Page 2 Advertisements Column 3

West Coast Times, Issue 2739, 11 January 1878, Page 2

We understand the Yen. Archdeacon Harper is expected to reach here on Wednesday next, by coach from Chrlstchurch. He will therefore be present at the All Saints Sunday School festival, which takes place on tbe Thursday following, the 17th inst, at the Race course. The Borough Council will meet at halfpast seven o'clock this evening. At the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Messrs Patten and Todd, J.P., Mary Daniels was bouud over to keep the peace towards Ellen Neale. Bail was allowed > defendant in £25, and two sureties £20 each. There was no other business. We regret to have to record the death, after a long illness, of Mr William Hiskens, an old and respected resident of Hokitika, which took place on Wednesday morning at his house in Park-street. Mr Iliskens was one of the earliest arrivals in Hokitika having been at the time of bis death, 13 years a resident here. He will be remembered by many as providore of the old police camp, before the gaol or new police station were erected. Mr Iliskens was 52 years old, and a native of Kent, England. He leaves a wife and several children. Tbe Cbristchurch Press says: — " We have received an intimation from a former resident on tbe Weßt Coast that the " prince of pickpockets" has just been liberated from the Hokitika gaol, and has chosen Canterbury for a new field of enterprise. Tbe name is given; but as the man may purpose reformation, it would be obviously improper to spoil his chance. Meanwhile it will be well that people should be on their guard. It may be mentioned that the released prisoner has done three sentences for aggravated offences." The State School will re-open on Monday uext, the 14th inst. Mail 3 for Australian Colonies and Tasmania, per Albion, close at the Bluff at 11 a in. to-day. Messages will be received here up till 10 a.m. A special meeting of the Hospital Committee was held in the ltooms, lievell-street, ou Wednesday evening. Present — Messrs Fowler (President), Upjohn, Walker, Cross, Hoinz, Stonebridge, Liustroin, and Fisher. Mr Burff, M.H.R., was in attendance. A letter sent in February, 1877, to the Governby tbe Committee, asking for assistance in consequence of tbe great strain on the funds of tbe Hospital, caused by tbe maintenance of incurable patients, was read. The reply from the Government, to the effect that there was no money available for this purpose, was also read. A long discussion took place respecting tbe fiuancial position of the Hospital Mr Barfl! promised to communicate with the Government on the subject. A vote of thanks to Mr Barff for his exertions on behalf of tbe Hospital, moved by Mr Cross, and seconded by Mr Upjohn was carried. A discussion then took place respecting the charges of the contractors for extra expenses in building the new Hospital, and tiie architect's refusal to acknowledge thorn. Finally it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Walker, seconded by Mr Cross, to forward the architect's report to the contractor. The meeting then terminated. A Government Gazette dated 3rd July, proclaims Ross a Borough under the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876. Mr J. B. Lopas is appointed Town Clerk and Returning Officer. Tho sth February is fixed for the election of Mayor, and the 7th February for the election of Councillors. Thefiisfrinee:ing of the Council is fixed for the 11th February. Mr John IKblod has been appointed permanent secretary to the Central Department of Education. Tbe Cabinet assemble iv Wellington next week, when the reorganisation of the Civil Service will be considered. A Government Gazette, dated Thursday, January 3rd, which reached us recently, notifies the appointment of LieutentantColonel 11. E. Header to tho office of Acting Undor-Secrctary for Defence from the Ist inst., and the resignation of LieutenantColonel W. Moule as Commissioner of Armed Constabulary, and of LieutenantColonel E. Gorton as Inspector of Stores. Messrs G. Beetbam and R. Barton of Wairarapa, have been appointed commissioners under the Financial Arrangements Act The resignation of Mr S. Locke, of Napier, of bia office of Trust Commissioner for the Hawke'a Bay district, under the Native Lauds Frauds Prevention Act, 1870, and the appointment of Mr R. Beetham in his place, are gazetted. Written tenders will be received by tbe District Engineer Hokitika up to 5 p.m. on February 4th prox. for tbe construction of sections No. 9, 10,11, and 12, total length about 14 miles 35 chains, Bowen and Okarito road j particulars of which can be obtained from tbe Public Works Offices Hokitika and Greymouth, and at the Court House, Ross. Mr Gisborne purposes visiting the Totara district about tbe end of February, wheu he will address the constituency at Ross ou the affairs of the late session. The Central Board of Education held its usual monthly meeting last evening, when a large amount of business wa» got through. A report will appear in next issue. Several exhibitß were forwarded by tbe 6teatner Tararua, through the Borough Council here, for tbe Australian Juvenile Exhibition, to be opened at Ballarat in February. Ou the motion of Cr Seddon, seconded by Cr Beale, it was resolved on Wednesday, at the meeting of the County Council, to construct a track from Kumara to the Christchurch road ; distance about six miles. It was also resolved to take steps to clear a track from Stafford road to Christchurch road. These two works may cost some £1800. It appears very evident that the Grey Government has no intention whatever of pushing on the construction of the Mikonui Water Race. The Under-Secretary for Public Works has written to the Mayor of Ross, by direction of the Minister of Public Works, and the concluding paragraph of the communication appears to us very significant. It is as follows:—" The Minister desires me, however, to state that while he communicates with the local bodie» interested thus