be called to the Upper House before next session will (writes the Wellington correspondent of the Press, under date February 6) in all probability turn out to be true, as some such decision seems to have been arrived at some time ago. When a re-arrangement of portfolios was made and when Mr Larnach became Minister of Mines, a good many people wondered that the appointment should have fallen on the member for Peninsula, being of opinion that the Minister in charge of mines should be a goldfields representative, or someone more practically acquainted with the present mining requirements of the colony. I understand that Mr Larnach, however, only holds the portfolio temporarily, and that upon being called to the Upper House he will relinquish the portfolio of Mines, and retain only those portfolios formerly held by the Hon. Mr Reynolds. The portfolio of Mines will then, in all probability, be bestowed upon one of the goldfields members, most likely one of the West Coast members. During the session Mr Cadman's name was often mentioned as the coming Minister of Mines, but I am inclined to think the members for Kumara or for Buller stand equal chances. Nothing definite, however, is allowed to transpire, and this latter suggestion is mere speculation.

The West Coast Times, in noticing our report of the late fire, says, "It is understood that Mr Lyons' premises were insured for £IOO in the South British Office."

Messrs John Manson and Co., having determined to close their Kumara drapery and clothing establishment, are about to sell off, during one month, their entire stock. To enable them to remark all goods, the establishment will be closed to-morrow, Friday, the 13th inst. Professor Barraclough, herbalist, has arrived, and can be consulted gratis, from 7 till 10 p.m.,"at Mr Ziegler's Empire Hotel. He brings with him from Wellington a large quantity of medical herbs, the prices of which are advertised.

The Hibernian Company's consultation on the Greymouth Jockey Club Handicap is now open. Particulars may be seen by referring to our advertising columns.

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