Telegraphic News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 365, 8 February 1879, Page 9

Telegraphic News.

Geeytown, January 31. The Grey town school committee last night re-elected Mr. Bock chairman, and nominated Archdeacons Stock and Thorpe for the Education Board. An inquest will be held on the late fire on Tuesday next. ' Caselberg has opened business in a store formerly used by the late Mr. Ridley. February 1. The following entries have been received for the Wairarapa races : Maiden Plate — Knight's Barbelle, Gillies' Orphan, Murtagh s Black Prince, Vallance's Merlin. Wairarapa Stakes —Knight's Lara, Murtagh's Harkaway, Ray's Bribery, Vallance's Mufti and Danebury, Butler's Laertes. Produce Stakes — Hathaway's Mischief, Gillies' Orphan, Howe's Lady Ellen, Shearman's Camellia, Thompson's Sunshine and Tim Whiffler. Ladies' Purse— F. Ray's Liver, Wills' Ada, R. Bay's Bribery, Vallance's Eversley and Merlin, Butler's Agent. Hurdle Handicap—Knight's Roebuck, Desmond's Kangaroo and Blue Jacket, Murtagh's Harkaway, Hill's Ada, Vallance's Eversley, Butler's Agent. Wairarapa Jockey Club Handicap—Knight's Ika and Lara, F. Ray's Diver, Murtagh's Black Prince, Hill's Ada, R. Ray's Bribery, Vallance's Mufti Danebury and Lady Ellen, Butler's Laertes. District Handicap—Lara, Ika, Barbelle, Blue Jacket, Diver, Orphan, Lady Ellen, Pretty -Girl, Harkaway, Ada. Sale of Privileges. Grand-stand, £45 ; publican's booth, £3O ; refreshment booth, £lO 10s.; gates, £150; cards, £2O; yards, £lO ; games, £l2. February 4. The inquest on the late fire was held to-day before Dr. Spratt, the coroner. Witnesses were examined at great length. The verdict was to the effect that there was not sufficient evidence to show how the fire originated. Masterton, January 31. Cobb and Co.'s coach travelled to Castlepoint for the first time this week. Mr. Feist has been elected chairman of the Masterton school committee. The Public Works Office has consented to the plan of Mr. King, county engineer, for the improvement of the Ruamahunga, having a fair trial. Previously it had been thrown out in favor of the department plan, which proved too expensive. The County Council of Wairarapa East met yesterday, and ordered the erection of offices for the Council. February 4. The county contractors complain of delay in payments. The cause has been discovered in the neglect of the Treasury. The chairman of CountiestEast and West are now willing to uro-e upon the Government to enable them to pay the contractors direct. Contracts under -special votes were subject to supervision by counties. Foxton", January 31. A large topsail schooner ran ashore about three o'clock on the north spit, while taking the bar. There was very little wind but a good deal of surf on the bar, and it is supposed a little sandbank had been thrown up lately, upon which she grounded, coming into the river. There has been no communication with her yet, though she is close to the shore; neither is her name known, though she is supposed to be the Elibank Castle, and is heavily loaded with a cargo of coal or produce. She was coming in as the Glenelg was going out to go to work at the Hyderabad ; and the signalman signalled to take the bar. The Glenelg, however, turned back, and came up the river, the bar not serving apparently. The Hyderabad is still in the same position, and the weather is fine. She is being pumped out, to be ready when the Glenelg comes. If the schooner was lightened, with this fair weather she might be got off, and it is expected arrangements of that kind will be made as soon as the captain can come ashore. February 1. The vessel which has gone ashore at the North Spit is the topsail schooner Pelican, from Greymouth,with coal for the Government, chaitered by Captain Williams. She is aground close to the spot where was wrecked the Moynahan, of which not a vestige remains. The causes for the Pelican going ashore are said to be that the light breeze which was blowing fell off at a critical moment, giving the surf power over the vessel, so setting her in, and the bar having silted up more than usual, in consequence of the late gale, she struck sooner than would have been the case under ordinary circumstances. The captain and crew still remain aboard. The schooner was drawing about six feet of water when she struck. The Jane Douglas arrived early this morning from Wellington, with a very full cargo, and will leave for Wellington again at three this afternoon. Captain Fraser reports that the bar is much shallower than usual, as the steamer struck the ground on coming in, and held for about three minutes. He thinks the bar will not be improved unless by a good fresh, or the next spring tides, which will come about Wednesday. This is not the right time of the year for freshes, the weather being at its driest. The Glenelg is still in the river, and owing to the condition of the bar, is likely to remain there some days, as the coal and sand she has taken in have put her down at the stern, where she is drawing Bft. 6in. The late gale here completely marred the operations for getting ,off the Hyderabad, by silting up the bar and raising a very heavy surf along the coast. Owing to the Hyderabad being filled with water, when the gale came on she retained her position outside the line of breakers. Fer the last few days those on board have been very .short of water. As all yesterday they were

without a mouthful, one of the Maoris on board attempted to swim ashore through the breakers. He was in an exhausted condition, when some natives on the beach rushed into the breakers and assisted him ashore. There is no doubt whatever that the Glenelg will not get over the bar before four or five days, as there is only about six feet of water on it. Had the Pelican not gone ashore yesterday the Glenelg must have gone, as the bar had silted up very quickly. The captain of the Pelican is making inquiries for men and appliances to get her off, but it is thought that so much time will be lost over this the risk is too great. Public opinion is that he should get out an anchor and shovel enough coal overboard to float her, and the next tide she would get off. February 2. The bar is very bad to-day. The Jane Douglas could not get out, and it is doubtful if she will do so to-morrow. The Glenelg is still in the river, and there is not much chance of her getting out for some days. The Hyderabad is still in the same position, and the Pelican is still on shore, but a gang of men is at work discharging cargo on the sands. She has an anchor out, and the assistant pilot is on board superintending. It is thought they will get her off. The weather is fine, but the glass low. February 3. The Jane Douglas managed to get over the bar this morning, contrary to expectation. The bar has greatly improved ; the Jane Douglas found nearly Bft. of water. The Glenelg leaves to-morrow morning for Wellington, where she will take in seventy or or eighty tons ceal, to give her a grip on the water, returning to the Hyderabad on Wednesday. The Pelican is expected to be got off tomorrow morning. Cooper, of Wellington, who bought the wreck of the City of Auckland for £l5O, has sold it to Bow, Birchley, and Co., for £230, reserving tor himself the steering wheel, binnacle compasses, and one bower anchor and chain. The purchasers intend diverting the Otaki River by a cutting, with the object of trying to get her off. If not successful they will break her up. February 4. The Pelican got off easily, and sailed to the wharf at seven this morning. She is now discharging her cargo. The vessel is slightly strained, and is making about three inches of water per hour. The Glenelg sailed this morning for Wellington, drawing 7ft. Sin. The City of Auckland wreck has been bought by a Foxton firm for £2BO. Feildikg, February 4. A coroner's inquest was held to-day at the Denbigh Hotel on Collier, an old Manawatu settler" who was killed yesterday in a gravel pit at Kiwitea. He was working for Fowell, a contractor. A fall of gravel struck the shovel, forcing the handle into the man's lower abdomen. A. verdict of accidental death was returned. Wanganui, January 31. The Education Board sat all day yesterday to consider applications for posts in the high school. Out of twenty-nine applications for the post of head master, salary £SOO, M. Fearnley, M.A., Trinity College, Cambridge, was appointed. For second master, salary £3OO, forty-four applications were received, and Chas. Steadman, Victoria, was appointed. For third master, salary £l5O, Watson, of Wanganui, was appointed. For head mistress, salary, £250, nine applications were received, and Miss Blythe, principal Ballarat Ladies' College, was appointed. Patea, February 4. The Patea District Jockey Club races' nominations for the Handicap Hurdles, the Patea Derby, the Woodside Stakes, and acceptances for the Patea District Jockey Club Handicap, Flying Handicap, and general entries close at thefsecretary's office at Carlyle on Saturday, Bth of February, at 4 p.m. New Plymouth, January 31. John Shore, jun., lately living at Mokau, was drowned yesterday in the Waikatane Biver. Deceased, with his wife, attempted to cross on horseback early in the day, but was v/arned back by the natives. At noon he tried asjain, when a foal sprang upon the mare Shore was riding, striking him on the shoulder and knocking him off his horse. He could not-swim, and was drowned. His body was found at sundown. Auckland, January 31. Judge Feuton leaves for Wellington par Hawea. The Stella leaves here for Wellington with Mr. Sheehau to-morrow. The four-oared race, Ist prize £3O, was rowed this morning, and was won by the Mercury Bay crew ; one boat was swamped. February 2. Captain Logan to-day entertained 400 children of the various charitable institutions.. He conveyed them to the Island of Motuapau. The expense was borne by the owners of the steamer Hero, belonging to Bright Brothers, of Melbourne. The open boat-sailing race is again postponed. Eleven boats started this afternoon, but in a very short time the Dreadnaught, Terrible, and another capsized, and some of the others went to the rescue. A steamer also put off from the wharf to assist in saving some of the drowning men. The Toy appeared to get the best of the race to-day. A young lady while bathing this afternoon had a narrow escape. When jumping off the spring-board the wind blew the bathing-gown over her head. She struggled in the water, but could not free her hands. Eventually two men were called, and she was brought on shore, apparently dead. After rubbing her for nearly half-an-hour signs of life appeared, and a doctor was sent for. The recovery of the girl is very doubtful. Mr. Buckland held a sale of thoroughbred stock to-day on the farm of Mr. S. C. Caulton.

The race-horses Gillie Callum and Harry Mount were offered, but were bought in again. The highest amount offered for Harry Mount was £IOO. • Both hoises were reserved at £2OO. Meteora, a roan pedigree colt, was bought by Mr. Morrin for £2O, and a strawberry colt at £25. Dignan has posted his resignation for City West. The open boat race is now on; There is a strong westerly gale. Two boats capsized off the Heads, but it is believed that all hands are The Maori, Hone Piniha, who was sentenced to six months' imprisonment for larceny at Hokianga, and who subsequently escaped from custody, was brought down in the lona from Hokianga yesterday. He was sentenced to three additional months' imprisonment for escaping from legal custody. Hone Piniha was re-captured by natives. A man named Charles Vieth was arrested for committing an indecent assault on a Maori woman last night. Charles Hayward, an upholsterer, who jumped over a wall and fell a distance of 35 feet, is recovering. February 3. Major Gordon is dangerously ill and is not expected to recover. Miss Sherwin gave a farewell concert tonight to a large and fashionable house. She leaves to-morrow per mail steamer. Signor Pompei goes to Wellington to form a new company. At the North Shore Ferry Company's annual meeting to-day the directors recommended a dividend of 5 per cent. The balance-sheet showed the earnings of the steamers for the I year to be £8594, and wages paid £3OOO. At the annual meeting of the Bay of Islands Coal Company to-day the directors reported a steadily increasing demand for coal. During the year they sold 39,364 tons, an increase of 9003 tons over the previous year. The quality of the coal has improved as the work is driven towards the new shaft ; the directors anticipate that the quality will shortly be fit for any part of the world. The cost of the new works to date is £6IOO. The directors have decided to increase the capital of the company by issuing 2000 shares of £lO each; one-third of the shares to be issued at once. A dividend at the rate of 5 per cent, for the half-year was declared, making, with the interim dividend of July last, 10 per cent, per annum. The Open Boat Sailing Race was again contested to-day, and resulted in the Toy winning by seven minutes; Volante, 2nd ; Missing Link, 3rd; Brothers, 4th. A match was arranged between the Torea and Transit to sail to Cape Colville and back for £SO. Charles Veits, charged with indecently assaulting a Maori woman, was brought up today. The Bench thought there was not sufficient evidence to commit, and discharged the accused. February 4. A frightful accident has just happened at Holdship's mills, Newton. A boy named Alfred Bowles, aged thirteen, was caught by the belt and entangled in the machinery. Both legs were broken in several places, the right leg being completely crushed, and hanging by shreds of flesh. He was removed to the hospital in a state of utter collapse, and it is believed that he cannot live. The insurances on the Clyde are :—Hull £SOO, and cargo £360, in the South British office; £275 in the New Zealand; and £l3O in the Colonial. The Zealandia, from Sydney, is signalled. A son of Mr. Bartly, builder, was poisoned by eating matches this afternoon. He is lying dangerously ill. A prisoner named Frogart, charged with setting fire to several hay and wheat stacks, was brought up to-day. There are thirteen witnesses. The case will not be concluded to-day. The poor boy Alfred Bowles, who was mangled in Holdship's sawmill this morning, died this afternoon. February 5. A correspondent of the Auckland Star, writing from Samoa on the 25th January, says:—"A treaty between Germany and Samoa was signed yesterday afternoon by high contracting parties; N. H. Weber, Esq., German Consul, signed on behalf of Germany, and appointed representatives signed on the part of Samoa. I have not seen the treaty yet, but it is said not to differ greatly from that with the United States, except that it has a proviso that laws and taxes affecting German interests shall not be made or imposed without consulting the German authorities. —General J. J. Bartlett, of the United States, who has been waiting here since last July to be taken into the Samoan Government as Premier, has not yet attained to that exalted position. About three weeks ago he received a letter from some of the Tainua settlers, inviting him to come into the Government, but without designating his status. In the meantime two~German men-of-war —the Albatross, from Japan via Honolulu, and the Ariadne, from a three months' cruise—arrived in port, and the German Consul would not listen to havinc a foreigner in the Government till after the treaty was made, so the General was shelved for the time being. What his future prospects are no tongue can tell. Some time ao-o the Tua Masaga people took a step of their own, and decided to have Malitoa for king again. This caused a good deal of excitement for a time, and there appeared to be a probable prospect of a civil war, but the Government are reported to be in favor of submitting the whole long question to a vote of all the districts. Malietoa was taken over to Mulinun, and left there among the Government people.—We have had ample rains this winter.—Local matters are in as much commotion as usual. At a public meeting held at Hamilton it was resolved to telegraph to Sir George Grey inviting him to come to Hamilton and turn the first sod of the railway. The Star to-night, referring to the increase of scholars at the Nelson grammar schools,

says the fact is not at all surprising when it is considered that the increase in the attendance has been largely made up from Auckland. Parents decline to send their boys to the local schools because they make so little progress. Great interest is felt in the race between the schooners Transit and Torea to-morrow for £l5O. The race will be run under the' regatta rules, and there will be an umpire on each vessel to see that all is fair. The vessels will only start if there is a good breeze; this will be decided by Captain D. H. McKenzie. Captain Hooper is to sail the Transit, and it is almost certain that Captain Grundy will take the Torea. Considerable preparations have been made for the event by both vessels. The Torea was taken into the dock and had her bottom black leaded yesterday, and the Transit underwent the same process to-day. There is considerable betting on the result, the vessels being also evenly backed ; the Transit is, if anything, rather the favorite. The Presbytery adopted a memorial to the General Assembly in favor of abolishing public collection for assembly expenses, substituting instead a levy of one per cent, on the funds paid by the congregation or otherwise. Thirty-two deaths have occurred in the city during the month, chiefly infants from whooping cough and diarrhoea. Thomas Kew, a farmer, of Arimu, died suddenly at Papakura. It is stated that J. M. Clark will not contest the City West, but the Mayor's name i 3 mentioned among the probable candidates. A memorial is in course of signature for further railway extension north of Auckland. A waiter named Joseph Gose, employed by Waters, confectioner, fell from an upstairs window through a thick glass window on the verandah roof, coming with great violence on the pavement. His forehead is much bruised, and his legs are severely cut, but the injuries are not considered serious. At the Auckland Presbytery to-day the Rev. R. Somerville was elected Moderator. Mr. Frederick Combes, of the firm of Combes and Daldy, missing last night, was found this morning in a well at the back of the store. About a month ago deceased was rescued from the same well, into which he had accidentally fallen. It is believed that the deceased committed suicide. Grahamstown, February 2. Five tons of lead ore from a mine at Tararu were shipped from Auckland yesterday, en route for Sydney, where it will be smelted. If the ore proves to be payable, the shareholders will make a fine thing out of the claim, aB there is plenty of it. The Board of Health officer's report for January shows that 14 deaths occurred, 11 being of infants who died from diarrhoea. A fire broke out at an early hour this morn- : ing on Karaka, outside Grahamstown, which destroyed four houses and shops. It broke out in the grocery store of Mrs. Campbell, a widow. She fortunately insured the house only a few weeks ago for £250 in the Norwich Union office. An alarm was given, and the brigades turned out; but the distance from, the sheds in Shortland and Grahamstown was so great that the adjacent buildings, occupied as a dwelling-house by a man named O'Neill, and another by Hugh Fisher, a blacksmith, whose business place is in Grahamstown, and a dwelling occupied by a miner named Glasson, were all destroyed, and only through the hard exertions of some willing hands was the fire stopped from communicating with the butcher's shop of Mr. George, and destroying it and other buildings near. The shop caught three times, but the flames were extinguished with difficnlty. Part of Glasson's house had to be pulled down to avert the spread of the fire. The latter saved a few things, but the bulk are much damaged. Mrs. Campbell lost £25, the takings of the previous evening, which were in her dress pocket, besides all her goods and clothing, gold trinkets, gold and silver medals of her late husband, and other valuables. No cause is assigned. The shop was shut up safely, and the fire extinguished with water in the kitchen when the occupants retired at 11.30. The tenders for the first section of the Thames-Waikato railway are out. It is chiefly reclamation work below high-water mark. Tenders are to be in by the loth inst. February 3. Thomas James, of the Caledonian mine, has accepted the position of underviewer in connection with the mining inspectorship. The plans of the Waitou Block, comprising 11,200 acres, which it is intended to offer for sale by auction, in lots of about 100 acres, at the upset price of £1 per acre, may be seen at the Government offices here. The Waikawau Block will next be opened, and the famous Te Aroha will follow. TAuro, February 1. Great fears are entertained for the safety of Constable Walker, who left Cambridge last Saturday in charge of four Government horse 3. Search parties are out looking for him. Rewi is detained at Tutawa by the illness of his daughter, and is not expected to arrive here before the 10th. February 3. The missing trooper has arrived safe. The search party met him on the coach road. He states that he met a man in a very exhausted condition, who had lost himself for ten days on the Tokorooa Plains. Rewi arrived at Oruanui last night. There are not many natives here as yet.

Tauranga, February 5. The special reporter of the Bay of Plenty Times is at Taupo, and has twice interviewed Rewi. He distinctly refuses to answer any questions, and says that people will know soon enough what he has come for. The insult he offered to Major Scannell has created a great sensation amongst Maoris. Rewi has made a speech, in which he said that he persists in the claims, particulars of which have been wired through the Press Agency. The Bay of Plenty Times' reporter at Taupo wires : —A gross insult has been offered to the

representative of the Government here by Eewx Maniapoto. Rewi sent a message to Major Scannel yesterday expressing a desire to see him, but as the Major's horse was not at hand he was unable to go to-day ; he went to Oruanui, where Rewi is accompanied by Dr. Walker and an interpreter. After mutual greetings, Rewi coolly rolled himself up in his blanket and composed himself to sleep. Half an hour's silence ensued, when Major Scannel said to him, " You sent for me, what have you to say ?" Rewi answered that he did not send for him, and had nothing to say. Major Scannel then said, " If you have nothing to say to me I will go," and left the whare without talcing formal leave." Napier, January 31. The acceptances for the Napier Handicap close to-morrow evening at 8 o'clock. A "Dane named Stotte has been committed for trial for stealing sheep from Mr. D. McMaster's station. The prisoner is carrying on business as a butcher. Rymer's coach to Puketapu was blown over in a gale of wind. The driver alone was injured, but not seriously. A brick chimney of the Hon. H. R. Russell's establishment was blown down. His vats were ■ at the time full of sheep, which were smothered by the debris. February 3. A large native meeting was held at Omahu last week, at which all the leading natives in the district attended. A resolution was passed bv a to the effect that the natives in this district were principally instrumental in placing the present Government in office on faith of the assurance that they would carry out their wishes. The pledges made by the Government have been broken, and they would therefore use every endeavor to oust the Grey Ministry from office, it having forfeited their confidence. The total Customs revenue collected at PortAhuriri during the' month of January amounted to £3946 95.; for the corresponding month of 1878 the amount was £4285 16s. Bd. The vital statistics show the number of deaths during the past month in the district of Napier to have been 10; during the corresponding month of last year there were 27 deaths, and in January, 1877, 17. The number of births registered last month was 38, against 31 in January last year. There were only four marriages last month, while in January 1878 there were 15. John Hare, formerly Registrar of the Supreme Court at Napier, and subsequently at Wanganui, wa3 arrested yesterday on a charge of larceny of liquor from White's Hotel in Farndon. The landlord for several days missed bottles of brandy from his storeroom, and suspecting the servants, he watched on Saturday evening, and saw Hare open the storeroom i with a key and enter. The landlord followed, and found Hare in possession of three bottles of brandy. A skeleton key was found on him. When the police went to arrest him Hare fell into a fit, and it was found impossible to remove him, he being suffering from delirium tremens. The following entries for the Napier Handicap were made on Saturday evening:—Ben Nevis, Dainty, Pohokura, Otupai, Danebury, Mufti, Lady Ellen, Merlin, Sinking Fund, Laertes, Lady Elizabeth, Pinfire, Repo, Pungawerewere, Xantippe, Grey Momus. Hare is unable to be brought into town, and the medical men believe that he will not recover. Two additional entries were received for the Napier Handicap on Saturday—Lara and Ika. From information received, the police authorities believe that the burning of the Konini Hotel, on Saturday week, was caused by incendiarism; but owing to the insurance offices interested declining to offer a reward for information, it is feared that no steps can be taken to obtain direct evidence sufficient to convict the guilty party or parties. February 5. John Hare, who has been arrested on a charge of stealing bottles of brandy, died last night at the Provincial Hospital. Nelson, Februaary 3. To-day was observed as a strict holiday, in commemoration of the anniversary of the province. The Friendly Societies fete was very numerously attended. The sports were well contested. The weather waß beautiful. February 4. The Nelson College opened yesterday with a larger number of pupils than was ever on the roll before, including 40 new boys. Applications were so numerous that the governors decided to build a new wing, comprising a large class room and several bedrooms. Blenheim, January 31. An inquest has been held at Havelock on Sweeney and Diamant, who were killed by the recent accident. A verdict of accidentally ' killed by the falling of a portion of the tunnel at which they were at work was returned. A complimentary dinner to Inspector Emerson last night was a great success. There was a large attendance of all classes, some country settlers rode a long distance in order to be present. The Mayor presided. All expressed regret at losing Emerson, who has been here fifteen years. Emerson made a very feeling and suitable reply. He left this morning for Tauranga. An accident occurred to-day at the Para Saw Mills. Harry Simmonds, a workman, •whilst passing by the saw stopped to adjust a loc, and got his right arm caught by the saw and severely injured. It was thought at first that amputation would be necessary, but Dr Cleghorn thinks the limb may be saved. February 3. The case of Henderson, a J.P.,v. Fell, Mayor of Blenheim, for the use of threatening language, was heard this morning before Messrs. Mclntyre, R.M., and Coke, J.P. Mr. NcNab, for defendant, applied for an adjournment in order that Mr. Connolly, a barrister, might attend, and because of the absence of material witnesses. Mr. Sinclair, fer the complainant, opposed the adjournment. The Bench decided

that in the interests of justice the case should be adjourned. The Resident Magistrate said this was not on account of the absence of counsel, but from the inability of the defendant to summon absent witnesses, and because of the large number (31) to be examined. There had also been an interval of nine days between the alleged offence and issue of the summons, which weighed with the Bench. The position of the parties was also a grave matter, and no doubt the defendant would consider himself bound not to use threats or violence during the term of adjournment. The defendant said he never meditated violence. The case was adjourned for seven days. The next sales of the Marlborough land leases will be held at noon on the 18th March, at the Survey Office, Blenheim, subject to the approval of Government as to assessment of town and suburban sections. February 4. The first meeting of the creditors of E. S. Budge, hotelkeeper (late of Wellington, tobacconist), was held to-day. Horton, of Fell and Company, was elected trustee. The creditors present agreed to accept a composition of three shillings and fourpence in the pound, the debtor to be discharged on payment. Westpobt, February 3. For Ohika bridge contract the tender of a local man for £1998 has been accepted. The Koronui Company have let the contract for the bridge, and propose to push on the construction of the branch line, and to put No. 2 issue of scrip into the market when the time is complete. Mr. Under-Secretary Cooper and Major Roberts, R.M., arrived by the,Reefton coach on Saturday to sit as a commission to-day in regard to the charge of intemperance and consequent neglect of duty made against Warden Broad, R.M., by a police officer in a report to his superiors. It is said that the latter had been incited to make the charge by the Warden reporting him undeservedly. The verdict will possibly be to the effect that the charges are not proven. February 5. At the annual meeting of the Koranui Coal Company last evening it was resolved to remove the directory to Wellington, and Messrs. E. W. Mills, J. Plimmer, Wilson, Mills, and another of that city, together with Messrs. Bailey and Gilmer, of Westport, were appointed the new directory. Lyttelton, February This morning the two children reported ill with measles on board the Northern Monarch died. These were the only cases existing when the vessel arrived, and as no new cases have appeared, it is probable the detention of the immigrants will not be long. All the immigrants are now ashore. February 5. In the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning Alexander Mitchell was ordered to pay £5 for passage money and a fine of £2, or in default four weeks' imprisonment, with hard labor, for stowing himself on board the brig Argos, from St, Jney to Auckland. Cheistohurch, January 81. The vital statistics for the month ending 31st January show 104 death for the Christchurch district —the most ever 'known. The average monthly number for many year 3 past has been about 49. February, 1876, reached 90. With that exception, 74 is the highest number registered in any month, and that season was notoriously sickly, and the population of the district is about the same, the boundaries having been altered. ' Mrs. Fitzgerald's boardiDg house at Sydenham was destroyed by fire at one o'elock this morning, as well as a small unocoupied house at the°back. The furniture is insured for £340; the house is also insured, but it is not known at present in what office. At noon to-day a seven-roomed house at Sandridge, two miles from town, was destroyed by fire. The particulars are not yet to hand. There was also a very narrow escape at Barber and Fountain's, booksellers, in town. Several packing cases were found to be on fire in the back premises, but were speedily extinguished. A high wind was blowing all yesterday and to-day. A burglary was committed last night at Mr. Smith's, the draper. Entrance had been effected through the broken windows ; £6 worth of property was only missing. No one has yet been apprehended. Five thousand acres have been reserved as an endowment for the medical school in connection with the College. At a meeting of the Drainage Board this morning, in consequence of the absence of the chairman at Wellington several important matters were postponed. At a meeting of the Board of Health to-day it was stated that sixteen cases of typhoid fever had been reported during the fortnight. At the same meeting a letter was read from an immigrant by the Hydaspea, offering to give any information that might be required to the Board on the subject of the sickness on board that vessel. He stated that he had kept a diary during the passage, and described himself as a "handy and useful man." His letter was referred to the Medical Officer of Health. It was stated by the chairman that representations had been made to the Government on the subject of the insufficient manner of passing emigrants when they leave England. The ill-feeling between the two morning papers has now reached such a height that all office exchanges and free papers to members of the staffs have been stopped. Another fire has just been reported, the Grange at Ellesmere being completely destroyed at 2 o'clock on Thursday morning. It was occupied by the brothers Frankish. Several servants and a number of visitors had a narrow escape. Nothing was saved but the piano. The house, a ten-roomed one, was insured for £SOO, and the furniture for £3OC, both in the Union Company. The Acclimatisation Society held its annual meeting to-night. The old councillors were re-elected, and Sir Cracroft Wilson was re-

elected chairman. A petition was received from a number of trout fishers, asking the society to put a stop to the use of ground bait, but the petition was referred to a committee. The secretary stated that a quarter of a million whitefish ova would arrive in Auckland in February from America, for the Canterbury society. At a meeting of the Selwyn County Council to-day it was resolved to concur in the resolution passed by the late conference re the hospital and charitable aid. February 1. Instructions have been given to the police at Lyttelton to commence proceedings against the persons blameable for the recent illtreatment of cattle in transit for shipment in the Wallaby. Joseph Weber, a painter, living at Oxford, died suddenly of apoplexy. Edward Bastings has been committed for trial. February 3. The total number of nominated immigrants in Christchurch for the past month was 164 souls. Joseph F. Graham, the actor, left for England in the Opawa on Saturday. Darrell finished a highly successful season with Rignold here on Saturday. He reopens here on the 31st March with Creswick. Mary Elizabeth Groves, aged 76, was found dead in her garden yesterday. The supposed cause of death is apoplexy. An inquest will be held. The entries for the Autumn Handicap close at 8 o'clock to-morrow evening. A public meeting will be held at the Odd Fellows' Hall on Wednesday, to consider the question of the relief of the sufferers through the failure of the Glasgow Bank. About half the iron work to complete the waggons now on hand arrived by the Ocean Monarch, the rest is expected by the next ship. Mdlle. Charbonnet gives a final concert on Wednesday night. She will probably afterwards visit the South. The father of the licensee of Scott's family hotel shot himself this afternoon. The inquest takes place to-morrow. February 4. At the inquest on the body of Robert Scott to-day it was proved in evidence that the deceased had been for years in the habit of firing off pistols out of his window. A verdict of temporary insanity was returned. Deceased was sixty years of age. On the committee of the draper's picnic coming to square up, it was afterwards discovered that a member who had sold £ll worth of tickets had decamped. A warrant will be issued for his apprehension. At a meeting of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board to-night it was resolved to appoint a number of committees, so that in future the board will probably meet once a week instead of once a month. The question of the services of the present medical staff being dispensed with was postponed. A man named R. Georgina was to-day committed for trial for stealing a horse and saddle. A gross case of cruelty to-day came under the notice of the Resident Magistrate. A girl named McGrath was brought up charged with being a neglected child. It seems that she has been keeping cows for her father, a man in good circumstances, and for the last few nights had been sleeping under flax bushes, her tent having been carried away in the late gale. She had been taken in and succoured by the neighbours, as it was found she was in a state of thorough exhaustion. The Bench read a severe lecture to the father, who said that if the " dear sweet child " was let off it should never occur again. She was sent to the Industrial School for two years, and the father was ordered to pay the expense. The lad GoodwinVho was injured by a target falling on him at the late rifle firing is now progressing favorably, and is out of danger. At the annual meeting of the fire police tonight a very satisfactory report was read. A letter appears in the evening papers saying that the slight which has been cast upon the Canterbury team, on the occasion of their return from Australia, by no reception being given to them, is a reproach to the Canterbury cricketers. , The secretary of the interprovincial match committee has applied to the Mayor to proclaim three half-holidays on the occasion of the match Otago v. Canterbury. It is believed the request will be acceded to. February 5.

The following are the nominations for the Autumn Handicap :—Mallock's Foul Play and Nemo, Butler's Laertes, Horsfall's Randwick and King Quail, Webbe's Dundee and Union, Reeves' Orange Lightning, D. Knight's Lara, Ray's Templeton, Maritana, Sinking Fund, Insolvent, and Bribery, R. Vallance's Danebury, Mufti, Camballo, and Huntington, Walters' Venus Transit, H. Goodman's Chancellor and York, J. Heany's King Phillip, Handon's Guy Fawkes, Neilson's Fishhook and Natator, Nosworthy's Tyro, Stephenson's Vampire, Logan's Cloth of Gold and Dead Heat, Williams' Fallacy, Swanson's Blue Peter, Fraser's Maroro, Longlands, Mita, Naird, and Robin Hood. The meeting of cricketers to-night fell through for want of a quorum. Mddle. Charbonnet's benefit at the Theatre Royal was largelv attended to-night. Mrs. Walter Hill made her re-appearance in a little comedy, after an absence of twelve months, and met with a most enthusiastic reception. . A general meeting of cricketers is to taice place this evening, at 8 o'clock, to consider various matters in connection with the late Australian and forthcoming Interprovincial match. , At a special meeting of the Harbor Boaid this morning accounts for contract amounting to £4OBB were passed for payment. In consequence of some informality in the Board elections the chairman said he had written to the Government, and received an answer from Sir George Grey stating that steps would be taken

by Order in Council to validate the elections. The chairman also stated that instructions had been given to the master of the tug to proceed to sea whenever a vessel was signalled, for the purpose of towing same in if he could make arrangements with her captain. The meeting then adjourned until Saturday, when the question of office accommodation will be considered, as the Harbor Board is now in the habit of meeting in the District Court. A most favorable telegram was received by the acting Commissioner of Railways to-day stating that Mr. Conyers was now out of all danger, and that he was slowly but surely improving. A man named John Feaverton was charged this morning at the R.M. Court with endeavoring to impose upon private individuals with the object of obtaining personal advantages. His Worship said the case had been clearly proved, and was altogether a disgraceful case. Accused had rendeied himself liable to twelve months' imprisonment with hard labor. As it was, he would be sentenced to seven days' imprisonment with hard labor. A well-known contractor, Mr. Tait, who was supervising the erection of Mr. Reeves new building, fell into a cellar beneath this afternoon, and very seriously injured himself. He was removed to his own home, where he was at once attended to by a medical man. AsHBUKTOif, January 31. The relations between Mr. Campbell, the Police Magistrate, and the members of the Bar, have long been unpleasant. To-day it culminated in one of the barristers, Mr. Ireland, leaving the Court, alleging that Mr. Campbell was biased in favor of the police. It is understood that all the lawyers will memorialise the Government on the subject of Mr. Campbell's administration of justice. February 4. A surveyor named Armstrong was found dead in a bed at the Ashburton Hotel at eight o'clock this morning. He was not a boarder, and had gone there unknown to the people of the house. Beside him were an empty bottle of chlorodyne and another of chloral, which he had bought the day previous at a chemist's here. He had been drinking heavily for some time past. An inquest will be held to-morrow. Oamaku, January 31. The nomination of candidates for the representation of the Borough of Invercargill and the suburban borough, also for the Bluff HarBoard, took place to-day. For Invercargill Joseph Hatch, David Smythe, Jun, Cuthbertson, and J. T. Martin were nominated ; and for the suburban boroughs S. Smith and J. Smith. A poll will be taken on 10th February. ■ • The annual meeting of the Invercargill Benevolent Institute was held this afternoon. The committee's report is highly satisfactory, the available funds in hand being £3OO. During the year thirteen families, consisting of 40 persons, were relieved, the sum total expended on them being £6l 14s. 5d., at an average cost per recepient of 16s. per week. The subscriptions and donations for the year amounted to £372. The committee was unanimously re-elected, and the vacancy caused by the death of Sir John Richardson was filled up by the election of Mr. Moffatt. Mr. H. McCulloch was elected president, Mr. J. T. Martin treasurer, and Mr. Barker secretary. The great want of an asylum was brought under the notice ot the meeting, and it was resolved to authorise the committee to take action in the matter. It was shown by Mr. Barrett, the architect, that a suitable building could be erected for £4OO. '■ , February 1. The brigantine Clyde, which left here on Friday morning for Auckland, laden with produce, has been washed ashore on the ninetymile beach, near Temuka. She is owned by Frank Guy, of Bateman's Bay, New South Wales. The captain and crew, numbering ten, are missing, besides she had on board John Bennett as a passenger. The latter is in the employ of H. Aitken, timber merchant, here. Captain Bishop, who was in command, also belongs to Oamaru, where his wife and family are residing. It is believed that the crew finding the vessel drifting on the beach took to the boat, in which case hopes are entertained that they will yet be picked up. The names of the crew are—Pagan, Hale, Donald McDonald, W. Burke, White, and Shrewsberry. The Clyde is insured here for £SOO m the South British, and is supposed to be further insured in Australian offices. The cargo is insured in the New Zealand and other offices. , The schooner Pelican is ashore at the moutn of the Manawatu River, and is owned by H. Aitken, of Oamaru. She is insured for £SOO in the Standard, £SOO in the National, and £SOO in the National of South Australia. The later accounts from the out districts show that the late south-weat gale has_ done more damage to the crops than was anticipated in many instances. On the Waireka and Marewhenua the crops are now not worth cuttino-. It is reported that the wind was so strong that the grain was torn up by the roots. February 3. George Sumpter, agent for the Clyde, received the following telegram from Captain Bishop :—" Southbridge, 3rd February. — Clyde on shore, twelve miles south of Banks Peninsula. Crew all saved ; yards and topmasts gone ; stern-post, keel, and rudder gone, and topsides started. Cargo not much damaged." Dunedin, January 31: A man named Thomas Meade was received into the hospital this afternoon. He had been employed carting stone at Cutter's Point, near Anderson's Bay, when some of the stuff above, which had been undermined, gave way and fell upon him. The accident was noticed by a prisoners' gang under Sergeant Fergusson, working near, and they brought the poor fellow into town. Drs. Dexouche and Maunsell, who were at the time at the hospital, ordered that

both his legs (which were fractured) .should oe amputated, if the man was strong enough to stand the operation. Mcintosh's hotel at Black's was totally destroyed by fire on the 25th instant It was insured for £4OO, but the Cromwell Argus was not able to ascertain in what office. The vital statistics of Duneam for January show—Births 145, marriages 43, and deaths 6i. The Herald this morning commented severely unon the Attorney-General for having presided last night at the soiree given to M.r. Bright, the free-thought lecturer, who is now on the eve of leaving the city. . The General Assembly of the PwAytenan Church of New Zealand meets m • Chnsfcchurch in the last week in February. The Evangchst says Mr. Sidey, of Napier, will be Moderator. The annexe of the Dunedin Hospital caught fire to-night, but the fire was extinguished before any damage of importance was done. iU J ° February 3. Bishop Neville has applied to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel for £3OOO, with which to purchase Government lands la New Zealand, as an endowment for the "Diocese of Dunedin. The Rev. Mr. Fitchetfc, who has recently ioined the Church of England, preached for the first time in All Saints Church yesterday. Read, the contractor who was injured some days ago, and who underwent an amputation of both legs, died this afternoon. A requisition is in course of signature, and is about to be presented to the Mayor, asking him to take the necessary steps to give a suitable reception to the Marquis of Normanby when on his way through Dunedin. A young man named Daniel Halston was killed at Palmerston on Saturday by a kick from his horse. . T , At the conclusion of his speech to his Naseby constituents Mr. DeLautour is reported to have said- "You must expect to see a strong array ao-ainst the Government next session if they a?e true to their liberal »tew.to, as I know they will be, their majority will be Tprobable minority, and the decision will rest with the people. Our tender-hearted friends who support us with their hearts, heaven in their mouths, and a reproach upon their lips, must for once and all decide. The true supporters of a Liberal Government m the House and country assert that the time has come when concessions to the waverers must .no longer be made. As a people rejoicing ° in the advent of Sir. George Grey to power, we claim that we shall be allowed to strengthen his hands if the Parliament at present elected refuses to do itsduty, and no mistake. The present Parliament is only Liberal by pressure; there is not a majority in the House. No matter how the voters may be told to the contrary, it is still true that in the interests of the majority of New Zealand the Liberals and Tories must be made to take sides: it is for the electors to give the time. An accident, terminating fatally, happened at South Dunedin on Friday evening. Mr. Neil Reid, formerly captain of a coasting vessel, was in a paddock about nine o clock mustering some cows, when a horse kicked him He lay insensible till four o clock next morning, and then managed to crawl home. Dr Brown was in attendance on the sufferer till' 11 o'clock yesterday morning, when he died. Two newly-elected school committees have been applied to, and have given permission for the school buildings under their control to be used one hour a week for Bible reading classes. _ , . February 4. The ministers' conference, embracing most of the clergymen of all denominations in the city, at their meeting yesterday passed a resolution generally approving of the constitution of the proposed New Zealand Alliance, for bringing about an amendment of the laws re■crulating the liquor traffic in this colony. ±he alliance, we may state, is similar in character to the United Kingdom Alliance at Home, and •seek" by combinations of abstainers and nonabstainers, to secure a popular veto on the granting of licenses. ..,.., £ A deputation waited on the Minister of Public Works this morning, to get an advance of £IOOO towards the erection of a general traffic bridge at Balclutha. It was forcibly urged that the work was of colonial importance, and affected Dunedin just as much as balclutha. The difficulty of transferring stock from the districts near Balclutha to Dunedin had caused a rise in the price of butcher's meat in the city. Mr. Macandrew promised to give an answer to-morrow. __ The Chinese question is exciting attention ; one hundred Mongols have arrived for Proudfoot and Mackay's railway works, and the "laboring classes don't like it. „..,.. Returns of immigration and emigration for the past month show a balance in favor of Dunedin of 1019. * February 5. The committee appointed by the Synod to take steps to procure the re-introduction of the Bible into schools met to-day. It was resolved -to draw up a petition for presentation to Parliament, and to send it for signature to all ministers and kirk sessions in Otago and Southland, in order that it may be extensively signed. It was also resolved to request ministers to bring the matter prominently before their congregations. The first annual meeting of the Mormng Herald Newspaper Company was held to-day. The balance-sheet submitted showed a profit of over twenty-one per cent, on the capital of the company. The deputation from the Clutha County ■Council, which yesterday interviewed the minister for Public Work 3 in reference to the Balclutha Bridge, were to-day informed that th<* Government would advance the County Council some money towards the bridge. The amount, however, was not definitely stated. The annual meeting of the Otago Institute was held to-night, when an address was delivered by the retiring president, Mr. W. N. Blair Professor Hutton was elected president; and Professor Scott and Mr. Blair vice-presi-dents, for the ensuing year. Mr. Blair, in

course of his speech, strongly advocated the establishment of an Industrial museum in the X The Customs revenue to-day amounted to £4370. A staH was made in George-street this morning with the work of laying the city tramway. . , , A meeting of delegates from coursing clubs of Middle Island will be held at Dunedin tomorrow. The object is to establish Waterloo meeting for the whole colony. Chief prize will probably be £SOO. As a result of the conference of master tailors and employees to-night, the threatened strike on Monday next has been avoided. The masters made a concession or three per cent, over the whole " log." Port Chalmers, February 5. A passenger, named A. J. Rylie, by the Easterhill, makes a startling statement to the effect that on January 9, at 8 a.m., with the sea comparatively smooth, William laylor,_a ship's boy, aged 17 years, fell from the mam royalmast, broke a ratlin, and fell overboard. A seaman named Johnston jumped after him endeavoring to save him, but did not succeed, and was drawn on board. The ship was only going two knots. No effort beyond this was made to save the boy, who floated as the ship passed out of sight. | iNVERCAitGiLt, January 31. At the annual meeting of the Harbor Board to-day, the report showed that 1247 ft. of wharfage was now available for vessels. As soon as the new Board is elected tenders will be called for extending the breakwater 450t0. seaward, with an arm of 200 ft. return, by which vessels of greater draught and tonnage will be enabled to lie alongside the wharr. Hnder the Bill passed last session, the .Board is now endeavoring to raise a loan in the London market, for the extension of works referred to. ■ . February 4. John Patferson, who declares he was sent by the editor of the Melbourne Argus, and who arrived from Victoria in the Arawata yesterday, was arrested this afternoon on a charge of lunacy. It seems he attempted to drown himself at the Bluff, and on being prevented, placed himself in front of a train, and narrowly escaped being run over. He is awaiting medical examination. The vital statistics for the month of January ar e_Births 38, marriages 10, deaths 7The Customs revenue for the month, or January amounted to £4460 13s. lOd. February 5. A strong desire is expressed by a large section of citizens to entertain the Marquis of Normanby before he leaves the colony. It is hoped that he will make the Bluff his port of final departure, and in that case a very good reception will be accorded,him here.