Telegraphic News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 221, 4 December 1875, Page 9

Telegraphic News.

Auckland, Saturday. The Llwellyn has arrived from Fiji. The Auckland Steam Packet Company has contracted with the Fijian Government for the Star of the South to trade between the islands, collecting produce. Fiji news per Star of the South.—H.M.S. Baracoxxta sailed from Levuka Bay previous to the departure of the Llwellyn with Governor Gordon on board.

Great uneasiness is manifested and expressed in reference to the delay which Inis taken place in effecting the Government indebtedness, and a rumor is in circulation that the report of the commission so tardily appointed to investigate the claims against the Government had to be sent to England for approval before payment. The rumor is generally considered true. If it is, it will go far to destroy the confidence of the people in his Excellency. Business is exceedingly dull. Everyone is waiting for the settlement of the land claims and money claims against the late Government.

The Fitzroy arrived at Levuka from Sydney on the 22nd. She was seventeen days from Sydney. The mortality amongst the Fijians through measles was as great as was anticipated. Among those belonging to the Wesleyan Church 85,000 have succumbed ; and when the number of Roman Catholic and those not converted to the Christian faith in the gi'oixp comes to be estimated, the loss of human life will amount to 40,000. The census of the population of Levuka shows 750 whites and an equal number of Fijians.

Monday. In the New South Wales Legislature, the Postmaster-Genex’iil, in answer to a question relative to the dispute with Hall re the San Francisco service, informed the House that Hall had not performed the contract, and his sureties had not paid xxp the sums for which they were responsible.

A letter has been received from Goldsmith, of Melbourne, to-day, regretting that the effort to get an Australian cricket team to proceed to New Zealand has proved quite abortive.

Tuesday. Tenders for the construction of a graving dock were opeued by the Harbor Board to-day as follows : —Henderson, of Brogden and Sons, £96,787; Owen Jones and Co., £99,591 ; J. A. Overend, £116,544; Richard Dickson, £121,000 ; DavidProxxdfoot,Dunedin,£l3o,ooo; John Taylor, £139,900 ; Smith, Finlayson and Co., London (informal), £153,800. Referred to Works Committee for report. Mr. Hamlin, chairman of the Provincial Council committee, announces himself a candidate for the representation of Franklin. He stands with H. H. Lush in Sir G. Grey’s interest. Thui'sday. The Harbor Board to-day decided that in consequence of the lowest tender for the dock greatly exceeding the engineer’s estimate, no tender will be accepted. The amount exceeds the sum at the disposal of the Board.

O’Rorke has issued an address for Onehunga. lima de Murska’s agent is endeavoring to get a guarantee or purchase of hoixses here, as in Melbourne.

The liai-bor endowments sold to-day realised much higher rates than in previous year. The question has been raised whether Henderson’s tender by telegraph for the construction of the graving-dock was not informal. If it is rejected on that ground, Owen, Jones, and Co,, local tenderers, are the next lowest.

Grahamstown, Friday. William Rowe lias announced himself a candidate for the Thames. Sir George Grey, it is said, will accept the requisition from here, It is reported that James Mackay will not stand.

Wednesday. Robert Graham is spoken of for the Mayoralty at the Thames, and also to run with Sir G. Grey for this district. Dr. Kilgour is also mentioned as a candidate for the Assembly. A meeting will be held this evening to prepare an address to Sir George Grey, who comes down on a visit to the goldfields to-morrow. Thursday. Samuel Stephenson, hotelkeeper, has issued an address announcing himself as a candidate for the Assembly. He appeals to the working men, and announces himself as being a thorough abolitionist. He would abolish the provinces and the Tipper House. A requisition to Dr. Kilgour is being signed. An address to Sir George Grey was adopted at a meeting held last lxight, thanking him for his acti<»n during the late session. It is considered probable that he will address a public meeting. Sir George Grey arrived about six o’clock. He was presented with an address by Dr. Kilgour. Fully 500 were present.

Alexandra, Monday. McMinn addressed the electors at Waipa on Saturday. About 400 were present. He met with a good reception. Ho disagrees with the land purchase policy of the Government, but would support the public works policy. He is a great admirer of Grey, but considers he goes too far on some points. He received a vote of confidence. Bright also addressed the meeting and received a vote of thanks. Thursday. Tawliiao’s meeting at Hikurangi commences to-morrow. Manuhiri and Kuiti natives arrived at Kopua to-day en route for Ngatimaniapoto. All the tribes residing at Kopua, with their quota of provisions, proceeded with them. None of the friendly natives are invited.

Napier, Monday. There was a narrow escape from a serious fire last night. Hague, butchei*, of Hastingsstreet, went to bed and left a candle alight

near an open window. The muslin window curtains blew into the flame of the candle and caught alight. The alarm was given by the bystanders in the street on seeing the smoke, and the fire was soon extinguished. A Provincial Gazette contains a proclamation by the Superintendent reserving for purposes of public utility certain lands at Kopuawhare, Wairoa, Moliaka, Puketitieri Bush, and Maharahara.

The abstract of receipts and expenditure for quarter ending 30tlx September shows a balance credit at the bank on that date of £13,721 9s. Bd.

The return of land sold and rents and assessments on sums received at the Grown Lands office, Napier, during July last shows £llß received from sale of suburban lands; £621 6s. from country lands ; and from rents and assessments, £55 7s. 9d.; total, £794 13s. 9d Wednesday. A public meeting, convened by the Mayor, agreed to a special rate not exceeding fid. in. the £ for filling in the swamp roads. An accident occurred at Kareru yesterday to a man in the employ of J. N. Williams, who fell over a cliff 100 ft. high. His fall was fortunately broken. The man was much bruised, but it is thought he is likely to recover. He is now in Napier Hospital doing well.

Gisborne, Thursday. To-morrow an immense Maori feed, to which Europeans are invited, conies off five miles from town. To Hena Pitau gives it to Panapa and his people, because they presented them with one thousand eels last winter. Many tons of provisions with dray-loads of grog have been provided. A Maori messenger was sent to Gisborne from Wairenga Ahika four days ago for a dray load of grog. He took it to Wurewai, and there got insensibly drunk, and was buried to-day. The shops will be closed to-morrow to allow Exxropeans an opportunity of being present at the monster feast. Eating, drinking, and war dancing will be continued for about a week. Hundreds of pounds worth of stuff will be consumed. The celebrated Makawu block cases were finally settled by Judge Rogan yesterday.

New Plymouth, Friday. The adjourned meeting of the Titanic Iron Company shareholders in New Plymouth was held last night, when the committee brought up a report on the charges preferred by Mathiesoix against the directors. The committee report that they believe that the machinery, which cost £4 10s. per ton for forwarding here, could have been brought here for £1 10s. per ton and lauded and placed at the company’s works for another 15s. per ton. Compound bricks have been made at £4 10s. per thousand, whilst another tender was sent in at £2 15s. From Is. fid. to 2s. per cubic yard has been given for excavation, whilst the Provincial Government and private persons were giving from Sid. to lOd, Whetton was retained at £4 per week, after the appointment of Darrooli, as manager 1 , at £6 per week. The machinery, they consider, could have been erected by an engineer and assistant and two laborers in eight or ten days, whilst Jack has been engaged on it eight or ten months, at £5 a-week, and the work is not finished. Only about 500 bushels of charcoal are on hand, whereas there should have been three months’ supply. To prevent a disastrous result from these attempts, the committee suggest that the blowing in of the furnace be delayed till a thoroughly practical man is placed in charge; also, that the managing director shoxxld be a resident here. Several of the shareholders endorsed the statements that were in the report, and brought forward proofs. Smith explained his connection with the company, and in answer to a question why he was dismissed, said it was simply because he would work for the shareholders instead of the contractors. Because he would not be a party to the extravagance shown in the report, the directors dismissed him, A copy of the report is to be forwarded to the directors. Such stormy weather as we have experienced here during the past week has never been known in this province at this season of the year since its settlement. Wanganui, Friday. Two men were drowned at the railway bridge this afternoon. Five men were crossing in a boat in a heavy fresh, and the boat was swept against a line and was upset. Two got out easily. Another had a narrow escape. Two were swept away. Their bodies are not recovered, and are not likely to till the fresh subsides. One was married with a family. The weather is miserably gusty, showery, and unpleasant. A complimentary banquet was given to John Bryce, Esq., M.H.R., last night. Mr. Duthie was in the chair, and about eighty persons were present, including as guests Major Atkinson and Mr. Ballance, M.H.R. Mr. Bryce, in responding to the toast of his health, alluded to the state of political feeling in the colony, and the action of the Opposition. They would require watching, for they had made use of all available dodges to gain their ends. They had clamored for an appeal to the people, and now that they had what they wanted, what did they do '! They abandoned provincialism and clamored for separation. They were thus trying to raise a false issue, and the country must be prepared to meet them on every ground. He considered the policy of the Government favorable to the prosperity of the country. All through he had objected to the compromise with the Opposition. Mr. Bryce was repeatedly applauded, and all the speakers assured him he had the complete confidence of the district. Messrs. Atkinson, Ballance, Morgan, and Beauchamp also spoke. The greatest unanimity prevailed. The company did not break up till past midnight. Thursday. At a meeting of the Wanganui Jockey Club on Wednesday it was decided to postpone the races until the second Thursday and Friday in March, on account of the impossibility of

rectin" the grand stand and improving the course before that time. The nominations for the handicap close on 3rd February, and t!ie general entries on 20th February. Alakton, Thursday. An influential requisition to Mr. .fames Hull is in process of signature, asking him to allow himself to be nominated as a candidate for the Rangitikei district. He has a good chance of success. Blenheim, Monday. A fire broke out in High-street this morning, and entirely destroyed the shop and premises of Smith and Stowman, cabinet makers. There being varnish, spirits of wine, and a quantity of tow on the premises, they burned very rapidly, yet the brigade succeeded in confining the fire to the building where it broke out, although those on one side, in close proximity and being of light inflammable material, ignited several times. Smith and Stowman lose £3OO, wholly uninsured. The building was insured in the New Zealand Company’s office for £l5O. Nelson, Monday. William Drager, a young man recently arrived in the colony, who was missing from his home in Waimea since Tuesday, was on Saturday found hanging from a tree in the bush, four miles from where he lived. He had been in a despondent state of mind for some time. Tuesday. The Supreme Court opened to-day. There are five cases, but only one of a serious nature, namely, unnatural offence. Reefton, Friday. A serious accident happened to the mail coach when attempting to cross the Inangahua River. There was a slight flood on at the time. The two leaders were drowned, but the passengers and mails were safely landed. A requisition to Richard Reeves, asking him to stand for the coming election, is being numerously signed. Greymouth, Saturday. Two other candidates—Messrs. Reeves and McGuire—announce their intention to contest the seat for Grey Valley. Mr. Harrison, M.H.R., has withdrawn ; gives as reasons for so doing, professional engagements and inability to devote time to canvass the district. Mi 1 . Newton addressed a crowded and enthusiastic meeting last night, and received a unanimous vote of confidence. His election is considered certain. There are seven candidates in the field. A young woman, aged sixteen, named Annie Kerr, a recent arrival, committed suicide this morning by jumping off Preston Bridge into the lagoon. The body is not yet found. Monday. The Wealth of Nations Quartz-mining Company, Reefton, cleared up for four weeks on Friday with a yield of 4710z5. melted gold. A dividend, the sixteenth, of 4s. per 6-500tli share was declared. Westport, Tuesday. The Colliery Reserve Commission was formerly opened on Monday, and resumed to-day, when the first cases were taken. Though little understood elsewhere, the matter is one of great interest here, involving, as it does, the right to the whole town of Westport, which is situate upon what is known as the coal reserve. The reserve was set apart in 1563, shortly after the discovery of Mount Rochfort coal mine by Dr. Haast. The importance of the mine being recognised, the coal reserve was pegged off by Government as a site for wharves, hut when Nelson south-west goldfield broke out a portion of the reserve became the township, and was speedily built upon under business licenses. The persons so occupying were one by one “washed out,” until at the present moment there remains but one business place as a relic of the Westport of seven years ago. In lieu of sites washed away the Nelson Government granted other sites on the upper part of the coal reserve, and generally handed over the reserve upon which the township stands as security, under the Immigration and Public Works Act, for the construction of the Mount Rochfort railway. The inhabitants have built upon the strength of their agreement with the Provincial Government. Rights to the extent of £60,000 have grown up, and they are discoveringnowthe insecurity of their tenure. The people feel greatly aggrieved. It is alleged that the Provincial Government has acted ultra vires all through in dealing with the reserve. The General Government simply desire to take possession of their security, or to allow the occupiers to remain at fair rental. The Commission is instructed to recommend explicitly in what way each claim or liability should be dealt with, in accordance with justice to the individuals concerned and to the interests of the colony. The whole tiling is a pretty “kettle of fish.” The story begins in the somewhat familiar refrain “ This is the house that Jack built.” Then goes on till the investigation is landed in hopeless confusion. This is the web the Commissioners have to unravel. The sitting will occupy from a fortnight to three weeks. The residents have confidence in the ability and impartiality of Judge Weston and Warden Beetham, whose decision will, according to general opinion, be accepted as a final settlement of the matter, whatever it may be. Wednesday. The Royal Commission has fairly begun to mow down the list of claims. During the hearing of a case yesterday, it transpired that one claimant won his section, value £4l, at a game of cards. There have been some strange circumstances connected with the colliery reBei’vo. It has been commissioned to death. The Nelson Government have appointed the Commissioners, hut all attempts to settle the matter hitherto seem to have made confusion worse confounded. Well-meaning citizens are glad that the affair is to bo brought to a final ssuo, which seems uot far distant. A claim

for £2600 was heard yesterday, the sectio 11 having been taken by Government for railway purposes. Thursday. The evidence adduced before the Colliery Commission displays cultured ingenuity in the preparation of the claims for compensation. In one case heard to-day a publican based a claim for prospective damage upon the fact that business was rapidly falling off in the town, and that as people left the place they had a “ doch-an-dorach” at his house. He had derived considerable income from this house of late. It was mildly hinted that if his trade depended upon custom of this sort his business must speedily come to an end. Nothing more was made of the argument. He claims £llOO for his section, which is required for railway purposes. Hokitika, Friday. The steamer Otago will not bo tendered till to-morrow morning, owing to the heavy sea on the bar. * Mr. White addressed his constituents last night. There was a moderately large attendance. He reviewed the business of the last session. At the termination of the address, a vote of confidence in him as a representative of the district for the last five years, was carried with acclamation. In reply to questions, he informed the meeting that he had not yet decided as to whether he would offer himself again as a candidate. Christchurch, Friday. Mr. Montgomery addressed the electors of the Akaroa district on Wednesday last, and declared himself in favor of the abolition of provincial institutions, and at the same time that the management of local affairs should be left to local bodies. He proposed that the place of provincial institutions should he taken in Canterbury, for example, by two Boards of Works, one for the north, the other for the district south of the River Rangitata, to manage large affairs, the members of these Boards to be elected by the various Road Boards, whose functions should be of a minor character. He advocated a free unsectarian system of education. He would like to see the General Assembly purged of all paid Government officers except those on the Treasury benches ; and for this reason he thought the Superintendents, supposing provincial institutions still existed, should be excluded from the House. With regard to the Legislative Council, he considered that the members should be elected by constituencies extending over large areas. At the conclusion of his address a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence in him was passed. An inquiry into the origin of the fire on the premises of A. W. Wright, furniture broker, in High-street, has been held. The evidence went to show that the shutters were put up at the shop for the first time on the night of the fire; that an hour before the alarm was raised a light was seen in the shop, and some one was heard moving chairs about; that when the shop door was burst open there were four distinct and unconnected bodies of fire ; and that the stock was insured for £BSO. Mr. Wright estimated the value of his stock at £20,000, and said he had no doubt the fire was maliciously caused, but could not imagine by whom. The inquiry was adjourned for a week.

Monday. John Jebson, M.P.C., one of the candidates for Coleridge district, addressed the electors at Selwyn on Saturday night. He advocated local government in the form of Boards of Works, with large borrowing powers, and to have control of all railways, police, hospitals, gaols, charitable aid, bridges, roads, &c., and a Federal Government for the whole colony to deal with purely national matters. A terrific south-west gale of wind and rain prevailed from Friday night until noon yesterday. The low-lying districts are flooded and the rivers are very high. The weather is still showery. Tuesday. C. E. J. Stevens, one of the candidates for the city of Christchurch, addressed the electors last night, and announced himself as a strong centralist. Bluett, member for Coleridge, addressed the electors at Ashburton. He spoke in favor of abolition. A resolution, expressing dissatisfaction with his conduct in the Assembly, and declining to support him at the election, was passed. Wilsou, also an abolitionist, is tlie favorite candidate for this district.

Two fires occurred in Christchurch yesterday. The Imperial Office loses £SOO and the Batavian £750 by them. Wednesday. Sir Cracroft Wilson addressed the electors of Heatclicote district last night. A vote of confidence in him was negatived on the voices. Timaru, Monday. Violent south-east gale with tremendous sea on Saturday. The s.s. Beautiful Star, ketch Good Templar, brigantine Gleaner, barques Rose M. and Czarowieli put to sea and have not yet returned. Tesclimaker addressed the Gladstone electors on Saturday evening. He declared himself an abolitionist. A vote of confidence was moved, but no resolution passed either way. Tuesday. Air. Wakefield addressed the Geraldine electors last niirht. He declared himself an abolitionist, and opposed to separation. A large meeting unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the candidate. Wilson, one of Wakefield’s opponents, spoke against him, denouncing him as an advocate of the squattei’s, but he was laughed at. It is proposed that all three candidates should meet the electors together, hut it is doubtful if they will consent to do so. Dunedin, Friday. The shop of Kelly, butcher, at Relichet Bay, was burnt down last night. Six eases of scarlet fever are reported by the medical health officer in one house, in

Maitland-street. The house is quarantined, and every exertion is being made to isolate the persons attacked. All the papers have strong articles urging the most stringent measures to prevent the spread of the disease. It was brought over here by a passenger per Ringarooina on her last trip. Dr. Gillies, Medical Officer of Health, writes in the Slav that there is no doubt as to the origin of the case of scarlet fever. The first of the children to become affected actually sickened on board the Ringarooma on her last trip from Melbourne. No fresh cases are reported to-day. A correspondent suggests that a canvas fever hospital should be erected on the town belt. He offers £5 towards the cost, and another £5 is offered by another correspondent for the same purpose. It was long ago suggested by the Provincial Surgeon that a fever ward should be erected, but. no notice was taken of tbe recommendation. The Alayor asked that the persons affected should be sent to the hospital, but the Central Board of Health, acting on the Provincial Surgeon’s memo., refused to do this, as it would endanger other patients in that institution. It is raining hard, and has been bitterly cold all day. Monday.

The City Council to-day resolved to tender £21,000 for the freehold of the Otago University buildings, provided the Council could get possession by the Ist of Alarch. A deputation of over twenty electors waited on Sir J. L. C. Richardson this morning, to ask if he would receive a requisition requesting him to come forward as a candidate for the city of Dunedin at the ensuing general election. Sir J. L. C. Richardson, in reply, observed that he was extremely gratified at the honor paid him by the deputation, and to find that after a lapse of twelve years since he last represented Dunedin in Parliament, he was still regarded as not unworthy of being elected as one of their members. Ever since 1566, when he abandoned active political life, though willing to become a member of the Executive, he had resolved to retire entirely from all expressions of political opinion, but the organic alterations in contemplation forced him to respect his duty as a citizen, and to give expression to his sentiments at this crisis in the history of the province and the colony. He felt unable to reply fully at present, but would express bis opinions more fully in the course of the present week. At the same time he wished it to be fully understood, that much as he would be pleased to reply in the affirmative to any requisition that might be made to him, he felt that his failing powers, physical and mental, might prevent him from acceding to the request. Reynolds and Wales address the electors on Wednesday evening. The Mount Ida Chronicle says the Opposition will carry at least fifteen seats in Otago. The fire season has fully commenced. One broke out on Saturday, at the Albion Soap Works. The damage is estimated at £IO7O, covered by insurance in the Royal and South British offices. Another fire—the third within four days—broke out this morning in George-street, on the premises of Alorrison, a grocer. The shop was entirely destroyed. The stock and furniture were insured for £2OO in the Standard Insurance, and for a like sum in the South British. The stock and furniture were valued at £750. The building, belonging to Air. AVilson, was insured in the South British for £2OO. In both instances the fire brigade was quickly on the scene. Thursday. After Reynolds had concluded his speech last night, Wales, who was also to address the meeting, asked them to take his speech as read, and he would publish it in the papers. The meeting objected, as he will be asked lots of questions. He speaks in a few days. The provincialists at last night’s meeting were present in great force, and nearly all the late Alacandrew banquet committee. Sir John Richardson positively declines to contest Dunedin City. He will state his reasons to the requisitionists in a few days. AVilliams, the jockey who got such a cropper on Wednesday in a hurdle race at Duuedin, has recovered consciousness, and may pull through. Invercargill, Saturday. To-day a number of influential residents in the town and country presented the Hon. Dr Alenzies with a splendid tea and coffee service, in recognition of their appreciation of his public and private worth, proved during twenty years. Riverton, Alonday. The campaign opened for the Riverton seat on Saturday night by Air. J. Alclntosh addressing the electors. His speech was as nearly as possible an echo of Atacundrew’s manifesto. After the address, a vote of no confidence in him was moved, and also an amendment that the other candidates be heard before they gave any support to Air. Alclntosh. On a show of hands being taken, the voting was nearly equal, but the chairman declared the motion carried. The only other candidates as yet announced are James Wilson, AI.P.C., and Dr. Hodgkinson, all provincialists. It is thought that if AlcGillivray, or any other abolitionist, comes forward, he would stand a very good chance to go iu, unless some of the provincialists retire. Tuesday. Air. J. L. Alacdonald, ex-Mayor, announces that he will deliver a lecture on the political aspect of New Zealand on Saturday. It is supposed that it is intended as “a feeler” to see what reception he would receive as a candidate.

Air. McGillivray intends addressing the electors next week, to review the affairs of the past session, and to give an account of his stewardship ; but will not come forward again for reelection, unless requested by an influential number of the constituency.

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY. Auckland, Alonday. The Hero has arrived. She left Melbourne on the 19th November, and Sydney on the 23rd. Melrouune, November 20. There is no later English news. Parliament re-assembled on Wednesday, when the Premier made a statement in reference to the business of the session. He intends making his financial statement on Tuesday, and during the remaining portion of the session introducing only three Bills —one to amend the Land Act, the Public Health Act, and one for the introduction of the postal card system. Berry gave notice of his intention to join issue with Government proposals, and moving an amendment on the financial statement. The state of parties in the House shows a good majority iu favor of the Government. The Government intend to reduce the public expenditure, and have already set about the task. The Exhibition finally closed on Tuesday, after being open seventy-two days. The number of visitors was 240,000, and the receipts were £3OOO. The exhibits are now being shipped to Philadelphia, and the executive officers take their departure shortly. A ease of breach of promise, Gavin v. Simpson, resulted in a verdict for the plaintiff for £675. The notorious criminal AVeechurch is now on his trial for attempting to murder Warder Aloi-an. The prisoner admits the attempt, but says it was not out of malice to the warder, but to relieve himself from the tantalising and unjust misery he was suffering daily. The Registrar who performed an illegal marriage has been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment. Ross, who aided and abetted, was found guilty, and will be sentenced today. The carnival week is now over, and the majority of visitors have left town. Scarlet fever is still prevalent, and several deaths are reported, principally among young children.

Cable communication with England is interrupted between Penang and Aladrid. James Niehol, the well-known actor, is dead. In the Rifle Association matches now on, Victoria has been successful in two intercolonial matches with the Sydney riflemen. In the militia weapon match, in which both teams fired with the Alartini Henri rifle, Victoria won by 82 points ; and in the small-bore match won by 70 points. The shooting all throughout has been remarkably good. The Arawata takes the next English mails to New Zealand. Commercial.—Wheat, rather dull and not so firm, sales at 6s. Bd. ; New Zealand oats, 3s. 7-jd. At sugar sales, brewing sorts declined 15s. ; whites maintain price, considerable sales at good prices ; hops in demand, sales up to 2s. ; kerosene also enquired for. Alelbourne, November 23. The convict AVeechurch, convicted of an attempt to murder a warder at Pentridge Stockade, has been sentenced to death. Two children were drowned at Schnapper Point. A man named Davis, in trying to save them, also was drowned. During the last few days rumors were freely circulated that the late Captain Gray, of the Great Britain, did not commit suicide, but was pushed overboard ; but this is not traced to any reliable foundation. At the Criminal Court the recognizances of Air. Lee, publisher of the Police News, have been estreated, he not being in attendance. Steps are being taken for holding a telegraphic conference, at which all the colonies are to be represented. The committee of the V.R. J. Club have investigated Alason’s case, and decided against him. On the part of Alason it was alleged that it was a case of mistaken identity of a person of the same name, who formerly resided at Richmond, but now had gone to Sydney.

Sydney, November 20. The Cyphrenes leaves to-day, for Fiji, to await the incoming mail. The financial statement will be made next week. Notice of motion has been given to the Assembly condemnatory of members practising as land agents. Over fifty nominations were received for Glentune’s Cup Handicap of 2000sovs. Driver is elected chairman of the committee of the Assembly.

Cooktown advices state gold freely coming in. Great complaints of insufficient police protection. Several Europeans have been murdered and carried off by the blacks, who are all cannibals. Sydney, November 23. The cable is still interrupted. Treeve, convicted on three charges of forgery and uttering, was sentenced to thirteen years’ imprisonment. In the divorce case Teas v. Teas a verdict against the co-respondent, with two thousand pound damages and divorce, was granted. It is intended to move for a select committee to investigate the Government banking transactions. Alaizs, 45.; wheat, ss. 6d. to 6s. Arrived : Damascus, Duntroon, Alistley Hall, Philomene, Paramatta, and Fleur Dc Lis, all from London. Adelaide, November 20. The Stamp Bill passed its third reading, and a Railway Loan Bill for two and a half millions has been introduced. A large number of petitions have been presented to the Council in favor of the Government policy. Brisbane, November 22. A meeting has been held at Alaryborough, at which it was determined to form a working men’s association, to prevent Kanakas working on plantations. Captain Brown, of the barque Alary Alildred, reports tlio escape of five convicts from Noumea in a large boat, with full supply of stores, comprising fourteen bags flour, yams, fruits, and one barrel of water.