, 1896-06-10
JAMAICA NEWS.
(From the Glea2ter.)

The app zach Of the hot teason is already
being felt and those who can afford it are
preparing for the trip "home." Those who
cannot are lesigning themselves to the local
prospect. The only item of importance in
social circles is the forthcoming ball at
Kings House i'll celebration of Her MaJesty's
birthday. There is absolutely no talk or
speculation regarding the next Governor.
The published rumOurS from the other side
of the ocean are read with Indifference, but
the majority are not reprinted. No anxiety
whatever is experienced on the subject here.
The advent of a new Governor would pro-
badly brighten up things for a time; but
after all, we are not so anxious to say STARE
well'' TO Sir Henry as some OF the English
papers make out.
His Excellency the Governor left on the
1na inst, on n. M. 8. ''Magicienne" on a
visit to the dependencies-Grand Cayman,
Parks Islsnd and the Aorant Gays. He was
accompanied by Capt. Colley, Aide-de-Camp,
He returned on Saturday the 9Th. During
his absence Major General Hallowes acted
GA Governor.
A company has been forwarded in England
and Jamaica to establish a new line of steam
ers between Kingston and England, the
special object being the transport Of fruit;
general freight and passengers, however, be-
ing also looked to AS an important part OF
the trade. The enterprise is IN the hands OF
well-known men and its progress Will be
watched with much interest. If successful 1T
will be the means of creating q closer COM
%lnercial relation between England and the
colony that may lead to many important re-
suits of great benefit to the Island,
The annual Horticultural Show held in the
upland parish of Manchester took place on
the 30th. Owing to a combination OF cir
sumstances the display of articles was not
quite SO extensive as formerly and the weather
was unpropitious during part Of the day.
Nevertheless there was a good gathering and
much interest was shown in some Of the prln-
cipal departments Of the show. The Cover
nor, Lady Blake and party were present.
Seventeen thoroughbred race horses were
put up to public auction at Vaudeville on
the 30th-from the stables of Jamaica's pre-
mier breeder aud racer, the Hon. j. /.
Palache, who is disposing of his stock, to the
regret of all sportsmen in the colony. Only
five sales were made, however, and the prices
we're nothing remarkable.
Interest in the cultivation of ramie seemed
TO have subsidized until quite recently when
enquiries began to be made in our columns.
Row it is known that an English company
mas been formed 10 exploit inc InuuSCIy.
The land to be utilised lies, we believe, in
st. Thomas, and Mr.. H.. S.. Watson, ex-Mayor
represents the company here. Interest IN
the matter has now revived and some CORES
pondsnce between the Botanical Department
and London firms has been published.
Several cases of diphtheria have occurred Ia
Kingston but as yet the authorities have not
awakened to the fact. One doctoc has caught
the disease from a patient. The Registrar
of Births aud Deaths for the district died OH
the 3Oth ulto, from the disease.
Ascheme Of trade-ScholarShips has now been
established in the colony. There are five
scholarships Of the maximum value of 925
per aunuWl each for a maximum period Of five
years TO be granted to pupils from the elr-
meutary schools willing to be apprenticed to
tradesnen, carpenters. b~lacksmiths, tailors,
etc.
Several fatal accidents occurred during
the fortnight. Amongst these was the case
of a "native sapper" who was drowned near
Port Royal on the 9th a boat having capsized
while on its way to Port Henderson.
Atmospheric conditions have been normal
throughout the Island. The usual May rains
are shortly to be expected, but vegetation
this year does not show so many signs of the
past dry season as in former years. The maxi
mum temperature in Kingston has been 81.
Business is still slow and the country dis
tricts are beginning to suffer from the general
stvingency. All crops are doing fairly well.