Untitled

West Coast Times, Issue 346, 1 November 1866, Page 2

We have received the programmeof a "Grand Gathering" which is proposed to take place a} the Arahura on the 31st of December, and tho Ist and 2nd of January next, under the patronage of Gr. S. Sale, Esq., Commissioner. The sports are to compi , horse-racing, regatta, and the usual variety of athletic and other games customary on occasions similar to the above ; while a band and M.C. will be engaged for the benefit of those preferring the charms of the "mazy dance." Among other novelties, a monster now year's cake, weighing half-a-ton — Avhich will contain twenty gold rings and a number of silver coins — will bo cut up and sold by auction to the public. We understand that permission has been granted by Mr Sale to publicans to erect booths and dispense refreshments. Of course the committee have not yet completed all the details of the affair ; but from the announcement before us, we can entertain no doubt of the success of the gathering. As it is likely, also, that the line of tramway will ho completed to the Arahura before the date announced for the sports, a large proportion of tho Hokitikn public will avail themselves of the opportunity of enjoying a pleasant excursion.

Referring to the late accident to a team and dray at the Arahura river, wo are requested to state by Mr Butler that the affair was not so serious as the account we published in a former issue made it out to be. He states that only the tilt of the dray was destroyed, and that neither of the horses died afterwards, for although one of them was very much exhausted, he has recovered, and is now in good working condition!

The Otago members of the Assembly seem to have obtained rather more than they bargained for, for every paper from that province teems with accounts of stormy meetings between representatives and constituents, and demands upon the former to resign. The latest instance of this took place on the occasion of Mr Cargill meeting the electors of Bruce, when Mr Dillon Bell also came in for a share of abuse. The "Bruce Herald" thus concludes the report: — "Mr M-irryait then moved, projorma, ' That this raeetiuj; is highly Batisfied with the conduct of Mi 1 (Airgill.* Some time passed before this was seconded ; eventually it was by Mr Langlanda. On being put from the chair, not a solitary hand waa raised in support of it. — (Laughter aud hisses.) When the contrary question was put, au almost innumerable show of hands was exhibited.—Great applause, and all kinds ol" noises followed ; amidst which, a vote of thanks was passed to thß Chairman for his ableconJuetin ths phair, when the proceedings terminated.'.'

B