Telegraphic News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 363, 25 January 1879, Page 8

Telegraphic News.

Masterton, January 18.

Mr. Duncan failed to sell Mr. Black's property yesterday, aud it was withdrawn at £BOO. Three tenders have been received for the Hurinuinrangi bridge, but all were over £6OOO, and the amount available is only £4400. Complaints are made here ag dnst the Public Works Office that the design is too costly and the conditions too stringent, Mr. Gully, the artist, is sketching landscapes near Masterton. January 20. Tait and Mnrtagh, who lately figured in the Supreme Court case, created a sensation in Masterton this morning. Tait took a racer from a training paddock, which was claimed by Mnrtagh. The latter galloped through Masterton on another racer, and caught up and recaptured the horse. Mrs. F. 11. Wood, of Grey town, is very ill and not expected to live through the day. January 21. Mr. Blackett, with Mr. the chairman of County East, visited Opaki todav, to determine the bridge site over the Ruacnahunga. AUCKLAND, January 17. A very important case was argued in the Supremo Court to-day. Hesketh brought up Thomas Rennell under a writ of habeas corpus, in charge of the gaoler, with the view of ascertaining whether the Courts in New Zealand { have jurisdiction to detain in custody a person committing an offence outside the limits of the Queen's jurisdiction. Hesketh argued that the shooting of Captain Moller was committed on an island where the Queen's authority does not extend, and that if it were shown that the flag followed her Majesty's subjects, and that Courts had the p >'wer to seud Rennell to Fiji to be tried by the High Commissioner, it must be proved that such Commissioner had been appointed. Mr. Tyler argued that the Court had power to issue a fresh warrant committing the prismer to Levuka, under the general jurisdiction of the Queen over all her subjects, but he did not produce proofs of the existence of a High Commissioner. Mr. Justice Gillies reserved judgment, regardiug the point raised as one of the utmost importance. The sixth annual conference of the Wesleyan ministers of Mew Zealand opened their sitting to-night. A large number of the public were present. The following ministers were in attendance : Messrs. Crump (president), Buddie, Warren, Wallis, Kirk, Reid, Morley, Bavin,Bull, McNicoll, McSlade, Lee, Richardson, Bunn, Law, Schnakeuberg, Lawry, Whewel!, Garlick, Gittos, Watkins, Cord, Walter, Reeve. Mr Morley was elected president by a m ijority of eight votes, Bavin %vas appointed conference secretary, Richardson, assistant-secretary ; Lee, journal secretary ; Bui, corresponding secretary. The retiring president delivered an exhaustive address. Mr. Sheehan left Mahurangi this afternoon for Auckland. He will return and address his constituents in February. The Marvill's passengers all arrive in a healthy state. There were no deaths or sickness. A boy named Gibbons, eleven years of age. pleaded" guilty last Wednesday to stealing peaches valued at sixpence. Mr. Beefcham, the presiding justice, remanded the case, he wishing to flog the boy. The other justices objected. The boy was again brought up to-day. Mr. Tole appeared for the boy, and submitted that as the boy had pleaded guilty he should have been dealt with on Wednesday. The Resident Magistrate, Mr. "Barstow, said it was clear he could not deal with the case. The hoy was discharged. The hearing of the case caused considerable fun. A man named Warr met with a serious accident while working on the road in Wai kato. Two tons of earth fell, uearly burying him. One of his thighs was bro J-en, his knee dislocated, and one arm dislocated, aud his spine seriously injured. At Rodney race 3 to-day Skylark was first for the cup, with Tom Finn second. Mann, the rider of Tom Finn, entered a protest. He says that Skylark crossed him, collided, and threw Torn Finn on his knees. January 1 8. A party of four men who have been prospecting the island of Waiheke for several months yesterday brought to Auckland a quantity of specimens containing a very heavy metal, supposed to be platinum. They also report finding gold specimens, which are said to have been obtained near the manganese mine. At the gathering of the Wesleyan Methodist Sunday-schools to-day the Theatre Royal was crammed. There was supposed to be 2000 present. Addresses were delivered by the various members of the Conference now in Auckland. A man named Patrick Murphy was arrested to-day on a warrant, charged with stealing articles t > the value of £2B from a dwellinghouse in Hobson-street. January 19. A swindle of a somewhat unusual nature has just been brought to light, and the matter is now in the ha.ds of the police. A man named Parker, formerly in business as a tailor, for some time past has been in. the habit of going round the city getting coats for the purpose of cleaning them. In all cases he told a pitiable tale, and represented himself to be starving and unable to get work, although he was an excellent cleaner, dyer, and presser of clothes. So far he prevailed upon many of the leading merchants and tradesmen that they consented to giv3 him coats to clean. No sooner, however, had he got them into his possession than he sold them at an old clothes shop for what they would bring, and expended the money thus obt lined in drink. This kind of thing went on for some time, many of the leading citixens being victimised. The bubble was however burst on Saturday, when one of the

customers of the co it cleaner and dyer observed his swallow-tail exposed for sale outside an old clothes shop in Wellesley street The police are on the track of the offender, and it is expected that he will be arrested before to-morrow. The property thus obtained amounts to many pounds in value. 'Hie schooner race in the Auckland regatta on the '29th instant i< exciting much interest amongst the roasters of coasting ves-els. One hundred pounds and a valuable chronometer, worth about £SO, are off ered for the first prize. The Tore i arrived from Lyttelton to-day for the purpose of competing, aud the Myrtle, Caledonia, Oamaru, Albatross, Winifred, and many others, oil their way to the port, are expected to enter the list. The race is expected to he the best of the kind ever witnessed in Aucklan '. The regatta is i-xpected to be an immense success, more than £SOO having been appropriated for'prizes. Mr. Sheehan goes to Mongouui in the steamer Stella, and expects to be absent for several d-iys. The Wesleyan Conference conti ued its sittings to-day. The following gentlemen were present :—Revs. W. Morley (pre-ident), J. Crump, Buddie, Warren, Wallis Kirk, Reid, Bavin, Isith, McNicoll, Lee, Richardson, Biwn, Bull, Gittos, Schnaekenberg, law, Work r, H. H. Lawdry, and W. Sewe-U, together With the College students. The Stationing Committee brought forward their first draft of stations, which was as follows :—Auckland College, Rev. T. Buddie; Auckland circuit, Rev. and G Bond; Thames, Rev. W. J. Watkin ; Hokiauga, Rev. Mr. Hammond ; Pukekohe, Rev. Joseph Buttle ; Waikato, Rev. Mr. Thomas ; Mauukau, Rev. J. Law; Taranaki, Rev. McNicoll; Wanganui, Rev. Mr. Lee ; Bangifcikei, R-.v. S. Lawry ; Wellington, Revs. Kirk aud Williams ; Napier, Rev. W. J. Olliver ; Nelson, Rev. Bavin and Rouse ; Kokitika, Rev. J. Smith ; Christchurch, Revs. Reid and Bautnber ; St. Albans, Rev. Mr. Richardson ; Colombo-road, Rev. Mr. Smalh-y; Raugiora, Revs. Cammell and Ellis ; Kaiapoi, Rev. Mr. Armitage ; Punedin. Rev. J. Crump ; Mornington, Rev. .)". J. Lewis ; Inveroargill, Rev. R. S. Bunn. Referring to the telegram from London, a German man-of-war is directed to exact satisfaction from Samoa.

Tne Star tonight says the Taimua and Faipul in A.ugust last; refused to fulfil or to state a time when they would fulfil article 4 of an agreement, or rather a distinct promise, made on the 3rd of duly, 1877, guaranteeing perfect equality of rights to the Imperial German Government, and the German ship of war Ariadne left port on the 15th August, proceeding to Saluafatafor the purpose of atraching that harbor and the vicinity as security for the faithful fulfilment of the sain obligation by the Taimua and Faipul, or until further orders were received from the German Government. The Ariadne left Apia on the 15th, and on the following morning proclaimed the attachment of Saluafata for the above-name! reason. She proceeded-to Calealili, and on the morning of the 17th that harbor was attached in the same manner as Saluafata.

January 20,

The Wesleyan Conference m°tt'ais morning. A telegram was read from the Rev. Mr. Tins--1 y thanking the Conference for receiving him into the Wesleyan ministry. The committed appointed to consider the amplication of the Rev. Edward Best, of Ireland, recommended that he be offered a place in the ministry. The reports of the committee appointed to examine the students of the Three Kings Institute showed that the students duing the past year have acquitted themselves well. The Coufereuce decided to receive on trial for the native ministry Horl Te Kuri aud Wiremu Warena. The Rev. Mr. Isitt's application to be placed on the supernumerary list, in consequence of ill-health, was granted, the President taking oc a-ion to address a few word- of sympathy, which were endorsed by the brethren. ■ The Rev. Mr. Harper applied for another year's rest, which was granted. The Wesleyan Conference a!: their afternoon sitting accepted the re-agnation of the RaV. Mr. Fitchett. Eight young men offered themselves for the ministry, but their acceptance is not yet officially announced. The Rev. Joseph Berry England is allowed another year's rest. The Star, in referring to the telegram from the Press Agency concerning Rewi's terms, says: —"The programme is so startling that it must be received with suspicion until confirmed by subsequent advices. It need bar lly be said that if these are Rewi's terms they are simply too preposterous to bear a moment's consideration, and that they are likely to postpone indefinitely any possibility of a peaceful adjustment of the differences pending between the two races in the island. We cannot be'ieve that Rew't, in his negotiations with the Government, has been deliberately playing at the Maori game of mannga. There cau be no final or satisfactory settlement of the native question which does not make the Queen's writ run throughout the length and breadth of the island." The po'ice have so far been unsuccessful in their efforts to arrest Parker, the clothes cleaner and dyer, who was successful in victimising many Auckland ci izens. The earlv closing movement amongst the Auckland groeers has virtually fallen through. On Saturday night many of the shopkeepers, although bound by agreement to close from two o'clock in the afternoon, opened their places of business and took advantage of those who remained faithful to their obligations. The consequence is that the employers have called a meeting for to-morrow afternoon, when the matter will be fully discussed. It is believed that the result will be a general refusal to adhere to the agreement. Many of the assistants intend to make an effort in favor of having Wednesday afternoon set apart for a holiday. Judge Heale of' the Native Lands Court, has resigned in consequence of ill-health. case of Thomas Rennell, Mr. Justice Gillies, having heard lengthy arguments, said that in a question of such importance, and ope which had never been presented iu its precise

form to any Court, he felt Justine 1 in detaining prisoner further in custody until Wednesday next, when judgment in the case will be given. The South British had only KlO > on the Reefton Hotel, instead of £ 1000 as reported by the Press Association. The total loss of the South British is £3uo. Already four names are mentioned S 3 probable candidates for the seat in the House of Representatives for Auckland City West, iu olace of Mr. Dignan. The names mentioned are those or Messrs. W. J. Hurst, who arrived by last mail from Englan I, an t was formerly Mayor of Auckland ; Mr. U. Brett, the exMayor ; Mr. Patrick Darby, and Mr. I >avid Goldie. One of the main questions at the election will be that of education. The whole of the immigrants per the Maravel were engaged twelve hours after I Hiding; a considerable number of the men have gone as bushmen. The female servants were all taken up within two honiM after landing. It is rumored that Mr. Tole has resigned his office as Commissioner of Colonial Education. The Wakatipu carries 2210 ounces of gold, valued at £IO,OOO. The case of Thomas Williamson Brown, charged with attempted rape—the person assaulted being Mrs. Ewenson —is adjourned till to-morrow. Messrs. Eraser and Tinne are boring out the old crank pin from the mad steam r City of Sydney, and on its arrival from Sydney they will fit in anew one, manufactured by M s.»tj. Mort and Co., of Sydney. It is 3 feet 6 inches long, and 18J inches diameter, and will weigh 27cwt. The original pin was manufactured by Messrs. Morfc and Co., of Sydney, six months ago. Buckland's sheep fair was held to-day. It was very meagre compared with last year. There were about 3000 entries. It is contended that the low price of wool is the cause of the present general disinclina'i m to invest in sheep. The quality of the she >p penned, although small, is first class. Two-tooth Lincoln ewes, imported by G.rahan, brought from 153. to 18s. each. Lincoln hoggets, ISs. January 21. The valuations of the city of Auckland for 1879 amount to £155,047, as compared with £140,513 for 1375. Several being exempted by Acts of last session prevented the increase being much larger. At the Podce Court this morning four men were fined for having unstamped weights and measures in their possession. The Wesleyan Conference met this morning, and in addition to ministers there were 18 layman present, who were welcomed by the President. He thought eve y circuit should avail itself of the privilege and elect representatives. He trusted that resolutions would be passed making it compulsory on circuits to elect representatives. The first question was, do we sanction division or alteration of any of the districts or circuits iu this Conference? The answer was that the name of Grey town circuit in the future be Wairarapa. The second question wa*, what circuits are under an obligation to take a married minister, instead of a single one? It was decided that the Raugiora circuit be relieved from its obligation to take a second married man, on condition that they pay £2O to the Home Mission Fund ; that the Rangitikei circuit also be relieved from it's obligation to take a married minister for one year. It was agreed to appoint a second minister at Kaipara. The New Plymouth circuit asked f >r the appointment of a second minister, and promised to take a married-man at the end of one year. The request was granted. The Wellington circuit asked for the appointment of a third minister, to reside at Adelaide-road, where there was a good opening, and a wide sphere for a good and diligent pastor. The request was granted. The Rev. Mr. Richardson renewed the application of the Wairarapa circuit for the appointment of a minister to reside at Mast.rton. Granted, if a man be forthcoming. A new minister was appointed for Gisborne. A second man was granted for St. Albans. Roxburgh asked for a minister instead of a Home missionary. Granted. It was resolved that Morrisville become a Scandinavian Homo Mission Station, Mr. Crastofferson to be the agent.Mr. Buckland's sheep fair was continued today. Mr. McLean penned over three score Leicester and Lincoln hoggett rams, bre 1 from imported stock. Joseph May Buckland, Selby, Kerr, and G. S. Graham also brought forward first class specimens of Lincoln hoggett rams, from imported stock. The schooner Transit is entered for the sailing race in the regatta. At the evening sitting of tho Wesleyan Conference the President announced that the following sums had been received during the past year for the Church Extension Fund :—Auckland district, £294 6s. 51 ; Taranaki and Wanganui, £137 18s.; Wellington, £iBB I*. 10d.; Nelsou, £ll2 £586 3s. 4 I.; Otago, £l4l 6s. 9 1.; connectional rents, £453 165.; donations, £73. The Bay of Islands Coal Company propose at the next annual meeting to increase the capital by the issue of new share 3 The evideuce given in the case of attempted rape was very similar to that wired on Sunday. Mrs. Evanson's husbiud in his evideucj said that Brown, the accused, represented himself to be the proprietor of an hotel in Castlereaghstreet, Syduey. Fid had offered to let hita off if he would give £2O to some charity and pub- • lish an apology in the Star newspaper. Mrs. Evanson in her evi ience sail she would not swear Brown was the raau who got into her bed, but was almost certain. The case i* still proceeding. Mr. Sheehan is expected to visit Wangarei to-morrow. The settlers are getting up a banquet. The Ramarama coal mine is turning out splendid coal from the new workings, as large and hard as Newcastle. The Hamilton Borough Council has sent a telegram to Sir George Grey, reminding him of his promise to give £3ouo towards tho new Hamilton Bridge. They have alio aj:>pliod to

Government to send up an engineer to report upon fclie bridge, it having been said t!ie piles are not driven on a Round foundation, which woul I render the work useless. Thos. Williamson Brown, of the Cora-Val "Vose Company, was fully committed for trial for attempting to comm t a rape on Mrs. Evanson, the wife of the landlord of the Scotia Hotel. Bail was allowed. A fire brigade has been formed at Cambridge, in the Waikato. Captain Marks has discovered a new channel at Tauranga. through which he took the Wan >ka last trip. A new seam of coal has been discovered in Whatawhata It was exposed in a cutting made in forming the Raglan-road, about a mile from the Waipa "River". The cord appears to be of excellent qu»..ity, and it is believed that the deposit will be very valuable. The Cambridge Farmers' Clnb are making arrangements for a horticultural show, which will be held in March. The Government have sent a surveyor np to Waikato to survey a road through the land that is to be sold by them, originally intended to be given to the King natives. The line of road between Harapipi and Alexandra is to be altered in consequence of being too close to the VVYdpa River, and when the river is high, the creeks flooded, and the bridges all under water, stopping traffic till the river falls. The bridge i-s to be erected over the Waipa at Alexandra or Te Rore. The Odd Fellows in Auckland intend to celebrate their anniversary by a demonstration on the 29th instant. The constractor for the new Catholic Boys' schools, now being erected at the junction of Pitt, Hobson, and Wellington streets, under the direction of Father Hennebery, is making considerable progress with his work. The building is of wood, the size being 60 feet by 100 feet, and 16 feet from floor to ceiling, and is txpected to accommodate 1200 children. The work has been in hand two weeks, and is expected to be finished in about four weeks hence. The total cost, including fittings, will be .£ISOO, of which only £IOOO has been raised. On the adjoining allotment the congregation of St. James' Presbyterian Church are having a splendid brick building erected, to be used as a Sunday-school. It will accommodate 700 or 800 scholars, and will cost something like £2500. F. Dakin has resigned the management of the Alburnia Gold Mining Company. He intends to proceed with prospecting operations at Tairu, iu which district he has considerable faith. January 22. Mr. Barr, the contractor for the plate laying on the Mountain-road, took with him seventy laborers. Captain Dearborn, of the City of Sydney, •who recently visited Russell, has decided to take his steamer there when repaired, and take in 3 000 tons of co 1. The following is a list of the vessels likely to take part in the champion race at the annual regatta on the '/9th :—Brigantine Myrtle, schooners Transit, Reward, Torea, Albatross, Acadia, Sissy, Madonna, Energy, Winifred, Mary and ketch Ada Start. The statement that Puriri sleepers can't be obtained in sufficient quantities for contract in Auckland causes much indignation. An unlimited quantity is obtainable, but from some oause the Public Works Department's, in Auckland, tenders stipulate thac sleepers must be sawn. Good judges, like Swansou and Hobbs, say split sleepers are superior to sawn. Opposition to Auckland tenders is said to be from a desire on the part of some official in the Public Works Department to injure Auckland for criticisms in regard to public works. It is also paid that Auckland members will take the matter up next session. At the Wesleyan Conference to-day it was agreed that the stipends of ministers on native stations should be fixed at £2OO per anraum, and that all moneys raised <>n those circuits he brought to the Home Mission- Fund. Mr. Sheehan on his return from the Thames was interviewed by natives to-day, who desire to accompany Mr. Simpson, the surveyor, to point out the best road from Cambridge to Qhinemut i. Another deputation is now waiting on Mr. Sheehan. They wish to sell to the Government t.he celebrated springs at Roto Iti, on the Tauranga side of the hot lake district. Judge Gillies gave judgment to-day, on application for the discharge of Rennell, charged wish the murder of Captain Moller at Bufcaritari, outside the Queen's dominions. After reviewimrihe facts previously telegraphed, the Judge said that counsel for the Crown appeared imperfectly instructed in respect to such an important case. The provisions of the Foreign Offenders' Act applied only to offences committed within the Australasian Colonies; therefore the Act did not apply in the present case. The argument that the offence was committed within the jurisdiction of the colony of Fiji did not apply, as the act was committed at Butaritari, o tside the limits of Fiji. The Judge felt compelled to come to the conclusion that both the warrants—original and substituted -are equally bad, and that neither of them legally authorised the detention of the prisoner. The Judge concluded that, after a careful aud anxions examination of all statutes which might give power or jurisdiction to the Court to try the charge against prisoner, he failed to find any that confers that jurisdiction. Had he been able to fin 1 even an apparent authority for assuming jurisdiction, he would in the interests of public justice have assumed it, leaving the Court of Appeal ultimately to determine ; but he could not find even an apparent authority. He was therefore compelled, through a legislative defect, to permit a manifest failure of justice, and the prisoner must be discharged, but he (the Judge) trusted that the Government of the colony would take such measure? as would prevent a recurrence of such an event. A man named Charles Phillips has been arrested* on warrant, charged with forcing and uttering au order on Mr. Phillips, painter.

The Government steamer Stella, with the Hon. the Native Minister, sailed to-night for Whangarei. A child named Jonep, whose parents reside in Baker-street, fell down a well, aud before assistance could be rendered was drowned. An inquest will be held to-morrow afternoon. At Helensville three s-rious accidents occurred yesterday. The Helensville hotelkeeper's son, aged twenty months, had his hand literally torn ofif by a huge log drawn by a team of oxen. The boy's name is James. Amputation of the wrist is necessary. Another accident occurred to a boy eight years old named John Rammer. He jumped into a railway truck on top of the incline, and took out the break pi i. The sta-tion-master's two children were in the truck, aud caused him to call out to Rirnmer to stop the truck ; the latter tried to re-Bx the breakpin, and turned a somersault on to the line. The truck vent ovei him, stripping the flesh from his shoulder to his hip and breaking his ribs. The Helensville telegraphist was thrown out of the same truck on Saturday, and lay between the slpepers, so escaped crushing. A third accident happened to a little gi'-J two years old, daughter of Dr. Stewart, of Kaukapakapa, who, while walking along, the trunk of a large tree fell a considerable distance on a stake, which entered her breast. The child lies in a precarious condition. The community ia quite dejected in consequence of these accidents. GrtaHAMsTOWN, .January 17. Plans of the reclamation work necessary for the commencement of the Thames i ail way have been completed by Mr. B?ere, C.F., and have been submitted to the District Engineer of Auckland for approval. It is expected that tenders will be called for the work at once. The borough is about to erect an industrial school outside the town, on a site given by an inhabitant for the purpose. The Advertise!' says that the Thames has produced nearly five million ounces of gold, of the value of over £12,000,000, according to the returns published, since the opening of the field. The Hon. Mr. S heehan is expected here again on Monday, to settle native matters. A butcher's son had four fingers taken off at a sausage machine to-day. An inquest on the body of the bushman McGerry, who was crushed to death between two logs, has been held. The verdict was " Accidental death." January 20. The Government steamer Stella is to arrive this evening with the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, who has to trausact business with the natives which was left unfinished last week. The Auckland Harbor Board's steam dredge was towed here to-day by the s.s. Rotomahana, to do dredging work in this harbor for the local board, the latter paying all expenses and a bonus for the use of the dredge. The Government are blamed for ever sending out of the colony for sleepers, when they can be obtained here in any quantity of puriri and rata, if a notification were given of the want. The fact is Government go away from likely districts to unlikely ones with their wants. The same remarks apply to contracts, because there is plenty of skilled labor here open to take up contracts. The opening of the railway works is much desired; they will afford employment to numbers. January 21. The Hon. John Sheehan, in the Government steamer Stella, arrived earlv th's morning, to interview the natives re wants of the district. He consented t j allow them £2OOO, to be spent under the authority of the County Council, for fencing hapus, native roads, Ohinemuri-road, ferry at. Te Aroha, snagging the river, and making the road from Katikati to Paeroa. This is in addition to for bridges in the Ohinemnri County. The Hon. Mr. Sheehan met a number of natives at the Runanga house at Parawai today, aud had a long conversation with them on various matters connected with the Native Department. Amongst the subjects discussed was the laud required for a railway, and it is understood that the natives repeated the promise given on a previous occasion, that any of their lauds -required they would give to Government for a railway. Most of the principal representative natives of the district were in attendance. The Hon. Mr. Sheehan returned to Auckland iu the Government steamer Stella this evening. The Native Lands Court opened here to-day before Judge Halse, of Wellington, to inquire into some old claims of McCaskell aud Angus Martin, trustees of the late Dr. Morton, over Ohinemuri lands', titles to which have already beeu issued by former Land Courts to natives. It appears that McCaskell has since parted with his interest, and he repudiated the appearance of counsel on his behalf, but afterwards wished to withdraw his objection. The Judge expressed astonishment at his conduct, and told him he would await a reply to a communication to the Chief Judge asking instructions. January 22. The Kurunui mine g:>t a rich leader, which is crushing remarkably well. J. P. Hall, long a manager of mines here, goes to the Tokatea, mine, at Coromandel, at a salary of £SOO a year. The Church Mission Society have given a site for a station on their lands at Puriri. The Hon. F. Whitaker, R.W.P.G.M., Scotch Constitution,is here, holding an installation of Scotch and Irish Dodge officers tomorrow. The Government give £4OO towards the cost of the erection of an old men's refuge here. Alexandra, January 20. Rewi has make known the result of his negotiations with the Government. He requires to have sole control of all the lands which he gave over to Potatau, the first King, and all the dwellers thereon, Europeans aud Maoris ; and to have authority to make all laws independently. His boundary marks to be Aotea, Taupo, and White Cliffs, which will include the townships of Alexandra and Te Awamutu,

part of Rangiaohia, Kihikihi. and the.disputed leased lands of Mau-ugatarifcari. The Queen's laws to extend over these places. Rewi left for Taupo yesterday to meet the Ngatirankawa chiefs, to inquire into some tribal and other disputes, and initiate them into his new scheme for cementing the present friendly relations between the two races. He w. 11 remain at Taupo about six weeks. I-JOJCTANGA, January 21. The dispute between the Lower Waihi and Ngatihau natives has been settled by arbitration. The Land Court is sitting here ; over 600 natives are present. The schooner Ada C. Owen sailed from the Thames yesterday for Lyttelton with 139,000 feet timber. JN'apiek, January 17. Tyson, the wrestling champion, had a hearty reception on bis arrival at Taupo from Dunedin. On getting from the train a large crowd greeted aud cheered him. * He was conveyed to the Railway Hotel, where a public diuner was given him, to which a large number of. settlers sat down. In responding to his health he said he was now going to retire from public wrestling, but urged the young men around him to learn the art, and seek to win the same honors as he had. He spoke also in high terms of his late opponent iu the contest at Dunedin. Two smart shocks of earthquake were experienced last evening—one at 10.40 and the other at 11.50; direction north to south. The first was the heaviest experienced here since 1861. It caused a slight alarm, but no damage was done, The amateurs are going to give a benefit to those members of Hoskins' Dramatic Company who were left here yesterday. January 18. A messenger just arrived from Longlands brings intelligence of the sudden death of Mr. James Watt, late of Watt Brothers, wellknown in sporting circles throughout New Zealand. He appeared quite well when in town yesterday. January 20. The driver, G. Hobbs, and passengers by the mail coach between Napier and Taupo had a marvellous and providential escape from death on Wednesday list. When the coach was between Titokura and Mohaka it encountered a terrible thunderstorm. A flash of lightning struck the carriage pole, splitting it to atoms. Wonderful to relate, the splitting of the pole ; and hook was the only damage done. The coach was full of passengers at the time of the accident. As soon as he recovered from his astonishment, Hobbs, the driver, proceeded on horseback to Terawera, where he got another coach, and returned to the spot where the ; accident occuured and [ticked up his passengers, whom he safely landed at Taupo, all thankful for their miraculous escape. The coach which left Kopua for Wellington and Wanganui thi.3 morning upset after travelling four miles. No damage was done except that the passengers received a good shaking. An extra coach was obtained, and the passengers forwarded on. Mr. Watt, whose death occurred on Friday last, was apparently in better healtk than he had been enjoying for some time past. Iu the morning he devoted some little time to business at the Spit, and afterwards attended a meeting of the Gas Company. He then proceeded to his estate, Longlands, where he arrived in the evening. That night it was arranged between him and Mr. R. Parmer that they should both go over to Obrig next morning, but when the appointed hour arrived, Mr. Watt, not feeling very well, remained in the house. Mr. Parmer returned to Longlands at about thi'ee o'clock in the afternoon, and found Mr. Watt retching violently. Mr. Parmer procured him some tea, and then assisted him to bed, where at 5 p.m. he breathed his last, saying to his friend, who supported him, ' ; It's all over." ' The immediate cause of death is stated to have been heart disease. A benefit given this evening for a portion of the theatrical troupe left in Napier was largely attended, and was a great success. Wangandi, January 17. The borough valuation for the present year is £-±7,874. For last year it was £38,882. January 18. At the Police Court this morning, before a full Bench, Sergeant Donnelly and Constable Buchanan were charged by Sub-Inspector Goodall with having used insulting language and behavior towards each other iu a public place, calculated to provoke a breach of the peace. The charge against Buchanan was dismissed ; that agaiust Donnelly was sustained, the Bench imposing the mitigated penalty of 40s. and costs, on the ground that the latter defendant was at the time labeling under a strong feeling of provocation, which, however, the Bench did not consider justified. The assault was the outcome of a feeling of suspicion on Donnelly's part that Buchanau was making too fiee with his (Donnelly's) wife. Blenheim, January 17. Mr. Seymour, M.H.8., announces his intention of addressing his constituents at the end of the harvest. There is no further intelligerce as to the discovery of the supposed incendiary who set fire to the Government Buildings in 1876. No one has been arrested as yet. It is reported that the Fire Insurance Association also offer a reward for the discovery of the persons implicated in the fire which destroyed P. Lawrence's premises four or five years ago. Nelson, January 18. An excellent specimen of argentiferous galena, evidently from a large lode, has been brought in from Wangapeka, and professional nainers think very highly of it. The writ for the city election has been issued. The nomination has been fixed for the 30th, and the polling for sfch February. Pitt and Adams are likely to be the oniy candidates.

New Plymouth, January 22. The Surveyor-General has countermanded his instructions to the Survey Department here to send surveyors to Mokau. The garrisons at Opunake and "Waihi are being strengthened. Gbstmouth, January 21. John Cardrick, an old resident, was killed yesterday while felling a tree at Maori Creek. Hokitjka, January 3 8. The rush to Lake Mahinapua is likely to prove a success. A hundred miners are now on the ground, "Several claims have been bottomed out, and 7dwts. to the load obtained. Fully a mile of ground. has been taken up. Kdjiara, January 18. A destructive fire occurred last night m the main street. The following were the houses destroyed: Reefton Hotel, Dungan and O'Brien's Hotel, and the Beehive store. Owing entirely to the exertions of the local brigade, the fire was stayed. The whole street was in danger at one time. Insurances—Reefton Hotel, £IOO, South British ; Dungan and O'Brien's, £4OO, South British; Beehive store, £2OO, office not known. CHIUSTOHUHCH, January 17. Tn the bowling matrdi Dunedin v. Canterbury, sixteen a side, the Canterbury men received a crushing defeat. The result was— Dunedin, 84 : Canterbury, 32. A deputation consisting of Mr. Stevens, M.H.R., his Worship the Mayor, and Councillors Wilson, Gapes, and Binstead, waifed on the Attorney General this evening in relation to the market reserve, which it is wished to obtain for the purpose of a Town Hall. It wae stated that the reserve was vested in the Government, but with the condition that it waß to be used for a market. It was pointed out that a public market had been a failure in other places, and that the same result would inevitably follow here. They also pointed out that they had a reserve near the t-pot which would answer all the purposes of the one on which they wished to build a town hall. Mr. Stevens explained that the Bill to vest the site in question in the Corporation «i Christchuroh had passed the Lower House last session, but bad been thrown out in the Upper. The Attorney-General, in reply, said he did not consider tlie Government vould offer any objection to the wishes of the City and expressed his convictions that town reserves ought to be dealt with by the local authorities. He added that be had always been of opinion that Christchnrch had far too few reserves. He promised to do what he could do in the matter, and said the Council would no doubt get a favorable answer at the beginning o$ February next. In answer to a question, be said he considered the Government had ample powers under the Public Reserves Act to vest the kind in question in the city by proclamation, and that there would be no occasion to appeal to the Legislature. The deputation were delighted at their reception, and after having thanked the AttorneyGeneral, withdrew. At the Police Court to-day six: little fellowe were brought up charged with bathing in a> public place, to wit, the river. The magistrate said it was very natural this hot weathe*, and dismissed the case, but cautioned them not to repeat the offence. Bassingtbwaite, the man charged with fraudulent bankruptcy, was to-day remanded for a week. Bail was taken, himself in £IOOO and two sureties in.£soo each. Tbere is a large attendance to-night at the theatre, on the oocasion of the charitable concert for the hospital Miss Amy Sherwin and Signora Venosta are among the singers. To-day the first consignment of the present grain season reached Christchurch from the South bridge disti ict. At the sale of racehorses to-day Laertes was bought by Mr, Delamain for 450 guineas, and Javelin by Mr. Butler for 300 guineas. Jangler was bought in at 475 guineas. The other horses advertised were not offered. Eighty waggons have been turned out of tb& railway workshops during the past week. At a meeting of the Drainage Board to-day the old chairman, Mr. H. C. J. Tancred, was re-elected, and Mr, R. J. S. Harman was elected chairman of the Local Board of Health. In the annual report of the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Powell drew attention to th© number of cases of typhoid fever in immigrant ships, and attributed it to the bad water used on the voyage. He was requested to draw up a special report on the subject. The case of J. Henderson v. the Napier Harbor Board still drags along. It is expected to last for the whole of next week. The City Council will interview the At-torney-General this evening on the subject of a Bite for a Town Hall. January 20. Eignold opened to a big house to-night. Walter Bullivant was charged with forging a cheque this morning, and remanded for & weelc. There are two other cases against him of the same kind. Judge Ward tools his seat upon the bench at the Uistriet Court for the firs'", time this morning. All the oases were postponed in consequence of the counsel being engaged at the Supreme Court. Corrplimentiiry speeches were exchanged between Judge Ward and the Bar. The Mayorof Ohristohurch leaves to-morro-ssr for InvercargilF, to attend the opening of the railway. The people of Akaroa give a banquet to Messrs. Montgomery, M.H.R., Hon. J. Hall, and W. Robinson to-morrow night. On the following night Mr. Montgomery makes his post-sessional utterance. The annual meeting of the Harbor Boar 3 took place to-day. The report is of a highly satisfactory character. In the ease of Henderson v. the Napier Harbor Board the evidence for the plaiutiE closed on Saturday. The defendants' case will be opened this morning.

The horses Leonidas and Javelin went N«»ifch by these. Taupo on Saturday night. Mr. Moor, who rece'it'y arrived from Wellington to edit the Globe, died at an earlv hour this morning from rheumatic fever. He had "been ill about three week?. George Butler, a servant living at TCaiapoi, committed suicide by hanging himself yesterdav. The amateur opera season closed on Saturday night, when a gold watch was presented to the lady who sustained the part of Martha. Two of the American engines were despatched South yesterday, to work the express traffic between Dunedin. and luvercargill. January 21. The case of Henderson v. the Napier Harbor Board was continued to-day, when 'he evidence of Mr. Weber, the engineer to the JB >ard, was taken at great length. The evidence of two 'nspectorg, who testified that the work was hadly carried on, rubble being used of very inferior quality, closed the c ise for plaintiff Counsel's addresses will probably occupy all day to-morrow. A large number of excursionists left by the express this morning, to attend the opening of the luvercargill railway. Mr. Thomas Slater Pratt, formerly proprietor of the Waikouaiti IlevUd. and more recently connected with the Licensed Victuallers Gazette, died this afternoon of congestion of the lung-. The performance of "Henry V." last night was a grand success. Nothing like it ha* ever been seen in the city before, and the wonderfully effective battle pictures caused great enthusiasm. January 22. By the barque Times, from Tjoudon, there arrived a number of combined threshing engines, also another locomotive for the Railway Department. The rateable value of Sydenham this year is £43,765, being an increase for tho last twelve months of £4946. Varley held his farewell meeting here last night, and left this morning by traiu for Oamaru and Dunedin. At Raogiora yesterday a case was heard in which the Beuch held that in all ordinary cases claims against the Railway Department must be made against the Minister for Public Works, yet where an employe causes unnecessary delay in the delivery of packages, he was personally liable for damages. • Mdlle. Charbonnet will give her first concert to morrow. In the case of Henderson v. the Napier Haroor Board the jury found substantially for the plaintiff. Several issues with regard to small sums are not yet settled ; they will probably be referred to arbitration. Bitsingthwaite, the fraudulent bankrupt, was to-day committed for trial. Lyttelton, Friday. A case was brought by Captain Scoular, of the barque Examiner, against one of his crew for desertion, which resulted rather unprofitably for the master, it being disclosed in the defence that the man deserted by jumping overboard, to save himself from the skipper, who was at the time chasing him round the deck. The bench fined the captain 20s. and full costs. TIMARU, January 17. The valuation for the Borough of Timaru for 1 879 amounts to £45,8u0, being an increase of £10,300 on last year. The schooner Alert sailed for Wellington today to take part in the regatta there. A marked improvement has taken place in Hie crops during the last fortnight or three weeks, and on the higher grounds somesplendrd paddocks are now noticeable. It is believed ihu. the yield on the whole, paitly owing to (lie iwcreased area sown, will be fully equal to I ist year. Oamaru, January 17. A meeting w'Ss held to-day for the purpose of forming a volunteer fire brigade. A committee was formed to canvass for members. I qniiies will be made of the Dunedin Fire :'• iuade as to the cost of au engine, and other sn Liters connected with making the proposed '! nigade efficient. January 20. Four workmen, employed by W. Teschennker, Esq., Taipo Farm, went to bathe in the lv ikanui River yesterday morning. One named :) Connor swam across the stream, and on his w >y back the others saw him suddenly sink as • r he had been seized with cramp. One of 1 >"tn rushed in to save him, but O'Conner ■ otched at him frantically, nearly dragging hi 3 t lend to the bottom. The latter got away • • ui the man, and reached the shore exhausted. O'Connor by this time had sunk. Information is uiven to the police, and the body was revered the same afternoon by Constable ■ novan and brought into town. The coroner s demanded an inquest. The deceased is to - buried to-day. O'Connor was unmarried, and ! no friends in the colony. January 22. \ dray accident occurred near Ngapara yesrhiv, by which an old Hampden settler ned Thomas Howie lost his life. Deceased as proceeding to the Tables with a load of i. When one mile beyond Ngapara, the j ■•■ -t>« shied and capsized the dray, which fell deceased, killing him instantly. An in- <; i sfc will be held to-day. he following gentlemen have been chosen i represent the North Otago Rifle Associai - at the New Zealand Rifle Association's i .'Sing, to be held in Nelson in March , .; ;—Captain Martin, Oamaru Artillery ; •. tain McCorkeudale, City Cadets; Sub- '} renant Morris, Color-Sergeant King, ; .-ates R. Harding, E. Harding, and A. I !y, Oamaru Rifles. ~ the reaper and binder competition to day, -'• ■■". gold medal given by the North Otago 'cultural and Pastoral Association, M-miek and Reid and Gray were the c makers represented. Trie former ob- : --■} J.kkty-seven votes, the latter four.

Dunedi.v, January 17. At the Synod to-nit-ht a notice of motion was given approving the action of the University Council of Otago in seeking to obtain an independent charter for the Otago University. A meeting of those favorable to Bible reading in schools was hel I to-night. About 100 persons were present. The meeting was very Otagan in tone, and a resolution in favor of the ohjecb of the meeting was unanimously carried. An influential committee to give effect to it was also appointed. The capital of the Khslyn Tramway Company is fixed at £SO 000, hut it is supposed that the work will be done f »r £17,00 '). A Ijoaiy Investment, and Auctioneering Company is about to be floated in Dunedin, with a capital of £75.000. The Synod last niudit decided that the second chair they would endow in the Otago University should he moral philosophy and political economy. This proposal was carried by a large majmity, but thirteen members protested ngainst the resolution. The question of Bible reading in schools wa3 discussed by the Synod to-day. It resulted in a. committee bein-j- appointed to frame a resolution on the subject, for submission to the Synod. Thomas', the wrestler, was last night presented by a number of friends with a purse of seventy sovereigns. January 18. A store and dwelling belonging to Peter Rutherford, of Caversham, was destroyed by fire last night through the upsetting of a kerosene can. The New Zealand Insurance office is interested to the extent of £2OOO, and the South Hritish £2Ol Mr. James Green has no intention of resigning his seat for Port Chalmers. A new club is to be established in Dunedin. The premises selected by the promoters are those of the Occidental Hotel, High-street. James Owen, the cook of the steamer Antim, Queenstown, took strychnine poison this moruing. He is a single man, and his act is attributed to jealousy. Medical assistance was obtained, and he may recover. January 20. The recent heavy fall of rain has removed all fears of the water supply in the reservoir running short. Mrs. Waldron, who was recently shot at by her husband at St. Betham, is recovering-, and hope 3 are entertained that amputatijn of the arm will not be necessary. A pawnbroker in George-street was comp 1 !- mented at the Police Court to-day by the Bench and the Inspector of Police for his promptness in briuging before the Court two men charged with stealing several pairs of boots. The robbery had beeu reported to the pawnbrokers in the usual way, and when one of the men offered the boots in pledge he was detained in the shop until the police arrived. In the Supreme Court to-day Mr. Denniston complained of the unfairness of a report which appeared in the Evening Aye of a case before the Court. His Honor said that he did not. wish to comment on newspaper reports, and said that counsel should take the usual steps if he wished to have the offending journal punished. The district schools were opened to-day. One hundred children were refused admission, in some instances, in consequence of the want of accommodation. It is stated that there are 1000 children in Dunedin for whom no facilities offer for cheir education. January 21. The sum of £753 has been handed over to theßenevolentlustitutior), under the provisions of the Savings Bauk Act of last se-sion. Steps have been taken to form an association iu Dunedin, with the view of securing Bible reading in the public schools of the province. A paid secretary has been appointed, and funds are being raised to prosecute the undertaking vigorously. The debate between the Rev. Mr. Green and Mr. Charles Bright, the freethought lecturer, commenced tonight in the Queen's Theatre, which was crowded. The subject for discussion is the divine origin .of Christianity. Green affirms, Bright denies. The discussion will last three nights. Janrary 22. At the Synod to-night a proposal will be submitted to vote £SOO for the erection of a theological college. At the Synod to day the following resolution was adopted,—That the Synod view with satisfaction the steps recently taken by the Council of the University of Otago to secure for that institution an independent charter, aad earnestly hopes that this action of the Council may be crowned with success. The railway employes' picnic will be held on the Ist proximo, as the Dunedin section now extends Irom Waitake to Clinton. It has been decided to hold two picnics this year. That at Hampden will be attended by employes and their friends living between Timaru and Dunedin, and it is expected about 80;) peisons will be present. The locality of the other party will probably be Milton, and will be sorght by those residing between Clinton and Dunedin. The Attorney-General has received the following telegram: —" Gore,.4 20 p.m. I regret to inform you that Mr. Conyers, in passing from one carriage to another near this station, came in contact with a taidc, receiving a terrible blow on the forehead, and fell on the ground. He remains unconscious, and the doctors fear he may not recover. We leave him here tonight, but the sad accident has completely marred the trip.—Ballance." This evening a deputation from the Synod waited on the University Council, to intimate that the Synod had agreed to endow a chair of moral philosophy and political economy in the Otago University, and not one of English language and literature, as recommended by the Council. The council having heard the deputation, resolved, —That the council having already appointed a professor of mental and moral philosophy and political economy, at a the request of the trustees of the Presbyterian Church of Otago, by whom he was nominated; and further, being informed by Professor Percival, believed that the arrangements for

teaching these branches are sufficient to appoint another professor to teach the same subjects in the University, and they accordingly respectfully decline the proposal made by the Syuod. BaLCLUTHa, January 17. Mr. Usher, the resilient engineer,. Mr. Grant, the general manage ■, and others went over the line fioin Balelutha to Clinton today with a Pairlie engine and carriage, aud made an official insp-jction. It is understood that the line will be formally handed over to the Railway Department to-morrow. Invklicvugill, January 17. The poll for the Mataura eleetinn was declared to. day. Messrs. shanks and Kinross returned thanks. The latter bitterly reproached false friends f->r deserting him. The po'l numbers are the same as previously telegraphed. The Times strongly condemns the proposal to commute Walsh's sentence. The weather is very fine and warm. The new theatre in Dee-street, built to the order of Messrs. Sloan and Son?, was pr optically opened for the first time to-night by the Rev. Mr. Byng, who delivered a most interesting lecture upon the " Archives of the Universe." There was a numerous attendance, and the lecturer was much applauded. The theatre is a very handsome building internally, aud its acoustic properties are excellent. An inquest was held yesterday at Oreti Bash, near Riverton, on the body of a man named John Hayes, who died on the 14th from injuries received through a dray passing over his body. A verdict of accidental death was returned. January 18. The men at Nugget and Cornish reef on the Upper Shotover have struck work. They had been promised £4 per week, £1 in cash and the remainder out of gold. As the tunnel has now been pierced for nearly 400 ft., and no gold found, thev refuse to work any longer. A meeting of shareholders is to be held at Dunedin on the 2 Ith instant, to decide the question. Business at Arrowtown and Queenstown is now beginning to recover, and the effects of the late fl >od are passing away. A steamer is building at Kingston. The boilers are in, but the deck and saloon remain to be finished, which will probably be done within a fortnight. January 20. At the annual meeting of the Bluff Harbor Board to day the chairman, Mr. Mitchell, was re-appointed till the 10th February, when the first meeting of the new B >ard is to be held The annual accounts indicated that £3700 had been received from productive sources, while nearly £3OOO had been speat in permanent works ; total liabilities were about £3OOO. The chairman gave a long review of the proceedings of the B >ard during the past two years, and indicated that the Board had done its best to develop the resources of the port. January 21. The case against Fishenden for fraudulent bankruptcy fell through at the District Court yesterday, consequent upon an informality in the creditors deciding to proseeate a test case.