Interprovincial News.

Hastings Standard, Volume VI, Issue 1576, 18 July 1901, Page 3

Interprovincial News.

(Bv Telegraph). ACCKLAJSD. July 18. Mr Kirker, manager of the South British Company, states that the object of insurance companies in increasing their rates was to ar.ia? public feeling and stir up municipalises to a sense of their responsibility. This had been effectually done. When the towns had been provided with first-class water supplies and thoroughly up-to-date fire brigade equipments ani appliances, the insurance rates would be reduced. The Auckland members of the Fourth and Fifth Contingents arrived this morning and were accorded an enthusiastic reception. Tbey were met at Onehunga by Captain Reid, Adjutant, and at the station by the Mayor, Primate, and members of the Patriotic Committee. The streets were thronged with people. Headed by the band and mounted escort, the troopers were marched through the cheering crowds to the Municipal Buildings, the garrison troops bringing up the rear. After the official reception the were entertained at luncheon by tLe Patriotic Committee.

WELLINGTON. July 18. King Edward has, through tbe Secretary of State for the Colonies, expressed to the Presbyterian General Assembly of New Zealand his grateful thanks for its address of sympathy in connection with Queen Victoria's death, and of loyalty to the Throne. Tha appeal, Commissioner ot Trade and Customs v. Bell and Co., match manufacturers, wa3 dismissed, with costs on tbe highest scale. The Court was of opinion that guilty knowledge must l.e shown before seizure and forfeitu. . T-om this Justice Williams dissented. Ir Hooker v Morns, aff the legality of collecting toll 3 at Omata toHgate. Taranaki, the apptal was dismissed by the majority of the Court, who held that no illegality had been shown. Judge Edwards dissented. In the Commonwealth hote' case, tbe Chief Justice expressed tbe opinion that what had been done amounted to an evasion of the law but was not met by any'express words in the Statute, also that there must be a vacant licence at the time of hearing and that the requirements as to accommodation must be complied with. This was not done and therefore the license should be quashed. The other judges took a different view and held that the circumstances did not amount to a removal within the meaning of the Act and that it w&s sufficient if the license was vacant when the new license was actually granted and if the premises are complete by the time the license is issued. The motion was dismissed with costs amounting to £SO. Notice of appeal was given and the Court adjourned to August 15. The trouble between the captain and the crew of the ship Beaconrock as to food culminated this morning in the men refusing duty. The shipping master of the port is to receive a deputation from the crew this afternoon. ■The Counties Conference made good progress with its review of the Counties Bill this morning, but still has over 200 clauses to consider. It was resolved that the revising committee be instructed to make it quite clear that the local bodies will still have power to borrow money under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act. The conference unanimously agreed that the returning officer and clerk to tbe Licensing Committees should ba appointed by the County Council or Councils concerned, instead of by the Government. It was resolved that the amount available for extraordinary expenditure should be increased from £SO to £IOO. £. jBM3JP HRISTC uURCH July 18. So far the polling has not been heavy, and present indications point to the probability that not a large number of electors will record their votes. The morning broke dull and grey, and just before noon a light rain began to fall. There are absolutely no signs of excitement, and very few vehicles to be seen conveying electors to the booths. There are no indications that canvassing is going on, and there is a total absence of the large crowds previously present round the booths handing tracts and bills to voters. One candidate only has gone to tbe trouble of having representatives outside some of the larger booths with copies of the roil for the purpose of supplying the numbers on the roll lo tbe electors. This being the first election there nas beei> under last session's Aet, considerable doubt existed whether the offices, warehouses and factories were compelled to close at noon. Several employers are understood to have received legal opinion on the matter to the effect that tbe section is vague, and it is not incumbent on them to close. Despite this the majority of the factories, warehouses and offices closed at midday, as did also tbe hotels. INVERCARGILL July 18. The jury found that the death of Mrs Sneyd was caused by a signal rocket fired by Captiin McGalvaray, and also expressed the opinion that the Council and police showed neglect iu not enforcing their powers. McGalvaray was charged with manslaughter | a~d re mar!''. "I for a v>e> k. hail beiai> allowed in two sureties of £IOO, which were forthcoming. PALMERSTON NORTH, July 18. A heavy earthquake was felt here at 8.30 last evening, the direction beiag north-east to south-west. NAPIER. July 18. Nelson Bros, received the following ■ cable from the Ci'lonial Consignment 1)'- ).* t.«g C-»ai>am, London: z mi- q .tun- : Best Can- . , v . .. . i 4 S • -r. \\ tiling'.>c I and Nor l a . Lumo : Firsu t quality, ; second grade 5d."

DUNEDIN. July 18. At the Police Court, Captain Tinuey, master of the barque Manirewa, was charged with neglecting to enter o official log tbe discharge of l S-Vi i!j - at Adelaide. This was brought » test ease. As it was the first case of the kind ii the colony ihe Magistrate imposed a nominal penalty of tan shillings and costs. GISBORNE. July 18. Arrangements had been made to give a dozen Tagus troopers a good reception this jnormbg. The volunteers and tbe bands had been cal'ed out. \\ 7 hen the steamer arrived it was i discovered that only one man was aboard, tbe others having j behind at Wellington, and he stepped ashore at the first opportunity to avoid an ovation. TIMARU. July 18. All tbe bank officers in Timaru have signed a formal protest against the Shjps and Offices Bill as unnecessary, unworkable, and calculated to injuri ously affect bank employees. The protest will be forwarded to Parliament. NELSON July 18. Fifteen returned troopers by the Tagus arrived this morning by steamer. Though it was drizzling with rain there was a vory large and enthusiastic attendance. Tha streets were decorated with art muslin and bunting. The trooper? were met by the Mayor and More Men Fund Committee, and heartily cheered. Moanted on horses, specially provided, they formed a procession to the Cathedral steps, where a short religious service was held, and a speech of welcome and praise delivered. They were afterwards entertained at an informal luncheon. This evening a concert will be given in the men's honor, and to-morrow they are invited to the Athletic Club's annual ball.