The Inangahua Times. PUBLISHED TRI-WEEKLY. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1884.

Inangahua Times, Volume IX, Issue 1392, 25 April 1884, Page 2

The Inangahua Times. PUBLISHED TRI-WEEKLY. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1884.

Contrary to expectation we did not receive a telegraphic summary of the Premier's address at Dunedin last night. We were tempted to think that the telegraph wires would have been kept open an hour or so later than usual to enable a report of the speech to be transmitted, but this was not done. Here, as elsewhere, the public are impatient to hear all that Major Aikinson has to say in defence of his administration, but there are few who exptct anything in the nature of a surprise from him. A large deficit and a failing revenue -are the natural and logical concomitants of bad Government, and it would be expecting too much' to think that tha Premier can succeed in making it appear otherwise.

We understand that Mr Burnham, the head master for the Reefton State School, recently appointed by the Central Board of Education, Nelson, has left Nelson for Reefton. In connection with Mr Buruhani's appointment we are informed that the local committee is uot unanimous in its opposition to . the selection of Mr Burnham, two members of the resident committee being prepared to abide by the recommendation of the Central Board.

Local sportsmen complain of the great scarcity of game this season, pigeons and ka-kas. being singularly scarce for this time of the year. The explanation is probably to be found in the absence of snow from the back country, the ranges thus affording solitude and good feeding for the birds. The first fall of snow will, however, drive the birds into the low country. Pheasants are reported to b* fairly plentiful in the Grey Valley.

We learu that one starter, three nonstarters and two LlO bonds fell to Reefton investors in " Phoenix's " last consultation on the Christchurch raceß. The names and addresses of the three principal winners will reach us by next mail, and will be duly notified. It will be observed that programmes in " Phoenix " current event on the Queen's Birthday races have been reduced to 5/-, experience showing public preference for the reduced amount. We direct attention to "Phoenix's" announcement in another column.

The Commission of the Peace is not without its drawbacks. An action is now pending in the Supreme Court, Christchurch, against two of the local Bench, in which the plaintiff claims the modest sum of L6OO damages for an alleged wrongful decision. The case will come on for hearing on the 30th instant..

A local committee has been appointed at Boatman's in connection with ths Reefton Hospital, who will undertake the collection of subscriptions there on behalf of the institution, and act as an intermediate body between" the public of that place and the central Committee. The following are the names of the Boatman's sub-committee :. Messrs D. MAuley, F. D Walker. F. Boardman, J. M'Kenny, and T. Rooney, one of the number, having the privilege of attending the monthly meetings of the Reefton Committee

We learn that Mr Butler, recently admitted to the hospital suffering from injuries to the cap of the knee, is progressing favorably, and there is hope that no permanent weakness of the joint will result.

The local school committee are evidently determined to stand by their privileges. At a meeting of the Committee held last night, at which the following members were present : — Messrs Shepherd (chair) Campbell, Banks, Blight, Preshaw, and Pactersen, it was moved by Mr Patterson, seconded by Mr Campbell, and carried with only one dissentient voice: "That the Committee are deter? mined to close the Reefton State School on the 2nd of May next if the Central Board persist in sending A. Burnham to be head-master, and that the Board be requested to reply by noon of Friday next." As it is to be little doubted that the Central Board will not give way, the question for heads of families will shortly be " What shall we do with our boys ?" A somewhat similar difficulty arose with the school committee at Charleston, a few years ago. In that case, however, the local committee, refusing to accept the selection of the Central Board, appointed another master, and after carrying on the school for £ye or six- months, had in the end to pay the second master's salary out of their own pockets. Parents offered no objection whatever to this course, and doubtless it would be hailed by heads of families here as much more preferable to closing the school.

We have been asked by the secretary of the Reefton Brass Band to acknowledge the receipt, with the grateful thanks of the members, *of a very handsome sidedrum, presented to the Band by Mr Watkins, surveyor, of the firm of Johnston and Watkins. The drum, which is a first class one, has just been landed from Christchurch, and will be a much needed addition to the equipment of the Band.

It appears that there was a rather serious to do at Boatman's on Monday last in connection with the imbroglio now going on between the Just-in-Time and Fiery Cross companies, revolvers having been imported into the affray which took place at the battery during Monday night. Although, however, threats were freely used on all sides there was fortunately no resort to unwonted violence. The conflict between the companies still proceeds, but we are unable to Bay what stage it has reached, but it w to be hoped that neither side will suffer an appeal to lawlessness for a settlement of the dispute.

The only siife and sure cure' for Gravel or ; Urinary troubles is Hop Bitters. Prove it. Read.