NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7796, 16 November 1886, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS.

[own CORRESPONDENT.] Te Aroha, Monday.' Reports continue to come to hand respecting the damage done to vegetation by the frost; on Friday morning. In this township it was not much felt, but at Waiorongomai, To Aroha West, and all the way up the Thames valley, considerable injury has been done to young fruit trees, and to potatoes and other tender crops. No such frost had previously been experienced so late in the season. Mr. Gordon, Government mining engineer, arrived here to-day after inspecting the Tui mines on his way. He was not expected till Thursday, but he has been hurriedly called to Wellington, and leaves here again tomorrow morning. A public meeting is convened for to-night to take action for fencing in and improving the cemetery, which is at present ig a shame fully neglected state. Thames, Monday ' It is generally conceded that the peach crop will be a failure, but per contra the codiin moth has not yet been seen this season. It is reported that S. Fisher, one of the well-known rowing family of Fisher Bros., intends competing in the champion punt race at Mercury Bay. The Thames members of the Drainage Board have drafted a letter for presentation to the Minister of Mines, of which the following is the pithA firm of practical engineers has tendered an estimate of £3750 for constructing a water motor adaptable to the pump, superseding steam power, yet so adapted as to render a re-connection with the steam engine a matter of no difficulty in case of accident to the water-race, the firm guaranteeing to keep the machinery running for twelve months. The County Council has taken the initiatory steps to borrow money for laying down larger mainß from the reservoir for this purpose. The cost of pumping would be greatly reduced, the drainage contributions correspondingly decreased, and the pump established upon a basis satisfactory to all concerned. Would you therefore kindly endeavour to arrange for a grant in aid of this important work. The Council and Board are willing to do their utmost, but without assistance I fear the undertaking is beyond their means. The Thames County Council has resolved to apply for a special loan of £12,000 under the Local Bodies Loan Act. The schedule of works, therefore, is: Thames to Hiku« taia, £1700 ; Thames to Coromandel, £2230 ; Thames River to Whangamata, £1250; Matab ohe towards Piako, £1000 ; beach to Waiomo, £375; Karaka to Lucky Hit, £150 ; Karaka road extension, £225 ; Kauwaeranga Valley road, £300 ; Hape No. 2, £150; Uppur Tararu road, £300 ;Te Papa Gully road, £125; water race, £3007 14s 6d; debentures, £887 5s 6d; interest, £300. [press association.] Napier, Monday. At a meeting of cricketers, it was resolved to invite the English team now in Australia to piny a three-days' matoh in Napier. £100 to be offered, or £60 if on arrival the weather prevents a match. A committee was formed to canvass for subscriptions. Hawke's Bay grown tobacco leaf has realised, in Auckland, a shilling per lb for extra first quality; 8d for good first; and 7d for good second. Mr. Thomas Shirley, aged 87, died on Saturday. He was a settler of 45 years' standing, having arrived at Wellington in 1845. He leaves over 100 descendants in Hawke's Bay, and numerous others in Wei* lington province, Feilding, Monday. A man named Nicholson, formerly of Dnnedin, died to-day from injuries received while bush falling at Halcombe. Andrew Sukashafskzie committed suicide to-day by shooting himself. Christchurch, Monday: The Governor and party left for Wellington this afternoon. Sergeant Woods, who has been in charge of Akaroa for the past three years, died tonight, after a painful illness. He had been in the police force since 1875, and was maoh respected. At a meeting held to-night a committee and officers were appointed to start the pro* posed Boys' Refuge. It is estimated that £2500 will be required for the first two years' work, Dunedin, Monday. The Dunedin Finance Company at their meeting to-day declared a dividend of five per cent. _ At to-night's meeting of the City Council there was a warm discussion upon the report brought up by the Gas Committee, and some Bevere strictures were passed upon the Gas Engineer. The whole gas question was eventually adjourned to a special meeting to be held on Monday next. The City Auditors have refused to pass the Corporation accounts on account of a charge for refreshments, spirits, peaches, etc., partaken of by the late chairman of the Reserve Committee and others when on a visit to the Botanical Gardens. It is understood that steps will be taken to have this money refunded by the parties.