SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS. [PER ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAM AGENCY.]

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXX, Issue 5116, 15 January 1874, Page 3

SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS. [PER ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAM AGENCY.]

WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Tho Provincial Council opens to-day afc 2 o'clock. The principal business is passing the Appropriation Bill for the construction of Provincial works. The Session is expected to be over in three days.

CHRTSTOHURCH, Wednesday. In the Provincial Council last night, Mr. Beswick (late Provincial Treasurer), who had been severely criticised by the local Press during the session, mored, " That the reports of the proceedings of the Council in the Lyttelton Times and Pres* have bfcon partially incorrect." He said the reports wore garbled to suit the viewi of certain members of the House under whose influence those papers wore. Mr, Kennaway (Ute Provincial Secretary) seconded the motion, and spoke in a similar strain, but no other member supported it. Mr. Montgomery (President of the Executive) and Mr Joynt (Provincial Solicitor) strongly opposed the motion, and denied the statement* of the mover and seconder, and pointed out that though assertions wero made that the reports were garbled there was not a single instance advanced to prove it. Mr. Beswick asked leave to withdraw the motion, which was refused on the voices. The motion was put and negatived on the voices, only about two supporting it.

DUNE DIN, Wednesday. The inquiry respecting the ' Surat' was contiuued yesterday. It was proved that, in addition to the persons already mentioned as being intoxicated, the fourth mate was drank. Mr. White was the only sober officer. The mate was described as being incompetent. John Picton, an able seaman, deposed that, on some of the seamen attempting to cat the lashings of a boat, the first mate threatened to shoot them. The seamen in question and the steward were then going to fight but the passengers prevented them. This was after the |vassel struck. Mr. John Booth, one of the first-class passengers, appeared to be the only person not excited, and he and the sailmaker worked the ship when the anchor was dropped. It did not touch the bottom, and the ship would have driven on the rocks had not Mr. Booth ordered more chain to be paid out. She was then not more than half a mile from the shore. Frederick Newman, another seaman, deposed that after the vessel struck there was nothing but confusion. Every one for himself and God for them all. The mate who was in a state of intoxication threatened to shoot one man trying to get a boat out. The mate gave orders, and the captain countermanded them. Tha mate tried to stop tho pumps beiug worked, but the passengers threatened to cleave his skull with au axe if he interfered. Ho said " Let them drown, and go to the devil ; he did not care a damn what became of them." At this time the ship was in a moat dangerous condition, and her safety depended upon the pumps goiug at the time. 'J he captain ordered the anchor to be let go, and the Bails to be furled, as the vessel could not be held. James Montague Fauntayne, a passenger, deposed that the confusion after ' striking lasted 20 minutes. The passengers worked the pumps in gangs of sixes. At day break the land appeared to be 10 miles off. As they neared the steamer the vessel hauled up to the wind thus losing all chance of getting into her track. The ensign was hoisted half mast high, but was directly afterwards hauled down and not hoisted again for an hour. When the long boat was out of the ship tho captain ordered it to come along side, or he would shoot the oooupants, pointing a revolver at them. There were abont 50 in the boat at that time. Tho ship was dragging her anchors. The boat went back, but soon afterwards went ashore, and also returned for more passenger*. William Hargreaves, passenger, deposed that be went to the captain with a child in hit arms and entreated him for the love of God

to fiio a *gun, or hoist a signal of distress. He threatened to shoot any ene who did so. At this time the land and steamer were in sight. During the altercation with the mate with reference to lowering a boat the passengers disarmed the mate, who was hke a madman. At this time the sailmaker took charge of the vessel, but he too was afterwards intoxicated. The women and children were the first sont ashore. — The inquiry was adjourned til] Saturday, when it is expected that it will conclude. Mr. Booth, the most important witness, has yet to be examined. ! The Provincial Government yesterday waited upon Captain Jacqucmart on board §his man-of-war and presented him with a very handsome letter of thanks. They have forwarded a silver coffee service to the Freuch Government, to be presented to th« captain, as by the rules of the service he is prevented from accepting any gift. The assent of the South British Company, has, while on ft visit, presented ten guineas to the < Surat' relief fund. The Presbyterian Synod meofc this evening. PORT CHALMERS, Wednesday. The • Vive ' has sailed for New Caledonia. Captain Jacquemarb was presented with an address and album, containing views around Dunedin, by the City Council, on board.