Greymouth.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5427, 30 November 1895, Page 6

Greymouth.

[COBBESPONDENT "OANTERBUBY TIMES."] NOV. 25.

THB MAYORALTY. A complete surprise was sprung upon the townspeople on Monday last, when it became known that Mc Felix Campbell, the present Mayor of the town, declined to bo nominated for a further term of offioe. He had been requisitioned by a considerable number of ratepayers to stand again, and it was understood that he had consented to do so. But on the morning of the nomination day, when it was found that there Was likely :to be some opposition, he decided to withdraw his candidature. Hiß Worship's action has been considerably criticised, as it was an unexpected surprise, and was the means possibly of preventing many ratepayers from nominating other candidates for the office. : On Monday, at noon, the nominations of Messrs R. F. Bell and J. T. Skoglcnd were received, and the contest for the Mayoral chair for the ensuing year now lies between these two councillors. The election iB to be held on Nov. 27, and is exciting a< large amount of interest. PERSONAL. Mr T. Kennedy Macdonald, who holds a Beat on the new Board created under the Advances to Settlers Act, has been in town during the week. He is visiting the whole of the districts on the coast, with a view to obtaining a better idea of the capabilities of £he farming lands here, and he has expressed himself as pleasantly surprised with the pastoral and agricultural areas in and about the Grey Valley. The impression at head-quarters had evidently been adverse to this district, and the settlers will be glad to learn that the nature and capabilities of their holdings will now be placed before the Board by a gentleman thoroughly expert as a valuer — one, indeed, in whom they can have every confidence. AHATIUB OPIBA. So successful have been the performances, both at Brannetton and Greymonth, of the members of the Brunner Bfarmonic Society in their production of Gilbert and Sullivan's favourite opera, The Pirates of Penzance, that by special request another performance was given here on Friday evening last. A crowded honse greeted the company, and the music and acting were as muoh appreciated as ever. The choruses particularly went with a "vim," and the principal parts were played in a most creditable manner. His Worship the Mayor of Brunner '(Mr Bland) took the opportunity, during one of the intervals, to thank the public for the hearty manner in which thoy had received the opera* BBUNNEBTON MAYORALTY. Like the Mayor of Greymouth, Mr Bland, the present Mayor of Brunnerton, does not intend to offer himself for the office for the ensuing year. Messrs P. Robinson and John Ward are the two candidates nomi- j hated, and the fight between them is j likely to be very keen and close. j ATHLETIC BPOBTS. j The enthusiasm displayed by the executive of the newly-formed Amateur AthleticY Club has borne good fruit. The entries for the sports to be held on Monday next at Victoria Park are exceptionally large, some fifty competitors having sent in their nominations. Thiß really means something like one hundred and seventy entries. The park presents a lively appearance eaoh erening whilst the men are getting themselves into form. Evidently there is a Btrong esprit de corps in the olub, as the committee and members are all enthusiastic over the promised success of the gathering. The colours of the club (chosen by Mrs A. R. Guinness, wife of the popular president) are dark purple and gold, and will be registered with the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. The number of amateurs in the town and district is surprisingly large, seeing that this is the £rst attempt of the kind to run a club on purely amateur lines. Hokitika on the other hand, seemß to present a larger number of professional runners aud athletes, and the sports there will be on the cash basis. It will be interesting to note how the two systems work on the coast. / MINING ACCIDENT. Another serioas accident happened at Barrytown on Thursday. A miner named Downie was working in his claim, at what is known as the face, when a large atone came down with a run striking him on the head and fracturing hiß skull. In trying to recover himself the poor fellow fell a distance of about thirty feet, sustaining further injuries internally. His two mates and about twenty of the resident miners at once generously undertook to carry him to. the Greymouth Hospital. This they did with every oare for the comfort of the sufferer, and it is hoped that he will recover from Mb injuries.

—j——" ._»»»«»„_______________, National Association.— On Thursday evening a well-attended meeting of the Council was held at the rooms, Morten's Buildings, Mr 6. Swarm in the chair. Twenty-three new members were elected, and various reports were received, including that of the sub-committee regarding a candidate for the coming by-election. A long discussion took place as to the most effective way of extending the power and usefulness of the Association, and it was finally resolved to take immediate steps towards the formation of branches at Sydenham, Linwood and St Albans. The Council then considered the question of the admission of women, and the following resolution was passed .— " That it be a recommendation from the Council to the general meeting that women may be elected members of the Association without payment of entrance fee or subscription." After deciding to hold a general meeting of members on Thursday, Deo. 5, the meeting terminated. Shobthano Eiamination.— An examination was held, under the auspices of the Christohurch Shorthand Writers' Association, at the Young Men's Christian Association rooms, on Thursday night, and the examiners, Messrs Ashby, M'Namara and 1 Jamieson, are sending the following papers ' to Bath, England, for Messrs Pitman and ' Sons' certificates to be isrraed *.- For 130 ! words a minute, Miss A. E. Bout ; for 110, Miss M. Barker ; for 100, Misses Eodgers : and Manning, and Meßsrs Webster, Browu I ' and M'Kean ; for 60, Mr J. W. Biltcliff. -