INTERPROVINCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 3052, 15 August 1893, Page 3

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, August 12. The gum-diggers are protesting against the pajment of a license fee in the State forest at Puhipuhi, and are agitating to be placed on the same footing as miners with regard to digging on Government lands. Railway communication is suspended between Pokeno and Mercer owing to the Mangatawhu bridge being deemed to be unsafe. The Government have declined to give any grant to repair the Birkenhead landslip. Auckland, August 13. Several instances of larceny resulting from distress have been reported lately. Yesterday a young able-bodied man, who gave himself into custody and admitted stealing a pair of boots, was sentenced to six months' hard labour. Last night another man admitted the larceny of an over-coat: Both prisoners stated that they were unable to obtain work and were in a thoroughly destitute condition. Auckland, August 14. Arrived— Ruahino from London, after an uneventful voyage, with 203 passengers. By the Ruihine there arrived under the auspices of Mr Courtney, in order to take up land in Tarannki, a party who come out under the asshted passages tcheme. They comprise seventy-three adults and two children, sixteen of the number being women. The majority are young men, formerly employed in London offices in ci*y occupations, only a few being practically acquainted with the work of farming. .Nearly all possess a lir.fcle money, and it appears to be the general intension to see the work on farms prior to taking up land. Though not practical "armers, the majority of the immigrants appear to be of a good stamp and suitable for settlers. Mr Courtney had given % number of lectures on Taranaki in England, and thess were the means of inducing many to come out. Mr J. E March, superintendant of Government settlements, met the pisBengers pet Ruahine, and gave them all necessary information. New Plymouth, August 12. At Moturca a stable, belonging to Mr Bichardson was burnt at 4 o'clock this morning. The valuable Cleveland bay stallion Lord Hopetoun put down at £400 and harness at £36 were also destroyed. The horse was imported from Melbourne about 18 months since. The insurance on the horse, Lord Hopetoun, was £300, and stable £50 in the North German Office. The trotting Btallion Squire which was rescued was insured for £200 in the same office. Pahiatua, August 14. The suspension footbridge over the Mangatainoko river at Pahiatua collapsed on Saturday afternoon owing to fifteen feet of bank being washed away by the flood. Great, daniage has been done to private property through the river changing its course. Mastbrton, August 14. TheWairarapa " Daily Times " leatns ou good authority that Mr W. L. Rees has decided, at the request of his family, to give up politics, and is unlikel) to •gain stand for Parliament. Wellington, August 12. The Agent-General has wired to the Government highly praising the qualifications of Mr Valentine, who has been appointed dairy expert to New Zealand, especially regarding cheese. Mr Valentine leaves immediately for the colony. Wellington, August 14. A large meeting, at which several M.H.R's. and a number of members of the University Senate, including Sir James Hector and Sir Robert Stout, were present, was held this morning to consider the question of the establishment of a University College for the central district of the colony, embracing Taranaki, Wan : ganui, and Wellington district. It was decided tint a deputation should interview the Government in reference to the matter. t KirkcaldieandStain's drapery establishment was broken into after the closing hour on Saturday night. The burglars opened one safe which contained nothing of any value, leaving untouched a safe in which was deposited Saturday's takings, amounting to a largp sum. A short time ago Mr Ross, a well knowfl fruit dealer in Wellington, left for a trip home, accompanied by hia wife. In America their son Samuel joined them. Letters came by the mail addressed to p?aniu«J, and the family, thinking it Stpange, opened them, and foun4 them to be condolences from several people upon the death of nig father. Mr Rqss was not ill when ha left, and no news of his death was received by cable. Meanwhile the family are in great trouble, and eagerly await the Kaikoura's arrival. The Income Tax Department are bringing actions against persons failing to furnish returns of income at Oamaru, Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington, Chrhtchurch, Invercargill, and at Nelson. Two persons were fined on £4 and £10 and costs on Friday. - At a meeting of the Liberal Association to-nightamotionprotestingagainstthepro-ticked aale by Government of a portion, of tKe Ohevk to afctate was carried urn nira ously. Discussion on th,e resolution, Vi that in prfjer to, counters gb the contemplated reduction in the wages of the 1 working clasees, customs duties on the necei-sarieß of life should be abolished, and thit the loss of revenue be made up ky an increased graduated tax on large incomes, on extended landed properties, and higher probate duties on opulent deceased estates," was adjourned until the next meeting*