SOUTHERN NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 77, 30 March 1908, Page 6

SOUTHERN NEWS.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) POLO TOURNAMENT. WELLINGTON, this day. The polo tournament contest for the Savill Cup began at Miramar in the match Wellington B versus Rarigitikei. The latter had an easy victory by* 13 goals to one. The match Manawatu versus Christchurch was won by the former, after a dashing game, by 8 goals to 4. ; ~• RETIRING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. ■ . WELLINGTON, this day. Messrs. A. Mills and J. Drummond (Stock Inspectors, of Wellington),' Mr. E. R. Usher (District Engineer, of Dunedin), Mr. P. F. Burrows, architectural assistant in the Public Works Department, of Wellington) have notified their intention of shortly retiring from the Civil Service. ' POLITICAL CANDIDATES. ELTHAM, this day. Mr. D. L. A. Astbury, a farmer, who 'contested Hawera some years ago, announces himself as the Government candidate for Egmont "against all comers." Three Opposition candidates and three Government are now out, and more may come. PAHIATUA, this day. The local branch of the New Zealand Political Reform League unanimously de. cided to invite Mr. Cooper, a member of the colonial executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, to contest the Pahiatua seat in the Opposition interest. STATE FRUIT FARMS. CHRISTCHURCH, this day. A meeting of the Canterbury Fruitgrowers' Association, held on Saturday night, discussed the establishment of an experimental fruit-growing station in the Canterbury district. It was resolved to write to the Minister for Agriculture, stating that the Riccarton district is adapted for fruit-growing, and that the association considers an experimental fruit station should be established within 20 miles of Christchurch. CHINESE MISSIONED DEAD. WELLINGTON, this day. Mr. Daniel Wong, Anglican Chinese missioner, died to day. He formerly laboured amongst the Chinese on the West Coast. Fifteen months ago he broke down, and in October last he underwent an operation.

NO-LICENSE CONVENTION. WESTPORT, this day. At a conference of No-License representatives from all parts of the Buller electorate, the Rev. Rugby Pratt presiding, the principle of deciding the licensing issue by a bare majority was affirmed. The conference asked for a Dominion No-I/icense vote by a simple majority, and also for a licensing vote at every general election, whether three years had. elapsed or not. CHRISTCHURCH, this day. Prohibitionists held a great no-license rally in the Opera House on Sunday evening and decided to open a campaign with a ten days' canvass to raise £1500 to conduct an even more vigorous crusade than : those of former years. Messrs. T. E. Taylor and H. D. Bedford, ex-M.H.R.'s, were the speakers. The meeting was very enthusiastic, and 150 collectors were appointed. APPEAL COURT OPENED. WELLINGTON, this day. The Appeal Court opened to-day. Justices Williams, Denniston, Edwards, Cooper, and Chapman were present. Sir Robert Stout wired that he was unable to attend owing to pressure of work on the Native Land Commission. Mr. Justice Williams presided. Four new cases were added ta the list, but none will be taken till to-morrow afternoon. In re Moore (deceased), the Court awarded costs, £60, both on appeal and petition, considering they had full power to do so, and that this was an instance in which the power should be exercised. Leave was given to the Crown to appeal to the Privy Council.

CARRIAGE WORKS DESTROYED.

ASHBURTON, Sunday. The Bon Accord Carriage antl General Smith Works were totally, destroyed by fire at three o'clock this morning. The business was leased and worked by John Strihling, and owned by Chas. Reid. The inefficient water supply prevented the brigade from coping with the flames until the main building was gutted, but their efforts saved two unattached workshops. The stock-in-trade, includings gigs and a quantity of tools, was covered by a policy of £300 in the Royal Office, but Stribling estimates his loss over and above this amount at nearly £200. O. Reid had the building insured for £10o] and the tools for £ 100, both in the State Office.

ACCIDENT TO BISHOP JULIUS.

CHRISTCHURCH, this day. Bishop Julius, Anglican Bishop of Christehurch, is an ardent motor cyclist, and usually adapts that means of locomotion, especially on Sundays, to visit the outlying portions of his diocese. Yesterday he visited Eangiora, and, after conducting services there, started for home on his motor cycle. When well on his journey, his machine got into a rut, with the result that the Bishop was thrown heavily, and had to seek assistance to get home. The only serious injury he received was a damaged leg, which will confine him to his bed for a few days.

THE NTMROD'S CREW. CHRISTCHURCH, this day. Though most of the members of the Nimrod's crew are leaving the ship in the meantime, it is understood that they have agreed among themselves to reassemble in I/yttelton in order to join the vessel on her second journey south to pick up the landing party. Captain England is to be married to a Christehurch young lady next week, and will then proceed to England. It is understood that overtures are being made to induce him to alter his former decision of leaving the vessel and take charge of the relief expedition.