LATEST TELEGRAMS,

Grey River Argus, Volume XIV, Issue 1761, 27 March 1874, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS,

[Anglo-australian press telegraph AGENCY.]

Hokitika, March 26. In the Supreme Court, to-day, the civil action, Montgomery v. Ashton, was partly heard, and will be resumed tomorrow. James Haye3, found guilty of conspiracy, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment. John Hayes, also found guilty of conspiracy, to six months ; hard labor in each case. The other case of larceny from the bank has been abandoned. The Judge, in sentencing the IJayes', particularly James, gave them a severe talking to, Christohuroh, March 26. The Government agricultural statistics just published give the following estimated yield ;— Acres under wheat, 71,826 ; estimated yield, 1,706,738 bushels j oats, 4615 acres, 38,948 bushels; barley, 9200 acres, 249,690 bushels ; potatoes, 1853 acres, 8522 tons ; other crop 3, 10,178 acres ; total acreage under crops in Province, including sown grasses, 382,177 acres. At the Maori meeting, at Kaiapoi, 500 male Maoris were present. George Grey Tairoa, M.H.E., opened the proceedings in a speech condemnatory of the action of the Government towards the Maoris of this island. The objects of the meeting are to inquire in what particulars the purchase by the Government of Waipounanui was wrong. 2. Whether promises regarding schools and hospitals, by which Maoris were induced to sell, have been fulfilled. 3. How much money has to be paid, or land returned, by Government in fulfilment of their promises. 4. To take the opinion of the meeting upon the question whether they approve of the demand made by George Grey Tairoa in Parliament in 1873 for L 2,000,000 compensation for unfulfilled claims in this island. 5. To inquire into the rental arising from reserves retained in the hands of the Government or leased by them. 6. To decide what means must be taken to make the Government fulfil its promises, and whether the question shall be brought before the New Zealand or English Parliament, or into the Courts.' Qther Natives spoke strongly against the treatment of tl>e Government to the Maoris, of this island. No decision has yet been come to, Auckland, March 2.6. The brigantine Hercules, bound to Sydney, with a full cargo of timber from Arotapa mills, went a-shore at Kaipara Heads, There is no probability of getting the vessel off. The cargo will probably be saved. A large party, invited by Brogden and Sons, went by rail to Otahuhu to-day to inaugurate the completion of the line to there. Wellington, March 26. The Hercules was- insured in the New Zealand Company for LSOO, and cargo LIOOO. Dargaville, Gcodfellow, May, and Woodward are candidates for Mr Clark's seat in the General Assembly for the district of Franklyn. Arrived — Go-Ahead. Dunedin, March 26. The first sod of the Dunedin aad Moeraki railway was turned by the Superintendent this afternoon. It is stated by the Daily Times that Mr Voge} will, at the next sitting of the General Assembly, apply for a loan of

three millions to monopolise the trade with Polynesia. A company to be established on the Bame basis as the African Company. For the Dunedin Forbury Handicap, 150 soys.— Templeton, 6st Blb, 1 ; Atlas, 7st 51b, 2; Tambourini, Bst 81b.. 3. Flying Handicap, 50 sovs. —Templeton, 7st, 1 ; Parawhenua, Bst 121 b, 2 ; Earl of Lynne, 3. The day was wet, raining all the previous night, and the course was very heavy. There were very few people present.