Telegraphic News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 285, 14 July 1877, Page 9

Telegraphic News.

Auckland, Friday. The Government will move the Police and and Besident Magistrate's Courts into the building formerly used as a Wesleyan Chapel, High-street. The Improvement Commissioners propose to run a new street through Chancery-street, demolishing hovels now standing in a portion of the present thoroughfare. Thirteen deaths occurred in the city during June, against seventeen in the corresponding month of last year. Arrangements are proceeding for the Auckland football team to visit the Waikato.

Monday. In the boat race between the Pet and The Brothers, the Pet, being longer, gave its opponent one minute. The Brothers yot first under way. Coming to the winning-post, the Pet fouled a ship at anchor, but was soon extricated. The Brothers, having her minute of allowed time, tacked, and was in the act of winning when approaching the wharf, when it suddenly went about before passing the win-ning-post. The judges' decision is not yet announced.

There was a foot race for £2O a side, of 120 yards, between Whiteside and Gitton. The former won.

An influential company has been formed here to work a copper lode, recently discovered at Port Augustus, South Australia. The capital is £30,000, in shares of £1; five thousand shares to be awarded to the discoverers. Tumey's analysis shows an average yield of cojsper of 43 per cent. The degree of Bachelor of Arts will be publicly presented to Miss Edgar in the Choral Hall by Mr. Lusk, M.H.B.

At St. Andrew's the Be v. David Bruce was presented by the parishioners with 650 sovs. as a farewell testimonial. Mr. Bruce has been pastor for a quarter of a century.

In the divorce case White v. White and Bennett the jury found the material facts alleged by petitioner proved. The case will now go before the Full Court for a decree absolute. The judges have decided that the race between the Pet and Brothers shall be sailed again. Tuesday. The boatrace between The Brothers, one of the smartest Auckland sailing boats, and the Pet, bought by Mr. Hill, the hatter, for Wellington took place this afternoon. The Pet won with half a minute to spare. The race created much interest. It was a close race throughout. .

The Chess Club presented Aitkins' interprovincial cup to Morton, the winner in the contest between members of the Auckland Club..

Mr. Boylan has been elected Chairman of the Harbor Board, in place of Captain' Daldy. The Auckland water supply , was declared officially open to-day, with little ceremony. Tests of the pressure with fire hose gave most satisfactory results, throwing a strong jet of water over the highest buildings. Wednesday. Sir Geoi'ge Grey left for Wellington iri the Wanaka to-day. Dr, Wallis was also a passenger. The other members leave on the 17th by the Hawea, which returns from Wellington for the purpose of taking them. The New Zealand Insurance Company's report, presented to the meeting to-day, was adopted without discussion.

The Choral Hall was filled with a fashionable audience to-day, to witness the presentation of the B.A. degree to Miss Kate Edgar. The Chairman of the Board of 'Education said it was the first degree of the kind ever gained by a lady in the British Dominions. It was stated at the Waste Lands Board that the new Waste Lands Bill will be introduced into Parliament this session.

The New Zealand Insurance Company held their half-yearly meeting this afternoon. The directors report for the half-year ending 31st June stated that during the last few months the company's marine losses had been exceptionally heavy, including the Ocean Mail, the Great Queenland, the Bcairo, and other firstclass risks. Provision had been made for these and all other ascertained losses up to the close of the half-year. The directors. have been enabled to cany £30,000 to the re-insur-ance fund, which now stands at. £100,0.00, by the enhanced value accruing after a careful

re-valuation of the company's investments. From the available balance of £19,665, the directors recommend the payment of a dividend at the rate of 15 per cent., leaving a balance of £4665 to be carried forward. Ihe directors have elected Messrs. J. Logan Campbell and Thomas Buddie to seats at the Board, rm. l Thursday. The Orangemen celebrated their anniversary to-day with a procession, a soiree, and a ball to-night. About three hundred took part in the demonstration. The steamer Hauraki arrived after paying her first visit to Mokau Eiver. The steamer entered the river with ease. The navigation is superior to that of the Waitara, and settlers getting into a boat were rowed up to the native settlement. The coming of the pakehas ■was expected, and a large concourse of natives had assembled to meet them. Instead of offering any opposition, the natives vied with each other in welcoming the strangers. They helped to run the boat in, and exhibited every demonstration of joy at the new arrivals. They told the captain of the steamer that he might tell all pakehas that the Mokau was henceforth open to them for ever. Grahamstown, Tuesday. Captain Fraser, the Commissioner appointed under the Counties Act, held an enquiry yesterday and to-day re the counter petition of the Kauwaeranga District, against being merged into the county. The number of signatures were found to be verified by persons not qualified, and who are, under section 16, liable to a £SO penalty. A meeting was held last night, and resolutions passed to urge the construction of the Thames and the Waikato railway, also to invite the co-operation of the Waikato local bodies. A meeting, convened by the Mayor on requisition, will be held next week, to consider the advisability of petitioning Parliament for the abolition of the gold duty. The crashing for the Alburnia of / 0 tons of general stuff and 15cwt. of specimens and picked stone yielded 2300 ounces of gold. Napier, Friday. At a meeting of R. D. Maney's (sheepfarmer, &c.) creditors yesterday, arrangement was assented to by the great majority of creditors to take ss. in the £, in three, six, nine, and twelve months; and total liabilities are stated to be £115,000, of which the Bank of Australasia have £98,000 secured. There are also private creditors sscured to the extent of £9OOO. „ , Monday. A meeting ou the Local Option Bill has been held at Waipawa. A petition has been agreed to in conformity with the draft circulated at the meeting held in Wellington on last Monday. Nelson, Monday. Evan Davis, a farmer who resided in Quail Valley, situated twenty miles from Nelson, hung himself this morning. The cause which led him to commit the act is not known. New Plymouth, Tuesday. The In<dewood line, which was to have been opened the first of this month, is delayed, owing to there being no rails here to complete the work. The steamer Hauraki has been purchased by a local company here. Kumara, Saturday. A serious mining accident has occurred on the lead, four.men having been buried through the ground caving in. The claim was being worked by Carney, Kitley, Riley, and Quinlevar, near the prospector's claim, Dillon's track. Whilst working in the tunnel the timber gave way, causing an immense fall of earth, which completely enveloped the men. The occurrence was not known till the evening, when the men should have left work. An examination of the tunnel was made, and immediate steps taken for their rescue. A relay of miners have been working most energetically. Quinlivan was got out of the tunnel at 3 o'clock this morning ; he is not seriously hurt. Kelly can be heard speaking, and is expected to be released this afternoon. It is feared Cooney and Kiley are dead, and that it will take a long time to recover the bodies. The air in the tunnel is very foul, and it is with great difficulty the rescuers work. Cooney has a wife and family. Sunday. A man named Kelly, another of the unfortunate men through the mining accident on Friday, was released at nine o'clock last night, and taken to the hospital, and attended by Drs. Dermott and Featherstonhaugh. He was severely crushed ; his limbs from the stomach downwards were perfectly dead. Efforts weie made to restore circulation by means of hot bricks and fomentations ; but all was in vain. The poor fellow died at nine o'clock this morning. Kiley and Cooney, the other two men, are both dead. Kiley's body was recovered at five this morning; Cooney will not be released till to-morrow, as there has been another fall of earth. Kelly and Kiley are Limerick men ; Cooney is from Clare. Tuesday. At an inquest on the three men, Cooney, Kiley, and Kelly, killed by the late accident, a verdict of accidental death was returned, with the following rider :—"We are of opinion that steps should be taken to urge the Government to appoint an Inspector of Mines in the Kumara district on account of the dangerous nature of the ground." The funeral to-day was attended by over eleven hundred people, the procession extending above a mile. Hokitika, Monday. Mr. Button, M.H.H., addressed a full meeting of his constituents at the Town Hall on Saturday evening. After reviewing the last session, he said lie would support the present Ministry. He advocated the taxation of land on orowing unimproved value. He hoped a new" Bankruptcy Act would be passed, and approved of the principle of the Local Option Bill. He held that counties or road boards

would have to give way, and he could not see I how a honorarium to members couklbe avoided. He favored free and secular education, but not compulsory, and would support a proper distribution of the land fund. A vote of confidence was carried unanimously. The body of Cooney, killed by the late mmin"- accident, has been recovered. The body was much disfigured. Great difficulty was experienced in extricating it from the fallen debris, the ground continually falling in whilst the rescuers were at work. An inquest on the three bodies will beheld to-morrow. Subscriptions are being started for the relief of Cooney's wife and family. A public entertainment is being got up for the same object. Christchurch, Friday. The butchers of Christchurch have established a midwinter show of meat in place of the Christmas display when the weather is too hot. The first show was held to-day, and magnificent lots were exhibited. The first prize was taken by Hopkins ; second, Lane ; third, Maine. , The Chairman of the Civil Service Compensation Committee has written to the papers to-day stating that the claims of retired civil servants in this province to compensation have now been nearly all satisfied by the Government, so far as the Abolition Act allows. Shares in the new insurance company will be largely applied for here. Mr. Ivess has sold the Aharoa Matt newspaper to Messrs. J. D. Garwood, late merchant, and Herbert Bridge, late telegraphist, Akaroa. Saturday.

At a meeting of the Harbor Board yesterday, the committee brought up a report recommending the erection of new jetties, the extension of old ones, and other improvements, which would so increase the accommodation that the harbor would have berthing space for eleven full-sized English ships, 800 ft. frontage to jetties for berthing steamers, 3200 ft. frontage for berthing intercolonial vessels, and 1350 ft? frontage of breastwork for small vessels —all exclusive of Peacock's jetty ; a further available space for two large ships at the Officers' Point Breakwater, and the whole of the Naval Point breakwater. The committee also recommended the reclamation of seven acres, to be faced with a breastwork, for additional wharf accommodation. Consideration of the report was postponed. The Board passed a resolution disapproving of Sunday working in connection with steamers. The Board of Governors of the Canterbury College passed a resolution yesterday strongly urging on the Government the desirability of establishing boys' high schools throughout the colonies, as links between primary schools and the University. Monday.

The agitation against the new railway tariff is rapidly increasing. The passenger traffic is, aecording to the newspaper reports, decreasing, while the waggons on public roads and coastal steamers are starting in opposition to the railway for goods traffic. Three _ public meetings of merchants and agriculturists are called for this week, to consider and protest against the tariff. Tuesday. A meeting of merchants and others was held this afternoon to discuss the new goods tariff on the Lyttelton and Christchurch railway. A resolution was moved for petitioning the Minister of Public Works against the hardship and inconvenience of the present tariff. A lengthy discussion ensued, during which the opinion was generally expressed that the meetino- was premature, as the public had not had time to see how the tariff would work. It was ultimately resolved to adjourn the meeting for a fortnight. Thursday.

The Acclimatisation Society have decided to ask the Government to further extend the coursing season. Both morning papers warmly compliment the Telegraph Department on the excellent manner in which the report of Mr. Stafford's speech were transmitted to the morning papers. Each paper received a separate message of over 8000 words. A long message was also sent to the Press Agency. A meeting of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held this afternoon. The new goods tariff on the railway was discussed at great length. Several speakers spoke strongly against it, and it was resolved to employ a qualified person to make a comparative statement of the charges under the old and new tariff. Application for shares in the Union Insurance Company are coming in very rapidly. Timaru, Friday. Mr. Stafford is to arrive here on Monday, to take part in the Municipal festivities on the occasion of the opening of the new Town Hall, and is to address the electors on Wednesday evening. The farmers and dealers in this district are reverting to drays, the railway tariff proving prohibitory. Wednesday. The Municipal festivities yesterday were a great success. ' After the christening of the Town Bell, the party then adjourned to the Council Chambers. Eighty were guests present, including the Hon. E. W. Stafford ; Dr. Bouse, Mayor of Lyttelton ; E. Wakefield, M.H.R. Mr. Stafford's speech was merely formal. There was a grand ball in the evening. Dunedin, Friday. The Hon. Mr. Reynolds yesterday, at a meeting of the Harbor Board, suggested that the members should be paid. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee to report upon. Mr. Blair has returned to town, after having made a survey of the various railway routes which are causing so much dispute at present. He will report to the Government at an early date. The Easby, from Wellington, arrived at Newcastle on the sth.

Monday. At a meeting of the Harbor Board held today the dock question was finally settled by the adoption of a modified scheme submitted by the engineer. The body of a male infant was found in a closet in London-street late on Friday night. An inquest will be held to-day. The inquest on the child found in a closet in London-street shows that it was born alive, but nothing is known as to who its mother was. A house occupied by a man named Bacon, at Ravensbourne, was burned down on Saturday. It was insured in the Standard office for £l5O, and in the New Zealand office for £l5O. A cookery school is about to be opened here by Miss Fiddler, of Adelaide. _ Addresses were delivered in connection with it on Saturday afternoon by Dr. Coughtrey and Mr. Bathgate, R.M. Tuesday.

A house belonging to a German named Litzberting was burned down at Mornington early this morning. It was insured in the Northern for £2OO, but the owner estimates his loss at £3BO. A deliberate attempt was made yesterday to burn down a ten-roomed house in Viewstreet. The fire was discovered before much damage was done. The incendiary is unknown.

At a meeting of the Education Board today the resignation of Mrs. Burns, as lady principal of the Dunedin High School, was accepted. A deputation of the unemployed waited upon the Mayor to-day asking for work at ss. per day. He telegraphed to Mr. McLean, asking that employment should be found them on the Clutha and Balclutha section. Wednesday.

The Mayor to-day received a telegram from Mr. McLean, stating that work would be found for the unemployed on the Clutha and Clinton section. Thursday. The trial of Mrs. Reid for manslaughter of her servant, commenced to-day before Mr. Justice Johnston and a special jury. Prisoner is defended by Messrs. Stout and Denneston, and the evidence is much the same as that given at the inquest. Balclutha, Wednesday. The formation of the Balclutha section of the Clutha railway was commenced by the sub-contractors at the several points yesterday. They are bound to finish in three months. Lawrence, Saturday. The Royal Hotel, Waitahuna, was burned down yesterday morning. It is supposed to be the work of an incendiary. It was unoccupied at the time, and was one of the first houses built on the Waitahuna diggings. It is rumored that it was well insured. CAPTAIN RUSSELL BEFORE HIS CONSTITUENTS.. Napier, Thursday. Captain Russell, member for Napier, addressed a large meeting of his constituents last evening. He explained that his reason in going Home was that his wife was ill in England, and he went to fetch her out. Before going he consulted the late Sir Donald McLean, Mr. Ormond, the Premier, and the Government whips, and all said he was perfectly safe in going if he paired. He did, as he then thought, get a pair with Mr. Lusk. But as it afterwards turned out, there was a bungle, and for a part of the session he was not paired. That was the fault of the Government whips. He (Captain Russell) thought the session had nearly closed, particularly as the House was sitting on Monday. His explanation concluded with some happy and well-chosen references to domestic ties, which evoked very enthusiastic applause. The meeting was altogether with the speaker, and he was continually applauded. He avowed that he would support the Ministry, and expressed himself in favor of compulsory education. But while advocating the establishment of Board schools, such must not involve the destruction of those in existence. In connection with the latter point, he spoke in favor of Government subsidising denominational schools, but to exclude teaching religion during certain hours, and such schools to be under inspection and subject to the same regulations as Board schools. He referred at considerable length to native representation, and to t~e unfairness of natives being doubly represented, having their own members in the House, and being placed besides on the roll of voters for European constituencies. What was the result ? Napier and Clive had a large number of Maoris on the rolls, and now a certain man goes about boasting he holds the seat for Clive in his hands. The injustice was all the more apparent when they considered that the Maoris were exempted from paying rates. If they are to have the privileges, let them be subject to the same taxation as Europeans. He pointed out that what was being done was tantamount to the disenfranchisement of the Europeans The directors of this Maori movement would, however, find that they were playing with a two-edged sword, which sooner or later would wound themselves. Using Maoris as a tool would turn out something like Aaron's rod : turn into a serpant, which might perhaps turn round upon the sorcerer using it. A vote of confidence was unanimously passed.

NEWS BY THE TORRES MAIL. London, May 25. General Malakoff reports the capture of Ardahan by the Russians, with immense quantities of artillery stores. Twenty-five Krupp guns were captured, and a large number of Turks taken prisoners. The admirable fire of the artillery speedily made a breach in the walls. The Turks fled wh-.n the assault took place, leaving great numbers dead. A courtmartial was ordered on the Turkish commandant for not offering a better resistance. An encounter has taken place between a British gunboat and some Spanish smugglers at Camp Bay. The smugglers surrendered.

LATER AUSTRALIAN NEWS. Melbourne, July 1. A gold watch has been presented to the jockey Williams, who was instrumental in exposing the Salem swindle at Kensington Park a short time ago. The s.s.Tararua from New Zealand, arrived on the Ist inst. She brings Captainßendalland the crew of the steamer Bulli, which has been wrecked at Murray's Pass, Kent's Group. The Bulli had 450 tons on board, and was bound from Newcastle to Port Lempriere. She struck on a rock at Murray's Pass, and sank in five fathoms of water. All on board were saved.

It is stated that Captain Panter, senior naval officer of the colonial naval forces, has resigned, owing to the appointment, by the Government, of Lieut. Tandy to the Cerberus. His Excellency the Governor was present at the meet of the hounds at Werribee on June 30. The 2Dd of July was observed as a public holiday to celebrate the anniversary of the separation of this colony from New South Wales. Mr. Cuthbert has accepted the office of Postmaster-General, and will probably be sworn in on the 3rd of July. Sir William Jervois will report, it is expected, about the middle of the month ; then he will proceed overland to Sydney, en route to Queensland, returning to Melbourne in the first week of August ; then he will proceed overland to Adelaide, where he will remain two or three months. He will visit Tasmania and New Zealand in January or February next. The Bishop of Melbourne laid the foundation stone of the New Orphan Asylum building, at Brighton, on July 2, in the presence of a large number of people. The present contract for the building amounts to £14,000. Over a million acres of land were selected during last year. Andrew Harper, 8.D., has been appointed head master of the Presbyterian Ladies' College. A handball match for the championship of Australia has been arranged between Langan and Hannon. The match is for £IOO, to be paid to the winner of the best five games. The Legislative Assembly, on the motion of Mr. Berry, seconded by Sir J. McCulloch, adjourned this afternoon as a mark of respect to the late "Viscount Canterbury.

J. M. Brady, late an employe under the Queensland Government, has been appointed resident engineer to the Harbor Trust. Brisbane, June 27.

The Legislative Assembly has passed the Chinese Immigrants Bill through committee without material alteration.

A mob of new-chum Chinamen have jumped the claims of their countrymen on the Palmer. The Customs receipts at Brisbane for the half-year amount to £155,000, showing an increase of £22,000. Adelaide, June 30. In the libel case, Mr. King, the proprietor of the Advertiser, has been acquitted. The Chief Justice, in summing up, expressed himself favorable to the greatest liberty being given to public writers. Tenders have been called for a direct telegraph line to Melbourne.