YESTERDAY’S TELEGRAMS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2125, 26 February 1908, Page 4

YESTERDAY’S TELEGRAMS.

HASTINGS Fully three hundred people attended a public meeting last night to consider the possibilities of AVaimarama as a health resort and watering place. The following resolutions were passed practically unanimously:—that steps be taken to acquire sufficient land adjourning the AVaimarama block for the purpose of a public watering place and health resort for Hastings and HaWko’s Bay; that a petition be sot up and sent round the town and country for signatures asking the Government to acquire the land adjacent to tho foreshore at AA r aimarama; that the Prime Alinister and his colleagues be asked to personally inspect AVaimarama with the view of acquiring it for the people. The meeting displayed a strong desire to request the Government to acquire for closer settlement all land not required bv Maoris for their own use, and one speaker moved in that direction, but the Alayor refused to allow discussion oil the ground that it was outside the purpose for which the meeting was called. Charles Smith, part owner of 01rig station, died suddenly last night,' it is supposed from hemorrhage of the lungs. He was the son of the late Hector Pope Smith, who arrived in Hawke’s Bay in 1861, and took up land known as Aorangi station. HAAVERA The drought seems to have completely broken, and there is splendid growing rain. Last night there was a fall of 45 noints. ELTHAAI The drought in Taranaki has broken. Sixteen hours heavy rain has fallen. NEAV FLYAIOUTH

Gentle rain that fell throughout the night was followed at nine this morning by a through downpour, which still continued at eleven. Close inquiries by the Taranaki Herald reveal that though a large area of tho country has been swept by fires, destroying fences and in a few cases buildings and stock, causing individual hardship, the net result is not so serious as expected, especially if the warm weather continues and gives the grass a good start before winter. Settlers who have suffered are averse to anything like charitable assistance, but will welcome Government loans to help them over their present difficulties •

There are poor prospects for tho band contest and garden party this afternoon, and the ground will bo heavy for tho athletic championship meeting to-morrow. STRATFORD.

Mr J. B. Hine, who contested tho Patea seat at the last general election, has been selected as Opposition candidate for Stratford seat at next general election. Splendid rain has been falling hero all night. It is still raining. WELLINGTON. Government has instructed its surveyors to assist the Lands Department’s rangers in ascertaining damage done by bush and grass fires, with the object of having cases where assistance is needed dealt with expeditiously. The passengers by tho Arawa numbered 270, of whom 207 were thirdclass. Included in these are assisted passengers, who were certified to possess in tho aggregate £3009 in cash. ' TIMARU. Ihe limaru Borough Council received nine tenders for the erection of tho library, for which Mr Carnegie granted £3OOO . Tho lowest tender was £2940. The Council propose to accept this.

OAAIARU. Mr It. ALlligan was this morning elected chairman of tho Harbor Board ml DUNEDIN. The Hon. J. A. Alillar, Alinister of Marine, paid a visit to Nuggets and Kaitangata yesterday At the former place a deputation of fisherman waited on the Alinister with the object of bringing under his notice the necessity for improving tho facilities for landing boats. In replying, tho Minister expressed the opinion that tho best course to adopt in the meantime was to improve the present landing So long as tho expenditure would remain within a few hundred pounds he thought lie would undertake to have the work done. The deputation expressed entire concuranco with tho Alinister’s suggesion Air. Alillar subsequently visited Kaitangata in connection with a proposal to form a harbor at the of the Alolylieaux river. In connection with this matter the deputation waited on the Alinister last night.

INVERCARGILL, ihe Supreme Court opened before Mr Justice Williams. There are only two cases, one of alleged manslaughter, arising out of the Nightcaps mine fatality, ‘ and the other of breaking and entering against four young men° who are alleged to have stolen beer and cake from the dwelling of a Chinaman, who was about to celebrate the new year. The cases are proceeding.