The Inangahua Times. PUBLISHED TRI-WEEKLY. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1882.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1201, 29 November 1882, Page 2

The Inangahua Times. PUBLISHED TRI-WEEKLY. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1882.

We are sorry to learn that Mr T. Moor, carter, has been a very heavy sufferer by the recent bush tire on the Buller road, fully forty stacks of seasoned firewood belonging to him having been consumed. What makes the loss more keenly felt is that there is, we are informed, good reason to believe that the fire was occasioned purely through the negligence of some persons working in the vicinity, and if this is really so, it is a pity that something cannot he done to punish the perpetrators. The tire occurred within the boundary of the town, and it seems to us the matter is one which falls within the cognizance of the County Council, and that body, if unable to reach the offending parties, should certainly take some steps to prevent, as far as possible, a repetition of the offence. It is beyond all manner of doubt that we are now entering upon an exceptionally hot and dry season, and unless something is done to prevent persons from carelessly or designedly starting forest tires in proximity to the town, we shall be offering a premium for the wholesale destruction of property. It is said that all the bush fires which have recently occurred round the town have been caused unnecessarily, and it is really too bad that, as in Mr Moor's case, the j industrious should be made to suffer for this wantonness. A meeting of the Reefton Railway ! League was held on Monday evening last, I for the purpose of considering what steps should be taken in reference to the action j of the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce ! re obtaining an enlargement of the powers of the Railway Commission. After home ! discussion it was decided to convene a public meeting for Friday, evening, at which a number of resolutions ' will be submitted. The secretary was requested to communicate with the Government, and request that the ,sui»ey plans of the Cannibal Ofirge route, prepared by Mr Fowler, C.E.'and Mr Anderson, C.E. be submitted to the Lergue. We are glad to observe that passenger traffic on the Reefton-Nelson road is well maintained, and each month seems to add to the popularity of the stage. Mr Lines' handsome and comfortable coach is crowded almost every trip, and the number of j commercial travellers now availing themselves of the overland journey, in preference to tho uncertainties of coastal voyaging, is a sufficient proof of the stability of the traffic now established on the line. I The members of the Heather Bell Lodge will celebrate their anniversary in the Oddfellows Hall, by a ball and supper to- | morrow evening, (St. Andrews Day). The Heather Bell annual ball has come I to be regarded as one of the chief social gatherings of the year, and the present ' occasion will take an additional charm and attractiveness from the presence of I the Austrian Band. The Committee have I made every possible provision for the I success of the assembly, and with excellent music, a beautifully decorated hall, and numerous attendance, nothing should be wanting to heighten the enjoyment of the evening. A meeting of the stewards of the Reefton Jockey Club was held on Wednesday evening last when Mr D. L. Cochrane was ippointed a handicapper, in the room of Mr T. McKee, out of the district. We understand that the Wealth of Nations Company are likely to favorably entertain the application of the County Ctmncil in regard to water supply, and that it is probable three heads at least of water may be obtained from the Company's race before it decends upon the wheel. This water is taken from the Inangahua river at a considerable distance above the confluence of Rainy Creek, and is consequently quite pure and beyond the range of all pollution. The race was originally constructed to carry nine heads but as thecompany have neverreqnired more than about half the quantity to drive their wheel, the full capacity of the race has never been tested, and it is probable that an expenditure of about £200 may be needed to strengthen the race round the sHelings, and otherwise secure it against possible rapture. Should these facts turn out to be correct and of which we have little doubt, it may be said that the town watersnpply difficulty is practically solved, as thre? hea Is of wa'er at an elevation of something like 180 ft. would no doubt | meet the requirements of the community for the time being. It is to be hoped that the Council will now pursue the matter to a practical issue. Mr Hodgson, Inspector, under the Nelson Board of Education, at the request of the Rev. Father Carew, on Monday last concluded an examination of the children attending the Roman Catholic School, Reefton, the result of which may be gathered from the following report which Mr Hudson Jbaa ha»ded to thej

Rev. Father Carew : " Reefton, Nov. 27th ISB2. The Rev. Father Carew.— Sir.— At your request I have this day ] again examined St. Joseph's School, eighty scholars wore in attendance, fifty seven of whom were presented in standards. I have male use of the Government Standards in examining this school, because, whatever their defects may be, they possess the undoubted advantage of living a well-understood measure of comparison. Eveiy one who has taken any interest in the subject of primary education in New Zealand, has by this time formed a tolerably clear idea as to what is meant by passing any given standard. The experience gained at last yearV; examination has obviously been of service to the scholars, who got through their work quickly, neatly, and in perfect silence. Although there has been more than one change of masters during the past twelve months, the result of my examination was most satisfactory throughout the school, live only of the fifty seven rusented failing to past. The percentage of passes was 91, the fifth being the highest standard attempted. Several defects pointed out in my last report have been amended. The scholars read more distinctly than formerly, and are now faitly well supplied with reading books. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, W. C. Hodgson." We shall refer more fully to the matter in our next issue. Mr Charles Cohen, stationer, Broadway, has just received from Melbourne a parcel of the very latest, and most popular ballads, by leading musical composers. The collection embraces all the favorite pieces recently introduced to the Milbourne and Sydney public by the Royal Operatic Company, and will be found well worthy of inspection. Mr Cohen is also showing the first instalment of his Christinas consignment of gold and silver jewellery, the articles such as bracelets, earrings and brooches, in frosted silver, being exceedingly chaste and beautiful. The next English and European mail via San Francisco, will close on Thursday, the 30th inst., at 6 a.m