TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5342, 28 March 1879, Page 3

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

[By Cable.]

[reuter's telegrams.!

SYDNEY, March 25.

The Board exonerated the captain of the Bonnie Dundee, but decided that the mate is blameable. MELBOURNE, Maroh 25. The Arawata leaves to-morroAV at noon Avith the English mails. LONDON, March 23. Later Cape news states that the relief of Colonel Pearson at Eknowe will be postponed until Lord Chelmsford is strongly reinforced. March 24. A Royal Commission is appointed for the Sydney and Melbourne Exhibitions, under the presidency of the Prince of Wales. A select committee of the House of Commons has commenced au inquiry respecting Sir Brian O'Loghlen's election. Mr Berry is the first Avitness. LONDON, March 24, By a severe earthquake in Northern Persia great damage Avas caused ; nearly 1000 persons perished. The French Government have been recommended to appoint three committees for the Sydney Exhibition, to control the representation of agriculture, manufactures, and science, respectively. In the House of Lords to-day the Secretaiy of State for Foreign Affairs, replying to a question, said that if the Treaty of Berlin was not fulfilled the Sultan thought the British fleet in the Sea of Marmora should be sent to the Black Sea, to secure compliance Avith the conditions, and that he (the Sidtan) should be authorised to ask the assistance of his allies. The Secretary of State added that he did not anticipate tho contingency alluded to by the Sultan Avould arise. The Government have accepted tho tender of the Eastern Telegraph Company for the construction of cables to Aden, Zanzibar, Mozambique, Delagoa, and Natal. ST. PETERSBURG, March 24. A fresh case of plague has appeared at Wittlanka, in Siberia. The Russian Government suggests a mixed occupation of Roumelia after the Russian troops have evacuated that territory. BOMBAY, March 25. General Cavaghnari is expected at Lahore to confer Avith the Viceroy. [SPECIAL TO THE MELBOURNE "ARGUS."] LONDON, March 24. The Eastern Company's tender for the Cape cable has been accepted. They utilise the Australian duplicate, one. Sir John Coode's scheme for an improvement of the Yarra and the construction of a dock involves a cost of over a million.

[SPECIAL TO THE PREiSS ASSOCIATION.]

LONDON, March 23.

The Duke of Cambridge denies that Lord Chelmsford complained against Sir Barfcle Frere in connection vidth tho Zulu disaster. a

BRISBANE, March 20. Mr Griffiths is chosen leader of the Opposition.

j Mr Douglott, the late Premier, MrKing, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Gregory Prior, former PostmasterGeneral, and Mr Walsh, the former Speaker, are mentioned as probable to succeed Mr O'Connell in the Presidency of the Council. ADELAIDE, March 26. Broadstuff have a downward tendency. [From the Press Association.] GISBORNE, March 25. A suspicious looking half-caste, supposed to be Winiata, is knocking about Wa'erenga-Ahika. He is said to have been recognised. The Licensing Bench informed the publicans to-day that any hotel not having a private entrance entirely away from the bar would not have its license renewed in June. [By Special Wire.] AUCKLAND, March 25. The sums acknoAvledged on behalf of the Kaitangata relief fund amount to £655 os sd. The country lists are called in for Friday next. Mr J. L. Byers, the actor, Avho played at Grahamstown on Saturday night Avith his wife, is reported to the police as missing. He had been in a loav state for some time past, and expressed himself tired of life. On Sunday evening he told his wife he would take a Avalk round GrahamstoAvn, and he has not been seen since. It is feared ha has taken his life.

A Avallring match has been arranged betAveen J. Hendry and J. O'Connor for £50 a side, to take place at Ellerslie on Saturday, April 12. The distance is three miles.

At St. Mary's Convent; this afternoon, L two young ladies took the veil. The ceremony was conducted by FatherFynes, F.G., and another of the clergy. The schooners Marion and Pirate and other vessels have been chartered to proceed to Tauranga to aid in raising the : Taupo. The Marion sailed this morning and others follow withont delay. A clerical scandal at Ponsonby has caused a little sensation. Some time ago ' Miss Home, one of the . members of the choir of All Saint's Anglican Churchy took ill, and was like to die. On a Saturday afternoon • several calls Avere made upon the incumbent to visit her, but he declined, alleging that having a slight cold he might become Avorse by going out, and thus impair his efficiency next day. The girl died at half-past seven that evening, and the Rev. Mr NeAvman, a Presbyterian, was called in to attend her in her last moments. It is said that Mr Bree Avas meantime comfortably amusing himself by playing chess. The Vestry took the matter up and represented the facts to the Bishop, who declined to interfere, but informed the Vestry what steps could be taken if they desired to carry the matter further. Formal proceedings Avere then taken against Mr Bree in the Church Courts, and on Saturday last a letter was received by the Vestry from the Bishop covering one from Mr Bree, admitting the charge, confessing to an error of judgment, and apologising for the same. At a meeting of the Vestry last night a resolution was passed, accepting Mr Bree's apology, and staying further proceedings in the Church , Courts. Another resolution Avas passed by the Vestry, asking the Bishop to declare Avhether the district having been recently formed into a parish was vacant, and to request that a time be fixed for the nomination of a minister.

This afternoon one of the heaviest rain storms occurred here that has been Avitnessed for a long time. About three o'clock rain began to fall gently, and at about four a sharp thunderstorm broke over the city ; rain then fell for an hour and a half in a perfect deluge. It cleared off about 6 o'clock, but it is threatening again

AUCKLAND, March 26.

Mr Singleton Rochfort, solicitor, has sent a letter to the Herald proprietors, stating that the conviction of Mrs Major Croker, for obtaining goods under false pretences, was the result of a conspiracy, and asserting that her conviction and sentence to six months' imprisonment took aAvay the breath of the public. He adds that Major Croker threatens an action for £5000 for the comments in the Herald on the case. The proprietors have instructed their lawyers to defend any action that may be brought against them.

Mr J. L. Byers the actor, Avho Avas missing for three days, was found last night on the Tararu track, having lost his Avay. Last night Captain Tatchell, of the May Queen, Avas serenaded by the Artillery Band for the kind manner in Avhich he had assisted the various charitable institutions while his ship was lying in the harbor.

Mrs Churton died yesterday, after a brief illness, at her residence in Parnell. She was 78 years old, the Avidow of the late Rev. J. F. Churton, LL.B., and first minister of St. Paul's Cathedral Church, to Avhose memory a monument was erected. She leaves a large family of children and grandchildren.

CHRISTCHURCH, March 25.

The Star states that Mr Conyers, Avriting from QueenstOAvn, says his health is greatly improved. After referring to a number of letters and telegrams received from all parts of the colony during his. illness, it says that Mrs Conyers has received the folloAving from Sir George Grey :— -" I cougratulate you on Mr Conyers being out of danger. I dreaded much the possible loss of a life valuable atike to his family and to the public service and to his many friends. We all rejoice to hear he is doing so Avell." The Temuka Reef Company have forAvarded £20 to the widow of SergeantMajor Kerr.

CHRISTCHURCH, March 26.

An important point, under the Debtors and Creditors Act, Avas settled yesterday before Judges Johnson and Williams. Hitherto the practice has been to make separate applications for the discharge of debtors and the payment of costs out of the estate. The point Avas raised by Mr Wynn Williams as to Avhether the two orders could not be made at once. The Bench decided that they could. The Town Hall Committee have decided to erect a brick building with Avhite stone facing, containing 30 to 40 rooms. The council chamber is to be 60 x 40, and the toAvn hall 120 x 80. Work on the first section of the West Coast railway commences this week. There Avas a splendid fall of rain, doing great good, in North Canterbury yesterday. DUNEDIN, March 25. The City Council has decided to give all its officers a fortnight's holiday annually. A table is to be prepared shovring when each can most conveniently be absent. Regulations for a tramway to the upper suburbs have been agreed upon by the Council. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" opened last night for a short season to a crowded house. ROSS, March 26. Mr Gisborne addressed a crowded meeting of his constituents last night. He said he Avould support any Government Avhich would bring forward measures having for their object the readjustment of taxation, the extension of the franchise, and the improvement of local self-govern-ment. A unanimous vote of confidence was passed.

PALMERSTON NORTH, Maroh 26. Last night the Palmerrston sawmills, owned by Messrs Reehard, Nannestead and Co., were discovered to be on fire. The flames spread so quickly that in two minutes the whole building and stacks of timber were in a sheet of Games. As there was not the least hopo of saving anything in tho saAvmills, all the*eftbrts were directed to removing the boards and scantlings along tho ground leading to tho flour mill, which were happily successful, as the fire was confined to the premises. The owners had just been fixing a now engine and setting a new boiler, which cost £600, which was to be started going in a feAv days. There is no idea how the fire originated. The plant and stock were insured for £2000 and £800 respectively, both in the South British, about £100 in the North British, and the balance in the New Zealand ; but that amount only half covers the loss, as the mill was one of the finest in the district, and there was an unusually large stock of valuable timber, Avhich up to a week ago was insured for £2200, but £200 was allowed to lapse to make it even money. As might be expected, the flames lit up the country for miles round, and the fire continued burning Avith unabated vigor during the whole night. There are hundreds of tons of sawdust on fire, which it will take a week to extinguish. The affair has caused deep regret ; for independently of the loss to the proprietors, Avho are highly respected, it throws large numbers of men out of employment for months. It is rather singular that the reporter of the Manawatu Times visited the mill during the day, and a long description of the works, and of the new and improved machinery, was ready, but was crowded out when the alarm of fire was given.

WELLINGTON, March 25.

Parliament Avill probably meet for the despatch of business on the 25th of July. The German residents in the city celebrated their Emperor's birthday last night' by a ball and supper, at which Colonel Whitmore was a guest. It was a great success. A concert given by the Athenamni cemmittee last night added £20 to the Kaitangata relief fund.

There are no signs of the Governor. He is expected early to-morrow. The Working Men's Club and the Friendly Societies Avill take part in a procession and present addresses. The Central Volunteer Fire Brigade plead their shabby uniforms as a reason for not participating in the demonstration. ,His Excellency will land at the reclaimed la d, below the Government buildings, where a landing place has been constructed, a large platform put up, and numerous flag-staffs erected. After a brief stay here, it is understood his Excellency will proceed on a visit to Auckland in the Emerald, and will afterwards go South in the same vessel. An altercation, which led to a regular stand up fight, took place at the railway station this morning between tAvo Avellknown members of the civil service. The parties went into one of the station rooms, an under-secretary acting as umpire, and several rounds were fought, one party being severely punished. Legal proceedings betAveen the parties are talked about.

Mr Justice Richmond held a special sitting at the Supreme Court this morning to hear argument in the case of Roberts v. M'Kellar. The case was betAveen the Collector of Customs and Captain Roberts of the Hermione, relative to the discharge of tAvo seamen belonging to the ship, who arenoAvin the hospital. It appeared .that Mr M'Kellar referred the question to his superior officer, and acting upon his instructious, refused to consent to the discharge of the men. Captain demurred to this decision, and this morning Mr Ollivier, on his behalf, applied for a mandamus calling unon Mr M'Kellar to give his decision Avithout reference to any official superior, on the ground that under the Shipping Acts of England and New Zealand he was placed in a judicial position, aad must decide any question as to the discharge of seamen on his own responsibility. Mi- Izard, for Mr M'Kellar, admitted this, but pointed out that in an affidavit filed this morning Mr # M'Kellar had practically given his decision. His Honor, in giving judgment, refused the rule on the ground that Mr M'Kellar in his last affidavit had complied with the Act, but as the affidavit was not filed until the last moment, he refused costs. > A man named Banks, who had his skull fractured by a Woav inflicted by an apprentice on board the Loch Fergus, lies at the hospital in an insensible state. Last night Drs Johnson and Keating removed a portion of the fractured skull, and relieved the pressure on the brain. The man has since breathed more freely, but the injuries are of such a nature that his recovery can hardly be hoped for. During the last three months about a million acres of land on the West Coast railway have been secured by the Government agent, though the negotiations are not quite completed. It is expected that the cost of the land when surveyed Avill be about 10s an acre, but the greater part of it is valuable agricultural land, and brings high prices Avhen placed in the market. The proceeds will be devoted to the construction of the West Coast railways. A deposit amounting to some £25,000 has been paid over to the natives, and the balance will be held over until the completion of the title in the Native Land Court.

WELLINGTON, March 26.

The cook of the Loch Fergus, Banks, who was struck Avith a handspike by an apprentice in a quarrel on Sunday, died in the hospital last night. He never recovered consciousness. *

Mr J. C. CraAvford, late R.M., was entertained at dinner at the Club last night, prior to his departure for Europe. The Mount Cook school committee has recommended the board to remove Mr Everss, the head master, on account of the violent temper he displayed toAvards the assistant teachers.

Three creAvs from the Star Boating Club have left to engage in the competition at the Wanganui regatta. Mr Benzoni, chief clerk, is, promoted to Assistant Under-Secretary in the Public Works Department. John Nugent, cook at the Telegraph Hotol at Otaki, formerly on theHinemOa and the Stella, Avas fonnd dead at the foot of the stairs of the hotel this monung. In the case of Bourke v. M'Ardlo, Mr Mansford, R.M., gave judgment this morning as folloAvs :— lt Avas an undisputed fact that a small bone of the plaintiff's leg was broken on Sunday the 26th of January, and that the fracture was occasioned through a disturbance in the defendant's licensed house. He had in a recent- case expressed the opinion that the landlord of a publichouse was justified in turning out a person making a disturbance or conducting himself in a disorderly manner, but that no more force must be used than Avas necessary to accomplish the end desired to be attained. That the plaintiff was conducting hhnself in a disorderly manner could not be doubted. The question then arose, did the defendant use more force than was necessary ? His Worship expressed the opinion that the defendant acted improperly in alloAving the plaintiff to be drinking in the house on a Sunday, and that the defendant used more violence in ejecting plaintiff from the premises than was necessary. He gave judgment for plaintiff for £50 and costs. There is no sign of the Governor yet. The uncertainty of the time of his arrival is causing much public inconvenience.