NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 449, 6 March 1909, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

181 TELEGIUm—TOESS ASSOCIATION.} 1- . ELECTRICAL POV/ER FOR MINING. COMPLAINT FROM HOKITIKA. HoUitika, March 5. Very strong exception was taken at the Borou'gh Council meeting this evening to tho persistant refusal of tho Mines Department to pass tho necessary regulations uudor tho Public Works Amendment Act of last session giviii" power to lease water rights for developing electrical power for mining and other purposes to private companies. The effect of the delay is most disastrous. A local syndicate is prepared to uso 150 heads from Toaroha canyon to pump water from Hokitika River on largo areas of well proven auriferous terraces in tho immediate vicinity of tho town. Tho introduction of tho schemewould find profitable employment for many hundred men, which, in tho present congested stato of tho labour market, consequent upon tho stoppage of many sawmills, should be a strong incentive to tho Minos Department to pass tho regulations which were promised months ago. It was stated at the meeting that it appeared ridiculous for tho Government to organise costly prospecting parties into unknown regions, when localities already proven, but which cannot bo worked by ordinary methods, aro allowed to remain unworked merely becauso officers of the Mines Department fail to grasp. tho importance of tho subject. COMMISSIONS ON LAND SALES. Christchurch, March 5. In the Magistrate's Court to-day, Mr. H. J. Boswick, speaking for tho Law Society, made reference to tho case heard yesterday in which Mr. Cresswell, barrister, had stated that it .was a common practico for solicitors to accept commissions from land agents on business put through the agents' hands by thorn. Mr. Beswick gave the statement an emphatic denial, and was followed in the samo strain by all tho' lawyers in court. Mr. H. W. Bishop, S.M., said he might have misunderstood Mr. Cresswcll, but bo ixa.i clad to hear the emphatic denials of tho Bar that solicitors '-m tad. accepted any such commissions. FIRE AT STRATFORD. Stratford, March 5. A fire at 3.30 this morning gutted a shop occupied by Miss Flynn, fruiterer. The chambers occupied by Fussell, dentist, wero somewhat damaged, and tho stock and fittings of Bendall, ' tobacconist; Simmons, restaurant; Orbell and M'Kay, civil engineers, and Cook, were also affected by smoke and water. Miss Flynn's stock and fittings were insured for £100 in tho Sun office. The other insurances are not available. POLO TOURNAMENT. CMristchurch, March 5. The polo tournament for Mr. A. E. G. Rhodcs'e cup was concluded to-day, when tho Pareora team, with a handicap of 8, scored 11 goals (total 19), and won from the Christchurch No. 2 team, which faUed to score, and which had a handicap of 15 goals, fho cup was presented to'tho winning team by Mrs. A. E. G. Rhodes NEW FREICHT ON THE "MAIN TRUNK." Palmerston North, March 5. To-day Mr. S. 11. Lancaster, president of the Manawatu A. and P. Association, sew the first consignment' of show sheep ovei the Main Trunk line. They consist of 18 English Leicesters and five Southdowns for tho Waikato show at Cambridge, and are ex; pected to prove forerunners of many mute exchanges between the Auckland district and tho Manawatu shows. The sheep will reach Cambridge to-morrow, after a night at Ohakunc.' Tho railway freight is only 3s. pet hoad, and Is. Cd. of this will bo refunded when the shoep aro returned home unsold. CHARCE ACAINST A STATIONMASTER. Christchurch, March 5. To-day Christopher Isaac Deiiby, stationmaster at Waikari, was arrested on a charge of having, while 'ho was ■ stationmaster at Leeston, stolen a parcel consigned by Messrs. Ballantyno and Co. to Mrs. (Dr.) Cook, -of Lincoln, valued at £5 9s. 9d. 'Die ofienco is at leced to have been committed between February 16 and March 16, 1907. , FIRST CASE OF ITS KIND. Wanganul, March 5. The Supreme Court was occupied all daj hearing a case in which Clias. Baker was charged with counselling another to commit a crime. A short timo ago two men were caught attempting to commit burglary at the Economic. , Ono had in his possession a letter, which contained instructions as to the uso of gelignite in blowing up a safe Inir letter was written by accused. A verdict oJ guilty was returned lato to-night, but an appeal was lodged. The case Iβ tho first of ltt kind in New Zealand.