The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1885.

Kumara Times, Issue 2636, 17 February 1885, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1885.

x\fter returning from a visit to the extensive gold sluicing grounds at Dillman's and Larrikins, the Premier and Minister of Mines yesterday afternoon received several deputations with petitions, for a reduction in the price of water for sluicing purposes, for increased sludge-channel accommodation, and for various other mining concessions. Ministers gave a very patient and attentive hearing. Briefly Mr Larnacli replied that the prayers of the petitions would receive uwourable consideration. With respect

to the principal one—the price of water—he this morning stated that he would recommend to his colleagues that there be a reduction of ten shillings, thus making the charge £2 10s instead of £3 per head per week, from the Ist April, the beginning of the financial year. The banquet given to the Premier and Minister of Mines last evening at the Masonic Hall, was fair successful. His Worship the Mayor (H. Burger, Esq.) presided. On his right was the Hon. R. Stout, Premier, and on his left the Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, Minister of Mines. Among the other guests were Messrs Bevan and Seddon, M.H.Rs., W. N. Blair, Esq., Engineer-in-Chief Middle Island, the County Chairman and County Clerk, and several County and Borough Councillors. Mrs R. J. Seddon and a goodly number of ladies were also present. After the banquet, which concluded at about 11 p.m., the company adjourned to the Adelphi Theatre, where a ball was held. The theatre was beautifully decorated for the occasion. Some thirty to forty couples were present. The Premier opened the ball with Mrs R. J. Seddon, the Minister of Mines with Mrs G. B. Way, his Worship the Mayor with Miss Monahan, Mr Monahan and Mrs Home completing the set for the first quadrille. Dancing was kept up with great spirit till a late hour of the morning, the visitors seeming to enjoy themselves very much.

The Hon. R. Stout, Premier, the Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G., Minister of Mines, accompanied by W. N. Blair, Esq., Engineer-in-Chief Middle Island, took their departure at 9.45 this morning in their four-in-hand for Christchurch. They will probably not proceed further than the foot of the Otira Gorge to-night; but will resume their journey to the plains early to-morrow morning. They had a large escort as far as the junction of the Dillman's with the Christchurch road.

At the banquet given to the Premier and Minister of Mines last evening, Mr R. J. Seddon, M.H.R., took the opportunity of contradicting the statement made a few days ago in the New Zealand Times that he was not a supporter of the present Ministry. He also said that the statement in the Times that "the Premier had attacked Mr Menteath at Reefton" was incorrect.

James Tait's state during the night compelled the doctor to put on an additional attendant, and give him the small ward to himself. He is better this morning, but until danger is past the most strict injunctions are given against the admission of visitors.

The Times says it is understood that Dr. Giles will very shortly proceed to Auckland, on business connected with the New Zealand University. His duties will be performed during his absence by MrD. Macfarlaue, R.M., Okarito. Dr. Giles will be absent for a month.

The Melbourne sufferers by the railway accident show signs of improvement. Joe Thompson and Giles show no alteration ; Saqui is rather worse, but Zucker, Snider, and Jacobseu, are better. The former is almost free from delirium.

One of our M.H.Rs. (writes an exchange) had been paying attention to a young lady for a long time, and had taken her to attend the House until she was well posted in the rules. On the last day of the session, as they came out, he bought her a bouquet of flowers, and said to her "May I offer you my handful of flowers?" She replied promptly, "I move to amend by omitting all the words after the word 'hand.'" He blushingly accepted the amendment, and they adopted it unanimously, and thereupon formed a committee of two, with power to add to their number.

Alderman O'Connor, a Nationalist publican, lias been elected Lord Mayor of Dublin for the ensuing year.

Moral Turpitude. —Blame attaches to a jury of intelligent men when they condemn a man for crime whose moral nature has been perverted by indigestion, diseased liver and kidneys. A thoughtful judge may well consider whether society would not be better served by ordering a bottle of Hop Bitters for the unfortunate in the dock instead of years of penal servitude. Read

A Good Acootjnt. —" To sum it up, six long years of bed-ridden sickness and suffering, costing £4O per year, total £240, all of which was stopped by three bottles of Hop Bitters taken by my wife, who has done her own housework for a year since without the loss of a day, and I want everybody to know it for their benefit."—John Weeks, Butler. Find