The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1885.

Kumara Times, Issue 2721, 11 June 1885, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1885.

The Gladstone Ministry has resigned. A meeting of the British Cabinet was held yesterday, at which this course was resolved upon, in consequence of their defeat on the Budget. The Premier at once proceeded to Balmoral to inform her Majesty the Queen of the decision arrived at. Although the Ministry has been defeated on the question of raising the duty on beer and spirits, we have little doub% that defeat was occasioned really on the last nets of the British Government in reference to the Afghan delimitation question. The weakness manifested in leaving the route to relieve Gordon at Khartoum to the opinion of its pet General (Wolseley), and his failure to reach and relieve that hero, followed by their vacillating conduct in the setllement of the Afghan frontier question are, we believe, the real causes of the downfall of the Gladstone Government., and we believe if Sir Stafford Norlhcote's vote of censure had been taken since the hasis of the settlement of the Russo-Afghan frontier line has been determined, it would have resulted as has the vote on the question of raising the duty on beer and spirits. The British public is evidently getting tired of Mr Gladsrone; and rightly too. The Soudan and Afghanistan questions of policy have been a loug series of actions of political wavering and incompetency, and the prestige of Gieat. Britain has in consequence fallen among the nations of Europe. By this time probably the Marquis of Salisbury (Secretary of State for the Foreign Department, in the Beaconsfield Administration), Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, or Sir Stafford Northcote will have been sent for. The Gladstone Government took office for the second time on the 28th April, 1880, and have thus held the reins for 5 years 43 days. Tin- duration of their previous career :: Ministers was 5 ye*is 74 days, commencing on the 9th December, I&GS. I The Beaconsfield Government lasted,

in the interim, 6 years 66 days. It is generally believed in London that the Conservative party will accept office if called upon to do so.

Parliament was opened to-day. We have received a portion of the Governor's speech, which will be published to-mor-row. Mr Seddon will address the electors of Kumara at the Theatre Royol, at eight o'clock to-morrow evening. The ordinary meeting of the Borough Council is appointed to be held this evening. Commander Edwin wired this afternoon—"lndications of strong wind between south-east and south and east, and weather unusually cold." The honor conferred on Mr James Holmes, of Kumara, by enrolling his name among the territorial Justices of the Peace, was, the Times remarks "well deserved, Mr Holmes being an old resident of the district and an energetic and public-spirited man." The Kumara quadrille assembly will meet at the Adelphi Theatre to-morrow evening ; dancing to commence at eight o'clock. The orginal quadrille assembly will meet at the Public Hall, Dillman's, as usual, to-morrow evening. Messrs R. Gosson and F. Dale were yesterday elected members of the Hokitika Borough Council. The poll resulted as follows : R. Gosson ... ... ... 222 F. Dale 211 G. A. Paterson 171 H. Goulston 33 A Chinaman named Ah Hay has been found drowned in Caledonia Creek, near Ahaura. He is supposed to have been dead three days. William Nooman, formerly assistant road overseer for the Grey County, and for some time back in the employ of the Inangahua County Council, has been appointed clerk and draughtsman to the Grey County, at a salary of £312 per anuum. The former clerk, Mr Harold, received £SO in lieu of notice, and his services were at once dispensed with. Vance Klaus Hassalaer is now selling by auction a large stock of Groceries,Drapery, of every description, Wheat and Flour ; which must be sold by June 20th. Special Notice to Miners.—Vance Klaus Hasselaer has two tons of dynamite, caps, and fuses coming, which will be offered at 20 per cent below wholesale cost.—The above must be sold out quickly, as Vance Klaus Hasselaer will be leaving again in a few days.—[Advt.]