The Kumara Times. Publeshed Every Evening. SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1885.

Kumara Times, Issue 2741, 4 July 1885, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Publeshed Every Evening. SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1885.

We givo to-day a graphic account by two Egyptians of Gordon's army, who, after being taken prisoners and sold as slaves, made their escape to Dongola. They were eye-witnesses of the capture of Khartoum, and the massacre and scenes which followed. The San Francisco mail arrived via Grey mouth last evening. The Christchurch coach arrived this afternoon, at the usual hour, with East Coast and Australian mails. Wo are pleased to learn that through the united action of Messrs Foldi and Seddon (the member for the district), the latter lias interviewed the Colonial Treasurer in reference to the proposed increase of ten per cent, duty on dynamite explosives and detonators, with the result that Sir Julius Vogel has promised that they shall be imported free of duty. Mr Seddon arranged for a deputation of goldiields members to wait on the Colonial Treasurer with the view of asking for the exemption of the duty on these useful mining agencies, and the result is, as i iv i.fly stated, that it is promised that Jjiij-iiitj explosives and detonators are to be duty free.

The largest nugget that has yet come to light on this goldfield was found in what is known as the Frenchman's claim, when they were washing up last Wednesday afternoon. Its weight is 7ozs. 12dwts. The pedestrian contest between Joseph Stenhouse and Thomas O'Loughlin comes off to-day on the racecourse at Omotumotu, near Greymouth. The first event in the contest is fixed for one o'clock. There are six events in all, ranging from 100 to 600 yards, and should the result eventuate in a tie, a deciding heat of 300 yards will be run off. Great interest is taken in the match, both men being firstclass runners. The Argus states that "Knowing ones, in speculating on the appearance of the men, consider that Stenhouse is in rather the better condition of the two. He is hard without being overtrained. O'Loughlin also looks very fit, but it is alleged that he was in much better form eight or ten days ago. But as men train differently, the public will be better able to judge when both come to the scratch to-day. Additional interest will be given to the occasion by a contest between Guy and Rodgers, of Brunnerton, who run three events. [By a late telegram it will be seen that O'Loughlin and Guy won the respective matches easily.] The drawing in Wiesner's art union will take place at half-past seven this evening. Commander Edwin wired at 12.52 p.m. to-day:—"lndications glass fall, and easterly winds." The Rev. George Hay will preach in St. Andrew's Church to-morrow evening, on the subject "Can the dead live again," having special reference to the death of the late Henry Morris, the precarious occupation of mining, and the uncertainty of life. On the following Sunday Mr Hay will preach his farewell sermon here, as he leaves shortly for Australia. The Loyal Orange Lodge ball takes place on Friday next, and from all we can hear is likely to be as largely attended as usual. This year, instead of holding the supper first and deferring the time for commencing to dance till long after midnight, the managing committee have wisely resolved to commence the dancing at nine o'clock, so that there will be two hours and a-half enjoyment before supper takes place. This, we opine, will be much more satisfactory to the ladies, for they will then have a good rest before resuming dancing which takes place in the Adelphi Theatre. The supper will be provided in the Masonic Hall, at 11.30 p.m. Tenders are required for the construction of a tunnel 850 feet long (more or less), through reef; no timbering required. Particulars can be obtained on application to Mr W. S. Hanna and party. Tenders close next Tuesday week. The Faust family make their first appearance before a Greymouth audience this evening. Special Notice to the Public—Vance Klaus Hassalaer will be selling in Kumara this week. His father also, Mr Yon Don Fidegron Hassalaer, has just arrived from England, with a large stock of Boots and Shoes, which he is going to offer to the public at prices which defy competition, on Thursday, and following days. Those who are running about barefooted should wait until Mr Von Don Fidegron Hassalaer arrives, which will be on Thursday next. —[Advt.] Benefactors. eminent physicians and chemists announced the discovery that by combining some well-known valuable remedies a most wonderful medicine was produced, which would cure such a Avide range of diseases that most all other remedies could be dispensed with, many were sceptical, but proof of its merits by actual trial has dispelled all doubt, and to-day the discoverers of that great medicine, Dr. Soule's American Co.'s Hop Bitters, are honoured and blessed by all as benefactors." Read