TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7941, 24 October 1904, Page 5

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(Per Press Association). WAIPAWA, This day. A sharp earthquake was experienced at 9.55 on Saturday night.

WAIKOA, This day. A large number of natives have gathered at Huramua, where the remains of Mr ; Thos Carroll arrived on Saturday. The coffin was covered with rare Maori, mats. Hundreds of European and natives visited the place yesterday. The funeral is to be held to-day.

WELLINGTON, This Hay.

The Post states that it is, expected Mr i Hayes, head accountant, will be ap-pointed-Commissioner of Taxes, and Mr G. F. C. Campbell, deputy Commissioner of Taxes, will be. appointed ValuerGeneral, these positions being rendered vacant by the death of Mr James McGowan. The Valuer-General is to take Mr McGowan's position on the | various boards on which Mr McGowan held a seat. ' The Grand Hotel, Botorua, burst into flames suddenly. In a moment all the upstairs seemed to be ablaze; Two visitors had to be rescued from the balcony. The fire was very fierce and the small shops in Hinemoa street were in great danger. A smart breeze was blowing at 1.5 p.m. There is no further danger that the fire will spread. The Chronicle office was endangered but the fire is now subsiding. "{''

The insurances on the Grand Hotel, Rotorua, total £14,500, distributed as follows :-^New Zealand, €400; Yorkshire, £500; Royal, £3000; Norwich Union, £2000; Australian Alliance, £250; Alliance, £950; United, £500; Royal Exchange, £400 ;■ North Queensland, £250; Phoenix, £500; Standard, £500 ; Liverpool, London and Globe, £1250; Imperial, £1000; Guardian, £1000; South British, £500; Sun, £500; Manchester, £500.

Fines of £160 each were imposed by Dr McArthur, S.M., this morning against the Electric Construction Coy., Ltd., and its representative in the colony, Newton H. White, for carrying on operations in this~colony without a license. The Company in question was incorporated in England and in 1903 entered into contracts for the supply and erection of an electrical tramway and station for Wellington City Council. The question at issue was whether the company in carrying out these Contracts entered into in- England, was carrying on business in New Zealand. The defence submitted that the company carried on its business in England and that in completing a portion of the contract in New Zealand it did not transfer its business to the colony. The: magistrate held otherwise, but intimated with regard to the fine that if one of defendadts paid the fine and costs, he would recommend the remission of the other fine. Notice of appeal was given. . DUNEDIN, This tiay. James Witt, of the Dunedin branch of Sargood, Son and Ewen, has been appointed Australasian buyer for the firm at Home. He leaves for London next month. - ■ ■ ~ GISBORNE, This flay. , By a social lately held to celebrate the opening of the New Zealand Shipping Co.'s large new wool store at Gisborne the hospital benefited to. tKe extent of £450 and the school cadets by £36. The annual report of the Gisborne Sheep Farmers' Frozen Meat Company shows aprofit for the year 0f,£7547. A lightering- plant has been acquired and paid for during the year and a substantial saying in the cost of lightering has been made. The: directors recommend that of ' the -balance, standing, to the credit of profit and loss, £10,000 be set aside for reserve and the payment of a dividend of 5 per cent, and bonus based upon the produce contributed by shareholders, and carrying forward £7300. MASTERTON, Tiis Hay. At the S.M.!' Court, Alfred. Joseph Batchelor, with a number :Of aliases, pleaded guilty on two charges of forging the name of. W. Preston to cheques for £113 18s and £10, 10s; arid was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. '• '•'■ •- ..'■'.'. ".'..'■ -■:'.•: -. : ■'■ '■■ ■