TELEGRAMS,

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8449, 23 March 1889, Page 2

TELEGRAMS,

(Per United Press Association.)

Auckland, March 22. A feeling of uneasiness has been prevalent lately amongst the shareholders of the New Zealand and River Plate Land and Mortgage Company, arising from the remarks that fell from Sir E. Stafford as chairman of the annual meeting in London on the 11th January. There was an impression that it was contemplated to make a further call upon shareholders for the purpose of raising funds to carry out the operations of the company in the River Plate district, to which the company has just extended its business. The directors becoming aware of the feeling that existed, cabled the directors in London, and they have received cablegrams in reply that the chairman's remarks were altogether misunderstood, that there is no intention of making any further call, but simply that it was under consideration to afford any shareholders who choose to do so an opportunity under clause 15 of the articles of association to pay up his shares in advance beyond the amount now called up.

The Union Steam Ship Company have arranged a steam service between Auckland, Tonga, and Samoa. The service will be a regular four-weekly one, and will be inaugurated by the s.s. Mawhera leaving here on Tuesday, April 2.

George Clune, a prisoner undergoing a sentence of two years' imprisonment in Mount Eden Gaol for the passing of valueless cheques, died to-day.

A public meeting of the creditors of D. H. M'Kenzie, who filed a petition oE insolvency since the private meeting on the 7th inst., was held to-day. The debtor's statement showed that at one time he had a clear capital of about £10,000, but in November 1885 he began to get into difficulties. His estate was assigned to trustees in August ISB7, and his liabilities then were £33,63311s 3d, including £15,57112s Id to secured creditors; whilst his assets were £32,309 8s Bd. Some discussion arose as to the validity of the deed of assignment to the trustees, as several creditors had not signed it, and ultimately it was decided to bring the ques-

tion before the Supreme Court. An adjourned private meeting of creditors in this estate was held yesterday, when it was decided to allow the trustees £430 as their commission, instead of £860, as claimed by them.

It has been found that the smallpox hospital and fumigating houses attached to the district hospital are built on part of the public domain, and the Hon. Mr Mitchelson has promised to bring the matter under the attention of Government, with a view to alteration of boundaries.

Knox and Ridler's flour mills at Hamilton were destroyed by fire this morning. They were

insured in the New Zealand office—£soo on the building and £500 on the stock.

Mr O'Grady's house at Ngaruawahia was destroyed hy fire last night. No particulars are to hand.

New Plymouth, March 22. An accident happened at the Henui ironworks to-day. Some woodwork on the top of the cupola caught fire, and a man named Reiden went up to tear it away, when the flames ascending from the furnace severely burnt him about the face and arms.

Wellington, March 22. Application was made to the Resident Magistrate to imprison a married woman who had declined to come up for examination regarding a promissory note due by her. His Worship said that following the precedent of the English law in such cases, a woman could not be personally taken in execution, and he must decline to make an order. Defendant, in this case, was the wife of W. J. Hunt, of Samoau fame.

The first of the charges of a breach of the Beer Duty Act against M'Ardle, secretary of the Junction Brewery Uompanj, was dismissed, but on the others the Resident Magistrate said he thought he must convict, but would hear counsel first.

In the divorce court James Doyle, police constable, prayed for the dissolution of his marriage on the ground of dissolute conduct and adultery. There was no appearance of respondent. The evidence of petitioner and others was taken, and a decree nisi granted.

At the dog show held here to-day there were 260 entries. The show was very successful. R. Triggs' Shelford Jack, by the champion Richmond Jack, from Shelford Sapphire, took the silver cup. The prize for the best New Zealand bred terrier was won by H. SA. J. Jones' Richmond Jack, the second by champion Richmond Jack, from Belvoir Fay. This dog also won first prize for fox terriers (dogs). For fox terriers (bitches) R. Triggs' Starewood Rose, by Diamond Jack, from Melbourne Mabel, was first. The silver cup presented by the New Zealand Kennel Club for the best rough-coated collie dog or bitch was awarded J. Inuess Help.

At the inquest on the Otaki victims a verdict of accidental death was returned. The jury added a rider that beforo persons should be allowed to let off fireworks they should get a permit from the Resident Magistrate or a Justice of th.es. Peace; such person to be held responsible for any accident. Pieces of metal were found in the bodies of both men.

The result of the changes in the City Council staff is that Mr B. Loughrey, city engineer, has resigned; and the office of town clerk and city solicitor (hitherto combined) has been separated. This is generally condemned as a retrograde step—the appointment of a lawyer as town clerk having saved the city a very large sum of money in the past.

Nelson, March 22,

John Garran, whose legs were crushed while lying in his hut at Marina by a- falliug tree, and who was undiscovered for five days, rallied somewhat after beiug admitted to the hospital, but mortification set in this morning, and amputation of both limbs was resorted to. He died, however, shortly after the operation. At a meeting of tho City Council to-night a three years' soutract for tho maintenance of all the streets and footways iv the city at £925 a year was accepted. By this step a large saving is effected.

Welcome rain has fallen to-day, the country having been very dry.

CnnisTcnuiicn, March 22,

At the annual meeting of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company to-day a dividend of 7 per cent, was declared, and JEISS carried forward to new account. Messrs John GJrigg, J. T. Ford, and John D^ans were elected directors.

At the annual meeting of the North Canterbury Educational Institute this evening Mr J. Colborne Veel (secretary of the Board of Education.) was elected president. As there is some doubt whether, owing to the dry season, sufficient water for camp purposes can be obtained iv the river at Medbury, it has been decided to hold the Easter camp at Springbank (26 miles from Christehurch aud six from Rangiora) where an excellent site has been obtained.

Invkrcahgill, March 22. Sir \V Jervois passed through Invercargill by upecial train this afternoon on his way to the Bluff to join tho Melbourne steamer. During a few minutes' stay at tho station hero tho mayor and several members of the council presented au address, to which his Excellency made a courteous response. The G Battery, stationed at a point on the Bluff live, firwl a saluto as Sir William passed in the train. There was no demonstration at the Bluff.