GREYMOUTH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5731, 26 November 1896, Page 1

GREYMOUTH.

c [CORRESPONDENT " CANTERBURY TIMES."] JN"ov. 23. THE PREMIER. The Premier has been among his constituents, and has apparently smoothed over one or two matters about which a few of them.were not quite at one with him, and before he left those who looked not kindly upon " our Richard," were the loudest in expression of approval, and it is perfectly clear that in "Westland there will be no contest. During his stay he was interviewed by all sorts and descriptions of people, all of course requiring assistance. To each and all he turned a deaf ear. "No appropriation has been made, and as I am accused of greatly favouring the Coast I cannot help 'you in the matter." It was quite apparent from the replies that the Premier did not intend to give his opponents any chance to say that he was attempting to bribe his constituents. Mr Seddon arrived in Greymouth this morning, and was accorded a very hearty reception by his many personal friends. He left again for Westport, where, in the interests of Mr O'Eegan, he delivers an address to-night, and, returning in the morning, proceeds on to Christchurch. He does not give himself much rest. Since he came to the Western slope on his present trip he has been travelling and talking almost incessantly, yet withal he appears to be as hearty and free as ever. THE COBDEN TRAGEDY. The Cobden tragedy case came up in the Magistrate's Court to-day. The evidence so far confirms the report I telegraphed, although there is a doubt as to whether the woman Scalmar was struck by Gillingham, or received the injuries through falling iipon the sharp edge ' of a box. Medical evidence -was dead against the idea of an axe having been used, but on the other hand the stepdaughter saw the accused with the axe, which he "lifted over his owii wife,, but in bringing it down twice only touched her in the slightest manner." Both women were drunk. The wife has quite recovered, her injuries not being so severe as was at first supposed; but the woman Scalmar is still in a precarious condition, although she is likely to recover. • PUBLIC WORKS. The Coal Creek railway is now being rapidly proceeded with, and the bridge over the Grey River is advancing. This structure will, however; take nine months to complete, so that no Point Elizabeth |coal will be in the market much under twelve months, if then. prohibition. ' The Presbyterian and Wesleyan ministers in the district are preaching the doctrine of prohibition very strongly from their pulpits, and in at least one church a good deal of friction has been created among the congregation. The Anglican and Soman Catholic clergymen, on the other hand, are against the extreme doctrine, favouring moderation. There is no doubtthat the Prohibition Party , are running a very stiff canvass, 'the result of which will, I feel sure, be a reduction. The pamphlets circulated hold up the Christchurch hotels as frightful examples of immorality, one leaflet stating, that "two respecfcable,. gentlemen going the rounds one ■ night found over a hundred prostitutes drinking in these establishments." A question asked by " A Publican and Sinner " in one of the Grey papers was: '"Mow did these two respectable gentlemen know that the women were prostitutes ?" Doubtless the "two respectable gentlemen" can bestanswer that question themselves. RACING. The entries for the Greymouth Jockey Club's Summer Meeting are this year above the average, there being twenty-eight nominations for the Omoto TTswdicap and eighteen for the Greymouth Cap. The entries for the Reefton and Westport meetings are not so satisfactory. This is owing to the races at. both places being held on the same day. This might be' obviated if local jealousies could be dropped and a West Coast conference arranged. MINING. Two large reefs have been traced upon the Moonlight ranges, and several shares have changed hands to-day at advancing prices, the figure sold at in the morning having increased 30 per cent by evening. The reefs are said to be the two largest yet discovered on the West Coast. MAYORAL ELECTIONS. There is keen excitement over the mayoral elections at Westport, Hokitika, Greymouth and Brunner. At Greymouth the contest is more than ordinarily interesting oVi account of the fact that Mr Bell, one of the candidates for the House of Representatives, is seel: ing election.