The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 1886.

Kumara Times, Issue 2890, 9 January 1886, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 1886.

The Pacific Mail steamship Mariposa, with Sau Francisco mails to December 19, and London dates to December 3, 307 bags in all, arrived at Auckland at one o’clock this morning. The Southern portion of the mails were to leave Mannkau at half-past one o’clock this afternoon ; so that the West Coast portion may be expected by next Wednesday’s coach. Mr M'Dermott, our local postmaster, who has acted as mail agent lately, has returned in the Mariposa to Auckland. Mr Ebenezer Fox, whose death is announced in a telegram from Wellington to have taken place yesterday morning, was for many years a reporter on one of the leading Manchester newspapers. He came out to "Victoria in about 1803 j and for some time worked as a compositor in Melbourne with the writer of these lines on the “ Illustrated Post ” and the weekly spurting paper “ Bell’s Life in Victoria,” both printed at the “Herald” Office. Soon after the establishment of the “Otago Daily Times” in Dunedin, Mr (now Sir) Julius Vogel sent to Melbourne for a good reporter, and Mr Fox, who was then considered the best shorthand reporter south of the line, was engaged. His great ability was much appreciated j and on Mr Vogel’s assumjiti<*n of power lie appointed Mr Fox his private secretary, and in that capacity wo believe ho has acted ever since, both at Home and in the colony. No one probably will regret Mr Fox’s death more than the present Colonial Treasurer. Commander Edwin wired at 1.17 p. n j. to-day—“ Bad weather may be expected between north and east and south-east; glass fall again soon ; indications show rain after 1G hours.” The Christchurch coach arrived this afternoon at the usual hour. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before J. Giles, Esq., R.M., Bridget Howley was charged with using obscene language within the hearing of persons passing in a public place, and convicted and sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment with hard labour in Hoki-

tika Gaol. C. E. Olsen for allowing one horse and L. J. Spyer for allowing three horses to be at large in the borough, were each fined 5s and 7s costs. T. R. Connell, Esq., of Kumara, has been granted leave of absence from his duties as a Justice of the Peace during his temporary absence from the colony, commencing about February next, and for about twelve months. The Rev. George Johnston is announced to preach in the Presbyterian Churches of Stafford and Kumara to-morrow. There is no clue up to the present to the origin of the Hokitika State School fire. The Guardian says the probability is that it was caused by boys playing under the flooring of the infants’ room, or perhaps in the room itself. It is understood that some boys have recently cooked provisions in the building, or under it, so that it is quite easy to believe that the fire may have originated as now indicated. The police are pursuing their investigations into the matter, and will possibly be soon in a position to show how the fire originated. It is understood that the work of the State School will pro tern be carried on in the gymnasium and Mr Robinson’s store in Sewell street. The Lyell correspondent of the Argus telegraphed yesterday Both Nelson and Reefton coaches were stopped in Motu'piko and Hope Valleys by large bush fires. Newman is making every effort to get through. Just heard that Nelson coach will reach here at ten o’clock td-night.” Messrs Girdwood and Co. will sell at the Preston Yards, Greymouth, on Monday next, at 12.30 p.m., two springers. Cured of Drinking. —“ A young friend of mine was cured of an insatiable thirst for liquor, that had so prostrated his system that he was unable to do any business. He was entirely cured by the use of American Co. ’s Hop Bitters. It allayed all that burning thirst, took away the appetite for liquor, made his nerves steady, and he has remained a sober and steady man for more than two years, and has no desire to return to his cups.”— From a leading R. R. Official. A Lady’s Wish.— “ Oh, how Ido wish my skin was as clear and soft as yours !” said a lady to a friend. You can easily make it so,” answered the friend. “How ?” inquired the first lady, “By using Dr. Soule’s Hop Bitters, that makes pure rich blood and blooming health. It did it for me, as you observe.” Read.