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Kumara Times, Issue 2889, 1 February 1886, Page 2

His Excellency the Governor and suite are expected to arrive near Old John's, Christchurch road, to-morrow afternoon, and proceed along the old road via Goodfellow's and Hungerford bridge to Hokitika. He will be met at the Loopline by the members for the district, the County Chairman and members of the County Council. His Worship the Mayor and Borough Councillors of Hokitika will meet him at the Hokitika town boundary, conveying him into town. At the Town Hall, the Volunteers, who will form a guard of honour, and the Friendly Societies will be assembled. The Governor will arrive at Kumara on Thursday morning. The day has beeu proclaimed a public holiday by the Chairman of the Borough Council (in the unavoidable absence of his Worship the Mayor) ; and all claims, rights, and privileges of miners have been protected for that day by Dr. Giles, Warden of the district.

We received a telegram at 4.30 p.m. from our correspondent at Christchurch stating that the Governor leaves by train to-morrow morning.

We have been favoured by Mr R. J. Seddon, the member for the district, with perusal of a telegram from the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, received at three o'clock this afternoon, which is as follows :—"lu reply to your telegram of the 30th ult., instructions have been given to call for tenders for the Arahura Bridge. Accordingly this, as you are aware, will exceed the present vote ; but we hope to get further funds next session.'' Mr Seddon replied, thanking Mr Richardson for his courtesy in the matter.

A Company Order notifies that the Kumara Rifle Volunteers are to parade on Thursday next, at 9.30 a.m., to take part in the reception of his Excellency the Governor on his arrival in Kumara.

There are now five Volunteers who have twice secured first place in the competitions for the silver cup given by his \Vorship the Mayor. These are Lieut. Borlase, and Volunteers R. E. Wykle, T. Green, C. Merveldt, and W. Hobbs, either of whom, securing another win, will be entitled to the cup as his own property. Volunteers Howe, C. Mnrtha, and R. Green have one win to their credit; but the last-named has since left the district.

Commander Edwin wired at 1.25 this afternoon—"lndications glass fall, and strong winds between north-east and north and west."

The Westland Hospital was gazetted a separate institution, under the Hospital and Charitable Aid Act, on the 21st hist. The elocutionary entertainment "Sweet Memories of Ould Ireland," given by MiGerald Dillon at the Theatre Royal on Saturday evening, was a most pronounced success from an artistic point of view.

Mr Dillon is an elocutionist of great ability, and that such was the opinion of those present was evidenced repeatedly during the evening by hearty bursts of applause. "Kate Maloney," "Two Women," "Shamus O'Brien," "Soggarth Aroon," "Father Phil's Subscription List," and many other fine compositions were recited by him with appropriate force and feeling. The gems of the evening, however, were "Robert Emmet's Defence" and "Fontenoy," both of which were given with thrilling effect. Mr Dillon will appear at the Empire Hotel Hall, at Dillman's Town, on Friday evening next, and at Stafford Town on Saturday next. The sittings of the Federal Council are expected to terminate on Friday next, the sth inst.

We (Christchurch Press) learn from Mr C. 0. Bowen, Chairman of the Railway Guarantors, that telegrams of a sanguine character have been received from the delegates in London with reference to their negotiations for the construction of the West Coast Railway. The degree of efficiency to which the Kumara Catholic Brass Band has now arrived, under their able leader Mr W. T. Richards, has induced the Band to offer its services at balls and concerts, at moderate charges, which can be known by applying to Mr Carew, the honorary secretary to the Band. The excellent services rendered by the Band at the late ball in celebration of the poet Burns' birthday anniversary are well known. The Kumara Band is noted for its good time, too, which is so indispensable to music for dancing; and the charm imparted to a ball by the inspiriting strains of a good brass band are well understood by all.

Hunt, a well-known jockey, was killed on Saturday, whilst riding in the three mile handicap steeplechase at the Geelong Racing Club's annual meeting.

John Hamilton, better known as "Johnny the Greek," storekeeper, died on Thursday last, at his residence, I Ahaura. The Inangahua Times states that "he had long been suffering from disease of the heart, but latterly the malady took a very dangerous turn, and Mr Hamilton was confined, to his bed, when he gradually sank, expiring yesterday morning. Deceased was very well known and respected in the district. In the early days of gold mining in the Grey Valley he was engaged in boating provisions up the river, and, being a man of steady habits, he accumulated a little money, and when the new Ahaura township was laid off, he erected premises and commenced business as a general storekeeper. He was very successful, and it is believed leaves a tolerably good estate." He was buried at 2 p.m.' on Friday. Messrs Connington and Searight, contractors for the construction of the Ma-ruia-Amuri horse track, left Reefton on Thursday last, for the Cannibal Gorge. Theluangahua Times reports that they took with them twelve pack horses loaded with provisions, tools, tents, bedding and all the paraphernalia necessary for a bush camp, which is to be established somewhere near the Gorge. A large number of laborers and bushmen also joined the party, which formed a rather extensive cavalcade as it left town. The contractors have five months within which to complete the work, but they hope to get through with it in a third less time. We noticed amongst the impedimenta several gold dishes, and other prospecting requisites, showing that the men intend to devote their spare time to prospecting the country for gold.

The Life of an M.P.—An M.P., deploring the evil effects of London habits on the health, said that were it not for the American Co.'s Hop Bitters he could not live through with the irregular hours he was forced to keep. Said he: "As soon as I feel weak and exhausted from long night sessions and meals at irregular hours, 1 resort to my Hop Bitters instead of stimulants. They regulate my bowels and keep my appetite' good, my brain clear, and my strength and health are preserved." See