TELEGRAMS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 522, 30 December 1881, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] Out-rigger Champion Race. Auckland, To-day. An out-rigger champion race took place at Mercury Bay regatta. There were three entries, Carter and Floyd from New South Wales, and Albert White, the sculler beaten by Hearn. The distance was miles. White led at the start, but was rapidly over-hauled by Carter, who won a splendid race by several lengths. Fire. Havelock, To-day. Hutchison’s Masonic Hotel, and James Smith’s store and out-buildings were burnt down last night. Brownlie and Co’s, and Mills Bro’s. store, Fear’s Hotel, and Benemore’s had a narrow escape. The firemen worked well. The insurances are as follow ;—Hutchison’s L 50 0; Transatlantic, L3sG>>'--’!' Jijaaes Smith’s store —Victoria, LSOO-; Union,. i,Boo. The Chinese Gtoinhlers- ' A.-To-day.’ A deputation, -heaK&fL by his Worship: the Mayor, waited Minister of Justice this bringing under his notice the resolutions (previously telegraphed) passed at a public meeting relating to the imposition of the heavy fine on several Chinamen for playing fan tan. A petition to his Excellency was also presented, praying that the fine be remitted. The deputation urged that the defendants were strangers to the country, and were not aware of our customs or laws, and further, that they were not playing for gain. Mr Dick, in reply, said the police had on several occasions warned the keeper of the house of the penalties he would incur if gambling were allowed to go on. However, he would be happy to forward the petition for his Excellency’s favorable consideration. A report would be obtained from the Magistrates who convicted the Chinamen as to whether the fine was too severe, and the case would then be fully considered. He mentioned that the fine having been paid, it would be rather difficult to have it refunded.

The Writs. The Rodney writ (which has been missing) was received by the Clerk of Writs by matt this morning. The ; delaywill be put right by Order in Council) .arid the irregularity in regard to the Waikouaiti writ will also be corrected in the same way ; but it is still doubtful whether the Act will enable the Governor in Council to direct a return for Hokitika under the circumstances of the case. Tlmaru Items. Timakd, To-day. A strong nor’wester is blowing to-day, but' not violent enough to do damage. Two steamers, the Westport and the Waitaki, are alongside the wharf, held hard against it by the wind on their broadsides, but lying easily. The water supply is a great boon to the residents in the main street, where it is used plentifully to lay the dust. r ; .. . A Step in the Bight Direction. Dunedin, To-day.

The Penguin was brought up close alongside the Rattray street wharf. She grounded slightly off Ravensbourne, but returned at full tide easily. It is generally admitted that the trip was a success, and that the money spent on the channel has been productive of 'great good. The Hon. Mr Oliver and Messrs Fergus and Pish, M.H.R.’s, spoke strongly in favor of the Board’s operations. It is expected that in three months’ time all-the intercolonial vessels will be able to come to Dunedin.