TELEGRAMS.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 9779, 25 February 1901, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

CHRISTCHURCH. February 23. • i Heavy rain fell all last night and again to-day, and put a stop to all amusement. Largo numbers of visiting firemen arrived for tho annual conference and demonstration, which lakes place next week.' The death is announced of Mr Clias, Elisor, of Balcairn, yesterday. Ho came to the colony iu 1861. He had been chairman of the Now Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association since its' commencement in 1880, and the ' present position of the Co-operative association is due to his strong commonsenso and financial ability. Ho was greatly respected, and leaves a widow, and family. February U. : At a church parade in connection with tho Fire Brigades demonstration this morning, close upon 500 firemen, with tho fire pjlice and members of tho ' City Council, marched to the Cathedral, accompanied by tho Garrison and Stanmore Bands, where an appropriate service .was held, tho Rev. A. W. Campbell preaching. 'WANGANUI. February 24. Tho Indian troops arrived here today. Tho men wore detrained about half a mile from the railway station, and marched through the streets to the station, boing led by tho Garrison Band, and escorted by tho local volunteers. A huge crowd of people lined the route, On arrival at the station refreshments were provided, after which the public were admitted to tho platform. Tho Indians were greatly admired, Independent groups of Maoris greatly amused the Indians by hakas, ete. Mr Seddon and party lunch at an hotel. There was slight rain during the reception.

DUNEDIN.

February 23. At the Dunedin Cycling Club's meeting the weather was good, but the attendance was limited. There was some fairly good racing during the day. The cracks annexed the big races, as anticipated, tho Dunedin Wheel Kace resulting: Sutherland 1, Barker 2, Holland 3. The Mi'e Championship o£_ Otago was carried oil by the saino, with the men in the same order. Amateur Wheel Hace: Amos (scr) 1, A. Hill (30yds) 2. February 24. Intimation has been received that John Alexander Hay has passed tho

second section of his 8.A., and has been awarded the John Tinline Scholarship for excellence in English language and literature. AUCKLAND. February 24. 81Representative saddlers of the Union waited on Mr J. H. Witheford, M.H.K., aud stated that it was understood the Government were providing Fnglishmade saddles ,for the Seventh Contingent. It was asserted that the Auckland saddlers could provide tho saddles required before tho departure of the ■contingent, aud it was urged that tho ■work should be done within the colony. Mr Witheford communicated with the Government, and received a reply stating that it was not yet decided whether to order the saddles in South Australia or not, but in the event of it bbing possible to get the work done in i\ew Zealand a further coininuuication would bo made by wire.

A lire occurred at Constitution Hill to-day, one house being completely destroyed and another gutted. It started in a dwelling occupied by Mrs Elizabeth Cooper, and spread so rapidly that practically nothing was saved, the inmates having just timo to escape. The flames spread to the adjoining house, owned and occupied by Archibald Grandison. This building was gutted before the fire was suppressed. Mrs Cooper's furniture was insured for Ll5O in the National, and Mr lirandison had a policy of L 175 on his] house in the National, Hie Tailoresses' Union has decided to write to the Defence Minister pointing out the injustice to employers ami workers in the clothing trade in this colony of the allowance made to volunteer corps to import uniforms duty freo,

WELLINGTON.

February 23.

Applications for enrolment in the Seventh Contingent are coming in freely. The first batch of men will probably go into camp at Newton Park on Tuesday.

The Premier denies the statement of the Melbourne Argus that ho suggested the pooling of the cable revenue, The matter was mentioned in the Melbourne Conference, but not by him.

February 24,

Half of the Indian troops arrived from Napier, via the Government line, on Saturday night, A largo crowd watched their arrival. They are having an off day to-day. The weather was showery in tho morning, and dull afterwards. The Dalhousie was thrown opeu to the public in the afternoon. At a meeting of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, held o night at the Upper Hutt, 2v iiow members were enrolled.

NEW PLYMOUTH. February 23, The reception of the Indian troops was spoilt by heavy rain, which continued all day. Ah enormous number of country people were in town, and were greatly disappointed. • The troops held a reception in the drill hall, which was largely attended. The Mayor entertained 'the Premier and visiting officers, including Colonel PolePenton and staif, at luncheon. Captain Campbell replied to the toast of the Indian troops. The troops leave for Wellington at seven o'clock on Sunday morning. A heavy sea made a breach in the railway reclamation wall, doing considerable damage. ■ • In the toll gate case, an appeal from the S.M. to Judge Connolly, the Judge reversed the decision, reserving a new point raised. The-S.M, said the toll gate was illegal. Three slight outbreaks of fire occurred in Devon street last jiight, apparently the work of an incendiary. The police arrested a young man named Thomas Payne, who was tried in the Supreme Court a year ago on a similar charge, but discharged, tho jury failing to agree. Payne, arrested in connection with the fires, was brought before the Police Court, and remanded for seven days. Prohibitive bail was asked. February ?4. . Ust night, Captain Campbell (Indian . officer) was presented, by the Mayor,'on behalf _ of ;Ms admirers, with a handsome kiwi mat, also with a honeysuckle gfclck. Colonel Dadbharepresented with a greenstone earring. [This morn.ing the contingent left at.f.3o. Tho Premier accomponiedthom. '/I he Mayor and' a largo number of citizens and , volunteers wero present,' and gave them agoool send-off. 4:;' An inquest was on the off

I with a Eider suggesting that a warning board ;bo placed at the spot. An onormouts concourse attended the funeral, whinh was military.