Telegraphic News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 385, 28 June 1879, Page 15

Telegraphic News.

Masterton, June 26. Tho Government has taken over the completion of the AVellington and Masterton railway. The line from AVaiugawa bridge to Masterton is now cleared, and the formation of the same will be commenced by the sub-contractor this week. Otaict, June 23. A. man named Samuel Cook, in the employment of James Cootes here for the last ten years, fell in the fireplace of his own house and got burnt. The injuries were so severe that he died thirty hours afterwards. He was unmarried, and subject to apoplectic fits. Auckland, June 21. A young man named Charles Goodwill, while out shooting, was ramming a charge in a gun which was already capped, v'hen the charge exploded, blowing the ramrod through his hand. One finger was amputated, and the patient is doing well. On tho occasion of a recent marriage some one hoaxed a large number of people by issuing bogus invitations. The Governor and party reached Hamilton at half-past one to-day, and was met by the Mayor and Borough Councillors, who presented the following address :—“ To Sir Hercules Robinson. —May it please your Excellency,—We, the Mayor and Councillors and burgesses of Hamilton, gladly avail ourselves of the opportunity of welcoming you on this your first visit to the Waikato, and also of expressing our loyalty to our Sovereign, Queen Victoria, and our gratification at your appointment as her representative in New Zealand. Your stay, though necessarily short, we trust will be enjoyable, and that on some future occasion you may be pleased to honor us with a longer visit. —(On behalf of the burgesses of Hamilton) J. B. Whyte, Mayor.” At the Police Court to-day Captain Uiack, of the Loch Dee, was fined 40s. for assault on a seaman.

His Excellency briefly replied. Tie said : “I receive your address with pleasure, which contains kind expressions of welcome, and also of loyalty to her Majesty tho Queen. My time is very limited, but on a future occasion I hope to pay you a visit, and shall be glad to make a further acquaintance with the resources and capabilities of your district.”

June 22. Johnston and King, who were injured at Piako, have died at the hospital. Waipu i 3 forming a volunteer cavalry corps, which is expected to muster 100 men. Want of labor is complained of at Whangarei. Mr. W. Norrio is sending exhibits of New Zealand wood to the Sydney Exhibition. The most singular item in the collection is a slab of fern-leaf mottled kauri. One side is a rough corrugated trunk, just as if stripped of the bark and varnished, and a peculiar fact in connection with it is, that at regular intervals over tho surface there are deep indentations of the exact size and perfect shape of the leaf. On the reverse, and polished side, these leaves are most distinctly defined, looking just as if they had been parted. The whole trunk from which the specimens have been taken was marked in precisely tho same manner. So interested are savants with it that a number of the pieces hare been eagerly purchased. Sir George Grey carefully inspected it, and intends trying to produce similar arboriferous phenomenon by implanting a leaf in a young sapling. June 23. The contractors, by the aid of hydraulic lifts, succeeded in raising the s.s. Taupo nine inches on Friday, and a block was safely fixed under her. At this stage the contractors are only able to work one hour daily, at low water. The work must necessarily proceed slowly. Tho vessel has now been raised twenty inches, and the height required is only an additional sixteen inches, making in all three feet. While Rewi was inspecting the Cavalry at To Awamutu, he said :—“ Those men of yours on horses would be useless to follow us into the bush. You would have to get men on foot.” It is the intention of the Government during the session to introduce a Bill making provision for superannuation and pension allowances to the officers and men of the constabulary force retiring from active service. The Auckland Stud Company promises to be a great success. Shares are going off freely. June 24. At the Police Court to-day Henry Frederick William Colson, formerly a clergyman and a man of high attainments, was brought up on a charge of vagrancy. Tho accused said he could not plead guilty, as he had sixpence in his pocket. If the Bench would grant a remand ho would explain his position. Snb-In-

spector Pardy said the Court could have no idea of prisoner’s filthy condition. The best plan would be to send him to prison to give him timo to think of his position. Prisoner was sentenced to three mouths’ imprisonment. Two hundred persons attended Lady Robinson’s “ at home ” last evening. Mr. Chaplin and Miss Rose Osborne arrived by the mail steamer to-day, under engagement to De Lias. June 25. Dr. Thomelly has resigned his position at the Lunatic Asylum in consequence of illhealth, and if well enough pi’oceeds to England by the next Suez mail. Sydney Taiwhanga, a Bay of Islands native, who married a white woman, has procured a deed of separation. Yesterday his wife publicly kicked him in Queen-street. In consequence of a statement as to the insecure condition of the Auckland graving dock, Messrs. Jone 3 and Ware, contractors, wrote to the Harbor Board, and received the following reply :—“ Sir, —I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th ult., forwarding a copy of the Engineer’s report from the newspapers of the 21st ult., in reference to the graving dock ; and in reply, heg to inform you that your letter was submitted to the Board at a meeting held yesterday, when it was resolved that the Board is perfectly satisfied with the workmanship and material of the graving dock. —James A. Brigham, Secretary.—To Messrs. Jones and Ware.” June 26. A largo number of persons are present at the citizens’ ball to-night, but at tho request of the Governor, there will he no speeches. The Taupo wreck has been raised two feet, and the water does not now wash over the deck at high tide. The Government has arranged that the survey of the railway between Whangarei and ICawakawa shall commence on July 10. A public meeting will be held to urge upon the Government next session the necessity of completing the Whangarei line at once, which requires only five miles to deep water. A young man named Smith fell forty feet from the upper storey of Arthur’s auction mart to the pavement, but tho injuries are not supposed to he serious. At the Waste Lands Board to-day the chairman reported that the AVaikau Block at Cape Colville, 39,144 acres, had been added to the Provincial estate. It was mostly rough bush, and unfit for agriculture. The Te Puke Block, at Tauranga, Avas a more important addition. It contained 25,000 acres, mostly of superior quality. It A\ r as agreed to have 30 00 acres of this land surveyed for the Working Men’s Land Associaiton at Tauranga, the balance to he surveyed for general selection. AVi Mahi Te Rangituhe, an Arawa chief, at a meeting in Cambridge Hall in connection with the candidature for the Eastern Maori Electoral District, gave an outrageous exposition of his views respecting half-castes, Avhom he pronounced to be bastards, and charged them Avith mischievous interference. In connection Avith land-selling, he Avould bring the subject of half-castes before Parliament. Marsh shocked the feelings of the Europeans Avho Avere present by alluding to the founder of Christianity as being of similar origin, and said it did not matter noAv, as he had gone to Heaven. Several Europeans Avere so disgusted that they left the hall. Marsh said he saAv nothing in Scripture to Avarrant the condemnation of illegitimate children. In his land purchase ideas, Marsh condemned both the Government and private speculators, who were creating so much confusion. The private purchaser tried to undermine tho Government, and the Government tried to get land too cheap. The Government should fix a uniform price. Marsh said he Avould give the remainder of his thoughts before Parliament, and the meeting closed Avith a decided antipathy to the candidate. It is said that one libel action, for certain, and probably two actions, with heavy claims for damages, will be laid against the Ilawlcc's Bay Herald, for violent articles attacking Majors Mair and Jackson, and Mr. Searancke, Waikato, in connection Avith their transactions with Kingite natives. The Row George BroAvn, pioneer New Guinea A\ r esleyan Missionary, is seriously ill at Sydney.

Coromandel, June 25. Rich gold has been found on laud the property of the Hon. James AVilliamson. A company is in process of formation to work the ground. Tauranga, June 26. G. N. Gair, manager of the National Bank, committed suicide about 6 o’clock this morning by shooting himself. No reason can at present be assigned, as he is stated to be solvent. The bullet entered the left temple, death being instantaneous. Mr. Gair had been drinking heavily for some time past, and a day or two since asked a gentleman here which Avas the best place to shoot himself. An inquest will be held this evening. Gisborne, June 26. Messrs. Cooper and Brodiu left yesterday by the Hawea en route for AVellington, to attend the Supreme Court with regard to the charge of supplying a double-barrel gun to Tuta Nihoniho. Cooper and Brodie Avere escorted to the wharf by a number of their friends and sympathisers. Wanganui, June 20. John Smith, an elderly man of dissipated habits, formerly of Nelson, was found dead in the street yesterday. An inquest was held, Avhen the jury returned a verdict to the effect that death Avas caused by fatty degeneration of the heart. June 24. The steamer Patea got off all right ; no damage. The cutter Annie, master OAvner, was not insured. She has been sold by auction for £175, tho cargo for £lls,

AVaverley, June 26. Messrs. J. and A. Milne’s house at Okataka Avas completely destroyed by fire last night. The cause is unknown. The inmates escaped in their night dresses. The property Avas insured in the National for £4OO. Nelson, Juno 21. Between three and four hundred objections to valuations under the Land Tax Act Avere received up to date for the Nelson district AVestport, June 23. A seam, eight feet thick, of splendid hard coal has been found at the higher level iu the AVellington mine. Reeeton, June 20. The AVelcome Company cleaned up at the battery at Boatman's yesterday, after crushing six hundred and eight tons of stone, the result being two thousand and twenty-seven ounces eighteen pennyweights of gold, or an average of nearly three and a half ounces per ton. A dividend will be declared to-day, and the company will resume crushing in six Aveeks. June 23. The United Alpine Company cleared up on Saturday Avitli 6230 z. of gold from an equal number of tons of stone. Charleston, June 20. Charles Broad, Esq., Resident Magistrate and Warden, paid his last visit to Charleston before leaving for Grevmouth on Thursday last. He was entertained at a fareAvell banquet that evening, and numerous regrets were expressed at his severance from this district. The legal profession was represented by Mr. AV. R. Haselden, who responded to that toast in a very able manner. The banquet was one of the best ever held here, Avbich must have been highly gratifying to the worthy guest, as acquainting him Avith the fact that his administration of justice has been so well appreciated by the Charleston people.

Christchurch, June 20. Eight hundred and twenty objections have been made in the provincial district of Canterbury against the land tax. Tho Oalchurst, from London, has brought out a shipment of rails consigned to J. and A. Anderson, for the Rakaia and AshburtonForks Railway, and two locomotives are expected from New York by the barque Mabel, which is noAv due. The latter are to be used in connection with the contract. The total number of objections to the land tax, for the Provincial District of Canterbury, is 2800. Juno 21. S. Davis lias been summoned for having bought at auction a horse Avhich he himself had impounded. The information Avas laid under the Cattle Trespass Ordinance. The defence Avas that the offence Avas done unAvittingly, the provisions of the Act being little lcnoAvn. This Avas the first case of the kind ever brought into Court. It Avas also alleged that the complainant, Avho had been outbidden at the sale, and hoped to get half the penalty, was actuated by interested motives. The case Avas dismissed, the defendant paying costs. June 23. AValter Hill, tho actor, died suddenly on Saturday, from disease of the heart. A project is on foot to get up a monster benefit for Mrs. Hill and family. At the Rangiora station to-day Richard Anderson, a shunter, Avhilst uncoupling trucks from the morning goods train, and finding the engine Avas not up, gave the signal to the driver to send the truck up, so as to enable him to lift the coupling. At this moment Anderson slipped and the Avaggon moving smashed his right leg badly. No blarao is attached to anyone. Humphrey White, a farm laborer at Southbridge, was out shooting on Saturday, Avhen the gun burst, shattering liis left hand. The Sydenham School Committee opened a night school to-night, Avhen nearly 100 pupils, from seventeen to thirty years of age, attended. June 24. Henry Chewerson, a boy 12 years old, was sent to the Auckland training ship for three years, for stealing a thermometer at the Government Observatory. The funeral of Walter Hill, the actor, took place to-day. He Avas buried in the English Cemetery, and his remains Avere folloAved by a large number of theatrical and private friends. June 25. A meeting of the Charitable Aid Board took place to-day. The Hospital Committee reported that the station for vaccination should be removed from the hospital, and that Government should he asked to provide a suitable building. The report Avas adopted. During the fortnight there have been 19 admissions to the hospital, and 12 discharged ; total remaining, 85. Dr. Chilton, the house surgeon, has asked to be alloAved to resign. His request Avill be considered at tho special meeting to be held on the 2nd prox. The exhibits for Sydney come forward slowly. It is intended to send Canterbury exhibits direct to Sydney. The committee to-day decided that breAvers, &c., might place their brands on exhibit.

The Sydenham Borough residents intend agitating for Parliamentary representation for the borough. A meeting has been convened by the Mayor of Christchurch, at the requisition of the unemployed, to consider the advisability of establishing a central labor agency. Tho Union Insurance Company’s report for the year shows a credit balance of £30,374 17s. 10d., which it is proposed to dispose of as follows :—Dividend of Is. 3d. per share ; to credit of reserve fund, £20,000 ; balance carried forward next year, £4124 17s! lOd.

The nomination of candidates for the Southern Maori electoral district takes place at Kaiapoi to-morroAv.

June 26

“ Sinbad,” in the WecHy Press, says : “ Mr. Ray has disposed of Insolvent (late Bide-a-Wee) and Sinking Fund to Mason and Vallanee, under whose care the tAVo horses will

undergo their preparation for the Metropolitan, meeting. Sinking Fund has been turned out noAv for several months, and Insolvent has not been in Avork since tho commencement ©£ last season.”

At tho quarterly meeting of tho Christchurch Fire Brigade to-day, the report stated that the number of fires attended during the quarter Avas ten. At the nomination for the Southern Maori Electoral District to-day, the folloAving Avere proposed :—lhaia Tainui, the Hon. Parafcene, and Tare Teihoka. The slioav of hands Avas iu favor of the last-named candidate. There Avas no speechifying. The poll talce3 place oil July 7. Tavo youngsters engaged for the Derby of 1879 arrived to-day from Napier. They belong to R. Farmer, of Napier, and come to the Bush Inn stables for preparation. One is a colt by Papapa and Hatred, and the other a filly by Papapa and Marchioness.

Messrs. Cameron and Morrison’s Avork on Elementary Science for New Zealand Schools has been received in Christchurch, and favorably reviewed by the local papers. Tho book is intended to be put itito the hands of pupils of the 4th, sth, and Gth standards as a class book.

A very largely attended meeting was held to-night of the NeAV Zealand Railway Employees Benefit Society, Mr. Conyers in tho chair. The report of the committee was very satisfactory, notwithstanding the losses to which the society Avas put in the early stages of its existence. It Avas stated that the amount of arrears was very considerable, and it was suggested that the subscriptions should in future be stopped out of the men’s wages. The Commissioner strongly recommended an amalgamation of the Otago and Canterbury societies, Avhich he said there Avould be no difficulty iu effecting. Timaru, June 23. The hearing of witnesses for the plaintiff in the case of Court v. Studholm Avas concluded at 4 o’clock this afternoon. Mr. Maccassey asked for a nonsuit, on the ground that the case had not been proved. Plaintiff’s laud Avas in reasonable proximity to the place where the fire was alleged to have originated. There was no evidence of negligence on the part of the defendant, and the occurrence of fire Avas the act of God. The nonsuit was refused, and the case was ordered to be proceeded Avith. To-morroAv will be the sixth day of the trial, and there are no less than forty Avituesses for the defence. The case is not expected to conclude before the end of the week. A Avoman named .Sheen, living at Opihihi, met with a serious accident last Saturday. She Avas driving acrossjthe river, Avhen the trap capsized on the strand, and Mrs. Sheen’s leg Avas broken near the ankle. The shaft of tho vehicle entered the body of the horse, and after having dragged it some distance the poor animal died. The woman’s screams brought assistance, and she was taken to her home. Oamauu, June 20. At about 8 o’clock yesterday morning some workmen at the breakwater observed the body of a man floating between Macandrew and Normanby wharves. They soon got it ashore, but the features were unrecognisable, as the body had evidently been in the Avater Borne time. On searching the clothes several receipts were found, which tends to show that the deceased’s name was John McGregor. He Avas evidently a horse-dealer, as there Avere receipts for the purchase of horses in different parts of Otago. Deceased is not kuoAvn here. In his purse were found one £5 note, a £1 note, half a sovereign, and some silver, together with a cheque for £l7 3s. lid., signed by Alex. McLean, and another for £3, signed R. R. Orr. On the body was also found a bottle of Avhisky, the seal of which was unbroken. It is conjectured that deceased went down to the Avharf to go aboard a steamer for Dunedin at night, and fell over the Avharf.

Later. At the. inquest to-day on tho body of John • McGregor, who Avas found floating in the harbor yesterday, a verdict of “ Found drowned” was returned. The deceased Avas a native of Bewley, in Scotland, Avhere his relations now reside. From the evidence of Alexander McLean, manager of Waikatai station, it transpired that McGregor shook hands with McLean in Oamaru, and said he was going to Dunedin, and from thence to Scotland. lie then proceeded towards the breakwater to take the steamer for Dunedin, and was not seen alive since that time. June 21. The Franklyh Belle, which came ashore last night, is insured in the National for £4OO. June 24. The North Otago Coursing Club meeting for the NeAV Zealand Waterloo Cup commenced this morning on the estate of the Hon. Mr. Holmes. There Avas the largest attendance of spectators ever seen at a coursing match in the colony, and hares were very plentiful. June 25. The coursing in tho first round of tho Waterloo Cup was resumed this morning. The weather was beautiful, and tho attendance good. June 26. The cour-sing for the Waterloo Cup was resumed this morning. During the day a horse ridden by Yallance, a bookmaker, kicked Mr. Kells’ dog Morning Star, and broke its leg. The dog will probably have to bo destroyed. Great dissatisfaction %vas expressed at Vallanee being alloAved to ride a jmung horse among the crowd, and there was some talk of ordering him off the ground, as the horße was bucking, to the danger of all pedestrians on the ground. Port Chalmers, Juno 24. On tho arrival of the Arawata the captain reported that a steerage passenger named Anderson jumped overh >a:d mtt-ide the H-ads, ami was re-cued. He Avas brought before the Resident Magistrate, and remanded fur medical examination.

Dunedin, June 21. Cromwell sends'down by escort 6000 ounces of gold this week. The inquiry re the Athenaeum fire will be held to-morrow. Tho police have practically arrested Oummock, though no information has yet boon laid against him. It is surmised that the fire which destroyed Mr. W. O. Norman's residence, at Green Island, yesterday, originated in the sittingroom. The servant was the first to be awoke by the flames, and when she gave the alarm the fire had burst into Mr. Norman’s bed-room. June 22There is good authority for stating that within the past few weeks tens of thousands of marbles have been purchased privately in Dunedin and shipped to the North, the inference being that they are intended to be sold by the consignees to the disaffected natives, and used by them as bullets in the event of hostilities breaking out. At the Police Court yesterday Catherine White, seven years of was charged with stealing a toy perambulator of the value of 7s. 6d. f the property of Samuel Rayson, of Kim'-street. The prosecutor said he did not wish to press the charge, but Inspector Mallard insisted on its being heard. He said the girl had a mania for stealing perambulators, and'that this was the third time she lord done so, but no action had been taken against her previously. T.f something were nor, done thogirl wrtuld probably grow up a confirmed criminal, and then the police would be blamed for not having taken action in the matter. He wanted her committed to the Industrial School. It haviug been proved that the girl had taken the perambulator from the verandah of a house in King-street, the Resident Magistrate sentenced her to three hours’ imprisonment, after which she was to be committed to the Reformatory for seven years. June 23. Messrs. Cargill, Gibbs, and Co. are in receipt of the following tel< grarn, dated London, Jtme 20:—“ The wool sales closed firm, with an upward tendency, during the last fortnight. Competition is animated, and prices on the average are to Id. higher than at tho comment of the present series. The quantity held ®ver and withdrawn from present series to date of colonial wool is 30,000 bales.”

The opera season of the “ Two Brides ” was brought to a close ou Saturday night, when Signor Morley was rewarded with a full downstairs attendance. Signor Morley intends very shortly to produce the “ Bohemiuu Girl.” Mr. Justice Williams sat in Bankruptcy this morning, when a discharge was granted to Frederick Meyer. Fred. W. Hoffman had his certificate suspended for twelve months. William and Edward Downes, hotelkeepers, of Blueskin, had theirs suspended for three years, the maximum time allowed by the Act. His Honor directed the trustee to make application to the Court for the necessary order for the prosecution of bankrupt. Prior to delivering his sermon at All Saints’ Church yesterday morning, the Rev. A. R. Fitchett, 8.A., said he fully recognised the expediency of abbreviating the service during the winter months. The devotional part was beyond his control, but while the present cold weather prevailed he would limit his discourse to the duration of fifteen minutes. Silent approval of the rev. gentleman’s consideration forthwith overspread the faces of his half* frozen audience.

A trial of the tram cars was made this afternoon, th 9 engine known as the City of Dunedin drawing two carriages to the Water of Leith and back by way of Castle-street. The line not having been cleared, several stoppages had to be made, otherwise the travelling was smooth enough. The engine went off the line once in consequence of ballast having been recently placed on the road, but was soon got on again. The line will be in thorough order by the end of the week, when there will be a public opening. Piece work for the unemployed will be let on the Strath-Taieri Railway at Taieri this week, at a place within three miles of the railway with plenty of bush and sholter for tents. Free passes will be issued. Snow is falling heavily in Dunedin and the country. The dredge crew hare lifted a log of blaek pine twenty-five feet long and three feet thick from part of the steamers basin, which i* dredged deeper than it has ever been before. It appears to have grown where found. There are others in the same locality. The commission on education is sitting daily. The Otago University authorities are now being examined. Five declarations of insolvency have been filed this week, but the only one in which particulars are filed is that of Richard Capstick, whose liabilities are stated to be £4278 and assets £6361.

The Mount Ida Chronicle says that Mr. John Holverston obtained thirty ounces of gold under the slopes of the ranges dividing the Strath Taieri and Deep Dell, four miles from Hyde. A rush has set in to the locality. The barque Spirit of Dawn, from London, put in an appearance at the Heads last night. At the Police Court to-day Ellen Edwards was sentenced to three months for a series of shop-lifting. Her children were sent to the Industrial School. June 24. 'Phe Hon. Robert Stout has intimated that he cannot alter his previous determination to retire from the Assembly. The manager of the Union Company has announced the company’s intention of reducing the wages of the firemen on the coast from £lO to £9 per month, and the trimmers’ wages in proportion, the new scale to be uniform with that on the Melbourne and Sydney steamers of the company. June 25. Mr. Green, M.H.R., addressed his constituents at Port Chalmers this evening. He ex. plained that at the last session he had voted for the Government on the Tapanui railway question against his judgment, and simply because the had made it a party

matter ; but after the action of the Government in letting the Thames-Waikato railway without authority during the recess, in future ho would support the Government only to the extent that his judgment would warrant him. A hearty vote of coufidenco was given to Mr. Green. June 26. No candidates for the vacancy for Dunedin City are announced, but Mr. Macassey and Mr. Fish are mentioned. Another teacher got three months’ notice of dismissal to-day for falsifying school rolls. Invercargill, June 20. Bennett, the bankrupt, applied for his discharge in the District Court to-day, and met with little favor from the Bench. An order to withhold it for three years was made ; the bankrupt to be prosecuted for concealment under the Fraudulent Debtors Act. Mr. Mathews, solicitor for the debtor, thought the bankrupt was sufficiently punished; but Judge Harvey was sternly inexorable, and said he considered it was a public duty on the part of creditors to prosecute. The decision is much commented on here, as it is acknowledged on all hands that the law is being degraded by a certain class of bankrupts. Mrs. Britten’s lecture last night caused quite a sensation, and several ladies and gentlemen met her afterwards to express their pleasure and say farewell. The regrets at parting were sincere, and if Mrs. Britton had extended her stay here she would have won many adherents. June 23. The sale of the Woodland Estate by Mr. G F. Martin, auctioneer, on account of the New Zealand and Australian Land Company, was fairly successful. There was a good attendance of buyers. Suburban sections near the township fetched from £6 to £ls per acre ; the outside ones, more or less improved, £3 to £4 15s. per acre. Several sections were bought in. The building sites were all withdrawn, pending the settlement of a dispute on the leasing question with the Preserved Meat Company. They are to be offered again shortly. June 24. Patrick and James McNamara were this morning brought up at the Police Court, on remand, charged with feloniously and maliciously killing the entire horse Young Lofty. This case has been long pending, and Inspector Fox applied for a further remand on the ground that an important witness was not yet forthcoming. The request was acceded to. A reward is offered for information that may lead to the arrest of the witness in question. The installation banquet of the Southern Cross Lodge was held this evening, and was numerously attended. Bro. C. E. Read was installed as the W.M., and he appointed the various other officers.