THE KUMARA.

Manawatu Times, Volume II, Issue 27, 20 January 1877, Page 3

THE KUMARA.

Describing the progress of this goldfield the " Kumara Times" says :—During the months of August and September a regular stampede set m, and m spite of warnings from the local Press, men came from every part of New Zealand and the neighbouring colonies, impressed" with fabulousideas of the wealth of the district. To say that Kurnara i grew would be to give a faint idea. It sprang up like a city m the " Arabian Nights," as if touched by an enchanter's wand. Every available site was apx>lied for, and sections which a few months j before were valueless commanded fancy | prices, and on the 28th September the j "Kurnara Times" was started. The promises we made then we have since endeavoured to fulfil. We said we would be independent, and not m a single instance have we departed from it. We have not vaunted up the field. In our first article we asked the question whether business was not overdone, and stated that " this was not the place for new and inexperienced diggers. These diggings mean work — hard, heavy, laborious work, and the means to ' stand by' while the claims were being proved." Since then we would point to the progress that Kumara has made. Its hotels and stores are second to none on the Coast, and while the " inexperienced diggers" — men who have no right on a new goldfield — have disappeared, miners of the right stamp have taken their place. The diggings now extend for miles, and a new township — Dillman's — has sprung lip; a horse-track has been formed to it, from which views of the greatest beauty can be obtained, and which cannot be excelled m New Zealand, and another track is to be made along the Shamrock Lead. A telegraph office has been established, and also a court-house, police camp and barracks. It is to be made the central station for the Resident Magistrate, and tenders are called for the erection of his residence ; while a commodious post office is also to be built, arid five branch banks are m active operation. Two theatres — the Royal and the Adelphi — have been erected, besides two steam saw mills, breweries, &c. There is still much to be done — the town has to be drained, or there is no doubt it will be very unhealthy ; a fire brigade established, and a hospital to be built ; but the inhabitants nave faith m Kumara, they know its resources, and though there will be a slight depression consequent on the reaction after the holidays, still we say that m three months' time Kumara will be more prosperous than ever.