NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2273, 15 July 1881, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

IPEE PEESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, July 14. An American Inquiry. The Sybil from Tahiti reports that the American warship Saconama had left Faptee to inquire into the murder of an American named Perth at Haiti, Petition. A petition bearing 225 names has been sent to the Commissioner of Customs, praying for the release of Polkinghorn and Smerde, recently committed to gaol on a charge of smuggling. The petitioners believe in their innocence. Return to Duty. Mr W. J. Hurst, M.H.R., leaves for Wellington to-morrow. Thought Better of itThe Local Board of Health have reconsidered their resignations, on the Government promising to invest them with powers they now lack WELLINGTON, July 14. The Central Railway. A deputation of Otago members of both Houses waited on the Government to-day to urge that the Otago Central Railway should be gone on with by the colony. The deputation strongly pressed their case on the favorable consideration of Ministers, The Premier said that the unexpended balance of the loan, which was all that Government would have to depend upon till the end of 1882, was wholly insufficient to warrant the undertaking of a work of such magnitude. He reminded the deputation that the Government were bringing in a Bill to provide for assistance in such eases, and he strongly advised them to follow the example of the Wellington people, who hod taken the matter in hand themselves, and raised £50,000 towards the work. If the Otago people adopted a similar course they would receive aid in like proportion to that proposed to be given to the Wellington-Manawatu line. HOKITIKA, July 14. Poor Hokitika. Mr A. Learmonth, the Mayor, who is leaving this district, received two presentations this afternoon in the Town Hall, one from the citizens of the borough, and the other from the volunteers, he having been associated with the volunteers as lieutenant for some time back. The Hon. J. A, Bonar made the presentation. General regret is expressed at the Mayor’s leaving. DUNEDIN, July 14. The New Gospel. A thousand revised New Testaments were sold over the counter in one bookseller's shop to-day. INVERCARGILL, July 14. A Clamorous Crowd. At. a largo meeting held in the Theatre Royal here to-night, and presided over by the Mayor, a series of resolutions calling on the Government to procei d with the construction of the Seaward Beach Railway, and recommending its extension to the Toi Tois were carried unanimously and directed to be forwarded to the Minister of Public Works and members for the district in both Houses of Parliament. FireThe police station at Switzer’s, together with its contents, was destroyed by fire yesterday morning. It was a small building, and the constable did not reside in it. The firs ' is accounted for by a defective chimney.