The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1885.

Kumara Times, Issue 2861, 3 December 1885, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1885.

By a notice which appears at the head of this column it will be seen that a public meeting is to be held at the Town Hall this evening for the purpose of electing a committee of gentlemen who may be willing to organise and carry out a programme of sports in Kumara during the Chiistmas holidays. In years past, but for the energy and perseverance of three or four gentlemen whose names it is not necessary here to introduce there was every probability that there would have been no Christmas sports in Kumara at all. It cannot be expected that these gentlemen will alsvays come to the fore; the imputations which are often unwarrantably heaped upon these zealous and indefatigable poisons of coming forward and initiating schemes for the enjoyment of the ppople from purely personal and self-interested motives is sufficient to deter anyone from taking further active part in promoting the general welfare and enjoyment of the community at the festive season. But as the time drew near, and others still held aloof, the same patriotic gentlemen came to the rescue as it were at. the last moment, and good sports have been continuously lield in Kumara at. Christmas in ouch year. A meeting was called last evening for the purpose this year, and still the usual apathy and indifference of the public was manifest in the very sinaU attendance at the meeting. It ma) 5 have beeu on account of only two or three hours' notice being given, or tho indefinite hour at which the meeting was to take place—after the monthly meeting of the Fire Brigade. But surely, in a matter in which some hundreds of people are likely to be interested, it was pitiable to find that only about a dozen persons worn found willing to render asaistance for such a h'ippy and

festive undertaking. We have had the most encouraging weather for some months past for the special occupation of the miners ; the sludge-channel has been working better than ever; there have been fewer stoppages from blockings; and, the largest Christmas washing that has ever been known on a goldfield in New Zealaud is expected to be the result. There is every prospect then if the meeting lie well attended this evening, and some zealous persons will set to work to collect and make out a good programme, that the sports in Kumara for the Christmas of 1885 will be as well patronised as in any previous year. It must be borne in mind that the miners as a body are becoming more settled every year : witness the large number of applications and grants during the past for residence areas, on which persevering and steady men have built comfortable homes for themselves and their families. These will not want to leave Kumara during Christmas if they can enjoy themselves near home. Then, assuming a good programme has been prepared, there are the pleasurable associations of the season, when friends and relatives meet for social intercourse ; when The kind heart speaks with words so kindly sweet, That kindred hearts the catching tones repeat; And love, therewith, his soft sigh, gently blending, Makes pleasing harmony. Also, let ns not forget the young and the little ones. There are more in Kumara and neighborhood now than ever before, and it will look very selfish of persons of maturer years betaking themselves to other towns for enjoyment and leaving the little ones at home because there are no Christmas sports here. We think the people will not allow this to be the case. Let every man say I will do my share, not modestly holding back in expectation that others will do all the work; the more, the merrier. The meeting will take place at the Town Hall at half-past eight o'clock sharp; and with a good attendance, there will doubtless yet he good sports in Kumara during the ensuing Christmas holidays.