The Inangahua Times, PUBLISHED TRI-WEEKLY. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1882.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1213, 29 December 1882, Page 2

The Inangahua Times, PUBLISHED TRI -WEEKLY. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1882.

Before we issue another publication the present year will have passed away and a new year dawned upon us. When we glance back, and consider the progress this district has made since its foundation (now some eleven years ago), we cannot but be hopeful for the future. Twelve years ago the township of Reefton and the country surrounding it, was a wild wilderness, in which the foot of the white man had scarcely trod ; to-day, owing to the indomitable energy, of the hardy settlers who have made it their homes, a different picture presents itself, and it has now become one of the most prosperous — if not the most prosperous portion of this colony, so favored by nature. Yet we are awai'e that- the great mining industries on which we mainly depend to continue to thrive are but as yet in their infancy ; and that as our rich auriferous reefs become more developed, by means of capital and labour, the prosperity we now enjoy will be as nothing to what it will become in the future. Taking the colony of New Zealand as a whole, it has made a rapid and progressive stride during the year. New industries have b.en stirted ; com

I merce has been expanded ; and a fresh outlet obtained for agricultural and pastoral produce, which will receive a still greater stimulus in a few months, when direct steam communication between this colony and the Mothercountry will be established. In the North Island, there is no longer any danger of those native disturbances, to quell which has in the past been so burdensome to the taxpayers of the colony of New Zealand. With the bright prospects we have therefore before us, we can heartily wish each and all our readers, A Happy New Year.

Mr F. J. Garth, printer, for some time foreman of the mechanical Btaff of this paper, died on Monday morning last, after a somewhat lingering illness. The cause of his death was consumption, from which he had been suffering for two or three yeary past. The deceased was for many years a master printer in a large way of business in Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, but was compelled to leave for New Zealand owing to ill-health. He was a workman of the very first order, sober, and possessed a most extensive knowledge of the trade, and was very highly respected. He leaves a wife and three children to mourn his untimely end. The funeral took place yesterday morning and was numerously attended. The burial service was read in an eloquent and impressive manner by the Rev. Mr Parkins, who at the close pronounced a most affecting prayer on behalf of the wife and family. Deceased was a brother of Mr T. H. Garth, storekeeper, Ahaura. It was a pleasing relief to public anxiety when young Osborne and Barton, the two jockeys injured on the proceeding day, appeared on the course yesterday and they were warmly congratulated upon their escape. Barton complains only of a soreness and stiffness about the neck and shoulders, and as far as can be judged is otherwise uninjured. Osborne, however, bears evidences of the severity of his injuries. Besides a fracture of the right arm, his shoulders and chest are evidently much bruised, and there are several large abrasions on the aide of the face. He was scarcely able to walk on to the ground, and shortly afterwards had to be led home. It is gratifying to learn, however, that he has sustained no very serious injuries and a week or ten days will no doubt see these dashing and plucky riders once more able to take the saddle. Much sympathy is felt for the young sufferers, particularly in the case of Osborne, whose heavy loss in the death of 'Fishhook is a severe misfortune. Reefton has now enjoyed a week's saturnalia, and the disposition to "see life " appears to be as keen as ever. The influx of visitors] has been truly astonishing, and not the least astonishing part of it is how they all managed to procure accommodation. The hotels, of course, had a rare harvest and the amount of money which has flowed into the tiila of the publicans since Saturday last, must have been enormous. Nearly all the hotels have been "running" night and day throughout the week and those in attendance have been worked off their feet. In many of the hotels, beds were only available for ''four hour shifts." The races were brought to a close yesterday. The meeting has resulted very successfully to the club, the proceeds for the various priveliges held by the stewards having largely exceeded the estimates. The totals have not yet been made up, but the following is a rough estimate of the takings for the three days gates, £170, grand stand £70, and totalisator £216. Total £456. The concert 'and Christmas gathering last night in connection with the United Methodist Free Church was crowded to the utmost extent. A report of ?he proceedings will appear in our next issue. The following are the details of the money passed through the totalisator : West Coast Handicap, £40 ; Hack I ace, £101; Inangahua Cup, £200. Second day : — Novel Race, £39 ; Boatman's Handicap, £231; Hack Race, £261; Hurdle Race, £113; Trotting Race, L3B. Third Day, Hurdle Race, L 194; Reefton Handicap, L 352; Goldfields' Handicap, L 276; County Handicap, LIBB ; Consolation Race, Ll3l. Total : L 2164. Club per centage, L 216 18s. What is more acceptable as a Christmas present than a faithful portrait of yourself, which you can reply upon obtaining at the studio of Mr Tait, photographer, Broadway, next Beilby's Hotel [Advt. J