NEW ZEALAND.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 9493, 15 August 1891, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND.

[Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, August 14. On her way down hero from. San Francisco, tho Monowai landed at Tutuilla (Samoan Islands) a little party of four Samoan natives, including one woman, who had a rather eventful experience in tho United States. They were brought to New York last year under contract by a showman. The story of the sufferings and privations of the little band, originally nine in number, but reduced by disease and death, was a. pathetic one. Manogi, the chief, was ill with consumption in Belle Vue Hospital (New York) but was strong enough to start on his long journey home. The party was sent back with characteristic enterprise by the proprietor of tho New York World, and was accompanied throughout by Mr Jones, a World reporter, who saw them safe to their destination. The natives were put on hoard the Apia mail schooner Tutuilla, and were overjoyed to reach their island home again. They had been stranded in New York for a long time. News was received by the mail that three ministers appointed by the Primitive Methodist Conference in England for work in Now Zealand, the Revs Messrs Boys and Grindley, and probably the Rev Mr Stenton, are on board the Cuzco, which left on July 30. They will arrive early in Sentemher. * PATEA, August 14. . At a meeting convened by the Mayor and County Chairman, resolutions were adopted unanimously impressing on the Government the serious drawback the district laboured under owing to the delay in opening up Crown lands at the back of Patea and Waverley. Scores of people were continuously coming and leaving the district without being able to get land. A number of works were specified which it was absolutely necessary, ia the opinion of the meeting, should be put in hand at once for the purpose of opening up the inland district; and a deputation was appointed to wait on the Government. •- WOODVILLE, August 14. The Borough and County Councils express strong disapproval of the Slaughterhouses Bill, which, it is alleged, would shut up the freezing works, and would be detrimental to one of the moat important industries.' A largely-signed petition is being sent from here in favour of the Shop Hours Bill. DUNEDIN, August 14. At a representative meeting of Druids a resolution was carried declaring the Union Company’s benefit scheme antagonistic to the spirit of Friendly Societies. Approval was expressed of Sir G. Grey’s Bill. George Widdicombe was committed for trial , on three charges of stealing jewellery. INVERCARGILL, August 14. The Southland County Council has declared against one-man-one-vote_ ia County elections; also against subdivision of ridings and increase of members.