NEW ZEALAND.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11021, 19 July 1901, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND.

(press association- telegrams ) ™ T.-1, AUCKLAND, July 18. Mr Kirker, manager of the South British Insurance-Company, states that "DuTobject. of the Insurance Companies in increasing the rates was to arouse public feeling, ajid stir up tli-at mtmicijmlities to a sense of their responsibility. This had been effectually done, and when the towns were provided with firstl class water supplies, and thoroughly up-to-date fire brigade equipments end appliances, the insurance rates will be reduced. The proposal to borrow £100,000 for city improvements has been agreed to by the City Council, and will be submitted to' a poll of ratepayers. The City Council also decided to ask Parliament to remove the restrictions on the Council's rating powers. Additional rating is not considered necessary to pay for the loan, but to increase the Council's credit.

DUNEDIN, July 18. At. the Police Court, Captain Tirney. master of the barque Manurewa, was charged with neglecting to enter in the official log the discharge of a seaman at Adelaide. The case was brought as a test case. As it was the first of its kind in the colony, the Magistrate imposed a nominal penalty of 10s and costs. INVERCARGILL, July 18. A meeting of the delegates from Invercargill and suburban Borough Councils was held to-night to discuss the question of amalgamation, but. the representatives of the outlying municipalities generally did not. favour the idea. As a matter of fact, South In-vercargill is the largest borough in the colony, comprising some 1720 acres, and much of it is in a state of nature, while the main borouch is only 650 acres. The meeting adjourned without passing resolutions. The suburban Councils are to be asked to consider the matter.