TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5350, 7 April 1879, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

[By Cable.]

[reuter's telegrams.]

LONDON, April 3

In consequence of the disputed posesssion of certain mines, the Chilian troops invaded Bolivia. The President of the latter concluded an offensive and defensive alliance with. Peru, and has declared against Chili. In the House of Commons the Chancellor of tho Exchequer, replying to a question, said that the mixed occupation of Eoumelia, after the Eussian evacuation, had not yet been arranged, but the British policy was unchanged since the Berlin Congress ; that the Sultan believes he will bo able to prevent popular agitation in Boumelia, but in England anxiety is felt concerning the matter.

Tenders will be opened on the 9th inst. for the 4i per cent. Western Australian loan of £100,000.

The report of the select committee of the House of Commons unseated Sir Bryan O'Loghlcn. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has made his budget statement. The revenue for the past financial year was £53,120,000, and the expenditure for the same pez-iod £55,370,000, including the expenses of the Zulu war. The estimated revenue for the ensuing financial year is £83,000,000, and the expenditure is estimated at £81,125,000. The Chancellor of the Exchequer hoped the surplus would suffice for the Zulu war, and enable the redemption of the £600,000 treasury bonds. The balance of the £475,000 of treasury bonds would be prolonged for twelve months. The budget proposes an increase of twopence duty on cigars.

In the House of Commons, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in replying" to a question, said it was not yet intended to establish a British settlement in New Guinea; that Sir Arthur Gordon is to return to Fiji, but he will report upon what steps are advisable.

The minimum of the "Western Australian loan is fixed at 9b\

April 4.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, replying to a question, said that negotiations continue between the Indian and the Afghan Governments, and that a favorable issue is still expected, but in the meantime orders had been given for an advance upon Cabul. The Viceroy of India has, however, been instructed to make no important movements without the knowledge of the British Government. The Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, replying to a question, said that some French troops have occupied the English island of Matecon on tho west coast of Africa, and that the Government have made representations to the French Government on the matter.

[special to the press association.]

LONDON, April 3. An extensive revolution has occurred at Burmah, and matters wear a very serious aspect.

[SPECIAL TO THE MELBOURNE " ARGUS."]

LONDON, April 3,

■ The Houso of Commons Election Committee has decided that the Attorney Generalship of Victoria is a place of profit under the Crown, and that by accepting it Sir Brian O'Loghlen had thereby vacated his seat.

TBy Special "Wire."]

AUCKLAND, April 5. During the past month dysentry and whooping cough have been very prevalent in the City of Auckland. There have been nineteen deaths of children under one year, and fifteen deaths under two years.

A man named Henry Charles Hill was committed for trial to-day on a charge of forging and uttering a promissory note. This makes 22 prisoners for trial at the Criminal Sessions which begin on Monday.

A telegram was received to-day by the Auckland Timber Company from their mill at Whangaroa stating that a heavy fresh had occurred down in the creeks there and brought down upwards of two thousand logs, estimated to contain over seven million foot of timber.

BLENHEIM, April o. Mr Seymour, M.H.R., addressed his' constituents last night. There was a good attendance, and he was well received. The work of last session was reviewed, and the measures of the Government criticised. The reduction of duties on the necessai'ies of life he decided as being trivial and unimportant. He said he worked with the Nelson members iv reference to the railway line because they had previously helped him, and the main lino was set down in 1873 as being from Nelson to Christchurch. Mr Curtis' bill he would support because he thought it an undenominational scheme. The career of tho Grey Government he described as one of broken promises and delusive hopes. Their position in regard to native affairs he said was most unsatisfactory ; tho land tax AVrts unfair ; the Sheep Bill harsh ; and the questions of hospital and charitable aid were greatly neglected. The fate of the Grey Ministry was predicted as being nigh at hand. The following resolution was passed : — "That the thanks of the meeting be given to Mr Seymour for his address and for his action in Parliament last session."

CHRISTCHURCH, April 5. A stable belonging to Mr Dickens Tivcrton farm, South Rakaia, containing 3000 bushels of wheat, was totally destroyed by fire. TLe wheat was insured in the South British for £6050, and the stable, in the New Zealand, Office for an amount not known.

The' origin of the fire is unknown. Mr Dicken was away from home at the iime. , , . j Two' Httle boys and a girl named Pullinger, aged eight, seven, and four years respectively, placed a heap of gttfneS on the main line of railway at the crossing south of Tinwold. A gentleman passfn# had just time to remove the obstruction when the express to Pnriedin passed. Some of the stones were subtly wedged between the rails and the tilanks laid, for the convenience of passing drays. An information nas hem lodged against the children. The" return match, Artillery v . Engineers, w$ kt nred to-day at the Cashmere range 1 .- , , , „ The Canterbury' Bowing. Club hold their annual supper" Jo wind up the season' to-night, when the pmes for the sculling" me and maiden pair oar w^ be presented, ttfttffating of a handsome silver cup and witfe 1 salver. Wo+ivp Mr J. 13. Young, Judge of £he ■ Nafave Landfs Oouri, is here making T? 1^ 1 nary arrangements for" the* sitting <>i toe Commission of Inquiry' into fe • /**™™ connected with the' Before Lgft in the Middle Island, She' other com missioners will be Mr mini of Neisori, and Mr Smith, formerly Judge? of the Native Laiflfe Court. The enquiry 1 toll be an open one. A man named Jotitf Johnston was committed for trial to-day oil ft/ charge of fraudulent bankruptcy. He/ hadhidden some thirty pounds. A fire broke out at half-past six this evening in Mulligan's drapery shop, adjoining the White Hart Hotel. By the exertions of Sergeant Morice and others the flames were put out, but not before some damage was done. One of the plate-glass windows was smashed and a large quantity of goods spoiled by the water. Very little damage was actually done by the fire. It broke out in the window, and is supposed to have been caused by a gas jet coming in contact with some of the goods. £100 will cover tho loss sustained. April 6. The first sod of the Malvern railway extension was turned at Kowai Pass on Saturday morning. The directors of the Canterbury Corn Exchange, at a meeting on Saturday, passed a resolution deprecating any action having for its object the levying of an import duty on grain and timber, and expressing an opinion that reciprocity of trade should prevail throughout the Australian colonies. DUNEDIN, April 5. MrYincent Pyke addresses his constituents next week. It is expected that he will pron ounce in favor of Mr Curtis' education scheme. The Attorney-General will also address his constituents shortly. Tho Otago Daily Times, after severely criticising the anomalies connected with tho result of the examination of school teachers for certificates, concluded thus : "We have pointed out at some length what appear to us serious faults in the method of examining of teachers initiated by the Education Department. It is to the Inspector-General that we look to have these faults amended. So long as he stands aloof and leaves burden and responsibility of the work to a large number of disconnected examiners, no matter how skilful, little improvement can be looked for. The inherent defect of the plan followed can be avoided by entrusting the drawing up of the examination papers, and the valuing of the candidates' work to a select board of two or three competent persons who shall be able.to confer together with ease and freedom. No doubt the employment of the Inspec-tor-General as Secretary to the Eoyal Commission on higher education has interfered with his exercising in this matter the careful and judicious superintendence the country is entitled to expect of him, but surely his duties as director of the machinery for examining and classifying the teachers of the colony should not have been subordinated to the interest even of so important a commission even as that of higher education. We sincerely hope that the holder of this high and responsible office will not degenerate into a general utility man. To the best of our belief there is ample scope in New Zealand for improving and harmonising the method and aim of school inspection, and we think it high time that this important work was earnestly and energetically taken in hand, and that the officer to whom we must look for its performance should not be prevented by other engrossing engagements jrom making a beginning in this and his other legitimate employments. "We have not touched upon the extravagant cost which the management of tho business of the education department appears likely to involve, but we would suggest that some of the people's representatives should ask by way of specimen for a return of tho charges in connection with the March examination of teachers.

The Bruce • County Council have adopted a resolution heartily concurring in Mr G. M'Lean's efforts to get justice done to the Otago counties in the matter of their share of the land fund, and calling on the M.H.R. for Bruce to support him (M'Lean) in his endeavors, and to use his best efforts to secure joint action between the County Councils of the colony. Mr J. G. Marde, principle of the Immigration Officer for Canterbury, has arrived in Dunedin to take charge of 350 immigrants by the Stad Haarlem, which is hourly expected to arrive. Argument in the case of Stanford v. Gillies and others was concluded yesterday afternoon. Their Honors receiving judgment, the two Judges will again sit in banco on the 23rd inst.

GEEYMOUTH, April 5.

The Claud Hamilton, which leaves tomorrow morning for Melbourne, takes from Greymouth 6614 ozs. 11 dwts 10 grs, of gold, shipped as follows :— - Bank of New Zealand, 3790 ozs. 10 dwts; National, 1672 ozs. 4 dwts. 10 grs. ; Union, 1451 ozs. 8 dwts*, Total value, £24,458. Bishop Eedwood arrived last night. There was no demonstration. More men have been discharged from the protective work, and there is general indignation at the slow manner in which they are being carried on. April 6. The inquest on the body of "Win. Pitt, solicitor, was commenced at the Courthouse last night, but was adjourned till Monday. The funeral took place today, and was a very largo one. Ho was buried with Masonic honors. INVERCAEGILL, April 5. A serious fire occurred early this morning in Yarrow-street, totally destroying one eight-roomed house occupied by Colin M'Kinnon. There was a high wind blowing, and the house and contents were burned in twenty minutes. The house was insured for £285 in the Norwich Insurance Company and £150 in another. April 6. Major "Withers was entertained last night by the officers of the Invorcai'gill Eifles. There have been splendid musters at all his inspections this week. There is great agitation about the Maroro railway. The Dipton people want it to start from Oreti instead of Lumsden. Tho latter point is alleged to have been fixed upon by Ministerial and official interests in Dunedin. Yesterday a deputation waited on the Chamber of Commerce and members of the district, urging action in the favor of tho Dipton people. NELSON, April 5. Some 150 additional names have been placed on the Electoral Roll of Nelson' and the surrounding districts, 16 being added to the City Eoll. Tho Nelson volunteers go into encampment for the Easter holidays on Thursday next, and on the following Saturday there will be prizes given by the citizens,

\ WELLINGTON, April 5. We are inde bted to the courtesy of the Hon. Mr Sheel lan for the following communication: — '.the Native Minister received last even dng from Messrs Mackay and Blake avery full report of the interview they ha d with Te Whiti and his people at Parihs tka, and also other matters of informal Son obtained by them during their jour ney. The circumstances are such that it -\ yould not be prudent at present to publish any details of the business, that transpired at Parihaka inasmuch as their p üblication at the present juncture might load to delaying or complicating the negotiations now pending Several circumstemces worthy of notice however, may be mentioned. Te Whiti, during the talk with Messrs Mackay and Blake, cast off the ■ I garb of prophet and spoke in a businesslike way, and after the fashion of ordinary mortals, about the business in hand. In course of a long discussion, while still maintaining his objection to.confiscation and urging that the Government had already taken enough land, he showed in a marked manner that he was glad to hear the Government proposals had always embraced ample provision in reserves and " otherwise for the original owners, and he showed the utmost eagerness to hear as g£K on as. possible what the proposals of the" ernmen t might definitely be. The ; discuW 011 between - Mr Mackay and Te WkMi wx s ver y amu srng, and will be -- ;readwM!i^ teres . twhen tne time comes l 'f Ifor the' f?«% iatloll ; of *!"> report. ;I U ;./ addition fa &£ xxc/ c P ort ? f , meeting M&; , Macfcatf hatf alstf ->™ahed valuable, in-i .•," formation as : to tf»- cau se, which led to. , the interrupt of' {fa . sur W> and sug-,.;/ gestions as to the 1 *fap~o w ™ h . m& 7 te =' ; taken to restore matte fa \ >uei f formerfriendly position. Messrs 3f4w'* a y . &n & . Blake will probably leave Taran/"^ *°~ day for HaWem, where they will bo nni t by the Native Minister, and the questions now. in dispute will be discussed with the* resident owners.

His Excellency the Governor, witla Lady Robinson, Miss Robinson, and suites : the Hon. Colonel Whitmore, and a party; i . of friends, made a trip by rail to-day to) Featherston and back. The Governorpurposes spending a few days next week: shooting on the estate of the Hon. Johnjj Martin, M.L.C., at Otaraia. A^6. Among the settlers brought front 1^ Jackson's Bay in the Stella were anum-j. ber of Italians and other foreigners, who ■ . are now at the immigration barracks, very badly off for want of clothes. The: : local Press appeals for donations, aad ; . the Chronicle says, in reference to the •■ ■ whole of the arrivals, that the men complain that they "understood they were tobe sent to Wanganui, Taranaki, or some^ place where labor was in demand, but; instead of this they have been landed in. Wellington without their swags, which, they will not receive for eight days, and. without whfchthey cannot move, because' they have no money to replace them. They point out that it is absurd to bring:, them to Wellington, from which, place: when immgrarits arrive they have to betranshipped to Wanganui, the Manawatu, &c. They naturally think they are ' , equally as worthy of attention in this matter as new chums (as towards their passages they have had to contribute in. • some shape), and who will not be nearlyas useful to settlers as men used to the: hardships of colonial life in the fullest; sense of the term. They have waited on. , various departments of the Government with a request that they may be sent out / of the city to centres where labor is in demand, but officialdom has inferred them, from room to room in the Government buildings, until they are in a iog as to who's who, and where' s where. -..-

The Hinemoa leaves this evening for" Opunake with a detachment of tho Armed Constabulary. After leaving the men she will return direct to Wellington. A curious accident occurred on the wharf this morning. An elderly man named George Moulds was walking along the wharf when a plank was blown off a stack of timber and struck him on the right leg, causing a compound fracture.

A meeting of Mr E. J. Duncan's creditors was held this afternoon, Mr James. „, McDowell in the chair. A statement of accounts was produced, showing liabilities amounting to £19,645 18s, of which; £14,122 19s 7d is secured, leaving a deficiency of £5522 18s 66. to meet, which, there were no assets at present shown* ; On the motion of Mr Travers, it was resolved to ask the debtor to make a complete assignment of his estate. Mr Carroll was appointed trustee. Mr Duncan attributed Ms present position to heavy losses occasioned by bad debts. Very general sympathy is felt for Mr Duncan.

April 6. At a meeting of the Ngatimaniopotos at Kopua some reference was made to Eewi's action towards the Government and the Native Minister. Eewi at once rose and challenged any one who disapproved of his conduct to come forward and say what lie had to object to, but no one seemed at all inclined to accept the challenge. . The Arawata sailed to-day with the J members of the commission on higher / education on board. . "

There seems little doubt of the peaceful settlement of the Waimate business. The Government will deal liberally in regard to reserves, and this is really all Te Whiti is aiming at.

The Eoyal Illusionists opened last night to a very crowded house.