TELEGRAMS. [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Christchurch, Ist June. The Board of Education has deoidod to aek the Government to appoint a Royal Commiseion to inquire into the Heathoote Bchool scandal, which has been occupying much attention lately. The master, the Rev. Mr. Williams, made certain grave ohargeß against Mr. Davis, the chairman of the committee, and was dismissed by the committee, who considered the ohairman had done nothing wrong. The ratepayers of the district were not satisfied, ai>d after much deliberation, the Board has taken the above step as the best way out of tbe difficulty. The Christohurch South Licensing Distriot, tho only one in which new licenses can be granted, held its annual meeting to-day Two wine licenses were granted, but an application for a license for a house not yet built was refused. Arena's Cafe was granted a publican'B license. Two other similar applications were granted, the Bench stating that tbe restaurant business, for the Bake of wh'ch the lioenses were given, would not be suffered to be subordinated to the Jiqnor trade. The present licensee of the Borough Hotel applied for a transfer to Barrett, who had been interdicted from holding a license. The Bench appeared unfavourable, but granted an adjournment to bring forward witnesses on the subject. The Customs' revenue for May was .£20,999 4s sd. There was another fire late last night at a stable near the Addington workshops. The building, the property of the Government, with contents, was insured for in the Liverpool, London and Globe. The cause of tho fire is not known. Jones and Ware, contractors for the Lyttelton docks, have Berved a writ on the Harbour Board for recovery of £2240, in dispute between them. A buoy coated with luminous paint has been tried in the harbour, and found very successful. On a dark night it can be seen as well as in the day, but not so well in starlight. The harbourmaster and captains of steamers think it a great improvement. Dunbdin, Ist June. Several of the local bodies, replying to the circular sent out by the Colonial Treasurer, express the opinion that the property tax should be handed over to County Councils. The inspectors under the Rabbit Aot find great difficulty in making headway against the plague, owing to the unwillingness of email holders to do anything, and morn especially owing to the largo number of Crown reserves which become breeding grounds. There is a growing feeling among large land owners that no plan bnt introducing tho natural enemies of the rabbit will be effective. This Day. A sevon-roomed house at Cromwell, belonging to Mr. Parcel, has bean burnt down. It was insured in the South British for TiMARtr, Ist June. Another body was found jammed in the rocks in the neighbourhood oi the wreck today, and was extricated with difficulty. It is supposed to be that of Martin Bates. Three are still missing. The work of launching the ship City of Perth is being greatly delayed by bad weather. 'J here is no alteration for the wo<*se either in the vessel or her position. Greymotjth, Ist Juno. At a special meeting of the Grey County Council, the circular of the Colonial Treasurer respecting local government was considered. Ihe result generally was unfavourable to the proposal, and the resolution passed some time ago by the Council, to the effect that substantial aid by way of subsidies should be granted to goldfields' counties, was reaffirmed. The following resolution was also carried:— "That in the event of any of the present sourcea of revenue being 1 by legislation taken away from the county, the Government be requested to substitute grants in aid equivalent to such loss, to be charged against the gold revenue." All those questions relating to Road Boards were passed over without comment. It was agreed to recommend the election of ohairman by the ratepayers, in the same way as Mayors are elected, but to be elected for three years instead of one. Mr. Greenway was killed by a fall of earth in a tunnel at Maori Creek. Auckland, Ist June. A man named Howie, much given to liquor, to the annoyance of his wife and family, was seized by her, with the aid of three other women, put on his bed, and well horsewhipped. Notwithstanding this he was broHght up again at the Police Court drunk and disorderly to-day, and fined 20s and costs. This Day. The Government have dismissed First-el ass Detective Farrell for fighting with a civilian at the Thames Farrell has been a polioeman for 34 years. The City Council is about to take a poll on the question of admitting the suburbs to the city. Ktjmaba, This Day. The Long Tunnel Company's sluicing claim gave 100 ounces for the last washing. There were only nine days' actual sluicng daring the month, some of the shareholders being engaged in making another dam, others in driving a tunnel. The washing yielded .£23 17a per man.

Pekamo Apui-una, bettor known as "Peckham ' vho was arrested a fortnight ago for burglariously entering the Mulgrave Hotel, Masterton, and stealing articles theretrom bb reported in our columns at the time, was committed at the Masterton B.M. Court yeßterday to take his trial at the next criminal sessions. " Peckham" was brought to Wellington this morning.