Telegraphic News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 219, 20 November 1875, Page 9

Telegraphic News.

Auckland, Friday. A meeting to-day made arrangements for an interprovincial pigeon match. Upon arrival off the Onehunga wharf to-day, the Taranaki dropped anchor in order to swing round, but the way she had on carried her down upon the Hawea lying at the wharf. The damage is trifling. Messrs. Reed and Brett, proprietors of the Star, have purchased the plant, copyright, and all the belongings of the defunct Echo. Monday. The barque Director is now loaded in Kaipara with the first shipment of 101 kauri spars. The timber is the first shipment on account of Russell’s Admiralty contract. The captain, who is an old American lumberer, declares the timber to be the finest he has ever seen. Some spars weigh fourteen tons each. A deputation of the Board of Education interviewed Dr. Pollen to-day, to endeavor to obtain a grant for school buildings. They stated that the Board was compelled to refuse the most trifling application for necessary buildings, owing to a lack of funds. Dr. Pollen replied that though the Government had already supplied £20,000 for current expenditure on education purposes, it would he difficult to supply more, but if the Board would decide upon the smallest sum which they could do with, the Government would endeavor to accede. The sum actually required for buildings is £25,000.

Tuesday. The Board of Education resolved to submit £IO,OOO to the General Government as the lowest sum they can reasonably do with for school buildings, to augment the £IO,OOO expected from endowments.

Wednesday. A deputation to the Hon. Dr. Pollen to-day urged the construction of a road from Cambridge through to Taupo. The deputation said that a native difficulty does not exist. The distance is only sixty miles, and the road would connect all the inland towns of the North Island. The Hon. Dr. Pollen promised favorable consideration for the proposal.

Grahamstown, Friday. Efforts have been made to induce Captain Fraser, Warden and R.M., to become a candidate for the Thames. He has not been formally requisitioned. No definite reply was given. There will probably be three or four local candidates besides O’Neill. Sir George Grey and Robert Graham are also spoken of. Monday. The body of a man, apparently a bushman, was found in the Kaneranga River last night. The body has not yet been identified. A hoy named Joseph Winter was drowned in the Kawaranga this morning. He was crossing on horseback, when the horse plunged, and the rider was thrown off. The body has not yet been recovered. A meeting of directors of the Tairua Company was held on Saturday night, when Mr. Burke, mine manager, was summarily dismissed. Tuesday. Two mine accidents occurred this morning. F. Siston fell down a winze, sustained a fracture of the thigh, dislocated his shoulder, and was severely cut and bruised about the head. The other less severe. A miner also fell down 30ft. of the Queen of Beauty shaft, and received painful bruises, but it is believed no bones are broken. On the young man drowned in the Kauweranga yesterday morning, a verdict of “ Accidental death ” was returned. The inquest on the other body was held to-day. It was identified as that of George Tavernor. Verdict, “ Found drowned.” Tavernor was formerly in the Armed Constabulary Force, and clerk in Colonel Moule’s office. The Queen of Beauty dividend for the fortnight is £IOO per share. Alexandra, Friday. Mr. J. C. Firth is here distributing salmon ova. He has been very successful hitherto. 10,000 have been placed in the Piako, Upper Thames, Waikato, and Waipa rivers. The ova arc now hatching. Mr. Firth proceeds to Mangapiko Creek to liberate the remainder. Tuesday. Tawliiao is now at Hikurangi. There is a large preliminary muster of natives there. Election matters are now being freely canvassed. Three candidates are at present expected to come forward and represent Waipa, viz., Cox, McMinn, and Bright.

Wednesday. Sir George Grey is expected to leave here next week en route to Hikurangi, to meet Tawhaio. Great preparations are going on there for his reception. The natives say he is coming only to see his old friends, and also that Tawhiao will freely open out his budget of grievances.

A requisition to H. Roche, asking him to stand for Waipa, obtains but few signatures here.

Tauranga, Friday. An orderly who returned from the Kati Kati last night, brings confirmation of the intelligence received hero of the capsizing of one Alexander Anderson’s boat on Monday last. The boat was picked up yesterday by the Maoris, and the occurrence reported to the ftutliwiMeiv wii e H pftfttefc were* !>y

the Government to search for the poor unfortunates missing. An orderly was despatched overland, and brings the melancholy story that one of the passengers (Murdoch) has been picked up alive, half perished, by Maoris, and that Anderson and Arthur Stewart are lost. On the upsetting of the boat Anderson was never seen, and it is supposed that he got entangled with an iron plough which was on board. Stewart and Murdoch got on the bottom of the boat. After being more than twelve hours in the water Stewart got exhausted and was drowned. Anderson is an old respectable settler at Kati Kati. Arthur Stewart was one of Vesey Stewart’s party, lie leaves a large family behind. Tauranga is full of mourning. °

A . r, , Napier, Monday. At Papakura on Saturday, a dozen Maoris forcibly removed the gates of the pound and rescued eight horses. The poundkeeper and his assistants were threatened, but not actually assaulted. Information has been furnished to the. police, and proceedings will be taken against the offenders.

, ! las issued an address to the electors of Napier. He advocates a land tax. W. Colenso has issued an electors of Napier. There are now five candidates for the two seats. Ormond is as yet unopposed for Clive. J

New Plymouth, Friday It is rumored that Buckley will contest Figmont seat with Major Atkinson. Buckley stands little chance, as the votes on this side will outnumber Patea, even if P ate a were favorable to him.

Lhe salmon ova have been placed in the Waiwakaio stream, and are in excellent condition. The trout from ova sent last year fiom Dunedin are doing well. Twelve large ones and eight small were discovered when clearing out the hatching boxes for the salmon ova.

A . Thursday, a meeting of the Harbor Board yesterday Major Atkinson was present. He said re tne State Prison and harbor, that, till the Engineer had reported, no definite proposal could be made. Carruthers and Blackett were to leave Wellington on Thursday, but had been delayed in Canterbury. Major Atkinson further stated that he thought the Government would be willing to go as far as Mr. Kelly had; but, of course, as there had been no definite proposal yet made, it was impossible to do more than talk the matter over, and then he could hear their ideas and views on the matter. In the course of some conversation as to whether a change of Government might alter matters to the detriment of the province. Mr. Kelly said, the Act that took away the land revenue would also .stipulate what was to be given for it in return, and the time tho harbor works were to be completed in. They could not lose one withont obtaining the other. A deputation of the Waitara settlers waited on Major Atkinson yesterday afternoon, when the high charge on the railway wharf was brought under his notice. The deputation stated that owing to the excessive charge two cargoes by the Go-ahead, which would have been forwarded by rail, were sent into New Plymouth roadstead, for with the present charges goods would not be sent by the train. It was stated that a cargo of timber for Martin was sent by carts, it being found to be considerably cheaper than by the railway. The wharfage charges, with the delivering at Webster’s wharf, were Is. per ton ; at the railway wharf 2s. 6d. per ton and Is. delivery. Major Atkinson said he would represent the matter to the Minister for Public Works. Rc the. extension of the railway to Inglewood, Major Atkinson said he was told, tenders would be here as soon as he would. Re the removal of the wreck of the Paterson, he said the Luna would be sent there as soon as possible. Rc the telegraph communication, he said there vvas no doubt the wire would be put up during the summer. A man narrowly escaped being run over by the train last night at the Devon-street crossing. . Major Atkinson does not intend to address his constituents here. He leaves for Wanganui on Saturday. Patea, Friday. It is probable that a requisition will be presented to Arthur Standish, member of the Taranaki Provincial Council and Executive, inviting him to contest the seat for Eginont with Major Atkinson, Standish having created amongst some a feeling in his favor when on a recent visit here.

Wanganui, Friday. An influential meeting was held last night to consider steps to be taken to insure the election of Sir Julius Vogel. The manner in which he was brought forward having been misrepresented by one or two, Mr. Ballance explained the circumstances to the satisfaction of all. A large committee to work the district was formed. Great unanimity and earnestness prevailed. Mr. R. Pharazyn has issued an address in which ho promises to resign should Sir Julius Vogel not bo returned for any other district. It is expected Mr. Morgan will also stand. The Manawatu has towed in the Frank Guy.

Thursday. A requisition asking W. 11. Watt to stand for Wanganui, has been taken round for signature to-day. It is stated by those in charge of it that Pharazyn retires in his favor. It would appear that Watt has abandoned Rangitikei.

Picton, Wednesday. The Picton and Blenheim railway was opened at eleven this morning. Two trains were drawn up at the Blenheim station, when both engines were named by Miss Coulter and Miss Gwyn« neth. Bottles of champagne wore broken. A very large orov/d .of persona worn fwuorqbjo.i, Thu tiAirifq GUfViim the fthil M

f lic hmclioou given by Brogdens, started immediately. On arrival at Picton the Deputy - Superintendent opened the line in the usual form. Five trains ran throughout the day. About fifty persons sat down to luncheon. The whole, affair was highly successful. Blenheim, Monday. The opening of the railway to Picton takes place on Wednesday, at eleven in the morning. There will he a christening of the engine at Blenheim station. The train will take guests to a luncheon at Picton given bythc Brogdens. A. hall will be given at the same place at night. Trains will run free throughout the day, which will he observed as a general holiday. Nelson, Thursday. Mr. Curtis addressed a full meeting of his constituents last night. He announced his intention of coming forward again, and was well received. lie commenced with a very handsome compliment to Sir George Grey, for his sincerity and earnestness of purpose, though compelled to differ from him. The principal portion of his speech was devoted to the Abolition Bill. He considered that no new institutions would he necessary, but it would be sufficient to enlarge the powers and pecuniary resources of municipalities and road boards, and to place other functions, such as education, &c., in the hands of boards, and so to bring about an expansion of the present institutions. He considered the Legislative Council had done good service, hut its constitution required remodelling. He felt convinced that additional taxation would soon lie necessary, and that it must take the form of a land and property tax, and if that was not sufficient, an income tax also. Ho was loudly cheered, and received a vote of thanks.

It is believed there will be three candidates for the two city seats, Curtis, Sharp, and Luckie. For the suburbs Rout, Provincial Treasurer, will oppose Richmond.

Westport, Monday. A meeting is to be held to-night to organise an action re the Colliery Reserve Commission. Great annoyance is expressed at the delay in railway operations. The laborers are all leaving the district, and trade is depressed. Tuesday.

A meeting rc the colliery reserve was held last evening, and a committee appointed to watch the case ; and, rc public works, a resolution was adopted to be forwarded to the Minister for Public Works, “ That the people of Westport view with indignation the apathy of the General Government with regard to the injury daily done to the district by leaving the railway and protective works in their present unfinished and unprofitable state, and desire to know when it is intended to renew the progress of public works.” The Buffer News Company have relinquished the paper. It is now in the hands of Mr. Wright, the late company’s manager. Greymouth, Wednesday, Harrison, M.H.lv, addressed his constituents last evening. The proceedings throughout were very tame. No questions were asked. He announced his intention to contest the forthcoming election. Hokitika, Wednesday. R. C. Reid lias announced his intention of contesting the election for Hokitika district. He favors abolition, and has received a large requisition. Edmund Barff, member of the Assembly some years ago, also announces himself. Conrad Hoos, late County Chairman, is also spoken of, but has not yet declared. John White, the present member, has not yet signified his intention, but it is generally supposed that he will stand. In Totara district, Tribe is not likely to be opposed. Ross, Saturday. Mr. Tribe, M.H.R., addressed a crowded meeting of constituents here last night. He was most cordially received, and a unanimous vote of confidence was passed in him. Christchurch, Sunday. W. B. Tosswill addressed the Coleridge electors last night. He declared himself in favor of the North and Middle Islands being made two provinces, with separate legislatures and a federal government, for purely national affairs. Monday. At a sale of pure-bred cattle, sheep, and draught horses, Messrs. A. Cockburn, of Wellington, George Peacock, of Napier, and H. Peacock, of Patea, were large purchasers at high figures.

W. A. Pilliet, who is opposing Montgomery for the Alcaroa seat in the Assembly, addressed the electors on Saturday night, and said he was in favor of the abolition of provinces; but if the terms were not favorable to Canterbury, he would go in for financial separation of the two islands, with a Federal Government at AA r ellington. A vote of confidence in him was unanimously passed. Tuesday.

Another candidate is announced for the Coleridge district. This makes seven candidates for the same seat.

Josiah Birch,an influential Kaiapoi merchant, is likely to oppose J. E. Brown for the Ashley district.

'The Jockey Club have decided to erect an additional stand on the racecourse. Eighteen sets of exhibits have been received for Philadelphia, comprising hams, bacon, preserved meats, tomato sauce, wheat, rye grass seed, malt, barley, beans, oats, flour, soap, candles, limestone, leather, colored mats, skins, coal, and chicory. A cricket match yesterday between the Christchurch Club and crew of 11.M.5. Sappho resulted in favor of the latter by five runs, with four wickets to go down. A rifle match yesterday between the Christchurch Cavalry and crew of the Sappho resulted in favor of the latter by ninety points. The Cavalry men were armed with carbines,

the Sappho men with long Sticklers. After the match the two teams changed arms and fired five shots each at 400yds., when the Cavalry scored 103 and the Sappho 30, thus proving the great superiority of long Sneiders over carbines. Wednesday. H. D. Murray Aynsloy has announced his intention of contesting the Lyttelton seat with 11. D. Webb. In a rifle match yesterday, Sappho versus Christchurch Artillery, the former won by twenty-one points. The Governor has opened the East Christchurch main district school. The school is to accommodate 1000 children, and cost £BOOO. Timaru, Monday. Mr. Fulbcrt Archer, of Archer and Co., merchants, Timaru, lias been asked by some of the electors to stand for Geraldine, but positively declined. Mr. Archer has never taken part in politics before. The Protestant Primate of New Zealand and the Yen. Archdeacon of Timaru are to arrive on Friday, and the latter is to lie installed to the incumbency of St. Mary’s on Sunday. Wednesday. A woman named Drake, one of the immigrants by the Merope, had been committed to the lunatic asylum by the Resident Magistrate, and was left in charge of her husband in the barracks, awaiting removal. At eight o’clock last niglit Drake went out for a moment, when his wife locked him out. On the door being broken open she was found to have killed her son, aged two years, almost severing the head from the body with a razor, and to have cut her own throat severely. She is in a dying state. This is the second case of lunacy from the Merope.

Mr. Stafford and Mr. Wakefield offer themselves for Timaru and Geraldine respectively in this morning’s paper.

Dunedin, Friday. The banquet to Mr. Reid, M.H.R., takes places at Mosgeil on the evening of the 23rd instant. Air. Murray, M.H.R., addresses his constituents at Milton to-night. Monday. J. Hagertv was elected first Mayor of Green Island to-day by a majority of 25 over the other two candidates. The takings on the Otago railways for the month ending October amount t0£8528. The takings on the Prince of Wales’ Birthday were £450. The Bluff takings were not included in the last amount as sent previously, which was given as £BOO. In consequence of Air. Rich’s intended visit to Europe, Sir Dillon Bell'has been requisitioned, and has consented to stand for Wailcouati. The committee are now taking active steps to secure his return.

Air. James Copeland, brewer, died this morning rather suddenly. He was at one time partner in Alarshall and Copeland’s firm. His death has caused a general feeling of surprise and regret in town. Being a Volunteer officer the funeral will be a military one.

Air. Alurray addressed his constituents at Alilton on Friday. He commented strongly on the action of a portion of the Press. Nothing new was said in the political line. Tuesday. Captain Copeland’s funeral was largely attended this afternoon, the procession being over half a mile in length. The A r olunteers and members of the .Fire Brigade were present. The coffin was borne to the grave on a guncarriage drawn by four horses. The Artillery band played the “Dead Alarch,” and the body was buried with military honors. The deceased gentleman was very generally respected here. He was only in his thirty-sixth year. The Southern escort brought down 22520z5. of gold to-day. The Bible Society held its annual meeting last night, and the report and balance-sheet were adopted. From the latter it appeared that the collections in aid of the society during 1875, had amounted to £196, while £lsl had been realised by the sale of books, and that after making the usual contribution to the Parent and Kindred Societies, and meeting ordinary expenses, there was a credit balance in the year’s transactions of £344. Wednesday. The conversazione of the Otago Institute last night was a success. The large hall of the University was crowded with a fashionable audience. “An Address to the People of Otago ” is the title of the pamphlet issued to-day by the Superintendent, in which he gives expression to a few thoughts as regards the present political situation. The following are the leading extracts “ I should vote for no candidate, however personably acceptible, unless I could thoroughly rely upon his strenuously advocating and supporting such measures as shall substantially secure—l. That each Island shall have power to provide for the maintenance of its own peace and good government, and for the management of its own local affairs, irrespectively and independently of the other. 2. That the powers and functions of the General Assembly shall bo distinctly defined, and shall be limited to questions purely federal. 3. That the provincial legislature or legislatures of eacli Island shall have supreme constituent powers in respect of all subjects not so defined as aforesaid. I have not touched the question as to the number of provinces in each Island, as this does not materially affect the chief objects to be attained. Aly own opinion leans strongly towards at least two provinces in each Island. .1 do not think that for years to come anything less will be satisfactoi'y, either on the ground of economy or efficiency.”

Thursday. Sir Dillon Bell addresses the electors at Waikouaiti to-night.

The Princes-street widening matter may be considered definitely settled. The finance committee left the final settlement in the hands of the Alayor, and the result of the

negotiations between his Worship and Messrs. Sievewright and Stout is that the Corporation pay a lump sum of £20,100, out of which the tenants pay the whole of the costs relating to the arbitration, and the law costs incurred during the proceedings that followed the arbitration, together with the Corporation solicitor’s costs.

In verca no i 11, Friday. The Volunteer Band gave an open-air promenade concert in Osborne’s paddock last evening, in aid of the hospital. The affair was very successful. Air. Cutlibertson, M.H.R., announces that he will address his constituents on the 19th. Tuesday. Wood lias accepted a requisition to contest Mataura. In reply to the requisition, he says : —ln reference to the great constitutional question now before country, knowing, as I do, that the cry for abolition was not raised by tlie people, or in their interest, I should, if elected, feel it my duty at once to unite with those gentlemen who, though in a minority during the late session of the Assembly, so nobly defended our rights and privileges. Being an advocate of purely representative Government, I am favorable to a change in the constitution of the Upper House of the Legislature, by which it would become an elective instead of a nominated body.