Telegraphic News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 361, 11 January 1879, Page 8

Telegraphic News.

Masterton, Wednesday. Harvest hands are unusually scarce, and farmers are in some instances offering as much as 15s. per day. Hands of all descriptions are very scarce in alf parts of the district. The Hon. John Martin intends cutting up a considerable portion of the run which he recently bought from the Hon. G. M. Waterhouse for the purpose of laying off smaller agricultural holdings. At the election of a Mayor of Greytown Mr. Thomas Kempton, sen., polled 71, and Mr. F. H. Wood 48. The former was, therefore, elected. (from our own correspondent). Auckland, January 3. Rewi has come to grief with his people for having brought a Government officer, Dr. Hector, with him from Mokau. This has been added to the number of his sins. Tupatahi and others rated the old chief soundly for his sayings and doings at Taranaki. Rewi denies that he made a promise about the railway to Waikato. Grey said to him once, “ Manga, let me make the railway from Waitara, and you shall have the management and all the receipts.” Rewi answered, “The time has not come for such talk.” Sheehan wanted him to go to England to see the Queen ; he refused. He wanted to see Lord Normanby, but Grey would not consent. Major Te Wheoro has come back from his bootless errand to Tawhiao. The King’s children are not coming to school at present, as the weather is not fine enough. Sheehan is expected up soon at Kopua. The people are determined to be present at any meeting with Rewi. “ No more gammon,” they say. Official lies are very dangerous when found out, as they are sure to be amongst Maoris, who keep no secrets. The lying from first to last appears to have been profound and solid. ' (PER PRESS AGENCY). Auckland, January 3. The Hen. Mr. Sheehan addressed the Working Men’s Club to-night. The room was tastefully decorated with flags, evergreens, and floral devices, and the motto “ Welcome to our president.” Bishop Cowie was in the chair; there were present also Mr. Rusden, Clerk of Parliaments in Victoria, Messrs. Tole, SwansoD, and Dignan, M.H.R.’s, the Bishop of Auckland, the Mayor of Auckland (Mr. Peacock). Mr. J. A. Tole and Mr. W. Swanson also addressed the meeting. Mr. H. •Hislop proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Sheehan, which was heartily accorded, and Mr. Sheehan briefly returned thanks. Mr. Sheehan, on rising to address the company, was received with loud cheers. He thanked the club for electing him as president in his absence from Auckland. He apologised for not having taken a more active interest in the club- He did not intend to deliver a lecture, as that was out of his line. He always spoke best when he knew his remarks would evoke a reply. The club opened on the 19th March, and it now had a total of 115 members —47 ordinary, 28 honorary, and 40 visiting members. At the inquest on the body of Bridget Qpnnelly the jury returned a verdict that deceased committed suicide while in a state of temporary insanity. Drs. Philson and Bowing, and the husband of deceased, gave evidence, clearly proving that deceased swallowed carbolic acid. During the month of December there were 22 deaths. Mr. J. E. Moss arrived from Cambridge this morning. He reports that the track through the Kahora bush offers no difficulty for a good • coach road. The Lake could be reached comfortably from Cambridge in one day. Auckland would be the best route. The road is fai superior to the road. Moss left Awhou school-h<mse at six o’clock on Monday morning; entered Kakaroa bush at seven and got out of it at three on Thursday afternoon ; reached the native settlement, Topapa, the same evening, where the natives received him. Moss started duriug the night for Cambridge. The track not having been used for many years was quite overgrown. The natives had great difficulty in finding it. They had to cut their way right through the bush, not more than twenty miles broad. Tapapa is equally distant from Cambridge and Awhou. There are no creeks to bridge. It is a fine bush country for settlement. The timber is chiefly rimu, and the land good. January 4. The match between Taranaki and the United Club was resumed in the Domain today. Taranaki continued their first innings Riddiford and Sarten were bowled, E. Bayley carrying his bat out for 7 ; Riddiford made 21. The innings terminated for IS7. Tha second innings of Auckland closed for 200 at the time of drawing the stumps. The match was a drawn one. The Taranaki team proceed to the Thames to-night, and play on Monday a match against Otahuhu, which takes place on the domain. On their return, probably on Wednesday, they play a combined team from Epsom and Remuera clubs at the end of the week if they do not go to Waikato. The commission appointed to inquire into the dispute with reference . to the delivery and prices of puriri timber at the various railway stations south of Auckland, have now nearly finished their investigation. The report of the commissioners will probably be prepared and forwarded to the Public Works Department at Wellington during next week. Mr. W. H. Kissling, solicitor, aged 31, died last night from typhoid fever. Deceased was a native of the colony, and is a brother to the manager of the Bank of New Zealand. January 6. The cricket match between the Taranaki eleven and Auckland colts resulted in the former winning easily. The Auckland clubs made 111 in two innings. The Taranaki

■ eleven proceed to tlie Thames to play on \Vednesday ; on Friday Otahuhu ; and combined Remuera and Epsom. They then proceed to Waikato. The funeral of the late Mr. Kissling, solicitor, was largely attended ; forty carriages followed the remains to the cemetery. The deceased is understood to have left two large life insurance policies for the benefit of his family. One was effected ten years ago in the Australian Mutual for £2OOO, and another in Mutual Life Association within the last year for £4OOO. A death 'is reported under suspicious circumstances at Coromandel. A boy died suddenly, supposed from a kick inflicted suddenly by another boy. An inquest and post moitem examination have been ordered, and a second doctor has been sent from Auckland. _ !Mrs. Berryman, wife of a settler at vvai•kato, committed suicide by jumping into the Waikato River. The motive is unknown. _ The Government have paid a deposit of £IOO on the new road discovered by the Taupo Lake road. . At the Convent Chapel to-morrow six Sisters of Mercy take the black veil. At the Supreme Court to-day, William ■Brooke was sentenced to IS months for stealing from a shop. Theo. Alexander Cox was sentenced to nine months for larceny as a baillee ; Patrick Doyle was sentenced to four years for robbery from Messrs. Lavers and Seedsman’s ; John Thomas White, two years for obtaining jewellery under false pretences ; Robert William Ballars, for obtaining money by false pretences, nine months ; Benjamin Bennett, stealing from Messrs. Gittos and Son, two years. A sum of £4OOO will be spent by the Roman "Catholic educational establishments. January 7. James Mackey, with five influential chiefs, were landed at Hick’s Bay by the_ steamer Pretty Jane for tlie purpose of making land purchases. The seamen of the steamer Argyle struck to-day for seven pounds per month. It is said the crew of the Rowena, another coasting steamer, will follow suit on arrival. Dr. Wallis, M.H.R., one of the Education Commissioners, leaves for "Wellington tomorrow. Mr. O’Rorke, M.U.R., will probably /.follow on Monday next. At the Supreme Court Thomas Fidget, for olacing an obstruction on the railway, was .acquitted, the evidence not being sufficient. William Maples, of the Occidental Hotel, vfor the second offence, was fined £lO and costs, for permitting gambling in his house. Inspector Wolfe said the men engaged in gambling ■on the night in question were all professionals, .and that "the system had a very bad effeck on young men of the city, many of whom were •drawn into the vortex of ruin through its inuences. Arrived to-day, the City of New York, from .Sydney. She was delayed by strong easterly igales. Passengers for New Zealand—Hon. J. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Graham, Hon. Robt. Tarlton, G. Waterhouse, Richardson; also 36 saloon; 26 tons cargo. Four saloon and ■ seven steerage for California. „ January 8. The early morning goods train lately ran ■ over a flock of sheep, killing twenty-two. Mrs. Malcolmson, of Parnell, whilst walking along the street, stepped on a loose stone . and fell and broke her ankle yesterday. Serious apprehension is felt along the railway line in consequence of sparks from the -engine igniting Delwortli’s fence and the high frrass in the paddock near Ellerslie. Delworth .and a number of men stayed the progress of the fire, and drove a herd of cattle that were depasturing into another field. The Agricultural Association’s extensive show buildings, situated near the line at Ellerslie, were considered to be jeopardised by the grass between the building and the railway. To-day the Railway Department requested the association to plough a space intervening in order to prevent danger in future of fire spreading. The Star correspondent, wilting from Rotorua, says that when the Minister of Public Works passed through the district ■lately he expressed surprise that such a fine district should be locked up, and said he thought that the sooner the Native Department was done away with the better, so that the country might be opened up. A committee of Rotorua inhabitants has been sitting since tlie 26th ult., of which Ngahuruhuru was appointed chairman by the different •tribes. The gifts of land to Robert Graham ■ were taken into consideration by the committee, and after three days’ deliberation the committee resolved that the gifts should be confirmed, and Graham put in possession of the land for having been successful in preventing war and • bloodshed at Maketu. The natives are greatly amused at Mr. Dargaville’s statement about his having leased land at Rotomahana. The chiefs say that while Mr. Graham holds freehold property at Rotorua, Mr. Dargaville holds no leaseheld property at Rotomahana. The principal topic of conversation at Rotorua at present is the opening up of the Maketu road, and the road from Cambridge. Sir George Grey and the Native Minister are expected here in February, when matters of importance affecting the welfare of the district will be discussed. Men have been obtained to fill the place of the strikers on the steamer Argyle, and the vessel has sailed. At a meeting of the Working Men’s Club it was decided to petition the Government to stop Chinese immigration. Gkahamstown, January 3. Mr. Stewart, R.E., and Mr. D. Beere, C.E., arrived to-daj, and commenced preparations for starting the first section of the Thames Valley railway. The local authorities have also been communicated with rc the acquisition of the land for the lines. The greater portion •of which is expected to be given. January 4. The race stewards find themselves with a surplus of £44 after settling up all liabilities of the Christmas meeting.

Mr. Stewart, R.E., and Mr. D. Beere, C.E., arrived to-day, and commenced preparations for starting the first section of the Thames Valley railway. The local authorities have also been communicated with as to the acquisition of the land for the lines, the greater portion of which is expected to be given. January 6. The Hon. Mr. Sheehan and the Chairman of the Thames County Council left for Waikato this morning. They proceed overland to Te Aroha, Omahu, and Ohinemuri, January 7. The Kuranui Hill claim got rich stone in new lodes near the Shotover ground to-day. It is expected to yield nine to ten ounces to the ton. January 8. Scarlet fever, of a malignant type, has broken out in a family here, four members of which are attacked. A discovery of rich quartz has been made at the Kurunui mine, the stone being worth 6oz. to the ton. The reef is supposed to be a continuation of the famous Shotover lode. Mr. Sheehan will not arrive here till Monday. A public meeting is called for to-night, to take steps to give him a suitable reception. ' Alexandra, January 6. One of the most important native meetings held for some time past will be held on Friday next, at Hawea, Kopua. It is called by the Ngatimaniapoto • chiefs, including some of Rewi’s relatives. They are disgusted by newspaper reports of lands having agreed to be granted for railway purposes, and wish native lands to be once more formally handed over to Tawhiao, and he given sole jurisdiction. The encroachment of pakehas and half-castes into and occupying native lands is also to be taken in consideration. Rewi has been invited to attend, and he has requested that his pakeha Sheehan also be allowed to be present. This has been agreed to by Manuhira and others, if the Native Minister should think proper to attend. January 7. An excursion, party this morning, consisting of Mr. Cheeseman, of the Auckland Museum, and Mr. Adams, of Auckland, accompanied by a half-caste guide, were about proceeding to the top of Pirongla, searching for plants, and were met on the Waipa Bridge by Henare and another native, who forbad • them proceeding, threatening if they did so that an armed party would be sent after them to compel their return. Ultimately, through the representations of Major Mair and Te Wheoro, the party were allowed to proceed on promising not to encroach on native territory. Napier, January 3. Mr. Kennedy, at present holding the position of District Judge of New Plymouth, is expected here shortly to supersede Mr. R. Sheath as R.M. ; he will also fulfil the duties of District Judge. The public of Hawke’s Bay are not satisfied with having another District Judge imposed on them, as it has been tried three times previously, and on each occasion proved an utter failure. Colonel Whitmore has arranged to sell the Grange and Clifton estate. The latter belongs to Gordon Hill; the latter partner, however, objects. A steamer has been engaged all day taking soundings, with a view of obtaining a site for a breakwater. A company is being formed to make the purchase. Should the speculators succeed it is presumed it will injure Napier, as a port is easily obtained in which vessels can obtain splendid anchorage. Karatiana, the member for the East Coast, still remains in a precarious position. He will not converse but with his old friends. He has again been removed from his lutpv, at Pakowhai and taken to Napier, and occupies, with his family, the Maori Club, in which Mr. White, late editor of the Wcmanga, resided. To-day arrangements have been concluded by the Hawke’s Bay Racing Club for the lease for twenty-one years of some ground at Hastings, now held by the Pastoral and Agricultural Society. It will form a splendid racecourse. A new racing club has lately been formed here. Owing to antagonism between the two clubs the old club has shown a desire to become more popular, and to step out of its present exclusiveness. It is rumored that Mr. E. H. Bold, the engineer for Hawke’s Bay and Waipawa Counties, succeeds Mr. Eloyd as chief electrician on the East Coast. A man named Alder was ran over by a dray yesterday. The horse bolted and Alder, in attempting to jump off the dray, got his legs entangled in the reins. He fell and the wheel passed over his left side and wrist. He lies in a precarious condition at the Farndon Hotel. Colonel Whitmore, accompanied by an engineer, is to-day talcing soundings near his estate at Clive. It is proposed that a company should be formed (Murray, Common, and Co., with Mr. Miller, are at the head of the movement) to purchase the Grange Estate to form a township and erect a breakwater, and so make a harbor. It is supposed that in such an event Napier would have great competition. The total revenue collected at the Customs at Port Ahuiri for the quarter ending 31st December was £9990 13s. 3d. The return of births, marriages, and deaths for the Napier district shows for last year — births, 440 : marriages, 115 ; deaths, 224. January 6. There was a heavy fall of rain yesterday and last evening. This has improved the prospect of the farmers. The annual meeting of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars opened this morning in the Protestant Hall, the Hon. W. Fox presiding. The following officers were present : —Hon. W.Fox, G.W.C.T. (M.H.R.), Brothers Speight, P.G.W.C.T., Ewlisgt, Wenkins, G.T., Jacques, Lyell, G.W.G., Pirani, G.M.; also, the following representatives from various lodges throughout the colony :—Brothers Jacques, Hoskins, and Treat, Christchurch ; Potts, Taranaki ; Hall and Johnson, Wellington; * Hutchins, Porangahau ; Anderson, Taradale ;

Higg, and Sisters. Cousin and Troy, Napier; Hennis and McGregor, with Bobb and Phillips, Auckland. A man named Cartwright, a carter, has just been killed through a fall of earth on the reclamation works, and another severely injured. January 7. An inquest has been held before Mr. Todd on the late fire, which resulted from sparks from the railway at Waipukurau. From the evidence it appeared that property worth £4OOO was destroyed belonging to the following settlers:—The Hon. H. R. Russell, Messrs. P. Russell, F. H. Drower, John Harding, and J. Hayes. The taking of evidence occupied six hours. The following verdict was given:— That the whole of the fires took place on. the 21st, 24th, and 25th December last ; that the large amount of property destroyed, both north and south of the Waipukurau railway station, was caused by sparks from railway engines.” The following rider was added :—That the jury consider the railway authorities are solely to blame through not having spark catchers and fire box guards attached to the engines ; also, in not taking extra precaution for placing men along the line after being duly warned. The sessions of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand North were resumed at nine o’clock this morning. The business was chiefly reports of the working of the order throughout the Island, with highly instructive information as to rendering the order more efficient than it has ever been. A most cordial message of congratulation from the Grand Worthy Secretary (J. W. Baker) of New South Wales was received by telegram during the morning. This lodge works under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the World. The lodge will continue to work in a subordinate degree the whole of to-day and to-morrow. The ship Adamant, with immigrants, bound for Napier from London, 90 days out, was signalled off Opunake yesterday. She signalled all well, and desired to be reported at Napier. With a fair wind, the Adamant should be here on or about Saturday next. January 8. It is reported that the Clive scheme for forming a township in opposition to Napier has fallen through owing to its costliness. Last evening, at a meeting of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars, the Hon. W. Fox in the chair, the consideration of the report of the committee on the constitution was continued. The minimum amount of quarterly fees was fixed at Is. 6d. for males, and Is. for females. The degree fee was raised from Is. to 2s. ; the clearance and travelling card fee was raised to Is. The report of the Finance Committee was considered. The Grand Secretary’s salary was fixed at £IOO-for the ensuing year. Bro. Spreight proposed, and Mr. W. Johnson seconded, that the Hon. W. Fox be re-elected G.W.C.T. for the ensuing year. This was carried. Bro. W. Johnson (Wellington) was elected G. W. Councillor unopposed. Bro. Jacques (Christchurch) was elected G. W.V.T,, and Bro. Speight G.W. Secretary unopposed.. Bro. Phillips was elected G.W. Chaplin. Bro. Ellis was elected G.M., after a hard contest. The office of District Deputy G.W.C.T. was abolished. On a division it was resolved to instal the officers this afternoon. It was resolved that the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge be extended all over New Zealand at once. It was decided that arrangements be made for holding a special session of the Grand Lodge, for the purpose of conferring Grand Lodge degrees at Christchurch, Wanganui, and such other places as the executive may deem fit, as soon as possible. Bro. Fox stated he would go down to Christchurch himself with Bro. Speight, the G. W. Secretary, about the end of February. It was further resolved that the next session of this Lodge be held at the Thames, subject to the usual conditions, and failing there, at New Plymouth. Marton, January 3. A fire broke out this afternoon in Russell’s workshop, High-street, which communicated with the Temperance Hall, and which was totally destroyed. It is insured in the Victoria for £250. Lyons’ premises were only saved by dint of the most unceasing exertion. January 4. No damage has been done to the Post Office. A good deal of confusion ensued in consequence of the hasty removal of papers, records, and other things in the office. The wind changing fortunately at the nick of time, all danger was averted, otherwise the building must have been destroyed. Wanganui, January 6. Mr. F. Delemain writes to the Chronicle threatening proceedings because of certain strictures on his conduct in making it a condition of his running Maritana for the big handicap at the Rangitikei races, that he should share in the proceeds with the holders of the favorite in the principal sweep. Mr. Delemain objects to the term “ shady” as applied to his conduct, and says he did nothing but what is commonly done, and is considered perfectly legitimate in racing circles. If that be so, says the Chronicle, then all we can say is, so much the worse for racing and all connected with it. January 7. An unsuccessful attempt was made yesterday morning to get the Arthur Wakefield off. She was then lightened, and the anchor placed farther out. There being not much sea last evening she was hove to the edge of the channel, and the Clyde then towed her inside the Heads. The estimated value of her cargo is £2500 to £3OOO, which is insured in the South British. The schooner is also insured in the same office. She has had a severe bumping, but as yet no material damage has been ascertained. It is stated that it will be a general average claim. New Plymouth, January 3. By permission of the Government a surveyor is about to proceed to Mokau to survey the land for which Jones and Co. are in treaty with the natives, preparatory to the sitting of the Native Land Court. Large numbers of natives are assembling at Parihaka, and large cpiantities of provisions are being conveyed

thither. Extensive crops of potatoes are being cultivated there, and from the bearing of the natives it is thoughtthat they will make a stand against the settlement of the plains. Hiroki is engaged hoeing potatoes, and carries a loaded gun with him. His wife has not died of grief, but is living with another man. Mr. T. Kelly, member for New Plymouth, and Mr. H. Weston, proprietor of the Taranaki JlcralJ, have been charged by the Harbor Engineer with conspiring to oust him from his appointment. A committee of the Hai'bor Board are investigating the charges. The matter has caused some excitement here. January 4. At the Government laud sale to-day several section of rural land in the standing bush, near Stratford-road, sold at from £3 to £3 per acre. The stratum of silt containing graphite has been discovered in one of the rivers of the Waimate plains. Ha web a, January 3. The coaches are now running right through the Mountain road without any stoppages. Previously buggies had to be used on a part of the road. Blenheim, January 4. The Government are about to offer a substantial reward for such evidence as will lead to the conviction of persons who set fire to the Government buildings at Blenheim, in November, 1876. Detective Brown has been here several weeks making inquiries, and is said to have obtained important information. January 7. The insurance agents met yesterday, and resolved to recommend their head offices to offer £3O to supplement the Government offer of £2OO and a free pardon for evidence leading to the conviction of the person who set fire to the Government Buildings in November, 1876. The reward is confidently expected to have the desired effect. Christchurch, January 3. It is stated by the Waimate paper that when the Christchurch Volunteers were passing through that place they rushed a refreshment stall, kept by an old woman, and did not pay her. The action of the committee in taking action against Francis Valpy, the late secretary of the Railway Employes’ Society, was last night confirmed by a general meeting of the members. There are now six reaper and binder agentsin town. The Globe to-night announces its intention of publishing the names of the vendors of rotten fruit, of which a large quantity has lately been on sale in the city. The through traffic with Dunedin will be resumed to-morrow. The large American engines will not cross the Rangitata bridge, but the small shunting engine, Kiwi, will be employed for that purpose. The railway authorities consider that the breakage of this bridge during last year through floods cost the country several thousands of pounds. Mr. Bills, from v Australia, leaves Lyttelton for England on the 9th instant to select a shipment of birds for the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society. At a largely attended meeting of the railway employees to-night the committee brought up a report recommending the annual picnic to be held on the racecourse. It will take place during the first week in February. The Acclimatisation Society only have about one thousand trout left. Five hundred of these will be set free in the Ashburton tributaries on Monday next. Five thousand have been placed in the Avon during the season. January 4. At the inquest on the body of the man Reynolds, who was found dead in his bed, it was shown he had partaken of a very heavy supper just before going to bed. The post mortem examination of Dr. Frankish showed that he died of apoplexy, and a verdict to that effect was returned. It is intended to relay a great portion of the rails from Christchurch to Dunedin with 521 b. steel rails, equal to 641 b. iron. This has been found necessary in consequence of the wear and tear caused to the light rails by the heavy traffic. The change will begin at Selwyn on Monday. The improvements now going on at the Waimakariri, with a view to the prevention of the floods doing damage to the railways in the future, are estimated to cost £12,000. Very elaborate plans have been drawn up in the Public Works Office here for a new men’s wing to the Sunnyside lunatic asylum. The sum of £IO,OOO was placed on the Estimates for carrying out the same. The tenders are now in, and have been forwarded to the Public Works Office, Dunedin. Although the amounts have not been made public, it isunderstood that the lowest tender is £30,000; consequently only a portion of the work can be gone on with for the present, or else less elaborate plans will have to be prepared. It is understood that if the repairs are not completed on the Rangitata Bridge before the next floods, they will again carry it partially away. Mr. Lowe, the C.E. who has been in charge of it during the week, returned to-night from completing this work. This will be a great relief to the sheds and others along the line, many of Avhicli are choked up with wool and goods of various descriptions. Special goods trains will be run to relieve this. Thirty extra waggons have been placed on the railway during the past few days, and absorbed with the general traffic. It is proposed to found a Churchman’s Club here. January 6. The criminal sessions commenced this morning at ten o’clock. In his charge to the Grand Jury the Judge referred to the floods that had marked the latter part of the year, and which no doubt had led to suffering among a certain class of the community. He congratulated them upon the increased railwayfacilities, which would no doubt be of immense benefit to the country. Speaking of the calendar before them, be said he was sorry he could

not Bpeak of any falling off of crime in the district. Still there was no reason to suppose that any very large criminal, population was settled in their district. Speaking of the crime -of forgery and passing valueless cheques, he said it never would be put an end to where there were so many gulls about, as appeared to lie the case at present. The frequency of arson he ascribed to wooden houses aud to insurances, to high wages in some_ cases, and to revenge. With regard to the indecent cases 'before the Court, it was a great pity parents did not take more care of their children. •John McKenna was found guilty or forgery, and was sentenced to six years’ penal servitude. Harlock, charged with forgery, was acquitted. .John Casey, found guilty of larceny, was remanded for sentence. No bills were found in the case of Dempsie, for manslaughter, and Reeve, for infamous offence. John Brind, for larceny at Ashburton, was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment. True bills were found :in all the other cases. At a meeting of the sanitary committee of the City Council it was resolved that the adrang borough of Sydenham must contribute half tiieir share of the expense of keeping the town belt in order. The announcement of the death of Mr. Jas. Gilligan, an old Chi’istchurch resident, has been received with universal regret. A. son of Mr. Back, seven years old, had a nasty fall to-day, and had his collar bone broken in two places. He is, however, progressing favorably. When picked up he was insensible. A united meeting of prayer, to last for a week, under the auspices of the Evangelical Society, commenced to-night. There have recently been discharged in Lyttelton 1060 reapers and binders. The Williard Mudgett brought over 2821 packages, comprising 540 machines, and 2326 boxes of wire. The Alexandra McNul brought 520 machines and 1680 tons of wire. These machines have been landed and been put together in Eyttelton, and thence despatched to the various destinations. As each machine occupies more than one waggon the extra strain upon the limited resoux-ces of the Railway Department has been very considei’d/ble. January 7. Francis H. Valpy, for embezzlement', was acquitted. The trial of reapers and binders by seven different makers is fixed to take place at Fendaltown, near Christchurch, on Thui’sday, the 16 th. At a meeting of the Acclamitisation Society to-day a list of birds was drawn up and will be taken home by Mr. Bills to select in England. The cost of the birds and the trip is estimated at £SOO. January 8. At a meeting of the directors of the Temperance Hotel Company this afternoon it was stated that nearly 5000 shares had been taken \ij», and that the company would shortly commence operations. Mr. Varley, the revivalist, gave his first Bible reading this afternoon in the Congregational Church, to a small audience. He preached, however, in Cathedral-square this evening to a much larger assembly. At. a meeting of footballists to-night it was resolved if the English team visited Christchurch that they should have all the gate money, but the meeting would not guarantee anything. It was stated, however, that £250 might be safely relied upon to be collected as subscriptions. The drapers have decided to have a monster picnic on the 2Sth instant. Timaru, .January 3. Mr. E. Wakefield, M.H.R. for Geraldine, addressed his constituents last night at the Tcmuka Hall. It was well filled, After referring to the various measures brought forward by the Government dxxring last session, he said he was astonished to find that the Bill brought in by the Governmen for the extension of the suffrages was weak in the extreme. There were two theories of political economy, which were hobbies cf the Attorney-General. He referred in strong terms of condemnation to the withdrawal of the Bribery Bill and the Electoral Bill, after the promises made by the Premier. He condemned the Land Tax Bill as unnecessary and ixnworkable, and contended that road boards should be told that there were to be no subsidies, and they must raise the money by rates. Regarding public works, he said that since the Government finance had broken down railways in Otago were the only ones that would be made for some time to come. He referred to the prospects of the future. He said that the Grey Government had lost the confidence of the colony. They had had the greatest opportunities of any Government, and yet it wa3 now found that their policy and measures were characterised by what had been aptly called gross jobs and personal hobbies. The Government neglected public affairs to go on a wild goose chase after theoretical reforms. The gaols were overcrowded, our lunatic asylums a perfect disgrace, and our local institutions almost in a state of collapse ; yet they found the members of the Government wandering about the colony in every direction, instead of settling down to work in the public interests. He believed that the country would demand a measure for the redistribution of seats, and that a dissolution would then take place. If this were done, the result would be greatly against the Grey Ministry, and they would have to give way or bring in measures based on good sound finance. What was ■wanted was not theoretical, but practical and economical government. A vote of confidence in Mr. Wakefield was passed by a large majority. OamAllu, January I.rj At a meeting of the Kakanui Road Boa to-day, J. C. Gilchrist, the chairman, was appointed to be a member of the Oamaru Harbor Board, under the Harbors Act, 1878. His Excellency the Governor also nominated the following gentlemen to be members : M~ Shrixnskij M.H.R.; John Read, of Edderslev .

George Sumpter and the Hou. J. H. Miller. Other members are to be elected in February. The contractor for the branch railway commenced operations yesterday. The weather has been remai’kably hot for the last three days. It will considerably hasten the harvest. Reaping oats has already commenced. „ Mr. Shrimski, M.H.R., left for Livingstone to-day to accompany Professor Ulrich, who is to report on the Marewhenua goldfield. The nominations for the North Otago Coursing Club’s Derby Stakes, for puppies, to be run on May 18, close on Wednesday next. The all absorbing topic of interest here at present is the construction of the waterworks by the Municipal Council. A meeting is to be held on Tuesday night, called by the Mayor, for the purpose of obtaining the ratepayers consent to the additional tax, so that watei may be brought into town. The engineer says the work can be completed at a cost of £33,000 more, so the Council has decided to ask ’the permission of the borough to borrow another £40,000. The meeting will be largely attended, with probably a strong opposition to the Council’s proposals, but the Council will have a majority. DUN'S din, January 3. The total receipts of the two days sports, of the Caledonian Society are £1217, to which will have to be added the takings of Saturday and the annual subscriptions of. members. The winter night classes are maintained out of the funds of the Society. Mr. Macindoe denies having been appointed land valuer for the Taieri County. He may not have been appointed land valuer for that county, but it is beyond doubt that he has received a billet under the Land Tax Act. The body of Captain Hughes, of the Oreti, was brought to Dunedin from New River today for interment here. The Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland will meet on the'l4 th instant. The question as to the disposal of Church funds for the purpose of endowing'a new chair in the Otago University will probably give rise to a sharp discussion. Two Presbyterian ministers and a Home missionary are expected to arrive from Scotland shortly. The Inspector-General's classification of Otago teachers has produced general dissatisfaction. It is said that very few of them intend to abide by his decision. It is understood they will hold a meeting to secure joint action in the matter. The result of the first crushing in the Weatherstone company’s claim, though net such as to fulfil the expectation of some of thespeculators, is, however, by no means discouraging. The yield repiesents £266 in money, and if the working expenses, including interest on capital invested amount to £230 or £240, the margin left will yield a fair dividend on the capital actually laid out, which scarcely exceeds £2OOO. It may be assumed for the purpose of a rough calculation that the company have actually worked for thirty days, employing twelve men daily at 10s. each per day, and paying for their water power at the rate of £1 per day. The future yields may reasonably be expected to be better as the manager and men get better accustomed to the work. The deposit has been tested so far as to show clearly that it will take centuries to exhaust it. What .is at present required is capital, as the individual shareholders are generally speaking unable to spare the funds for erecting machinery. F. Goodfellow, the Australian short distance runner, has severed his engagement with Shepherd owing to the latter’s strange proceedings at last Saturday’s sports. Shepherd returned to Melbourne yesterday by the Albion, but Goodfellow intends continuing his projected tour through this colony. Mr. J. C. Morris, secretary to the Dunedin and Peninsula Steam Tramway Car Company, has written to the Ocean Beach Railway Company asking on what terms they will sell their interest in their property. The railway works have been ■ valued by Messrs. Messrs. Blair and Higginsou, at £27,000, to which has to be added £2OOO for preliminary expenses. At a meeting of the Ocean Beach Company it was resolved to offer the line at £19,000 with 8 or 10 per cent, interest added. There were about sixty candidates for the scholarships offered by the Education Board. Six junior and six senior will be awarded. In addition to those who vrere arrested for disturbing the peace of New "Year’s Eve, several others who were identified have been summoned, and will be dealt with in the Police Court this morning. On New Year’s Day 5004 tickets were issued at the Dunedin railway station. In Chambers this morning Mr. Smith obtained a rule nisi to show cause why the Judges order in Cayford v. Carruthers, the breach of promise case, should not be reconsidered. The rule will be argued next week. The railway to Invercargill will be opened on the 14th or 15th inst. The Oamaru, 86 days out, for Port Chalmers, has on board 340 immigrants. The Western Monarch is expected to arrive at the Bluff about the end of the mouth with 340 immigrants. During last year 120 children were admitted to the Industrial School. There were only two cases of bankruptcy during last week. The vexed question of the railway site is now virtually settled, the only point in dispute being the line of extension from Cum-berland-street to Anderson's Bay. January 4. The number of immigrants nominated at the Dunedin office during the past month was 72 souls, equal to 58 statute adults. The nominations at the Invercargill office were 26 souls, equal to 23 statute adults. Four men appeared in the Police Court today charged with disorderly conduct on New Year’s morning. Three of them were fined £3 each or in default a fortnight’s Imprisonment, The fourth was fined £5. In all the cases the fines were paid,

Parker’s estate in South Canterbury, containing 9500 acres, was purchased on Saturday by Mr. Driver. The price has not transpired, but it is said to be at a much lower rate than land in the same locality was sold for a short time ago. January 6. In the Supreme Court to-day, the Grand Jury ignored the Bills in the cases of Johnston aud McNorton for robbery. In that of Margaret Scott, they reduced the indictment from murder to manslaughter. James Miller, for fraudulently obtaining goods under the Bankruptcy Act, and Walter Woolly, for larceny, were acquitted. Hyam Lyou Metz pleaded guilty to having forged two cheques. Robert Angus was convicted of horse stealing. Deunis Anglin, charged with perjury, did not appear, and his sureties were estreated. The first of the series of meetings in connection with the Week of Prayer throughout the world was held this evening. The attendance was very large. The meetings will be continued during the week. At a meeting of footballers at the Shamrock Hotel to-night it was resolved, —That pending the proposed visit to Australia by a combined Canterbury and Otago team, this meeting is not in a position to guarantee a sum towards the expenses of the English team, but is agreeable to arrange to offer the whole of the gate money. During the past month the immigration and emigration for the port of Dunedin were respectively 496 and 160. At the criminal sittiugs, James Millar, charged with fraudulently obtaining goods under the Bankruptcy Act, and Walter Morley, for larceny, were acquitted. James Morgan and Hyam Lyon Metz pleaded guilty to forgery, and were remanded for sentence. Robt. Angus was found guilty of larceny as a bailee. Dennis Allan, charged with perjury did not appear. He had been admitted to bail in the total sum of £4O. His Honor said that fixing the bail in so small a sum was perfectly ridiculous. He was astounded, and did not know what the Magistrate could have been thinking about taking bail in such a trifling amount. A man would be a great fool if he did appear when he could get off for £4O. His Honor directed the sureties to be estreated. There was a large number of entries for the Blueskin show, which takes places on Friday. The wrestling competition for the champion belt was concluded to-day, when Tyson again succeeded in throwing Thomas, the champion of Victoria. Thomas had gained one fall on January 2nd, but Tyson threw him twice in succession to-day with ease. January 7. A machine procured by the Corporation for testing Silver Stream water supply pipes was employed for that purpose to-day, but proved useless, as the strength of the water broke it. It is stated that the Government intend to subdivide the Christchurch-Dunedin section of railway into districts, to each of which will be appointed a traffic inspector, who will have the sole management of the rolling stock for goods traffic, and be controlled only by the Commissioner for the island. The friends of Tyson have determined to present him with a gold watch in commemoration of his victory over Thomas, the Victorian champion. The total gate money taken at the Caledonian Games for the three days was £l2Bl, or £250 more than last year. It is stated that the property of Mr. J. Gilligan, who died in Wellington yesterday, ivill pass to his brother, Mr. G. Gilligan, who has been employed in a clothing establishment in George-stveet. The property is estimated to be worth from £30,000 to £70,000. The following sentences were passed in the Supreme Court this morning :—Margaret Barrett, larceny; four years’ peual servitude. Robert Angus, larceny; five years’ penal servitude. Hyam Lyon Metz, forgery, two years’ imprisonment. James Morgan, lorgery, twelve months’ imprisonment. Mr. Stout addressed his constituents on Friday evening. There are seventy-five cases down for hearing at the R.M. Court to-morrow. In the Supreme Court to-day, George Brown for indecent assault, Eli Coolan for burglary, and Margaret Scott for manslaughter, were acquitted. There are six common jury cases and six special jury cases set down for hearing at the civil sittiugs of the Supreme Court. January 8. At a meeting of the Botanical Domain Board to-day, Mr. Maitland was elected chairman for the year. It transpired that the Board’s financial position is not in a very satisfactory state. It was resolved that in future visitors to the ground should not be restricted to walks, but might also go on the grass plots. Several new cases have been erected in the Dunedin Museum for the receptiou of reptiles and fishes. James Corbett, on bail, charged with larceny at Lawrence, and who had been liberated on bail, himself in £IOO, and two sureties of £SO each, to-day failed to appear, and unless he shows up within seven days the bail will be estreated. In the Supreme Court to-day Jane Reid was convicted of perjury, but sentence was reserved pending the decision of the Supreme Court on some legal points raised by the prisoner’s counsel. To-day the Mayor x-eceived a letter from the Lord Provost, requesting his co-operation towards raising money for the City of Glasgow Bank Relief Fund. At a meeting of the Presbytery to-day, on the motion of Dr. Copeland, a long overture to the Synod in favor of Bible reading in schools was adopted. At a meeting of the Presbytery to-day Mr. Kirkland was appointed Moderator for the next six months. Both Synods are in favor of Bible reading in schools. The Mayor to-day received a letter from the Lord Provost of Glasgow x-equesting his assistance towards raising money in aid of the City of Glasgow Bank relief fund.

Pout Chalmers, Monday. The immigration returns for .the port of Dunedin during December show an excess of 336 persons over emigration. Balclutha, January 6. When Mr. McMillan, Railway Inspector here, was, about two o’clock to-day, going to Invercargill with an engine and trucks for flax for river bank protection, and when about to stop he was met by Proudfoot’s engine, which caused a slight collision. The buffers of the engine were smashed, and one man was slightly hurt. The accident might have been very serious, as no notice was sent that Proudfoot’s engine was coming, aud that the line was not clear. Proxxdfoot, Greig, and others were travelling by the engine, but narrowly escaped unhurt. January 7. Mr. .Blair, engineer in charge of the Middle Island, accompanied by Mr. Usher, resident engineer, officially inspected the l’ailway contract of the Balclutha to Cliutou line to-day. They had the line generally in good order, and it is understood it will be open after the miner works are completed. The date of opening is not yet fixed. Invercargill, January 3. This evening Mi*. A. Kinross, a candidate for Mataura in Grey’s interest, addressed a meeting of the electors at Invercargill. Heexpressed himself most decisively in Grey’s interest on all party questions. He approved of deferred payments for land, and claimed credit for it. He would support a reduction of price of deferred payments for land and extension of time,' so that at the end of three years dummies conld not hand over their holdings tocapitalists. Stout, as Minister of Lands, advocated manhood suffrage, with one year’s colonial and short local residence. Ballot papers should not be numbered. He believed in elective Councils, but the power to elect should be vested in proper persons. Capitalists now agreed with the principles of the land tax, and thought there should subsequently be an income tax. He would suppoi-t the Ministi*y in adopting measui’es to restrict Chinese immigi*ation. There was a unanimous vote of confidence. January 4. The Customs duties collected at Invercargill during the year 1877-1878 were as follows: First quarter*, both yeai*s, £7256 7s. lid., £10,421 7s. 9d.; second quarter, £7867 10s., £10,393 16s. lid; third quarter, £7577 18s. 7d., £14,140 os. lOd.; fourth quarter, £10,833 14s. 7d., £14,440 16s. 7d. Total, 1877, £33,035 11s. 2d; 1878, £44,396 2s. Id. Vital statistics for the year ending 31st December, for the district of Invercargill : Births, 467; deaths, 101; marriages, 105. For the month ending December 31—34 births, 11 deaths, and 12 marriages. January 6. The nomination of candidates for the Mataura seat took place to-day at Gladstone. There was a very meagre atteudauce. Mi*. Jaggers proposed, and Mr. H. Cax*swell seconded, the nomination of Mr. J. Shanks ; and Mr. H. Morton proposed, and Mr. S. Richards seconded, Mr. A. Kinross. Mr. Shanks spoke briefly. He said he should meet the constituents at the various places during the week. Mr. Kini*oss said there appeared to be little interest taken in the election, because thei*e were so few present. He said he believed the land question was the one on which the election would turn, and insinuated that his opponent was a land monopolist, or els e the landowners would have brought forward a candidate of their own. He (Mr. Kinross) wished every man to get land of his own, and was of opinion that there should be equal laws for everybody. He would not support a policy calculated to promote the creation of an aristocracy. He alluded to the rise of Invercargill, and thought it was due to the settlement of the country. But for that, the town would be now a miserable village, with working men walking about begging a day’s woi*k from the runholders. He thought that evei*y election day should be a public holiday ; that the franchise should be extended to women, as by that a double vote would be bestowed upon those who supported a wife and family. Mr. Kinross spoke of his opponent as the Conservative candidate, and he pledged himself to oppose denominational education. At the show of hands there were 5 for Kinross and 4 for Shanks. The poll is to be taken on the 15th. The following nominations have been made for the seat on the Education Board vacated by the demise of Sir John Richardson : Messrs. Perkins, A. Kinross, A. Loslack, A.. Hodgkinson, T. Denniston, J. Morrison, and J. Ardell. The latter is ah*eady a member of the board. Of the 52 committees of the district, only 22 sent in nomination papers. At the Police Court, J. Grant, D. Murray, and J. Reid, the parties engaged in the row at the Government cottages on the Ist January, were brought up. A sei'ious case was disclosed by the evidence. Grant was sentencod to thi*ee months’ hai*d labor, Reid to one month. Murray was dismissed with a caution. Charles Lindsay, for using indecent language in an excursion train on the Ist instant, was fined £5. January 7. Mr. McKinley, while returning from Waiauawa this evening, saw a bullock-driver lying on the road. On examination he found he was dead., and from his appearance concluded the dray had passed over the right side of his face. His team was standing about 200yds. away grazing. The man was in the employ of Mr. Francis Jack, sawmiller, of Winton. McKinley rode to town and reported the circumstance to the police, and a constable was sent out to remove the body to the neax*est publichouse. An iuquest is to be held. January 8. It was stated about town to-day that the convict Walsh had been executed this morning; the rumor was baseless. It is not known when he will be hung. A poll of the burgesses of Invercargill will be taken to-morrow to decide whether mouey shall be borrowed to provide the town with a good supply of water.