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

Kumara Times, Issue 2656, 12 March 1885, Page 2

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

Parleying is still proceeding between England and Russia on the Afghan question, but so far as is known no progress has been made towards an amicable settlement. The London Times states that “a collision is imminent, as a fresh Russian advance has taken place in the direction of Herat.” Herat is the capital of the most westerly of the three divisions of Afghanistan, distant from Cabul 390 miles west. It is fortified by a ditch and wall, and is commanded on its north side by a strong citadel. In more modern times, the place has acquired a kind of European importance, being, towards Persia, the key of Afghanistan, which, again, in'turn affords the only approach by land to Western India. In this connection, Herat has been viewed as an outpost of England’s eastern empire against Russian intrigue and encroachment. Hence, it has been alike the subject of treaties and the occasion of wars between Great Britain, as the mistress of Hindustan, and Persia, as virtually a vassal of Russia. This feature of the history of the city was more specially developed in connection with the last conflict between Persia and England. In November, 1856, the Shah, regarded by the British Government as the vassal and agent of the Czar, captured Herat, while actually conducting negotiations for an amicable adjustment at Constantinople ; but he was within a few months constrained to relinquish his prey and renounce his claims by a British expedition directed against the opposite extremity of his empire. The population has fluctuated within the century from 100,000 to 10,000, but it is now about 30,000. Dr. James Campbell, of Brunnerton, who offered his services as surgeon to the Dunedin contingent for the Soudan, which offer, it is said, has been accepted, is at present practising in Kumara, and can be consulted at Stewart’s Hotel, during the hours specified in his advertisement.

Commander Edwin wired at 12.10 p.m. to-day :—“ Bad weather may be expected between north-east and north and west; glass further fall, and rain within 12 hours. ”

Among the particulars of the estates of deceased persons which have been placed under the charge of the Public Trustee, Wellington, for management during the month of February, 1885, are the following : —J. B, Armstrong, Ross, value or estimated value of personal estate, under £100; E. F. Bisley, Motueka, under £700; J. C. Frew, Hokitika, under £SO. At the special meeting of the Westland Board of Education, held at Hokitika yesterday morning, to elect two members in the room of Messrs M‘Whirter and Dale, the members present were Messrs Grimmond (chairman), Jack, Dale, Mueller, and Rae. The voting papers were opened with the follow result: M‘Whirter, 10; Rose, 5 ; Hudson, 5 ; Dale, 2. There was one informal vote, that of Woodstock, which was posted two days late. On the motion of Mr Mueller, seconded by Mr Rae, Mr Rose was elected, the numbers being equal between Mr Rose and Mr Hudson. The informal Woodstock vote was for Messrs Rose and M'Whirter. The general meeting of the Board was adjourned until noon this day. Extraordinary ill-luck accompanies the steamer Daphne, whose launch on the Clyde was attended by appalling loss of life. After being re-christened the Rose, she sank in Portrush Harbor. On being floated her name was again changed, and she went ashore on Big-Cumbrae. Once more her name was changed to lanthe, and while going down the Channel for Smyrna she struck on a rock on the coast of County Down. Ladies should not fail to visit J. Manson, and Co.’s clearing sale. A great reduction has been made in all classes of drapery. — [Advt. ] Now is the time to secure a large parcel of drapery for little money. Genuine sale. J, Manson and Co.— [Advt.] Don’t Starve ! —Vance Klaus Hasselaer will sell on Saturday night next, a large and assorted stock of groceries, consisting flour, rice, and oatmeal, tin fish of every sort, pickles, sauces, tea, sugar, coffee, spices, blue, starch, household soap, blue mottled soap, brown Windsor soap, and glycerine bar soap, kerosene, matches, and several other various lots.— [Advt.]